PLA Enewsletter
Volume 6, Number 14
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Spotlight on PLA Platinum Partner -The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is building upon the unprecedented opportunities of the 21st century to improve equity in global health and learning. The foundation is a proud partner of public libraries in their efforts to give all people, regardless of age, race, income, or geographic location, free access to digital information. Thanks to the commitment of library staff and volunteers, computer and Internet access is now available in more than 95 percent of U.S. public libraries. We encourage communities to continue their support of public access computing in libraries. For more information, visit www.gatesfoundation.org.
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Participate in Workload Measures Committee's Staffing Practices Survey
The PLA Workload Measures Committee needs your help! Fill out the staffing patterns survey the committee has developed at https://www.infosurv.com/pla.html - results will be published after they have been compiled. The survey will be available until December 15, 2003. If you are interested in subscribing to the Workload and Staffing Measures listserv please contact Brendan Dowling via e-mail at bdowling@ala.org and ask to be subscribed to the Workload Measures listserv.
If you have questions about the survey and the Workload Measures and Staffing Patterns Committee please feel free to contact Bruce Schauer by e-mail at brucscha@kcls.org or by phone 425-369-3203. Thank you for your participation in this important survey.
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Deadline For PLA Awards December 1
The deadline for receipt of PLA Award applications is December 1, 2003. Each year PLA and various sponsors support an award program recognizing excellence in a variety of public library services. Following is a brief description of each award. Application and nomination forms can be found at www.pla.org or call 1-800-545-2433, ext. 5PLA.
ADVANCEMENT OF LITERACY AWARD honors a publisher, bookseller, hardware and/or software dealer, foundation or similar group (i.e., not an individual) that has made a significant contribution to the advancement of adult literacy. A plaque is awarded annually at the ALA Annual Conference. Established in 1984. Sponsored by Library Journal.
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ALLIE BETH MARTIN AWARD honors a librarian who, in a public library setting, has demonstrated extraordinary range and depth of knowledge about books or other library materials and has distinguished ability to share that knowledge. A plaque and a $3,000 honorarium are presented annually at the ALA Annual Conference. Established in 1977 in honor of Allie Beth Martin. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor.
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BAKER & TAYLOR ENTERTAINMENT AUDIO MUSIC / VIDEO PRODUCT AWARD is designed to provide a public library the opportunity to build or expand a collection of either or both formats in whatever proportion the library chooses. The grant consists of $2,500 of Audio Music or Video Products. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor.
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CHARLIE ROBINSON AWARD honors a public library director who, over a period of seven (7) years, has been a risk taker, an innovator and/or a change agent in a public library. The recipient should have been active in national and other professional associations and be known for developing and implementing programs which are responsive to the needs of community residents. The award consists of $1,000 and a gift. The public library director will be honored at the ALA Annual Conference. Established in 1997. Sponsored by the Baker & Taylor Company.
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DEMCO CREATIVE MERCHANDISING GRANT provides cash and supplies to a public library proposing a project for the creative display and merchandising of materials either in the library or in the community. The grant consists of $1,000 cash and $2,000 worth of display furniture or supplies ordered through Demco, Inc. in conjunction with the grant project. The public library will be honored at the ALA Annual Conference. Established in 1996. Sponsored by Demco, Inc.
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EXCELLENCE IN SMALL AND/OR RURAL PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICE AWARD honors a public library serving a population of 10,000 or less that demonstrates excellence of service to its community as exemplified by an overall service program or a special program of significant accomplishment. A plaque and a $1,000 honorarium are presented annually at the ALA Annual Conference. Established in 1991. Sponsored by EBSCO Subscription Services.
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THE HIGHSMITH LIBRARY INNOVATION AWARD recognizes a public library’s innovative and creative service program to the community. (As part of the evaluation process with the vendor, after three years the emphasis may change to reflect new trends and needs.) A plaque and a $2,000 honorarium are presented annually at the ALA Annual Conference. Established in 1996. Sponsored by Highsmith Inc.
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NEW LEADERS TRAVEL GRANT is designed to enhance the professional development and improve the expertise of public librarians new to the field by making possible their attendance at major professional development activities. Plaques and travel grants of up to $1,500 per applicant are presented annually at the ALA Annual Conference. Established in 1993. Sponsored by GEAC Inc.
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Get Involved in PLA Committee Work
Committee participation enables you to become involved in planning PLA programs, events, and more. Committee involvement also offers you the opportunity to share your experiences, gain additional expertise, and learn from your peers while advancing the work of the profession. Being active in PLA will provide you with unlimited networking opportunities - share job leads, new ideas and success stories. Work on solutions to library issues that concern all of us! The PLA Committee Volunteer Form is available on the PLA web site, www.pla.org, along with a complete list of PLA committees and instructions for completing the form.
Each year the PLA vice-president appoints the members and leaders of all PLA business committees and task forces. He/she begins choosing volunteers for his/her presidential year as early as four months before assuming office in June. Therefore, the ideal time to have your committee volunteer form in to the PLA office is by March 1.
Clusters - Cluster chairs appoint the members and leaders of all PLA cluster committees. Similar to the business committee process, it is best to have your committee volunteer form in by March 1. Both the PLA president and the cluster chairs rely on committee volunteer forms, referrals from committee chairs, staff members, and others when making important selection decisions.
Terms - The term of service for a committee member usually is 1-2 years, and may be reappointed for up to 4 years. The chair generally serves a 1-year term, but may be reappointed for 2 consecutive years.
Volunteer Requirements - As a PLA committee volunteer, you are expected to attend scheduled committee meetings at ALA’s Annual Conferences and Midwinter Meetings, attend programs sponsored by your committee, and complete projects or research for which you volunteered. Additionally, all PLA committee members are expected to be members of PLA. For those who wish to serve on a PLA Committee, but cannot meet the travel requirements, we offer the opportunity to serve as an Electronic Member. To apply for a committee as an Electronic Member, simply check the appropriate box on the volunteer form.
Please call the PLA office at 1-800-545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or pla@ala.org with any questions regarding PLA committee work.
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PLA Seeking Writers for "Results" Series
The Public Library Association is seeking authors who are willing and qualified to write for the "Results" series. The "Results" books have been so successful that PLA has decided to add two new titles each year. Sandra Nelson will serve as Senior Editor for the series. Nelson has written "Everything You Need to Know to Write for the Results Series," a comprehensive guide for potential authors that is available at www.pla.org. Interested persons should visit www.pla.org to see this guide and the Request for Qualifications document. Deadline for submission of qualifications is December 5, 2003.
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Peace Corps Week
To commemorate the 43rd anniversary of the founding of the Peace Corps, returned Volunteers (RPCVs) will celebrate Peace Corps Week during the week of March 1-7, 2004. RPCVs will be visiting classrooms, community organizations, and workplaces throughout the United States to share the knowledge and insights gained from their overseas experience.
Beginning December 1, 2003, you can request a Volunteer to speak at your community library through a website developed by the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA), a national alumni association of returned Peace Corps Volunteers and staff. This website will be linked to the Peace Corps Week website www.peacecorps.gov/rpcv/peacecorpsday . You can also contact former Volunteers on your own or through the speakers bureau of a local returned Peace Corps Volunteer group. (Check the NPCA's general website www.rpcv.org for more information on affiliated groups in your area.) The Peace Corps also encourages you to think creatively about ways to use the classroom resources of the Paul D. Coverdell World Wise Schools (CWWS) program to bring the Peace Corps experience into your community. Visit the CWWS website at www.peacecorps.gov/wws
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Call for ALA Committee Volunteers
ALA President-elect Carol A. Brey-Casiano is seeking applications and nominations for members to serve on the 2004-2005 ALA and Council committees, with the appointments to be effective at the conclusion of the 2004 Annual Conference. Brey-Casiano will fill slots on the following committees: ALA: Accreditation; American Libraries Advisory; Awards; Chapter Relations; Conference; Constitution and Bylaws; Election; Human Resource Development and Recruitment Advisory; Information Technology Policy Advisory; Literacy; Literacy and Outreach Services Advisory; Membership; Membership Meetings; Nominating; Orientation, Training, and Leadership Development; Research and Statistics; Web Site Advisory; ALA-Children's Book Council Joint; and ALA-Society of American Archivists-American Association of Museums Joint. Council: Budget Analysis and Review; Diversity; Education; Intellectual Freedom; International Relations; Legislation; Organization; Council Orientation; Pay Equity; Policy Monitoring (current Council members only); Professional Ethics; Public Awareness Advisory; Publishing; Resolutions; and Status of Women in Librarianship.
Letters of application and nomination should include a brief summary of the nominee's qualifications for the committee(s) for which he or she is being nominated. The name of the committee(s) for which the application or nomination is being submitted should be clearly indicated. Self-nominations may also be submitted. Applicants may apply electronically by completing the form at https://cs.ala.org/brey/volunteer.html
Geographical location, type of library, gender, ethnicity, previous committee work (not necessarily with ALA), ALA and related experience, and other factors are considered when the committee slates are compiled in order to ensure broad representation and diversity on all committees.Send nominations and applications by November 28, 2003 to Carol A. Brey-Casiano, American Library Association, 50 E. Huron Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611; email lgregory@ala.org.
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Isaac Bashevis Singer Grant Applications Available
Applications are available for Assimilating America: The Life and Stories of Isaac Bashevis Singer, a new initiative that provides grants to libraries that present public programs on the life and work of the Nobel Prize-winning writer Isaac Bashevis Singer (1904-1991). Libraries of all types are invited to apply. To obtain a grant application, please visit www.ala.org/publicprograms. Applications must be received by December 15, 2003.
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