AASL Opens Call for 2023 National Conference Programming Proposals
The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) has opened the proposal submission site for its 2023 national conference. AASL invites proposals for concurrent sessions and research empowering practice sessions, to be presented Oct. 19-21, 2023, in Tampa, Florida. Complete proposals must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. MST on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.
New Resource to Respond to the Opioid Crisis: Testers Needed
WebJunction invites libraries to apply to test a support kit in response to the opioid crisis. Testers will learn more about what kinds of information patrons may be seeking, how to build support for local programming or service responses, and ways to reduce the stigma around opioid misuse. Participating libraries will receive a $500 stipend for testing the content and implementing a local program or service. Applications are due on December 19, 2022.
New Report from ALA and Knology Explores Disability and Accessibility
The American Library Association (ALA), in collaboration with the non-profit research organization Knology, has published a review of the literature and best practices around libraries and accessibility. The free report, “Accessibility in Libraries: A Landscape Report,” is created as part of ALA’s longtime Libraries Transforming Communities initiative. Learn more and access the report.
Resources on RSV from the Network of the National Library of Medicine
You and your library patrons are probably hearing and reading about an increase in RSV cases. The NNLM has put together some resources to help you and your patrons better understand and prevent the spread of RSV. Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus. It usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. But it can cause serious lung infections, especially in infants, older adults, and people with serious medical problems.
Simple Ways to Be More Inclusive of Autistic Families
Making your programs more inclusive of autistic families (and families with other sensory needs or disabilities) doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money. There are small, simple changes that you can make in an hour or less today that will help autistic families feel welcome and supported at your library programs (not just storytime). ALSC offers four ways to get started.
School Librarians’ Online Teaching and Learning Practices During COVID-19
Newly published research from the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) peer-reviewed online journal, School Library Research (SLR), examines school librarians’ involvement during the move to online teaching and learning context during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report, “School Librarians Leading from the Center in Online Learning Contexts: Informal Communities of Practice Creating Space for Connection and Collaboration,” can be accessed for free at www.ala.org/aasl/slr.
Registration Opens for the First In-person LibLearnX
Registration for the 2023 LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience, to be held January 27–30 in New Orleans, is now open. LibLearnX is a four-day learning conference that invites ALA members and non-members to participate in collaborative and engaging education, networking, and celebrations.
ACRL 2023 Conference Registration Opens
The Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) announces the opening of registration for the ACRL 2023 Conference, to be held March 15-18, 2023, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and virtually. Higher education has changed dramatically over the last few years. Academic libraries are addressing an increased emphasis on remote learning, rising calls for social justice, and an acknowledged need for flexibility that supports a sustainable work-life balance. ACRL 2023 will explore these issues and more around the theme of “Forging the Future.”