By Kitty Pope, Executive Director, Alliance Library System

The opportunity to attend the ALA annual conference is truly a privilege and a reminder of why being a librarian is the best job in the world. For me, the highlight of this year’s conference was speaking on a panel about trends in libray fundraising with the effervescent Peter Pearson from the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library, Laurel Best from Huntsville Madison County Public Library, and Larra Clark and Chris Watkins from ALA. It was inspiring to hear them speak and learn what to do if you want your fundraising or grant writing to be successful.

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By Kitty Pope, Executive Director, Alliance Library System

Going to a massive conference like ALA with over 22,000 attendees, and 6,179 exhibitors is an amazing learning opportunity, and this year was no different. I learned new information in formal workshops and while chatting with folks waiting in line; I even learned while sitting in the bar. (more…)

By Barbara Reading, Library Development Director, Missouri State Library

When we started planning a program based on a study of the impact of LSTA services, we had little idea how timely the program would be.  After all, LSTA has served as the long-standing ‘federal stimulus’ program for libraries.  IMLS, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, commissioned a study by Ethel Himmel and Bill Wilson of the LSTA Grants to States program.  They examined data provided in state program reports, five-year evaluations, state plans and interviews with state librarians, and presented the results to IMLS in December 2008 in a report titled “Library Services and Technology Act: Grants to State Program Trends Analysis”.  IMLS combined their findings with additional information from state library agencies and library statistics and published in June 2009 the report “A Catalyst for Change: LSTA Grants to States Program Activities and the Transformation of Library Services to the Public.”

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By Maribeth Krupczak, Library Development Specialist, Division of Library Development, New York State Library

Carol Ann Desch, Past President of ASCLA, began the program with a presentation of the 2009 ASCLA Award winners.

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Press release

COSLA is an independent organization of the chief officers of state and territorial agencies designated as the state library administrative agency and responsible for statewide library development. Click here for more information about COSLA.
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By Kathleen Moeller-Peiffer, New Jersey State Library

The ALA annual pre-conference program “Be My Guest: Customer Service from the Best”, which began as a partnership between the New Jersey State Library and Trump Entertainment Resorts to deliver a unique customer service training experience to the staff of New Jersey public libraries, evolved into a program at the 2009 ALA Annual Conference.

Jennifer Babcock, Director of Training and Development for Trump Entertainment Resorts, presented a half-day version of a Trump Entertainment Resorts training on their customer service standards called ACT, which stands for Acknowledge, Connect and Thank. Babcock did an amazing job relating the world of the casino and resort industry with that of libraries. For instance, libraries are concerned about our customers continuing to see value in what we do in a world of the Internet, Google and Barnes and Noble. The casino industry is just as concerned with their customers returning, since they also have the choice of gambling on the Internet, going to nearby states that have started casino industries, or even going to neighboring casinos linked via walkways!

Jennifer gave the group numerous opportunities to practice the skills she was teaching with one another. At one point she had everyone stand up and face one another in two lines. First we simply thanked the person across from us by saying “thanks”. Then she had us add more expressiveness to our voices and body language as well as extend the thank you by repeating the phrase “thank you so much for visiting us today, I hope that we see you again very soon”. Hearing and seeing is believing…we all noticed the dramatic difference between the two versions.

At the end of the day the group was privileged to view a short video that gave a sneak peek at the next Trump customer service initiative. The group was so enthusiastic in their response to this training that New Jersey State Library staff are now working with the Trump Taj on a regional East Coast session.

Stay tuned…we may be coming your way in the Spring of 2010!

By Erica MacCreaigh, Senior Library Consultant, Colorado State Library

With more than 1% of the American adult population currently behind bars and increasing acknowledgement by lawmakers that recidivism must be curtailed, there are more opportunities than ever for librarians to serve the most chronically underserved library patrons in the country—prisoners.  Rallying the troops with a call to service and a message of inspiration, Colorado State Library Senior Consultant, Erica MacCreaigh, presented “Do You Belong in Jail? Careers in Correctional Libraries” to an audience of more than 50 people at the ALA conference on July 11.  Opening with the salvo that many librarians belong in prison—they just don’t know it, yet—MacCreaigh exposed the realities of life and work behind bars, dispelled myths about incarcerated offenders, spotlighted the crisis of mass incarceration in America, and presented a profile of personal and professional traits that make for successful correctional librarianship.  Audience members participated in a lively Q&A session and long-time veteran correctional librarians Glennor Shirley and Vibeke Lehmann were on hand to share combined decades of expertise.

In the post-workshop evaluation, several attendees expressed interest in correctional librarianship as a career.  One stated, “Thank you for sharing this—especially to those of us who would never have considered this career otherwise.”  Librarians already working with offenders commended the program as “insightful” and “informative” and one wrote, “It made me proud to be a jail librarian.”

“Do You Belong in Jail?” is currently under revision for public viewing on the Colorado State Library’s website and should be available online in late Fall 2009.

By Diana Reese, Institutional Library Development, Colorado State Library

The news is out! The Executive Board of ALA approved the establishment of the Library Support Staff Certification Program (LSSC) at the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago. Endorsed by six of ALA’s eleven divisions (including ASCLA) and the Library Support Staff Interest Round Table, the program will accept applicants beginning January 2010. Based on the results of a 2004 survey conducted by the Library Support Staff Interests Round Table (LSSIRT), participation could be very high. Survey results showed that more than two-thirds of those working in libraries are support staff, and an overwhelming majority of respondents support a national certification program for these workers.

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Press release

The Arizona Secretary of State successfully requested the transfer of the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records to his office from the Legislative branch of government. Arizona was the only state library under direct legislative supervision. As of September 30th, 2009, Arizona’s State Librarian, GladysAnn Wells, will report to former Arizona Senate President and now Secretary of State Ken Bennett.

Press release

At the American Library Association meeting recently held in Chicago, the Committee on Legislation, Subcommittee on Government Information, and GODORT convened a forum on government information for the ALA divisions and groups. A report of the session will be widely available. The discussion centered on the crucial need for all librarians to understand and access online government information from all levels of government. Libraries are often the best place – even the only place – where citizens can discover the government information they need for their work, their lives, or their recreation.

ALA Press release

The Association for Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) is now accepting nominations for its 2010 awards program.  The purpose of ASCLA awards is to recognize outstanding achievements in networking, enrichment, educational opportunities, and service by library agencies, libraries serving special populations, multitype library organizations and independent librarians. ASCLA encourages people to submit nominations for the following awards by the deadline of Dec. 15, 2009:

Cooperative, Consulting, Multitype and State Library Services

Leadership and Professional Achievement Award is a citation recognizing leadership and achievement by one or more ASCLA members in the following areas: consulting, multitype library cooperation, networking, statewide service and programs and state library development.

Extension and Outreach Services

Exceptional Service Award is a citation presented to recognize exceptional service to patients in a medical facility, to persons who are homebound, to inmates, and to older adults, and adults with a physical or mental disability, who live in group homes or residences. The award also recognizes professional leadership, effective interpretation of programs, pioneering activity, and significant research.

Service to ASCLA

Cathleen Bourdon Award is a citation 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, as well as representation of ASCLA to other appropriate organizations, institutions, or governmental agencies.

Service to People with Disabilities

ASCLA/KLAS/NOD Award is a citation that recognizes an innovative and well-organized project that has 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 award carries a $1000 prize funded by Keystone Systems.

Francis Joseph Campbell Award is an award consisting of a citation and a medal presented to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of library service for blind and physically handicapped people. 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.

Please consult the ASCLA Awards section of the ASCLA website for award criteria, submission information, and nomination forms. For further information, contact Liz Markel, ASCLA Marketing Specialist, at: 1-800-545-2433, ext. 4398, (312) 280-4398 or by email, lmarkel@ala.org.      

By Diana Reese, Institutional Library Development, Colorado State Library

Continuing an LSSPS tradition started by Sarah Hamrick at the 2009 Midwinter Meeting, a pair of sandals was auctioned off at Annual’s LSSPS dinner to raise funds for the Century Scholarship. The sandals were one of a limited edition of 750,239 and came with a stunning pair of matching socks. 

To up the ante, individuals bid additional dollars to have an individual of their choice wear the sandals to the ASCLA/COSLA reception.  The chosen feet belonged to Diane Walden, chair of the Library Services to Prisoners Forum.  Not only was she a great sport about wearing the footwear, she claims doing so significantly increased her networking opportunities at the reception.

In addition to passing the hat, the sandals auction raised almost $300. Fashion-conscious ASCLA members will want to attend future LSSPS dinners so they, too, can put their best foot forward in supporting the Century Scholarship.

Press release

The New York State Library’s Division of Library Development continues to develop and update a new site, Job and Career Information in New York’s Public Libraries. Highlights of the site include: examples of information and assistance patrons will find through many public library job information, career development, and employment testing programs and services; links to Public Library System job and career information web sites; links to statewide and national job information resources, including NYS Department of Civil Service and Department of Labor, and Veteran’s Services sites; current news stories about libraries and job/career related services; and job search and resume assistance links.

by Diana Reese, ASCLA Vice-President/President-Elect

For 28 years I have worked with diverse library types and populations�public, school, and correctional. It was working with youth and adult offenders that brought me to ASCLA 20 years ago.� There I found a welcoming group of librarians who shared my passion and interests.� There were those who worked with special populations, as I did, who mentored me in correctional librarianship, developed my leadership capacity, and taught me about assistive technologies, universal design, and accessibility. There were those who worked with state library agencies, as I did, who helped me understand the crucial role these organizations play in improving library services across all types of libraries.

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By Chuck Steinbower, Librarian, Scioto Juvenile Correctional Facility

When I start out a school year, I have a general plan of what I would like to achieve, but during the 2008-2009 school year at William K. Willis High School in the Scioto Juvenile Correctional Facility, the plan took on a life of its own. Looking back, I wonder how I was able to handle the whirlwind of activity. But despite how busy I was, I had a great time! We had visits and facilitated conference calls and conversations from young adult authors and performers Angela Johnson, Chris Crutcher, Patrick Jones, Nicole Bromley, Jaime Adoff and Erin Lynn. We were able, through the coordination efforts of the Greater Columbus Arts Council Artists in Schools Program, to host artist visits from performers Annette Jefferson portraying Sojourner Truth and Anthony Gibbs portraying a Black Civil War Soldier. It was a fun learning time for both me and the students of Scioto.
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ASCLA President’s Report 2009
By Carol Ann Desch, ASCLA Past President

It has been an honor and privilege to serve as President of the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) from 2008-2009.� I am pleased to report that this was a busy and productive year for the Division.� ASCLA produced a strong slate of educational and networking opportunities for ALA members interested in the work and future of state library agencies, cooperative and multitype library systems, libraries serving special populations and independent librarians.�� Individual members of ASCLA continue to donate time, energy and considerable expertise toward the goal of enhancing the effectiveness of library service for all Americans.

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Suzy Palmer Named Deputy Librarian

After a nation-wide search the Library of Virginia is pleased to announce that Suzy Szasz Palmer has been selected as deputy librarian. She assumed her new duties on July 10.

For the past two years, Palmer has served as director of Research and Information Services Division at the Library of Virginia. Prior to coming to the Library, Palmer was associate dean for collections, preservation and digital initiatives at the University of Louisville.  From 1979 through 2002, she held numerous positions in the Cornell University library system, including head of public services for rare and manuscript collections, reference coordinator and bibliographer, and special project assistant to the deputy director of the Olin Library.  She is visible and active in the library profession nationally.  Among the many current positions she holds are membership on the editorial board of Microform & Imaging Review, secretary of the ALA State Library Section of the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies, chair of the Hot Topics in Front Line Reference Discussion Group of the ALA Reference and User Services Association, chair of the Publications Committee of the Virginia Library Association, and president-elect of the Richmond Academic Library Consortium.

Palmer earned her undergraduate degree, summa cum laude, in political philosophy and her master’s degree in library science from Syracuse University.

Brenda Vogel Publishes Her Latest Book on Prison Libraries

Vogel’s book The Prison Library Primer: A Twenty-First Century Program has been published and is available from Scarecrow Press.

Jerry Krois leaves Wyoming State Library

From Wyoming State Librarian Lesley D. Boughton: “Many of you have worked with Jerry Krois at some point during his 31 years of service at the Wyoming State Library. He will be ‘retiring’ from WSL to become Director of the Eaton Public Library in Colorado.  He is very excited about his new opportunity.” Congratulations Jerry!

By Will Reed, ASCLA Representative to the ALA Web Advisory Council

As ASCLA Representative to the ALA Web Advisory Council (WAC), I wanted to take this opportunity to encourage members to use and perhaps even introduce members to ALA Connect. The following statement was drafted by the WAC as a recommendation about the use of ALA Connect.

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Tamar Wolfe, Adult Programming Librarian and Greg Carlson, Manager, Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Public Library

Sarasota County Government enshrined environmental sustainability in its 2006 comprehensive plan: “Planning for a sustainable community is (our) overarching theme… Sarasota County Government is committed to lead by example, promote public participation and work in community partnership to improve our quality of life and protect the natural systems that support life.” To further its vision the county prepared a detailed roadmap that defined terms, set benchmarks, introduced action plans, and otherwise charted a leadership course for environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

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By Brenda Bailey-Hainer, ASCLA President

Everywhere you turn, there is news of change. Many of our home organizations
have had to take a hard look at the way we do business and serve our clientele, as well as devise new ways to do it more cheaply. Jeff Jarvis, on his Buzz Machine blog, speculates that we are experiencing neither a recession nor a depression, but rather a compression.  This great restructuring of the economy and society, as he also calls it, is simply a shrinking of the exuberance many sectors of the U.S. felt in the late 1990s.

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