Monday, April 30, 2007
Katie has joined the Youth Services Advisory Council! The Youth Services Advisory Council is a group of 25 librarians interested in services to children and young adults in public libraries. The Council provides advice and support for State Library services and programs related to youth. Members are chosen to represent geographic regions, a variety of community sizes, and particular interests such as young adult services. Appointments are for three years.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
West Liberty Public Library just confirmed that Presidential candidate Senator Christopher Dodd will be speaking from 12-12:30pm at their library's Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 5th. Congratulations to them for creating this wonderful opportunity to showcase libraries serving their communities in a big way!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
A message from Kim...
Ask a Ninja…for help with Web 2.0 technology http://youtube.com/watch?v=OEmss2lg-ug
How is podcasting like feeding apple pie to whales? Find out on this episode of “Ask a Ninja”. Other useful topics (or just for fun) include Net Neutrality. Hey, and it’s a fun way to poke around YouTube a little bit and get a feel for what the big fuss is about!
How is the Internet changing (us)?
...Another YouTube presentation I saw at Computers in Libraries. It gave me chills. The title, The Machine is Us/ing Us says it all – society is changing because of the Internet and it’s a societal shift that will not stop. It gives a nice overview on some of the most compelling technologies available to the average user and gives some hefty food for thought on how we need to view our work, our lives and our world in light of these changes to interactivity and the ease with which we can now use and manipulate the web.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gmP4nk0EOE
Ask a Ninja…for help with Web 2.0 technology http://youtube.com/watch?v=OEmss2lg-ug
How is podcasting like feeding apple pie to whales? Find out on this episode of “Ask a Ninja”. Other useful topics (or just for fun) include Net Neutrality. Hey, and it’s a fun way to poke around YouTube a little bit and get a feel for what the big fuss is about!
How is the Internet changing (us)?
...Another YouTube presentation I saw at Computers in Libraries. It gave me chills. The title, The Machine is Us/ing Us says it all – society is changing because of the Internet and it’s a societal shift that will not stop. It gives a nice overview on some of the most compelling technologies available to the average user and gives some hefty food for thought on how we need to view our work, our lives and our world in light of these changes to interactivity and the ease with which we can now use and manipulate the web.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gmP4nk0EOE
INFLUENCE AT THE LEADERSHIP LEVEL
Do people trust and respect you, seek you out, follow your lead and take the initiative to contribute to your projects? Then, you are influential! However, libraries need to change to stay relevant to their communities in the future and library leadership has to change as well. Can you extend your positive influence beyond old friends and family to new library users, new citizens and new economic and political decision-makers? Can you deal with hard decisions and still maintain the good will of most of the people in your community or institution? Topics will include:* the three steps of positive influence * building support networks* working with new populations* winning elections (referenda) and ethical politics, including limits to power and control.
For more information on the presenter, Pat Wagner, visit:
http://www.swilsa.lib.ia.us/CE/influenceleadership.htm
Registration is via the CE catalog at http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/cgi-bin/cecat/, search for “influence” to find the class. ICN sites are available in our region in Bettendorf, Muscatine, Keokuk, West Point and Ottumwa.
Do people trust and respect you, seek you out, follow your lead and take the initiative to contribute to your projects? Then, you are influential! However, libraries need to change to stay relevant to their communities in the future and library leadership has to change as well. Can you extend your positive influence beyond old friends and family to new library users, new citizens and new economic and political decision-makers? Can you deal with hard decisions and still maintain the good will of most of the people in your community or institution? Topics will include:* the three steps of positive influence * building support networks* working with new populations* winning elections (referenda) and ethical politics, including limits to power and control.
For more information on the presenter, Pat Wagner, visit:
http://www.swilsa.lib.ia.us/CE/influenceleadership.htm
Registration is via the CE catalog at http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/cgi-bin/cecat/, search for “influence” to find the class. ICN sites are available in our region in Bettendorf, Muscatine, Keokuk, West Point and Ottumwa.
New data on U.S. libraries shows almost two billion served
Predicted demise due to Internet fails to materialize
(CHICAGO) Ten years after some experts predicted the demise of the nation's system of libraries as a result of the Internet explosion, the most current national data on library use shows that the exact opposite has happened. Data released today by the American Library Association (ALA) indicates that the number of visits to public libraries in the United States increased 61 percent between 1994 and 2004. For the rest of the press release, visit http://tinyurl.com/29xpv9.
It's That Time of Year To...
Renew your FirstSearch contract. Contracts will be mailed to libraries in early May from the State Library/Central LSA. FirstSearch is a service of OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) and is provided by the State Library of Iowa. Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, OCLC is a nonprofit, computer library service and research organization. FirstSearch is a web-based information system for searching online databases. For more detailed information on FirstSearch and the State’s contract with them, visit http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/databases/firstsearch/fact-sheet
Renew your FirstSearch contract. Contracts will be mailed to libraries in early May from the State Library/Central LSA. FirstSearch is a service of OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) and is provided by the State Library of Iowa. Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, OCLC is a nonprofit, computer library service and research organization. FirstSearch is a web-based information system for searching online databases. For more detailed information on FirstSearch and the State’s contract with them, visit http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/databases/firstsearch/fact-sheet
Southeastern Library Services was pleased to have Sally Reed, Executive Director of Friends of Libraries USA (FOLUSA), speak to a mix of librarians, library trustees, and Friends board members on Saturday, April 14th. Sally led an interactive workshop on the many ways to get people more involved with the library, from being a member of the Friends to partnering with service clubs to get someone to be a library supporter, if not user. A number of participants remarked afterward that it was “fabulous”, a great speaker for SLS to have brought in to speak, and very useful to their future plans. Our thanks to Dee Crowner, director of North Liberty Community Library, and the City of North Liberty, for their wonderful hospitality.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Attention Teen Librarians!
Show your support of teens and literature by registering for YALSA's 2007 Teen Read Week, "LOL @ your library," online at www.ala.org/teenread. Registration is quick and free. The event will officially be held Oct. 14-20. The humor theme is meant to encourage teens to read light and entertaining materials just for the fun of it.
The first 100 registrants to sign up for Teen Read Week (TRW) will receive a free unabridged audiobook from a Printz or Alex Award-winning author compliments of TRW Promotional Partner, Listening Library. One lucky winner, selected at random, will receive an audiobook library collection of twelve titles by Printz and Alex Award winning authors. The first 500 registrants to sign up for TRW will receive a galley from Promotional Partner, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and be entered into a drawing for a signed set of the Twilight Series, including Eclipse, the newest book (available Aug. 7) or a signed set of the Gossip Girls paperbacks, books 1-12, plus the hardcover prequel (available in Oct.). The first 50 individuals to join YALSA as a new regular member through the TRW web site will receive the Chronicles for Young Readers gift set by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman (compliments of their national Corporate Sponsor Mirrorstone Books, and imprint of Wizards of the Coast).
When you register, please indicate if you would like to participate in YALSA's WrestleMania Reading Challenge. It is a program designed to encourage teens in middle and high school to not only continue their reading beyond TRW, but to earn a reward for doing so by offering chance to win prizes donated by World Wrestling Entertainment. Details, including the titles that will be required reads, will be available June 1 via the TRW web site. LOL themed products go on sale May 7th via the ALA online store (www.alastore.ala.org) and ALA Graphics catalog. You can get a sneak peek at them via the TRW web site. All proceeds from the products go to support the work of YALSA and ALA.
The summer issue of Young Adult Library Services is your guide to celebrating Teen Read Week. It mails in mid- July. Subscriptions are $50, or free with a membership in ALA/YALSA.
Are you a seasoned TRW participant or do you have some good ideas to share relating to the LOL theme? If so, please post them on YALSA's wiki at http://wikis.ala.org/yalsa.
Thanks for all that you do to get more teens in your community reading! We hope you will join us this year in celebrating our 10th Teen Read Week! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch (Stephanie Kuenn, YALSA Communication Specialist - skuenn@ala.org)
P.S. Are the Oct. 14-20 dates not good for you & your teens? Then pick your own time to celebrate TRW, or why not expand it to Teen Read Month?
Show your support of teens and literature by registering for YALSA's 2007 Teen Read Week, "LOL @ your library," online at www.ala.org/teenread. Registration is quick and free. The event will officially be held Oct. 14-20. The humor theme is meant to encourage teens to read light and entertaining materials just for the fun of it.
The first 100 registrants to sign up for Teen Read Week (TRW) will receive a free unabridged audiobook from a Printz or Alex Award-winning author compliments of TRW Promotional Partner, Listening Library. One lucky winner, selected at random, will receive an audiobook library collection of twelve titles by Printz and Alex Award winning authors. The first 500 registrants to sign up for TRW will receive a galley from Promotional Partner, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and be entered into a drawing for a signed set of the Twilight Series, including Eclipse, the newest book (available Aug. 7) or a signed set of the Gossip Girls paperbacks, books 1-12, plus the hardcover prequel (available in Oct.). The first 50 individuals to join YALSA as a new regular member through the TRW web site will receive the Chronicles for Young Readers gift set by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman (compliments of their national Corporate Sponsor Mirrorstone Books, and imprint of Wizards of the Coast).
When you register, please indicate if you would like to participate in YALSA's WrestleMania Reading Challenge. It is a program designed to encourage teens in middle and high school to not only continue their reading beyond TRW, but to earn a reward for doing so by offering chance to win prizes donated by World Wrestling Entertainment. Details, including the titles that will be required reads, will be available June 1 via the TRW web site. LOL themed products go on sale May 7th via the ALA online store (www.alastore.ala.org) and ALA Graphics catalog. You can get a sneak peek at them via the TRW web site. All proceeds from the products go to support the work of YALSA and ALA.
The summer issue of Young Adult Library Services is your guide to celebrating Teen Read Week. It mails in mid- July. Subscriptions are $50, or free with a membership in ALA/YALSA.
Are you a seasoned TRW participant or do you have some good ideas to share relating to the LOL theme? If so, please post them on YALSA's wiki at http://wikis.ala.org/yalsa.
Thanks for all that you do to get more teens in your community reading! We hope you will join us this year in celebrating our 10th Teen Read Week! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch (Stephanie Kuenn, YALSA Communication Specialist - skuenn@ala.org)
P.S. Are the Oct. 14-20 dates not good for you & your teens? Then pick your own time to celebrate TRW, or why not expand it to Teen Read Month?
Friday, April 20, 2007
Library Stamp
The mail sent out by the Hooper Public Library gets attention by the receiver. Instead of normal postage stamps, the library uses a stamp that Karla Shafer, library director, created. She used the Internet site www.stamps.com and created a real postage stamp with a picture of the Hooper Public Library in full color. Karla took a digital picture and downloaded it during the designing of her stamp. She then formatted the picture with easy-to-follow instructions, chose a border and a color for the #39. The result is an eye-catching and innovative way to make a noticeable difference to the library's mail. She has gotten lots of good comments from her efforts. There is an additional cost for the postage but Karla considers the promoting value and professional image well worth the cost. She encourages you to have fun creating your "library stamp."
(This blurb courtesy of Eastern Express, Eastern Library System (NE) from January 2007)
The mail sent out by the Hooper Public Library gets attention by the receiver. Instead of normal postage stamps, the library uses a stamp that Karla Shafer, library director, created. She used the Internet site www.stamps.com and created a real postage stamp with a picture of the Hooper Public Library in full color. Karla took a digital picture and downloaded it during the designing of her stamp. She then formatted the picture with easy-to-follow instructions, chose a border and a color for the #39. The result is an eye-catching and innovative way to make a noticeable difference to the library's mail. She has gotten lots of good comments from her efforts. There is an additional cost for the postage but Karla considers the promoting value and professional image well worth the cost. She encourages you to have fun creating your "library stamp."
(This blurb courtesy of Eastern Express, Eastern Library System (NE) from January 2007)
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
A Message from Kim...
Library 2.0 is a catchy misnomer – it really focuses on being in tune with your community and providing them with the tools, materials, and facility they want and need. A big focus of that is technology, of course, but it’s more a state of mind than a computer terminal. I'm a big fan of community based planning (New Planning for Results) and completely believe that if libraries are spending public money they need to be sure they are buying what the public actually wants. The next couple of generations are completely at home in this brave new online world, and facing those challenges with an unwillingness to try new things isn’t going to help “sell” the library to young adults and kids. They aren’t going to come around to your way of thinking, no matter how much you resist the entire 2.0 world. Open up, be willing to be uncomfortable (in my first online class I spent about 10 very agonizing minutes feeling kind of stupid), and try new things. You don’t have to use them in your library if they don’t work for you, but you’re doing yourself and your public a service if you are at least aware of the trends. So what’s a busy librarian to do?
Visit Learning 2.0 at http://plcmclearning.blogspot.com/. Learning 2.0 is an online self-discovery program that encourages the exploration of web 2.0 tools and new technologies. The creator is a public librarian who has actually used the modules with real live staff. We will be implementing a similar type of program this fall – we can all jump in together!
Library 2.0 is a catchy misnomer – it really focuses on being in tune with your community and providing them with the tools, materials, and facility they want and need. A big focus of that is technology, of course, but it’s more a state of mind than a computer terminal. I'm a big fan of community based planning (New Planning for Results) and completely believe that if libraries are spending public money they need to be sure they are buying what the public actually wants. The next couple of generations are completely at home in this brave new online world, and facing those challenges with an unwillingness to try new things isn’t going to help “sell” the library to young adults and kids. They aren’t going to come around to your way of thinking, no matter how much you resist the entire 2.0 world. Open up, be willing to be uncomfortable (in my first online class I spent about 10 very agonizing minutes feeling kind of stupid), and try new things. You don’t have to use them in your library if they don’t work for you, but you’re doing yourself and your public a service if you are at least aware of the trends. So what’s a busy librarian to do?
Visit Learning 2.0 at http://plcmclearning.blogspot.com/. Learning 2.0 is an online self-discovery program that encourages the exploration of web 2.0 tools and new technologies. The creator is a public librarian who has actually used the modules with real live staff. We will be implementing a similar type of program this fall – we can all jump in together!
In the April 2007 issue of American Libraries, the “By the Numbers” newsbox on page 20 quotes the Central Iowa LSA’s statistics on cake pan collections in Iowa:
“2,193: Number of cake pans held in the collections of Iowa libraries in the fall of 2006, 85% of which were acquired through donations. Total cake-pan circulation was 3,508 in FY2005-06.”
“2,193: Number of cake pans held in the collections of Iowa libraries in the fall of 2006, 85% of which were acquired through donations. Total cake-pan circulation was 3,508 in FY2005-06.”
Monday, April 16, 2007
Would you like more westerns for your patrons?
Donnellson Public Library is looking for two libraries to join their very informal western rotation. Just choose 15 of the westerns in your collection. They can be paperback, hardcover, or large print. Make sure they are in good condition. Mark them with a bright orange spot, and make a list of author and title for the group you are sending. Then, send them out. You will also receive a box of 15 westerns from another library in the rotation, along with a list. You can either put your own barcode on these books, or make a seperate card to go with your checkout system. In three months, these rotate to the next library on the list. When your own collection of westerns comes back to you, select 15 new westerns to put in the new rotation. The libraries that are now participating include Donnellson, West Point, and Mellinger, (Morning Sun.) If you would like to join, contact Brenda Knox, Donnellson Public Library, 319/835-5545, donnlibr@interl.net .
Donnellson Public Library is looking for two libraries to join their very informal western rotation. Just choose 15 of the westerns in your collection. They can be paperback, hardcover, or large print. Make sure they are in good condition. Mark them with a bright orange spot, and make a list of author and title for the group you are sending. Then, send them out. You will also receive a box of 15 westerns from another library in the rotation, along with a list. You can either put your own barcode on these books, or make a seperate card to go with your checkout system. In three months, these rotate to the next library on the list. When your own collection of westerns comes back to you, select 15 new westerns to put in the new rotation. The libraries that are now participating include Donnellson, West Point, and Mellinger, (Morning Sun.) If you would like to join, contact Brenda Knox, Donnellson Public Library, 319/835-5545, donnlibr@interl.net .
In anticipation of the seventh and final Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Scholastic will soon be launching a 37 library book tour across the US. The tour, which kicks off June 1st will give people an opportunity to not only tour the unique triple decker 'Knight Bus' (referenced in the books), but also discuss the book and everything Harry Potter. It will wrap up at Scholastic's own headquarters in New York just in time for the official release date of the new book. Read more about the bus tour and view the schedule at http://www.prnewswire.com/news/index_mail.shtml?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/04-11-2007/0004563379&EDATE
Friday, April 13, 2007
Looking for some online CE that you can do at your own pace? Webjunction has some great course offerings. Kim is going to be taking a 'netiquette' class this summer. Because Iowa is a Webjunction partner (thanks to generous financial support from the State Library), many of the courses are free. You can bone up on computer applications, take customer service courses, or investigate some business courses. Even better, you can earn CE credits!
(Most of the courses will print a certificate. If you take one that doesn’t offer a certificate, visit http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/continuing-ed/ceoptions for more information, or contact Michele Leininger at the State Library.)
Check out the catalog at http://webjunction.org/do/Navigation?category=372.
(Most of the courses will print a certificate. If you take one that doesn’t offer a certificate, visit http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/continuing-ed/ceoptions for more information, or contact Michele Leininger at the State Library.)
Check out the catalog at http://webjunction.org/do/Navigation?category=372.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
For those interested in testing out Greenwood Publishing’s database products, they are offering free trial access during National Library Week, April 15-21, 2007.
http://libraryweek.greenwood.com/fictionl/
http://libraryweek.greenwood.com/fictionl/
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
In Focus Webinar: TechAtlas for the Rural Library
Each month the Rural Library Sustainability Project is presenting an hour-long webinar related to the work of sustaining Rural and Small libraries. Join them next on April 24, 10:00 AM PDT/1:00 PM EDT when they discuss TechAtlas for the Rural Library.
Technology is constantly changing. Planning ahead can feel impossible when it's hard to catch-up with what is happening today. Luckily, tools exist that can help you stay on top of your library's technology, present and future.
In this webinar, they will talk about TechAtlas, a free, online technology planning tool for libraries. Hear how rural libraries around the country are using it. Learn how to get started in your library. Make 2007 the year you take control of your library's technology! Moderated by Brenda Hough, Technology Coordinator, Northeast Kansas Library System (NEKLS), with special guest Kendra Morgan, WebJunction's TechAtlas Outreach Specialist. Beginning in April, they will be using WebJunction's new web conferencing tool, Live Space for the webinars. They've updated the information on joining the webinars and will continue to post webinar archives and quick links at Rural In Focus.
Each month the Rural Library Sustainability Project is presenting an hour-long webinar related to the work of sustaining Rural and Small libraries. Join them next on April 24, 10:00 AM PDT/1:00 PM EDT when they discuss TechAtlas for the Rural Library.
Technology is constantly changing. Planning ahead can feel impossible when it's hard to catch-up with what is happening today. Luckily, tools exist that can help you stay on top of your library's technology, present and future.
In this webinar, they will talk about TechAtlas, a free, online technology planning tool for libraries. Hear how rural libraries around the country are using it. Learn how to get started in your library. Make 2007 the year you take control of your library's technology! Moderated by Brenda Hough, Technology Coordinator, Northeast Kansas Library System (NEKLS), with special guest Kendra Morgan, WebJunction's TechAtlas Outreach Specialist. Beginning in April, they will be using WebJunction's new web conferencing tool, Live Space for the webinars. They've updated the information on joining the webinars and will continue to post webinar archives and quick links at Rural In Focus.
Do you have a great way to advertise your collection?
ALA has an award to help you develop and publish it! The Carnegie-Whitney Awards have been established to provide grants for the preparation and publication of popular or scholarly reading lists, indexes and other guides to library resources that will be useful to users of all types of libraries. The grants may be used for print and electronic projects of varying lengths.
Visit http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=grantfellowship and select the Carnegie-Whitney Awards.
ALA has an award to help you develop and publish it! The Carnegie-Whitney Awards have been established to provide grants for the preparation and publication of popular or scholarly reading lists, indexes and other guides to library resources that will be useful to users of all types of libraries. The grants may be used for print and electronic projects of varying lengths.
Visit http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=grantfellowship and select the Carnegie-Whitney Awards.
Continuing Education
Kim will be attending Computer in Libraries next week. To see what’s being offered at the conference, visit http://www.infotoday.com/cil2007/. Although she'll not be blogging this conference, the information will be used in the continuing development of our continuing education plans for next fiscal year. The hope is to focus on both technology issues and youth services issues (and places where those two things intersect!)
...Both Katie and Kim have also begun their certification series to become Certified Synchronous Learning Experts. (In English, that means they're training to become online learning instructors.) Next year they hope to facilitate meetings, group discussion and CE opportunities online in addition to in-person opportunities in order to bring the training straight to you! (This way you can take a class at your desk or at a nearby computer lab.) And if this sounds too new and complicated, have no worries - they'll be providing training on using the tools this fall to make sure you're comfortable in the new classroom!
Kim will be attending Computer in Libraries next week. To see what’s being offered at the conference, visit http://www.infotoday.com/cil2007/. Although she'll not be blogging this conference, the information will be used in the continuing development of our continuing education plans for next fiscal year. The hope is to focus on both technology issues and youth services issues (and places where those two things intersect!)
...Both Katie and Kim have also begun their certification series to become Certified Synchronous Learning Experts. (In English, that means they're training to become online learning instructors.) Next year they hope to facilitate meetings, group discussion and CE opportunities online in addition to in-person opportunities in order to bring the training straight to you! (This way you can take a class at your desk or at a nearby computer lab.) And if this sounds too new and complicated, have no worries - they'll be providing training on using the tools this fall to make sure you're comfortable in the new classroom!
From the State Library...
The third PLOW training class has now begun and will be touring throughout Iowa until the end of May. Heard everyone talking about it, but don't know what it is? Read more about it and the grant that has made it possible at http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/archive/2007/04/plw
Also, come learn more about the history of vaccines and their affect on our world at a special lunch hosted by the State Library http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/archive/2007/04/lunch
Remember, the State Library's website is always updated with fresh information and events of interest to you, plus it's loaded with statistics and deadlines you may need in a pinch - Check it out! http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/
The third PLOW training class has now begun and will be touring throughout Iowa until the end of May. Heard everyone talking about it, but don't know what it is? Read more about it and the grant that has made it possible at http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/archive/2007/04/plw
Also, come learn more about the history of vaccines and their affect on our world at a special lunch hosted by the State Library http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/archive/2007/04/lunch
Remember, the State Library's website is always updated with fresh information and events of interest to you, plus it's loaded with statistics and deadlines you may need in a pinch - Check it out! http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/
...Speaking of the State Library, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has developed a new hardware grant program for public libraries called the Opportunity Online Hardware Grant. Gates has chosen the State Library to administer the grants which require a 25% match the first year and a 50% match the second year.
Eligible libraries will be notified via US Mail of their initial eligibility. There are other eligibility requirements, including the need to run TechAtlas at their library. SLS staff are able to assist with that part of the requirement and we use TechAtlas ourselves at the office. For more information on the program and requirements, visit http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/hardware.
Eligible libraries will be notified via US Mail of their initial eligibility. There are other eligibility requirements, including the need to run TechAtlas at their library. SLS staff are able to assist with that part of the requirement and we use TechAtlas ourselves at the office. For more information on the program and requirements, visit http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/hardware.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Did You Know?
We now have an Ellison Prestige Pro machine and a selection of shapes and letters for your use!You can ship paper stock to SLS and we will cut them for you free of charge. Cardstock and color paper are also available and can be provided for $0.10 per cut. If you have your own Ellison machine, you are welcome to borrow from our collection and cut your own for only the cost of shipping. Just in are some great cuts for the Summer Reading Program's theme - puzzle pieces, open and closed books, magnifying glass, etc. The complete list of what's available can be found at our website http://www.sls.lib.ia.us/sls-services/die and can be requested by emailing awright@sls.lib.ia.us. (A service order form is coming soon!)
We now have an Ellison Prestige Pro machine and a selection of shapes and letters for your use!You can ship paper stock to SLS and we will cut them for you free of charge. Cardstock and color paper are also available and can be provided for $0.10 per cut. If you have your own Ellison machine, you are welcome to borrow from our collection and cut your own for only the cost of shipping. Just in are some great cuts for the Summer Reading Program's theme - puzzle pieces, open and closed books, magnifying glass, etc. The complete list of what's available can be found at our website http://www.sls.lib.ia.us/sls-services/die and can be requested by emailing awright@sls.lib.ia.us. (A service order form is coming soon!)
Rachel Singer Gordon of The Liminal Librarian is giving away free books to libraries that she received as review copies. Some strings are attached, but little to no money is involved.
Free Computer books http://www.lisjobs.com/liminal/2007/04/computer-book-giveaway.html
Free Library-related books http://www.lisjobs.com/liminal/2007/04/more-free-books.html
Free Computer books http://www.lisjobs.com/liminal/2007/04/computer-book-giveaway.html
Free Library-related books http://www.lisjobs.com/liminal/2007/04/more-free-books.html
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Looking to explore new search engines? And ones designed for mobile devices like your PDA, cell phone or other small, internet-enabled machine? Charles Knight of Read/Write Web has compiled “The 85 Piece Mobile Search Tool Kit” in honor of finding yet another great deal on a multi-piece toolkit.
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/85_piece_mobile_search_tool_kit.php
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/85_piece_mobile_search_tool_kit.php
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
WAIT AND READ
The Kendallville Public Library, with the cooperation of several area businesses, has launched a new program, Wait and Read. Through this program the library has placed a basket of books at businesses where people typically have to wait for periods of time. Instead of wasting this time or sitting and being bored, people may pick up a book to read. Then the book may be taken by people when they leave the business. When they finish the book, people simply mark the inside book cover indicating they read the book. The book may be returned where it was originally picked up, to another Wait and Read basket or to the library - whatever located is convenient for the Wait and Read participant.
People interested in participating in the Wait and Read program do not need to have a library card. Nor do they have to worry about library due dates or fines. This program is completely on the "honor" system. The library periodically will change the books in the baskets and add new materials of interest.
(This article is courtesy of Kendallville and Limberlost (IN) Public Library, taken from the December 2006 issue of Library Administrator's Digest)
The Kendallville Public Library, with the cooperation of several area businesses, has launched a new program, Wait and Read. Through this program the library has placed a basket of books at businesses where people typically have to wait for periods of time. Instead of wasting this time or sitting and being bored, people may pick up a book to read. Then the book may be taken by people when they leave the business. When they finish the book, people simply mark the inside book cover indicating they read the book. The book may be returned where it was originally picked up, to another Wait and Read basket or to the library - whatever located is convenient for the Wait and Read participant.
People interested in participating in the Wait and Read program do not need to have a library card. Nor do they have to worry about library due dates or fines. This program is completely on the "honor" system. The library periodically will change the books in the baskets and add new materials of interest.
(This article is courtesy of Kendallville and Limberlost (IN) Public Library, taken from the December 2006 issue of Library Administrator's Digest)
GETTING IN THE GAME
In October, the Federation of American Scientists announced that it will invest in research to determine the educational value of video games.
Sounds like the Federation attended ULC's audio-conference on gaming in September.
"Gaming programs, collections, and services fulfill the library's mission to meet the diverse educational, informational and recreational needs of its users of all ages," said conference guest speaker Beth Gallaway, a library gaming consultant and author of the forthcoming Get Your Game On: Gaming and Libraries (Neal-Schuman). "I have three convincing reasons to support gamers at your library: games are popular, games have ties to literacy and learning, and games are developmentally appropriate for teenagers."
Indeed, ULC member and past Library of the Year winner, Ann Arbor (MI) District Library has teenagers lined up at the door waiting for the library to open. That's also the case at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Both not only allow gaming in the library, they sponsor tournaments that attract flocks of teenagers. Ann Arbor director Josie Barnes Parker says that parents are not only supportive, but grateful that the library is connecting in such a direct way. "Parents get this," she says.
And why not? Gallaway notes a host of benefits from video games, not the least of which is their impact on literacy and learning. She cites a study by Constance Steinkeulher, a researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who showed that gamers spend four times as much time creating and consuming content around a game as actually playing. "Games teach pattern recognition, incorporate reading and writing, are based on real physics, integrate math and economics, provide historical context, and require geography and map reading skills," says Gallaway.
In addition to their impact on learning, Gallaway notes the important social interaction and level playing field that video games promote. "The picture of a kid isolated in his basement playing a video game just isn't accurate," she says. "Kids play video games in groups. They take turns and I've watched as one child turns a controller over to another to get through a particularly difficult spot. These are tools for developing mentoring and leadership skills, critical thinking and problem solving skills, and calculated, strategic risk taking."
If you're not sold yet, here's one more statistic to consider: 18- to 30-year-olds - notoriously from libraries - are one color of the most significant groups of gamers. While the appeal of games is noticeable among young women, thanks in part to Dance Dance Revolution (DDR to gamers), a PlayStation game that gets gamers out of their seats and onto a dance mat. Wildly popular, the game is being embraced by school PE programs for its exercise benefits.
(This article courtesy of ULC Exchange, November 2006 taken from the December 2006 issue of Library Administrator's Digest)
In October, the Federation of American Scientists announced that it will invest in research to determine the educational value of video games.
Sounds like the Federation attended ULC's audio-conference on gaming in September.
"Gaming programs, collections, and services fulfill the library's mission to meet the diverse educational, informational and recreational needs of its users of all ages," said conference guest speaker Beth Gallaway, a library gaming consultant and author of the forthcoming Get Your Game On: Gaming and Libraries (Neal-Schuman). "I have three convincing reasons to support gamers at your library: games are popular, games have ties to literacy and learning, and games are developmentally appropriate for teenagers."
Indeed, ULC member and past Library of the Year winner, Ann Arbor (MI) District Library has teenagers lined up at the door waiting for the library to open. That's also the case at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. Both not only allow gaming in the library, they sponsor tournaments that attract flocks of teenagers. Ann Arbor director Josie Barnes Parker says that parents are not only supportive, but grateful that the library is connecting in such a direct way. "Parents get this," she says.
And why not? Gallaway notes a host of benefits from video games, not the least of which is their impact on literacy and learning. She cites a study by Constance Steinkeulher, a researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who showed that gamers spend four times as much time creating and consuming content around a game as actually playing. "Games teach pattern recognition, incorporate reading and writing, are based on real physics, integrate math and economics, provide historical context, and require geography and map reading skills," says Gallaway.
In addition to their impact on learning, Gallaway notes the important social interaction and level playing field that video games promote. "The picture of a kid isolated in his basement playing a video game just isn't accurate," she says. "Kids play video games in groups. They take turns and I've watched as one child turns a controller over to another to get through a particularly difficult spot. These are tools for developing mentoring and leadership skills, critical thinking and problem solving skills, and calculated, strategic risk taking."
If you're not sold yet, here's one more statistic to consider: 18- to 30-year-olds - notoriously from libraries - are one color of the most significant groups of gamers. While the appeal of games is noticeable among young women, thanks in part to Dance Dance Revolution (DDR to gamers), a PlayStation game that gets gamers out of their seats and onto a dance mat. Wildly popular, the game is being embraced by school PE programs for its exercise benefits.
(This article courtesy of ULC Exchange, November 2006 taken from the December 2006 issue of Library Administrator's Digest)
Cut materials? - How to address funding cuts!
Which way is better? Protecting the materials budget or protecting the staff? Well, if you are confident that your budget will take a jump in a year or two and the materials budget will be restored, hey, cut the materials budget. But that has seldom worked in libraries that have tried it. The reduced materials budget becomes the norm.
(This blurb taken from an article by Charles W. Robinson from the December 2006 issue of Library Administrator's Digest)
Which way is better? Protecting the materials budget or protecting the staff? Well, if you are confident that your budget will take a jump in a year or two and the materials budget will be restored, hey, cut the materials budget. But that has seldom worked in libraries that have tried it. The reduced materials budget becomes the norm.
(This blurb taken from an article by Charles W. Robinson from the December 2006 issue of Library Administrator's Digest)
Heard about “Five Weeks to a Social Library”? http://www.sociallibraries.com/course/ Interested in taking a similar type of course? Web 2.0: Developing a Successful eBranch has added a second session of classes running from June 19th to July 17th. Even better, it’s free!
http://infopeople.org/workshop/321
http://infopeople.org/workshop/321
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Mark Your Calendar...
FOLUSA's 5th Annual Virtual March on Washington April 30-May 4, 2007
FOLUSA will again sponsor a Virtual March on Washington in 2007. Tuesday, May 1, 2007 is National Library Legislative Day. On this day, hundreds of librarians (and a handful of Friends and Trustees) will make their way to Washington D.C. to visit with their senators and representatives to discuss library issues. As important as it is for librarians to go to Washington, it is equally important for those who cannot go to make their voices heard - even if "virtually."
Ok, so the trip to Washington isn't in your budget? No problem! FOLUSA sponsors a virtual trip to Washington to expand the reach and impact of National Library Legislative Day. Visit www.folusa.org and click on "Advocacy" and then "Virtual March" for a flyer you can print and distribute in your community. You will also find a list of additional ideas for things you can do to promote the Virtual March in your community.
Making advocacy an ongoing effort in your community is key to longterm support of libraries.
(This blurb was courtesy of FOLUSA's news update publication and their executive director, Sally Reed)
FOLUSA's 5th Annual Virtual March on Washington April 30-May 4, 2007
FOLUSA will again sponsor a Virtual March on Washington in 2007. Tuesday, May 1, 2007 is National Library Legislative Day. On this day, hundreds of librarians (and a handful of Friends and Trustees) will make their way to Washington D.C. to visit with their senators and representatives to discuss library issues. As important as it is for librarians to go to Washington, it is equally important for those who cannot go to make their voices heard - even if "virtually."
Ok, so the trip to Washington isn't in your budget? No problem! FOLUSA sponsors a virtual trip to Washington to expand the reach and impact of National Library Legislative Day. Visit www.folusa.org and click on "Advocacy" and then "Virtual March" for a flyer you can print and distribute in your community. You will also find a list of additional ideas for things you can do to promote the Virtual March in your community.
Making advocacy an ongoing effort in your community is key to longterm support of libraries.
(This blurb was courtesy of FOLUSA's news update publication and their executive director, Sally Reed)
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