Monday Morning Eye Opener

Weekly news & events from Northwest Library Services

~ March 9, 2009 ~

Good Morning!

Today in Eye Opener:

1) Grants Galore For Palo Alto County Libraries

2) Teen Tech Week Is Now

3) Job Opening @ Milford PL

4) News / Events This Week

1) Grants Galore For Palo Alto County Libraries: Libraries in Palo Alto County are among many recipients of grants from casino funding. Emmetsburg Library received $10,000.00 for a Playaway startup collection; the new collection will begin with about 200 Playaway titles for all ages in fiction and nonfiction. Also, the Friends of Emmetsburg Library received $1,500.00 for a “Books for Babies” program.

Ruthven Library received $2,000.00 to fund their Summer Reading Program in a big way this year, plus an additional $3,600.00 to redo the children’s department with new shelving and furniture.

But wait, there’s more: the Palo Also County Libraries received $7,500.00 to purchase a digital multimedia projector for each library to make available to community groups. Also, Palo Alto County libraries received $4,500.00 to pay for WILBOR Consortium fees, allowing in one swoop for all the libraries in Palo Alto County to join WILBOR in the spring enrollment period!

Thanks to Nathan Clark at Emmetsburg / Ruthven Libraries for sharing this impressive news about successful grant-writing and successful county library collaboration! Pretty good story, huh? That’s why Nathan will join the line-up of speakers at NWILS C.E. Jamboree to share how they did it. C.E Jamboree is May 5-6 at Prairie Lakes AEA in Storm Lake. Registration is open in the c.e. catalog, so beat the rush and register today.

2) Teen Tech Week Is Now: Guessing there’s some commotion in libraries this week as you celebrate Teen Tech Week 2009, March 8-14. This year’s theme is “Press Play @ Your Library,” perfect for showcasing downloadable media, YouTube, podcasts, gaming, virtual worlds, and more. Lots of ideas and links are waiting for you at the YALSA website (Young Adult Library Services Association) where kids can vote on a theme for 2010. Plus, you’ll find links to a Teen Tech Week blog and wiki, plus some great toolkits about teens and social networking. And when the commotion dies down—go back to the website and share your success stories. It’s all here at Teen Tech Week ’09!

3) Job Opening @MilfordPL: “…the Milford Memorial Library seeks a community- minded, team- oriented candidate for the position of Special Projects Coordinator. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of the many programs and projects of the library and to join a team of hard-working individuals who provide quality library service. A successful candidate must be eager to serve the public, adept at multitasking, and have a flexible schedule. It is essential that candidates are experienced in multiple computer applications, including Internet use and desktop publishing. This position is currently part-time (30 hours per week) Starting wage is $10.15 per hour (somewhat negotiable based on experience. Position will remain open until a candidate has been selected. Stop at the library or call 712-338-4643 or email info@milfordlibrary.net for an application packet which includes further information and a job description…”

4) News / Events This Week: A quiet week here finally, after the flurry of online classes throughout February. For those who haven’t stopped in yet, you can catch a quick, informal orientation tomorrow (Tuesday March 10) to NWILS Wimba Live Classroom. We’re happy to offer orientations for people new to this experience—plus it’s a good idea before taking a real credit class. Because what’s arranged for one can be done for many, anyone is welcome to login tomorrow at 9:30AM. Share this news with others on your staff or board who want a better understanding of how the online classroom works.

Here’s the link that takes you to the login page: http://67.202.209.252/launcher.cgi?room=ia_nwils Please sign in with your name. And if this is your first visit, then you’ll want to run the Wimba Start-Up Wizard first—and well ahead of time—so that your computer will be ready to roll. Try the wizard now, then come back tomorrow morning at 9:30AM for a “look-see!” Call with questions…

Previous editions of Monday Morning Eye-Opener are archived on

NWILS website; http://www.nwils.lib.ia.us.

Janie's 20 Year Anniversary w/ NWILS

We at Northwest LSA celebrated Janie Beaulieu’s 20 year anniversary with Northwest. November marked Janie’s 20th year with NWILS! NWILS board noted the milestone at its January meeting with cake and gifts and well…a party! Jean has added this news to our website along with a link to drop Janie a note of your own.

For Results online classes

This program in one in a series of 4 programs that explores 4 books from PLA’s “For Results” publications. In this particular class, “Creating Policies for Results,” learn about the “4 parts of a policy:”

• The philosophy statement
• The regulations
• The procedures
• The guidelines

Understand how to apply the “4 parts of a policy” to sample topics. And discuss the board’s role in policy development, along with the roles played by the library director and staff.

This class takes place in Northwest LSA Wimba online classroom. After you’ve registered, you’ll receive an email confirmation with a link that will ask you to run a “setup” on your computer to ensure computer readiness.

Tuesday Feb.10 Policies For Results

9:30—11:30AM

Tuesday Mar.3 Facilities For Results

9:30—11:30AM

These classes take place in Northwest LSA online classroom. http://67.202.209.252./launcher.cgi?room=ia_nwils.

To register go to: http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/cgi-bin/cecat/

Dewey book selected for One Book One Siouxland

"This year One Book One Siouxland, an initiative of the Sioux City Public Library and South Sioux City Public Library, will focus on a fourlegged ambassador from Northwest Iowa. The 2009 selection? Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Iowa author Vicki Myron." - By Kathy Kelly

Http://www.onebookonesiouxland.org

ISLOC Online Conference 1/21/09

9:00-10:00 Keynote Speaker - Library 2.0 with Meredith Farkas
10:00-10:15 Break
10:15-11:15 Breakout session I - Mini-Palooza
11:15-11:30 Break
11:30-12:00 Interactive gaming sessions
12:00-12:45 Lunch
12:45-1:30 Visit the Virtual Exhibits
1:30-2:30 Maintain IT
2:30-3:00 Break
3:00-4:00 Exciting E-Learning
6:00-6:30 Welcome Back
6:30-7:30 Trustee's session with Pat Wagner

For more information go to: http://www.swilsa.lib.ia.us/isloc

Lakeside Learning 2008

Meet Abe Lincoln

At this week's Lakeside Learning in Storm Lake Bonnie was telling us about the variety of programs that were possible for adults. We heard about WILBOR, Current Event topics, Medline and the Lincoln Bicentennial. There is a great website, (http:// www. lincolnbicentennial.gov) that provides lots of facts and information but of course nothing could possibly be better than actually meeting Abraham Lincoln and hearing about 1860's life. This Lincoln reenacter, Stan DeHaan , is from Orange City and does presentations all over the state. He gave about 40 minute presentation that included portions of 2 inaugural speeches and the Gettysburg Address. He talked about growing up, his family, his faith and his presidency. This was an amazing presentation and not only would adults enjoy a program like this, but so would young adults .

Lakeside Learning:morning sessions

Beautiful Storm Lake, Iowa and the Siebens center here at BV University is the setting for the 2008 Lakeside Learning. Adult programming is today's topic. Timely. After all, adults use the library in huge numbers, so it's only logical that we start focusing on them, too. Our first presenter, Jon Wibbels of AEA 12 discussed the rationale for adult programming. Roy spent time showing us Medline. This data base is an important resource for adults, and a nearly ready made program adults at the library

. Another possibilityfor adult programming that we were presented with was in using WILBOR as a program for adults. An idea for promoting downloads, teaching adults about MP3 players and the variety of ways that audio books can be used. Libraries not currently signed up for WILBOR will be allowed to sign up in November

.This year is the Lincoln Bicentennial. Using a Lincoln reenacter is another possiblility for programming. Stan DeHaan of Orange City came and shared his program with the whole group. More powerful than a simple discussion of Abe Lincoln or even a book discussion on one of the many Lincoln books.

What other adult programming ideas do you have. Share some of your successes!

Milford Public Library Staff Development Day

Here's an idea for County Library associations! Getting together to do staff development!

Meet Kay, Spencer Public Library's new Director!

Here's a Gal who's been in libraries for awhile. Many of us know her from a variety of meetings over the years because she is active and very involved. But Kay Larson has just recently stepped up to become the director of the Spencer Public Library and we'd like to take this time not only to say "Welcome" but also to get to know her a bit better! She took time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions for us:

Did you have any other libray experience before you came on board at your present library?
Way back in the dark ages(like 1973) I worked as a volunteer at the Cattermole libraryin Ft. Madison for Rose Reynolds. We were living on a farm while I worked for DuPont Paints. Years later, I applied for the director's job at the Peterson library because of "all" my previous experience. They must have believed me or been desperate because I got the job in 1987. From 1987-1994, I was director at Peterson, learning all about library work from my PLM courses and the continuing ed offered by the Regional and State libraries. in 1994 I started working at Spencer Public Library and moved from part time clerk to the director in March 2008.

Think back to your first day of work at the library, or your 2nd 3rd or more...what surprised you, or wasn't exactly what you expected?
When I started at Peterson's library I was aghast that there was not a card catalog and that the nonfiction books were not shelved in Dewey order. I quickly found out that people in a town this small just asked the librarian where a certain book was and she got it for them because she had been working there for 20 years. Of course, I had no clue where anything was in the library. I did a lot of looking for the first few months.

Share a funny, fun story with us about getting oriented as a library director.
Although I have been the director for about 4 months, the other day I introduced myself to someone as the Assistant Director. Old habits die hard, I guess.

What has been your biggest challenge so far? Do you have any thoughts about where you would like to see your library go in the future?
My biggest challenge here at Spencer Public Library has been to find the time to learn as I go and keep the work done at the same time. It is very easy to just keep doing my "old" job instead of training someone else to do it.

Tell us something about yourself, i.e. your hobbies, family, favorite books/authors..
My husband and I live on a farm about 25 miles from Spencer so the commute can be nasty in the winter. My husband has been on the NWLsa bord for 12 years and is back on again. I have lots of cats outdoors and a couple of spoiled ones indoors also. When I read for fun, I usually like mysteries althought I was surprised how much I enjoyed "water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen. I like to garden but hate kitchen work so my garden has been gradually taken over by perenial flowers. Last year I got my amateur radio license but I have't been on the air yet. This job keeps interfering with my hobbies!

What other Questions can we answer?
Sure, when is the quiet season in the libraraies? LOL!

New Director @ Albert City

You've heard that Thirteen new library directors have started their jobs in the NW Library Service Area. We wanted to take some time to introduce you to them right here at the NW BLOG! In the coming weeks tune in to meet these gals. Remember those days when you were new to the job? Well meet Albert City's new director, Mary Johnson who took over after Cathy Jensen retired in June.

Mary is married to husband Colin, and between them they have six grown children-all living in big cities. They have a doctor, a lawyer, an investments consultant, a gaming agent, a window company manager and a College student! She is involved in her church's music ministry. She loves ballroom dancing (think 'Big Band' and 'Swing') She loves to bake, owning and operating a coffee shop years ago. She is an interior decorator, a laboratory technician, and a limited radiographer. And of course, now a librarian. Wow! She is cultivating a new enjoyment of reading. As you can imagine, waiting for that box of ordered books to arrive is an exciting prospect. She says, "Opening book boxes is like Christmas!"

Mary, did you have any other library experience before you came on board at Albert City?

None!

So, think back to your first day at work at the library...or your second day, or third day...What surprised you, or wasn't exactly what you expected?

There was so much to learn and packed into weeks....I think orientation should be a month. I just kept telling Cathy I would like to be her assistant, not replacing her!

How about any funny, fun stories about getting oriented as a library director?

I remember us always laughing at my "Deer in the headlights" eyes after several hours of intense learning. that's when we knew it was time for a break. i'd always go for a walk and everytime I'd leave they would wonder if I was coming back! I always said, "Poor Cathy, having to teach me all this" and they (Cathy and her assistant, Kathy) would say, "Poor Mary having to learn all this!"

What has been your biggest challenge so far?

My biggest challenge so far has been getting Grant applications filled out. I have 2 righ now that I am working on. Every day has its own variety of challenges, whether it be computer issues, remembering to check SILO, downloading MARC records for DVDs without complications, looking at the month end stats and hoping I'll be able to do everything just right, dealing with the city on purchases or pay, etc. etc..... My first board meeting was very stressful, lots to cover..lasted 2 Hours!

Do you have any thoughts about where you would like to see your library go in the future?

I have a wonderful board, so supportive, friendly and encouraging. They have made me feel so welcomed, and so has the community. I am excited about the direction of our library. i am in the process of making lots of improvements- from water cooler to new office computer, to adding flavored coffee for patrons and just improving the look and interest in the library. I want people tov iew the library as a social center as well as a learning center. I plan to integrate more artist receptions and demonstrations, performances by local talent, music will also be a part of that thought process. I plan to showcase children's art and expand our children's literature. Our story time program for little ones will see a new boost of excitement with 'Big Books'. I feel the more visual at that age the better.

So, Mary welcome to the library and the family of librarians that makes up NW Iowa Libraries. If you have questions you have only to send out an email, or pick up the phone. We're eager to get to know you and give you a hand if you need it!

Reading Roundtable

Directors and staff will be participating in a Reading Roundtable on July 30 from 10-noon in a WIMBA classroom. This is hosted by Roy Kenagy. The first book is "Made to Stick" by Chip and Dan Heath. If you're interested in rethinking how you market and promote the library this is a great book to read! I'm excited to hear how others will apply what they learn in this book to real life in the library! There will be lots to talk about. One of the things that I think is especially applicable to the library is what the Heath's call 'The Curse of Knowledge'. That is, we are often so close to a subject (i.e. the library and it's jargon) that we forget that others don't have the same knowledge that we do. We assume people understand everything that we do, so we leave out information that would be critical to understanding our mission, our programs, or even our very reason for exsisting. Lots to think about. Even if you aren't participating in this roundtable, I would encourage you to take the time to read this book!

Directors Retire

Darrell and Dave have both left NWILS Board of directors. They'll be missed. We will see Dave hanging out, though ,at the Sioux Center Public Library.

Library 2.0 for Every library

Here is a list of ten things that every library, no matter what their size, can do to implement 2.0 ideas for their patrons and community. These are low risk, low cost, low effort and common sense enhancements:

1. Have Firefox on all your public computers.

2. Add Del. ici.ous tags for all your bookmarks. No matter what, no matter where all your favorites will be right there. You can even point your patrons to them!

3. Have RSS feeds for lib news and programs so tech savy patrons get automatic updates when you introduce new things!

4. Encourage your staff to BLOG

5. Design a way to do info sharing with staff through internet BLOGs or Wikki's.

6.Collaborate with partners using Google Docs or Picasa (i.e. other libraries in your county)

7. Blog from your web page and allow public comments.

8. Keep a flickr page of interesting library pictures.

9. Allow IMing, gaming and YouTube on your public computers.

10. Engage your teens with the technology you're using.

Thanks to the Other Librarian" at wordpress.com for these great tips.

Award Winning Books

These are the 2008 Boston Globe Award winners . You can read more about each book and the award itself , as well as the list of the honor books. Winners were announced on June 18. These are books that could be easily added to any collection!

Librarian and Technology

Hey Librarians! Is this us? The interactive, customer oriented, techno savy librarian?

Google and Stupidity?

Is Google making us stupid... in Atlantic monthly. An interesting article