Disney Minnie Grants Available to Support Youth Service Projects

Deadline: August 30, 2007

The Walt Disney Company ( http://www.disney.com/ ) and Youth Service America ( http://www.ysa.org/ ) have announced grants of up to $500 each to support youth-led service projects. These grants support youth (ages 5-14) in planning and implementing service projects in their community. Teachers, older youth (15-25), youth-leaders, and youth-serving organizations are also eligible to apply, provided that they that engage younger youth (5-14) in planning and implementing the service. Service projects must take place between October 1 and November 26, 2007. Projects can address themes such as the environment, disaster relief, public health and awareness, community education, hunger, literacy, or any issue that youth identify as a community need.

http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10007919/YSA

Discounted Hispanic CDs

The Hispanic Foundation of Iowa, established to further the understanding and appreciation of Hispanic and non-Hispanic cultures for one another, again invites libraries to acquire CDs representing the best of Latin American traditional and contemporary music, performed by Latin ensembles based in Iowa.

All of the CDs listed below are high-quality recordings, appropriate and enjoyable for all.

You may listen to audio samples of most of these recordings on http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/discounts/www.callesur.com - click on "Recordings." But please don't order from that web site, as the price is significantly higher than the special price we're offering to Iowa and nationwide libraries via this e-mail.

Available for purchase this year:

"La Voz Del Viento" by Los Llaneros
"Macapay" by Los Llaneros
"Camaraca" by La Negra Karin (this trilingual children's CD received a Parents' Choice "Recommended" Award) "Eternamente" by Las Guitarras de Mexico
"Obsesion" by Calle Sur
"Fiesta!" by Calle Sur (new this year)

CD-ROM: "Latin America Music And Culture Kit" (CD-Rom compatible with Windows and Mac) - a comprehensive, multi-media, multi-disciplinary CD-Rom on Latin American cultures, music, folk art, plays, and geography for levels K-12. It also contains a section on how to make and play South American panpipes. Supported in part by the Iowa Arts Council, now distributed also by Scholastic, Inc.

CDs are $11 each (including shipping and handling), and the CD-Rom is $20 (as opposed to $39, which is the official price). Purchase orders may be faxed and addressed to our partner, Artes Latinas, at (641)236-8530, or e-mailed to music@la-tc.com

For any question, contact Karin Stein, The Hispanic Foundation of Iowa

Pathways Within Offers Book Donation Program for Small and Rural Communities

Deadline: October 15 and March 15

The Pathways Within (http://pwirtr.org/) Roads to Reading Initiative Bi-Annual Program donates books annually to literacy programs in small and rural low-income communities. The initiative makes book donations to school, after-school, summer, community, day-care, and library reading and literacy programs. The applicant program must have at least a six-month history; have a tutoring component or a strong focus on remedial reading in a structured environment; hold meetings over a period of time; and be continually and consistently under the direct supervision of professionals, para-professionals, or volunteers.

http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10007859/pwirtr

The SLS Board of Trustees would like to invite library staff and trustees to apply for 2 all expenses paid scholarships to the ILA Annual Conference in Coralville on October 10-12. Funding will be provided for travel, lodging, and conference registration. Winners will be announced on August 13 via discussion list and our web site, also notified by email.

One scholarship is available to staff serving children from birth through age 6 directly, regardless of your official title. The other scholarship will be awarded at-large, with no particular eligibility requirements (other than serving in a library either as paid staff or as a Trustee).

Please follow the link to the scholarship application. Both scholarships will use the same survey for accepting applications.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=aNwAJmzQqQNdFrCf0sZQig_3d_3d

Apply soon - applications are due by August 2nd!

In observance of the July 4th holiday, Southeastern Library Services' office will be closed. Normal business hours will resume on Thursday, July 5th.

The Keokuk Public Library and the Ft. Madison Public Library will also be hosting The High Strung (see post below) the following dates and times:

Thursday, July 19th at 3:00 PM – Keokuk PL side yard

http://www.keokuk.lib.ia.us/archive/2007/07/highstrungpr/)

Thursday, July 19th at 7:00 PM – Central Park Gazebo in Fort Madison

Check them out!

Muscatine! The Musical

MUSCATINE! THE MUSICAL is an original book written by Peter Press (recently retired director of the Muscatine Public Library) and his wife Marie, using elements of local history for a musical work of historical fiction. Set in September-October of the year 1896, at the height of the bicycle craze. Muscatine was at the cusp of its influence as a river town on the great Mississippi River. "Buffalo Bill's Wild West" made its first appearance in Muscatine on October 1st of that year and Oscar Grossheim was just getting started in his photography business. Although the musical begins and ends with the new library about to be built in 1901 for Muscatine-and Buffalo Bill and Mark Twain's arrival for a Grand Ball at the Blackwell Mansion-the central story is about a mother's heart-wrenching choice about her daughter.

With a full cast and a big production, this is a story full of twists and turns...just like the mighty Mississippi. Orchestrated by Grammy Award winner Robert Sadin, the songs and lyrics of Peter Press and fellow inimitable collaborator, Dan Warschauer, will dazzle you as they come to life through the playing of the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra.

Don't miss the world premier of MUSCATINE! THE MUSICAL, family entertainment at its finest!

Visit http://www.muscatinethemusical.com/ for more information and to buy your tickets.

(Thanks to Sheila Chaudoin for this information)

West Liberty Public Library is bringing
The High Strung to Eastern Iowa on July 27th. The rock and roll band will be rocking out at Ron De Voo Park downtown West Liberty at 7 pm with local bands opening for them. The High Strung is not a traditional rock and roll band and all ages will find something to rock to!
Contact Janette McMahon, Library Director for further event information or if you would like to perform.


For further information about the band go to:
http://www.thehighstrung.com or
http://www.myspace.com/thehighstrung

From ISLA (the Iowa Small Library Association)...


We have exciting news to share, and are hoping for widespread participation:

We are holding a logo contest for our organization and are seeking submissions from anyone who would like participate (submissions are NOT limited to ISLA members). Your logo should reflect our tagline: “ISLA: Empowering Iowa’s Small Libraries.” The timeline is as follows:

June 20: Contest Announced & Open for Submissions

July 20: Submission Deadline

August 10: Finalists Announced, Voting Open (sorry, only ISLA members will get to vote!)

September 10: Voting Closed

October 10-12: Winner Announced! Logo t-shirts available for sale @ the ISLA booth during ILA Fall Conference!

Prizes for all finalists will be a free logo t-shirt, and the winner will receive 1 year free membership to the Iowa Library Association and the Iowa Small Library Association (or a cash prize of equal value, if preferred).

See our page of the ILA website for judging criteria and further details, and submit questions to Pat Means, ISLA President at villib@mchsi.com.

We look forward to viewing your artwork, and good luck to you!


(Thanks for Tena Hanson - ISLA PR for this blurb)

A free copy of "Civics and Citizenship Toolkit: a Collection of Educational Resources for Immigrants" is now available for public libraries through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office. You can order a copy for your library at www.citizenshiptoolkit.gov . The toolkit contains a variety of educational materials designed to help new residents learn more about the United States and prepare for the naturalization process.

Teacher Librarian Training Grant

Good news for school libraries in Iowa! The University of Iowa School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) has received $881,692 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to recruit and educate teacher librarians. SLIS will use these funds to recruit two groups of 20 students who already have teaching certificates for its masters degree program in library and information science. They will receive fellowships to fund their degrees. The first cohort will begin in the summer of 2008.

Dr. James Elmborg, Director of the UI SLIS program, will coordinate the grant. Most of the coursework in the master’s program will be conducted through distance education systems. Iowa’s Area Education Agencies, the State Library of Iowa and the Iowa Association of School Librarians are partners in the grant and will assist with recruitment and course delivery.

Many details remain to be worked out concerning admissions, timelines, course schedules and method of delivery. A website will be developed to provide relevant information as these details are available. The grant requirements will publicized on the website and by other means. Stay tuned for further details and please inform any teachers whom you think might be interested in a library career of this grant.


(Thank you to Mary Jo Langhorne for this blurb)

Libraries Love Romance

A new contest sponsored by RWA (Romance Writers of America) that celebrates romance fiction in libraries has begun. Entries will be taken from June 1st through August.

Visit http://161.58.67.252/Libraries/librariesloveromance.htm for more information.

Katie’s begun her trek to ALA, but she wanted to share some programs and events that non-attendees can participate in:

Meredith Farkas’ Top Technology Trends screencast
http://blip.tv/file/get/Librarianmer-MeredithsTopTechTrends705.swf or http://litablog.org/2007/06/15/meredith-farkas-top-technology-trends/

LITA BIGWIG – Social Software Showcase
http://litablog.org/2007/06/07/social-software-showcase-sponsored-by-bigwig/

Did you know that contact information for every Iowa library is readily available on the State's website? Be sure to bookmark:

http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/directories/silo-dir

The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office, in cooperation with the Newberry Library, is pleased to announce that 23 public and academic libraries have been selected to host the traveling exhibition, "Lewis and Clark and the Indian Country." The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has provided major funding for the traveling exhibition.

Libraries selected for the tour will host the 1,000 square foot exhibit for a six-week period between October 2007 and November 2011. All showings of the exhibition and related programs will be free and open to the public.

In our state the library selected was Briar Cliff University/Sioux City Lewis Interpretive Center, Sioux City, Iowa.

For more information about Lewis and Clark, including the tour itinerary, please visit http://www.ala.org/publicprograms.

If you've been thinking about trying a third party agent to assist with your bookselling, now is the time. FOLUSA members will receive free freight on their first shipment to bLogistics through July 31, 2007.

Your group or library also receives 50% of net sales. bLogistics has paid more than $2.1 million to libraries and their Friends organizations since 2003. They recycle more than 2 million books per year...nothing ever goes to landfill!


(from FOLUSA News Update May 2007)

Want to know how to evaluate your library's physical appearance?

http://www.infotoday.com/MLS/may07/Cooper.shtml

Need something new to read?

http://www.swiftkickonline.com/sk_about.html

June Learning Webinar from WebJunction

This month we are pleased to offer a reprise of the first learning webinar, Introduction to WebJunction Learning. This session will offer an overview of the e-learning services and resources WebJunction has for library managers, trainers and staff. Closed captioning now available.

Oprah’s got a new book selection!

Do you have followers of Oprah’s Book Club at your library? Learn more about Oprah’s newest pick, Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides at her website:

http://www2.oprah.com/obc_classic/obc_main.jhtml

The Fred Karre Memorial Library at Southeastern Community College in Keokuk has a Canon Microprinter 90 with a manual advance to give away. This microfilm reader printer is currently NOT printing, however the first person who picks it up can have it. (They have phased out their microfilm so they haven't looked into how much the repairs might be.)

They also have a lightly used 9th edition (2002) of the McGraw Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology that is available to anybody willing to make arrangements for delivery or pickup.

Anyone interested should call Betsy Gardner at (319)524-3221 ext. 1961 or email at egardner@scciowa.edu.

The Iowa Educators Consortium (IEC) and IASL awarded the 2007-2008 IASL Book Award bid to Perfection.

This award is for the 2007-2008 and includes:

-Iowa Children's Choice Award
-Iowa Teen Award
-Iowa High School Award

The order deadline has been extended to June 30, 2007. Free posters will be sent with each set ordered while supply lasts.

Public libraries may download an ordering guide by clicking on:
www.iec-ia.org/pages/uploaded_files/IASLOrderForm2007.pdf

For complete information, marketing and support material and downloadable 8.5x11 or 11x17 posters, go to: http://www.iec-ia.org/vnews/display.v/ART/45071eee822c1

Contact Dave Welborn if you have questions.
Iowa Perfection Learning Representative
866-252-6580 ext. 1110
wel5@aol.com
www.perfectionlearning.com

The dates and locations for this year's "Town Meeting" sponsored by the State Library of Iowa and the LSAs have been set. This year's theme is "Extreme Makeover @ Your Library" - use the link below to get more details and mark those calendars!

http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/archive/2007/06/tmeetings

Banned Books Week 2007


The week of September 29 through October 6, 2007, marks the 26th anniversary of Banned Books Week, ALA's annual celebration of the freedom to read.

We invite you to explore what the week means. Reflect on your freedom to read, cherish it, and, by all means, read what you want to read. As the author of Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury, said, "You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them."

Here are some suggestions to help you celebrate the week. We hope one is a good fit for you. If you can think of other ways to celebrate the week, please share them at oif@ala.org. Your ideas may inspire others!

http://tinyurl.com/yvba58

The Iowa Communications Network has hosted 45 video reunions through the Operation Hometown Link initiative and Freedom Calls. There have been birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, and new babies seen for the first time. However, the majority of the sessions have been for no special reason at all, except the wonderful opportunity for spouses and children to see, talk to, and reconnect with their partners and parents serving in Iraq.

Thank you to all the ICN classroom sites who have opened their doors to these families and accommodated them so graciously, and to the many people who have contacted us to help make arrangements for students, family, and friends. We know there are more families out there who could benefit from this and would appreciate your help in spreading the word.

A new brochure is now available describing the ICN's Operation Hometown Link program. If you would like to have a few copies of the brochure sent to you, please contact me. I can also provide the PDF which you can print as needed. It will be available soon on our web site at

http://www.icn.state.ia.us/hometown_link/hometown.html.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me. Again, thank you for your help in this effort.


Gail Geery
Public Relations Manager
Iowa Communications Network
Grimes State Office Building
400 E. 14th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Visit us on the web: www.icn.state.ia.us

Proud sponsors of Operation Hometown Link

Eddyville Public Library is recognized during NATIONAL HISTORY DAY IN IOWA - The “Kids Count!” awards recognize Iowa libraries, archives and museums for providing outstanding service to young student researchers. Eddyville Public Library was one of two libraries to receive a Certificate of Merit Recipient award. Vicki Vroegh, Director, was recognized for her willingness to go that extra step for her patrons! Congratulations Vicki!

Another addition to our blog! We have added “I Read Updates” to the right column, just below our meebo boxes where you can instant message us right from our blog (without adding software or creating accounts). Click on the file folder picture in the I Read Updates box and select a genre. The information comes from the I Read blogs, a series of reader's advisory blogs from Iowa. To contribute directly to the blog, contact Michele Leininger at the State Library or Karen Burns at SWILSA!

I Read blogs:
Fiction, Nonfiction, Mysteries, Romance, Science Fiction, Historical Fiction, Rad Reads (Teen), Kids, Picture Books.

Ever tried to explain to patrons how much they are saving by using the library? Use this handy dandy calculator from the Maine State Library to figure out how much a patron would be spending if they bought everything they used in a library. Calculations can be done using figures for the month or the year.

http://www.maine.gov/msl/services/calculator.htm

The Rural Library Resources Clearinghouse is an online archive to help California's rural public libraries serve their users more efficiently. By providing examples of commonly needed documents, materials and programs in all aspects of library operations, the Clearinghouse benefits rural libraries by eliminating the need to "reinvent the wheel" for every new policy, practice, procedure or project needed locally. Visit http://www.resourceroundup.net/ to register for free access to the materials – they’re not just for California libraries!

In observance of Memorial Day, the SLS office will be closed Monday May 28th. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Concerned about how to deal with the mentally ill in your library?

Join us for a conversation with a behavioral health specialist on how to detect and deal with mental illness problems in the public setting. We'll also be discussing how/when to get the police involved and what qualities make a good witness. This workshop offers 2 units of CE credit, includes refreshments has two sessions to choose from:

-June 21st 9-11am - O’Keefe Library on the St. Ambrose University campus, Davenport

-June 27th 1-3pm - Bettendorf Public Information Center, Bettendorf

All registration will be taken through the CE catalog at:

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

Keokuk Public Library Announces Moveable Feast

A Culinary Journey Celebrating the Writings of Mark Twain - Tour three lovely historic homes in Keokuk with food at each location themed around one of Mark Twain’s books. Each home will offer a buffet, live music, and refreshments relating to one of the author's books. Dessert and champagne will be served in the Round Room at the Keokuk Public Library/Keokuk Art Center at 210 N. 5th Street, from 9:00 - 10:00 PM. There will be drawings for door prizes. Tickets on sale at the library and art center. For more information visit: http://www.keokuk.lib.ia.us/support-our-library/fund-raisers/movfeast/.

Nominations for Best Small Library in America due November 5, 2007. Library Journal's annual award for the Best Small Library in America, cosponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was founded to encourage and showcase the exemplary work of these libraries. Now in its fourth year, the award honors the public library that most profoundly demonstrates outstanding service to populations of 25,000 or less. The winning library will receive a $15,000 cash award, a feature story in the February 1, 2008, Library Journal, membership and conference costs for two library representatives to attend the Public Library Association Biannual Conference in 2008, and a gala reception at the conference. For more information, guidelines, and the nomination form, visit: http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA606273.html&

After nearly 20 years on the market, the world’s most trusted children’s reference series is taking a great leap forward with a fresh wave of cutting-edge formats, four new titles, plus reissues of bestsellers with clip art CDs and wall charts.

When you want to know anything about everything... EYEWITNESS has it all!

Enter soon for a chance to win many prizes they're offering: One grand prize winner will receive 100 Eyewitnessbooks of their choosing! - Five Runners-Up will receive a set of the four new Eyewitness titles, plus a set of the eight re-launched backlist titles! - 25 Third Place winners will receive a set of the four new Eyewitness titles!

SWEEPSTAKES CLOSES ON JULY 1, 2007

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/info/CA6438158.html

Kay Weiss, director of Burlington Public Library, has announced her retirement effective September 20, 2007. Watch for more information on opportunities to honor Kay’s contributions to Iowa librarianship.

Congratulations to Burlington Public Library! The Library won the Mainstreet Iowa Award for the Best Community Initiated Development Project.

What Makes a Great Board of Trustees?

A great article at WebJunction by the director of Pittsburgh's Avalon Public Library offers tips on putting together and working with a great non-profit (or library) board. Read it at: http://ia.webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=15443

Southeastern Library Services has several openings to fill in our various rotations! As of July 1, 2007 we'll have 6 openings in the DVD/VHS rotation and 3 in one of the Audiobook rotations. These rotations are all $225.00 for the year, they rotate and are added to every 3 months and we take care of all repairs. Audiobooks may be shipped free matter and if you are located near another library in the rotation, you may be able to drive any rotation to save on shipping- just ask when reserving your spot! Did you know that you can count these materials into your own collection? Here's what else you should know:

Audiobook - This is a large collection (currently averaging 110 books, but not to exceed 120) of audiobooks on both cassette and CD, consisting of classic and new titles, many different genres, even children's selections. Unabridged and abridged available. Effective 1/1/2007 every title added is a new release (after Sept. 2006) and all are on CD.

VHS/DVD (formerly entirely VHS) - This is the largest collection we have (currently averaging 140 tapes/DVDs, soon to be cut down to 110 in an effort to keep it more current and cheaper to ship), consisting of various genres and even some TV series. As of July 1, 2006 DVDs were added instead of video cassettes due to the lack of new titles available on VHS, and eventually will be another DVD rotation, but for now many libraries love it because it give patrons not only a great variety of titles (now all new releases), but a choice between VHS and DVD.

Please pass this along to anyone who might be interested and don't hesitate to call
(800) 397-0029 or email Amanda Wright with any questions. All spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

Online Class Offered: Introduction to EBSCOhost

The State Library is offering Introduction to EBSCOhost online this May. Using a Web conferencing tool called Live Classroom, they will offer the class three times: May 17 (9-11), May 21 (2-4) and May 22 (9-11). Each class is limited to 20 students. Students will call in to a toll-free number for full participation. Since the class will be online, you must have a computer running Window XP (or later), Internet access, access to EBSCOhost and a telephone nearby the computer you will be using. Prior to the classes, they will also offer an opportunity for students to participate in an optional one-hour session that will introduce the Live Classroom setting. Dates and times of this class will be sent after you register. For more information or to register for one of the sessions, please visit the CE Catalog or contact Michele Leininger at the State Library.

New CPLA candidates and courses approved

CHICAGO - The Certified Public Library Administrator Program (CPLA) Certification Review Committee (CRC) approved five candidates and one program course during the Spring 2007 review. The new course in marketing will be offered online by the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. For more information on the program, visit http://www.ala-apa.org/certification/cplacourses.html. Classes are also available to non-certificate students.

As populations change, so do libraries...

An interesting article from USA Today highlighting the vital role libraries play to immigrants. Read it at http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-04-23-libraries_N.htm.

New and Improved Libraries

CBS News Video presents a spot from the CBS Early Show on how libraries are changing to meet the demands of patrons, technology, and popular culture. Watch it at http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=2600210n.

St. Joseph County Library’s You Tube Marketing Video was created for library staff in service day at the St. Joseph County Public Library in South Bend, Indiana by Dale Kerkman, Bob Lewandowski, Michael Stephens and Adam Tarwacki. Set to Madonna's "Ray of Light," and inspired by the video of the song, this video details a day in the life of a thriving public library system, highlighting the faces and places that make the library the library. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrtYdFV_Eak

Are you interested in hearing about upcoming books from horror writers? The Horror Writers Association is starting a new newsletter designed for librarians and booksellers. You can sign up through Yahoo! Groups at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hwa_dark_whispers/
or send a blank message to hwa_dark_whispers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Online Education Journal Tackles the Use and Regulation of Social Software on the Web
From the synopsis: “While van 't Hooft agrees that technology use does raise issues involving child safety and learning distraction, he posits that the responses of many schools have not resolved these issues but have instead created additional problems regarding First Amendment rights and means of enforcement. Instead of regulating, punishing, and banning, van 't Hooft suggests that schools—and parents—should attempt to forge better relationships with children and technology in order to better educate our youngest generations for their undoubtedly digital futures.”

New free video sharing service announced – includes content from the NHL, Turner and more!
Joost, the video-on-demand program created by the founders of Skype and Kazaa, announced its commercial launch. Joost also announced a number of content offerings on Tuesday that are included in new partnerships with Turner Broadcasting System, the National Hockey League, Sports Illustrated, Hasbro and Sony Pictures Entertainment. At publication the Joost site was undergoing maintenance (or just had way too much traffic) to pull up – keep trying if you’re interested in checking it out!

In Focus Webinar:
Tools for Outreach from WebJunction

Each month the Rural Library Sustainability Project presents an hour-long webinar related to the work of sustaining Rural and Small libraries. Join us next on May 24 9:00 a.m. PT/12:00 p.m. ET, when we discuss Tool for Outreach: Best Practices from the Spanish Language Outreach Program. We'll explore the resources available on WebJunction as a part of our sister project, the Spanish Language Outreach Program, and how the tools can be applied to your planning for outreach of all kinds. Find out how to assess your community's needs, determine how successfully your library has integrated cultural awareness into your services, and, finally, learn how you can better connect to your changing community. Since April we have been using WebJunction's new web conferencing tool, Live Space for our webinars. We've updated the information on joining the webinars and will continue to post webinar archives and quick links at Rural In Focus.

Save the Date!

PLA's 12th National Conference
March 25-29, 2008 in Minneapolis, MN

Plan to attend the best conference for the public library world, the PLA National Conference! Meet with your colleagues, and take advantage of more than 100 top-quality continuing education programs, several social events, and a bustling exhibits hall. Learn why the PLA National Conference has a reputation for excellence. Preliminary schedules and registration rates are available at www.placonference.org. SLS is working on providing coach buses in partnership with ECLSA and NEILSA for the conference. We will try to have a bus leave from the Davenport area as well as one from the Fairfield or Ottumwa area.

Don't Miss...


...this season's last College of DuPage teleconference. Make sure you are registered for the final College of DuPage teleconference in the 2006-2007 season. This last broadcast in the Library Challenges and Opportunities 2007 series, "The Relevance of Libraries in a Digital Age," is scheduled for May 11. ICN sites are listed on the State Library’s continuing education catalog. BCR members can also take the sessions via webinar at their own computer by registering through BCR.

Los Angeles Times book prizes announced

The Los Angeles Times book prize ceremony was hosted by author and PBS news anchor Jim Lehrer. The awards honored books in nine categories. Each book prize awards $1,000 to the author. For more information and a brief rundown on the winners, visit http://tinyurl.com/24yug7

Get Caught!

May is Get Caught Reading Month, sponsored annually by the Association of American Publishers (AAP). They have had the support of well known figures including First Lady Laura Bush, Drew Carey, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Donald Duck, Patty Duke, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Graham, Derek Jeter, Vernon Jordan, Jake Lloyd, Rosie O'Donnell, Dolly Parton, The Rugrats, Jane Seymour, Sammy Sosa, Spider Man, Erik Weihenmayer, and Robin Williams, who have all been "caught reading" their favorite books and magazines for print ads and posters seen by millions of people across the country. In addition, more than 200 Members of Congress have been photographed "caught reading" on Capitol Hill.

Hundreds of teachers and librarians across the U.S. have embraced the campaign. They are setting up "Get Caught Reading" corners, allocating a special time each day for leisure reading, and taking photos of students "caught reading" for classroom posters.

For free posters, tip sheets, and ideas for libraries and teachers, visit http://www.getcaughtreading.org/

CE at your computer!

Kim and Katie are nearly finished with the first of three certification courses to prepare them to become online instructors. Both are required to “teach back” a session to an instructor with a partner/producer. Watch this fall for your opportunity to actually take some online courses, including a course that will teach you how to learn online! Learn How to Learn Online focuses on allowing students to become comfortable with the online learning environment, the software that allows them to meet online, and more! Thanks to the State Library’s partnership with WebJunction, access to online classroom software has been free of charge.

Planning for Results-athon
(A Message from Kim)


Thank you to Janette McMahon, Director at West Liberty and Gayle Trede, Director at Mt. Pleasant, for your warm welcome at our first community committee meeting for New Planning for Results. Both libraries are in the middle of the planning process. Their committees have done great work (neither meeting went longer than 3 hours – a sign they came ready to get to work) and I look forward to getting back at it during our final meetings in late May and early June. If your library is looking for a way to produce a meaningful and community directed long range plan, SLS provides a free facilitator for the community committee meetings and can also provide free facilitation for the staff meetings as well. Give us a call if your plan is need of attention.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

West Liberty Public Library has just confirmed that US Representative Dave Loebsack will be speaking at their Cinco de Mayo celebration as well as Presidential candidate Senator Christopher Dodd. He is expected around 11:15 the same day.

Thank you to all of our LSA advocates!

Because you spoke up to elected officials about the importance of LSA funding and the work we do, we have been returned to our 2001 funding level in the next fiscal year. Your voices are vital to our success! Take heart that legislators do listen when we have a clear message and take it to them repeatedly. As promised, nearly all of the increase will be spent supporting efforts to increase emergent literacy training – more exciting details to come!

EBSCOhost Training via the Internet

(a sneak peek at what the online classes will be like next year!)

The State Library will be offering Introduction to EBSCOhost online this May. Using a web conferencing tool called Live Classroom, we will be offering the class three times: May 17 (9-11), May 21 (2-4) and May 22 (9-11). Each class is limited to 20 students. Students will call in to a toll-free number for full participation.

Since the class will be online, you must have a computer running Window XP (or later), Internet access, access to EBSCOhost and a telephone nearby the computer you will be using.

Prior to the classes, they'll also offer an opportunity for students to participate in an optional one-hour session that will introduce the Live Classroom setting. Dates and times of this class will be sent after you register.

For more information or to register for one of the sessions, please visit the CE Catalog:

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

If you have any other questions, please contact Michele Leininger at the State Library.

From Karen Burns in Southwest LSA:

Here are a couple more tutorials on using RSS in libraries, both for keeping up (using aggregators, as in the clip that Scott sent--and it is a nice, clear explanation!), and for some ideas for other ways that libraries might use RSS:

RSS for Libraries
http://www.swilsa.lib.ia.us/tutorials/RSSforLibraries/launcher.html

Using RSS Calendar
http://www.swilsa.lib.ia.us/tutorials/RSSCalendar/launcher.html

Library Thing and New Books List on Your Website http://www.swilsa.lib.ia.us/rss/LTNewBooks/launcher.html


Thanks to Karen!

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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?

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)

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!

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.”

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 .

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

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.

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/

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.

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.

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!

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/

...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.

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!)

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

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

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)

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)

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)

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

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)