Weaving the Web of Social Science Research, Data and Support

IASSIST'96 brings together researchers, data producers, data archivists, data librarians and support staff to explore the changing roles and relationships among those who work with social science data. New technologies for creating, storing, accessing and analysing data have opened up new opportunities, new solutions, and new problems in working with data. Changes in the economic and political climate around the world have raised new expectations, new concerns, and new possibilities in terms of what data is collected and how its used. Researchers are exploring data using new tools and techniques and are searching for means of effectively using theses methods in an instructional setting.

IASSIST'96 provides a forum for the exploration of the needs, aspirations and constraints facing the data community and is an opportunity to determine how we can collaborate to strengthen that community. To facilitate this discussion the conference will also provide a one day overlap with Computing in the Social Sciences 1996 during which joint sessions will be held.

The IASSIST'96 logo draws on the history and experience of the textile industry in applying computer technology to the art of weaving. The jacquard weaving process, one of the earliest uses of computer punch cards, draws together the expertise of the artists, technicians, and engineers to create an aesthetically pleasing, functional and enduring product.

IASSIST'96 seeks to attract a similar blend of expertise and perspectives to ensure the continuation of a viable data infrastructure which will support social science research and instruction into the future.