All Midwinter Meeting participants are invited to engage with ASCLA’s discussion groups scheduled throughout the meeting. These session are an informal opportunity to connect with peers tackling the same issues who are interested in learning about available solutions.
Interlibrary Cooperation Discussion Group
Sunday, 1/17, 10:30a.m. – 12 p.m., Pacific F, Renaissance Boston Waterfront, 606 Congress St.
Provides a forum for discussion of interests in interlibrary cooperation and the statewide development of library service, emphasizing the interdependence of all types of libraries. In 2010, this group will tackle how you are proving your worth—and the necessity of ILL—in today’s economy. Participants are encouraged to bring information about their own experiences with this challenge, and expect a lively discussion with collaborative problem-solving.
Physical Delivery Discussion Group
Sunday, 1/17, 8 – 10 a.m., Room 156 A/B, Boston Convention Center, 415 Summer St.
This discussion group is for those interested in and involved with physical delivery systems for library materials. Topics include an upcoming NISO standard that addresses delivery best practices, planning for the national delivery conference, Moving Mountains 2010, a multistate delivery project in Colorado and Missouri; and an update on a Massachusetts RFI for the automation of sorting library materials. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about each others’ projects and make valuable professional contacts.
Virtual Library Discussion Group
Monday, 1/18, 10:30a.m. – 12p.m., Room 156 A/B, Boston Convention Center, 415 Summer St.
Provides a forum for discussion of library services that can be provided in an electronic format. This group also provides an opportunity to discuss cutting edge pilot projects as well as established services that promote a 24/7 library that is accessible anytime, anywhere.
Collaborative Digitization Discussion Group
Saturday, 1/16, 4 – 5:30p.m., Burroughs Room, Westin Boston Waterfront, 425 Summer St.
The resource for collaborative digitization discussions within ALA. In 2010, the group will take up “Librarianship and Traditional Cultural Expressions,” a set of principles developed by a workgroup led by the ALA Office for Information Technology Policy. Following presentations on this main topic, all representatives of collaborative digital projects will also have an opportunity to provide brief status updates.
Consortia Management Discussion Group
Sunday, 1/17, 4 – 5:30p.m., Room 213, Boston Convention Center, 415 Summer St.
This group is home to consortia and systems, a discussion of their challenges and sharing of service experiences including automated virtual union catalogs, aggregated purchases of databases, virtual reference services, region-wide platforms for digital assets, resource sharing, training and central processing. Participants engage in conversations about important topics such as service delivery, value of services, system viability and the future of systems and consortia In 2010, we’ll talk about the formation of the New York Alliance of Library Systems (NYALS), and what the system has learned about demonstrating their value to members, funders and other key stakeholders.
LSTA Coordinators’ Discussion Group
Sunday, 1/17, 10:30a.m. – 12p.m., Lewis Room, Westin Boston Waterfront, 425 Summer St.
LSTA coordinators convene for an opportunity to share updates on current activity in their states, and share problems in need of a collaborative solution. The session typically includes a presentation from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Come prepared to collaborate!
State Library Consultants’ Discussion Group
Saturday, 1/16, 4 – 5:30p.m., Independence Room, Westin Boston Waterfront, 425 Summer St.
Discussion topics for this group cover the full spectrum of the areas that library development bureaus typically handle or are involved in: state and local library budgets, marketing and public relations activities, changes in their state library or local libraries and new initiatives, to name a few. All librarians who function as consultants at their state library agency are welcome, and state librarians interested in participating are also welcome.
Youth Services Consultants’ Discussion Group
Sunday, 1/17, 4 – 5:30p.m., Paine Room, Westin Boston Waterfront, 425 Summer St.
This group typically consists of a round robin of state level youth services representatives on news and activities in the state: what’s happening, good speakers you’ve heard, grant programs you’re running, etc. All are welcome to come and bring information about current happenings in your state, as well as any questions you may wish to share with the group.