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Free online continuing education courses

By karen | March 29, 2012

The Wyoming State Library, in collaboration with many others*, presents a number of free online programs in April.  Check out the vast selection and find descriptions on the Wyoming State Library website.  Offerings include:

Some may be more appropriate to Wyoming librarians, but a number transcend state lines.  Our thanks to Jamie Markus from the Wyoming State Library for making these programs available to other states.

*Partners of the Wyoming State Library that make these programs possible include:

The Accessible Technology Coalition, American Library Association, American Management Association, Booklist, Colorado State Library, EDUCAUSE, Grantspace, Harvard Business Review, Infopeople, InSync Training, Library Journal, National Library of Medicine, O’Reilly, San Jose State University – SLIS, SirsiDynix , TechSoup, TL Virtual Café, and WebJunction.

Topics: Continuing Education | Comments Off on Free online continuing education courses

Grants for Banned Books Week

By Donna DiMichele | March 29, 2012

2012 marks the 30th anniversary of Banned Books Week!

What is your dream program for Banned Books Week? This year ALA celebrated Banned Books Week from September 30 – October 6. If  you want to have a program or event planned to commemorate the issues behind banned books, you can apply for a grant to use for expenses.

Applications are now open for the 2012 Judith Krug Fund Banned Books Week grants, sponsored by the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF). Grants in the amount of $2,500 and $1,000 will be given to organizations in support of “Read-Outs” or other activities that celebrate Banned Books Week.  Seven organizations received grants in 2010, and six grants were awarded in 2011.

Judith F. Krug, FTRF’s first executive director, was passionate about Banned Books Week and defending the freedom to read. After her death, the Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund was established to guarantee that the message of Banned Books Week would continue to spread and grow around the United States. The Freedom to Read Foundation – the First Amendment legal defense affiliate of the American Library Association – became an official sponsor of Banned Books Week this year.

Watch a video featuring the 2011 grant awardees

Applications for the grants will be accepted through May 11, 2012, and the announcements will be made in June.

Organizations are required to submit an event description, timeline and budget with their application, and also agree to provide a written report and video to FTRF following Banned Books Week. More information on Banned Books Week  A compendium of thousands of books that have been banned and challenged can be found in the 2010 Banned Books Resource Guide, available through the ALA Store. You also can purchase Banned Books Week posters, buttons, bookmarks, t-shirts, bracelets, and tote bags there.

Contact Jonathan Kelley  with questions, or call (800) 545-2433 (800) 545-2433, ext. 4226.

Contact information:
Jonathan Kelley
Program Coordinator
Freedom to Read Foundation
50 E. Huron St.
Chicago, IL  60611
(312) 280-4226
(800) 545-2433 x4226 (toll-free)
(312) 280-4227 (fax)

Topics: ALA, Grants, News & Information, Resources | Comments Off on Grants for Banned Books Week

MoneySmart Week @ your library

By karen | March 23, 2012

The RI Library Association is working with libraries across the state in preparation for MoneySmart Week @ your library, which takes place April 21-28.  To kick things off, RILA and the Office of Library and Information Services partnered to offer a continuing education workshop on financial literacy, which took place at the Cranston Public Library on March 21. Twenty librarians gathered to hear speakers from URI’s Center for Personal Financial Education and Sojourner House.  Joan Gray Anderson shared some great resources for personal finance topics, while Claudia Kerbel led an illuminating discussion on identity theft.  Megan Smith provided information about Sojourner House, a comprehensive domestic violence agency, focusing on financial issues that victims of domestic violence face.

If you couldn’t make the session, check out the events happening around the state during RILA’s MoneySmart Week.  And if you’re hosting or plan on hosting financial literacy sessions during MoneySmart week, make sure you get your event on the RILA schedule!

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and the American Library Association developed Money Smart Week @ your library to promote personal financial literacy. Over 30 states participated in 2011 and this year the Rhode Island Library Association is bringing the program to RI libraries around the state. Money Smart Week 2012 will take place April 21-28.  For more information about MoneySmart activities in RI libraries, contact Chris Wallace Goldstein or Julie DeCesare at the RI Library Association.

Topics: Events | Comments Off on MoneySmart Week @ your library

Why Speed Matters

By admin | March 23, 2012

There has been a lot of talk about our collective shorter attention spans, but it seems we are becoming more impatient as well. For instance, did you realize that 1 in 4 people abandon a web page that takes more than four seconds to load? How do you think this will affect information learning behaviors in the coming years? Can we harness the power of speed to our advantage in libraries?
See the infographic entitled, “Instant America” from the article “Why Every Second Counts on the Web.“

Topics: Future of Libraries, Technology | Comments Off on Why Speed Matters

Help patrons find the financial information they need

By Donna DiMichele | March 15, 2012

Financial Literacy CE for Library Staff — so you can better serve patrons

Prepare for Money Smart Week @ your library by learning how you can help patrons find the financial information they need. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and the American Library Association developed Money Smart Week @ your library to promote personal financial literacy. Over 30 states participated in 2011 and this year the Rhode Island Library Association is bringing the program to RI libraries around the state. Money Smart Week 2012 will take place April 21-28. Keep reading to see how you can get ready!

Financial Literacy CE for Library Staff — the program

Wednesday, March 21, 2012
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Cranston Public Library
Register

Attend and learn:

Other topics include identity theft and money matters for victims of domestic violence, who sometimes experience financial control as another form of abuse.

This workshop is presented by the Rhode Island Library Association in partnership with the Office of Library and Information Services.

Speakers:

Dr. Anderson is a professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Rhode Island and Director of Research at the Center for Personal Financial Education. At URI she has taught such courses as: Personal Finance, Consumer Economics, Debt Management, Retirement Planning, and Financial Issues across the Lifespan. She also manages the certificate program in Family Financial Counseling and Planning. Her most recent research and outreach focuses on the impact of personal finance educational programs for changing the financial behavior of consumers.

Ms. Kerbel is an adjunct faculty member and academic advisor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Rhode Island. She also serves as the Director of Outreach at the Center for Personal Financial Education. Over her career as a financial educator, she has managed numerous outreach programs, most recently a workplace financial education project, community-based personal finance workshops for women, and financial literacy trainings for teachers.

Ms. Smith is Sojourner House’s Safe House Coordinator. She has seen the prevalence of financial control as a means of abuse. Sojourner House is a comprehensive domestic violence agency that provides wrap-around services to victims  of intimate partner violence . Financial literacy is an issue that is deeply intertwined with relationship violence and financial health and stability is key to recovering from abuse. Sojourner House offers financial literacy trainings to clients and members of the community that include information on financial fundamentals, financial safety planning while in and after leaving an abusive relationship, rebuilding credit, and other topics as requested by participants.

The program is free, but advance registration is required. REGISTER

Topics: ALA, Continuing Education, Literacy, Resources | Comments Off on Help patrons find the financial information they need

Join your local library association!

By karen | March 8, 2012

The Rhode Island Library Association is the statewide professional and advocacy organization that serves the entire RI library community, from library staff and librarians to library students and trustees. RILA members hail from all types of libraries and the association works with OLIS and many other agencies and organizations to help forge the future for all RI libraries.

RILA members enjoy discounted annual conference rates, access to a members only directory, and newsletters featuring reports from Rhode Island’s libraries, including how RI librarians are shaping the future in their communities. If you have never belonged to RILA, first time members receive a reduced membership opportunity through March 31, 2012.

If you have not yet joined or renewed your RILA membership for 2012, now is a great time to do so! Visit the RILA website for more information.  (follow the membership link on the right hand side of the page)

Topics: News & Information | Comments Off on Join your local library association!

Digital Literacy Public Forums

By admin | March 6, 2012

The digital divide between those who can get online and those who cannot has become a 21St century public policy issue. Broadband Rhode Island (BBRI), an initiative of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, has developed a Digital Literacy Program focused on increasing the adoption rate of those who do not know how to use the Internet.  According to a federal study on Broadband Adoption and Use, roughly 1/3 of Americans are completely “offline” and may need hands-on basic digital literacy instruction. They are typically seniors, non-English speakers, residents of urban core cities, or people with disabilities.

BBRI has developed a basic hands-on curriculum as part of its Digital Literacy Program and tested it in several Rhode Island libraries.  Learn more about this initiative and connect with a practical approach to increase Digital Literacy in your community.  Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with others working on this movement and to become part of an ‘ecosystem’ of trainers, venues for training, and community partners to mobilize those who need access to free interactive and supportive programs.

Volunteers are being sought in three areas:

Learn more about the BBRI’s Digital Literacy program at the following upcoming forums, and feel free to post the forum flyer at your library.  Space is limited, so register now!

March 13, 2012 8:30- 10:30 am
Blackstone Valley Tourism Council

March 15, 2012 8:30- 10:30 am
The Met (school) Black Box Theatre

WHAT: These public community forums will offer you a basic turnkey curriculum and approach to train the general public. At this forum you will meet others working on this initiative and particpate in building a capacity network — an ecosystem of trainers, venues for training and community partners. The objective is to build a network that will supply or direct those who are in need to free digital literacy training programs.

WHY: While the Internet has transformed our world, we all know that too many people we serve are part of the digital divide. BBRI is working hard to support community organizations that provide some type of digital literacy training. Here’s an opportunity to discover how we can enhance  your current programs. Join us for a forum where you’ll meet your peers, learn about the Broadband RI resources available to you, and brainstorm ways we can all work together!

Topics: 21st Century Skills in Libraries, Events | Comments Off on Digital Literacy Public Forums

Social Media and Libraries

By karen | March 2, 2012

Social media and Web 2.0 applications and tools are increasingly being used by U.S. libraries of all types.   Social Media, Libraries, and Web 2.0: How American Libraries are Using New Tools for Public Relations and to Attract New Users  was recently published by the South Carolina State Library.  This report provides quantitative and qualitative data gathered from library staff members across the U.S. to determine how libraries are employing a variety of Web 2.0 and social networking tools to promote library programs and services.

The survey was conducted in November, 2011 by the South Carolina State Library, coordinated by the agency’s communications director, Dr. Curtis R. Rogers.  According to Rogers, “The data gathered by this survey provides a wealth of information about how libraries of all types are using social media to promote library services and events.  It was difficult to filter all of the comments because so many library staff members had so much to say about their successes with social media.  It was also interesting to see that some libraries are still not employing these free tools especially in such tough economic times.”

Topics: 21st Century Skills in Libraries, Future of Libraries, Technology | Comments Off on Social Media and Libraries

Do you want to understand archives?

By Donna DiMichele | March 1, 2012

Understanding Archives: An Introduction to Archival Principles & Practices, a Society of American Archivists (SAA) workshop, will be offered in Providence on Monday, May 21 through Tuesday, May 22, 2012.
The program is co-sponsored by the Johnson & Wales University Library. Details

Workshop Description
Although they have much in common with librarians, records managers, and museum staff, archivists must use different practices to protect the integrity of historical records. A strong archives program puts into practice long-standing archival principles. What are those principles and how do you implement them? This workshop provides an overview of the core archival functions of appraisal, accessioning, arrangement and description, preservation, reference, and access.

In this workshop you’ll:

Who should attend? Librarians, records managers, museum staff, and administrators who have responsibility for archival records but little or no archives training.

Workshop Fees early bird/regular
SAA Member $295 / $345
SAA Student or Bridge Member Promotion: $149 / $179
Employees of Member Institutions $335 / $365
Nonmember $375 / $425
Nonmember Students Promotion: $225 / $255 (Please submit proof of enrollment to servicecenter@archivists.org or via fax to 312-606-0728)
Early-Bird Registration Deadline: April 22, 2012

For more information and to register

Topics: Continuing Education, Preservation | Comments Off on Do you want to understand archives?

The Legislative Process and You

By Donna DiMichele | February 24, 2012

The Legislative Process and You: How it Works and How to Make a Difference

“Anyone who remembers Schoolhouse Rock’s “How a Bill Becomes a Law” knows that the process is long, arduous and frustrating.  That’s the bad news.  The good news is that library advocates have opportunities to make a difference at every step of the way.  In this webinar Stephanie Vance will give you the insider secrets on using the legislative process to your advantage.  She’ll show you how to be engaged at every point — from introduction and referral to conference committee — as well as the key things you should know about any legislative arena before diving in.  Participants will come away from the session with a checklist and work plan to implement these ideas right away – and make a positive difference for libraries!”
American Library Association, Washington Office-Office of Government Relations

If the preceding paragraph resonates with you, sign up for this FREE webinar scheduled for  Monday, February 27, 2012 from  4:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST

Reserve your Webinar seat now.  Space is limited.

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

System Requirements:

Contact:

Ted Wegner
Grassroots Coordinator
American Library Association
Washington Office-Office of Government Relations
1615 New Hampshire Avenue N.W., 1st Floor
Washington, DC 20009-2520
Phone: 202-628-8410
Fax: 202-628-8419

Topics: ALA, Continuing Education, Events | Comments Off on The Legislative Process and You


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