- ‘Libraries for Real Life’ project launched
- System Celebration photos now online
- Database promotions in Columbus
- Library/Staff News
- 2010 SLP manual for adult program mailed
- Maguire to give Zolotow Lecture
- New national poll shows library card registration reaches historic high
- Libraries urged to take active role in community disaster readiness
- Deadline extended for National Library Week Grant
- IMLS calls for Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Grant applications
- The Art of Fundraising and Grant Writing: An Online Conference
- Still time to nominate librarians for 2009 ‘I Love My Librarian Award’
- Continuing Education Calendar
‘Libraries for Real Life’ project launched Public libraries have been improving community for life for many years, and in the process have had significant impact on the lives of individual residents. Many of these are inspirational stories that deserve to be told, and a new project is underway to do just that.
The South Central Library System’s Marketing and PR Advisory Committee has developed a project called “Libraries For Real Life!” to collect and share the stories of library users in the seven counties served by SCLS (Adams, Columbia, Dane, Green, Portage, Sauk & Wood).
The project title -- “Libraries For Real Life!” -- reinforces the reality that today’s public libraries are vibrant, dynamic community resources that meet the information, education, and recreational needs of residents of all ages.
Some stories have already been posted to the website in written and video format. The site also has links to the available promotional materials, including web buttons in various sizes, and an online story submission form. Requests for promotional materials should be sent to Mark Ibach.
An informational packet was sent this week to all SCLS library directors. More information is available at www.librariesforreallife.org, or you can contact Mark Ibach with your questions.
System Celebration photos now online
Photos from System Celebration 2009 have been posted to the SCLS Picasa photo album and to the SCLS website. This year’s event was held Sept. 24 at Lake Windsor Golf Club in Windsor, WI. One-hundred and twenty-three people registered for this year’s event.
Award recipients are:
- Library of the Year -- McMillan Memorial Library
- Chester Pismo Snavely Award for a Nifty Activity -- Friends of the Scenic Lodi Valley for the project “Lodi Reads Leopold”
- Partnership Award -- Madison Community Foundation, for its collection development grants to Dane County libraries
- Public Official of the Year -- Shelly Kuhl, Brodhead City Council, for her ongoing support of the library
- Special Awards
- Linda Davis Brown, SCLS Trustee and Foundation Board President
- Jerry Elmer, Brodhead Library Board, for his ongoing efforts in support of the new library
- Commercial Tenant Advisors, which was instrumental in helping SCLS find and secure its new office space. They also made a $10,000 contribution to the SCLS Foundation to support children’s programming.
More information about the awards, plus a complete list of past recipients, can be found on the System Celebration web page.
Database promotions in Columbus
Promoting the databases offered through SCLS has been a top priority for me this fall. In August I gave a presentation to the Columbus Business Roundtable along with other city department heads. My presentation focused on all of the great business databases that are available, LearningExpress, etc. As a result of that presentation the CEO of our local hospital asked me to do a presentation to his core group of administrators about the databases. He was amazed at all we had to offer for a small library.
On Sept. 8 I gave a hospital presentation to that core group. It was very well received, and a number of them said they wanted to speak to me further about opportunities to partner and present the information to other staff members.
I also had a discussion with our local school administrator about doing a presentation of educational databases to the teachers in Columbus. Since we also serve residents from the Fall River School District, I will make the same offer to them as well.
Due to the amount of information I was trying to impart, I made focused handouts to give to them about these databases, which worked well because they could refer to them after I left the building. If you are interested in getting a copy please contact me at [email protected].
The proof as to whether these presentations really worked and changed some habits will be in the number of hits we get on the databases. I have not yet analyzed that data.
Library/Staff News
The Baraboo Public Library is sponsoring a Thrill The World Zombiefest on Oct. 24. Collaborating with UW-Sauk County, the library will participate in the international effort to set a world record for most number of participants simultaneously dancing Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" dance. In addition, the library will hold a zombie walk to raise money for the local food pantry. The theme is "No-body should go hungry.” Sponsors can request "their" zombie to walk, dance the Thriller dance, or do both. Baraboo Public Library has scheduled several drop-in sessions throughout October to learn the dance. For more information, visit Baraboo’s event website at http://ttw09baraboowi.blogspot.com, or contact Penny Johnson at the Baraboo Public Library.
New Glarus Public Library received a grant from The Big Read to present a month-long celebration of Ray Bradbury's classic novel, Fahrenheit 451. On Oct. 1, the Library kicked off its events with a "Red Hot" Chili Cook-off. Other special events during October include a series of Fahrenheit 451 book discussions (free paperback copies of Fahrenheit 451 are available at the Library, Fat Cat Coffee Works, and Mary's Unique Boutique and Coffee Haus), an Oct. 10 presentation by Sam Weller (the biographer of Ray Bradbury), and a Ray Bradbury Teen Movie Night on Oct. 30. All events are free and open to the public. Partnering with the New Glarus Public Library in this Big Read project are: the Friends of the New Glarus Public Library, the New Glarus School District, New Glarus Vision, the New Glarus Home, the Wilhelm Tell Guild and Board, Fat Cat Coffee Works, and Mary’s Unique Boutique and Coffee Haus. For more information on New Glarus' Big Read events, contact the New Glarus Public Library at (608) 527-2003 or check out the library website. Designed to restore reading to the center of American culture, The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest. For more information on The Big Read, go to www.neabigread.org.
The Rock Springs Public Library in Sauk County, which has been closed since June 2008 due to flood damage, will re-open to the public tomorrow (Oct. 3). The day before the June 2008 flood, the library celebrated the completion of a remodeling project. Money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) covered some of the restoration costs. A formal ceremony will be held when services in the remainder of the village facility resume. The LaValle Public Library, also in Sauk County, has been closed since the floods of 2008, and will not resume services until a later date.
Elaine Weisensel, a Sun Prairie Public Library employee for 24 years, retired on Sept. 29. Staff at the library, and at SCLS, wish her a very happy retirement.
Since April, Sun Prairie Public Library has worked on a marketing strategy it calls TECH-KNOW. Each month they focus on a technology-related service, such as a database or wireless access. Staff are required to take 10-15 minutes to familiarize themselves with the service. The library then publicizes it through the local newspaper, the library’s blog and website, and bookmarks. According to Director Tracy Herold, “It has been a great way to grow a collective staff knowledge of some of our lesser-known services.” Services publicized so far include: Morningstar Investment Research Center, Global Road Warrior, fax services, LearningExpress Library, wireless access and laptop rental.
2010 SLP manual for adult program mailed The 2010 Summer Library Program manuals have been sent out, and your library will receive one soon, if it hasn’t already. For 2010 there are actually three manuals included in the package: one for the children’s Program, one for the young adult (teen) program, and one for the adult program.
In many libraries, if you are having an adult program, the person responsible may not be the same person responsible for the Children’s or Teen program. So you may want to pull the adult part of the manual out for that person.
This year’s themes are:
- Children: Make a Splash -- Read!
- Teen: Make Waves at Your Library
- Adults: Water Your Mind -- Read!
In addition to the manuals, you may be interested in the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CLSP) website.
The Adult SLP poster art for 2010 was not completed in time to be included on the DVD, but you can download the artwork here (it will be on the CSLP website in the near future). Information about the copyright use of CSLP artwork is on the DVD and in the manuals.
Maguire to give Zolotow Lecture
Gregory Maguire, who has written 19 novels for children and seven for adults, will present the 12th annual Charlotte Zolotow Lecture on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the UW-Madison’s Union Theater.
Maguire is a founding board member and co-director of Children’s Literature New England, and is known for his eloquent, intelligent, and witty lectures about children’s books. His 1995 adult novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, was adapted for the stage and became a hit Broadway musical.
The annual Zolotow Lecture is sponsored by the Cooperative Children’s Book center of the School of Education at the UW-Madison, with support from the Friends of the CCBC. The event is part of he 2009 Wisconsin Book Festival. For more information, visit the CCBC website.
New national poll shows library card registration reaches historic high
As Americans deal with a slumping economy, U.S. libraries are experiencing a dramatic increase in library card registration. According to a new Harris Poll from Harris Interactive, released Sept. 22 during Library Card Sign-up Month, 68 percent of Americans have a library card, up 5 percent since 2006.
Survey results indicate that this is the greatest number of Americans with library cards since the American Library Association (ALA) started to measure library card usage in 1990.
In-person visits also are up 10 percent compared with a 2006 ALA household survey. Seventy-six percent of Americans visited their local public library in the past year, compared with 65.7 percent two years ago. Online visits to libraries are up even more substantially -- with 41 percent of library card-holders visiting their library websites in the past year, compared with 23.6 percent in 2006. This finding complements the ALA’s 2008 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study, which found that public libraries have significantly increased the Internet services available to their communities -- including online homework help, downloadable audio and video, and e-books.
“I think most that walk through our doors are pleasantly surprised by the variety of free services libraries offer,” said ALA President Jim Rettig. “The poll has confirmed what we have been hearing from our members from the start; libraries have become family destinations, technology hubs, cultural centers -- basically the pillar of most of the communities they serve."
Libraries provide programs and services for people of all ages, but the poll finds certain groups are more likely to have a library card than others -- women over men (73 percent versus 62 percent); and Midwesterners (72 percent) and Westerners (71 percent) over Easterners (65 percent) and Southerners (63 percent).
“As the nation continues to experience a downturn in the economy, libraries are providing the tools needed to help Americans get back on their feet,” Rettig said. “From free homework help to assisting with resumes and job searches, now more than ever libraries are proving they are valued and trusted resources.”
How did those surveyed view their local library?
- Almost all Americans (92 percent) say they view their local library as an important education resource. Seven of 10 agreed their local library is a pillar of the community (72 percent), a community center (71 percent), a family destination (70 percent) and a cultural center (69 percent).
- Overall, people are satisfied with their public library. Based on everything they either know or might have heard or read, three of five Americans (59 percent) are extremely or very satisfied with their public library and an additional more than one of five (22 percent) are somewhat satisfied.
- Among those that have a library card, the satisfaction is even higher -- more than two-thirds (68 percent) say they are extremely or very satisfied and an additional 22 percent are somewhat satisfied with their public library. Even those who do not have a library card express satisfaction with their libraries. Two of five (40 percent) are extremely or very satisfied while 21 percent are somewhat satisfied.
Libraries urged to take active role in community disaster readiness
Libraries play a vital role in the local community, and the American Library Association urges libraries -- as community leaders -- to take charge in making sure their communities are prepared in the event of an emergency or disaster. To help in this process, Ready Wisconsin is a new resource to which libraries can turn.
One of the ways libraries can become involved is to link to the ReadyWisconsin website, which has a wealth of information and resources that libraries can customize for use in their own community. These include public service announcements, PowerPoint presentations, and posters and fliers.
The site features information for children (including interactive games and Sesame Street videos), fact sheets, and special information for sub-groups of the population (for example, senior citizens, individuals with special needs, and information for those with pets). There are also many materials that libraries can use for public awareness displays.
More information is available from the ReadyWisconsin website.
Deadline extended for National Library Week Grant
The deadline for the Scholastic Library Publishing National Library Week grant has been extended to Nov. 6. U.S. libraries of all types are invited to apply for a $3,000 grant, that will be awarded to the best public awareness campaign that promotes the theme “Communities thrive @ your library.”
The 2010 grant application is an electronic form, which can be accessed from the Scholastic Library Publishing National Library Week website. http://www.ala.org/nlwgrant. All proposals must use the “Communities thrive @ your library” theme, which incorporates The Campaign for America's Libraries @ your library brand, on promotional and publicity material supporting National Library Week activities. Guidelines for using the brand are available on the campaign website under the “download logos” section.
The grant is sponsored by Scholastic Library Publishing, a division of Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, and is administered by the Public Awareness Committee of the American Library Association (ALA). Information is also available from the ALA Public Information Office at (800) 545-2433, ext. 2148.
The winner will be notified and announced following the 2010 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Boston. Information on last year’s winner, the Moline Public Library of Moline, Ill., and the winning application can be viewed on the ALA website.
IMLS calls for Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Grant applications
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) invites proposals from libraries, archives, and library agencies, associations, and consortia for the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grant program. Categories of funding are as follows:
- Doctoral programs in library and information science;
- Master's programs in library and information science;
- Research about library and information science as a profession, establishment of ongoing research capacity in graduate schools of library and information science, and research conducted by untenured, tenure-track faculty in graduate schools of library and information science in their field of research (Early Career Development program);
- Pre-professional programs to interest future professionals in library and information science as a career;
- Programs to build institutional capacity in graduate schools of library and information science by developing or enhancing programs; and
- Continuing education for library and archives staff.
The grant period for these projects is up to three years, except for doctoral program projects, which may be up to four years.
Responding to the ongoing changes in the information professions, since 2003, IMLS has awarded more than $130 million in grants to fund the education of 3,543 master's degree students, 192 doctoral students, 1,496 pre-professional students, and 26,482 continuing education students. These grants have helped build the skills and abilities of the people who maintain the nation's information infrastructure at the grassroots level -- librarians, archivists, and school library media specialists.
The application deadline is Dec. 15, 2009. Application guidelines and instructions are available from IMLS. Please direct any questions about the program to Kevin Cherry, Senior Program Officer, at (202) 653-4662; Chuck Thomas, Senior Program Officer, at (202) 653-4663; or Karmen Bisher, Program Specialist, at 202-653-4664.
The Art of Fundraising and Grant Writing: An Online Conference
In these tough economic times, with travel budgets being cut, librarians need an inexpensive and efficient way to continue their education. Libraries are also relying more and more on fundraising and grant writing. Alliance Library System and LearningTimes are hosting, and SirsiDynix is sponsoring, “The Art of Grant Writing and Fundraising” on Nov. 19.
The conference program will offer a number of programs for beginners through intermediate and advanced levels of all aspects of grant writing and fundraising. The day will kick off at 10 a.m. and run through 4:30 p.m.
Keynote speakers include Peter Pearson, who is president of the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library in Minnesota. This organization is unique in that it is both a Friends Group and a Foundation. The organization has assets of approximately 12 million dollars at its disposal. Pearson, who recently spoke at ALA, will discuss how the economy is or isn’t affecting fundraising, and basics to keep in mind for success at fundraising. Kitty Pope, executive director of the Alliance Library System, is the second keynote speaker. She will discuss grant writing, and how in today’s world it takes a team to plan and implement successful grant writing and projects. No longer is grant writing done by one person; now successful grant projects require the support of the entire organization and staff at all levels with various expertise to see a successful grant.
Other speakers include: Lisa Valdez, San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science; Chuck Thomas, IMLS; Stephanie Gerding and Pam McKellar, authors of the Grants for Libraries blog; Tari Hughes, Nashville Public Library Foundation; Tom Peters, TAP Information Services; Allison Miller of the Internet Public Library; and a variety of other highly qualified speakers.
Topic options during two afternoon tracks include the following.
- Winning Grants for Libraries 101 -- Discover the confidence and knowledge you need to successfully win library grant funding. Find out where to easily locate grant opportunities, learn a step-by-step method for writing grant proposals, and hear about real library grant success stories.
- Individual and Planned Giving Strategies -- The program will take a step-by-step approach to building a giving pyramid, starting with your broadest base of support and narrowing to your strongest donors. Strategies for engaging your board, expanding your giving circle, building an annual fund, and cultivating planned gifts will be discussed, with examples of successful practices and suggested additional resources.
- Project Management -- The program will offer methods and ideas on project management from project start up through project sustainability and evaluation. The presenter also will share information that will help with project success and identify some obstacles and solutions for project fluency.
- Fundraising in Libraries: A Panel Discussion -- Join experts from academic and public libraries across the country for a discussion of issues relating to fundraising for libraries. Panelists will discuss issues libraries face when developing and implementing fundraising campaigns and programs; sustaining library fundraising initiatives; how library fundraising differs from other fundraising; tips for successful programs; library fundraising in difficult economic times, etc.
- Current IMLS Grant Opportunities For Libraries -- The presenter will provide an overview of IMLS grant programs and categories of funding for libraries. This will include information on eligibility, the review process, highlights of some recently funded projects, and current trends and areas of emphasis in the competitive discretionary grants programs.
- Evaluating Grant-Funded Projects and Writing Final Reports -- The presenter will discuss strategies, tips, and pitfalls of evaluating grant-funded projects and writing final reports.
For more information and to register, visit www.fundraisingconference.org. The cost of the one-day online event is $69 per individual, or $99 for a group. If this registration fee is a hardship, contact Lori Bell for a discount coupon of $20 off registration price. Library students can attend for free, and should contact Bell for information.
Still time to nominate librarians for 2009 'I Love My Librarian Award'
Nominations are still open for the 2009 Carnegie Corporation of New York/New York Times I Love My Librarian Award. The award invites library users to recognize the accomplishments of librarians in public, school, college, community college and university libraries for their efforts to improve the lives of people in their community. Nominations will run through Oct. 9 and are being accepted online at www.ilovelibraries.org/ilovemylibrarian.
Up to 10 librarians will be selected. Each will receive a $5,000 cash award, a plaque and a $500 travel stipend to attend an awards ceremony and reception in New York, hosted by The New York Times in December. In addition, a plaque will be given to each award winner?s library.
Each nominee must be a librarian with a master?s degree from a program accredited by the ALA in library and information studies or a master?s degree with a specialty in school library media from an educational unit accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. Nominees must be currently working in the United States in a public library, a library at an accredited two- or four-year college or university or at an accredited K-12 school. Nominees will be judged by a selection committee based on quality of service to library users, demonstrated knowledge of the library and its resources and commitment shown in helping library users.
In 2008, Carnegie Corporation of New York awarded the American Library Association (ALA) $489,000 to support the award, which will continue annually through 2012. The award continues in the tradition of one The New York Times presented from 2001 to 2006. Last year, more than 3,200 library users nationwide nominated a librarian, and 10 librarians received the award. For more information on last year's winners, visit www.ilovelibraries.org/ilovemylibrarian.
The award is administered by ALA?s Public Information Office and Campaign for America?s Libraries, ALA's public awareness campaign that promotes the value of libraries and librarians.