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How and Why to Volunteer for ASCLA

Dear ASCLA Members,

I invite you to volunteer for one of ASCLA’s committees or interest groups.

If you are already a committee or interest group volunteer, thank you for your service: you are so much appreciated!  Because of your contributions, our division accomplishes much. ASCLA, through its volunteers, has provided:

This is just a small sampling of what our volunteers plan and take part in, and what makes ASCLA a terrific place for opportunities for service, your professional growth, and networking with colleagues.

If you are not yet a member of any of our committees or interest groups, please join:

Committees: All current members may volunteer for ASCLA committees here: http://www.ala.org/cfapps/committee/volunteerform (you will be asked to login using your ALA login).

Second, write to the ASCLA vice-president, Sara Laughlin (saraglaughlin@gmail.com), our ASCLA president-elect, who will appoint the committees for 2014.  Tell her about your experience and why you can be of help to these groups. 

Interest Groups: To join a free interest group, all current ASCLA members may call MACS (ALA’s member services department) at the following number: 1-800-545-2433, x5 and request to have the interest group added to their membership; or send an email to membership@ala.org with your request to be added to the interest group with subject line: ASCLA free interest groups.

Second, write to the specific interest group leader below. Tell him or her about your experience and how you can be of help to the group: 

ASCLA Alzheimer’s & Related Dementias Interest Group

Leader: Mary Beth Riedner, mbried@comcast.net

 ASCLA Future of Libraries Interest Group

Leader: Peggy Cadigan, pcadigan@njstatelib.org

 ASCLA Consortium Management Discussion Interest Group

Leader: Sheryl Knab, sknab@wnylrc.org

ASCLA Collaborative Digitization Interest Group

Leader: Rhonda Marker, rmarker@rci.rutgers.edu

 ASCLA Interlibrary Cooperation Interest Group

Leader: Scherelene L. Schatz, slschatzie@aol.com

ASCLA Physical Delivery Interest Group

Co-Leader: Gregory Pronevitz, greg@masslibsystem.org

Co-Leader: Mr. James E. Pletz, jpletz1968@hotmail.com

ASCLA Library Consultants Interest Group

Leader: Jeannette Smithee, smithee@seflin.org 

ASCLA Library Services for Youth in Custody

Leader: Camden Eadoin Tadhg, Tadhg_C@cde.state.co.us

ASCLA Bridging Deaf Cultures @ your library Interest Group

Leader: Alec Mcfarlane, alec.mcfarlane@gmail.com

ASCLA Library Services to People with Visual or Physical Disabilities that Prevent Them from Reading Standard Print Interest Group

Leader:  Carli Spina, carli.spina@gmail.com

ASCLA Library Services to the Incarcerated and Detained

Leader: Diane Walden, diane.walden@doc.state.co.us

ASCLA Universal Access Interest Group

Leader: Marti Goddard, mgoddard@sfpl.org

ASCLA State Library Agencies – Library Development Interest Group

Leader: Gina Persichini, Gina.Persichini@libraries.idaho.gov  

ASCLA State Library Agencies – LSTA Coordinators Interest Group

Leader: Kathleen Moeller-Peiffer, kpeiffer@njstatelib.org

ASCLA State LibraryAgencies – Youth Services Consultants Interest Group

Leader: Sharon Rawlins, srawlins@njstatelib.org

ASCLA Tribal Libraries Interest Group

Leader: Lillian Chavez, mescalero_library@yahoo.com

Thank you again to all our current, past and future volunteers – you are truly what makes ASCLA such a wonderful, and fun, place to be!

Best Wishes,

Susan Hornung

ASCLA Executive Director

shornung@ala.org

 

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RFP issued for Revised Standards for Libraries Serving the Incarcerated

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) has issued an RFP for a project director to assist in the production of a revising the current ASCLA standards for libraries serving the incarcerated; responses are due by Monday, March 25, 2013.

ASCLA, a division of ALA, serves librarians who work  with the incarcerated of all ages and produces standards, guidelines and policies for libraries in its four core areas: state library agencies, specialized libraries, library cooperatives and library consultants. The standards for libraries serving the incarcerated were last updated in 1992. A project director will be hired to faciliate, coordinate and work with ASCLA members and outside stakeholders to provide revised standards that will assist librarians and staff serving the incarcerated.

Project deliverables include a library standards booklet and 2 webinars about the standards. A complete version of the RFP is available for download from the ASCLA website. Applicants must submit one print or email copy, and one copy on a CD of the proposal by 6:00pm CT on Monday, March 25, 2013: American Library Association, Attention: Susan Hornung/ASCLA, 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611-2795; e-mail: shornung@ala.org.

Email submissions must have “ASCLA Library Standards for Adult Correctional Institutions RFP” in the subject line of the message. Proposals not received by the date and time specified may not be considered and will be returned to the sender marked “LATE RESPONSE.” Faxed submissions will not be accepted. Contact ASCLA Executive Director Susan Hornung, shornung@ala.org,  or (312) 280-4395, with any questions about the RFP content or submission process.

ASCLA, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), is a diverse organization of librarians and support staff who work in academic and public libraries, state agencies, specialized libraries and cooperatives, as well as those who are self-employed. Our division’s work centers on member-driven interest groups that represent the diversity and important work of our engaged and active members. Not an ASCLA member, but interested in forming new interest groups, receiving discounted registration rates on ASCLA preconferences and online courses, and other important membership benefits? Join, renew or add ASCLA to your ALA membership at www.ala.org/membership.

 

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New Resources on Students with Disabilities and Website Accessibility

The ASCLA Resources Page has been updated to include new information on website accessibility and students with disabilities:

Students with Disabilities: Pre-K-12
• Project ENABLE (Expanding Nondiscriminatory Access By Librarians Everywhere): This comprehensive site provides information and training for developing effective library and information services for pre-K-12 students with disabilities. The site contains five self-paced learning modules, jam-packed with useful information in a variety of formats (text, still and moving images, graphics, audio over PowerPoint, and more). You will find information to read, videos to view, games to play, learning exercises to challenge you, and quizzes to assess your learning.
Website Accessibility
• Raising the Floor (RtF) is an international coalition of individuals and organizations working to ensure that the Internet, and everything available through it, is accessible to people experiencing accessibility barriers due to disability, literacy, or age.

The ASCLA Resources page contains links that will lead you to excerpts from selected ASCLA publications or to Web sites that may be of interest in the following areas. Visit this page often for new information about serving the following topics:

  • Blind and Physically Handicapped
  • Certification
  • Cooperative Library Organizations
  • Deaf/Hard of Hearing
  • Equity of Access
  • Impaired Elderly Library Patrons
  • Independent Librarians
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Prison Libraries
  • State Libraries
  • Students with Disabilities
  • Website Accessibility
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ASCLA Nominees for 2013 Elections

The following ASCLA members will be running for ASCLA offices in the 2013 Elections:

VICE-PRESIDENT/PRESIDENT-ELECT:
Kathleen Moeller-Peiffer NJ

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE (2 positions to be elected):
Cheryl O’Connor NJ
Lisa Priebe CO
Tiffany Lanette Bradford-Oldham KY

DESIGNATED DIRECTOR, SPECIAL POPULATIONS CONSTITUENCY
Christopher J. Corrigan WASH DC

DESIGNATED DIRECTOR, LIBRARY CONSULTANTS CONSTITUENCY
Allan Kleiman NY

Please join me in thanking these members for agreeing to stand for election for an ASCLA office; and be sure to vote in the Spring elections!

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Reminder: Member Feedback Needed for ASCLA’s Training Needs Survey!

Member Feedback Needed! 5 minute online learning survey

ASCLA is in the process of upgrading its online training offerings in order to better serve the diverse needs of the members. We need your input now to be able to meet your specific online training needs. Even if you don’t ever expect to attend sessions, we would like your opinions.

The following survey should take no more than 5 minutes to complete. Any information you include will be managed confidentially. We are committed to continuous improvement in all areas of our association and your participation in this survey is very much appreciated.

Thank you for your support and please feel free to contact the ASCLA office (ascla@ala.org) if you have any questions.

Survey Link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3F2MYGC

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Revised Standards for Libraries Serving the Blind and Physically Handicapped Now Available

The “Revised Standards and Guidelines of Service for the Library of Congress Network of Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped” (NLSBPH) have been published by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) and are now available for purchase through the ALA Store.
The 2011 version of these standards and guidelines is the fourth iteration of ALA standards for libraries serving blind and physically handicapped individuals. They were developed by consumers, network librarians and their administering agencies to provide a benchmark for service by which the libraries can judge their accomplishments. The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLSBPH) uses these Standards as the basis for consultant visit reviews and evaluation of the library’s operations, and NLS anticipates implementing these revised standards beginning in 2012. NLS has reviewed cooperating network libraries against the original standards, and updates since 1980, with the goal of providing equitable service for eligible individuals wherever they reside in the United States or its possessions or territories.

Among other topics, the text provides information about standards for provision of services, resource development and management, public education and outreach, budget and funding, planning and evaluation, personnel and BARD; guidelines for personnel and space; and several appendices on critical information such as the Library of Congress/National Library Service Eligibility Criteria, the ALA Library Bill of Rights and Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records and the ALA Policy on Services for People with Disabilities.

Learn more about this publication and purchase your copy now at the ALA Store.

ASCLA, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), is a diverse organization of librarians and support staff who work in academic and public libraries, state agencies, specialized libraries and multi-type cooperatives, as well as those who are self-employed. Our division’s work centers on member-driven interest groups that represent the diversity and important work of our engaged and active members. Not an ASCLA member, but interested in discounted registration rates on conference, ASCLA preconference and other ASCLA events? Join, renew or add ASCLA to your ALA membership at www.ala.org/membership.

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Don’t Miss These Events in Dallas!

Dear ASCLA Members:

ASCLA has a renewed passion and energy under our new reorganization. Members are doing some great work and I invite you to join in if you will be in Dallas for the Midwinter meeting. Don’t miss these events:

• ASCLA Board of Directors I. Saturday January 21, 8:00 – 10:00am, DCC – D161. Session one of the ASCLA Board of Directors meeting. Open to all ASCLA and ALA members.

• ASCLA Board of Directors II. Monday, January 23, 8:00 – 10:00am, DCC – D161. Join us for the second session of ASCLA Board of Directors.

• ASCLA Leadership Session. Saturday, January 21, 10:30am – 12:00pm, DCC – D224. We’ll be looking at how to shape ASCLA’s future, our strategic plan and early results of the ASCLA member loyalty survey. All ASCLA members are invited to participate.

• Open Hearing on Library Consultants Code of Ethics. Sunday, January 22, 4:00 – 5:30 pm, DCC – D224. Discussion/Interest Group. Nancy Bolt of Nancy Bolt & Associates will moderate an open hearing on a new draft “Library Consultant Code of Ethics”. Should it be adopted by ALA? It’s open to all ALA members. Discussion will be followed by a business meeting of the ASCLA Library Consultants Interest Group Leadership Team.

• Interest Groups Meetings. There are 13 new ASCLA interest groups looking for members! Many of these new groups will be meeting in Dallas. Download the list of all ASCLA meetings here and feel free to connect with these groups by joining their meetings if you’re in Dallas. See the complete list of interest groups and how to join and interest group here: http://www.ala.org/ascla/asclaourassoc/asclainterest/list.

And after all the hard work is done, please join us for a party! Come to the ASCLA/COSLA Dessert Reception, Sunday, Jan. 22, 8-10pm to relax, network and make new friends. It’s open to all ALA members, so bring a friend, mingle and try some of the delicious food and beverages at our dessert reception and open bar, co-sponsored by COSLA.

See you there!

Sincerely,
Susan Hornung
ASCLA Executive Director
shornung@ala.org

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ASCLA Seeking Consultant for Online Learning Program: RFP

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), a division of the American Library Association, seeks a consultant for soup-to-nuts development and launch of a comprehensive package of online learning opportunities hosted by ASCLA.

The desired outcome of the project is to develop the framework (including policies, procedures, and templates) to support a long term online continuing education program for ASCLA. The consultant will also advise ASCLA and the ASCLA Online Learning Committee in soliciting presenters and using the framework and templates to launch online offerings in 2012. The estimated project completion date is no later than April 1, 2012.

The consultant will work with the ASCLA staff and the ASCLA Online Learning Committee (AOLC) to develop the framework to support a long-term online continuing education program for ASCLA. The project includes conducting a needs assessment of ALA members’ online learning learning needs specifically pertaining to accessibility issues; developing a framework with procedures for ASCLA to solicit proposals for online learning events; working with the AOLC on a process to review and approve proposals, and identifying key partners and/or creating partnerships.

Applicants may submit their proposal in one of two ways:

  • By e-mail to ASCLA Executive Director Susan Hornung at shornung@ala.org with subject line “RFP/ASCLA” no later than 5:00 PM CT on Monday, October 31, 2011.
  • By mail—submit five complete copies no later than Monday, October 31, 2011, to American Library Association, ATTN: Susan Hornung/ASCLA RFP, 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Proposals not received by the date and time specified may not be considered and will be returned to the sender marked “LATE RESPONSE.” Questions about the proposal should be directed to ASCLA Executive Director Susan Hornung at shornung@ala.org or (800) 545-2433, x4395.

Desired consultant attributes include but are not limited to successful project management experience; a proven track record with developing online educational events; strong organizational and problem-solving skills; and excellent communication skills, especially written. More information is available in the downloadable RFP.

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ASCLA Interest Groups: All You Ever Wanted to Know (and More)!

What are “Interest Groups”?
Approved by the membership in the 2011 ALA/ASCLA election, interest groups provide a way to easily create a “home” within ASCLA for topics and issues that have an active member base, are specifically of interest to ASCLA members or may be currently underrepresented in the organization. They provide a dynamic system for ASCLA members to form communities around important emerging issues in the profession and to increase opportunities for involvement within the organization. ASCLA interest groups are very fluid and can be quickly formed in response to environmental changes. Interest groups can also consist of any ALA member; they are not restricted to ASCLA members.

What is the process for creating an Interest Group?
Any ASCLA member can propose the creation of an interest group by submitting an e-petition with signatures of 10 ASCLA members. Proposals are reviewed on an ongoing basis by the Interest Group Coordination Committee and the ASCLA Board of Directors, which approves the creation of new interest groups. Go here to create an e-petition (login as an ALA member first): http://www.ala.org/template.cfm?template=/CFApps/epetition/index.cfm.

Additional information on creating ASCLA interest groups, including a link to the e-petition form, can be found on the ASCLA Web site at http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/ascla/asclaourassoc/asclasections/interestgroups/index.cfm

Who can join Interest Groups?
Once an interest group is formed, ASCLA and any ALA member may join by logging into ALA Connect and joining the group – which is listed by title in Connect. Interest groups may include any ALA member – they are not limited to ASCLA members.

Please keep in mind, while you do not have to be an ASCLA member to join an Interest Group, you must be an ASCLA member to lead one.

How does an Interest Group Operate?
• Interest groups may plan and sponsor programs at conferences, may sponsor pre-conferences, create discussion groups, prepare publications, or carry out other activities with the approval of the Interest Group Coordinating Committee and the Board of Directors.
• Interest groups establish their own process for nominating and electing their leadership.
• Interest group leaders must be ASCLA members, however any ALA member may join an ASCLA interest group.
• No leader shall serve more than four (4) consecutive years in office.
• Any member of the Association may join as many interest groups as desired by joining the group in ALA Connect.
• Each Interest Group defines its own functions, subject to the approval of the Interest Group Coordinating Committee
• Each Interest Group shall manage its own affairs, provided that no interest group shall adopt rules for the transaction of its business inconsistent with those of the Association, or engage in any activity in conflict with the program of the Association.
• Interest group elections are held during the Midwinter Meeting.
• Unless otherwise approved by the ASCLA executive director, interest groups will conduct their own elections and not utilize the formal ALA election system

What are the interest group leader’s responsibilities?
As an Interest Group Leader you will be expected to:
• Encourage involvement in the Interest Group
• Ensure that the Interest Group generates discussion topics, articles, programs, projects etc. within the purview of the Interest Group’s charge.
• Regularly communicate with Interest Group members regarding Interest Group activities as well as initiatives coming from the ASCLA Board, staff, or other interested parties.
• Communicate with the Interest Group Coordinating Committee. This will include a brief annual report on Interest Group activity. Reports will be posted on the Interest Group site.
• Communicate with the Interest Group Coordinating Committee if, for any reason, you determine that you are unable to fulfill the responsibility of leading the Interest Group.
• Notify the ASCLA office of any changes in leadership.
• Coordinate the overall activities of the interest group and for reporting on group activities.

To find out more about ASCLA Interest Groups, go here: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/ascla/asclaourassoc/asclainterest/index.cfm

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact: ascla@ala.org.

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ASCLA: Future-Friendly, Future-Ready

ASCLA members will have the opportunity to affect substantial and meaningful change in their association by voting to approve ASCLA’s revised bylaws in the upcoming ALA/ASCLA election. The changes provide a new structure that allows for more member participation and collaboration. Groups of individuals with mutual issues and interests can generate spontaneously, evolving or devolving as the future changes. The new structure streamlines ASCLA’s governance, reducing formally elected positions by 50%.

Impetus for the restructuring came from members’ input over the last two years. Members indicated they want to spend more time on products and results and less time on the process of governance.  They want a high return for the investment of their personal time and want their involvement to be project-based, not position-based. By approving the new structure as set forth in the revised bylaws, the ASCLA board of directors heard these voices and are positioning ASCLA to be a 21st century association–one that can adapt and thrive in today’s challenging environment.

Other associations and ALA divisions which restructured have found that reduced layers of governance foster creativity and innovation. No longer burdened with filling numerous elective positions and the tasks of lower-level governance, members feel renewed. They propose more conference programs and pre-conferences; they form groups around mutual interests and timely issues that evolve as the environment changes; individual members drop in and out of multiple groups as their information, networking, and support needs change. Pools of shared meaning are created as those participating in interest groups contribute their personal opinions, feelings, theories and experiences. New activities are proposed and accomplished in a short timeframe, and experimentation–with the freedom to be messy–occurs more frequently. Equally as important, once the barriers between static, formally organized groups are removed, members’ common goals across the association become more evident.

An association’s success depends on member involvement. My sincere hope is that ASCLA’s new structure will expand current members’ opportunities for engagement and attract new members with timely, issue-focused interest groups.

The next important step in ASCLA’s transformation begins when voting in the ALA election opens on March 16th. I encourage you to vote for ASCLA’s future by approving the bylaws changes.

General election information is available on the ALA website. An e-mail with information about accessing the elections online has been sent to you via e-mail. The deadline for requesting a paper ballot is April 8.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me, your president.

Diana Reese
ASCLA President
303-866-6341
reese_d@cde.state.co.us