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/

The New Strand Theatre and The West Liberty Public Library are partnering to bring you The New Strand Flim Festival next May! Read more about it, and how you can submit your own film by visiting the film festival's website at:

http://www.newstrandfilmfestival.org/

Why Teens Use Libraries


To participate in library club meetings
To check out/return books
To attend library programs/events
To read books/magazines at the library
To check out books for personal interest/needs
To read books/magazines for personal interest/needs at the library
To use computers
To browse books/To see what new books are available
To do homework
To do volunteer work
To socialize with friends
To visit a librarian/library employee
To find books for homework
To make new friends
To play computer games
To find a safe environment
To have fun
To research a personal hobby/interest
To socialize with boyfriend/girlfriend
To use computers for homework
To use computers for personal interest/needs
To accompany friends
To do research related to homework assignments
To find a quiet environment
To gain knowledge
To get computer games codes
To get academic tutoring
To get unspecified information
To improve oneself
To please one's parents/guardians
To work in the library


(List courtesy of Public Libraries - read more about how they got it in the May/June 2007 issue)

Need kid friendly furniture for your library that's high on design and low in price? Try Foldschool, a series of downloadable patterns for making child-sized stools, chairs, rockers, all out of recycled cardboard!

...Though made for kids under six, the sturdy furniture can support the weight of an adult, and just requires only common materials that can be found around the house (or library!) Check out this economical, environmentally friendly idea by visiting http://www.foldschool.com/ (think of the endless decorating possibilities!)


(Info. courtesy of School Library Journal's July 2007 issue)

Contracts for each media rotation were sent out July 16th. Please remember to not only review them carefully, but keep a copy for yourself. The due date to have them in by is Friday, August 10th. If you have not received one yet or have any questions, please email or call Amanda Wright.

Top 10 reasons to attend

Libraries on the Prairie

10. See old friends and make new ones in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

9. Delicious meals and snacks that you don't have to cook or clean up after.

8. Two days away from the library to think about how you can make your library even better than it is, with others who know the challenges of being a rural library director.

7. Learn what city officials want to hear when you request funding.

6. Prizes, giveaways, treats and loads of fun.

5. Library directors will be reimbursed round trip mileage to the nearest workshop location at 34 cents per mile. You will also be reimbursed for your overnight stay. When was the last time you received this kind of reimbursement from the State Library? :-)

4. Chocolate

3. You can "carry over" continuing education contact hours from Libraries on the Prairie if you don't need them to recertify this period. This is a special exception for this year's Gates training. (There are 11 contact hours continuing education credit available for Libraries on the Prairie.)

2. You will have the opportunity to go to the Libraries on the Prairie Reunion on October 10 at the Coralville Marriott Conference Center. As an added bonus, you can stay and attend the Iowa Library Association Conference on October 11-12 with all your expenses paid!

...And the Number One Reason to Attend Libraries on the Prairie:

1. Iowa received more funding from the Gates Foundation because a large number of Iowa librarians attending previous Gates workshops. Any future support from the Gates Foundation could depend on attendance at events such as Libraries on the Prairie.

Find your own reason to attend and sign up today!

Contact Michele Leininger at the State Library or at michele.leininger@lib.state.ia.us for more information. Registration closes soon!

Last call for ILA Annual Conference Scholarship applications! The applications will only be accepted through August 2. Visit:

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

One of the two scholarships will be awarded to a youth services librarian, the other will be awarded at-large.

Remember, all expenses paid!

Just a friendly reminder that Direct State Aid, Open Access and Access Plus reports are due July 31, 2007.

You can mail, fax or email completed reports to Gerry Rowland at the State Library. If you need more information about the reports, or the report forms, visit:

http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/enrich-ia.

If you need help, please feel free to contact the statistics guru Gerry Rowland at gerry.rowland@lib.state.ia.us or call toll free at 1-800-248-4483. Southeastern is always happy to assist, too!

For those who still aren’t quite sure what RSS and Wikis are:

RSS - http://www.commoncraft.com/rss_plain_english
Wikis - http://www.commoncraft.com/video-wikis-plain-english

Check out ScienceHack - this search engine chock full of instructional science videos would be especially useful during Science Fair season!

http://sciencehack.com/videos/search/

Rotation Spots Open!

Two spots are currently available in our two different audiobook rotations. These both are fairly large collections (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 and young adult selections. Unabridged and abridged available. Effective 7/1/2006 all titles added have been, and will be, unabridged, new releases on CD.

Normally the cost of these rotations are $225.00 a year, however because of the timing, the charge will be prorated based on when you choose to begin after July 1, 2007.

Remember, Southeastern takes care of all repairs. Audiobooks are also considered by USPS as "free matter" and can be shipped free of charge. Please be sure to contact Amanda Wright for any additional information or with your questions. Spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

Since we began our disc cleaning service many months ago our practice has always been to bill after each shipment of discs sent in, even if it’s just one. However, with the increase in postage, we see that both parties paying the $.41 cents to send an invoice/payment for even just one disc can be a pain. For this reason we are now starting a quarterly billing practice. This means that you can send any and all discs you want, one or one hundred, and you’ll just receive one invoice every three months.

Don’t forget, books on CD are considered “free matter” and are free to ship through USPS. We still only charge .25 cents for a clean and .50 cents for a resurface. The form is simple to fill out and can be found at:

http://www.sls.lib.ia.us/sls-services/cleaningform

We hope this makes things easier for you and your library. If you know other libraries that would benefit from our service, be sure to spread the word! As always, if you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to contact Amanda Wright.

The State Library is now taking registrations for Public Library Management 1 and 2. PLM 1 will begin on Friday, September 7 and PLM 2 will begin on Wednesday, September 12. Please visit the CE Catalog http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/cgi-bin/cecat/) for more information and to register.

If you have any questions, please contact Michele Leininger.

Rural Library Sustainability Online Course Now Available!

We are pleased to announce the arrival of WebJunction's Rural Library Sustainability Online Course, based on the success of the RLS workshop curriculum and the growing exchange of information, ideas, and expertise on WebJunction.org. This free, self-paced online learning experience is available to all in the WebJunction community who are interested in exploring new strategies for sustainability through a manageable and achievable action planning process. Find out more or visit WebJunction's Course Catalog to enroll now.

Iowa Center for the Book has a new website:

http://www.iowacenterforthebook.org/

Be sure to check it out!

Logo Contest

View the entries the Iowa Small Library Association has received to-date in their logo contest! Go to http://www.iowalibraryassociation.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=9 and click on “entries to date".

Think you can top 'em? Hurry, you have through this Friday, July 20, to submit an entry. Remember, this contest is open to all, and prize information can be found here.

Good Luck!

Thanks to SWILSA, you can now go and customize your library's very own bookmarks! Print them off on whatever kind of paper you want right from your desk top - free!

http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/archive/2007/07/aug07bk

Have a game night!

Summer's been a busy time for our Playstation 2 Game Kits, but they'll be coming available again after August 1st (coming soon: the Nintendo Wii!) This is a great way to attract youth and families to your library - even with the surge of outdoor activities summertime has to offer, it's always nice to have cooler indoor options too, right? Many of our games even promote physical activity as well as fun!

Current games (choose three with each rental) include Guitar Hero, Nascar, Dance Dance Revolution, Super Monkey Ball Adventure, Eye Toy Play 2, Eye Toy AntiGrav, Jeopardy and SingStar Rocks (more to come!) All of these are party style games, with the accessories and instructions included (Eye Toy cameras, a driving wheel and pedals, guitar, dance pad, etc.) and can even be projected onto a larger screen, wall or blanket. An additional system can also be rented (if available) for an extra $5.

Use our online registration form to reserve your kit - it's easy and only takes a couple of minutes!You'll get a confirmation email right after so you can start advertising immediately. The only cost to you is a $5 fee per night (or day). You are also responsible for shipping, however, in most cases we've been able to pick up and drop off when in the area - feel free to call before reserving to check.

Sold on the idea, but wondering when to have it and how to make it work for you? Try these out:

-School breaks or in-service days
-Teen Reading Week (October 14-20)
-An end of summer/back to school event

...The possibilities are endless, and all are a great way to get people into your library to see what else you can offer them during the year! Call Amanda Wright with any questions or for other suggestions.

As most of you know this year’s All Iowa Reads selection was Splendid Solution by Jeffrey Kluger. If you have a book club that would like to read and discuss this book, our set (20, a couple on CD as well) will be available in September through the remainder of the year. You can read more about the book and also get suggestions for your book club by going here:

http://www.iowacenterforthebook.org/air

Call or email Amanda Wright to reserve the set!

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!