Applications open for ALCTS Online Course Grant for Library Professionals from Developing Countries

The Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS), a division of the American Library Association, is accepting applications for the Online Course Grant for Library Professionals from Developing Countries to participate in online Fundamentals courses held between September 10 and December 21, 2018.

One free seat per session is available to librarians and information professionals from developing countries.

For full information about the grant, including eligibility criteria and a link to the application form, visit http://www.ala.org/alcts/awards/grants/onlinegrant
 
Applications may be submitted between July 31 and August 24, 2018

Fundamentals of Acquisitions (FOA)
Session 4: September 10-October 19
Session 5: November 5-December 21
The Fundamentals of Acquisitions (FOA) web course focuses on the basics of acquiring monographs and serials:  goals and methods, financial management of library collections budgets, and relationships among acquisitions librarians, library booksellers, subscription agents, and publishers.  In this course, you will receive a broad overview of the operations involved in acquiring materials after the selection decision is made.  Note that in FOA, we distinguish between collection development, which involves the selection of materials for the library; and acquisitions, which orders, receives, and pays for those materials.

Fundamentals of Electronic Resources Acquisitions (FERA)
Session 4: October 1-October 26
Session 5: November 26-December 21
The Fundamentals of Electronic Resources Acquisitions (FERA) web course will provide an overview of acquiring, providing access to, administering, supporting, and monitoring access to electronic resources.  It will provide a basic background in electronic resource acquisitions including product trials, licensing, purchasing methods, and pricing models and will provide an overview of the sometimes complex relationships between vendors, publishers, platform providers, and libraries.

Fundamentals of Collection Development and Management (FCDM)
Session 4: September 17-October 12
Session 5: November 12-December 14
The Fundamentals of Collection Development and Management web course addresses the basic components of these important areas of responsibility in libraries. Components include complete definition of collection development and collection management; collections policies and budgets as part of library planning; collection development (selecting for and building collections); collection management (e.g., making decisions after materials are selected, including decisions about withdrawal, transfer, preservation); collection analysis—why and how to do it; outreach, liaison, and marketing; trends and suggestions about the future for collection development and management.

Fundamentals of Collection Assessment (FCA)
Session 4:  October 1-November 9
This online course introduces the fundamental aspects of collection assessment in libraries. The course is designed for those who are responsible for or interested in collection assessment in all types and sizes of libraries. The course will introduce key concepts in collection assessment including the definition of collection assessment, techniques and tools, assessment of print and electronic collections, and project design and management.

Fundamentals of Cataloging (FOC)
Session 4: September 10-October 19
Session 5: October 29-December 14
Fundamentals of Cataloging (FOC) web course begins with a discussion of how cataloging assists users in finding resources and of the value of standardization of practice. These foundations are then given practical grounding in the work of creating bibliographic descriptions, the process of subject analysis, and summarizing content utilizing classification. Standards such as MARC bibliographic and authority formats, Library of Congress Subject Headings and Library of Congress Classification are discussed. The shift in focus from format-based cataloging to entity-relationship model cataloging is taken from the FRBR foundation to the RDA practical application, with a final look at RDF triples and BIBFRAME. In all areas, the value of standards is illustrated and discussed. There is a heavy reliance on examples from actual practice throughout the course content.

Fundamentals of Preservation (FOP)
Session 4: October 22-November 16 
The Fundamentals of Preservation web course introduces participants to the principles, policies and practices of preservation in libraries and archives.  The course is designed to inform all staff, across divisions and departments and at all levels of responsibility. It provides tools to begin extending the useful life of library collections.  Components include preservation as a formal library function and how it reflects and supports the institutional mission; the primary role of preventive care, including good storage conditions, emergency planning and careful handling of collections; the history and manufacture of physical formats and how this impacts preservation options; standard methods of care and repair, as well as reformatting options; and challenges in preserving digital content and what the implications are for the future of scholarship.

Fundamentals of Metadata (FOM)
Session 5: October 22-December 7
The Fundamentals of Metadata is an introduction to fundamental concepts of metadata, including: similarities and differences between cataloging and metadata; descriptive, technical, and administrative metadata schema; content standards and controlled vocabularies; approaches to metadata creation and transformation and metadata project design.

Libraries and the Internet Governance Forum

The Internet is increasingly central to the way we create, share, access and use information. For libraries to be able to achieve their mission of providing universal, equitable and meaningful access to information, it has to work for everyone. IFLA has produced a number of statements advocating for this, notably around Public Access, Internet Shutdowns and Digital Literacy.

A key global forum for discussing relevant policy questions is the Internet Governance Forum, a UN body allowing for informal discussion and sharing of views between governments, business, experts and civil society. IFLA has attended the global forum and been represented at regional ones. There are also many national events, which can offer libraries an opportunity to build a profile, promote our work and value, and network useful contacts.

IFLA's new guide, Get into IGF, sets out what the IGF is, why engaging helps libraries, and offers some ideas for what libraries and library associations can do to get involved. You can download the guide on IFLA's website at https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/59309.

ALA President seeks to increase engagement with and awareness of interational topics

American Library Association (ALA) President Loida Garcia-Febo has announced a variety of programs and tools to engage, retain and expand ALA’s international members: from free webinars to opportunities for engagement with librarians from various countries. The International Relations Advisory Committee, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and  ALA International Relations Office will cooperate to increase awareness of international topics impacting the world and our profession.

“Regardless of where they reside, libraries and library workers are essential in helping transform lives and communities through multicultural understanding and resources,” said Garcia-Febo. The substantial number of international members are valuable to the ALA, who wishes to increase their engagement in programs and initiatives.

Garcia-Febo plans to take her Libraries = Strong Communities advocacy campaign to regions of the world where ALA already has long standing commitments by formally launching a Global Tour of libraries. This includes events such as The Guadalajara Book Fair (FIL) and the German Library Association Annual Conference.

For more information regarding Garcia-Febo’s International Relations efforts, visit http://www.ala.org/rt/irrt/initiatives or follow #LibrariesStrong.

Read the full ALA press release at http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2018/07/ala-president-announces-international-relations-resources

Call for Nominations-American Library in Paris 2018-2020

The International Relations Committee of the American Library Association announces a call for nominations for ALA Representative to the Board of Trustees of the American Library in Paris.

This two-year appointment would begin in September 2018 with the appointee having to cover costs to attend one board meeting a year in Paris. ALA does not provide financial support for the representative. The ALA representative is a non-voting member of the Board of Trustees.

The deadline to submit a nomination is August 10, 2018.

The representative should have a knowledge of U.S. public library management, broad professional contacts; knowledge of current library theory and practices; broad knowledge of library and library related organizations, information services, and networks; interpersonal skills, strong written and oral skills; experience working with international library associations or libraries, appreciation of views from different cultures.

If you are interested in being nominated please submit a letter of interest and resume or CV by email to intl@ala.org

Visit the criteria and responsibilities page for more information.

Sustainable Development Goals in American Libraries Today: Why Should You Care?

Join us for a free ALA webinar on Sustainable Development Goals in American libraries today
Thursday, July 19 at 9 am PST/ 11 am CST / 12 pm EST

Libraries are creating and cultivating new relationships with international communities and supporting these efforts. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established in 2016 by the United Nations (UN) to guide developed and developing countries alike in their development efforts. Libraries and librarians are essential to municipal development and to help each one of the communities where we are. This free webinar will feature speakers who will share different perspectives on the SDGs and its role in American libraries in supporting their communities from sustainable practices to user engagement approaches. ALA President Loida Garcia-Febo will provide opening remarks on SDGs in the library profession.

Speakers: 
Maria Violeta Bertolini, IFLA Advocacy Communications Officer
Gerald Beasley, University Librarian at Cornell University Libraries
Maria McCauley, Director of Cambridge Public Libraries
Gary Shaffer, Director of Library and Information Management at USC Marshall School of Business

How to participate:  Use the link below to connect the day of the webinar.
Join webinar: http://ala.adobeconnect.com/r7akjq568lcj/

The webinar will be recorded and archived at http://www.ala.org/rt/irrt/initiatives

Relevant Readings:
Access and Opportunity for All: How Libraries contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/10546?og=7409

Examples of how libraries and library services contribute to development
https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/9639?og=7409 

This webinar is presented through AdobeConnect. Requirements include internet access (high-speed connection is best) and media player software. Headphones are recommended. Check if your system supports this software using the links below.

Test your connection: http://ala.adobeconnect.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm
Get a quick overview: http://www.adobe.com/products/adobeconnect.html  

Call for proposals: Critical Librarianship and Library Management (ALAO)

The critical librarianship movement has shone light on many aspects of our profession and encouraged us to question why we do things the way we do them. One area underexplored in this moment, however, is library management: Are there management practices that need to be questioned or interrogated? Are there progressive practices that have not received the recognition they deserve?

ALAO (Advances in Library Administration and Organization) seeks submissions for the “Critical Librarianship and Library Management” volume that delve beyond examples and case studies to critically examine library management.

Proposals in the following areas would be of particular interest:
    •    Implicit bias and library management/operations
    •    Retention and hiring for diversity and inclusion
    •    Social justice in library leadership and management

If you are interested in contributing to this volume, please send a proposal including a
draft abstract of 500 words or less, author details and estimated length of final submission to Samantha Hines at shines@pencol.edu by August 31, 2018.

Submission deadline for proposals: August 31, 2018
Notification of acceptance sent by October 31, 2018
Submission deadline for full chapters: February 28, 2019
Comments returned to authors April 30, 2019
Submission deadline for chapter revisions: June 15, 2019

This will be the first volume of Advances in Library Administration and Organization (ALAO) to publish in 2020. 

ALAO offers long-form research, comprehensive discussions of theoretical developments, and in-depth accounts of evidence-based practice in library administration and organization. The series answers the questions, “How have libraries been managed, and how should they be managed?” It goes beyond a platform for the sharing of research to provide a venue for dialogue across issues in a way that traditional peer reviewed journals cannot. Through this series, practitioners glean new approaches in challenging times and collaborate on the exploration of scholarly solutions to professional quandaries. 

The 2018 ALA Emerging Leaders Project with the IRRT

International Leads, Volume 33, Issue 2, June 2018
By Lindsay Taylor Inge, linge@umd.edu

If you attend ALA Annual 2018, please stop by our poster to learn more about our work! We are so excited about this project, and look forward to sharing it with you all. The Emerging Leaders Poster Session is held on Friday, June 22nd from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in MCC –Rm 345.

The American Libraries Association (ALA) Emerging Leaders (EL) Program is a long-running initiative to introduce new library professionals to the structure of ALA, while also providing networking and service opportunities at the national level. ALA members with 5 years of experience or less are invited to apply to the program, which is capped at 50 participants. Upon acceptance, ELs commit to attending the ALA Midwinter Meeting and ALA Annual Conference, where they have opportunities to met fellow leaders, participate in leadership workshops, and learn more about how ALA functions. ELs also commit to completing a group project over the duration of the 6-month program.

ALA divisions, units, round tables, committees, task forces, and working groups are invited to submit project proposals for consideration. ELs review project proposals, rank their top 5 choices, and are paired with other ELs who share their interests. The 2018 cohort of ELs include a group working on an International Relations Round Table project proposed by Loida Garcia-Febo, Chair of IRRT. The group is composed of 5 ELs: Twanna Hodge, Lindsay Inge Carpenter, Joi Jackson, Gina Kromhout, and Grace Liu.

The group is charged with identifying new emerging international leaders, building a model for ongoing international engagement in ALA, and developing recommendations for policy that encourage participation of international librarians in ALA. To address these questions, the group was asked to design, distribute, and analyze a survey of current IRRT members, with the goal of creating a database of responses for IRRT to consult when identifying new emerging international leaders. To respond to the second two charges, the group will write a white paper summarizing their recommendations for engagement and policy. These recommendations are based on survey responses as well as best practices gleaned from other ALA committees.

While working collaboratively in a virtual environment can be a challenge, our group has embraced this opportunity to contribute to IRRT’s work in a meaningful way. We began our work during ALA Midwinter, the very same weekend we first met and learned more about the charge. We developed a workplan, communication plan, and assigned group members to lead different aspects of the project. In the time since then, we have already completed stage one of the project, having distributed and analyzed a survey of current IRRT members. Under Grace’s leadership, the group developed a list of survey questions and solicited feedback from IRRT executive board members, resulting in a strong, detailed survey. We received about an 11% response rate, which is within the typical range for surveys of this kind. Once we finished collecting the data, Joi and Gina took the lead on analyzing the results, combing through qualitative responses and quantitative data to identify themes.

Twanna and Lindsay will take the lead on the project’s next two stages, which includes drafting a white paper report and a poster to share at ALA Annual. The white paper will summarize the survey results, and will include recommendations for encouraging engagement and out-reach to international members of IRRT.

The group thanks Loida Garcia-Febo and Delin Guerra for their support and encouragement throughout this project, without which our work would not have been possible. It has been a wonderful opportunity to learn more about ALA, IRRT, and the type of work that goes in to making an organization of this size run effectively.

For more on the American Library Association Emerging Leaders program, visit the website http://www.ala.org/educationcareers/leadership/emergingleaders

Read more in the June 2018 International Leads at http://www.ala.org/rt/sites/ala.org.rt/files/content/intlleads/leadsarchive/201806.pdf

Loida Garcia-Febo reflects on a successful year

Message from the IRRT Chair
International Leads, Volume 33, Issue 2, June 2018

As chair, my theme for the year 2017-2018 was Library services to immigrants and refugees. I am happy to report the following notable accomplishments among others:

• We successfully organized and presented an international webinar series under the Library Services to Immigrants and Refugees theme.
• We established an Endowment and awarded the first IRRT Mission Enhancement Grant.
• Team G of ALA’s Emerging Leaders collaborated with IRRT on a project that would help increase the engagement of international members including new professional leaders in ALA activities.

Much appreciation to all the IRRT members for their contributions to conference programs, online events and to this newsletter. A special mention goes to each one of the Publications Committee members who have increased posts on the IRRT blog and Facebook page. Rebecca and Florence, our IL editors, took this publication to a higher level. Joan Weeks lead an effort to renew our IRRT website within ALA and the results are fantastic.

Muchas gracias to Delin Guerra from ALA Headquarters for her unwavering support.
My personal thanks go to members of the IRRT Executive Board and committees for their enthusiasm, commitment, and dedication to make things happen. We did it! We had a great year and now we look forward to the next cohort of leaders that will take the IRRT through 2018-2019.

Heartfelt congratulations and a big welcome to our colleagues elected to the IRRT board in ALA’s recent elections: Chair-Elect: Richard Sapon-White, Member-at-Large: Florence N. Mugambi, and Round Table Councilor: Sandy Hirsh.

Thanks to the hard work of our committee members, this year we are fortunate to present many programs, including our IRRT Pre-conference at the annual conference in New Orleans to help library workers serve immigrants and refugees in libraries. Personally, I am very happy everyone embraced the Chair’s theme and coordinated events featuring models, best practices and recommendations to serve these populations. If you are planning to attend the ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans, do not miss our programs!

I hope to greet many of you at our International Reception at the BB King’s Club in New Orleans which is being coordinated by the International Reception Committee. It promises to be a spectacular event. It was my pleasure to be the IRRT Chair. You all rock! I am very fortunate. This is a most interesting time when I end my term as IRRT Chair and also move from being ALA President-Elect to ALA President. I am looking forward to continue collaborating with my dear international colleagues in that capacity. Stay tuned for news on the ALA communication channels.

Read more in the June 2018 International Leads at http://www.ala.org/rt/sites/ala.org.rt/files/content/intlleads/leadsarchive/201806.pdf