call for papers - beyond the book: contemporary cultures of reading

a great looking conference sponsored by the folks at beyond the book. the details:

Beyond the Book: Contemporary Cultures of Reading
A conference at the University of Birmingham, UK
September 1-2, 2007

Keynote Speakers: Janice Radway (Duke University) & Elizabeth Long (Rice University)

Book groups, Lit Blogs, on-line bookstores, book festivals, reader magazines, "One Book, One Community," Reader's Guides, "Richard & Judy's Book Club," Book TV, "Canada Reads," the "Nancy Pearl Action Figure," "Tuesday Night Book Club,"... reading is hot!

Proposals for 20-minute papers (abstracts of 200-300 words) or complete three-person panel sessions (including abstracts for each paper) are due January, 15, 2007.

i love the concept of one book, one community, and think a conference on the topic is an excellent idea. for more information, contact beyond the book.