There’s something for everyone among the four preconferences hosted by various special interest sections of the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) at the 2011 ALA Annual Conference.
Librarians and support staff from all types of libraries will find this year’s preconferences of interest—topics covered this year will include library services to older adults; genealogy reference basics and local resources; effective collaboration strategies between librarians and their IT departments; and business reference basics. All events will be held at one of the conference hotels, and are open to any interested individual. More information about all of these preconferences is available in the Professional Development section of the RUSA website.
We are also offering group pricing for this year’s preconferences. These discounted rates are available to any library, library network or system who registers three or more of their employees for any combination of RUSA preconferences. More information, including the group registration form, is on the RUSA website.
This year’s RUSA preconferences are:
- Effective Library Service to Older Adults Seeking Employment and Volunteer Opportunities
Friday, June 24, 2011, 8:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Hosted by RUSA RSS
The current recession has prompted many older adults to seek employment or volunteer opportunities. How are libraries responding to the job search assistance needs of these older job seekers? This preconference will describe various library programs as well as provide an overview of prospective partners, including resources that may be available through the Workforce Investment Act and the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Advance Registration (through May 13, 2011): RUSA member, $125;
ALA member, $170; non-member, $215; student and retired members, $105.
GROUP RATES: $120 each until May 13 - The Genealogy Reference Desk: How to Make it Big and Easy
Friday, June 24, 2011, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Hosted by RUSA History Section (HS)
RUSA’s History Section hosts another outstanding genealogy reference workshop. In addition to covering basic skills for effective genealogy reference services, this event will feature expert speakers on local and specialized resources that help answer the more challenging research questions. Librarians from public, academic and all other types of libraries interested in learning how to use genealogy-related resources more effectively will benefit from this session. Lunch is sponsored by ProQuest.
Advance Registration (through May 13, 2011): RUSA member, $100;
ALA member, $145; non-member, $220; student and retired members, $75.
GROUP RATES: $95 each until May 13
- Strange Bedfellows: IT and Reference Collaborations to Enhance User Experiences
Friday, June 24, 2011, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Hosted by RUSA MARS and RUSA RSS
This pre-conference will present strategies for successful collaborations between Reference and IT departments. Innovative approaches to enhance user experiences frequently require collaborations between reference and IT. Speakers will draw from personal experiences in order to illustrate how a successful collaboration is achieved and how to overcome challenges along the way. Breakout sessions will provide participants with an opportunity to delve further into strategies that appeal to them.
Advance Registration (through May 13, 2011): RUSA member, $185;
ALA member, $205; non-member, $230; student and retired members, $160.
GROUP RATES: $175 each until May 13 - Business Reference 101: Core Competencies for Business Librarianship
Friday, June 24, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Hosted by RUSA BRASS
This full-day interactive workshop is designed for new business librarians; generalists who have assumed responsibility in business librarianship; or librarians who handle business reference-related inquiries in all types of libraries including academic, public and special libraries. Rhonda Kleiman, economic development manager at the Library System of Lancaster and Bobray Bordelon, economics and finance librarian/data services librarian at Princeton University will present.
Advance Registration (through May 13, 2011): RUSA member, $195;
ALA member, $225; non-member, $295; student and retired members, $165.
GROUP RATES: $175 each until May 13
Interested participants have the option to register for just a RUSA preconference, or for both a preconference and the Annual Conference. For preconference-only registration using the online form (login required), select “SO-Preconference and Ticketed Events Only” as the registration type and proceed to select this event from the list of ticketed events. Conference registrants can add this event to their registration, and will find it under the list of ticketed events and preconferences in the online form. Event codes are listed above in the event descriptions for those using the printed registration form for fax or mail. Advance registration rates are available through May 13, and prices will increase after that date. Registration for all RUSA preconferences will close Sunday, Jun. 19.