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ASCLA Youth Services Consultants Interest Group seeking members

The Youth Services Consultants Interest Group, a new member group hosted by the Association for Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies, is now online and accepting new members.

Youth services consultants and any state library staff member who works with youth services on a statewide level are encouraged to join this newly-established member-driven group. As a part of this group, members share ideas for statewide programming initiatives such as summer reading. It’s also an opportunity to explore programming and speaker partnerships for neighboring states. In addition to this important networking function, the group has set a goal of having each state youth services consultant develop content for a workshop tailored to meet its state’s specific needs such as setting up a statewide youth services advisory council; exploring the role of youth services librarians in advocacy; or methods for telling your library’s story in local and global communities.

To join the Youth Services Consultants Interest Group, login to ALA Connect, then access the group’s ALA Connect page, then click “JOIN” on the right side. Membership in ASCLA is not required in order to participate in this group, however group leadership positions may only be held by ASCLA membership.

In addition to the Youth Services Consultants Interest Group, ASCLA offers a multitude of groups that relate to the following areas of work: consortium management; collaborative digitization; interlibrary cooperation; physical delivery; independent librarians and consultants; services to people with visual/physical disabilities that prevent them from reading standard print; library services to the incarcerated and detained; universal access; library development for state library agencies; and state library agency LSTA coordinators.

More information about ASCLA’s interest groups can be found on the ASCLA website. New interest groups representing one of ASCLA’s core membership areas are always welcome. To create a group, an ASCLA member must start an e-petition and receive signatures from 10 ASCLA members. E-petitions can be started on the ASCLA website (ALA login required).

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Proposals for webinars: deadline extended to Nov. 21!

We got a lot of awesome submissions for 2012 webinars, but we know there are a few more of you out there who are interested, but perhaps didn’t have the time to send in a submission by the end of October. So, we’re extending the deadline to close of business on Monday, Nov. 21!

You can get the entire scoop on topics, timelines and the proposal process in this blog post: http://ascla.ala.org/blog/2011/10/2012-webinarproposals/

Or, go straight to the submission form: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ascla2012webinars

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ASCLA Seeking Consultant for Online Learning Program: RFP

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), a division of the American Library Association, seeks a consultant for soup-to-nuts development and launch of a comprehensive package of online learning opportunities hosted by ASCLA.

The desired outcome of the project is to develop the framework (including policies, procedures, and templates) to support a long term online continuing education program for ASCLA. The consultant will also advise ASCLA and the ASCLA Online Learning Committee in soliciting presenters and using the framework and templates to launch online offerings in 2012. The estimated project completion date is no later than April 1, 2012.

The consultant will work with the ASCLA staff and the ASCLA Online Learning Committee (AOLC) to develop the framework to support a long-term online continuing education program for ASCLA. The project includes conducting a needs assessment of ALA members’ online learning learning needs specifically pertaining to accessibility issues; developing a framework with procedures for ASCLA to solicit proposals for online learning events; working with the AOLC on a process to review and approve proposals, and identifying key partners and/or creating partnerships.

Applicants may submit their proposal in one of two ways:

  • By e-mail to ASCLA Executive Director Susan Hornung at shornung@ala.org with subject line “RFP/ASCLA” no later than 5:00 PM CT on Monday, October 31, 2011.
  • By mail—submit five complete copies no later than Monday, October 31, 2011, to American Library Association, ATTN: Susan Hornung/ASCLA RFP, 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Proposals not received by the date and time specified may not be considered and will be returned to the sender marked “LATE RESPONSE.” Questions about the proposal should be directed to ASCLA Executive Director Susan Hornung at shornung@ala.org or (800) 545-2433, x4395.

Desired consultant attributes include but are not limited to successful project management experience; a proven track record with developing online educational events; strong organizational and problem-solving skills; and excellent communication skills, especially written. More information is available in the downloadable RFP.

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ASCLA members establish “new” Library Consultant Interest Group

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) welcomes the Library Consultant Interest Group to its list of active member interest groups.

ASCLA also invites independent librarians, library consultants, state library consultants of all types, regional library consultants and any librarians or library staff who help others learn and solve problems to join.

The Library Consultant Interest Group replaces the former Independent Librarians Exchange (ILEX) special interest section of ASCLA. Membership is open to all ALA members; ASCLA membership is required for those interested in leadership positions within the group. The group supports professional development by providing programs, information exchange and networking opportunities of interest to independent librarians, library consultants and others who want to push the boundaries of librarianship.

Several group activities are planned for 2012, including:

  • An open hearing and discussion at the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Dallas about a draft ASCLA Library Consultants Code of Ethics.
  • Two exciting 2012 ALA annual conference programs:
    • “Essential Facilitation: Practical Tools for Guiding Groups” with Interaction Associates, Inc.
    • “Consultants Give Back” where consultants can contribute an hour of free consulting to librarians seeking advice or seek consulting help from the consultants who volunteer their time.
  • Building a collection of helpful resources, tools and discussions for Library Consultant Interest Group members on ALA Connect.
  • Supporting ASCLA development of online learning opportunities re: topics of interest to library consultants (building on the success of ASCLA/ILEX consultant preconferences).

Join the group now by visiting the ASCLA Library Consultants Interest Group ALA Connect page and clicking on the “Join” button. ALA login is required in order to access the interest group page. Use this handy ALA Connect tip sheet (PDF) if you are having difficulty connecting. More information about all of ASCLA’s interest groups is available here. Interested in joining ASCLA? Learn more about member benefits and how to join at the ASCLA website.

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ASCLA seeks proposals for webinars to be held in 2012

ASCLA seeks proposals for webinar presentations for its 2012 series of professional development webinars that will be held throughout the year, from January 2012 through August 2012.

ASCLA webinars are an opportunity for librarians to infuse their year with professional development they can conveniently—and affordably—pursue from the comfort of their home or office. The series, previously known as the Virtual Convergence, will offer webinars throughout the year that are open to all interested librarians, library staff and library supporters.

Successful proposals will:

  • Show plans for presentations that are 60-75 minutes in length.
  • 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; accessibility, grant writing; services to special populations including the blind, deaf and hard of hearing and the incarcerated; state library agencies, library cooperatives, and library consulting.

Proposals may be submitted online here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ascla2012webinars

The deadline for proposals HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO close of business on Monday, October 31, 2011 NOVEMBER 21, 2011. Presenters for accepted proposals will receive compensation for their time and will also receive training for the webinar software. Questions about ASCLA or the webinars 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 webinar schedule, registration rates and other details will be posted on the ASCLA blog and ASCLA website soon.

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What is an Interest Group? Everything you ever wanted to know

What are “Interest Groups”?
Approved by the membership in the 2011 ALA/ASCLA election, interest groups provide a way to easily create a “home” within ASCLA for topics and issues that have an active member base, are specifically of interest to ASCLA members or may be currently underrepresented in the organization. They provide a dynamic system for ASCLA members to form communities around important emerging issues in the profession and to increase opportunities for involvement within the organization. ASCLA interest groups are very fluid and can be quickly formed in response to environmental changes. Interest groups can also consist of any ALA member; they are not restricted to ASCLA members.

What is the process for creating an Interest Group?
Any ASCLA member can propose the creation of an interest group by submitting an e-petition with signatures of 10 ASCLA members. Proposals are reviewed on an ongoing basis by the Interest Group Coordination Committee and the ASCLA Board of Directors, which approves the creation of new interest groups. Go here to create an e-petition (login as an ALA member first): http://www.ala.org/template.cfm?template=/CFApps/epetition/index.cfm.

Additional information on creating ASCLA interest groups, including a link to the e-petition form, can be found on the ASCLA Web site at http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/ascla/asclaourassoc/asclasections/interestgroups/index.cfm

Who can join Interest Groups?
Once an interest group is formed, ASCLA and any ALA member may join by logging into ALA Connect and joining the group – which is listed by title in Connect. Interest groups may include any ALA member – they are not limited to ASCLA members.

Please keep in mind, while you do not have to be an ASCLA member to join an Interest Group, you must be an ASCLA member to lead one.

How does an Interest Group Operate?

  • Interest groups may plan and sponsor programs at conferences, may sponsor pre-conferences, create discussion groups, prepare publications, or carry out other activities with the approval of the Interest Group Coordinating Committee and the Board of Directors.
  • Interest groups establish their own process for nominating and electing their leadership.
  • Interest group leaders must be ASCLA members, however any ALA member may join an ASCLA interest group.
  • No leader shall serve more than four (4) consecutive years in office.
  • Any member of the Association may join as many interest groups as desired by joining the group in ALA Connect.
  • Each Interest Group defines its own functions, subject to the approval of the Interest Group Coordinating Committee
  • Each Interest Group shall manage its own affairs, provided that no interest group shall adopt rules for the transaction of its business inconsistent with those of the Association, or engage in any activity in conflict with the program of the Association.
  • Interest group elections are held during the Midwinter Meeting.
  • Unless otherwise approved by the ASCLA executive director, interest groups will conduct their own elections and not utilize the formal ALA election system.

What are the interest group leader’s responsibilities?
As an Interest Group Leader you will be expected to:

  • Encourage involvement in the Interest Group
  • Ensure that the Interest Group generates discussion topics, articles, programs, projects etc. within the purview of the Interest Group’s charge.
  • Regularly communicate with Interest Group members regarding Interest Group activities as well as initiatives coming from the ASCLA Board, staff, or other interested parties.
  • Communicate with the Interest Group Coordinating Committee. This will include a brief annual report on Interest Group activity. Reports will be posted on the Interest Group site.
  • Communicate with the Interest Group Coordinating Committee if, for any reason, you determine that you are unable to fulfill the responsibility of leading the Interest Group.
  • Notify the ASCLA office of any changes in leadership.
  • Coordinate the overall activities of the interest group and for reporting on group activities.

To find out more about ASCLA Interest Groups, go here: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/ascla/asclaourassoc/asclainterest/index.cfm,

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at ascla@ala.org.

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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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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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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.

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ASCLA seeks proposals for online professional development offerings

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) invites interested instructors and presenters to submit proposals for online professional development courses and webinars.

Topics for online learning proposals might include but are not limited to assistive technology; the fundamentals of serving special populations, including those with autism & spectrum disorders, the deaf and hard of hearing, those with developmental disabilities, mental disabilities, mental illnesses, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, or vision disabilities; children or young adults with disabilities; managing volunteers with disabilities, what trustees need to know about accessibility; the fundamentals of prison/correction facilities librarianship; independent librarianship and consulting;  web accessibility tools; tips for creating accessible websites; and consortial approaches to ebooks

A complete list of criteria is available in the Online Course section of the ASCLA website. In summary, successful proposals will:

  • Include a description, main topic outline and an estimate of length of the proposed course, webinar or webinar series
  • Outline the audiences who will be interested in this topic, including job titles as appropriate
  • Address the direct competition for this course/topic that already exists in the online professional development marketplace.
  • Provide a description of the instructor/presenter and their relevant experience, e.g. education, job history, that illustrates their expertise in the proposed topic area.
  • Include a writing sample if the proposal is for an online course.

Proposals should be submitted via e-mail to ascla@ala.org as MSWord or PDF attachments. Presenters for accepted proposals will receive compensation for their time, and will also receive training for the software used to deliver the online learning experience. Questions can be directed to Liz Markel, ASCLA marketing specialist or Susan Hornung, ASCLA executive director at lmarkel@ala.org and shornung@ala.org, respectively.