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Join Us! Achievement & Recognition Award Ceremony

2017 achievement and recognition awards ceremony Saturday, June 24 at the Hilton Chicago

*Ceremony images can be found on the Annual Conference Facebook Album.

Please join ASCLA and FAFLRT for the joint 2017 Achievement and Recognition Awards Ceremony (add event to your conference schedule). The event will take place on Saturday, June 24 from 10-11:30am at the Hilton Chicago (720 S. Michigan, Room: Wiliford C) during ALA’s Annual Conference. Complimentary breakfast will be served and there will be time after the ceremony to network.

The following individuals will be recognized for their excellence:

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Dr. Elizabeth Curry, Dean, University of North Florida Thomas G. Carpenter Library

Dr. Elizabeth Curry was selected for the ASCLA Leadership and Professional Achievement Award. Curry is often described by her peers as a creative problem solver who successfully facilitates process-oriented solutions, Curry is frequently sought out for strategic planning efforts, leadership training and complex project planning. Read more…

 

 

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William “Will” R. Reed, Manager, Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled, Cleveland Public Library

William “Will” R. Reed was selected for the Cathleen Bourdon Service Award. Reed  has proven to be a tireless advocate for information access and reading opportunites to individuals with print disabilities as noted with his work with the Library Services for People with Visual and Physical Disabilities Form. Read more…

 

 

 

Vicky L Crone, Licensing and Procurement Librarian at the national Agricultural Library, is the winner of the 2017 FAFLRT Distinguished Service Award for outstanding and sustained contributions to FAFLRT and for her many years of outstanding leadership and support, which has resulted in the provision of excellent service and programs for federal and armed forces librarians.

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Anne Harrison, FEDLINK Network Program Specialist at the Library of Congress

Anne Harrison is being awarded the 2017 FAFLRT Achievement Award that recognizes an individual for achievement in the promotion of library and information service and the information profession in the Federal community. She is awarded for her sustained and superior service to the federal and armed forces libraries community.

 

 

Headshot_Heather Kiger FAFLRT member
Heather Kiger, Intern, Yosemite Research Library, National Park Service

Heather Kiger is being awarded the 2017 FAFLRT Rising Star Award. Ms. Kiger graduated with her MLIS from San Jose State’s School of Information and Library Science in August 2016. Ms. Kiger was hired to work on a $30,000 plus grant project and made inroads in the monumental task of converting the Yosemite Research Library’s circulating collection from the Dewey Decimal Classification to the Library of Congress Classification in a systematic, logical and sustainable manner.

 

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Call for 2018 Conference Proposals

Annual Conference 2018 logo for New Orleans

crowd clapping during a programALA is now accepting program proposals for the 2018 annual conference. Please refer to the following for additional information:

Deadline to submit proposals for a 2018 program is September 5, 2017. When submitting, please choose ASCLA as the division you’re proposing your program to. The link to the submission site will redirect to the ALA log-in page.  All submitters are required to have an ALA profile, but are not required to be ALA members. See the submission site for additional instructions and how to submit.  

Please contact the committee with any questions.

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AC17 Preconference: Unconference Accessibility and Education, and its implications for Library Services

ALA annual conference logoAs we mark the 25th Anniversary of the ADA, it is critical to focus on making education as accessible as possible. This unconference will be a gathering that that will examine accessibility and education and its implications for library services. This will be an unconference, and thus be focused on building community, and helping each conference participant ask questions, and move together toward a more accessible future for their libraries. This unconference is set for Friday, June 23, 9am-4pm.

Ticket prices:

Category Early Bird Advance Onsite
Member $238 $248 $298
Other Member $218 $228 $278
NonMember $248 $258 $308
ASCLA Member $198 $208 $258

Purchase tickets here.

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AC17 Preconference: Becoming a Dementia Friendly Library: Serving People Living with Dementia in Your Community

ALA annual conference logoWithin the next 10 years the number of Americans living with dementia is expected to rise to 7.1 million. Now is the time to begin addressing the needs of this too often forgotten population. Libraries should be at the forefront of the Dementia Friendly initiative that is emerging across the country. This preconference, set for Friday, June 23 9am-4pm, will provide both background and tools for designing and implementing library programs and services that will transform lives in your community.

Ticket prices:

Category Early Bird Advance Onsite
Member $229 $239 $289
Other Member $209 $219 $269
NonMember $239 $249 $299
ASLCA Member $189 $199 $249

Purchase tickets here.

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Call for nominations: ASCLA’s Achievement and Recognition awards

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Call for Nominations

ASCLA has opened the nomination period for its annual series of achievement and recognition awards. Members are encouraged to nominate their colleagues and peers to recognize exceptional library professionals that make a difference in improving the lives of the people they serve. The awards below will be presented at the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago, June 22-27, 2017.

Nominations and supporting materials must be submitted by February 10, 2017. Click on the links below to find the nomination form and submission instructions.

ASCLA/Keystone Library Automation System (KLAS) National Organization on Disability (NOD) Award
Awarded to a library organization that has provided services for people with disabilities. The award recognizes an innovative and well-organized project which 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 their total services more accessible through changing physical and/or attitudinal barriers. $1,000* and a citation. Sponsored by Keystone Systems, Inc.

Francis Joseph Campbell Award
Awarded to a person or institution that has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of library service for the blind and physically handicapped. This contribution 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 activity of recognized importance. A medal and a citation.

ASCLA Exceptional Service Award
To recognize exceptional service to patients, to the home bound, to people of all ages who live in group homes or residences, and to inmates, as well as to recognize professional leadership, effective interpretation of programs, pioneering activity, and significant research of experimental projects. A citation.

ASCLA Leadership & Professional Achievement Award
This prestigious award is presented to one or more ASCLA members (personal or organizational) exemplifying leadership and achievement in one or more of the following areas: consulting, library cooperation, networking, statewide services and programs and state library development. A citation.

Cathleen Bourdon Service Award
This award is presented to an ASCLA personal member for outstanding service and leadership to the division. The award recognizes sustained leadership and exceptional service through participation in activities which have enhanced the stature, reputation, and overall strength of ASCLA; and representation of ASCLA to other appropriate organizations, institutions, or governmental agencies. A citation.

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. Find out more about ASCLA at www.ala.org/ascla.

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Kathleen Peiffer offers a fond farewell to ASCLA membership

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Dear ASCLA members:

At the end of Annual Conference I concluded my three year term as president elect/ president/past president. I want to thank everyone in the association, as well as the ASCLA office staff, for their support, friendship and willingness to serve the association in so many ways.

Our association continues to grow; however, I hope that we never get so large that members feel “lost”. There is still plenty of work to be done to keep our division “small but mighty”!

Please offer the new ASCLA president, Michael Golrick, your time and talent. We will all be richer for it.

Kathleen Peiffer
State Librarian
New Mexico State Library
Santa Fe, New Mexico

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Public Hearing in Orlando for the Revision of the Standards for Libraries Serving People who are Blind or Handicapped, 2011

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) will hold a public hearing at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando on Sunday, June 26, 2016, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM, in the Orange County Convention Center, Room W105A for the revision of the 2011 Standards for Libraries Serving People who are Blind or Physically Handicapped. The 2011 Standards may be viewed here: http://www.ala.org/ascla/sites/ala.org.ascla/files/content/asclaissues/LCNIS2011Introduction.pdf.

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, is the administrator for the free informational and recreational reading resources for residents of the United States who are unable to read or use standard print materials because of visual or physical impairment.

The Standards and Guidelines of Service for the Library of Congress Network of Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, which was last revised in 2011, is the standing document that guides network libraries and staff around the country who provide direct service to eligible individuals and institutions.

Additional information about NLS and the patrons that are served can be found in these promotional videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udZ6NO5_x-Q and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIKG2HxnYMk. A working paper of the current progress of the Working Team can be found here: Working Paper Download.

Comments from the general public are invited and can also be sent to the Working Team here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1z0S1bmXuC0wrEUPWB-PzEBbYIjQyd9PATXEDgIg5nBQ/viewform.

The revision of the standards is supported by a grant from the Library of Congress. The ASCLA President appoints the members of the Working Team and the Advisory Committee, with input from NLS. Library members of both are usually ASCLA members that represent the four regional conferences of network libraries. In addition to network librarians, ASCLA asks the presidents of specific consumer groups to select representative to the committee. Finally, the president of the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) is asked for a representative to the committee. The Working Team will receive assistance from a Project Advisory Committee of consumers and librarians that will advise the Team, review draft documents, and serve as a sounding board for the concerns of the groups they represent.

The working and advisory team members are:

Working Team

Eura Ryan Szuwalski, Project Director

Goleta, CA 93117

Danielle H. Miller, Director & Regional Librarian

Washington Talking Book & Braille Library

Representing the Western Conference

Will Reed, OLBPD Manager

Cleveland Public Library/Ohio Library for the Blind & Physically Disabled

Representing the Midlands Conference

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Advisory Team

Eura Ryan Szuwalski, Project Director

Adam Szczepaniak

New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center

Representing the Northern Conference

Dr. Nancy Pack, Director

Alabama Public Library Service

Representing Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA)

Kim Charlson, President

American Council of the Blind

Representing the American Council of the Blind

David Hyde, Chairperson

Library Services Committee Chairperson

Representing the National Federation of the Blind

Melanie Brunson, Director

Government Relations

Representing the Blinded Veterans Association

Ava M. Smith, Division Director, Talking Book Program

Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Representing the Southern Conference

 

 

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Active Shooter Awareness Training!

In light of the recent events in Orlando that have become far too common in our society, ASCLA would like to invite you to an active shooter awareness training at Annual this year. In addition, our past president was featured on the Dewey Decibels podcast in May discussing this topic. Information about the program and access to the podcast are below.

Active Shooter Policies in Libraries Program: Be able to complete an environmental scan to identify potential risk areas at your library, as well as write an active shooter policy/procedure for your library. Most libraries have policies dealing with a problem or unruly patrons. Find out how to protect your patrons and staff from a darker problem, someone intent on inflicting actual physical harm. The NDSL active shooter procedure will be presented as a model as well as tips for writing your policy. Speaker:  BreAnne Meier, North Dakota State Library, Date: Saturday, June 25, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Location: Orange County Convention Center, W101B. Schedule it.

ASCLA Past-President in the News: Active Shooter Training: ASCLA Past-President Kathleen Moeller-Peiffer (director of New Mexico State Library) speaks in the Dewey Decibels, episode 2 podcast, May 23, 2016, about library security and making your space safer!  Listen to the podcast here (at about 38.23) as Kathleen explains about some of the active shooter training programs she made available to her staff at the New Mexico and New Jersey state libraries. She talks about the programs’ usefulness for frontline staff and the model that was used at Scott County (Ky.) Public Library.

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Calling for 2017 Program, Preconference, Institute Proposals

Do you have innovative ideas, services and programs to share with your library colleagues? Why not present one at the 2017 ALA Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conferences? Submit a proposal to the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) today!

The 2017 Midwinter Meeting, January 20 – 24, 2017 will be in Atlanta GA, and the Annual Conference, June 22 – 27, 2017 will be in Chicago IL.

The deadline to receive online proposals for 2017 is June 13, 2016. 

The link to submit a conference program/preconference/institute proposal is here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ASCLA2017Proposals.  

Once collected, the ASCLA office will send the proposals to the ASCLA Conference Programming Committee to oversee, organize and recommend for approval to the ASCLA board at Board Meeting II at the Annual Conference in Orlando FL, 2016.

Please spread the word to anyone who you think would like to present a valuable program for ASCLA. Our conference program committee is specifically looking for proposals that would appeal to:

  • ASCLA interest group members.
  • Librarians who serve people or youth who are incarcerated or in detention
  • Library consultants and independent librarians
  • Library staff who serve people with disabilities
  • Staff of library cooperatives and consortium
  • State library staff

Please feel free to contact Susan Hornung at shornung@ala.org if you have any questions.

 

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ASCLA selects its 2016 award winners!

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) has selected its 2016 Award winners. The awards program recognizes outstanding achievement within the library profession by librarians and libraries for significant current or past achievements, including publications, program development and leadership in the profession.

The Awards Ceremony and Reception will be held from 5:45 – 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, June 25 at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando, FL at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, Room Plaza BR D. This event is co-sponsored by the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) and the Federal and Armed Forces Librarians Round Table (FAFLRT) and will include hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. All conference attendees are welcome!

The following recipients will be honored.

Chris Corrigan, Digital Reference Librarian of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress is the 2016 recipient of the Cathleen Bourdon Service Award, which is named after former ASCLA Executive Director Cathleen Bourdon. Chris was chosen for his sustained leadership and exceptional service enhancing the stature, strength and reputation of ASCLA to ALA Council, ALA Membership, and other ALA-affiliated organizations.

The recipient of the 2016 ASCLA Leadership and Professional Achievement Award is awarded to Cal Shepard, State Librarian, State Library of North Carolina. Ms. Shepard is recognized for her many years of service to the library profession and is specifically being honored for her accomplishment at the State Library of North Carolina in formulating a sunset plan to transition Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding for two large State Library projects to state funding. Through her leadership and vision, she opened up LSTA funding to be used by libraries across the state.

Kate DeVoe, Youth Services Librarian and Kelly Doolittle, Library Assistant, both of Tompkins County Public Library (NY) are the recipients of the 2016 ASCLA/Keystone Library Automation System (KLAS) & National Organization on Disability (NOD) Award. They are recognized for providing vital services to children through their project, “Adapt and Include: Library Programs for Children with Sensory Integration Challenges.” The award consists of $1,000 and a citation supported by Kay and David Holloman of Keystone Systems, developer of the Keystone Library Automation System (KLAS), and the National Organization on Disability.

Stephen Prine, Assistant Chief, Network Division, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped is the recipient of ASCLA’s 2016 Francis Joseph Campbell Award for outstanding contributions to the advancement of library service for people with physical disabilities and/or physical impairments. Mr. Prine is recognized for his many years of exemplary service to the print disabled community, as well as to his colleagues across the country and within ASCLA.

The 2016 ASCLA Exceptional Service Award is presented to the Marshes of Glynn Library System in Brunswick, Georgia for implementing the ALA Every Child Ready to Read program at their local jail. This innovative project teaching incarcerated parents and other caregivers how to support the early literacy development of their children is an exceptional example of how libraries can transform lives.  It also serves as an example of a program able to be replicated in other libraries.