Attention YS Librarians!

We are pleased to announce that Susan Dailey will be at the Mt. Pleasant Public Library on November 7, 2007 9:30am-3:30pm. Susan will be refreshing your storytimes with ideas from her book A Storytime Year, as well as new ideas not included in the book. Her in-person session promises to be an energizing one for everyone who presents storytimes! The cost for the session is $15 and includes lunch, breakfast and all materials. We'll also be giving away prizes!

Register online at http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/cgi-bin/cecat/ soon, space is limited!

...Be sure to also catch Tried and True Toddler Ideas when Susan presents it the following day, November 8, 8:30-11:30am over the ICN. The exciting partnership that the LSAs have with IPTV this year will give everyone the chance to attend at locations close to home-and at no cost! Everyone is invited – local daycare providers, teachers, Head Start providers, AEA staff, librarians, early childhood students – anyone who works with toddlers. To register and request a site visit IPTV’s web site at http://www3.iptv.org/iowa_database/event-detail.cfm?ID=8192 Spread the word to your local day cares, schools, and community colleges! The session will include great books, finger plays, prop activities and simple crafts.

Be on the look out for upcoming opportunities in the Spring, as IPTV will also be sponsoring another exciting speaker, MaryAnne Kohl! You'll love MaryAnne’s approach using art projects to enhance literacy.

In observance of the Labor Day holiday our office will be closed Monday, September 3rd. We will resume regular business hours (8am-5pm) on Tuesday, September 4th. We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable long weekend!

SLS has been working with the Southwest LSA to bring you a new and exciting service for your patrons. OverDrive, similar to NetLibrary but with different content options, has offered us a group contract to provide downloadable audio books to your patrons! To see how the other Iowa Consortium has set up their subscription, visit

http://neibors.lib.overdrive.com/CDA67B4D-AFCA-4DCC-B8DB-1100F22D2737/10/331/en/Default.htm.

Karen Burns, Administrator of Southwest LSA, will be creating a very short survey to gauge interest and help us determine how to set pricing...

Watch for more information very soon!

Bettendorf Public Library Information Center would like you to check out and share in their "carpet project"! Look at pictures and read all about it:

http://www.bettendorflibrary.com/carpet.shtml

(Thanks to director Faye Clow for sharing!)

The State Library’s “Town Meeting” is coming up next month - Tuesday, September 25th at the Iowa City Public Library from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. 4 CEs, light breakfast and a full catered lunch will be available…and yes, there will be chocolate:) Annual town meetings provide opportunities to learn about major issues affecting libraries, gain ideas for improving programs and services and allow you to get to know State Library and Library Service Area staff better. This year's theme is Extreme Makeover @ Your Library: You Can Do It!

This year we will be handling the billing for both the Southeast region and the East Central region. The invoices will be available for you that day, however we will not be accepting any payments. You are more than welcome to prepay in the meantime and a receipt will be available for you that day if you do.

Please remember that this is a catered event and for that reason we require one week notice from anyone who wishes to cancel. Anyone who is registered and does not attend will be billed unless they provide that notice. For more information or to register, please visit the CE catalog at: http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/cgi-bin/cecat/. Feel free to Amanda Wright with any questions in the meantime.

Thanks and hope to see you there!

Southeastern Library Services
2435 Kimberly Rd. Suite 210N
Bettendorf, IA 52722

Got an Author?

The Iowa Center for the Book is looking for Iowa authors to add to their database. The database will be used to help readers identify local authors, and for organizations to identify potential speakers. Check out the latest edition of the State Library’s newsletter, Footnotes at(http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/archive/2007/08/ftnotesjja07) on how to add to this valuable resource.

Professional Book of the Week

Watch for our new feature, Professional Book of the Week, on both the blog and the SLS Discussion list. All books featured are part of the SLS professional collection and available for interlibrary loan. To get you started...

Title: Storytime for Two-Year-Olds, Third Edition
Author: Judy Nichols

About the Book:

The newest edition of this classic best-seller updates techniques and programs to engage some of our harshest critics: two-year-olds. Included in the book are plans for program themes including books, fingerplays, crafts, parent-oriented notes, and program notes. If you are looking to start or revitalize a toddler targeted storytime, this is the perfect book to get you going.

Read-a-likes:

Early Literacy Storytimes @ Your Library: Partnering with Caregivers for Success by Saroj Nadkarni Ghoting
Flannelboard Stories for Infants and Toddlers by Ann Carlson
Preschool Favorites: 35 Storytimes Kids Love by Diane Briggs
Something Musical Happened at the Library: Adding Song and Dance to Children’s Story Programs by Rob Reid

(All these titles are available for interlibrary loan from Southeastern Library Services.)

Lois Lenski Covey Foundation Awards Grants for Libraries Serving At-Risk Children

Deadline: October 15, 2007

The foundation annually awards grants to rural and urban public libraries serving at-risk children. The grants range from $500 to $5,000. Successful applicants have proposed purchases to update their collections generally or to expand their holdings in special areas. The Foundation welcomes applications from libraries with real need and limited book budgets.

An application form is available from:

Lois Lenski Foundation
Attn.: Arthur F. Abelman, Moses & Singer
1301 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019-6076

Grant application also available at: http://www.blogger.com/www.cbcbooks.org/pdfs/coveygrantapp.pdf

FY08 AGREEMENTS DUE

August 31st is the deadline to turn in your library’s Enrich Iowa Letter of Agreement. Return the form to the State Library by this Friday, August 31st. If you need a blank form, go to http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/enrich-ia.

ENRICH IOWA COMPONENTS

Enrich Iowa encompasses the three direct funding programs provided by the State of Iowa. The Direct State Aid component is available only to public libraries and provides enhancement (not replacement) of local budgets. Monies are spent by the library based on local needs and are intended to increase service levels of Iowa’s libraries. The other two components, Open Access and Access Plus, are available to all Iowa libraries and provide compensation for participating in resource sharing with other participating libraries. For an FAQ on the programs, visit http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/enrich-ia/enrich-ia-fy2007/ei-faq-08.

FY07 REPORTS WERE DUE JULY 31

The only requirement is for libraries to fill out a simple report at the end of the fiscal year, describing how the funds were used to benefit the library. These reports are required by the legislature. If you haven’t filled out the form for FY07, you will need to do so immediately to be eligible for funding in FY08. In September the amounts will be set for FY08.

You can fill out your report online at http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/enrich-ia/dsaid. Reports were due July 31, 2007.

Let us know if you have questions or need assistance.

West Liberty Public Library is receiving some great press! They just had a great article in the CR Gazette, the League of Cities magazine and Cityscapes...check back for direct links to the articles!

The North Central Iowa Library Service Area seeks a consultant to provide continuing education and consulting for 83 public libraries in a 13-county area in north central Iowa.

Coordinates continuing education; consults with librarians and trustees on-site and through e-mail, telephone, the web, and in person; trains in online searching, interlibrary loan, and e-rate; manages statewide programs for the Summer Library Program.

The ability to work effectively with librarians in communities ranging in size from 165 to 35,000 is essential.

MLS preferred; will consider candidates with a Bachelors Degree with expectation of acquiring an MLS. Experience as a professional and/or administrative-level librarian, library consultant, or library trainer preferred. Training and experience in library automation desired. Valid driver’s license required.

Hiring range: $35,000-$40,000 DOQ; with benefits. Position open until filled; review of applications will begin September 10.

Full job description available at: http://www.nclsa.lib.ia.us/consultant.htm.

Send letter of application and resume to Barbara Shultz, Administrator, North Central Iowa Library Service Area, 22 N. Georgia, Suite 208, Mason City, IA 50401; bshultz@nclsa.lib.ia.us

Do sites like del.icio.us confuse you? Want to take your bookmarks with you to whichever computer you’re using? Not sure how to do this? Check out the video of “Social Bookmarking in Plain English”:

http://www.commoncraft.com/video-social-networking

Upcoming Continuing Education


Technology: Planning for Progress - 2 CE credits

Getting new computers? Building a new space? New software updates caught you by surprise? Come learn about methods of planning for technology in your library. Topics will include staying aware of current technology trends, developing a budget plan, space planning and technology planning software. If you have a current technology plan, please bring it for discussion of best practices.

Wednesday, September 5th
Burlington Public Library (Note the location change!)
10 am to 12 pm

Monday, September 11th
Sigourney Public Library
10 am to 12 pm

Monday, September 18th
West Point Public Library
10 am to 12 pm

State Library Town Meetings - 4 CE credits

Annual town meetings provide opportunities to learn about major issues affecting libraries, gain ideas for improving programs and services and allow you to get to know State Library and Library Service Area staff better. This year's theme is Extreme Makeover @ Your Library: You Can Do It!

In the morning, we will take a look at making over the library's physical space to make it even more inviting. Secondly, we will consider the changing needs of our customers and what that means as far as "making over" our own attitudes and openness to changes. The afternoon sessions include:

Collection Development Makeover: Rethinking Buying and Weeding Patterns. The average library collection, regardless of size, follows the 80/20 pattern: 80% of circulation comes from 20% of the collection. This session will talk about how to rethink what we purchase and weed to break this barrier and circulate more of our collections on a regular basis.

Library Merchandising: Using ideas from both libraries and the retail industry. This workshop will address how to develop public libraries into more visually stimulating places. Discussion will include what we know about how customers decide what to check out, why library displays are important, ideas for displays.

Making the Most of Your Library Web Site: This session is for all libraries with Web sites. Topics include publicizing your Web Site; adding content that keeps drawing the public to the Web site; thinking about the Web site as a "branch" library that is open 24/7.

Tuesday, September 25th
Iowa City Public Library
9:30 am to 3:00 pm

Computer Troubleshooting - 2 CE Credits

Frequently frustrated with your computers? No IT guy (or gal) to come to your rescue? Join us as we share our tips and tricks for solving our most common computer woes. Come prepared to share examples of problems you've encountered (and any solutions you've discovered).

Tuesday, October 2nd
Sigourney Public Library
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Thursday, October 4th
West Liberty Public Library
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Tuesday, October 23rd
Fairfield Public Library
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

The State Library of Iowa, through its community partnership with WebJunction also offers a number of free online continuing education via the WebJunction site. Contact Michele Leininger at the State Library if you have any questions regarding registration and application of course credit.

...And don’t forget the Iowa Library Association Conference which offers a number of Continuing Education credit opportunities!

Visit the CE catalog to register or get anymore information on any of these classes.

Make sure you and your community are prepared...

http://blogs.ala.org/districtdispatch.php

And the winners are...

2007 ILA CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Brenda Kremer, Director at Eldon Carnegie Public Library

Cathy Crawford, Columbus Junction Public Library

Brenda and Cathy will enjoy an all expenses paid trip to the ILA 2007 Annual Conference in Coralville, Iowa.

We had a tough choice this year! Thanks to everyone who applied – keep an eye out for additional opportunities to attend professional conferences on a full or partial scholarship, and be sure to apply again next year.

We will be offering both full and partial scholarships to the PLA Conference in Minneapolis this March. We will also offer motor coach transportation for a fee. Watch for more information as the conference gets closer!

CE

We have just put a great lineup of classes on the CE Catalog and our first class is right around the corner!

Join us for an all-day class with Mary Cameron on Basic Early Childhood Literacy. We’ve had to change the location and dates, as noted below. There is still time to sign up!

Classes will be at the following locations:

August 15, 2007
Fairfield Public Library – NEW!!
9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Burlington Public Library – CANCELLED

August 17, 2007
Ottumwa Public Library - CANCELLED

This workshop will focus on the strategies that youth services staff members in public libraries can use to enhance literacy development in preschoolers ages three to five, during library story times. These strategies will promote language, reading and writing skills with preschoolers so they will be "ready to learn" as they enter school - Workshop participants should bring 3 books they would like to use in a story time, but haven't yet.

5 CE credits, light breakfast and snacks will be provided. A lunch option is available upon request (for an additional $10 fee) or lunch on your own - the class is otherwise free.

Sign up and search other upcoming CE opportunities by visiting:

http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/cgi-bin/cecat/

At the Avalon Public Library in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, the director there has established "Create a Craft" birthday parties as a fund-raising method for the library. The parent chooses the theme and craft (think making jewelry, hand puppets, sand art or decorating an article of clothing - the possibilities are endless!)


The parent provides the food, decorations and craft supplies while the staff contribute by reading stories, providing themed activities or games, and helping the children with their take-home crafts. They charge per child and the proceeds benefit the library. (The director there says parents have commented that it's a nice alternative to Chuck E. Cheese.) Read the entire article in the May/June issue of Public Libraries or try it out for yourself!

In "Friends" News

In St. Paul, MN, the Friends group there raises money from small businesses who pay $100 each for getting their names listed in the group's newsletter (2,500 members in the area), a listing in their annual report, and on their website. They've also recently launched a new library consulting group called Library Strategies that includes more than 35 prominent consultants from around the country who specialize in a broad range of services.

Visit www.thefriends.org to read more about what the "Friends" are doing!


(Info. taken from the May/June issue of Public Libraries)

Happy 95th Birthday Bloomfield Public Library! An anniversary celebration will take place Saturday, August 11, 11am-1pm (107 N. Columbia Street in Bloomfield). All are welcome to come help celebrate!

Do you think that you can't really learn a "made up" language? If you answered "no" to this question, chances are that you've never heard of conlanging, the art of creating your own language or "conlang" (short for constructed language)

It is estimated that at least 40,000 people in the US have created their own language. In 2005, PC Magazine named www.Langmaker.com as one of their "Top 100 Web Sites You Didn't Know You Couldn't Live Without." Check it out today!

(Read more about this in the August issue of *VOYA magazine)

*Dont' subscribe to Voya? Ask SLS how you can be a part of their FREE publication rotation so you can stay up to date on important reading without paying a dime!

It is time for the next round of “My Hometown Helper Grants” available from General Mills.

Hamburger Helper will fund initiatives to help hometowns across America with monetary grants of up to $15,000.00 per project during the time frame of August 1, 2007 - September 31, 2007 (“Wave 1”) and February 1, 2008 – March 31, 2008 (“Wave 2”). The basic steps in the process are:

1. Ask for help by giving General Mills some information about you and your project.

2. Forward a link to your application to friends and family so they can add their comments and, more importantly, their support.

3. Keep in mind that awards will be based on the merit of the project, including its impact and support within your community.

4. Applications will be accepted August 1 – September 30, 2007. 5. Winners will be selected on or before November 15, 2007.

Also available at the site is a “Help My Town Kit” that provides tools and tips to organize a fundraising campaign or for projects in your community. The kit includes:

1. Fundraising Ideas: Not sure what to do for a fundraising event? Take a look some starter ideas.

2. Fundraising Checklist: Step-by-step guidelines to conduct a successful fundraiser.

3. Press Release: Contact your local media to promote your fundraising effort.

4. Donation Request Letter: How to ask organizations for money and get it.

5. Announcement Letter: Tell people about your event and they will come.


Several Iowa communities have received these grants in the past so visit file://www.myhometownhelper.com/ for more information, “Help My Town Kit,” complete details, application form and official rules.

Just a brief reminder to anyone that may not yet have updated their records (please be sure to forward this on to your city’s department if necessary) – Southeastern Library Services’ mailing address is now:

2435 Kimberly Rd Suite 210N
Bettendorf, Iowa 52722

As most of you know last summer we relocated our office and although the post office has forwarded mail with the old address on it, on August 17th that will cease. Please make sure to make the change if you have not yet done so, as we cannot be responsible if anything does not make it here in time due to the wrong address.

Thank You!

Job Opening in Southeast

The City of Bettendorf Public Library seeks seasoned and dynamic Library Director who has the experience to continue the vision of the library. Appropriate candidates will have had prior success working with library personnel and community leaders; budget; public relations; fundraising; short and long term planning; and excellent verbal and written communication skills.

The City of Bettendorf (population 32,000) is part of the Quad Cities which consists of Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa; Rock Island, Moline and East Moline, Illinois. Bettendorf is approximately 2 hours East of Des Moines, Iowa and 2 hours West of Chicago, Illinois.

The Bettendorf Public Library Information Center (http://www.bettendorflibrary.com/) strives to be the recognized source of knowledge and information, the place to gather and discuss, the encourager of reading, and the leader in cooperation with the city, schools and organizations. The Bettendorf Public Library provides Children, Teen and Adult Services where all have a place to fulfill their needs to meet and interact with others in the community, to view performances and exhibits that increase awareness of the arts and culture or our area and the world; and to participate in discourse about community issues.

Requirements: 5-7 years of progressively more responsible work experience including a minimum of 5 years of public library administrative experience at the department head level, and supervision; an accredited master’s degree. (See website at http://www.bettendorf.org/ for complete job description, residency requirement and additional information). Compensation pay range is $61,551.18 to $94,788.92.

To Apply: Please send cover letter, resume and salary requirements by October 5 to: Kathleen Eisbrener; City of Bettendorf; 1609 State Street; Bettendorf, IA 52722. You may also respond by email to keisbrener@bettendorf.org or fax to 563-344-5702.

Lumosity is a free online program to help you kickstart your cognitive abilities. According to Lumos Labs, neuroscience research and development company and creator of the site, initial users of the beta project have experienced clearer and quicker thinking, increased alertness, elevated mood, and better concentration. Users can head straight to the gym, so to speak, for brain fitness exercises or assess their current condition with a Lumos IQ test.
Visit http://www.lumosity.com/ to try for yourself!



(Blurb courtesy of School Library Journal-July 2007 issue)

Check out this new (and quite neat!) little gadget called The Flip. Its small design and already embedded online video-sharing software allows you to not only create, but also upload digital video onto your computer without any additional bulky accessories! (Think videos for your library's MySpace page or Blog! - what fun any person could have!)

Both 30 and 60 minute models are available for under $150. Read more and try it out for yourself by visiting http://www.theflip.com/