Dear Colleague:

We invite you to attend the 9th annual GIL Users Group Meeting, on Thursday, May 21, 2009 where we ask the question, “Are We Virtual Yet?”

In keeping with our theme (and in light of the year’s economic constraints) this year’s meeting will be held in a virtual format. “Attendees” will join us in our virtual conference space via Wimba. We will begin wth a dynamic keynote address by Dr. Susan Herbst, executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer (EVC/CAO) for the University System of Georgia (USG). Following a lunch break, individualized sessions will be conducted by colleagues some of whom you know and some new names too, all of whom will be sharing their knowledge and skills with you.

GUGM, even in an online format, will continue to be a forum for sharing and learning among institutions in the GIL community. In order to make this virtual format one that helps you and your colleagues to connect, the GUGM planning committee has asked for volunteers from each institution to serve as campus facilitators who will work to develop group viewing and networking opportunities at your institution.

GUGM 2009 is open to all USG library staff and to other Georgia ExLibris library staff.

We look forward to “seeing” you on this exciting day!

— The GUGM 2009 Program Planning Committee

Send questions, suggestions, and comments to: joy.schweiger@usg.edu

GALILEO Interconnected Libraries, or GIL, is an extension of the GALILEO initiative funded by the Governor and the General Assembly of the state of Georgia to enhance and expand educational opportunities for the citizens of Georgia. The successes that GALILEO has had in leveling the information access opportunities for the citizens of Georgia are being extended to University System’s Libraries through GIL by providing students, faculty and staff expanded access to the information resources of the University System’s Libraries.