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Signature ASCLA Events in Atlanta

Greetings ASCLA Members, Colleagues and Friends,  

You might want to attend the following events if you will be in Atlanta:

FRIDAY:
ASCLA/COSLA Happy Hour
Friday, January 20 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Room: Omni Hotels and Resort’s Latitudes Lounge at 100 CNN Center. Bring a friend – everyone is invited. Cash Bar.

SATURDAY:
Board of Directors Meeting I
Saturday, January 21 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Room: Georgia World Congress Center, B316

ASCLA Leadership Session
Saturday, January 21 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Room: Georgia World Congress Center, B316

All Committee & Finance and Planning Meeting 
Saturday, January 21 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM Room: Georgia World Congress Center, A410

MONDAY:
Public Hearing for the Revision of the Standards for Libraries Serving People Who are Blind or Physically Handicapped
Monday, January 23 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Room: Georgia World Congress Center, B214

Board of Directors Meeting II
Monday, January 23 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Room: Georgia World Congress Center, B316

You also might be interested in the following ALA meeting: At 2017 Midwinter Meeting, talk to ALA about accessibility for people with disabilities

I hope to see you all in Atlanta!

Best Wishes,
Susan Hornung
ASCLA/RUSA Executive Director
shornung@ala.org

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Call for nominations: ASCLA’s Achievement and Recognition awards

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Call for Nominations

ASCLA has opened the nomination period for its annual series of achievement and recognition awards. Members are encouraged to nominate their colleagues and peers to recognize exceptional library professionals that make a difference in improving the lives of the people they serve. The awards below will be presented at the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago, June 22-27, 2017.

Nominations and supporting materials must be submitted by February 10, 2017. Click on the links below to find the nomination form and submission instructions.

ASCLA/Keystone Library Automation System (KLAS) National Organization on Disability (NOD) Award
Awarded to 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. $1,000* and a citation. Sponsored by Keystone Systems, Inc.

Francis Joseph Campbell Award
Awarded 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. A medal and a citation.

ASCLA Exceptional Service Award
To recognize exceptional service to patients, to the home bound, 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. A citation.

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. A citation.

Cathleen Bourdon Service Award
This award 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. A citation.

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. Find out more about ASCLA at www.ala.org/ascla.

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Midwinter 2017: Kitchen Conversation about Accessibility for People with Disabilities

Dear ASCLA Members,

If you will be in Atlanta at Midwinter 2017, please try to attend this series of conversations on accessibility for people with physical, mobility, visual, auditory or cognitive disabilities. All conference attendees are encouraged to take part, whether or not they use accessible services. More information here.

 You all have a very happy holiday and new year!

Susan Hornung

Executive Director, ASCLA/RUSA

 

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Call for Volunteers

Interested in meeting new people? Volunteer for an ASCLA committee! They’re still one of the best ways 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, Adobe Connect virtual meeting software, and other tools offered by the division make virtual participation easy and engaging.

Below is a list of committees with current openings for members and chairs. 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
  • Nominating Committee
  • Online Learning Committee
  • President’s Committee
  • Publications Committee

If you are interested in serving on one of the committees listed above, send a message to shornung@ala.org with the name(s) of the committees you’re interested in. Members are needed to join these committees now until July 31, 2017 for one year terms and now until July 31, 2018 for two year terms. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Seeking Beta Testers – AccessAbility Academy module

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Greetings ASCLA Members,

We’ve been pleased with the response to the first ASCLA AccessAbility Academy module, Positive Interactions: Making the Library a Welcoming and Empowering Place for People with Disabilities http://www.ala.org/ascla/online-learning/accessibility-academy. You’ll be happy to know that ASCLA is now developing a second module focused on libraries and meeting the needs of people with mental illness.

Right now, we’re seeking a small group of “beta testers” who would be interested in attending and providing feedback during a free, preview version of a webinar for the module. The webinar is scheduled for December 2, 2016 from 11 AM (Central Time Zone) until 12:30 PM.

We will be limiting this beta tester group to 20 people. If you are interested in attending and sharing feedback during this session, please email Brenda Hough at bckhough@gmail.com and let her know.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best Wishes,

Susan Hornung
Executive Director, ASCLA/RUSA

American Library Association
50 East Huron
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (800) 545-2433 x4395
Direct:  (312) 280-4395
Fax: (312) 280-5273
Email: shornung@ala.org
ALA: www.ala.org
ASCLA: www.ala.org/ascla
RUSA: www.ala.org/rusa

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[Deadline Extended 12/2] ASCLA’s Online Learning Proposals Submissions

Do you have an idea for a webinar or online course you would like to present? The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) invites subject matter experts and experienced librarians to submit a webinar proposal or online course proposal by Friday, December 2, 2016. Presentations will take place from December 2016 and August 31, 2017 as a part of ASCLA’s outstanding online learning offerings. See the list of suggested “hot topics” below.

ASCLA welcomes proposals on topics that will assist our diverse membership in improved service delivery and job performance, as well as topics that reflect ASCLA’s expertise and are valuable for all types of libraries, librarians and library support staff across the profession, as well as our core member groups of state library agencies, library consultants, libraries serving people with disabilities, consumer health libraries, prison libraries and library cooperatives.

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

  • ADA updates for libraries
  • Assessing accessibility knowledge
  • Benchmarks and evaluation measures
  • Budgeting basics for the first time manager
  • Collaborative digitization
  • Correctional libraries and Adult programming
  • Correctional/prison librarianship 101: covering the basics of a successful prison/jail library
  • Data analysis and assessment
  • Dealing with learning disabilities
  • Designing effective surveys
  • Download training for patrons who use accessibility tools like screen readers
  • E-books and cooperatives
  • Emerging technologies for those with special needs, including apps and iPads
  • Evaluating and improving cooperative services
  • Evaluation content analysis
  • Future trends in library service
  • Grants: how to find grant funding and write your proposal
  • Group purchasing
  • Health literacy
  • How to be a consultant
  • How to be a futurist
  • How to deliver online training
  • How to hire a library consultant
  • Innovations in library service
  • Innovative services for an aging population
  • Law librarianship for correctional librarians
  • Library cooperatives: managing and improving services
  • Low-literacy adults
  • Marketing library services to special needs populations
  • Marketing on a shoestring budget
  • Navigating book selection sources
  • Nonprofit leadership
  • Outcomes-based education
  • Outreach skills training
  • Outreach to visually or physically handicapped populations
  • Partnering with community organizations
  • Recognizing great service in member libraries
  • Seeking grants for consultancy work
  • Serving library patrons with cognitive or mental impairments
  • Standards and guidelines to improve library services
  • Technology trends for special needs populations
  • Training staff to serve library users with disabilities, and raising awareness of this important population
  • Utilizing focus groups to prioritize services to the disabled
  • Working with refugees

Webinar presenters and online learning instructors are compensated for their work and will receive training and support for Adobe Connect, the webinar technology platform used by the division, and Moodle, the online tool used for courses. Review current online offerings for more information. More information about the submission process is here. Submit a webinar proposal or online course proposal by Friday, December 2, 2016.

About ASCLA
The Association for Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) is the premiere destination for ALA members to find information and build capacity to serve populations that are served by state library agencies, specialized libraries, library cooperatives and library consultants. ASCLA enhances the effectiveness of library service by advocating for and providing high quality networking, enrichment and educational opportunities for its diverse members.

Have questions about submissions or about ASCLA’s online learning programs? Jennifer Cross, Web Services Manager, ASCLA has the answers. Email her today.

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[Register NOW] ASCLA’s Midwinter Institute

Activate, Collaborate and Engage: Transforming Your Community through Health Outreach @ Your Library

Friday, January 20, 2017, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Event Code: ASC1

Ticket Prices

Category Early Bird Advance
ALA Member $120 $135
Other Member $120 $135
Non-Member $130 $145
ASCLA Member $120 $135

This session will provide an introduction on how libraries can strengthen their roles within the communities they serve through health outreach using ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC) initiative. Learn about free and reliable health information resources and ready – to – use materials. The focus will be on teaching libraries how to proactively create a culture of health for their users. Attendees will leave this session with resources to begin health outreach implementation at their library. Co-sponsored by ASCLA’s Consumer Health Information Librarians Interest Group.

To register, you can include with your initial registration or add them later using the unique link in your email confirmation. If you don’t have your registration confirmation handy, you can request a copy by emailing alaregistration@compusystems.com.

To register for a institute/preconference only, select Single Session on the third page of the registration process which is a $0 fee.

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Deadline Approaching (12/1) – Travel to The Netherlands & Belgium with ASCLA

Tulips in full bloom on the river in The Netherlands with river boats on the water

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) will be traveling to The Netherlands and Belgium during Tulip Time as their annual fundraiser. Hosted by AMA Waterways, this seven night river cruise from April 3-10, 2017 is one not to be missed! Deadline to book this trip of a lifetime is December 1, 2016. This adventure is open to the library community and their family and friends. There are no membership requirements in order to participate. Come along and travel the world with us!

Travelers will arrive and depart from Amsterdam, a modern city with a rich and fascinating 700-year old history with time to explore its unique and elegant architecture, lively cafés and markets, and vibrant nightlife. Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges and Rotterdam are some of the towns that travelers will be able to explore. A tulip farm, the Royal Palace, the Van Gogh collection at the Kröller Müller Museum, Antwerp Castle in Belgium, Belgian chocolate tasting, guided bike rides, and The Hague, are just a few of the choices travelers may choose to tour during this cruise. A complete, detailed itinerary can be found here.

Cost: Staterooms have sold out. Next cheapest, French Balcony, starts at $3,666 per person, but only one left! 20 meals are included (see itinerary). Nonrefundable deposits are due upon booking – $400 per person. Port charges are $168 per person. These are LAND ONLY prices, airfare is not included (once airfare is purchased, it’s not refundable unless refundable tickets were requested). For single people, room sharing is available; otherwise the Single Supplement applies.

Reserve a space TODAY: For more information on stateroom costs and deck plans, and to book a space on the river cruise, please contact Deb Gisby, 847-579-9898 at Frosch or email deb.gisby@frosch.com.

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. More information about ASCLA can be found at www.ala.org/ascla.

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Message from ASCLA President, Michael Golrick

Dear ASCLA Members,

I invite you to volunteer for one of ASCLA’s committees or interest groups – we are still seeking volunteers for this year (2016-2017) to fill out our committees.

If you are not yet a member of any of our committees, please join by sending a note to the ASCLA office, ascla@ala.org stating which committee(s) you’re interested in. They will assist me to appoint you to committees that you have an interest in or affinity for, or suggest some that you might be interested in.  I will be appointing the committees for 2016 through June 30, 2017.  Tell us about your experience and why you can be of help to these groups in your note.

If you are already a committee or interest group volunteer, thank you for your service: you are so much appreciated!  Because of your contributions, our division accomplishes much. ASCLA, through its volunteers, has provided:

  • Member expertise on accessibility and diversity for ALA committees and work groups, such as the Advocacy Coordinating Group and the Working Group on Digital Content and Libraries
  • Standards and guidelines, such as those for libraries serving the blind and physically handicapped and for state library agencies
  • Outstanding conference programming
  • A great member newsletter
  • Assistance vetting online learning opportunities of value to ASCLA members
  • Special recognition of people and library services such as awards for specialized library services for people with disabilities or the homebound.

This is just a small sampling of what our volunteers plan and take part in, and what makes ASCLA a terrific place for opportunities for service, your professional growth, and networking with colleagues.

Thank you again to all our current, past and future volunteers – you are truly what makes ASCLA such a wonderful awesome, and fun, place to be!

Best Wishes,

Michael Golrick
ASCLA President
michael.golrick@gmail.com