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Leadership skills: become an effective facilitator with help of upcoming ASCLA webinar

CHICAGO–Managers and leaders from all types of libraries will benefit from the upcoming May 9 webinar “Being an Effective Facilitator” hosted by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), a division of ALA that cultivates leaders in librarianship with a wide variety of relevant webinars, workshops and online courses.

During this 90-minute online session, Brenda Hough will prepare you to run meetings and lead planning discussions with confidence in both face-to-face and online sessions! The effective facilitation skills that will be covered in this session are relevant to many professional situations including focus groups, staff meetings, brainstorming and learning sessions, and countless other group opportunities where a leader is needed to guide the conversation. Hough will also provide tips for improving participation and productivity, and cover important topics such as group dynamics, learning styles, and models for running meetings and group sessions.

“Being an Effective Facilitator” will be held Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Central (Chicago) Time using Blackboard Collaborate. Registered participants will receive a link to the recorded session to rewatch at their convenience. Individual registration fees start at $40 for ASCLA members. Groups wishing to participate in this session can register for a single login ($99), or pay just $38 per person for multiple logins (minimum 2 participants from the same library, library system or network. State libraries who are members of ASCLA receive significant savings, paying just $69 for a single login or $29 per person for multiple logins.

Register online now for these and other webinars. Registration will remain open until close-of-business on Monday, May 7, 2012. Group registration information is available at the ASCLA online learning page.. Questions about registration? Contact the ALA registration team at registration@ala.org or (800) 545-2433, option 5. To add ASCLA to your ALA membership, contact membership@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 cooperatives, as well as those who are self-employed. Our division’s work centers on member-driven interest groups that represent the diversity and important work of our engaged and active members. Not an ASCLA member, but interested in forming new interest groups, receiving discounted registration rates on ASCLApreconferences and online courses, and other important membership benefits? Join, renew or add ASCLA to your ALA membership at www.ala.org/membership.

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Library consultants! Sign up now to offer free services as part of “Consultants Give Back” at ALA Annual Conference

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) and the Public Library Association (PLA) are teaming up to offer “Consultants Give Back” at the 2012 ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif.—an opportunity for libraries to receive free 30-minute consultation sessions from professional library consultants.

This event features consultants with expertise in a wide variety of topics like RFID, marketing and communications, executive searches, buildings and facilities, strategic planning and library trends, among many others. Participating consultants will be available during the “Consultants Give Back” office hours, 1:30-5:30 p.m. in room 203B of the Anaheim Convention Center on Sunday, June 24 or at other times throughout the conference. Registration is now open for consultants wishing to offer services as a part of this exciting event. Access the consultant registration form here.

For those seeking consulting services, a list of participating consultants and their availability will be available on the ASCLA website in early May, and will be promoted via the ASCLA blog, ASCLA Facebook page and ASCLA Twitter feed. Those interested in booking a session should contact the consultant of their choice no later than Monday, June 20, 2012.

Questions about the consultation sessions should be directed to Nancy Bolt at nancybolt@earthlink.net or Paula Singer pmsinger@singergrp.com. Consultants interested in engaging and networking with library consulting peers for the benefit of all independent library professionals should join ASCLA’s Library Consultants Interest Group.

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ASCLA Workshop: Marketing, Development and Building a Library Champions Campaign

There has never been a better time to pursue a Library Champions campaign! Library Champions can promote the value of your library to your community while delivering maximum fundraising impact. Participate in this ASCLA workshop and you’ll learn from the experts how to execute a successful marketing and development campaign, from soup to nuts.

“A Marriage Made in Heaven: Combining Marketing and Development to Ensure the Future of Your Library”
Friday, June 22, 8:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
Anaheim, Calif. in conjunction with the ALA Annual Conferece
REGISTER NOW.
This workshop will be an incredibly valuable experience for public and special library directors, development staff, public relations staff, foundation members, and library trustees.

Two years ago, the New Jersey State Library launched a public awareness campaign designed to attract famous athletes and authors to serve as Library Champions, and with the help of marketing and development teams, leveraged those champions into an effective fundraising vehicle. Nancy Dowd, former NJSL director of marketing, and Erin MacCord, NJSL development director, will present on the following topics:

  • How to recruit celebrity champions and local heroes to promote your library;
  • How to leverage library champions, build a donor database and raise big money for your library;
  • How to build a donor development strategy for everyone in your library;
  • The essential publications your library must produce to secure funders.
Registration Rates: Through May 13: ASCLA members, $109; ALA members, $129; non-members, $149; Student and Retired ALA members, $99.
May 14 through June 15: ASCLA members, $129; ALA members, $149; non-members, $169; Student and Retired ALA members, $109.REGISTER NOW.

ASCLA Conference Events

There’s lots happening with ASCLA in Anaheim! Access our conference information page on our website, which will provide you with access to our other preconference offerings; our exciting programs which include the ASCLA President’s Program, featuring John Jantsch, author of Duct Tape Marketing; and fun events like the ASCLA/COSLA Awards Reception and Networking event.

ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition–Transforming Our Libraries, Ourselves

Find out about the many other ALA Annual Conference & Exhibits highlights as they’re added–speakers, events, networking opportunities, and more. And for general information about the meeting in Anaheim, CA, June 21-26, 2012, visit us at www.alaannual.org. Save money with Early Bird Registration, open until midnight, Sunday, May 13, 2012.

ASCLA Conference Events

There’s lots happening with ASCLA in Anaheim! Access our conference information page on our website, which will provide you with access to our other preconference offerings; our exciting programs which include the ASCLA President’s Program, featuring John Jantsch, author of Duct Tape Marketing; and fun events like the ASCLA/COSLA Awards Reception and Networking

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Member Feedback Needed! 5 minute online learning survey

ASCLA is in the process of upgrading its online training offerings in order to better serve the diverse needs of the members. We need your input now to be able to meet your specific online training needs. Even if you don’t ever expect to attend sessions, we would like your opinions.

The following survey should take no more than 5 minutes to complete. Any information you include will be managed confidentially. We are committed to continuous improvement in all areas of our association and your participation in this survey is very much appreciated.

Thank you for your support and please feel free to contact the ASCLA office (ascla@ala.org) if you have any questions.

Survey Link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3F2MYGC

 

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Transform Your Library: Top-Notch Service for All Users!

Is your library reaching all of its users with effective services, a welcoming environment and knowledgeable staff? ASCLA, a division of ALA, offers expertise in serving special populations. Take advantage of this expertise: enroll in one of our upcoming webinars or online courses to gain valuable knowledge that will help transform your library’s services to Latino populations, the blind and visually impaired, and people with disabilities. Learn more below, or visit our online learning page to find out about all of our upcoming opportunities.

Questions? Contact registration@ala.org or (800) 545-2433, option 5.

WEBINAR: Serving the Blind and Visually Impaired in Your Library
Thursday, April 5, 2012, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Central Time
REGISTER NOW.
The need for services to the blind and visually impaired is relevant to all libraries. This webinar will introduce the Service Frontiers in BVIP Initiative for blind and visually impaired patrons. During the session we will review the definition of blindness; explore disability etiquette; and learn where the blind are and how to attract them with our library services. Service Frontiers in BVIP is a first-of-its-kind in the U.S. and we will create a successful model for public libraries around the country. This program will focus on developing partnerships –between libraries and the blind & visually impaired community– which will promote an ongoing exchange of needs, ideas and solutions for improving library services to this underserved population.
Who Should Attend: Public and academic Librarians; library staff communicating and serving this community; reference librarians identifying and delivering information materials to this community; web developers interested in gaining a practical understanding of Section 508.
Instructor: Buna Dahal, internationally acclaimed leadership strategist, ADA consultant, and secretary for the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado
Registration starts at $40 for ASCLA members. Single-login group rates are $99.

ONLINE COURSE: Improving Library Services to People With Disabilities
Apr. 23 – May 18, 2012
Two live course chat meetings: Thursday, May 3 & 17, from 3-4 pm CENTRAL/Chicago Time
REGISTER NOW. Previous course offerings have sold out!
Library services to people with disabilities are provided by all levels of library staff.  From the part-time aide charging out library materials to the library director determining policies, staff skills and attitudes are crucial for a satisfactory library experience. All libraries have a plan for serving people with disabilities, whether it is the installation of ramps or the creation of special needs story times. But improvements are always possible. Library staff who enroll will review the current level of service to people with disabilities then explore materials and sources that provide additional support or new ideas.
Who Should Take This Course: This course is designed for all library staff, including support staff, general professional staff, age-level or subject specialists, managers and administrators.
Instructor: Kate Todd has worked as a children’s librarian for The New York Public Library and as Emerging Technologies Librarian for Manhattanville College, where she also taught “Technology for Special Education” in the graduate School of Education. She also taught the popular ALSC online course “Children with Disabilities in the Library.”
Registration starts at $130 for ASCLA members. Group rates for multiple registrations from the same library, library system or network are available!

WEBINAR: Creating a Latino Friendly Library
Thursday, May 17, 2012, 2:00 – 3:30pm Central Time
REGISTER NOW.
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.
Who Should Attend: Anyone whose library serves Latino/Spanish-speaking populations and who is interested in implementing a plan to bring more Latinos into the library and make them feel welcome.
Instructor: Yolanda J. Cuesta, lead consultant at Cuesta MultiCultual Consulting
Registration starts at $40 for ASCLA members. Single-login group rates are $99.

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Webinar: Effectively Marketing Your State Library’s Services

Want to market your state library’s services to your library users?

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies is offering a webinar that will show you exactly how to do that!

State Library Outreach to State Employees and Elected Officials
Monday, March 26, 2012 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Central Time
Registration closes Sunday, March 25–REGISTER NOW!
Learn from the Illinois State Library how to conduct effective outreach to your desired audience, such as state employees or elected officials, and raise awareness of the services available from your state library, and how you can assist them with their informational needs. This is an excellent opportunity for state library staff, reference librarians, outreach coordinators and other types of librarians to learn how to launch an effective campaign to promote your state library’s services.

During the webinar, we’ll:

  • Learn how to identify an audience and their needs
  • Review the importance of knowing your materials and resources
  • Explore new technology options and usage
  • Identify promotion techniques to gain exposure
  • Cover the recommendations, successes, failures and lessons learned from the Illinois State Library’s undertaking.
  • Address potential roadblocks such as restricted access to social media.

Webinar presenters: Debra Aggertt, reference outreach coordinator, Illinois State Library, and Sandra Fritz, reference librarian, Illinois State Library. Check out the webinar information page for more details about their background.

REGISTER FOR THIS WEBINAR NOW!
Individual registration: starts at $40 for ASCLA members
Group registration: $99 for a single login or $38/person (min. 2 people) for multiple logins
State Library Agency Members of ASCLA pay the amazing group rates of $69 for a single login or $29/person (min. 2 people) for multiple logins. Learn more about the benefits of ASCLA membership for SLAs here (PDF).

Questions about registration? Contact registration@ala.org or (800) 545-2433, option 5.
Questions about your ALA or ASCLA membership? Contact membership@ala.org.

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Revised Standards for Libraries Serving the Blind and Physically Handicapped Now Available

The “Revised Standards and Guidelines of Service for the Library of Congress Network of Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped” (NLSBPH) have been published by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) and are now available for purchase through the ALA Store.
The 2011 version of these standards and guidelines is the fourth iteration of ALA standards for libraries serving blind and physically handicapped individuals. They were developed by consumers, network librarians and their administering agencies to provide a benchmark for service by which the libraries can judge their accomplishments. The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLSBPH) uses these Standards as the basis for consultant visit reviews and evaluation of the library’s operations, and NLS anticipates implementing these revised standards beginning in 2012. NLS has reviewed cooperating network libraries against the original standards, and updates since 1980, with the goal of providing equitable service for eligible individuals wherever they reside in the United States or its possessions or territories.

Among other topics, the text provides information about standards for provision of services, resource development and management, public education and outreach, budget and funding, planning and evaluation, personnel and BARD; guidelines for personnel and space; and several appendices on critical information such as the Library of Congress/National Library Service Eligibility Criteria, the ALA Library Bill of Rights and Policy on Confidentiality of Library Records and the ALA Policy on Services for People with Disabilities.

Learn more about this publication and purchase your copy now at the ALA Store.

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. Our division’s work centers on member-driven interest groups that represent the diversity and important work of our engaged and active members. Not an ASCLA member, but interested in discounted registration rates on conference, ASCLA preconference and other ASCLA events? Join, renew or add ASCLA to your ALA membership at www.ala.org/membership.

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ASCLA preconferences tackle important topics for public libraries: marketing and development, special populations outreach services

ASCLA will host three half-day workshops in Anaheim covering library marketing and development, public library services to the visually and physically impaired and public library partnerships with jails and prisons.

These preconferences highlight a few of ASCLA’s areas of expertise, and are an opportunity for other members of the library community to benefit from this knowledge and experience. This year’s topics are particularly relevant to public libraries, public librarians and library supporters, but all interested participants are welcome, and can register for this event with or without registering for the 2012 ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim.

Conference registration information is available here at the ALA Annual Conference website, www.alaannual.org. ASCLA will also offer a multitude of programs, interest group meetings and a lively networking event and awards celebration in Anaheim—learn more at the ASCLA website.

This year’s ASCLA Annual Conference workshops are:

The Outspoken Library: A Gateway for Public Libraries to Services for the Visually and Physically Impaired
Friday, June 22, 1:00-4:00p.m.
Looking for inventive ideas for promoting library services? The New Jersey State Library developed “The Outspoken Library” to promote free online services that are available for print-disabled people. This program allows library customers to access services administered through the State Library’s Talking Book & Braille Center (TBBC), including audio newspapers (TBBC’s Audiovision and NFB’s Newsline) and the Library of Congress’s Braille and Audio Reading Download service. Find out how to establish and market these valuable resources. Who should attend: Libraries whose customers and communities include individuals who qualify for services from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, including public libraries, school libraries, academic libraries, and NLS regional and subregional libraries.

Registration Rates:
Jan. 3 through May 13: ASCLA members, $109; ALA members, $129; non-members, $149; Student and Retired ALA members, $99.
May 14 through June 15: ASCLA members, $129; ALA members, $149; non-members, $169; Student and Retired ALA members, $109.

Register online now.

Speakers: Adam Szczepaniak, associate state librarian and director, New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center; Elizabeth Burns, youth services consultant for the New Jersey State Library Talking Book & Braille Center; Mary Romance, director, East Orange Public Library

The Nuts & Bolts of Building a Public Library/Jail/Prison Partnership
Friday, June 22, 8:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
Hear from speakers who’ve successfully built public library/correctional setting partnerships, and learn how to build these kinds of relationships step-by-step. Public librarians and correctional librarians interested in creating literacy and reading program partnerships for youth in detention centers and adults in jails or prisons will not want to miss this half-day workshop that will cover such difficult issues of collection development, security, and staff interactions. Who should attend: Public librarians and correctional librarians interested on creating literacy and reading program partnerships for youth and adults in jails or prisons.

Registration Rates:
Jan. 3 through May 13: ASCLA members, $109; ALA members, $129; non-members, $149; Student and Retired ALA members, $99.
May 14 through June 15: ASCLA members, $129; ALA members, $149; non-members, $169; Student and Retired ALA members, $109.

Register online now.

Speakers: Kathleen Houlihan, youth outreach librarian, Austin Public Library, Second Change Books; Amy Cheney, Alameda County Library, Write to Read program Juvenile Hall Literacy

A Marriage Made in Heaven:  Combining Marketing and Development to Ensure the Future of Your Library
Friday, June 22, 8:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
Has your library stalled in its attempt to develop a fundraising strategy? Are you trying to raise the awareness of the value your library offers your community? It may be time to start a library champion campaign. Two years ago, the New Jersey State Library launched a public awareness campaign designed to attract famous athletes and authors to serve as Library Champions, and with the help of marketing and development teams, leveraged those champions into an effective fund raising vehicle. Workshop participants will learn 1) how to recruit celebrity champions and local heroes to promote your library; 2) how to leverage library champions, build a donor database and raise big money for your library; 3) how to build a donor development strategy for everyone in your library; and 4) the essential publications your library must produce to secure funders. Who should attend: Public and special library directors, development staff, public relations staff, foundation members, trustees

Registration Rates:
Through May 13: ASCLA members, $109; ALA members, $129; non-members, $149; Student and Retired ALA members, $99.
May 14 through June 15: ASCLA members, $129; ALA members, $149; non-members, $169; Student and Retired ALA members, $109.

Register online now.

Speakers: Nancy Dowd and Erin MacCord

 

Do you know about us?

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. Our division’s work centers on member-driven interest groups that represent the diversity and important work of our engaged and active members. Not an ASCLA member, but interested in forming new interest groups, receiving discounted registration rates on ASCLA preconferences and online courses, and other important membership benefits? Join, renew or add ASCLA to your ALA membership at www.ala.org/membership.

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Library Consultant Interest Group reviews “Library Consultants Code of Ethics” draft in Dallas

The Library Consultant Interest Group–a member group situated within the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), a division of ALA– invites independent librarians, library consultants, state library consultants of all types, regional library consultants and any librarians or library staff who help others learn and solve problems to join the conversation!

 

In addition to ongoing discussions via the group’s ALA Connect space, there are also several activities taking place at the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Dallas:

  • An open forum to discuss a draft Library Consultants Code of Ethics on Sunday, January 22 at 4:00 to 5:30 pm, Dallas Convention Center, Room D224.  Nancy Bolt, of Nancy Bolt and Associates will moderate the open forum. Visit http://connect.ala.org/node/160463 to see the draft Code of Ethics.
  • The ASCLA/COSLA Reception, a division-wide dessert reception where you can informally gather with colleagues and share a drink. This year’s event will be held Sunday, January 22, 8:00-10:00pm in the Fountain Room at the Fairmont Hotel, 1717 N. Akard Street.

 

The Library Consultant Interest Group replaces the former Independent Librarians Exchange (ILEX) special interest section of ASCLA. Membership is open to all ALA members; ASCLA membership is required for those interested in leadership positions within the group. The group supports professional development by providing programs, information exchange and networking opportunities of interest to independent librarians, library consultants and others who want to push the boundaries of librarianship. Join the group by visiting the ASCLA Library Consultants Interest Group ALA Connect page and clicking on the “Join” button. ALA login is required in order to access the interest group page.

 

More information about all of ASCLA’s events in Dallas can be found here.
The group will also host two programs at the upcoming 2012 ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim:

    • “Essential Facilitation: Practical Tools for Guiding Groups”: Monday, June 25, 10:30a.m.-12:00p.m., with presentations by Interaction Associates, Inc.
    • “Consultants Give Back”: Consultants can contribute an hour of free consulting to librarians seeking advice or seek consulting help from the consultants who volunteer their time. Date and location TBA in late spring 2012.

More information about ASCLA’s Annual Conference programs is here. Updates about ASCLA’s activities are also available via the division’s Twitter feed, Facebook page and blog.

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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.