Index
- Librarians asked to respond to online LSTA evaluation survey
- Remember to update online directory information by Dec. 22
- Continuing Education programs available through OPAL in December & January
- Novelist promotional materials to be distributed soon; available online
- Member/Staff News
- Teen Read ’06 featured in Fall 2006 YALS journal
- Hamburger Helper serves grants to communities
- Continuing Education Calendar
Librarians asked to respond to online LSTA evaluation survey
The Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning is conducting an evaluation of the federal LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) program to assess the use of the LSTA funds in Wisconsin from 2003-07 and develop a new five-year plan for the use of LSTA funds for 2008-12.
While any public library can complete the survey (www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=767802912053), specific requests to complete the survey have been sent to 217 libraries statewide. If you’re library received such a request, SCLS asks that you take the time to complete this survey.
The survey, which is part of an assessment and review of the LSTA program by the Wisconsin library community -- including librarians in academic, school, public, and special libraries -- is very important to these evaluation and planning efforts. The survey will take 15-20 minutes to complete, and all responses will be confidential.
If you have any questions or would like additional information on the LSTA program, contact Peg Branson, LSTA Program Coordinator, at (608) 266-2413 ([email protected]).
Remember to update online directory information by Dec. 22
As a follow-up to the article in the last issue of Online Update, please remember to visit the SCLS website before Dec. 22, 2006, and make sure your library’s directory information is current.
Simply visit www.scls.info/pro/directory.html and select your library from the list, then review the information presented there. You’ll need to log in because this is a protected site. If you don’t remember your library’s log in, contact Mark Ibach at (608) 246-5612 (or by email). If anything is missing, or needs to be changed, you can update the information by using the online form at www.scls.info/directories/directoryform.html (there is also a link to the form at the top of the directory homepage).
Even if there are no changes to your information, we ask that you still submit the online form so we know that all libraries have reviewed their information. Simply enter your library’s name and put “no changes” in the address field.
Continuing Education programs available through OPAL in December & January
SCLS will begin offering its series of NoveList trainings sessions on Dec. 12, 2006, from 1-2 p.m., through OPAL. Subsequent sessions will be held Jan. 10, 2007, from 1-2 p.m., and Jan. 31, 2007, from 9-10 a.m.
The next Brainsnack will be held Jan. 12, 2007, from noon to 1 p.m., and will feature presenter Sarah Statz Cords on the topic “The Second Stacks: Why Reader’s Advisory Isn’t Just for Fiction Anymore.” When someone asks us to suggest a "good book," how many of us automatically assume they're asking for fiction? In today's atmosphere of reality television, the explosion of memoir publishing, and what Chuck Klosterman has referred to as the overall "rise of the real," it's time to incorporate nonfiction titles into our reading and advising lives. Participants will be introduced to nonfiction genres and styles, learn how you can think of nonfiction in terms of the "appeal factors" often applied to fiction, and take away several practical tips for exploring the "second stacks."
These sessions will be held in the SCLS OPAL room, which you can visit from your desk at http://67.19.231.218/v4/login.asp?r=62005332&p=0. If this is your first OPAL session, you will need to install a small plug-in on your computer. If you are on a non-LINK computer, you may be able to install the plug-in yourself. Go to the meeting room, click "Install Plugin," and follow the directions. For assistance, contact Dan at (608) 577-0788. If you are on a LINK computer, contact Andrew at (608) 266-6394.
Your PC will also need working speakers and a microphone to participate in the voice-over-IP discussion. If you do not have a microphone, please request one from Nichole at (608) 246-4521.
In addition to the SCLS Continuing Education offerings, the UW SLIS recently announced its Continuing Education Opportunities for the Spring Semester. They are listed at www.slis.wisc.edu/continueed/.
Novelist promotional materials to be distributed soon; available online
The first in a number of Novelist training sessions will be held Dec. 12 (see article above), and to help libraries promote this new service SCLS has created promotional materials that will be distributed within the next several weeks.
We have developed a press release, poster, flyer, sample PSA language, and bookmark, all of which will be available to libraries free of charge. To order copies of the materials, contact Mark Ibach, Marketing and PR Coordinator, at (608) 246-5612 (or by email) and let him know how many of each item you need.
You can download .pdf and .doc versions at www.scls.info/pr/novelist/.
Marilyn Bailey has been promoted to assistant director at the Lester Public Library of Rome. She is in charge of the majority of the library’s cataloging and inventory, she works the front desk, and she supervises 20+ volunteers.
The DeForest Area Public Library is seeking a Youth Service Librarian to work 20 hours per week. Under general supervision this position plans and executes activities for youth. Duties include programming, reader’s advisory, and collection development. A complete job description and application are available at the DeForest Area Public Library, 203 Library Street, DeForest, or by calling (608) 846-5482. Requests for the job description and application will be accepted via email at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 22, 2006.
John Thompson, former director of the Prairie du Sac Public Library, has been named director of the Indianhead Federated Library System. Currently the Research Coordinator at UW-Stout, John will begin his new job at IFLS on Jan. 8, 2007.
The Lester Public Library of Rome will be celebrating its fifth anniversary on Dec. 27, and cookies, cider and surprises will be served all day. As the library celebrates, a team is hard at work planning an expansion project because the library has outgrown its current facility of 2,500 sq. ft. In June, library trustees are planning a weeklong celebration to commemorate the fifth anniversary by sponsoring each day with a unique theme; a picnic to kickoff Summer Library Program, a Senior day, Teen Evening, Organizations & Merchants Day, and a Fun Walk/Run, with that day ending with a banquet.
The December issue of WSLL @ Your Service has been published at http://wsll.state.wi.us/newsletter/0612.html.
Sharon Zindars will be honored at a reception Friday, Dec. 15, from 5-7 p.m., for her 23 years of service to the Sun Prairie Public Library. This is an open invitation to join the celebration in the library’s Community Room (1350 Linnerud Drive).
Teen Read ’06 featured in Fall 2006 YALS journal
Teen Read ’06, a summer reading blog sponsored by the South Central Library System, was featured in the Fall 2006 issue of Young Adult Library Services: The Official Journal of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA).
Teen Read ’06 is one of several teen book discussion programs highlighted. The current issue has been distributed, but has not yet been posted at www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/yalsapubs/yals/youngadultlibrary.htm.
Visit the Teen Read ’06 website at http://teenread06.scls.info. For more information about the 2007 program, contact Shawn Brommer, Youth Services Consultant, at (608) 246-7974 (or by email).
Hamburger Helper serves grants to communities
Libraries are eligible to apply for up to $15,000 in grant funds each month through the My Town Helper grants program, sponsored by Hamburger Helper and General Mills Inc.
Through this initiative, Hamburger Helper provides up to $15,000 each month for projects for municipal and civic organizations, public schools, civil leagues, social welfare organizations, and 501(c)(4) entities. The money is for these organizations and entities that are raising funds for community projects.
The committee that reviews the applications and makes the funding decisions favors organizations that:
- demonstrate a need in the community;
- illustrate a helpful, creative, or innovative concept that meets this need; and
- clearly identify a change or changes that can be made as a result of receiving this award.
Applications, which must be submitted online, will be accepted through May 31, 2007. The one-time award ranges from $500 to $15,000. To submit an application, visit www.myhometownhelper.com and click on the “Help My Town” link near the top of the page.
After you apply, check in on the 15th of each month through June 15, 2007, to see which projects got a helping hand. There is no need to reapply because your project will be considered every month through May 2007 (unless you have requested an earlier funding deadline).