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ASCLA preconference provides tools for top-notch library customer service

What do libraries have in common with casinos? To succeed, each must keep their customers happy and keep them coming back. Library directors and management can learn how to cultivate happy customers by attending ”Be My Guest: Customer Service from the Best.”

This half-day preconference, offered by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) and held in conjunction with ALA’s Annual Conference, addresses what libraries can do to ensure a welcoming and positive library experience for patrons. Using models derived from the hospitality industry, participants will take away a variety of customer service models they can apply to their library to enhance the patron’s experience as a guest of the library. The content is based on a highly successful program previously hosted by the New Jersey State Library in partnership with Trump Entertainment Resorts in Atlantic City, N.J., and will be presented by Jennifer Babcock of the Trump Entertainment Resorts Human Resources Department.

The preconference will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, July 10 in Chicago. Advance registration rates, available until May 22, are $90 for ASCLA members, $135 for ALA members, $210 for non-members and $50 for students and retirees.

Annual Conference attendees interested in registering for the meeting and institute—or adding the institute to their current meeting itinerary—can do so through Step 6 (“Your Events”) of the online registration form or by calling 1 –(800) 974-3084. Those interested only in attending the preconference (event code AS2) must register using a printed registration form that can then be submitted via mail or faxed per the instructions on the form. On-site registration will be available the day of the event.

Find out the most up-to-date information about this and all of ASCLA’s Annual Conference events at the ASCLA events page.

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Collaborative digitization funding: find it now with help from ASCLA

Seeking sustainable funding options for collaborative digitization projects? Look no further—you’ll get the scoop on where to find them at “After the Grant Runs Out: Funding Collaborative Digitization.”

Directors and managers of library networks and cooperatives involved in or considering collaborative digitization projects will benefit from this 2009 ALA Annual preconference offered by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) Interlibrary Cooperation and Networking Section (ICAN) Collaborative Digitization Interest Group. Speakers will explore how to cultivate diverse revenue streams for funding sustainable collaborative digitization programs, including membership fees, fund raising and operating budgets.

The event features a group of presenters with extensive experiences and success in the field, including Kenning Arlitsch, University of Utah; Jim Neal, Columbia University Library; Dreanne Belden, University of North Texas Library; Liz Bishoff, BCR; Lucy Barber, National Historical Publications and Records Commission; Beth Joffrion, National Endowment for the Humanities; and Rachel Frick, Institute for Museum and Library Services.

The preconference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2009 in Chicago. Advance registration rates, available until May 22, are $135 for ASCLA members, $180 for ALA members, $225 for non-members and $70 for students and retirees.

Annual Conference attendees interested in registering for the meeting and institute—or adding the institute to their current meeting itinerary—can do so through Step 6 (“Your Events”) of the online registration form or by calling 1 –(800) 974-3084. Those who are interested in only attending the preconference (event code AS1) must register using a printed registration form, which can then be submitted via mail or faxed per the instructions on the form. On-site registration will be available the day of the event. Lunch is included.

Find out the most up-to-date information about this and all of ASCLA’s Annual Conference events at the ASCLA events page.

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How to register for the 2009 ALA Annual Conference, Chicago, July 9-15 and associated events

So you may have heard about some of ASCLA’s awesome preconferences and programs happening here in Chicago this July as a part of the 2009 ALA Annual Conference. We’re glad you’re interested! Now we’d like to tell you how to register.

There are three options for registering for the conference and additional ticketed events: online, in print, and by phone.

Online
Access the online registration form. You’ll be prompted to create a login and password. Follow the step-by-step process. Purchase tickets for ASCLA preconferences under “Step 6 – Your Events”.

By Phone
Call 1-800-974-3084.

By Mail or Fax
Download the print registration form, fill it out, and mail or fax it in according to the instructions on the form.

I’ve already registered for Annual and I’d like to purchase a ticket for a special event or preconference.
Great! You can log back into the online form and add the event(s) under “Step 6 – Your Events”, then proceed to checkout.

The preconferences look fascinating! I’d like to attend one, but I’m not interested in attending the entire conference.
We can help with that. Preconference-only participants can register using the print registration form, which can be returned via e-mail or fax. Download the form for full instructions.

Questions? Contact Experient customer service at (800) 974-3084 or (847) 996-5876 (International).

See you in Chicago!