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Both the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) and the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) have prepared an excellent lineup of professional development opportunities scheduled for the coming months. I hope you'll consider joining us for one or more of these online events-all of which you can attend from the comfort of your office or home computer. Please forward this message to any colleagues or distribution lists who might be interested in these learning opportunities. ************************************************************************ ******** **ASCLA Virtual Convergence** For four days-January 18-21, 2011-ASCLA will host the inaugural Virtual Convergence. The Convergence will present a multitude of webinars offered at various times throughout the day on topics relevant to your job performance. We are currently seeking topics and presenters for these webinars. Whether you are an expert in a particular topic area, or you are willing to serve as a "program planner" and recruit a speaker or panel of speakers on a topic that is of importance to the library community, we welcome your submissions! More information is at the ASCLA blog <http://ascla.ala.org/blog/2010/08/callforproposals-2011virtualconvergen ce/> . Potential program topics include consulting and independent librarianship; collaborative digitization; accessibility of libraries and library services; services to special populations including differently-abled library users, as well as all ages of incarcerated populations; issues affecting networks and cooperatives; and topics pertinent to state libraries. Presenters will be compensated. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, September 1, 2010. Submit a proposal now using the online proposal form. <http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ASCLA_VirtConverg2011> ************************************************************************ ******** RUSA Online Courses, Fall 2010 The schedule for RUSA's fall online courses is in place, and registration is now open! Regardless of your job function or library type, these learning opportunities are appropriate for both seasoned professionals and those looking to expand their skill sets and build their resumes. Register online now! <http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=oloc&Template=/Conference/Confe renceList.cfm&ConferenceTypeCode=L> All pricing and comprehensive course descriptions are available at the RUSA website <http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/rusa/development/onlinece.cfm> . * Genealogy 101 <http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/rusa/development/genealogy101/index.c fm> Sept. 20-Oct. 22 Covering genealogy reference basics, and providing skills for confidently assisting family history researchers. * Reference Interview <http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/rusa/development/referenceinterview/i ndex.cfm> Sept. 13-Oct. 22 A comprehensive course focusing on the methods of evaluating reference service, behavioral aspects of reference service, and the different types of questions that can be used to help patrons identify what they need. * Business Reference 101 <http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/rusa/development/businessreference101 /index.cfm> Oct. 4-29 Demystifies business reference while providing an overview of business reference resources and preparing you to answer basic business reference questions. * Readers' Advisory 101 <http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/rusa/development/readersadvisory101/i ndex.cfm> Oct. 4-Nov. 11 This course offers online practice sessions to increase your comfort with providing RA services. As of Sept. 1, group discounts will only be available to organizations with current memberships with ALA. Until then, all organizations can take advantage of significant savings when two or more employees sign up for the same course. Details are in the Professional Development section of the RUSA website <http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/rusa/development/onlinece.cfm> . ************************************************************************ ******** Remember, these events are open to all, but division members get the best price on registration! If your professional expertise and interests align with either ASCLA or RUSA's areas of work, we encourage you to join! Become a member at www.ala.org/membership <http://www.ala.org/membership> or call 1-800-545-2433, option 5. Learn more about ASCLA at www.ala.org/ascla <http://www.ala.org/ascla> ,and RUSA at www.ala.org/rusa <http://www.ala.org/rusa> . Cheers! Liz F. Markel, M.A. Marketing Specialist Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) The American Library Association // 50 E. Huron Street // Chicago, IL 60611 800-545-2433 // p. 312-280-4398 // f. 312-280-5273 // e. [log in to unmask] Find our divisions online at www.ala.org/rusa & www.ala.org/ascla Want to know what we're up to daily? Subscribe to our blog RSS feeds! RUSA: http://rusa.ala.org/blog/feed/ ASCLA: http://ascla.ala.org/blog/feed/