Good Morning! Last call for C.E. Jamboree next week.
1) Last Call For C.E. Jamboree: We’re one week away from C. E. Jamboree next Tues—Wed May 5-6 at Prairie Lakes AEA in Storm Lake. “Get Your Game On” on Tuesday May 5th in a fun-filled workshop about gaming programs @ your library. Kim Kietzman from Southeastern Library Services will lead off the day with a focus on using the Wii device. Dave Netz will lead a discussion to learn about what kinds of gaming programs are happening in your libraries. There’ll be studious time, too, for participants to draft a gaming policy. But not to worry—we’re building in time for a little bowling and golf, too—we’re even planning a tournament. And that’s just Day 1!
Day 2 May 6th brings back the multiple breakout sessions. Amanda Winseck, Iowa’s EBSCO representative, presents the general session to explain EBSCO’s new features. Breakout sessions follow with these topics:
• The Buddy System: Collaborating on the Web (Tena Hanson & Sarah Willeford)
• Merchandising Your Collection (Kim Kietzman)
• EBSCO Continued (Amanda Winseck)
• NWILS Website—New & Improved (Janie Beaulieu & Jean Chesterman)
• A Few Dollars More—Grant Writing Success (Nathan Clark)
• Director Roundtable Discussion (Valerie Haverhals)
Each day runs from 9:30AM—3:30PM for 5 c.e. credits each day, with breakfast and lunch catered ($15.00 fee each day) Registration required through the c.e. catalog—but hurry because registration closes Wednesday this week.
2) Meetings / Events This Week: For libraries joining the WILBOR Consortium this spring, NWILS is offering orientation sessions this week as an overview of what WILBOR is all about. This happens online in Northwest’s Wimba classroom
http://67.202.209.252/launcher.cgi?room=ia_nwils
Four scheduled sessions; they all repeat, so choose the one most convenient.
• Wednesday April 29—9:30AM OR 1:30PM
• Friday May 1—9:30AM OR 1:30PM
Certainly, any WILBOR library past-present-future is welcome to attend. Hear background and highlights, along with reminders of the various resources available to help with support, promotions, and troubleshooting. It’s not considered training or “c.e. worthy,” just an informal discussion, a chance to chat and answer questions. No advance registration required.
WILBOR is a consortium providing affordable access to downloadable audio books. This brand new service launched in June of 2008 and now boasts a collection of over 1,800 digital audio books. Approximately 65 titles are added each month. The average cost per title (based on opening day collection) is $51.00. That’s what’s meant by “affordable access”—few small libraries could provide a collection of over 1,800 audio books in any format. That’s what makes WILBOR such a great deal—and the fact that you’re introducing current technology in an entirely new format.
How much? The cost to join is $300.00 plus .10cents per audiobook circulation in FY07-08. This is an annual fee assessed by the Consortium. To that number, add a one-time $500.00 setup fee. The initial setup fee is assessed by OverDrive, the vendor behind the content. But again, that’s a one-time-only charge; in subsequent years, the cost goes down to the annual $300+ Consortium fee.
For newcomers, the service will begin on or about July 1. To meet this spring enrollment, new participants are required to complete 2 Letters of Agreement; copies are available at Northwest LSA office. Signed Letters of Agreement must be returned to Central LSA office by May 30. Your first payment will be due in mid-July. Central LSA office invoices all participants; checks are made payable and sent back to Central LSA. Call NWILS office with questions and to request copies of the Letters of Agreement (again, due by May 30…)
The spring enrollment has been extended to May 30, so there’s plenty of time to put WILBOR on your May board agendas. 96 libraries across four LSAs are participating; 31 of those are Northwest libraries—so why not yours? The spring enrollment means there’s room for more! Directors, staff, and trustees are encouraged to attend this week’s orientation sessions to learn more!
For more information on this newsletter check out http://www.nwils.lib.ia.us.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
C.E. Jamboree May 5th & 6th
Mark your calendar for Northwest LSA’s C.E. Jamboree 2009, coming up May 5-6 at Prairie Lakes AEA in Storm Lake. “Get Your Game On” for Day 1 as we spend the day learning about how to bring gaming programs to your library. Kim Kietzman from Southeastern Library Services will facilitate, including a Wii game demonstration. Time for participants to draft a gaming policy plus…there’s always time for bowling and golf ... And that’s just Day 1…
Day 2 brings back multiple breakout sessions. Amanda Winseck, Iowa’s EBSCO representative, presents the morning general session to share EBSCO’s newest features. Breakout sessions follow to include these, with more in the offing…
· More About EBSCO
· The Buddy System: Using Technology to Connect & Collaborate
· Show Off Your Cyber Self
· New Services @ Your Northwest LSA!
Register online in the c.e. catalog—see you at C.E. JAMBOREE!
Day 2 brings back multiple breakout sessions. Amanda Winseck, Iowa’s EBSCO representative, presents the morning general session to share EBSCO’s newest features. Breakout sessions follow to include these, with more in the offing…
· More About EBSCO
· The Buddy System: Using Technology to Connect & Collaborate
· Show Off Your Cyber Self
· New Services @ Your Northwest LSA!
Register online in the c.e. catalog—see you at C.E. JAMBOREE!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Monday Morning Eye Opener 4/13/09
Happy Easter and Happy National Library Week!
1) It’s WILBOR Time
2) For Trustees: Evaluating the Library Director
3) Meetings / Events This Week
1) It’s WILBOR Time: This is big news—another enrollment window is now open for libraries to join WILBOR, a consortium providing affordable access to downloadable audio books. There are currently 96 participating libraries across 4 LSAs—and 31 of those are Northwest libraries! WILBOR is a multi-type consortium, with Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg, Sioux City Community Schools, and Northwest AEA in the mix.
WILBOR launched in June of 2008 and now boasts a collection of over 1,800 digital audio books. Approximately 65 titles are added each month. The average cost per title (based on opening day collection) is $51.00. That’s what’s meant by “affordable access”—few small libraries could provide a collection of over 1,800 audio books in any format. That’s what makes WILBOR such a great deal—and the fact that you’re introducing current technology in an entirely new format.
How much? The cost to join is $300.00 plus .10cents per audiobook circulation in FY07-08. This is an annual fee assessed by the Consortium. To that number, add a one-time $500.00 setup fee. The initial setup fee is assessed by OverDrive, the vendor behind the content. But again, that’s a one-time-only charge; in subsequent years, the cost goes down to the annual $300+ Consortium fee.
For newcomers, the service will begin on or about July 1. So to meet this spring enrollment, newcomers are required to complete 2 Letter of Agreement; copies are available at Northwest LSA office. Signed Letters of Agreement must be returned to Central LSA office by May 15. Your first payment will be due in mid-July. Central LSA office invoices all participants; checks are made payable and sent back to Central LSA.
Staff at Central, Northwest, Southwest, and Southeast LSAs make up the WILBOR Management Team. We also have lots of help from participating library staff who serve on various committees. And the staff at OverDrive also conducts webinars to familiarize people with the product.
We encourage you to grab hold of this opportunity to provide a brand new service for your patrons! Toward that end, Northwest LSA will be holding WILBOR Information Sessions in our online classroom. The information sessions are scheduled for April 29 and May 1 (9:30AM and 1:30PM each day—choose whichever time is most convenient) These sessions are informal, without c.e. credit, just a chance to explain the program to new comers (might serve as a nice refresher for current WILBOR members, too) No registration required; classroom link will be provided at a later date.
It’s definitely WILBOR Time. And once you sign up, well then it’s Miller Time! Call NWILS office with questions and to request copies of the Letters of Agreement.
2) For Trustees: Evaluating the Library Director: The State Library is sponsoring an ICN program for library boards next Tuesday April 21. The title is “Evaluating the Library Director” from 5:30PM—7:00PM. From the catalog description “…One of the responsibilities of the library board is to regularly evaluate the library director. In this program, we'll discuss why an annual evaluation is important, what needs to be in place before an evaluation can take place, evaluation format, setting up a systematic process, & acting on results…”
The State Library reports that this topic of director evaluations is among the classes most frequently requested by library boards. If that’s the case, we should see a full house Sandy Dixon and myself will be co-presenting. Northwest Iowa ICN locations are the public libraries in Hawarden, Orange City, and Spencer, plus BVU in Storm Lake and Western Iowa Tech in Sioux City. Please register online in the c.e. catalog, where you’ll find specific directions to the ICN rooms.
3) Meetings / Events This Week: Well, it’s National Library Week so you’ve got that going on If the festivities are winding down by Friday, then catch “Keeping Current in Library Land” (April 17) sponsored by the Plymouth County Libraries. Even though this is billed as Plymouth County Staff Development, staff from libraries near or far are welcome to attend. At this writing, we’re expecting people from Sheldon, Larchwood, Sanborn, Ruthven, Alta, and Ashton. How great—the more the merrier—plus 3 c.e. credits.
Le Mars P.L. is hosting; registration at 9:00AM; program from 9:30AM—12:30PM. Online registration is open through Wednesday. Here’s a peek at the agenda:
• Welcome & Intros
• Keeping Current = means current awareness but also using new tools for new efficiencies
• Vocabulary Quiz
• Journal Alerts in EBSCO
• Subscribing to Online Newsletters
• MS Office 2007
• An Assortment of Cool Tools
Previous issues of Monday Morning Eye-Opener are archived on NWILS website…
1) It’s WILBOR Time
2) For Trustees: Evaluating the Library Director
3) Meetings / Events This Week
1) It’s WILBOR Time: This is big news—another enrollment window is now open for libraries to join WILBOR, a consortium providing affordable access to downloadable audio books. There are currently 96 participating libraries across 4 LSAs—and 31 of those are Northwest libraries! WILBOR is a multi-type consortium, with Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg, Sioux City Community Schools, and Northwest AEA in the mix.
WILBOR launched in June of 2008 and now boasts a collection of over 1,800 digital audio books. Approximately 65 titles are added each month. The average cost per title (based on opening day collection) is $51.00. That’s what’s meant by “affordable access”—few small libraries could provide a collection of over 1,800 audio books in any format. That’s what makes WILBOR such a great deal—and the fact that you’re introducing current technology in an entirely new format.
How much? The cost to join is $300.00 plus .10cents per audiobook circulation in FY07-08. This is an annual fee assessed by the Consortium. To that number, add a one-time $500.00 setup fee. The initial setup fee is assessed by OverDrive, the vendor behind the content. But again, that’s a one-time-only charge; in subsequent years, the cost goes down to the annual $300+ Consortium fee.
For newcomers, the service will begin on or about July 1. So to meet this spring enrollment, newcomers are required to complete 2 Letter of Agreement; copies are available at Northwest LSA office. Signed Letters of Agreement must be returned to Central LSA office by May 15. Your first payment will be due in mid-July. Central LSA office invoices all participants; checks are made payable and sent back to Central LSA.
Staff at Central, Northwest, Southwest, and Southeast LSAs make up the WILBOR Management Team. We also have lots of help from participating library staff who serve on various committees. And the staff at OverDrive also conducts webinars to familiarize people with the product.
We encourage you to grab hold of this opportunity to provide a brand new service for your patrons! Toward that end, Northwest LSA will be holding WILBOR Information Sessions in our online classroom. The information sessions are scheduled for April 29 and May 1 (9:30AM and 1:30PM each day—choose whichever time is most convenient) These sessions are informal, without c.e. credit, just a chance to explain the program to new comers (might serve as a nice refresher for current WILBOR members, too) No registration required; classroom link will be provided at a later date.
It’s definitely WILBOR Time. And once you sign up, well then it’s Miller Time! Call NWILS office with questions and to request copies of the Letters of Agreement.
2) For Trustees: Evaluating the Library Director: The State Library is sponsoring an ICN program for library boards next Tuesday April 21. The title is “Evaluating the Library Director” from 5:30PM—7:00PM. From the catalog description “…One of the responsibilities of the library board is to regularly evaluate the library director. In this program, we'll discuss why an annual evaluation is important, what needs to be in place before an evaluation can take place, evaluation format, setting up a systematic process, & acting on results…”
The State Library reports that this topic of director evaluations is among the classes most frequently requested by library boards. If that’s the case, we should see a full house Sandy Dixon and myself will be co-presenting. Northwest Iowa ICN locations are the public libraries in Hawarden, Orange City, and Spencer, plus BVU in Storm Lake and Western Iowa Tech in Sioux City. Please register online in the c.e. catalog, where you’ll find specific directions to the ICN rooms.
3) Meetings / Events This Week: Well, it’s National Library Week so you’ve got that going on If the festivities are winding down by Friday, then catch “Keeping Current in Library Land” (April 17) sponsored by the Plymouth County Libraries. Even though this is billed as Plymouth County Staff Development, staff from libraries near or far are welcome to attend. At this writing, we’re expecting people from Sheldon, Larchwood, Sanborn, Ruthven, Alta, and Ashton. How great—the more the merrier—plus 3 c.e. credits.
Le Mars P.L. is hosting; registration at 9:00AM; program from 9:30AM—12:30PM. Online registration is open through Wednesday. Here’s a peek at the agenda:
• Welcome & Intros
• Keeping Current = means current awareness but also using new tools for new efficiencies
• Vocabulary Quiz
• Journal Alerts in EBSCO
• Subscribing to Online Newsletters
• MS Office 2007
• An Assortment of Cool Tools
Previous issues of Monday Morning Eye-Opener are archived on NWILS website…
Monday, April 06, 2009
Monday Morning Eye Opener 04/06/09
A pretty Monday morning here, as Sioux City escaped a major snow storm. Admittedly, other towns around Siouxland were not quite so lucky. This has to be the end of winter weather, right? Today in EYE-OPENER:
1) Bus Trip to ALA Exhibits
2) Hawarden’s Healthy Hike Kickoff
3) April is National Poetry Month
4) Meetings / Events This Week
1) Bus Trip to ALA Exhibits: You’ve got to hurry to catch this opportunity—not the mention this bus—to the ALA Exhibits in Chicago this July. East Central Library Services is sponsoring an overnight bus trip to visit the exhibit hall at the American Library Association Conference. The bus departs from Cedar Rapids approx 6:00AM on Saturday July 11 and leaves Chicago the afternoon of July 12. Overnight lodging is at the Wyngate by Wyndham Hotel in Schaumburg. Cost of the room is $90.00, which included 2 double beds, breakfast, and all taxes—plus it’s ½ mile from Woodfield Mall.
At this writing, East Central LSA reports they have 14-18 seats available, depending on the size of the charter bus. Cost of the bus ticket is approx $60.00. So the first leg of the trip, you’ll need to reach Cedar Rapids by Friday evening to catch the bus on Saturday morning. Still, the AEA Exhibit Hall is an impressive and very social part of the ALA Conference. In 2008, there were 5,752 exhibitors and over 16,000 people at the exhibits. This year, a new exhibit called “What’s Cooking at ALA: The ALA Cookbook Pavilion” features live demonstrations from Chicago chefs, complete with taste-testing, a display of food-related cookbooks, reference books, magazines, and more.
This bus trip is sure to be a fun way to meet your colleagues to the east—and an affordable way to experience ALA Exhibits. Contact Lily Lau at East Central LSA quickly to reserve your seat. (llau@ecls.lib.ia.us )
2) Hawarden’s Healthy Hike Kickoff: Hawarden Public Library is participating in the Healthy Hike Reading Program sponsored by Iowa Public Television. This is IPTV’s initiative designed to inspire children across the state to start exercising and reading this spring. Dan Wardell, host of IPTV’s Kid’s Clubhouse, leads the effort and makes personal appearances at many of the locations.
One elementary school classroom and one public library in each county has been selected to participate; Hawarden Public Library is Sioux County’s designate. Newell, Aurelia, and Holstein are among the other 19 Northwest participating libraries. At Hawarden Library’s kickoff last Wednesday, kids and library staff hiked for 30 minutes. Even better, all the kids have pledged to hike 30 minutes each day—and read 30 minutes each day—throughout April.
At program’s end, participating classrooms take a “Healthy Hike” to their public library for a storytime and party. The top 10 hiking / reading counties will be treated to a surprise visit from Dan Wardell. Find cute photos on Hawarden Library’s blog and read more about IPTV’s Healthy Hike Reading Program at their website. Thanks to Valerie Haverhals, Director of Hawarden Public Library, for sharing this story!
3) April is National Poetry Month: Started by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is now held every April, when publishers, booksellers, libraries, schools—and poets—come together to celebrate poetry and its place in American culture. Thousands of libraries, businesses, and non-profit organizations participate through poetry readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other events. Our own Akron Public Library is celebrating National Poetry Month in a big way, with a 2-day event April 17-18 (see article below…)
From the Poets.Org website, there’s a spring book list of new poetry titles—think collection development. Find suggestions for many easy, low cost activities that libraries can sponsor. On a national poetry map, find out what’s happening state-by-state. And this is a cool feature: clicking the Poem-a-Day link let’s you sign up to receive a new poem every day of the month via email. The Info Please website has lots of good ideas too, loaded with links to famous poets—check that out, too. Is it time to bring out your inner poet?
4) Meetings / Events This Week: Don’t forget about “Rhyme Time on the Prairie” hosted by Akron Public Library. The library is sponsoring this original 2-day event April 17-18. It begins on Friday April 17 with a dinner and poetry readings by 3 guest poets: Jeanne Emmons from Briar Cliff College, Jan D. Hodge from Morningside College, and Yvonne Hollenbeck from South Dakota. On Saturday April 18, there’s a luncheon and a series of 3 poetry-writing workshops. Each guest poet will have their books for sale both days. A brochure containing bios and background information about their books is available from Akron Library or from NWILS office.
“Rhyme Time on the Prairie” takes place at the Hole in the Wall Lodge in Akron, Iowa (14396 Diamond Avenue) Cost for Friday’s dinner and poetry readings is $32.00; cost for Saturday’s workshops and luncheon is $25.00. Interested area library staff and trustees are cordially invited, but aware that this event is open to the general public and seating is limited. Make reservations by April 9th by contacting Jeannie Frerichs at Akron Public Library (phone 712-568-2601 / email akronlib@hickorytech.net )
And for our school library partners who faithfully read EYE-OPENER each week: a reminder that Northwest AEA Media Advisory Committee meets on Wednesday April 8 at the Le Mars Conference Center (940 Lincoln St) beginning at 9:30AM.
Previous editions of Monday Morning Eye-Opener are archived on NWILS website…
Happy Easter Weekend To All
1) Bus Trip to ALA Exhibits
2) Hawarden’s Healthy Hike Kickoff
3) April is National Poetry Month
4) Meetings / Events This Week
1) Bus Trip to ALA Exhibits: You’ve got to hurry to catch this opportunity—not the mention this bus—to the ALA Exhibits in Chicago this July. East Central Library Services is sponsoring an overnight bus trip to visit the exhibit hall at the American Library Association Conference. The bus departs from Cedar Rapids approx 6:00AM on Saturday July 11 and leaves Chicago the afternoon of July 12. Overnight lodging is at the Wyngate by Wyndham Hotel in Schaumburg. Cost of the room is $90.00, which included 2 double beds, breakfast, and all taxes—plus it’s ½ mile from Woodfield Mall.
At this writing, East Central LSA reports they have 14-18 seats available, depending on the size of the charter bus. Cost of the bus ticket is approx $60.00. So the first leg of the trip, you’ll need to reach Cedar Rapids by Friday evening to catch the bus on Saturday morning. Still, the AEA Exhibit Hall is an impressive and very social part of the ALA Conference. In 2008, there were 5,752 exhibitors and over 16,000 people at the exhibits. This year, a new exhibit called “What’s Cooking at ALA: The ALA Cookbook Pavilion” features live demonstrations from Chicago chefs, complete with taste-testing, a display of food-related cookbooks, reference books, magazines, and more.
This bus trip is sure to be a fun way to meet your colleagues to the east—and an affordable way to experience ALA Exhibits. Contact Lily Lau at East Central LSA quickly to reserve your seat. (llau@ecls.lib.ia.us )
2) Hawarden’s Healthy Hike Kickoff: Hawarden Public Library is participating in the Healthy Hike Reading Program sponsored by Iowa Public Television. This is IPTV’s initiative designed to inspire children across the state to start exercising and reading this spring. Dan Wardell, host of IPTV’s Kid’s Clubhouse, leads the effort and makes personal appearances at many of the locations.
One elementary school classroom and one public library in each county has been selected to participate; Hawarden Public Library is Sioux County’s designate. Newell, Aurelia, and Holstein are among the other 19 Northwest participating libraries. At Hawarden Library’s kickoff last Wednesday, kids and library staff hiked for 30 minutes. Even better, all the kids have pledged to hike 30 minutes each day—and read 30 minutes each day—throughout April.
At program’s end, participating classrooms take a “Healthy Hike” to their public library for a storytime and party. The top 10 hiking / reading counties will be treated to a surprise visit from Dan Wardell. Find cute photos on Hawarden Library’s blog and read more about IPTV’s Healthy Hike Reading Program at their website. Thanks to Valerie Haverhals, Director of Hawarden Public Library, for sharing this story!
3) April is National Poetry Month: Started by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month is now held every April, when publishers, booksellers, libraries, schools—and poets—come together to celebrate poetry and its place in American culture. Thousands of libraries, businesses, and non-profit organizations participate through poetry readings, festivals, book displays, workshops, and other events. Our own Akron Public Library is celebrating National Poetry Month in a big way, with a 2-day event April 17-18 (see article below…)
From the Poets.Org website, there’s a spring book list of new poetry titles—think collection development. Find suggestions for many easy, low cost activities that libraries can sponsor. On a national poetry map, find out what’s happening state-by-state. And this is a cool feature: clicking the Poem-a-Day link let’s you sign up to receive a new poem every day of the month via email. The Info Please website has lots of good ideas too, loaded with links to famous poets—check that out, too. Is it time to bring out your inner poet?
4) Meetings / Events This Week: Don’t forget about “Rhyme Time on the Prairie” hosted by Akron Public Library. The library is sponsoring this original 2-day event April 17-18. It begins on Friday April 17 with a dinner and poetry readings by 3 guest poets: Jeanne Emmons from Briar Cliff College, Jan D. Hodge from Morningside College, and Yvonne Hollenbeck from South Dakota. On Saturday April 18, there’s a luncheon and a series of 3 poetry-writing workshops. Each guest poet will have their books for sale both days. A brochure containing bios and background information about their books is available from Akron Library or from NWILS office.
“Rhyme Time on the Prairie” takes place at the Hole in the Wall Lodge in Akron, Iowa (14396 Diamond Avenue) Cost for Friday’s dinner and poetry readings is $32.00; cost for Saturday’s workshops and luncheon is $25.00. Interested area library staff and trustees are cordially invited, but aware that this event is open to the general public and seating is limited. Make reservations by April 9th by contacting Jeannie Frerichs at Akron Public Library (phone 712-568-2601 / email akronlib@hickorytech.net )
And for our school library partners who faithfully read EYE-OPENER each week: a reminder that Northwest AEA Media Advisory Committee meets on Wednesday April 8 at the Le Mars Conference Center (940 Lincoln St) beginning at 9:30AM.
Previous editions of Monday Morning Eye-Opener are archived on NWILS website…
Happy Easter Weekend To All
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