New District Dispatch website to highlight federal legislation and policy news that impacts libraries!

December 9, 2014 the American Library Association’s Washington Office launched a new and reinvigorated District Dispatch website that will highlight federal legislation and policy news that impacts libraries. The new District Dispatch makes it easier for library advocates to find important library news, search articles, share news with friends and learn more about library policy issues. Best of all, the new and improved site includes a “Breaking News” feature that makes it easier for library advocates to find the critical information they need to take action. Additionally, the new blog makes it easier for library staff to find free educational webinars.

As we head into a new Congress, ALA members are encouraged to subscribe to the District Dispatch to keep abreast of relevant library policy news, such as library funding opportunities, copyright reform, open access legislation, FCC proceedings and much more. Visit the blog today: http://www.districtdispatch.org.

ASCLA Institute at the 2015 Midwinter Meeting

Using Comics to Promote Literacy – Advance Ticket Purchase Required, Great Prices for Students!
Friday, January 30, 12:00pm to 4:00pm; Hilton-Chicago, Williford Room A

This topic is important and timely in today’s increasingly visual culture. Participants in “Using Comics to Promote Literacy” will learn how to use comics to promote both verbal and visual literacy for emerging and struggling readers, as well as learn how comics are used to teach the common core state standards in reading and writing. Our speakers will address the academic legitimacy of the comics genre and discuss how images imply rather than illustrate. Attendees will gain an appreciation of the depth and nuances found in comics. Learn why comics are not just fun to read, but an incredibly rich resource to capture and fuel a young reader’s imagination.

Registration for the 2015 Midwinter Meeting is not required in order to purchase a ticket. Membership in ASCLA is not required in order to participate, but ASCLA members receive the best registration rates on all of these events; learn more about ASCLA and join today.  Registration rates: ASCLA Members: $169; ALA Members: $235; Student and Retired Members:$99; Non-Members: $255. All Institute attendees will receive two TOON Books, one of which is a recipient of the 2010 ALA Geisel Award!

ASCLA Needs You!

Please consider volunteering for one of the below positions. Help ASCLA move forward in new and exciting ways!

ASCLA liaisons to ALA committees needed:

  • Liaisons to the literacy assembly,
  • Website advisory committee,
  • Website advisory committee/representative on accessibility issues,
  • APA certified public library administrator program certification review committee.

If you are interested in serving on one of these committees, please reply directly to kpeiffer@njstatelib.org

Don’t be left out in the cold and miss any of ASCLA’s 2015 Midwinter Meetings!

EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS:

ASCLA Institute:
Using Comics to Promote Literacy, Friday, January 30, 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Hilton-Chicago, Williford Room A 

This topic is important and timely in today’s increasingly visual culture. Learn how to use comics to promote both verbal and visual literacy for emerging and struggling readers, as well as learn how comics are used to teach the common core state standards in reading and writing. Learn why comics are an incredibly rich resource to capture and fuel a young reader’s imagination. Register hereAdd to my schedule.

ASCLA/COSLA Networking and Happy Hour
Friday, January 30, 2015 – 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Renaissance Blackstone, Lower Lounge Bar
Kick off the 2015 ALA Midwinter Meeting in style with the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) Networking and Happy Hour—an opportunity to socialize, network, and learn more about ASCLA. The event is open to all current ASCLA members, friends of ASCLA and those meeting attendees interested in learning more about the association and networking with peers. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet ASCLA’s leaders! Add to my schedule.

BUSINESS AS USUAL:

Finance and Planning / All Committee Meeting 
Saturday, January 31, 2015 – 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Hilton Chicago, Buckingham Room

Meeting to review, recommend and plan goals, objectives, and priorities for the division as they relate to the ASCLA’s budgetary matters. Add to my schedule

Leadership Session
McCormick Place, Room West 192a
Saturday, January 31, 2015, 10:00 11:30 AM
All members are invited to attend the Leadership Session immediately following ASCLA Board I to help brainstorm, strategize and learn! Add to my schedule.

Last but not least, the ASCLA board will meet twice in Chicago; please feel free to join us as our honored guests. The meetings will be held:

Board of Directors I
Saturday, January 31, 2015, 8:00 – 10:00 AM
McCormick Place West, Room: W192a Add to my schedule.
Board of Directors II 
Monday, February 2, 2015, 12:00 – 1:30 PM
McCormick Place West, Room: W195 Add to my schedule.