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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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ASCLA: Future-Friendly, Future-Ready

ASCLA members will have the opportunity to affect substantial and meaningful change in their association by voting to approve ASCLA’s revised bylaws in the upcoming ALA/ASCLA election. The changes provide a new structure that allows for more member participation and collaboration. Groups of individuals with mutual issues and interests can generate spontaneously, evolving or devolving as the future changes. The new structure streamlines ASCLA’s governance, reducing formally elected positions by 50%.

Impetus for the restructuring came from members’ input over the last two years. Members indicated they want to spend more time on products and results and less time on the process of governance.  They want a high return for the investment of their personal time and want their involvement to be project-based, not position-based. By approving the new structure as set forth in the revised bylaws, the ASCLA board of directors heard these voices and are positioning ASCLA to be a 21st century association–one that can adapt and thrive in today’s challenging environment.

Other associations and ALA divisions which restructured have found that reduced layers of governance foster creativity and innovation. No longer burdened with filling numerous elective positions and the tasks of lower-level governance, members feel renewed. They propose more conference programs and pre-conferences; they form groups around mutual interests and timely issues that evolve as the environment changes; individual members drop in and out of multiple groups as their information, networking, and support needs change. Pools of shared meaning are created as those participating in interest groups contribute their personal opinions, feelings, theories and experiences. New activities are proposed and accomplished in a short timeframe, and experimentation–with the freedom to be messy–occurs more frequently. Equally as important, once the barriers between static, formally organized groups are removed, members’ common goals across the association become more evident.

An association’s success depends on member involvement. My sincere hope is that ASCLA’s new structure will expand current members’ opportunities for engagement and attract new members with timely, issue-focused interest groups.

The next important step in ASCLA’s transformation begins when voting in the ALA election opens on March 16th. I encourage you to vote for ASCLA’s future by approving the bylaws changes.

General election information is available on the ALA website. An e-mail with information about accessing the elections online has been sent to you via e-mail. The deadline for requesting a paper ballot is April 8.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me, your president.

Diana Reese
ASCLA President
303-866-6341
reese_d@cde.state.co.us

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All sorts of accolades for ASCLA member Diane Walden

ASCLA member Diane Walden has been named a 2011 Mover & Shaker by Library Journal!

Get the full story here: http://www.libraryjournal.com/csp/cms/sites/LJ/LJInPrint/MoversAndShakers/profiles2011/moversandshakersWalden.csp

We’re also excited to announce Diane as the winner of the 2011 ASCLA Leadership & Professional Achievement Award! The official press release is here and also pasted below.

Congratulations Diane! We’re proud and honored to call you an ASCLA member!

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The 2011 ASCLA Leadership & Professional Achievement Award winner is Diane Walden, correctional libraries senior consultant for the Colorado State Library and a longtime member of the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), the Librarians Serving Special Populations Section (LSSPS) and the Library Services to Prisoners Forum (LSPF).

The ASCLA Leadership and Professional Achievement Award is presented to Diane Walden for her exemplary leadership and achievements at the Colorado State Library and at the Florida Department of Corrections in delivering high quality consulting and statewide library services for offenders. Her passionate leadership has positively impacted the offenders who use correctional libraries and those who work in them. ASCLA salutes Diane’s leadership in the creation of the Prisoners Right to Read: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, a clear example of both professional leadership and pioneering activity. Prior to the adoption of the Prisoners Right to Read, there was no ALA policy statement that addressed prisoner rights on a national level. Her tireless efforts with the Right to Read statement are but one of many examples of leadership, initiative and professional achievement demonstrated by Diane in her statewide and national work.

Walden is the Colorado State Library’s coordinator for the highly successful “Read to the Children” program in the Colorado Department of Corrections, which allows parents and other close relatives to make a recording of themselves reading a book, then send the recording and book to the child.  The program increases the literacy skills of both the offenders and their children, strengthens the parent-child relationship and creates a home environment supportive of reading. She also initiated and coordinated a StoryCorps program in the Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC). Through this national project that strives “to honor and celebrate one another’s lives through listening,” Walden aimed to build offenders’ self-esteem and self-awareness; highlight voices often missed in our society; and portray an honest voice of the imprisoned.

“In spite of staff and budget reductions, Diane has forged ahead with an optimistic attitude of getting done what needs to be done,” said ASCLA President Diana Reese. “She is a consistently positive person no matter the situation or hurdles encountered. Her passion for improving library services to offenders drives her to accomplish something every day that will have positive impact. Her internal fire is the power supply that continuously causes her to set the pace and get started on new challenges. This drive to achieve is not only moving the correctional librarianship field forward, it is profoundly impacting the offenders who use correctional libraries and those who work in them.”

Walden received her MLS from the University of Arizona. She previously spent 10 years working in the Florida Department of Corrections, with progressive responsibilities – from a solo correctional librarian to a coordinator of 60 institutional libraries, where she developed library-based literacy, educational and cultural programs. She has worked with the Colorado State Library since 2004 as a senior consultant for the state’s correctional libraries, and is currently responsible for start-up of the library for Colorado Department of Corrections’ newest high security facility.

Reese will officially present the award to Walden at the ASCLA/COSLA Reception on Sunday, June 26, 8-10 p.m. at the 2011 ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans. This event, open to all ALA Conference attendees, will be held at an ALA Conference hotel. The exact room location will be announced in late spring.

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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.

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Three ASCLA preconferences offer learning on leadership, consulting and digital collections

Upcoming preconferences hosted by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) at the 2011 ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans include topics like leadership skills, preservation planning for digital collections and how to become a successful library consultant.

The preconference topics highlight areas of expertise of ASCLA’s members, and are open to all interested participants. All three events provide an excellent opportunity for participants to acquire new information and skills they’ll be able to apply immediately in their day-to-day work. Each session also offers the opportunity to network with colleagues from across the country engaged in similar professional challenges and successes. All events will be held at one of the conference hotels.

This year’s ASCLA preconferences are:

  • Assembling a Consulting Toolkit: What You Need to Know to Become a Successful Library Consultant
    Friday, June 24, 2011, 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
    The wildly successful, sell-out workshop is back for a final time! Seasoned consultants Nancy Bolt, Sara Laughlin and Beth Bingham will present an overview of the consultant’s role and guide you through a self-assessment to uncover your consulting potential. Participants will work together to identify consulting opportunities and how to align them with their experience and skills. Takeaways include marketing tips, pricing your services and business management strategies. Event Code: ASC3.
    Advance Registration (through May 13, 2011): ASCLA member, $240;
    ALA member, $275; non-member, $295; student and retired members, $175.
  • Leadership Skills: Leading Your Library to Excellence
    Friday, June 24, 2011, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    This workshop will teach you all the things about leadership they never covered in library school. Attendees will identify leadership roles and strengths and then learn to apply them; explore what it takes to be a good supervisor and how to cultivate those qualities; review communication styles, the power of words and the importance of listening; learn how to deal with change and create a motivating environment; and how to build the credibility and respect needed to succeed as a leader. Event Code: ASC1.
    Advance Registration     (through May 13, 2011)    : ASCLA member, $195;
    ALA member, $225; non-member, $295; student and retired members, $165.
  • Forever is a Long Time: Preservation Planning for Digital Collections
    Friday, June 24, 2011, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    After more than a decade of acquiring and creating digital collections, libraries are now exploring options for assuring long term access to these digital resources. This preconference will introduce participants to digital preservation standards and best practices, digital preservation planning, how risk assessment can be used in planning, and case studies of implementable solutions. Faculty will include three leaders in digital preservation planning: Tom Clareson of LYRASIS, Katherine Skinner of Educopia Institute and Liz Bishoff of The Bishoff Group. Event Code: ASC2.
    Advance Registration     (through May 13, 2011)    : ASCLA member, $175;
    ALA member, $220; non-member, $295; student and retired members, $165.

Interested participants have the option to register for just an ASCLA preconference, or for both a preconference and the Annual Conference. For preconference-only registration using the online form (login required), select “SO-Preconference and Ticketed Events Only” as the registration type and proceed to select this event from the list of ticketed events. Conference registrants can add this event to their registration, and will find it under the list of ticketed events and preconferences in the online form. Event codes are listed above in the event descriptions for those using the printed registration form for fax or mail. Advance registration rates are available through May 13, and prices will increase after that date. Registration for all ASCLA preconferences will close Sunday, Jun. 19.

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Virtual Convergence webinars: registration starts closing Thurs., Jan. 12

Just a friendly reminder that we’ll start closing registration for our ASCLA Virtual Convergence webinar series tomorrow (Thursday)!

The series begins on Tuesday, so as of close-of-business Thursday, Jan. 13, registration will end for the following webinars, all of which will be held on Tuesday:

  • “Grant Writing 101”
  • “Presenting Topics to People who are Autistic, Deaf, Disabled, and Non-Disabled”
  • “Teaching Ophelia: Assisting At-Risk Teenagers”
  • “Why Reinvent the Wheel? Tools For Serving the Fast-Growing Teen Population”
  • “Knowledge Management: Process and Tools for Convergence”
  • “Using Learning Objects to Enhance Distance Reference Services”

Access registration links, information and a complete schedule at www.ala.org/virtualconvergence

These webinars are open to everyone regardless of membership status, and we’re covering topics relevant to all types of libraries and librarians.

This is a great way to meet your professional development needs without the cost of travel to a conference.

INDIVIDUAL PRICING: 1 session: ASCLA & FAFLRT members: $40. ALA members, $50. Non-members, $65. ALA Student/Retired members, $45.

2 or more sessions: Members can save on session prices when registering for two or more sessions. ASCLA & FAFLRT members: $35 per session. ALA members, $48 per session. ALA Student/Retired members, $43 per session.

GROUP PRICING: $99 for a single login—a great way to share these sessions with a team of colleagues in a presentation room

For more than one login for a group, it’s $38 per login.

Don’t miss out on these excellent learning opportunities!

Access registration links and information at www.ala.org/virtualconvergence

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Interface submissions due Dec. 15

Interface, the official e-newsletter of ASCLA, is now accepting submissions for the next issue. The deadline is December 15th so that this issue can be published before the ALA Midwinter Meeting and provide the membership with details on all the ASCLA-related meetings events taking place in San Diego.

The goals of Interface are to 1) present the latest developments in the field of specialized and cooperative library activities through substantive articles and special focus issues, 2) communicate effectively among the diverse elements of the division and 3) report official acts and activities of the various units of the division. We would like to particularly focus on bringing all of the communities of ASCLA together through their common issues, as well as introducing the unique aspects of each community to the others.  In particular, Interface is a great place to report on a successful program at your library or agency.

Articles should be sent as Word (.doc) attachments, and should include the name, title and institution/organization name for any authors. Articles of any length are accepted, however the length should be appropriate for an e-newsletter publication.

Send submissions by Dec. 15 to Anne Abate, Interface editor, at anne@librarydiscountnetwork.com. Ideas for issue themes and article topics can also be submitted to the editor at the same e-mail address–we want to hear from you, the members, and learn more about the important work you’re doing.

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Dec. 15 deadline for ASCLA 2011 service, leadership and achievement awards

All nominations for ASCLA’s Leadership and Professional Achievement Award, the Exceptional Service Award, the Cathleen Bourdon Service Award, the ASCLA/KLAS/NOD Award and the Francis Joseph Campbell Medal for 2011 must be received by Wednesday, Dec. 15.

These awards recognize accomplishments in the following areas:

Cooperative, Consulting and State Library Services: The Leadership and Professional Achievement Award is a citation presented to one or more ASCLA members exemplifying leadership and achievement in the following areas: consulting, library cooperation, networking, statewide service and programs and state library development. Download the award nomination form.

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. The recipient receives a citation. Download the award nomination form.

Service to ASCLA: The Cathleen Bourdon Service Award is a citation 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. Download the award nomination form.

Projects focused on library services to people with disabilities: The 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. Download the award nomination form.

Oustanding contributions to the advancement of library service for the blind and physically handicapped: The Francis Joseph Campbell Award honors a person or institution for significant contributions in this field of service with a medal and a citation. Contributions include but are not limited to: 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; or imaginative contribution to library administration, reference, circulation, selection, acquisitions, or technical services. The award is administered by the Libraries Serving Special Populations Section (LSSPS) of ASCLA, and is supported by Keystone Systems, Inc. Download the award nomination form.

Those interested in submitting a nomination can download the appropriate award nomination form(s) from the awards section of the ASCLA website or request the form(s) from Liz Markel, ASCLA Marketing Specialist, via e-mail at lmarkel@ala.org. Nominations for all awards must be received by Dec. 15, 2010. Submission information is included on each form.

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Abate appointed new editor of ASCLA member e-newsletter

Interface, the e-newsletter of the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), welcomes Anne Abate, owner of Library Discount Network and a longtime ASCLA member, to the helm as editor.

Interface, which is distributed quarterly to members of ASCLA, covers both association news and also important developments in the fields of librarianship ASCLA represents: networks and cooperatives; independent librarians and consultants; state library agencies and services to special populations such as the incarcerated, blind, deaf, hard of hearing and other patron groups with special needs. The most recent issue focused on services to special populations, and highlighted activities in the field such as the Wolfner Library of Missouri’s transition from analog to digital talking books, an update on the Prisoners’ Right to Read, and coverage of the division’s related activities at the 2010 ALA Annual Conference. As editor, Abate will manage submissions, editing and online publication of the newsletter.

“I am excited about having this opportunity to learn so much more about ASCLA from the inside,” said Abate. “While I have dabbled in most of the areas encompassed by ASCLA and its sections, I look forward to learning more about the ASCLA members, their libraries, their concerns and what makes them unique. We will be reaching out to all of the ASCLA membership to share their stories with each other through Interface. We have so much to learn from each other.”

Abate has worked in a wide variety of libraries and library-related organizations during her career.  She is currently the owner of Library Discount Network, a small business that negotiates with database vendors on behalf of library consortia and networks and provides administrative and management support for nonprofit organizations.  Abate previously served as executive director of the Greater Cincinnati Library Consortium, now known as SWON Libraries, where she coordinated the programs, services, and activities for the members.  In previous lives, she worked as the director of marketing for a large corporation and held positions in libraries including law, academic, public, and special libraries.  She teaches in the areas of information technology for Xavier University and nonprofit management for Northern Kentucky University, and has also taught for the University of Kentucky and Nova Southeastern University.  Abate holds a bachelors degree from Xavier University, masters in library and information science from the University of Kentucky, a doctorate in computer technology from Nova Southeastern University, and a certificate in nonprofit management from Northern Kentucky University.

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Consulting Toolkit workshop expected to sell out again at 2011 Midwinter Meeting

UPDATE: As of December 7, we have decreased the registration cost for this event by eliminating a catered working lunch from the event agenda.

Prices are now as follows:

Advance Registration (through Nov. 29): ASCLA member, $185. ALA member, $195. Non-member, $225. Retired and Student members of ALA, $145.

On-Site Registration (Nov. 30-Dec. 29): ASCLA member, $215. ALA member, $225. Non-member, $260. Retired and Student members of ALA, $170.

If you have already purchased registration for this event, you will receive a refund from Experient, our 3rd party registration manager.

REGISTRATION FOR ALL TICKETED EVENTS FOR ALA MIDWINTER WILL CLOSE ON DEC. 29!

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) will again offer the full-day workshop “Assembling a Consulting Toolkit: What You Need to Know to Become a Successful Library Consultant” at the upcoming 2011 Midwinter Meeting in San Diego, and it is expected that this event will sell out prior to the close of Midwinter advance registration, which ends Monday, Nov. 29, 2010.

“Assembling a Consulting Toolkit” is 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 will be held 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, at one of the ALA conference hotels and is 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 ASC1) or can register in conjunction with Annual Conference registration by adding it as a ticketed event. For institute-only registration using the online form, select “SO-Institute and Ticketed Events Only” as the registration type and proceed to select this event from the list.