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Library consultants! Sign up now to offer free services as part of “Consultants Give Back” at ALA Annual Conference

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) and the Public Library Association (PLA) are teaming up to offer “Consultants Give Back” at the 2012 ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif.—an opportunity for libraries to receive free 30-minute consultation sessions from professional library consultants.

This event features consultants with expertise in a wide variety of topics like RFID, marketing and communications, executive searches, buildings and facilities, strategic planning and library trends, among many others. Participating consultants will be available during the “Consultants Give Back” office hours, 1:30-5:30 p.m. in room 203B of the Anaheim Convention Center on Sunday, June 24 or at other times throughout the conference. Registration is now open for consultants wishing to offer services as a part of this exciting event. Access the consultant registration form here.

For those seeking consulting services, a list of participating consultants and their availability will be available on the ASCLA website in early May, and will be promoted via the ASCLA blog, ASCLA Facebook page and ASCLA Twitter feed. Those interested in booking a session should contact the consultant of their choice no later than Monday, June 20, 2012.

Questions about the consultation sessions should be directed to Nancy Bolt at nancybolt@earthlink.net or Paula Singer pmsinger@singergrp.com. Consultants interested in engaging and networking with library consulting peers for the benefit of all independent library professionals should join ASCLA’s Library Consultants Interest Group.

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ASCLA Workshop: Marketing, Development and Building a Library Champions Campaign

There has never been a better time to pursue a Library Champions campaign! Library Champions can promote the value of your library to your community while delivering maximum fundraising impact. Participate in this ASCLA workshop and you’ll learn from the experts how to execute a successful marketing and development campaign, from soup to nuts.

“A Marriage Made in Heaven: Combining Marketing and Development to Ensure the Future of Your Library”
Friday, June 22, 8:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
Anaheim, Calif. in conjunction with the ALA Annual Conferece
REGISTER NOW.
This workshop will be an incredibly valuable experience for public and special library directors, development staff, public relations staff, foundation members, and library trustees.

Two years ago, the New Jersey State Library launched a public awareness campaign designed to attract famous athletes and authors to serve as Library Champions, and with the help of marketing and development teams, leveraged those champions into an effective fundraising vehicle. Nancy Dowd, former NJSL director of marketing, and Erin MacCord, NJSL development director, will present on the following topics:

  • How to recruit celebrity champions and local heroes to promote your library;
  • How to leverage library champions, build a donor database and raise big money for your library;
  • How to build a donor development strategy for everyone in your library;
  • The essential publications your library must produce to secure funders.
Registration Rates: Through May 13: ASCLA members, $109; ALA members, $129; non-members, $149; Student and Retired ALA members, $99.
May 14 through June 15: ASCLA members, $129; ALA members, $149; non-members, $169; Student and Retired ALA members, $109.REGISTER NOW.

ASCLA Conference Events

There’s lots happening with ASCLA in Anaheim! Access our conference information page on our website, which will provide you with access to our other preconference offerings; our exciting programs which include the ASCLA President’s Program, featuring John Jantsch, author of Duct Tape Marketing; and fun events like the ASCLA/COSLA Awards Reception and Networking event.

ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition–Transforming Our Libraries, Ourselves

Find out about the many other ALA Annual Conference & Exhibits highlights as they’re added–speakers, events, networking opportunities, and more. And for general information about the meeting in Anaheim, CA, June 21-26, 2012, visit us at www.alaannual.org. Save money with Early Bird Registration, open until midnight, Sunday, May 13, 2012.

ASCLA Conference Events

There’s lots happening with ASCLA in Anaheim! Access our conference information page on our website, which will provide you with access to our other preconference offerings; our exciting programs which include the ASCLA President’s Program, featuring John Jantsch, author of Duct Tape Marketing; and fun events like the ASCLA/COSLA Awards Reception and Networking

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ASCLA preconferences tackle important topics for public libraries: marketing and development, special populations outreach services

ASCLA will host three half-day workshops in Anaheim covering library marketing and development, public library services to the visually and physically impaired and public library partnerships with jails and prisons.

These preconferences highlight a few of ASCLA’s areas of expertise, and are an opportunity for other members of the library community to benefit from this knowledge and experience. This year’s topics are particularly relevant to public libraries, public librarians and library supporters, but all interested participants are welcome, and can register for this event with or without registering for the 2012 ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim.

Conference registration information is available here at the ALA Annual Conference website, www.alaannual.org. ASCLA will also offer a multitude of programs, interest group meetings and a lively networking event and awards celebration in Anaheim—learn more at the ASCLA website.

This year’s ASCLA Annual Conference workshops are:

The Outspoken Library: A Gateway for Public Libraries to Services for the Visually and Physically Impaired
Friday, June 22, 1:00-4:00p.m.
Looking for inventive ideas for promoting library services? The New Jersey State Library developed “The Outspoken Library” to promote free online services that are available for print-disabled people. This program allows library customers to access services administered through the State Library’s Talking Book & Braille Center (TBBC), including audio newspapers (TBBC’s Audiovision and NFB’s Newsline) and the Library of Congress’s Braille and Audio Reading Download service. Find out how to establish and market these valuable resources. Who should attend: Libraries whose customers and communities include individuals who qualify for services from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, including public libraries, school libraries, academic libraries, and NLS regional and subregional libraries.

Registration Rates:
Jan. 3 through May 13: ASCLA members, $109; ALA members, $129; non-members, $149; Student and Retired ALA members, $99.
May 14 through June 15: ASCLA members, $129; ALA members, $149; non-members, $169; Student and Retired ALA members, $109.

Register online now.

Speakers: Adam Szczepaniak, associate state librarian and director, New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center; Elizabeth Burns, youth services consultant for the New Jersey State Library Talking Book & Braille Center; Mary Romance, director, East Orange Public Library

The Nuts & Bolts of Building a Public Library/Jail/Prison Partnership
Friday, June 22, 8:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
Hear from speakers who’ve successfully built public library/correctional setting partnerships, and learn how to build these kinds of relationships step-by-step. Public librarians and correctional librarians interested in creating literacy and reading program partnerships for youth in detention centers and adults in jails or prisons will not want to miss this half-day workshop that will cover such difficult issues of collection development, security, and staff interactions. Who should attend: Public librarians and correctional librarians interested on creating literacy and reading program partnerships for youth and adults in jails or prisons.

Registration Rates:
Jan. 3 through May 13: ASCLA members, $109; ALA members, $129; non-members, $149; Student and Retired ALA members, $99.
May 14 through June 15: ASCLA members, $129; ALA members, $149; non-members, $169; Student and Retired ALA members, $109.

Register online now.

Speakers: Kathleen Houlihan, youth outreach librarian, Austin Public Library, Second Change Books; Amy Cheney, Alameda County Library, Write to Read program Juvenile Hall Literacy

A Marriage Made in Heaven:  Combining Marketing and Development to Ensure the Future of Your Library
Friday, June 22, 8:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
Has your library stalled in its attempt to develop a fundraising strategy? Are you trying to raise the awareness of the value your library offers your community? It may be time to start a library champion campaign. Two years ago, the New Jersey State Library launched a public awareness campaign designed to attract famous athletes and authors to serve as Library Champions, and with the help of marketing and development teams, leveraged those champions into an effective fund raising vehicle. Workshop participants will learn 1) how to recruit celebrity champions and local heroes to promote your library; 2) how to leverage library champions, build a donor database and raise big money for your library; 3) how to build a donor development strategy for everyone in your library; and 4) the essential publications your library must produce to secure funders. Who should attend: Public and special library directors, development staff, public relations staff, foundation members, trustees

Registration Rates:
Through May 13: ASCLA members, $109; ALA members, $129; non-members, $149; Student and Retired ALA members, $99.
May 14 through June 15: ASCLA members, $129; ALA members, $149; non-members, $169; Student and Retired ALA members, $109.

Register online now.

Speakers: Nancy Dowd and Erin MacCord

 

Do you know about us?

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 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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Tweet it in NOLA! A guide to ASCLA hashtags at Annual Conference

Contribute to the conversation, or stay on top of what’s trending with ASCLA at the ALA Annual Conference.

Here’s an overview of the hashtags assigned to our events:

  • Official Conference tag: #ala11
  • ASCLA preconferences: #asclaprecon
  • ASCLA/COSLA Awards Ceremony & Reception: #iloveascla
  • ASCLA programs: #asclaprog
  • ASCLA Discussion Groups and Forums: #ascladiscuss

For more about hashtags (#), go here: http://support.twitter.com/entries/49309-what-are-hashtags-symbols

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Celebrate award winners, enjoy desserts at ASCLA/COSLA reception

Networking, sweets and an awards presentation are on the agenda for the ASCLA/COSLA reception at the upcoming ALA Annual Conference, and all conference attendees are invited to participate in the celebration.

The event, a conference tradition co-sponsored by ASCLA and COSLA, will feature delicious desserts and a cash bar that attendees can enjoy while celebrating this year’s ASCLA award recipients:

ASCLA Exceptional Service Award: Hennepin County (Minn.) Library Outreach Services

ASCLA/KLAS/NOD Award: Queens Library Mail-A-Book Program with Interactive Programming for the homebound

ASCLA Leadership & Professional Achievement Award: Diane Walden, Correctional Libraries Senior Consultant for the Colorado State Library

ASCLA Cathleen Bourdon Service Award: Elizabeth Ann Ridler, neighborhood library supervisor at the Brooklyn Public Library

Francis Joseph Campbell Medal: Jamal Mazrui, Deputy Director, Accessibility and Innovation Initiative, Federal Communications Commission

The reception will be held 8-10p.m. on Sunday, June 26 in the Riverview Room of the Monteleone, 214 Rue Royal, New Orleans. The awards presentation will begin at 8:30p.m

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Consortium Management Discussion Group at Annual

Here is some information about the upcoming ASCLA – ICAN  Consortium Management Discussion Group at the ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans. Discussion group participation is open to all, so if you’re coming to conference, please make sure to join us!

When: Sunday, June 26, 2011
Time: 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm

Where: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Room 242

Facilitator: Sheryl Knab, Executive Director, Western New York Library Resources Council, Buffalo, NY

Topic for discussion: Library Systems Are Vital:  Selling Our Story to Funders and Users

Join us to discuss how systems are doing on the advocacy front.  Are we honestly assessing our performance in getting our message across to funding agents?  Do we have the support of our members who benefit the most from our services?  Are we using the same message and delivering it in the same manner we always have?  Or, are we revitalizing our efforts to be more effective lobbyists for our profession as well as our systems? Be prepared to share what has worked or is working at your consortia or system, what has failed, and what your organization has thought about trying but haven’t yet.

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Consulting Workshop: Price Clarification

We’ve had some inquiries about the pricing on the ASCLA Consulting Toolkit workshop in New Orleans. Turns out the online registration form had the wrong prices listed!

This has been fixed now, and prices have been *reduced* to where they should be. Anyone who has registered to date at the higher, incorrect rate will receive a refund for the price difference.

And while we’re on the subject of price, the advance registration rates are only valid through May 13 (see below), and then prices go up!

AND, most importantly, this will be the LAST TIME this workshop is offered in person.

At our three previous workshops, we’ve helped your colleagues launch their consulting businesses, helped others refine and focus their current consulting activities, and provided valuable information for those who are unsure about consulting as a career option, but want to gather as much information as possible.

Trust me—you don’t want to miss this event.

Pricing and speaker info is below.

Register online now (login required).

More info about ASCLA events at Annual is online here: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/ascla/asclaevents/annual/index.cfm

Assembling a Consulting Toolkit: What You Need to Know to Become a Successful Library Consultant
Friday, June 24, 2011, 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
This session presents an overview of the consultant’s role and guides you through a self-assessment to uncover your consulting potential. Participants will work together to identify consulting opportunities and how to align them with their experience and skills. Takeaways include marketing tips, pricing your services and business management strategies
Speakers: Nancy Bolt, president, Nancy Bolt & Associates
Sara Laughlin, director, Monroe County (Ind.) Public Library Reference Department

Advance Registration (through May 13, 2011): ASCLA member, $185;
ALA member, $195; non-member, $225; student and retired members, $145.
Onsite Registration (May 14 – June 17, 2011): ASCLA member, $215;
ALA member, $225; non-member, $260; student and retired members, $170.

Register online now (login required).

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2012 program, preconference, institute proposals: due May 1

The  deadline for submitting proposals for 2012 institutes (Midwinter/Dallas), preconferences and programs (Annual/Anaheim) is MAY 1, 2011.

PROGRAM proposals must be submitted by this date using this online form: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ASCLA_Program_Proposals

PRECONFERENCE/INSTITUTE proposals must be submitted by this date using this online form: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ascla_preconfinst_proposal

We have posted a Word document version of both of these forms at the ASCLA website under Our Association>ASCLA Forms. The Word doc should be used to help prepare submissions, however all final proposals should be sent via the online form.

Any problems with the forms or website should be sent to Andrea Hill, RUSA web manager (ahill@ala.org).

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All sorts of accolades for ASCLA member Diane Walden

ASCLA member Diane Walden has been named a 2011 Mover & Shaker by Library Journal!

Get the full story here: http://www.libraryjournal.com/csp/cms/sites/LJ/LJInPrint/MoversAndShakers/profiles2011/moversandshakersWalden.csp

We’re also excited to announce Diane as the winner of the 2011 ASCLA Leadership & Professional Achievement Award! The official press release is here and also pasted below.

Congratulations Diane! We’re proud and honored to call you an ASCLA member!

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The 2011 ASCLA Leadership & Professional Achievement Award winner is Diane Walden, correctional libraries senior consultant for the Colorado State Library and a longtime member of the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), the Librarians Serving Special Populations Section (LSSPS) and the Library Services to Prisoners Forum (LSPF).

The ASCLA Leadership and Professional Achievement Award is presented to Diane Walden for her exemplary leadership and achievements at the Colorado State Library and at the Florida Department of Corrections in delivering high quality consulting and statewide library services for offenders. Her passionate leadership has positively impacted the offenders who use correctional libraries and those who work in them. ASCLA salutes Diane’s leadership in the creation of the Prisoners Right to Read: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, a clear example of both professional leadership and pioneering activity. Prior to the adoption of the Prisoners Right to Read, there was no ALA policy statement that addressed prisoner rights on a national level. Her tireless efforts with the Right to Read statement are but one of many examples of leadership, initiative and professional achievement demonstrated by Diane in her statewide and national work.

Walden is the Colorado State Library’s coordinator for the highly successful “Read to the Children” program in the Colorado Department of Corrections, which allows parents and other close relatives to make a recording of themselves reading a book, then send the recording and book to the child.  The program increases the literacy skills of both the offenders and their children, strengthens the parent-child relationship and creates a home environment supportive of reading. She also initiated and coordinated a StoryCorps program in the Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC). Through this national project that strives “to honor and celebrate one another’s lives through listening,” Walden aimed to build offenders’ self-esteem and self-awareness; highlight voices often missed in our society; and portray an honest voice of the imprisoned.

“In spite of staff and budget reductions, Diane has forged ahead with an optimistic attitude of getting done what needs to be done,” said ASCLA President Diana Reese. “She is a consistently positive person no matter the situation or hurdles encountered. Her passion for improving library services to offenders drives her to accomplish something every day that will have positive impact. Her internal fire is the power supply that continuously causes her to set the pace and get started on new challenges. This drive to achieve is not only moving the correctional librarianship field forward, it is profoundly impacting the offenders who use correctional libraries and those who work in them.”

Walden received her MLS from the University of Arizona. She previously spent 10 years working in the Florida Department of Corrections, with progressive responsibilities – from a solo correctional librarian to a coordinator of 60 institutional libraries, where she developed library-based literacy, educational and cultural programs. She has worked with the Colorado State Library since 2004 as a senior consultant for the state’s correctional libraries, and is currently responsible for start-up of the library for Colorado Department of Corrections’ newest high security facility.

Reese will officially present the award to Walden at the ASCLA/COSLA Reception on Sunday, June 26, 8-10 p.m. at the 2011 ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans. This event, open to all ALA Conference attendees, will be held at an ALA Conference hotel. The exact room location will be announced in late spring.

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Final chance to experience ASCLA “Consulting Toolkit” workshop

Experienced, unemployed or retired librarians hoping to attend the preconference “Assembling a Consulting Toolkit: What You Need to Know to be a Successful Library Consultant” should make sure to register promptly at www.ala.org/annual for the final offering of this workshop at the upcoming ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans.

The preconference, which will be held 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, Jun. 24, marks the fourth and final time this topic will be presented. Previous attendees agree that the session is “fantastic”, “extremely useful” and “confidence-boosting”, and is hands-down the perfect event for 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.

The workshop is appropriate for both new consultants designed to prepare participants to begin – or advance – a successful consulting career. Seasoned consultants and ASCLA members Nancy Bolt, Sara Laughlin and Beth Bingham will present an overview of library consulting for workshop attendees, who will then conduct in a 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.

Interested participants can register for this event only (event code ASC3) or can register in conjunction with Annual Conference registration by adding it as a ticketed event. For institute-only registration using the online form (login required), select “SO-Institute and Ticketed Events Only” as the registration type and proceed to select this event from the list. Registration for this ASCLA event will close Sunday, Jun. 19. Advance registration rates start at $185, depending on membership status.