Building on the success of the 2002 Global Information Village Plaza, this new edition maintains its interactive format (aimed at giving ASISBT members an opportunity to express their personal views about the challenges and opportunities that the so called "information society" represents in their personal and professional lives) and adds a new multimedia dimension. New features include an edited video segment showcasing individuals and communities from around the world and the ways in which they frame the debate; another feature is the international contest for Best Graphic Art piece related to the overarching topic of the Global Information Village Plaza. Moreover, in an attempt to widen the debate, all the SIGs will be contacted and asked to submit their reflections on the issues debated. A complete web resource dedicated to the Global Information Village Plaza will be developed that includes results from the previous year's discussions; identification of recurring themes; areas where more research is needed; links to eixsting resources, initiatives, and policy statements. The discussion will focus on the main issues identified in the 1st Global Information Village Plaza. To keep up with the spirit of the Global Information Village Plaza, personal submission of position statements will be sought from the information professional community around the globe. The process is due to run from May through October 2003. It will include posting and discussion by those interested of short position statements on ASISBT and other professional listservs. Selected statements will be summarized in a series of posters during a special session. During the session, participants in the Annual Meeting will be invited to first browse through the posters and comment in writing. A general discussion will later on take place. SIG/III plans to publish a summary of the process and its outcome.
