Monday Morning Eye Opener 8/24/09

1) Stormy Program @ Laurens P.L.

2) Emmetsburg P.L. Hosts Author Talk

3) NWILS Photo Contest

4) September Training Month @ OverDrive

5) Meetings / Events This Week

1) Stormy Program @ Laurens P.L.

Laurens Public Library knows a little something about taking a fresh spin on adult programming. Over the years, the library has held musical performances, art demonstrations, even a “bed turning” in which an antique bed is covered with heirloom quilts. The quilt owner stands at the head of the bed and tells their family story about the quilt; it’s pulled to the end of the bed and the next quilt story begins. Neat idea!

Just last week, the library hosted Texas singer/songwriter Danny Santos, who performed a concert in the library. And how about this one: last October, Laurens P.L. brought in paranormal investigators from Carroll, IA for a truly spooky pre-Halloween program.

This November, the library has booked a “storm chaser” program. Presented by a group called “Chasing 4 Life,” this is a team of educators determined to change the way America views disaster preparedness. Storm programs are available for kids of all ages—and adults, too—in an effort to raise awareness of the dangers of weather conditions and preventative ways to stay safe.

From the Chasing 4 Life website “…with unique and compelling presentations and programs, the team’s less-than-conventional and no-nonsense approach to the hard issues has proven effective nationwide…we have worked long and hard to develop programs and presentations for corporate America, rural communities, small business owners, civic groups, schools—and libraries. With current, ongoing research projects involving lightening detection, rural disaster response, global warning and more..we’re a lot more than tornado chasers…”

Laurens Library is looking for others nearby that might want to book this presentation at the same time as a way to combine travel and maximize programming dollars. Kudos to Laurens Library staff—and their Foundation—for their commitment to fresh, creative adult programs. Might be a JAMBOREE session in their future!

2) Emmetsburg P.L. Hosts Author Talk

Meet author Nathan Jorgenson at Emmetsburg Public Library on October 8. Jorgenson is the author of Waiting For White Horses and The Mulligan. The program includes book signing, with books available for purchase. The author talk is open to the public and all area library staff—Thursday October 8 at 7:00PM.

3) NWILS Photo Contest

As part of the festivities at Lakeside Learning this year, Northwest LSA is holding a photo contest. Any library in Northwest LSA is eligible to enter and showcase your place in any of these categories:

· Landscaping / Exterior

· Children / Teen Spaces

· Adult Spaces

· Signage / Displays

· Beautiful Bathrooms

You can enter in all 5 categories, but you can only win in one. In any category, submit 3 photos and label them according to this sample: library_category_1. For example, Pomeroy_Landscaping_1, Pomeroy_Landscaping_2, Pomeroy_Landscaping_3.

Submit your entries by email to Jean Chesterman at ajsmith@nwils.lib.ia.us by September 8. Northwest LSA Board will decide the winners in each category. All entries will be featured on NWILS website and blog—plus you’ll have snappy new pictures to add to your own websites! Winners will be announced at Lakeside Learning on September 22, where everyone can view them in a slideshow. Oh yeah—prizes too—so snap some photos and showcase your library today!

4) September Training Month @ OverDrive

Be sure to catch one of many webinars from OverDrive throughout the month of September. From their website … “...whatever questions you might have, find the answers you need at OverDrive’s September Training Month. We’ll provide an educational and fun program designed to increase staff knowledge and help maximize circulation of your digital collection. Contests and prizes, too…”

Most are 60-minute webinars with open enrollment for individuals or groups. Some of the topics coming up include:

· Browse, Checkout, Download

· Patron Assistance

· Community Outreach

· Real-Time Reports

· Partner Update

Pre-registration is required; simply visit OverDrive’s website for more details about each webinar and for registration instructions.

5) Meetings / Events This Week

A few meetings and workshops to note this week, along with holiday reminders.

· Ruthven Library Board continues its Planning For Results project with its community planning team tonight, starting at 6:00PM.

· NWILS Board meets at Spencer Public Library on Tuesday Aug25, beginning at 1:00PM. The meeting is open to the public, area libraries are welcome to attend. The agenda is posted here
http://www.nwils.lib.ia.us/Archive/2009/aug09/brdmtaug

· Dickinson County Libraries hold their 3^rd annual Staff Development Day on Friday Aug28; Spirit Lake Public Library is hosting this workshop for 4 c.e. credits. Area libraries are welcome to attend, although we ask that you pre-register in the c.e. catalog so Spirit Lake Library staff knows how many to plan for.

· Vacation for me next week, followed by the Labor Day Holiday. So EYE-OPENER takes a holiday too. Back in 3 weeks on September 14!

Monday Morning Eye Opener 8/17/09

Good Morning! Today in Eye-Opener....

1) More on Lakeside Learning Day 1

2) NWILS Photo Contest

3) Hey WILBOR Libs: OverDrive Has a Blog

4) And Training News From OverDrive


1) More on Lakeside Learning Day 1

Plans are in full swing for Northwest LSA’s popular 2-day education event called Lakeside Learning. It’s scheduled for September 22-23 at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake. The cost is $15.00 each day, which includes workshop materials, breakfast and afternoon goodies; lunch is extra through the campus cafeteria. Checks appreciated ahead of time, made payable to Northwest LSA.

The morning of Day 1 (Sept22) looks at a topic much in the news these days: how important libraries are in tough economic times. In virtually every economic downturn, statistics show that library use surges. There are a great many resources available to help libraries cope with increased use, advocate for better funding, and frame this important message—that libraries make a difference in people’s lives. Learn about those resources and hear from Louise Alcorn with West Des Moines Public Library. Louise will share stories of how libraries nationwide are responding to the recession with creative new services and programs.

After lunch, learn about a significant way for libraries to provide value-added service in tough times— by subscribing to EBSCO. Barb Shultz from North Central LSA in Mason City will lead a discussion about 6 additional ESBCO databases, any of which can be yours by joining a buying group. The 6 additional databases are Novelist Online, Novelist Plus, Auto Repair & Reference Center, Small Engine Repair Reference Center, Home Improvement Reference Center, and Hobbies & Crafts.

Libraries are currently within a 60-day trial period to test these 6 add-on databases. Refer to last week’s EYE-OPENER for more, then visit the State Library’s website for login information
http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/databases/ebscoDBtrialAug2009

Barb Shultz winds up Day 1 with a discussion of Iowa’s open meetings laws. Good stuff here for boards, so maybe it’s an early-out from work on September 22 for trustees!

Day 2 of Lakeside Learning is the State Library’s Town Meeting. Refer to last week’s EYE-OPENER or the c.e. catalog for that agenda. The 2-day total equals 9 c.e. credits. Online registration is open in the c.e. catalog—join us for Lakeside Learning in Storm Lake, September 22-23.


2) NWILS Photo Contest

As part of the festivities at Lakeside Learning this year, Northwest LSA is holding a photo contest. Any library in Northwest LSA is eligible to enter and showcase your place in any of these categories:

· Landscaping / Exterior

· Children / Teen Spaces

· Adult Spaces

· Signage / Displays

· Beautiful Bathrooms

You can enter in all 5 categories, but you can only win in one. In any category, submit 3 photos and label them according to this sample: library_category_1. For example, Pomeroy_Landscaping_1, Pomeroy_Landscaping_2, Pomeroy_Landscaping_3.

Submit your entries by email to Jean Chesterman at ajsmith@nwils.lib.ia.us by September 8. Northwest LSA Board will decide the winners in each category. All entries will be featured on NWILS website and blog—plus you’ll have snappy new pictures to add to your own websites! Winners will be announced at Lakeside Learning on September 22, where everyone can view them in a slideshow. Oh yeah—prizes too—so snap some photos and showcase your library today!


3) Hey WILBOR Libraries: OverDrive Has a Blog

OverDrive, the vendor behind WILBOR’s downloadable audio books, recently launched a blog. It’s called the Digital Library Blog and it’s set up to share tips and ideas on maintaining a high-circulating digital collection. Read the blog for promotional ideas, success stories, training announcements, and other news from OverDrive. This is a likely one to add to your blog favorites!


4) And Training News From OverDrive

Speaking of training opportunities, be sure to catch one of many webinars from OverDrive throughout the month of September. From their website … “...whatever questions you might have, find the answers you need at OverDrive’s September Training Month. We’ll provide an educational and fun program designed to increase staff knowledge and help maximize circulation of your digital collection. Contests and prizes, too…”

Most are 60-minute webinars with open enrollment for individuals or groups. Some of the topics coming up include:

· Browse, Checkout, Download

· Patron Assistance

· Community Outreach

· Real-Time Reports

· Partner Update

Pre-registration is required; simply visit OverDrive’s website for more details about each webinar and for registration instructions.

Your OverDrive downloads are taking off, so it's more important than ever to be prepared. Whatever questions you might have, find the answers you need at OverDrive's Training Month, September 2009. We'll provide an educational and fun program designed to increase staff knowledge and help maximize circulation of your OverDrive download library. Even better, contests and prizes are included.

Sessions will be offered online throughout September with open enrollment for individuals and groups.


Link to OverDrive's Training Registration and Course Descriptions CLICK HERE.




http://www.overdrive.com

OverDrive has started a blog to keep library partners up to date on all aspects of digital media. Check out bright ideas for your virtual branch to better serve your patrons. Subscribe to our RSS feed to keep updated and keep the conversation going by commenting on blog posts! See more information below. The blog team will share tips and ideas on developing and maintaining a high-circulating digital collection.

On the blog, you’ll discover:

· Collection development tips

· Promotional ideas

· Success stories

· Special announcements

· Other Digital Library News


OverDrive’s blog.

Monday Morning Eye Opener 8/10/09

GOOD MORNING! Today in Eye Opener . . .

1) Lakeside Learning September 22-23

2) Dickinson Co. Staff Devo Day Agenda

3) Trial Period for New EBSCO Databases

4) Meetings / Events This Week

1) Lakeside Learning September 22-23

Plans are in full swing for Northwest LSA’s popular 2-day education event called Lakeside Learning. It’s scheduled for September 22-23 at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake.

Day 1 begins by looking at a topic much in the news these days: how important libraries are in tough economic times. In virtually every economic downturn, statistics show that library use surges. There are a great many resources available to help libraries cope with increased use, advocate for better funding, and frame this important message—that libraries matter in people’s lives. Louise Alcorn from West Des Moines Public Library will join us on Day 1 to share stories of how libraries nationwide are responding to the recession with creative new services and programs. More topics in the afternoon; Day 1 is worth 5 c.e. credits.

Day 2 is the State Library’s Town Meeting. The morning program is called “The Passionate Librarian.” Learn about the impact that passionate staff and trustees can have in gaining new funding and support. Afternoon breakout sessions include the future of SILO, programming for adults, and WebJunction / Tech Atlas. Day 2 is worth 4 c.e. credits.

This year, we’re letting go of a nighttime program—unless you call “martini Tuesday” back at King’s Pointe Resort a program! All told, the 2 days of Lakeside Learning is awarded 9 c.e. credits. The cost is $15.00 each day, which includes workshop materials, as well as breakfast and afternoon goodies; lunch is extra through the campus cafeteria. Online registration is open in the c.e. catalog—join us for Lakeside Learning in Storm Lake, September 22-23!

2) Dickinson County Staff Development Day Agenda

Let’s say they’re on a roll :-) The libraries in Dickinson County are gearing up for their 3^rd annual Staff Development Day. It happens on August 28 and this year, Spirit Lake Public Library is hosting. Dickinson County Libraries have kindly opened this training day to all area libraries; here’s a look at the day’s agenda:

9:00AM = Registration
9:30 = Safety Issues with Michael Raner
10:30 = Computing Tips with Jan Bolluyt
11:30—1:00PM = Lunch at the Fresh Bistro in Spirit Lake
1:00 = Rep from Heritage Micofilm on Digitized Newspaper Content
2:00 = Library Merchandising & Display Tips with Kim Kietzman (archived online presentation)

Registration for this class is now open in the c.e.catalog; the day is worth 4 c.e credits. Many thanks to the Dickinson County Libraries for their obvious commitment to working and learning together—and for generously bringing all other interested libraries along for the ride!

3) Trial Period for New EBSCO Databases

Northwest libraries are encouraged to take a look at some add-on EBSCO databases during a 60-day trial period. The following databases are available during this trial period:

· Auto Repair & Reference Center

· Small Engine Repair Reference Center

· Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center

· Home Improvement Reference Center

· Novelist Online

· Novelist Plus

As part of a “buying group,” libraries can purchase these additional EBSCO databases at a reduced cost. You can pick and choose whichever buying group you would like to join. Be aware that these added databases will be an additional cost—in addition to your current EBSCO subscription.

Those of you who attended C.E. Jamboree in May listened to Amanda Winseck describe these same resources. There was plenty of interest then—and I hope there’s equal interest now!

Here’s your chance: please carve out some time in the next few weeks to testdrive these resources and see which ones would be added value for your library. Login instructions and more descriptions about these databases are available on the State Library’s website here

http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/databases/ebscoDBtrialAug2009

Thanks to the State Library for their efforts in making more EBSCO databases available through this buying group model...

4) Meetings / Events This Week

Ruthven Public Library Board begins a planning process tonight, following PLA’s Planning For Results model. The meeting starts at 6:00PM…

Monday Morning Eye Opener 8/3/09

Good Morning! Today in EYE-OPENER…

1) Duct Tape Creations at Hospers PL
2) Speed Dating—Book Club Style
3) Library 101 Will Move Online
4) Meetings / Events This Week

1) Duct Tape Creations at Hospers PL
As part of Hospers Summer Library Program, older kids were invited to participate in a duct tape contest. Kids could start their duct tape creations with paper or cardboard structures underneath if needed; artwork then had to be covered and decorated with some of the 27 different colors and varieties of tape the library provided.
Youth ages 9-17 could enter the contest; entries were judged by everyone in the community voting on their favorites. For me, a few of the best were the guitar and the golf bag—complete with clubs and tees! Check out the photos on NWILS Bulletin Board Blog. And thanks to Hope Hofland for sharing story and pics!

2) Speed Dating—Book Club Style
Le Mars Public Library is finding a clever spin on the practice of speed dating. On August 11, members of the Le Mars Book Club will be speed dating—kind of—except that they’ll be sharing their favorite books.
Picture this: several tables, two people at a table, each with a favorite book. They’ll each be given 5 minutes to describe the story, trying to convince each other that their book is the best in the west and why their partner should be reading it. After 10 minutes, people rotate tables. Everyone will be eligible for prizes and are certain to find a new love—in a book, that is! Thanks to Sue Kroesche for sharing this story…

3) Library 101 Will Move Online
By now most everyone is familiar with the class “Library 101,” sponsored by the Iowa Library Service Ares. It’s an orientation typically offered 4
times each year for the benefit of newly hired directors directors and staff. Makes a pretty good orientation for new trustees, too.
For many years, Library 101 was held over the ICN. But beginning this fall, it moves online into NWILS Wimba Live Classroom. The first online session is scheduled for September 15 from 9:00AM—12:00PM. And if you’re new to the online classroom, be sure to contact us ahead of time if you feel you’ll need help getting your computer set up—logging into the classroom ahead of time makes the real class much more enjoyable.
Speaking of getting set up, you’ll see Library 101 in the c.e. catalog—please register that way. For new staff or trustees at your library, join us September 15 when Library101 moves online!

4) Meetings / Events This Week
It’s ILL Summit Week in Northwest, with 2 workshops reviewing interlibrary loan procedures. Denison Library hosts this workshop tomorrow August 4, Spencer Library hosts on Thursday August 6, 9:30AM—12:00PM each day.