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Rockstars wanted! Nominations accepted thru Dec. 15 for ASCLA’s 2012 awards

The 2012 awards offered by the Association for Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) are an excellent chance to recognize colleagues, institutions or particular programs for their contributions to ASCLA and the areas of librarianship in which they serve.

The nomination deadline is Dec. 15, 2011 for the awards, which recognize accomplishments in the following areas:

Projects focused on library services to people with disabilities: The ASCLA/KLAS/NOD Award is sponsored by ASCLA, the National Organization on Disability (NOD) and Keystone Systems, Inc. This $1,000 award and citation are given to a library organization that has provided services for people with disabilities. The 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. Download the award nomination form (PDF).

Advancement of library service for the blind and physically handicapped: The Francis Joseph Campbell Award honors a person or institution for outstanding and 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; or any activity of recognized importance. The award is sponsored by Keystone Systems, Inc. and the Southern Conference of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress.  Download the award nomination form (PDF).

Extension and Outreach Services: The Exceptional Service Award recognizes exceptional service to patients, to persons who are homebound, 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 or experimental projects. The recipient receives a citation. Download the award nomination form (PDF).

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

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 (PDF).

Those interested in submitting a nomination may 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 and programs manager, via e-mail at lmarkel@ala.org. Nominations for all awards must be received by Dec. 15, 2011. Submission information can be found on each nomination form.

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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 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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New ASCLA online course examines effective services for library users with disabilities

Registration is now open for “Improving Library Services for People with Disabilities”, a new online course offered by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA).

Register online now!

Providing library services to differently-abled library users is a role filled by all levels of library staff. From the part-time aide checking out library materials to the library director determining policies, staff skills and attitudes are crucial for a satisfactory library experience.

During this four-week course, participants will:

  • Identify differently-abled library users who face both visible and invisible challenges when it comes to accessign the library.
  • Review the evolution of attitudes, laws and practices affecting services to people with disabilities.
  • Learn about appropriate etiquette, alternative communication techniques and people-first language that support successful services to special populations
  • Discover assistive technology already available at your library.
  • Discuss the rules for applying policies and procedures of your library.
  • Ultimately set one personal goal for improving services, and identify one organizational change that can be implemented to improve services at your library for people with disabilities.

The course will begin Monday, Oct. 17 and finish on Friday, Nov. 11. One live online session using the FlashChat feature of Moodle, the online course management system, will take place Thursday, Oct. 27 from 1:00-2:00p.m. Central Time. The remainder of the course is asynchronous—students login throughout the week to complete assignments from the instructor. Online and faxed registration will close on Thursday, Oct. 13 or when the class reaches maximum capacity.

Interested participants can register online now, register via fax or mail, or learn more about the course at the ASCLA website. Registration fees start at $130 for ASCLA members. Discounted group registration rates for two or more registrants from the same library, library system or network are available—download the group registration form. Contact ALA’s Membership and Customer Service Team with any questions about registration for this course at registration@ala.org or (800) 545-2433, option 5.

“Improving Library Services for People with Disabilities” is taught by Kate Todd, who has worked as a children’s librarian for The New York Public Library and as emerging technologies librarian for Manhattanville College. At Manhattanville College, she taught “Technology for Special Education” in the graduate school of education. She has also taught several online courses for  the Association of Library Services to Children (ALSC), including “Children with Disabilities in the Library”—this new ASCLA course is the general staff counterpart to that course.

“Improving Library Services “ is presented by ASCLA, the home within ALA for librarians serving special populations. Among ASCLA’s many interest groups are the Library Services to People with Visual or Physical Disabilities that Prevent Them from Reading Standard Print Interest Group; the Library Services to the Incarcerated and Detained Interest Group; and the Universal Access Interest Group. Learn more about ASCLA’s interest groups. ASCLA’s membership is one of the most diverse within ALA, and also serves librarians and staff from state agencies, specialized libraries and multi-type cooperatives, and independent librarians and library consultants. Not an ASCLA member, but interested in discounted registration rates on ASCLA professional development offerings? Join, renew or add ASCLA to your ALA membership at www.ala.org/membership.

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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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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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ASCLA webinar series launched, registration still open for last sessions

Today, ASCLA launched the inaugural Virtual Convergence, a four-day webinar series offering affordable online learning for a broad variety of librarians and library types.

The Virtual Convergence was designed to provide an affordable mid-year professional development opportunity for librarians who might not be able to afford the cost of conference travel. Webinar topics included grant writing, providing services for at-risk teens, contract librarianship, library accessibility and other issues of interest to public, academic, state, special and other types of libraries.

Registration for the webinars to be held Thursday, Jan. 20 will end at close-of-business Tuesday, Jan. 18. Those webinars are:

  • “Libraries and Information Access for Differently-able Patrons: What We Can Do to Ensure Equality”, 11a.m.-12:30p.m. While “diversity” remains critical, many libraries remain inaccessible. Financial limitations, limited knowledge, organizational culture, social construction of disability, and even complacency are arguable contributors to this reality. Join us for an interactive discussion exploring accessibility’s dimensions and solutions.
  • “Extending Our Reach: Using Extension Programs to Promote Statewide Resources”, 11a.m.-12:30p.m. Though online tools such as blogs, twitter and webinars we educate Extension staff about resources they can use out in the field with the public along with professionally for their own research
  • “Attracting Latinos to the Library: It’s All About Relationships”, 3-4:30p.m Getting Latinos into the library is not a mystery—many libraries are successfully drawing capacity crowds to their programs and building relationships that continue to reap benefits for the Latino community and the library. This session prepares attendees for the same success at their own libraries.

Registration for the webinars to be held Friday, Jan. 21 will end at close-of-business Wednesday, Jan. 19. Those webinars are:

  • “Conducting Successful Virtual Meetings”, 9-10:30a.m. A not-to-miss session for anyone working virtually…which is most of us, these days! Together, let’s: raise expectations and standards for all online meetings; learn from each others’ experiences through questions and sharing; and improve effective use of software features to increase interactivity and collaboration.
  • “Careers in Federal Libraries”, 9-10:30a.m. Live from the Library of Congress, we’ll hear from a panel of Federal librarians about the types of jobs available to you, and hear about the type of work being done in federal libraries all around the world.
  • “How to Find a Federal Job”, 11a.m.-12:30p.m. Join us to discover the types of Federal library jobs that are available, and how to navigate the Federal hiring process and be alerted when new jobs are announced.
  • “Managing Library Adult and Family Literacy Programs”, 11a.m.-12:30p.m. This session will provide an overview of the types of literacy programs found in public libraries with an emphasis on volunteer literacy. Topics include adult literacy statistics; family and health literacy; how to start up or improve volunteer literacy programs, working with adults who lack basic reading skills and with English language learners; and considerations for starting an adult literacy collection.
  • “Resume Writing and Interviewing Techniques”, 1-2:30p.m. Join Robert Newlen, renowned author, for a lively and witty look at job hunting. These tips on resume writing and interviewing are not to be missed!
  • “Saks Fifth Avenue Service on a Dollar General Budget”, 3-4:30p.m. This session will discuss and compare the techniques used in high end customer service oriented retail environments and how we can apply them to our libraries to give patrons a ‘superior’ experience.

A full PDF schedule with descriptions is available at www.ala.org/virtualconvergence. Registration is available online—click on “Register” next to Virtual Convergence at this registration page (login required)—or by mail and fax. When registering for a single webinar from the series, ASCLA and Federal and Armed Forces Libraries Round Table (FAFLRT) members pay $40, ALA members pay $50, non-members pay $65 and student and retired members of ALA pay $45. Those registering for two or more sessions will receive a reduced rate on each session.

Group registration rates for this event are available—those interested in more information should contact the ALA registration team at registration@ala.org or 1-(800)-545-2433, option 5.

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 multi-type cooperatives, as well as those who are self-employed. Not an ASCLA member, but interested in discounted registration rates on conference, ASCLA preconferences and other ASCLA events? Join, renew or add ASCLA to your ALA membership at www.ala.org/membership.