David Ferro and Eric Swedin (both at Weber State University and members of sigcis) are editing a volume for McFarland & Company with a working title of "Canticle for the Machine: Interdisciplinary Essays on Science Fiction and Computers." In this volume we are bringing together voices from numerous disciplines, such as literature studies, history, anthropology, sociology, psychology, economics, science and technology studies, and the other humanities and social science disciplines. In addition, we are bringing together voices from disciplines such as computer science, aeronautics, and physics, as well as pioneers in the computer industry. We are also looking to add the voices of some science fiction authors. The point of assembling these voices is to broadly explore the importance of science fiction as a body of literature that has, through various means, facilitated invention and discovery in computing. We also recognize that science fiction is not just stories and novels, but includes movies, television series, and graphic novels. Science fiction acts as a source of inspiration for invention and participation. It supplies metaphors and analogies. It facilitates communication within and outside a community of practitioners. It helps create world views and shape critical and reflective thinking. It plays a role in defining social relations and helps to determine who is inside and outside of the community of the creators of digital culture. It assists in imagining the implications of computing on society and ourselves, or, vice versa, the needs of a society that promotes computer development. Our intention is to gather those who are informed by experience and/or academic study, but who will communicate clearly across disciplinary boundaries. We are approaching this email list as some here have expressed an interest in science fiction and society. Please contact us via the contact information listed below. Currently we are looking for 6,000 word entries; however, we welcome email inquiries about possible essays of shorter length. The schedule for contributing to this work is as follows: ASAP: A response that you are interested. August 31, 2009: A 250 word abstract of the intended work November 30, 2009: Author First. February 28, 2010: Author Second. We look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, David L. Ferro, PhD (Science and Technology Studies, Virginia Tech) Associate Professor of Computer Science at Weber State University dferro@weber.edu Eric G. Swedin, PhD (History of Science, Case Western Reserve) Associate Professor of Information Systems and Technologies at Weber State University eswedin@weber.edu or eswedin@gmail.com Physical address: Weber State University 2401 University Circle Weber State University Ogden, Utah 84408 -- David Ferro, Associate Professor in Computer Science and Chair of Faculty Senate, Weber State University, Ogden, Utah