2010 ASCLA Century Scholarship funds education for library students with disabilities

Library and information science students with access needs are encouraged to apply for the 2010 ASCLA Century Scholarship, a one-time $2,500 award funding necessary services or accommodations to enable the winner to complete a master’s or doctoral program in the field.

The scholarship is an initiative of ASCLA, the Library Service to Special Populations Section (LSSPS) of ASCLA and the Library Service to People with Visual or Physical Disabilities Forum and was established in 2000 through the generosity of an anonymous donor. It fulfills ALA’s mission to cultivate a field of library professionals that more accurately reflects the diversity of the communities and populations it serves. All LIS graduate students—including veterans—with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must have been accepted to an ALA-accredited graduate program, be a U.S. or Canadian citizen and be able to provide documentation of his or her access need (“disability”). Interested students should complete the online scholarship application, including submission of a personal statement, letters of reference and transcripts. Questions about the online application process can be directed to the ALA Scholarship Clearinghouse at scholarships@ala.org or 1(800) 545-2433 ext. 4279. Appropriate medical documentation should be sent to Liz Markel, ASCLA Marketing Specialist at ASCLA, ATTN: Century Scholarship, 50 E. Huron Street, Chicago, IL, 60611. All scholarship application materials including medical documentation must be received by March 1, and only complete applications will be considered.

The 2010 scholarship will be presented to the winner as a part of ASCLA events at the ALA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., June 24-29, 2010. More information about the scholarship and other ASCLA awards is available at the ASCLA awards webpage.

The ASCLA Century Scholarship continues to thrive because of the financial support of generous donors both inside and outside of ASCLA. Contributions to the scholarship fund can be made online at the giveALA page—find the scholarship under “Divisions and Offices.” Questions should be directed to the ALA Development Office at development@ala.org or (312) 280-3259.

ASCLA consulting institute sold out; summer event registration opens Jan. 4

The Midwinter institute “Assembling a Consulting Toolkit: What You Need to Know to Become a Successful Library Consultant” has sold out, and registration for the next offering, scheduled for June 25, 2010 in Washington, D.C., will open on Jan. 4, 2010.

“Assembling a Consulting Toolkit” is a daylong workshop hosted by ASCLA, a division of ALA. The event will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, in conjunction with the ALA 2010 Annual Conference. Designed to prepare participants to begin – or advance – a successful consulting career, it is the perfect professional development event for librarians looking to strike out on their own, or those library professionals approaching retirement and seeking a flexible way to maintain employment.

Seasoned consultants and ASCLA members Nancy Bolt and Sara Laughlin will present an overview of library consulting for guide attendees, who will discover through self-assessment their personal consulting potential.  Participants will work together in an active and engaging format to explore different roles that consultants play, services consultants may deliver to clients, marketing consulting services, managing a consulting business and finding clients.

Registration for the Annual Conference and this workshop opens Jan. 4. 2010. Advance registration prices for this event are $185 for ASCLA members, $195 for ALA members, $145 for retired and student members and $225 for non-ALA members. Workshop participants do not have to register for Annual Conference in order to participate in this meeting. Information about registration is available at www.ala.org/annual.

ICAN Collaborative Digitization Discussion Group: Proposals Sought

A note from one of our discussion group chairs about the collaborative digitization discussion group scheduled for Boston.

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Join the ASCLA ICAN Collaborative Digitization Discussion Group in Boston on Saturday, January 16, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Westin Waterfront – Burroughs Room, 425 Summer St., for a discussion of “Librarianship and Traditional Cultural Expressions,” a set of principles developed by a workgroup led by the ALA Office for Information Technology Policy. The sixth draft of these principles is available at http://wo.ala.org/tce/, and the principles will be considered for adoption as ALA policy in 2010.

We are soliciting proposals for presentations for this program; up to three 15-minute presentations will be allowed, to leave time for discussion. If you have experience digitizing images, artifacts, and documents related to indigenous communities or collections of oral history and folklore, please consider presenting at this session. Send a proposal including the name and email addresses of all presenters plus a 1-2 paragraph summary of the presentation to Danielle Cunniff Plumer, discussion group co-chair at dplumer@tsl.state.tx.us by January 8, 2010.

Following the main discussion, all representatives of collaborative digital projects will also have an opportunity to provide brief status updates.

Nomination period open for ASCLA disability services award

ASCLA seeks nominations for the 2010 ASCLA/KLAS/NOD Award.

Sponsored by ASCLA, the National Organization on Disability (NOD) and Keystone Systems, Inc., this award recognizes an innovative and well-organized project that successfully developed or expanded services for people with disabilities.  The award can be for a specific service(s) program or for a library that has made its total services more accessible through changing physical and/or attitudinal barriers. The winner receives $1,000 and a citation provided by Keystone Systems, Inc..

Those interested in submitting a nomination can download the award nomination form from the awards section of the ASCLA website or request the form from Liz Markel, ASCLA Marketing Specialist, via e-mail at lmarkel@ala.org. All nominations must be received by Jan. 11, 2010.

Margaret Kolaya, director, Scotch Plains Public Library (N.J.) and Daniel Weiss, director, Fanwood Memorial Library (N.J.) developed the project “Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected,” which was selected as the 2009 award winner. Other recent award recipients have included the Braille Institute of Library Services, Los Angeles (2007) for its Telephone Reader Program; the Skokie Public Library (Ill.), Youth Services Department (2006) for its efforts to educate library staff about children with special needs, offer programming for these children and their families and present disabilities awareness programs for the general public; Johnson County Library, Shawnee Mission (Kan.) for its “Literature for the Learning Disabled Adult” program (2005); and the Ward M. Canaday Center for Special Collections, University of Toledo (2004), for its Regional Disability History Archive Project.

ASCLA accepting nominations for 2010 service, leadership, achievement awards

ASCLA is now accepting nominations for the Leadership and Professional Achievement Award, the Exceptional Service Award and the Cathleen Bourdon Service Award for 2010.

These three awards recognize accomplishments in the following areas:

Cooperative, Consulting, Multi-type and State Library Services

The Leadership and Professional Achievement Award is presented to one or more ASCLA members exemplifying leadership and achievement in the following areas: consulting, multitype library cooperation, networking, statewide service and programs and state library development.

Extension and Outreach Services

The Exceptional Service Award recognizes exceptional service to patients in a medical facility, to persons who are homebound, to inmates, to older adults and to adults with a physical or mental disability who live in group homes or residences, as well as to recognize professional leadership, effective interpretation of programs, pioneering activity and significant research.

Service to ASCLA

The Cathleen Bourdon Service Award is presented to an ASCLA personal member for exceptional service and sustained leadership to the division. This includes participation in activities that have enhanced the stature, reputation and overall strength of ASCLA and have also cultivated the division’s relationship with other appropriate organizations, institutions or governmental agencies.

Those interested in submitting a nomination can download the award nomination form from the awards section of the ASCLA website or request the form from Liz Markel, ASCLA Marketing Specialist, via e-mail at lmarkel@ala.org. All nominations must be received by Jan. 11, 2010.

Nominations accepted until Dec. 15 for ASCLA award recognizing library service to blind and physically handicapped

ASCLA seeks nominees for its annual Francis Joseph Campbell Award, which recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of library service for the blind and physically handicapped.

The award, which consists of a citation and a medal, is named for Sir Francis Joseph Campbell, the co-founder of the Royal National College for the Blind (United Kingdom). In the spirit of Campbell’s contributions to education for the blind and visually impaired, award winners are selected for their notable and important contributions to advancing the quality and availability of library services for the blind and physically handicapped communities. Contributions may take the form of an imaginative and constructive program in a particular library; a recognized contribution to the national library program for blind persons; creative participation in library associations or organizations that advance reading for the blind; a significant publication or writing in the field; imaginative contribution to library administration, reference, circulation, selection, acquisitions  or technical services; or any other activity of recognized importance.

In 2009, Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood won the Campbell award for his outstanding efforts as a  champion and advocate for the funding and support of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLSBPH) in its transition from analog to digital talking book technology. His background as an educator has contributed to his strong endorsement of full funding for this transition, and he was cited in particular for his diligent advocacy in this area, which underscores the ideal that all may read and ensures equal library access and services for all Americans with print disabilities.

Those interested in submitting a nomination should download the nomination form and submit it to Jill Lewis, award committee co-chair per the instructions on the form. The deadline for all submissions is Dec. 15, 2010. The winner will be announced in the spring of 2010, with the award to be presented at the ALA Annual Conference, June 24-29, 2010 in Washington, D.C.

Advance registration for ASCLA accessibility workshop, lower registration fees end Friday

Registration rates will go up after this Friday, Dec. 4, for “Breaking Down Barriers: Best Practices in Universal Design for Libraries,” a half-day workshop sponsored by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) and held in conjunction with the 2010 ALA Midwinter Meeting.

Library directors, trustees, friends and leaders interested in low cost, high impact ways to make a library fully accessible should attend this event, which will cover information and communication accessibility, as well as physical accessibility. Attendees will learn how to incorporate accessible accommodations into strategic planning, as well as building renovation and expansion plans. They’ll also have a chance to present their library’s unique accessibility challenge and receive on-the-spot consultation from expert speakers.

This workshop, made possible through a partnership between ASCLA and the Institute for Human-Centered Design (ICHD) (formerly Adaptive Environments), will feature speakers from the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST), the Perkins School’s Braille and Talking Book Library, The Carroll Center, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the WGBH National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM)

“Breaking Down Barriers” will be held 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at the ICHD, located at 200 Portland Street, Suite 1, in Boston. The MBTA’s North Station is only a few blocks away, providing easy access to the Green and Orange lines, as well as several commuter rail lines. Subway, commuter rail and other pertinent transit information and schedules are available at the MBTA website.

Register for this event now at www.ala.org/midwinter. Interested participants should note that the institute (event code ASC2) is a separate ticketed event; registration for the Midwinter Meeting is not required in order to attend this event. For institute-only registration using the online form, select “Institute and Ticketed Events Only” as the registration type, and proceed to select this event from the list. Advance registration is $155 for all attendees and ends Dec. 4. On-site registration costs $185 and is available from Dec. 5 to Jan. 8.

IHCD is an international non-profit organization, founded in Boston in 1978, committed to advancing the role of design in expanding opportunity and enhancing experience for people of all ages and abilities. IHCD’s work balances expertise in legally required accessibility with promotion of best practices in human-centered or universal design.

Consulting institute at Midwinter Meeting: registration now open!

Librarians looking to strike out on their own in the library profession, or those library professionals approaching retirement and seeking a flexible way to maintain employment, won’t want to miss “Assembling a Consulting Toolkit: What You Need to Know to Become a Successful Library Consultant” in Boston this January.

“Assembling a Consulting Toolkit” is a daylong institute offered by the ASCLA, a division of ALA. The event will be held Friday, Jan. 15, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., in conjunction with the ALA 2010 Midwinter Meeting, and is designed to prepare participants to begin – or advance – a successful consulting career.

Seasoned consultants and ASCLA members Nancy Bolt and Sara Laughlin will present an overview of library consulting for guide attendees, who will discover through  self-assessment their personal consulting potential.  Participants will work together in an active and engaging format to explore different roles that consultants play, services consultants may deliver to clients, marketing consulting services, managing a consulting business and finding clients.

“I’m pleased that these two long-time members of ASCLA’s Independent Librarians Exchange Section (ILEX) are willing to share their expertise in creating consulting opportunities with others,” said Brenda Bailey-Hainer, president of ASCLA.  “If you’re interested in starting your own consulting business, this is a session you won’t dare miss. ”

REGISTER ONLINE NOW!

Interested participants can register for this event only (event code ASC1), or can register in conjunction with Midwinter Meeting registration by adding it as a ticketed event. For institute-only registration using the online form, select “Institute and Ticketed Events Only” as the registration type and proceed to select this event from the list.

Advance registration for the meeting and this event opens Oct. 1 and ends Dec. 4, 2009. Advance registration prices for this event are $185 for ASCLA members, $195 for ALA members, $145 for retired and student members and $225 for non-ALA members. On-site registration, priced at $215 for ASCLA members, $225 for ALA members, $170 for retired and student members and $260 for non-ALA members, will be available (including online registration) until Friday, Jan. 8.

All interested participants must register by Jan. 8—there will not be seats available at the door on the day of the event.

Universal design best practices to be presented, discussed at 2010 ASCLA Midwinter Institute

Maximizing the library experience for all patrons, including those with functional differences, is a challenging endeavor-one that libraries can get help with by attending “Breaking Down Barriers: Best Practices in Universal Design for Libraries,” an institute at the ALA 2010 Midwinter Meeting sponsored by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA).

The topic of this intensive half-day event, assembled through a partnership between ASCLA and the Institute for Human-Centered Design (ICHD) (formerly Adaptive Environments), has become even more timely as a result of the recent economic crisis, which has brought people to libraries in record numbers to take advantage of the unique opportunities, experiences and services available there.

By implementing universal design principles, libraries can create physical, communication and information environments that minimize limitations and provide outstanding library services to all patrons, including those with functional differences. The agenda includes presentations on an array of best practices in universal design, including opportunities for experiential learning  and a forum for presenting your library’s universal design problem or aspiration and receiving on-the-spot consultation and solutions.

“It’s important for libraries to create a welcoming environment for everyone in their community,” said Brenda Bailey-Hainer, president of ASCLA. ” This institute is an excellent opportunity to learn about techniques for eliminating obstacles to library use for community members who are often underserved.”

“Breaking Down Barriers” will be held Friday, Jan. 15, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.,  at the ICHD, located at 200 Portland Street, Suite 1, in Boston. The MBTA’s North Station is only a few blocks away, providing easy access to the Green and Orange lines, as well as several commuter rail lines. Subway, commuter rail and other pertinent transit information and schedules are available at the MBTA website.

Interested participants should note that the institute (event code ASC2) is a separate ticketed event; registration for the Midwinter Meeting is not required in order to attend this event. For institute-only registration using the online form (login required), select “Institute and Ticketed Events Only” as the registration type, and proceed to select this event from the list. Advance registration for both Midwinter and “Breaking Down Barriers” opens Thursday, Oct. 1, with the following advance registration ticket prices available through December 4: ASCLA Member, $155; ALA Member, $155; Non-member, $155; Student/Retiree Member, $120.  Ticket prices increase after Dec. 4. Visit www.ala.org/midwinter for the most up-to-date information on registration.

IHCD is an international non-profit organization, founded in Boston in 1978, committed to advancing the role of design in expanding opportunity and enhancing experience for people of all ages and abilities. IHCD’s work balances expertise in legally required accessibility with promotion of best practices in human-centered or universal design.

Great Stories CLUB now accepting applications

Connect troubled teens with the power of reading with a Great Stories CLUB reading and discussion series. The ALA Public Programs Office and YALSA are now accepting online applications through November 2 for the next round of Great Stories CLUB grants at www.ala.org/greatstories. Funding was provided for this program by Oprah’s Angel Network.

The Great Stories CLUB (Connecting Libraries, Underserved teens and Books) is a book club program designed to reach underserved, troubled teen populations through books that are relevant to their lives. Feedback from libraries that have held past Great Stories CLUB reading and discussion series has been consistently positive:

• “Students had an overwhelmingly positive response to the program. For several of the students this was the first novel they had ever read in its entirety.” – Highland High School, Albuquerque, N.M. (partnered with Teenagers Encountering and Embracing New Solutions (T.E.E.N.S.), a Title I funded program that provides support to homeless adolescents)
• “The importance of being able to offer something that the resident can choose to participate in and keep after the program ends cannot be underestimated in a facility where residents don’t wear their own clothes, or choose when and what they eat.” – Platte Valley Youth Service Center Library, Greeley, Colo.
• “…working with the boys continues to be one of the most rewarding experiences of our careers. It is remarkable to listen to these young men share their insights, feelings and experiences as we discuss a book. We have watched them become active library users and we hope that they will continue to see the value and importance of libraries throughout their lives.” – Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire, Ill. (partnered with Depke Juvenile Justice Complex)

All types of libraries (public, school, academic and special) located within or working in partnership with facilities serving troubled teens in the United States and its territories are eligible to apply for a Great Stories CLUB grant. Potential organizations for Great Stories CLUB partnership include juvenile justice facilities, drug rehabilitation centers, nonprofits serving teen parents, alternative high schools, agencies serving teenaged foster children, shelters serving homeless and runaway youth and other agencies. For tips on creating a partnership, visit www.ala.org/greatstories.

Following the application process, 265 libraries will be selected to develop a book discussion program for troubled teens based on the three theme-related titles and will be given copies of the books to share with participants. Participating libraries will also receive access to an online toolkit to support the program, including sample discussion questions, recommended titles for further reading and other resources. Small cash grants ($100-$200) will be awarded to up to 50 sites for the support of program-related expenses.

For more information on the Great Stories CLUB, including guidelines, book titles and descriptions, application instructions and feedback from past participants, visit www.ala.org/greatstories.