AJL Cleveland 2008

Podcasts

2008-07-06T21:55:00.002-04:00

Stay tuned to this blog for links to recordings that were made of some of the sessions at the convention. They are being edited now and will be ready for broadcast in a few weeks.

Wrap-up in the Cleveland Jewish News

2008-07-03T20:09:00.002-04:00

Click here and scroll down a bit to see a summary of the convention in this week's Cleveland Jewish News: http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/articles/2008/07/03/community/cavalcade/ccav0704.txt

Greater Cleveland Chapter at the Banquet

2008-06-30T22:25:00.005-04:00

Members of the AJL - GCC pose at the reception before the Awards Banquet. Photo by Lynn Katz Danzig.

And the pictures just keep rolling in.....

2008-06-27T21:11:00.006-04:00

Wendy Wasman, Susan Pankowsky, and Lee Haas are all smiles on the last day of Convention! Photo courtesy of Susan Pankowsky.

Nancy Sack, Daniel Scheide, and Karen Ulric ham it up (above and below). Pictures courtesy of Merrily Hart.

More Cleveland photos

2008-06-27T10:07:00.007-04:00

Stephanie Gross posing in front of Mentor van.

2 Saras- a mentor and a mentee, care of Stephanie Gross of Stern College, Yeshiva University

Pictures courtesy of Merrily Hart (captions provided by your friendly blogger, Wendy Wasman)

2008-06-25T20:48:00.010-04:00

Linda Silver and Wendy Wasman bookend former GCC member Susan Pankowsky!

The tech-savvy Lettofskys enjoy a little email with their breakfast!

Our fearless Exhibits Chair, Harry Koppel, at his post.

The Marriott's Banquet Manager, Mark, serves up pasta with a smile to Elliot H. Gertel.

Some Greater Cleveland Chapter members watch as our own Jean Lettofsky is honored by Siegal College for her 25 years as Library Director. We are so proud to call her a colleague!

Thank you to everyone for a wonderful convention! More pictures and comments to follow.

Wednesday Morning

2008-06-25T10:11:00.004-04:00

Yossi Galron showing a slide during his presentation.

Shuli Berger showing a photo of a cornerstone at Yeshiva University

Elhanan Adler explaining the different participants in the latest project.

Shulamith Berger of Yeshiva University presented the Yeshiva University edifice- the plans, vision and reality. It was rather interesting to see the different architectural influences that were represented in the YU uptown campus in Washington Heights.

Elhanan Adler highlighted the creation and use of a full text archive of Jewish historical newspapers. OCR is about 93% accurate, which is really important to note when looking over materials scanned with this technology.

Yossi Galron showed his lexicon of Modern Hebrew Literature - which biographical information regarding authors. Shakepeare is also now included in this online project.

Photos of the Day: Tuesday

2008-06-24T23:00:00.000-04:00

Marcia Posner and Fred Isaac

Siegal College of Judaic Studies Honoree Jean Lettofsky in honor of 25 years of Service to the College

AJL Past Presidents

Amanda Seigel, scholarship awardee, with the AJL Scholarship Committee

Elliot Gertel of the University of Michigan

Roger Kohn of Library of Congress presenting the Cataloging Update.

Next Year in Chicago!

2008-06-24T17:00:00.000-04:00

Next year's convention will be in Chicago in July- right around the time of ALA.

The following years include AJL in Seattle, Montreal and Los Angeles...

We're all looking forward!

Collection Development

2008-06-24T12:30:00.001-04:00

Hearing from Alice Crosetto and Daniel E. Feinberg we learned quite a bit about the use of cookbooks to understand cultural norms, economics and a generally good way of interesting children with a productive end. Jewish life and culture is often transmitted by means of food and eating together-- which was rather evident by the myriad of websites and books which have been published that detail these ideas.

Elizabeth Vernon explained that Harvard University collects advertisements- as they can be utilized for historical, economic and sociological studies to understand a community, their interests, goals and a window into the life that they live. From pamphlets to solicitations- Israeli and American Jewish advertising are being collected.

2008 Rosaline and Meyer Feinstein Lecture

2008-06-24T10:16:00.003-04:00

Pearl Berger delivering the 2008 Rosaline and Meyer Feinstein Lecture

Dr. David Gilner, Director of Libraries at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion introducing Dean Pearl Berger

Pearl Berger, Benjamin Gottesman Librarian and Dean of Libraries, Yeshiva University- presented a lecture entitled: "From Otzar Sefarim to Otzar Hokhmah: Transitions and Transformations."

Highlights from the lecture included insight into the 'millennium generation,' how to reach out them and note the worth of the library and its resources. Pearl has presented us with challenges to keep Judaica and librarianship, in general, modern and current for our users' needs.

Session: AJL Standards

2008-06-23T22:00:00.002-04:00

The following message is from Karen Ulrich, Librarian at the Meislin Memorial Library (grades 6-12) at Solomon Schechter Day School of Essex and Union in West Orange, NJ:

Thanks to all who attended the panel discussion on the new AJL Standards. I think a bunch of interesting ideas were heard. The documentation is now available at http://jewishschoollibraries.pbwiki.com/Presentations

Also, we passed out a survey at the end of the session. We ask that as many school librarians, even those who didn't attend the session, take another look at the standards and complete the survey ONLINE (oooh!!!!!). it will give us some interesting data to discuss, analyze, maybe share in a future AJL Newsletter - and share with the people at AASL who are still developing the final version of these standards. You can find the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=phgDKzHwjVCEFgyTyRPYBw%3d%3d

The "Israel in Comics" Blog

2008-06-23T16:59:00.002-04:00

This message is from Steve Bergson:

The "Israel in Comics Blog" can be viewed at http://israelincomics.blogspot.com, it officially went "live" on June 23rd.

It is the official blog of Session 3D and has all of the graphics used (plus many more that couldn't be shown, for lack of time)

Enjoy!

Photos

2008-06-23T16:50:00.002-04:00

Booking signing during a break

Shmoozing and networking during the break.

Check out the chef's hat!!

Awards Luncheon

2008-06-23T16:19:00.004-04:00

Here's to our awardees! Best wishes, Mazal Tov and congratulations for accreditation, scholarship awardees, Fanny Goldstein award and Life Membership.

Monday: A look at Session 1

2008-06-23T09:12:00.004-04:00

Elliot Gertel moderated the session entitled "Documenting the Holocaust."

Robert Rozett presented on the subject of "Trends in the Publication of Books about the Holocaust from 2000-2007." Yad Vashem collects books on the Holocaust, but finds it difficult to collect articles - as they are often difficult to locate. The Yad Vashem possesses more than 115,000 titles and collects about 3,000 titles annually. The Yad Vashem Library collects widely, as opposed to the Archives. The Library is open to the public and circulates to Israeli residents. A wide range of individuals utilize the Library, from 12 year old students learning about family history to scholars and everyone in between. The Library catalog will hopefully be going online shortly (definitely something to look forward to).

The second presentation in this session was delivered by Michlean Amir of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Her talk entitled: "The Opening of the Red Cross International Tracing Service Archive: What Does it Contain and What Does Access to It Mean for Scholars and Family Researchers?" Michelan noted that there are over 100 million images in the archives of the ITC, which began in 1947. The ITC collected material that would enable people to trace individuals-- which would later be advantageous when applying for restitution funds. Eleven countries including Israel have been involved in this initiative, while there has been 60 years of limited access. The backlog for requests in 2006 numbered in the hundreds of thousands, often with response times of over 1 year. Jewish Gen went to Bad Arolsen in May to see the records and record keeping first-hand. There were no trained librarians or archivists on staff. Technological and other challenges remain- including the method in which the collection will be organized.

Sunday Evening

2008-06-23T09:08:00.000-04:00

While meetings took place this afternoon, the Jewish Publication Society sponsored a reception for Dr. Ellen Frankel (who later delivered the keynote address at the Sunday night dinner).

Later, as we all enjoyed dinner and were welcomed by AJL President, Laurel Wolfson and Mark Weber (Dean of Libraries,Kent State University) provided an introduction for our speaker. Dr. Ellen Frankel followed with the address on the topic: How the People of the Book Became the People of the Book Business: A History of Jewish Publishing in America.

Dr. Frankel provided details of the rich history of the Jewish Publication Society. Focusing on the impact of Isaac Leeser, with his call for the creation of a Jewish publication society that would promote religious heritage and unity. The JPS would serve as a unifying tie that would bring together both the intellectual and moral worth by producing interactions between different subscribers (a subscription would cost $1 and would provide copies of every book published by the Society for that fee). People would unite into a society to print and circulate books, as well as enable growth of Judaism in America, with other goals of education, unification which still remain at the core. The Society sought to be far reaching and encouraged the democratization of Judaism- and much of this is in the hands of librarians, who must show this to the greater community.

Dr. Frankel continued by highlighting the technological advances that JPS is employing. The Society does not shy away from this change, but rather is embracing this change and chance to further the education and discussion of Judaism.
JPS has embarked on a new project called Yavnet, an online collaborative which will categorize the Tanach, by tagging the Tanach. The pilot site of Yavnet is now available and the prototype should be available in early 2009.

2008-06-22T15:40:00.006-04:00

I'm certain Cleveland will never be the same after AJL makes it mark.

AJL has come to town and Day One of the convention has begun.

We're off to a great start despite a stormy afternoon...welcomed by friendly and helpful volunteers (see top photo)

Exhibitors are displaying their wares including software, books, music and more in the serene lobby area amidst the Marriott fountains .

Excited and adventurous librarians ventured out Lolly the Trolley for a tour of Jewish Cleveland this afternoon (bottom photo)

More later...

PR for the Convention

2008-06-20T17:08:00.003-04:00

Follow this link to read an article about the convention that appeared in today's Cleveland Jewish News: http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/articles/2008/06/19/news/local/library06230.txt

The Cleveland Jewish News will also be covering the Keynote Address by Ellen Frankel on Sunday evening.

AJL Social Networking

2008-06-20T11:05:00.004-04:00

By this point it's rather likely you've heard of the phrase 'social networking.' We seem to have some cutting-edge librarians amongst the group who are really interested and involved in social networking.

From Facebook to Twitter and RSS feeds to LinkedIn, Judaica librarians are utilizing this tools. Among our group are bloggers and those who use podcasts to get the word across. What are you using?

Here's to another way to see what your fellow librarians are doing.

Look for us as AJLCleveland2008 or Association of Jewish Libraries Annual Conference.

Looking forward to seeing you virtually or IRL on Sunday!

Dead Sea Scrolls: Session Plug

2008-06-20T10:42:00.003-04:00

Tuesday morning will include a session entitled "THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS" will be moderated by Esther Hexter. Participants include John Kampen, David Levy and Marlene Schiffman.

For those who want to get a jump start and study up on the material, presenter David Levy suggests that you visit his website.

With so many interesting sessions that will be taking place- it's difficult to choose!

Packing Party

2008-06-18T18:34:00.007-04:00

Today we packed the Convention bags. Anne Biermann, Lee Haas, Jean Lettofsky, and Esther Hexter are all smiles as they fill the bags with goodies.

Julie Moss and Wendy Wasman pause in the packing.

The packed bags are ready to be transported to the hotel.

Are you ready to Rock N Roll?

2008-06-17T10:00:00.002-04:00

I guess it's a funny question for Judaica librarians, but since we're headed to Cleveland - Home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame it's rather apropos.

With only 5 days (and counting) until the beginning of the AJL Cleveland 2008 convention, I'd like to introduce myself.

Hi all, I'm Tina Weiss- I serve as Judaica Librarian at the Klau Library at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York and I'm here to guide and explore the AJL convention with you. Through on-site posts, guests and photos you will experience the convention virtually.

Buckle your seat beat as we get ready to journey through the convention together.

And don't forget to comment :)

Blog to go live at Convention!

2008-06-16T22:28:00.002-04:00

This blog will go live during Convention with guest blogger Tina Weiss as the reporter. Stay tuned for live updates on sessions, speakers, and other events as they happen!

Counting Down

2008-06-12T19:58:00.007-04:00

We are so excited as Convention Time draws near. Enjoy these pictures of your Convention 2008 Planning Committee hard at work!

Wendy Wasman and Andi Davidson welcome AJL members to Cleveland!

Below, Linda Silver and Bonnie Shapiro ward off the paparazzi, as our wonderful Registrar, Marcia Klein, reacts to the news that we'll all be planning next year's convention too (just kidding)!

Meanwhile, Jean Lettofsky remains calm in the face of the storm!

Jewish Food and Culture Festival

2008-06-07T12:27:00.002-04:00

For those of you looking for a non-convention activity on Sunday, June 22:

The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage
Siegal College of Judaic Studies
and the Cleveland Jewish News
proudly present:

THE FIRST ANNUAL JEWISH FOOD AND CULTURE FESTIVAL

Sunday, June 22nd

Safran Park – Mandel Jewish Community Center
11 am to 4 pm
Artists! Activities! Information! Family Fun!

Come early for best food selections!
(216) 593-0587 for more information

{The Mandel Jewish Community Center is just 2 miles from the Marriott}

Shuttle Services

2008-05-19T17:53:00.002-04:00

The following hotels offer shuttle service within a 5 mile radius to their guests (all of these hotels are about 1 mile away):

Embassy Suites Hotel
Hilton Cleveland East Beachwood
Courtyard by Marriott -- you need to schedule your ride. The shuttle doesn't run on a
regular schedule.
Hampton Inn & Suites

There is no shuttle service from the Super 8 Motel, the Residence Inn, Extended Stay America or Fairfield Inn & Suites.

See posting below for phone numbers.

Alternative Hotel Options

2008-05-14T22:10:00.003-04:00

The Marriott Cleveland East has no more rooms at the special convention rate. There are still rooms available, but you will have to pay full price. If you are looking for alternative accommodations, here are some other hotels that are very close to the Marriott. Some of these hotels may have shuttle services that will take you to the Marriott, so be sure to ask when you call.

Embassy Suites Hotel
3775 Park East Drive
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216) 765-8066
embassysuites.com

Hilton Cleveland East Beachwood
3663 Park East Drive
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216) 464-5950
hilton.com

Courtyard by Marriott: Beachwood
3695 Orange Pl
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216) 765-1900
marriott.com

Super 8 Motel - Beachwood/Cleveland Area
3795 Orange Place
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216) 831-7200
(216) 831-0616 - Fax
super8.com

Hampton Inn & Suites
3840 Orange Place
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216) 831-3735
hamptoninn.com

Residence Inn by Marriott: Beachwood
3628 Park East Dr
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216) 831-3030
marriott.com

Extended Stay America Cleveland - Beachwood
3820 Orange Pl.
Orange, OH 44122
(216) 595-9551
extendedstayamerica.com

Fairfield Inn & Suites Cleveland Beachwood
3750 Orange Pl.
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216) 831-3300
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/clebh-fairfield-inn-and-suites-cleveland-beachwood/

Meal Options for Monday Evening

2008-05-06T08:00:00.001-04:00

For those of you who will not be attending the Maltz Museum event on Monday evening, June 23, here are some options for dinner:

There are several restaurants within walking distance from the hotel: Chipotle, Abeulo's (Mexican), Panera (soup, sandwiches, salads), DiBella's Old Fashioned Submarines, Robeks (smoothies, salads).

There are kosher restaurants in nearby suburbs, but you will need to arrange for transportation. Members of the local Convention Planning Committee and the hotel staff can assist you in acquiring transportation. Check the Spotlight Cleveland brochure for kosher and other dining options.

We are able to provide a kosher boxed meal for those who would like one, but you must order your meal by June 1st. Send your check for $20 to Marcia Klein, 4049 Hinsdale Road, South Euclid, OH 44121. Please indicate if you would like a vegetarian meal.

Looking forward to seeing you all soon in Cleveland!

New exhibitor

2008-04-30T22:07:00.002-04:00

Add Ben Yehuda Press to the list of exhibitors coming to Cleveland in June!

Exhibitors

2008-04-23T21:48:00.002-04:00

Here is the complete list of exhibitors as of today, April 23, 2008:

Alden Films
Arnold Reisman (local Cleveland author)
AJL
Barnes & Noble
Basch Subscriptions & Reference Shelf
Best Practices Poster Display by your colleagues
C.D.I. Systems, Inc. (Jerusalem)
Enjoy a Book Club
Index to Jewish Periodicals
Jaywil Software
Jerusalem Books
Jewish Publication Society
JSP Judaic Art
The Magnet Mogul
The Scholar's Choice
Star Bright Books
Treasures Gift Shop (jewelry and more from Israeli and American artists)
URJ Books & Music

Transportation Alternatives

2008-04-09T14:11:00.002-04:00

Some folks have been asking about alternate ways to get to the hotel from the airport or from downtown Cleveland. The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority operates a bus and light rail service. The light rail is called the Rapid Transit; from the airport take the Red Line (Windermere) to Tower City (24 minutes), then transfer to the Blue Line (Van Aken) for another 24-minute ride to the end of the line. Transfer to the #24 bus (Van Aken/Tri-C) for an 11-minute ride to the Cuyahoga Community College Eastern Campus, which is right across the street from the Marriott. The Rapid and bus are only $1.75 each. For schedules and other fare options, see: http://www.gcrta.org/

Safe travels!

Supportive Sponsors

2008-03-28T15:37:00.006-04:00

We are grateful to the following sponsors who are placing ads in our program book (this list will be updated as more ads are placed):

National City
Joseph-Beth Booksellers
Cleveland Public Library
Siegal College of Judaic Studies
Friends of the Siegal College Library
Fairmount Temple
First Interstate Properties
Kent State University
Jewish Publication Society
The Temple - Tifereth Israel
Jewish Book Council
Kar Ben
Remark Books
Broken Colors
Bonnie Burt Productions
Starbright Books
Suburban Temple
Jewish Secular Community
Taylor Road Synagogue
Cuyahoga County Public Library

If you are interested in placing an ad in the program, or know someone who is interested, please contact Karen Ulric (national advertisers) at ajladmanager@gmail.com or Anne Biermann (local NE Ohio advertisers) at abierm@mac.com as soon as possible.

Web Ad

2008-03-28T15:35:00.003-04:00

Check out National City's web ad on the AJL Covention page:
http://www.jewishlibraries.org/ajlweb/conventions/convention2008.htm

Thank you National City for your generous support!

Update on Exhibitors

2008-03-28T15:33:00.001-04:00

Here are some additional exhibitors:

Jerusalem Books
Treasures Gift Shop from the JCC and Siegal College
The Magnet Mogul
Enjoy a Book Club

We are still expecting others in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

Friends of the AJL Convention

2008-03-24T15:35:00.003-04:00

Are you interested in donating to the upcoming AJL Convention? We have a new level of sponsorship called "Friends of the AJL Convention." For any amount between $18.00 and $99.00 we will list your name under the category in the convention program book. Please email me at wwwasman@yahoo.com for more information.

Thanks and see you in Cleveland in less than 3 months!!!

Electronic Reservations

2008-03-03T16:16:00.002-05:00

The link below will take you directly to the Marriott's reservation page, where the code for the convention has already been entered:

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cleem-cleveland-marriott-east/?groupCode=libliba&app=resvlink

Just enter your arrival date to begin the reservation process.

Exhibits!

2008-03-03T09:55:00.002-05:00

The following exhibitors are all set to show their wares in Cleveland in June:

Index to Jewish Periodicals
The Scholar's Choice
Alden Films
Jaywil Software, Inc.
Jewish Publication Society
Barnes & Noble

Stay tuned for further updates!

Spotlight Cleveland

2008-02-15T20:26:00.002-05:00

The Convention Planning Committee has prepared a document for convention attendees that highlights local restaurants, entertainment, culture, shopping, and more. It is posted on the AJL website, and you can also access it here: http://www.jewishlibraries.org/ajlweb/conventions/convention2008/spotlight_cleveland.pdf

Hotel Information

2008-02-07T17:56:00.001-05:00

Hotel and travel information can be found on the AJL website, http://jewishlibraries.org/ajlweb/ or by clicking here: http://jewishlibraries.org/ajlweb/conventions/convention2008/hotel_info.pdf

Updated Program

2008-02-07T17:50:00.000-05:00

Please note that the Preliminary Program has been updated. One very important change to note is that the Lolly the Trolley Tour will be held on Sunday, June 22, from 3:00-5:00 PM, NOT 1:00-3:00 as earlier stated.

You can see the Preliminary Program at: http://www.jewishlibraries.org/ajlweb/conventions/convention2008/2008_preliminary_program.pdf

Preliminary Program

2008-01-21T14:03:00.000-05:00

Click here for the Preliminary Program: http://www.jewishlibraries.org/ajlweb/conventions/convention2008/2008_preliminary_program.pdf

Registration Form & Financial Assistance

2008-01-06T09:58:00.000-05:00

The Registration Form will be printed in the February/March issue of the AJL Newsletter, but to get a jump on things, you can fill it out online by following the link on the Convention 2008 page at: http://www.jewishlibraries.org/ajlweb/conventions/convention2008.htm

After you fill out the form, you will need to print it and send it, along with your payment, to Marcia Klein at the address given on the form.

Please note that local paid-up AJL -GCC (Greater Cleveland Chapter) members may apply for financial assistance from our chapter to attend the convention. Please contact Aimee Lurie at aimeelurie@mac.com to check the status of your membership. There is also financial assistance available from the JECC for local members. Go to http://www.jecc.org/ProfessionalDevelopment/ConferenceGrants.htm for more detailed information. AJL also offers scholarships and stipends for attending the convention. Please go to the AJL website at http://jewishlibraries.org/ajlweb/ and follow the links under Scholarships for more information.

Optional Tours and Post-Convention Program

2007-12-15T14:25:00.001-05:00

You'll want to come early and stay an extra day to take advantage of all of the things we'll be offering in June 2008!

Sunday, June 22, 1:00 - 3:00 PM. Convention attendees will have the opportunity to take a guided tour of Jewish Cleveland on Lolly the Trolley. The tour will feature new Jewish sites on the east side of Cleveland, as well as the Jewish Archives at the Western Reserve Historical Society and The Temple - Tifereth Israel's historic building in University Circle. The fee is $30.00 per person.

Monday, June 23, 6:15 - 10:15 PM. Convention attendees can enjoy a light supper at The Temple - Tifereth Israel in Beachwood, followed by a docent-led tour of the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, which is located just steps away from The Temple. Transportation will be provided from the Marriott to The Temple and from the Maltz Museum back to the hotel. The fee is $50.00 per person and includes supper, transportation, and museum admission charges.

Wednesday, June 25, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Post-Convention Celebration of Jewish Children’s Books and Authors. In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Sydney Taylor Book Awards (1968-2008), AJL is offering a special post-convention celebration of Jewish children’s literature. The celebration will kick-off on Tuesday evening with the presentation of the 2008 Sydney Taylor Book Awards during the convention’s annual banquet. Sessions will continue on Wednesday, June 25th at 9:00 AM with presentations by current and past Sydney Taylor Book Award winners and by specialists in the field of Jewish children’s literature. The celebration will conclude with a book signing and sales event from 3:30-4:30 PM. Registration for the Wednesday events includes continental breakfast beginning at 8:00 AM, buffet lunch and dessert reception. The fees are as follows: Full convention registrant = $50.00; Wednesday only = $75.00. CEU credit will be available for an additional $45.00. More details will be available in the coming months.

Watch for future issues of the AJL Newsletter, where you'll find the Registration Form, as well as additional information about food, minyanim, exhibits, and a preliminary program.

Hotel and Travel Information for the 2008 Convention

2007-12-15T14:17:00.001-05:00

Convention Headquarters will be the Marriott Cleveland East. Located near the heart of the Cleveland Jewish community, the Marriott Cleveland East offers easy access to synagogues, museums, restaurants and shopping. A block of rooms has been reserved for AJL convention participants. Please identify yourself as part of the Association of Jewish Libraries to receive the discounted group rates.

Reservations must be received by the Marriott on or before June 2, 2008. Convention rates are:

Single or double occupancy $129.00 + tax
Triple occupancy $139.00 + tax
Quadruple occupancy $149.00 + tax

Reservations must be accompanied by a first night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card.

On-site parking is complimentary at the Marriott. Contact information for the hotel is as follows:
Marriott Cleveland East
26300 Harvard Rd.
Warrensville Heights, Ohio 44122
Telephone: 1-800-533-0162
Fax: 1-216-378-9292
Website: http://www.marriott.com/

GETTING TO CONVENTION
Two convenient airports service the Northeast Ohio region: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and the Akron-Canton Airport. Taxis are always available near the baggage pick-up area.

Shuttle service from Cleveland Hopkins costs approximately $50.00 each way for a town car or $60 for a van that holds up to 14 people. Service from Akron-Canton is about $70.00 for the town car and $80.00 for the van. To make shuttle reservations, contact Shima Limousine Service at 440-918-6400 or e-mail shimalimo@ameritech.net.

Updated travel information will be available on the AJL website and on this blog in the coming months.

Generous Donation

2007-11-30T21:39:00.000-05:00

I am happy to report that the 2008 Convention is the recipient of a very generous donation. We have received $6,000 from Andrew and Judy Green of the Henry & Eugenia Green Family Foundation. This gift is the second installment of a three-part gift to support AJL conventions. Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Green, and thank you also to Jean Lettofsky, who facilitated this gift in her role as AJL Fundraising Chair.

Donations

2007-11-01T20:35:00.000-04:00

In addition to the generous donation from an anonymous donor (see post of September 18, 2007), we have received other noteworthy contributions, and we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the following:

The Capital Area Chapter of the AJL
Sarajane Dolinsky
Marcia Posner

Your generosity will go a long way toward making the 2008 Convention a success!

Convention Corps

2007-10-10T17:14:00.000-04:00

The 2008 Convention Planning Committee in a board room at the Marriott

Standing Left to Right: Wendy Wasman, Andi Davidson; Seated Left to Right: Jean Lettofsky, Linda Silver, Bonnie Shapiro

National Convention Chair visits Cleveland

2007-10-10T16:47:00.000-04:00

From left to right: Fred Isaac, Wendy Wasman, Andi Davidson, Jean Lettofsky, Linda Silver, in the lobby of the Marriott

On October 10, Fred Isaac, AJL's National Convention Chair, came to Cleveland to meet with members of the Convention Corps. We discussed the plans underway for the 2008 Convention. Here are some updates:

Programming: Linda Silver reported that we have many confirmed programs on topics such as: Hebrew storytime; using puppets to teach tolerance; graphic novels that feature Israel; book clubs; copyright issues; Jewish music; and humor in Israeli and American picture books. We have several programs that are tentative and will be confirmed once proposals have been received. The deadline for submitting proposals for programs has been extended to December 1st. Please note Linda's new email address: silverlr@roadrunner.com
Contempo Cuisine will provide all of the meals and coffee breaks during the Convention; the food looks mouthwatering on the menus!

We have two very exciting tours planned: Sunday, June 22, 2008 - convention attendees will have the opportunity to take a tour of Jewish Cleveland on Lolly the Trolley. The tour will be from 1:00-3:00 PM and will feature new Jewish sites on the East side of Cleveland, as well as the Jewish Archives at the Western Reserve Historical Society and The Temple - Tifereth Israel's historic building in University Circle; on Monday, June 23, 2008, convention attendees can enjoy a light supper at The Temple - Tifereth Israel in Beachwood, followed by a docent-led tour of the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, which is located just steps away from The Temple. Transportation will be provided from the Marriott to The Temple and from the Maltz Museum back to the hotel.

We have developed a list of local exhibitors and will be working with AJL to attract national exhibitors to our convention.

A special post-convention celebration of the 4oth anniversary of the Sydney Taylor Book Awards will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2008. Watch this site for further details.

Todah Rabah!

2007-09-18T09:59:00.000-04:00

We are excited to announce that we have received an anonymous donation of $3000 from an AJL-GCC member. These funds will help to offset the many convention expenses. Many thanks to this generous member! Please contact our fundraising chair, Jean Lettofsky, at jlettofky@siegalcollege.edu if you are interested in learning more about how you can help.

Call for Papers

2007-08-02T12:31:00.000-04:00

The following is the official Conference Announcement and Call for Papers. If you are interested in presenting a paper at the 2008 Convention, please follow the instructions below.

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO DECEMBER 1, 2007

The Association of Jewish Libraries, Inc. will hold its 43rd annual convention at the Cleveland
Marriott East in suburban Cleveland on June 22-25, 2008. Librarians, archivists, and scholars from numerous disciplines will meet to share their interest in Judaica librarianship and related areas.

AJL is soliciting papers dealing with any aspect of Judaica librarianship or scholarship as it pertains to libraries, archives, museums, schools, synagogues, and related institutions. Typically, this has included workshops, panel discussions, and presentations about literature and other resources, programming, reader advisory services, special collections, technical services, library administration, materials selection, collection development, cataloging and classification of Judaic materials, digital and electronic resources, and local Jewish history. Papers should be both educational and interesting.

Those wishing to participate in poster sessions are also invited to submit proposals.

Prospective presenters should submit an abstract by December 1, 2007. The abstract should include the title of the presentation, a one-paragraph summary, the presenter’s name, address, phone number, email address, institution, and a 25 word bio. If the presentation requires audio-visual equipment, please indicate the type of equipment that will be needed.

Send abstracts to Linda Silver:
3729 Meadowbrook Blvd.
University Heights, OH 44118
Please note new email address: silverlr@roadrunner.com

AJL Website has 2008 Info!

2007-08-01T20:07:00.000-04:00

The AJL website has posted the latest information about the 2008 Convention in Cleveland. Go to www.jewishlibraries.org/ajlweb/home.htm, click on Convention and follow the link to the 2008 Convention page.

Photo Op

2007-07-17T11:44:00.001-04:00

Here is a picture taken of Andi Davidson, Nechama Kutner, and Wendy Wasman in the Exhibits during the 2007 Convention. We are holding the program book which has the 2008 Conference Announcement and Call for Papers printed on the back cover.

Here is a variation on the slideshow that I showed at the 2007 Convention

2007-07-16T10:55:00.000-04:00

Images of old Jewish Cleveland are taken from Jane Avner's book Merging Traditions.

Keynote Speaker for 2008 Convention announced

2007-06-21T19:15:00.000-04:00

Dr. Ellen Frankel, Editor-in-Chief and CEO of the Jewish Publication Society (http://www.jewishpub.org/), will be the keynote speaker at the 2008 convention. Her appearance at an AJL convention will coincide with JPS's 120th anniversary. The topic of Dr. Frankel's talk will be announced later. Anyone interested in the history and development of the Jewish Publication Society is urged to read Jonathan Sarna's JPS: THE AMERICANIZATION OF JEWISH CULTURE, 1888-1988.

AJL 2007 Convention was HOT!

2007-06-21T14:06:00.000-04:00

Literally - it was well over 100 degrees every day in sunny Phoenix!

I had a great time at my very first AJL convention, and I am even more excited about having the convention here in Cleveland next June. If you did not make it to Phoenix and you would like to experience the convention virtually, click here http://www.ajl2007.blogspot.com/ and read all about the convention. People were blogging live during the convention, and in addition, some people were also calling in "phonecasts" so you can hear their comments online. Andi Davidson, Jean Lettofsky, and I called in a phonecast on Tuesday night. To hear it, click on the link above, go to Phonecasts in the sidebar, click on "posts" and open up the first one that is dated June 19, 2007. Make sure your speakers are on!

To promote the Cleveland convention, we had luggage tags made with the 2008 Convention logo. Each attendee received a luggage tag in his/her convention bag. In addition, a Conference Announcement and Call for Papers was printed on the back cover of each convention program. We have already received one proposal for a program for next year!

I gave a brief presentation promoting Cleveland during the lunch on Tuesday. If I can figure out how to post a Powerpoint presentation with my comments, I will post it here on the blog.

Update to the logo

2007-04-19T11:46:00.000-04:00

For some reason when I uploaded the logo to the blog the convention's theme disappeared. The theme, "Jewish Libraries: Tradition, Text and Technology," is supposed to be in between the two burgundy lines below the logo. You'll just have to picture it until I can figure out how to remedy the situation!

Logo

2007-04-18T16:24:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Debbie Friedman, the Director of Communications at The Temple - Tifereth Israel, we now have a classy logo for the 2008 Cleveland Convention. The above logo will be used on letterhead stationery, postcards, and the bags we will give away at the convention.

2007 Convention Information

2007-04-03T16:58:00.000-04:00

This year's annual convention will be held in Scottsdale, Arizona. All of the latest information is posted on the AJL's convention page: http://www.jewishlibraries.org/ajlweb/conventions/convention2007.htm

So far Andi Davidson, Wendy Wasman, Jean Lettofsky, Heather Lenson, and Lee Haas will be representing the Greater Cleveland Chapter at the 2007 convention. Please let us know if you are going, too! Remember - tell everyone you meet to "Save the Date: Cleveland in '08!"

We are refining the logo for the 2008 convention. When it is ready, I will post it here on the blog.

Planning Update

2007-03-09T19:36:00.000-05:00

The Convention Planning Committee has been working hard to reorganize some of the sub-committees, come up with a theme for the convention (see next post), and make contacts within the local community for potential sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, etc. Stay tuned for future updates which will include more details.

We have a theme!

2007-03-09T19:33:00.000-05:00

The theme/slogan for the 2008 AJL Convention will be:

Jewish Libraries: Tradition, Text and Technology

2007-02-27T16:50:00.000-05:00

CONVENTION CHRONICLE:
An irregular newsletter devoted to the planning of the
2008 AJL National Convention
#1

Kickoff Meeting

On January 11, 2007, seventeen members of the Greater Cleveland Chapter met to officially begin planning for the 2008 AJL National Convention. The convention will be held in Cleveland from June 22-25, 2008. Convention headquarters will be the Marriott Cleveland East, located on Harvard Road in Warrensville Heights.

Linda Silver began the meeting by telling us her experiences at previous conventions, including the one held in Cleveland in 1997. Other chapter members, including Andi Davidson, Esther Hexter, Nechama Kutner, Jean Lettofsky, Julie Moss, and Bonnie Shapiro, told of their convention experiences. Merrily Hart arrived in a pink t-shirt and carrying a tote bag and program book, all emblazoned with the logo and slogan of the Cleveland 1997 convention! During this lively pep talk, program books of past conventions were circulated among the members.

Convention Planning Committees

Linda announced the current slate of officers of the Convention Planning Committee:

Co-Chairs: Andi Davidson, Wendy Wasman, Mark Weber
Advisors: Linda Silver and Merrily Hart
Treasurer: Fran Freedman

The following is a list of sub-committees and the names of those who signed up to work on each committee. If you do not see your name on any of these committees and you would like to volunteer, please contact Andi Davidson at adavidson@ttti.org or Wendy Wasman at wwwasman@yahoo.com. As you can see, many of the committees are in need of a chair and/or volunteers. We hope to fill up these committees as soon as possible.

Sub-Committees

Ads for Program Book
Chair:
Committee:

AV
Chair:
Committee: Anne Biermann

Exhibits
Chair: Harold Koppel
Committee: Heather Lenson, Eileen Kollins

Fund Raising
Chair: Jean Lettofsky
Committee: Sue Berlin, Sarajane Dolinsky

Hospitality Suite
Chair:
Committee: Fran Freedman, Heather Lenson, Gerry Powers

Meals
Co-Chairs: Nechama Kutner and Aimee Lurie
Committee: Ilka Gordon, Jacqueline Stern

Off-Site Locations and Tours
Co-Chairs: Nechama Kutner and Bonnie Shapiro
Committee: Ilka Gordon, Nina Rosner

Program Book
Chair: Anne Biermann
Committee: Julie Berman, Esther Hexter, Polly Wilkenfeld

Programs
Chair: Linda Silver
Committee: Sean Martin, Jean Lettofsky, Wendy Wasman, Gerry Powers, Nina
Rosner, Esther Hexter, Nechama Kutner

Publicity
Chair: Nina Rosner
Committee: Esther Hexter, Lee Haas

Registration
Chair: Marcia Klein
Committee: Joanne Frey, Nina Rosner, Lee Haas, Polly Wilkenfeld

Signage
Chair:
Committee:

Sponsorships
Chair:
Committee: Joe Hecht, Mark Weber

Volunteers
Chair: Fran Pursell
Committee: Susan Traub

Program Ideas

We are planning on offering a tour of the Maltz Museum on the Monday evening of the convention. Also in the works is a tour of Jewish Cleveland, transportation to be provided by Lolly the Trolley.

Food

A contract has been signed with Contempo Cuisine to provide all of the meals, as well as the coffee breaks, for the convention. The menu looks delicious!

Slogan

Do you have any ideas for a slogan for the 2008 AJL Convention? We have a couple of ideas already, but we want your input. Submit your ideas to Wendy Wasman at wwwasman@yahoo.com. Possibilities so far include:

Jewish Libraries: Cornerstones of Community
Jewish Libraries = Jewish Literacy
Jewish Libraries: Tradition, Treasures, and Technology

Stay tuned for future issues of the Convention Chronicle!

Welcome to the AJL Cleveland Convention 2008 Blog!

2007-02-27T16:42:00.000-05:00

I thought that a blog would be a good way to keep everyone in the loop as plans progress for the AJL annual convention to be held in Cleveland in June 2008. If you would like something posted on the blog, please send it to me via email (wwwasman@yahoo.com) and I will post it for you.

Anyone is welcome to add comments to an already existing post. Just click where it says "comments," enter your comment, and if you do not already have an account, you will be asked to create one. All you'll need is your email address and a password (any one of your choosing). Remember your password for the next time you want to comment.

The next post will be the first issue of the Convention Chronicle that you received by email.

Wendy