White House Task Force on New Americans
By Donna DiMichele | October 14, 2015
October 27 Webinar Will Address Interagency Initiative to Better Integrate Immigrants into Communities
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) present another webinar in their series for public librarians on immigration and U.S. citizenship topics. The webinar will provide an overview about the White House Task Force on New Americans, an interagency effort to develop a federal strategy to better integrate immigrants into communities. During the presentation, representatives from the USCIS Office of Citizenship will cover the Task Force’s recent initiatives, with specific focus on the Building Welcoming Communities Campaign and the Citizenship Public Education and Awareness Campaign, and highlight ways that libraries can get involved.
Webinar: White House Task Force on New Americans
Date and Time: Tuesday, October 27, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. EDT
To register for this free session, please follow the steps below:
• Go to the USCIS registration page
Once your registration is processed, you will receive a confirmation email with additional details. If you do not receive a confirmation email within two business days, please email USCIS at public.engagement@uscis.dhs.gov.
This series was developed as part of a partnership between IMLS and USCIS to ensure that librarians have the necessary tools and knowledge to refer their patrons to accurate and reliable sources of information on immigration-related topics. To find out more about this partnership and the webinar series, visit the Serving New Americans page of the IMLS website.
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October is National Medical Librarians Month
By Donna DiMichele | October 9, 2015
October is National Medical Librarians Month
The National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM), NER is celebrating National Medical Librarians Month by highlighting the work of its members with profiles featuring information about professionals in the New England Region. They will begin in October 2015 and continue throughout the year. Their goal is to learn more about New England’s awesome health sciences librarians and provide an opportunity to share ideas and knowledge with the New England Region. Contact NN/LM NER if you would like to be featured! No special accomplishments are required, they just want you to share what you do!
Contact Meredith Solomon, meredith.solomon@umassmed.edu or 508-856-5964
Promoting Your Library During National Medical Librarians Month
The GMR staff and the Advocacy Working Group of the Regional Advisory Council have partnered to assist you in celebrating your library. They have gathered and maintained a set of free online tools as well as designed an advocacy campaign that you can put to use in your library this October to celebrate National Medical Librarians month. http://www.mlanet.org/p/cm/ld/fid=320
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Route 1 Reads Project
By Donna DiMichele | September 29, 2015
The Rhode Island Center for the Book is participating in the Route 1 Reads project sponsored by the East Coast Centers for the Book. Centers for the Book in every state from Maine to Florida chose a book to represent their state.
For 2015, The Rhode Island Center for the Book’s Route 1 Reads selection is The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri; a story about the different paths of two brothers in post-independence India, one follows the revolutionary Naxalite movement in Calcutta and the other leaves India to pursue graduate studies at URI.
Read more about Route 1 Reads and The Lowland.
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RICH Grants Information Workshops
By Donna DiMichele | September 23, 2015
RI Council for the Humanities (RICH) is offering workshops about meeting criteria for grant applications to RICH.
Have ideas for a new public humanities project? Join RICH for a free workshop to learn about upcoming major and mini grant opportunities for nonprofit organizations and individual researchers planning public programs in the humanities.
The Rhode Island Council for the Humanities’ funding areas include public projects, documentary film, K-12 civic education, and individual research, strengthening cultural, historical, and civic engagement in Rhode Island. Attend one of four workshops across the state to answer your questions about funding opportunities and the grant application process at the Humanities Council.
September Workshop Dates & Locations:
September 22, 12:00-1:30pm, Providence Athenaeum, Providence, RI
September 24, 4:30-6:00pm, Hoffman Room, Swan Hall at the University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
September 29, 4:00-5:30pm, Preservation Society of Newport County Headquarters, Newport, RI
September 30, 4:00-5:30pm, Museum of Work & Culture, Woonsocket, RI
Please register to attend one of these workshops at http://grantsinfoworkshops.eventbrite.com
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More Opportunities to Publish
By Donna DiMichele | September 23, 2015
Technology Instruction in Libraries for Staff, Patrons, and Students
Book Publisher: McFarland
Carol Smallwood, co-ed. Google for Patron Library Use ed. (Rowman & Littlefield, 2015); public library administrator, special, school librarian.
Lura Sanborn, co-ed. Women, Work, and the Web, contributor, (Rowman & Littlefield, 2015); public, academic, school librarian.
One or two chapters sought from U.S. practicing academic, public, school, special librarians about technology instruction for staff, patrons, and students. Chapters are encouraged that could apply to more than one type of library: public, school, special, academic, LIS faculty. Creative case studies especially encouraged. How-to chapters based on experience to help colleagues; innovation highly valued.
No previously published, simultaneously submitted material. One, two, or three authors per chapter; each chapter by the same author(s). Compensation: one complimentary copy per 3,000-4,000 word chapter accepted no matter how many co-authors or one/two chapters: author discount on more copies.
Please e-mail titles of proposed chapters each described in a few sentences by October 28, 2015, brief bio on each author; place TECH, Your Name on subject line: smallwood@tm.net
Male Gender Studies in the Library: Case Studies of Innovative Programs and Resources
Carol Smallwood, ed. Essays on Women’s Studies in the Library (McFarland, 2016); public library administrator, special, school librarian.
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield. (Exploring feasibility—when enough responses have been received you’ll be contacted.)
Anthology: 3,000-4,000 word chapters by public, school, special, academic librarians, LIS faculty and those involved with library outreach, programming, collection development, resources, community partnerships in the United States and Canada. Innovative chapters on a rapidly changing topic in popular media and an increasing presence in college and graduate classes.
One, two, or three authors per chapter; each chapter by the same author(s).
Compensation: one complimentary copy per 3,000-4,000 word chapter accepted no matter how many co-authors or if one or two chapters: author discount on more copies.
Please send title for one or two proposed chapters: one or two sentence description for each chapter; brief bio to: smallwood@tm.net with MAL in subject line by October 28, 2015.
Women’s Studies in the Library: Case Studies of Innovative Programs and Resources
Book Publisher: McFarland
Carol Smallwood, ed. Library’s Role in Supporting Financial Literacy for Patrons (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016); public library administrator, special, school librarian.
Lura Sanborn, co-ed. Women, Work, and the Web, contributor, (Rowman & Littlefield, 2015); public, academic, school librarian.
One or two chapters sought from U.S. practicing academic, public, school, special librarians, LIS faculty, sharing practical know-how about what works for women’s studies programs and resources. Chapters are encouraged that could apply to more than one type of library: useful to public, school, special, LIS faculty. Proven, creative, case studies encouraged. How-to chapters based on experience to help colleagues; innovative workshops, outreach, grant resources highly valued.
No previously published, simultaneously submitted material. One, two, or three authors per chapter; each chapter by the same author(s).
Compensation: one complimentary copy per 3,000-4,000 word chapter accepted no matter how many co-authors, or if one or two chapters: author discount on more copies.
Please e-mail titles of proposed chapters, each described in a few sentences by October 28, 2015, brief bio on each author; place WOM, Your Name on subject line: smallwood@tm.net
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Inspiration and Innovation in Libraries and Museums
By Donna DiMichele | September 18, 2015
IMLS Hosts 2015 Focus Conference in New Orleans, November 16 and 17
Conference to highlight agency priorities, showcase IMLS grantees’ work, and explore the latest issues in museums and libraries
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) will hold a conference that will bring together grantees, potential applicants, and professionals working in museums, libraries, archives, and cultural heritage organizations to discuss trends, successful IMLS-funded projects and initiatives, and the collective impact of museums and libraries across the country. Each day of the conference will be structured with both plenary sessions and panels on various issues. The conference agenda is available.
Registration is limited to two people per organization. To register, go to the IMLS Focus Conference website.
Panel presentations will cover components of community engagement, engaging learners, collections and digital access.
Topics that will be explored include:
- Library and museum support for workforce and economic development.
- Rethinking the user experience.
- Tools, resources, and networks for making, tinkering, and participatory learning.
- Harnessing the collective wisdom of the crowd to generate content.
- Innovative technology in collections care.
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How Libraries and Museums Can Strengthen Executive Function
By Donna DiMichele | September 17, 2015
Webinar:
Brain-Building Powerhouses: How Museums and Libraries Can Strengthen Executive Function Life Skills
A free webinar featuring the findings from the just-released groundbreaking report, Brain-Building Powerhouses: How Museums and Libraries Can Strengthen Executive Function Life Skills, will be broadcast on September 22. Mind in the Making (MITM), a program of the Families and Work Institute (FWI), and partner, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), will present the webinar for museum and library professionals on executive function life skills.
Executive function skills are built on the brain processes we use to pay attention and exercise self control, to hold information in our minds so that we can use it, and to think flexibly. These skills become foundational for other skills, including delaying gratification, understanding the perspectives of others, reflection, innovation, critical thinking, problem solving, and taking on challenges.
Presenters will discuss new findings from research on brain development, the importance of executive function skills, and how museums and libraries across the country are incorporating this research into their programs and exhibits. Presenters include:
- Report contributors, Mimi Howard and Andrea Camp;
- Mind in the Making author and FWI President Ellen Galinsky and
- IMLS Supervisory Grants Management Specialist Helen Wechsler
Some of the outstanding initiatives in museums and libraries featured in the report will be presented in the webinar by the following:
• Laurie Kleinbaum Fink, Science Museum of Minnesota
• Stephanie Terry, Children’s Museum of Evansville
• Kerry Salazar, Portland Children’s Museum
• Kimberlee Kiehl, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center
• Holly Henley, Arizona State Library
• Anne Kilkenny, Providence Public Library
• Kathy Shahbodaghi, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Time: 2:00 PM EDT
Webinar link: Join the webinar with this link to the Blackboard Collaborate system.
Phone code: 1-866-299-7945, Enter guest code 5680404#
Technical requirements:
IMLS-hosted webinars use the Blackboard Collaborate system. If you are a first-time user of Blackboard Collaborate, click here to check your system compatibility in advance of the webinar. You will be able to confirm that your operating system and Java are up-to-date, and enter a Configuration Room that will allow you to configure your connection speed and audio settings before the IMLS webinar begins. (If you choose to enter a Configuration Room, please note that the IMLS webinar will use Blackboard version 12.6.)
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STEM Exhibit Opportunity
By Donna DiMichele | September 11, 2015
The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office, in collaboration with the Space Science Institute’s National Center for Interactive Learning, the Lunar and Planetary Institute and the Afterschool Alliance, has extended the application deadline for three science and technology focused traveling exhibitions.
Public libraries have until Oct. 8 to apply (this date was verified with ALA).
The exhibitions — which are ideal for small libraries, requiring only 200 square feet of display space — are designed to promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning opportunities for all ages.
- Explore Earth: Our Changing Planet will focus on local earth science topics — such as weather, the water cycle and ecosystem changes — as well as a global view of our changing planet. The primary message of the exhibition is that the global environment changes — and is changed by — the local environment of all host communities.
- Explore Space: Our Solar System and Beyond helps visitors answer the age-old questions: Where did we come from, and are we alone? The exhibition will teach audiences about our universe, including how stars and planetary systems form and the role that gravity plays in our universe.
- Explore Tech: Engineers Make a World of Difference shows how engineering provides solutions to better meet human needs and develops sustainable innovations for the future. It features hands-on and multimedia components that allow exhibit visitors to interact with content in a dynamic way, encouraging new perspectives about engineers and their vital work.
Full guidelines and an online application are available.
Applicants may apply for one of the exhibitions. Each exhibition will travel to 13 or 14 public libraries from 2016 to 2018.
All grantees will receive:
- one exhibition for an eight-week display period; shipping is free for grantees;
- a cash grant of $1,000 to cover the cost of public programming related to the exhibition;
- a publicity kit and media resources for a STEM @ My Library public engagement campaign;
- an orientation webinar that will include information about content and science themes, a presentation and demonstration of hands-on science activities by the Lunar and Planetary Institute, and presentations and interactive discussions about programming resources;
- periodic webinars on timely STEM topics to support programming in libraries;
- an Explore teacher guide, family guide and hands-on activities for different age groups to help libraries develop programs and support classroom visits; and
- access to the STAR_Net Online Community and a national network of STEM-oriented organizations.
Grantees will be required to plan public programs related to the exhibition and to participate in the STAR_Net Online Community throughout the exhibition period. For more information and ideas for sample programs, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions.
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Grants to promote reading or the use of library resources
By Donna DiMichele | September 10, 2015
Carnegie-Whitney Awards up to $5,000
The American Library Association Publishing Committee provides a grant of up to $5,000 for the preparation of print or electronic reading lists, indexes or other guides to library resources that promote reading or the use of library resources at any type of library.
Funded projects have ranged from popular, general-reader proposals such as “ReadMOre,” a reading list for Missouri’s state-wide reading program, to more specialized, scholarly proposals such as “Librarianship and Information Science in the Islamic World, 1966-1999: An Annotated Bibliography.”
Applications must be received by November 6, 2015. Recipients will be notified by the end of February 2016.
More information and guidelines.
Contact Mary Jo Bolduc, Grant Administrator, American Library Association, 50 E. Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611; Fax (312) 280-5275
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NAHSL – North Atlantic Health Sciences Libraries
By alicia | September 10, 2015
NAHSL Conference October 18-20, 2015 in Providence!
with speaker Amy Dickinson, NPR Panelist
Early bird registration runs through September 25th. Don’t miss out!
http://nahsl.libguides.com/NAHSL2015/registration
“New this year, we’re offering a special rate to librarians and other information professionals. We realize that the content of Monday’s program may be of interest to colleagues beyond medical and health sciences librarianship, and we invite you to join us!
Remember, too, that ANYONE attending NAHSL 2015 may submit an abstract for a presentation, poster, or paper. Details are available on the website and that deadline is fast approaching! Submit today!!
On behalf of the 2015 Planning Committee, we look forward to seeing you in Providence!”
posted on behalf of Dr. Valerie Karno
Topics: News & Information | Comments Off on NAHSL – North Atlantic Health Sciences Libraries
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