MVLS.info

Arthur Slade Virtual Author Visit

2009-12-16T14:14:00.005-05:00

A guest post from Sue!

Back in September, I was trolling emails on my favorite listserv discussion source of teen books, Adbooks (you too can sign up here) when I saw this email from author Arthur Slade: Arthur Slade will be giving free "Hunchback Assignments", half hour visits using Skype or iChat. These visits include a presentation on the series, discussion of Victorian history, how to write, and time for Q&A and prizes for the winning classrooms.

Prizes? Author visit? I hit reply, and within 20 minutes I’d heard from my new best friend Art that I’d won. Joy oh bliss. Of course, MVLS doesn’t have a local kid audience available, so I asked member library teen core staff if anyone would be interested in receiving our prize. Two replied immediately, I checked with Art, and he graciously said he’d conduct two virtual visits for us.

Not only that, but he also explained how our libraries could take part in virtual visits using Skype.

Our First Assignment on the Hunchback Worldwide Virtual Tour (his Stop #3) was in Canajoharie. Leah LaFera, intrepid librarian, arranged for the Canajoharie School’s 5th grade class to have the Arthur Slade Virtual Chat on Friday, November 20 (read the news here). Leah reported “Our students were excited and looking forward to Arthur's visit. The students were thrilled to meet such a cool author and they got to be on video (a big deal for them.) Many students had prepared questions ahead of time and Art enthusiastically answered all of them with equal attention.“ Afterward, Art reported on the event on his blog.

Assignment Number Two brought the Hunchback Worldwide Virtual Tour to the Woodlawn School in Schenectady December 7, 2 p.m., through the efforts of Kaela Wallman, librarian at the Woodlawn Branch of the Schenectady County Public Library. Kaela said “The 6th graders were prepared with great questions and even some brave students came up with questions on the spot. I was impressed with their behavior, interest and insight.” The temperature was 30 degrees in Schenectady, it was 40 degree below zero in Saskatchewan. Did it matter?? No, because Art and all the students were warmly situated in front of webcams in their separate countries, on different sides of the North American continent.

Thank you Art! for making author visits possible through our public libraries. Thank you Leah and Kaela! for pioneering virtual author chats in your libraries. Now that the ground is broken and I’m an expert, let’s bring more authors to kids this way. As I find opportunities, I’ll be (virtually) knocking at your doors.

Grant Opportunity - Mighty Cause/Read Kiddo Read Teen Program

2009-12-14T11:46:00.002-05:00

Here's an opportunity for a teen librarian to win $2,500 for your library by showing off what you do to make kids passionate about reading. Sponsored by Asset Based Thinking for Teens and James Patterson’s James Patterson’s Read Kiddo Read, the program will donate $2,500 to a library for creating a program that sparks the passion for reading in teens.

1) Teen librarians are invited to submit a program plan by Dec. 31, 2009.
2) The top ten programs will be selected by a panel of judges. Each library will receive a Kodak Vid Camera to document the program.
3) One grand prize winner will be selected to win $2,500.

For more specifics, click here.

NYLA YSS Spring Conference Scholarship

2009-12-07T12:14:00.002-05:00

This scholarship is awarded to encourage continuing education in the field of youth services by funding participation in the annual YSS Spring Conference. In addition to having the full registration fee of the conference paid, the recipient will receive a reimbursement for lodging and meals allowance in an amount up to $250. The 2010 YSS Spring Conference will be held on April 9th at the Holiday Inn at Wolf Rd. in Albany. Application deadline for this opportunity is December 15. A complete description of the award and application materials are available on the YSS web site.

New in the Professional Collection

2009-12-03T15:30:00.002-05:00

Building a Buzz : Libraries & Word-of-Mouth Marketing
Peggy Barber and Linda Wallace

Amazer Wall Units

2009-12-03T12:04:00.004-05:00

You saw them at our Story Skills workshop, and now we've got them for your libraries!

Through a $3000 grant from the GE Elfun Society, MVLS has purchased twelve Amazer Wall Units in three sizes to be placed in twelve member libraries and/or branches. These Amazer wall units to be placed on the wall or shelf stack at toddler/preschool height, will offer educational and interactive play experiences for toddlers and preschool aged children. They are easy to clean with no loose parts and meet infection control standards. Importantly, they are space-saving products for even the smallest of areas. The Amazer wall units offer open ended play for your smallest patrons; the children influence direction and speed while playing, and gravity vectors, and momentum are playing partners. This initiative, offered to our member public libraries, will increase public awareness – particularly among parents, families and children – of the value and importance of science literacy for their smallest children’s future, and the value of learning science for science’s sake, by allowing children to practice science and math standards as fun activities at a very young age in the library.

If your library would like a unit, please let Sue know by December 16 (355-2010, ext 226 or srokos@mvls.info) the unit size, preferred color (if the full size), and your ability to install the unit (units are screw-mounted - for full installation instructions, contact Sue). If more libraries desire the units than number we have available this year, we will hold a lottery. Units will arrive mid-December.

There are three sizes of units:
- 5 Amazer Full size units sized: 23"w x 2"d / 19 lbs
(2 Purple on Speckletone, 1 Purple on Maple, 1 Blue on Red, 1 Yellow on Blue)
- 5 Junior Amazer units sized: 18"w x 2"d / 12 lbs
- 2 Mini Mazer units sized: 16"w x 2"d / 6 lbs

The Elfun Society is providing small donation plaques to attach next to them.

Each library receiving a unit will be responsible for completing a short followup questionnaire in Spring 2010, for comments about your experiences with the Amazer units; what you learned, how it was used, and why it was valuable. If successful, we will request more units in 2010 for our other member libraries and branches, if desired.

Let Sue know if you have any questions!

New in the Professional Collection

2009-12-02T15:48:00.003-05:00

The PLA Reader for Public Library Directors and Managers
Edited by Kathleen Hughes for the PLA

Librarians as Community Partners : an Outreach Handbook
Edited by Carol Smallwood

Implementing for Results
Sandra Nelson for the PLA

Bite-Sized Marketing : Realistic Solutions for the Overworked Librarian
Nancy Dowd, Mary Evangeliste and Jonathan Silberman

The Library PR Handbook : High-Impact Communications
Edited by Mark Gould

Twenty-First Century Kids, Twenty-First Century Librarians
Virginia Walter

Tune Up To Literacy : Original Songs and Activities for Kids
Al Balkin

The Early Literacy Kit
Betsy Diamant-Cohen

Grant Opportunity - Stewart's Holiday Match

2009-11-30T11:36:00.001-05:00

Stewart's Shops matches individual donations made at their stores between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and distributes funds to local nonprofit agencies. Organizations that benefit children are eligible to apply for funds. An application can be downloaded at the Stewart's Shops web site. All applications must be postmarked by January 31, 2010.

Workshop - Black Belt Librarians

2009-11-19T10:09:00.000-05:00

Date: Thursday, December 10, 2009
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Place: Schenectady County Public Library, Central Library
Presenter: Warren Graham
Cost: Free for MVLS member library staff/trustees. Lunch will be provided.
*Registration is open only to MVLS member library staff/trustees.

Warren Graham is a nationally renowned expert on day-to-day library security procedures. He has been a security professional for 25 years, having spent 17 years as the Security and Safety Manager for the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, NC, developing and overseeing its program.

Topics to be discussed include:
• Essential elements of a truly effective security program
• How to inform patrons of rules in a way that will most ensure compliance
• How to recognize levels of emotion that a patron may be in and strategies on how best to respond
• Easy ways to document your security and safety matters

Please register for this program with Janice Martin at SCPL, 388-4544.

(This program is funded by the SCPL Board of Trustees, SCPL Friends of the Library, and MVLS.)

Webcast - Christian Fiction Book Buzz

2009-11-17T10:02:00.002-05:00

Date: Thursday, November 19, 2009
Time: Noon - 1:00 PM
Place: Online at www.libraryjournal.com/christianfiction2009
Cost: Free

It may seem simple, at first, to categorize Christian fiction. Most readers would agree that there is a core of biblically-based attitudes, values, and actions, and likely there would be very little, if any, profanity, sex or violence. But there are as many subgenres in Christian fiction as there are in popular fiction – from cozy mysteries to legal suspense to fantasy. Many libraries are seeing an increased demand for Christian fiction with more readers looking for inspirational and uplifting stories and finding good writing in newly discovered places, contributing to the cross-over appeal of this growing genre.

Join four leading publishers for this one hour webcast which will feature over 60 new and forthcoming titles in all Christian fiction categories for adults and young adults. Register at www.libraryjournal.com/christianfiction2009, and even if you can't attend the webcast on Thursday, you'll have access to the archive for 12 months.

Grant Opportunity - Preservation Needs Assessment Program

2009-11-05T16:09:00.000-05:00

The Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) is seeking applicants to participate in its Preservation Needs Assessment Program. Through funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), CCAHA is able to offer a limited number of subsidized preservation needs assessments for $350. The funding also covers the assessor’s travel expenses.

Completing a Preservation Needs Assessment is a key first step in developing a preservation plan for institutions. The preservation needs assessment process encompasses a general evaluation of the institution's preservation needs for their collection(s): environment (temperature, relative humidity, pollution and light), housekeeping, pest control, fire protection, security, and disaster preparedness; collection storage, handling, exhibition, and treatment; and preservation planning. The site visit consists of a review of the site, an examination of the collection(s), and interviews with relevant staff. The written report provides observations, recommendations, and resources to serve as a guide in the development of a comprehensive preservation plan for the collection. In addition to pinpointing areas of concern, the preservation needs assessment is a valuable fundraising tool.

Eligibility: Institutions with paper-based humanities collections that are available to the public on a regularly scheduled basis and that have national or regional significance are encouraged to apply. Additional eligibility requirements are on CCAHA’s web site in the Service/Surveys/Consultation section at http://www.ccaha.org/services/surveys-consultation.

Application Process and Deadline: Application forms and additional information about the Preservation Needs Assessment Program can be found at http://www.ccaha.org/services/surveys-consultation.

All applications must be received by Friday, December 4, 2009.

If you have questions or want to discuss the suitability of this program for your institution, please contact CCAHA’s Preservation Services Office, call (215) 545-0613, go to www.ccaha.org or email pso@ccaha.org.

Workshop - What's New in YA Literature

2009-11-04T09:35:00.003-05:00

Date: Monday, December 7, 2009
Time: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Place: BOCES Gick Road Training Center, 27 Gick Road, Saratoga Springs
Presenter: Kathleen Odean
Cost: $35

In this lively one-day workshop with area school and public librarians, Kathleen Odean will introduce the best recently published books for teens in grades six through twelve. She will share practical strategies and tips for promoting and evaluating the best books for teens. There will be opportunities to share ideas and favorite titles with each other. Register by November 23 through the form, located here.

Webinar - Sweet Talk : Romance Fiction in the Library

2009-11-01T10:52:00.000-05:00

Date: Thursday, November 12, 2009
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Place: Online https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/354863994
Cost: Free

Romance is hot . . . in the library, that is. Join Donna Seaman, Booklist's romance fiction editor, and a panel of librarians, authors, and publishers to discuss the state of the genre—in public libraries and in the marketplace.

Webinar - Helping Job Seekers in the Library

2009-10-27T09:42:00.000-04:00

Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Place: Online http://infopeople.org/training/webcasts/webcast_data/313/index.html
Cost: Free

Your library has been helping the unemployed and underemployed (aka job seekers) in your community for a long time. However, the declining economy over the past year has dramatically increased the demands on library staff, services, and resources. Would you like to learn about some successful programs in other libraries? Do you wonder if there are some new ideas you could try for getting patrons started? Would you like to know the resources other libraries recommend to job seekers? Are you interested in partnerships but feel unsure who to talk to?

This webinar will help you by introducing three successful programs, giving you a fresh look at getting started in helping job seekers, providing information about some "best resources", and exploring agencies and organizations you may consider partnering with.

To attend this webinar, just visit the link above on November 10 starting at 2:30 PM. There is no need to preregister for this webinar.

Webinar - Emergency Preparedness Basics for Libraries

2009-10-27T09:32:00.000-04:00

Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (note: registration lists time in Central time, so says 2-3 PM)
Place: Online http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/workshops/emergencybasicslibraries/index.html
Cost: Free

Join Dr. Julie Todaro, Dean of Austin Community College Libraries as she gives library staff a short list of essentials associated with emergency management for the library. Julie will share tips from her book, Emergency Preparedness for Libraries, published by Government Institutes in August 2008. Julie's book offers libraries a tool for examining various emergency and disaster scenarios. It is unique in its emphasis on how library management may prepare for and respond to foreseen and unforeseen circumstances. Register for this free webinar by clicking on the link above.

Contact Your State Legislators

2009-10-26T11:10:00.000-04:00

As you may know, the Governor has proposed mid-year budget cuts to close a $3 billion budget deficit. The proposal includes a 10% across the board cut to all state aid programs like Library Aid, which will result in a $3.3 million reduction in funding for library services. School Aid will be cut by 4.5%.

The proposed $3.3 million reduction in Library Aid is on top of the $8 million cut imposed back in April and the $3 million cut sustained last year. If the proposed cuts are approved, it will reduce Library Aid to $88 million or 1998 level of funding. With library usage continuing to increase and people of all ages depending on libraries to improve their literacy, computer and internet skills and the unemployed using libraries to search for new careers and employment, now is not the time for further cuts for library services.

Please contact your state legislators to ask them to reject the Governor’s proposed cuts. Libraries have already done their fair share towards reducing the state’s budget shortfalls, other alternatives need to be used before asking the library community to take further cuts. These proposed cuts impact all types of libraries and library systems, public, college, schools, etc.

Go to www.nyla.org or www.mvls.info and click on Library Advocate icon to send fax/email to your state legislators.

DK's Open Me Up Sweepstakes

2009-10-22T15:33:00.000-04:00

From the creators of the award-winning Pick Me Up and Do Not Open comes Open Me Up—a full-throttle tour of the human body! From now through December 1, enter to win a set of DK's top fall titles. Fill out the quick form here for your chance to win!

Grant Opportunity - Romance Writers of America

2009-10-21T14:46:00.003-04:00

The Romance Writers of America Library Grant is designed to provide a public library the opportunity to build or expand its romance fiction collection and/or host romance fiction programming. The grant consists of $4,500 to be used toward the purchase of romance fiction, author honorariums and travel expenses, and other applicable program expenses.

Visit http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/pla/plaawards/romancewritersgrant/index.cfm for complete information and to link to a grant application form. Applications will be accepted until December 1, 2009.

Workshop - Basics of Archives

2009-10-20T14:45:00.000-04:00

Date: Friday, November 13
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Place: Crandall Public Library, Glens Falls
Presenter: Susan D'Entremont, Regional Archivist
Cost: $22, includes lunch

This workshop is an introductory course aimed at people who work with historical records but are not trained archivists. It is especially helpful to staff and volunteers at small institutions. Complete program description and registration form is available at http://cdlc.org/pdfs/BasicsArchivesWorkshopRegistration.pdf. The registration deadline is November 5.

Workshop - Energy Smart Students Workshop for Librarians

2009-10-19T15:09:00.002-04:00

Dates and Locations:
Friday, October 23, Saratoga Springs Public Library
or
Friday, December 4, William K. Sanford Town Library, Colonie

Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Are you interested in teaching children and families to be energy smart? Increase your energy IQ in this interactive, hands-on program! Explore energy basics – energy forms and sources, energy efficiency, and renewable energy – and learn techniques for integrating energy into educational programs for students in Grades K-6.

These FREE workshops are open to school and public librarians and offer the following:
- FREE curriculum aligned to the New York State Learning Standards
- FREE posters, student worksheets, and annotated bibliography materials
- Professional development credit
- Refreshments
- Substitute stipends for school librarians

Additionally, once you’ve attended a workshop, you gain access to additional resources & opportunities:
- FREE Energy Smarts newsletter
- Applications for $500 education grants
- Teacher and student competitions
- On-line resources and access to information on what is new and exciting in the world of energy!

For more information, contact 1-877-NY-SMART option 6 or info@nyess.org. To register, please visit http://www.getenergysmart.org/EnergyEducation/WorkshopDetails.aspx?type=Course&co=15

Open Meetings Law

2009-10-19T14:59:00.001-04:00

On May 12, 2009, Governor David Paterson signed Chapter 26 of the Laws of 2009 (A3169/S2754) An Act to Amend the Public Officers Law in Relation to Requiring Posting of Notice of Meetings on the Internet. The Committee on Open Government of the New York State Department of State has indicated that this new statute applies to all entities that are subject to Open Meetings Law. This includes all types of libraries.

The legislation amended Article 7 of the Public Officers Law related to Open Meetings, by adding a new subdivision 5 to Section 104 which is about public notice. Subdivision 5 requires that in addition to one or more public sites previously designated, that notice of the time and place of any upcoming meeting of the library board must be posted conspicuously at least 72 hours in advance on the library's website.

- The text of Article 7, Public Officers Law, Section 104 (5) can be found at: http://www.dos.state.ny.us/coog/openmeetlaw.html
- The text of Chapter 26 of the Laws of 2009 (A3169/S2754) can be found at: http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A03169

Workshop - Storytime Skills

2009-10-19T14:53:00.002-04:00

Date: Thursday, November 5, 2009
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Place: Schenectady County Public Library, Central Library
Presenters: Debbie Sternklar and author Suzanne Bloom
Cost: Free to MVLS and UHLS member library staff and volunteers; $35 all others

Come to our second annual round-up of tried and true storytime techniques! Develop new storytime techniques, hone your existing skills, or gather fresh ways to use your expertise.

Upper Hudson Library System and Mohawk Valley Library System bring the best outside and inside presenters together to demonstrate, and teach key storytime skills. A special focus this year is flannel board stories, presented by local maven Debbie Sternklar. You’ll leave the workshop with a flannel board and a story to tell with it!

As an extra treat from 12:00 – 1:00, we have Suzanne Bloom, author/illustrator of Geisel honor book A Splendid Friend Indeed. Suzanne will share information about her creative process and the ins and outs of making books. There will be books available for signing after her presentation. Find out more about Suzanne here: http://www.suzannebloom.com/.

Please register for the workshop! It is free to MVLS and UHLS member library staff and volunteers. The cost for all others is $35. If you’re part of MVLS or UHLS, register by emailing Sue Rokos at srokos@mvls.info. If you are not part of either system, email Sue to reserve your spot and then mail a check for $35 made out to MVLS to: Sue Rokos, MVLS, 858 Duanesburg Rd, Schenectady, NY 12306-1095.

National Friends of Libraries Week

2009-10-18T16:02:00.000-04:00

National Friends of Libraries Week begins today and runs through October 24. If your library has a Friends group, be sure to thank them for all they do for your library.

Webcast - Doing More With less: Training Up in Tough Economic Times

2009-10-13T16:24:00.003-04:00

Date: Tuesday October 20, 2009
Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Place: Online

Cost: Free

Gate counts keep going up, but staff levels are not. Patrons’ technological needs are increasing as many have lost their jobs and access to computers at the same time. Older patrons with little computer experience are finding that many insurance and financial forms need to be completed online. Is your staff ready to serve?

Library employee training budgets aren’t exactly getting fatter either, often forcing staff to just learn on the job or stagnate. And what about new hires? Are they expected to have already learned about your library’s technology as part of their education?

A group of training experts will discuss how ‘training up’ library staff can help stretch and boost the level of technological customer service your library can offer to patrons, and to the library itself. The webcast will also cover Web 2.0 tools and applications that make training sessions, documents and support readily accessible and available on-demand, 24/7. From academe, we’ll hear how one library school program is preparing its students for high touch high tech careers in our public, school, special and academic libraries.

Register today at www.libraryjournal.com/polaristrainingup. Register even if you can't view the webcast on October 20th; your registration will allow you to access the archived webcast for 1 year.

Workshop - Recruiting and Managing Your Volunteers Effectively

2009-10-05T12:05:00.000-04:00

Date: Monday, November 2, 2009
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Place: East Greenbush Community Library
Cost: $85 for NYLA members, $125 for nonmembers
Presenter: Peggy Wadsworth, Training Coordinator, Chester County Library System

Engaging volunteers in libraries is a credible way of enhancing the delivery of library services. Volunteers in libraries present new challenges. Essential to meeting these challenges are planning, commitment, supervision and training.

Trustees, management and staff must recognize the value of volunteers and develop systems and processes that allow these benefits to flourish.

This workshop will provide tools and information libraries can use to
- Develop policy
- Design volunteers position guides
- Structure interviewing and placement processes
- Develop training and orientation processes for volunteers
- Provide sound supervisory strategies
- Develop ongoing recognition of volunteers

Preregistration is required. Space is limited. Registration is completed when your payment arrives at NYLA. You will be contacted by NYLA only if the workshop is filled. This will be a hands-on workshop. Registration closes 14 days prior to the workshop. Registraion and complete information at http://www.nyla.org/index.php?page_id=141.

Grant Opportunity - Family Book Discussion Groups

2009-10-02T08:12:00.000-04:00

Together—Book Talk for Kids and Parents is the New York Council for the Humanities’ exciting reading and discussion program for families. Parents and their 9-to-11 year old children come together at their local library to discuss important humanities themes through shared reading. This program is available to all New York state public libraries and has been successfully implemented at a wide range of sites throughout the state.

The six 90-minute Together sessions are co-facilitated by a librarian (often the children’s librarian) and a local humanities scholar. Each session promotes lively intergeneration discussion focused on themes of American identity related to picture books and novels. The Council provides copies of the books and a stipend to cover all costs of the Together program.

Applications to host a Together series for Spring 2010 are due November 1, 2009 and are available at www.nyhumanities.org under the Discussion tab. The website guides you through the application process with forms, common questions, and follow-up documents. Please note that funds may not be available to fulfill all requests.