Engaging speakers and informative presentations will abound at the upcoming Midwinter Institute “The Genealogy Reference Desk: Where Everyone Knows Your Name”, a full-day workshop focused on New England genealogy resources and genealogy research techniques, and  presented by the History Section of the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA).

Genealogical research skills and tools are a vital resource for any library providing reference services. They’re particularly important in public libraries, where genealogy remains one of the most time-consuming reference duties–especially for generalist desks or libraries without genealogy or history specialists on staff—and in academic libraries, where genealogy sources are often the primary tools for helping students with local history projects. This institute, sponsored by ProQuest, will focus on the “nitty-gritty” of genealogy research. New reference librarians will benefit from the fundamental tools presented at this event; experienced genealogy librarians will find it to be an excellent refresher. The skills and resources at the core of this event are relevant to all attendees, no matter the locale of their patron’s interest.

The institute will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 15, 2010, at the New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS), held in conjunction with the ALA 2010 Midwinter Meeting. Speakers will present topics specific to New England and Colonial Research, along with general research methodology.  D. Brenton Simons, President and CEO of the NEHGS, will address “Sustainability in Genealogical Collections” and maintaining an institution during a downturn economy.  Christine Baron, principal of Baron Consulting, will speak on the “Old North Church Project”—a NEH-funded collaborative project between the Old North  Foundation, New England Historic Genealogical Society, and HyperStudio-Laboratory for Digital Humanities at Massachusetts Institute of Technology aimed at creating an online educational program that combines public history and genealogy. Laura Prescott, a professional researcher, writer and speaker and consultant for Footnote.com who previously worked for NEHGS, will present “Timelines: Placing Your Heritage in Historic Perspective.” Drew Smith, one of the Genealogy Guys, owner of the Genealib listserv and an information literacy librarian at the University of South Florida, will be speaking on “Using Web 2.0 Tools with a 101 Knowledge Base”.  David Dearborn, of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, and a New England specialist, will present “An Overview of American Colonial Records”.

Founded in 1845 and located at 99 Newbury Street, Boston, NEHGS is the country’s oldest nonprofit genealogical organization in the country.  Located in the heart of the Boston’s beautiful Back Bay neighborhood, their eight-story library and archive is one of the nation’s leading research centers for genealogists and family historians of every skill level. The institute will conclude with a tour of this beautiful facility for participants only.

Interested participants can register for this event only, or can register in conjunction with Midwinter Meeting registration by adding it as a ticketed event. For institute-only registration using the online form (login required), select “Institute and Ticketed Events Only” as the registration type, and proceed to select this event from the list.

Advance registration for the meeting and this event opens Oct. 1 and ends Dec. 4, 2009. Advance registration prices for this event are $100 for retired and student members ($100 for RUSA members,  $145 for ALA members, $75 for retired and student members, and $220 for non-ALA members. On-site registration, priced at $125 for RUSA members, $125 for ALA members, and $245 for non-ALA members) will be available until Friday, Jan. 8. All interested participants are strongly encouraged to register by Jan. 8, as only a handful of seats will be available at the door on the day of the event.

Are you interested in learning more about the challenges, solutions and best practices associated with maximizing the library experience for all patrons, including those with functional differences? Attending “Breaking Down Barriers: Best Practices in Universal Design for Libraries” will provide an interactive environment in which to explore these ideas.

The topic of this intensive half-day event, assembled through a partnership between ASCLA and the Institute for Human-Centered Design (ICHD) (formerly Adaptive Environments) and held in conjunction with ALA’s 2010 Midwinter Meeting, has become increasingly important as the economic crisis has brought people to libraries in record numbers to take advantage of the unique opportunities, experiences and services available there. By implementing universal design principles, libraries can create physical, communication and information environments that minimize limitations and provide outstanding library services to all patrons, including those with functional differences.

The agenda for the workshop, which will be held Friday, Jan. 15, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.,  at the ICHD, located at 200 Portland Street, Suite 1, in Boston, includes presentations on an array of best practices in universal design, including opportunities for experiential learning  and a forum for presenting your library’s universal design problem or aspiration and receiving on-the-spot consultation and solutions.

“It’s important for libraries to create a welcoming environment for everyone in their community,” said Brenda Bailey-Hainer, president of ASCLA. “ This institute is an excellent opportunity to learn about techniques for eliminating obstacles to library use for community members who are often underserved.”

Interested participants should note that the institute (event code ASC2) is a separate ticketed event; registration for the Midwinter Meeting is not required in order to attend this event. For institute-only registration using the online form (login required), select “Institute and Ticketed Events Only” as the registration type, and proceed to select this event from  “Step 7 – Your Events”. Advance registration for both Midwinter and “Breaking Down Barriers” opens Thursday, Oct. 1, with the following advance registration ticket prices available through December 4: Student/Retiree Member, $120 (ASCLA Member, $155; ALA Member, $155; Non-member, $155).  Ticket prices increase after Dec. 4. Visit the ALA Midwinter website for the most up-to-date information on registration.

IHCD is an international non-profit organization, founded in Boston in 1978, committed to advancing the role of design in expanding opportunity and enhancing experience for people of all ages and abilities. IHCD’s work balances expertise in legally required accessibility with promotion of best practices in human-centered or universal design.  Their location in downtown Boston is only a few blocks from the MBTA’s North Station, providing easy access to the Green and Orange lines, as well as several commuter rail lines. Subway, commuter rail and other pertinent transit information and schedules are available at the MBTA website.

After a summer respite, RUSA online courses are back in action! We have two courses on the calendar for the remainder of 2009. More information can be found by clicking on the course title, which will take you to the course webpage chock full of information about instructors and class content.

· Genealogy 101, November 9 – December 23, 2009 Designed for reference staff with little to no experience in genealogy, Genealogy 101 uses a case study to present tools and techniques participants can use to confidently assist patrons with family history research. A review of archival material, print reference tools and online sources is included in the curriculum.

· The Reference Interview, November 2 – December 18, 2009 This comprehensive course covers such reference interview topics as cultivating an approachable reference environment, successful questioning and listening techniques and appropriate follow-up methods. Staff of all levels at all types of libraries will find this content, presented in a multi-media format, helpful in day-to-day engagement with library patrons.

The deadlines for online registration and fax registration for all courses is the Tuesday prior to the course start date. All mailed registrations must be postmarked two weeks prior to the course start date. Registration discounts for groups of 2 or more participants from the same library or library system are available—contact Liz Markel, RUSA marketing specialist for more information. All general registration questions should be directed to registration@ala.org.

Greetings Students!

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) will be holding a couple of ALSC Student Sessions this year that we’d love to see you attend! ALSC Student Sessions are basically FREE online workshops that run about an hour and are lead by ALSC members from across the country. All you need to participate is a computer with speakers and an interest in children’s services. This is also a great opportunity to network with other students and ALSC members without leaving the comfort of your home (or coffee shop, computer lab, library…).

For more information about attending an ALSC Student Session visit our Web site. Questions? Please contact Jenny Najduch, ALSC marketing specialist, at jnajduch@ala.org or (312) 280-4026.

The line-up includes:

Hosting a Mock Newbery @ your library®

Kiera Parrott & Anna McKay, Darien Library

Wednesday October 14, 2009

6 p.m. CST

Available online at the OPAL archive.

Every year you wait anxiously for that magic moment when you hear, “The winner of this year’s Newbery Award is…” This year, let the kids at your library decide who they think the winner of the Newbery Award might be! Join librarians Kiera Parrott and Anna McKay as they discuss the details of hosting a mock Newbery program, from how to provide a reading list to leading discussions about the books. Afterwards, you won’t be the only person excited for this year’s big news!

Marketing Your Library on the Web

Jill Bickford, West Bloomfield Township Public Library

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

6 p.m. CST

Where is the first place you go when you want information? The internet of course! Join us for an enlightening discussion about how to market your library programs electronically, getting parents and caregivers the information they need through a medium they are already comfortable with. Learn about cool new tools on the Web, as well as how to use these tools to their fullest.

Connecting Kids with Great Web Sites

Meagan Albright & Sharon Haupt

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

7 p.m. CST

Learn how to find, evaluate and use Web sites for kids! This presentation features the chairs of the ALSC Great Web Sites for Kids Committee who evaluate 100s of sites every year to find fun and educational tools for children and families. They’ll show you what the committee does to come up with their widely used “Great Web Sites for Kids” list and how you can incorporate these resources into your library programming.

Easy User Experience Strategies

Jeannie Chen

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

6 p.m. CST

Help your patrons get the most out of their library visit! Join ALSC to learn about basic methods to meet user needs through usability testing. Hear about inexpensive strategies that can be easily employed, such as using index cards and paper prototyping. Make usability a part of designing your services, and soon you’ll be building better library experiences for all.

Getting Your First Library Job: Tips from Library Directors

Therese Bigelow, Chesapeake (VA) Public Library &

Gene Nelson, Provo (Utah) City Library

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

6 p.m. CST

With today’s economy, you’ll need an extra edge to land that first library job. Let ALSC help. Join us for a discussion about the skills that make new librarians more marketable, new technologies that directors will hope you know how to use, and most importantly, how you can stand out in a sea of new graduates. Session will include ample time for Q&A.

By engaging in the library profession, YALSA fosters many opportunities to help you grow academically as well as professionally. Joining the YALSA SIG is a great way to learn about the organization, become more involved in YALSA, to meet and network with other members. You’ll also gain organizational and leadership skills.

YALSA SIG members will be able to get the heads up on meetings, workshops, trainings, and other learning opportunities via newsletters and updates. Interested members can find help on a variety of topics, including meeting tips, presentations, surveys and more. Actively engaged students also find great professional opportunities as they take their first steps into the working world.

Please contact convenor Jennifer Balaco , for more information. Sign up via the YALSA SIG Ning or find us in ALA Connect. Join today and begin connecting with your colleagues.

Coming to Midwinter in Boston? Come find out more about discussion groups at the Discussion and Interest Group Open House, 4-5:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 17. Room number and more information will be posted at the YALSA Midwinter Wiki.

The American Library Association (ALA) is now accepting applications for the 2010 class of Emerging Leaders. The deadline to apply is July 31, 2009.

The program is designed to enable approximately 100 library workers to get on the fast track to ALA and professional leadership.  Participants are given the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, network with peers and get an inside look into the ALA structure and activities.

For the first time since its establishment, the Emerging Leaders program will accept non-MLS library workers.  Library support staff personnel are encouraged to apply to the program and will have an opportunity to be considered for sponsorship through the ALA Library Support Staff Interests Round Table.

An ALA division, round table, ethnic affiliate, state chapter or school library media affiliate will sponsor approximately one-third of the selected applicants.  Each sponsor will contribute $1,000 toward expenses ($500 for each conference).  Sponsorship is not required for participation in the program.

Applicants can indicate on the application which groups they want to consider them for sponsorship.  A list of sponsoring units is included as part of the online application. You can also check with your state association and/or state chapter to find out if they are participating and how to apply for their sponsorship.

No more than one person from any instituition will be selected for participation in the program.  In order to be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be under 35 years of age or be a library worker of any age with fewer than 5 years experience working in a library.
• Be able to attend both ALA conferences and work virtually in between each.
• Be prepared to commit to serve on either an ALA, division, chapter or round table committee, task force or work group, or in your state or local professional library organization upon completion of program.
• Be an ALA member or join upon selection if not already a member.

Program information will be available and updated. For questions or more information regarding the program, contact Beatrice Calvin.

ACRL, in collaboration with the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources, recently completed revisions to academic library position descriptions included in surveys covering salaries, benefits, and other benchmarks. Now, CUPA-HR has released the results of its 2009 Administrative Compensation and Mid-Level Salary surveys, with the first surveys conducted using the updated position descriptions. Survey results are available on the ACRL website….

The Public Library Association’s 2009 Spring Symposium is happening now in Nashville, Tenn. Follow along on the PLA Twitter feed or see what others are tweeting about #PLASpring09.

Also check out the PLA Facebook Fan Page

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) will be hosting an ALSC Student Session on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 entitled, “Library 2.0: Technology in Children’s Services.”

Join three ALSC members for a panel discussion about what new technologies are being used in libraries, and how librarians are incorporating this technology into their children’s and ‘tween programming.  Hear about some great new products and how they’re affecting the library world, as well as how to budget for new purchases accordingly.

To attend this free, one-hour workshop, enter the ALA 25 seat room B in OPAL (Online Programming for all Libraries) a few minutes before the workshop begins and enter a username.  Your username is how other participants will identify you; there is no registration or password necessary.  If you have never used OPAL before, you will need to download a small piece of software called “tcConference,” which is free and available when you enter the OPAL room.  You do not need to be an ALSC member to participate.

Click here for more information on ALSC Student Session or helpful tips on using OPAL.

Questions?  Please contact Jenny Najduch, ALSC Marketing Specialist, Membership, at jnajduch@ala.org or (312) 280-4026.