For immediate release | October 30, 2012

ASCLA seeks proposals for webinars to be offered in 2013

CHICAGO — The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) invites subject matter experts and experienced librarians with knowledge to share to submit proposals for ASCLA webinars to be presented in 2013 as a part of ASCLA’s outstanding online learning offerings.

ASCLA welcomes proposals on topics that will assist our diverse membership in improved service delivery and job performance, as well as topics that reflect ASCLA’s expertise and are valuable for all types of libraries, librarians and library support staff across the profession. Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis until all available presentation slots for 2013 are filled. Webinar presenters are compensated for their work and will receive training and support for Blackboard Collaborate, the webinar technology platform used by the division.

More information about the submission process and ASCLA’s online learning offerings is at the ASCLA website under the Online Learning section. Access the proposal form now.

Proposal topics for courses and webinars may include, but are not limited to the following:

ADA updates for libraries; adult programming in a correctional library; e-books; assessing accessibility knowledge; benchmarks and evaluation measures; best practices, standards and guidelines to improve library service; innovative services for an aging population; budgeting; collaborative digitization; correctional librarianship 101: covering the basics of a good prison/jail library; data analysis and assessment; dealing with learning disabilities; designing effective surveys; cultivating member loyalty through relationships in cooperative organizations; download training for patrons who use screen readers; emerging technologies for those with special needs, including apps and iPads; evaluating and improving cooperative services; evaluation content analysis; financial literacy; future trends in library service; GIS training; grants: how to find grant funding and write your proposal; group purchasing; health literacy; how to be a consultant; how to be a futurist; how to deliver online training; how to hire a library consultant; nonprofit leadership; increasing public understanding of the value of libraries; innovations in library service; law librarianship for correctional librarians; managing and improving services in a library cooperative; marketing library services to special needs populations; marketing on a shoestring budget; navigating book selection sources; outcomes-based education; outreach skills; outreach to visually or physically handicapped populations; partnering with community organizations; project planning; public education as a marketing tool; recognizing great service in member libraries; seeking grants for consultancy work; services to library patrons with cognitive or mental impairments; low-literacy adults; diverse populations, including special needs populations; tablet computers; training staff to confidently serve library users with disabilities, and raising awareness of this important population; technology trends for special needs populations; utilizing focus groups to prioritize services to the disabled; and working with refugees.

Questions about submissions or about ASCLA’s online learning programs should be sent to Andrea Hill, ASCLA Web manager and primary online learning contact at ahill@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 cooperatives, as well as those who are self-employed. Our division’s work centers on member-driven interest groups that represent the diversity and important work of our engaged and active members. Not an ASCLA member, but interested in forming new interest groups, receiving discounted registration rates on ASCLA preconferences and online courses, and other important membership benefits? Join, renew or add ASCLA to your ALA membership at www.ala.org/membership.

Contact:

Elizabeth Markel

Marketing and Programs Manager

RUSA/ASCLA

lmarkel@ala.org

(312) 280-4398