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ASCLA/COSLA reception in Boston offers desserts, networking

Sunday is the sweetest day of the Midwinter Meeting, and the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) and the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) cordially invite meeting attendees to cap their day with dessert, networking and socializing at the ASCLA/COSLA reception.

The event, a Midwinter Meeting tradition co-sponsored by ASCLA and COSLA, is open to all meeting participants who are current or potential members of ASCLA. Reception guests can take advantage of desserts, coffee and a cash bar while catching up with old colleagues and meeting new ones. Midwinter meeting attendees employed or interested in the areas ASCLA serves—state library agencies; networks, cooperatives and consortia; specialized libraries such as those for the blind, deaf, hard of hearing and incarcerated populations; and independent librarians and library consultants—are encouraged to join the party and meet other professionals.

The reception will be held from 8:30 to 11 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010, in the Burroughs Room of the Westin Boston Waterfront, 425 Summer Street, Boston.

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ASCLA consulting institute sold out; summer event registration opens Jan. 4

The Midwinter institute “Assembling a Consulting Toolkit: What You Need to Know to Become a Successful Library Consultant” has sold out, and registration for the next offering, scheduled for June 25, 2010 in Washington, D.C., will open on Jan. 4, 2010.

“Assembling a Consulting Toolkit” is a daylong workshop hosted by ASCLA, a division of ALA. The event will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, in conjunction with the ALA 2010 Annual Conference. Designed to prepare participants to begin – or advance – a successful consulting career, it is the perfect professional development event for librarians looking to strike out on their own, or those library professionals approaching retirement and seeking a flexible way to maintain employment.

Seasoned consultants and ASCLA members Nancy Bolt and Sara Laughlin will present an overview of library consulting for guide attendees, who will discover through 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.

Registration for the Annual Conference and this workshop opens Jan. 4. 2010. Advance registration prices for this event are $185 for ASCLA members, $195 for ALA members, $145 for retired and student members and $225 for non-ALA members. Workshop participants do not have to register for Annual Conference in order to participate in this meeting. Information about registration is available at www.ala.org/annual.

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ICAN Collaborative Digitization Discussion Group: Proposals Sought

A note from one of our discussion group chairs about the collaborative digitization discussion group scheduled for Boston.

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Join the ASCLA ICAN Collaborative Digitization Discussion Group in Boston on Saturday, January 16, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Westin Waterfront – Burroughs Room, 425 Summer St., for a discussion of “Librarianship and Traditional Cultural Expressions,” a set of principles developed by a workgroup led by the ALA Office for Information Technology Policy. The sixth draft of these principles is available at http://wo.ala.org/tce/, and the principles will be considered for adoption as ALA policy in 2010.

We are soliciting proposals for presentations for this program; up to three 15-minute presentations will be allowed, to leave time for discussion. If you have experience digitizing images, artifacts, and documents related to indigenous communities or collections of oral history and folklore, please consider presenting at this session. Send a proposal including the name and email addresses of all presenters plus a 1-2 paragraph summary of the presentation to Danielle Cunniff Plumer, discussion group co-chair at dplumer@tsl.state.tx.us by January 8, 2010.

Following the main discussion, all representatives of collaborative digital projects will also have an opportunity to provide brief status updates.

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Advance registration for ASCLA accessibility workshop, lower registration fees end Friday

Registration rates will go up after this Friday, Dec. 4, for “Breaking Down Barriers: Best Practices in Universal Design for Libraries,” a half-day workshop sponsored by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) and held in conjunction with the 2010 ALA Midwinter Meeting.

Library directors, trustees, friends and leaders interested in low cost, high impact ways to make a library fully accessible should attend this event, which will cover information and communication accessibility, as well as physical accessibility. Attendees will learn how to incorporate accessible accommodations into strategic planning, as well as building renovation and expansion plans. They’ll also have a chance to present their library’s unique accessibility challenge and receive on-the-spot consultation from expert speakers.

This workshop, made possible through a partnership between ASCLA and the Institute for Human-Centered Design (ICHD) (formerly Adaptive Environments), will feature speakers from the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST), the Perkins School’s Braille and Talking Book Library, The Carroll Center, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the WGBH National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM)

“Breaking Down Barriers” will be held 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at the ICHD, located at 200 Portland Street, Suite 1, in Boston. The MBTA’s North Station is only a few blocks away, providing easy access to the Green and Orange lines, as well as several commuter rail lines. Subway, commuter rail and other pertinent transit information and schedules are available at the MBTA website.

Register for this event now at www.ala.org/midwinter. Interested participants should note that the institute (event code ASC2) is a separate ticketed event; registration for the Midwinter Meeting is not required in order to attend this event. For institute-only registration using the online form, select “Institute and Ticketed Events Only” as the registration type, and proceed to select this event from the list. Advance registration is $155 for all attendees and ends Dec. 4. On-site registration costs $185 and is available from Dec. 5 to Jan. 8.

IHCD is an international non-profit organization, founded in Boston in 1978, committed to advancing the role of design in expanding opportunity and enhancing experience for people of all ages and abilities. IHCD’s work balances expertise in legally required accessibility with promotion of best practices in human-centered or universal design.

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Consulting institute at Midwinter Meeting: registration now open!

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, won’t want to miss “Assembling a Consulting Toolkit: What You Need to Know to Become a Successful Library Consultant” in Boston this January.

“Assembling a Consulting Toolkit” is a daylong institute offered by the ASCLA, a division of ALA. The event will be held Friday, Jan. 15, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., in conjunction with the ALA 2010 Midwinter Meeting, and is designed to prepare participants to begin – or advance – a successful consulting career.

Seasoned consultants and ASCLA members Nancy Bolt and Sara Laughlin will present an overview of library consulting for guide attendees, who will discover through  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.

“I’m pleased that these two long-time members of ASCLA’s Independent Librarians Exchange Section (ILEX) are willing to share their expertise in creating consulting opportunities with others,” said Brenda Bailey-Hainer, president of ASCLA.  “If you’re interested in starting your own consulting business, this is a session you won’t dare miss. ”

REGISTER ONLINE NOW!

Interested participants can register for this event only (event code ASC1), or can register in conjunction with Midwinter Meeting registration by adding it as a ticketed event. For institute-only registration using the online form, select “Institute and Ticketed Events Only” as the registration type and proceed to select this event from the list.

Advance registration for the meeting and this event opens Oct. 1 and ends Dec. 4, 2009. Advance registration prices for this event are $185 for ASCLA members, $195 for ALA members, $145 for retired and student members and $225 for non-ALA members. On-site registration, priced at $215 for ASCLA members, $225 for ALA members, $170 for retired and student members and $260 for non-ALA members, will be available (including online registration) until Friday, Jan. 8.

All interested participants must register by Jan. 8—there will not be seats available at the door on the day of the event.

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Universal design best practices to be presented, discussed at 2010 ASCLA Midwinter Institute

Maximizing the library experience for all patrons, including those with functional differences, is a challenging endeavor-one that libraries can get help with by attending “Breaking Down Barriers: Best Practices in Universal Design for Libraries,” an institute at the ALA 2010 Midwinter Meeting sponsored by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA).

The topic of this intensive half-day event, assembled through a partnership between ASCLA and the Institute for Human-Centered Design (ICHD) (formerly Adaptive Environments), has become even more timely as a result of the recent economic crisis, which has brought people to libraries in record numbers to take advantage of the unique opportunities, experiences and services available there.

By implementing universal design principles, libraries can create physical, communication and information environments that minimize limitations and provide outstanding library services to all patrons, including those with functional differences. The agenda includes presentations on an array of best practices in universal design, including opportunities for experiential learning  and a forum for presenting your library’s universal design problem or aspiration and receiving on-the-spot consultation and solutions.

“It’s important for libraries to create a welcoming environment for everyone in their community,” said Brenda Bailey-Hainer, president of ASCLA. ” This institute is an excellent opportunity to learn about techniques for eliminating obstacles to library use for community members who are often underserved.”

“Breaking Down Barriers” will be held Friday, Jan. 15, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.,  at the ICHD, located at 200 Portland Street, Suite 1, in Boston. The MBTA’s North Station is only a few blocks away, providing easy access to the Green and Orange lines, as well as several commuter rail lines. Subway, commuter rail and other pertinent transit information and schedules are available at the MBTA website.

Interested participants should note that the institute (event code ASC2) is a separate ticketed event; registration for the Midwinter Meeting is not required in order to attend this event. For institute-only registration using the online form (login required), select “Institute and Ticketed Events Only” as the registration type, and proceed to select this event from the list. Advance registration for both Midwinter and “Breaking Down Barriers” opens Thursday, Oct. 1, with the following advance registration ticket prices available through December 4: ASCLA Member, $155; ALA Member, $155; Non-member, $155; Student/Retiree Member, $120.  Ticket prices increase after Dec. 4. Visit www.ala.org/midwinter for the most up-to-date information on registration.

IHCD is an international non-profit organization, founded in Boston in 1978, committed to advancing the role of design in expanding opportunity and enhancing experience for people of all ages and abilities. IHCD’s work balances expertise in legally required accessibility with promotion of best practices in human-centered or universal design.

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History of the Newbery and Children with disabilities in the library are topics of fall ALSC online courses

This fall the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) is offering two engaging online education courses, including: The Newbery Medal: Past, Present and Future and Children with Disabilities in the Library. Registration is now open, and courses run Oct. 5 though Nov. 13, 2009. Check-out the ALSC Blog for past participant experiences (http://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/?cat=88).

The Newbery Medal: Past, Present and Future discusses different aspects of the award, the history of the medal and how it’s changed over time. Participants are given an opportunity to read, discuss and consider past and present Newbery winners with their colleagues from across the nation. The instructor of the course is Kathleen T. Horning, director of the Cooperative Children’s Book Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Children with Disabilities in the Library will discuss the individual needs of disabled children and how libraries might be able to assist each child. This course will look at inclusive programming, assistive technologies, staff attitudes and legal considerations. Participants will collaboratively develop strategies for determining needs and identify resources that can be consulted when a child requires help. The instructor of the course is Katherine Todd, adjunct instructor at Manhattanville (N.Y.) College.

Courses are taught asynchronously using Moodle (www.moodle.org), an online learning community. A certificate of completion will be sent to participants upon successful completion of the course. Detailed descriptions and course registration information is available on the ALSC Web site at www.ala.org/alscevents. Fees are $95 for personal ALSC members; $145 for personal ALA members; and $165 for non-members.

Questions about this or other ALSC events should be directed to Jenny Najduch, ALSC marketing specialist at jnajduch@ala.org or 312-280-4026.

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Act now, emerging leaders! ALA EL class of 2010 applications due Friday, July 31

The American Library Association (ALA) is now accepting applications for the 2010 class of Emerging Leaders. Applications can be found at http://www.ala.org/cfapps/emergingleaders/. The deadline to apply is July 31, 2009.

The program is designed to enable approximately 100 library workers to get on the fast track to ALA and professional leadership. Participants are given the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, network with peers and get an inside look into the ALA structure and activities.
For the first time since its establishment, the Emerging Leaders program will accept non-MLS library workers. Library support staff personnel are encouraged to apply to the program and will have an opportunity to be considered for sponsorship through the ALA Library Support Staff Interests Round Table.

An ALA division, round table, ethnic affiliate, state chapter or school library media affiliate will sponsor approximately one-third of the selected applicants. Each sponsor will contribute $1,000 toward expenses ($500 for each conference). Sponsorship is not required for participation in the program.

Applicants can indicate on the application which groups they want to consider them for sponsorship. A list of sponsoring units is included as part of the online application. You can also check with your state association and/or state chapter to find out if they are participating and how to apply for their sponsorship.

No more than one person from any institution will be selected for participation in the program. In order to be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be under 35 years of age or be a library worker of any age with fewer than 5 years experience working in a library.
• Be able to attend both ALA conferences and work virtually in between each.
• Be prepared to commit to serve on either an ALA, division, chapter or round table committee, taskforce or workgroup, or in your state or local professional library organization upon completion of program.
• Be an ALA member or join upon selection if not already a member.

Program information will be available and updated at: http://www.ala.org/cfapps/emergingleaders/. For questions or more information regarding the program, contact Beatrice Calvin at bcalvin@ala.org.

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ASCLA Annual Conference programs highlight division’s areas of expertise

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) invites all participating in the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in Chicago to its programs addressing important topics such as services to special populations, collaboration and resource sharing.

By sharing the expertise of its members with conference attendees, ASCLA, a division of the ALA, provides opportunities for librarians and library staff in all types of libraries to acquire new skills to improve service delivery at their libraries, as well as gain information and learn about tools that will help them solve challenges they or their library may be facing.

    This year’s ASCLA programs include:

Moving Mountains: Latest Trends in the Physical Delivery of Library Materials
Saturday, July 11, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
How do you move 5, 10, or even 20 million items a year between libraries? The 2008 Moving Mountains Symposium in Cincinnati explored the best methods for delivering materials between libraries as well as new trends in home delivery. A panel will present Symposium highlights including best practices in current delivery, future trends, home delivery, automated material handling systems, and ways to collaborate.

What Can $930 Million Do for Library Services Nationwide? The Impact and Future Directions of LSTA
Saturday, July 11, 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
How do states use their LSTA dollars to improve library services? An IMLS study examined all of the states’ five-year evaluations and reported on the observed major trends. A panel of speakers will present new state projects in technology infrastructure, reference and information services, special populations outreach and literacy and reading development.

Large Print for All: Bigger is Better
Sunday, July 12, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Aging baby boomers, struggling young readers, individuals with reading disabilities and persons with low vision are increasing demand for large print materials. Learn what publishers are producing in large print, how to display and promote large print collections for all ages and current research findings on the uses and benefits of large print.

ASCLA President’s Program: Revitalizing the Library Experience
Sunday, July 12, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
In a world where information is an off-shored commodity, where Google handles more questions in a second than a reference librarian will answer in a career and where social gatherings have migrated to online networks, how can our libraries thrive, how can we demonstrate the greatest return on funders’ investment? ASCLA President Carol Desch invites you to the President’s Program to discuss these questions with library pundits Joan Frye Williams and George Needham, who will challenge you to rethink library services, turning some old stereotypes on their ears while making our work more valuable and more fun.

Future Perspectives: Collaboration and Innovation
Sunday, July 12, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
How do we nurture innovation? How do we advance library services that meet patron needs today and in the future? Join Brenda Bailey-Hainer, executive director, BCR, Lorcan Dempsey, vice-president of research and chief strategist, OCLC, and Veronda Pitchford, vice-president, membership and communications, Urban Libraries Council, in a panel presentation and discussion of the role of collaboration in strategic innovation as libraries strive to respond to the rapidly changing environment in which they now operate.

Multiple Intelligences @ Your Library: A Tool for Better Services
Monday, July 13, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Howard Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences can empower you to reach out and more effectively serve your entire community, including special populations. This panel discussion will present a brief theoretical overview and a practical showcase of services to children and youth. Attendees will learn how to improve readers’ advisory, programming outreach, reference, book discussion and collection development in public, school and academic libraries. Patrick Carman, award-winning author of the best-selling series The Land of Elyon, will speak about using technology with literature.

Libraries and Hospice: Developing a Vital Community Partnership
Monday, July 13, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
As hospice care becomes an integral part of American family life, opportunities arise for program alliances with both academic and public libraries. This program highlights these partnerships and will feature representatives from hospice organizations as well as a panel of librarians who have worked with hospice on programs, collection development, and community education.

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Participation in any of these programs is included with annual conference registration. Register for the Annual Conference using the online registration form, by calling 1–800-974-3084, or by downloading a printed registration form, which can then be submitted via mail or faxed per the instructions on the form.

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.