You may have already noticed some changes to the ASCLA website. That’s because ALA’s website and microsites will be undergoing a redesign in the very near future. In order to prepare and be ready to jump right in to the new web design, ALA divisions are working on moving information, cleaning up broken links and pages, and consolidating and streamlining information when necessary. Some of your bookmarks may change in the process, so we ask for your patience as we clean up the website and are “under construction.” If you can’t find something, please feel free to contact our web manager, Jennifer Cross, jcross@ala.org for assistance.
Public Hearing in Orlando for the Revision of the Standards for Libraries Serving People who are Blind or Handicapped, 2011
The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) will hold a public hearing at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando on Sunday, June 26, 2016, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM, in the Orange County Convention Center, Room W105A for the revision of the 2011 Standards for Libraries Serving People who are Blind or Physically Handicapped. The 2011 Standards may be viewed here: http://www.ala.org/ascla/sites/ala.org.ascla/files/content/asclaissues/LCNIS2011Introduction.pdf.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, is the administrator for the free informational and recreational reading resources for residents of the United States who are unable to read or use standard print materials because of visual or physical impairment.
The Standards and Guidelines of Service for the Library of Congress Network of Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, which was last revised in 2011, is the standing document that guides network libraries and staff around the country who provide direct service to eligible individuals and institutions.
Additional information about NLS and the patrons that are served can be found in these promotional videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udZ6NO5_x-Q and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIKG2HxnYMk. A working paper of the current progress of the Working Team can be found here: Working Paper Download.
Comments from the general public are invited and can also be sent to the Working Team here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1z0S1bmXuC0wrEUPWB-PzEBbYIjQyd9PATXEDgIg5nBQ/viewform.
The revision of the standards is supported by a grant from the Library of Congress. The ASCLA President appoints the members of the Working Team and the Advisory Committee, with input from NLS. Library members of both are usually ASCLA members that represent the four regional conferences of network libraries. In addition to network librarians, ASCLA asks the presidents of specific consumer groups to select representative to the committee. Finally, the president of the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) is asked for a representative to the committee. The Working Team will receive assistance from a Project Advisory Committee of consumers and librarians that will advise the Team, review draft documents, and serve as a sounding board for the concerns of the groups they represent.
The working and advisory team members are:
Working Team
Eura Ryan Szuwalski, Project Director
Goleta, CA 93117
Danielle H. Miller, Director & Regional Librarian
Washington Talking Book & Braille Library
Representing the Western Conference
Will Reed, OLBPD Manager
Cleveland Public Library/Ohio Library for the Blind & Physically Disabled
Representing the Midlands Conference
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Advisory Team
Eura Ryan Szuwalski, Project Director
Adam Szczepaniak
New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center
Representing the Northern Conference
Dr. Nancy Pack, Director
Alabama Public Library Service
Representing Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA)
Kim Charlson, President
American Council of the Blind
Representing the American Council of the Blind
David Hyde, Chairperson
Library Services Committee Chairperson
Representing the National Federation of the Blind
Melanie Brunson, Director
Government Relations
Representing the Blinded Veterans Association
Ava M. Smith, Division Director, Talking Book Program
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Representing the Southern Conference
Calling for 2017 Program, Preconference, Institute Proposals
Do you have innovative ideas, services and programs to share with your library colleagues? Why not present one at the 2017 ALA Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conferences? Submit a proposal to the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) today!
The 2017 Midwinter Meeting, January 20 – 24, 2017 will be in Atlanta GA, and the Annual Conference, June 22 – 27, 2017 will be in Chicago IL.
The deadline to receive online proposals for 2017 is June 13, 2016.
The link to submit a conference program/preconference/institute proposal is here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ASCLA2017Proposals.
Once collected, the ASCLA office will send the proposals to the ASCLA Conference Programming Committee to oversee, organize and recommend for approval to the ASCLA board at Board Meeting II at the Annual Conference in Orlando FL, 2016.
Please spread the word to anyone who you think would like to present a valuable program for ASCLA. Our conference program committee is specifically looking for proposals that would appeal to:
- ASCLA interest group members.
- Librarians who serve people or youth who are incarcerated or in detention
- Library consultants and independent librarians
- Library staff who serve people with disabilities
- Staff of library cooperatives and consortium
- State library staff
Please feel free to contact Susan Hornung at shornung@ala.org if you have any questions.
ASCLA selects its 2016 award winners!
The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) has selected its 2016 Award winners. The awards program recognizes outstanding achievement within the library profession by librarians and libraries for significant current or past achievements, including publications, program development and leadership in the profession.
The Awards Ceremony and Reception will be held from 5:45 – 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, June 25 at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando, FL at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, Room Plaza BR D. This event is co-sponsored by the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) and the Federal and Armed Forces Librarians Round Table (FAFLRT) and will include hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. All conference attendees are welcome!
The following recipients will be honored.
Chris Corrigan, Digital Reference Librarian of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress is the 2016 recipient of the Cathleen Bourdon Service Award, which is named after former ASCLA Executive Director Cathleen Bourdon. Chris was chosen for his sustained leadership and exceptional service enhancing the stature, strength and reputation of ASCLA to ALA Council, ALA Membership, and other ALA-affiliated organizations.
The recipient of the 2016 ASCLA Leadership and Professional Achievement Award is awarded to Cal Shepard, State Librarian, State Library of North Carolina. Ms. Shepard is recognized for her many years of service to the library profession and is specifically being honored for her accomplishment at the State Library of North Carolina in formulating a sunset plan to transition Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding for two large State Library projects to state funding. Through her leadership and vision, she opened up LSTA funding to be used by libraries across the state.
Kate DeVoe, Youth Services Librarian and Kelly Doolittle, Library Assistant, both of Tompkins County Public Library (NY) are the recipients of the 2016 ASCLA/Keystone Library Automation System (KLAS) & National Organization on Disability (NOD) Award. They are recognized for providing vital services to children through their project, “Adapt and Include: Library Programs for Children with Sensory Integration Challenges.” The award consists of $1,000 and a citation supported by Kay and David Holloman of Keystone Systems, developer of the Keystone Library Automation System (KLAS), and the National Organization on Disability.
Stephen Prine, Assistant Chief, Network Division, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped is the recipient of ASCLA’s 2016 Francis Joseph Campbell Award for outstanding contributions to the advancement of library service for people with physical disabilities and/or physical impairments. Mr. Prine is recognized for his many years of exemplary service to the print disabled community, as well as to his colleagues across the country and within ASCLA.
The 2016 ASCLA Exceptional Service Award is presented to the Marshes of Glynn Library System in Brunswick, Georgia for implementing the ALA Every Child Ready to Read program at their local jail. This innovative project teaching incarcerated parents and other caregivers how to support the early literacy development of their children is an exceptional example of how libraries can transform lives. It also serves as an example of a program able to be replicated in other libraries.
Ready to Submit a Proposal for an ASCLA Webinar or Online Course?
Call for online learning proposals: Submit by Sept. 18, 2015 for ASCLA online courses, webinars
Access the online webinar submission form here.
Download a PDF of the webinar form to help you prepare your submission.
Access the online course submission form here.
Download a PDF of the online course form to help you prepare your submission.
ASCLA invites subject matter experts and experienced librarians with knowledge to share to submit proposals for ASCLA webinars and online courses to be presented between October 2015 and August 2016 as a part of ASCLA’s outstanding online learning offerings. See the list of suggested hot topics below.
ASCLA welcomes proposals on topics that will assist our diverse membership in improved service delivery and job performance, as well as topics that reflect ASCLA’s expertise and are valuable for all types of libraries, librarians and library support staff across the profession.
Proposals will be accepted through September 18, 2015 Webinars approved for presentation will be offered between Oct. 22, 2015 and August 31, 2016. Approved online courses will launch in November 2015 through August 2016.
What are we currently offering as webinars and online courses? Check them out at the ASCLA website. More information about the submission process and ASCLA’s online learning offerings is at the ASCLA website under the Online Learning section.
Webinar presenters and online learning instructors are compensated for their work (($150 to be split among webinar presenters; a development fee and per student rate for online courses) and will receive training and support for Adobe Connect, the webinar technology platform used by the division, and Moodle, the online tool used for courses.
Successful online learning proposals will:
- Show plans for content and presentation strategies that will fill the allotted time: 60-75 minutes for webinars, and 4-6 weeks for courses;
- Identify clear learning outcomes for participants;
- Clearly illustrate the qualifications of the presenter(s)/instructor(s) with respect to the proposed topic;
- IMPORTANT: 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. Proposals that are unique from other available online learning offerings are also highly valued.
Proposal topics for courses and webinars may include, but are not limited to the following:
- ADA updates for libraries
- Correctional libraries and Adult programming
- Assessing accessibility knowledge
- Benchmarks and evaluation measures
- Budgeting how-to’s for the first time manage
- Collaborative digitization
- Correctional/prison librarianship 101: covering the basics of a good prison/jail library
- Data analysis and assessment
- Dealing with learning disabilities
- Designing effective surveys
- Download training for patrons who use accessibility tools like screen readers
- E-books and cooperatives
- Emerging technologies for those with special needs, including apps and ipads
- Evaluating and improving cooperative services
- Evaluation content analysis
- Future trends in library service
- Grants: how to find grant funding and write your proposal
- Group purchasing
- Health literacy
- How to be a consultant
- How to be a futurist
- How to deliver online training
- How to hire a library consultant
- Innovations in library service
- Innovative services for an aging population
- Law librarianship for correctional librarians
- Library cooperatives: managing and improving services
- Low-literacy adults
- Marketing library services to special needs populations
- Marketing on a shoestring budget
- Navigating book selection sources
- Nonprofit leadership
- Outcomes-based education
- Outreach skills training
- Outreach to visually or physically handicapped populations
- Partnering with community organizations
- Recognizing great service in member libraries
- Seeking grants for consultancy work
- Serving library patrons with cognitive or mental impairments
- Standards and guidelines to improve library services to people with disabilities or people who are incarcerated
- Technology trends for special needs populations
- Training staff to serve library users with disabilities, and raising awareness of this important population
- Utilizing focus groups to prioritize services to the disabled
- Working with refugees.
Questions about submissions or about ASCLA’s online learning programs should be sent to Andrea Hill, ASCLA web manager and primary online learning contact at ahill@ala.org.
Act Right Now! Register for “The ADA In Your Library” Preconference
Dear Members,
Do you ever have questions or concerns about ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) issues in your library, such as:
- What are some best practices for approaching and handling service animals in your library?
- Who and what does the ADA cover?
- What is the appropriate terminology to use with library users with disabilities?
- What’s the best way to communicate with library users who are blind or have hearing disabilities?
All these questions and more will be answered at ASCLA’s preconference: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) In Your Library. Experts from the training staff of the Pacific ADA Center have tailored this preconference training program for the specialized needs that all libraries face. Staff at any level working in academic, public, and special libraries will all benefit from attending this preconference. Don’t hesitate to sign up now: Register here.
Date: Friday, June 26 2015, Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Location: Moscone Convention Center, 2012 West
Cost: Members $275, Non Members $299, If you are a member of ASCLA, use special code ASCLA2015 to receive the price of $225.
For more information, go here.
I hope to see you at the Preconference!
Susan Hornung
Executive Director, ASCLA/RUSA
2015 Elections
The following ASCLA members will be running for election for ASCLA offices in the 2015 Elections. Please join me in thanking these members for agreeing to stand for election for an ASCLA office. And be sure to vote in the Spring elections! Voting begins on March 24, 2015 through May 1, 2015 @ 11:59 PM CDT.
VICE-PRESIDENT/PRESIDENT-ELECT
– Golrick, Michael
Head of Reference/Library Consultant, State Library of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, LA
– Smithee, Jeannette P.
Executive Director, SEFLIN (Southeast Florida Library Information Network), Boca Raton, FL
DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE (TWO YEAR TERM)
– McKenney, Janet Elizabeth
Director, Library Development, Maine State Library, Augusta, Maine
– Pannebaker, Susan
Youth Services Advisor, Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
DESIGNATED DIRECTOR, LIBRARY CONSULTANTS/INDEPENDENT LIBRARIANS
– Hollier, Jamie K.
Co-CEO, Anneal, Inc., Denver, Colorado
– Block, Carson
Library Technology Consultant, Carson Block Consulting Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado
DESIGNATED DIRECTOR, SPECIAL POPULATIONS CONSTITUENCY
– Banks, Carrie Scott
Supervising Librarian, The Child’s Place for Children and Teens with Special Needs, Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn, New York
– Johnson, Patrice
Librarian II, First Assistant, Talking Book Center, Chicago Public Library-Subregional Library of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped Network, Chicago, IL
DESIGNATED DIRECTOR, STATE LIBRARY AGENCIES
– Knapp, Wendy
Associate Director of Statewide Services, Indiana State Library, Indianapolis, IN
DIVISION COUNCILOR
– Corrigan, Christopher
Digital Reference Librarian, Library of Congress, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Washington DC.
ASCLA Jewelry Sale, Midwinter 2015
Dear ASCLA Members,
If you will be at the Midwinter conference in Chicago, please consider stopping by the Hyatt Regency-Convention Center for a jewelry sale to benefit ASCLA. Nancy Bolt will have some gorgeous and unique items for sale – see the flyer here.
Hope to see you there!
Best Wishes
Susan Hornung
Executive Director, ASCLA/RUSA
shornung at ala.org
ASCLA Seeks Editor for Online Membership Journal: Interface
The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) seeks an editor for its quarterly online membership journal Interface. Interface serves as a critically-important source of information and communication, reaching ASCLA’s 800 members each quarter and sharing news and best practices in ASCLA’s areas of interest with the larger library and user community. Guided by ASCLA editorial policy, the editor is responsible for the content, format, and timely publication of Interface.
Applicants should have a strong overall knowledge of the association and its goals and have an interest in and knowledge of issues relevant to ASCLA members. Applicants must have written and published articles and/or have demonstrated editorial experience. Preferred applicants will have experience or familiarity with the technical and editorial issues associated with electronic and Web publishing.
Compensation of up to $1,000 annually will be provided to the Interface editor to cover travel to ALA Annual Conference and Midwinter Meeting. The editor also receives complimentary registration for both conferences and VIP early registration for hotels.
The two-year appointment as Interface editor will begin upon appointment and end at the conclusion of the Annual Conference in 2016. The term is renewable upon approval of the ASCLA Board.
The deadline for application is July 10, 2014. It is anticipated a candidate will be selected by mid-August.
Applicants should email a resume and cover letter summarizing their editorial philosophy, two to four samples of written work or editorial activities, and contact information for two professional references to Susan Hornung, ASCLA Executive Director: shornung@ala.org.
A division of the American Library Association, ASCLA enhances the effectiveness of library service by providing networking, enrichment and educational opportunities for its diverse members, who represent state library agencies, libraries serving special populations, consortia, and consultants. ASCLA is a division of the American Library Association. For more information, visit www.ala.org/ascla.
Job Description: ASCLA Interface Editor
| Reports to | Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) Board |
| Term | 2-year appointment, from the end of ALA 2014 Annual Conference through 2016 Annual Conference. The Editor is appointed by the ASCLA Board; the term is renewable upon approval of the Board. The Editor must be a member of ASCLA. |
| Summary of Position |
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| Specific Responsibilities |
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| Honoraria | ASCLA contributes $1,000 per year to help offset the conference expenses of the Interface editor. In addition the Interface editor receives complimentary registration for both conferences and VIP early registration for hotels. |
You are cordially invited to the ASCLA/COSLA Reception and Awards Presentation!
All conference attendees are invited! Add to my conference
Saturday, June 28, 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM
Pavilion 04 of the Las Vegas Hotel.
The following recipients will be honored:
Greenville County Library System (S.C.) is the winner of the ASCLA/Keystone Library Automation System (KLAS) & National Organization on Disability (NOD) Award. Greenville County Library System was selected for its extensive work in creating “Intentional Strides,” which increased programs, library services and staff awareness of serving individuals with disabilities and special needs in Greenville County, S.C. The library also dedicated funds from its operating budget specifically to enhance and improve library programs, services and staff awareness with regard to patrons with disabilities. The award consists of $1,000 and a citation supported by Kay and David Holloman of Keystone Systems, developer of the Keystone Library Automation System (KLAS), and the National Organization on Disability.
The Francis Joseph Campbell Award winner is Chris Mundy, quality assurance specialist, Multistate Center East, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress. He was selected for sharing his technical expertise in the production of quality audio materials through workshops, developing guidelines and consulting with the NLS volunteer recording studios. His contributions enhance and expand collections that offer a wide variety of reading materials to blind and visually impaired patrons. Mundy will receive a citation and a medal. Visit the Royal National College for the Blind website to read more about Francis Joseph Campbell, for whom this award is named.
Mary Beth Riedner, volunteer at the Gail Borden Public Library District, will receive ASCLA’s Exceptional Service Award. She is recognized for the development of “Tales and Travel,” a creative and innovative book-related program, website and video that trains volunteers in libraries and memory care centers to provide recreational reading to individuals with dementia. Her outstanding work will enrich the lives of people with Alzheimer’s for years to come. Riedner will receive a citation.Annual Conference attendees employed or interested in these areas—state library agencies; networks, cooperatives and consortia; specialized libraries such as those for the blind, deaf, hard of hearing and incarcerated populations; and independent librarians and library consultants—are encouraged to join the party and meet other professionals.
For More Exclusively ASCLA ALA Annual Conference Information
Locations are subject to change. Please check the event scheduler prior to the events.