LIT Library Hosts Delegates from over 60 Countries at QQML International Conference

LIT library hosted the International Conference on Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries (QQML) in the Absolute Hotel Limerick recently.  The conference was officially opened by Major of Limerick Cllr Jim Long. Over 300 delegates attended the international conference from over 60 countries with representation from the United States, Canada, the UK, Scandinavia, and Australia. The running of QQML in Limerick was particularly significant as it is the first time that the conference has been hosted outside Greece, where the conference originated and has been running successfully for the past number of years.

Keynote Speaker at the Conference was Ching-chih Chen a leading expert and speaker in the field of Digital Information Management and Technology. Mrs. Chen is Professor Emerita of Simmons College, Boston and president of a non-profit organization, Global Connection and Collaboration, Inc. An highly sought-after international speaker in over two dozen countries, she has delivered keynote speeches and presentations at numerous international conferences. An elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, she was appointed by President Clinton in February 1997 to serve as a member of the U.S. President's Information Technology Advisory Committee (PITAC).

The conference was a great success with many attendees commenting on the unique social programme which was offered in addition to conference proceedings. Conference attendees visited Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry, all sites proved very popular with all nationalities. The Conference also saw the delegates avail of the many fine restaurants, shops and pubs in the city during their stay.

QQML is aimed primarily at librarians and library staff who are interested in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of their library services, interested in finding the best way to allocate resources and funding and in determining why and when library users use their services.