Accessibility focus of 13th annual ALA Diversity and Outreach Fair

Contact: John L. Amundsen


Communications Specialist


ALA Office for Literacy and Outreach Services


(312) 280-2140


jamundsen@ala.org

NEWS


For Immediate Release


March 18, 2010

CHICAGO – The American Library Association’s Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS) invites members from all types of libraries to participate in the 13th-annual Diversity and Outreach Fair during the 2010 ALA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. The theme of the 2010 Diversity and Outreach Fair will be accessible library services, in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The event is once again generously sponsored by DEMCO.

Scheduled from 3-5 p.m. for Saturday, June 26, 2010 in the Washington Convention Center, the Diversity and Outreach Fair provides an opportunity for libraries and member groups to share their successful diversity and outreach initiatives with ALA Annual Conference attendees. The Fair celebrates examples of diversity in American libraries and demonstrates possibilities for libraries seeking “diversity in action” ideas. Selected applicants will have the opportunity to present posters and converse with conference attendees about their diversity initiatives.

Applicants are encouraged to propose presentations that highlight:

1) Accessibility, including:

  • Access to technology
  • Innovative solutions to accessibility issues
  • Innovative services to homebound people

2) Library services to underserved or underrepresented communities, including:

  • People with disabilities
  • Poor and homeless populations
  • People of color
  • English language learners
  • Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered people
  • New Americans
  • New and non-readers
  • Older adults
  • People living in rural areas
  • Incarcerated & ex-offenders

3) Mobile Library Services and Bookmobiles

Deadline for applications is April 16, 2010. Selected proposals will be notified by April 23, 2010.

Prizes will be awarded by DEMCO for best displays. The “Best of Show” recognition for creativity, visual appeal and stated impact on local community include:

  1. First Place: $200 DEMCO gift certificate
  2. Second Place: $100 DEMCO gift certificate
  3. Third Place: $50 DEMCO gift certificate

For more information and to apply, please visit
www.ala.org/divfair.

For over 100 years DEMCO (
www.demco.com) has supported the valuable work of librarians—taking pride in providing the best service possible. DEMCO’s mission is to continue to anticipate future needs, to supply products and services that support the activities of library professionals and improve library environments by making them more attractive and user-friendly. The people of DEMCO demonstrate their continuing commitment to library professionals through their support of the Library Champions Program and participation at ALA’s conferences.

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