FREE Recorded Webinar: Anatomy of a Successful Library Campaign

UnitedLibePowerGuideNebraska library staff and board members are encouraged to access a free recorded Webinar, Anatomy of a Successful Library Campaign: Real World Tips for Getting the Funding You Need, at https://ala.adobeconnect.com/_a1087453682/p3ggw7rl5mk/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal. United for Libraries recently recorded a webinar with Libby Post of Communication Services and Doreen Hannon, executive director of the Salem-South Lyon (Mich.) District Library, who discussed the library’s successful millage campaign.

Libraries can also access the free United for Libraries Power Guide for Successful Advocacy, which takes the mystery out of advocacy, provides you with an organized step-by-step approach, and allows you to develop a set of strategies that will motivate your community to pressure funders to support the library or in the case of a referendum or a bond issue – to vote “yes.” Check out the Webinar and other online tools developed thanks to a Neal-Schuman Foundation grant.

 

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Throwback Thursday: Interior photo of the Fremont Public Library, circa 1900-1920

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Circulation desk at the Fremont Public Library, circa 1900-1920.

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Award for Promotion of Literature to be Presented

NCB logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 28, 2014

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mary Jo Ryan
402-471-3434
800-307-2665

Award for Promotion of Literature to be Presented

The Nebraska Center for the Book will present the 2014 Jane Geske Award to The Bookworm bookstore at the November 8 Celebration of Nebraska Books in downtown Lincoln. Omaha’s Bookworm bookstore will be honored for their extraordinary contribution to Nebraska’s community of the book. The Bookworm is seen as a critical part of the Omaha reading community. For twenty-eight years it has encouraged, nurtured, and supported books, readers, and writers. The store has a knowledgeable staff that read widely and guide customers to a variety of books and authors. The Bookworm also sponsors many Authors Series programs, bringing in the best authors from around the world to interact with the public through readings and book signings. The Bookworm also works closely with the Omaha Public Libraries by helping to support library events and projects, providing books for author events, and co-sponsoring an annual service project. Omaha Public Library Director Gary Wasdin said, “The Bookworm is one of the library’s strongest partners in Omaha.”

The Nebraska Center for the Book annually presents the Jane Geske Award to an organization, business, library, school, association, or other group that has made an exceptional contribution to literacy, books, reading, bookselling, libraries, or Nebraska literature. The Jane Geske Award commemorates Geske’s passion for books, and was established in recognition of her contributions to the well-being of the libraries of Nebraska. Jane Geske was the director of the Nebraska Library Commission, a founding member of the Nebraska Center for the Book, a Lincoln bookseller, and a long-time leader in Nebraska library and literary activities.

The November 8 Celebration, free and open to the public, will also feature presentation of the 2014 Nebraska Book Awards, and some of the winning authors will read from their work. A list of winners is posted at http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/awards.html. The Celebration of Nebraska Books is scheduled for 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. at 1200 N Street, with the Nebraska Center for the Book Annual Meeting to be held at 2:30 p.m. and an Awards Reception, book signings, and announcement of the 2015 One Book One Nebraska book choice concluding the festivities. The Celebration is sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book and the Nebraska Library Commission, with support from the Friends of the University of Nebraska Press.

The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at the Nebraska Library Commission and brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book, supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is supported by the Nebraska Library Commission.

As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, bringing together people and information.

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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.

 

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The Data Dude – Creativity Pt. II

creative_confidenceA few weeks ago, the Dude took an in depth look at creative confidence (part 1) in relation to library staff interactions. This week, the Dude hopes to illustrate how library programs can facilitate this sense of collective creativity among those using the library. Which brings the Dude to another point, what do we call these people? Patrons? (sounds like Betty Draper) Library users? (OK by me, but some say this sounds too much like a drug user or user, and therefore carries negative connotations) Customer? (they don’t really buy things) Library member? (isn’t everyone a member?) Library supporter? (too much like athletic supporter) Reader? (what if they just consume media, hang out, use the Wi-Fi, or check out audio or talking books?) Client? (sounds either too clinical or X-rated) Visitor? Maybe. OK… let’s go with visitor until something better comes along, even though it fails to address the issue of a “virtual visitor”, you know, with e-books, downloads, databases, and such things. If you have suggestions, e-mail or call me. The lack of consensus and uniformity is perplexing to me but it’s time to move on.

The notion surrounding building creative confidence for library visitors I think centers on building empathy among users, and providing the tools and space for those visitors to work collaboratively so that those relationships have the ability to develop. The library sponsored makerspace has the potential to facilitate both of these things. Most of us have heard of makerspaces, and libraries providing them, but before we delve further into this idea, let’s take a step back and look at what makerspaces are and how they can promote this sort of creativity in the community. According to a 2013 report from Michigan State University, makerspaces are “places where like-minded persons gather to work on personal projects, share tools and expertise as well as learn from each other.” Most of us think of 3D printers when we hear makerspace, but I think the idea transcends just that one tool. There really are a wide variety of things and subjects that can are offered, including (but definitely not limited to) music recording equipment, instruments, sewing machines, crafts, robotics, construction projects, hacking, jewelry, and many others. With such a diverse range of potential offerings, perhaps the best route to take is to talk to your library visitors to determine what interests are out there and to use those resources and skills that already exist. Take advantage of the knowledge and experiences in your community. Many persons with special skills are more than willing to share and exchange ideas. It builds communities and feeds souls. It has the potential to bring like-minded people together and develop lifelong friendships. Jerry Jodloski adequately sums this up: “(It’s) a cooperative, open-source philosophy that helps empower individuals for the greater benefit of the community.” Sounds good to me. Shaka.

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Call for Speakers: Big Talk From Small Libraries 2015

YellThe Call for Speakers for Big Talk From Small Libraries 2015 is now open! This free one-day online conference is aimed at librarians from small libraries; the smaller the better. Small libraries of all types – public, academic, school, museum, special, etc. – are encouraged to submit a proposal.

Do you offer a service or program at your small library that other librarians might like to hear about? Have you implemented a new (or old) technology, hosted an event, partnered with others in your community, or just done something really cool? The Big Talk From Small Libraries online conference gives you the opportunity to share what you’ve done, while learning what your colleagues in other small libraries are doing. Here are some possible topics to get you thinking:

  • Unique Libraries
  • Special Collections
  • New buildings
  • Fundraising
  • Improved Workflows
  • Staff Development
  • Advocacy Efforts
  • Community Partnerships
  • That great thing you’re doing at your library!

For Big Talk From Small Libraries 2015, we’re looking for seven 50-minute presentations and five 10-minute “lightning round” presentations.

Big Talk From Small Libraries 2015 will be held on Friday, February 27, 2015 between 8:45 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (CT) via the GoToWebinar online meeting service. Speakers will be able to present their programs from their own desktops. The schedule will accommodate speakers’ time-zones.

If you are interested in presenting, please submit your proposal by Friday, January 9, 2015. Speakers from libraries serving fewer than 10,000 people will be preferred, but presentations from libraries with larger service populations will be considered.

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Home, Sweet Home, Part I

Ben Miller family outside of sod houseShelter is one of the most important requirements for people living in a harsh environment. Even though we have been enjoying warm fall weather here in Nebraska recently, temperatures will soon drop and snow will fall and the wind will howl at times during the winter. The first homesteaders settling the prairies didn’t always have much to work with in constructing their homes. A number of them used the sod that lay under their feet, cut and stacked into walls. Sod houses provided protection from the sun, wind, and other natural elements; however, residents sometimes wound up sharing the space with more critters than they would have preferred. Some sod houses were used for many years, into the early 1900s, like this sod house belonging to Ben Miller and his family (Ben Miller family outside of sod house, Nebraska State Historical Society Collection).

Family in front of wooden houseAs years went by and their farms became prosperous, families could afford the cost of lumber to build new houses. The farm family in the picture to the right lived in a snug wooden house with a gambrel roof. It does appear that the house is somewhat smaller than the barn in the background, but the barn protected their sources of income (Family in front of wooden house, Nebraska State Historical Society).

Tenement houses and alleyThose families moving west looking for a new life in a larger town, may have wound up in housing such as that to the right. Tenements were built in Omaha in the early 1900s to house not only poor people moving from the east but also immigrants from overseas just as tenements were being built in larger cities such as New York City and Chicago (Tenement houses and alley, Omaha Public Library Collection).

O. M. Carter's residenceNebraska residents who made their money quickly often built homes to reflecFairview, residence of William Jennings Bryan Lincoln, Neb t their wealth. O.M. Carter’s residence to the left was built with wood in the Queen Anne-style of the time. “Fairview”, residence of William Jennings Bryan at the right, also built in a style popular in the United States at the time, was constructed of brick. (Both images from Omaha Public Library Collection.)

Westfield Acres, east elevationSome homes were even more grandiose. Westfield Acres in Fremont, NGeo. A Joslyn residence, 39th & Davenport, Omaha, Nebebraska, to the left, was designed by Alfred C. Class of Ferry and Clas, architects of the 1893 World’s Fair (Westfield Acres, east elevation, Dodge County Historical Society Collection). Joslyn Castle, as its name suggests, was designed along the lines of a European estate house (Geo. A. Joslyn Residence, 39th & Davenport, Omaha, Neb., Omaha Public Library Collection).

J.A. Bentley home, Sidney, Nebr.As time passed and other design styles became popular, examples of those homes were also built across Nebraska. J. A. Bentley’s home in Sidney, to the right, is a nice example of the Prairie-style house (J.A. Bentley home, Sidney, Nebr., Cheyenne County Floyd Nichols homeHistorical Society and Museum). Floyd Nichols’ home, at the left, is a unique style of architechture for Nebraska and still stands in David City (Floyd Nichols home, Butler County Gallery Collection). Browse other exterior pictures of homes in Nebraska at Nebraska Memories.

Visit Nebraska Memories to search for or browse through many more historical images digitized from photographs, negatives, postcards, maps, lantern slides, books and other materials.

Nebraska Memories is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. Nebraska Memories is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information, or contact Beth Goble, Historical Projects Librarian, or Devra Dragos, Technology & Access Services Director.

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NCompass Live: 2014 One Book One Nebraska: Once Upon a Town

NCompass live smallJoin us for next week’s NCompass Live: “2014 One Book One Nebraska: Once Upon a Town”, on Wednesday, October 29, 10:00-11:00 am Central Time.

In this tenth year of One Book One Nebraska, Nebraska libraries and other literary and cultural organizations continue to plan activities and events to encourage all Nebraskans to read and discuss the same book. Join us to hear more about this statewide reading promotion activity, sponsored by the Nebraska Library Commission and the Nebraska Center for the Book. Join Rod Wagner, Nebraska Library Commission Director; Molly Fisher, Nebraska Library Commissioner; and Mary Jo Ryan, Nebraska Library Commission Communications Coordinator to:

  • Learn about how to create a successful local reading promotion using Nebraska’s OBON 2014year-long, statewide celebration featuring Once Upon a Town: The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen, by Bob Greene.
  • Brainstorm strategies to read and discuss Once Upon a Town: The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen, a nonfiction story that bestselling author and award-winning journalist Bob Greene discovered while searching for “…the best America there ever was.” He finds it in a small Nebraska town few people pass through today—North Platte, Nebraska, a town where Greene discovers the echoes of a love story between a country and its sons.
  • Find tools to help engage your community in local activities to encourage them to come together through literature to explore this classic work in community-wide reading programs.
  • Learn about the Celebration of Nebraska Books, set for Nov. 8, which will celebrate this book, along with the winners of the 2014 Nebraska Book Awards.

Upcoming NCompass Live events:

  • November 5 – STEM Programs for All Ages
  • November 12 – Cool Tools for You and Your Library
  • November 26 – Tech Talk with Micheal Sauers: Using the Arduino to Develop Coding Literacy in Libraries

For more information, to register for NCompass Live, or to listen to recordings of past events, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website. The show is presented online using the GoToWebinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoToWebinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

 

 

 

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Throwback Thursday: Interior photo of the Omaha Public Library, circa 1900

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Interior photo of the Omaha Public Library, circa 1900.

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The Data Dude – Public Library Survey

IMLSWell, sometimes things might be important but a little fluffy. This week is the week of fluff (or a week off of fluff, if you have a different perspective). The annual IMLS Public Library Survey is set to begin on November 12, 2014. For those of you who are new directors, it might be wise to familiarize yourself with the survey and instructions. Take a peek at the Bibliostat Collect portion of the data services section of the NLC website, which has instructions, tips, and other tidbits to help you complete the survey. Keep in mind that the survey is required for your library to receive state aid if you are accredited. If you aren’t accredited and have no desire (let’s just acknowledge that — there is no shame), you still have an incentive to complete the survey ($200), called Dollar$ for Data. 200 bucks is, well, 200 bucks. The Dude is here to help you throughout the process, understands your frustration with parts of it, and will make every attempt to transmit empathy. Keep in mind that this is the Dude’s first survey, so please be patient and we all will get through it together.

For issues with how to report all the high tech downloadable services that many of you are offering, there is a sleek chart that was created to assist you that is posted on the NLC website. The Dude owes it to his colleagues in OH, KY, and TX for this cheat sheet. I hope it will be of value to you. The Dude realizes the reporting categories aren’t perfect, so keep that in mind.

Finally, the Dude needs to mention that there is a new data element to be aware of, wireless internet sessions – annual. The rationale for collecting this data is that wireless internet availability is an increasing service offered by many libraries. It is important to have national and state data on the use of wireless services in public libraries. The obvious question is: How on earth do I track and report this data? Well, a number of different ways, and there are a number of tips, all described below, that may be helpful to you, your ISP, and tech support person:

  1. Estimate. This is a new data element, so it is perfectly ok to collect data from a typical day, week, or month and estimate yearly use by doing the math. It is unreasonable to assume you will automatically have a system in place that has collected all of this data. Maybe you do, and that’s great; however, it is acceptable to estimate based on an average week or month.
  2. Network logs. Data from your Wi-Fi hardware log will generally be the most accurate source for counting wireless sessions. In order to collect accurate data, make sure that your hardware log is set for a minimum of 12-24 hours.
  3. Network scanning. Every device that connects to your Wi-Fi network broadcasts a unique identifier called a MAC address. A free network scanner like SoftPerfect Network Scanner may help in this collection.
  4. Web Analytics. Most public Wi-Fi services require authentication to connect. This usually means entering an ID or password. Sometimes, it presents users with a “splash” page requiring them to agree to “terms of service” or “acceptable use” policies. If your library requires authentication, you can track the use with a web analytics tool such as Google Analytics. Make sure you only include data from successful logins.
  5. Hardware. These may be the more expensive solutions to gathering data, but nonetheless should be mentioned for those looking to upgrade hardware. These include Cisco Meraki, Aerohive, and UniFi.
  6. Other downloadable software. Other potential solutions worth mentioning include open source PfSense, which has a number of potential uses in addition to reporting and monitoring Wi-Fi use, such as a firewall, router, wireless access point, or server. Another free solution is Who’s on My Wi-Fi, which will track the users and then record the data for later retrieval.
  7. Old school method. While potentially more intrusive to your library’s users, this is certainly a viable option, especially for smaller libraries. It involves using a clipboard (or maintaining a computer file) and visually monitoring the library users, or require them to sign in at the desk if they use the Wi-Fi. If you are employing this method, make sure you take samples during “normal” times (e.g. not during holidays, special events, etc.), and count each visit as a “session” (e.g. if the library user leaves and then comes back later in the day, count as two sessions).
  8. Staff use. Include staff use of the Wi-Fi, using the standards outlined in network logs, web analytics, network scanning, software, or the old school method above.

The library network has also made a Best Practices guide available for technical support persons working on gathering this data. Note that it mentions multiplying a weekly sample by 50 to “annualize it”. This accounts for times when the library might be closed or holidays. Our survey instructions indicate to estimate based on 52 weeks; if you library is closed during holiday times please adjust accordingly (e.g. multiply by 50 if necessary to account for closures). Shaka.

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‘The New E-rate: Preparing for Funding Year 2015 and Beyond’ Workshops Scheduled

“The New E-rate: Preparing for Funding Year 2015 and Beyond” has been scheduled in locations across the state and online.

Big changes are coming to E-rate, the federal program that provides discounts to assist schools and public libraries in the United States to obtain affordable Internet access and Connections. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted the E-rate Modernization Order on July 11, 2014. The Order takes major steps to modernize and streamline the E-rate program and focuses on expanding funding for Broadband and WiFi Internet Access. In part to accomplish this, funding for Voice Services (telephone) will be gradually phased out.

What does your library need to know to prepare for these changes? In this workshop, Christa Burns, Nebraska’s State E-rate Coordinator for Libraries, will cover the basics of E-rate and explain the changes that will be made to the program for Funding Year 2015 and beyond.

Dates and locations:

  • November 14 – Norfolk, Northeast Community College
  • November 18 – Kearney Public Library
  • November 20 – Omaha Public Library, Abrahams Branch
  • November 24 – Scottsbluff Public Library
  • November 25 – Lincoln, Nebraska Library Commission
  • December 2 – Online, GoToWebinar

To register for any of these “The New E-rate: Preparing for Funding Year 2015 and Beyond” sessions, go to the Nebraska Library Commission’s Training & Events Calendar and search for ‘e-rate’.

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National Library of Medicine Joins The Commons on Flickr

Brown's Iron BittersThe National Library of Medicine is pleased to announce that it is now a participating institution of the Commons on Flickr.

The Commons on Flickr was launched in 2008 as a pilot project in partnership with the Library of Congress in order to increase access to publicly-held photography collections and to invite the general public to provide information about the collections. The National Library of Medicine now joins a distinguished, international group of nearly one hundred cultural institutions in providing greater access to its collection and inviting public use of and engagement with these images held in the public trust through The Commons on Flickr.

Images from the historical collections of the History of Medicine Division, including public health posters, book illustrations, photographs, fine art work, and ephemera, have always been available through the Images from the History of Medicine database, which includes over 70,000 images illustrating the social and historical aspects of medicine dated from the 15th to the 21st century. Now, people can also access them through the Commons on Flickr via a photostream where visitors can contribute information about the images by adding comments and tags. By adding a new way to see our collections through Flickr we hope to learn more details about our collections, create dialog about our holdings, and share knowledge with the public. Our collection of images on Flickr will continue to grow so we hope visitors will check back frequently for new content.

Source: NLM

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Halloween Inspiration

Are you still searching for that perfect Halloween costume? How about a historic costume inspired by the clothing choices of Nebraskan’s from 100 years ago. You can find plenty of inspiration in Nebraska Memories. There is a wide variety of options ranging from formal to informal attire.

Let’s start out with looking at some of the more formal apparel. Men it looks like you are going to need a three piece suit, shirt, tie and a hat if you have one. Ladies you are going to need a long skirt and a blouse with a high neckline. You may also want to find a hat to complete your outfit.

Men and women in front of building     Family outside house

Three men in a studio portrait     Lillian Polley, Ed Polley, and Cora Henkle Dobbs

Men if the idea of wearing a three piece suit doesn’t appeal to you there are plenty of other options. How about dressing as a baseball player from 1914 or a football player from 1909? Ladies if you are going to be sports fan it appears that a hat is required. If you actually want to participate in sports you will need to find a pair of bloomers or a nice ruffled cloth cap.

Lincoln Baseball ClubFour linemen of 1909 football teamGym class at Union College

Crowd at football game, 1915Sacramento basketball team

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you haven’t spotted a winning costume idea yet here are a few more. I really wish we knew the story behind the picture of the two men smoking their pipes while wearing ladies’ hats.

Hermit     Sister Frida Thor

Men wearing ladies' hats     Men drinking beer

I hope these images provided you with a bit of inspiration as you are working on your Halloween costume. If these looks are a too boring you can always complete the outfit by applying some fake blood and zombie makeup. Just like the folks in these pictures remember not to smile.

Visit Nebraska Memories to search for or browse through many more historical images digitized from photographs, negatives, postcards, maps, lantern slides, books and other materials.

Nebraska Memories is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. Nebraska Memories is brought to you by the Nebraska Library Commission. If your institution is interested in participating in Nebraska Memories, see http://nlc.nebraska.gov/nebraskamemories/participation.aspx for more information, or contact Beth Goble, Historical Projects Librarian, or Devra Dragos, Technology & Access Services Director.

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NCompass Live: Teen Theater Groups: Creating Communities of Empowered Teens

NCompass live smallJoin us for next week’s NCompass Live: “Teen Theater Groups: Creating Communities of Empowered Teens”, on Wednesday, October 22, 10:00-11:00 am Central Time.

Learn how theater group participation can bring diverse groups of teens together to express themselves creatively, gain leadership and collaborative skills, and engage with the larger community. A wide range of programs will be discussed – including year-round clubs, summer programs, readers’ theater and murder mysteries – for all levels of experience, sizes of libraries, and budgets. Take away tips and resources to kickstart your own production.

Presenters: Jennifer Cottrill, Midlothian (IL) Public Library; Joe Marcantonio, Plainfield (IL) Public Library and Donna Block, Niles (IL) Public Library District.

Upcoming NCompass Live events:

  • October 29 – 2014 One Book One Nebraska: Once Upon a Town
  • November 5 – STEM Programs for All Ages
  • November 12 – Cool Tools for You and Your Library
  • November 26 – Tech Talk with Micheal Sauers

For more information, to register for NCompass Live, or to listen to recordings of past events, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website. The show is presented online using the GoToWebinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoToWebinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

 

 

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EBSCO Fall Database Trials: Flipster, MyHeritage, MasterFILE Premier, and NoveList Plus

This fall EBSCO is offering Nebraska libraries trial access to the following databases:

  • MyHeritage Library Edition – Leading family history network MyHeritage is now available to libraries exclusively through EBSCO Information Services. The new MyHeritage Library Edition will provide access to a vast collection of U.S. and international documents online, including birth, death, and marriage records from 48 countries, the complete US and UK censuses, immigration, military and tombstone records and more than 1.5 billion family tree profiles. Library subscriptions to this service include remote access, allowing patrons to search the service from the comfort of their own homes.
  • Flipster – Flipster provides libraries with digital magazine subscription packages to popular magazines. that patrons can easily access via computers, laptops, and mobile devices. Flipster boasts no hidden platform fees and a simple sign-in process.
  • MasterFile Premier – Designed specifically for public libraries, MasterFILE Premier provides access to nearly 17,000 full-text periodicals (including Time, Inc. titles), more than 500 full-text reference books, and over 81,900 primary source documents, as well as over 935,000 photos, maps and flags.
  • NoveList Plus – NoveList Plus features reading recommendations for both fiction and nonfiction for all ages and, in the near future, will add audiobook recommendations. It also includes series information, professional reviews, read-alikes, award winners, and more!
  • NoveList K-8 Plus – NoveList K-8 Plus is especially for younger readers. It has reading recommendations for both fiction and nonfiction, for kids in grades K-8. Use it to find just the right books for every reader.

Trial access instructions were distributed via an October 16 message to the Trial mailing list. Nebraska librarians who didn’t receive this information or who would like it sent to them again may contact Susan Knisely. The Flipster database trial is set to expire on November 18, 2014; all other EBSCO database trials run through the end of the calendar year (12/31/14).

Please feel free to contact inside account executive Phil Gallant for questions or price quotes, phone 800-653-2726 ext 3560 or pgallant@ebsco.com

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October is National Reading Group Month!

October is National Reading Group Month!

To help you celebrate your reading group, here are some novels that feature book groups you can check out from the Nebraska Library Commission Book Club Collection.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
21 Copies
Available to Talking Book Service users
Request This Kit

Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler
13 Copies (also 1 Video (DVD) copy)
Request This Kit

The Reading Group by Elizabeth Noble
7 Copies
Request This Kit

Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
12 Copies
Request This Kit

 

 

 

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Throwback Thursday: Burlington railroad yards, Havelock, Nebraska, circa 1910-1920

Witmer collection010

Photo of a round house at the Burlington Yards in Havelock, Nebraska.  This photograph is part of a collection that was donated to the Library Commission for Nebraska Memories.  If you have old Nebraska photos that you would be interested in donating, please contact the Library Commission and check out Nebraska Memories at www.memories.ne.gov.

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The Data Dude on Creative Confidence

creative_confidence

Libraries, now more than ever, need creativity. A lot of them are doing a really great job of hitting the creativity mark, but there are many other examples of stellar strategic planning, flashy presentations, generalized stuffiness (yeah, that’s right, the Dude tells it like it is, and pleads guilty to being stuffy hisself), pretension, and interactive charts that illustrate (or continue) crappy ideas that no one in the real world cares about. Now, before your blood pressure starts to climb you can put your Beta-blocker away because the Dude isn’t saying that analytical thinking and project planning are not important. They obviously are. What the Dude is saying is that there is a huge and often overlooked benefit to jimmying your creativity (and the collective creativity of others) to come up with fresh new ideas. One major obstacle, admittedly for the Dude and most likely others, is creative confidence. Creative confidence is a term coined by brothers David and Tom Kelly and explored in depth in their book “Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential within Us All”. Like most of those reading this (OK, for the handful), the Dude sometimes has some off the wall ideas. The Dude is realizing and learning the importance of not suppressing these, but it’s hard. Kids come into the world with this uncaring sense of creativity, but what frequently happens is that other kids (or even adults) laugh, poke fun at, or criticize those not yet ripe ideas when they are expressed. Unfortunately, this is a creative confidence killer. Many of us suffer from the lack of creative confidence as adults not because we are not creative (most of us do have the capacity) but because of some (or many) of the creative confidence killers we experienced as kids. The Dude admits suffering from creative confidence anxiety, but the Dude is trying to work on it, with the help of the Brothers Kelley and a deep look into his soul.

Creative confidence now more than ever is essential to 21st century libraries and librarians. The Dude wishes to stress a few important prescriptions from the Brothers Kelley. One: flip the problem/solution model on its head, and come at things from a human side. Go out and find what people value, then find a technology or solution that addresses it (instead of discovering a new technology and then trying to fit it into something or trying to manufacture value). Two: Get people involved to the point that they are “raving fans”. Often this starts with someone within your organization (in this case your library) starting small fires or small experiments. Embrace their quirkiness, passion, and courage to bring the ideas forward. It’s contagious in a good way. If you are a Director or Administrator, be what the Kelley’s call a “squinter”. Squinters are able to look past the surface details of an idea; rather, they look not at its perfection but the overall shape of it. Squinters have people on their team that can work collaboratively to build on the essence of the idea, reshape it, remanufacture it, and change it into something classy or colossal. Teams that have the support and encouragement to bring less than polished ideas to the table are able to develop empathy for one another and build on their ideas. This is essential to the creative process, and really, essential to our lives. The effect is that this builds long lasting relationships that result in compassion, belonging, and connection.

How can libraries support creativity and build creative confidence, especially in younger people? The Dude thinks that these ideas are important both for staff/staff relationships, but also for staff/library visitor relationships, even though the nature of this post has been a focus on staff/staff relationships. The Dude is thinking about the staff/visitor connection and will probably explore this more in subsequent blog posts. For today, things might be aptly summed up by Tom Kelley: “Creative confidence is the ability to come up with breakthrough ideas and the courage to act on them.” For more info, take the time to watch the Kelley’s Creative Confidence Talk at Google and the Sir Ken Robinson’s website and TED Talks (“Imagination is the source of all human achievement”). Both are highly recommended. You might even want to incorporate these segments into your weekly or monthly staff meetings, if you have those. Shaka.

 

Posted in Books & Reading, General, Library Management, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Apply for MakerLab by November 17

3d-systems-kids-watching-cube-3d-printer-budapestThe Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), in collaboration with 3D Systems, will support 3D Systems’ mission to build digital literacy and expand access to 21st century tools like 3D design, 3D Printing and 3D scanning for young adults across the nation, through the new MakerLab Club initiative. YALSA members are eligible to become part of the MakerLab Club and for a limited time, apply for 3D printer donations from 3D Systems as part of MakerLab Club membership.

Through the online application, libraries must illustrate a commitment to creating or expanding makerlabs or maker programming and to providing community access to 3D printers and digital design. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 17, 2014. After the application deadline, applications will be put through a competitive evaluation process to determine the recipients of the donated equipment.

“This is a grand opportunity for libraries across the nation to really advance their libraries’ digital literacy” said YALSA President Christopher Shoemaker. “Teens will have the opportunity to experience digital literacy in a way they’ve never experienced before. We are very excited that this opportunity exists.”

“We are proud to launch The MakerLab Club, providing critical equipment, training, and support to libraries and museums across our country,” said Neal Orringer, vice president of Partnerships and Alliances, 3DS. “Today, libraries and museums are democratizing making in their local communities and reinforcing their longstanding position as centers of the arts, education and culture. We urge anyone interested in getting involved to contact us and get started setting up your lab today.”

The MakerLab Club is a new community for thousands of U.S. Libraries and museums chartered to advance 3D digital literacy through public access to 3D printing technology. Members of the MakerLab Club will receive other benefits such as access to training webinars and curriculum. To learn more about the MakerLab Club and to apply for a donated 3D printer, please visit 3D Systems’ official MakerLab Club page.

Contact:

Anna Lam
Communications Specialist
Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)

alam@ala.org

Posted in General, Programming, Technology, Youth Services | Leave a comment

Finalists for 2015 One Book One Nebraska Announced

NCB logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 14, 2014

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mary Jo Ryan
402-471-3434
800-307-2665

Finalists for 2015 One Book One Nebraska Announced

Four nonfiction books and three novels——all stories with ties to Nebraska and the Great Plains——are the finalists for the 2015 One Book One Nebraska statewide reading program. The finalists are: 

Benediction, by Kent Haruf
Death Zones and Darling Spies: Seven Years of Vietnam War Reporting, by Beverly Deepe Keever
Eagle Voice Remembers: An Authentic Tale of the Old Sioux World, by John G. Neihardt
The Floor of the Sky, by Pamela Carter Joern
Free Radical: Ernest Chambers, Black Power, and the Politics of Race, by Tekla Agbala Ali Johnson
Goodnight, Nebraska, by Tom McNeal
The Loren Eiseley Reader, by Loren Eiseley

The One Book One Nebraska reading program, now in its eleventh year, is sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book, Humanities Nebraska, and Nebraska Library Commission. It encourages Nebraskans across the state to read and discuss the same book, chosen from books written by Nebraska authors or that have a Nebraska theme or setting. A committee of the Nebraska Center for the Book selected the seven finalists from a list of twenty-five titles nominated by twenty-nine Nebraskans. In the coming weeks, Nebraska Center for the Book board members will vote on the 2015 selection.

The choice for the 2015 One Book One Nebraska will be announced at 5:30 p.m. at the Celebration of Nebraska Books on November 8 at the Nebraska Library Commission, 1200 N  Street in downtown Lincoln. This year’s One Book One Nebraska, Once Upon a Town: The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen by Bob Greene, will be featured at the Celebration, see http://onebook.nebraska.gov/2014/index.aspx or https://www.facebook.com/OneBookOneNebraska for more information about ongoing 2014 One Book One Nebraska activities.

The Celebration of Nebraska Books is scheduled for 3:30 – 6:30 p.m., with the Nebraska Center for the Book Annual Meeting to be held at 2:30 p.m. and an Awards Reception, book signings, and announcement of the 2015 One Book One Nebraska book choice concluding the festivities. Awards will be presented to the winners of the 2014 Nebraska Book Awards, and some of the winning authors will read from their work. A list of winners is posted at http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/awards.html. The event will also recognize Omaha’s Bookworm bookstore, named as the recipient of the 2014 Jane Geske Award. The Jane Geske Award recognizes a Nebraska association, organization, business, library, school, academic institution, or other group that has made an exceptional, long-term contribution to one or more of these fields in Nebraska: Literacy, Reading, Book Selling, Books, Libraries, and/or Writing in Nebraska. The Celebration of Nebraska Books is sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book, Nebraska Library Commission, and University of Nebraska Press. For more information, contact Mary Jo Ryan, 402-471-3434 or 800-307-2665. Confirmed presenters will be announced at www.centerforthebook.nebraska.gov and http://www.facebook.com/NebraskaCenterfortheBook

The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at the Nebraska Library Commission and brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book, supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is supported by the Nebraska Library Commission.

As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, bringing together people and information.

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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases

 

Posted in Books & Reading, General | Leave a comment

Ebola resources

NLM LogoLooking for a reliable resource on Ebola?   The National Library of Medicine’s Disaster Information Management Research Center, has created a new robust web page for just such resources.

You can easily find and view these free resources by going to the National Library of Medicine web page at  http://nlm.nih.gov and put Ebola in the search box. This in turn will lead you to the page for Ebola Outbreak 2014: Information Resources. Or find it directiy at: http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/dimrc/ebola_2014.html. It includes information which can direct you to several U.S. organizations, International organizations, maps, training materials, situation reports and more. Check it out today!

(via Marty Magee)

Posted in Information Resources | Leave a comment
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