ACRL Update

ACRL Update


1. ACRL issues 2007 environmental scan; invites reaction

2. New ACRL publications

3. ACRL Insider launches

4. ACRL offering new e-learning courses on virtual reference, website usability



1. ACRL issues 2007 environmental scan; invites reaction
The 2007 environmental scan by the Research Committee of the Association of College and Research Libraries (available at http://www.acrl.org/ala/acrl/acrlpubs/whitepapers/Environmental_Scan_2.pdf) explores the current atmosphere in the world of academic and research libraries. It also considers trends that will define the future of academic and research librarianship and the research environment. The document builds on earlier ACRL reports, identifying several emerging issues that will increasingly impact the work of academic and research libraries and librarians.



Please share your thoughts and reactions to the issues identified in the 2007 environmental scan in an open discussion during the 2008 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 13, at Loews Philadelphia in room Congress C.



2. New ACRL publications

ACRL Publications is pleased to announce two new titles. Library 2.0 Initiatives in Academic Libraries, edited by Laura B. Cohen, is ACRL’s first hybrid publication. The title combines a print volume of twelve case studies with a wiki (http://www.acrl.ala.org/L2Initiatives) where the cases will be updated over the next two years. Authors describe the use of such tools as blogs, wikis, podcasts, IM, RSS, XML, Web services, mashups, and social networking to illustrate their efforts to forge new models of scholarly communication in academic environments.



Information Literacy Programs in the Digital Age: Educating College and University Students Online edited by Alice Daugherty and Michael F. Russo will also be published in time for ALA Midwinter 2008. This volume presents significant and innovative online instruction programs, describing the development, implementation, and assessment of each of these. This book is a resource for institutions currently teaching information literacy online, and a guide to those considering doing so.



Both of these exciting new titles are shipping now from the ALA Online Store (http://www.alastore.ala.org) and will also be available for purchase at the ALA 2008 Midwinter Store in Philadelphia!



3. ACRL Insider launches

ACRL is pleased to announce the debut of a new Weblog, ACRL Insider. The mission of ACRL Insider is to keep ACRL members, and other interested parties, current and informed on the activities, services, and programs of the association. ACRL Insider features information on publications, events, conferences, and e-learning opportunities, along with podcasts and other media. With the launch of this new communication tool, ACRL hopes to foster openness and transparency by providing an outlet for connection between members and staff. In order to encourage a collaborative environment, all ACRL Insider posts allow for reader comments and suggestions. ACRL Insider works in tandem with ACRLog (http://www.acrlblog.org/) to provide a big picture view of the association and academic librarianship.



Visit ACLR Insider online at http://www.acrl.ala.org/acrlinsider to read posts and subscribe by email, or subscribe by RSS at http://feeds.feedburner.com/acrlinsider.



4. ACRL offering new e-learning courses on virtual reference, website usability

Registration is open for ACRL's new e-learning courses:

* "Virtual Reference Competencies II: Practice and Expand Communications Skills and Knowledge"
January 28-February 16, 2008
Virtual reference service requires all of the same professional communications skills and knowledge as face-to-face reference service. The challenge is to apply, practice, imagine, and understand how to communicate professionally within the technology context and using good reference skills and knowledge. In this course, participants will engage in learning activities, supported by readings as well as lecture and discussion to practice and expand the communications competencies required by effective virtual reference librarians.
* "Introduction to Website Usability"
January 28-February 16, 2008
For very little investment in staff hours and training you can reap tremendous benefits by connecting with the users of your library website and web based applications through usability testing. This three-week course is designed for the librarian or library IT staff person who is interested in setting up a usability program but doesn’t know where to begin.

ACRL e-learning courses are primarily asynchronous seminars, allowing participants to work through course material at times convenient to them throughout the three week scheduled course time. Participants may also choose to schedule online chat time with the teacher, as they feel necessary. Specific material and learning activities will be covered during each week of the course. Threaded discussion forums are available for use in learning activities and other course-related conversations.



Complete details about these e-learning courses, including learning outcomes and registration materials, are online at http://www.acrl.org/ala/acrl/acrlproftools/elearning.cfm. Questions? Contact Margot Conahan at mconahan@ala.org.