Seeking sustainable funding options for collaborative digitization projects? Look no further—you’ll get the scoop on where to find them at “After the Grant Runs Out: Funding Collaborative Digitization.”

Directors and managers of library networks and cooperatives involved in or considering collaborative digitization projects will benefit from this 2009 ALA Annual preconference offered by the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) Interlibrary Cooperation and Networking Section (ICAN) Collaborative Digitization Interest Group. Speakers will explore how to cultivate diverse revenue streams for funding sustainable collaborative digitization programs, including membership fees, fund raising and operating budgets.

The event features a group of presenters with extensive experiences and success in the field, including Kenning Arlitsch, University of Utah; Jim Neal, Columbia University Library; Dreanne Belden, University of North Texas Library; Liz Bishoff, BCR; Lucy Barber, National Historical Publications and Records Commission; Beth Joffrion, National Endowment for the Humanities; and Rachel Frick, Institute for Museum and Library Services.

The preconference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2009 in Chicago. Advance registration rates, available until May 22, are $135 for ASCLA members, $180 for ALA members, $225 for non-members and $70 for students and retirees.

Annual Conference attendees interested in registering for the meeting and institute—or adding the institute to their current meeting itinerary—can do so through Step 6 (“Your Events”) of the online registration form or by calling (800) 974-3084. Those who are interested in only attending the preconference (event code AS1) must register using a printed registration form, which can then be submitted via mail or faxed per the instructions on the form. On-site registration will be available the day of the event. Lunch is included.

For more information contact Liz Markel at lmarkel@ala.org.

By Laurie Gemmill, Digital Services Program Manager, PALINET

As a member-owned and governed library network, PALINET has always focused on the development of programs and services to meet member needs. In the digital arena, PALINET initially provided workshops and educational opportunities for members, as well as consulting services on identifying potential collections and developing digital programs.

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Plinkit, which stands for Public Library Interface Kit, is a multi-state collaborative that uses an uncomplicated template-based web site creation toolkit, is delighted to announce it has added a ninth organization as a member. The Library of Michigan has joined Colorado, Illinois, Oregon and Texas, in addition to recent members such as the Library of Virginia, INCOLSA, PALINET and NEBASE. (more…)

The Routledge/Taylor & Francis peer-reviewed journal Resource Sharing & Information Networks is now accepting articles for Fall 2009 publication. Of particular interest are articles regarding interlibrary loan, unmediated borrowing, cooperative collection development, shared virtual library services, digitization projects and other multi-library collaborative efforts including the following topics:

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Collaborative Librarianship (eISSN: 1943-7528) is pleased to announce the launch of its inaugural issue in conjunction with ALA Midwinter 2009, held in Denver, Colorado. (more…)