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ASCLA’s webinar schedule highlights innovative programming, best practices in a variety of library settings

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) is hosting a multitude of webinars beginning this week that touch on highly relevant topics such as technology, library services to special populations, outreach services, facilitation and collaboration.

ASCLA, a small and mighty division of ALA, represents a diverse group of librarians that includes consultants and independent librarians; state libraries and the librarians, consultants and staff who work there; library networks, cooperatives, consortia and other libraries and librarians involved in collaboration; and librarians serving special populations such as incarcerated youth and adults and people with all types of disabilities. ASCLA’s online learning opportunities, which include both webinars and online courses, are an opportunity for librarians from all types of libraries to learn more about best practices from their expert colleagues, and acquire information that will enhance and improve the delivery of library services at their own library.

Register online now for these exciting webinars! Individual registration fees are $40 for ASCLA members, $50 for ALA members, $65 for non-ALA members, and $45 for ALA student members and retired members. Group rates are available: $99 for a single login, and $38/person for multiple logins (min. 2 people). We also offer excellent rates for state libraries who are members of ASCLA: $69 for a single login and $29/person for multiple logins (min. 2 people). Get more group registration information, including forms, at the ASCLA website.

Webinars currently scheduled are as follows:

Next Chapter Book Club: An Innovative and Viable Approach to Meeting the Literacy Needs of Adolescents and Adults with Developmental Disabilities
February 16, 2012, 1:00 – 2:30pm CT
The Next Chapter Book Club (NCBC) is a community-based literacy and social program for adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities. NCBCs include five to eight people with a wide range of reading skills who gather weekly in bookstores, cafés, and, increasingly, libraries. This webinar will describe the NCBC model and explore how it has been implemented by the Scotch Plains Public Library, which is reaching out to people with disabilities, especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), in a variety of ways.
Presenters: Jillian Ober, MA, CRC  The Ohio State University Nisonger Center on Excellence in Disabilities and  program manager, Next Chapter Book Club; Pamela Brooks, head of Adult Services, Scotch Plains Public Library and leader of Next Chapter Groups; Meg Kolaya, director, Scotch Plains Public Library and Next Chapter Book Club volunteer

Strategic Planning for Your Online Library Branch
February 21, 2012, 3:00 – 4:30pm CT
In a world where communication is ever-changing, technology advances more and more rapidly, and budgets are shrinking, many libraries are faced with wanting to extend their services into an innovative online branch to provide enhanced and always accessible services to their communities. Strategic planning is a crucial step libraries must take to ensure their online branch meets the business and technical requirements for the organization, while also addressing the needs of their multiple audiences. Those who register for this webinar and attend will be eligible to win a Kindle Fire!
Presenters: Cynthia Colmenares, Chief Executive Officer, Jack Frost Design, has over 25 years of experience in the technology industry and is a digital marketing expert. She has led multiple organizations through the strategic planning process to successful online web presences, including public libraries. Beth Larkins, Account Manager, Jack Frost Design has overseen and managed strategic planning projects for public libraries and other community-oriented organizations. She has over 10 years of experience in leading, facilitating and teaching groups of all sizes.

Service Frontiers in Blind and Visually Impaired Patrons (BVIP)
February 22, 2012, 1:00 – 2:30pm CT
Every day someone is born disabled and every day someone becomes disabled. The Americans with Disabilities Act was written to address this perpetual need. That need is all around us. This webinar will introduce the Service Frontiers in BVIP Initiative for blind and visually impaired patrons. During training we will review the definition of blindness. We will explore Disability etiquette. We will learn where the blind are and how to attract them with our library services.
Presenter: Internationally acclaimed leadership strategist and ADA consultant Buna Dahal

Creating a Latino Friendly Library
February 23, 2012, 2:00 – 3:30pm CT
Latino communities continue to grow and we continue to puzzle over how to get this significant segment of our communities into the library. This webinar will introduce practical and simple techniques that libraries of all sizes can use to begin the process of making Latinos feel welcome and comfortable in the library. Participants will learn how to work with and challenge the language and cultural barriers that keep Latinos from using the library.
Presenter: Yolanda Cuesta

State Library Outreach to State Employees and Elected Officials
February 28, 2012, 2:00 – 3:30pm CT
During tough economic times, state libraries have to increase efforts to reach out to tell their story about how they can help state government. Learn about the Illinois State Library’s aggressive outreach efforts to state employees and elected officials, including the creation of a Reference Outreach Coordinator position. The webinar will highlight recommendations, successes, failures and lessons learned and seek input and ideas from staff of other state libraries.
Presenters: Debra Aggertt, reference outreach coordinator, Illinois State Library; Sandra Fritz, Reference Librarian, Illinois State Library

Libraries for Detained and Incarcerated Youth 101, Session One: Programming for Detained and Incarcerated Youth
March 13, 2012, 1:00-2:30 pm CT
Library environments for  detained, pending placement, or incarcerated youth  are different than the typical public or school library and library professionals serving them often find themselves in situations that are completely different than anything for which they are prepared.  As part of a series of webinars focusing on the needs of these youth, this session will look at programming for detained and incarcerated youth.

Digital Preservation Planning
April 16, 2012, 10:00 – 11:30am CT
This one hour webinar will introduce you to the key concepts for digital preservation planning.  Included in the webinar will be an introduction to the standards underlying preservation planning and digital preservation solutions and services.
Presenters: Liz Bishoff, The Bishoff Group, LLC; Tom Clareson, LYRASIS

Being an Effective Facilitator
May 9, 2012, 2:00-3:30pm CT
Want to run better meetings or lead better planning discussions? You can be a more effective facilitator! Learn how to improve group participation and productivity. Focus groups, staff meetings, brainstorming sessions, learning sessions: all of these activities require an effective facilitator. With some knowledge about group dynamics, learning styles, and models for running meetings and group sessions, you can be a great facilitator. Discover ways to improve participation and productivity. Both face-to-face sessions and online sessions will be discussed.
Presenter: Brenda Hough, MLS

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ASCLA webinar outlines strategic planning strategies for online library branches

Considering opening an online library branch, or in search of some guidance for your existing online branch? ASCLA will offer a new webinar, “Strategic Planning for Your Online Library Branch”, to cover this very topic on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Central Time.

REGISTER NOW.

In a world where communication is ever-changing, technology advances more and more rapidly, and budgets are shrinking, many libraries are faced with wanting to extend their services into an innovative online branch to provide enhanced and always accessible services to their communities. Strategic planning is a crucial step libraries must take to ensure their online branch meets the business and technical requirements for the organization, while also addressing the needs of their multiple audiences. Cynthia Colmenares, CEO, Jack Frost Design and Beth Larkins, Account Manager, Jack Frost Design, will present.

Individual registration fees are $40 for ASCLA members, $50 for ALA members, $65 for non-ALA members, and $45 for ALA student members and retired members.

Group rates are available: $99 for a single login, and $38/person for multiple logins (min. 2 people). We also offer excellent rates for state libraries who are members of ASCLA: $69 for a single login and $29/person for multiple logins (min. 2 people). Get more group registration information, including forms, at the ASCLA website.

REGISTER NOW. Registration will close at 5:00pm Central time on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

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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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ASCLA Interest Groups: Join now!

Several interest groups are up and running within ASCLA–see the list below.

If you’d like to create an interest group, there’s more information about that process on this ASCLA webpage: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/ascla/asclaourassoc/asclasections/interestgroups/index.cfm

To join an interest group:

  • Login at connect.ala.org
  • Use the URLs listed below for direct access to a group’s page.
  • Click “Join”–it’s on the right side of the page underneath “Posts”, “Online Docs”, “Calendar”, etc.

Interlibrary Cooperation and Networking (ICAN) Consortium Management Discussion Group: Discussion group on topics of interest to library cooperatives statewide, multi-state, national cooperatives and multitype library systems such as consortial funding, advocacy and services. On ALA Connect at http://connect.ala.org/node/151805

Librarians Serving Special Populations (LSSP) Library Services to People with Visual or Physical Disabilities: A group for librarians serving those with accessibility issues that prevent them from reading standard print; includes assistive technology and accessibility services. On ALA Connect at http://connect.ala.org/node/151441

State Library Agency (SLA)/Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Coordinators Interest Group: This group is for discussion of the federal LSTA program. It’s an opportunity to hear from IMLS staff as well as to share ideas on what each state is doing with their LSTA allocation. On ALA Connect at http://connect.ala.org/node/151443

Interlibrary Cooperation and Networking (ICAN) Collaborative Digitization Group: This group’s topics include collaborative and cooperative digitization initiatives, metadata schemas, workflows, collection management systems, copyright, case studies and other issues related to access to digitized collections. This group focuses on conversations about new and ongoing issues and opportunities related to collaborative digitization initiatives across a diverse array of consortia, libraries, archives, museums, and cultural heritage institutions. On ALA Connect at http://connect.ala.org/node/151439

Interlibrary Cooperation and Networking (ICAN) Physical Delivery: Focused on physical delivery of library materials for resource sharing and related issues; promotes discussion, information sharing and presentations on physical delivery in libraries and related topics. On ALA Connect at http://connect.ala.org/node/151994

Interlibrary Cooperation and Networking (ICAN) Library Cooperation: This group provides a forum for discussion of interests in interlibrary cooperation and the statewide development of library service, emphasizing the interdependence of all types of libraries. On ALA Connect at http://connect.ala.org/node/151996

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Century Scholarship S.O.S.! Your support is needed now.

The ASCLA Century Scholarship Committee finds itself without sufficient funds to award the typical scholarship of $2,500 for FY 2011. The largest applicant pool in recent memory has applied for the scholarship, and the winner will use funds to help pay for accessibility tools not covered by standard financial aid.

If you can contribute any amount, please do so at this time. We welcome contributions from members and non-members alike. For those who typically contribute at the LSSPS Dinner, there will not be a collection at this year’s event–we encourage you support the scholarship now.

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE:

Mail checks payable to ASCLA with “Century Scholarship” in the memo and send to
Susan Hornung, ALA/ASCLA
Attn: Century Scholarship
50 East Huron Chicago, IL 60611

-OR-

Contribute online: https://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=Home&Template=/Securit…
You can also access this online donation link by clicking on “giveALA” at the top right of the page.

In order to impact this year’s scholarship, contributions must be at the ASCLA office no later than May 1. Thank you for your support!