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Applications are open for Big Read grants

By Donna DiMichele | December 12, 2012

Apply for a Big Read grant today!

Application submission deadline: February 5, 2013

The Big Read is accepting applications from non-profit organizations to develop community-wide reading programs between September 2013 and June 2014. The Big Read is a national program designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment. Organizations selected to participate in The Big Read receive a grant, educational and promotional materials, and access to online training resources and opportunities. Approximately 75 organizations from across the country will be selected.

The Big Read website has program guidelines and application instructions.

Three new titles were added to The Big Read Library this year:

The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
With penetrating insight, Jhumpa Lahiri follows the Ganguli family from their traditional life in Calcutta through their fraught transformation into Americans.

True Grit by Charles Portis
A classic Western, True Grit recounts the backcountry adventure of a one-eyed marshal, “Rooster” Cogburn, and a spirited fourteen-year-old, Mattie Ross, as they seek to avenge the death of Mattie’s father.

Into the Beautiful North by Luis Alberto Urrea
Filled with radiant depictions of the Mexican landscape and unforgettable characters, Luis Alberto Urrea’s novel chronicles a young woman’s quest to protect her hometown from banditos.

Listen to an interview with the new authors, hosted by Ira Silverberg, Literature Director at the National Endowment for the Arts.

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State Data Coordinator Conference- Day One

By admin | December 12, 2012

Hello from Nashville!
I’m at the annual State Data Coordinator Conference. For those of you who fill out the Annual Report each year, most of the questions on the survey are determined by this group of Coordinators along with members of the Census and IMLS. The Data Coordinator from each state attends, as well as representatives from Puerto Rico and Guam (!) Over the course of three days, we discuss adding new questions and amending or deleting others. For instance, in the next round of Annual Reports, none of the states will separate out the number of local agreements (databases) and cooperative agreements (databases). Other changes include specific language (instead of “borrowers” we will begin to refer to our cardholders as “users”), or clarification of definitions.
The process of adding and deleting elements is full of heated debate before being put to a vote. Often, discussions last all year as different Coordinators administer their surveys. When they have issues or questions, the other Coordinators can weigh in or suggest changes to be discussed at the next conference. Tomorrow, we will spent most of the day discussing these changes. The members of IMLS and the Census also comment, as they work with all our data as a whole. After the Coordinators collect all of the information, we submit it to the Census to be included in the national data picture. The Census is currently working on a few new tools to navigate and use data that I hope to share with you tomorrow, as well.
Stay tuned for news from Day Two!
~Lauren

Topics: Future of Libraries, IMLS, News & Information | Comments Off on State Data Coordinator Conference- Day One

StoryCorps @ your library

By Donna DiMichele | December 11, 2012

The ALA Public Programs Office, in partnership with StoryCorps, is accepting applications from public libraries and library systems interested in hosting “StoryCorps @ your library” programs. Funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to ALA, “StoryCorps @ your library” seeks to bring StoryCorps’ popular interview methods to libraries while developing a replicable model of oral history programming. Program guidelines and the online application

The deadline for applications is January 18.

In February, 10 pilot sites will be selected to receive:

Building on earlier planning work supported by IMLS, “StoryCorps @ your library,” will be piloted at 10 public libraries selected from across the country. Local libraries will retain copies of all interviews and preservation copies will also be deposited with the Library of Congress.

More information You can also contact the ALA Public Programs Office

Topics: ALA, Grants, IMLS, News & Information, Preservation | Comments Off on StoryCorps @ your library

National Leadership Grants-Libraries

By Donna DiMichele | December 5, 2012

National Leadership Grants-Libraries : Call for Applications

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is accepting applications for National Leadership Grants-Libraries.
Deadline: February 1, 2013

The guidelines for National Leadership Grants-Libraries (NLG-Libraries) have changed this year. Because the program is no longer aligned with National Leadership Grants for Museums, it no longer includes a category for Library-Museum Collaboration. Museum applicants should see the National Leadership Grants for Museums guidelines on the IMLS website. Collaboration is still an important characteristic of successful grant applications, and partnerships with museums and other libraries and community organizations are encouraged, but not required. Collaborative partnerships can help demonstrate a broad need, field-wide buy-in and input, access to appropriate expertise, and sharing of resources.

In addition to the types of proposals normally encouraged under the NLG-Libraries program, IMLS will continue its commitment to early learning in FY 2013 by encouraging proposals that address learners from ages 0-8 along with their parents and caregivers. NLG-Libraries applicants are encouraged to partner with community organizations to address at least one of the challenges identified by the Campaign for Grade Level Reading including school readiness, summer reading loss, and chronic school absences. Click here to learn more about IMLS’s role in this initiative.

Members of the IMLS staff are available by phone and e-mail to discuss general issues relating to National Leadership Grants-Libraries. We also invite you to participate in one of two pre-application web conferences to learn more about the program, ask questions, and listen to the questions and comments of other participants. The web conference schedule for the FY 2013 National Leadership Grants for Libraries program is as follows:

Tuesday, January 8, 2013, 2 – 3 p.m., Eastern Time

Click here for more information about this funding opportunity, including program guidelines, contacts, and web conference access information.  You may also use the IMLS grants search tool to view the archive of awarded grants.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive.

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Advocate for Fair E-book Policies

By Donna DiMichele | December 3, 2012

Advocate for Fair E-book Policies: ALA Launches E-book Media & Communications Toolkit

The American Library Association (ALA) created an “E-book Media and Communications Toolkit” to help libraries be proactive at the community level in their approaches toward creating a fair environment for e-book lending. The following press release from ALA provides details about how to acquire the toolkit.

November 27, 2012

As several large book publishers continue to deny libraries access to their e-books, and others make e-books available under difficult terms, libraries find themselves unable to provide the reading and educational materials demanded by their patrons. As a result, many librarians are asking, “What can I do to advocate for fair e-book lending practices?”

To assist libraries in informing the public about e-book lending practices, the American Library Association (ALA) released today the “ALA E-book Media & Communications Toolkit,” a set of materials that will support librarians in taking action in their communities.

Developed by the ALA’s Digital Content and Libraries Working Group (DCWG), the toolkit includes op-ed and press release templates for library supporters interested in informing the public of the role that libraries play in building literate and knowledgeable communities. Additionally, the toolkit provides guidance on ways to use the media templates, as well as ALA talking points, e-book data, and public service announcement scripts.

“The library community cannot sit by while publishers openly refuse to sell libraries the e-books that they need to serve their patrons,” said ALA President Maureen Sullivan, who recently led several library meetings with publishers. “Librarians and our allies must speak out more forcefully in communities across the country. Everyone needs to know that libraries offer e-books and 21st century library services, but we are unable to offer all the e-reading choices our patrons demand and deserve.

The Digital Content & Libraries Working Group, a representative group made up of 27 ALA members from various types of libraries, advises the Association on issues related to libraries and digital content, and the provision of equitable access to digital content for all. The group has developed a number of other resources about e-books, including the report “Ebook Business Models for Public Libraries,” a digital rights management “Tip Sheet,” and an E-Content supplement to American Libraries magazine.

View communications toolkit

All questions about the media toolkit should be sent to Jazzy Wright, press officer of the ALA Washington Office.

Topics: ALA, Resources | Comments Off on Advocate for Fair E-book Policies

PLA Survey on Digital Learning Centers

By Donna DiMichele | November 26, 2012

Public Library Association Survey on Digital Learning Centers for Libraries

Public libraries and community organizations are becoming the go-to place for digital literacy education. Users come searching for help to understand and use computer programs, printers and other hardware, the Internet (web browsing, e-mail, social media), digital media (cameras, e-readers, music players) and more.  PLA is working with the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies and ALA Office for Information Technology Policy to create a website that will focus on digital learning. Press release about the IMLS-funded project

To get a starting point for the needs of librarians who are providing digital literacy support in their libraries, a survey was created to help get the word out. Please share the link to the survey with the librarians in your state or region. The survey is open until December 15.

 Connect to the survey

Contact Barbara A. Macikas for more information.

Barbara A. Macikas
Executive Director, Public Library Association
a division of the American Library Association
50 East Huron St.
Chicago, IL  606011
T:  312.280.5028
F:  312.280.5029

Topics: 21st Century Skills in Libraries, ALA, News & Information | Comments Off on PLA Survey on Digital Learning Centers

Get Published in Library Anthologies

By Donna DiMichele | November 23, 2012

Two opportunities for writing for a publication have been posted: 1) Pre-School through Teen Library Outreach and 2) How to STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education in Libraries. Deadline for each is December 30, 2012.

1) Pre-School through Teen Library Outreach

Book Publisher: McFarland & Company, Inc.

Co-editor: Kerol Harrod, Denton Public Library, Denton, Texas; Marketing Your
Library: Tips and Tools That Work, McFarland & Company, 2012

Co-editor: Carol Smallwood, The Frugal Librarian: Thriving in Tough Economic
Times; and Library Management Tips That Work, both 2011 ALA Editions

Chapters sought for an anthology by U.S. practicing academic, public, school,
special librarians, LIS faculty, sharing practical how-to chapters on: creative
outreach activities that work and are fun for staff, children, parents, and
teachers. With budget and staff cuts, changes in technology, and security
concerns in an increasingly diverse society, librarians more than ever need
successful, inexpensive outreach to young patrons-their future library
supporters.
Knowing what programs work saves time, effort, and resources for librarians.

Creative methods are needed to use in various types of libraries. Concise,
how-to chapters 3,000-3,500 words using bullets, headings, based on experience.
No previously published or simultaneously submitted material. One or two
authors; one complimentary copy per chapter as compensation, discounts on
additional copies.

Directions for submission:
Please paste proposed titles of 2-3 topics each briefly described by December
30, 2012 with biography sketch(s); place YOUTH/Last Name on the subject line to
Carol: smallwood@tm.net

2) How to STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education in Libraries

Book Publisher: Scarecrow Press

Vera Gubnitskaia, Orange County Library System librarian, Orlando, Florida;
co-editor: Continuing Education for Librarians: Workshops, Conferences,
College, and Other Ways (McFarland, forthcoming); co-editor Marketing Your
Library: Tips and Tools That Work, (McFarland & Company, 2012)

Carol Smallwood, educator, librarian; co-editor Preserving Local Writers,
Genealogy, Photographs, Newspapers and Related Materials,  (Scarecrow Press
2012); editor Pre- & Post-Retirement Tips for Librarians, (ALA Editions, 2013);
co-editor How to Thrive as a Solo Librarian, (Scarecrow Press, 2012)

During the past few years, groups like the President’s Council of Advisors on
Science and Technology, and Center for Education, have been placing great
emphasis on the significance of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and
math) education. The curricula has been revised in many institutions and school
districts across the country. Chapters sought for an anthology by practicing
academic, public, school, special librarians, LIS faculty in the United States,
Canada, and others sharing practical how-to chapters on: grant writing,
community partnerships, outreach, research, and programming activities.
Creative methods are sought that apply to various types of libraries
(K-College) and job positions.

Concise, how-to chapters words based on experience to help colleagues. Your
nuts and bolts article should total 3000-3500 words. No previously published or
simultaneously submitted material. One or two authors per chapter;
complimentary copy as compensation, discount on more.

Directions for submission:
Please e-mail titles of  2-3 topics, each briefly described separately by
December 30, 2012 with short biography sketch(s);  place STEM/Last Name on the
subject line to: smallwood@tm.net

Topics: News & Information | Comments Off on Get Published in Library Anthologies

Pawtucket Public Library to house collection

By Donna DiMichele | November 20, 2012

The collections of the Elizabeth J. Johnson Pawtucket History Research Center (PHRC), presently located in the basement of the Joseph Spaulding House, will be transferred to a dedicated and secure space at the Pawtucket Public Library as soon as the space is finished.

After an extensive strategic planning process, which included seeking partnership proposals from the Rhode Island Historical Society, Brown University, Slater Mill, the Pawtucket Public Library, and the Preservation Society of Pawtucket, the PHRC Board concluded that transferring ownership of the Research Collection and moving it to a dedicated and secure space at the Pawtucket Public Library and transferring ownership of the Spaulding house and its other collections to the Preservation Society of Pawtucket were the best ways to preserve the house and the collection.

Ownership of the historic Greek Revival style Joseph Spaulding House, built in 1828 and located at 30 Fruit Street, and its collections of antiques and decorative arts has been conveyed from the to the Preservation Society of Pawtucket.

The PHRC was founded ten years ago by Ms. E .J. Johnson as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission “to collect, preserve, enhance, and make available materials about Pawtucket.”

This story was adopted from the November 16, 2012, issue of Around the Block, Rhode Island Preservation News, an online publication of Preserve Rhode Island.

Topics: News & Information, Resources | Comments Off on Pawtucket Public Library to house collection

LibraryAware Community Award

By Donna DiMichele | November 19, 2012

The LibraryAware Community Award emphasizes the library’s engagement with the community and will recognize a library or library system that has demonstrated its ability to make its community “aware” of what the library can do for it—and has delivered on that promise. The award will be given by Library Journal and funded by LibraryAware, a product of EBSCO Publishing’s NoveList Division.

The LibraryAware Community Award will be given annually to a community of any size and its library during National Library Week. It will be presented to the mayor, city/county manager, or city council president, and library director.
Three libraries will receive awards:

*The winning library also will be featured in an article in Library Journal in the April 1, 2013 issue.

More information Deadline: December 15, 2012

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2013 RI Innovation Fellowship

By Donna DiMichele | November 8, 2012

Do some of your library users have great ideas about ways to work on Rhode Island based solutions for Rhode Island’s unique (or not so unique) challenges? Perhaps you know someone on the faculty or in the municipal office that has such ideas.

The application period the Rhode Island Foundation’s 2013 Rhode Island Innovation Fellowship is open. The Innovation Fellowship is designed to stimulate solutions by Rhode Islanders to Rhode Island challenges. The program, made possible through the generosity of Letitia and John Carter and managed by The Rhode Island Foundation, provides seed funding for social impact. Rhode Island Innovation Fellows will receive up to $300,000 over up to three years to develop, test, and implement innovative ideas that have the potential to dramatically improve any area of life in Rhode Island. Two Fellows will be selected annually.  More information

 

Topics: News & Information | Comments Off on 2013 RI Innovation Fellowship


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