CE: Be sure to call us at 800-772-2023 or email conted@neilsa.org to sign up soon. There will not be a separate flyer.
Check http://www.neilsa.org/classes/current.html for online registration.
OTHER CE: You must register with the listed provider.
SPECTRUM CLASS: The Northeast Iowa SWUG (Sagebrush Winnebago Users Group) is sponsoring a computer workshop on Thursday, September 26 at Fayette Public Library for all Sagebrush Winnebago users. The cost is $50.00. The workshop will cover Web Connect and general information pertaining to the Spectrum product. A trained technician from the company will be conducting the workshop. A requirement of at least 18 registered attendees are needed for the class to take place. Please contact Lorraine Borowski, Decorah Public Library if you are interested in participating by Aug. 5.
EBSCOhost classes state wide check at:
http://www.silo.lib.ia.us
/for_ia_libraries/databases/ebsco/training_opportunities.htm.
You must register with the listed provider.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Good Morning! This time in Eye-Opener:
1) News About "The Gates Grants"
2) 4 Reports Due on July 31st
4) Email Etiquette--If You Please
1) News About "The Gates Grants:" The Gates Foundation Library Grants Program makes its way to Iowa in 2003, as computers begin arriving next spring. However, before the computers arrive, there's a bit of paperwork:-)
Please watch for a package coming to your library from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; expect this mailing during the week of August 5th. Included in the mailing will be full Gates program details, along with an application form for your library to complete. Returning the application ensures that your library will be included in the Gates Grants project.
PLEASE NOTE: your Gates Grants Application Form must be returned, directly to the Gates Foundation, BY AUGUST 26TH. This is a brief window of opportunity, so please watch for this mailing, complete and return the application promptly. Public libraries' eligibility status has already been determined by the Gates Foundation. Some libraries have "full eligibility" and therefore will receive a free computer; some libraries have "partial eligibility" and therefore will have the option to purchase a computer at discounted prices. Regardless of full or partial eligibility status, all the computers will be Gateway PCs, loaded with all the same software. Additionally, all libraries (whether full or partial) will receive free tech support, training, publications, and software through the Gates program.
To check on your library's eligibility status, and to learn more about this program, just visit the State Library's web site at http://www.silo.lib.ia.us Click under "For and About Iowa Libraries..."
You're welcome to call NEILSA (edit) with any questions--we'll gladly answer whatever we can. Again, your library's Gates Grants Application Form must be returned, directly to the Gates Foundation, BY AUGUST 26TH.
2) 4 Reports Due on July 31st: Please remember to complete and return 4 important reports to the State Library by July 31st. They are:
Open Access Annual Report
Access Plus Annual Report
Direct State Aid Final Report
Infrastructure Final Report
Blank copies were mailed to all libraries long ago. If you've misplaced any of these papers and need to retrieve blank copies, you can print them from the State Library's web site: http://www.silo.lib.ia.us
The July 31st deadline for these reports is rapidly approaching, so please let us know if you need help or if any lingering questions remain.
4) Email If--If You Please: A few weeks ago, I (Bonnie) began a new feature in EYE-OPENER suggesting email etiquette tips. Emailing is now so commonplace that it's easy to fall into habits that can be hard to break, so I'm hoping that these reminders will make worklife more effective and efficient.
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Here's email etiquette tip #2: please use your email program to build in an "automatic signature line." In doing this, your signature will automatically be tagged at the bottom of all new email messages you send. Best to include your full name, your library name-address-phone, along with your email address.
If you're using OUTLOOK 2000, here's the scoop: open OUTLOOK, from the toolbar click on "Tools," then "Options." Next click on the tab "Mail Format," then "Signature Picker." Choose "new signature" and enter your name at the prompt (simply type in your first and last name; then recipients will be able to see your full name in the "FROM" column in their email inbox) Then continue to fill in your signature information with your personal name again, your library name-address-phone, plus your library email address. Click on "Finish--Apply--OK."
In OUTLOOK EXPRESS, I think there's a place to check "add this signature to all outgoing messages."
Yep, do that too...
If using other email programs, from the toolbar go to your online help for directions in adding signature lines. Give this a try--you'll find it's fun, easy, and good email etiquette:-)
501(c)3 Status
Karen Burns wrote:
As our libraries keep asking about tax exempt status (if they don't have a 501c3 organization) I finally decided to track it down. In the past, JoAnn Strack said they were 501c1, as part of the city and that seems to have been OK for libraries that used it. However, it has made me uneasy to rely on my memory so I have been chasing the goose all morning and finally reached someone in the Tax Exempt Organizations and Government Entity Center of the IRS (1-877-829-5500), where Mrs. Smith says city
libraries are exempt under Section 115 of the code, specifically170b1aVI1. ("And this is their equivalent to a 501c3?" "Yes.") I spoke with Mrs. Smith, #31-07418.
NOTE: Equivalent to NOT the same as, it can make a difference. Ken
LINK: One of the best weblogs around with lots of links of its own is Library Stuff by Steven M. Cohen at
New Library Card Gives Parents More Control - "It just got a lot easier for parents in Charlotte, NC, to find out what their kids are reading at the library. The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC) recently launched a two-tiered library card system at all 23 libraries in Mecklenburg County, giving parents greater authority over the materials their children check out."
"Under the new system, there’s a library card for users from ages 13 to adult and a separate card for those 12 and younger. But the cards, which only affect what books children check out, not what materials they look at while in the library, aren’t mandatory—parents must ask for the special cards."
There are two types of juvenile cards to choose from: the standard checkout card allows users to borrow any library materials, except videotapes and DVDs, and a limited checkout card only lets children borrow materials labeled "easy," "juvenile," or "young adult." Parents have the option of letting their kids take out videotapes and DVDs.
(from School Library Journal 7/17/2)
The following are available to the first person/library to fax Ken with a request.
c2000 Bowker’s Magazines for Libraries (ca. 250.00 new)
c1991 Encyclopedia of Psychology, 4 Vol. (John Wiley, ca $375.00 new)
YOU WROTE: snippets from your e-mails
LSA Challenge Policy Support:
I have had several people ask what LSA policy is on a challenge, simply we support the policy and procedures as written by the board. While we may have our personal opinions, and do, for us the material is the thing, in this case the Board Policy Book. When board and staff are preforming their roles correctly there is seldom any conflict. When someone steps out of the role problems occur, my experience getting the train back on the track is the best thing for all involved.
You have heard it said before "We work with the staff but we work for the library." The Board represents the library. When Littleport was flooded out of existence it remained a library without a collection, building, staff or patrons, as soon as the Littleport Library Board ceased to be, the Littleport Public Library was (with sadness) dropped from the books.
So no mater what the topic The Board and the Boards written policy is primary, there after it is a downhill slide to "Well that’s the way we have always done it." aka Policy by default. When Boards at different libraries have different policies we support the policy of that library. Sometimes this requires shifting gears and sometimes we need you to remind us of what local policy is, but even when the policy is way out in left field, and some are, we support the Boards Policy. The only time we may not support local policy is when the policy is in conflict with the law e.g. a library having a policy to pay less than minimum wage or requiring the staff to put in volunteer hours at the library. Not only are these wrong ethically but illegal.
FEEDBACK:
Survey: NOTE - There will be a question in every Friday Notes. You may respond to the question or not.
As you can see I am still futzing with the type size et. al. PLEASE let me know what you think about the readability.
& of course anything else you would like to chare is most welcome.
If you respond please send replies to Ken by using the comments below.
This weeks Feedback Request:
If you respond please send replies to Ken at
CHANGES:
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