ASCLA/FAFLRT Merger Voted to Move Forward

two puzzle pieces going together to signify mergerThe Federal and Armed Forces Libraries Round Table (FAFLRT) of the American Library Association (ALA) voted to proceed with merging with the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) division of ALA in the spring 2017 election.

“Our [FAFLRT] diminishing membership has made it difficult for us to ensure representation on affiliated groups and have robust programs and services for federal and armed forces librarians”, said Karl Debus-Lopez, FAFLRT President. “This merger with ASCLA will provide our members with more networking and educational opportunities, access to more financial resources and a dedicated staff provided by ALA; The missions of FAFLRT and ASCLA are closely aligned and there will be the opportunity to create interest group(s) that reflect the needs of federal and armed forces librarians”.

“With such compatible missions and some overlapping membership, the merger makes sense”, said Michael Golrick, ASCLA President. “We’re very excited and confident that we will bring together the strengths of both memberships and let our voices be heard for specialized libraries”.

The merger will allow for a bigger and guaranteed voice in ALA policy setting and an increased presence within ALA, greater ability to advocate for needs of specialized libraries and agencies and staff assistance to allow more programming and career development activities through online learning as well as ability for more robust offering of programming at ALA’s conferences with the assistance of staff. Once finalized, the merger will result in the addition of up to ~300 new members to ASCLA’s current ~800 members.

FAFLRT promotes library and information service and the library and information profession in the federal and armed forces communities; Encourages appropriate utilization of federal and armed forces library and information resources and facilities; and provides an environment for the stimulation of research and development relating to the planning, development, and operation of federal and armed forces libraries. FAFLRT is a supportive network for professional growth and advancement and a focal point for discussion of key information management and technology issues of federal and armed forces libraries.

ASCLA is the premier destination for 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.

ASCLA’s 2017 Nominees

Vote on keyboardASCLA is very happy to announce the candidates standing for office for the division and sections in 2017. Thanks very much to those willing to volunteer their time, energy and skills for ASCLA – the smallest but mightiest division of ALA! The 2017 elections opened on March 13, 2017 and will close on April 5, 2017. Results will be announced on April 12, 2017. Read all the election details here.

VICE-PRESIDENT/PRESIDENT-ELECT
Tracy Rochow Byerly          MO
Adam Szczepaniak, Jr.        NJ

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE
Lily Sacharow                      NY
Erin Boyington                    CO
Brenda Hough                     KS (if voting for Hough, please write-in her name)

Designated Director, Special Populations
Carrie Scott Banks              NY

Designated Director, Library Consultants
Amy Jane Paget                   IN

Biographies may be found here.

ASCLA and FAFLRT Merger: Open Forum Set

two puzzle pieces going together to signify mergerUpdate: the recording of the 2/14 open forum can be viewed here.

Dear FAFLRT and ASCLA Members,

As you may be aware, last year ASCLA and FAFLRT began holding conversations about merging our two units. The discussions have been very productive, fostering a cordial environment, encouraging collaboration.

FAFLRT is moving the process further by having their members vote on the merger during the 2017 ALA Elections.

Before the referendum occurs, we want to hold an open forum for members of both organizations to learn about our two groups. This forum will be online, via Adobe Connect, and will feature the presidents of both ALA units. They will provide information about both organizations, give a synopsis of the current situation, outline what a merged unit would look like, and discuss future steps.

Most important is that this will offer an opportunity for you, members of both units, to ask questions and offer feedback.

Here are the details for the forum:

Date: Tuesday, February 14.
Time: 3:00pm EST/2:00pm CST/ 1:00 MST/ 12:00pm PST
PowerPoint Presentation: FAFLRT and ASCLA Proposed Merger_2-13-17. 
Link to log join: https://ala.adobeconnect.com/r6ybsqkoo25/

If you want to join the forum via phone, call:
1-866-718-7314
Participant Code: 91920045#

Also, we want to give people a chance to ask questions anonymously. You may do so by using the Google form linked here: http://bit.ly/2kqWq48. We will attempt to answer as many questions as possible during the time allotted.

The merger proposal from ASCLA can be found here: Proposal for Merger of FAFLRT and ASCLA_2-13-17. We encourage members of both units to read through it and also learn about both organizations through their web sites:

ASCLA: http://www.ala.org/ascla/
FAFLRT: http://www.ala.org/faflrt/

Thanks so much for your membership to both organizations. We’re looking forward to speaking with you on the 14th!

Sincerely,

Karl Debus-Lopez
FAFLRT President

Michael Golrick
ASCLA President

Signature ASCLA Events in Atlanta

Greetings ASCLA Members, Colleagues and Friends,  

You might want to attend the following events if you will be in Atlanta:

FRIDAY:
ASCLA/COSLA Happy Hour
Friday, January 20 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Room: Omni Hotels and Resort’s Latitudes Lounge at 100 CNN Center. Bring a friend – everyone is invited. Cash Bar.

SATURDAY:
Board of Directors Meeting I
Saturday, January 21 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Room: Georgia World Congress Center, B316

ASCLA Leadership Session
Saturday, January 21 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Room: Georgia World Congress Center, B316

All Committee & Finance and Planning Meeting 
Saturday, January 21 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM Room: Georgia World Congress Center, A410

MONDAY:
Public Hearing for the Revision of the Standards for Libraries Serving People Who are Blind or Physically Handicapped
Monday, January 23 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Room: Georgia World Congress Center, B214

Board of Directors Meeting II
Monday, January 23 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Room: Georgia World Congress Center, B316

You also might be interested in the following ALA meeting: At 2017 Midwinter Meeting, talk to ALA about accessibility for people with disabilities

I hope to see you all in Atlanta!

Best Wishes,
Susan Hornung
ASCLA/RUSA Executive Director
shornung@ala.org

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.

Midwinter 2017: Kitchen Conversation about Accessibility for People with Disabilities

Dear ASCLA Members,

If you will be in Atlanta at Midwinter 2017, please try to attend this series of conversations on accessibility for people with physical, mobility, visual, auditory or cognitive disabilities. All conference attendees are encouraged to take part, whether or not they use accessible services. More information here.

 You all have a very happy holiday and new year!

Susan Hornung

Executive Director, ASCLA/RUSA

 

Deadline Approaching (12/1) – Travel to The Netherlands & Belgium with ASCLA

Tulips in full bloom on the river in The Netherlands with river boats on the water

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) will be traveling to The Netherlands and Belgium during Tulip Time as their annual fundraiser. Hosted by AMA Waterways, this seven night river cruise from April 3-10, 2017 is one not to be missed! Deadline to book this trip of a lifetime is December 1, 2016. This adventure is open to the library community and their family and friends. There are no membership requirements in order to participate. Come along and travel the world with us!

Travelers will arrive and depart from Amsterdam, a modern city with a rich and fascinating 700-year old history with time to explore its unique and elegant architecture, lively cafés and markets, and vibrant nightlife. Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges and Rotterdam are some of the towns that travelers will be able to explore. A tulip farm, the Royal Palace, the Van Gogh collection at the Kröller Müller Museum, Antwerp Castle in Belgium, Belgian chocolate tasting, guided bike rides, and The Hague, are just a few of the choices travelers may choose to tour during this cruise. A complete, detailed itinerary can be found here.

Cost: Staterooms have sold out. Next cheapest, French Balcony, starts at $3,666 per person, but only one left! 20 meals are included (see itinerary). Nonrefundable deposits are due upon booking – $400 per person. Port charges are $168 per person. These are LAND ONLY prices, airfare is not included (once airfare is purchased, it’s not refundable unless refundable tickets were requested). For single people, room sharing is available; otherwise the Single Supplement applies.

Reserve a space TODAY: For more information on stateroom costs and deck plans, and to book a space on the river cruise, please contact Deb Gisby, 847-579-9898 at Frosch or email deb.gisby@frosch.com.

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. More information about ASCLA can be found at www.ala.org/ascla.