The ALCTS Preservation & Reformatting Section hosted a forum on collections security during the 2019 ALA Annual Conference in Washington, DC. Presenters from two institutions, Ohio University and Yale University, described how they balance their responsibility to provide access to special collections, simultaneously providing a welcoming and inclusive environment to researchers while minimizing security risks to rare and unique materials.
Continue readingMonica Rysavy and Russell Michalak of Goldey-Beacom College (GBC) gave a presentation at the 2019 ALA Annual Conference in Washington, DC, on their library textbook program. Rather than using open-source textbooks, GBC partnered with a textbook rental college to reduce students’ textbook costs.
Continue readingAn ALCTS preconference “Change Management in Libraries and Technical Services” was held on June 21, 2019, prior to the 2019 ALA Annual Conference in Washington, DC. Janetta Waterhouse, director of technical services and library systems
Continue readingFor ALCTS 2018–2019 turned out to be a roller coaster of a year. We entered the year with definitive Board votes to devote time and resources toward exploring a new division, joining with the Library Information Technology Association (LITA) and the Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA). Although we devoted significant time and resources toward a new division in the fall, we were unable to get all of our goals accomplished in time for our respective Boards to make a decision whether to bring the new division before the membership. We instituted a project pause, to give all the Steering Committee (made of leadership of the three divisions) a chance to think, reflect, and determine the best course of action for the future. I am very pleased that after a moment of collective breath-taking, we have resumed work on developing a new ALA division.
Continue readingThe ALA Annual 2019 conference scheduler billed the event as “Preservation in Action – Volunteers Wanted!” Each year this popular program brings together experienced archives workers with enthusiastic volunteers (no experience required) during a day-long project to help preserve local cultural heritage before the ALA Annual Conference. When I saw that the day would include training on care and handling, as well as hands-on rehousing activities, I knew I had to sign up. I was an early conference registrant, so I didn’t think the event would have filled up, but “SOLD OUT!” popped up on my screen. Luckily for me, a space opened up, and I was thrilled to roll up my sleeves.
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