21st Century Literacies - November 17 & 18, 2005

The Massachusetts Library Association is pleased to partner with the Massachusetts Center for the Book and the New England Chapter of the Association of College and Research Libraries to present this special two-day conference that explores the importance of the many literacies that are emerging in our 21st Century. These programs are geared toward a wide range of librarians from all types of institutions.

Day One focuses on literacy and readers' advisory featuring a host of nationally known speakers focusing on topics such as readers' advisory on the web, the positive connections between gaming and literacy, readers' advisory training for paralibrarians, and non-traditional reader's advisory for youth. The day-long Literacy 101 track provides public, school and academic librarians with a comprehensive overview of the conceptual frameworks, definitions, research material, practical tips and strategies for incorporating the range of literacies into a library's instructional, collection and programming services.

The day is capped by the Massachusetts Center for the Book's (MCB) Annual Awards Banquet and Ceremony. This very special event is offered to 21st Century Conference registrants for a reduced rate of $30, cash bar. Now in its fifth year, the Massachusetts Book Awards, a program of the MCB, seeks to bring Massachusetts writers and readers together in libraries for meaningful conversation about books that matter to our shared lives in the Commonwealth. On November 17, we will celebrate this year's Massachusetts Book Medalist and twelve MassBook authors.

Among the authors being honored at the Conference are fiction writers Lisa Carey, Jim Shepard, Lan Chang; non-fiction writers James Ault, David Hackett Fisher, Aaron Lansky; poets Lucie Brock-Broido, Steven Cramer, Bill Knott; and children's/young adult writers Molly Bang, Libby Koponen, and Jane Yolen.

Day Two looks at the issues facing librarians surrounding technology. MLA and ACRL/New England have worked together to create a information-packed day of programming of interest to librarians of all types. Join the discussion on such topics as RFID, using handheld devices in the library, federated searching and the Digital Commonwealth. Children's/Young Adult author Donna Jo Napoli will tie the technology and literacy sides of the conference together with an exciting program on the non-technological side of science and math literacy.

Please visit the Massachusetts Library Association's website (http://www.masslib.org www.masslib.org) Conference information and online registration can be found at www.masslib.org/conference/2005FallConference/index.htm. This special MLA Conference is a terrific opportunity for librarians of all types to take a look at literacy and technology in the 21st Century.

21st Century Literacies - Scholarship Opportunity!
This year the Massachusetts Library Association will be holding a fall conference, entitled "21st Century Literacies." This conference promises to be an outstanding opportunity to network with colleagues from around the state, learn new skills and techniques, acquaint yourself with new technologies, and have lots of fun! Wouldn't you like to win a scholarship to attend this exciting event?

Applicants must be first time MLA Annual Conference attendees, and must be students in an M.L.S. program or currently employed in a Massachusetts library. The scholarships cover the cost of registration and lunches and dinners on the days of attendance. MLA will also cover half the cost of accommodations (single or double room) for scholarship winners. The scholarship does not cover transportation.

Application forms are available online at www.masslib.org/. If you need a form and are unable to access one electronically, please call Ellen MJ Keane at 978-934-4594 to have one mailed or faxed to you.

Completed applications, including the essay portion, should be sent to: Elizabeth Dickinson, Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue, Reading, MA 01867 email dickinso@noblenet.org Fax: Fax: 781-942-9113.

The deadline for persons wishing to apply for an MLA Conference Scholarship is fast approaching. All applications must be received by midnight, Wednesday, October 26! Winners will be notified by telephone on November 1. The Conference takes place November 17-18. Apply now!