New PLA initiative helps public libraries prepare communities for in-demand jobs<https://bit.ly/3fvsJZT> The Public Library Association (PLA) and Microsoft are teaming up to promote tools for libraries to support job seekers in growth careers. Since 2018, PLA and Microsoft have been collaborating to help libraries, often in rural communities, secure needed equipment such as hotspots, connect families to low-cost internet plans, and offer programs to teach community members technology skills. With Microsoft’s generous support, PLA’s newest initiative will focus on connecting community members to online training and certifications that can lead to new and improved employment in the post-COVID economy. Read more<https://bit.ly/3fvsJZT> Join Privacy Experts in Town Hall on Surveillance in Academic Libraries<https://bit.ly/3m3PTJr> Discussion of the possibility of surveillance in university libraries has caused concern and sparked conversations among library workers and other privacy and intellectual freedom advocates. Join privacy experts in a discussion about working with information security to protect user privacy in the free town hall “Surveillance in Academic Libraries?! A Search for Better Ideas” on Dec. 1 at 1 p.m. CST. Read more<https://bit.ly/3m3PTJr> Conduct effective library assessment focus groups with this Core webinar on Dec. 1<https://bit.ly/2Jc4a8s> This webinar will go over all aspects of using focus groups in library assessment including when to use focus groups, best practices, potential roadblocks and how to overcome them, and our own personal experiences (both good and bad) using focus groups for library assessment. Helpful examples, scenarios, and other guiding documents will be provided to all attendees. Read more<https://bit.ly/2Jc4a8s> LHRT is accepting entries for the 2021 Justin Winsor Library History Essay Award<https://bit.ly/378c3DR> Entries are now being solicited for the Justin Winsor Library History Essay Award, presented annually by the American Library Association’s Library History Round Table (LHRT). The award recognizes the best library history essay written in English and is named in honor of the distinguished 19th century librarian, historian, and bibliographer, Justin Winsor, who was also ALA's first president. The selected author will receive a certificate and $500 cash award, as well as an invitation to have the winning essay considered for publication in the official LHRT publication Libraries: Culture, History, and Society. If the winning essay is accepted for publication, additional revisions may be required. Applicants need not be members of the Library History Round Table. Read more<https://bit.ly/378c3DR> ALA News for the week of 11/17/20 ALA unveils shortlist for 2021 Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction<https://bit.ly/3kN8dVS> The American Library Association (ALA) today announced the six books shortlisted for the esteemed Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction, awarded for the previous year's best fiction and nonfiction books written for adult readers and published in the United States. The two medal winners will be announced by 2021 selection committee chair Bill Kelly at the Reference and User Services Association’s Book and Media Awards (BMAs) event, which will take place online on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021, 3 - 4 p.m. CT. Read more<https://bit.ly/3kN8dVS> ALA Youth Media Awards webcast open to schools, libraries and public<https://bit.ly/35EWZhw> On Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, at 8 a.m. CT, the American Library Association (ALA) will reveal the next classics in children’s and young adult literature and media during its Youth Media Awards announcements. Libraries, schools, and book lovers worldwide are welcome to follow results by visiting ALA’s streaming platform at http://ala.unikron.com<http://ala.unikron.com/> or ALA’s social media channels, including Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter, by following hashtag #alayma. Read more<https://bit.ly/35EWZhw> Attend Open House/Job Fair during ALA Virtual Midwinter 2021 event<https://bit.ly/35HAclw> The ALA JobLIST Placement & Career Development Service will host an Open House/Job Fair Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. (Central) during the ALA 2021 Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits Virtual event. Deadline for employers is Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. Employers will be given the opportunity to talk with individuals about their institutions and available positions. Employers who want to participate in the Open House/Job Fair should submit a participation form. There is no cost to participate. Advanced signup is required Read more<https://bit.ly/35HAclw> United for Libraries to present Dec. 9 member webinar on Baker & Taylor’s ‘Sustainable Shelves’<https://bit.ly/3pCWtZo> United for Libraries will present a free webinar for members on Baker & Taylor’s Sustainable Shelves program Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. Eastern. Baker & Taylor has teamed up with United for Libraries to offer a program with special benefits for participating United members. Sustainable Shelves, a weeding and book resale service, provides a simple path for libraries, Friends groups, and affiliated organizations to turn weeded, unwanted, and donated books into money for their library. Read more<https://bit.ly/3pCWtZo> LIS Students: Apply for the 2021 Larew Scholarship for tuition help<https://bit.ly/3kELSK2> Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures and Baker & Taylor are accepting applications for the Core/Christian (Chris) Larew Memorial Scholarship for those who plan to follow a career in library and information technology, demonstrate potential leadership, and hold a strong commitment to library automation. The winner will receive a $3,000 check and a citation. The application form is open through March 1, 2021. Read more<https://bit.ly/3kELSK2> Submit a nomination for the Prestigious Kilgour Technology Research Award<https://bit.ly/3pC9pPc> Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures (Core) and OCLC, Inc. invite nominations for the 2021 Frederick G. Kilgour Award for Research in Library and Information Technology. The deadline for nominations is Dec. 31, 2020. The Kilgour Research Award recognizes research relevant to the development of information technologies, in particular research showing promise of having a positive and substantive impact on any aspect of the publication, storage, retrieval, and dissemination of information or how information and data are manipulated and managed. The winner receives $2,000 cash, an award citation, and an expense-paid trip (airfare and two nights lodging) to the 2021 ALA Annual Conference. Read more<https://bit.ly/3pC9pPc> ALA accepting applications for the Julia J. Brody Scholarship for public librarians<https://bit.ly/2UHt0iF> The $4000 scholarship will be awarded to individuals planning to specialize in the field of public librarianship. Applicants who have been accepted to an ALA-accredited program are eligible for this scholarship. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2021. Read more<https://bit.ly/2UHt0iF> AASL seeks reviewers for national conference<https://bit.ly/36PaxXa> The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) is currently accepting applications for volunteers to participate in a blind review and scoring of proposals for the 2021 AASL National Conference. To apply, please use the application form located at www.ala.org/aasl/national/reviewer<http://www.ala.org/aasl/national/reviewer>. The deadline for applications is Mon., Dec. 7, 2020. Read more<https://bit.ly/36PaxXa> New from ACRL - ‘Student Wellness and Academic Libraries: Case Studies and Activities for Promoting Health and Success’<https://bit.ly/38SaVqM> The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) announces the publication of “Student Wellness and Academic Libraries: Case Studies and Activities for Promoting Health and Success," edited by Sara Holder and Amber Lannon. The book features a collection of case studies, commentary, and research on student wellness initiatives in academic libraries. Read more<https://bit.ly/38SaVqM> Responding to rapid change in libraries<https://bit.ly/3lHEij4> In the face of rapid change and an ever-widening constellation of challenges, it’s crucial for library leaders to pull back to the question of “why?” Plotting a sustainable way forward depends upon recommitting ourselves to our underlying values, such as customer service and community-building, while fostering the improvements that change makes possible. In “Responding to Rapid Change in Libraries: A User Experience Approach,” published by ALA Editions, noted speakers and consultants Callan Bignoli and Lauren Stara speak directly to library directors, managers, administrators, and technology staff, offering concrete guidance on setting or resetting strategic priorities. Read more<https://bit.ly/3lHEij4> Designing and implementing a library risk management program<https://bit.ly/3pxRZDD> Amidst uncertain times rife with challenges and potential catastrophes, prudently managing risk will bolster your library’s resilience in the face of adversity. And by being attentive to lowering risk, you’ll help keep insurance costs in check. A powerful resource for trustees and administrators, “Risk and Insurance Management Manual for Libraries, Updated,” published by ALA Editions in cooperation with Core, offers straightforward guidance for designing and implementing a library risk management program. Read more<https://bit.ly/3pxRZDD> [https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=973680d767&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1683662175811160370&th=175d91d416fc4932&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ_qvaPgY0O2B18wsjoEMiDgXiEyWdz7HTjMNJez65kV42fvgheT7O5O2MatVKeZhM804g7w6p5_EWSSKQhmqxqI8JJPKmh5NCAI1ZUps9GaLkMKrCapotIjjKs&disp=emb]<https://2021.alamidwinter.org/> Jennifer L. Dean - PhD, MLIS MLA President and ALA Councilor Dean of Libraries and Instructional Technology Distance Education Coordinator University of Detroit Mercy Libraries / Instructional Design Studio 313-993-1090 / deanjl@udmercy.edu Chat with a librarian 24/7: https://libraries.udmercy.edu/contact/ Pronouns: she, her, hers Pronounced: jeh-nih-fuhr deen [cid:f1c4fbbe-5185-4d21-8a2e-98850938ab8f]