Wednesday, November 26, 2003

Friday Notes 2.  An on-line resource for NEILSA Librarians HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM THE NEILSA Staff At the very end is some real FOOLISHNESS: Thanksgiving Holiday Closings: NEILSA office will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday and Friday this week, November 27th and 28th. The office opens again on Monday December 1st. DEADLINES & DATES: I'll try to list all the upcoming dates of importance here, you will have to mine for the details. GATES FOUNDATION GRANTS: xx Eye Opener #2 The "GRANT VERIFICATION REPORT" asks that you explain how the grant funds were used and more importantly, the impact that the new Gates PCs have had on public access computing in your library.  This final report must be postmarked by December 5th and mailed to: 12/1/2003 x Consortia     FORMS DUE/UPCOMING:   Re-invention Survey: NOTE: PLEASE we need everyone's participation, whether you lost, gained or stayed the same. The survey should be completed at one session, and only one per library. When you are ready to complete the survey online, please go to:  http://www.ilsa.lib.ia.us/reinventintro.htm If you have questions or need to make changes, please call Eunice at the Library Service Area.     County Meetings Scheduled: If your county meeting date is not on the schedule please contact Ken at NEILSA      Allamakee County Meeting -      Black Hawk County Meeting - When called - seldom      Bremer County Meeting - April 20, 2004 at 7:30 in Tripoli (?)      Buchanan County Meeting -      Butler County Meeting  - April 6, 2004 at 7:00 in Aplington      Chickasaw County Meeting -      Clayton County Meeting -      Delaware County Meeting - May 11, 2004 at 7:00 in Manchester      Dubuque County - DALINC - 18 December Breakfast meeting at the Hoffman House.              15 January Business meeting at the James Kennedy Public Library in Dyersville.      Fayette County Meeting - Maynard PL 4/15/4 & Oelwein PL Oct 15, 2004      Grundy County Meeting - 1/26/2004 at 09:00 in Wellsburg      Howard County Meeting   - Riceville 7:00 April 6th 2004 (I think)     Winneshiek County Meeting - November 4, 2004 @ 7:00 in Fort A NEXT weeks meetings - none Upcoming Grant Application Deadlines xx "End Plate" below CE:                                    SPECIAL WORKSHOPS: x "End Plate" below     CLASSES in NEILSA: x "End Plate" below     OTHER CE: You must register with the listed provider. xx "End Plate" below ANNOUNCEMENTS: At the American Library Association's 2003 Midwinter Meeting, the Council approved the establishment of a Special Task Force on Rural School, Tribal and Public Libraries. That task force will make its report to Council at the ALA Conference in Orlando, June 2004. The task force has developed a Rural Libraries Survey, which has a deadline date of December 15, 2003. The task force would appreciate your informing your members to download the form at http://www.ala.org/rural and faxing or mailing it back by that date, if they consider their libraries to be rural. The charge for the task force is noted at the top of the survey. Questions about the survey and/or the task force may be sent to olos@ala.org, to be forwarded to the task force.             Good Morning! This time in EYE-OPENER: 1) More News About PLM Classes 2) Gates Computer Project Final Report 3) Meetings / Events This Week 4) Thanksgiving Holiday Closings 1) More News About PLM Classes: Last week, EYE-OPENER brought you news of the Public Library Management courses scheduled for spring 2004. Full details of dates and online registration are posted on the State Library's website at: http://www.silo.lib.ia.us/for-ia-libraries/continuing-ed/cecat.htm PLM1 begins on April 1st with Deb Tobias as instructor; PLM2 begins on March 30th with Marie Harms as instructor. Registration deadline for both classes is February 27th. Here's an important change in the PLM courses that you need to be aware of. Beginning with spring of 2004, PLM1 is now a prerequisite before taking PLM2. In years past, students could take these courses in either order. Many students opted to take part 2 before part 1 because of scheduling conveniences. But that's no longer possible--and this is an important change in the program. The content of PLM1 is more fundamental, teaching more of the basics of library management. For instance, PLM1 topics include board-director-staff relationships, the budget process, policy development, personnel issues, cataloging theory, etc. The content of PLM2 is more advanced and teaches intellectual freedom, community analysis, programming for teens and adult audiences, etc. New directors who may have missed out on the fall round of PLM classes can enroll anytime--online--for the spring '04 sessions. But please be aware that you must enroll in PLM1 before taking PLM2. Remember that new public library directors are required to become certified within 2 years of being hired, in order for the library to be eligible for DIRECT STATE AID. Call with any questions... 2) Gates Computer Project Final Report: The Gates Computer Project is wrapping up in Iowa. Throughout the summer and fall, thousands of new computers were installed in 380 public libraries across the state. By now, the Gates Foundation's massive undertaking of computer installations and training classes is complete. However, there's still some work ahead in order to be in compliance with the terms of the Gates Grant Program. Each library that received a Gates computer is required to complete a "GRANT VERIFICATION REPORT." You should already be in receipt of this report, along with a cover letter of explanation; this latest packet was mailed to Iowa libraries about 2 weeks ago. The "GRANT VERIFICATION REPORT" asks that you explain how the grant funds were used and more importantly, the impact that the new Gates PCs have had on public access computing in your library. This final report must be postmarked by December 5th and mailed to: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Attention Maureen Whitmore P.O.Box 23350 Seattle, WA. 98102 If you have any questions or problems in completing this "GRANT VERIFICATION REPORT," please contact Maureen Whitmore at 206-709-3203 or email maureen@gatesfoundation.org 3) Meetings / Events This Week: EDIT local data For your information, NWILS Board agenda is posted on our website at: http://www.nwils.lib.ia.us/board%20agenda.html 4) Thanksgiving Holiday Closings: NWILS office will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday and Friday this week, November 27th and 28th. The office opens again on Monday December 1st. Assuming the weather holds, I'm heading to Wisconsin for turkey, cheese, and Packer games:-) Note there will not be an EYE-OPENER on December 1st. I have the day off and Chris will be attending a grant-writing seminar during the week of December 1st. So look for the next EYE-OPENER on December 8th. Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels! Bonnie McKewon Here is an early free holiday present for libraries from the folks at The Bloomsbury Review. Just send Marilyn Auer, the editor, a note at her e-mail at BloomsB@aol.com with your physical address (for UPS, a PO Box will not work) and the number of free copies of the current November-December gift book issue of The Bloomsbury Review you want her to ship you, and she will. It is a great giveaway for reading clubs, Friends groups, and your adult and young adult readers. The magazine, if you are not familiar with it, is a book review and essay magazine with interviews of contemporary authors and a focus on the best of the quality regional, small and academic publishers in the US and Canada, with a special emphasis on regional fiction and nonfiction as well as multi-cultural and contemporary issues. Over 20 years of the best books, adult and children, fiction and nonfiction. No strings, but this offer is limited, so please e-mail Marilyn today at BloomsB@aol.com. They have supported libraries for many years.     New LINKS of interest: http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/right-to-read.html The Right to Read [Richard Stallman] "The right to read is a battle being fought today. Although it may take 50 years for our present way of life to fade into obscurity, most of the specific laws and practices described above have already been proposed; many have been enacted into law in the US and elsewhere. In the US, the 1998 Digital Millenium Copyright Act established the legal basis to restrict the reading and lending of computerized books (and other data too). The European Union imposed similar restrictions in a 2001 copyright directive. " http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=03/11/24/127250 "The Washington Post reports on the loss of knowledge in ephemeral web pages, which a medical researcher compares to the burning of ancient Alexandria's library. As the board chairman of the Internet Archive says, "The average lifespan of a Web page today is 100 days. This is no way to run a culture.""   CHANGES: None reported CONSORTIA:     CONSORTIA PACKET: The Consortia packet itself: Is on-line at the NEILSA site at:   http://www.neilsa.org/erate/consortdocs04.html You Must Complete and return by 12/01/2003 at the latest the following:      E-Rate Letter of Agency      CIPA Compliance Checklist      Form 479      E-Rate Plans Survey IF you have any questions PLEASE call Ken at the LSA office, that is why we are there, and this is a very unlogical/confusing federal government program.  Not understanding is the norm not unusual. Technology Plan you have the choice of using the Consortia plan or an approved plan of your own.         CIPA Workshops: You may attend the class in West Union on December 15, 2003 [4 ce's] from 1:00 to 5:00 in the new computer lab and conference room.  There will be a fee of $25.00 for this session.  NOTE: Three people are currently signed up for this session it will happen BUT be certain to sign up as location may be changed. CIPA Workshop Agenda 12/15     1:00 - TPM's and compliance with CIPA – In this part we will review the requirements of the CIPA law and various methods of complying including the use of filtering software, blocking, and selection.     2:00 - Policy and compliance with NCIPA -   In this part we will review the requirements of the     NCIPA law and the policy requirements of the law. 3:00 - 3:15 Break     3:15 - Consortia Forms required for the clean-up application – DEADLINES.  We will also discuss the e-rate paperwork flow, SLD, PIA, TCSB and other things known only by letters.  We will also start reviewing specific policies of people who have copies with them. 4:30 Finished     WARNING:     Any library not represented at either a county meeting session or the West Union class will not be eligible for participation in a Consortia filing. CIPA Workshops scheduled - you are invited to attend - please "register" before hand with LSA     West Union December 15, 2003 [4 ce's] 1:00 to 5:00 - fee of $25.00 for this session.  This session will go into much more detail and we will review the specific requirements and policies. NOTE: This is after you MUST have your paperwork in to the Consortia before (or on) 12/1/2003 to be in the main application (Form 471), the Consortia does a "clean up" app but it is the one most likely to be turned down - that app will go in 12/29/2003 the last possible day for the July 2004 - June 2005 funding year.  END PLATE: Previously run & Long Announcements, Supporting Documents, & other "stuff" EDITORS NOTES: "x" & "xx" are long standing catalogers shorthand for: x = See xx = See also Material in published at least once before has been moved to this "End Plate" section of the issue and will remain here until the week before the deadline, it will be removed when dated..  Color is something I really think you should have a look at, except URL blue for links. EYE-OPENER: I strongly suggest that you read the EYE OPENER Bonnie & Chris have a differing philosophy, and are much more disciplined than I am as to what they include, by the time I edit out their local material the EYE OPENER has really good material you should know about. Upcoming Grant Application Deadlines We The People Bookshelf grants The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) are accepting applications from public and school (K-12) libraries for the We The People Bookshelf grants. Part of NEH's We The People initiative, the Bookshelf project will award the 15 Bookshelf books for young readers to up to 500 libraries across the country. Selected libraries are required to present programs that highlight the theme of "courage" and encourage young readers to explore these works. Libraries interested in receiving the We The People Bookshelf grant can view the application and guidelines at http://www.ala.org/wethepeople or http://www.wethepeople.gov. Applications are being accepted online until February 15, 2004 for Round Two. 1. The State Historical Society of Iowa has had the HRDP funding restored and is inviting applications for preservation projects in documentary collections, museums, and historic preservation. Deadline is January 15, 2004. For details see (categories of acceptable projects are under the eligibility bullet): http://www.iowahistory.org/grants/shsi_grants/hrdp/hrdp.html 2. Upcoming IMLS Deadlines All deadlines for FY 2004 IMLS grant and award program applications can be viewed at: http://www.imls.gov/grants/dedln/index.htm Categories include: National Leadership Grants for Museums, Museums in the Community category; National Leadership Grants for Libraries, Continuing Education, Curriculum Development, and Training category; and Native American Library Services, Basic and Professional Assistance categories. 3. a couple sites with information on funding opportunities are: http://www.silo.lib.ia.us/for-ia-libraries/funding-info/ http://www.collectioncare.org/funding/funding.html All IMLS grant and award program deadlines can be viewed at: http://www.imls.gov/grants/dedln/index.htm CE:     SPECIAL WORKSHOPS:                         CLASSES in NEILSA: Watch for upcoming spring Trustees Workshops Library 101 for December. We have dates now that we hope will work for everyone.     December 18th 9:00--12:00 IF you wish to attend contact  NEILSA to register.  If you would like a site added contact Ken at NEILSA immediately.  The online sign-up  for Library 101 is at:  http://www.neilsa.org/classes/library101.cfm. NOTE: While Library 101 is intended primarily for new directors it is not a bad idea for experienced directors to attend from time to time as a refresher, to send any up and coming staff that you are attempting to groom for advancement, or maybe even a highschool kid who might like to learn more about the profession.     OTHER CE: You must register with the listed provider. "Learning Activity Written Summery" may be found at: http://www.silo.lib.ia.us/for-ia-libraries/continuing-ed/online-learningactivitywrittensummary.htm We have a go on all of the Summer Library Project workshop dates and locations for 2004! They will be as follows:  Feb 4 - Methodist Church - Mount Pleasant, Feb 5 - Coralville Public Library,  Feb 6 - Fayette Public Library,  Feb 9 - Everly Community Center, Feb 10 - Arthur Public Librarym Feb 11 - Elliott Public Library, Feb 12 - Urbandale Public Library, Feb 13 - Fisher Community Center - Marshalltown, Feb 19 - Music Man Square - Mason City, Feb 20 - Fort Dodge Public Library Complete details about re-certification are available at http://www.silo.lib.ia.us/for-ia-libraries/continuing-ed/recertification.html Self-Directed Learning Opportunities: http://www.silo.lib.ia.us/Certification/alternate.htm Other LSA blogs:     SWILSA House blog at: http://www.swilsa.blogspot.com     Blogs for Libraries [WebJunction]     http://www.webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=1432 On line Newsletters:     Regional Rag. http://www.sls.lib.ia.us/rag.htm 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:CorelwpdocsFridayNotes0613.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, less otherwise) I have 10 days to reply, if I miss the deadline, well I won't miss, if you miss  ... I'll send it in late but .... FOOLISHNESS: A couple of these I have not seen before but ... Only in America......can a pizza get to your house faster than an ambulance.      2. Only in America......are there handicap parking places in front of a skating rink.    3. Only in America......do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.    4. Only in America..do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke.    5. Only in America......do banks leave both doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.    6. Only in America...do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.    7. Only in America......do we use answering machines to screen calls and then have call waiting so we won't miss a call from someone we didn't want to talk to in the first place.    8. Only in America......do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight.    9. Only in America......do we use the word 'politics' to describe the process so well: 'Poli' in Latin meaning 'many' and 'tics' meaning 'bloodsucking creatures'.    10. Only in America......do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.    EVER WONDER......        Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?      Why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?      Why don't you ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?      Why is "abbreviated" such a long word?      Why is it that doctors call what they do "practice"?        Why is it that to stop Windows 98, you have to click on "Start"?          Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?    Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?      Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?    Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?    When dog food is new and improved tasting, who tests it?    Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?    Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?    You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?!    Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?    Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?    If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?    If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?    In case you needed further proof that the human race is doomed through stupidity, here are some actual label instructions on consumer goods.............    On a Sears hairdryer: Do not use while sleeping. ( that's the only time I have to work on my hair).    On a bag of Fritos:! ....You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside. (the shoplifter special)?    On a bar of Dial soap: "Directions: Use like regular soap." (and that would be how???....)    On some Swanson frozen dinners: "Serving suggestion: Defrost." (but, it's "just" a suggestion).    On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom): "Do not turn upside down." (well...duh, a bit late, huh)!    On Marks &Spencer Bread Pudding: "Product will be hot after heating." (...and you thought????...)    On packaging for a Rowenta iron: "Do not iron clothes on body." (but wouldn't this save me more time?)    On Boot's Children Cough Medicine: "Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication." (We could do a lot to reduce the rate of construction accidents if we could just get those 5-year-olds with head-colds off those forklifts.)    On Nytol Sleep Aid: "Warning: May cause drowsiness." (and...I'm taking this because???....)    On most brands of Christmas lights: "For indoor or outdoor use only." (as opposed to...what?)    On a Japanese food processor: "Not to be used for the other use." (now, somebody out there, help me on this. I'm a bit curious.)    On Sunsbury's peanuts: "Warning: contains nuts." (talk about a news flash)    On an American Airlines packet of nuts: "Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts." (Step 3: maybe, uh..fly Delta?)    On a child's superman costume: "Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly." (I don't blame the company. I blame the parents for this one.)    On a Swedish chainsaw:"Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals." (..was there a lot of this happening somewhere?) Now that you've smiled at least once,      It's your turn to spread the stupidity and send this to someone you want to bring a smile to (maybe even a chuckle)...in other words, send it to everyone. We all need to smile every once in a while.   4:03:00 PM    comment []

© Copyright 2003 Ken Davenport. Last update: 12/5/2003; 3:22:57 PM.