RUSA preconference empowers generalists, new business librarians faced with business reference questions

CHICAGO — The Reference and User Services Association’s (RUSA) upcoming preconference, “Mastering Business Acumen (MBA) in a Day: Business Concepts for Library Reference,” will provide librarians who may be intimidated by business reference questions with a foundational understanding of business concepts and prepare them to answer these types of questions with confidence.

This preconference, which will be held from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Friday, June 22, 2012 in conjunction with the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif., is presented by the Education Committee of RUSA’s Business Reference and Services Section (BRASS) — the home for business reference within ALA. New business librarians; generalists with new business librarianship responsibilities, and anybody interested in business reference and instruction from public, academic and special libraries will benefit from attending. Register now at www.alaannual.org.

This workshop will provide librarians with a broad conceptual understanding of business topics in four major business disciplines: Accounting, Finance, Marketing and Management. Outstanding librarians with subject matter expertise will provide informative and empowering presentations that will prepare you to handle business reference inquiries with confidence:

• Accounting - Todd M. Hines (MSLS, MBA, CPA), Princeton University Library Accounting doesn’t have to be complicated. Learn the basics such as the accounting methods and financial statements of the major types of organizations including for-profit companies, non-profits and government.
• Finance - Chris LeBeau (MLS, MBA), University of Missouri Kansas City Do the words "finance question" make you break out in a sweat? Not to worry! After this presentation you’ll have a working knowledge of financial concepts, including industry ratios, investment vehicles, structured finance and capital markets.
• Management - Elisabeth Leonard (MLS, MBA), Sage Publications Learn how management concepts apply across all types of organizations, and become familiar with the major management theories, the key players in the field today and yesterday and the types of management information students and patrons want to know.
• Marketing - Andy Spackman (MBA, MLS), Brigham Young University Marketing is more than just advertising. It begins with market research and insights into the customer’s needs and wants. Learn the classic four P’s of marketing—Product, Price, Place and Promotion—and gain insight into the importance of branding, product development, market segmentation and targeting, as well as the impact of the Internet and mobile communications.

Conference registration information is available here at the ALA Annual Conference website, www.alaannual.org. Conference registration is not required in order to register for this preconference. RUSA will also offer a multitude of programs, discussion groups, and the RUSA Achievement Awards Reception in Anaheim, Calif.—learn more at the RUSA website.

Registration rates through May 13 are: RUSA member, $179; ALA member, $199; ALA Retired and Student Members, $149; Non-members, $219. Advance registration rates (May 14-June 14) are: RUSA member, $219; ALA member, $239; ALA Retired and Student Members, $189; Non-members, $259.

The Reference and User Services Association, a division of the American Library Association, represents librarians and library staff in the fields of reference, specialized reference, collection development, readers advisory and resource sharing. RUSA is the foremost organization of reference and information professionals who make the connections between people and the information sources, services, and collection materials they need. Not a member, but interested in discounted registration rates on conference, preconferences and other events? Join, renew or add RUSA to your ALA membership at www.ala.org/membership. Learn more about the association at www.ala.org/rusa.