ASCLA Institute at the 2015 Midwinter Meeting

Using Comics to Promote Literacy – Advance Ticket Purchase Required, Great Prices for Students!
Friday, January 30, 12:00pm to 4:00pm; Hilton-Chicago, Williford Room A

This topic is important and timely in today’s increasingly visual culture. Participants in “Using Comics to Promote Literacy” will learn how to use comics to promote both verbal and visual literacy for emerging and struggling readers, as well as learn how comics are used to teach the common core state standards in reading and writing. Our speakers will address the academic legitimacy of the comics genre and discuss how images imply rather than illustrate. Attendees will gain an appreciation of the depth and nuances found in comics. Learn why comics are not just fun to read, but an incredibly rich resource to capture and fuel a young reader’s imagination.

Registration for the 2015 Midwinter Meeting is not required in order to purchase a ticket. Membership in ASCLA is not required in order to participate, but ASCLA members receive the best registration rates on all of these events; learn more about ASCLA and join today.  Registration rates: ASCLA Members: $169; ALA Members: $235; Student and Retired Members:$99; Non-Members: $255. All Institute attendees will receive two TOON Books, one of which is a recipient of the 2010 ALA Geisel Award!

Don’t be left out in the cold and miss any of ASCLA’s 2015 Midwinter Meetings!

EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS:

ASCLA Institute:
Using Comics to Promote Literacy, Friday, January 30, 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Hilton-Chicago, Williford Room A 

This topic is important and timely in today’s increasingly visual culture. Learn how to use comics to promote both verbal and visual literacy for emerging and struggling readers, as well as learn how comics are used to teach the common core state standards in reading and writing. Learn why comics are an incredibly rich resource to capture and fuel a young reader’s imagination. Register hereAdd to my schedule.

ASCLA/COSLA Networking and Happy Hour
Friday, January 30, 2015 – 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Renaissance Blackstone, Lower Lounge Bar
Kick off the 2015 ALA Midwinter Meeting in style with the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) Networking and Happy Hour—an opportunity to socialize, network, and learn more about ASCLA. The event is open to all current ASCLA members, friends of ASCLA and those meeting attendees interested in learning more about the association and networking with peers. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet ASCLA’s leaders! Add to my schedule.

BUSINESS AS USUAL:

Finance and Planning / All Committee Meeting 
Saturday, January 31, 2015 – 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Hilton Chicago, Buckingham Room

Meeting to review, recommend and plan goals, objectives, and priorities for the division as they relate to the ASCLA’s budgetary matters. Add to my schedule

Leadership Session
McCormick Place, Room West 192a
Saturday, January 31, 2015, 10:00 11:30 AM
All members are invited to attend the Leadership Session immediately following ASCLA Board I to help brainstorm, strategize and learn! Add to my schedule.

Last but not least, the ASCLA board will meet twice in Chicago; please feel free to join us as our honored guests. The meetings will be held:

Board of Directors I
Saturday, January 31, 2015, 8:00 – 10:00 AM
McCormick Place West, Room: W192a Add to my schedule.
Board of Directors II 
Monday, February 2, 2015, 12:00 – 1:30 PM
McCormick Place West, Room: W195 Add to my schedule.

ASCLA seeks Online Course and Webinar proposals for 2015!

ASCLA encourages subject matter experts and experienced librarians to submit proposals for ASCLA Online Courses and Webinars to be presented November 2014 through August 2015. 

Proposals must be submitted by October 24, 2014 for presentation November 2014 through August 2015. Online Courses and Webinars submitted during this open call period will be reviewed and approved by November 14, 2014.

ASCLA welcomes proposals on topics that will assist our diverse membership in improved service delivery and job performance. ASCLA’s members represent libraries serving special populations, including library users with disabilities, and adults and youth who are incarcerated or detained; independent librarians and consultants; state library agencies and their employees, public libraries serving or working with the previously cited populations and institutions; and library networks and cooperatives. Staff of these libraries and agencies include librarians, library paraprofessionals, and library support staff.

The online course proposal form can be accessed here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/asclaonlinecourse2015

Attendees are charged a fee to participate in the course and receive a certificate upon completion. The fee includes ongoing access to an archived version of the course. Instructors will be paid a one-time course/curriculum development fee of $1,000 to set up the course initially, and $40 per participant thereafter.

The webinar proposal form can be accessed here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/asclawebinar2015 .
Webinar presenters will be paid $150 for each webinar presented and will receive training and support for Adobe Connect, the webinar technology platform used by the division. Webinars are generally 1-1 ½ hours long.

Proposal topics for online courses and webinars may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • ADA updates for libraries
  • Adult programming in a correctional library
  • Basics of a good prison/jail library
  • Best practices in correctional librarianship and providing services to the incarcerated
  • Consulting: marketing your services
  • Demonstration and review of current accessibility products
  • Ebooks
  • Emerging technologies in accessibility products and services, including screen readers, mobile devices, IPADS, etc.
  • Evaluating and improving cooperative services;
  • Future trends in library service;
  • Grants: best practices for finding funding and writing proposals
  • Group purchasing best practices
  • Hiring library consultants: best practices
  • How to be a futurist
  • Marketing library services to people with disabilities
  • Marketing on a shoestring budget
  • New apps that assist library users with special needs
  • Providing library services to people with cognitive or mental impairments
  • Review of best practices, standards and guidelines to improve library services
  • Technology trends for people with disabilities

Questions about submissions or about ASCLA’s online learning and webinar programs may be sent to Andrea Hill, ASCLA web manager and online learning liaison at ahill@ala.org.

ASCLA is now accepting nominations for its 2015 awards! 

Each year, ASCLA offers five awards honoring professional achievement in the areas of work represented by our diverse membership.

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.

Outstanding 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.

Extension and Outreach Services: The ASCLA 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.

Cooperative, Consulting and State Library Services: The ASCLA 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.

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.

Those interested in submitting a nomination can download the appropriate award nomination form (s) from the awards section of the ASCLA website Nominations for all awards must be received by Feb. 8, 2015. Submission information is included on each form.

*Monetary award amounts are subject to change without notice and are contingent upon donor funding supplied at the time the award is presented. Questions about these awards should be directed to the committee chairperson, Linda S. Lyshol (lindal@firstcitylibraries.org) or to Marianne Braverman, ASCLA Marketing & Programs Manager (mbraverman@ala.org).

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.

Travel with ASCLA to France and Italy this October!

Say au revoir to the gloomy fall weather and bonjour to lavender fields, vineyards and outdoor markets! Destinations for this Mediterranean adventure include Nice, Cannes and Monte Carlo. This is a fundraising trip hosted by ASCLA, a division of ALA. Previous adventures include Spain, France, Ireland and Italy.

A complete travel itinerary and instructions for reserving your spot are included in this downloadable flyer.
Deposits must be paid by August 1, 2014 to reserve your seat, and space is limited!

This adventure is open to the library community; there are no membership requirements in order to participate. Previous travelers have brought spouses, siblings and friends along.

To reserve your spot, you can download the application form here or make your reservation by contacting Michael Stillwell at Lyceum Tours (lyceum46@yahoo.com). You can also contact ASCLA Executive Director Susan Hornung (shornung@ala.org) for information.

New online courses and webinars!

Online Courses:

**Going to Jail: How Juvenile Books Portray the Prison Experience

October 20 – November 23, 2014, (Five live course chat meetings Thursdays 1:00 – 2:00pm CST)
This five week course will explore portrayals of the incarceration experience in juvenile and young adult literature. Read more.
Register now! **CEUs are available for this course! 

Webinars 

Emotional Intelligence in Your Workplace 

Wednesdays, July 23, 30, and August 6, 2:00 PM CST

In this 3-part series, we’ll discuss the idea of Emotional Intelligence and why interest in the field is increasing. Read more. Register now!

Portal, Platform, Public Option: An introduction and overview of the Digital Public Library of America, (DPLA) 
Wednesday, September 24, 2014, 2:00 p.m. CST

This presentation explores how we view the DPLA: as a portal, a technical platform, and an advocate for the public good. Read more. Register now!

Libraries Support Digital Readiness with Tech Training, STEM Programs, More Robust Online Collections

Leading Role Recognized in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

Nearly 100 percent of America’s public libraries offer workforce development training programs, online job resources, and technology skills training, according to a new study from the American Library Association (ALA). Combined with maker spaces, coding classes, and programs dedicated to entrepreneurship and small business development, libraries are equipping U.S. communities with the resources and skills needed to succeed in today’s – and tomorrow’s – global marketplace.

President Obama and Congress recently acknowledged the vital contributions of libraries by enabling them—for the first time—to be considered One-Stop partners and eligible for federal funding to support job training and job search programs. The bipartisan Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act also authorizes adult education and literacy activities provided by public libraries as an allowable statewide employment and training activity.

“Senator Jack Reed and I led the effort to include public libraries in this important new law because they are often the first places Americans go for skill development and job search assistance,” said Representative Rush Holt (D-NJ). “I’ve seen this firsthand with NJWorks@yourlibraryproject, which used federal Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) funding to help get job seekers back to work with access to online job resources and training in every community in New Jersey.”
Overall, libraries report technology improvements—including nearly ubiquitous public wi-fi, growing mobile resources and a leap in e-book access—but the ALA’s 2014 Digital Inclusion Survey also documents digital differences among states and an urban/rural divide.

“Until the Digital Inclusion Survey, no national study has shown in such detail the extent to which libraries complete education, jumpstart employment and entrepreneurship, and foster individual empowerment and engagement, or the E’s of Libraries™,” said ALA President Courtney Young. “The study also begins to map new programs and technology resources that range from STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) maker programming to 3D printing to hackathons.”

Among the study findings:
*98% of libraries provide free public access to Wi-Fi, up from 89% in 2012;
*98% provide technology training, ranging from internet safety and privacy to coding to using social media;
*98% provide assistance completing online government forms;
*97% provide online homework help;
*95% offer workforce development training programs;
*90% offer e-books, up from 76% in 2012;
*56% offer health and wellness programs regarding developing healthy lifestyles;
*50% offer entrepreneurship and small business development programs; and
*Average number of computers provided by libraries is now 20, up from 16 in 2012

“Changes in technology—whether internet speeds, or new devices or new applications—are racing faster all the time,” said IMLS Director Susan Hildreth. “Libraries are ideally positioned to help everyone in our communities get up to speed. This is the heart of digital inclusion—equitable access to internet-connected devices and online content plus the skills to take advantage of the educational, economic and social opportunities available through these technologies.”

Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and managed by the ALA Office for Research & Statistics and the Information Policy and Access Center at the University of Maryland, the Digital Inclusion Study provides national- and state-level data. The International City/County Management Association and ALA Office for Information Technology Policy are partners in the research effort.

While most libraries marked progress from the last national library technology study in 2012, advances are uneven. Less than half of rural libraries reported they increased bandwidth speeds in the last 24 months, compared with 64 percent of urban libraries and 56 percent of suburban libraries. Fewer than two-thirds of rural libraries report having access to information technology (IT) staff, far behind their counterparts. A vast majority of all libraries (66 percent), though, agree they would like to increase their broadband capacity, and that cost is the leading barrier to doing so.

“It is increasingly understood that access to broadband is the critical success factor across our society, and we must do more to connect all of our communities,” said ICMA Executive Director Robert J. O’Neill, Jr. “Libraries play an essential role in helping local governments meet their greatest challenges by connecting their services to critical community priorities.”

The study provides a first national look at emerging trends, from STEM maker spaces (17 percent, or about 3,000 libraries), to wireless printing (33 percent) to 3D printers and hosting hackathons or other coding/application development events (about 2 percent each, or roughly 260 libraries). Creation and making activities already are transforming what is possible for communities through libraries. At the Johnson County Library in Kansas, for instance, a library patron printed a mechanical hand for a family friend. High school student Mason Wilde loaded needed blueprints onto library computers and used the library’s 3D printer to create the necessary parts. Wilde then decided to start a nonprofit to make 3D prosthetics for other children, and he is now considering a career in the biomedical field.

“Creating is becoming a new digital competency, and libraries are building and expanding their programs and services to meet these changing community needs,” said Ann Joslin, President of the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies. Joslin also is the state librarian in Idaho, which currently has a pilot program underway to support library maker activities and encourage the use of new technologies and tools.

“Whether it’s a class on internet safety, an entrepreneur who identifies potential customers from databases or a class on digital content creation, libraries continue to establish themselves as digital leaders in communities,” Young concluded. “This study demonstrates how technology investments benefit our libraries and our patrons, and keep our communities thriving.”

Methodology: The Digital Inclusion Survey collected data from a nationally representative sample of public libraries at the branch/outlet level between September 3 and November 30, 2013. The survey was open to all public libraries to participate. However, the analysis conducted used only sampled libraries. The survey received 3,392 responses, for a 70.1 percent response rate. For more information, please visit http://www.ala.org/research/digitalinclusion and http://digitalinclusion.umd.edu/. Past related reports on public library technology are available at www.ala.org/plinternetfunding.

ASCLA’s ALA Annual Conference Highlights!

Stay up-to-date with ASCLA on Twitter  Facebook and stay informed about the ALA Annual Conference at #alaac14

Advanced Registration ends June 20th!

REGISTER for ALA Annual Conference NOW!

ASCLA’s ALA Annual Conference Highlights: *Free to all conference registrants!

ASCLA 101

Join ASCLA as we host our first ASLCA 101, Networking and orientation event. 
Interested, new and current members are welcome. Brief presentation about ASCLA,

networking opportunities, refreshments and raffle prizes! Read more  Add to my schedule

Free to all conference registrants!

ASCLA / COSLA Reception and Award Presentation

Each year, ASCLA honors professional achievement in the areas of work represented by our diverse membership. From awards recognizing projects for services to people with disabilities to citations for service to ASCLA…Read more  Add to my schedule

ASCLA President’s Program 

Connected Learning and Libraries: At the Intersection of the Arts,

Media, New Technologies, and Informal Learning.

Connected Learning is the progressive educational approach intended for our continuously changing world. Read more  Add this to my schedule

Free to all conference registrants!   

Exclusive and Valuable ASCLA Programs

Saturday

Accessible eBooks: Ensuring that Your Library’s eContent is Universally Accessible to All 
As libraries purchase an ever increasing amount of electronic content, questions about universal accessibility become even more important. Read more  Add to my schedule

Whither Library Consortia? 

Based on research for a forthcoming book on library consortia, our co-presenters will discuss changes in the landscape of consortia, e.g., funding, membership, and services as well as innovations designed to add value to membership and enhance the sustainability of consortia.

Read more  Add to my schedule

Creating Fun, Accessible Programming for Youth with Disabilities 
Youth patrons with disabilities are members of every public library’s population. This presentation will review best practices on accessible, engaging and entertaining programs for children of all ages and abilities. Read more  Add to my schedule 

Consulting After Retirement:  Is it Right For You? 
Thinking of retiring?  Want to utilize your skills and expertise on a part-time per project basis?  Is being a library consultant the right career path for you?  Read more  Add to my schedule

Online Inside: Justification, Issues and Solutions for Digital Literacy in Correctional Settings 

Now more than ever individuals housed in US prisons need to be digitally literate if we want to increase their chances of successfully transitioning back into the community. Panelists will discuss the obstacles and talk about what is being done to expose people in prison to the tools they will need for job searching, health and social services, etc. Read more  Add to my schedule

Free and Affordable Apps for Accessibility 

Free and low cost applications for smart phones and tablets have gone beyond simply games and utility functions and can be used to increase accessibility for library patrons of all ages.   Read more  Add to my schedule

Creative Collaborations:  Successful Partnerships that Serve Children with Autism 
Our panel will feature librarians who forged partnerships with outside organizations in order to serve their young patrons with autism in new and exciting ways. Read more  Add to my schedule

Embedding Librarians in Virtual Communities 

This program will share examples of embedding librarianship through MOOCs, wikis, mobile devices, and virtual worlds on an international scale.  Read more  Add to my schedule

Teen Reading Lounge: Engaging Teens through Interactive Humanities based Programming 
Teen Reading Lounge, an interactive book discussion series created by Pennsylvania Humanities Council (PHC) for public libraries to encourage teens to read and talk about literature that matters to them… Read more  Add to my schedule

Temporary Staffing Solutions for Libraries:  A Consortial Approach in Massachusetts 
Libraries in Massachusetts needed assistance meeting short-term staffing needs, while library workers wanted opportunities to earn income, gain experience, and stay connected to the field during unemployment or retirement. The Massachusetts Library System recognized a potential solution that could also generate additional revenue for our collaborative: a temporary library staffing service.  Read more  Add to my schedule

Monday

Tour of Summit View Juvenile Correctional Center Library *Ticketed Event
Experience this unique, exciting, and challenging arena of library services on a tour of the newly re-opened Summit View Youth Correctional Center in Las Vegas. Read more Add to my schedule

Learn more about how, for less than $5 a month plus the cost of ALA membership, can benefit you professionally and personally.
Become a member now at http://www.ala.org/membership or by calling 1-800-545-2433, option 5.

Register for the 2014 ALA Annual Conference here!