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!

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!

In the Margins Book Award and Selection Committee Names its First Top 10 Titles!

In the Margins Book Award and Selection Committee, (ITM) a committee under the umbrella of ASCLA’s Library Services for Youth in Custody (LYSC) Interest Group, selected their first list of 25 titles and a top 10.  In the Margins strives to find the best books for teens living in poverty, on the streets, in custody – or a cycle of all three.

The 2014 top ten are:

  • Asante, M.K. Buck: a Memoir. Spiegel & Grau. August 2013. 272p. HC $25.00. ISBN 9780812993417.
  • Jones, Marilyn Denise. From Crack to College and Vice Versa. Marilyn D. Jones. May 2013. 105p. PB $14.95. ISBN 9780989427401.
  • Langan, Paul.  Survivor. Townsend Press. January 2013. 138p. PB $5.95. ISBN 9781591943044.
  • McKay, Sharon E. War Brothers: The Graphic Novel. Illustrated by Lafance, Daniel.  Annick Press. February 2013. PB $18.95. ISBN 9781554514885.
  • McVoy, Terra Elan. Criminal.  Simon Pulse. May, 2013. 288p. HC $16.99. ISBN 9781442421622.
  • Medina, Meg. Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass. Candlewick. March 2013. 260p. HC $16.99. ISBN 9780763658595.
  • Nussbaum, Susan. Good Kings, Bad Kings. Algonquin Books. November 2013. 304p. PB $14.95.  ISBN 9781616203252.
  • Rivera, Jeff. No Matter What. CreateSpace. October 2013. 112p. PB $5.38. ISBN 9781493544141.
  • Ryan, Darlene. Pieces of Me. Orca Book Publishers. September 2012. 240p. PB $12.95. ISBN 9781459800809.
  • Young, Pamela Samuels. Anybody’s Daughter. Goldman House Publishing.  October 2013. 374p. PB $16.99. ISBN 9780989293501.

“We are pleased with the founding of this list and our efforts of the first year. We have a great list, bringing to national attention books that are new finds and not widely publicized in the library world along with standout books of the year” said Amy Cheney, chair of In the Margins Book Award and Selection committee. “The committee is excited to share these books with you for teens living and interested in the margins of society.”

The full list of 25 titles with annotations and more information on the committee, selections, and process can be found at:

http://www.youthlibraries.org/margins-committee

2014 ASCLA Election Winners!

Vice-President / President–Elect – Rhonda Puntney Gould
Secretary (two-year term) – Tracy Rochow Byerly
Director-At-Large (one-year term) – Tiffany Lanette Bradford-Oldham
Director-At-Large (two-year term) – Raye Oldham
Designated Director, Library Cooperatives and Networks (two-year term) – Greg Pronevitz
Designated Director, Special Populations Constituency (two-year term) – Lily Sacharow
Designated Director, State Library Agencies (two-year term) – Shannon O’Grady

Thank you to all the candidates for standing for election!

ASCLA members have approved a petition to create the new Interest group: Consortial eBooks.

The purpose of ASCLA’s Consortial eBooks Interest Group is to provide a regular forum for consortial discussion and to meet at Annual Conferences and Midwinter Meetings. ASCLA believes that consortia represents a large segment of libraries and that by acting as consortia, ASCLA can be influential with publishers and vendors to benefit libraries and library users as the e-book landscape evolves. ASCLA welcomes any type of library or library agency as well as consortias.

The Consortial eBooks Interest Group leadership team for 2014-2015 is: Deirdre Brennan, Executive Director of the RAILS Reaching Across Illinois Library System and Veronda Pitchford, Director of Membership Development and Resource Sharing, RAILS Reaching Across Illinois Library System. To join this new interest group, complete the form here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/con_ebooks.

Online discussion groups are open to all. To subscribe, send an email to sympa@ala.org with the following subject: subscribe ascla- first name last name. Please do not put anything in the body of the message.

Online discussion groups or listservs are a great way to connect with others, share experiences, network and get advice. Only subscribers may post to the lists. The lists are open to all, as well as interest group members, so members can invite colleagues in the field or with that special interest to join the listserv. Listservs are also helpful for making announcements, such as for conferences, workshops, new publications and position openings appropriate to the lists. All messages should relate to the general topic of the list and all postings must be free of copyright restrictions that limit distribution.

See the complete list of ASCLA interest groups and their leaders here. Learn more about ASCLA’s core interests on the ASCLA website

Introducing the first module of ASCLA’s AccessAbility Academy

AccessAcademyLogo_Final

Whether you work at an academic, public or special library, you want your library to welcome and empower everyone in your community. How can you ensure you’re ready to help people with disabilities access the resources that enrich their lives and help them succeed?

The new tutorial “Positive Interactions: Making the Library a Welcoming and Empowering Place for People with Disabilities” will prepare all library staff to feel fully confident when communicating and interacting with people with disabilities.

“Positive Interactions” is the first module of ASCLA’s AccessAbility Academy.

With the purchase of this recorded tutorial, you’ll get:

  • Tips and practical advice to help prepare library employees at public, academic and special libraries to effectively communicate and interact with people with disabilities
  • A solid understanding of the broad and diverse types of disabilities and how they impact the way people use the library and its resources
  • Strategies for interacting and building relationships with library users with disabilities that maximizes their empowerment and engagement
  • Certificate of recognition template and more

Make 2013 the year that you take the next step in transforming your library into a more welcoming place for all users.

Purchase “Positive Interaction” now.

ASCLA members:
Organizations: $99 for up to 10 participants
Individuals: $29 each

Non-ASCLA members:
Organizations: $199 for up to 10 participants
Individuals: $59 each

Nomination period now open for ASCLA awards recognizing service to profession and outstanding service to special populations

The Association for Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) is now accepting nominations for its 2014 awards which recognize projects focused on library services to people with disabilities; the advancement of library services for the blind and physically handicapped; exceptional achievement in extension and outreach services; exemplary leadership and achievement in consulting, state library services and library cooperatives; and service to ASCLA.

Each of these five prestigious awards–the Leadership and Professional Achievement Award, the Exceptional Service Award, the Cathleen Bourdon Service Award, the ASCLA/KLAS/NOD Award and the Francis Joseph Campbell Award–highlights the areas of work represented by ASCLA, a division of ALA. The nomination deadline for all awards is February 1, 2014. Click on the award names below to access each award’s webpage for more information, including nomination criteria and links to nomination forms, which are available in both PDF and Word format. Submission instructions are on each nomination form. Questions about the ASCLA awards program should be sent to Susan Hornung (shornung@ala.org) or 312-280-4395.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Those interested in submitting a nomination may download the appropriate award nomination form from the awards section of the ASCLA website. Nominations for all awards must be received by Feb. 1, 2014. Submission information can be found on each nomination form. Contact ASCLA Executive Director Susan Hornung with any questions: shornung@ala.org or 312-280-4395.

Meet the ASCLA Board of Directors: Lori Guenthner, Designated Director of Special Populations

Throughout the coming weeks on this blogspace, we’ll be profiling members of the ASCLA Board of Directors, and it’s the perfect opportunity to learn a bit more about these amazing leaders! Does something in their replies pique your interest? Reach out to them via their contact info at the end of the post. A little networking goes a long way towards improving your personal and professional life.

Lori Guenthner
Youth Services Coordinator, Maryland State Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped
ASCLA Designated Director of Special Populations

Lori Guenthner
Lori Guenthner
  • Why did you join ASCLA? I joined ASCLA because its members are like me: librarians, library agencies and staff serving populations with special needs.
  • How has ASCLA helped you in your career? ASCLA has given me leadership opportunities – serving on the board and chairing the membership promotion committee.
  • What are some of the ASCLA activities you’ve participated in? I’ve participated in ASCLA LSSP (Libraries Serving Special Populations) Library Services to People with Visual or Physical Disabilities that Prevent Them from Reading Standard Print Interest Group. I am a member of the Maryland e-Content Advisory Committee so I like discussing accessible technology. I’ve also submitted webinar ideas.
  • Are there any hot topics in your area of library work? How can ASCLA help? A current hot topic in my area of library work is inclusion in children’s programming. I’d like to see ASCLA partner with ALSC or YALSA to offer webinars/conference programming on inclusion.
  • Tell us about your current role at your library, and a little bit about your career path, too. I work with children and young adults, from birth to age 21. I present story times and organize the summer reading program (and a lot of other things). I started in the public libraries as a generalist. I’m not sure where my career path will lead, but I love working with people.
  • Describe a rewarding experience in your library career. The most rewarding experience for me is getting a phone call or email from a young person excited about the National Library Service program.
  • What are you currently reading and/or listening to? I just started reading The Silent Wife by A.S.A Harrison and I hope it’s better than Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.
  • One fun fact about me: I went to college to be a journalist.
  • Any hobbies? Running.
  • Who is your hero? My hero is my dad. He’s the one who would get me ready for school each morning.

Reach Lori at lguenth -at- lbph.lib.md.us. 

ASCLA 2014 Midwinter workshops: leadership success, online course design and how to become a library consultant

2014 ALA Midwinter Meeting in PhiladelphiaDesigning online courses, the secrets to successful leadership and how to become a library consultant are some of the exciting topics to be addressed at institutes offered by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) at the 2014 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia.

ASCLA, a small, mighty and innovative division of the American Library Association, is known for high quality educational events that offer skills and information to transform your library or your career. These 2014 Midwinter institutes continue this outstanding tradition with three institutes and one networking luncheon scheduled between Thursday, Jan. 23 and Saturday, Jan. 25.

All of these events require advance ticket purchase, however registration for the 2014 Midwinter Meeting is not required in order to purchase a ticket. Bundle registration for 2014 Midwinter institutes, the 2014 Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference will open on Sept. 9. Regular Midwinter meeting registration will open on Oct. 1. ASCLA members receive the best registration rates on all of these events; learn more about ASCLA and join today.

Visit www.alamidwinter.org/bundle beginning Sept. 9 for more information about Bundle registration. Additional meeting information can be found at www.alamidwinter.org.

This year’s Midwinter institutes and events hosted by ASCLA are:

Designing Online Courses for Significant Learning Experiences
8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24 
Are you a teaching librarian currently offering an online course but looking for ways to enhance the course structure and content? Are you a seasoned professional with special skills and expertise that you see a market for via an e-course? Developing and teaching online courses that create the best possible learning experiences for student participants is both an art and a science. Using a collaborative, hands-on approach, presenters Dr. Stewart Ross and Linda Jacoby of internationally known consulting firm Dee Fink and Associates will guide institute participants through the (re)design of an online course using an integrated course design template. At the end of the workshop, participants will have the skills and confidence to assist others in the development of online courses, or to develop their own online training modules or courses. The techniques applied in this session can also be applied to face-to-face course development. All participants will receive certificates of participation. REGISTRATION RATES: ASCLA members, $279; ALA members, $299; non-ALA members, $349; Student/Retired members of ALA, $229.

Knowing You, Knowing Them: The Secret to Successful Leadership
9 a.m. – 4 p.m, Friday, Jan. 24
One of the biggest challenges of leading others is understanding what makes them tick. This full-day workshop will help you understand both yourself in light of your leadership responsibilities and those who work for you. Instead of offering a checklist or template of how-tos, presenter Linda Bruno, MBA, will focus on the human element of leadership. You will leave this session with insights into personalities, emotional intelligence, dealing with change and creating a motivating environment – secrets that can help you be a more successful leader! Linda has presented several workshops for ASCLA and receives rave reviews for her content and presentations. REGISTRATION RATES: ASCLA members, $279; ALA members, $299; non-ALA members, $339; Student/Retired members of ALA, $229.

Assembling a Consulting Toolkit: What You Need to Know to be a Successful Library Consultant
1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23 and 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24

ASCLA – the home to library consultants and independent librarians within ALA – is bringing back its wildly successful, sell-out workshop! Seasoned consultants Nancy Bolt and Liz Bishoff will present an overview of the consultant’s role and guide you through an active and engaging self-assessment to uncover your unique consulting potential and strengths. Takeaways include marketing tips, pricing your services, responding to RFPs, finding clients, business management strategies and so much more. Note that this event is held over two days–Thursday afternoon and Friday morning–with an opportunity for networking on Thursday evening. This institute will not be offered in Las Vegas, so don’t miss out on this opportunity! REGISTRATION RATES: ASCLA members, $279; ALA members, $299; non-ALA members, $339; Student/Retired members of ALA, $229.

Consultants Networking Luncheon hosted by ASCLA Library Consultants Interest Group
12 – 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25, 
Lunch and learn with colleagues! This event provides an opportunity for consultants and independent librarians to make connections with other professionals. We’ll also have an hour of education focused on valuable skills for consultants; last year’s event covered icebreaker activities, refining your elevator speech and Twitter. The event is hosted by ASCLA’s Library Consultants Interest Group (http://connect.ala.org/node/151445). Whether you’re new to consulting or have decades of experience, please join this fun group for some peer-to-peer networking and education. REGISTRATION RATES: ASCLA members, $79; ALA members, $95; non-ALA members, $99; Student/Retired members of ALA, $79.

ASCLA, a small, mighty and growing 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. Learn more about ASCLA and how to join this innovative division.

Meet the ASCLA Board of Directors: Stacey Aldrich, Past President

Throughout the coming weeks on this blogspace, we’ll be profiling members of the ASCLA Board of Directors, and it’s the perfect opportunity to learn a bit more about these amazing leaders! Does something in their replies pique your interest? Reach out to them via their contact info at the end of the post. A little networking goes a long way towards improving your personal and professional life.

Stacey Aldrich
Stacey Aldrich

Stacey A. Aldrich

State Librarian, State Library of Pennsylvania

ASCLA Past-President

Why did you join ASCLA? ASCLA is a great organization for meeting and working with colleagues who do similar work nationally.

Are there any hot topics in your area of library work? How can ASCLA help with these subjects? There are many hot topics in state library work. Two key topics are broadband and leadership. ASCLA is a great venue for providing leadership opportunities for state library staff to support these topics.

Tell us a bit about your career path. Currently, I am the State Librarian in Pennsylvania. Most recently I was the State Librarian of California. I also worked at the Division of Library Development and Services in Maryland. I have spent the majority of my career in state librarians, but have also worked in academic, public, and special libraries. I also worked for a futuring think tank in Washington DC. My focus has been on proactiving building the future of libraries.

What do you find rewarding about your library work? Each day is a new experience and provides a new learning and reward. Being a mentor in the Eureka! Library Leadership program has been one of my favorite experiences. Meeting and working with colleagues to build new connections, new skills, new attitudes and forward momentum for libraries has been fantastic.

Fun fact about me: I am a total space geek. I had an opportunity to meet briefly Al Worden, who flew on Apollo 15. Even got a hug from a man who has traveled to the moon.

Hobbies: I love movies and music.

Hero: Gosh, there are so many for so many reasons.

Reach Stacey at saldrich -at- pa (dot) gov.