Deadline for RUSA webinar and online proposals extended to October 31, 2016

The Reference and User Services Association, (RUSA) seeks proposals for webinars and online courses. The proposals must be submitted by October 31, 2016 for presentation November 2016 to August 2017.

Submit webinar proposals using this online proposal form; there is a separate submission form for online courses.

 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.

RUSA serves librarians in all types of libraries in reference, user services, adult readers advisory, collection development, resource sharing, genealogy and archives, business reference and reference technology.

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

  • advocating for reference
  • book reviewing
  • collection development
  • collection marketing
  • community partnerships
  • copyright in the digital age
  • creating a single service point (vs. multiple service points in a single facility)
  • e-books
  • embedded librarians
  • forming and leading a book discussion group
  • fundraising
  • genealogy
  • government data and related resources
  • hot topics in readers advisory
  • information literacy
  • instructional design,
  • interlibrary loan
  • job searching and related resources
  • library marketing and display ideas.
  • library programs
  • library spaces and assessing future needs
  • marketing
  • outreach
  • partnerships among different types of libraries
  • reference basics
  • reference for specialized audiences
  • research, trends in the field
  • resource development
  • special collections
  • standards and guidelines
  • technology advisory
  • tips and tutorials for relevant tech tools
  • writing annotations

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 Adobe Connect, RUSA’s online webinar presentation software, and support for Moodle, the online course platform.

Questions about RUSA’s online learning can be sent to Jennifer Cross, RUSA web manager at jcross@ala.org.

IAMRUSA New Podcast Interview: Joe Thompson

RUSA’s next podcast in our popular series is now available! Interviewed by Patricia Valdovinos, RUSA’s Spectrum Intern, Joe Thompson, RUSA’s past-past president, has worked in libraries for 24 years. He talks about how he started and ended up where he is. From circulation assistant to Senior Administrator, Public Services, for Harford County Public Library in Belcamp MD, Joe and his staff just opened a new branch with an interactive early literacy center (Schooner Cove), and will eventually offer 3D printers to the public. Listen to more here.

RUSA’s President’s Program: Be Our Guest! Transform Your Library into an Exciting Experience for Users

Dave Cobb will be the keynote speaker at the President’s Program hosted by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) at the upcoming ALA Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida.

Cobb, vice president, creative development of the Thinkwell Group, is an expert on designing immersive educational experiences for museums and theme parks. He’ll draw on his observations and experience with local Orlando theme parks and talk about how libraries can tell stories with space and win over library users.

He will be joined with two expert responders from the library world, John Blyberg, assistant director for innovation and UX at the Darien Library; and Steven Bell, associate university librarian for research & instructional services at Temple University.

Read the full press release here.

 

RUSA Virtual Town Hall, June 15, 2016

Make your voice count!


The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) is hosting a virtual Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at 1PM PT / 2PM MT / 3PM CT / 4PM ET to give all RUSA members (and prospective members!) a chance to ask questions about the organization and give input on our current and future directions.

We invite you to submit questions and suggestions ahead of time or ask them during the Town Hall. You can submit your question here up until June 10th: http://goo.gl/forms/7pHP8S4Yy3.

RUSA President Anne Houston and RUSA Vice-President Alesia McManus will be present at the Town Hall to answer questions. We look forward to talking with you!

To attend the meeting please click on this link http://ala.adobeconnect.com/r8iomgg8ab7/  or dial in using: 1-866-717-7547 with participant code: 72620830#, on June 15th.