News

If you are currently look for library and information science positions available in Arizona, please visit the Arizona State Library Jobline page. 

https://azlibrary.gov/jobline

July 24, 2023

The Arizona Library Association’s mission is to promote library service and librarianship in libraries of all types in the state of Arizona. AzLA’s membership in the American Library Association (ALA) supports our mission, and helps to expand our reach through advocacy, grants, and networking opportunities.

Just like Arizona’s libraries meet a range of needs in our communities, the ALA meets a variety of needs in our profession. The ALA is a membership organization inclusive of all types of libraries and library workers, serves a national network connecting and supporting state chapters, and accredits master’s degree programs for librarians.

Benefits to ALA membership include access to ALA’s standards for library services, continuing education and professional development opportunities, community of practice and subject matter experts, funding sources, grants, scholarships, and resources that help to underwrite the delivery of programs and services for library users.

As a state chapter of ALA, the Arizona Library Association has access to professional support from staff members and divisions at ALA. The two organizations work in tandem to support Arizona libraries by advocating for federal funding programs, guiding local librarians through materials challenges, and providing grants and scholarships directly to Arizona Librarians.

Over the past two years, libraries in Arizona have received over $1.9 million from ALA via program grants, including $100,000 from ALA’s Library COVID Relief Fund. This support is in addition to their advocacy for state-level funding from the federal government through the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ (IMLS) grants to states.

The ALA is a non-partisan, non-profit membership organization that develops, promotes, and improves library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all. The Arizona Library Association is proud to be a state chapter of the ALA, and stands in solidarity with its members and its mission.

Hello AzLA, 

I'm excited to share this opportunity with you all! ALA's Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Communities will offer more than $7 million in grants to small and rural libraries to increase the accessibility of facilities, services, and programs to better serve people with disabilities.

Applications are open now for grants of $10,000 and $20,000. Apply in this first round of grant funding by February 28, 2023 

https://programminglibrarian.org/articles/apply-now-LTCAccess 

For more information, visit https://www.ala.org/news/member-news/2022/11/ala-invites-applications-35-million-grants-part-libraries-transforming

#LTCAccess #Accessibility

Lisa Lewis, AzLA President

president@azla.org

World on the Move: 250,000 Years of Human Migration – applications close November 14th

ALA invites applications from public libraries in the United States and territories interested in hosting the traveling exhibition World on the Move: 250,000 Years of Human Migration, developed by the American Anthropological Association and the Smithsonian's Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.

ALA will accept applications from October 10, 2022, to November 14, 2022. Learn more and apply online.

Fifteen public libraries will be selected to host the 1000-square-foot exhibit for approximately five weeks. Selected sites will also receive a $500 stipend to conduct public programs, events or activities related to the human migration themes explored in the exhibition.

Exploring Human Origins: Promoting a National Conversation on Human Evolution – applications close November 7th

ALA, in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History's (NMNH) Human Origins Program, invites applications from public libraries interested in hosting the traveling exhibition Exploring Human Origins: Promoting a National Conversation on Human Evolution.

ALA will accept applications from September 12 to November 7, 2022. Learn more and apply online.

Six public libraries will be selected for the national tour. Working with leading scientists from the NMNH Human Origins Program, the libraries will engage audiences across a wide spectrum - from those who do not question the scientific study of human origins to those who are troubled by its findings - to engage the complex field of human evolution research in ways that are understandable, fulfilling, captivating and relevant.

For more information, please contact publicprograms@ala.org

Dear Region 4 Network Members!

We are excited to announce that the Year 3 Funded Awards Request for Applications opened Friday, September 30, 2022.

Eligible members can select from three types of awards – Professional Development ($2K), Technology Improvement ($9.5K), and Engagement & Outreach ($20K & $50K).

Awards application, details, and instructions available HERE!!!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact john.bramble@utah.edu or your state point of contact.

Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico – dana.abbey@cuanschutz.edu

Two Solar Eclipses Coming to North America!

Annular Eclipse, Saturday, October 14, 2023

Total Eclipse, Monday, April 8, 2024

Thanks to a generous grant from the Betty and Gordon Moore foundation, the STAR Library Network will support state and public libraries for the 2023 annular solar eclipse and 2024 total solar eclipse by providing solar eclipse glasses, solar science kits, and in-person and virtual training.

Arizona’s in-person training will prepare and empower public library staff to facilitate meaningful solar and space science programs for their patrons that build curiosity, knowledge, and inspiration and will be offered as an AzLA pre-conference on October 26 in Prescott, AZ.

Do Look Up! Upcoming Eclipses 2023/2024 (STAR Library Network) AzLA pre-conference

October 26, 2023, Prescott, AZ

Your friends at the STAR Library Network recently received funding to support state and public libraries for the 2023 annular solar eclipse and 2024 total solar eclipse. This half-day conference workshop will prepare and empower library staff to facilitate meaningful solar and space science programs for their patrons to build curiosity, knowledge, and inspiration in advance of these eclipses. Attendees will receive hands-on training on solar telescopes, low-cost methods of solar viewing, and interactive solar and space science programming. Attendees will also be able to sign up for free solar eclipse glasses to distribute to their communities in advance of both eclipses!

To learn more about the Do Look Up! Upcoming Eclipses 2023/2024 pre-conference go to: https://azla.org/event-4930425

More information coming soon about Solar Science Kits and other virtual training opportunities.

Email: dthrockmorton@azlibrary.gov

Donna Throckmorton
Library Services Consultant

Arizona Center for the Book Coordinator
Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records