1. Making Your Case Karen T. Wei “Think Globally, Act Globally” Grant Project Open Session ALA, Chicago, July 10, 2009

2. Outlines  Who may apply  What is needed in your application package  How to make a successful application  Review process  Making decisions

3. Who May Apply?  An ALA-accredited MLS degree or its equivalent;  Experience in presentation skills;  A minimum of three years of post MLS professional working experience in a field of library services in the U.S. preferred;  Experience with public services or public library experience preferred;  CALA membership preferred; CALA members will be given first priority

4. What is Needed in Your Application  Cover letter, including a statement of your expertise in terms of the needed topics provided by LSC  Current resume  Examples of previous and/or relevant presentations

5. Making a Successful Application  Follow the “Call for Presenters” announcement carefully  Make sure you include all requested information  Apply on or before the deadline

6. Your Cover Letter  Tell us about your present job  State your qualifications  Address the topics in relation to your qualifications/experience  Emphasize the training you have which makes you particularly suitable for the topic(s) you choose  Tell us why you are a good presenter for the project

7. Workshop Topics  Laws, policies, and strategic plans of U.S. libraries  Library management and operational mechanism  Public library services  Library assessment and librarians professional development, promotion and evaluation system  Public relations activities and their values  Academic libraries, special libraries, library education, and professional organizations in the U.S.

8. Useful Tips  Brevity – write only what’s important and relevant; avoid lengthy sentences or statements  Clarity – is essential, no ambiguity, and avoid using acronyms without explanation  Highlight your experiences that are pertinent to the topics  Prioritize the topics  Keep your cover letter within 3 pages

9. Review Process  CALA International Relations Committee  IMLS “Think Globally, Act Globally” Steering Committee

10. IMLS Think Globally, Act Globally Steering Committee  University of Illinois Asian Library –Shuyong Jiang – Project Director, PI –Karen Wei – Head, Asian Library, Co-PI  University of Illinois Mortenson Center for International Library Programs –Barbara Ford – Director, Co-PI –Susan Schnuer – Associate Director, Co-PI  Chinese American Librarians Association –Haipeng Li – Interim Executive Director –Sha Li Zhang – President, 2008-2009

11. Thank You!!

12. Questions?