All Annual Conference participants are invited to engage with ASCLA’s discussion groups. These sessions are an informal opportunity to connect with peers tackling the same issues who are interested in learning about available solutions. Come spend time with your colleagues and leave refreshed and reinvigorated with new ideas and solutions for your toughest problems.

Physical Delivery Discussion Group
Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
DOUB-Crescent B

This discussion group is for those interested in and involved with physical delivery systems for library materials. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about each others’ projects and make valuable professional contacts.

Virtual Library Discussion Group
Monday, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
MCC-Room 238

Provides a forum for discussion of library services that can be provided in an electronic format. This group also provides an opportunity to discuss cutting edge pilot projects as well as established services that promote a 24/7 library that is accessible anytime, anywhere.

Collaborative Digitization Discussion Group
Saturday, 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
DOUB-Crescent B

The resource for collaborative digitization discussions within ALA. In 2010, the group will take up “Librarianship and Traditional Cultural Expressions,” a set of principles developed by a workgroup led by the ALA Office for Information Technology Policy. Following presentations on this main topic, all representatives of collaborative digital projects will also have an opportunity to provide brief status updates.

Consortia Management Discussion Group
Sunday, 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
MCC-Room 242

This group is home to consortia and systems, a discussion of their challenges and sharing of service experiences including automated virtual union catalogs, aggregated purchases of databases, virtual reference services, region-wide platforms for digital assets, resource sharing, training and central processing. Participants engage in conversations about important topics such as service delivery, value of services, system viability and the future of systems and consortia In 2010, we’ll talk about the formation of the New York Alliance of Library Systems (NYALS), and what the system has learned about demonstrating their value to members, funders and other key stakeholders.

LSTA Coordinators’ Discussion Group
Sunday, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
MCC-Room 263

LSTA coordinators convene for an opportunity to share updates on current activity in their states, and share problems in need of a collaborative solution. The session typically includes a presentation from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Come prepared to collaborate!

General Library Consultants’ Discussion Group
Saturday, 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
HIL-Burgundy

Discussion topics for this group cover the full spectrum of the areas that library development bureaus typically handle or are involved in: state and local library budgets, marketing and public relations activities, changes in their state library or local libraries and new initiatives, to name a few. All librarians who function as consultants at their state library agency are welcome, and state librarians interested in participating are also welcome.

Youth Services Consultants’ Discussion Group
Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
MCC-Room 241

Our meetings at Annual and Midwinter typically consist of a round robin of state level youth services representatives on what is happening in their state, good speakers they have had, grant programs they are running, and various other activities. Please come and report on what’s happening in your state.

ILEX Consultants Discussion Forum
Saturday, 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
W-Studio 56

New and experienced consultants can bring their questions and experiences to this informal discussion forum. The conversation will begin with the topic of marketing and promotion by consultants, but can include other topics as well.