RUSA calls for webinar and online course proposals

CHICAGO — E-books, library programming and outreach, marketing and leading a book group are just some of the topics sought by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) for 2015 online continuing education webinars and online courses.

Proposals may be submitted using the webinar proposal form or online course form. Proposals must be submitted by Sept. 1, 2014 for presentation October 2014 through August 2015. Online Courses and Webinars submitted during this open call period will be reviewed and approved by Sept. 15, 2014. Review RUSA’s current online learning offerings, including webinars and courses.

Presenters for accepted proposals will receive compensation for their time and will also receive training on RUSA’s online presentation and course software. Questions can be sent to Andrea Hill, RUSA web manager, at ahill@ala.org.@ala.org

Successful proposals will:

• show plans for presentations that are 60-75 minutes in length;
• identify clear learning outcomes for the session;
• show how the presentation addresses a topic either of interest to RUSA members, or represents an area of RUSA’s expertise that benefits other types of librarians.

The following potential webinar topics are of great value and interest, though RUSA welcomes submissions presenting on other topics, as well:

·         acquisitions evaluation: tips and best practices

·         book annotations: best practices – what makes a good one?

·         building fundraising and resource development collections

·         census data: best practices using it for genealogical searches

·         community partnerships: tips for creating and maintaining them

·         copyright in the digital age

·         corporate records: how to find them

·         digital collections: best practices for building them

·         disaster planning for your library

·         display ideas for your library

·         fundraising and resource development for your library

·         helping your patrons with technology

·         information literacy programs

·         job searching and related resources

·         leadership skills development

·         leading a book group

·         legal resources for librarians

·         library spaces and assessing future needs

·         local history: tips for building collections

·         marketing your library: best and innovative practices

·         new and emerging technologies

·         public library programming for adults

·         public health resources

·         reference fundamentals

·         resources to help local businesses succeed

·         sharing resources after a disaster

·         social media and marketing your library

·         standards and guidelines

·         tips and tutorials for relevant tech tools

·         volunteer training best practices

RUSA online CE offerings are an opportunity for librarians to infuse their year with professional development they can conveniently—and affordably—pursue from the comfort of their home or office. Webinars will take place October 2014 through August 2015 and will cover topics relevant to a broad range of librarians, library staff and library advocates

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. Learn more about the association at www.ala.org/rusa.