University of Salford


EBLIP6, 27-30 June 2011, England, UK

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question about the EBLIP6 conference, please do not hesitate to contact us. However you may wish to check the FAQ below first.

ACCOMMODATION

There is no hotel accommodation on the University Campus.  Via Visit Manchester EBLIP6 has secured discounted rates at a number of hotels in Manchester City Centre (approx 1 – 1.5 miles away from the conference venue).  These have been selected for their proximity to public transport routes that provide easy access to the conference venue.  Discounted rates are also available for the weekends immediately prior to and immediately after the conference.

https://www.conferencebookings.co.uk/delegate/MNCEBLIP2011

If booking accommodation outside those recommended by Visit Manchester – delegates are advised to select accommodation close to one of the Manchester train stations (Piccadilly, Victoria, Oxford Road or Deansgate) – these offer the easiest means of transport to the University Conference Venue (5-10 minutes journey, aprox every 15 minutes).  There is a train station on the University Campus – Salford Crescent 2 minutes walk from the conference building.  There are also frequent bus services which stop outside the conference building (see travel below).

Will you refund my conference fee if I have to cancel my booking?

Registration fees will be refunded upon receipt of a written notice of cancellation as follows:

  • Cancellations received less than 7 working days before the start of the conference will be subject to the full fee.
  • For non-attendance at a conference there will be no refunds and the full fee will be payable. Substitutions may be made at any time without additional cost.
  • Cancellations before and on 15th April 2011 will be entitled to a 50% refund. 
  • Cancellations due to VISA restrictions up to 7 working days before the start of the conference will be entitled to a full refund on providing full written proof of VISA refusal.

REMOTE ACCESS

I can't attend the conference in person, is there a way to attend remotely?

Remote access to highlights and key elements of the conference is available to delegates who are unable to attend in person. See the Remote@EBLIP6 programme. Remote@EBLIP6 delegates will be able to attend in real time – or at a time which is convenient for them (a recorded session).

What will I see and hear at Remote@EBLIP6?

In real time you will be able to see the powerpoint presentations and hear conference speakers. You will also be able to use 'online chat' to speak to other Remote@EBLIP6 delegates and submit your questions during question time. You will not be able to speak directly to either Remote@EBLIP6 delegates or EBLIP6 presenters. Selected submitted questions will be relayed to the live audience via the remote@EBLIP6 facilitator. You will be able to hear the response directly through your headphones.

Outside the live sessions you will be able to access a recorded session of each presentation (and be able to view the corresponding powerpoint presentation). Please note recorded sessions may take up to 24 hours to become available (although this may be much quicker).

What will I need to participate in Remote@EBLIP6?

To participate in the remote conference you will need: internet access, a PC which can run javascript and noise cancelling headphones. You will also need to pay the registration fee (65GBP).

Why can I not speak directly if I'm a Remote@EBLIP6 delegate?

Remote@EBLIP6 delegates will be able to speak to each other directly during a discussion session on Thursday 30th June. At other times they will be able to communicate with each other and the facilitator using online chat. The software programme enables a minimum number of people to speak directly at one time; when testing this feature we also found that direct speaking caused technical problems with the live presentation being delivered. To ensure that all delegates (both at the traditional conference and at Remote@EBLIP6) benefit from high quality presentations we have restricted direct speaking to the discussion session.

I have never participated in a conference in this way – is there any support?

This tutorial outlines the features of the software programme and it is advised that you access this tutorial before registering to participate in Remote@EBLIP6.

Remote@EBLIP6 delegates will receive a pack with joining instructions and a web link to FAQ.

Technical support will be available on Friday 24th June 11.00 to 16.00 BST prior to the conference, and throughout the live sessions via the Remote@EBLIP6 facilitator.

Can I use a Mac or other operating system to access Remote@EBLIP6?

Elluminate works on Macs, Windows, and Linux distributions, particularly working well on Ubuntu Linux. Elluminate is platform independent, and uses java as its core – so it can work on almost any modern operating system.

Can I use an iPad or other android tablet to access Remote@EBLIP6?

Remote@EBLIP6 will not work on an iPad, or any of the android tablets. However it will work on Macs, Windows, and Linux operating systems.


FOOD AND DRINK

Will special diets be catered for?

Meals included in the conference fee will be from fresh local produce as far as possible. Vegetarian options will be available.  If your dietary needs are very specific, cultural or result from a medical problem, please discuss these with the conference team before committing to your conference booking.

What meals are included in the conference fee?

Lunches and light refreshments will be provided on conference days. Light refreshments will also be provided at the Evening Reception on 28th June and the Conference Dinner will be on 29th June. On other evenings you may wish to explore the many local restaurants at your own expense; on 27th June and 30th June there will be sign up sheets to enable delegates to eat together, at their own expense.
Day delegates will be provided with lunch and refreshments for the day but not social events.

Pre-conference workshops will include a refreshment break.

Can my partner or family attend the conference dinner or other social events?

Yes there is an option to purchase the conference dinner for accompanying persons on the registration form. There is also an opportunity to indicate interest in additional social events.  Depending on numbers these will be arranged separately.

Is the cost of alcohol included in the conference meals?

The evening reception on 28th June will include a set amount of drinks.  The Conference Dinner on 29th June will also include a set amount of wine per table. At all other times you must pay your bar bill separately.


DRESS CODE

Is there a dress code for the conference?

Please dress for comfort.  It is early summer in Manchester and average temperatures range from 10oC-19.6 oC (50oF-67oF). Please be aware that Manchester is renowned for rain at all times during the year!


TRAVEL

How do I get to Manchester?

Most international delegates fly. We cannot arrange travel for you, but there is a good variety of charter and scheduled flights to Manchester International Airport (short code MAN). We cannot provide definitive travel information and recommend that you discuss your requirements with a travel agent.

Detailed Transportation from Airport to Conference Venue

From the airport’s railway station six trains each hour make the 20-minute journey into the heart of Manchester.

Taxis are also available from Manchester Airport costing approximately $30 / 24 euros one-way, with a journey time of 30 minutes.

Transportation from Manchester City Centre to Conference Venue

Manchester train stations (Piccadilly, Victoria, Oxford Road or Deansgate) offer the easiest means of transport to the University conference venue (5-10 minutes journey time, approximately every 15 minutes).  There is a train station (Salford Crescent) on the University Campus, which is 2 minutes walk from the conference building.  There are also frequent bus services that stop outside the conference building.  Further information about travel to the University is available from the University web site.

Detail transportation availability with Greater Manchester

Metrolink is the name of Greater Manchester’s tramway system. Metrolink trams run through Manchester City Centre; through Salford Quays and into Eccles; and through the suburbs to Altrincham in the South of the County and Bury in the North. This provides a link in and out of the City and a convenient way to travel around the centre. In addition there is Metroshuttle a free city centre bus service. There are three circular routes, covering all of the main city centre areas. Metroshuttle operates with low-floor, easy access buses with a frequency of about every 5 – 10 minutes. Metroshuttle links all of the city centre railway stations, the main NCP car parks, and many bus and Metrolink tram stops.  Taxis are also available, black cabs operate in the city centre and can be booked by calling Mantax on +44 (0)161 230 3333.


INTERNET and WIFI CONNECTIVITY

Wifi is available in some areas of the University Campus.  We are currently exploring temporary access and passwords with the University Library.  Further details will be made available at the conference.


INFORMATION FOR SPEAKERS

Why do you ask me for my presentation before the start of the conference?

We run all PowerPoint and other electronic format presentations using laptops and data projectors situated in the conference rooms. To ensure the session and conference runs smoothly it would be ideal if the presentations can be loaded in advance. Please send your presentation to EBLIP6@salford.ac.uk by 20th June and we will ensure that it is loaded onto the appropriate equipment.  The file name should include your surname, your session number and indicative title eg: Brettle Parallel1_Innovation.  As a back up, you should also ensure that you bring another copy of your presentation with you.

Is there Internet access in the Conference room?

We cannot guarantee that Internet access will be available in all conference rooms. Therefore it is best to ensure that your presentation can be delivered without online facilities.

What happens during madness sessions?

Speakers are invited to talk for no more than 1 minute about their work.  There will be a slide on screen with the speaker’s name, poster title and, if they have one, twitter address.  A buzzer will sound after the minute has elapsed.  All madness sessions will occur prior to a coffee break to enable delegates to speak with presenters about their work.

What instructions are there for poster presentations?

The poster boards used for the poster presentations will be 1.83 meters by 0.94 meters in size and portrait in orientation.
Poster presenters should ensure that their poster is in place by the first break on the first full day of the conference (Tuesday 28th June).  

The poster madness session will take place on Wednesday 29th June, in Peel Hall between 11.00 and 11.30 (this is a plenary session immediately following the keynote speaker).  During the break following the poster madness session (11.30-12.15) we request that poster presenters be available by their posters to answer any questions.  You may also wish to be available for questions during the afternoon break on this day.

The poster exhibition will be held in the same room as the sponsor exhibition and all refreshments (Maxwell Hall). Posters will therefore be available for viewing at all the breaks during the conference, however your availability to answer questions at all other breaks is at your discretion.

Sending materials in advance

I have some project handouts that I would like to distribute at the Conference. May I send these to EBLIP6 in advance of the Conference?
No. We are not able to print materials on your behalf. You need to be responsible for any handouts provided.  However we are able to make any presentations available on the conference website after the conference.


CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

When will the programme be available?

A provisional programme is available via the conference website. This will be updated regularly and any last minute amendments are circulated to delegates on arrival.


CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

Will my paper be published in any conference proceedings?

EBLIP6 will not be publishing formal conference proceedings and we are not asking for full submissions of papers.  However, there will be opportunities to display a copy of your presentation on the conference website and also via the Salford University Repository.  If you do not wish them to be made available in this way, please email us at EBLIP6@salford.ac.uk

Following the event you are encouraged to submit your paper for publication. There are a wide range of journals available. A selection of possible outlets include: The journal Evidence Based Library and Information Practice which covers any EBLIP related papers, Health Information and Libraries Journal (HILJ) is appropriate for health and social care related papers, Library and Information Research (LIR) focuses on practitioner research and Education for Information covers educational issues for information professionals. Please note that all these journals require papers to go through a peer review process before being considered for publication.


VISA REQUIREMENTS

What are the VISA restrictions for the UK?

A list of nations requiring an entry visa to the United Kingdom can be obtained via UK Border Agency VISA Services  Visas are not needed for: EU countries, USA, Australia or Canada (providing the visit is for less than 3 months).