In announcing the award, ACRL said that Champlain College ” impressed the selection committee with its nontraditional approach to instruction and positive student-driven environment.”

Learn more here:
http://bit.ly/zMAwnb

Congratulations to everyone at Champlain!

Daisy Benson

We are also passed the Resolution on Publishers and Practices Which Discriminate Against Library Users. This resolution opposes the discriminatory policies of publishers and distributors which adversely impact access to digital content by library users and will be used to clarify the ALA stand when speaking to publishers of digital content.

As my final mid-winter draws to a close I would like to thank you for the opportunity to work as your ALA Councilor. if you think this is a position you would be interested in please speak to me or any VLA board member. The first conference our new councilor would have to attend takes place in Seattle during January 2013.

Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Wilson

At this conference we are considering a resolution taking a stance against the seemingly secret and arbitrary distribution of ebooks, video, and audio formats by publishers and distributors. The resolution is in draft form now but I hope to report today or tomorrow that we have crafted a strong national response to this practice that withholds content from our customers.

As far as regular ALA business goes, while revenues are down ALA recently purchased Neal- Schumann Publishing in order to expand the ALA publishing arm of the organization, which is actually a good revenue maker for the organization.

Please let me know if you have questions at readmorenow@gmail.com or 802-999-8391

Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Wilson

The conference will get off to an inspiring start as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. takes the stage at the Opening General Session, 2:30  – 4 p.m. on March 14.  Like PLA Conference attendees, Mr. Kennedy is no stranger to advocacy and fighting for the future of something he values. His efforts to defend the environment have earned him recognition as a “Hero for the Planet” (TIME magazine) and as one of Rolling Stone’s “100 Agents for Change.”  Read more about the accomplishments of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. here.

Following several packed days of education and networking, conference attendees will be ready to relax and have a laugh with actor Betty White at the PLA 2012 Closing General Session, 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m., March 17. From primetime sitcoms to daytime soaps; from feature films to Super Bowl commercials, Ms. White has kept America smiling for nearly 70 years on film and TV. Her range of roles in real life includes actor, producer, author and animal welfare advocate. Get to know more about Betty White here.

Two engaging keynote speakers are just the beginning of what PLA 2012 will offer attendees. As the largest conference dedicated to public libraries and the people who make them work, PLA 2012 offers nearly 200 education programs, countless networking opportunities, hundreds of exhibitors and engaging author events.

Early Bird Registration is now available for PLA members and Pennsylvania Library Association members. Nonmembers are encouraged to join PLA to take advantage of up to $130 in savings. Look online for complete registration details.

For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at             (800) 545-2433      , ext.5PLA, or visit PLA’s website at www.pla.org. PLA is a division of the American Library Association. PLA’s core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve. Its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services.

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Application forms can be downloaded athttp://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/awardsandgrants/mae.cfm<https://exchange.trlib.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/awardsandgrants/mae.cfm>   and emailed to Nichole Gilbert at ngilbert@ala.org<mailto:ngilbert@ala.org>  by December 1. Winners will be announced after Midwinter 2012.

For more than 50 years, YALSA has been the world leader in selecting books, videos and audio books for teens. For more information about YALSA or for lists of recommended reading, viewing and listening, go to www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists<https://exchange.trlib.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists> , or contact the YALSA office by phone, (800) 545-2433, ext. 4390; or e-mail: yalsa@ala.org<mailto:yalsa@ala.org> .

Presenters: Miguel Figueroa, director, ALA Office for Literacy & Outreach Services; Susan Hill Pieper, director, Paulding County Carnegie Library (OH) and editor Rural Library Services Newsletter; and Jennifer Peterson, community manager at WebJunction, board member, Association for Rural & Small Libraries and chair of ALA Rural, Native, and Tribal Libraries of All Kinds Committee.

It’s on December 14 at 2:00 and is produced by ALA and WebJunction. Read more, and begin the registration process here:http://www.americanlibrariesmagazine.org/news/ala/free-webinar-shares-tips-building-support-rural-libraries

Details regarding the applications for the 2012 Frances Henne YALSA/VOYA Research Grant are available from the YALSA Web site at http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/awardsandgrants/franceshenne.cfm  Applications for the grant are due in the YALSA Office by December 1, 2011.

For more information please contact us via e-mail, yalsa@ala.org; or by phone: 800-545-2433 x 4387.

The goal of the Building Common Ground: Discussions of Community, Civility and Compassion project is to engage the public in contemplation and discussion of the importance of community, civility and compassion in their daily lives. By bringing adult audiences together in the library for programs and events that include reading, viewing, reflection, discussion and civic engagement initiatives, Building Common Ground: Discussions of Community, Civility and Compassion programs will support public libraries as they strive to enhance the quality of life and learning in their communities.

In December, 30 public libraries around the country will be selected to host a series of 4 to 8 events between February 1, 2012 and November 30, 2012. The selected libraries will receive:

• A $2,500 grant to support program-related expenses.
• Access to program models and templates, including recommended reading and viewing lists, discussion facilitation guides, video shorts and more.
• Access to a series of online, professional development and project resource sessions.
• Promotional materials, including posters, bookmarks and a selection of digital promotion tools to support local audience recruitment.

Resources to begin building a competitive application, including programming guides, a list of potential community partners and ideas for programming that will inspire the community to action, engagement and reflection are available atwww.ala.org/commonground.