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.

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

ASCLA’s Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Interest Group (IGARD) Presents Poster Session at IFLA

The Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Interest Group (IGARD) of the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) Division of the American Library Association (ALA) successfully presented a poster at the IFLA WLIC 2016 which was held in Columbus, Ohio from Aug. 13-19, 2016. The poster was entitled “Reconnecting Persons with Dementia to their Libraries: Using Library Materials to Improve the Quality of Life for People Living with Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias”. Approximately 3,100 people from 137 countries visited the Congress.The IGARD poster was one of 203 posters displayed for three days (Aug. 15-17, 2016) within the Exhibition Hall. This location near the vendors ensured high visibility among attendees. During two, two-hour sessions on Aug. 15 and Aug. 16, Mary Beth Riedner and IGARD member Erik Johansen chatted about the poster with many interested parties. Over 125 printed handouts were distributed to those who wanted additional information. The poster can be found here: http://library.ifla.org/1574/.

Annual Fundraising Trip: Tulip Time 2017!

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Welkom!

The Netherlands & Belgium Tulip Time River Cruise
April 3 – April 10, 2017

A cruise ship slowly meandering along the rivers and canals is just the right pace to explore the Netherlands and Belgium in comfort! Sitting on the deck of a ship under brilliant blue skies, you can take in the windmills, tulip farms, castles, and picturesque sights in the villages. Walk down the ramp and you have all the features of a once in a life-time vacation — restaurants, bars, windmills, biking, walking tours, museums, chocolate tastings, etc. Enjoy a 7-night river cruise through The Netherlands & Belgium in the spring, traveling round trip from Amsterdam. Travelers will arrive in Amsterdam on April 3 and explore the city. Depart the U.S. on April 2, 2017, arrive on an overnight flight on April 3, 2017 for this AMA Waterways trip of a lifetime! See a complete, detailed itinerary and more information here.

Cost: Stateroom prices start from $2,349. 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. 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.

Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of twin price; AA+ & Suites 100% of twin price. Please see terms below for details.
Bedding: Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking. Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).
Insurance: Insurance is extra, quoted separately to include all expenses including air.

Note: Add on pre-cruise options are available if you want to arrive early (traveling one day early is recommended always in case of flight issues). Accommodations can be arranged in this instance by contacting Deb Gisby, 847-579-9898 at Frosch or emailing deb.gisby@frosch.com.

Reservations/Questions: please contact Deb Gisby, 847-579-9898 at Frosch or email deb.gisby@frosch.comDates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.

Terms & Conditions: All rates are per person for cruise only, based on double occupancy in a base category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Offers are combinable with AmaWaterways’ Past Passenger Privilege Program and Onboard Future Cruise Benefit Program. Offers are not combinable with any other promotions, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change/termination without notice. Port charges, land programs, round trip airfare, and gratuities are additional. Other restrictions apply.

This fundraising trip is hosted by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies, (ASCLA) a division of the American Library Association, (ALA). This adventure is open to the library community and their family and friends. There are no membership requirements in order to participate. So come along and travel the world with us!

ASCLA webinar on Serving Library Patrons with Autism Spectrum Disorder

On Tuesday, August 9, 11AM CT, the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) will be hosting a webinar on serving library patrons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as a companion to the Project PALS (Panhandle Autism Library Services) online trainings.

The webinar will be taught by Dr. Amelia Anderson, an expert of educating library professionals on serving patrons with ASD, online communication of people with ASD and students with ASD in academia.

Concluding the webinar, participants will better understand the characteristics and behaviors of a person with ASD in the library; make adjustments and recommendations to their own institution on how to be more inclusive and welcoming; and to provide ASD patrons opportunities for engagement in the library.

Librarians and library staff in public, school, academic and/or special libraries will benefit from this course, which supports ASCLA’s mission for libraries serving special populations, including users with disabilities. More information on this course can be found here.

Registration costs are: 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). Register here.

ASCLA offering eCourse on Captioning Instructional Videos

Beginning Monday, August 1, 2016, the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) will offer a four-week course on creating and synchronizing captions for library instructional videos for patrons who are deaf or hearing impaired.

Watch the promo video here:

 

Retired librarian and longtime universal access advocate, Kate Todd, will introduce participants to some free tools to use for composing useful and meaningful captions, script preparation and video creation. Participants will be able to discuss usefulness and importance of providing this type of access to instructional videos to patrons who are deaf or hearing impaired.

Librarians and library staff in public, school, academic and/or special libraries will benefit from this course, which supports ASCLA’s mission for libraries serving special populations, including users with disabilities. More information on this course can be found here.

Registration costs are $130 for ASCLA members; $175 for ALA members; $210 for non-ALA members; $100 for student members and retired members. You can register here.

Kathleen Peiffer offers a fond farewell to ASCLA membership

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Dear ASCLA members:

At the end of Annual Conference I concluded my three year term as president elect/ president/past president. I want to thank everyone in the association, as well as the ASCLA office staff, for their support, friendship and willingness to serve the association in so many ways.

Our association continues to grow; however, I hope that we never get so large that members feel “lost”. There is still plenty of work to be done to keep our division “small but mighty”!

Please offer the new ASCLA president, Michael Golrick, your time and talent. We will all be richer for it.

Kathleen Peiffer
State Librarian
New Mexico State Library
Santa Fe, New Mexico

ASCLA seeks webinar proposals through January 15

ASCLA encourages subject matter experts and experienced librarians to  submit proposals for ASCLA webinars to be presented March 15 through May 15, 2014 and August, 2014.

ASCLA welcomes proposals on topics that will assist our diverse membership in improved service delivery and job performance that are valuable for all types of libraries, librarians and library support staff.

Proposals are accepted and evaluated on an ongoing basis, however it is strongly recommended that proposals for webinars in spring 2014 be submitted by January 15, 2014 for presentation March 15 through May 15, 2014 and August, 2014.

Check out the online learning opportunities that ASCLA is currently offering. You can also find more information about the submission process on the ASCLA website under the Online Learning section.

Webinar presenters are compensated for their work and will receive training and support for Adobe Connect, the webinar technology platform used by the division.

The webinar proposal form can be accessed here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/asclawebinar2013fall

Proposal topics for 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 services;
  • 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 may be sent to Andrea Hill, ASCLA web manager and online learning liaison at ahill@ala.org.

 

Lead and succeed: Still time to register for ASCLA’s Midwinter institutes!

Registration opened Oct. 1 for three institutes covering online course design, the secrets to successful leadership and how to become a library consultant  that will be hosted by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) at the 2014 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia.

There is something among these three workshops that will appeal to everyone, from the retiree to the library school student, and from the public librarian to the special librarian. Participants in “Designing Online Courses for Significant Learning Experience” will learn how to build effective online courses, a skill that can be used to conduct outreach, deliver library instruction and teach regular online courses in the LIS field. “Knowing You, Knowing Them: The Secret to Successful Leadership” brings us insight into ourselves as leaders, covering emotional intelligence, personalities in the workplace, dealing with change and creating a motivating environment with an engaging presentation from professional trainer Linda Bruno. “Assembling a Consulting Toolkit” brings back the incredibly popular crash course in library consulting–an incredibly valuable investment in yourself and a Plan B for your library career. This time the event will be held over Thursday and Friday, allowing attendees to socialize and networking on Thursday evening.

All of these events require advance ticket purchase, but registration for the 2014 Midwinter Meeting is not required in order to purchase a ticket. Membership in ASCLA is not required in order to participate, but ASCLA members receive the best registration rates on all of these events; learn more about ASCLA and join today.

Register for these events at the Midwinter Meeting registration page.

This year’s Midwinter institutes and events hosted by ASCLA are:

Designing Online Courses for Significant Learning Experiences
8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24
Co-sponsored by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA)
Are you doing training or instruction at your library or institution? Are you a seasoned professional with special skills and expertise that you see a market for an e-course? Developing and teaching online courses that create the best possible learning experiences for student participants is both an art and a science. Using a collaborative, hands-on approach, presenters Dr. Stewart Ross and Linda Jacoby of the internationally known consulting firm Dee Fink and Associates will guide institute participants through the (re)design of an online course using an integrated course design template. At the end of the workshop, participants will have the skills and confidence to assist others in the development of online courses, or to develop their own online training modules or courses. The techniques applied in this session can also be applied to face-to-face course development. All participants will receive certificates of participation. REGISTRATION RATES: ASCLA & RUSA members, $279; ALA members, $299; non-ALA members, $349; Student/Retired members of ALA, $229.

Knowing You, Knowing Them: The Secret to Successful Leadership
9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24

One of the biggest challenges of leading others is understanding what makes them tick. This full-day workshop will help you understand both yourself in light of your leadership responsibilities, and those who work for you. Instead of offering a checklist or template of how-tos, presenter Linda Bruno, MBA, will focus on the human element of leadership. You will leave this session with insights into personalities, emotional intelligence, dealing with change and creating a motivating environment – secrets that can help you be a more successful leader! Linda has presented several workshops for ASCLA and receives rave reviews for her content and presentations. REGISTRATION RATES: ASCLA members, $279; ALA members, $299; non-ALA members, $339; Student/Retired members of ALA, $229.

Assembling a Consulting Toolkit: What You Need to Know to be a Successful Library Consultant (Two part series)
Thursday, January 23, 1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Friday, January 24, 8am – 1pm.
ASCLA – the home to library consultants and independent librarians within ALA – is bringing back its wildly successful, sell-out workshop! Seasoned consultants Nancy Bolt and Liz Bishoff will present an overview of the consultant’s role and guide you through an active and engaging self-assessment to uncover your unique consulting potential and strengths. Takeaways include marketing tips, pricing your services, responding to RFPs, finding clients, business management strategies and so much more. *Note that this event is held over two days – Thursday afternoon and Friday morning – with an opportunity for networking on Thursday evening. This institute will not be offered in Las Vegas, so don’t miss out on this opportunity! REGISTRATION RATES: ASCLA members, $279; ALA members, $299; non-ALA members, $339; Student/Retired members of ALA, $229.

ASCLA, a small, mighty and growing 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. Learn more about ASCLA and how to join this innovative division.

Meet Kara Riley, ASCLA’s newest Emerging Leader!

Kara Riley, customer development librarian at the Braille and Talking Book Library in Daytona Beach, FL has been selected as the 2014 Emerging Leader for the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA). The ALA Emerging Leaders (EL) program is a leadership development program which enables newer library workers from across the country to participate in problem-solving work groups, network with peers, gain insight of the ALA structure and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity.

Beginning at the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia, ELs will meet for a daylong introductory session followed by six months of project engagement through online learning and networking environments. At the end of the program, ELs will present their project results with a poster session display at the ALA Annual Conference in Las Vegas. As the ASCLA Emerging Leader, Riley will collaborate with other ELs on the project of their choosing. Riley will also have the opportunity to work closely with ASCLA leadership throughout the year.

Riley received her MLIS in 2013 from the University of Alabama,  and her BA double major in Mass Communication: Radio/Television/Film and Theatre Performance from Auburn University in 2010.  Prior to her current position she worked as an intern and Librarian Specialist at the Braille and Talking Book Library where she was quickly promoted with more responsibilities. Riley participates in endless events and activities designed to disseminate information to people who need it; and most recently she has joined the local group, One Voice For Volusia, which unites non-profits in the Daytona Beach area to achieve county-wide goals. Riley, on the EL program, said, “I am very passionate about my field, I know that having diverse experiences will allow me to better serve my community.”

On behalf of the ASCLA community, welcome, Kara! We look forward to working with you!