ASCLA releases guide to division programming and events at Annual
Contact: Liz Markel
Marketing Specialist, RUSA/ASCLA
(312) 280-4398
NEWS
For Immediate Release
May 19, 2009
CHICAGO — The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) has released
a comprehensive guide for the division’s activities at the upcoming ALA Annual Conference, including preconferences, programs, discussion groups and special events.
The guide, which is now available for download, features the two 2009 preconferences hosted by ASCLA. “
Be My Guest—Customer Service from the Best” presents customer service models from the hospitality industry, and will prepare library directors and management to create a welcoming environment and positive experience for their patrons. “
After the Grant Runs Out: Funding Collaborative Digitization” explores how libraries, library networks and cooperatives involved in collaborative digitization projects can cultivate diverse and sustainable funding sources. Each of these events requires advance ticket purchases; participants may register for preconferences without registering for the entire ALA conference. Registration instructions can be found at the ASCLA blog.
ASCLA is also hosting two very special events that are featured in the guide: the
Libraries Serving Special Populations Section (LSSPS) Annual Dinner, which is a ticketed event; and the
ASCLA/COSLA Reception and Silent Auction. The LSSPS dinner is open to all librarians in the fields represented by LSSPS, or those who are interested in those fields. Tickets may be purchased by following the instructions at the ASCLA blog. The ASCLA/COSLA Reception is a dessert reception open to all conference participants. Proceeds from the silent auction benefit the ASCLA Century Scholarship, which annually funds accommodations for a disabled student to complete a graduate course of study in library and information science.
The guide also lists
ASCLA’s 2009 programs, which cover topics relevant to all types of libraries. Specifically, this year’s programs will address effective service delivery, including big print materials and special populations services; broadband access at the library; current practices and future trends in delivery of materials; collaboration and innovation as the future of libraries; revitalizing the library experience for patrons; career opportunities in prison libraries; and the impact of LSTA in library funding. ASCLA discussion groups also cover pertinent topics, including collaborative digitization, library consulting, physical delivery, virtual libraries, youth consulting and LSTA coordination—a complete listing is available in the guide.
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.
