Bobcatsss

Twentieth Anniversary Conference in Amsterdam

Amsterdam (NL), July 2011 - Amsterdam is the host of the twentieth anniversary of Bobcatsss, an information, library, and archival science conference taking place 23-25 January 2012. This is a time to reflect on the rapid developments in the information society during the last few decades. As the information world is shifting rapidly, it's an increasing challenge to be in a position to master these powerful and exciting changes.




Who were we, where are we coming from, and how did we get here? The following conference themes focus on -œe--developments, their all-pervading presence, and the impact it has on us.

E-media in Motion


There is hardly any information left that is only available in analogue formats. An increasing amount of data is only accessible through digital media. The devices being used to get access to information are developing rapidly. The world of mobile devices, cross media, augmented reality, learning through games instead of books, semantic web, and new search techniques is a challenging and dynamic one.

Organizations 2.0


Organizations are adapting to the world around us. The globalised world demands finding new ways of collaborating, learning, and working. And as a result, we will have to find alternative ways and tools to record and archive our information. How can organizations develop effective strategies to benefit from these challenges?

My Information


Many people now use social networks, where they keep track of what they are doing - hardly hiding their private information and sharing the stories of their lives. Who is able to access and (mis)use this information, or can privacy be guaranteed to a certain extent? Who is responsible? Is it governments, non-government bodies, profit organizations, or every individual?

Access to Public Information


It is crucial in democratic processes that citizens have access to the data they need. In order to achieve this, boundaries have to be eliminated. We have to be critical users of information and become -œmedia wise-. Do governments have the responsibility to stimulate this critical process by funding public services like libraries and broadcasting organizations? Or will other stakeholders take over? What are the strategies, concepts, and events that will have impact on access to public information?

Hundreds of delegates from all over the world will participate, present, and discuss research and developments in the rapidly changing world of information, library, and archival science. Stuttgart Media University, the Hanze University, and the Hogeschool van Amsterdam will welcome participants in January 2012 to Amsterdam.



Experts are invited to submit proposals for conference presentations. Contributions are welcome in the form of workshops, papers, or poster presentations. Workshops are particularly welcome. Students are particularly encouraged to participate.

To submit a contribution, please register at the ConfTool Conference Administration and upload an abstract. Accepted formats are PDF or MS Word. Please use the paper abstract template, the workshop abstract template, or the poster abstract template.

Important dates

  • submission deadline: 01 October 2011
  • notification of acceptance: by 01 November 2011
  • deadline for final version: 01 December 2011