ACM Web Science 2012
in Evanston, Illinois, June 22-24

Calls


Web Science embraces the study of the Web as a vast information network of people and communities. It also
includes the study of people and communities using the digital records of user activity mediated by the Web. An
understanding of human behavior and social interaction can contribute to our understanding of the Web, and
data obtained from the Web can contribute to our understanding of human behavior and social interaction.
Accordingly, Web Science involves analysis and design of Web architecture and applications, as well as studies
of the people, organizations, and policies that shape and are shaped by the Web.
To address these diverse goals, the Web Science conference is inherently interdisciplinary, integrating computer
and information sciences, communication, linguistics, sociology, psychology, economics, law, political science,
and other disciplines. This conference is unique in the manner in which it brings these disciplines together in
creative and critical dialogue, and we invite papers from all the above disciplines, as well as those that cross
traditional disciplinary boundaries.
Following the success of WebSci’09 in Athens, WebSci’10 in Raleigh, and WebSci’11 in Koblenz, we are seeking
papers and research notes that describe original research, analysis, and practice in the field of Web Science, as
well as extended abstracts that discuss novel and thought-provoking ideas and works-in-progress.
POSSIBLE TOPICS FOR SUBMISSION INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE
FOLLOWING:


Analysis of human behavior and social interaction using data from social media, online networks and
communities
Methodological challenges of analyzing Web-based large-scale human interaction and behavior
Network analysis of the Web
Microlevel processes and interactions on the Web
Collective intelligence, collaborative production, and social computing
Structure and organization on the Web
Web communities and online lifestyles
Web, society, and innovation
Intellectual property and the commons
Governance, trust, and privacy
Web access, literacy, and democracy
Knowledge, education, and scholarship on and through the Web
People-driven Web technologies, including social search, open data, and new interfaces
Using the digital records of user activity mediated by the Web
New research questions and thought-provoking ideas, emphasizing the intersection of design and social


Submission


Web Science is a strongly interdisciplinary field, with areas representing different traditions for conferences and
publications. Therefore this year we are providing three different submission formats (papers, notes, and
abstracts) to allow for a wide range of submissions from all disciplines relevant for Web Science.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCH PAPERS & RESEARCH NOTES
Research papers and research notes should present new results and original work that has not been previously
published. Research papers should present significant theoretical, empirical, methodological, or policy-oriented
contributions to research and/or practice. Research notes should describe brief and focused research
contributions that are noteworthy.
Papers can be up to 10 pages; notes up to 4 pages. All submissions should be formatted according to the official
ACM SIG proceedings template (WebSci archive format at http://chi2012.acm.org/cfp-formattinginstructions.shtml#archiveformat) and submitted via EasyChair.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES FOR EXTENDED ABSTRACTS
Extended abstracts should describe either (1) thought-provoking ideas with the potential for interesting
discussions at the conference, or (2) works-in-progress for sharing valuable ideas, eliciting feedback on earlystage work, or fostering discussions and collaborations among colleagues.
Extended abstracts can be up to 6 pages, and should be formatted according to the official ACM SIG abstract
template (extended abstract format at http://chi2012.acm.org/cfp-formattinginstructions.shtml#extendedformat) and submitted via EasyChair.
REVIEW, PUBLICATION, AND PRESENTATION
The WebScience program committee consists of a senior program committee that covers all relevant areas of
Web Science as well as regular program committee members from these areas. Each submission will be refereed
by at least 3 PC members and one senior PC member, to cover both the research background of each submission
as well as the necessary interdisciplinary aspects. Review criteria for all types of submissions include
significance, originality, presentation, validity, and the ability to stimulate discussion, with different emphases
depending on the submission category to allow for consideration of all relevant works contributing to the
advancement of Web Science.
All accepted papers, notes, and extended abstracts will appear in the WebScience 2012 Conference Proceedings
and will also be available through the ACM Digital Library, in the same length and format of the submission.
Regardless of the submission format, accepted submissions will be presented in one of three formats: 1) as a 20-
minute presentation followed by discussion, 2) during one of the poster presentations and discussion sessions,
3) or as part of a panel discussion. Research papers, research notes, and extended abstracts are eligible for
presentation in any of the three formats, depending on reviewer recommendations. Submissions that are
thought-provoking and novel will be more appropriate for longer presentation, while those that are expected to
stimulate discussion will be ideal for presentation in smaller groups or as posters.
Deadlines
February 12: Submissions of papers and notes due
February 26: Submissions of extended abstracts due
March 31: Notification of acceptance
April 29: Final versions of papers, notes, and extended abstracts due
June 22-24: Web Science 2011 Conference, Evanston, Illinois, USA
GENERAL CHAIR
Noshir Contractor, Northwestern University, US
PROGRAM CHAIRS
Michael Macy, Cornell University, US
Wolfgang Nejdl, L3S Research Center, Germany
CONFERENCE MANAGER / TREASURER
Willem Pieterson, Northwestern University, US