2016 VLA Preconferences: Add One to Your Registration TodayAll preconferences are scheduled from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm on Wednesday, October 26. Each is $40 for conference attendees. Preconference only is $55. Attendees can add a preconference up until Monday, October 24.
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While change is inevitable and threats to libraries are real, what may need to change the most is how we think and talk about why libraries, of all types, are critical to the success of our civilization. Libraries must take an active, visible role in building sustainable, resilient and regenerative communities. Our future as libraries depends on it. "Sustainable Thinking" is a concept that aligns the core values of libraries with the "Triple Bottom Line" definition of sustainability, to result in libraries that are: · Sustainable: have the capacity to endure · Resilient: can bounce back in the face of disruption · Regenerative: bring new and energetic life to their communities In this session we will explore how to infuse the core value of sustainability into everything we do, taking a whole systems approach to leading our libraries into the future and building our base of support among those we serve along the way. Those we serve – throughout the communities of Virginia - are depending on us to lead the way! The attitude we have about the existing situation will help us see opportunities to move our libraries forward, secure operating funds, and breed intense loyalty among those we serve. At the end of this workshop participants will: · Understand the urgency behind the need to think differently about our future · Be mobilized to think sustainably about the future of their library and their community · Have new tools and inspiration for helping their communities thrive · Advance with confidence into the unknown |
Rebekkah Smith Aldrich (MLS, LEED AP, CSBA) is a passionate advocate for public libraries because she knows that libraries can change the world. Rebekkah currently serves as the Coordinator for Library Sustainability at the Mid-Hudson Library System (NY) where she daily assists 66 public libraries in the areas of leadership, funding and facilities. Rebekkah holds an advanced certificate in Public Library Administration from the Palmer School of Library and Information Science at Long Island University; is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP); a certified Sustainable Building Advisor; the author of the Handbook for New Public Library Directors in New York State; co-author of the Handbook for Public Library Trustees in New York State and author of the forthcoming book "Sustainable Thinking" from ALA Editions. A founding member of the American Library Association's Sustainability Roundtable, Rebekkah is proud of her work to help pass the 2015 ALA Resolution on the Importance of Sustainable Libraries. Named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker, Rebekkah is a frequent national presenter on the topic of leading libraries forward in smart, practical and effective ways.
Advocacy and Elevator Speech Boot Camp
with ALA’s Jamie LaRue and Marcie Merola "Who needs libraries?" Beneath those three words is an iceberg of messaging, a fundamental challenge not only to librarians, but to our society. In this joint effort of ALA's Office for Library Advocacy and the Office for Intellectual Freedom, we'll explore some of the brutal facts of our environment, celebrate our assets, and offer practical tips to reclaim a moral sanction for the work we do, and the support our communities deserve.
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Jamie LaRue is the director of the ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom, and the Freedom to Read Foundation. Author of "The New Inquisition: Understanding and Managing Intellectual Freedom Challenges," LaRue was a public library director for many years, as well as a weekly newspaper columnist and cable TV host. He has written, spoken, and consulted on leadership and organizational development, community engagement, and the future of libraries. |
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Marci Merola has been the Director of ALA’s Office for Library Advocacy since its formation in 2007, providing advocacy resources, tools and support to librarians, staff and advocates at the state and local levels, speaking nationally and internationally on library advocacy, as well as working to integrate advocacy efforts throughout the association. She came to ALA in 2001 as the Advocacy Specialist within the ALA Public Information Office. Marci vaguely recalls having other careers and interests prior to her work with libraries, including a career in the publishing industry, working as a freelance writer in the not-for-profit sector, and a passion for poetry, other creative writing and all things language. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English and journalism from Northern Illinois University and a Masters in Library Science from Dominican University. She lives in Chicago, where she was born and raised. |
Writing Academy with the Virginia Libraries Journal Editorial Board
The Virginia Libraries Editorial Board invites participants from all types of libraries or library degree programs to this hands-on Writing Academy session. Join us for a discussion of writing goals, the writing process, and tips for preparing journal article manuscripts for submission (to Virginia Libraries, or elsewhere). The 3-hour session will focus on brainstorming and developing individual writing goals, and will include discussion and hands-on activities to prepare, and make a start towards your next writing project. Participants attending this session can expect to: 1. Have time to develop topic ideas with fellow participants and Writing Academy facilitators; 2. Identify and be able to apply submission guidelines for Virginia Libraries journal (and other journals) while planning a writing project; and 3. Be familiar with expectations and review criteria for journal articles submitted to Virginia Libraries journal or other journal publications.
Presenters: Virginia Pannabecker, Health Sciences Research Support Coordinator, Virginia Tech University Libraries; Brian Burns, Interim Media & Access Services Librarian, Hampden-Sydney College; Renee DiPilato, Deputy Director, Alexandria Library; Susan LaParo, Head of Youth Services, York County Public Library; and Robin Sofge, Youth Services Manager, Duncan Branch Library
Contact VLA Executive Director Lisa R. Varga to add your preconference today!
