Posted on

Nomination period now open for ASCLA awards recognizing service to profession and outstanding service to special populations

The Association for Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) is now accepting nominations for its 2014 awards which recognize projects focused on library services to people with disabilities; the advancement of library services for the blind and physically handicapped; exceptional achievement in extension and outreach services; exemplary leadership and achievement in consulting, state library services and library cooperatives; and service to ASCLA.

Each of these five prestigious awards–the Leadership and Professional Achievement Award, the Exceptional Service Award, the Cathleen Bourdon Service Award, the ASCLA/KLAS/NOD Award and the Francis Joseph Campbell Award–highlights the areas of work represented by ASCLA, a division of ALA. The nomination deadline for all awards is February 1, 2014. Click on the award names below to access each award’s webpage for more information, including nomination criteria and links to nomination forms, which are available in both PDF and Word format. Submission instructions are on each nomination form. Questions about the ASCLA awards program should be sent to Susan Hornung (shornung@ala.org) or 312-280-4395.

The ASCLA/KLAS/NOD Award is sponsored by ASCLA, the National Organization on Disability (NOD) and Keystone Systems, Inc. This $1,000 award and citation are given to a library organization that has provided services for people with disabilities. The award recognizes an innovative and well-organized project that 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 its total services more accessible through changing physical and/or attitudinal barriers

The Francis Joseph Campbell Award honors a person or institution for outstanding and significant contributions in this field of service with a medal and a citation. Contributions include but are not limited to: 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; or imaginative contribution to library administration, reference, circulation, selection, acquisitions or technical services; or any activity of recognized importance. The award is sponsored by Keystone Systems, Inc. and the Southern Conference of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress.

The Exceptional Service Award recognizes exceptional service to patients, to persons who are homebound, 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 or experimental projects. The recipient receives a citation.

The Leadership and Professional Achievement Award is a citation presented to one or more ASCLA members (personal or organizational) exemplifying leadership and achievement in the following areas: consulting, library cooperation, networking, statewide services and programs and state library development.

The Cathleen Bourdon Service Award is a citation presented to an ASCLA personal member for exceptional service and sustained leadership to the division. This includes participation in activities that have enhanced the stature, reputation and overall strength of ASCLA and have also cultivated the division’s relationship with other appropriate organizations, institutions or governmental agencies.

Those interested in submitting a nomination may download the appropriate award nomination form from the awards section of the ASCLA website. Nominations for all awards must be received by Feb. 1, 2014. Submission information can be found on each nomination form. Contact ASCLA Executive Director Susan Hornung with any questions: shornung@ala.org or 312-280-4395.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

Signatures Needed: Petition for new interest group “Serving Those with Alzheimer’s & Related Dementias”

This post is on behalf of Karen Maki, deputy director at Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, Ill. and Mary Beth Riedner, university librarian (retired), Roosevelt University, Chicago, Ill. If you have questions about this new interest group petition, please contact Karen (kmaki@gailborden.info) or Mary Beth (mbried@comcast.net).

Please consider signing the e-petition for a new ASCLA Interest Group: “Serving Those with Alzheimer’s & Related
Dementias”. Signers must be current ASCLA members who agree to participate in the group. The e-petition can be found at
http://www.ala.org/CFApps/epetition/index.cfm (ALA login required).

This Interest Group would focus on creating, disseminating and implementing guidelines for library services to people with Alzheimer’s and related
dementias. The International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) has already established such guidelines and they can readily be adapted for use in the United States.

Every library is currently being affected by this growing population in their communities.  Already one in eight Americans aged 65 and over has Alzheimer’s according to the Alzheimer’s Association and this number will grow as the Baby Boomer generation ages.  There are many related dementias in addition to Alzheimer’s and those often affect people in their 40’s and 50’s. American librarians need to recognize and prepare for the growing number of people with dementia who can still greatly benefit from library resources, especially in the early and mid stages of their disease.

During the first year, this interest group would meet virtually to review and revise the IFLA Guidelines for Library Services to Persons with Dementia.  Interested libraries could begin pilot projects to reach out to this community of users who should not be forgotten.  Proposals can be developed for upcoming ALA conferences.

Thank you for seriously considering participating in this Interest Group and signing the e-petition.

Posted on

Registration ends today for webinar “State Library Outreach to State Employees and Elected Officials”

It’s your last chance to register for “State Library Outreach to State Employees and Elected Officials”, which will be held Wednesday, May, 16, 2012, 2:00-3:30p.m. Central!

Individuals can register online here through midnight tonight—Tuesday, May 15.

We’re also offering group rates and even greater savings for State Library Agencies who are members of ASCLA. All of the details are below.

Questions about registration? Contact registration@ala.org or (800) 545-2433, option 5!

 

Webinar Details:

State Library Outreach to State Employees and Elected Officials

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Central Time

 

REGISTER ONLINE NOW.

=======================================================

Learn from the Illinois State Library how to conduct effective outreach to your desired audience, such as state employees or elected officials, and raise awareness of the services available from your state library, and how you can assist them with their informational needs. This is an excellent opportunity for state library staff, reference librarians, outreach coordinators and other types of librarians to learn how to launch an effective campaign to promote your state library’s services.

During the webinar, we’ll:

* Learn how to identify an audience and their needs

* Review the importance of knowing your materials and resources

* Explore new technology options and usage

* Identify promotion techniques to gain exposure

* Cover the recommendations, successes, failures and lessons learned from the Illinois State Library’s undertaking.

* Address potential roadblocks such as restricted access to social media.

Webinar Presenters: Debra Aggertt, reference outreach coordinator, Illinois State Library, and Sandra Fritz, reference librarian, Illinois State Library. Check out the webinar information page for more details about their background.

 

REGISTER FOR THIS WEBINAR.

 

REGISTRATION RATES:

Individual registration: starts at $40 for ASCLA members

Group registration: $99 for a single login or $38/person (min. 2 people) for multiple logins

State Library Agency Members of ASCLA pay the amazing group rates of $69 for a single login or $29/person (min. 2 people) for multiple logins. Learn more about the benefits of ASCLA membership for SLAs.

Questions about registration? Contact registration@ala.org or (800) 545-2433, option 5.

Questions about your ALA or ASCLA membership? Contact membership@ala.org.

Posted on

Webinar registration ends today! “Programming for Detained and Incarcerated Youth”

Today (Tuesday) is the last day to sign up for Thursday’s ASCLA webinar, “Libraries for Detained and Incarcerated Youth 101: Programming for Detained and Incarcerated Youth”.

The webinar will be held Thursday, April 26, 2012, 12-1:30 p.m. CT. We will be recording the webinar, so if you can’t attend at this specific time, register and we’ll send you a link afterwards to rewatch it.

REGISTER NOW!

ABOUT THIS WEBINAR: Library environments for detained, pending placement, or incarcerated youth are different than the typical public or school library and library professionals serving them often find themselves in situations that are completely different than anything for which they are prepared. As part of a series of webinars focusing on the needs of these youth, this session will look at programming for detained and incarcerated youth. This session will be recorded and will be available to paid registrants to rewatch at their convenience!

Individual registration starts at $40 for ASCLA members.
We do offer group registration rates: $99 for a single login, and $38/person for multiple logins.
More information is at the ASCLA online learning page.

QUESTIONS? Contact the ALA Registration team at registration@ala.org or (800) 545-2433, option 5.

**Interested in library services to incarcerated youth and adults?**
ASCLA welcomes participation in its two interest groups:

ASCLA Library Services for Youth in Custody Interest Group
ASCLA Library Services to the Incarcerated and Detained Interest Group

As a member of these groups, you can engage with peers on a variety of activities and issues related to these areas of library service. Simply log into ALA Connect, access each group using the hyperlinks above, and click “Join” on the right side of the page to get on board!

Posted on

Webinar: Effectively Marketing Your State Library’s Services

Want to market your state library’s services to your library users?

The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies is offering a webinar that will show you exactly how to do that!

State Library Outreach to State Employees and Elected Officials
Monday, March 26, 2012 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Central Time
Registration closes Sunday, March 25–REGISTER NOW!
Learn from the Illinois State Library how to conduct effective outreach to your desired audience, such as state employees or elected officials, and raise awareness of the services available from your state library, and how you can assist them with their informational needs. This is an excellent opportunity for state library staff, reference librarians, outreach coordinators and other types of librarians to learn how to launch an effective campaign to promote your state library’s services.

During the webinar, we’ll:

  • Learn how to identify an audience and their needs
  • Review the importance of knowing your materials and resources
  • Explore new technology options and usage
  • Identify promotion techniques to gain exposure
  • Cover the recommendations, successes, failures and lessons learned from the Illinois State Library’s undertaking.
  • Address potential roadblocks such as restricted access to social media.

Webinar presenters: Debra Aggertt, reference outreach coordinator, Illinois State Library, and Sandra Fritz, reference librarian, Illinois State Library. Check out the webinar information page for more details about their background.

REGISTER FOR THIS WEBINAR NOW!
Individual registration: starts at $40 for ASCLA members
Group registration: $99 for a single login or $38/person (min. 2 people) for multiple logins
State Library Agency Members of ASCLA pay the amazing group rates of $69 for a single login or $29/person (min. 2 people) for multiple logins. Learn more about the benefits of ASCLA membership for SLAs here (PDF).

Questions about registration? Contact registration@ala.org or (800) 545-2433, option 5.
Questions about your ALA or ASCLA membership? Contact membership@ala.org.