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Applications for ALA Emerging Leader Program due August 31

ALA emerging leader logoALA is accepting applications for the 2018 class of Emerging Leaders (EL). Details on the program criteria as well as a link to the application can be found on the Emerging Leaders Web page. 

ASCLA members should consider the opportunity and can encourage newer library worker colleagues who would benefit from an intense leadership development program to apply. The application deadline is August 31, 2017

The ALA EL program is a leadership development program which enables newer library workers from across the country to participate in problem-solving work groups, network with peers, gain an inside look into ALA structure, and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity.

ALA divisions (including ASCLA), round tables, ethnic affiliates, state chapters or school library media affiliates will sponsor nearly two-thirds of the selected applicants. For more information, visit the Emerging Leaders Web page or contact the EL project manager at emergingleaders@ala.org. The ALA EL program is managed by the ALA Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment (HRDR).

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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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Call for nominations: ASCLA’s Achievement and Recognition awards

seeking excellence image

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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[Deadline Extended 12/2] ASCLA’s Online Learning Proposals Submissions

Do you have an idea for a webinar or online course you would like to present? The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) invites subject matter experts and experienced librarians to submit a webinar proposal or online course proposal by Friday, December 2, 2016. Presentations will take place from December 2016 and August 31, 2017 as a part of ASCLA’s outstanding online learning offerings. See the list of suggested “hot topics” below.

ASCLA welcomes proposals on topics that will assist our diverse membership in improved service delivery and job performance, as well as topics that reflect ASCLA’s expertise and are valuable for all types of libraries, librarians and library support staff across the profession, as well as our core member groups of state library agencies, library consultants, libraries serving people with disabilities, consumer health libraries, prison libraries and library cooperatives.

Proposal topics for courses and webinars may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • ADA updates for libraries
  • Assessing accessibility knowledge
  • Benchmarks and evaluation measures
  • Budgeting basics for the first time manager
  • Collaborative digitization
  • Correctional libraries and Adult programming
  • Correctional/prison librarianship 101: covering the basics of a successful prison/jail library
  • Data analysis and assessment
  • Dealing with learning disabilities
  • Designing effective surveys
  • Download training for patrons who use accessibility tools like screen readers
  • E-books and cooperatives
  • Emerging technologies for those with special needs, including apps and iPads
  • Evaluating and improving cooperative services
  • Evaluation content analysis
  • Future trends in library service
  • Grants: how to find grant funding and write your proposal
  • Group purchasing
  • Health literacy
  • How to be a consultant
  • How to be a futurist
  • How to deliver online training
  • How to hire a library consultant
  • Innovations in library service
  • Innovative services for an aging population
  • Law librarianship for correctional librarians
  • Library cooperatives: managing and improving services
  • Low-literacy adults
  • Marketing library services to special needs populations
  • Marketing on a shoestring budget
  • Navigating book selection sources
  • Nonprofit leadership
  • Outcomes-based education
  • Outreach skills training
  • Outreach to visually or physically handicapped populations
  • Partnering with community organizations
  • Recognizing great service in member libraries
  • Seeking grants for consultancy work
  • Serving library patrons with cognitive or mental impairments
  • Standards and guidelines to improve library services
  • Technology trends for special needs populations
  • Training staff to serve library users with disabilities, and raising awareness of this important population
  • Utilizing focus groups to prioritize services to the disabled
  • Working with refugees

Webinar presenters and online learning instructors are compensated for their work and will receive training and support for Adobe Connect, the webinar technology platform used by the division, and Moodle, the online tool used for courses. Review current online offerings for more information. More information about the submission process is here. Submit a webinar proposal or online course proposal by Friday, December 2, 2016.

About ASCLA
The Association for Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) is the premiere destination for ALA members to find information and build capacity to serve populations that are served by state library agencies, specialized libraries, library cooperatives and library consultants. ASCLA enhances the effectiveness of library service by advocating for and providing high quality networking, enrichment and educational opportunities for its diverse members.

Have questions about submissions or about ASCLA’s online learning programs? Jennifer Cross, Web Services Manager, ASCLA has the answers. Email her today.

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Message from ASCLA President, Michael Golrick

Dear ASCLA Members,

I invite you to volunteer for one of ASCLA’s committees or interest groups – we are still seeking volunteers for this year (2016-2017) to fill out our committees.

If you are not yet a member of any of our committees, please join by sending a note to the ASCLA office, ascla@ala.org stating which committee(s) you’re interested in. They will assist me to appoint you to committees that you have an interest in or affinity for, or suggest some that you might be interested in.  I will be appointing the committees for 2016 through June 30, 2017.  Tell us about your experience and why you can be of help to these groups in your note.

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:

  • Member expertise on accessibility and diversity for ALA committees and work groups, such as the Advocacy Coordinating Group and the Working Group on Digital Content and Libraries
  • Standards and guidelines, such as those for libraries serving the blind and physically handicapped and for state library agencies
  • Outstanding conference programming
  • A great member newsletter
  • Assistance vetting online learning opportunities of value to ASCLA members
  • Special recognition of people and library services such as awards for specialized library services for people with disabilities or the homebound.

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.

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

Best Wishes,

Michael Golrick
ASCLA President
michael.golrick@gmail.com

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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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Call for ASCLA Online Learning Proposals!

Submit by March 8, 2016 

Access the online course submission form here.

Download this PDF of the online course form to help you prepare your submission.

ASCLA invites ALA members who are subject matter experts and experienced librarians with knowledge of interest to ASCLA members, to submit proposals for ASCLA online learning to be presented between April 2016 and August 2016, as a part of ASCLA’s outstanding online learning offerings. See the list of suggested hot topics below. All proposals must be submitted electronically.

ASCLA members include, but are not limited to: 

  • Library staff providing services to special populations, including library users with disabilities and adults and youth who are incarcerated or detained
  • Independent librarians and consultants
  • State libraries and their employees
  • Public libraries serving or working with the populations above
  • Library networks and cooperatives

What courses are we currently offering? Check them out at the ASCLA online learning webpage.
Webinar presenters and online learning instructors are compensated for their work and will receive training and support for Adobe Connect, the webinar technology platform used by the division.

Proposal topics for courses and webinars may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • ADA updates for libraries
  • Assessing accessibility knowledge
  • Basics and best practices for prison/jail libraries
  • Basics of running a hospital/medical library
  • Benchmarks and evaluation
  • Budgeting for the first time manager
  • Collaborative digitization
  • Adult programming in correctional libraries
  • Correctional/prison librarianship 101
  • Creating training for patrons who use accessibility tools
  • Data analysis and assessment
  • Designing effective surveys
  • E-books and cooperatives –  best practices
  • Future trends in library service
  • Grants: how to find grant funding and write your proposal
  • Helping library users with learning disabilities
  • How to be a consultant
  • How to be a futurist
  • How to deliver online training
  • How to hire a library consultant
  • Innovative service ideas for library cooperatives
  • Law librarianship for correctional librarians
  • Library cooperatives: basics of managing services
  • Low-literacy adults
  • Marketing library services to special needs populations
  • Marketing on a shoestring budget
  • Mobile and emerging technologies for those with special needs, including apps and ipads
  • Nonprofit leadership
  • Outcomes-based education
  • Outreach to visually or physically handicapped populations
  • Partnering with community organizations
  • Serving library patrons with cognitive or mental impairments
  • Standards and guidelines to improve library services
  • Training staff to serve library users with disabilities
  • Utilizing focus groups to prioritize services for people with disabilities
  • Working with refugees

Questions about submissions or about ASCLA’s online learning programs should be sent to Andrea Hill, ASCLA web manager and primary online learning contact at ahill@ala.org

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Deadline extended: Call for ASCLA online learning proposals: October 16, 2015

ASCLA invites subject matter experts and experienced librarians with knowledge to share to submit proposals for ASCLA webinars and online courses to be presented between November 2015 and August 2016 as a part of ASCLA’s outstanding online learning offerings. See the list of suggested hot topics below.

ASCLA welcomes proposals on topics that will assist our diverse membership in improved service delivery and job performance, as well as topics that reflect ASCLA’s expertise and are valuable for all types of libraries, librarians and library support staff across the profession.

Proposals will be accepted through October 16, 2015 Approved webinars and online courses will launch starting November 2015 through August 2016.

What are we currently offering as webinars and online courses? Check them out at the ASCLA website. More information about the submission process and ASCLA’s online learning offerings is at the ASCLA website under the Online Learning section.

Webinar presenters and online learning instructors are compensated for their work ($150 to be split among webinar presenters; a development fee and per student rate for online courses) and will receive training and support for Adobe Connect, the webinar technology platform used by the division, and Moodle, the online tool used for courses.

Successful online learning proposals will:

  • Show plans for content and presentation strategies that will fill the allotted time: 60-75 minutes for webinars, and 4-6 weeks for courses;
  • Identify clear learning outcomes for participants;
  • Clearly illustrate the qualifications of the presenter(s)/instructor(s) with respect to the proposed topic;
  • IMPORTANT: Show how the presentation addresses a topic either of interest to ASCLA members or represents an area of ASCLA’s expertise that benefits other types of librarians. Proposals that are unique from other available online learning offerings are also highly valued.

Proposal topics for courses and webinars may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • ADA updates for libraries
  • Correctional libraries and Adult programming
  • Assessing accessibility knowledge
  • Benchmarks and evaluation measures
  • Budgeting how-to’s for the first time manage
  • Collaborative digitization
  • Correctional/prison librarianship 101: covering the basics of a good prison/jail library
  • Data analysis and assessment
  • Dealing with learning disabilities
  • Designing effective surveys
  • Download training for patrons who use accessibility tools like screen readers
  • E-books and cooperatives
  • Emerging technologies for those with special needs, including apps and ipads
  • Evaluating and improving cooperative services
  • Evaluation content analysis
  • Future trends in library service
  • Grants: how to find grant funding and write your proposal
  • Group purchasing
  • Health literacy
  • How to be a consultant
  • How to be a futurist
  • How to deliver online training
  • How to hire a library consultant
  • Innovations in library service
  • Innovative services for an aging population
  • Law librarianship for correctional librarians
  • Library cooperatives: managing and improving services
  • Low-literacy adults
  • Marketing library services to special needs populations
  • Marketing on a shoestring budget
  • Navigating book selection sources
  • Nonprofit leadership
  • Outcomes-based education
  • Outreach skills training
  • Outreach to visually or physically handicapped populations
  • Partnering with community organizations
  • Recognizing great service in member libraries
  • Seeking grants for consultancy work
  • Serving library patrons with cognitive or mental impairments
  • Standards and guidelines to improve library services to people with disabilities or people who are incarcerated
  • Technology trends for special needs populations
  • Training staff to serve library users with disabilities, and raising awareness of this important population
  • Utilizing focus groups to prioritize services to the disabled
  • Working with refugees.

Questions about submissions or about ASCLA’s online learning programs should be sent to Andrea Hill, ASCLA web manager and primary online learning contact at ahill@ala.org.

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ASCLA is now accepting nominations for its 2016 awards!

ASCLA recognizes projects focused on library services to people with disabilities; the advancement of library services for the blind and physically handicapped; exceptional achievement in extension and outreach services; exemplary leadership and achievement in consulting, state library services and library cooperatives; and service to ASCLA. Read more here: http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2015/09/ascla-now-accepting-nominations-its-2016-awards