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ASCLA seeks proposals for online professional development offerings

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) invites interested instructors and presenters to submit proposals for online professional development courses and webinars.

Topics for online learning proposals might include but are not limited to assistive technology; the fundamentals of serving special populations, including those with autism & spectrum disorders, the deaf and hard of hearing, those with developmental disabilities, mental disabilities, mental illnesses, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, or vision disabilities; children or young adults with disabilities; managing volunteers with disabilities, what trustees need to know about accessibility; the fundamentals of prison/correction facilities librarianship; independent librarianship and consulting;  web accessibility tools; tips for creating accessible websites; and consortial approaches to ebooks

A complete list of criteria is available in the Online Course section of the ASCLA website. In summary, successful proposals will:

  • Include a description, main topic outline and an estimate of length of the proposed course, webinar or webinar series
  • Outline the audiences who will be interested in this topic, including job titles as appropriate
  • Address the direct competition for this course/topic that already exists in the online professional development marketplace.
  • Provide a description of the instructor/presenter and their relevant experience, e.g. education, job history, that illustrates their expertise in the proposed topic area.
  • Include a writing sample if the proposal is for an online course.

Proposals should be submitted via e-mail to ascla@ala.org as MSWord or PDF attachments. Presenters for accepted proposals will receive compensation for their time, and will also receive training for the software used to deliver the online learning experience. Questions can be directed to Liz Markel, ASCLA marketing specialist or Susan Hornung, ASCLA executive director at lmarkel@ala.org and shornung@ala.org, respectively.

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ASCLA webinar series launched, registration still open for last sessions

Today, ASCLA launched the inaugural Virtual Convergence, a four-day webinar series offering affordable online learning for a broad variety of librarians and library types.

The Virtual Convergence was designed to provide an affordable mid-year professional development opportunity for librarians who might not be able to afford the cost of conference travel. Webinar topics included grant writing, providing services for at-risk teens, contract librarianship, library accessibility and other issues of interest to public, academic, state, special and other types of libraries.

Registration for the webinars to be held Thursday, Jan. 20 will end at close-of-business Tuesday, Jan. 18. Those webinars are:

  • “Libraries and Information Access for Differently-able Patrons: What We Can Do to Ensure Equality”, 11a.m.-12:30p.m. While “diversity” remains critical, many libraries remain inaccessible. Financial limitations, limited knowledge, organizational culture, social construction of disability, and even complacency are arguable contributors to this reality. Join us for an interactive discussion exploring accessibility’s dimensions and solutions.
  • “Extending Our Reach: Using Extension Programs to Promote Statewide Resources”, 11a.m.-12:30p.m. Though online tools such as blogs, twitter and webinars we educate Extension staff about resources they can use out in the field with the public along with professionally for their own research
  • “Attracting Latinos to the Library: It’s All About Relationships”, 3-4:30p.m Getting Latinos into the library is not a mystery—many libraries are successfully drawing capacity crowds to their programs and building relationships that continue to reap benefits for the Latino community and the library. This session prepares attendees for the same success at their own libraries.

Registration for the webinars to be held Friday, Jan. 21 will end at close-of-business Wednesday, Jan. 19. Those webinars are:

  • “Conducting Successful Virtual Meetings”, 9-10:30a.m. A not-to-miss session for anyone working virtually…which is most of us, these days! Together, let’s: raise expectations and standards for all online meetings; learn from each others’ experiences through questions and sharing; and improve effective use of software features to increase interactivity and collaboration.
  • “Careers in Federal Libraries”, 9-10:30a.m. Live from the Library of Congress, we’ll hear from a panel of Federal librarians about the types of jobs available to you, and hear about the type of work being done in federal libraries all around the world.
  • “How to Find a Federal Job”, 11a.m.-12:30p.m. Join us to discover the types of Federal library jobs that are available, and how to navigate the Federal hiring process and be alerted when new jobs are announced.
  • “Managing Library Adult and Family Literacy Programs”, 11a.m.-12:30p.m. This session will provide an overview of the types of literacy programs found in public libraries with an emphasis on volunteer literacy. Topics include adult literacy statistics; family and health literacy; how to start up or improve volunteer literacy programs, working with adults who lack basic reading skills and with English language learners; and considerations for starting an adult literacy collection.
  • “Resume Writing and Interviewing Techniques”, 1-2:30p.m. Join Robert Newlen, renowned author, for a lively and witty look at job hunting. These tips on resume writing and interviewing are not to be missed!
  • “Saks Fifth Avenue Service on a Dollar General Budget”, 3-4:30p.m. This session will discuss and compare the techniques used in high end customer service oriented retail environments and how we can apply them to our libraries to give patrons a ‘superior’ experience.

A full PDF schedule with descriptions is available at www.ala.org/virtualconvergence. 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 the ALA registration team at registration@ala.org or 1-(800)-545-2433, option 5.

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.

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Virtual Convergence webinars: registration starts closing Thurs., Jan. 12

Just a friendly reminder that we’ll start closing registration for our ASCLA Virtual Convergence webinar series tomorrow (Thursday)!

The series begins on Tuesday, so as of close-of-business Thursday, Jan. 13, registration will end for the following webinars, all of which will be held on Tuesday:

  • “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”

Access registration links, information and a complete schedule at www.ala.org/virtualconvergence

These webinars are open to everyone regardless of membership status, and we’re covering topics relevant to all types of libraries and librarians.

This is a great way to meet your professional development needs without the cost of travel to a conference.

INDIVIDUAL PRICING: 1 session: ASCLA & FAFLRT members: $40. ALA members, $50. Non-members, $65. ALA Student/Retired members, $45.

2 or more sessions: Members can save on session prices when registering for two or more sessions. ASCLA & FAFLRT members: $35 per session. ALA members, $48 per session. ALA Student/Retired members, $43 per session.

GROUP PRICING: $99 for a single login—a great way to share these sessions with a team of colleagues in a presentation room

For more than one login for a group, it’s $38 per login.

Don’t miss out on these excellent learning opportunities!

Access registration links and information at www.ala.org/virtualconvergence

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ASCLA selects Mair as 2011 Emerging Leader

Tiffany Mair, student assistant at the California State Library Braille and Talking Book Library, will serve as the 2011 Emerging Leader for the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA).

The ALA Emerging Leaders (EL) program is a leadership development program which enables newer library workers from across the country to participate in problem-solving work groups, network with peers, gain an inside look into ALA structure and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity. The EL experience begins with a daylong session during the ALA Midwinter Meeting, followed by six months of project engagement through online learning and networking environments. The program culminates with a poster session presentation to display the results of the project planning work of each group at the ALA Annual Conference. As the ASCLA Emerging Leader, Mair will partner with other emerging leaders on the project of her choosing, and will collaborate with ASCLA leadership to tackle various projects and contribute to the division’s work and member activities.

In addition to her work at the California State Library, Mair previously worked at the Sacramento Area Council of Governments as a data center/library intern. She has been an active member of the American Library Association and the California Library Association. She will graduate from San Jose State University with a Master’s in Library and Information Science in Dec. 2010, and holds a B.A. in English Literature from Mills College.

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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.

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Upcoming ASCLA webinar sessions of interest to students and library schools

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) invites students and library school faculty to take advantage of the affordable and convenient learning opportunities offered by the ASCLA Virtual Convergence—a webinar series that will be hosted online by ASCLA Tuesday, Jan. 18-Friday, Jan. 21.

The Convergence offers webinars addressing topics that go beyond classroom learning, including:

  • Grant writing: where to find out about grant opportunities and how to prepare effective grant applications.
  • Services and information access for disabled and differently-abled patrons, including copyright policy affecting persons with print disabilities and Web 2.0 tools
  • Services to teens of all types, including at-risk teens
  • Providing effective distance reference services
  • Effective library programming for Latino populations
  • Federal library jobs: careers in federal libraries; how to find a federal job; and resume writing and interview techniques

Attending a session is a great way for students to acquire information that will enhance their library school experience, and also give you a leg up in this highly competitive job market for internships and full-time employment. Library school faculty looking to add something extra to their courses or raise awareness of a specialized area of library services should share this information with students or arrange for a group of students to participate in sessions.

A list of relevant webinars can be found in  download here. It contains the complete descriptions, dates and times for the sessions. There are a handful of other sessions not included in this flyer—to learn about them, download the complete schedule here. Webinars will be held throughout the day, and will last approximately 60 minutes, with time for Q&A afterwards. Interested participants are welcome to choose any number of webinars to participate in.

Student member registration is just $45 for a single webinar, and $43 each for two or more webinars. Group registration rates are also available, which makes signing up an entire group of students easy and affordable. To broadcast the webinar for a room full of participants, it’s just $99 per webinar. For multiple logins at a discounted group rate, it’s $38 per person per webinar, with a minimum of two people registered for a single webinar.

To register, go to the registration page. Scroll down to Virtual Convergence and click on “Register” to the right (ALA login required). A downloadable registration form is also available to sign up by fax or mail. Contact Membership and Customer Service with any questions at registration@ala.org or 1-800-545-2433, option 5.

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Dec. 15 deadline for ASCLA 2011 service, leadership and achievement awards

All nominations for ASCLA’s Leadership and Professional Achievement Award, the Exceptional Service Award, the Cathleen Bourdon Service Award, the ASCLA/KLAS/NOD Award and the Francis Joseph Campbell Medal for 2011 must be received by Wednesday, Dec. 15.

These awards recognize accomplishments in the following areas:

Cooperative, Consulting and State Library Services: The 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.

Extension and Outreach Services: The 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.

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.

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.

Oustanding 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.

Those interested in submitting a nomination can 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 Specialist, via e-mail at lmarkel@ala.org. Nominations for all awards must be received by Dec. 15, 2010. Submission information is included on each form.

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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.

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ASCLA accepting nominations for 2011 service, leadership, achievement awards

The Association for Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) is now accepting nominations for its 2011 awards, including 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 Medal.

These awards recognize accomplishments in the following areas:

Cooperative, Consulting and State Library Services: The 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.

Extension and Outreach Services: The 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.

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.

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.

Oustanding 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.

Those interested in submitting a nomination can 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 Specialist, via e-mail at lmarkel@ala.org. Nominations for all awards must be received by Dec. 15, 2010. Submission information is included on each form.

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Virtual Convergence: submission deadline extended to Monday, Sept. 20

The submission deadline has been extended to Monday, Sept. 20, for proposals for the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) 2011 Virtual Convergencea series of professional development webinars that will be held in January 2011 immediately following the ALA 2011 MidwinterMeeting.

The Virtual Convergence is an inaugural webinar series presented by ASCLA on topics of interest to both ASCLA members and the broader library community. It offers librarians, library staff and library supporters of all types an opportunity to, for one week, focus on acquiring important knowledge that will enhance and improve workplace performance and effectiveness. The event will be held from Tuesday, Jan. 18 through Friday, Jan. 21, with webinars scheduled throughout the day. The division currently seeks proposals for these sessions. Proposals may be submitted directly by presenters or, similar to the conference planning process, may be submitted by member volunteers who will coordinate presenter recruitment and/or facilitate a panel ofspeakers.

Successful proposalswill:

  • Show plans for presentations that fit within the 90-minute session blocks, including at least 15 minutes forQ&A.
  • Show how the presentation addresses a topic either of interest to ASCLA members, or represents an area of ASCLAs expertise that benefits other types of librarians. This may include but is not limited to: financial management; strategic planning; grant writing; services to special populations including the blind, deaf and hard of hearing and the incarcerated; and library consulting. Past topics addressed by ASCLA programming are listed in the ASCLA @ Annual 2010 guide, as well as the version of the guide that covers 2009 Annual Conference programming.
  • Include an outline of the points the presentation willcover.
  • Outline the audiences that will be interested in thistopic.
  • Include a description of the presenter and his/her relevant experience, e.g. education, job history, that illustrates their expertise in the proposed topicarea.

Proposals must be submitted using the online submission form no later than close of business on Monday, Sept. 20, 2010. Presenters for accepted proposals will receive compensation for their time and will also receive training for the webinar software. Questions about ASCLA or the Convergence 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 Virtual Convergence schedule, registration rates and other event details will be posted on the ASCLA blog and ASCLA website in mid-October,2010.