A major new international academic library conference in the heart of the historic university city of Cambridge.

The inaugural Exploring Acquisitions 2007 meeting will feature panel discussions, debates and key note addresses by leading librarians from the UK, Europe, Canada, the Middle East, South Africa and the United States.

Confirmed speakers and panellists:

• Dr. David McKitterick, Fellow Librarian, Trinity College, University of Cambridge. Author of Print, Manuscript and the Search for Order, 1450-1830
• David Ball, University Librarian, Bournemouth University
• Will Wakeling, Head Collections and Technical Services, Northeastern University
• Sue McKnight, University Librarian, Nottingham Trent University
• Pam Ryan and Denise Koufougiannakis, University of Alberta
• Melody Burton, University of British Columbia
• Ruth Fischer and Rick Lugg, R2 Consulting, Workflow Consultants.

The conference will encourage important and open dialogue about collection development techniques and workflow integration for electronic monographs in academic libraries. It will aim at providing innovative and practical ideas and perspectives from around the world.

• What is the role of eBooks and how should libraries buy them?
• Do 'best practices' even exist for acquiring books or eBooks, since every library is different? Indeed, how can practices be evaluated?
• How far can outsourcing be extended?
• Do academic libraries in different countries have useful things to say to one another about collection practices?

Exploring Acquisitions aims to create an interactive, collaborative environment and represents an excellent networking opportunity among the world renowned colleges of the University of Cambridge. It follows directly on the heels of the London International Book Fair, (Earls Court, London, 16-18 April). This will allow overseas delegates who want to attend both events to make the most of their visit to the UK.

The conference begins on the evening of Wednesday 18th April with a drinks reception at Cambridge University's celebrated Fitzwilliam Museum. The museum houses world-class collections of art and antiquities, spanning centuries and civilisations.

The main conference sessions will take place in a lecture theatre of Peterhouse. Peterhouse was founded in 1284 by the Bishop of Ely - making it the oldest college in Cambridge.

The main programme takes place Thursday 19th with sessions throughout the day and a debate that precedes dinner. Delegates are invited to dine at historic Christ's College on Thursday evening. The college has its roots in the 15th Century and later became one of the leading Puritan colleges of Elizabethan England. Its alumni include John Milton and Charles Darwin.

The conference concludes with a breakout sessions on the morning of Friday 20th April at the Pitt Building, the traditional home of Cambridge University Press.

Attendance is by invitation only to academic librarians. No registration fee is required, but participants will pay their own transportation, lodging, and subsistence. Lunch and dinner on Thursday 19th April will be provided free of charge.

More information is available from Mark Huskisson (ExAc@ybp.com)