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Virtual Convergence: submission deadline extended to Monday, Sept. 20

The submission deadline has been extended to Monday, Sept. 20, for proposals for the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies’ (ASCLA) 2011 Virtual Convergence—a series of professional development webinars that will be held in January 2011 immediately following the ALA 2011 Midwinter Meeting.

The Virtual Convergence is an inaugural webinar series presented by ASCLA on topics of interest to both ASCLA members and the broader library community. It offers librarians, library staff and library supporters of all types an opportunity to, for one week, focus on acquiring important knowledge that will enhance and improve workplace performance and effectiveness. The event will be held from Tuesday, Jan. 18 through Friday, Jan. 21, with webinars scheduled throughout the day. The division currently seeks proposals for these sessions. Proposals may be submitted directly by presenters or, similar to the conference planning process, may be submitted by member volunteers who will coordinate presenter recruitment and/or facilitate a panel of speakers.

Successful proposals will:

  • Show plans for presentations that fit within the 90-minute session blocks, including at least 15 minutes for Q&A.
  • 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. This may include but is not limited to: financial management; strategic planning; grant writing; services to special populations including the blind, deaf and hard of hearing and the incarcerated; and library consulting. Past topics addressed by ASCLA programming are listed in the ASCLA @ Annual 2010 guide, as well as the version of the guide that covers 2009 Annual Conference programming.
  • Include an outline of the points the presentation will cover.
  • Outline the audiences that will be interested in this topic.
  • Include a description of the presenter and his/her relevant experience, e.g. education, job history, that illustrates their expertise in the proposed topic area.

Proposals must be submitted using the online submission form no later than close of business on Monday, Sept. 20, 2010. Presenters for accepted proposals will receive compensation for their time and will also receive training for the webinar software. Questions about ASCLA or the Convergence can be directed to Liz Markel, ASCLA marketing specialist, or Susan Hornung, ASCLA executive director at lmarkel@ala.org and shornung@ala.org, respectively.

More information about the Virtual Convergence schedule, registration rates and other event details will be posted on the ASCLA blog and ASCLA website in mid-October, 2010.

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Call for proposals for ASCLA online professional development series

ASCLA seeks proposals for presentations for its 2011 Virtual Convergence—a series of professional development webinars that will be held in January 2011 immediately following the ALA 2011 Midwinter Meeting.

The Virtual Convergence is an opportunity for librarians to kick off 2011 with an intensive professional development opportunity they can conveniently pursue from the comfort of their hometown. The Convergence will offer webinars throughout the day from Tuesday, Jan. 18 through Friday, Jan. 21, that are open to all interested librarians, library staff and library supporters. ASCLA is currently seeking proposals for those webinar sessions.

Successful proposals will:

  • Show plans for presentations that fit within the 90-minute session blocks, including at least 15 minutes for Q&A.
  • 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. This may include but is not limited to: financial management; strategic planning; grant writing; services to special populations including the blind, deaf and hard of hearing and the incarcerated; and library consulting. Past topics addressed by ASCLA programming are listed in the ASCLA @ Annual 2010 guide (PDF), as well as the version of the guide that covers 2009 Annual Conference programming (PDF).
  • Include an outline of the points the presentation will cover.
  • Outline the audiences that will be interested in this topic.
  • Include a description of the presenter and their relevant experience, e.g. education, job history, that illustrates their expertise in the proposed topic area.

Proposals may be submitted using the online submission form no later than close of business on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010. Presenters for accepted proposals will receive compensation for their time and will also receive training for the webinar software. Questions about ASCLA or the Convergence can be directed to Liz Markel, ASCLA marketing specialist or Susan Hornung, ASCLA executive director at lmarkel@ala.org and shornung@ala.org, respectively.

More information about the Virtual Convergence schedule, registration rates and other event details will be posted on the ASCLA blog and ASCLA website in mid-October, 2010.

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Submissions sought for ASCLA newsletter, August 2 deadline

The August 2, 2010 submission deadline for the Summer 2010 issue of Interface, the quarterly newsletter of the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), is fast approaching, and potential contributors are encouraged to submit their articles promptly to the ASCLA office.

The theme for the Summer 2010 issue is services to special populations. ASCLA is the home to librarians serving special populations that include incarcerated youth and adults; the blind, deaf and hard of hearing; and other groups needing special accommodations for library services. Descriptions of programs, letters to the editor or any other ideas for articles that relate to the theme are welcome. ASCLA also welcomes contributions related to post-ALA Annual Conference wrap-up surrounding ASCLA events and/or programming relevant to our membership (special populations librarians; those affiliated with state libraries; networks, cooperatives and consortia; and independent library consultants). Contributors do not need to be ASCLA members.

Submissions must be e-mailed to Liz Markel, ASCLA marketing specialist and interim newsletter editor, [ lmarkel AT ala DOT org], as attached MSWord documents. Those submitting articles should provide their full contact information with their submission, including name, title and affiliation, phone number and e-mail address.

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ASCLA newsletter editor: application deadline extended to Jun. 11

The deadline for applications for the ASCLA Interface editor position has been extended to June 11. Keep reading for details on the position, its benefits and how to apply.

ASCLA seeks an editor for its quarterly online membership journal, Interface. Interface serves as the primary source of information and communication between ASCLA and the library and user community and reaches ASCLA’s 1,000 members each quarter. Guided by ASCLA editorial policy, the editor is responsible for the content, format and timely online publication of Interface.

Compensation of up to $1,000 annually will be provided to cover travel to conferences. In addition, the Interface editor receives complimentary registration for both conferences and VIP early registration for hotels.

The deadline for application is June 11, 2010 and it is anticipated that a candidate will be selected by July 1. A job description is posted below.

Applicants should email a resume and cover letter summarizing their editorial philosophy, two to four samples of written work or editorial activities and two letters of reference addressing qualifications to: Susan Hornung, Executive Director, ASCLA, at shornung@ala.org.

The two-year appointment as Interface editor will begin at the end of ALA Annual Conference 2010 and end at the conclusion of the Annual Conference in 2012. The term is renewable upon approval of the ASCLA Board. Applicants should have a strong overall knowledge of the association and its goals and have an interest in and knowledge of issues relevant to ASCLA members. Applicants must have written and published articles and/or have demonstrated editorial experience. Preferred applicants will have experience or familiarity with the technical and editorial issues associated with electronic and Web publishing and knowledge of emerging technologies in this publishing format.

Job Description: ASCLA Interface Editor

Reports to: ASCLA Board

Term: 2-year appointment, beginning at the end of ALA Annual Conference 2010 and ending at the end of the Annual Conference in 2012. Term is renewable upon approval of the ASCLA Board.

Summary of Position:

  • Interface is the official serial publication of the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies, a division of the American Library Association.
  • Interface serves as the primary communication channel between ASCLA and the library and user community.
  • Guided by ASCLA editorial policy, the editor is responsible for the content, format and timely publication of Interface and will prepare an annual plan indicating areas expected to be addressed in quarterly issues.
  • The Publications Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the editor and develops guidelines to assist the editor.
  • Editorial policies are approved by the ASCLA Board.

Specific Responsibilities

  • Establish a theme for each quarterly issue of Interface, based on regular communication with ASCLA members, section leaders, Board, committees, and staff, breaking news, and activities of interest.
  • Invite articles related to the theme, through personal invitation to a few key authors and through general announcement using the ASCLA listservs and others as appropriate.
  • Gather articles for quarterly publication, following the annual schedule determined by the ASCLA Executive Director.
  • Establish a schedule of routine items that are expected to appear in each quarterly issue and solicit the required information from ASCLA members and staff following the schedule (ASCLA awards, actions of the Board, conference programs and activities, election results, committee appointments, president’s letter etc.)
  • Work closely with the ASCLA office to incorporate articles submitted by staff.
  • Edit articles for content, style, and correct grammatical usage, consulting with other experts as needed. The ASCLA Publications Committee serves as an unofficial editorial board, and section leaders and ASCLA Board members are always willing to provide advice and counsel.
  • Prepare articles by formatting each within style and layout guidelines provided by the ASCLA office.
  • Prepare each issue for posting to the ASCLA website and submit files via e-mail to the ASCLA office.
  • Collect signed copyright release forms from each author.
  • Attend ASCLA Board meetings as non-voting ex-officio member at ALA Annual Conference and Midwinter Meetings, and attend as many section and committee meetings, programs, and other ASCLA-related events as possible.
  • Recruit new advertising and work with continuing advertisers to renew and update ads each year. Keep track of invoicing and submit advertising checks to the ASCLA office.
  • Periodically, survey members to determine their satisfaction with Interface and elicit ideas for improvement.
  • Occasionally handle requests for republication and resolve problems.

Honoraria: ASCLA contributes $1,000 per year to help offset the conference expenses of the Interface editor. In addition the Interface editor receives complimentary registration for both conferences and VIP early registration for hotels, and a complimentary one year ASCLA membership.

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ALA Diversity and Outreach Fair @ Annual – Application Deadline Approaching

The deadline for the 2010 Diversity and Outreach Fair is rapidly approaching. This popular event will be held on Saturday, June 26, 2010, during the ALA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.

Applications will be accepted through Friday, April 16.

Sponsored generously by DEMCO and coordinated by the ALA Office for Literacy and Outreach Services, the Diversity and Outreach Fair provides an opportunity for libraries and member groups to share their successful diversity and outreach initiatives with ALA Annual Conference attendees.  The Fair celebrates examples of diversity in American libraries and demonstrates possibilities for libraries seeking “diversity in action” ideas.  Selected applicants will have the opportunity to present posters and converse with conference attendees about their diversity initiatives.

In honor of the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities act, this year’s fair will celebrate accessible library services for all patrons and highlight innovative services to underserved communities. Additional available topics include services to underserved or underrepresented communities and mobile library services.

For more information, and to apply, please visit www.ala.org/divfair.

Questions about the Diversity and Outreach Fair? Contact John Amundsen, OLOS Communications Specialist, at 312.280.2140, or email jamundsen@ala.org.

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2010 ASCLA Century Scholarship funds education for library students with disabilities

Library and information science students with access needs are encouraged to apply for the 2010 ASCLA Century Scholarship, a one-time $2,500 award funding necessary services or accommodations to enable the winner to complete a master’s or doctoral program in the field.

The scholarship is an initiative of ASCLA, the Library Service to Special Populations Section (LSSPS) of ASCLA and the Library Service to People with Visual or Physical Disabilities Forum and was established in 2000 through the generosity of an anonymous donor. It fulfills ALA’s mission to cultivate a field of library professionals that more accurately reflects the diversity of the communities and populations it serves. All LIS graduate students—including veterans—with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must have been accepted to an ALA-accredited graduate program, be a U.S. or Canadian citizen and be able to provide documentation of his or her access need (“disability”). Interested students should complete the online scholarship application, including submission of a personal statement, letters of reference and transcripts. Questions about the online application process can be directed to the ALA Scholarship Clearinghouse at scholarships@ala.org or 1(800) 545-2433 ext. 4279. Appropriate medical documentation should be sent to Liz Markel, ASCLA Marketing Specialist at ASCLA, ATTN: Century Scholarship, 50 E. Huron Street, Chicago, IL, 60611. All scholarship application materials including medical documentation must be received by March 1, and only complete applications will be considered.

The 2010 scholarship will be presented to the winner as a part of ASCLA events at the ALA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., June 24-29, 2010. More information about the scholarship and other ASCLA awards is available at the ASCLA awards webpage.

The ASCLA Century Scholarship continues to thrive because of the financial support of generous donors both inside and outside of ASCLA. Contributions to the scholarship fund can be made online at the giveALA page—find the scholarship under “Divisions and Offices.” Questions should be directed to the ALA Development Office at development@ala.org or (312) 280-3259.

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Nomination period open for ASCLA disability services award

ASCLA seeks nominations for the 2010 ASCLA/KLAS/NOD Award.

Sponsored by ASCLA, the National Organization on Disability (NOD) and Keystone Systems, Inc., this award recognizes an innovative and well-organized project that 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 its total services more accessible through changing physical and/or attitudinal barriers. The winner receives $1,000 and a citation provided by Keystone Systems, Inc..

Those interested in submitting a nomination can download the award nomination form from the awards section of the ASCLA website or request the form from Liz Markel, ASCLA Marketing Specialist, via e-mail at lmarkel@ala.org. All nominations must be received by Jan. 11, 2010.

Margaret Kolaya, director, Scotch Plains Public Library (N.J.) and Daniel Weiss, director, Fanwood Memorial Library (N.J.) developed the project “Libraries and Autism: We’re Connected,” which was selected as the 2009 award winner. Other recent award recipients have included the Braille Institute of Library Services, Los Angeles (2007) for its Telephone Reader Program; the Skokie Public Library (Ill.), Youth Services Department (2006) for its efforts to educate library staff about children with special needs, offer programming for these children and their families and present disabilities awareness programs for the general public; Johnson County Library, Shawnee Mission (Kan.) for its “Literature for the Learning Disabled Adult” program (2005); and the Ward M. Canaday Center for Special Collections, University of Toledo (2004), for its Regional Disability History Archive Project.

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ASCLA accepting nominations for 2010 service, leadership, achievement awards

ASCLA is now accepting nominations for the Leadership and Professional Achievement Award, the Exceptional Service Award and the Cathleen Bourdon Service Award for 2010.

These three awards recognize accomplishments in the following areas:

Cooperative, Consulting, Multi-type and State Library Services

The Leadership and Professional Achievement Award is presented to one or more ASCLA members exemplifying leadership and achievement in the following areas: consulting, multitype library cooperation, networking, statewide service and programs and state library development.

Extension and Outreach Services

The Exceptional Service Award recognizes exceptional service to patients in a medical facility, to persons who are homebound, to inmates, to older adults and to adults with a physical or mental disability who live in group homes or residences, as well as to recognize professional leadership, effective interpretation of programs, pioneering activity and significant research.

Service to ASCLA

The Cathleen Bourdon Service Award is presented to an ASCLA personal member for exceptional service and sustained leadership to the division. This includes participation in activities that have enhanced the stature, reputation and overall strength of ASCLA and have also cultivated the division’s relationship with other appropriate organizations, institutions or governmental agencies.

Those interested in submitting a nomination can download the award nomination form from the awards section of the ASCLA website or request the form from Liz Markel, ASCLA Marketing Specialist, via e-mail at lmarkel@ala.org. All nominations must be received by Jan. 11, 2010.

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Nominations accepted until Dec. 15 for ASCLA award recognizing library service to blind and physically handicapped

ASCLA seeks nominees for its annual Francis Joseph Campbell Award, which recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of library service for the blind and physically handicapped.

The award, which consists of a citation and a medal, is named for Sir Francis Joseph Campbell, the co-founder of the Royal National College for the Blind (United Kingdom). In the spirit of Campbell’s contributions to education for the blind and visually impaired, award winners are selected for their notable and important contributions to advancing the quality and availability of library services for the blind and physically handicapped communities. Contributions 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 other activity of recognized importance.

In 2009, Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood won the Campbell award for his outstanding efforts as a  champion and advocate for the funding and support of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLSBPH) in its transition from analog to digital talking book technology. His background as an educator has contributed to his strong endorsement of full funding for this transition, and he was cited in particular for his diligent advocacy in this area, which underscores the ideal that all may read and ensures equal library access and services for all Americans with print disabilities.

Those interested in submitting a nomination should download the nomination form and submit it to Jill Lewis, award committee co-chair per the instructions on the form. The deadline for all submissions is Dec. 15, 2010. The winner will be announced in the spring of 2010, with the award to be presented at the ALA Annual Conference, June 24-29, 2010 in Washington, D.C.

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Great Stories CLUB now accepting applications

Connect troubled teens with the power of reading with a Great Stories CLUB reading and discussion series. The ALA Public Programs Office and YALSA are now accepting online applications through November 2 for the next round of Great Stories CLUB grants at www.ala.org/greatstories. Funding was provided for this program by Oprah’s Angel Network.

The Great Stories CLUB (Connecting Libraries, Underserved teens and Books) is a book club program designed to reach underserved, troubled teen populations through books that are relevant to their lives. Feedback from libraries that have held past Great Stories CLUB reading and discussion series has been consistently positive:

• “Students had an overwhelmingly positive response to the program. For several of the students this was the first novel they had ever read in its entirety.” – Highland High School, Albuquerque, N.M. (partnered with Teenagers Encountering and Embracing New Solutions (T.E.E.N.S.), a Title I funded program that provides support to homeless adolescents)
• “The importance of being able to offer something that the resident can choose to participate in and keep after the program ends cannot be underestimated in a facility where residents don’t wear their own clothes, or choose when and what they eat.” – Platte Valley Youth Service Center Library, Greeley, Colo.
• “…working with the boys continues to be one of the most rewarding experiences of our careers. It is remarkable to listen to these young men share their insights, feelings and experiences as we discuss a book. We have watched them become active library users and we hope that they will continue to see the value and importance of libraries throughout their lives.” – Vernon Area Public Library, Lincolnshire, Ill. (partnered with Depke Juvenile Justice Complex)

All types of libraries (public, school, academic and special) located within or working in partnership with facilities serving troubled teens in the United States and its territories are eligible to apply for a Great Stories CLUB grant. Potential organizations for Great Stories CLUB partnership include juvenile justice facilities, drug rehabilitation centers, nonprofits serving teen parents, alternative high schools, agencies serving teenaged foster children, shelters serving homeless and runaway youth and other agencies. For tips on creating a partnership, visit www.ala.org/greatstories.

Following the application process, 265 libraries will be selected to develop a book discussion program for troubled teens based on the three theme-related titles and will be given copies of the books to share with participants. Participating libraries will also receive access to an online toolkit to support the program, including sample discussion questions, recommended titles for further reading and other resources. Small cash grants ($100-$200) will be awarded to up to 50 sites for the support of program-related expenses.

For more information on the Great Stories CLUB, including guidelines, book titles and descriptions, application instructions and feedback from past participants, visit www.ala.org/greatstories.