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2016 RUSA Achievement Awards: Call for Nominations and Submissions

Beginning Sept. 1, 2015 the RUSA is seeking nominations for its annual series of awards and grants. Nominations and supporting materials for most awards must be submitted by Dec. 4, 2015.

RUSA encourages members to nominate their colleagues whose work has influenced their thinking and performance and whose contributions merit recognition by the profession. With over $30,000 generously donated annually by industry sponsors, RUSA has, and will continue to, nominate, select and honor the very best in the field of reference and user services.

Achievement awards for individuals and groups:

Isadore Gilbert Mudge Award, RUSA’s highest honor, recognizes an individual who has made a distinguished contribution to the field of reference librarianship. $5,000* and a citation.

Award for Excellence in Reference and Adult Library Services is given to a library or library system for developing an imaginative and unique resource to meet patrons’ reference needs. $3,000* and a citation.

NoveList’s Margaret E. Monroe Library Adult Services Award recognizes a librarian who has made significant contributions to library adult services. Sponsored by NoveList; $1,250* and a citation.

John Sessions Memorial Award recognizes a library or library system that has made a significant effort to work with the labor community and by doing so has brought recognition to the history and contribution of the labor movement to the development of the United States. Sponsored by the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO, the winner receives a plaque.

Reference Service Press Award recognizes the most outstanding article published in Reference and User Services Quarterly (RUSQ), RUSA’s research journal, during the preceding two-volume year. Sponsored by Reference Service Press; $2,500* and a plaque.

BRASS Award for Excellence in Business Librarianship is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to business librarianship. $3,000* and a citation.

Louis Shores Award recognizes an individual reviewer, group, editor, review medium or organization for excellence in book reviewing and other media for libraries. The winner receives a citation.

Zora Neale Hurston Award honors an individual ALA member who has demonstrated leadership in promoting African-American literature. Sponsored by HarperCollins Publishers; the winner receives $1,250* supporting travel to the ALA Annual Conference, a beautiful plaque, two tickets to the United for Libraries author events: The Gala Author Tea and The Laugh’s On Us, and two complete sets of Zora Neale Hurston’s books and audiobooks.

ETS My Favorite Martian Award is a citation presented annually in recognition of excellence in service to the Emerging Technologies Section of RUSA. The winner receives a citation.

Genealogy / History Achievement Award Sponsored by ProQuest, is presented to a librarian, library or publisher, and recognizes professional achievement in historical reference and research librarianship. $1,500* and a citation.

RSS Service Achievement Award is presented annually to a member of the Reference Services Section (RSS) of RUSA in recognition of exceptional contributions to the section. The winner receives a citation.

Virginia Boucher/OCLC Distinguished ILL Librarian Award is given to an individual for his or her outstanding professional achievement, leadership, and contributions to interlibrary loan and document delivery. Sponsored by OCLC; $2,000* and a citation.

Travel awards to the ALA Annual Conference:

BRASS Student Travel Award presents funds to a student enrolled in an ALA accredited master’s degree program to fund travel the ALA Annual Conference. $1,250* and a citation. This award’s nomination deadline is Jan. 15, 2016.

BRASS Global Financial Data Academic Business Librarianship Travel Award is presented to a new librarian in the field of academic business librarianship in order to support attendance to the ALA Annual Conference. Sponsored by Global Financial Data; $1,250* and a citation.

Morningstar Public Librarian Support Award offers funds to a public librarian who has performed outstanding business reference service and who requires financial assistance to attend the ALA Annual Conference. Sponsored by Morningstar, Inc.; $1,250* and a citation.

STARS Atlas Systems Mentoring Award offers ALA Annual Conference travel assistance funds to a library practitioner who is new to the field of interlibrary loan/document delivery or electronic reserves, and who has involvement in the areas of borrowing, lending, document delivery, electronic reserves, material delivery or resource sharing. Sponsored by Atlas Systems; $1,250* and a citation.

Research grants:

Gale Cengage Learning History Research and Innovation Award is granted to an MLS degreed librarian from an ALA accredited school to facilitate and further research relating to history and history librarianship. Sponsored by Gale Cengage Learning; $2,500* and a citation.

BRASS Emerald Research Grant Award, is presented to an individual or group seeking support to conduct research in business librarianship. Sponsored by Emerald Group Publishing; $5,000* and a citation.

*Monetary award amounts are subject to change without notice and are contingent upon donor funding supplied at the time the award is presented.

Questions about these awards should be directed to the committee chairperson—access committee contact information by logging in at www.ala.org, then accessing the RUSA roster webpage—or to the RUSA headquarters staff.

More information about these awards, including nominating instructions, can be found on RUSA’s awards webpage.

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Outstanding Preconferences at the 2015 ALA Annual Conference

Intellectual Property for Entrepreneurs
What are common misconceptions about intellectual property among entrepreneurs? Two IP attorneys will discuss disputes and challenges startups are facing. Librarians and entrepreneurs will also get tips from experts on effective patent and trademark searching, learn about Patent and Trademark Resource Centers, and get introduced to best practices in library collaboration with the university commercialization office. Sponsored by the Business Reference and Services Section (BRASS) of RUSA. Register here.

Speakers:
  • Alex Feerst, Attorney, Durie Tangri LLP, Genevieve Rosloff, Attorney, Genevieve Rosloff, Esq. and Highway1 Incubat
  • John Schlipp, Associate Professor & Intellectual Property Librarian, Intellectual Property, Awareness Center (IPAC), Northern Kentucky University Steely Library
  • Linda Kocis, Intellectual Property Librarian, Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County
  • Cynthia (Cindy) Elliott, Assistant Librarian, Main Library A206, University of Arizona
  • Jason Dewland, Assistant Librarian, Main Library A207, University of Arizona
Moderator: Natasha Arguello, Business Research Librarian, Chair of BRASS Education Committee, University of Texas at San Antonio
Facilitator: Ashley E. Faulkner, Business Librarian, Assistant Professor, West Campus Library, University Libraries, Texas A&M University

Date: Friday, June 26, Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Location: Moscone Convention Center, 2005 West

Cost: Members $149, Non Members $169

ILL Data Storm – Practical Assessment
Using data to inform decisions in a library is paramount in today’s world of tight budgets.  Managers, Directors, Deans, and Provosts want numbers to prove that a service is beneficial.  Several resource sharing professionals will speak to how they collect and use data, whether to improve services, influence collection decisions, or justify their existence.  At the end of the program, attendees will walk away with ideas about how to assess their ILL data for improvements in their department.  Time will be allotted for small groups to discuss their experiences and exchange ideas.  Librarians, managers, and staff involved in developing or using resource sharing and interlibrary loan data, will really enjoy this preconference. Sponsored by the Transforming Access to Resources Section (STARS) of RUSA. Register here.

Speakers:

  • Heidi Nance, University of Washington, Head, ILL and Document DeliveryCollette Mak, University of Notre Dame, Outreach and Scholarly Communications Librarian
  • Tom Bruno, Yale University, Associate Director for Resource Sharing and Reserves
  • Krista Higham, Millersville University, Access Services Librarian
  • Sue Kaler, Massachusetts Library System, ILL Manager
  • Micquel Little, Claremont University, Director of User Services and Resource Sharing
  • Kerri Goergen-Doll, Oregon State University, Resource Acquisition and Sharing Director

Date: Friday, June 26, Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Location: Moscone Convention Center, 2000 West

Cost: Members $139, Non Members $159

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Exclusive and Valuable RUSA Programs at the 2015 ALA Annual Conference

Smart investing@your library®: Actively Engaging Your Audience
Smart investing@your library ® aligns with the emerging, transitional role of library services in communities. Libraries across the country are meeting the need and growing demand for financial literacy education and resources. Learn about replicable model programs and materials that take an active learning approach to personal finance.  We’ll take you beyond the workshop series and share innovative approaches that attract audiences and build sustainable financial literacy programs. Add to my schedule.

Speakers:

  • Tracy Delgado-La Stella, Middle Country Public Library, NY
  • Sophie Young, Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, AL
  • Ryan Stacy, Monroe County Public Library, IN
  • Ashley Barrineau, Virginia Beach Public Library, VA
  • Sheila Burnett, San Diego Public Library, CA

Moderator: Margaret Monsour

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2015. Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AM. Location: Moscone Convention Center, 3001 West

The Readers’ Advisory Research and Trends Forum – Reading into the Future: Tips and Tools for Staying on Top of the Book World
The Reader’s Advisory Research and Trends Forum explores the cutting edge of Reader’s Advisory (RA) services, bringing noted experts from a wide range of fields together to explore the future of reading and the ways librarians connect readers to their next favorite books. Sponsored by the Collection Development and Evaluation Section (CODES) of RUSA.

Speakers:  

  • Stephanie Anderson, Head of Reader Services, Darien Library (CT)
  • Nora Rawlinson, Co-founder and Editorof EarlyWord
  • David Wright, Reader Services Librarian, The Seattle Public Library

Moderator: Stephen Sposato, Manager, Content Curation, Chicago Public Library

Date: Saturday, June 27, Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AM, Location: Moscone Convention Center, 2016 West, Add to my schedule

Whacking the Weeds in the Library: Deaccessioning Print and Digital Materials in the 21st Century and Beyond
This program will include a public, academic, and community college librarian to discuss strategies for weeding/deaccessioning materials in their libraries and how to do so in ways that make providing user services more effective. Sponsored by the Collection Development and Evaluation Section (CODES) of RUSA.

Date: Saturday, June 27, Time: 1:00 – 2:30 PM, Location: Moscone Convention Center, 2012 West, Add to my schedule

Connecting Communities: Documenting and Sharing Asian American Heritage
This program will be a panel discussion about Asian American Records and Local History. Co-sponsored by Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA) and the History Section (HS) of RUSA.

Speakers: 

  • Michelle Caswell, Co-Founder of the South Asian American Digital Archive, Assistant Professor of Archival Studies at University of California– Los Angeles.
  • Florante Ibanez, Author, Manager of Library Computer Services at William M. Rains Library, Loyola Law School
  • Shelley Fisher Fishkin, The Joseph S. Atha Professor in Humanities, Stanford University, Co-Director of Chinese Railroad Workers in North America Project at Stanford University.
Moderator: Jenna Makowski,  Asian-American Products Editor, Alexander Street Press

Date: Saturday, June 27, Time: 1:00 – 2:30 PM, Location: Moscone Convention Center, 2004 West, Add to my schedule

The Core: A Year (Or More!) In, How Does This Affect Librarians?
Find out the answers to these timely questions:

  • How has the Common Core impacted our jobs, including outreach, collection development decisions (including budgeting), information literacy strategies, and workload as a whole?
  • Has the Common Core increased information literacy/instruction portion of our jobs?
  • Have libraries developed specific working strategies as a result of the common core?
  • What are some recommendations or caveats to a new librarian not experienced in the Common Core?
  • Do teachers work differently with libraries? How has that impacted the librarian / teacher relationship?
  • How has the Common Core impacted students’ levels of information literacy?
  • Do you think the Common Core will better prepare students for college level information-based research?

Sponsored by the Reference Services Section (RSS) of RUSA.

Date: Sunday, June 28, Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AM, Location: Moscone Convention Center, 2003 West, Add to my schedule

21st Annual Reference Research Forum
The Reference Research Forum continues to be one of the most popular and valuable programs during the ALA Annual Conference, where attendees can learn about notable projects conducted in the broad area of reference services such as user behavior, electronic services, reference effectiveness and assessment, and organizational structure and personnel. Sponsored by the Reference Services Section (RSS) of RUSA.

Date: Sunday, June 28, Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AM, Location: Moscone Convention Center, 2014 West, Add to my schedule

Acquisitions, Collection Development, Electronic Resources, and Interlibrary Loan (ILL), Oh My! Connecting Users to What They Want!
A lightning round session covering the following topics:

  • How demand driven acquisition of physical and electronic books affect interlibrary loan
  • What Occam’s Reader can do to allow interlibrary loan of electronic books
  • Outline the changes made by one Interlibrary Loan department to adapt to the current ILL environment
  • How patron ILL requests influence collection development

Sponsored by the Sharing and Transforming Access to Resources (STARS) of RUSA.

Speakers:

  • Jennifer Duncan, Head of Collection Development, Utah State University
  • Teresa Hazen, Technical Services Librarian, University of Arizona
  • Linda Dols, Manager, Resource Sharing and Streaming Services, University of Arizona
  • Ryan Litsey, Occam’s Reader Project Manager, Assistant Librarian, Document Delivery, Texas Tech University

Date: Sunday, June 28, Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM, Location: Moscone Convention Center, 2002 West, Add to my schedule

Not Elsewhere Classified:  Different Approaches to Researching Emerging Industries
Find out how librarians teach business students and entrepreneurs the research techniques for a budding industry or market. Learn how to help our clients get ahead of an emerging industry or with a new idea.  Experts will enlighten participants on how to locate and evaluate information on leading-edge industries, assess markets, and lead your clients in making strategic decisions when their business crosses traditional NAICS code boundaries or is part of a new or soon-to-be existing field. Sponsored by the Business Reference and Services Section (BRASS) of RUSA.
Speaker: Laura Young, Founding Partner, and CEO of Bizologie

Date: Monday, June 29, Time: 8:00 – 10:00 AM, Location: Moscone Convention Center, 2022 West, Add to my schedule

Advocating for a Library Future
How do we protect our libraries for future generations? Despite overwhelming community support for libraries, budget cuts have reduced hours and services; prompted layoffs, hiring freezes, and deprofessionalization; and threatened collections and locations. Learn how library workers have united with patrons and the community to preserve adequately staffed libraries and expand essential services in a “more with less” environment. Sponsored by RUSA.

Speakers:    

  • Axel E. Borg, Vice President for Legislation, University Council-American Federation of Teachers
  • Miki Goral, Secretary-Treasurer, UC-AFT ; Vice-President, California Federation of Teachers, University Council – American Federation of Teachers
  • Bob Muscat, Executive Director, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, Local 21
  • Andrea Prebys-Williams, Executive Assistant, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, Local 21
  • Jennifer Dorning, Department for Professional Employees, AFLCIO
  • Aliqae Geraci, ILR Research Librarian and Assessment Coordinator , Cornell University Library

Date: Monday, June 29, Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AM, Location: Moscone Convention Center, 2002 West, Add to my schedule

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Call for 2016 MW Institute, AC Program & Preconference Proposals

The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) is now accepting institute, preconference and program proposals for the 2016 Midwinter Meeting in Boston and the 2016 ALA Annual Conference in Orlando.

Proposals will be accepted online through 11:59 p.m. Central on May 11, 2015. Faxed, e-mailed or mailed proposals will not be accepted.

Proposals must be submitted to the appropriate section for approval before being entered in the proposal system online (see instructions below for entering approved section proposals). For more information about how to submit a proposal to a RUSA section, please contact the section chair. Section chair contact information can be found in the Section Executive Committee rosters here.

Session topics should showcase emerging trends and examples of driving change in the areas of reference services including but not limited to: marketing library services, advocacy, special populations, collection development, evaluation, readers’ advisory, instruction, business reference, emerging technologies, interlibrary loan and resource sharing, genealogy and historical research and more!

The RUSA Conference Program Coordinating Committee will review, organize and recommend for final approval to the RUSA Board all submitted section-approved proposals and select sessions based on their relevance to the profession and general interest to conference attendees who work in reference services at the 2015 annual conference.

Instructions for approved section proposal submission: Once your proposal is approved by the section, it should be entered here. Once you’ve logged in, click on “Click here to begin a new Proposal.”  Note that there is an option to propose a tour; all tours must be proposed in this system.

Since this is our first year using it, we’d appreciate any constructive feedback from users about the new program proposal system set up by ALA.

For more information, contact the RUSA office at rusa@ala.org or (800) 545-2433, ext. 4395.