ASCLA Blog

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) seeks an editor for ASCLA’s quarterly online membership journal, Interface. Interface serves as the primary source of information and communication between ASCLA and the library and user community and reaches ASCLA’s 1,000 members each quarter. Guided by ASCLA editorial policy, the editor is responsible for the content, format and timely online publication of Interface.

Compensation of up to $1,000 annually will be provided to cover travel to conferences. In addition, the Interface editor receives complimentary registration for both conferences and VIP early registration for hotels.

The deadline for application is May 3, 2010 and it is anticipated that a candidate will be selected by June 1. A job description is posted below.

Applicants should email a resume and cover letter summarizing their editorial philosophy, two to four samples of written work or editorial activities and two letters of reference addressing qualifications to: Susan Hornung, Executive Director, ASCLA, at shornung@ala.org.

The two-year appointment as Interface editor will begin at the end of ALA Annual Conference 2010 and end at the conclusion of the Annual Conference in 2012. The term is renewable upon approval of the ASCLA Board. 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 and knowledge of emerging technologies in this publishing format.

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (www.ala.org/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, multi-type and cooperative library organizations and independent librarians. ASCLA is a division of the American Library Association.

Job Description: ASCLA Interface Editor

Reports to: ASCLA Board

Term: 2-year appointment, beginning at the end of ALA Annual Conference 2010 and ending at the end of the Annual Conference in 2012. Term is renewable upon approval of the ASCLA Board.

Summary of Position:

• Interface is the official serial publication of the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies, a division of the American Library Association.
• Interface serves as the primary communication channel between ASCLA and the library and user community.
• Guided by ASCLA editorial policy, the editor is responsible for the content, format and timely publication of Interface and will prepare an annual plan indicating areas expected to be addressed in quarterly issues.
• The Publications Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the editor and develops guidelines to assist the editor.
• Editorial policies are approved by the ASCLA Board.

Specific Responsibilities

• Establish a theme for each quarterly issue of Interface, based on regular communication with ASCLA members, section leaders, Board, committees, and staff, breaking news, and activities of interest.
• Invite articles related to the theme, through personal invitation to a few key authors and through general announcement using the ASCLA listservs and others as appropriate.
• Gather articles for quarterly publication, following the annual schedule determined by the ASCLA Executive Director.
• Establish a schedule of routine items that are expected to appear in each quarterly issue and solicit the required information from ASCLA members and staff following the schedule (ASCLA awards, actions of the Board, conference programs and activities, election results, committee appointments, president’s letter etc.)
• Work closely with the ASCLA office to incorporate articles submitted by staff.
• Edit articles for content, style, and correct grammatical usage, consulting with other experts as needed. The ASCLA Publications Committee serves as an unofficial editorial board, and section leaders and ASCLA Board members are always willing to provide advice and counsel.
• Prepare articles by formatting each within style and layout guidelines provided by the ASCLA office.
• Prepare each issue for posting to the ASCLA website and submit files via e-mail to the ASCLA office.
• Collect signed copyright release forms from each author.
• Attend ASCLA Board meetings as non-voting ex-officio member at ALA Annual Conference and Midwinter Meetings, and attend as many section and committee meetings, programs, and other ASCLA-related events as possible.
• Recruit new advertising and work with continuing advertisers to renew and update ads each year. Keep track of invoicing and submit advertising checks to the ASCLA office.
• Periodically, survey members to determine their satisfaction with Interface and elicit ideas for improvement.
• Occasionally handle requests for republication and resolve problems.

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.

UPDATE! Check out bios and presentation details for the full list of speakers at this event by clicking here.

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When it comes to resource sharing, the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) knows how to figure out exactly what your users need.

The upcoming ASCLA preconference “Giving People What They Want: Information Access in Libraries and Beyond” will feature a thought-provoking examination of technology and how its pervasive development is challenging traditional approaches to resource-sharing and content access. Presenters will examine users’ different information-seeking behaviors and how they differ significantly from how libraries have traditionally provided information. Participants will also discuss technological limitations inherent in sharing resources across disparate systems; innovative approaches that are broadening the definition of resource-sharing; and the impact of digital publishing, library end-user research, and innovative implementations of resource-sharing.

“Giving People What They Want”, which is open to and librarian or library staff involved or interested in the field of resource sharing, will be held 9a.m.-5p.m. on Friday, June 25 at one of the ALA conference hotels in Washington, D.C. Featured speakers at the event will include Lee Rainie, director at the Pew Internet & American Life Project, Washington, D.C., and Marshall Breeding, director for innovative technologies and research at the Jean and Alexander Heard Library, Vanderbilt University.

Interested participants can register for this event only, or can register in conjunction with Annual Conference registration by adding it as a ticketed event. For institute-only registration using the online form, select “Institute and Ticketed Events Only” as the registration type and proceed to select this event from the list. Advance registration ends May 14, 2010. Advance registration prices for this event start at $205 for ASCLA members. On-site registration starts at $215 for ASCLA members and will be available online until Sunday, June 20. All interested participants must register by June 20—there will not be seats available at the door on the day of the event.

Request for Proposal 
Project Director for the revision of the Standards and Guidelines of Service for the Library of Congress Network of Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
American Library Association
Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies

I. Introduction

A. Purpose
The American Library Association is seeking an individual to serve as Project Director to oversee revision of the 2005 Revised Standards and Guidelines of Service for the Library of Congress Network of Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. The Project Director will facilitate and coordinate all phases of the standards development process including managing a working team and project advisory committee of consumers and librarians. Additional responsibilities include arranging meetings for the working team and advisory committee, scheduling public hearings and presentations before interested groups, conducting research, preparing drafts and the final copy of the standards document and handling distribution, and planning project expenditures and managing budgeted funds.

B. Summary of Project
This is a project to oversee revision of the 2005 Revised Standards and Guidelines of Service for the Library of Congress Network of Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Since the last standards were developed, there have been a number of significant changes in the operation of Network libraries and in the development and use of new technologies. 

The revision process will be funded by a grant from the Library of Congress/National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LC/NLS) to the American Library Association. The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA), a division of the ALA, will administer the project.

The project will be carried out under the leadership of a Project Director who will be hired by ASCLA. Two additional persons will work with the Project Director to form a “Working Team.” The Working Team will meet regularly throughout the project to carry out most of the work. A Project Advisory Committee will also be appointed to advise the Working Team, review draft products, and represent the views and concerns of both consumers and librarians. The Executive Director of ASCLA will administer the project for ALA. 

The project is expected to be completed by October 2011. A schedule for the project is included in point VII.

The project budget includes funds for the travel expenses of the Project Director, Working Team and Advisory Committee. It also provides a fee for the Project Director.
 
II. Submission of Response
 Applicants must submit one print copy and one copy on a CD of the proposal by 4:30pm CT on February 19, 2010 to:

American Library Association
Attention: Susan Hornung
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-2795

Proposals not received by the date and time specified may not be considered and will be returned to the sender marked “LATE RESPONSE.” Telefacsimile or e-mail submissions will not be accepted.

Questions about the Request for Proposal or requests for further information should be addressed to:

Susan Hornung
Executive Director, ASCLA
American Library Association
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60511
800-545-2433 x4395
312-944-8085 (fax)
shornung@ala.org

III. Role of Project Director
The Project Director will facilitate and coordinate all phases of the standards development process, with the assistance of the Working Team and Advisory Committee. This person facilitates the group process of developing the standards.

This will involve the following responsibilities:
• Arranging meetings for the Working Team and Advisory Group
• Arranging for public hearings and presentations before interested groups
• Conducting necessary research
• Hiring and paying for services of any project support staff
• Preparing all drafts and final copies of standards and handling their distribution
• Communicating with the Working Team and Advisory Committee and  handle inquiries from the field
• Providing progress reports for the ASCLA Standards Review Committee and for the ALA Standards Committee
• Working with the Manager of Web Services and the ASCLA Executive Director regarding the specifics of the contract and expenditures

IV. Factors for Selecting Project Director
 The following factors will be examined to determine the successful proposal.

A. Background and Experience
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
1. background and experience with the network of libraries for the blind and physically handicapped
2. background and experience with library and other services for persons with disabilities
3. background and experience with the development and use of library standards and guidelines
4. background and experience with similar projects and responsibilities
5. background and experience working with laws covering services for persons with disabilities
  
B. Timetable for Carrying Out the Project
The successful candidate will be able to meet the deadlines listed in the schedule. (See VII) 

V. Proposal Specifications
A.  General Instructions
The proposal must comply with the content requirements detailed in this section. The applicant must submit a complete proposal that provides proof of experience and qualifications to complete the required activities and the estimated costs to do so. If the applicant is a doctoral student, he/she should send a letter of recommendation from a faculty member who agrees to supervise work on this project.

A complete proposal includes:
1. Letter of application
2. Formal proposal (including budget)
3. Attachments as appropriate (resume, etc.)
4. Five (5) copies of the proposal are due by 4:30 on Monday, February 19, 2010
Send to:
American Library Association
Attention: Susan Hornung
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611-2795

All costs for the applicant’s proposal preparation are the responsibility of the applicant and may not be charged to the budget for the study.

B. Letter of Application
The letter of application must be signed by one or more individuals qualified to perform the work described. Individuals signing the letter must indicate position title. A contact person for further information must be identified.

C. Formal Proposal
The formal proposal must detail methodology, scope of work, implementation steps and adherence to the schedule. The proposal must provide an overview of the approach to be taken in completing the tasks required and outline specific activities to be undertaken in order to produce the required final product.  

Any anticipated theoretical or practical problems associated with the completion of each task must be discussed in the proposal, and solutions, alternatives or contingency plans related to these problems must be proposed as appropriate.

1. Staffing Section
The staffing section must present a plan for the work that will ensure accomplishment of all needed tasks. Staff assigned to the project must be identified by name, title, and the amount of time devoted to each project task.

2. Budget
The budget proposal must contain, at a minimum, the following information (in sufficient detail to show how cost is determined):
• Compensation, at a per day or other unit rate for personnel, and the number of hours projected for each individual to complete each task within the scheduled timeline.
• Computing/data tabulation/data gathering costs
• Contracted services
• Miscellaneous costs
• Total cost for project
NOTE: Institutional overhead is not an acceptable cost. No more than $20,000 will be spent on the fee for the Project Director. The cost of travel for the Project Director is provided by the grant and does not need to be included in the budget. Expenses for telephone, fax, postage and duplicating are also covered by the grant and are not charged against the Project Director’s fee.

3. Attachments
• The proposal must include resumes of all project staff.
• Submit the names of three references that are familiar with your qualifications and experiences.

VI. Other Considerations
A. Compensation
No more than $20,000 will be provided for the Project Director’s fee.

B. Selection Process
The Project Director will be selected from those proposals submitted in response to this RFP. The proposals will be reviewed by an Ad Hoc Selection Committee, comprised of a past ASCLA President, the ASCLA Standards Review Committee Chair, and a Network Librarian. This Committee will make a recommendation to the ASCLA Board of Directors for their approval. The Project Director will be hired by ASCLA.

C. Contract for Services and Payment Schedule
ASCLA will prepare a contract with the Project Director that includes the specific responsibilities and timetable for the project. (The final timetable may vary from the one included in the RFP.) It will also clarify a schedule for payment that will be negotiated between the Project Director and the ASCLA Executive Director.

D. Financial Reports
The Project Director will submit financial reports that show, for each expenditure category in the proposal, what was budgeted and was actually spent.

E. Products
The results of this project will be a revised version of the 2005 Revised Standards and Guidelines of Service for the Library of Congress Network of Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. The final version and all drafts will be submitted to the ASCLA Executive Director in both a printed and electronic (Microsoft Word) format.

F. Ownership of Materials
All materials developed, data collected, or reports prepared under the terms of this project agreement become the property of the ALA. ALA reserves the non-exclusive rights to copy such material and to publish, disseminate, and otherwise use the materials developed under the terms of this agreement in print or electronically.

VII.         Deliverables and Meeting Schedule              BOLD- designates deliverables

ACTIVITY	DATE
Schedule of outline established	December 17, 2009
The RFP for the Project Director is announced through the LC/NLS network, ALA press release, and notices sent to interested individuals	January 31, 2010
Respondents submit their proposals to ASCLA Executive Director	Feb 19, 2010
Ad Hoc Selection Committee reviews proposals and makes a recommendation to the ASCLA Board and LC/NLS liaison	March 2, 2010
ASCLA Board selects Project Director	March 6, 2010
ASCLA hires Project Director and draws up contract for services	March 20, 2010
ASCLA President, with LC/NLS input, appoints Working Team and Advisory Committee members	March 20, 2010
Working team meeting,  (3 days)  Advisory committee meeting, (1 day)	April 2010
Distribution of working paper	May 2010
Working team meeting; Project Director at National Conference of Librarians Serving Blind and Physically Handicapped Individuals	May 20, 2010,Des Moines
Working team meeting  – ELECTRONIC	June 2010
Working team meeting	Annual –DCJune 24-30, 2010
Project Director Reports to ASCLA Board	Annual – DCJune 24-30, 2010
Project Director holds public hearings at ALA Annual 2010	Annual 2010June 24-30, 2010
Distribution of first draft	August 2010
Working team meeting	October 2010
Working team meeting	Midwinter 2011San Diego
Project Director reports to ASCLA Board	Midwinter 2011San Diego
Project Director holds public hearings	Midwinter 2011San Diego
Distribution of second draft	March 2011
Working team meeting-ELECTRONICAdvisory committee meeting – ELECTRONIC	March 2011
Working team meetingAdvisory committee meeting	May 2011 (before distribution of proposed standards)
Distribution of proposed standards	May 2011
Project Director meets with ALA/ASCLA BoardWorking Team or Advisory Meetings as  needed at ALA Annual 2011	Annual 2011 (late June)  New Orleans
ASCLA Board approval of standards (or done electronically by August 2011)	Annual 2011 (late June)  New Orleans
Delivery of 25 copies of published product to NLS and an electronic copy to be mounted on NLS’s Network Library Services (non public) web site.	October 2011

 

Final 11-30-09 CAD

Rev. Final 12-29-09 SH         

Rev. timeline 1-26-10 SH