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…