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Tickets now on sale for Midwinter networking luncheon hosted by ASCLA Library Consultants Interest Group in Seattle

CHICAGO–Tickets are now on sale for a networking luncheon at ALA’s 2013 Midwinter Meeting in Seattle hosted by the Library Consultants Interest Group, one of the member interest groups of the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA).

The Library Consultants Interest Group supports the work of library consultants nationwide, and is offering this event as a forum for face-to-face networking among consulting colleagues. In addition to networking with other luncheon attendees, this event will also feature educational content that will benefit library consultants, as well as other library professionals who are promoting their own freelance services and skills. This content will include learning new icebreakers, refining elevator pitches and using Twitter for self-promotion. Participants will also have the opportunity to win some fantastic career-related raffle prizes.

The luncheon will be held Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at an ALA conference hotel in Seattle, Wash. Tickets start at $75 for ASCLA members; ALA Midwinter Meeting registration is not required in order to purchase tickets for this event–simply select “Ticketed Events Only” as your registration type. If you have already registered for the meeting, you can login and add the event to your registration. Access registration information here.

The Library Consultants Interest Group will also host several other events in Seattle, and Midwinter Meeting registration is required in order to participate in the following:

  • Library Consultants Interest Group Leadership Team – Sunday Jan. 27, 2013 3:00 – 4:00 pm
    The Library Consultants Interest Group (LCIG) Leadership team will review and plan for library consultant education and networking activities at conferences and throughout the year. All interested library consultants are invited to participate.
  • Library Consultants Discussion Forum  – Sunday Jan. 27, 2013  4:30 – 5:30 pm
    The discussion will focus on ethical issues confronted by library consultants in their work. This discussion builds on the ASCLA Library Consultants Code of Ethics, developed by LCIG and approved by the ASCLA Board in 2012. The discussions will be moderated by Stephanie Gerding and include presenters Nancy Bolt, Gary Pitkin and others. Library Consultants and those considering consulting are welcome to participate. LCIG welcomes new faces, ideas and suggestions.
  • ASCLA /COSLA Reception – Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013  8:00 – 10:00 pm
    Library Consultant Interest Group members are invited to join ASCLA members and others for a relaxing evening of conversation and networking.

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 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. Not an ASCLA member, but interested in forming new interest groups, receiving discounted registration rates on ASCLA preconferences and online courses, and other important membership benefits? Join, renew or add ASCLA to your ALA membership at www.ala.org/membership.

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ASCLA seeks proposals for 2013 webinars

ASCLA invites subject matter experts and experienced librarians with knowledge to share to submit proposals for ASCLA webinars to be presented in 2013 as a part of ASCLA’s outstanding online learning offerings.

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 on a rolling basis until all available presentation slots for 2013 are filled. Webinar presenters are compensated for their work and will receive training and support for Blackboard Collaborate, the webinar technology platform used by the division.

More information about the submission process and ASCLA’s online learning offerings is at the ASCLA website under the Online Learning section. Access the proposal form now.

Proposal topics for courses and webinars may include, but are not limited to the following:

ADA updates for libraries; adult programming in a correctional library; eBooks; assessing accessibility knowledge; benchmarks and evaluation measures; best practices, standards and guidelines to improve library service; innovative services for an aging population; budgeting; collaborative digitization; correctional librarianship 101: covering the basics of a good prison/jail library; data analysis and assessment; dealing with learning disabilities; designing effective surveys; cultivating member loyalty through relationships in cooperative organizations; download training for patrons who use screen readers; emerging technologies for those with special needs, including apps and iPads; evaluating and improving cooperative services; evaluation content analysis; financial literacy; future trends in library service; GIS training; 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; nonprofit leadership; increasing public understanding of the value of libraries; innovations in library service; law librarianship for correctional librarians; managing and improving services in a library cooperative; marketing library services to special needs populations; marketing on a shoestring budget; navigating book selection sources; outcomes-based education; outreach skills; outreach to visually or physically handicapped populations; partnering with community organizations; project planning; public education as a marketing tool; recognizing great service in member libraries; seeking grants for consultancy work; services to library patrons with cognitive or mental impairments; low-literacy adults; diverse populations, including special needs populations; tablet computers; training staff to confidently serve library users with disabilities, and raising awareness of this important population; technology trends for special needs populations; utilizing focus groups to prioritize services to the disabled; and 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.

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RFP issued for ASCLA Accessibility Academy Project Consultant

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) has issued an RFP for a project consultant to assist in the production of an online, interactive ASCLA Accessibility Academy module focused on improving library staff communications and interactions with people with disabilities; responses are due by Monday, Oct. 15, 2012.

ASCLA, a division of ALA, serves librarians who work primarily with people with disabilities. The ASCLA Accessibility Academy aims to provide information and skills training that will prepare librarians and staff at public, academic, special, and international libraries to work with these special populations. The Project Consultant will develop and implement the first Academy module, which will include an online tutorial and webinars, and will assemble manage an advisory team to provide long-term feedback on project deliverables and content, and also provide evaluation assistance.

Project deliverables to be managed by the consultant include one online tutorial on working with people with disabilities, presented live twice and also recorded, by May 1, 2013, to be presented by the consultant or an identified subject matter expert; a selection of reference tools for distribution for the tutorial such as tip sheets, checklists, vocabulary list, and additional reading; a logo and other branding materials for the Accessibility Academy; a prioritized list of future topics for future sessions; a documented framework for future Academy sessions; development of criteria and procedures for evaluating the modules; and a list of presenters for future sessions.

A complete version of the RFP is available for download from the ASCLA website. Applicants must submit one print or email copy, and one copy on a CD of the proposal by 6:00pm CT on Monday, October 15, 2012 to: American Library Association, Attention: Susan Hornung/ASCLA, 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611-2795; e-mail: shornung@ala.org

Email submissions must have “ASCLA Accessibility Academy RFP” in the subject line of the message. Proposals not received by the date and time specified may not be considered and will be returned to the sender marked “LATE RESPONSE.” Faxed submissions will not be accepted. Contact ASCLA Executive Director Susan Hornung at shornung@ala.org or (312) 280-4395 with any questions about the RFP content or submission process.

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 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. Not an ASCLA member, but interested in forming new interest groups, receiving discounted registration rates on ASCLA preconferences and online courses, and other important membership benefits? Join, renew or add ASCLA to your ALA membership at www.ala.org/membership.

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Library Consultants: An invitation to get involved with ASCLA

Attention consultants and independent librarians! Carol Desch, chair of the ASCLA Library Consultants Interest Group, invites you to join ASCLA’s Library Consultants Interest Group, and to participate in this group’s many activities, including programs and social events at the upcoming ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim. If you have any questions about the information below, contact Carol at cdesch@mail.nysed.gov.

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Dear Colleague:

On behalf of the ASCLA Library Consultants Interest Group (LCIG), I would like to extend a personal invitation to you to join us. Whether you are a practicing library consultant, an occasional consultant, just beginning your career as a consultant, or thinking about whether consulting is for you, we hope you will consider joining the ALA Connect community for the ASCLA Library Consultants Interest Group.

You can join the group by logging into ALA Connect, accessing the group page, then clicking “join” on the right side of the page. You do not need to be a member of ASCLA for the first year of your interest group membership, however we encourage you to join this amazing community of ALA members at your earliest convenience. Join ASCLA now.

JOIN US if you are interested in sharing information and expertise with and learning from other library consultants. Join us if you are interested in learning about and addressing issues of concern to library consultants.  For example, under the leadership of longtime expert consultant Nancy Bolt, the LCIG developed a Library Consultant Code of Ethics which is now being considered for adoption by ALA.

JOIN US if you would like to be kept informed about, or participate in planning ASCLA activities and programs of interest to library consultants such as these events occurring at the 2012 ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim:

  • ASCLA/COSLA Networking Party and Awards Reception, Saturday, June 23, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
    A great opportunity to meet new friends and reconnect with old ones! Build your consulting network at this free reception attended by many of the movers and shakers in the library world.
  • Program: “Consultants Give Back”, Sunday, June 24, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
    CGB is happening throughout conference, but this Sunday time slot is the open “office hour” time set aside for consultants who want a designated time and place to meet. See the list of participating consultants. Are you a consultant interested in providing services as a part of this event at a future ALA conference? Please contact Nancy Bolt (nancybolt@earthlink.net) for more information.
  • Program: “Essential Facilitation: Practical Tools for Guiding Groups”, Monday, June 25, 10:30 a.m.- 12 noon
    The featured speaker, Patty McManus from Interaction Associates, will speak on “Decision Making Without Pain: Tips and Tools for Leading Groups to Success.” She writes: “Everyone knows the agony of endless efforts to reach decisions in groups. Join LCIG and Interaction Associates to learn some practical tools for leaders and consultants. In this session, we’ll cover: Setting up decision making for success; Choosing a decision-making process that fits the situation; Structuring group discussions that make progress; Finally, hear how a state library and a library consultant have implemented this material for greater effectiveness in their groups. Sharing the podium with McManus will be Ann Joslin, Director of the Idaho Commission for Libraries and Nancy Bolt, President of Nancy Bolt & Associates. Both Ms Joslin and Ms Bolt have had extensive Interaction Associates training and use it in their daily work.

HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN LCIG

In addition to becoming a member of LCIG on ALAConnect you are also invited to assist us in shaping the future of the Library Consultants Interest Group by participating as a full member of the LCIG leadership team. Members of the LCIG Leadership Team must be ASCLA members.

There are also multiple opportunities to initiate and work on special projects.  For example, volunteers are needed to moderate discussion forums at ALA Midwinter, to assist with conference programs, to post information and questions on the ALAConnect site and much more.

If you are interested in participating on the Leadership Team, have an idea for a special project or are interested in volunteering, please contact incoming 2012-2013 LCIG Chairperson Jeannette Smithee at smithee@seflin.org.

I hope to see you on ALAConnect…and in Anaheim!  Questions?  Don’t hesitate to contact me or one of the other members of the LCIG Leadership Team.

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Take a closer look: ASCLA workshops at ALA Annual Conference

Have you spent some time with the preconferences we’re hosting at the upcoming ALA Annual Conference?

ASCLA–the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies–is a division of ALA focused on the future of libraries, and committed to cultivating librarians and libraries that provide universal access for all library users.

Whether you are a public librarian in a small town, an academic librarian on a thriving college campus, a state librarian administering services to a wide variety of libraries, a librarian serving special populations…or anywhere in between, attending one of our preconferences will be an invaluable experience!

Our innovative half-day workshops deliver information from experts on the following topics:

  • Marketing the value of your library to your community, and developing a fundraising strategy that engages your entire staff in the financial future of the library. The marketing and development staff from the New Jersey State Library will review how they launched their successful Library Champions campaign to achieve both of these goals.
  • Delivering library services and books to those who cannot read traditional print books–including library users with disabilities–by using online resources and service delivery models. Learn from the New Jersey State Library how “The Outspoken Library” does exactly this through their Talking Book & Braille Center.
  • Creating literacy and reading programs for incarcerated adults and youth by cultivating partnerships between public libraries, prisons and jails. Hear from librarians who have developed these sorts of partnerships in their communities, with outstanding results.

More information about each event is below. You do not need to be registered for the Annual Conference in order to join us–simply select “Ticketed Events and Preconferences Only” as your registration type. If you’re already registered for the conference, you can add any of these events to your registration.

REGISTER NOW. If you’re not able to join us in Anaheim, we offer many other ways to engage with ASCLA colleagues from around the world: check out a complete list of our member-driven interest groups to find one or more that suit you, and join today!

A Marriage Made in Heaven: Combining Marketing and Development to Ensure the Future of Your Library

REGISTER NOW.
Develop a fundraising strategy and raise the awareness of the value your library with a library champions campaign! Learn how the New Jersey State Library launched a public awareness campaign designed to attract famous athletes and authors to serve as Library Champions, and with the help of marketing and development teams, leveraged those champions into an effective fundraising vehicle. We’ll cover how to recruit celebrity champions and local heroes; how to raise big money for your library; how to build a donor development strategy; and the essential publications your library must produce to secure funders.
Registration starts at $129 for ASCLA members. REGISTER NOW.

The Outspoken Library: A Gateway for Public Libraries to Services for the Visually and Physically Impaired

REGISTER NOW.
Looking for inventive ideas for promoting library services? The New Jersey State Library developed “The Outspoken Library” to promote free online services that are available for print-disabled people. This program allows library customers to access services administered through the State Library’s Talking Book & Braille Center (TBBC), including audio newspapers (TBBC’s Audiovision and NFB’s Newsline) and the Library of Congress’s Braille and Audio Reading Download service. Attend this preconference, and find out how to establish and market these valuable resources.
Registration starts at $129 for ASCLA members. REGISTER NOW.

The Nuts & Bolts of Building a Public Library/Jail/Prison Partnership

REGISTER NOW.
Hear from speakers who’ve successfully built public library/correctional setting partnerships, and learn how to build these kinds of relationships step-by-step. Public librarians and correctional librarians interested in creating literacy and reading program partnerships for youth in detention centers and adults in jails or prisons will not want to miss this half-day workshop that will cover such difficult issues as collection development, security, and staff interactions.
Registration starts at $129 for ASCLA members. REGISTER NOW.

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ASCLA workshops @ ALA Annual Conference: Advance registration ends Sunday, May 13!

We have an outstanding lineup of workshops awaiting you in Anaheim! Hear from experts in the field about how to cultivate marketing and fundraising activities at your library, including creating a library champions campaign; how to bring online services to your library for people unable to read traditional print books and how to effectively promote those services; and step-by-step guidance for building partnerships between public libraries and correctional facilities, including literacy and reading programs for incarcerated adults and youth. These events are open to all interested participants! Conference registration is not required. Read more about each event below, then reserve your seat at the ALA Annual Conference website.

A Marriage Made in Heaven: Combining Marketing and Development to Ensure the Future of Your Library

Friday, June 22, 8:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
REGISTER NOW.

Develop a fundraising strategy and raise the awareness of the value your library with a library champions campaign! Learn how the New Jersey State Library launched a public awareness campaign designed to attract famous athletes and authors to serve as Library Champions, and with the help of marketing and development teams, leveraged those champions into an effective fundraising vehicle. We’ll cover how to recruit celebrity champions and local heroes; how to raise big money for your library; how to build a donor development strategy; and the essential publications your library must produce to secure funders. Registration starts at $109 for ASCLA members–increases to $129 after May 13.

The Outspoken Library: A Gateway for Public Libraries to Services for the Visually and Physically Impaired

Friday, June 22, 1:00-4:00p.m.
REGISTER NOW.

Looking for inventive ideas for promoting library services? The New Jersey State Library developed “The Outspoken Library” to promote free online services that are available for print-disabled people. This program allows library customers to access services administered through the State Library’s Talking Book & Braille Center (TBBC), including audio newspapers (TBBC’s Audiovision and NFB’s Newsline) and the Library of Congress’s Braille and Audio Reading Download service. Attend this preconference, and find out how to establish and market these valuable resources. Registration starts at $109 for ASCLA members–increases to $129 after May 13.

The Nuts & Bolts of Building a Public Library/Jail/Prison Partnership

Friday, June 22, 8:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
REGISTER NOW.

Hear from speakers who’ve successfully built public library/correctional setting partnerships, and learn how to build these kinds of relationships step-by-step. Public librarians and correctional librarians interested in creating literacy and reading program partnerships for youth in detention centers and adults in jails or prisons will not want to miss this half-day workshop that will cover such difficult issues as collection development, security, and staff interactions. Registration starts at $109 for ASCLA members–increases to $129 after May 13.

ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition–Transforming Our Libraries, Ourselves

Find out about the many other ALA Annual Conference & Exhibits highlights as they’re added–speakers, events, networking opportunities, and more. And for general information about the meeting in Anaheim, CA, June 21-26, 2012, visit us at www.alaannual.org. Save money with Early Bird Registration, open until midnight, Sunday, May 13, 2012.

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ASCLA Workshop: Marketing, Development and Building a Library Champions Campaign

There has never been a better time to pursue a Library Champions campaign! Library Champions can promote the value of your library to your community while delivering maximum fundraising impact. Participate in this ASCLA workshop and you’ll learn from the experts how to execute a successful marketing and development campaign, from soup to nuts.

“A Marriage Made in Heaven: Combining Marketing and Development to Ensure the Future of Your Library”
Friday, June 22, 8:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
Anaheim, Calif. in conjunction with the ALA Annual Conferece
REGISTER NOW.
This workshop will be an incredibly valuable experience for public and special library directors, development staff, public relations staff, foundation members, and library trustees.

Two years ago, the New Jersey State Library launched a public awareness campaign designed to attract famous athletes and authors to serve as Library Champions, and with the help of marketing and development teams, leveraged those champions into an effective fundraising vehicle. Nancy Dowd, former NJSL director of marketing, and Erin MacCord, NJSL development director, will present on the following topics:

  • How to recruit celebrity champions and local heroes to promote your library;
  • How to leverage library champions, build a donor database and raise big money for your library;
  • How to build a donor development strategy for everyone in your library;
  • The essential publications your library must produce to secure funders.
Registration Rates: Through May 13: ASCLA members, $109; ALA members, $129; non-members, $149; Student and Retired ALA members, $99.
May 14 through June 15: ASCLA members, $129; ALA members, $149; non-members, $169; Student and Retired ALA members, $109.REGISTER NOW.

ASCLA Conference Events

There’s lots happening with ASCLA in Anaheim! Access our conference information page on our website, which will provide you with access to our other preconference offerings; our exciting programs which include the ASCLA President’s Program, featuring John Jantsch, author of Duct Tape Marketing; and fun events like the ASCLA/COSLA Awards Reception and Networking event.

ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition–Transforming Our Libraries, Ourselves

Find out about the many other ALA Annual Conference & Exhibits highlights as they’re added–speakers, events, networking opportunities, and more. And for general information about the meeting in Anaheim, CA, June 21-26, 2012, visit us at www.alaannual.org. Save money with Early Bird Registration, open until midnight, Sunday, May 13, 2012.

ASCLA Conference Events

There’s lots happening with ASCLA in Anaheim! Access our conference information page on our website, which will provide you with access to our other preconference offerings; our exciting programs which include the ASCLA President’s Program, featuring John Jantsch, author of Duct Tape Marketing; and fun events like the ASCLA/COSLA Awards Reception and Networking

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Library Consultant Interest Group reviews “Library Consultants Code of Ethics” draft in Dallas

The Library Consultant Interest Group–a member group situated within the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), a division of ALA– invites independent librarians, library consultants, state library consultants of all types, regional library consultants and any librarians or library staff who help others learn and solve problems to join the conversation!

 

In addition to ongoing discussions via the group’s ALA Connect space, there are also several activities taking place at the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Dallas:

  • An open forum to discuss a draft Library Consultants Code of Ethics on Sunday, January 22 at 4:00 to 5:30 pm, Dallas Convention Center, Room D224.  Nancy Bolt, of Nancy Bolt and Associates will moderate the open forum. Visit http://connect.ala.org/node/160463 to see the draft Code of Ethics.
  • The ASCLA/COSLA Reception, a division-wide dessert reception where you can informally gather with colleagues and share a drink. This year’s event will be held Sunday, January 22, 8:00-10:00pm in the Fountain Room at the Fairmont Hotel, 1717 N. Akard Street.

 

The Library Consultant Interest Group replaces the former Independent Librarians Exchange (ILEX) special interest section of ASCLA. Membership is open to all ALA members; ASCLA membership is required for those interested in leadership positions within the group. The group supports professional development by providing programs, information exchange and networking opportunities of interest to independent librarians, library consultants and others who want to push the boundaries of librarianship. Join the group by visiting the ASCLA Library Consultants Interest Group ALA Connect page and clicking on the “Join” button. ALA login is required in order to access the interest group page.

 

More information about all of ASCLA’s events in Dallas can be found here.
The group will also host two programs at the upcoming 2012 ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim:

    • “Essential Facilitation: Practical Tools for Guiding Groups”: Monday, June 25, 10:30a.m.-12:00p.m., with presentations by Interaction Associates, Inc.
    • “Consultants Give Back”: Consultants can contribute an hour of free consulting to librarians seeking advice or seek consulting help from the consultants who volunteer their time. Date and location TBA in late spring 2012.

More information about ASCLA’s Annual Conference programs is here. Updates about ASCLA’s activities are also available via the division’s Twitter feed, Facebook page and blog.

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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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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.