Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Professional Book of the Week
Title: Digital Preservation
Editors: Marilyn Deegan and Simon Tanner
Summary:
With the advancement of technology, the preservation option of digitization is becoming more and more affordable. It’s also an area that can be tricky to navigate. Deegan and Tanner have compiled an excellent set of essays and case studies to introduce the benefits, drawbacks, and logistics of digital preservation. One of the highlights of this book is the glossary of terms and abbreviations which is included in the introductory material.
As always, this book is available from SLS through interlibrary loan.
Title: Digital Preservation
Editors: Marilyn Deegan and Simon Tanner
Summary:
With the advancement of technology, the preservation option of digitization is becoming more and more affordable. It’s also an area that can be tricky to navigate. Deegan and Tanner have compiled an excellent set of essays and case studies to introduce the benefits, drawbacks, and logistics of digital preservation. One of the highlights of this book is the glossary of terms and abbreviations which is included in the introductory material.
As always, this book is available from SLS through interlibrary loan.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Professional Book of the Week
Title: Web 2.0 and Libraries: Best Practices for Social Software
Author: Michael Stephens
Summary:
This slim volume (an issue of Library Technology Reports) covers the use of social software applications in libraries. Real life examples are included, as well as discussion on the positives and negatives of each service. Five prominent services, blogs, RSS feeds, instant messenging, wikis and Flickr – a photosharing service, are highlighted as well as general information regarding “Web 2.0” and libraries and marketing services both internally and externally. For those interested in dipping your toes in the water of “Library 2.0” services, this is a great introduction.
Title: Web 2.0 and Libraries: Best Practices for Social Software
Author: Michael Stephens
Summary:
This slim volume (an issue of Library Technology Reports) covers the use of social software applications in libraries. Real life examples are included, as well as discussion on the positives and negatives of each service. Five prominent services, blogs, RSS feeds, instant messenging, wikis and Flickr – a photosharing service, are highlighted as well as general information regarding “Web 2.0” and libraries and marketing services both internally and externally. For those interested in dipping your toes in the water of “Library 2.0” services, this is a great introduction.

Looking to put on a great program for Teen Tech Week 2008? A little short on cash? And you’re a member of YALSA? Apply for one of the 20 mini-grants sponsored by YALSA and their corporate sponsor totaling $500 per grant ($450 cash and $50 of promo materials). Applications for this judged grant are due on January 7th.
http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/teentechweek/ttw08/contests/contests.cfm
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Professional Book of the Week
Title: Becoming a Fundraiser: The Principles and Practice of Library Development
Authors: Victoria Steele and Stephen D. Elder
Summary:
Another in our series of classic titles, this 1992 book is useful for those just starting to explore the world of fundraising for libraries. Topics covered include basic concepts of fundraising, building a team of core fundraisers, planning for fundraising, major gifts, coordination with Friends groups, and evaluating the value of events among others.
As always this book, along with others on fundraising, are available from the SLS through interlibrary loan.
Title: Becoming a Fundraiser: The Principles and Practice of Library Development
Authors: Victoria Steele and Stephen D. Elder
Summary:
Another in our series of classic titles, this 1992 book is useful for those just starting to explore the world of fundraising for libraries. Topics covered include basic concepts of fundraising, building a team of core fundraisers, planning for fundraising, major gifts, coordination with Friends groups, and evaluating the value of events among others.
As always this book, along with others on fundraising, are available from the SLS through interlibrary loan.
Monday, December 10, 2007

The State Library of Iowa is seeking applicants for the position of Library Consultant. This position will coordinate statewide subscription database programs; coordinate the annual school library survey; disseminate information about grant funding for libraries; will serve as the state E-rate coordinator for Iowa public libraries.
Required: Masters degree in Library Science; a minimum of three years, full-time professional librarian experience; effective written and oral communication skills; effective training and presentation skills; the willingness and ability to learn and use new technology. Must be able to lift, carry, and set up training equipment such as computers and data projector. Must have a valid driver's license, drive a vehicle and be able to travel. Willingness to travel overnight and to work occasional evenings and weekends are also required.
Desirable: Previous consulting experience; experience evaluating and using library databases such as EBSCOhost and FirstSearch; experience with library statistical reports such as the Public Library or School Library Annual Survey; grant writing experience; familiarity with the federal E-rate program; effective written and oral communication skills; effective training and presentation skills; the willingness and ability to learn and use new technology.
Salary Minimum: $43,076
Salary Maximum: $65,540
Submit a completed Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise (DAS-HRE) application to the Iowa Department of Administrative Services, Hoover State Office Building, 1305 E Walnut, Des Moines, IA 50319-0150 or fax to (515) 281-7970 by January 7, 2007. Or apply on line at the DAS-HRE website: http://das.hre.iowa.gov/iowa.jobs.html, click on Iowa Jobs for all applicants and then Search openings and enter 3565BR as keywords. In addition to the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources (DAS-HRE) application form, please submit a cover letter, resume, and 3 current references (names, addresses, and telephone numbers) to Karen Chapman, Personnel Administrative Assistant, Iowa Department of Education, Grimes State Office Building, 400 E 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50319-0146, e-mail address education.personnel@iowa.gov by the closing date.
Friday, December 07, 2007

City of Bettendorf
Bettendorf Public Library Young Adult Librarian – Information Librarian Open Position
The Bettendorf Public Library is looking for an innovative and energetic librarian passionate about providing outstanding service to teens. This position includes 28 hours/week in Youth Services Department and 12 hours per week in the Information Services Department. Responsibilities include: performing all aspects of young adult library service from collection development to outreach and including programming, answering reference questions and readers’ advisory requests for children, teens and adults, instructing patrons in the use of Library Resources, selecting music for teens and adults, recruiting and training teen volunteers, assisting with Children’s Programming when needed.
Requirements are: Master’s in Library Science from an ALA accredited school with 2-4 years of progressively more responsible work in a public library setting, professional experience in a young adult library setting is preferred, working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, webpage construction and social networking sites, internet and library databases.
This is a full time position with the Bettendorf Public Library in the City of Bettendorf. Hours include some nights and alternate weekends. Starting salary is $19.3911 per hour ($40,333.48 annually). Interested applicants can pick up applications at the following location: City Hall 1609 State Street Bettendorf, IA 52722 Applicants may also print an application off the website at http://www.bettendorf.org/. Applicants must include a completed application and resume for this position. Deadline for applications is Friday, December 14, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. All applications must be returned to Bettendorf City Hall.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Some of you may know Katie is really involved in readers’ advisory projects. Her latest one is the Book A Month (BAM) Challenge. In 2008 and beyond, participants will be challenged to read one book of their choice relating to that month’s theme. Participants are requested to post a review of the book they read to their own blog or website and post a link in the comments section of the challenge. For those without a blog or website, full reviews are welcome in the comments.
http://bamchallenge.wordpress.com/
Professional Book of the Week
Title: Managing the Reference Collection
Author: Christopher W. Nolan
Summary:
This 1999 book is a nice basic overview of concepts to consider when evaluating and maintaining a reference collection. Highlights include selection tips, collection development policy, practical procedures and advice for those with lean budgets.
Title: Managing the Reference Collection
Author: Christopher W. Nolan
Summary:
This 1999 book is a nice basic overview of concepts to consider when evaluating and maintaining a reference collection. Highlights include selection tips, collection development policy, practical procedures and advice for those with lean budgets.
Local Government Managers and Public Libraries: Partners for a Better Community
The Public Library Association (PLA) is working in conjunction with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) to inform PLA members about the ICMA's Local Government and Public Libraries Partnership Initiative, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. As part of this ongoing initiative, ICMA has formed an advisory committee to explore the role of city and county managers as advocates for libraries and how libraries relate to quality of life and community sustainability.
Available on the ICMA Web site in the Reports and Resources section, the ICMA Management Perspective, Local Government Managers and Public Libraries: Partners for a Better Community, is an executive brief that has been sent to all local government managers along with a suggestion that they use the Management Perspective as a focus for discussion with their librarian.
The Management Perspective recognizes the vital role that libraries play in communities and covers the city or county manager's role in supporting libraries through strategic planning, funding, public support of the library's programs, and establishing guidelines for measuring accountability. Consider using the Management Perspective to start a conversation about library advocacy with your city or county manager. PLA members can find more information about the initiative on the ICMA Web site.
The Public Library Association (PLA) is working in conjunction with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) to inform PLA members about the ICMA's Local Government and Public Libraries Partnership Initiative, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. As part of this ongoing initiative, ICMA has formed an advisory committee to explore the role of city and county managers as advocates for libraries and how libraries relate to quality of life and community sustainability.
Available on the ICMA Web site in the Reports and Resources section, the ICMA Management Perspective, Local Government Managers and Public Libraries: Partners for a Better Community, is an executive brief that has been sent to all local government managers along with a suggestion that they use the Management Perspective as a focus for discussion with their librarian.
The Management Perspective recognizes the vital role that libraries play in communities and covers the city or county manager's role in supporting libraries through strategic planning, funding, public support of the library's programs, and establishing guidelines for measuring accountability. Consider using the Management Perspective to start a conversation about library advocacy with your city or county manager. PLA members can find more information about the initiative on the ICMA Web site.
10 Ways to Make Your Library Great in 2008—via Web 2.0
As you think about your resolutions for the New Year, why not resolve to make your library a great educational asset within your community? The January 16 webinar will show you how to leverage social networking tools such as del.icio.us and Librarything to enable knowledge sharing and create collections of information around professional development. Ten key themes are presented to empower library staff as well as to increase a library's value within the community.
Presented by guest speaker Ed Rossman, adult services librarian at Shaker Heights Public Library and author of Castles Against Ignorance: How to Make Libraries Great Educational Environments.
To register, visit Web Junction at http://tinyurl.com/ysrj37.
(Courtesy of WebJunction Newsletter, December 2007)
As you think about your resolutions for the New Year, why not resolve to make your library a great educational asset within your community? The January 16 webinar will show you how to leverage social networking tools such as del.icio.us and Librarything to enable knowledge sharing and create collections of information around professional development. Ten key themes are presented to empower library staff as well as to increase a library's value within the community.
Presented by guest speaker Ed Rossman, adult services librarian at Shaker Heights Public Library and author of Castles Against Ignorance: How to Make Libraries Great Educational Environments.
To register, visit Web Junction at http://tinyurl.com/ysrj37.
(Courtesy of WebJunction Newsletter, December 2007)
Thursday, November 29, 2007

From Sandy Dixon at the State Library...
To say thank you for completing the PLOW Follow-Up Survey, we promised that a library would be selected to receive a visit from State Library Consultant Marie Harms. During the visit, Marie will provide one-on-one help with that library's PLOW Web site.
The winner is Vicki Vroegh, Eddyville Public Library. Congratulations, Vicki!
And thanks to the 111 of you who completed the PLOW Follow-Up Survey. I am using the results right now as I write the report we will submit to the Gates Foundation in December.
To say thank you for completing the PLOW Follow-Up Survey, we promised that a library would be selected to receive a visit from State Library Consultant Marie Harms. During the visit, Marie will provide one-on-one help with that library's PLOW Web site.
The winner is Vicki Vroegh, Eddyville Public Library. Congratulations, Vicki!
And thanks to the 111 of you who completed the PLOW Follow-Up Survey. I am using the results right now as I write the report we will submit to the Gates Foundation in December.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Big news in continuing education: the Iowa Small Library Association (ISLA) along with Northwest, Southwest, and Central LSAs, are organizing a totally online conference slated for January 16th. “Connection, Collaboration, Community: The Iowa Small Libraries Online Conference (ISLOC)” is in the dead of winter and you don’t even have to leave town!
Thanks to the State Library, you'll have access to virtual classrooms called Wimba Rooms. With help (producing) also from Southeast LSA, the weather will be out of the equation and will enable everyone to meet in cozy, virtual classrooms instead. From the comfort of home or office, participants will log into various Wimba rooms to join one session or several. Here’s a preview of the sessions being planned:
AM Keynote Speaker: Michael Stephens of Tame the Web
PM Keynote Speaker: Pat Wagner of Pattern Research in Colorado
Concurrent Sessions:
¨ Cool Tools, Widgets, and Gadgets
¨ Collaborating with Colleagues on the Web
¨ The Interactive Library: Promoting Service Online
¨ Trustees 2.0—An Evening Session for Boards
Also on tap: a virtual exhibit hall, a gaming session over the lunch hour, and a virtual lounge where you can network with your colleagues across the state. Oh sure, you’ll need some stuff—like high speed Internet, a microphone, speakers, and such. Most importantly, you’ll need to run a set-up wizard to make sure your computer has the right components to best experience this new format. NWILS will provide set-up instructions in separate emails, so stay tuned for that.
There’s no requirement that you sit glued to your computer all day long. Choose the topics that most interest you and log into those. If you’re only able to listen to the 2 keynote speakers, that will be great. If you’re only able to join over the lunch hour—or only available for the evening trustees session—that’s great too.
Thanks to the State Library, you'll have access to virtual classrooms called Wimba Rooms. With help (producing) also from Southeast LSA, the weather will be out of the equation and will enable everyone to meet in cozy, virtual classrooms instead. From the comfort of home or office, participants will log into various Wimba rooms to join one session or several. Here’s a preview of the sessions being planned:
AM Keynote Speaker: Michael Stephens of Tame the Web
PM Keynote Speaker: Pat Wagner of Pattern Research in Colorado
Concurrent Sessions:
¨ Cool Tools, Widgets, and Gadgets
¨ Collaborating with Colleagues on the Web
¨ The Interactive Library: Promoting Service Online
¨ Trustees 2.0—An Evening Session for Boards
Also on tap: a virtual exhibit hall, a gaming session over the lunch hour, and a virtual lounge where you can network with your colleagues across the state. Oh sure, you’ll need some stuff—like high speed Internet, a microphone, speakers, and such. Most importantly, you’ll need to run a set-up wizard to make sure your computer has the right components to best experience this new format. NWILS will provide set-up instructions in separate emails, so stay tuned for that.
There’s no requirement that you sit glued to your computer all day long. Choose the topics that most interest you and log into those. If you’re only able to listen to the 2 keynote speakers, that will be great. If you’re only able to join over the lunch hour—or only available for the evening trustees session—that’s great too.
Monday, November 26, 2007
An online course on serving Spanish speaking patrons from The Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies is available for a fee beginning in April. For more information visit: http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2007/november2007/spanish07.htm.

PLA Scholarship and Stipend Winners announced!
The Board of Trustees of Southeastern Library Services is pleased to announce the following recipients of full and partial scholarships to attend the PLA Conference in Minneapolis March 26-29.
Full scholarships were awarded to Debbie Stanton, Youth Services Librarian at Kalona Public Library and Suzann Holland, Director at Oskaloosa Public Library. Stipends were awarded to Janette McMahon, Director at West Liberty Public Library and Sarah Clendening, Director at Ft. Madison Public Library. Congratulations!
If you’d like to travel to the PLA Conference in style while on a budget, consider taking one of the charter buses sponsored by SLS with East Central, Northeast and North Central LSAs. You can register through the CE catalog at http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/cgi-bin/cecat/.

Free Books for Libraries!
Who: Public and school (K-12) libraries in the U.S. and its territories. A single application can be submitted on behalf of multiple libraries within a library system, school district, or community. Individual branch or school libraries are also encouraged to apply.
What: A collection of classic books for young readers to be given to 3,000 libraries across the country. All books will be related to the theme Created Equal. Some will focus on the life and writings of Abraham Lincoln, whose 200th birthday will be celebrated during the 2008-2009 programming period. Also included will be a special "History in a Box" resource kit on Lincoln, produced by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
When: September 10, 2007-January 25, 2008
For programming ideas and other tips on submitting an application, visit www.ala.org/wethepeople. With questions, contact the ALA Public Programs Office at (312) 280-5045 or publicprograms@ala.org.
The We the People Bookshelf is presented by the National Endowment for the Humanities in cooperation with the American Library Association.
Friday, November 23, 2007

Teens voted and the results are in…the Teen Book Week theme will be:
http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2007/november2007/bite07.htm
Send Your Staff to Library School
...with PLA’s Grown Your Own Program, PLA will award nine public libraries with a lump sum of $8,000 each to be distributed to as many of their employees as they choose for the purpose of working toward obtaining an MLS. For information on the program and qualifications, visit http://plablog.org/2007/11/grow-your-own-librarians.html.
...with PLA’s Grown Your Own Program, PLA will award nine public libraries with a lump sum of $8,000 each to be distributed to as many of their employees as they choose for the purpose of working toward obtaining an MLS. For information on the program and qualifications, visit http://plablog.org/2007/11/grow-your-own-librarians.html.
Jobs In Southeast
Southeastern Library Services is seeking an individual who excels at details and customer service. This position manages the office without regular direct supervision, handles accounting and payroll using QuickBooks, uses the Internet, databases, email, spreadsheet, and word processing programs on a daily basis, works directly with library staff, trustees and volunteers, and oversees various projects that cover a 15 county area in southeastern Iowa. Travel is not required. Associate's degree in related field preferred. A combination of education and experience or directly related experience may be substituted for the completed Associate's degree.
Position is 40 hours per week, with a hiring range of $11.63 to $13.63 per hour. Southeastern Library Services offers paid vacation/sick leave/holidays, paid single medical and dental coverage and participation in the State retirement program IPERS. To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to kkietzman@sls.lib.ia.us by December 5, 2007. US Mail submissions may be sent Attn: Kim Kietzman, 2435 Kimberly Road Suite 210N, Bettendorf, IA 52722. No phone calls or in-person submissions, please.
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City of Bettendorf
Bettendorf Public Library
Young Adult Librarian – Information Librarian Open Position
The Bettendorf Public Library is looking for an innovative and energetic librarian passionate about providing outstanding service to teens. This position includes 28 hours/week in Youth Services Department and 12 hours per week in the Information Services Department.
Responsibilities include:
- Performing all aspects of young adult library service from collection development to outreach and including programming
- Answering reference questions and readers’ advisory requests for children, teens and adults
- Instructing patrons in the use of Library Resources
- Selecting music for teens and adults
- Recruiting and training teen volunteers
- Assisting with Children’s Programming when needed
Requirements are:
- Master’s in Library Science from an ALA accredited school with 2-4 years of progressively more responsible work in a public library setting
- Professional experience in a young adult library setting is preferred
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, webpage construction and social networking sites, internet and library databases
This is a full time position with the Bettendorf Public Library in the City of Bettendorf. Hours include some nights and alternate weekends. Starting salary is $19.3911 per hour ($40,333.48 annually). Interested applicants can pick up applications at the following location:
City Hall
1609 State Street
Bettendorf, IA 52722
Applicants may also print an application off the website at http://www.bettendorf.org/.
Applicants must include a completed application and resume for this position. Deadline for applications is Friday, December 7, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. All applications must be returned to Bettendorf City Hall.
Bettendorf Public Library
Young Adult Librarian – Information Librarian Open Position
The Bettendorf Public Library is looking for an innovative and energetic librarian passionate about providing outstanding service to teens. This position includes 28 hours/week in Youth Services Department and 12 hours per week in the Information Services Department.
Responsibilities include:
- Performing all aspects of young adult library service from collection development to outreach and including programming
- Answering reference questions and readers’ advisory requests for children, teens and adults
- Instructing patrons in the use of Library Resources
- Selecting music for teens and adults
- Recruiting and training teen volunteers
- Assisting with Children’s Programming when needed
Requirements are:
- Master’s in Library Science from an ALA accredited school with 2-4 years of progressively more responsible work in a public library setting
- Professional experience in a young adult library setting is preferred
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, webpage construction and social networking sites, internet and library databases
This is a full time position with the Bettendorf Public Library in the City of Bettendorf. Hours include some nights and alternate weekends. Starting salary is $19.3911 per hour ($40,333.48 annually). Interested applicants can pick up applications at the following location:
City Hall
1609 State Street
Bettendorf, IA 52722
Applicants may also print an application off the website at http://www.bettendorf.org/.
Applicants must include a completed application and resume for this position. Deadline for applications is Friday, December 7, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. All applications must be returned to Bettendorf City Hall.
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