18th Annual National Online Meeting & IOLS '97

Conference
Overview

Content, Costs, Contacts, Travel & Hotel, etc.


The National Online Meeting, now in its 18th year, takes place at the New York Hilton, from May 13-15, 1997.

This key event continues to bring together an inspiring blend of information industry pioneers and practitioners from all over the world. Unlike other events in the field, the National Online Meeting breaks new ground each year, setting industry standards and rules, unveiling new products and services, and provoking discussion--both practical and theoretical.

For our old and valued friends, the National Online Meeting promises a wealth of presentations covering both traditional and new areas of interest; for the newcomer, the range of stimulating sessions and events offered by the program will serve as the most cost-effective method of learning, establishing new contacts, and reviewing the dynamic information scene.

Focus on Content

The National Online Meeting is different from other meetings because of its focus on information content rather than on information technology alone. This is why the conference and exhibits remain relevant after 18 years--it doesn't really matter whether the delivery vehicle is online services, CD-ROM, or the Internet. At the National Online Meeting, it's the content that matters over all. In fact, if the meeting were running for office, its slogan might be, "It's the content, stupid."

Who Should Attend?

For anyone concerned with information, its distribution and its value in decision making, this event is a must. Meet those who shape and supply the information that helps business, government, and education function effectively. This includes librarians, information scientists, publishers, database producers, online vendors, telecommunications professionals, market researchers, investment analysts--the list is virtually endless. If you are involved in any way with electronically distributed information, then you will find something of interest at this important meeting.

Sessions

Whether one is a user, an educator, or a producer of database services, there will be presentations of true significance for everyone. A complete list of program offerings is contained on the pages which follow.

Product Reviews

The explosion and constant refinement of database products and services available make it increasingly difficult to keep abreast of this dynamic field. Product Review sessions allow users of online databases and CD-ROM products to learn more about such services directly from the producers and vendors. The National Online Meeting is successful in gathering producers from all over the world under one roof. It gives you the only cost-effective opportunity to meet and talk face to face with the suppliers of the services you use and acquire during the rest of the year.

Online and CD-ROM Exhibition

The newest online and CD-ROM products, systems, and services will be on display in the Exhibit Hall. Booths will be manned by knowledgeable representatives, giving attendees many opportunities for discussion, demonstrations, and "hands-on" experience. Over 160 online exhibits are planned for the 1997 meeting. Exhibit hours are 10 AM to 6 PM on May 13 and 14, and 10 AM to 4 PM on May 15.

CD-ROM Gallery

For the tenth year, the National Online Meeting will host a separate demonstration area for those interested in seeing CD-ROM products in action. Called "CD-ROM Gallery," this exhibit will provide attendees with the opportunity to see the leading CD-ROM and multimedia products side by side and to make the cost and performance evaluations vital to informed purchasing decisions. Approximately 30 CD-ROM publishers will be exhibiting in 1997. CD-ROM Gallery will be open 10 AM to 6 PM on May 13 and 14 and 10 AM to 4 PM on May 15.

Internet Village

For the first year, a section of the exhibit hall will be dedicated to Internet products and services. Called "Internet Village," this special area will focus the attendee's attention on such things as Internet connectivity services, search tools, and databases available over the Internet.

Integrated Online Library Systems

For the ninth year in a row, the Conference on Integrated Online Library Systems (IOLS) will be a "conference within a conference" at the National Online Meeting. Attendance at IOLS '97 requires separate registration. See Registration Information for details.

Satellite Events

Satellite Events are held on the days before and after the meeting to help maximize the benefits of attending. These in-depth seminars are listed and described at the end of this preliminary program. Attendance at Satellite Events requires additional registration.

NOM '97 Virtual Exhibition

Brought to you through a Partnership with Virtual Environments International Ltd., the National Online Meeting '97 Virtual Exhibition (NOM '97 VE) is an "online arena" where information about exhibitors and their products will be available to customers before, during, and after the National Online Meeting. For more information, see the NOM '97 VE Home Page.

Costs

How to Register

An ASCII text Registration Form is available for you to print, complete and return to us. You may print the registration form as many times as needed. Fax registrations are accepted, but please note that payment must be received by April 21, 1997, to qualify for the "Early-Bird" discounts. You may also register via e-mail.

Location

The 18th National Online Meeting and IOLS '97 will be held at the New York Hilton, which is located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas in New York City. All official program activities will be held at this hotel. A block of rooms has been reserved for attendees and exhibitors at substantially reduced rates. In order to obtain these rates, however, hotel reservations should be made through the official housing bureau, Expo Travel Services (see "Travel & Hotel" below). Additional information will be mailed to attendees upon receipt of meeting registration.

Sponsor

The National Online Meeting is sponsored by Information Today, Inc., publisher of Information Today, Link-Up, Searcher: The Magazine for Database Professionals, Computers in Libraries, and MultiMedia Schools.
The 1997 National Online Meeting will, for the first time, be held in cooperation with the Special Libraries Association.

Program Chair

Martha E. Williams
University of Illinois

Organizing/Reviewing Committee

Nick Belkin--Rutgers University
Ann Bishop--University of Illinois
Ted Brandhorst--ERIC Facility
John Hearty--OCLC
Gerry Hurley--SilverPlatter Information
Barbara McCoy--Dun & Bradstreet Information Services
George Relles--Consultant
Linda Schamber--University of North Texas
Carolyn Tilley--National Library of Medicine

Who to Contact

Registration--Registration Desk
Exhibits Manager--Carol Nixon
Advertising Sales--Mike Zarrello

Information Today, Inc.
143 Old Marlton Pike
Medford, NJ 08055
609-654-6266
Fax: 609-654-4309
E-mail: custserv@infotoday.com

Travel & Hotel

Expo Travel Services, Inc. has been designated the official housing bureau and travel agency for the National Online Meeting and IOLS '97. For all hotel reservations, please call Expo Travel Services at 201-444-0060, or toll free (in the U.S.) 800-829-2281. If you prefer to fax your travel plans, the fax number is 201-444-0062.

The New York Hilton's reduced guest room rates for National Online Meeting attendees range from $170 to $205 for a single room and $190 to $225 for a double. Please call Expo Travel early to get the lower rates. If Hilton rooms are no longer available, Expo Travel can assist you in findong other accomodations nearby.

In addition, discounted airfares have been arranged on the lowest restricted fares as well as on nonrestricted coach fares. Advance booking and specific rules apply. All major credit cards are accepted.

Integrated Online Library Systems '97

New York Hilton, May 14-15, 1997

It is truly appropriate that a conference on library systems and services be held in conjunction with the National Online Meeting, since both library systems and electronic database services share the same objective--serving the user with a full and integrated array of information services.

For the ninth year in a row, the Conference on Integrated Online Library Systems (IOLS) will be a "conference within a conference" at the National Online Meeting. IOLS '97 will take place on May 14 and 15, 1997 and will consist of plenary sessions, technical papers, workshops, and product reviews from leading system providers. This year's conference theme is "Expanded Expecta-tions." A complete list of program offerings is contained in this program. A proceedings of the papers presented at IOLS '97 will be published separately from the National Online Meeting proceedings and will be available at the conference for attendees to take home.

Program Chair

Pamela Cibbarelli
Editor
Directory of Library Automation, Software, Systems, and Services

Organizing/Reviewing Committee

Vivian Hay--Getty Information Institute
Mollie Brumbaugh--Household International, Inc.
David Hoffman--Editor, Computers in Libraries & Information Today
Marshall Breeding--Vanderbilt University

Library Systems Showcase

A section of the exhibit hall for the National Online Meeting has been specially set aside for exhibitors with products and services in the field of library systems. Called "Library Systems Showcase," this exhibit provides attendees with the opportunity to receive hands-on demonstrations of the latest library technology and services. Having so many systems in one place allows for side-by-side comparisons, leading to more informed purchasing decisions.

Registration for IOLS '97

Registration for IOLS '97 is separate from that of the National Online Meeting. However, for those attending the National Online Meeting, the fee for IOLS '97 is significantly reduced. Registration fees are as follows:

IOLS '97 Registration Only

IOLS '97 Registration for National Online Meeting Attendees

Who to Contact

Registration--Registration Desk
Exhibits Manager--Carol Nixon
Advertising Sales--Mike Zarrello

Information Today, Inc.
143 Old Marlton Pike
Medford, NJ 08055
609-654-6266
Fax: 609-654-4309
E-mail: custserv@infotoday.com

* NOM/IOLS '97 Home Page