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[Online learning] Marketing and Advocacy, Serving People with Disabilities

Upcoming Online Learning

[eCourse] “Improving Library Services to People with Disabilities” begins October 24. 1.2 CEUs are to be earned upon completion of this course.

Registration: $150 for ASCLA members; $195 for ALA members; $230 for non-ALA members; $120 for student members and retired members

It has been more than 25 years since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act that outlawed discrimination against people with disabilities in the United States.  Libraries have responded with a variety of initiatives.  All libraries have a plan for serving people with disabilities, whether it is installation of ramps or creation of special needs story times.  But improvements are always possible. More information here.

[Webinar] “Marketing and Advocacy: Explaining Libraries to Elected Officials” is offered on November 10, 2-3pm CST.

Registration: ASCLA members: $40; ALA members: $50; ALA student & retired members: $25; Non-members: $65; Group rate: $99 single login, $38/person multiple logins. (min. 2 people)

Marketing and advocacy go hand-in-hand. Advocacy is telling your library’s story. Those who influence funding for libraries cannot make informed decisions if they do not understand the scope of your mission. Most librarians haven’t practiced the political skills needed to work with various community leaders. At times their interests may seem to conflict with your library. How do you advocate without lobbying? This session explores how to easily market your library to elected officials. No secret handshakes or big budgets needed. More information here.

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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.