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I’m excited to share the news that ACRL has officially launched a book that AMICAL has been collaborating with them to develop over the past few years: Library Partnerships in International Liberal Arts Education: Building Relationships Across Cultural and Institutional Lines. The book reports on innovative library partnerships that cut across lines of cultural and institutional boundaries, but also across professional boundaries, at AMICAL’s international liberal arts institutions. Its 10 chapters are authored by 16 librarians, faculty members and instructional technologists from 6 AMICAL member institutions in as many different countries. It’s an engaging collection of challenges, inspired initiatives, and hard-won insights about library partnerships in our unique and changing institutional contexts. I know it’ll be of interest to colleagues in many countries around the world, and I’m very proud to have had the opportunity to work with co-editor Kara Malenfant (Senior Strategist for Special Initiatives at ACRL) and the 15 other authors from AMICAL member institutions who contributed to this project. Although I wish this came at another time, rather than a moment when we are all struggling with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s gratifying and encouraging to see AMICAL colleagues’ experiences and wisdom being shared beyond the boundaries of our own consortium and its forums and conferences. The book is available for purchase in the ALA Store, and you can check our book launch page to find out more about the book, the AMICAL authors and their contributed chapters, and the AMICAL-ACRL project that led to the book.

Update: We now have a COVID-19 page with up-to-date information on initiatives and resources in support of instructional and library continuity during this time. At the “Continuity of instructional and library activities during COVID-19” member forum that AMICAL organized last week, there was interest in organizing some kind of regular open meetings for AMICAL members to continue discussions in this context – a sort of weekly “water cooler” conversation to help folks regroup and get fresh ideas on the various challenges they’re facing. Those challenges are many, after all – and though there are many online events being organized around the world on similar themes, sometimes the most relevant feedback, and the most practicable inspiration, comes from peers at institutions operating in contexts most similar to our own. AMICAL is therefore continuing this conversation as a series of live online forums under the theme of “Continuity during COVID-19”. The focus and target audience of these online forums will rotate to a different area each week – e.g. information literacy, pedagogy and faculty development, library management/collections/services – to avoid taking too much time each week from any one group, and so that the conversations are as focused, and immediately practicable and useful, as possible. Upcoming forums will be announced on AMICAL Connect and listed on our events page. If you’re an AMICAL member and have not joined AMICAL Connect yet, you may sign up now. The events pages of past forums will link to the recordings, notes and discussions about each event, access to which is restricted to AMICAL members. For easier access, AMICAL members may view playlist of all recordings from the forum series (requires an AMICAL Connect account). Propose a forum We invite AMICAL’s Committees, Interest Groups, and individual members to propose facilitating future forums in this series. If you’re interested, send us an email: Provide a brief description of the questions/issues you’re hoping to address in the discussion Suggest a date and time for the event: aim for scheduling your event after most AMICAL members have ended their normal working days (e.g. 18:00 Paris time or later), unless you have polled your target audience and determined that there’s a clear preference for an earlier time For each broad profile identified as part of your primary target audience (e.g. faculty developers, librarians, etc.), there should be someone from that profile helping actively to moderate the event. If your topic clearly relates to one of the AMICAL Standing Committees or Interest Groups, but you’re not part of that group, please contact the group so that they’re at least aware of what you’re proposing and have the opportunity to collaborate with you on facilitating the forum.

The Small Grant Review committee received and reviewed 12 applications for the February 2020 cycle. The following applications were accepted with either full or partial funding: Title Applicant Institution Category Activity dates Student-Visions: A photoethnography of the walled city Faiza Rafique Forman Christian College Professional development 2 day conference: 16-17 December 2019 Digital Humanities Summer Institute (June 2020) Dalal Hakim Rahme American University of Beirut Professional development 5 day workshop: 1-5 June 2020 Instructional Videos for Non-Russian Speaking Learners Mariya Antonova American University of Central Asia Project 5-month project: Jan - May 2020 Digital Humanities Summer Institute (DHSI) Hicham Zahnan American University of Beirut Professional development 2 week-long courses: June 2020 International Learning Collaboration: Culture, gender and psychology (ILC-CGP2020) Martin Dege American University of Paris Project 10-month project: Feb-Nov 2020 Data Art by Students, for Students at AUCA - Spring 2020 Anastasia Valeeva American University of Central Asia Project 2-month project: Mar-Apr 2020 Development of Digital Storytelling and Filmmaking Skills for Teaching and Research Caroline/Gabriel Wiedmer/Gee Franklin University Switzerland Professional development 5 workshops in April, May and June 2020 Responses have already been sent out to all the applicants. How to apply in the next cycle The deadline for the next round of applications is midnight on 20 April. Check the Small Grant guidelines for full information about how to apply, including the scope of the program and the criteria used in reviewing applications. If you’ve read the guidelines but still have questions, we’ll be holding an informal half-hour Q&A session on 8 April 10:00-10:30 (Paris time, local time). AMICAL administration will be on hand to answer questions, listen to your feedback and provide advice for preparing your applications. If we end up with lots of questions, we’re happy to extend the session a bit longer.

In the last cycle for November 2019, the Small Grant Review committee received and review 7 applications, all of which were accepted. The following applications were accepted with either full or partial funding: Title Applicant Institution Category Activity dates Training and Consultation for creating an Oral History Project at John Cabot University Alessandra Grego John Cabot University Staff exchange/consultation 3-day staff exchange/consulting with remote follow-up over the following 6 months The NYU Abu Dhabi Winter Institute in Digital Humanities Elie Abu Haydar American University of Beirut Professional development 4 day workshop: 19-22 January 2020 Educational App “Manas” Daniyar Karabaev American University of Central Asia Project 8-month long project: Dec 2019 - July 2020 Winter Institute in digital humanities (January 19-January 22 2020) Ramzi Al Malti American University of Beirut Professional development 4 day workshop: 19-22 January 2020 Multi-Campus Student Research Collaborative on Global Issues Tamo Chattopadhay American University of Central Asia Project 8-month long project: Oct 2019 - May 2020 Linked Open Data for Libraries and Scholars Basma Chebani American University of Beirut Staff exchange/consultation 2 day staff exchange/consultation: 21-22 April 2020 Winter Institute Digital Humanities Elie Kahale American University of Beirut Professional development 4 day workshop: 19-22 January 2020 Responses have already been sent out to all the applicants. How to apply in the next cycle The deadlines for the next rounds of applications are midnight on: 17 February 20 April 14 September The dates are subject to revision, so check the Small Grant guidelines for definitive deadlines and full information about how to apply, including the scope of the program and the criteria used in reviewing applications. If you’ve read the guidelines but still have questions, we’ll be holding an informal half-hour Q&A session on 5 February 10:00-10:30 (Paris time, local time). AMICAL administration will be on hand to answer questions, listen to your feedback and provide advice for preparing your applications. If we end up with lots of questions, we’re happy to extend the session a bit longer.

Registration is now open for AMICAL 2020. The deadline is just over a week from now, November 17, so make sure to register in time. Some important guidelines: If you have applied for a pre-conference workshop, wait for a response from the organizers before registering. The workshop application process is competitive as there are a limited number of spots available. Clarify what visa procedure you need to follow. If you need to apply for a visa through the local host (AUK), make sure to have a scan of your passport and academic degree as it will be asked in the form. Consult the financial support page to find out if you’re eligible and what the requirements are. For more information about the conference, visit the AMICAL 2020 website, which includes extensive information about the program and attending the event. –The AMICAL 2020 Organizers

AMICAL 2020 will host two 1-day pre-conference workshops, each tailored for AMICAL members by the invited facilitators. The pre-conference workshops will run in parallel on Wednesday 15 January: Strategic approaches to the development of digital literacies Instructor: Doug Belshaw Description: This workshop will cover the eight essential elements of digital literacies, exploring ways in which AMICAL institutions can benefit from a strategic approach to the area. The sessions will be of particular use to those who wish to think critically about the role of universities in 21st century society. Participants will leave the workshop empowered with the knowledge and skills to begin implementing digital literacies in a relevant context at their home institution. Intended for: librarians, faculty and technologists who are interested, or already involved, in the integration of digital literacies at the course or strategic level at their institution (veterans and newbies welcome). Library leadership in the global context Instructor: Donna Scheeder Description: Globalization presents both challenges and opportunities for library leaders. Library Leaders are challenged to secure success through strategic thinking and actions. The workshop is a forum for library leaders to stretch their thinking and leave with practical next steps. Through a combination of presentations and discussion we will explore trends that are affecting your libraries, development of strategies for the future, and the tools, techniques, and competencies needed to successfully implement them. This workshop offers the chance to problem-solve, discuss, reflect, and network with colleagues. Intended for: library directors (or other top-level library leaders: deans of libraries, AULs, etc.) To apply for a workshop submit the application (link below) by midnight November 6. You will receive a response indicating whether you’ve been accepted within 2 days. Applications will be vetted according to how well your application aligns with the workshop, and according to space available. 🌟 Financial support Being accepted for a pre-conference workshop does not guarantee financial support to attend. Some workshop applicants may already be eligible for our financial support program, but there is not a separate program for support specifically for workshop participants. Shared-room hotel support to attend the workshop is only provided as an extension to the support already provided to those eligible for our financial support program: if you are already eligible for that support or become eligible through a nomination by your AMICAL representative, and you are accepted for a pre-conference workshop, your shared-room hotel coverage will be extended by the extra day necessary to attend the workshop. See How to check if you’re eligible for financial support. Note for those applying to attend the digital literacies pre-conference workshop: if you have a role or responsibilities that clearly allow you to benefit from your participation in this workshop, your AMICAL representative may be able to nominate you for financial support for the event as a whole (see Nomination-based support for Full/Affiliate members). 🗓️ Upcoming dates The following dates are subject to change. Check our Important dates & announcements page periodically for the most up-to-date information. 3 Nov: Deadline for speaker submission of revised session titles/abstracts 6 Nov: Deadline for pre-conference workshop applications Deadline for financial support nominations Deadline for Representatives’ attendance and institutional support confirmation 8 Nov: Responses to pre-conference Workshop applications Registration opens 17 Nov: Deadline for registration Apply for a pre-conference workshop

We are excited to announce the program for AMICAL 2020, the consortium’s 17th annual meeting and conference, which will take place 15–18 January the American University of Kuwait (AUK). We have also updated the conference website to include information about financial support, accommodation, visa information, and the venue. Registration will open in early November, after applications for pre-conference workshops and nomination-based financial support are submitted and have received responses. All potential attendees are expected to check periodically our list of Important dates & announcements, which is updated regularly and will help ensure you haven’t missed an important email because of your spam filter or other delivery problems.   🎯 Program Each year the AMICAL Conference brings consortium members together to critically grapple with issues relevant to international liberal arts institutions. This year’s program focuses on the impact of digital transformation at our institutions. What does innovation in teaching and learning look like? How we can work together to support such innovation and to make sure that our work is sustainable? Three invited guests will inspire and guide us as we address these questions: Doug Belshaw, Co-founder of We Are Open Co-op, will lead a pre-conference workshop on digital literacies Donna Scheeder, President of Library Strategies International, will lead a pre-conference workshop on library leadership Siva Vaidhyanathan, Professor of Media Studies at the University of Virginia, will open the main conference program with a keynote on our role in the current media landscape As always, the majority of the program is contributed by members in dynamic formats that emphasize discussion and hands-on activities, and showcase innovative local projects and initiatives. Sessions proposed by AMICAL colleagues will deal with the impact of the digital in various forms, including: digital pedagogy and scholarship; information, media and digital literacies; and digital collections. The program will also address other issues relevant to AMICAL members, such as: open access and OER, oral history projects, writing and first-year experience programs, e-resources, assessment, blended learning, and much more. The event is divided into three distinct components: Pre-conference pre-conference workshops (15 January) Digital literacies Library leadership Main conference program (16–17 January) Keynote Member-contributed sessions Unconference Vendor exhibits Plenary sessions All-conference dinner & social events Business meetings (18 January) Members Council Coordinating Committee Sightseeing tours You may view the tentative schedule and list of speakers for more details about the program. More information about how to apply to the pre-conference workshops will be sent out later this week. 👩‍🏫 Who should attend The majority of Conference attendees will be speakers whose proposals were accepted for the program, members contributing to the organization of the Conference, leaders of AMICAL’s committees, and members nominated by their AMICAL representative because of their potential benefit from and contribution to the conference (see below). We also encourage other staff and faculty of AMICAL institutions to attend if they are interested in the Conference theme or, more broadly, AMICAL’s mission of working together on libraries, technology and learning. 🌟 Financial support for attendees Various levels of financial support are awarded automatically to attendees who are from Full or Affiliate member institutions and who are speakers or playing certain essential roles in the conference or the consortium. Review the financial support page to find out what level of support you may have to attend the event. In addition to the automatic role-based financial support, a limited number of members can also be supported through our nomination-based awards for new professionals and others likely to benefit from and contribute to the conference. Room sharing is a requirement this year for all members benefiting from support for hotel accommodations. Sharing rooms allows AMICAL to enable the participation of a larger number of our members, with a more sustainable financial model.. You may find it helpful to review the list of members eligible for financial support (linked from the financial support page) to help you identify a roommate. ✉️ Clarify your visa requirements Make sure to check if you need a visa and what the process of acquiring one is for your nationality. Most attendees will need a visa. Important notes: Those who can apply online should wait until December 16 to apply, as the visa will allow you to enter Kuwait State only within a month from its issuance. (The visa will take only a few working days to be issued.) Those who will apply through the American University of Kuwait as host institution will need to provide a scan of their passport and academic degree – so make sure to locate these in time. 🗓️ Upcoming dates Pre-conference workshop applications will open later this week. If you wish to participate in one of the pre-conference workshops, you must submit this application in advance of Conference registration, by the date that will be announced. Nomination-based financial support will close November 6. Registration for the conference will open in early November. Only those who have applied and been accepted for a pre-conference workshop will be able to register for the pre-conference day. In the meantime, you may find information to prepare for your attendance on our conference site, including details about the program, financial support, visas, accommodation and the venue. Visit the AMICAL 2020 website –The AMICAL 2020 Organizers

The Program Committee is pleased to announce that Round 2 of the Call for Proposals is now open! Starting today, and until 15 September, we will be accepting final session proposals in all formats. You can submit directly in Round 2, even if you hadn’t submitted a proposal in Round 1. (Please forward this message to any of your colleagues who may be interested in proposing sessions.) We invite proposals relating to the theme of “Digital transformation at international liberal arts institutions: Innovation, collaboration & sustainability.” You may propose a session inspired by aspects of this theme or other topics pertinent to libraries, technology and learning at consortium member institutions, including Digital pedagogy & digital humanities Information literacy & digital literacies Innovative & effective library and technology leadership Interdisciplinary and inter-institutional collaborations Innovative & effective teaching Open learning & scholarship Civic engagement & social justice Digital collections Assessment & data These topics, and suggestions for proposing sessions that will resonate with the expected attendee profiles, are further developed in the call for proposals. We look forward to reading your proposals! View the “Call for proposals” Note: We have already sent out responses to those who submitted to Round 1. If you submitted a draft proposal and did not receive a response on August 30, get in touch with us. –The AMICAL 2020 Program Committee

In this cycle, we received 16 applications, a record number. The Small Grant Review committee has reviewed all of them and responded last week as follows: Accepted: 7 Requested revision: 5 Declined: 4 The following applications were accepted with either full or partial funding: Title Applicant Institution Category Activity dates Training course in digital humanities Mai Zaki American University of Sharjah Professional development 4 day workshop: 19-22 January 2020 Mortenson Center Associates Program May-June 2020 Farrukh Shahzad Forman Christian College Professional development Month-long program: 27 May - 23 June 2020 Enhancing Access to Egyptian Village Oral Histories via Transcription and Translation Stephen Urgola American University in Cairo Project Year-long project: September 2019 - September 2020 Open Education Global 2019 Conference Jyldyz Bekbalaeva American University of Central Asia Professional development 3 day conference: 26-28 November 2019 NYU Abu Dhabi Winter Institute in Digital Humanities - Course: Object-Based Digital Humanities for Cultural Heritage Araz Markosian American University of Armenia Professional development 4 day workshop: 19-22 January 2020 Educational technology and digital literacy group workshops and individual consultations for the American University of Paris Rebekah Rast American University of Paris Staff exchange/consultation 5-day staff exchange/consulting Spatial Digital Humanities and Cultural Heritage in Research, Teaching, and Archiving Najla Jarkas American University of Beirut Staff exchange/consultation 3-day staff exchange/consulting Responses have already been sent out to all the applicants. How to apply in the next cycle The deadline for the next round of applications is midnight 3 November. Information about how to apply, including the scope of the program and the criteria used in reviewing applications, can be found in the Small Grant guidelines. If you’ve read the guidelines but still have questions, we’ll be holding an informal half-hour Q&A session. AMICAL administration will be on hand to answer questions, listen to your feedback and provide advice for preparing your applications. The Q&A session will be take place 29 October 10:00-10:30 (Paris time, local time). If we end up with lots of questions, we’re happy to extend the session a bit longer

The election is underway for the officers of the next Coordinating Committee. Their term will start on 1 October 2019 and conclude on 30 September 2021. The current Vice-Chair – Evi Tramantza (American College of Thessaloniki) – will be taking over as Chair. The three remaining officers (Vice-Chair, Secretary, Member-at-Large) will be elected by members of the consortium. More details about these roles and the overall work of the committee were provided in the call for nominations. The voting members for this election are the AMICAL Representatives of Full Member institutions. They have already received detailed instructions by email, including a link that allows them to cast one ballot on behalf of their institution. As the consortium’s Operational Guidelines state: “The Local AMICAL Representative plays a pivotal role in advancing AMICAL’s mission, and promoting the consortium and its spirit of collaboration as a group, by representing the member institution’s stakeholders, be they librarians, technologists, faculty, or administrators.” Before casting their votes for up to three candidates, the representatives will discuss the merits of all candidates with local colleagues, especially those that have a stake in AMICAL’s activities. If you’re involved in AMICAL’s activities and belong to a Full Member institution, we encourage you to review the list of candidates and discuss them with your Representative. Ideally, Coordinating Committee members should have experience relevant to AMICAL’s mission and current grant goals, as well as a consortial mindset that will allow them to support AMICAL in the planning, steering and evaluation of its programs. To help you in this evaluation, the list above includes a link to each candidate’s AMICAL profile, as well as a statement by each candidate addressing their qualifications for joining the committee and potential contributions to its work. At the same time, we are looking for three candidates who, along with Evi Tramantza, will offer broad representation across the following areas, to the extent possible: professional roles (faculty, technologist, librarian, administrator) institution size geographic region Thanks to the Election Committee (Nikolina Ivanova-Bell, Evi Tramantza, and Fatmeh Charafeddine) for overseeing this process and to all of the candidates for agreeing to stand. Representatives of Full Member institutions: start reaching out to your colleagues and make sure to submit your votes before the deadline of 8 September!