[Sigiii-l] Global Plaza seeks new leaders/voices

[Nadia Caidi]

Dear All,

The third edition of the Global Village Plaza (at the 2004 annual 
meeting of ASIST) raised a number of very important issues for the 
information science community as well as for the roles and 
responsibilities of ASIST. Michel and I have summarized the discussions 
that took place at the event along with pictures (and notes from 
previous editions of the Plaza) on the SIG-III website: 
http://www.asis.org/SIG/SIGIII/ (Go to the "Global Plaza" on the left 
side bar).

SIG III officers believe, as we do, that the Global Information Village 
Plaza should continue as a key function at ASIST annual meetings. The 
participants at this year's Global Plaza seemed to agree that the
Global Plaza offers a unique opportunity for participants to share 
personal views and experiences in an unconstrained and interactive 
fashion. They highlighted the importance of diversity of perspectives 
from all around the world. Sessions like the Plaza serve in particular 
to remind us that we are too often blinded by our assumptions/biases 
about culture, technologies, information resources and use patterns.

The Global Plaza’s potential to act as a springboard for future research 
ideas and initiatives was also raised. Examples included using some of 
the themes raised at the session for student research projects; raising 
awareness of the issues through the creation of forums, weblogs, success 
stories, etc.

Michel and I have been fortunate to coordinate the event for the past 
three years. We feel it is time to pass on the torch to others, who may 
have fresh perspectives and ideas on how to make the Global Plaza a 
useful and engaging session. We remain available for advice and 
mentorship as needed, but we invite others to take over the Plaza and 
use it as a means to get everyone (from North, South, East and West) 
engaged and committed.

Panel submissions for the next ASIST Annual Meeting is approaching fast 
(January end), so please let us know as soon as possible if you are 
interested in taking the Global Plaza to a new level. We will be happy 
to help you put together a proposal for a session at the next ASIST. We 
encourage anyone interested from all parts of the world to get involved 
and volunteer ideas, time, energy and above all their passion.

All the best,
Nadia Caidi and Michel Menou.