ATTN Travelers: Join ASCLA in Ireland 2018

Dunmore-Head-and-Blasket-IslandsPack your bags for this seven night, grand literary and history tour of Ireland, May 10-17, 2018 with the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), a division of the American Library Association.

This seven night’s themed tour of Ireland focuses on the highlights of this diverse and majestic country. From the capital city of Dublin, home of many famous libraries and writers, to the countryside of the Southwest, this is Ireland at its most intriguing and fascinating. History, world famous writers, music and epic scenery will be taken in each day to delight and wonder the visitor to this ancient and wildly beautiful country. Trip includes accommodations in four cities, transportation between cities, seven meals, a tour of Wicklow Moutnains and James Joyce’s Tower, tour of the Rock of Cashel, boat trip to the Blasket Islands, tour of Kerry’s Writers Museum and much more!

See the interactive itinerary or view in PDF format*. Additional details:

  • Cost*: $2250 per person for double occupancy (single supplement +$500).
  • Airfare and travel insurance not included, but can be provided upon request.
  • Gratuities not included.
  • $500 per person non-refundable deposit due at time of booking (but not before August 2017).
  • There is a maximum of 10 of single supplement fares available, please inquire at time of booking. Room sharing is available and encouraged, but not guaranteed; otherwise the single supplement applies.
  • Trips are open to the public; membership to ALA and/or ASCLA is not required.

Terms and Conditions*: Although unlikely we reserve the right to alter the itinerary or change hotels if required. Once deposit its taken it is not refundable. Participants must be in good health and able to walk long distances in order to participate in the itinerary. Booking this itinerary means you comply and agree you are in good physical condition to participate as if not you may not be able to be accommodated during the trip for portions of the itinerary.

Reservations/Questions: please contact Deb Gisby, 847-579-9898 at Frosch or email deb.gisby@frosch.com.

*subject to change

About ASCLA
ASCLA offers an international fundraising trip annually open to its members and general public. Previous trips include: Scotland, The Netherlands and Belgium, French and Italian Riviera, Madrid and Italy. Mark your calendars – we will be traveling to Greece in the spring of 2019.

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.

Call for nominations: ASCLA’s Achievement and Recognition awards

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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.

Seeking Beta Testers – AccessAbility Academy module

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Greetings ASCLA Members,

We’ve been pleased with the response to the first ASCLA AccessAbility Academy module, Positive Interactions: Making the Library a Welcoming and Empowering Place for People with Disabilities http://www.ala.org/ascla/online-learning/accessibility-academy. You’ll be happy to know that ASCLA is now developing a second module focused on libraries and meeting the needs of people with mental illness.

Right now, we’re seeking a small group of “beta testers” who would be interested in attending and providing feedback during a free, preview version of a webinar for the module. The webinar is scheduled for December 2, 2016 from 11 AM (Central Time Zone) until 12:30 PM.

We will be limiting this beta tester group to 20 people. If you are interested in attending and sharing feedback during this session, please email Brenda Hough at bckhough@gmail.com and let her know.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best Wishes,

Susan Hornung
Executive Director, ASCLA/RUSA

American Library Association
50 East Huron
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (800) 545-2433 x4395
Direct:  (312) 280-4395
Fax: (312) 280-5273
Email: shornung@ala.org
ALA: www.ala.org
ASCLA: www.ala.org/ascla
RUSA: www.ala.org/rusa

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

Annual Fundraising Trip: Tulip Time 2017!

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Welkom!

The Netherlands & Belgium Tulip Time River Cruise
April 3 – April 10, 2017

A cruise ship slowly meandering along the rivers and canals is just the right pace to explore the Netherlands and Belgium in comfort! Sitting on the deck of a ship under brilliant blue skies, you can take in the windmills, tulip farms, castles, and picturesque sights in the villages. Walk down the ramp and you have all the features of a once in a life-time vacation — restaurants, bars, windmills, biking, walking tours, museums, chocolate tastings, etc. Enjoy a 7-night river cruise through The Netherlands & Belgium in the spring, traveling round trip from Amsterdam. Travelers will arrive in Amsterdam on April 3 and explore the city. Depart the U.S. on April 2, 2017, arrive on an overnight flight on April 3, 2017 for this AMA Waterways trip of a lifetime! See a complete, detailed itinerary and more information here.

Cost: Stateroom prices start from $2,349. 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. 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.

Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of twin price; AA+ & Suites 100% of twin price. Please see terms below for details.
Bedding: Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking. Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).
Insurance: Insurance is extra, quoted separately to include all expenses including air.

Note: Add on pre-cruise options are available if you want to arrive early (traveling one day early is recommended always in case of flight issues). Accommodations can be arranged in this instance by contacting Deb Gisby, 847-579-9898 at Frosch or emailing deb.gisby@frosch.com.

Reservations/Questions: please contact Deb Gisby, 847-579-9898 at Frosch or email deb.gisby@frosch.comDates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.

Terms & Conditions: All rates are per person for cruise only, based on double occupancy in a base category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Offers are combinable with AmaWaterways’ Past Passenger Privilege Program and Onboard Future Cruise Benefit Program. Offers are not combinable with any other promotions, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change/termination without notice. Port charges, land programs, round trip airfare, and gratuities are additional. Other restrictions apply.

This fundraising trip is hosted by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies, (ASCLA) a division of the American Library Association, (ALA). This adventure is open to the library community and their family and friends. There are no membership requirements in order to participate. So come along and travel the world with us!

ASCLA offering eCourse on Captioning Instructional Videos

Beginning Monday, August 1, 2016, the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) will offer a four-week course on creating and synchronizing captions for library instructional videos for patrons who are deaf or hearing impaired.

Watch the promo video here:

 

Retired librarian and longtime universal access advocate, Kate Todd, will introduce participants to some free tools to use for composing useful and meaningful captions, script preparation and video creation. Participants will be able to discuss usefulness and importance of providing this type of access to instructional videos to patrons who are deaf or hearing impaired.

Librarians and library staff in public, school, academic and/or special libraries will benefit from this course, which supports ASCLA’s mission for libraries serving special populations, including users with disabilities. More information on this course can be found here.

Registration costs are $130 for ASCLA members; $175 for ALA members; $210 for non-ALA members; $100 for student members and retired members. You can register here.

Kathleen Peiffer offers a fond farewell to ASCLA membership

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Dear ASCLA members:

At the end of Annual Conference I concluded my three year term as president elect/ president/past president. I want to thank everyone in the association, as well as the ASCLA office staff, for their support, friendship and willingness to serve the association in so many ways.

Our association continues to grow; however, I hope that we never get so large that members feel “lost”. There is still plenty of work to be done to keep our division “small but mighty”!

Please offer the new ASCLA president, Michael Golrick, your time and talent. We will all be richer for it.

Kathleen Peiffer
State Librarian
New Mexico State Library
Santa Fe, New Mexico