A New ALA Division: Federal, Armed Forces, Specialized & Cooperative Libraries Merge to Form Association of Specialized, Government & Cooperative Library Agencies (ASGCLA)
From the American Library Association (Full Text):
Representatives from the Association of Specialized & Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) and the Federal and Armed Forces Round Table (FAFLRT), announced today that they have merged to form a new division of the American Library Association: the Association of Specialized, Government & Cooperative Library Agencies (ASGCLA.)
FAFLRT has long been on the leading edge of key issues and opportunities affecting federal and armed forces libraries and information professionals, offering workshops and training, networking opportunities, a quarterly newsletter and awards to members of the round table.
ASCLA is the premier destination to find information and build capacity to serve populations that are served by state library agencies, specialized libraries, library cooperatives, library networks and library consultants among others. ASCLA focuses on providing a voice and advocating for libraries serving populations that are underserved such as those with sensory, physical, health or behavioral conditions, those who are incarcerated or detained and more. Member activity is centered around interest groups.
The newly formed ASGCLA will enhance the effectiveness of library service by providing high quality networking, enrichment and educational opportunities for its diverse members. Opportunities include leadership roles, online webinars and eCourses, specialty interest group involvement and the development of resources and industry standards and guidelines.
“We are changing more than just our name,” said Adam Szczpaniak, President of ASCLA. “Adding the expertise and experience of more than 400 federal and armed forces librarians strengthens our voice for specialized libraries. We are thrilled to have them as our partners.”
“This merger enables us to provide expanded services to our members,” said Janice Young, President of FAFLRT. “Our members wanted more professional development and meaningful networking opportunities and we can do that effectively in this newly merged division.
Direct to ASGCLA Website
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About Gary Price
Gary Price (gprice@gmail.com) is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area. He earned his MLIS degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. Price has won several awards including the SLA Innovations in Technology Award and Alumnus of the Year from the Wayne St. University Library and Information Science Program. From 2006-2009 he was Director of Online Information Services at Ask.com.