Posted on

ASCLA members establish “new” Library Consultant Interest Group

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) welcomes the Library Consultant Interest Group to its list of active member interest groups.

ASCLA also 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 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.

Several group activities are planned for 2012, including:

  • An open hearing and discussion at the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Dallas about a draft ASCLA Library Consultants Code of Ethics.
  • Two exciting 2012 ALA annual conference programs:
    • “Essential Facilitation: Practical Tools for Guiding Groups” with Interaction Associates, Inc.
    • “Consultants Give Back” where consultants can contribute an hour of free consulting to librarians seeking advice or seek consulting help from the consultants who volunteer their time.
  • Building a collection of helpful resources, tools and discussions for Library Consultant Interest Group members on ALA Connect.
  • Supporting ASCLA development of online learning opportunities re: topics of interest to library consultants (building on the success of ASCLA/ILEX consultant preconferences).

Join the group now 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. Use this handy ALA Connect tip sheet (PDF) if you are having difficulty connecting. More information about all of ASCLA’s interest groups is available here. Interested in joining ASCLA? Learn more about member benefits and how to join at the ASCLA website.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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

Posted on

2012 program, preconference, institute proposals: due May 1

The  deadline for submitting proposals for 2012 institutes (Midwinter/Dallas), preconferences and programs (Annual/Anaheim) is MAY 1, 2011.

PROGRAM proposals must be submitted by this date using this online form: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ASCLA_Program_Proposals

PRECONFERENCE/INSTITUTE proposals must be submitted by this date using this online form: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ascla_preconfinst_proposal

We have posted a Word document version of both of these forms at the ASCLA website under Our Association>ASCLA Forms. The Word doc should be used to help prepare submissions, however all final proposals should be sent via the online form.

Any problems with the forms or website should be sent to Andrea Hill, RUSA web manager (ahill@ala.org).

Posted on

Consulting workshop: prices drastically reduced!

Due to a change in the event agenda–specifically, the elimination of a working lunch–the prices for the “Assembling a Consulting Toolkit: What You Need to Know to Become a Successful Library Consultant” institute at the ALA Midwinter Meeting have been drastically reduced!

Until registration closes on December 29, you can sign up at the following prices: ASCLA member, $215. ALA member, $225. Non-member, $260. Retired and Student members of ALA, $170.

If you have already purchased registration for this event, you will receive a refund from Experient, our 3rd party registration manager.

At both the 2010 Midwinter and Annual events, this workshop sold out, and with good reason: Nancy Bolt, Sara Laughlin and Beth Bingham offer a presentation that is informative, collaborative and inspiring. Past attendees have raved about how the workshop provided them with the confidence and the guidance to pursue consulting as a viable career option, or improve one’s current consulting endeavors. The agenda includes an overview of library consulting and a self-assessment to determine personal consulting potential. Participants will then 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.

The workshop will be held 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, in Room 05A of the San Diego Convention Center. 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 “SO-Institute and Ticketed Events Only” as the registration type and proceed to select this event from the list.

Posted on

Interface submissions due Dec. 15

Interface, the official e-newsletter of ASCLA, is now accepting submissions for the next issue. The deadline is December 15th so that this issue can be published before the ALA Midwinter Meeting and provide the membership with details on all the ASCLA-related meetings events taking place in San Diego.

The goals of Interface are to 1) present the latest developments in the field of specialized and cooperative library activities through substantive articles and special focus issues, 2) communicate effectively among the diverse elements of the division and 3) report official acts and activities of the various units of the division. We would like to particularly focus on bringing all of the communities of ASCLA together through their common issues, as well as introducing the unique aspects of each community to the others.  In particular, Interface is a great place to report on a successful program at your library or agency.

Articles should be sent as Word (.doc) attachments, and should include the name, title and institution/organization name for any authors. Articles of any length are accepted, however the length should be appropriate for an e-newsletter publication.

Send submissions by Dec. 15 to Anne Abate, Interface editor, at anne@librarydiscountnetwork.com. Ideas for issue themes and article topics can also be submitted to the editor at the same e-mail address–we want to hear from you, the members, and learn more about the important work you’re doing.

Posted on

Abate appointed new editor of ASCLA member e-newsletter

Interface, the e-newsletter of the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), welcomes Anne Abate, owner of Library Discount Network and a longtime ASCLA member, to the helm as editor.

Interface, which is distributed quarterly to members of ASCLA, covers both association news and also important developments in the fields of librarianship ASCLA represents: networks and cooperatives; independent librarians and consultants; state library agencies and services to special populations such as the incarcerated, blind, deaf, hard of hearing and other patron groups with special needs. The most recent issue focused on services to special populations, and highlighted activities in the field such as the Wolfner Library of Missouri’s transition from analog to digital talking books, an update on the Prisoners’ Right to Read, and coverage of the division’s related activities at the 2010 ALA Annual Conference. As editor, Abate will manage submissions, editing and online publication of the newsletter.

“I am excited about having this opportunity to learn so much more about ASCLA from the inside,” said Abate. “While I have dabbled in most of the areas encompassed by ASCLA and its sections, I look forward to learning more about the ASCLA members, their libraries, their concerns and what makes them unique. We will be reaching out to all of the ASCLA membership to share their stories with each other through Interface. We have so much to learn from each other.”

Abate has worked in a wide variety of libraries and library-related organizations during her career.  She is currently the owner of Library Discount Network, a small business that negotiates with database vendors on behalf of library consortia and networks and provides administrative and management support for nonprofit organizations.  Abate previously served as executive director of the Greater Cincinnati Library Consortium, now known as SWON Libraries, where she coordinated the programs, services, and activities for the members.  In previous lives, she worked as the director of marketing for a large corporation and held positions in libraries including law, academic, public, and special libraries.  She teaches in the areas of information technology for Xavier University and nonprofit management for Northern Kentucky University, and has also taught for the University of Kentucky and Nova Southeastern University.  Abate holds a bachelors degree from Xavier University, masters in library and information science from the University of Kentucky, a doctorate in computer technology from Nova Southeastern University, and a certificate in nonprofit management from Northern Kentucky University.

Posted on

Virtual Convergence: Webinar series registration now open!

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) invites all members of the library community to engage in online learning with the 2011 Virtual Convergence: a series of professional development webinars that will be held in January 2011 immediately following the ALA 2011 Midwinter Meeting.

Registration is now open for this exciting event, which provides an opportunity for librarians to kick off 2011 with online learning they can conveniently pursue from the comfort of their work or home computer. The Convergence will offer webinars throughout the day from Tuesday, Jan. 18 through Friday, Jan. 21. Session topics will appeal to a broad range of library types and job functions, and are open to all interested librarians, library staff and library supporters. Webinars will last approximately one hour and include opportunities for Q&A.

Scheduled webinar sessions include:

  • “Grant Writing 101”
  • “Presenting Topics to People who are Autistic, Deaf, Disabled, and Non-Disabled”
  • “Teaching Ophelia: Assisting At-Risk Teenagers”
  • “Why Reinvent the Wheel? Tools for Serving the Fast-growing Teen Population”
  • “Knowledge Management: Process and Tools for Convergence”
  • “Using Learning Objects to Enhance Distance Reference Services”
  • “The Disability Experience in a Post- 2.0 World: Implications for Libraries”
  • “Contract Librarianship: Concepts and Strategies”
  • “Accessibility 101: Assure That Your Library Is Welcoming & Usable for Persons With Disabilities”
  • “A Copyright Policy Update on Access to Information for Persons with Print Disabilities”
  • “Public Computer Conundrums: Policy and Program Choices That Improve Patron Outcomes”
  • “How to Build a Bridge:  Connecting Different Types of Libraries”
  • “Starting a New Library for At-risk Young Adults in a Digitally Divided Community”
  • “Libraries and Information Access for Differently-able Patrons: What We Can Do to Ensure Equality”
  • “Extending Our Reach: Using Extension Programs to Promote Statewide Resources.”
  • “Attracting Latinos to the Library: It’s All About Relationships”
  • “Conducting Successful Virtual Meetings”
  • “Careers in Federal Libraries”
  • “How to Find a Federal Job”
  • “Managing Library Adult and Family Literacy Programs”
  • “Resume Writing and Interviewing Techniques”
  • “Saks Fifth Avenue Service on a Dollar General Budget”

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

Group registration rates for this event are available—those interested in more information should contact Liz Markel, marketing specialist, at lmarkel@ala.org.

Posted on

Consulting Toolkit workshop expected to sell out again at 2011 Midwinter Meeting

UPDATE: As of December 7, we have decreased the registration cost for this event by eliminating a catered working lunch from the event agenda.

Prices are now as follows:

Advance Registration (through Nov. 29): ASCLA member, $185. ALA member, $195. Non-member, $225. Retired and Student members of ALA, $145.

On-Site Registration (Nov. 30-Dec. 29): ASCLA member, $215. ALA member, $225. Non-member, $260. Retired and Student members of ALA, $170.

If you have already purchased registration for this event, you will receive a refund from Experient, our 3rd party registration manager.

REGISTRATION FOR ALL TICKETED EVENTS FOR ALA MIDWINTER WILL CLOSE ON DEC. 29!

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) will again offer the full-day workshop “Assembling a Consulting Toolkit: What You Need to Know to Become a Successful Library Consultant” at the upcoming 2011 Midwinter Meeting in San Diego, and it is expected that this event will sell out prior to the close of Midwinter advance registration, which ends Monday, Nov. 29, 2010.

“Assembling a Consulting Toolkit” is the perfect event for 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. The workshop will be held 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, at one of the ALA conference hotels and is designed to prepare participants to begin – or advance – a successful consulting career.

Seasoned consultants and ASCLA members Nancy Bolt, Sara Laughlin and Beth Bingham will present an overview of library consulting for workshop attendees, who will then conduct in a 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.

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