(via ALA)
The ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services has extended its deadline for library professionals from all kinds of institutions to submit proposals to apply to participate in the 2016 Diversity and Outreach Fair, to be held from 3:00 to 5:00 PM, on Saturday, June 25, at the American Library Association’s Annual Conference in Orlando. Applications will be accepted through Friday, June 3, 2016. Generously sponsored by DEMCO, the ALA Diversity and Outreach Fair is an opportunity for libraries and member groups to share their successful diversity and outreach initiatives with ALA Annual Conference attendees, celebrate diversity in America’s libraries, and exhibit “diversity in action” ideas. The theme of this year’s Fair will be “Libraries Transform: Outreach in Response to Civil Unrest”.
The 2016 Diversity and Outreach Fair will feature innovative and successful library-based programs geared towards community service in times of crisis, such as mobile library services and bookmobiles. As recent events have witnessed, libraries have provided vital information and safe spaces during periods of civil unrest, providing a much needed anchor for local residents. Also considered for participation are proposals that highlight library services to underserved or underrepresented communities, including people with disabilities; poor and homeless populations; people of color; English-language learners; gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people; new Americans, new and non-readers; older adults; people living in rural areas; and incarcerated people and ex-offenders.
Selected presenters will develop and facilitate a poster session to be held during the ALA 2016 Annual Conference in the exhibits hall. In addition, the participants are encouraged to submit, in digital format, information and resources from their program. For more information, and to apply, please go here.