Friday Notes 2.
An on-line resource for NEILSA Librarians
DEADLINES & DATES:
I'll try to list all the upcoming dates of importance here, you will have
to mine for the details.
Accreditation Reports Were Due January 30th
February - BYCA (Before Your Computer Arrives), someone from
your library MUST attend the BYCA workshop.
Late spring/early summer workshops. March 24, 25, and 26
Upcoming Grant Application Deadlines
Nominate an Outstanding Museum or Library for National Service Award
These awards are the nation's highest honor for the extraordinary public
service provided by museums and libraries. The deadline is February 15,
2003. See: http://www.imls.gov/whatsnew/current/112102.htm
National Leadership Grants for Libraries: February 1, 2003.
http://www.imls.gov/grants/library/lib_nlgl.asp
National Award for Library Service: February 15, 2003.
http://www.imls.gov/grants/library/lib_nals.htm
National Award for Museum Service: February 15, 2003.
http://www.imls.gov/grants/museum/mus_nams.asp.
National Leadership Grants for Museums: March 1, 2003.
http://www.imls.gov/grants/museum/mus_nlgm.asp
National Leadership Grants for Library/Museum Collaborations: April 1, 2003.
http://www.imls.gov/grants/l-m/l-m_lead.asp
All IMLS grant and award program deadlines can be viewed at:
http://www.imls.gov/grants/dedln/index.htm
County Meetings Scheduled:
If your county meeting is not on the schedule please contact NEILSA
• Allamakee County Meeting
• Black Hawk County Meeting - When called - seldom
• Bremer County Meeting - April 8, 2002 @ 7:30 in Readlyn
• Buchanan County Meeting - April 22, 2002 @ 7:00 in Fairbank
PL
• Butler County Meeting - April 1, 2002 7:00 Shell
Rock PL
• Chickasaw County Meeting
• Clayton County Meeting - April 22 @ 7:30 McGregor PL
• Delaware County Meeting - May 13, 2002 @ 7:00 Edgewood
P L
• Dubuque County -
• Fayette County Meeting - April 10th at 10:00 @
Fayette Library
• Grundy County Meeting - All meetings start at 9:00 am
2003 schedule 4/28 @ Dike,
6/28 @ Grundy Center, 10/27 @ Reinbeck
• Howard County Meeting - April 7, 2003 @ 7:00
Elma PL
• Winneshiek County Meeting
CE:
Special Workshops:
One & two hour workshops at Fall & Spring county meetings, item specific
workshops.
OTHER CE: You must register with
the listed provider. Check: http://www.silo.lib.ia.us/for_ia_libraries/continuing_ed/index.html
Self-Directed Learning Opportunities: http://www.silo.lib.ia.us/Certification/alternate.htm
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Harry Potter series tops list of most challenged books
four years in a row
The best-selling Harry Potter series of children's books by J.K. Rowling
tops the list of books most challenged in 2002, according to the American
Library Association's (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom. The Potter series
drew complaints from parents and others concerned about the books' focus
on wizardry and magic. http://www.ala.org/news/v8n16/banned_books.html
In the EYE-OPENER from NWILSA:
1) New Edition of IOWA LIBRARY TRUSTEES' HANDBOOK: By early February, each
public library should receive 2 complimentary copies of the new IOWA LIBRARY
TRUSTEES' HANDBOOK. The new 2003 edition is produced and published by the
State Library; one complimentary copy is for the director's office, the
second is for each board president. Additional copies for all other board
members can be purchased through the State Library for $5.00 each. A cover
letter and order form for extra copies will accompany the mailing. Look for
this mailing within the week--and thanks to you directors for passing along
the second copy to your board president. News of the newest TRUSTEES'
HANDBOOK will make a logical addition to your upcoming board agendas.
2) Heavly edited to remove local information On February 19th, NWILS
is partnering with other LSAs {NOT NEILSA} and with several AEAs to
offer
"Children's and YA Literature Booktalks" over the ICN. 3 media
specialists
from Iowa City will present, in booktalking fashion, some of the most
notable preschool through young adult books published in 2002.
This ICN presentation runs from 9:00AM--12:00noon and is worth 3 c.e.
credits. Pre-registration is required because we'll need to mail each
person
the program handouts and bibliography--those are not available online.
3) Accreditation Reports Due January 30th: A reminder that the "Library
Accreditation and Report Form" is due at the State Library this week,
January 30th. This 7-page report serves as a checklist for libraries to
indicate their progress toward meeting state service standards. Once these
reports are received in Des Moines, the State Library is able to
place your local library into one of three "funding tiers" for Direct State
Aid. 10 service standards are required of libraries to be funded in Tier
1;
another 13 are required to be funded in Tier 2. Libraries funded in Tier
3
are fully accredited, with accreditation good for 3 years. Please don't
delay in completing this important paperwork, as it's directly linked to
your library's receipt of Direct State Aid funding. Feel free to call with
questions.
New LINKS of interest:
What are "Graphic Novels" go to: http://www.artbomb.net/comics/introgn.jsp?p=1
THINK ABOUT THIS:
If your budget in 1975 was $10,000.00 inflation has turned it into:
Year Dollars (2000)
1975 $10,000
1980 $14,748
1985 $21,106
1990 $25,183
1995 $30,105
2000 $33,728
In other words what you bought in 1975 for $10,000 would cost $33,728 OR
what would cost you $10,000 today cost $2965 in 1975. So a "same as
last year" budget is really a cut.
http://www.westegg.com/inflation/infl.cgi
CPI Inflation Calculator
YOU WROTE: snippets from your e-mails:
Q -- "How come I'm not on list (Consortia List) I faxed
stuff more than once...."
There could be a number of reasons, but they all come down to "What is the
quickest, least time consuming way for Ken to get this information?"
Because we do not have the staff to go back into 80+ files [12 feet] looking
for things we ask again. Most of what we ask is top of your head information
for YOU e.g. who is your phone company, school district, ISP - OR is information
that could/should be right on hand e.g. copy of phone bill.
For example you can bet that, for e-rate, I (Ken) will ask at least 3 times
a year for:
1. Name of the phone company
2. Name of ISP
3. Copy of bills, usually the highest, sometimes latest or "any" bill from
vendor(s)
4. If you have any plans to change
5. If you are getting your discount
SO make an e-rate file for yourself and keep a copy of the needed data ready
to go.
You DO NOT need to send in monthly phone
bills any longer.
NOTE: The request will come in the form of an, usually,
one page fill in the blank(s) form. Use the form, do not put a cover
letter with it or retype the data into some other format, do not include
it with ILL requests, reference questions, tuck it into the van bag, or a
book.
APOLOGIA:
WHY?
Because as the forms come in they go into one
of several boxs based on the cover form we sent, the person taking
material off the fax may have no idea what it is, just that this form, looking
like the sample form, taped to the box, goes into this box.
Staff does not have time to be cross-trained on what each others programs
are up to, sorry, that is just the way it is.
So if your communication/reply does not "fit the mold" it goes into the general
pile to be looked at later. In the case of e-rate where we almost always
have a deadline, "later" may be to late. OR you may get multiple request
for the same thing. Our only check on the box is a list of libraries on which
we check who has responded if you are not checked you will get two (2) follow
ups, that is it.
Regional told you for many years that the budget cuts were killing us, the
LSA reminded people that the next budget cuts would mean loss of services,
when Jim retired you loss building consulting and, not as obvious, you lost
cross training of staff. We have attempted to maintain the services
but do so by spreading staff thin. For example NO ONE else knows anything
about the e-rate program -- without Ken your paperwork/discounts et. al.
die, without Eunice - no computer/reference support. Almost everything
you receive in the way of LSA services rests on the shoulders of one individual.
A great deal is done by our work/study student who is going to graduate this
year, and you will lose some more services.
The dirty little secret is that the wall that is the LSA is paper thin,
the support we can provide to you is just barely there and it is NOT going
to get better. Most of you live with very similar problems and we know
it, but we ask that you understand that when we ask for information and we
provide a form, such as the ILL/Reference "gray" form or e-rate forms - PLEASE
USE THE FORM, if for no other reason to protect yourself.
We, like you in your library, are doing the very best we can to keep the
services that are important to you, what that means is that you get dumped
on (unfairly) to do things in a pictural way or repeatedly or via computer
that in a better world would be done personally. By doing all the rote
stuff by rote we are able to squeeze out some time to still give some individual
service where needed and to do extra things, like e-rate. Without your
help, cooperation and understanding the LSA is going to fail - big time -
blue screen of death failure.
Q: "How much should we put in our budget to the city for erate grant?"
A: I would strongly suggest that for the budget you do NOT include anything
for e-rate discount on the phone bill or Internet charges. Budget for
the full bill(s) then when you find you have not spent all that line (due
to getting a discount) sometime in early May transfer the amount not spent
to the Materials budget or some such and spend it on materials.
If you put the discount in the budget, and if something were to happen e.g.
program canceled, our application refused, phone company will not do discounts
et. al. then you will overspend your budget. People get real uptight
if you go over budget but seldom say anything (like thanks or good work)
when you come under budget. Remember this is a discount program and
as such is not an entitlement, it could go away for any number of reasons.
The 2002 Public Library Statistics tables are on the web site
at
http://www.silo.lib.ia.us/for-ia-libraries/statistics/. Follow the
Library Statistics link. The printed version will be available in early
March.
Web Connect will have 2002 data in about a week. The password is the same
as your Web Collect password. Contact the State Library or your LSA if you
have lost the password.
Iowa e-file update
I (Gerry Rowland) used Iowa e-file to file my state taxes (from home). The
online form is
much improved. One improvement is that you can print out the work form and
fill it out offline. This would allow a patron to take the work form home
and get everything set before using e-file at the library. A second major
improvement is that the fields are pre-formatted, which eliminates the
frustration of having to re-enter Employer ID numbers. Just FYI.
Accreditation reports
If you need an extension on the accreditation report, please send me (Gerry)
an
e-mail. We will post the list of reports received in the near future.
Gerry
Gerry Rowland
CONSORTIA 1
NEWS & E-Rate: As of noon today
all the libraries not in the Consortia had been sent the "Last Chance" fax.
From now on it goes like this:
2/1/3 - Ken works on B.E.A.R. Forms will finalize and certify 2/3/3
2/2/3 - Ken puts in the Form 471 for Telecommunications and for Internet
for Consortia
2/3, 4 & 5/3 - Ken puts in last minute & panic Form 471's for
people who "forgot" things
2/6/2003 at 10:59 pm Window closes - any hope of getting funding is now lost
- DEADline.
2/7/3 - Ken explains to someone that it is to late, don't let it be you!!!
Gates Foundation Grants News:
IF you are making Internet connection changes for Gates Grants make certain
that the LSA knows, IF you want e-rate support for the new Internet Connection
during the July 1, 2003 - June , 2004 year. See
also above.
You should have received an e-mail that contained a paragraph something like
this:
[This is the one for the people going to Elkader]
This email is to confirm your attendance and to clarify that the workshop
will be held in the Banquet Hall at 916 A High Street. The Banquet Hall is
adjacent to the restaurant and shares the same parking lot. The workshop
will begin promptly at 9:30am. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes
early to check in and pick up the workshop materials.
IF you did not contact Ken right away.
END PLATE: Long Announcements, Supporting Documents, &
other "stuff"
Just What is a BLOG, anyway?
- "In a few short years, web logging software has changed the way many people
look at the web. Web logs (blogs) allow content to be posted to a web site
with the click of a mouse. Because content can be posted quickly and easily,
blogs have also become one of the best ways to stay current with the cutting
edge of many fields. Blogs have allowed those with an interest in a specific
area such as libraries and technology to develop a community and share knowledge
and experience. But for librarians, blogs aren't only about professional
or personal growth."
"They are also a tool to do what we've always done: collect, categorize,
and make information accessible. After all, adding a blog to your library's
sites is free and easy. It is also a quick way for you and your staff to
communicate information to your public and, if you choose, to provide a forum
for your public to join the discussion."
"Generally, blogs are either personal or informational. Personal blogs focus
mainly on the author's life and typically take the form of an online diary.
Personal blogs have many fine uses such as sharing your vacation photos with
the grand kids in California but they are usually of limited interest. Here
we'll look closely at informational blogs. (from Library Journal via Resourceshelf)
Is It Time To Get Blogging? Blake Carver -- 1/15/2003
© 2001 Cahners Business Information
ALA Public Programs Office & Association of American Publishers Launches
First Stage of Authors @ your library Website
The Association of American Publishers, the principal trade association for
the book publishing industry, in conjunction with the American Library Association
(ALA), Friends of Libraries USA, and Library Journal , today introduced the
Authors @ your library website. The website is a promising new resource for
connecting libraries around the country with authors and publicists who want
to promote their books.
Responding to an often-heard concern that publishers do not book authors
in libraries as often as librarians and patrons would like, in the fall of
2002, the AAPs Trade Libraries Committee formed a partnership with the ALA,
Friends of Libraries USA, and Library Journal to create Authors @ your library
, a website that will ultimately serve as a searchable database for both
librarians seeking authors and for publicists looking for speaking opportunities
for their authors. The website, which is temporarily accessible at http://www.ala.org/publicprograms/authors@yourlibrary
, will eventually be available via the Library Journal, Publishers Weekly
, and School Library Journal web sites.
Pat Schroeder, President and CEO of AAP, said, "We're delighted to be working
with libraries on this important initiative. We hope that by making it easier
for libraries to host author events, we can generate more buzz about the
joys of books and reading."
Commenting on the announcement, Mary Davis Fournier of the ALA Public Programs
Office said, "We are excited to announce Authors @ your library . This website
will offer libraries the ability to connect with authors in ways previously
not possible. Authors @ your library will make it easier for publishers and
librarians to arrange free and accessible author events in libraries that
will benefit communities nationwide."
Library Journal, Publishers Weekly , and School Library Journal have agreed
to host the Authors @ your library website in conjunction with their Authors
on the Highway service. In the near future, the website will also feature
practical advice for librarians who want to host author events as well as
advice for publishers looking to place authors in libraries.
Dan Lundy of the Penguin Group (USA) and a member of the AAPs Trade Libraries
Committee added, "We want to educate publicists and librarians about author
events, bringing a greater author presence to libraries throughout the country.
Libraries represent a tremendous opportunity for publicizing books and authors;
we look forward to maximizing that opportunity and increasing sales."
Publicity planned for the launch of Authors @ your library includes a Day
of Dialogue presentation at BookExpo America in Los Angeles, a presentation
at ALAs Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia, as well as a feature article that
previews the project in Library Journal's February 15, 2003 issue.
The mission of the ALA Public Programs Office is to foster cultural programming
as an integral part of library service in all types of libraries. Established
in 1990, the office helps thousands of libraries nationwide develop and host
programs that encourage dialogue among community members and works to establish
libraries as cultural centers in their communities. For more information
about the ALA Public Programs Office, please visit www.ala.org/publicprograms
.
AAP is the national trade association of the U.S. book publishing industry.
AAP's approximately 300 members include most of the major commercial book
publishers in the United States, as well as smaller and non-profit publishers,
university presses, and scholarly societies. AAP members publish hardcover
and paperback books in every field and a range of educational materials for
the elementary, secondary, post-secondary, and professional markets. Members
also produce computer software and electronic products and services.
ALA Public Programs Office
Linking Libraries, Communities and Culture
http://www.ala.org/publicprograms
publicprograms@ala.org
The fine print stuff
blogs - Friday Notes 2 AT - http://radio.weblogs.com/0108327/
NOTICE – DISCLAIMER - pick one, any one will do.
MY disclaimer:
Basically my opinions are my own, shared by no one else (sometimes), and
are not the opinions of my agency, my board, my co-workers, my parents, siblings,
relatives, my dogs or most any other know life form. Except, of course,
those very bright concerned, sensitive, perceptive &, in general, well
educated, widely read and cultured individuals who wish to share this peculiar
road to ruin, as well as a couple of down & out drugged out beatniks
from the good old days. OK? The "Prime Directive" applies.
Edited by:
Ken Davenport - NEILSA Consultant
davenport@neilsa.org
COPYLEFT NOTICE 2002:
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PUBLICATION IS FREE.
It may be copied, distributed and/or modified under the conditions set down
in the Design Science License published by Michael Stutz at
http://dsl.org/copyleft/dsl.txt
© COPYRIGHT
Please note: material found on the web should be assumed to be under copyright
and is presented here for purposes of education and research only.
NOTE: If credited [via ???] or [from so & so] it is their material and
not covered by my "Copyleft" notice. Ken
SOURCE: {Consultant} D:CorelwpdocsFridayNotes0131.wpd August 2,
2002
BOILER PLATE FOOTNOTES:
1. WARNING: I will be able to give you about
a 5 working day warning on deadlines (by e-mail & FAX, less otherwise)
I have 7 days to reply, if I miss the deadline, well I won't miss, if you
miss ... I'll send it in late but ...
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