Network, Socialize and Celebrate at the 2015 ALA Annual Conference!

Awards Ceremony & Reception
Hang out with your ASCLA colleagues and celebrate this year’s award winners at the ASCLA/COSLA awards and networking reception. All conference attendees and guests are invited to this event! Co-sponsored by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) and the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA). Add to my schedule.

Date: Saturday, June 27, Time: 5:45 – 7:15 PM, Location: Hilton San Francisco Union Square, Imperial A

ASCLA Awards Nominations Period Extended Through March 1st! 

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: TheASCLA/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 Awardrecognizes 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.

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.

ALA seeks candidates for 2014 Google Policy Summer Fellowship!

For the seventh consecutive year, the American Library Association is pleased to participate in the Google Policy Fellows program for 2014. The ALA Office for Information Technology Policy began its participation at the program’s founding.

For the summer of 2014, the selected fellow will spend 10 weeks in residence at the ALA Washington Office to learn about national policy and complete a major project. Google provides the $7,500 stipend for the summer, but the work agenda is determined by the ALA and the selected fellow. The Google Washington office provides an educational program for all of the fellows, such as lunchtime talks and interactions with Google Washington staff.

The fellows work in diverse areas of information policy that may include digital copyright, e-book licenses and access, future of reading, international copyright policy, broadband deployment, telecommunications policy (including e-rate and network neutrality), digital divide, access to information, free expression, digital literacy, online privacy, the future of libraries generally, and many other topics.

Jamie Schleser, a doctoral student at American University, served as the ALA 2013 Google Policy Fellow. Schleser worked with OITP to apply her dissertation research regarding online-specific digital libraries to articulate visions and strategies for the future of libraries.

Further information about the program and host organizations is available at the Google Public Policy Fellowship website. Applications are due by Monday, April 14, 2014. ALA encourages all interested graduate students to apply and, of course, especially those in library and information science-related academic programs. Here’s a link to the application: https://www.google.com/policyfellowship/faq.html

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.

2010 ASCLA Century Scholarship funds education for library students with disabilities

Library and information science students with access needs are encouraged to apply for the 2010 ASCLA Century Scholarship, a one-time $2,500 award funding necessary services or accommodations to enable the winner to complete a master’s or doctoral program in the field.

The scholarship is an initiative of ASCLA, the Library Service to Special Populations Section (LSSPS) of ASCLA and the Library Service to People with Visual or Physical Disabilities Forum and was established in 2000 through the generosity of an anonymous donor. It fulfills ALA’s mission to cultivate a field of library professionals that more accurately reflects the diversity of the communities and populations it serves. All LIS graduate students—including veterans—with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must have been accepted to an ALA-accredited graduate program, be a U.S. or Canadian citizen and be able to provide documentation of his or her access need (“disability”). Interested students should complete the online scholarship application, including submission of a personal statement, letters of reference and transcripts. Questions about the online application process can be directed to the ALA Scholarship Clearinghouse at scholarships@ala.org or 1(800) 545-2433 ext. 4279. Appropriate medical documentation should be sent to Liz Markel, ASCLA Marketing Specialist at ASCLA, ATTN: Century Scholarship, 50 E. Huron Street, Chicago, IL, 60611. All scholarship application materials including medical documentation must be received by March 1, and only complete applications will be considered.

The 2010 scholarship will be presented to the winner as a part of ASCLA events at the ALA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., June 24-29, 2010. More information about the scholarship and other ASCLA awards is available at the ASCLA awards webpage.

The ASCLA Century Scholarship continues to thrive because of the financial support of generous donors both inside and outside of ASCLA. Contributions to the scholarship fund can be made online at the giveALA page—find the scholarship under “Divisions and Offices.” Questions should be directed to the ALA Development Office at development@ala.org or (312) 280-3259.

ASCLA ramps up fundraising efforts for Century Scholarship

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) will hold a silent auction at the 2009 Midwinter Meeting’s ASCLA/COSLA reception to benefit the ASCLA Century Scholarship.

The scholarship is an initiative of the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), the Library Service to Special Populations Section (LSSPS) of ASCLA and the Library Service to People with Visual or Physical Disabilities Forum, and was established in 2000 through the generosity of an anonymous donor. It fulfills ALA’s mission to cultivate a field of library professionals that more accurately reflects the diversity of the communities and populations it serves. Proceeds from the auction directly benefit the scholarship fund and promote its long-term financial viability.

Contributions of goods or services to the auction list are welcome from both vendors and individuals, and will be accepted until Jan. 5, 2009. Interested contributors should complete the silent auction donation form. Questions about the event should be directed to Liz Markel, ASCLA marketing specialist and event coordinator.

The reception, a networking event open to all conference attendees, will be held Sunday, Jan. 25, from 9:00 p.m. to midnight in the Capitol Peak Ballroom at the Grand Hyatt Denver, 1750 Welton Street, Denver.

Library and information science students with access needs—including veterans—are encourage to apply for the scholarship, a one-time $2,500 award funding necessary services or accommodations to enable the winner to complete a Master’s or Doctoral program in the field. Complete information about scholarship eligibility and application instructions are available at the scholarship webpage on the ASCLA site. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2009.