While summer has just ended and nobody *really* wants to be thinking about ==WINTER== just yet, I have some news that's going to get you psyched up for winter-specifically, the 2014 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia. ASCLA-the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agenci <http://www.ala.org/ascla> es-is offering four outstanding learning events in Philadelphia. We've got day-long workshops focused on online course design, successful leadership and a crash course in becoming a library consultant! We've also scheduled a networking lunch-and-learn for library consultants. If you're registering using ALA Bundle Registration, which opens on Monday, you'll be able to register for these events then! Regular registration for both these events and the 2014 ALA Midwinter Meeting will open on Oct. 1. More information at www.alamidwinter.org/bundle and www.alamidwinter.org. You do not need to register for Midwinter in order to purchase a ticket for any of these events! Make the trip from DC or NYC and join us for a day for a valuable learning experience. Below is a quick overview of our offerings; more information, including pricing, is on the ASCLA website: http://www.ala.org/ascla/asclaevents/midwinter/midwintermeeting +++Please share this message with colleagues and other distribution lists that may find it of interest!+++ Designing Online Courses for Significant Learning Experiences 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24 Are you a teaching librarian currently offering an online course but looking for ways to enhance the course structure and content? Are you a seasoned professional with special skills and expertise that you see a market for via an e-course? Gain the skills and confidence to assist others in the development of online courses, or to develop their own online training modules or courses. The techniques applied in this session can also be applied to face-to-face course development. All participants will receive certificates of participation. Knowing You, Knowing Them: The Secret to Successful Leadership 9 a.m. - 4 p.m, Friday, Jan. 24 One of the biggest challenges of leading others is understanding what makes them tick. This full-day workshop will help you understand both yourself in light of your leadership responsibilities and those who work for you. Instead of offering a checklist or template of how-tos, we'll focus on the human element of leadership. You will leave this session with insights into personalities, emotional intelligence, dealing with change and creating a motivating environment - secrets that can help you be a more successful leader! Assembling a Consulting Toolkit: What You Need to Know to be a Successful Library Consultant 1 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23 and 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24 Many of you have asked for it....IT'S BACK!!!! Seasoned consultants Nancy Bolt and Liz Bishoff will present an overview of the consultant's role and guide you through an active and engaging self-assessment to uncover your unique consulting potential and strengths. Takeaways include marketing tips, pricing your services, responding to RFPs, finding clients, business management strategies and so much more. Note that this event is held over two days-Thursday afternoon and Friday morning-with an opportunity for networking on Thursday evening. **This institute will not be offered in Las Vegas, so don't miss out on this opportunity!** Consultants Networking Luncheon hosted by ASCLA Library Consultants Interest Group 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 25 Lunch and learn with colleagues! This event provides an opportunity for consultants and independent librarians to make connections with other professionals. We'll also have an hour of education focused on valuable skills for consultants; last year's event covered icebreaker activities, refining your elevator speech and Twitter. The event is hosted by ASCLA's Library Consultants Interest Group (http://connect.ala.org/node/151445 <http://connect.ala.org/node/151445> ). Whether you're new to consulting or have decades of experience, please join this fun group for some peer-to-peer networking and education. ABOUT US: ASCLA, a small, mighty and growing division of the American Library Association (ALA), is a diverse organization of librarians and support staff who work in academic and public libraries, state agencies, specialized libraries and cooperatives, as well as those who are self-employed. Our division's work centers on member-driven interest groups <http://www.ala.org/news/ascla/asclaourassoc/asclainterest/list> that represent the diversity and important work of our engaged and active members. Learn more about ASCLA and how to join this innovative division. <http://www.ala.org/news/ascla/asclaourassoc/joinascla/joinascla> Liz F. Markel, M.A. Marketing & Programs Manager 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. lmarkel@ala.org Find our divisions online at www.ala.org/rusa & www.ala.org/ascla