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RUSA seeks webinar and online course proposals by September 1, 2014

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.

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Job Announcement: RUSA Update Editor

The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA) is inviting applications for the position of Editor of RUSA Update, the quarterly newsletter of RUSA. Guided by RUSA editorial policy, the editor is responsible for the content, format and timely publication of RUSA Update and will prepare an annual plan indicating areas expected to be addressed in quarterly issues. This position is an excellent professional development and leadership opportunity within RUSA.

The RUSA Update Editor is 2-year appointment, beginning at the end of ALA Annual Conference 2014 and ending at the end of the Annual Conference in 2016. Appointee must be a RUSA member. Term is renewable upon approval of the RUSA Board. The Editor is appointed by the President of RUSA in consultation with the RUSA Communications and Publications Committee.

RUSA contributes $1,000 per year to help offset the conference expenses of the RUSA Update editor.  In addition, the RUSA Update editor receives complimentary registration for both conferences and VIP early registration for hotels.

Please see the job description at the end of this message for full details. 

To apply for the editor position, please send a statement of interest and CV to Susan Hornung, shornung@ala.org, no later than May 3, 2014. 

Job Description: RUSA Update Editor

Reports to: RUSA Board

Term: 2-year appointment, beginning at the end of ALA Annual Conference 2014 and ending at the end of the Annual Conference in 2016. Term is renewable upon approval of the RUSA Board. The Editor is appointed by the President of RUSA in consultation with the RUSA Communications and Publications Committee.  The RUSA Update Editor must be a member of the Reference and User Services Association.

Summary of Position: 

 RUSA Update is the official newsletter of the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the American Library Association.
 RUSA Update serves as a primary communication channel between RUSA and the library and member communities.
 Guided by RUSA editorial policy, the editor is responsible for the content, format and timely publication of RUSA Update and will prepare an annual plan indicating areas expected to be addressed in quarterly issues.
 The Publications and Communications Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the editor and develops guidelines to assist the editor.
 Editorial policies are approved by the RUSA Board.

Specific Responsibilities:

 Invite news and announcements related to RUSA, its sections, members and interests.
 Work closely with RUSA office staff, particularly the Marketing Manager, to identify, develop and incorporate content from the RUSA Office.  Develop regular communication mechanisms for working with the RUSA office. 
 Set an annual publication schedule.
 Share content deadlines with the RUSA president (who writes a message for each issue), RUSA committee chairs and section members responsible for providing section content for each issue.
 Establish a schedule of routine items that are expected to appear in each quarterly issue and solicit the required information from RUSA members and staff following the schedule, such as RUSA awards, actions of the Board, conference programs and activities, election results, committee appointments, president’s letter etc.
 Set expectations for section content.  Develop guidelines for article content and length in collaboration with the RUSA Publications & Communications Committee, the RUSA Blog editor, RUSA staff, and the RUSA Executive Committee.  Develop communication channels with sections and standing committees
 Edit articles for length, content, style, and correct grammatical usage, consulting with other experts as needed.  The RUSA Communications and Publications Committee serves as an unofficial editorial board
 Prepare articles for each issue for posting to the RUSA Update website and submit files via e-mail to the RUSA office.
 Provide leadership to a team to develop new directions for communication strategies for RUSA.
 Attend RUSA Board meetings as non-voting ex-officio member at ALA Annual Conference and Midwinter Meetings, and attend as many section and committee meetings, programs, and other RUSA-related events as possible.

Honoraria:

RUSA contributes $1000 per year to help offset the conference expenses of the RUSA Update editor.  In addition, the RUSA Update editor receives complimentary registration for both conferences and VIP early registration for hotels.

(4-1-14 – rev)

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Community Financial Education Project will collaborate with public libraries across the country.

The project will help public libraries provide free, unbiased financial information and referrals. CFPB will work with libraries to help build local partnerships and to promote them as community resources.

Watch the livestream on Monday, April 7, from noon to 1:30 p.m. ET: 
consumerfinance.gov

CFPB announced:

Our national partners including representatives from library associations and local libraries, government agencies, and financial education practitioners will participate in the event. We’ll shape a national dialogue on how to coordinate the efforts of financial educators. We aim to amplify their work by making libraries vital financial education hubs in communities across the country.

The event is hosted by the Office of Financial Education as part of Money Smart Week.  Mark your calendar for April 7 and join us for the launch!

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RFP Issued for Branding of the Reference and User Services Association

The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) has issued an RFP for a branding consultant to oversee rebranding of RUSA. A marketing and communications consultant will be selected for this rebranding project.

RUSA is the foremost organization of reference and information professionals who make the connections between people and the information sources, services, and collection materials they need. RUSA supports excellence in the delivery of general library services and materials, and the provision of reference and information services, collection development, readers’ advisory, and resource sharing for all ages, in every type of library.

Project deliverables include new logos, a detailed brand package, and ready-to-use templates for a host of collateral materials. A complete version of the RFP is available for download from the RUSA website and follows this announcement. Applicants must submit three (3) copies of the proposal as well as one electronic copy sent via email as a PDF file to Marianne Braverman, mbraverman@ala.org, at:

Marianne Braverman
American Library Association
RUSA
50 E. Huron
Chicago IL 60611

Proposals must be received by Friday, March 14, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.

Email submissions must have “RUSA Branding RFP” in the subject line of the message. Proposals not received by the date and time specified may not be considered and will be returned to the sender marked “LATE RESPONSE.” Faxed submissions will not be accepted. Contact RUSA Executive Director Susan Hornung, shornung@ala.org,  or (312) 280-4395, with any questions about the RFP content or submission process by March 3, 2014.

Request for Proposal

Branding for the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA)

Project Description

Objective:  This is a project to oversee rebranding of the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA). A marketing and communications consultant will be selected for this rebranding project. The successful contractor will facilitate an identity/branding (re)design process for the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), produce a work plan to develop the brand and graphic identity, and deliver an executable brand package.  The rebranding objective is to:

  • Reintroduce RUSA to the reference and user services members and potential members in a way that allows them to see association membership as a crucial asset to their professional and career development
  • Position RUSA as an exciting, fun, and progressive association to which to belong
  • Position RUSA as a unique, active and cutting edge division of ALA 
  • Position RUSA as the premier association in the reference and user services field
  • Position RUSA as the Best National Peer Network in the reference and user services field
  • Position RUSA as the premier association for those who love books for adults
  • Position RUSA as  the premier association to belong to if you are a librarian/library staff/library student with an interest in a business libraries, collection development, emerging technologies and applying them to reference and user services, archiving, historical resources, genealogy, or sharing and delivering of resources

 Scope:  RUSA is in need of a distinctive image that will be able to be used for years to come.    Specifically, we are looking for:   

  1. Implementable recommendations that will  enhance and strengthen the brand image of RUSA
  2. New organization logo, tag line and theme that captures the value of belonging to the association
  3. Detailed brand package including fonts, brand assets, other graphic elements, and color palettes for a host of collateral materials listed in detail below.
  4. Branding package standards and usage guidelines

 In addition, the rebranding work is expected to seamlessly inform RUSA’s website design. The development of standards and usage guide should be developed with that in mind. Some market research regarding RUSA’s brand positioning, audiences, and attributes has been completed but may need to be revisited and updated.

 Estimated Project Duration: 

Timeline:

Date                                                                           

March 14, 2014                Goal: Proposals Due

March 31, 2014                Goal: Begin Finalists Interviews

April 7, 2014                      Goal: Consultant Selected

April 28, 2014                   Goal: Committee Formed

June 28, 2014                   Goal: Consultant Meeting with Committee and RUSA Board during Annual Conference of the American  Library Association in Las Vegas, NV

July 31, 2014                     Goal:  Branding Design Completed

August Virtual Board     Goal: Project Presentation to Board Meeting (date TBA)   

September 1, 2014         Goal: Implement branding plan

Collateral Materials:

 1. New RUSA logos and logos for the six RUSA sections

2. Detailed brand package including fonts, brand assets, other graphic elements, and color palettes

3. Ready-to-use templates for a host of collateral materials including:

a) Business stationery—letterhead, business cards, folders

b) Testimony templates

c) Research/policy white paper template

d) Fact sheet template

e) FAQ brochure template

f) Membership benefits brochure template that can be applied to RUSA and its sections

g) Electronic communications templates—membership e-newsletter

h) Banner for booth/table display

 4. Branding package standards and usage guide

Selection Criteria

 An award, if made, will be to the responsible responder whose proposal is most advantageous to RUSA, taking into consideration price and the other factors set forth in this Request for Proposal. RUSA will not use any other factors or criteria in the evaluation of proposals received.

Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by a committee made up of representatives of the RUSA sections and committees who will recommend one or more candidates for consideration by RUSA Executive Committee. Criteria for evaluation will include but not be limited to:

  • Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and experience in branding design for associations and other non-profits
  • Understanding of usability, best practices, and trends
  • Ability to meet past clients deadlines and operate within budget
  • Recommendations from past clients.

Proposals should include:

  • The name, title, contact details and resumes of the person(s) who are submitting the proposal and who, if needed, can be approached for clarification on the submitted
  • A list of personnel who will work on this project, including their education, experience and qualifications.
  • Summary of branding experience; include examples that illustrate the process from research to package delivery.
  • Proposed approach, detailed work plan, and timeline that describes how you will implement the design and development process for this project.
  • A Project Budget that that includes:

(a) a line-item budget for the stages of development in which you will provide the work described in this RFP, and

(b) an hourly rate for subsequent work that may be required or deemed necessary.

  • A portfolio that showcases your current work, with a strong emphasis on branding or rebranding. 
  • Three references from people who have used your services for branding.

The RUSA Executive Committee may request the consultant to attend a meeting, make a brief presentation, and answer questions regarding their proposals. The RUSA Executive Committee reserves the right to reject any and all proposals. The RUSA Executive Committee reserves the right to cancel the award of the contract at any time prior to the execution of the contract by both parties.

Final acceptance of a proposal will be based on all information from the communications with responders.

Submittal Requirements: 

The deadline for questions is March 3, 2014. Questions must be directed to the RUSA Executive Director, shornung@ala.org, 312-280-4395 by Monday, March 3, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time. 

RUSA requires three (3) copies of the proposal as well as one electronic copy sent via email as a PDF file sent to Marianne Braverman, mbraverman@ala.org, at: 

Marianne Braverman

American Library Association

RUSA

50 E. Huron

Chicago IL 60611 

Responders will be asked to submit samples of previous branding projects and strategies. A consultant will be selected on relevant experience, portfolio samples and other review and assessment criteria per the Request for Proposal (RFP) document. 

Proposals must be received by Friday, March 14, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time. The address for submittals is:

Marianne Braverman

American Library Association

RUSA

50 E. Huron

Chicago IL 60611 

 Proposals arriving after the time and date for opening will not be considered and will be returned to the vendor unopened. Faxed and/or verbal proposals are not acceptable. The vendor will be solely responsible for ensuring that its proposal is delivered to the correct address in a timely fashion. 

Assumptions and Agreements: 

RUSA complies with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).   If there is any accommodation needed, please advise the RUSA executive director, Susan Hornung, shornung@ala.org. 

RUSA reserves the right to reject any and/or all proposals or to waive any informality therein; to accept or reject portions of any proposal; to negotiate with the successful firm; to award the contract based on RUSA’s needs and requirements. 

RUSA also reserves the right to cancel or to reissue the RFP in whole or in part, prior to the execution of a contract. 

RUSA will not be liable for any costs incurred by the Consultant in preparation of a proposal submitted in response to this RFP, in conduct of a presentation, or any other activities related to responding to this RFP. 

RUSA shall have a reasonable opportunity to inspect all service performed by, work produced and portfolio of the Contractor. 

The final timetable may vary from the one included in the original RFP. 

The Contractor is retained solely for the purposes of and to the extent set forth in the proposal. Contractor’s relationship to RUSA during the term of this contract shall be that of an independent contractor.   Contractor is responsible for having all insurance, licenses, permits, etc. which may apply to this type of service. 

All artwork and related material provided as final copy by the Contractor will become the property, without restriction, of RUSA. 

The applicant has the institutional, managerial and financial capability to ensure proper planning, management and completion of the project described in this application and will give the awarding agency, the Board of Trustees of RUSA, access to and the right to examine all records, papers, logos, or documents related to the award; and will establish a proper accounting system in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards and will establish safeguards to prohibit employees from using their positions for a purpose that constitutes or presents the appearance of personal or organizational conflict of interest, or personal gain; will initiate and complete the work within the applicable time frame after receipt of approval of the awarding agency.

 

February 20, 2014