Here's a summary of what many libraries across the country are doing in these tough economic times.
Ohio - Unlike Texas, Ohio libraries receive most of their funding from the state. The governor is proposing cuts of more than $200 million for libraries. The Ohio Library Council has waged a very visible media campaign to save their libraries. View it at http://saveohiolibraries.com/. Since the budget cuts are proposed at this time, there are no announced closings or layoffs. The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is seeking a five-year, one-mill levy on the city's ballot. If the levy does not pass, PLCHC will close 15 to 20 branches out of 40.
Seattle - Seattle Public is expecting $1 million in cuts and will limit check outs and impose extra fees. Currently, users can check out up to 100 (!) items but that will be reduced to 50. Users will also be allowed only 25 holds. ILL use is currently free, but customers will have to pay $5 per transaction beginning in October. They will also impose fines for children's materials and increase nonresident card fees. The library will also close for one week in September - http://www.spl.org/default.asp?pageID=info_visit_holidays_budgetcuts.
New York City - Originally, a 22% budget cut was proposed for three of New York City's library systems - Queens, Brooklyn and NY. The drastic cuts were restored somewhat and kept the libraries open 6 days a week and avoided any massive layoffs. This was due to a strong cry from the public supporting libraries. I came across this site http://www.support.nypl.org/ which I thought you might find interesting. It promotes different membership fees for library groups.
Muncie, Indiana - Closed two of five locations June 1 and converted a third location to a noncirculating genealogy facility. The library has already reduced from 78 FTEs to 63 FTEs and will lose an additional 20 positions later this year. Check out their "Tough Times, Tough Choices" site on their budget at http://www.munpl.org/default.asp?PageIndex=726.
California - Libraries are suffering a double dose of budget woes. Not only is the state slashing library funding, but the state is also borrowing from local governments and that reduces local funding to libraries as well. Every type of public library will be affected. Santa Cruz will cut $1.2 million from its $12.6 million budget resulting in reduced hours, decreased materials and raised fees and fines. The state library of California will also close several days a month due to enforced furloughs for employees.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Talking Book Program
As many of you know, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission has a Talking Book Program which circulates audio materials to disabled patrons at home. Currently, patrons must use a very old and clunky tape player for their audiocassettes.
The Talking Book Program will be debuting a new digital talking book and cartridge player in the next few months. You can see the new player here http://www.loc.gov/nls/businessplan/playerdescription.html. I've seen a demo of the player and it is really easier for patrons. It's much smaller and lightweight for those with hand/joint problems. The cartridge is an USB connector in place of bulky tapes or CDs. The buttons are really large and easy to see or feel.
General links for the Talking Books can be found here http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/tbp/engbrochure.html including instructions for patron eligibility and registration including an application form in Spanish. There is also a link to the collection which currently includes 80,000 titles and magazines/newspapers.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Visually Handicapped site is http://www.loc.gov/nls/.
The Talking Book Program will be debuting a new digital talking book and cartridge player in the next few months. You can see the new player here http://www.loc.gov/nls/businessplan/playerdescription.html. I've seen a demo of the player and it is really easier for patrons. It's much smaller and lightweight for those with hand/joint problems. The cartridge is an USB connector in place of bulky tapes or CDs. The buttons are really large and easy to see or feel.
General links for the Talking Books can be found here http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/tbp/engbrochure.html including instructions for patron eligibility and registration including an application form in Spanish. There is also a link to the collection which currently includes 80,000 titles and magazines/newspapers.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Visually Handicapped site is http://www.loc.gov/nls/.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Organizing Your Personal Titles List
Are you at that point where you can't remember if you read a particular title or not? Do you need a way to list the books you've read in something better than an Excel list or Word document? How about those patrons who want to mark up either western or romance paperbacks because they can't remember if they read them or not? Would you like to participate in online book discussions with a group that is interested in similar genres?
There are several online services that will organize your personal reading - what you've read, what's on your wish list and provide social sites for readers. Most of these services work pretty much the same and are free - except for LibraryThing that will charge you for any list over 200 titles. You create an account, then add the books, write reviews, rate the titles and share your books with others. You can also add more than books such as DVDs, computer games and music on some sites.
My Library in Google Books is found at http://books.google.com/books?uid=17981071956566413743. It's a typical Google service with lots of options.
LibraryThing http://books.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=75375&topic=9259&hl=en has 700,000 users and is highly recognized in the library crowd.
GoodReads http://www.goodreads.com/ is the one that I belong to and can recommend. There are a lot of users involved in lively discussions.
Shelfari http://www.shelfari.com/ advertises itself as a social media site that focuses on books. I've never used it, but it's popular in my Yahoo discussion group.
Reader 2 http://reader2.com/
Gurulib http://www.gurulib.com/
Some church libraries keep up their catalogs with sites like these.
There are several online services that will organize your personal reading - what you've read, what's on your wish list and provide social sites for readers. Most of these services work pretty much the same and are free - except for LibraryThing that will charge you for any list over 200 titles. You create an account, then add the books, write reviews, rate the titles and share your books with others. You can also add more than books such as DVDs, computer games and music on some sites.
My Library in Google Books is found at http://books.google.com/books?uid=17981071956566413743. It's a typical Google service with lots of options.
LibraryThing http://books.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=75375&topic=9259&hl=en has 700,000 users and is highly recognized in the library crowd.
GoodReads http://www.goodreads.com/ is the one that I belong to and can recommend. There are a lot of users involved in lively discussions.
Shelfari http://www.shelfari.com/ advertises itself as a social media site that focuses on books. I've never used it, but it's popular in my Yahoo discussion group.
Reader 2 http://reader2.com/
Gurulib http://www.gurulib.com/
Some church libraries keep up their catalogs with sites like these.
School/Public Library Cooperation
As we all know, the words cooperation and collaboration are used a lot these days especially for public and school libraries. Here are a few resources that have popped up that you may or may not be aware of:
TSLAC now offers a free online course, "Everyone Wins - When School and Public Libraries Cooperate!" which is found at http://onlinetraining.tsl.state.tx.us/. Willie Braudaway recommended this course to me and I took it. It takes about 2-3 hours to complete. (Pay attention to everything - there is a test!). This course discusses several cooperative ventures that are being done in Texas and elsewhere in the U.S. Most of the material is done in audio so you do need speakers to finish this course.
I found several sites that have good assignment alert forms for public libraries. Assignment alerts are done by teachers or school librarians. They fill out an online alert for the public library before the students begin flooding the library for materials. Tulsa Public Library's is here http://teens.tulsalibrary.org/virtual/assignment.asp and Wichita Falls Public Library's is here www.wfpl.net/assignmentalert.htm. Both of these forms are simple to fill out and give enough information for the receiving public library to reserve those materials for the class. You could easily adapt either form to your Web site.
There is an article in the May/June issue of Public Libraries, "A Common Purpose: Public/School Library Cooperation and Collaboration." The author discusses the elements of success (communication, cooperation and respect) and give a solid list of practical suggestions such as summer reading, educating teachers on public libraries and school reading lists.
TSLAC now offers a free online course, "Everyone Wins - When School and Public Libraries Cooperate!" which is found at http://onlinetraining.tsl.state.tx.us/. Willie Braudaway recommended this course to me and I took it. It takes about 2-3 hours to complete. (Pay attention to everything - there is a test!). This course discusses several cooperative ventures that are being done in Texas and elsewhere in the U.S. Most of the material is done in audio so you do need speakers to finish this course.
I found several sites that have good assignment alert forms for public libraries. Assignment alerts are done by teachers or school librarians. They fill out an online alert for the public library before the students begin flooding the library for materials. Tulsa Public Library's is here http://teens.tulsalibrary.org/virtual/assignment.asp and Wichita Falls Public Library's is here www.wfpl.net/assignmentalert.htm. Both of these forms are simple to fill out and give enough information for the receiving public library to reserve those materials for the class. You could easily adapt either form to your Web site.
There is an article in the May/June issue of Public Libraries, "A Common Purpose: Public/School Library Cooperation and Collaboration." The author discusses the elements of success (communication, cooperation and respect) and give a solid list of practical suggestions such as summer reading, educating teachers on public libraries and school reading lists.
Free Online Training
If you are looking for free training for you or your staff, I've found two well known sites that are good places to go to.
You Tube http://www.youtube.com/ has great free training videos on a variety of subjects. The time and quality of the training varies, but there are a lot of videos available to you. Just type in the product name in the search box. I searched for Excel and came up with 26,900 videos. I've used it several times myself for specific problems that I was having with Photoshop. In my experience, the trainers were tech guys in their office cubicles teaching how to do very specific functions in Photoshop. The videos lasted under 5 minutes.
Microsoft www.microsoft.com offers training on the Office suite of products (Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Publisher and several others) for the 2003 and 2007 year releases. One of the nice features on the Microsoft site is that you can download a free 60-day version of the product that you are looking for. The Microsoft site doesn't offer videos, but uses graphics to show how to accomplish tasks. Find the free self-paced training here http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/default.aspx.
Microsoft also links to other free tech training through BrainStorm Inc. http://www.brainstorminc.com/cbt/microsoft/index.html, Lynda.com http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/HA103523831033.aspx, and HP Learning Center http://h30187.www3.hp.com/campus.jsp?campusId=10129.
Some of these sites require some software such as Windows Media Player or Quick Time Player so if you have trouble viewing any of them, check the system requirements.
You Tube http://www.youtube.com/ has great free training videos on a variety of subjects. The time and quality of the training varies, but there are a lot of videos available to you. Just type in the product name in the search box. I searched for Excel and came up with 26,900 videos. I've used it several times myself for specific problems that I was having with Photoshop. In my experience, the trainers were tech guys in their office cubicles teaching how to do very specific functions in Photoshop. The videos lasted under 5 minutes.
Microsoft www.microsoft.com offers training on the Office suite of products (Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Publisher and several others) for the 2003 and 2007 year releases. One of the nice features on the Microsoft site is that you can download a free 60-day version of the product that you are looking for. The Microsoft site doesn't offer videos, but uses graphics to show how to accomplish tasks. Find the free self-paced training here http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/default.aspx.
Microsoft also links to other free tech training through BrainStorm Inc. http://www.brainstorminc.com/cbt/microsoft/index.html, Lynda.com http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/HA103523831033.aspx, and HP Learning Center http://h30187.www3.hp.com/campus.jsp?campusId=10129.
Some of these sites require some software such as Windows Media Player or Quick Time Player so if you have trouble viewing any of them, check the system requirements.
Dropping Dewey
Rangeview Library District in Colorado made the news this week with their announcement that they are eliminating the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) from their books. See the original article from Library Journal here http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6663145.html?industryid=47105. The library's official announcement can be found here http://www.rangeviewld.org/rangeview-library-district-%E2%80%9Cbreaking-dewey%E2%80%9D and you can see a photo of their spine labels.
Rangeview is the first library to implement a new cataloging system in all of its locations. Maricopa County Library District http://www.mcldaz.org/default.aspx dropped Dewey in a couple of branches a few years ago. In Texas, Southlake Public Library http://www.cityofsouthlake.com/SouthlakeGovernment/City_Departments/Library/default.asp is currently converting its collection away from Dewey, although I only found Dewey numbers in their catalog.
So what are these libraries using in place of Dewey? It's not LC (Library of Congress) classification. They are using the Book Industry Study Group's Book Industry Standards and Communication (BISAC). BISAC has 52 major subdivisions as opposed to Dewey's 10. It is considered more intuitive and user-friendly and found in bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders. BISAC's subject headings are here http://www.bisg.org/standards/bisac_subject/index.html. Rangeview adapted their own classification scheme from BISAC and called it WordThink. Baker & Taylor have BISAC and WordThink subject headings available for their titles.
If you are interested in what some in the library community are saying about this, check out the Annoyed Librarian's blog http://www.libraryjournal.com/blog/580000658/post/690045469.html.
Rangeview is the first library to implement a new cataloging system in all of its locations. Maricopa County Library District http://www.mcldaz.org/default.aspx dropped Dewey in a couple of branches a few years ago. In Texas, Southlake Public Library http://www.cityofsouthlake.com/SouthlakeGovernment/City_Departments/Library/default.asp is currently converting its collection away from Dewey, although I only found Dewey numbers in their catalog.
So what are these libraries using in place of Dewey? It's not LC (Library of Congress) classification. They are using the Book Industry Study Group's Book Industry Standards and Communication (BISAC). BISAC has 52 major subdivisions as opposed to Dewey's 10. It is considered more intuitive and user-friendly and found in bookstores such as Barnes & Noble and Borders. BISAC's subject headings are here http://www.bisg.org/standards/bisac_subject/index.html. Rangeview adapted their own classification scheme from BISAC and called it WordThink. Baker & Taylor have BISAC and WordThink subject headings available for their titles.
If you are interested in what some in the library community are saying about this, check out the Annoyed Librarian's blog http://www.libraryjournal.com/blog/580000658/post/690045469.html.
A T & T Grants
I have been trying to find out more information about AT&T grants, but I have trouble navigating their site. So in an effort to save you some time, here's what little I know about them:
The site states that AT&T will be announcing their new direction in the near future (they worked with schools and student success in 2008). I can't find any information on the date they will announce their new direction.
According to the site, "AT&T makes corporate contributions throughout the year in the form of project-specific financial support to nonprofit organizations in communities where AT&T has a significant presence." After reviewing several news releases about A T & T grants, the San Antonio area seems to be a significant presence to them.
The main page for grants is here http://www.att.com/gen/landing-pages?pid=7735.
They are interested in these general areas: strengthening our communities, investing in people (especially diverse populations) and innovation and technology.
I found this article at ehow.com. - http://www.ehow.com/how_2090676_get-att-grant.html. I can't vouch for its accuracy, but it looks reasonable to me - except for #3!
Follow the directions AT&T has set forth to obtain one of their grants. Some say that AT&T grants are solicited by AT&T and not vice versa. However, AT&T's website explains the process. Follow all the directions that the website sets forth and receive your invitation to solicit the grant.
Set up a 501(c)(3). AT&T grants money to two types of organizations. The first organization is a 501(c)(3) public charity. A public charity, according to the IRS, is an organization whose purpose is to relieve the poor, advance religion, advance education, erect a public structure, lessen the government's burden, eliminate prejudice, defend rights, and combat community deterioration. Look up the eHow article on how to get the 501(c)(3) tax status. Make sure the organization's purpose is broad enough that it seeks to address an AT&T focus area.
Set up the second type of organization that AT&T grants money to- a governmental instrumentality. A governmental instrumentality includes public libraries, fire and police departments, and public social service organizations. Start a public library by going to your community's governing council. Ask for an ordinance for the maintenance of a public library. Have books donated and then approach AT&T for a grant for other resources.
Choose one of AT&T's focus areas and approach them for a grant in that area. AT&T focuses on programs that begin to solve the issues surrounding quality of life. Quality of life is defined as including organization's purposes that are improving education-especially technology, advancing community development, services that aid community needs, and organizations that grow cultural assets.
Submit an application. AT&T accepts applications throughout the year. An application can be found on AT&T's website or by calling 1-800-591-9663. Follow the directions of the online application and attach all extra documents that the application asks for. An incomplete application will diminish your chances of being considered for the grant.
Get recognized by AT&T. Increase your chances of receiving an AT&T grant by being the type of organization that AT&T grants to. Be leaders in the community. Forge strong ties with community leaders and the people of the community. Diversify your organization's workforce. Be a welcoming organization to people of all abilities and cultures. Change your community for the better and be recognized for it.
I can't find an application form but the article above suggests calling 800/591-9663 for an application. Remember, they haven't announced what they are interested in funding this year, so you might want to wait until we know more.
I'll keep you posted.
The site states that AT&T will be announcing their new direction in the near future (they worked with schools and student success in 2008). I can't find any information on the date they will announce their new direction.
According to the site, "AT&T makes corporate contributions throughout the year in the form of project-specific financial support to nonprofit organizations in communities where AT&T has a significant presence." After reviewing several news releases about A T & T grants, the San Antonio area seems to be a significant presence to them.
The main page for grants is here http://www.att.com/gen/landing-pages?pid=7735.
They are interested in these general areas: strengthening our communities, investing in people (especially diverse populations) and innovation and technology.
I found this article at ehow.com. - http://www.ehow.com/how_2090676_get-att-grant.html. I can't vouch for its accuracy, but it looks reasonable to me - except for #3!
Follow the directions AT&T has set forth to obtain one of their grants. Some say that AT&T grants are solicited by AT&T and not vice versa. However, AT&T's website explains the process. Follow all the directions that the website sets forth and receive your invitation to solicit the grant.
Set up a 501(c)(3). AT&T grants money to two types of organizations. The first organization is a 501(c)(3) public charity. A public charity, according to the IRS, is an organization whose purpose is to relieve the poor, advance religion, advance education, erect a public structure, lessen the government's burden, eliminate prejudice, defend rights, and combat community deterioration. Look up the eHow article on how to get the 501(c)(3) tax status. Make sure the organization's purpose is broad enough that it seeks to address an AT&T focus area.
Set up the second type of organization that AT&T grants money to- a governmental instrumentality. A governmental instrumentality includes public libraries, fire and police departments, and public social service organizations. Start a public library by going to your community's governing council. Ask for an ordinance for the maintenance of a public library. Have books donated and then approach AT&T for a grant for other resources.
Choose one of AT&T's focus areas and approach them for a grant in that area. AT&T focuses on programs that begin to solve the issues surrounding quality of life. Quality of life is defined as including organization's purposes that are improving education-especially technology, advancing community development, services that aid community needs, and organizations that grow cultural assets.
Submit an application. AT&T accepts applications throughout the year. An application can be found on AT&T's website or by calling 1-800-591-9663. Follow the directions of the online application and attach all extra documents that the application asks for. An incomplete application will diminish your chances of being considered for the grant.
Get recognized by AT&T. Increase your chances of receiving an AT&T grant by being the type of organization that AT&T grants to. Be leaders in the community. Forge strong ties with community leaders and the people of the community. Diversify your organization's workforce. Be a welcoming organization to people of all abilities and cultures. Change your community for the better and be recognized for it.
I can't find an application form but the article above suggests calling 800/591-9663 for an application. Remember, they haven't announced what they are interested in funding this year, so you might want to wait until we know more.
I'll keep you posted.
Purchasing Computers this Summer
If you are planning on purchasing any computers this summer and haven't heard, Microsoft will be releasing Windows 7 on October 22. If you are interested in downloading a release candidate, you can do so here http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/default.aspx. This site gives an introduction and videos on the features of Windows 7.
From what I've read, the early reviews seem to favor Windows 7 over Vista.
Dell is offering a Windows 7 Upgrade Kit if you purchase a computer sometime this summer. However, if you order a kit, it will not be released until Oct. 22 at the earliest. I can't find a date to purchase by so if you are going to order a kit, please check with the vendor. The upgrade kit may be free to some so be sure to ask about prices beforehand - sometimes educational institutions like schools and libraries can get heavily discounted products. Dell's information on the upgrade is here: http://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2009/06/03/dell-windows-7-upgrade-program.aspx .
I also found a Wikipedia article here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7 - although I do not endorse anything from Wikipedia. I was surprised that even Wikipedia is listing Microsoft products.
From what I've read, the early reviews seem to favor Windows 7 over Vista.
Dell is offering a Windows 7 Upgrade Kit if you purchase a computer sometime this summer. However, if you order a kit, it will not be released until Oct. 22 at the earliest. I can't find a date to purchase by so if you are going to order a kit, please check with the vendor. The upgrade kit may be free to some so be sure to ask about prices beforehand - sometimes educational institutions like schools and libraries can get heavily discounted products. Dell's information on the upgrade is here: http://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2009/06/03/dell-windows-7-upgrade-program.aspx .
I also found a Wikipedia article here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7 - although I do not endorse anything from Wikipedia. I was surprised that even Wikipedia is listing Microsoft products.
Union Pacific Railroad Grants
Union Pacific Railroad's Foundation offers grants (see http://www.up.com/found/grants.shtml) to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations located in Union Pacific communities. The foundation's mission is to assist community-based organizations and related activities that improve and enrich the general quality of life in the community. The map for Union Pacific communities is here http://www.uprr.com/aboutup/maps/sysmap.shtml and looks like it runs along highway 90,IH 35 and some additional towns in AALS.
Public libraries are included in the community and civic categories - although remember they give to 501(c)(3) organizations such as Friends, nonprofit libraries and other groups. Municipalities located on Union Pacific lines may apply for a one-time project that benefits the entire community. I checked for the average amounts that these grants cover and they seem to be less than $10,000.
Applications must be submitted by August 15, 2009. Only online applications will be accepted. To request an application form, visit http://www.up.com/found/request.shtml.
Public libraries are included in the community and civic categories - although remember they give to 501(c)(3) organizations such as Friends, nonprofit libraries and other groups. Municipalities located on Union Pacific lines may apply for a one-time project that benefits the entire community. I checked for the average amounts that these grants cover and they seem to be less than $10,000.
Applications must be submitted by August 15, 2009. Only online applications will be accepted. To request an application form, visit http://www.up.com/found/request.shtml.
Upcoming Library Events
Here's a look at some important library events happening in the fall:
September 26 - National Book Festival (Washington, D.C.) http://dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/NationalBookFes.htm
September 26/October 3 - Banned Books Week http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm
October 12/October 16 - PLA's Results Boot Camp (Seattle) http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/pla/plaevents/plabootcamp/index.cfm see below
October 18/October 24 - Teen Read Week http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teenreading/trw/trw2009/home.cfm
October 24 - TLA District 10 (San Antonio Public Library) http://www.txla.org/groups/dist10/Index.htm
October 31/November 1 - Texas Book Festival (Austin) http://www.texasbookfestival.org/
More Information on PLA's Results Boot CampPLA is offering an intensive 5-day management training camp that is based on the Results series. Sandra Nelson and June Garcia will be the instructors.
The Results series consists of Planning for Results, Managing for Results, Creating Policies for Results, Staffing for Results and other titles.
From the Boot Camp site:By the end of the week, you will have the skills you need to develop and implement a strategic plan in your library. You will be able to:
Identify community needs Understand and explain the recently revised public library service responses Write goals and objectives that will enable you to measure progress toward achieving your strategic plan Incorporate outcome measures in your strategic plan Identify and select the most effective activities to support the priorities in your strategic plan Identify current staff workload and skills and determine the staffing requirements to accomplish your selected activitiesUnderstand the issues that affect the allocation of collection, technology, and facilities resources in a Results environment Review your current library policies, regulations, and procedures to ensure that they support the strategic plan Manage change in your library more effectively
Fees - Individual RegistrationIndividual applications must be submitted by July 1, 2009:
September 26 - National Book Festival (Washington, D.C.) http://dc.about.com/od/specialevents/a/NationalBookFes.htm
September 26/October 3 - Banned Books Week http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm
October 12/October 16 - PLA's Results Boot Camp (Seattle) http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/pla/plaevents/plabootcamp/index.cfm see below
October 18/October 24 - Teen Read Week http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teenreading/trw/trw2009/home.cfm
October 24 - TLA District 10 (San Antonio Public Library) http://www.txla.org/groups/dist10/Index.htm
October 31/November 1 - Texas Book Festival (Austin) http://www.texasbookfestival.org/
More Information on PLA's Results Boot CampPLA is offering an intensive 5-day management training camp that is based on the Results series. Sandra Nelson and June Garcia will be the instructors.
The Results series consists of Planning for Results, Managing for Results, Creating Policies for Results, Staffing for Results and other titles.
From the Boot Camp site:By the end of the week, you will have the skills you need to develop and implement a strategic plan in your library. You will be able to:
Identify community needs Understand and explain the recently revised public library service responses Write goals and objectives that will enable you to measure progress toward achieving your strategic plan Incorporate outcome measures in your strategic plan Identify and select the most effective activities to support the priorities in your strategic plan Identify current staff workload and skills and determine the staffing requirements to accomplish your selected activitiesUnderstand the issues that affect the allocation of collection, technology, and facilities resources in a Results environment Review your current library policies, regulations, and procedures to ensure that they support the strategic plan Manage change in your library more effectively
Fees - Individual RegistrationIndividual applications must be submitted by July 1, 2009:
Fence in that Texana!
Last week, Mary Bushing did a workshop for AALS on collection analysis. It was wonderful. If you missed it, you really missed one of the best workshops I have ever attended. We expect to have her back next fiscal year.
One of the points that came out concerned local history, Texana and genealogy. Many of you know I usually advise people not to weed anything in this area. It is almost impossible to replace copies due to limited print runs from the publishers.
However, Mary had a different point of view on Texana and I thought that I should share it with everyone. Her idea is that you need to build a fence around Texana and really look into the depth (or quality) of your collection as opposed to the quantity. Mary also suggested that with a specialized regional Texana collection, you could go to ILL for any items that you don't own, but patrons are requesting. I'm not sure that ILL will work with Texana materials - we all know how hard it would be for any library to offer those items for loan. However, I must admit that lately I see really large Texana collections sitting on shelves and they don't seem to be moving. If your Texana titles are checking out (or being read if you consider them to be in-house only), great! If they aren't, and you need the shelf space, maybe you should consider moving part of your collection to storage. I honestly can't recommend to anyone to weed or discard Texana, but I can see where storing items in a work room may free up some much-needed shelf space for those popular titles that do circulate.
You may want to take a look at your Texana titles. Do they reflect South Texas, regional agriculture, history, ranching or geography? If you have titles on wheat crops in the Panhandle, politicians from East Texas or weather in the Permian Basin, and they do not circulate or have never been read, you might want to consider moving those to storage.
If you do move titles to storage, be sure to note their location on your catalog.
And my apologies to Barbara Moore in Devine who asked about keeping a 4th copy of a Texana title. I said to keep it. Now I think probably storing 3 of those copies would be better.
One of the points that came out concerned local history, Texana and genealogy. Many of you know I usually advise people not to weed anything in this area. It is almost impossible to replace copies due to limited print runs from the publishers.
However, Mary had a different point of view on Texana and I thought that I should share it with everyone. Her idea is that you need to build a fence around Texana and really look into the depth (or quality) of your collection as opposed to the quantity. Mary also suggested that with a specialized regional Texana collection, you could go to ILL for any items that you don't own, but patrons are requesting. I'm not sure that ILL will work with Texana materials - we all know how hard it would be for any library to offer those items for loan. However, I must admit that lately I see really large Texana collections sitting on shelves and they don't seem to be moving. If your Texana titles are checking out (or being read if you consider them to be in-house only), great! If they aren't, and you need the shelf space, maybe you should consider moving part of your collection to storage. I honestly can't recommend to anyone to weed or discard Texana, but I can see where storing items in a work room may free up some much-needed shelf space for those popular titles that do circulate.
You may want to take a look at your Texana titles. Do they reflect South Texas, regional agriculture, history, ranching or geography? If you have titles on wheat crops in the Panhandle, politicians from East Texas or weather in the Permian Basin, and they do not circulate or have never been read, you might want to consider moving those to storage.
If you do move titles to storage, be sure to note their location on your catalog.
And my apologies to Barbara Moore in Devine who asked about keeping a 4th copy of a Texana title. I said to keep it. Now I think probably storing 3 of those copies would be better.
Wireless Policy
The XYZ Public Library offers (filtered, unfiltered?) unsecured wireless access to the public. The library is not responsible for any damage or theft to your hardware, software or personal data. There is no guarantee for Internet speed or quality. This service is available only during library hours.
The printer is not available for wireless network users.
Library staff will not provide any technical assistance with network settings or configurations. Library staff will not assist with any technical problems concerning wireless access. Users are responsible for their own anti-virus, security and privacy protection.
Users must provide their own laptop, PDA or other wireless-capable device. Users must provide their own electrical power; use of the library’s electrical outlets is prohibited. User must provide headphones if sound is necessary.
It is illegal to view, transmit, receive, print or distribute child pornography or harmful materials. Users may not access or display obscene language or sexually explicit graphics. Users may not gain unauthorized access to another user’s files or devices. Users may not alter any settings on the library’s networks.
Users must comply with copyright law. Users may make only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software/data found on the Internet.
Any violation of this policy will result in the loss or suspension of Internet privileges.
The printer is not available for wireless network users.
Library staff will not provide any technical assistance with network settings or configurations. Library staff will not assist with any technical problems concerning wireless access. Users are responsible for their own anti-virus, security and privacy protection.
Users must provide their own laptop, PDA or other wireless-capable device. Users must provide their own electrical power; use of the library’s electrical outlets is prohibited. User must provide headphones if sound is necessary.
It is illegal to view, transmit, receive, print or distribute child pornography or harmful materials. Users may not access or display obscene language or sexually explicit graphics. Users may not gain unauthorized access to another user’s files or devices. Users may not alter any settings on the library’s networks.
Users must comply with copyright law. Users may make only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software/data found on the Internet.
Any violation of this policy will result in the loss or suspension of Internet privileges.
Online Book Reviews
I'm one of those librarians who really likes to read reviews in print. If you have lost your subscription to Booklist, Library Journal, Publisher's Weekly or School Library Journal, there are some free online options for reviews. Unfortunately, most of those noted below are not packaged as well as they are in a paid print subscription.
First, many of the vendor sites such as Baker & Taylor www.btol.com, Ingram www.ipage.com and Brodart www.bibz.com have reviews built into their titles. Also, Amazon.com www.amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com www.bn.com have reviews listed for many titles.
I couldn't find any reviews for the online Booklist http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist/booklist.cfm, but Library Journal http://www.libraryjournal.com/and School Library Journal http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/do offer some reviews.
One library that I do recommend for reviews done by librarians and patrons is Charlotte Mecklenburg County Public Library www.plcmc.org/readers_club/ which maintains a very active book club section.
There are also several general book review sites that are well known. (These are not necessarily professionally reviewed; some are reviewed by readers.)
Allreader.com www.allreader.com
Book Browse http://www.bookbrowse.com/
Book Review.com www.bookreview.com
Book Spot http://www.bookspot.com/reviews/
New York Times www.nytimes.com/pages/books
For genres (again these are not necessarily professionally reviewed):
Mystery http://www.themysteryreader.com/
Science Fiction www.sfsite.com and www.sfreader.com
Romance www.romantictimes.com
First, many of the vendor sites such as Baker & Taylor www.btol.com, Ingram www.ipage.com and Brodart www.bibz.com have reviews built into their titles. Also, Amazon.com www.amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com www.bn.com have reviews listed for many titles.
I couldn't find any reviews for the online Booklist http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist/booklist.cfm, but Library Journal http://www.libraryjournal.com/and School Library Journal http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/do offer some reviews.
One library that I do recommend for reviews done by librarians and patrons is Charlotte Mecklenburg County Public Library www.plcmc.org/readers_club/ which maintains a very active book club section.
There are also several general book review sites that are well known. (These are not necessarily professionally reviewed; some are reviewed by readers.)
Allreader.com www.allreader.com
Book Browse http://www.bookbrowse.com/
Book Review.com www.bookreview.com
Book Spot http://www.bookspot.com/reviews/
New York Times www.nytimes.com/pages/books
For genres (again these are not necessarily professionally reviewed):
Mystery http://www.themysteryreader.com/
Science Fiction www.sfsite.com and www.sfreader.com
Romance www.romantictimes.com
OCLC Offers a Free ILS to First Search Subscribers
There's been some recent buzz about OCLC's offer for a free ILS (integrated library system - the catalog and circulation system) to libraries that subscribe to First Search. First, if you have the TexShare databases, you subscribe to First Search so your library is eligible.
According to the OCLC Web site, "WorldCat Local 'quick start' offers libraries a locally branded catalog interface and simple search box that present localized search results for print and electronic content along with the ability to search the entire WorldCat database and other resources via the Web."
In other words, their new catalog/circulation system would have a local look with local records and also offer access to all MARC records through WorldCat. It offers a simple search box along with access to all of WorldCat and their discovery tools. I can't find anything about advanced searching capability.
Now this is where I kept wondering what the catch was. This is it:
You are eligible to receive the free ILS, however, your local MARC records must exist in WorldCat before this works. And it costs money to put your MARC records in WorldCat annually.
If you already have your records in WorldCat, this may be a deal for you.
If you are still interested in this offer, here are a few sites:
Introduction to "quick start" http://www.oclc.org/worldcatlocal/quickstart/default.htm
FAQ to "quick start" http://www.oclc.org/worldcatlocal/quickstart/faqs/default.htm
Webinar link http://www.oclc.org/worldcatlocal/support/registration.htm
Video from ALA Midwinter where OCLC staff discuss the implementation http://www.oclc.org/multimedia/2009/alamw2009_worldcatlocal.htm
According to the OCLC Web site, "WorldCat Local 'quick start' offers libraries a locally branded catalog interface and simple search box that present localized search results for print and electronic content along with the ability to search the entire WorldCat database and other resources via the Web."
In other words, their new catalog/circulation system would have a local look with local records and also offer access to all MARC records through WorldCat. It offers a simple search box along with access to all of WorldCat and their discovery tools. I can't find anything about advanced searching capability.
Now this is where I kept wondering what the catch was. This is it:
You are eligible to receive the free ILS, however, your local MARC records must exist in WorldCat before this works. And it costs money to put your MARC records in WorldCat annually.
If you already have your records in WorldCat, this may be a deal for you.
If you are still interested in this offer, here are a few sites:
Introduction to "quick start" http://www.oclc.org/worldcatlocal/quickstart/default.htm
FAQ to "quick start" http://www.oclc.org/worldcatlocal/quickstart/faqs/default.htm
Webinar link http://www.oclc.org/worldcatlocal/support/registration.htm
Video from ALA Midwinter where OCLC staff discuss the implementation http://www.oclc.org/multimedia/2009/alamw2009_worldcatlocal.htm
An Update on the Changes to ILL
As you know, there are many changes coming to ILL in the next few years. I want to reassure you that all ILL transactions done by you will still be handled by the Interlibrary Loan Center in San Antonio for the next two years. You will still enter requests and receive your materials as you do now.
If you are interested in some background information on the ILL study, go to http://www.texshare.edu/ill-courier/illstudytaskforce/ILLStudyFactSheet.2008-04-09.doc. This is a Quick Facts report that is a short two-page overview of the change process.
The main page is located here http://www.texshare.edu/newsletter/resourcesharingprojects/. And if you would like to keep track of all the e-mail on this project, you can do that here http://lists.tsl.state.tx.us/mailman/listinfo/ill_lists.
The state library has created an ILL Task Force that is charged with:
Review and analyze the study recommendations.
Review pilot projects outlined in the study and recommend implementation of one or more pilot projects in Texas.
Review results of pilots, comments from ILL community, and other data collected
Recommend a final program.
The task force would like to hear from each of you on what is important to your library in order to determine the best pilot project for the state. Please visit the main page at http://www.texshare.edu/newsletter/resourcesharingprojects/ to see the list of functional requirements and to leave comments for the task force. The feedback that the task force receives will help them create a RFP (request for proposal) for the new ILL system. This is your chance to let the task force and the state library know what you need for ILL. So far, there have only been a handful of responses. They need your input!
If you are interested in some background information on the ILL study, go to http://www.texshare.edu/ill-courier/illstudytaskforce/ILLStudyFactSheet.2008-04-09.doc. This is a Quick Facts report that is a short two-page overview of the change process.
The main page is located here http://www.texshare.edu/newsletter/resourcesharingprojects/. And if you would like to keep track of all the e-mail on this project, you can do that here http://lists.tsl.state.tx.us/mailman/listinfo/ill_lists.
The state library has created an ILL Task Force that is charged with:
Review and analyze the study recommendations.
Review pilot projects outlined in the study and recommend implementation of one or more pilot projects in Texas.
Review results of pilots, comments from ILL community, and other data collected
Recommend a final program.
The task force would like to hear from each of you on what is important to your library in order to determine the best pilot project for the state. Please visit the main page at http://www.texshare.edu/newsletter/resourcesharingprojects/ to see the list of functional requirements and to leave comments for the task force. The feedback that the task force receives will help them create a RFP (request for proposal) for the new ILL system. This is your chance to let the task force and the state library know what you need for ILL. So far, there have only been a handful of responses. They need your input!
A New Kindle is Being Released
Amazon has announced a new upgraded Kindle - the Kindle DX which will be released sometime this summer. The DX model is the third version of the popular e-book reader. Amazon's information page is here http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-DX-Amazons-Wireless-Generation/dp/B0015TCML0/ref=amb_link_84277971_2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=gateway-center-column&pf_rd_r=0D3KPW2294CQ64N2DKY4&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=476842251&pf_rd_i=507846. There is also an article on CNN.com/Fortune magazine here http://money.cnn.com/2009/05/06/technology/shambora_kindle.fortune/index.htm.
Some of the physical characteristics of the Kindle DX are a 9.7" diagonal screen (versus the 6" screen for the Kindle 2); it's around 1/3 of an inch in depth; has 16 shades of gray and no backlighting so there is no screen glare; weighs 18.9 ounces; has a long battery life; and 4 GB of storage. It can hold 3,500 books (versus 1,500 for the Kindle 2). There will be over 275,000 titles available for download to the DX model with a price of $9.99 per book title. Bestsellers and new releases will be included.
Amazon is also enlarging the pool of materials that the DX will carry such as newspapers (New York Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe and the Wall Street Journal) and magazines such as Time.
Probably the most interesting change for the Kindle DX is the download process. Instead of downloading from WiFi (and needing a hotspot to do it) you can download directly from the Sprint 3G wireless network. You won't need a PC, downloading takes less that 60 seconds and there are no download costs. Amazon will pay all download fees.
I checked Sprint's 3G network availability area and found that most of AALS is covered. The only towns that were outside of the network are Kendalia, Leakey, Camp Wood, Rocksprings and Utopia. They will probably be added at a later date.
The DX model is more expensive than the Kindle 2 - $489 vs. $359. Although it will be released this summer, you may pre-order now.
Some of the physical characteristics of the Kindle DX are a 9.7" diagonal screen (versus the 6" screen for the Kindle 2); it's around 1/3 of an inch in depth; has 16 shades of gray and no backlighting so there is no screen glare; weighs 18.9 ounces; has a long battery life; and 4 GB of storage. It can hold 3,500 books (versus 1,500 for the Kindle 2). There will be over 275,000 titles available for download to the DX model with a price of $9.99 per book title. Bestsellers and new releases will be included.
Amazon is also enlarging the pool of materials that the DX will carry such as newspapers (New York Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe and the Wall Street Journal) and magazines such as Time.
Probably the most interesting change for the Kindle DX is the download process. Instead of downloading from WiFi (and needing a hotspot to do it) you can download directly from the Sprint 3G wireless network. You won't need a PC, downloading takes less that 60 seconds and there are no download costs. Amazon will pay all download fees.
I checked Sprint's 3G network availability area and found that most of AALS is covered. The only towns that were outside of the network are Kendalia, Leakey, Camp Wood, Rocksprings and Utopia. They will probably be added at a later date.
The DX model is more expensive than the Kindle 2 - $489 vs. $359. Although it will be released this summer, you may pre-order now.
Rick Riordan
San Antonio author Rick Riordan has been making the news in the last few days with The Last Olympian which was released yesterday May 5. To give you a wrap-up of two articles:
Today's (May 6) San Antonio Express News S.A. Life section has devoted its cover story to Riordan and his books. They give a nice assortment of book, web site, video game and movie recommendations from Riordan concerning Greek mythology.
The May 2009 issue of Book Links has an article Talking with Rick Riordan written by Jeanette Larson. The article focuses on the Percy Jackson series, but also has some Q&As on the 39 Clues cross-media series. If you would like a copy of the article, please call Diane Jones at 800/468-4501 and she'll fax it to you. (According to the copyright statement, we are allowed to make copies for educational purposes.)
Rick Riordan's site is http://www.rickriordan.com/.
The 39 Clues site is http://www.the39clues.com/.
Riordan recommends this site for mythology background information http://www.theoi.com/ however, it is not completely kid friendly.
Also, if you're interested in the audio editions, Listening Library carries the Percy Jackson series.
I checked Amazon and The Last Olympian has a solid 5-star rating today http://www.amazon.com/Last-Olympian-Percy-Jackson-Olympians/dp/1423101472/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241626385&sr=8-1.
Today's (May 6) San Antonio Express News S.A. Life section has devoted its cover story to Riordan and his books. They give a nice assortment of book, web site, video game and movie recommendations from Riordan concerning Greek mythology.
The May 2009 issue of Book Links has an article Talking with Rick Riordan written by Jeanette Larson. The article focuses on the Percy Jackson series, but also has some Q&As on the 39 Clues cross-media series. If you would like a copy of the article, please call Diane Jones at 800/468-4501 and she'll fax it to you. (According to the copyright statement, we are allowed to make copies for educational purposes.)
Rick Riordan's site is http://www.rickriordan.com/.
The 39 Clues site is http://www.the39clues.com/.
Riordan recommends this site for mythology background information http://www.theoi.com/ however, it is not completely kid friendly.
Also, if you're interested in the audio editions, Listening Library carries the Percy Jackson series.
I checked Amazon and The Last Olympian has a solid 5-star rating today http://www.amazon.com/Last-Olympian-Percy-Jackson-Olympians/dp/1423101472/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241626385&sr=8-1.
You may have heard of Twitter (www.twitter.com) which is the latest "technology du jour" and is sometimes referred to as microblogging. It's been the rage of news organizations and political campaigns for several months. We also use it at AALS. Our Twitter section on our Web site is here: http://www.aalstx.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=147&Itemid=430. I'm keeping it up-to-date on who is in the office and sometimes what we're working on. If you're interested in putting your library's activities on your Web page using Twitter, give us a call.
Individual messages are called "tweets". Tweets are no longer than 140 characters and you can attach files/articles to them.
I follow a lot of news tweets from KSAT (which has great weather alerts for our area), ABC and the New York Times. I also follow Library Journal and the American Library Association daily. But there are a lot of other individuals and organizations that you can follow like Oprah, Britney Spears, NPR, Whole Foods and the Library of Congress.
There are a lot of libraries that use Twitter such as Cleveland, Boise and our very own Boerne! Boerne sends out tweets a couple of times a week about their programs.
This article deals with Twitter and libraries - http://www.infotoday.com/cilmag/may09/Milstein.shtml. It give some pointers on how libraries can promote programs, send out changes/news to patrons very quickly and spotlight a particular book each day.
All you have to do to start on Twitter is to register for an account. It is fairly easy to set up and has a suggested users section where you can get started following individuals and groups. The suggested users tend to be celebrities and large companies or news organizations. After a week or two, I began to find libraries and librarians and followed them.
If your library is on Twitter, please let me know and I'll add you to my list. If you want to follow us directly, we are aalstx.
Individual messages are called "tweets". Tweets are no longer than 140 characters and you can attach files/articles to them.
I follow a lot of news tweets from KSAT (which has great weather alerts for our area), ABC and the New York Times. I also follow Library Journal and the American Library Association daily. But there are a lot of other individuals and organizations that you can follow like Oprah, Britney Spears, NPR, Whole Foods and the Library of Congress.
There are a lot of libraries that use Twitter such as Cleveland, Boise and our very own Boerne! Boerne sends out tweets a couple of times a week about their programs.
This article deals with Twitter and libraries - http://www.infotoday.com/cilmag/may09/Milstein.shtml. It give some pointers on how libraries can promote programs, send out changes/news to patrons very quickly and spotlight a particular book each day.
All you have to do to start on Twitter is to register for an account. It is fairly easy to set up and has a suggested users section where you can get started following individuals and groups. The suggested users tend to be celebrities and large companies or news organizations. After a week or two, I began to find libraries and librarians and followed them.
If your library is on Twitter, please let me know and I'll add you to my list. If you want to follow us directly, we are aalstx.
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