RUSA encourages subject matter experts and experienced librarians to submit proposals for RUSA webinars to be presented October 2014 to August 2015.
The Reference and User Services Association, (RUSA) seeks proposals for webinars and online courses on highly relevant subjects such as e-books, library programming and outreach, technology advisory, reference services, collection marketing and leading a book group; the proposals must be submitted by September 1, 2014 for presentation October 2014 to August 2015.
Online course and webinar proposals submitted during this open call period will be reviewed and approved by September 15, 2014.
RUSA serves librarians in reference, user services, adult readers advisory, collection development, resource sharing, genealogy and archives, business reference and reference technology. RUSA webinars and online courses are an opportunity for librarians from all types of libraries to infuse their year with professional development they can conveniently—and affordably—pursue from the comfort of their home or office.
Successful online learning proposals will:
- Show plans for content and presentation strategies that will fill the allotted time: 60-75 minutes for webinars, and 4-6 weeks for courses;
- Identify clear learning outcomes for participants;
- Clearly illustrate the qualifications of the presenter(s)/instructor(s) with respect to the proposed topic;
- 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, and is unique from other available online learning offerings.
The following topics are of great value and interest, though RUSA welcomes submissions presenting on other topics, as well: reference basics; reference for specialized audiences; research, trends and hot topics in readers advisory; technology advisory; information literacy; community partnerships; library programs; outreach; partnerships among different types of libraries; government data and related resources; library spaces and assessing future needs; copyright in the digital age; collection development; special collections; tips and tutorials for relevant tech tools; standards and guidelines; genealogy; advocating for reference; resource development; fundraising; marketing; job searching and related resources; book reviewing; interlibrary loan; creating a single service point (vs. multiple service points in a single facility); embedded librarians; e-books; writing annotations; leading a book group; collection marketing; and library marketing and display ideas.
Submit webinar proposals using this online proposal form; there is a separate submission form for online courses.
Review RUSA’s current online learning offerings, including webinars and courses, at the RUSA website, and also get more information about the proposal process.
Presenters for accepted proposals will receive compensation for their time and will also receive training for Blackboard Collaborate, RUSA’s online webinar presentation software, and support for Moodle, the online course platform.
Questions about RUSA’s online learning can be sent to Andrea Hill, RUSA web manager at ahill@ala.org.