For immediate release | November 10, 2010

Register now for ASCLA Virtual Convergence webinars

CHICAGO—The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) invites all members of the library community to engage in online learning with the 2011 Virtual Convergence: a series of professional development webinars that will be held in January 2011 immediately following the ALA 2011 Midwinter Meeting.

Registration is now open for this exciting event, which provides an opportunity for librarians to kick off 2011 with online learning they can conveniently pursue from the comfort of their work or home computer. The Convergence will offer webinars throughout the day from Tuesday, Jan. 18 through Friday, Jan. 21. Session topics will appeal to a broad range of library types and job functions and are open to all interested librarians, library staff and library supporters. Webinars will last approximately one hour and include opportunities for Q&A.

Scheduled webinar sessions include:

  • "Grant Writing 101"
  • "Presenting Topics to People who are Autistic, Deaf, Disabled, and Non-Disabled"
  • "Teaching Ophelia: Assisting At-Risk Teenagers"
  • "Why Reinvent the Wheel? Tools for Serving the Fast-growing Teen Population"
  • "Knowledge Management: Process and Tools for Convergence"
  • "Using Learning Objects to Enhance Distance Reference Services"
  • "The Disability Experience in a Post- 2.0 World: Implications for Libraries"
  • "Contract Librarianship: Concepts and Strategies"
  • "Accessibility 101: Assure That Your Library Is Welcoming & Usable for Persons With Disabilities"
  • "A Copyright Policy Update on Access to Information for Persons with Print Disabilities”
  • "Public Computer Conundrums: Policy and Program Choices That Improve Patron Outcomes"
  • "How to Build a Bridge: Connecting Different Types of Libraries"
  • "Starting a New Library for At-risk Young Adults in a Digitally Divided Community"
  • "Libraries and Information Access for Differently-able Patrons: What We Can Do to Ensure Equality"
  • "Extending Our Reach: Using Extension Programs to Promote Statewide Resources"
  • "Attracting Latinos to the Library: It's All About Relationships"
  • "Conducting Successful Virtual Meetings"
  • "Careers in Federal Libraries"
  • "How to Find a Federal Job"
  • "Managing Library Adult and Family Literacy Programs"
  • "Resume Writing and Interviewing Techniques"
  • "Saks Fifth Avenue Service on a Dollar General Budget"

A full PDF schedule with descriptions is available for download from the ASCLA website. Registration is available online—click on “Register” next to Virtual Convergence at this registration page (login required)—or by mail and fax. When registering for a single webinar from the series, ASCLA and Federal and Armed Forces Libraries Round Table (FAFLRT) members pay $40, ALA members pay $50, non-members pay $65 and student and retired members of ALA pay $45. Those registering for two or more sessions will receive a reduced rate on each session.

Group registration rates for this event are available—those interested in more information should contact Liz Markel, marketing specialist, at lmarkel@ala.org.

ASCLA, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), is a diverse organization of librarians and support staff who work in academic and public libraries, state agencies, specialized libraries and multi-type cooperatives, as well as those who are self-employed. Not an ASCLA member, but interested in discounted registration rates on conference, ASCLA preconferences and other ASCLA events? Join, renew or add ASCLA to your ALA membership at www.ala.org/membership.

Contact: