Index
- Sign up today to share thoughts on LINK governance
- Annual Meeting evaluation now available online
- Member/Staff News
- More about photo permissions
- Pandemic plan resources to prepare for possible H1N1 virus outbreak
- Libraries install new ‘Medallion edition Apex XpressCheck’
- Update on federal broadband funding
- Libraries have free access to Careers Database for 2009
- Water Library launches 'AquaLog' blog
- Dane County libraries sought to host visiting artists programs next fall
- Libraries invited to partner with social security
- May webinar tells outreach success stories
- Microsoft, TechSoup announce ‘Show Your Impact’ contest
- Continuing Education Calendar
Sign up today to share thoughts on LINK governance
If you have opinions about how decision-making for SCLS and LINK technology services an be improved, SCLS needs to hear from you. Regardless of whether your library is currently a member of the LINK consortium, please come and participate in the May 15 day of discussion, facilitated by Jeff and Linda Russell.
The results from last year’s technology planning process made it clear that it is time for some changes. This meeting is an important step toward some possible changes in technology decision-making and governance.
Your comments from last’s years surveys and focus groups guided the Technology Governance Task Force to draft some models for governance. The goal for May 15 is to create a shared understanding of a range of models and to get your reactions, questions, and feedback to provide a direction for the next steps in the process.
Discussions of budget, technology services to be offered, and the roles of SCLS governance bodies not dealing with technology (like PLAC), will not be part of this day, but will be addressed in other steps of the larger process. Planning for those issues will depend, to some extent, on the outcome of this governance discussion.
Libraries should already have received a packet of background information (sent by email) that should be read prior to the meeting.
To register for the May 15 discussion at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, go to the SCLS Calendar and complete the online registration. The day begins at 9:30 a.m. and runs through 3:30 p.m.
Annual Meeting evaluation now available online
Our April 17 Annual Meeting is now history, and to help ensure that future events meet the needs of member library staffs, we’re encouraging you to take a few minutes and complete our online survey.
The Annual Meeting Evaluation is available through Survey Monkey. The more responses we receive, the better we will be able to address concerns or implement your ideas in future years.
Cindy Schult is the new director of the Lester Public Library of Arpin. She earned her MLS at UW-Madison, and has lived in central Wisconsin for 20 years. She started coming to the Lester Public Library of Arpin about seven years ago as a patron, and two years ago accepted a part time library aide position. “I'm very pleased to finally be able to work as a librarian,” Cindy said.
SCLS has launched a new "LINK 2.0 Koha" blog (not password protected). The first article explains the blog and has information on finding more Koha resources. Check it out at http://scls.typepad.com/link2koha/.
Don’t forget to place your order for the 2009 Summer Library Program School Visit Video – “Be Creative @ Your Library.” This year’s footage was was videotaped March 17, 18, 19 and 24 at Middleton Public Library, E.D. Locke Public Library in McFarland, DeForest Area Public Library, and Verona Public Library, respectively. To obtain single or multiple copies of the 2009 SLP School Visit Video, simply complete the form at www.scls.info/pr/slp/2009_video/. We will customize your library’s copy with your program dates, a photo of your library, and photo of your SLP staff members. We’ll add to this a voice-over that will run at the beginning and end of the video. The information requested on the form is needed to create a custom video for your library, so please answer all questions.
The May issue of WSLL @ Your Service has been published at http://wilawlibrary.gov/newsletter/0905.html.
There was a great deal of discussion recently on the WISPUBLIB discussion list about taking photos of library patrons and when you need to obtain permission for their use.
There are many options libraries can employ to manage this issue, but ignoring it is not one that should be used. You may choose to secure a signed permission slip for everyone photographed, or you may inform people through program registration that they may be photographed, and tell them how to opt out.
No matter how you choose to deal with getting permission to use photos, you’ll want to read an Information Today article by Bryan Carson, the coordinator of Reference & Instructional Services at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. He holds a J.D. from the University of Toledo and an M.I.L.S. from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He writes the Legally Speaking column in Against the Grain and is the author of The Law of Libraries and Archives (Scarecrow Press, 2007).
If you have further questions, or want to talk about options for obtaining photo permissions in your library, contact Mark Ibach. SCLS also has photo permission forms and sample permission language at www.scls.info/pr/toolkit/permissions.html.
Pandemic plan resources to prepare for possible H1N1 virus outbreak
Information about the current swine influenza outbreak (H1N1 virus) can be found at http://pandemic.wi.gov. The site includes current information, national and international resources, links to news articles, as well as pandemic planning checklists that may be of interest for local government planning as well as resources for families and businesses in the library’s service area.
The possibility of avian flu several years ago inspired communities to prepare for a wide array of possible emergencies and crises. As with current local emergency preparedness plans, which you may have been involved in developing, the focus for pandemic flu planning should be on prevention, preparedness, and response. Pandemic flu planning should be incorporated into local emergency preparedness plans, and public libraries can play a critical role in distributing information and helping to keep the public informed.
In addition to the state and national resources posted at http://pandemic.wi.gov, resources prepared by the Department of Public Instruction are available at http://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/pandemicflu.html.
Libraries install new ‘Medallion edition Apex XpressCheck’
Sun Prairie Public Library, Oregon Public Library and Waunakee Public Library has each installed one of the new "Medallion" series models in their libraries. This is a versatile, yet ultra-compact, self-service kiosk solution. With its small footprint, flexibility and enhanced serviceability, this unit is designed for easy installation in a variety of configurations suited to virtually any library environment.
The Apex XpressCheck™ Medallion Edition includes enhanced Apex XpressCheck™ library self-checkout software running on NCR EasyPoint™ Advantage kiosk hardware. Bar code and radio frequency identification (RFID) versions are now available, with an electromagnetic (EM) security version coming soon.
Update on federal broadband funding
The Department of Public Instruction has created a website with basic information on the $7.2 billion in federal broadband funding. Following are some recent updates:
- Grant guidelines and application forms will be available in May or early June. Applicants will likely have just 30-45 days to submit an application. The state’s BadgerNet staff is investigating submitting a grant to bring fiber to all public school districts and public libraries in the state that are on the BadgerNet network.
- The DPI recently submitted comments on the broadband funding to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the federal agency administering the funds. The Executive Committee of the BadgerNet Advisory Council also endorsed the DPI comments. Here are several key DPI recommendations with some background comments:
- Priority in the grant ranking process should also consider:
o Applications that provide long-term benefits. (e.g., fiber)
o Applications that demonstrate a large regional or statewide impact. (e.g., CESAs, library systems, BadgerNet)
- All schools and libraries should qualify to submit grants for the education and training purposes referenced in the federal law.
If you have any questions, contact Bob Bocher, library technology consultant, at (608) 266-2127. Updates will also be posted to the DPI’s broadband funding website referenced above.
Libraries have free access to Careers Database for 2009
As you know, we already have free access to Careers Database for 2009. Now, according to EBSCO, libraries are also eligible for a reduced subscription price (50% off the normal annual price), if we subscribe in 2010.
Career Library contains detailed information on more than 2,500 occupations, including interest and skills assessments, connecting results to the appropriate career cluster and/or occupation list. The surveys and assessments are based on the 16 federal career clusters (in English and Spanish). The system also includes state-specific resources, a resume builder, and an Occupation Video Library (in English and Spanish).
If it is something your library is interesting in paying for in 2010, be sure to let Cheryl Becker know later this year. According to Cheryl, you may also want to compare it to the other career databases currently available on trial through WiLS. For more information on those databases, see http://wilscoop.wordpress.com/category/trials/public/.
How much will the reduced subscription rate be? As usual, we won’t know that until we know how many libraries are interested.
For more information, contact Cheryl Becker, Public Library Administration Consultant, at (608) 246-7973.
Water Library launches 'AquaLog' blog
Looking for an online source of up-to-date, water-related news, publications and resources for Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region? Check out Wisconsin’s Water Library’s “AquaLog” at aqualog2.blogspot.com!
The Water Library chose to incorporate blog technology into its new website (aqua.wisc.edu/waterlibrary) as a way to connect with library patrons, water researchers, and Great Lakes residents on a daily basis. In this era of information overload, the library staff hopes AquaLog can provide an organized way to share information on current trends in the water field and new, useful, and reliable resources. AquaLog posts are searchable by topic, and a monthly archive is available.
The blog highlights resources provided by such organizations as the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and many others.
If you wish to receive notices of updates to the blog, you can sign up for an RSS feed on the website. The library staff welcomes comments and suggestions at the Ask Water page
Dane County libraries sought to host visiting artists programs next fall
In preparation for an annual event called “Open Art Studios,” public libraries in Dane County are invited to host visiting artists for Saturday programs this fall. “Open Art Studios” weekend is Oct. 17-18, 2009.
Leading up to that, libraries can choose to host artists on Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26, or Oct. 3 and 10, from 1-4 p.m. The plan is for an artist’s talk from 1-2 p.m., then a demonstration or interactive program from 2-4 p.m.
If you are interested in participating, contact Angela Johnson, Program Coordinator Madison Children's Museum, and send her the name of your library, the name of a contact person, interested dates, and whether it will be the 1-4 timeframe, approximate dimensions of the space you will use, how you plan to promote the visiting artist, and whether you want her to try and find an artist that fits with your collection funded by the Madison Community Foundation.
You can learn more about the Open Art Studios program online.
Libraries invited to partner with social security
The United States Social Security Administration (SSA) is involved in a variety of new and important initiatives, and is asking libraries throughout the country to partner with them to share information about these initiatives with the American public.
Among the initiatives they have asked libraries to help promote is the new national campaign “Retire Online. It’s So Easy!” This campaign features a new online retirement application that can be completed in as little as 15 minutes. The application is available online at www.socialsecurity.gov, and can easily be completed at any library computer. A brochure on the subject can be viewed at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10522.pdf.
In May 2009, as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Social Security will distribute a one-time payment of $250 to over 55 million Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries. A leaflet which discusses this in greater detail is available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10519.pdf.
Later this year, Social Security will be launching their third annual Mother’s Day and Father’s Day campaigns promoting the “Extra Help with Medicare” prescription drug plan costs. The SSA will keep libraries updated as to when these new outreach materials are available.
Partnering with Social Security to promote these initiatives will benefit the populations served by libraries. One way libraries can do this is by linking to the agency’s website at www.socialsecurity.gov. Publishing articles about these initiatives in library newsletters or other publications is another method of getting this important information out.
For copies of the Retire Online or one-time payment brochures, or for additional information from Social Security, contact Carolyn Houston at (410) 965-7603. Please indicate the quantity desired (in units of 100) and where the publications should be shipped.
--from Channel Weelkly (Vol. 11, No. 29 – April 23, 2009
May webinar tells outreach success stories
Join three Montana librarians on May 13 through WebJunction for a free one-hour webinar, featuring real-world examples of successful Spanish Language Outreach.
Amy Ling (North Valley Public Library), Marie Habener (Dillon Public Library) and Molly Ledermann (Missoula Public Library) will present the work they have done to sustain the momentum of WebJunction's Spanish Language Outreach project, and discuss their ongoing strategies to assess community needs, make their libraries more welcoming, develop programming, and foster connections with Spanish-speaking communities.
Montana librarians became involved with Spanish Language Outreach through participation in workshops in seven Montana communities. Since then, they have used the MTSLO blog to showcase those who continue to provide outreach activities, services and programs for Spanish Speakers in their communities.
To participate, you must register through WebJunction.
Microsoft, TechSoup announce ‘Show Your Impact’ contest
Microsoft and TechSoup recently announced Microsoft's first Show Your Impact Contest, through which Microsoft will award three $5,000 cash grants, plus $25,000 worth of donated Microsoft product. The winning organizations will be those that best demonstrate how they have creatively and effectively used Microsoft technologies to better respond to needs in their communities and increase their impact.
Organizations should submit their entries from May 11-29, 2009, with voting to select finalists taking place from May 30 through June 5. Winners will be selected by a panel from Microsoft and TechSoup and will be announced on June 26, 2009.
This contest is open only to organizations located in the U.S. and Canada that have requested donated Microsoft products through TechSoup. Full contest details and specific eligibility requirements are available at www.showyourimpact.org/microsoft.