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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.

 

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ASCLA Needs You!

Please consider volunteering for one of the below positions. Help ASCLA move forward in new and exciting ways!

ASCLA liaisons to ALA committees needed:

  • Liaisons to the literacy assembly,
  • Website advisory committee,
  • Website advisory committee/representative on accessibility issues,
  • APA certified public library administrator program certification review committee.

If you are interested in serving on one of these committees, please reply directly to kpeiffer@njstatelib.org

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Don’t be left out in the cold and miss any of ASCLA’s 2015 Midwinter Meetings!

EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS:

ASCLA Institute:
Using Comics to Promote Literacy, Friday, January 30, 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Hilton-Chicago, Williford Room A 
This topic is important and timely in today’s increasingly visual culture. Learn how to use comics to promote both verbal and visual literacy for emerging and struggling readers, as well as learn how comics are used to teach the common core state standards in reading and writing. Learn why comics are an incredibly rich resource to capture and fuel a young reader’s imagination. Register here. Add to my schedule.

ASCLA/COSLA Networking and Happy Hour
Friday, January 30, 2015 – 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Renaissance Blackstone, Lower Lounge Bar
Kick off the 2015 ALA Midwinter Meeting in style with the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) Networking and Happy Hour—an opportunity to socialize, network, and learn more about ASCLA. The event is open to all current ASCLA members, friends of ASCLA and those meeting attendees interested in learning more about the association and networking with peers. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet ASCLA’s leaders! Add to my schedule.

BUSINESS AS USUAL:

Finance and Planning / All Committee Meeting 
Saturday, January 31, 2015 – 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Hilton Chicago, Buckingham Room
Meeting to review, recommend and plan goals, objectives, and priorities for the division as they relate to the ASCLA’s budgetary matters. Add to my schedule

Leadership Session
McCormick Place, Room West 192a
Saturday, January 31, 2015, 10:00 11:30 AM
All members are invited to attend the Leadership Session immediately following ASCLA Board I to help brainstorm, strategize and learn! Add to my schedule.

Last but not least, the ASCLA board will meet twice in Chicago; please feel free to join us as our honored guests. The meetings will be held:

Board of Directors I
Saturday, January 31, 2015, 8:00 – 10:00 AM
McCormick Place West, Room: W192a Add to my schedule.
Board of Directors II 
Monday, February 2, 2015, 12:00 – 1:30 PM
McCormick Place West, Room: W195 Add to my schedule.
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Volunteer and Get Involved with ASCLA!

Interested in meeting new people? ASCLA’s committees are a great way to get involved at the national level and make an impact, while having lots of fun. You can participate even if you can’t attend conferences; ALA’s online community, ALA Connect, and other tools offered by the division make virtual participation easy and engaging.

Below is a list of committees with current openings. As you can see, there are lots of ways to share your talents, influence major decisions for the association and make a difference in the library profession. I encourage you to review the list and find a place where you fit.

  • Awards Committee
  • Conference Programming Committee
  • Legislative Advocacy Committee
  • Membership Committee
  • Online Learning Committee
  • Publications Committee

If you are interested in serving on one of the committees listed above, please reply directly to me at rhondakgould@gmail.com by Dec. 31 with your preference(s). Members are needed to join these committees beginning July 1, 2015 for one and two year terms (all terms start July 1 and end June 30)

Don’t forget about opportunities to be involved via ASCLA interest groups, too!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,
Rhonda Gould
ASCLA Vice-President/President-Elect
Owner/Library Consultant, Gould Library Consulting
rhondakgould@gmail.com

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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.

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Summer 2014 Interface Available Now!

The new issue of Interface, ASCLA’s quarterly newsletter, is available online now! This issue includes all sorts of relevant information about upcoming events, a recap of ASCLA’s Annual Conference experience, and news from a variety of ASCLA’s interest groups. Access the new issue here.

Interested in submitting an article for publication in the next issue? We welcome articles that cover human interest stories, highlight successful programs or projects, discuss the implementation of workplace and library improvements, cover news from our member interest groups, and just about anything else that you’d like to share with your ASCLA colleagues.

Submissions and inquiries can be sent to Anne Abate, Interface editor, at anne@librarydiscountnetwork.com.

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ASCLA presents its first ASCLA 101!

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) will host ASCLA 101, a networking and orientation event for interested, new and current members from 10:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, at the Las Vegas Hotel in conjunction with the 2014 ALA Annual Conference in Las Vegas.

ASCLA, a division of ALA, represents librarians serving special populations; independent librarians and consultants; state library agencies; and library networks, cooperatives and consortia. Conference attendees involved or interested in these areas of librarianship are encouraged to attend ASCLA 101 where they can learn more about the division activities and special interest sections representing each of these topics. ASCLA member leaders will be on hand to answer questions about the division and help attendees best identify how they can be involved with ASCLA projects and activities.

“ASCLA 101 is an incredibly valuable event that supports member involvement and engagement,” said ASCLA President Sara Laughlin, “We’re excited for our first ASCLA 101 program. It’s a great opportunity to meet colleagues, find a home within ASCLA’s special interest groups and connect with other members. Any new, longtime or potential members of ASCLA should make ASCLA 101 the first official event of their conference experience.”

The event agenda includes a brief presentation about ASCLA, a raffle for fun prizes and significant time for networking. RSVPs are not required, however interested attendees are encouraged to add ASCLA101 to their schedule.

 

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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. 

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Meet the ASCLA Board of Directors: Liz Bishoff, Division Councilor

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.

Liz Bishoff
Liz Bishoff

Liz Bishoff

Consultant, The Bishoff Group

ASCLA Division Councilor, 2012-2015

  • Why did you join ASCLA? I was the chair of an unaffiliated organization of people who managed statewide and regional digital collaboratives, we saw ASCLA and ICAN (former Interlibrary Cooperation And Networking Section of ASCLA) as a natural home for us.
  • How has ASCLA helped you in your career? As with other ALA organizations, it provides a means of networking with people who have common interests.  As a consultant I can share interests and challenges and opportunities with other consultants
  • What are some of the ASCLA activities you’ve participated in (committee volunteering, etc.)? ASCLA board, preconference presenter, task forces, Councilor, leadership sessions
  • Describe a particularly rewarding experience in your library career. Too many rewarding experiences–it’s been a fantastic career–the development of the digital environment has offered exciting opportunities to work with other cultural heritage organizations as well as all types of libraries
  • Who is your hero? My mom is my hero–she refused to fit into the mold of the 50’s mom.

Reach Liz at liz (dot) bishoff -at- gmail (dot) com, or catch her in person at the 2014 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia where she’ll be presenting at the ASCLA Midwinter Institute “Assembling a Consulting Toolkit: What You Need to Know to be a Successful Library Consultant.

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Volunteers wanted! ASCLA awards committee seeks virtual participants

We are seeking a few additional members to volunteer for the ASCLA Awards Committee! Could it be you?!

Keep reading for more information about the committee and its responsibilities. If you’re interested in participating, please send an e-mail to the following people prior to Sept. 1: ASCLA President Sara Laughlin (saraglaughlin@gmail.com, Award Committee Chair Will Reed (will.reed@cpl.org) and ASCLA Marketing and Programs Manager Liz Markel (lmarkel@ala.org) with the subject line “ASCLA Awards Committee Volunteer.”

What does the ASCLA Awards Committee do? What are my obligations as a committee member? The role of the awards committee is to promote the open nomination period for the awards each fall, with help from the ASCLA office. Once the nominations have been received, the committee meets virtually to review the nomination materials and select winners. Committee members also help gather information about winners via phone and e-mail that supports the announcement and promotion of the winners by the ASCLA office.

How often do we meet? Do I have to attend conferences? The work of the committee is done virtually, so no conference attendance is required. Awards are presented at the ASCLA/COSLA Reception at the ALA Annual Conference; committee members are encouraged to attend and participate if they are attending the conference, but it’s not required. The committee meets approximately quarterly via phone and also engages in virtual conversations using ALA Connect.

What kind of person/skills are you looking for to serve on this committee? We are looking for members to represent the state library, consulting/independent librarians and consortia/networking constituencies of ASCLA on this committee. We are also looking for members who are willing to do a little virtual work engaging the library community to spread the word about the awards and help find nominees, thoughtfully contribute to the nominee review process and correspond by e-mail or phone with a winner or two to publicize the award in the spring.

ASCLA offers five awards annually—here’s a brief overview:

  • ASCLA/Keystone Library Automation System (KLAS)/National Organization on Disability (NOD) Award A $1,000 award and certificate for a library organization that has provided services for people with disabilities. The award recognizes an innovative and well-organized project which 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 their total services more accessible through changing physical and/or attitudinal barriers.
  • Francis Joseph Campbell Award A citation and a medal presented to a person or institution that has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of library service for the blind and physically handicapped. This contribution may take the form of 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; imaginative contribution to library administration, reference, circulation, selection, acquisitions, or technical services; or any activity of recognized importance.
  • ASCLA Exceptional Service Award A citation presented to recognize exceptional service to patients, to the 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 of experimental projects.
  • ASCLA Leadership & Professional Achievement Award This prestigious award is presented to one or more ASCLA members (personal or organizational) exemplifying leadership and achievement in one or more of the following areas: consulting, library cooperation, networking, statewide services and programs and state library development.
  • Cathleen Bourdon Service Award This citation is presented to an ASCLA personal member for outstanding service and leadership to the division. The award recognizes sustained leadership and exceptional service through participation in activities which have enhanced the stature, reputation, and overall strength of ASCLA; and representation of ASCLA to other appropriate organizations, institutions, or governmental agencies.

If you’re interested in participating, please send an e-mail to the following people prior to Sept. 1: ASCLA President Sara Laughlin (saraglaughlin@gmail.com, Award Committee Chair Will Reed (will.reed@cpl.org) and ASCLA Marketing and Programs Manager Liz Markel (lmarkel@ala.org) with the subject line “ASCLA Awards Committee Volunteer.”