MLA Updates

Minnesota Coalition for Intellectual Freedom Annual Dinner

2008-08-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

Limited seating available Register Now!

More than seven years after 9/11, the government continues to curtail speech, assembly and access to information in the name of national security with hardly a complaint from the general public. Meanwhile, satire in "The New Yorker" and the film "Tropic Thunder" generates plenty of protests. Have Americans lost their sense of humor -- and their sense of outrage about attacks on our fundamental rights? Join us for this thought provoking Presentation!

Jane Kirtley has been the Silha Professor of Media Ethics and Law at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota since August 1999. Jane also is an attorney and a member of the New York, District of Columbia, and Virginia bars.

July Board Minutes

2008-08-18T08:12:00.000-07:00

Minnesota Library Association
Board Meeting Minutes

Friday, July 18, 2008
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Sheraton-Bloomington
7800 Normandale Blvd.
Vista Room 2202

Present: Ken Behringer (President-Elect), Melissa Brechon (ALA Chapter Councilor), Robin Chaney (Treasurer), Robin Ewing (ARLD Chair), Anne Friederichs (PLD Chair), Heidi Hoks (Past-President), Ben Trapskin (IFC Chair/Member at Large), Carla Urban (Secretary), Wendy Wendt (President)
Absent: Cindy Ahrens (MLTA Chair), Mike Bloomberg (Legislative Chair)
Also Present: Suzanne Miller (State Librarian), Lyndi Finifrock (MILE), Alison Schaub (MLA Office Staff)

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 9:49 a.m.
Welcome and Introductions (Wendt)
Adoption of Agenda with revisions Motion: To approve agenda as revised. Behringer/Brechon/carried
Approval of June 20, 2008 Minutes Motion: To approve minutes. Behringer/Friederichs/carried
Financial Report (Chaney)
5.1 Monthly Reports - Our position this year compared to last is much more solvent. Our situation, even if conference only breaks even, will be good. Motion: To approve financial reports. Hoks/Friederichs/carried.
5.2 Budget & Finance Committee Report – Met last week to look ahead at staffing possibilities in relation to conference and budget scenarios. It is likely that we wouldn’t be prepared to hire a full-time Executive Director until at least 2nd quarter of 2009. The group is looking at a variety of options. Some approaches would be dependent upon outcomes of the Visioning process, in that the type of leader desired would be dependent on the desired future direction of the organization. Action Item: Brechon will send information to the Committee about other state library organizations that contract with management companies for support and management services.
5.3 Audit Update – Auditors didn’t have everything they needed. Chaney is working with them to complete the process.
Update on Activities
6.1 Pending Action Items:
6.1.1 Brechon – Contact MELSA about distributing CYP bookmarks. Done.
6.1.2 Wendt – Contact Emily Mamun about Communication Committee description. In-process
6.1.3 Wendt – Ask Committee Chairs to send out welcome to interested members. Action Item: Schaub will send copies of sub-group membership lists to the group chairs.
6.1.4 Hoks, Urban, Trapskin – Evaluate RFI responses re online registration. Presented information gathered on various services. Miller mentioned that WebJunction has a registration module. Urban will evaluate that service. Motion: That MLA subscribe to the RegOnline service for annual conference registration and 2008 membership renewal unless the WebJunction option provides equivalent functionality at a better price. Urban/Freiderichs/carried Action item: Schaub will put out a renewal reminder to members from last 3 years who have not yet renewed this year, including info about the upcoming conference. Action Item: Conference Committee and online registration group will work together to prepare the online form.
6.1.5 Wendt – Invite Alison Schaub to next Board meeting. Done.
6.1.6 Wendt, Urban – Set up regular conference call schedule with Schaub. Regular contact will be established.
6.1.7 Wendt – Contact Iowa Library Association re flood assistance. Done. A message was sent out to the list with contact info for each of the affected libraries.
6.1.8 Wendt – Contact Ruth Solie re Nominating Committee. Solie declined, but Anne Walker-Smalley has agreed to chair the Committee.
6.2 Interim Director’s Update (Schaub)
6.2.1 Schaub has been culling through the files and reacquainting herself with the files, etc. Recommends we purchase a back-up server for appr. $200. Motion: That MLA purchase a back-up server and data be backed up at least bi-weekly. Behringer/Brechon/carried.
6.2.2 E-mail addresses: There are a number of e-mail addresses that forward to the blog. Dicsussion of whether we need these. Action Item: Schaub will check to see how these are functioning, with the probable outcome of eliminating them, since they haven’t been used. Action Item: That we distribute a message to the subgroup lists stating that because of concern about the timeliness of communication, we’re eliminating the moderator function. Moderator function will be continued for the membership list.
6.2.3 MLA computers: MOTION: That we approve the purchase of a new battery for the MLA laptop. Chaney/Brechon/carried. All data has been moved from the old desktop. It is extremely slow. Motion: That the old desktop computer be decommissioned. Behringer/Trapskin/carried. Action Item: Schaub will clean the hard drive, send out a message to the MLA llistserv offering a chance to win it, requiring that they pick it up.
6.2.4 Office space: MLA is paying for space we’re not currently using. We will inquire of MELSA whether our rent will stay the same or increase in the next year. The outcome of the Visioning process will have an impact on our space needs.
6.2.5 Web Site: Needs to be cleaned up and punched up, even on a transitional basis. Schaub and Trapskin will do some basic work and develop a mock-up for our approval.
Reports
7.1 MLA Institute for Leadership Excellence (Finifrock) – MILE 2009 Planning. Have had one meeting. Had been trying to partner with MEMO, but MEMO decided it wouldn’t work out this year. Will be held in April, probably at a retreat center near St. Cloud. Applications will be ready by October. Presented the planning information, subcommittees, etc. Requested guidance on dealys in communications via the listserv and budgeting/funding process. Miller encouraged MILE to apply to State Library Services for funding. As with other MLA events, the event is required to budget to break even, but MILE can contact the Foundation and other organizations as possible sponsors.
7.2 ALA Councilor Report (Brechon) She distributed her report in advance. Anaheim was a lovely conference site. ALA is thinking about shortening the conference for elected councilors, who currently stay until Wed. afternoon.
7.3 MLA 2008 Conference Report (Brechon/Hoks)
a. Conference Sessions & Brochure – Preconferences and sessions have been determined. Ginny Erbe is working on the conference brochure. The conference planning committee will take charge of welcoming each presenter and checking on room and equipment set-up, since assigning that to the Program Committee didn’t work last year.
b. We have room for 45 vendors and have booked half of those spots already. Action Item: Brechon will send out a list of vendors all ready signed up to the Board, and a list of previous vendors to Schaub. We should all think about other vendors to possibly contact.
c. Schaub will post conference sessions and such to the Web site to being promoting.
d. Action Item: Wendt will draw up talking points about issues related to the conference (food included, change in date, etc.) and Schaub will pull together a save the date and highlights announcement.
7.4 Legislative Committee Report (Behringer) Legislative Forum went well; 3 legislators showed up, 45 attendees; 6 or 7 possible platform issues were developed.
7.5 Minnesota Library Foundation (Wendt & Trapskin) The MLF has not met since our last meeting.
7.6 ARLD Day 2009 (Ewing) ARLD is starting planning early. The date is set for May 1, 2009, at the Arboretum. Keynote speaker is almost finalized. Board was impressed with the advanced planning!
7.7 MLA 2009 Conference Update (Brechon) Contract for 2009 conference in St. Cloud has been signed: Oct. 14-16. Working on Rochester for Oct. 5-8, 2010, and Duluth for Oct 19-21, 2011.
7.8 Visioning task Force (Wendt) Met July 9 to review what other state library associations are doing; tweak the survey to be sent out to MLA members and non-members with a goal of sending it out in August or September with results back in time for the conference.
7.9 State Library Services (Miller) The Department of Education, within which State Library Services resides, is doing some reorganization. They might be out of contact Aug. 6-7. Budgets are not yet out. Guidelines for federal money have changed which puts a crimp on how the funds can be used in an environment where they’re desperately needed. LSTA grant awards paperwork has just been completed. Construction grant application window is open and they’re due Oct. 24. The Advisory Council will not meet in August.
Discussion Items
8.1 Web Site Task Force Update (Trapskin) – Wendt has a few changes to make to the contract and has requested a Word version of the contract. We will include a statement requesting that we strive toward ADA compliance as much as possible. Once the contract has been signed, Dan Moriarty will prepare 2 mock-ups for us to respond to. Timeline is approximately 3 months.
8.2 Library School Graduates – We have occasionally offered a free one-year membership to library school graduates. Are we interested in reinstituting that practice? A general new member packet is a higher priority. It could then be modified for library school grads. We should also consider attending some of the St. Kate’s graduate events.
Adjournment 12:19 p.m.

Next meeting: Friday, August 15, 2008, MLA Conference Room

Respectfully submitted,

Carla Urban
MLA Board Secretary

Annual Conference Update

2008-07-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

Hello, MLA members, colleagues and friends! Plans are being finalized for MLA's 2008 Annual Conference, which will be held at the Sheraton Bloomington on November 19, 20 and 21, 2008. I hope you will be sure to come to what promises to be yet another incredible conference!

Reserve your hotel room today! Please go to: http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/booking/reservation?id=08072522
03&key=17DDD. Or Call 866-837-4278 for reservations.

As you may have noticed, the MLA 2008 Annual Conference falls a bit later in the year than usual. After much discussion and cooperation between MLA and the Sheraton-Bloomington, this was a win/win compromise that was reached in an effort to negotiate a previously signed contract which would have placed an unrealistic financial burden on MLA.

In the process of working out a mutually-acceptable conference alternative, every attempt was made to avoid holidays, date conflicts with other library-related conferences, and the most hectic time of the year for academic libraries.

We appreciate the Sheraton-Bloomington's flexibility in working with us on this and hope that you will be able to take advantage of this schedule shift to do some holiday shopping or to attend a holiday event in the metro area. The Sheraton Bloomington will be offering special overnight packages for those conference attendees that may want to extend their time before or after the conference.

During the conference, the accommodations at the Sheraton-Bloomington enable attendees to stay in the same location as that in which conference sessions and events will be held. This offers participants greater convenience and ease of access. We have had to be a bit creative in the layout of our conference, but we are confident that you will find it

You may notice that the registration cost for the conference has increased. This was necessary because most meals, with the exception of the awards banquet, are included in the registration fee. Having the all-inclusive fee has been very popular with the majority of our members and we have been encouraged to continue with this practice. Unfortunately, due to the cost of food and other rising prices, the increase was unavoidable. However, I firmly believe this conference is well worth the registration fee and hope you will agree.

I look forward to seeing you in November where we will have the opportunity.To Explore. To Evolve. To Excel. Together.

~Wendy Wendt, MLA President

Intellectual Freedom 101

2008-07-21T13:59:00.001-07:00

Check out the video from the first-ever "Intellectual Freedom 101" program at ALA's 2008 Annual Conference in Anaheim:

http://blip.tv/file/1082495

Blog post on the video here: http://blogs.ala.org/oif.php?title=if_101&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

GSLIS Seeks Nominations for Downs Intellectual Freedom Award

2008-06-16T13:58:00.000-07:00

The Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS) at the University of Illinois seeks nominations for the Robert B. Downs Intellectual Freedom Award. The deadline for nominations is October 15, 2008.

Given annually, the award acknowledges individuals or groups who have furthered the cause of intellectual freedom, particularly as it impacts libraries and information centers and the dissemination of ideas. Granted to those who have resisted censorship or efforts to abridge the freedom of individuals to read or view materials of their choice, the award may be in recognition of a particular action or long-term interest in, and dedication to, the cause of intellectual freedom.

The Robert B. Downs Intellectual Freedom Award was established in 1969 by the GSLIS faculty to honor Dean Emeritus Downs, a champion of intellectual freedom, on the occasion of his 25th anniversary as director of the School. Previous winners have included Barbara M. Jones, Wesleyan University Librarian, who was honored for her international work on behalf of intellectual freedom (2007); Michele Reutty, who refused to turn over patron records without a subpoena (2006); John Doe of the court case "John Doe v. Gonzales" (2005); Whatcom County Library System (2004); June Pinnell-Stephens, Collections Services Manager for Fairbanks North Star Borough Public Library, Fairbanks, Alaska, and Mainstream Montgomery County, a Montgomery County Texas organization (2003); retired librarian Zoia Horn and Ginnie Cooper and the Multnomah County Library Board of Trustees (Portland, Oregon) (2002).

Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc., Westport, Connecticut, provides an honorarium to the recipient and co-hosts the reception in honor of the recipient. The reception and award ceremony for the 2008 Downs Intellectual Freedom Award will take place in January 2009 during the American Library Association's Midwinter Meeting in Denver, Colorado.

Letters of nomination and documentation about the nominee should be sent by e-mail to unsworth@illinois.edu with a copy to weech@illinois.edu or in paper form to John Unsworth, Dean, GSLIS, 501 East Daniel Street, Champaign, IL 61820 before October 15. Questions should be directed to Associate Professor Terry Weech at weech@illinois.edu.

State Library Services newsletter

2008-06-02T12:33:00.001-07:00

The 1½-page May issue of the State Library Services newsletter is available at http://education.state.mn.us/mdeprod/groups/Library/documents/Publication/034294.pdf

Practical Time Management: How to Get Things Done When You Don't Have Time, People, or Resources

2008-05-27T06:54:00.000-07:00

State Library Services will be bringing Pat Wagner to five locations in Minnesota, June 23-27, 2008, for a workshop called: Practical Time Management.

Presenter: Patricia Wagner, Pattern Research, Inc.
Description: One of the most common complaints heard from staff is, "There's so little time. How do I find the time?" Join in the challenge and the fun! Listen, practice, and learn:

How to be productive and effective, even when you feel stretched too thin.
How to make hard choices when demands on your time conflict.
What to do when they cut your budget.
How and when to draw a line in the sand.

Dates and Locations:
6/23 Chanhassen: Chanhassen Public Library, 7711 Kerber Blvd., Chanhassen, MN 55317
6/24 Mankato: Traverse de Sioux Library System Office, 1400 Madison Ave. Suite 622 Mankato MN 56001 (east end of shopping center)
6/25 Granite Falls: Minnesota West Community and Technical College, 1593 11th Ave, Granite Falls, MN 56241
6/26 St. Cloud: St. Cloud Public Library, 405 St. Germain St. W., St. Cloud, MN 56301-3667
6/27 Cloquet: Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, 2101 14^th St, Cloquet MN 55720

Time: Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.
Workshop is from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This will include a working lunch which will be provided (to those who register by June 13).
Audience: Staff of libraries and library organizations of all types
Cost: No charge. Lunch included .

Mileage Reimbursement:
Available, with priority given to those who submit a mileage reimbursement request with registration or by June 13. To confirm reimbursement is available, apply in advance. Don't hesitate to submit a request. (Funding is extensive, but not unlimited.) Reimbursements will be made after the workshops.

Registration:
Deadline: Friday, June 13 (Lunch cannot be guaranteed for those registering after this date.)
To register, select a date and location and select a registration option.

Online Registration: http://mn.webjunction.org - Click on "Calendar of Events";
locate desired date, click to open event, scroll down to complete registration form.

Email: If preferred, send registration to Mary Ann Van Cura at maryann.vancura@state.mn.us

SSPiN's Spring Meeting

2008-05-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

SSPiN's annual Spring Meeting will be held on
Tuesday, May 27th, 10:30 A.M., on the Macalester College campus in St. Paul.
The meeting will be followed by a brief tour of Macalester's DeWitt Wallace library and a lunch gathering at a local restaurant.

The agenda will include a review & revision of SSPiN bylaws.

If you plan to attend the tour and/or lunch gathering, please RSVP to secretary Jacki Betsworth (betsworth@macalester.edu) by noon on Friday, May 23rd.

MLA Visioning Task Force Meeting Notes

2008-05-23T08:01:00.000-07:00

The MLA Board has pulled together a group of Board Representatives and Subunit Chairs to serve on the MLA Visioning task force. Minutes from the first meeting, including what purpose the committee will serve and some action items are posted below.

MLA Visioning Task Force
May 7, 2008
MLA Meeting Room
1619 Dayton Ave., St. Paul, MN

In Attendance: Wendy Wendt, Lynne Beck, Jody Wurl, Emily Mamun, Chris Beyerl, Mary Huismann, Tracy Hvezda, Melissa Brechon, David Pratt, Mark Ranum, Ken Behringer, Cecelia Boone, Kristen Mastel, and Jonya Pacey

Recorder: Emily Mamun

Responsibilities of the Task Force:

Guide the process of updating the MLA visions and drafting a strategic plan for organizational advancement, the goal of which should be to make MLA relevant, dynamic and useful.

Tasks/Assignments:

1. Research other associations – Jody, Chris and Mary.

The group will research associations on their own. Jody will collate and send to the group for review before our next meeting.

2. Find out who doesn’t join MLA and why – Kristen, Tracy and Melissa.

The group will identify opportunities to gain new members including identifying the categories of membership we already have and those we should go after (kinds or libraries, other professions that might have an interest).

The group will finalize the member survey drafted by the Communications Committee. After which time Mark and Emily will work to get the survey online and functional via SurveyMonkey.com.

The group will notify Emily if they require help from the Communications Committee.

3. Understand our current member breakdown – Wendy.

Wendy will ask Cynthia in the MLA office to send the membership summary to the VTF group.

4. Explore MLA’s relationship with the College of St. Catherine – Tracy.

Tracy will work to identify opportunities to gain visibility at St. Kate’s including but not limited to a speaker’s bureau, informational interviews and class visits.

Other Discussion:

A. Should MLA be restructured to match a new mission/vision?

Tentative yes. The group will move forward with the understanding that some restructuring may be necessary as we draft a strategic plan. That said, the group will work to leverage the strengths of the current structure going forward.

Before considering any new direction, the group will evaluate the mission and vision of MLA and give a recommendation about how to move forward. Jody, Chris and Mary will bring outstanding language from other associations to the group as they encounter it.

B. What is the value of Committees, RoundTables, Divisions (subunits in general)?

What makes each subunit a Roundtable, Division or Section? Some groups have bylaws and practice while others do not.

After membership survey data has been returned, the VTF will ask subunit leaders to poll their groups to better understand the value each provides. Additionally, The VTF will work with leaders to gather information on how each of their groups work in practice and compare their responses with what is written in the MLA Bylaws.

Timeline for the Task Force:

Member Survey to be distributed in Late August/Early September 2008 (to include academics who are now finishing their terms for the year).

VTF will draft a strategic plan based on the survey data and other committee work in October 2008.

The plan will be put up for member review at the Annual Conference in November 2008.

In December 2008, the member-reviewed and revised plan will be handed off to the incoming board for review and decision.

Next Meeting of the VTF:

1 pm July 9 in the MLA Conference Room (Wendy will book the meeting room).

Online Library Information Technology Program

2008-05-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

The Minneapolis Community & Technical College Library Information Technology programs are now available entirely online. For detailed information go to
<http://www.minneapolis.edu/academics/areaofstudy.cfm?aos_id=88>. The degree and certificate programs are designed to educate and train people to work at the library paraprofessional level (also know as library technicians or associates).

The Associate of Science Degree in Library Information Technology, which is composed of 33 program credits and 30 liberal arts/general education credits, provides students with a solid grounding in library theory and practice and a strong foundation of general education courses that can lead to further study in the liberal arts. Library science classes include an introduction to public and technical services, cataloging, indexing and abstracting, reference and online services, and intellectual freedom and information ethics. The A.S. degree also requires students to do a 4 credit internship, and take an intermediate computer course in Microsoft Office applications, and a business course on Human Relations and Team Building. Required general education classes include two writing/composition courses, a speech course, and a course in Information Studies entitled Ideas, Censorship and Politics. All general education courses are also available in a fully online format, or can be taken on campus in traditional face-to-face format.

The Certificates in Public and Technical Information Services are each 14 credits, or you can earn both certificates by taking a total of 20 credits. The courses for the two certificates are the same core library courses required for the A.S. degree. Therefore if you wish to continue on for the A.S. degree you only need take (or transfer in) the remaining 30 credits of general education, and complete the computer and business courses and the library internship.

We also offer our library courses to non-degree seeking students with instructor permission. However, first priority is given to students seeking a degree or certificate.

Applications and admission for fall semester 2008 is now open. The program only accepts 20 new students per year on a first come first serve basis. Fall semester classes begin August 25, 2008. For general application and admissions information go to <http://www.minneapolis.edu/prospectivestudents/submityourapplication.cfm>.
If you have a prior college degree, or college level writing classes, you will not have to take the college placement test in reading. If you do not have a prior college degree or writing classes, you will need to take the Accuplacer reading test either at the MCTC testing center, or a
local community or technical college testing center that offers the Accuplacer test. All MnSCU community & technical colleges offer the test, and the Accuplacer test is the most widely used assessment test at 2-year colleges.

If you are interested in more information you can contact:

Tom Eland, Information Studies Coordinator, thomas.eland@minneapolis.edu, or Virginia Heinrich, MCTC Library Operations Coordinator, virginia.heinrich@minneapolis.edu

Note: Tom Eland is available for contact May 20 - June 19, and July 29 -
August 16. Virginia Heinrich is available for contact June 20 - July 28.

Information Literacy: The Bridge to College Readiness

2008-05-15T17:32:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY, JUNE 20,2008
8:00am – 3:30pm
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA ST PAUL CAMPUS CONFERENCE CENTER

Sponsored by Metronet and the Cooperating Libraries in Consortium (CLIC)

The goal of this conference is to demonstrate the importance of information literacy skills for students’ success in college. Information literacy is defined as the ability to follow a systematic process in doing research, that is, with the knowledge of how to formulate questions, gather, evaluate, and organize the information discovered, draw conclusions, present results, and use information sources in an ethical and responsible manner. Conference attendees will learn about the efforts of some of Minnesota’s secondary schools to teach these skills, the expectations of college faculty (especially those involved with “freshmen year experience” courses), and the importance of improving the alignment of information literacy instruction between secondary schools and colleges and universities. Educators in Minnesota have recognized alignment as a critical issue, one that the Governor’s P-16 Group is working on particularly with respect to math and science education. Consequently the conference should be of interest to K-12 teachers and school media specialists, college and university faculty and librarians, school administrators, curriculum specialists, legislators, government officials, and others interested in how we can better prepare Minnesota’s students with 21st Century skills.

Cost: $30 includes materials, lunch, refreshments, and parking

Registration deadline: June 13, 2008

For a detailed schedule, information about speakers, and a link to the online registration,

visit http://www.metrolibraries.net/library-wire/overview.html

Legislative Update

2008-05-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

Education Funding Bill: Despite optimistic reports yesterday that a budget agreement between the Governor and legislative leaders was imminent, talks broke down in the early evening. Later in the evening, the House and Senate passed HF 6, the education funding bill (see my report from yesterday for details of that bill). Governor Pawlenty has said he will veto the bill. The question is whether a veto might be overridden. The bill passed last night by wide margins in both bodies, receiving 97 votes in the House (where 90 votes are needed for an override) and 55 votes in the Senate (where 45 votes are needed for an override). Typically, there will be some legislators, especially those of the same party as the Governor, who will vote for a bill but are not willing to vote to override a veto.

Real ID: Last night the House and Senate also passed another bill prohibiting Minnesota from complying with the federal Real ID Act. The American Library Association opposes Real ID, as do many other organizations. This bill, HF 3807, is also expected to be vetoed. The bill passed the Senate with 50 votes and the House with 103 votes, so a veto override is possible.

Levy Limits: Governor Pawlenty is insisting on very strict levy limits on cities and counties as part of the overall budget agreement. Although we do not have a formal position on levy limits, public libraries could be adversely affected by levy limits. You may want to contact your legislator about this issue.

Education Policy Bill Vetoed: As expected, the Governor vetoed the omnibus education policy bill yesterday. You can access his veto message.

Legislative Update

2008-05-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

We are in the final week of the legislative session. Legislators must adjourn no later than Monday, May 19 and they are prohibited from passing any bills on the day of adjournment. This means that the last day for passing bills will be either Saturday or Sunday. Sunday floor sessions are not prohibited, but they are generally avoided.

The Governor and legislative leaders have not reached a budget agreement. Negotiations are continuing. The key issue is levy limits for cities and counties. The omnibus tax bill that was agreed upon over the weekend by the House and Senate includes levy limits, but the Governor has said that they are not strict enough.

The House and Senate have agreed on a tax bill, a budget bill and a separate education funding bill, but have not yet taken these bills up on the floor. If there is an agreement with the Governor, the bills will be amended to reflect that agreement and will then be brought to the floor for passage. If there is not an agreement the bills will be brought to the floor for passage in their present form, and the Governor would veto them. If this happens, the Governor will have the choice of calling a special session or using his authority to unallot spending in order to balance the budget.

Here is a summary of the provisions of interest in the tax and budget bills that have been agreed upon by the Legislature (keep in mind that these may change if there is an agreement with the Governor):

E-12 Education Funding Bill (HF 6): The education funding items that had been part of the omnibus budget bill were moved in to a separate education funding bill over the weekend, but the substance has not changed. This bill raises the general education formula by $51 per pupil on a one-time basis, raises the general education formula by $35 per pupil in future years (through eliminating the permanent fund subtraction), and allows school districts to transfer up to $51 per pupil from total operating capital to their general fund. It also cuts the Department of Education operating budget by 4%. These provisions were all previously included in the agreement reached by the E-12 Working Group nearly a month ago (see my update from April 18).

Omnibus Tax Bill (HF 3149): The bill agreed upon by the tax conference committee over the weekend increase aid to cities by $55 million and to counties by $27 million. It also imposes levy limits on cities and counties beginning in 2009, but only if the increases in aid go into effect. The bill also includes a provision raising the limit on the amount that Anoka County can bond for library buildings.

Omnibus Budget Bill (HF 1812): The bill cuts the general appropriation for MnSCU by $6.6 million per year and cuts the University of Minnesota by $5.2 million in FY 08 and 09 and by $7.7 million per year in the next biennium.

Omnibus Education Policy Bill (SF 3001): The education policy conference committee reached agreement last week, and the bill was passed on the House and Senate floors. The bill was presented to Governor Pawlenty on Friday. He has until midnight tonight to sign or veto the bill. He is expected to veto it. Provisions of interest in the final bill include the establishment of a technology task force that will develop statewide technology standards for schools and a provision changing the name of the Minnesota Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped to the Braille and Talking Book Library and allowing its advisory council to meet electronically. The provision in the Senate version of the bill allowing ELM access to public libraries that are not members of their regional library was not included in the conference committee agreement.

Legislative Forum date set

2008-05-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

The 2008 Legislative Forum will be on Wednesday July 16 at the Chanhassen Library.

http://www.carverlib.org/locations/chanhassen.php

Please reserve this date and more information will follow on plans for the day.

Minnesota Library Foundation "Lunch for Libraries"

2008-05-10T06:55:00.000-07:00

The Minnesota Library Foundation cordially invites you to attend the first Lunch for Libraries, a fundraising event with proceeds benefiting Minnesota libraries, on Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Hostess: Angela Davis, WCCO Anchor
Guest Speaker: Lorna Landvik, Best-selling Minnesota Author
Location: Kagin Commons, Macalester College, St. Paul

11:30 a.m. Book Sales & Signing
12:00 p.m. Lunch & Author Presentation
RSVP By June 4th

For more nformation, contact Judy at MELSA 651-645-5731, or at judy@melsa.org

2008-05-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library is delighted to announce the continuation of a Minnesota Book Awards initiative made possible by grants from the Minnesota Department of Education - Office of State Library Services and the Minnesota Library Foundation.

Effective immediately, Minnesota libraries and affiliated nonprofit library organizations are invited to apply for funding to host an author event or series featuring Minnesota Book Awards winners or finalists. The application deadline is Friday, May 23, 2008.

Your help in sharing this exciting opportunity with libraries and affiliated organizations in your network is greatly appreciated. A total of $6,000 is available for author events occurring between now and November 30, 2008. The maximum that may be requested for funding reimbursement by any one library or affiliated organization during this funding period is $500.

The application process is easy. Contact Ann Nelson at the Friends for a application materials. The application may be returned by email, fax, or mail. Applications are currently being accepted, and priority will be given to organizations not receiving funding reimbursement through this program within the last 12 months.

Organizations are encouraged to feature finalists or winners from the most recent Book Awards, although this isn't a requirement. A listing of 20^th annual Minnesota Book Awards winners and finalists is included as the third attachment. A complete listing of winners and finalists from throughout the Book Awards' 20 year history is available on The Friends' website, www.thefriends.org.

Please let me know if you have questions regarding this opportunity. I am available as a resource to applicant organizations needing author contact info and/or programming suggestions.
Thank you for your help in spreading the word about the available funding for Minnesota Book Awards Author Events. This is a great opportunity for us to work together in promoting and honoring Minnesota authors and books throughout the state.

Ann Nelson
MN Book Awards Coordinator
The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library
325 Cedar Street, Suite 555
Saint Paul, MN 55101-1055
Direct: (651)366-6497
Main: (651) 222-3242
Fax: (651) 222-1988
mnbookawards@thefriends.org
www.thefriends.org

Reference Renaissance registration now open

2008-05-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

Reference Renaissance will be held in Denver, Colorado August 4-5, 2008.

Head on over to http://www.bcr.org/referencerenaissance to register and for updates on programs and speakers. Early Bird Registration is $150 by May 31st. Regular registration is $175.

We're expecting 300-400 attendees from all over the US and from all types of libraries!

Contact Brenda Bailey-Hainer at bbailey@bcr.org or 303.751.6277 ext. 117 if you have any questions.

About the Conference:
A Reference Renaissance: Current and Future Trends
August 4-5, 2008, Denver, CO
Sponsored by BCR (Bibliographical Center for Research) and RUSA (Reference and User Services Association), an ALA Division

Rumors of the “death of reference” have been greatly exaggerated! Reference and information services now encompass not just traditional forms such as in-person point-of-service, telephone, and e-mail, but also Instant Messaging, Text Messaging (SMS), blogs, wikis, library pages on MySpace and Facebook, and virtual reference desks in Second Life.

A Reference Renaissance: Current and Future Trends conference will explore all aspects of reference service in a broad range of contexts, including libraries and information centers, in academic, public, school, corporate, and other special library environments. This two-day conference will incorporate the multitude of established, emerging, and merging types of reference service including both traditional and virtual reference. It presents an opportunity for all reference practitioners and scholars to explore the rapid growth and changing nature of reference, as an escalating array of information technologies blend with traditional reference service to create vibrant hybrids.

Our theme of a “Reference Renaissance” was taken from an editorial by Diane Zabel, in a recent issue of Reference and User Services Quarterly (winter 2007). Zabel wrote of a “resurgence of interest in reference” and that “reference is experiencing a regeneration, a reference renaissance.”

Back By Popular Demand! 23 Things On A Stick Returns For A Second Round

2008-05-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

Didn’t have time to do 23 Things On a Stick the first time around? Got, oh, so close to finishing the 23 Things in the first round? This is your chance to participate in this individual online learning program focused on Web 2.0 tools in the context of libraries and media centers.

The Minnesota Multicounty Multitype Library Systems announce the opening of registration for a second round of 23 Things On a Stick beginning on May 15 (same content). The program will run through September 15, 2008. Library staff, Friends of Libraries, and Library Governing Board members are invited to sign up. Those who participated in the first round can re-register, using their same blog, pick up where they left off, and complete the rest of the 23. Those who have never started, have a second chance to register and join in this round!

Participants in the first round of 23 Things On a Stick were delighted with their experience.

The Things begin with each participant creating a blog to record their learning on more than 23 Web 2.0 tools. Participants then complete all Things explained at the 23 Things On a Stick blog (23thingsonastick.blogspot.com).

Ready to participate? Read the instructions at 23thingsonastick.blogspot.com about how the program works, how to create and register your blog, and then get on the stick and do the things. If you are continuing from the first round, you must re-register your blog.

Don’t miss this chance to do all 23 Things. You want to be ready for Thing 24 and More Things On a Stick!

Contact: Ann Walker-Smalley, Metronet Director

ann@metronet.lib.mn.us

23 Things On a Stick blog is online at www.23thingsonastick.blogspot.com

State Library Services newsletter

2008-05-08T12:38:00.001-07:00

The most recent issue of the State Library Newsletter is now available at http://education.state.mn.us/mdeprod/groups/Library/documents/Publication/034213.pdf

Legislative Update

2008-04-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

Aid to Cities and Counties: The House version of the omnibus tax bill was made public yesterday morning. It increases local government aid to cities by $50 million and county program aid by $20 million. Like the Senate's tax bill, it does not include the Governor's proposal to impose levy limits. The House Tax Committee will consider amendments to the tax bill later today and will then pass the bill out of committee.

Omnibus Education Policy Bill (SF 3001): Last night the House passed its version of the omnibus education policy bill after six hours of debate. Much of the controversy centered around a sex education provision that was added to the bill on the floor. The bill will next go to a conference committee. Both the House and Senate versions of the bill include the establishment of a technology task force charged with establishing technology standards for K-12 schools. This would continue the work of a task force convened by the Department of Education whose members include Gary Ganje and Patrick Plant. Both versions of the bill also include a provision changing the name of the Minnesota Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped to the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library and allowing its advisory council to conduct meetings via telephone or other electronic means under certain conditions. The Senate version also allows ELM access for unaffiliated public libraries.

Broadband Task Force (SF 1918): The Governor has signed the bill establishing a task force to make recommendations regarding the creation of a state ultra high-speed broadband goal and a plan to implement that goal. The task force includes representatives of business, state agencies, higher education, K-12 schools and regional public libraries. The task force will be appointed by the Governor.

REAL ID: As expected, Governor Pawlenty has vetoed HF 1351, the omnibus transportation policy bill, because of his objections to a provision prohibiting Minnesota from complying with the federal REAL ID law unless the federal government funds at least 95% of the cost of compliance. The American Library Association is opposed to REAL ID. You can access the governor's veto message via this link:
http://www.governor.state.mn.us/stellent/groups/public/documents/web_content/prod008848.pdf

2008 Minnesota E-Learning Summit for K-12 Education

2008-04-28T14:53:00.000-07:00

May 21-22, 2008 Normandale Community College, Bloomington, MN

Hosted by iSeek Solutions and Minnesota Learning Innovations Council

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Dr. Michael Wesch, Cultural Anthropologist and Media Ecologist, Kansas State University

"Human Futures for Technology and Education"

For more info on Mr. Wesch, go to: http://mngts.org/elearning2008/index.html

HALF DAY COMPUTER LABS & TUTORIAL ON WED, MAY 21, including

● Edu-Games that Are Fun to Play ● Second Life ● Make Your Own Games with "Scratch"

For detailed info on ALL computer labs, go to: http://mngts.org/elearning2008/program.html and click on "Session Descriptions and Speaker Info"

44 SESSIONS ON THURSDAY, MAY 22, including

● Developing Online Teachers ● 3-D Learning Environments ● How Moodle Opens Doors

● Balance Teaching with Web 2.0 ● Developing Online Skills-Based Courses

For detailed info on ALL sessions, go to: http://mngts.org/elearning2008/program.html and click on "Session Descriptions and Speaker Info"

EXHIBIT HALL ON THURSDAY SHOWCASING LATEST TECHNOLOGIES

Offering demonstrations, refreshments, silent auction, dessert buffet, entertainment

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Offering sessions for beginner to advanced, the Summit is for anyone interested in e-learning, including

● Admin/Sr. Mgmt ● K-20 Educators ● Tech Mgrs & Staff ● Library Admin & Staff

For more detailed info, go to: http://mngts.org/elearning2008/general_information.html

FEES & REGISTRATION

$148: Full Conference Fee - Wednesday & Thursday

$ 49: Half Day Computer Labs/Tutorial--Wed Only

$ 99: Conference & Exhibit Show--Thursday Only

To register, go to: http://mngts.org/elearning2008/index.html and click On-Line Registration

FORM MORE INFO

Contact Rich Spencer, Govt Training Services, 651-222-7409, ext. 201 or rspencer@mngts.org

GTS is providing planning, management, marketing and registration services for the Summit.

Midwest Library Technology Conference

2008-04-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

Registration
is now available for the midwest library technology conference

May 29-30, 2008Macalester College St. Paul, MN

A conference bringing libraries from around the region together to share how
changing technologies are affecting the services they provide to their users.

2008 Foundation Contribution Forms Now Available

2008-04-14T14:18:00.000-07:00

Download your 2008 Foundation Contribution form on the Foundation Page

RART Spring Retreat

2008-04-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

Event info and registration form can be found on the Reader's Advisory Events Page

Read Across Minnesota Materials Now Available

2008-04-08T08:43:00.000-07:00

You can download them on the CYP Page

Legislative Update

2008-04-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

This afternoon Governor Pawlenty line-item vetoed $208 million from the bonding bill that was passed by the Legislature last week. A total of 52 projects were vetoed. The good news is that no library projects were vetoed. Because the MLA legislative listserv was down last week, my update on the bonding bill bounced. It did go through on the MEMO listserv. For those who did not receive that update, the bonding bill included the following amounts for library projects:

Library Accessibility and Improvement Grants: $1.5 million
Northland Community and Technical College: $7.8 million
Minnesota State Community and Technical College - Moorhead: $2.5 million
Hennepin Technical College: $2.4 million
Minnesota State University Moorhead: $400,000

March State Library Services Connections newsletter

2008-04-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

The March issue of Connections is available at http://education.state.mn.us/mdeprod/groups/Library/documents/Publication/033997.pdf

In this month's issue:

Approximately 50 Minnesota librarians present at 2008 Public Library Association Conference
Minneapolis Central Library of Hennepin County Library is cited as a tourist destination
Two Minnesota public libraries and 14 Minnesota museums and historical societies receive Connecting to Collections Bookshelf Grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Legislative Update

2008-03-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

This week a number of the major budget bills have been rolled out. Earlier in the week I reported on the House K-12 education funding bill. Since then, the Senate E-12 education funding bill, the Senate Tax bill, and the House and Senate Higher Education bills have been released. Here are the highlights:

Senate E-12 Education Funding bill: The bill was released this morning. It makes no changes to any library appropriations. The main feature of the bill is an increase in funding of $35 per pupil for schools. This funding is generated by repealing the permanent fund subtraction, thereby keeping the revenues generated by school trust lands in the K-12 education budget. Although this funding increase is smaller than the $51 per pupil included in the House K-12 bill, the Senate funding increase is ongoing, while the House increase is for FY 09 only. The bill cuts the Department of Education's operating budget by slightly more than the 4% reduction recommended by the Governor.

Senate Tax Bill: The bill increases Local Government Aid for cities by $70 million and increases County Program Aid by $40 million. Both LGA and CPA would be indexed to inflation in subsequent years. The bill does not include levy limits.

Senate Higher Education Funding Bill: The bill makes no changes to the appropriations for Minitex or MnLINK. It reduces general operating funds for the University of Minnesota by $15.5 million and for MnSCU by $6.5 million.

House Higher Education Funding Bill: The bill makes no changes to the appropriations for Minitex or MnLINK. It reduces general operating funds for the University of Minnesota by $6.2 million and for MnSCU by $6.2 million.

As is often done in the even-numbered year session, the funding bills for specific areas of the budget will be merged into one omnibus supplemental budget bill. That bill is likely to be taken up on the floor of both bodies next week.

Call for Session Proposals

2008-03-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

Minnesota Library Association
2008 Conference, November 19-21, Sheraton Bloomington, Minnesota

Call for Session Proposals

Theme: To Explore, To Evolve, To Excel…Together

Click HERE for an application

Registration for ARLD Day is now open

2008-03-26T07:41:00.000-07:00

Join us on Friday, April 25th, 9am-4pm at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen.
http://www.arboretum.umn.edu

This year’s theme is:

Riding the Swell: Effectively Reaching our Students

We are pleased that our keynote speaker will be Erin Walsh from the National Institute on Media and the Family. Erin will present “Why Do They Act That Way?”, her take on the brain development of our under–25 year old students, their media-use habits, and how these factors impact our services and interactions with them.

Please join us to share ideas, meet and greet colleagues, and gather new knowledge in the lovely Arboretum setting.

Program:
Keynote: Erin Walsh from the National Institute on Media and the Family will discuss the brain development of our under–25 year old students, their media-use habits, and how these factors impact our services and interactions with them.

Breakout sessions:
Capturing the Captive Audience
Speakers: Emily O’Connor & Amy Springer, Rasmussen College
Hundreds or thousands of students wandering around campus who need your information about library resources & Information Literacy – so why do we have so few attendees at open workshops and programs? The speakers will discuss several marketing and incentive tactics, from posters to faculty collaborations, designed to increase attendance and improve the quality of library workshops and programs. The floor will be open for attendees to share questions and best practices.

Teaching Web 2.0 to Student 1.5: Effective Methods for Introducing New Information Tools
Speakers: Robin Ewing and Melissa Prescott, St. Cloud State University
Contrary to the perception that undergraduate students are expert users of social networking and other Web 2.0 tools, reference and instruction librarians at St. Cloud State University have discovered that many students are unaware of Web 2.0 tools besides Facebook, Wikipedia, and YouTube. Drawing from classroom experiences as well as student feedback, this session will discuss ways to include Web 2.0 information tools such as podcasts, wikis, blogs, video streaming, social bookmarking, and RSS in information literacy instruction. The presenters will discuss techniques for introducing students to new information tools, ways to incorporate these tools into class assignments, and methods for evaluating the validity and usefulness of information presented via these tools. The presenters will also share what methods were less successful. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to share methods they use to keep aware of new technologies as well as ways they have incorporated Web 2.0 information tools into their own teaching.

The Library Uncatalogued- the Making of an Information Literacy Film
Speaker: Anika Fajardo, College of St. CatherineVideo is available nearly everywhere from YouTube to iPods. The College of St. Catherine Libraries are capitalizing on this popular medium by using a film to help reach students. The Library: Uncatalogued is a fifteen minute video that provides information about the Library and presents the ACRL Information Literacy Standards in a fun and entertaining manner. Created especially for traditional first year college students, it uses humor, music, and even a Library Fairy to teach the skills students need to succeed in research. Learn about how the film was made and get tips on creating your own film.

Visioning a Student-Centered Library: Quick and Easy Methods for Listening to Our Students
Speakers: Chris Inkster, Michael Gorman, Jennifer Quinlan, & Rich Josephson, St. Cloud State UniversityHow do our students really use our spaces and services? Are we meeting their needs? Do we really know our students? It’s time to let go of long-held assumptions about students and libraries, but how do we shake up our own thinking? In this session, we will share and discuss techniques for observing and interacting with students about who they are and about their experiences of our library spaces and services. We will also discuss how our work has been informed by the recent University of Rochester’s Undergraduate Research Project, and how participants can easily replicate our methods and use the resulting data to help their organization move toward a student-centered model.

Deadlines:
Registration is now open. The registration form is available at: http://www.tc.umn.edu/~meye0539/ARLD%20Day%202008%20Registration%20Form.doc

Any questions should be submitted to: jmnewsome@stkate.edu
Thanks!
Jim Newsome Past Chair, ARLD

Submitted by Kristen Mastel
ARLD Member Communication

Legislative Update

2008-03-25T13:19:00.000-07:00

The Legislature returns tomorrow from its Easter break. The Legislature's constitutional adjournment deadline of May 19 is eight weeks from today, so we are entering the home stretch of the 2008 session. I thought this would be a good time review the status of MLA/MEMO platform items and other legislative issues of interest. Here is a summary:

State Budget: This week legislative action will be focused on the budget. Although this is not a budget year, legislators must make adjustments in order to solve a projected $935 million state budget deficit. The deadline for omnibus budget bills to emerge from committee is Friday, March 28. Only one of the budget bills that impact libraries has been made public to date. Last Wednesday the House K-12 Education Finance Division made public its proposed budget bill, and it contained good news. There are no cuts to any library appropriations. The bill even provides a one-time increase in basic aid of $51 per pupil to schools. (See the paragraph below on the general education increase for more detail). The K-12 Division will meet on Tuesday, March 25 to consider amendments and take final action on the bill.

Bonding: The bonding bill remains at a standstill. Early in the session the House and Senate moved quickly to pass their respective versions of the bonding bill and get it to a conference committee, with the goal of sending a final bill to the Governor by March 15. However, that deadline has come and gone, and although the conference committee was appointed on March 6, and it has not yet held a public meeting. The sticking point is the lack of agreement on the overall size of the bill. The Governor insists on a bill no larger than $825 million -- about $140 million less than the bills passed by the House and Senate and the bill originally proposed by the Governor. The House is willing to abide by the Governor's limit, but the Senate has been holding out for a larger bill.

Library Accessibility and Improvement Grants: The House bonding bill includes $2 million, and the Senate bonding bill includes $1 million.

Academic Library Capital Projects: All four of the academic library projects that appear on the MLA/MEMO platform are still alive in the bonding conference committee negotiations. Here are the amounts included in each bill:

Northland Community and Technical College: House: $7.8 million Senate: $7.8 million
Minnesota State Community and Technical College - Moorhead: House: $2.5 million Senate: $2.5 million
Hennepin Technical College: House: $2.4 million Senate: $2.4 million
Minnesota State University Moorhead: House: $400,000 Senate: $400,000

Local Government Aid and County Program Aid: Cities and counties were a bit surprised and very relieved that the Governor did not propose any cuts to their state aid in his budget. Given the budget deficit, the likelihood of an increase in aid to cities and counties appears slim.
LMS In Every School: Our bill to require a licensed library media specialist in every school was heard in the Senate Education Committee on Library Legislative Day. Despite excellent testimony from library media specialists, students and a parent, the bill failed to advance. Legislators were concerned about imposing a unfunded mandate on schools at a time when funding is scarce.

General Education Increase: As noted above, the House K-12 Education Finance bill includes a one-time increase of $51 per pupil for schools, an increase of about 1%. The price tag for this increase is $44 million in FY 09. According to Rep. Mindy Greiling (DFL - Roseville), the funding comes from three sources: 1) a cut in the Q-Comp program; 2) a 4% cut to the Department of Education's operating budget; and 3) the state budget reserve.

School Technology: Both the House and Senate versions of the omnibus education policy bill include a proposal to formalize the existing Minnesota Education Technology Task Force (METT). Both Patrick Plant and Gary Ganje serve on the METT, so MEMO is well represented. The legislation directs the METT to develop statewide technology standards for school districts.
In addition, a proposal to dedicate all or part of the school trust land revenue to technology is getting serious consideration in both the House and Senate. The permitted uses include the purchase of library media materials and library technology. The House K-12 Education Finance bill dedicates all future growth in school trust land revenue to this purpose. A similar proposal is expected to be included in the Senate's E-12 Education Budget bill that will be unveiled on Thursday.

ELM: A bill to provide access to ELM for the five public libraries in the state that are not affiliated with their regional library is included in the Senate version of the omnibus education policy bill. The bill did not receive a hearing in the House. MLA opposes this bill.

Broadband Task Force: A bill to establish a task force to develop a plan to ensure access to ultra high-speed broadband for every Minnesotan has passed the Senate and is awaiting a vote on the House floor. The bill provides for representatives of K-12 schools, higher education and regional libraries to be included in the task force.

Levy Limits: The Governor has proposed strict levy limits for cities and counties. His proposal has gotten a very cool reception in the House and Senate Tax Committees.
Carver County Library Board: A bill to make the Carver County Library Board advisory to the County Board has passed out of committee in both the House and the Senate and is awaiting a floor vote in both bodies.

ALA/LAMA's 2008 Best of Show PR Awards

2008-03-24T13:26:00.000-07:00

You know that your library has some amazing PR materials – newsletters, program announcements, reading celebrations, websites, YouTube video and more - why not show them off? It's that time again - we want you to enter the LAMA/PRMS Best of Show Competition!

All libraries are invited to submit promotional materials produced between January and December of 2007. Judging in all categories will be based on content, originality, design format and effectiveness. Entries must be postmarked no later than April 4, 2008. A team of experts in librarianship, public relations and marketing will judge the library promotional materials. Winning entries will be on display during the Swap & Shop program scheduled for Sunday, June 29, 2008, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., during the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, CA. The awards will be presented to the winners on that day. Free samples of library public relations materials from dozens of libraries will be available for attendees to "swap and shop" during the program. For more information about the competition, please contact Sally Lederer at sally@melsa.org, 651-645-5731, ext. 102. The Best of Show Entry Form and FAQ are available on the ALA/LAMA website at http://ala.org/ala/lama/lama.cfm

College of St. Catherine Dept. of Information Management survey

2008-03-24T13:25:00.001-07:00

The College of St Catherine's Department of Information Management is seeking to determine the degree of interest among practicing librarians in a certificate program in organizational leadership, or in taking courses designed to meet the educational needs of mid-career librarians. Examples of such courses are listed below. We would be most grateful if librarians in Minnesota would take a few moments and respond to this short needs assessment survey. All responses will be kept confidential and only summary data will be posted. Thank you for your assistance!

Follow this link to take the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=xLtUq_2fWBlbu0tdMO_2b_2bW3IA_3d_3d

MN Sesquicentennial “Many Languages, Many Voices” Grant Project

2008-03-24T13:22:00.000-07:00

Residents of Minnesota are invited to participate in photo, poster and mini research projects about our state’s multilingual and multicultural heritage during its 150 history. Selected submissions will be incorporated into multimedia presentations disseminated throughout the state’s historical societies, ethnic heritage, civic and educational organizations. How have various languages and cultures impacted your community over the state’s history? Submit a project. Put your community on the project’s map!Submission deadline: April 30, 2008

Photo Projects
Pictures tell stories. Any Minnesota resident can submit two comparative photos that depict language and cultural heritage(s) in your community at two points in time during Minnesota’s history.

Poster Projects
K-16 students can submit 11 x 17 color posters (electronic or paper) that depict the slogan “Many Languages, Many Voices, One State: Their Legacy Past and Present”.

Mini Research Projects
Any Minnesota resident can submit a “snapshot in time”, comparing cultures within communities – aspects of everyday life, within any time period ranging from 150+ years ago to the present.

Download details and submission forms at http://www.mctlc.org
Contact Anita Ratwik at ratwi001@umn.edu with your questions.

Legislative Update

2008-03-14T12:03:00.000-07:00

Bonding Bill: The bonding conference committee was appointed last Thursday evening, but they have still not held any public meetings. House and Senate leaders are at odds over the total size of the bill. The House is committed to reducing the bill to $825 million, which would keep the bill within the traditional debt service limit of 3% of state revenue. The Governor also supports a limit of $825 million. The Senate is arguing for a larger bill. Until that issue is resolved, the conference committee will not meet to begin negotiating the specific projects in the bill.

Levy Limits: The Governor's tax proposal has been introduced and it includes very strict levy limits for cities with populations over 2,500 and for counties. The Governor's bill, SF 3665/ HF3967, is scheduled to be heard next Monday, March 17 in the House Tax Committee.

ELM for Unaffiliated Libraries: SF 2821, the bill providing access to the ELM databases for public libraries that are not members of their regional library, has been included in SF 3001, the omnibus education policy bill. SF 3001 passed out of the Senate Education Committee this evening and is scheduled to be heard in the Senate State and Local Governmental Operations Committee on Friday.

K-12 Technology Standards: The bill introduced by Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL - Golden Valley) and Sen. Terri Bonoff (DFL - Minnetonka) to establish a task force to develop technology standards for schools has been included in both the House and Senate versions of the omnibus education policy bill (SF 3001/ HF 3316). SF 3001 passed out of the Senate Education Committee this evening. HF 3316 is expected to pass out of the House E-12 Education Committee on Thursday.

P-20 Partnership: A modified version of SF 2370, Senator Chuck Wiger's bill to establish a P-20 partnership of education organizations and state agencies, has been included in SF 3001, the omnibus education policy bill. The modified version limits the membership to the organizations that are currently participating in the P-16 Partnership. In an earlier version of the bill a number of organizations had been added to the partnership, including MEMO and MLA. However, legislators felt that the additions were making the group too large and unwieldy, with more and more organizations asking to be added, so they decided to return the group to its current membership.

Continuing Education survey

2008-03-10T16:41:00.001-07:00

Follow this link to take the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=xLtUq_2fWBlbu0tdMO_2b_2bW3IA_3d_3d

Survey on improved access at ALA events

2008-03-07T11:55:00.000-08:00

The Council of the American Library Association passed a resolution at ALA Midwinter 2008 calling for study and work toward improved access at ALA events.

In an attempt to assist with those efforts, I am conducting a brief email survey. Please respond directly at melorarn@yahoo.com

Survey:

1. Please describe any access difficulties you have had at American Library Association events.

2. Do you have any suggestions for improvements?

3. Further comments?

Thank you very much for your assistance!

Nancy Pearl – Improving Readers' Advisory Skills Workshop

2008-03-07T11:52:00.000-08:00

Sunday, March 30, 2008
2-4 pm
St. Paul -- Jeanne d'Arc Auditorium, College of St. Catherine, 2004 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105

Two hours of certification credit are available for the March 30 workshop. The other workshops last 3 hours and are eligible for 3 hours of certification credit.

Doorways into Reading: Improving Readers' Advisory Skills (with Nancy Pearl)

Nancy Pearl will present this workshop at 8 Minnesota locations. The session will focus on defining, refining, and using the concept of doorways into reading; the role of mood and motivation in selecting a good book to read; as well as offering tips and tricks to use in readers' advisory work at the reference desk. The workshop covers the readers' advisory transaction and readers' advisory tools.

Presenter: Nancy Pearl. The New York Times calls her the talk of librarian circles. Readers cannot get enough of her recommendations while bookstores and libraries offer standing room only whenever she visits. Since the release of the best-selling Book Lust in 2003 and the Librarian Action Figure modeled in her likeness, Nancy Pearl has become a rock star among readers and the tastemaker people turn to when deciding what to read next.
Cost: No charge! See funding statement below.
Audience: Library staff from all types of libraries and anyone working on the Minnesota Certification Program. (You do not have to be a participant in Minnesota Certification Program to attend the workshop.)
Minnesota Certification Program Competencies Addressed:
Readers’ Advisory: Public Services A8, A9, B2, B6, B9, B11

Registration: Register by sending an email with your name and affiliation to Rebecca Patton, rpatton@arrowhead.lib.mn.us. Advance registration for the 3/30 workshop is requested, but not required.
Registration Deadline: For the March 30 workshop, there is no registration deadline.
Contact: Rebecca Patton, rpatton@arrowhead.lib.mn.us
Sponsored by: Minnesota Certification Program
Funding: The Institute of Museum and Library Services, a Federal agency that fosters innovation, leadership and a lifetime of learning and State Library Services, the Minnesota State Library Agency, supports this workshop at the regional library systems with funding under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

Legislative Update

2008-03-06T12:05:00.000-08:00

Bonding Bill: The bonding bill passed on the House floor this afternoon. The conference committee was appointed this evening, and the word is that they plan to meet through the weekend and complete work on the bill so that it can be brought to the floor for final passage early in the week, possibly as soon as Monday. The final bill is expected to be substantially smaller than the bills that have passed the House and Senate because the new economic forecast shows that state revenues have declined. Tradition dictates that the state spend no more than 3% of revenues on debt service, and this would mean the bonding bill could be no bigger than about $825 million. By contrast, the bills that have passed the House and Senate are closer to $1.1 billion. This means that the negotiations will be brutal, and many projects will fall by the wayside.

The House bill includes $2 million for Library Accessibility and Improvement Grants and the Senate bill includes $1 million. Please contact the conferees listed below and urge them to include $2 million for Library Accessibility and Improvement Grants in the bonding bill.

Senator Keith Langseth (DFL -Glyndon) 651-296-3205 http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members/member_emailform.php?mem_id=1029&ls=85

Senator Sandy Pappas (DFL - St. Paul) 651-296-1802 http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members/member_emailform.php?mem_id=1046&ls=85
Senator Dave Tomassoni (DFL - Chisholm) 651-296-8017 sen.david.tomassoni@senate.mn
Senator Linda Scheid (DFL -Brooklyn Park) 651-296-8869 http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members/member_emailform.php?mem_id=1057&ls=85
Senator Paul Koering (R - Fort Ripley) 651-296-4875 sen.paul.koering@senate.mn
Rep. Alice Hausman (DFL - St. Paul) 651-296- 3824 rep.alice.hausman@house.mn
Rep. Jean Wagenius (DFL - Minneapolis) 651-296-4200 rep.jean.wagenius@house.mn
Rep. Loren Solberg (DFL - Grand Rapids) 651-296-2365 rep.loren.solberg@house.mn
Rep. Bev Scalze (DFL - Little Canada) 651-296-7153 rep.bev.scalze@house.mn
Rep. Kathy Tingelstad (R - Andover) 651-296-5369 rep.kathy.tingelstad@house.mn

Library Informational Hearing: On Monday the House Education Finance and Economic Competitiveness Division held an informational hearing on libraries, and it went very well. The committee heard excellent testimony from Mark Ranum on regional libraries, Melanie Huggins on early literacy, Ann Walker Smalley on multi-type libraries, Bill DeJohn on Minitex, MnLINK and ELM, Leslie Yoder on school library media programs, and Peg Werner on telecommunications.

ELM for Unaffiliated Libraries: The House companion to SF 2821, the bill that allows ELM access for public libraries that are not members of their regional library, was introduced on Monday by Rep. Jeremy Kalin (DFL - Lindstrom). The bill is HF 3730. MLA opposes this bill.

Broadband Task Force: SF 1918, the bill establishing a task force to develop a plan to ensure that every Minnesotan has access to broadband service, has been amended to include a representative of public libraries on the task force. Senator Yvonne Prettner Solon (DFL - Duluth) is chief author of the bill. Rep. Sandra Masin (DFL - Eagan), the author of the House companion, HF 2107, has agreed to include a library representative in her bill as well.

2008 Annual Conference Plans

2008-03-04T11:18:00.000-08:00

We have already swung into high gear for MLA’s 2008 Annual Conference, which will be held at the Sheraton Bloomington on November 19, 20 and 21, 2008. The conference committee members are busy planning a wonderful conference, working out logistical details, and arranging exciting speakers. It is already shaping up to be another terrific conference!

We have worked hard to be both financially responsible and sensitive to many of our members’ needs for this conference. With this in mind, we have moved the conference somewhat later in the annual calendar than usual to conserve your membership dollars, avoid Yom Kippur, and to ensure the highest attendance possible.

While the dates for the conference may be later than usual, the Sheraton Bloomington is a terrific venue for our conference and they have helped us ensure that this will be a successful and affordable conference. In addition, the Sheraton will be offering special overnight packages for those conference attendees that may want to extend their time before or after the conference.

I would like to offer a special thanks to Melissa Brechon, Jan Feye-Stukas, and Mark Ranum who worked so hard to renegotiate this contract and help ensure that this ended up being a win/win situation for everyone involved. I know this will be yet another terrific annual conference where we will have the opportunity…

To Explore. To Evolve. To Excel. Together.

Legislative Update

2008-03-03T12:16:00.001-08:00

Bonding Bill: This morning the House Capital Investment Committee released the House bonding bill. The bill includes $2 million for Library Accessibility and Improvement Grants. This is far less than the $10 million we had requested, but it is still more than the $1 million that is included in the Senate bonding bill.

All of the academic library projects that are supported on the MLA/MEMO platform received funding in the House bill. Here is a breakdown:

Northland Community and Technical College: Amount requested: $7.8 million Amount included in the House bonding bill: $7.8 million

Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Moorhead: Amount requested: $2.8 million Amount included in the House bonding bill: $2.5 million

Hennepin Technical College: Amount requested: $2.4 million Amount included in the House bonding bill: $2.4 million

Minnesota State University Moorhead: Amount requested: $700,000 Amount included in the House bonding bill: $400,000

The House bonding bill also includes an exception to the current requirement that in a case where property that has been acquired or improved using state bond funds is later sold, the amount received from the state must be repaid, along with a proportional share of the appreciation in the value of the property. The exception is provided for projects that meet the following conditions: 1) The state bonds that were used to finance the project are no longer outstanding; 2) No more than $100,000 in state bond funds were used for the project and other funds besides bond funds were also used; and 3) the property was owned and directly operated by a local unit of government. This issue was brought to the attention of legislators by the Ramsey County Library, which was required to repay a library accessibility grant when the North St. Paul Library was sold.

The bonding bill will be taken up on the House floor on Thursday.

State Library Services newsletter now available

2008-03-02T21:24:00.000-08:00

In this month’s issue

· MELSA wins John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award

· A public library and public school partner in a scientific study concerning summer reading

· The Laurence McKinley Gould Library at Carleton College wins the 2008 Excellence in
Academic Library award.

Read all about it at http://education.state.mn.us/mdeprod/groups/Library/documents/Publication/033809.pdf

Graphic Content: Comic Books, Manga, & More

2008-02-27T12:04:00.000-08:00

The 2008 Reader’s Advisory Spring Retreat at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Saturday, May 3, 2008, 8:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

http://www.mnlibraryassociation.org/RART.htm

http://www.arboretum.umn.edu

Call for MLA Conference Presentations

2008-02-26T14:57:00.000-08:00

The Minnesota Library Association (MLA) is seeking presentations for its 2008 Conference, November 19-21, 2008 in Bloomington, Minnesota at the Sheraton Bloomington.

MLA’s annual conference is one of the best opportunities for library professionals and advocates to network with each other. To guide your presentation preparation,
the theme for the 2008 Conference is "To Explore, To Evolve, To Excel…Together.”

If you are interested in presenting or have a presentation you wish to see at the conference, please complete a session proposal form and return it to hhoks@carverlib.org by April 11, 2008.

Get Involved in Anaheim This Summer! Libraries Continue to Build Communities!

2008-02-22T15:38:00.000-08:00

For those of you planning to attend the 2008 ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, CA, this coming June, we have another opportunity to help public and school libraries, as well as assist with other community service projects. If you’ve already registered, THANK YOU, and please disregard this message. If not, please read on.

Libraries Build Communities, Friday, June 27, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Participate in this daylong community services effort on Friday. Exact jobs to be determined as we work with the Anaheim Public Library and community service groups. All participants will be notified in advance of the various projects and be able to pick the one in which they wish to participate. Your registration fee will be contributed to local library funds. Lunch, transportation, and a participation T-shirt are included. Registration is $10 and is available on the registration form using Event code AL3.

To register now: http://www.ala.org/ala/eventsandconferencesb/annual/2008a/registration.htm

Early Bird registration closes on March 7, 2008, and Advance Registration rates then take effect. Advance registration closes May 16, 2008. We hope you will be able to attend and participate in a volunteer project to raise awareness of the importance of libraries in every community.

If you have any questions about "Libraries Build Communities," please contact:

Don Wood
Program Officer
Chapter Relations Office
American Libraries Association
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60466
dwood@ala.org
1-800-545-2433, ext. 2429
312-280-2429
312-280-4392 (fax)

Legislative Update

2008-02-22T08:41:00.000-08:00

The Legislature convened the 2008 session just over a week ago, and there has already been plenty of action. Last week both the House and Senate passed a constitutional amendment to raise the sales tax by 3/8% and dedicate the funding to conservation and the arts. The amendment will be on the ballot this fall. Today the House and Senate are taking up a transportation funding package. Governor Pawlenty has said he will veto the bill. Both bodies will attempt to override the expected veto next week. In the meantime, committee hearings are being held on a wide variety of bills.

State Economic Forecast: The forecast will be released on Thursday, February 28. The speculation is that the projected deficit will be between $600 and $800 million, but some legislators are saying it will be closer to $1 billion. The size of the deficit will dictate the extent to which budget cuts will need to be made.

Here is an update on library issues, with MLA/MEMO platform items listed first:

Library Accessibility and Improvement Grants: Our bill has advanced in both the House and the Senate. Below are the details.

House: HF 2558, authored by Rep. Mary Murphy (DFL - Hermantown), was heard in the House K-12 Education Finance Division on Tuesday, February 12. I presented testimony along with Sharon Strack, Milaca Public Library, John Bowden, Marshall-Lyon County Library Foundation, and Nate Mathews, City Administrator of Staples. The testimony was very well received. Yesterday the Division adopted its capital recommendations, ranking each of the projects that had come before it as high, medium or low priority. Library Accessibility and Improvement Grants were designated a high priority, and the full $10 million we had requested was included in the committee recommendation. There were 16 projects that came before the K-12 Finance Division, and 4 of those projects were designated a high priority. The Division recommendations will next go to the House Capital Investment Committee, where they will be heard on Monday, February 25. On Tuesday, February 26, the Capital Investment Committee will unveil its omnibus bonding bill.

Senate: SF 2682, authored by Senator Dan Skogen (DFL - Hewitt), was heard in the Senate E-12 Education Budget Division on Wednesday, February 20. I presented testimony along with Sharon Strack, Milaca Public Library, and Ben Schierer, Fergus Falls City Councilman. After hearing 15 projects, the Division voted to include 13 projects in its recommendation to the Senate Capital Investment Committee, although the recommended amounts for some projects was reduced. Library Accessibility and Improvement Grants were recommended for the full $10 million that we requested. The projects were not ranked.

LGA and County Program Aid: I have spoken with lobbyists for the League of Minnesota Cities and informed them that we want to be actively involved in advocating for an increase in LGA. They do expect to have a bill to do that, but it is not finalized yet. Given the budget deficit, they are not optimistic about the likelihood of an increase going forward. They are bracing for the possibility that the Governor will propose cuts in LGA and County Program Aid in order to balance the budget. We may need to shift gears and help our cities and counties to fend off cuts. I will keep you posted.

LMS Bill: The bill to require every school to have a licensed library media specialist will be introduced on Monday by Senator Kathy Saltzman (DFL - Woodbury) and Rep. Marcia Swails (DFL - Woodbury). The bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, February 27 at 3pm. The hearing will take place in Room 15 of the Capitol. February 27 is Library Legislative Day, so we'd like to have a big crowd attend the hearing. We have three library media specialists set to testify along with several students. The bill is controversial because it is an unfunded mandate on schools. The committee may simply hear the testimony for informational purposes and not take action on the bill. This will be an opportunity to educate legislators about the important work that library media specialists do and the impact they have on student achievement.

General Education Formula: School organizations have coalesced around a bill that would increase the general ed formula by 2% next year (this would be in addition to the 1% increase that was passed last year) and fully fund the state's special ed formula. This is a very expensive bill, and given the budget deficit, its chances of passage are slim. The bill is HF 2978/SF 2815. It has been introduced by Rep. Will Morgan (DFL - Burnsville) and Senator Tom Saxhaug (DFL - Grand Rapids).

School Technology: The MLA/MEMO platform supports the recommendations of the Task Force on K-12 Technology Standards. The report was released several weeks ago, and the recommendations are being drafted into a bill that will be introduced by Senator Terri Bonoff (DFL - Minnetonka). The bill will be heard in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, March 5.

In addition, SF 2392/HF 2973 has been introduced by Senator Chuck Wiger (DFL - N. St. Paul) and Rep. Denise Dittrich (DFL - Champlin) to dedicate school trust land revenue to school technology and library media resources. This would generate about $19 million per year. Currently, school trust land revenue goes into the state's general fund. These same legislators have also introduced another version of the bill that would ensure that school trust land revenue goes to K-12 schools but does not dedicate the revenue to technology. Both versions of the bill were heard in the Senate Education Committee on Monday, February 18. Both bills passed and were referred to the Senate E-12 Education Budget Division, where both bills will will be heard on Tuesday, February 26.

Last week in his state of the state address the Governor proposed establishing a digital toolbox for teachers and students. This morning Commissioner Alice Seagren made a presentation in the Senate E-12 Education Budget Division on the Governor's education proposals. Details on this particular item were a bit sketchy. Commissioner Seagren mentioned providing online tutorials for students, online courses for students in grades 6-12 and curriculum ideas for teachers. More details will be provided when the Governor's supplemental budget is released in March.

ELM Access: SF 2821, a bill to allow public libraries that are not members of their regional library to have access to ELM, was introduced on Monday, February 18 by Senator Ann Lynch (DFL - Rochester). MLA opposes this bill. The bill was heard in the Senate Education Committee yesterday. After a very spirited debate, the committee passed the bill on a divided voice vote. It was referred to the Senate E-12 Education Budget Division. Ken Behringer, MLA President-Elect, and I testified against the bill. Audrey Betcher, Director of the Rochester Public Library, Renee Lowery, Director of the Buckham Memorial Library in Faribault, and Charlotte Helgeson, Director of the East Grand Forks Public Library, testified in favor of the bill.

P-20 Education Partnership: Senator Chuck Wiger (DFL - N. St. Paul) and Rep. Marcia Swails (DFL - Woodbury) have introduced SF 2370 / HF 2783, a bill establishing a partnership of education organizations and state agencies. Its charge is to make recommendations to create a seamless system of education from early childhood through postsecondary education. The bill was heard in the Senate Education Committee on Monday, February 18. It was amended to include both MEMO and MLA in the partnership. The bill passed and was referred to the Senate State and Local Government Operations and Oversight Committee.

Call for Presentation Proposals

2008-02-18T21:20:00.000-08:00

Due: Wednesday, March 5, 2007

2008 MINNESOTA E-LEARNING SUMMIT

May 21-22, 2008 Normandale Community College, Bloomington, MN

SUBMITTING YOUR PRESENTATION IS EASY--Attached You Will Find:

Request for Presentation Proposals Brochure (pdf --designed to print & fold)
Provides an overview of the event and details related to submitting your proposal.

Proposal Application Form (Word document)

This easy-to-use form enables you to submit your proposal quickly and conveniently.

Simply open it up, fill it out, save it to your computer, and return as an attachment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Rich Spencer, Project Leader, Government Training Services (GTS)
Phone: 651/222-7409, ext 201 E-mail: rspencer@mngts.org

Spotlight on Books Conference, April 11-12, 2008

2008-02-18T21:16:00.000-08:00

At Ruttger’s Sugar Lake Lodge near Grand Rapids, MN

Go to: http://nlln.org/spotlight.html for compete information on registration, schedules, lodging, and payment.

This year’s 20^th Celebration of Spotlight on Books will feature a Friday afternoon workshop, banquet, and after dinner presentation by reading aloud grandmaster, Jim Trelease. You won’t want to miss this! Jim is retiring in the very near future, so take this opportunity to learn from and interact with this living legend. Jim’s Read Aloud Handbook (6^th ed - it’s new) will be available for purchase and author signing.

On Saturday, we will feature 3 major authors:
Debra Frasier, illustrator for the 2008 Minnesota library summer reading program and author of A Birthday Cake is no Ordinary Cake, as well as the treasured, On the Day You Were Born. Get a preview of the summer reading program materials and pick up copies of her books for signing.

DJ MacHale, author of the popular “Pendragon Series” will be coming from California for his first visit to Minnesota! In addition to being a popular young people’s author, MacHale is also a co-creator of the Nickelodeon series, Are You Afraid of the Dark? and other TV series/movies. He is looking forward to coming to Minnesota -- and isn’t quite sure what to expect in April. Neither are we.

Mary Casanova, popular author from northern Minnesota, has written books for children of all ages and from many different perspectives. Whether you like her One Dog Canoe, or When Eagles Fall, or her latest, The Klipfish Code, you’ll be in for a treat. Mary’s enthusiasm, as well as her thoughtfulness, inspires readers and audiences wherever she goes.

In addition to our day with Jim Trelease and a day with 3 featured authors, we’ll also have book displays, “showcases” presented by colleagues on award winning books, book challenges, fantasy, and other great topics, plenty of time of networking with attendees and browsing books displays, and we’ll have book sales and author signings throughout the day. Last but not least, this will all take place at Ruttger’s beautiful Sugar Lake Lodge near Grand Rapids, MN, where the setting is delightful and the food is always delicious.

All the information related to programs, presenters, registration, schedules, lodging, and more can be found at http://nlln.org/spotlight.html.

Don’t wait to sign up -- the Early Bird registration fee by Feb 20 (extended deadline date) is only $100. After that until April 4, the cost of the entire conference is $130 - which includes all meals - and is a terrific bargain. We are happy to accept purchase orders for those who would like to be billed.

This is a great opportunity! And one that is of particular interest to anyone living in northern Minnesota. Conferences this great only happen once a year in our region! Don’t miss it.

Questions? More information is available by calling Northern Lights Library Network (800-450-1032) or sending a message to rsolie@nlln.org or checking out the website at http://nlln.org/spotlight.html .

We look forward to seeing you at the 20^th Annual Spotlight on Books Conference, April 11-12, 2008!

Free video available for libraries

2008-02-18T21:14:00.000-08:00

The American Library Association is pleased to announce that it is working with WGBH Boston on the upcoming national outreach campaign for the film The Truth About Cancer, which will air on PBS April 16^th at 9 p.m. (check local listings). The 90-minute documentary film, followed by a 30-minute expert panel, hosted by news journalist and cancer survivor Linda Ellerbee will be the launching pad for events and projects across the country focused on creating community conversations around cancer survivorship.

ALA and WGBH encourage libraries to reach out to their local PBS stations to collaborate with them on events surrounding this film. In addition, WGBH encourages libraries to reach out to its national outreach partners on this project including the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS), Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, Lance Armstrong Foundation, YMCA of the USA and the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups. These collaborations will provide an excellent opportunity for libraries to develop new—or strengthen existing—community partnerships, while offering a valuable service to their communities.

To assist in these outreach efforts, WGBH will offer extensive online resources, including downloadable handouts, which will be available on www.pbs.org/takeonestep starting in March 2008. In addition, a limited number of free Outreach Toolkits including two event posters and a DVD Screener that will include 30 minutes of the film and the full expert panel to libraries that request them. WGBH asks that libraries not hold public screenings using the DVD screener until one week prior to the premiere broadcast.

To order the Outreach Toolkit, please go to: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/takeonestep/request.html

Materials are limited and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

This collaborative project with WGBH is administered by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of ALA. Contact Barbara Macikas, RUSA, bmacikas@ala.org or 1-800-545-2433, ext. 4395.

ARLD Day is just around the corner

2008-02-13T10:21:00.001-08:00

Join us on Friday, April 25^th, 9am-4pm at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen.

http://www.arboretum.umn.edu Registration information will be available in mid-March.

This year’s theme is:

Riding the Swell: Effectively Reaching our Students

We are pleased that our keynote speaker will be Erin Walsh from the National Institute on Media and the Family. Erin will present “Why Do They Act That Way?”, her take on the brain development of our under–25 year old students, their media-use habits, and how these factors impact our services and interactions with them.

Please join us to share ideas, meet and greet colleagues, and gather new knowledge in the lovely Arboretum setting.

You can help shape the program for ARLD Day!

We invite you to:

Suggest a topic for a breakout session of interest to academic librarians
Submit a short proposal for a session of your own
Propose a keynote speaker for the 2009 ARLD Day

Possible topics might include:

Social Networking and its Tools
New Media and/or visual interfaces
Scholarly Communication
Information Literacy
Collaboration with School Media Centers
Trends in Academic Libraries, including Technical or Public Services
Collaborative Projects with Teaching Faculty
Collaboration with Writing Centers and Tutors
Any other topics of interest to an Academic Librarian audience

Program Submission Details:

Your name

Title

Names of possible speaker(s) and their institutions

Description of Proposal (1 paragraph)

Deadlines:

Ideas for possible topics and proposals should be sent by Friday, March 7^th, to:

jmnewsome@stkate.edu Jim Newsome 651-690-6202

Session format:

Afternoon sessions will be 50-60 minutes long, a length appropriate for 1-2 speakers. Preference will be given to ACRL and ARLD members, and we encourage anyone, including current MLIS students to apply.

Feel free to contact any ARLD Board member to discuss topic ideas:

Robin Ewing (chair)
rlewing@stcloudstate.edu, 320-308-2093

Linda Eells
lle@umn.edu , 612-624-4799

Kristen Mastel
meye0539@umn.edu , 612-626-9843

Kate McCready
Mccre008@umn.edu , 612-626-4357

Jim Newsome
jmnewsome@stkate.edu , 651-690-6202

Melissa Prescott
mkprescott@stcloudstate.edu , 320-308-4751

Ruth Zietlow
ruth.zietlow@metrostate.edu , 612/659-7217

Legislative Session Begins

2008-02-12T09:39:00.001-08:00

The 2008 legislative session begins today, and it promises to get off to a very quick start. The first committee deadline is March 14, which gives policy committees just slightly over a month to hear and process bills. Action on the bonding bill, which funds capital projects, will be very swift. Governor Pawlenty has said he wants the Legislature to send him a bonding bill no later than March 15, and legislative leaders have said they expect to have it to him even sooner than that. Despite the quick start, most observers expect the session to last until the constitutionally mandated adjournment date of May 19.

Here is a look at key issues for libraries:

Library Accessibility and Improvement Grants: MLA/MEMO is requesting $10 million for this grant program, which funds construction and renovation of public library buildings. This is a very ambitious request, given that we have never received more than $1.5 million for these grants in any bonding bill. The Department of Education submitted a request for $10 million through the Governor's process, but Governor Pawlenty did not include any funding for libraries in his capital budget. The Governor allocated nearly 40% of his capital budget to transportation, leaving little room for other projects. The Legislature will For every dollar available to be spent in the bonding bill, more than $4 has been requested, so competition is extremely fierce.

Our bill, HF 2558, has been introduced by Rep Mary Murphy (DFL - Hermantown). Co-authors are Rep. Margaret Anderson Kelliher (DFL - Minneapolis), Rep. Mindy Greiling (DFL - Roseville), Rep.Sondra Erickson (R - Princeton) and Rep. Bud Heidgerken (R - Freeport). Our bill will be heard on Tuesday, February 12 in the House K-12 Education Finance Division at 2:15pm in Room 10, State Office Building. We have an excellent group of witnesses who will testify in support of the bill.

The bill will be introduced in the Senate this week. The chief author in the Senate is Senator Dan Skogen (DFL - Hewitt). Our bill will be heard on Tuesday, February 19 in the Senate E-12 Education Finance Division at 8:30am in Room 112, Capitol.

ELM Bill: A bill to allow public libraries that are not members of their regional public library system to have access to the ELM databases will be introduced shortly by Senator Ann Lynch (DFL - Rochester). It is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, February 20 at 3pm in Room 15 of the Capitol. MLA opposes this bill. It has been a longstanding state policy that public libraries must be members of their regional public library in order to benefit from state library funding. State funding provides an incentive for libraries to cooperate together in order to deliver services effectively. This bill would undermine that incentive.

LMS Bill: The MLA/MEMO platform calls for legislation requiring all students to have the regular services of a licensed school media specialist. The bill is being drafted by legislative staff and Doug Johnson and I just negotiated the final bill language this morning. It will be ready for introduction soon. Our chief authors are Senator Kathy Saltzman (DFL - Woodbury) and Rep. Marcia Swails (DFL - Woodbury). This bill will be controversial and is likely to be opposed by school district lobbyists because it is an unfunded mandate.

Budget: The state has a budget deficit, and the only question is how large that deficit is. The November economic forecast projected a deficit of $373 million. The economy has worsened since then, and the next forecast, which will be released on February 28, is expected to show a much larger deficit, possibly even approaching $1 billion. Under that scenario, budget cuts are very likely. It will also make it next to impossible for the Legislature to increase funding for cities and counties and schools. The MLA/MEMO platform supports increases in aid to cities and counties and in the general education formula for schools.

State Library Services January Newsletter

2008-02-11T15:04:00.000-08:00

In this issue:

· 23 Things on a Stick: Learn Web 2.0 skills.

· Lake Agassiz Regional Library Wins 2008 PLA Highsmith Award for Library Innovation

· Minnesota Digital Library accepting project applications.

http://education.state.mn.us/mdeprod/groups/Library/documents/Publication/033632.pdf

Minnesota Coalition on Government Information events

2008-02-11T15:03:00.000-08:00

Sunshine Week - March 16-22 - is a time to stop and reflect on freedom of information issues including transparency in government, a free press, and the right to know. The Minnesota Coalition on Government Information is taking a lead with a mix of programs. We hope that you will promote and participate in these activities and that you will consider initiating Sunshine Week activities in your own venue.

* Afloat on the Wireless Pond - notice and agenda - March 1

* Freedom of Information Day program - March 14

* Sunshine Week webcast of "Government Secrecy" - March 19

Please remember, too, that MnCOGI is now accepting nominations for the John R. Finnegan Freedom of Information. Nominations due March 3. All of the background information and nomination forms are posted on the MnCOGI website. The process is streamlined and the award is an important recognition of the many ways in which individuals and organizations live up to the standards of openness espoused by John Finnegan.

If you have any questions or need promotional materials, please contact MnCOGI. And please support the Coalition and Sunshine Week by sharing the attached information.

Evergreen ILS meeting at PLA

2008-02-11T15:01:00.000-08:00

Equinox is hosting a Birds of a Feather meeting for those interested in or currently using Evergreen ILS at PLA. A Google Document has been created for the event. If you'd like to be added to the Google Document or have questions, please write Jason Etheridge, Equinox co-founder, at jason@esilibrary.com.

Equinox developed the Evergreen ILS and currently hosts and provides support for the Evergreen ILS.
You can visit Equinox at http://www.esilibrary.com.

When/Where

3/27 5:30pm-7:30pm in the Minneapolis Marriott City Center (exact room to be determined).

Possible Topics/Activities

Next steps for Evergreen
How to get involved in the Evergreen community
Does the community want a user's group?
User expectations
Installation demo
Migration demo: How to migrate records into Evergreen from OCLC or z39.50 or librarything for libraries
Writing documentation--is anyone pursuing this?
For any Evergreen users--what issues do they have?
What is/was the process libraries used to decide to move to Evergreen?

ARLD Day 4/25 speaker announcement & call for proposals

2008-02-11T14:57:00.000-08:00

ARLD Day is just around the corner.

Join us on Friday, April 25^th, 9am-4pm at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen.

http://www.arboretum.umn.edu Registration information will be available in mid-March.

This year’s theme is:

Riding the Swell: Effectively Reaching our Students

Please join us to share ideas, meet and greet colleagues, and gather new knowledge in the lovely Arboretum setting.

You can help shape the program for ARLD Day!

We invite you to:

Suggest a topic for a breakout session of interest to academic librarians
Submit a short proposal for a session of your own
Propose a keynote speaker for the 2009 ARLD Day

Possible topics might include:

Social Networking and its Tools
New Media and/or visual interfaces
Scholarly Communication
Information Literacy
Collaboration with School Media Centers
Trends in Academic Libraries, including Technical or Public Services
Collaborative Projects with Teaching Faculty
Collaboration with Writing Centers and Tutors
Any other topics of interest to an Academic Librarian audience

Program Submission Details:

Your name

Title

Names of possible speaker(s) and their institutions

Description of Proposal (1 paragraph

Deadlines:

Ideas for possible topics and proposals should be sent by Friday, March 7^th, to:jmnewsome@stkate.edu Jim Newsome 651-690-6202

Session format:

Feel free to contact any MLA Board member to discuss topic ideas:

Robin Ewing (chair)
rlewing@stcloudstate.edu, 320-308-2093

Linda Eells
lle@umn.edu , 612-624-4799

Kristen Mastel
meye0539@umn.edu , 612-626-9843

Kate McCready
Mccre008@umn.edu , 612-626-4357

Jim Newsome
jmnewsome@stkate.edu , 651-690-6202

Melissa Prescott
mkprescott@stcloudstate.edu , 320-308-4751

Ruth Zietlow
ruth.zietlow@metrostate.edu , 612/659-7217

2008 Minnesota Family Literacy Workshop

2008-02-11T14:56:00.000-08:00

“Achieving Effective Component Integration”

Thursday, March 6, 2008, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Edinburgh Event and Conference Center in Brooklyn Park

$60 per person

Sponsored by Even Start and Adult Basic Education

This year’s one-day Family Literacy Workshop will provide opportunities to

share and learn from other practitioners,

learn how to develop an integrated instructional unit,

receive all the integrated units created during the workshop as well as other helpful materials, and

celebrate the uniqueness and value of family literacy.

Featured Speakers:

MARILYN BOX is a faculty member of the Penn State University’s William Goodling Institute for Research in Family Literacy and a certified trainer for the National Center for Family Literacy. Ms Box has 30 years of experience working in public schools as a teacher, curriculum specialist and program administrator. She has worked as the coordinator of the family literacy program in Mesa, Arizona, serves as a local evaluator for several Even Start programs, and provides training and technical assistance across the country.

GRETCHEN WRONKA is the Youth Services and Outreach Coordinator for Hennepin County Library, supervising the Outreach Department and the Children’s Readmobile. She has been a leader in state and national library associations and is currently a member of the Governor’s Council on Reading Excellence and the Advisory Council to the University of Minnesota’s Center for Early Education and Development. A past member of the Minnesota Family Literacy Consortium and the Minnesota Family Literacy Conference planning committee, Gretchen continues to be a strong advocate for family literacy.

Discount rates are available at nearby hotels.

Learn more and register at https://www.eventville.com/Catalog/EventRegistration1.asp?EventId=1003222

Hubbs Children's Literature Conference

2008-02-11T14:55:00.001-08:00

The Hubbs Children's Literature Conference is coming up on Feb. 23, at the O'Shaughnessy Education Center on the St. Paul Campus. The keynote speakers are Jane Yolen and Lisa Westberg Peters. Feb. 15 is the registration deadline. More information is available at http://www.stthomas.edu/education/events/hubbs/default.html.

Strengthening the State Library

2008-02-11T08:45:00.000-08:00

Minnesota’s State Library – how can it be strengthened? Minnesota’s librarians and media specialists have discussed this topic for many years. During the last decade, State Library Services has faced significant challenges. Librarians and media specialists continue to ask if the State Library has the resources necessary to effectively carry out its legislative mandates and statewide initiatives.

Strengthening the state library was a topic at the 2007 MLA/MEMO Legislative Forum. As a result of the platform deliberations that followed, the legislative committee agreed to undertake a review of the ways that Minnesota's State Library might be strengthened. The MLA Board has asked the committee to continue to gather information that may result in a platform plank for the 2009 legislative session.

The information below outlines some of the possible paths this process may take. It is our hope that this process will result in specific recommendations to strengthen State Library Services. Please let Mike Bloomberg (612.330.1379) or Verne Oleksowicz (320-650-2516) know if you wish to be a participant or planner in this process.

Purpose Statement:
To ascertain the best methods to strengthen Minnesota’s State Library to meet the needs of Minnesota’s libraries, communities and library users.

Objective:
Identify specific areas where improvement in State Library Services is imperative to the success of Minnesota’s libraries.

Paths:
A) Review documents to determine if previously agreed on department of education objectives and commitments have or have not been met.
B) Invite representatives from all interested library organizations to begin discussions to identify specific areas of need at the state library, as well as to specifically identify what is not being done effectively now.
C) Discussions with Department of Education leaders.

Outcomes:
Unknown. It is hoped that the paths outlined above will result in department-initiated improvements affecting the State Library’s ability to carry out its mandated mission. It is also hoped that this process might identify specific statewide initiatives that the state library could reasonably undertake with appropriate resources. This process may or may not result in specific legislative initiatives for the 2009 session.

PLA volunteers needed

2008-02-01T11:06:00.000-08:00

Want to help make the PLA National Conference a great experience for attendees?

Consider volunteering at the Public Library Association Conference!

Volunteers receive an Exhibits Plus badge, which allows them access to the exhibit hall, as well as the Opening General Session with John Wood, the All Conference Reception, and the Closing General Session with Kevin Nealon. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out a short questionnaire about your preferences and availability. PLA thanks you for your interest!

Readers' Advisory with Nancy Pearl! (7 Locations)

2008-02-01T10:59:00.000-08:00

March 31-April 3, 2008

September 9-11, 2008

Same Day: Collection Connection and ILL Workshops! (3 Locations)

Doorways into Reading: Improving Readers' Advisory Skills (9AM – Noon -- 7 locations)

Nancy Pearl, noted book reviewer, self-proclaimed “book luster”, and the only librarian with an action figure modeled after her, will deliver this workshop on essential Readers’ Advisory skills. This session will focus on defining, refining, and using the concept of doorways into reading; the role of mood and motivation in selecting a good book to read, as well as offering tips and tricks to use in readers' advisory work at the reference desk. The workshop covers the readers' advisory transaction, readers' advisory tools. This half-day workshop will be offered in 7 MN locations.

Presenter: Nancy Pearl. The New York Times calls her the talk of librarian circles. Readers cannot get enough of her recommendations while bookstores and libraries offer standing room only whenever she visits. Since the release of the best-selling Book Lust in 2003 and the Librarian Action Figure modeled in her likeness, Nancy Pearl has become a rock star among readers and the tastemaker people turn to when deciding what to read next.

Collection Connection Workshop (1-2 PM - Rochester, Redwood Falls, Wyoming Only)

This session will focus on using your library's mission statement and materials selection policy to develop an excellent collection for your library.

Presenter: Rebecca Patton, Arrowhead Library System

Bring the following with you to the Collection Connection Session:

1. Your library's Mission Statement.
2. Your library's Materials Selection Policy or Collection Development Policy.
3. One issue of a magazine that has reviews for selecting materials (i.e., Booklist, Library Journal, School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly).
4. The name of the primary vendor from which your library purchases materials.

ILL (Interlibrary Loan)Workshop (2-3 PM - Rochester, Redwood Falls, Wyoming Only)

This session will focus on using the MNLiNK Gateway to fill information requests using resources available statewide.

Presenter: Carol Nelson, MINITEX

When/Where:

March 31,2008--SELCO Headquarters, 2600- 19th Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901.
April 1, 2008--Blue Earth County Library Auditorium, 100 E. Main St., Mankato, MN 56001. Readers' Advisory only.
April 2, 2008--Redwood Falls Public Library, 509 So. Lincoln, Redwood Falls, MN 56283.
April 3, 2008--St. Cloud Public Library, 405 St. Germain St.(across from the Radisson Hotel), St. Cloud, MN 56301-3667. Readers' Advisory only.

September 9, 2008--Wyoming Branch Library of East Central Regional Library, 26855 Forest Blvd, Wyoming, MN 55092.
September 10, 2008--Arrowhead Library System Headquarters, 5528 Emerald Avenue (on Hwy 169 between Mt. Iron and Virginia), Mountain Iron, MN 55768. Readers' Advisory only.
September 11, 2008--Detroit Lakes. Location to be announced. Readers' Advisory only.

Time Schedule:

-----------

Registration and Coffee at 8:30 AM

Doorways into Reading: Improving Reader's Advisory Skills with Nancy Pearl

9:00 AM to 12 Noon (all locations)

-----------

Lunch 12 Noon to 1:00 PM (on your own)

Collection Connection with Rebecca Patton

1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (Rochester, Redwood Falls, and Wyoming only)

ILL with Carol Nelson

2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (Rochester, Redwood Falls (via webinar), and Wyoming only)

-----------

Cost: No charge! See funding statement below.

Audience: These workshops are for library staff from all types of libraries and for anyone working on the Minnesota Certification Program. You do not have to be a participant in Minnesota Certification Program to attend the workshop.

Minnesota Certification Program Competencies Addressed:

Readers’ Advisory:

Public Services

A. Administration and Planning Services 8, 9
B. Direct User Services 2, 6, 9, 11

Collection Connection:

Public Services

A. Administration and Planning Services 7, 11
Technical Services
A. Collection Development and Management 1, 2, 3, 4
B. Acquisitions 1, 2, 3

ILL (Interlibrary Loan):

Public Services

A. Administration and Planning Services 4

B. Direct User Services 8

Substitutes: LSTA funds are available to reimburse substitutes. If you need to be reimbursed for a substitute, you must submit a bill from your fiscal agent (i.e., public library, regional public library system, school, or school district), to the Arrowhead Library System, 5528 Emerald Avenue, Mt. Iron, MN 55768. Bills for substitute pay will be accepted no later than April 20, 2008 for the March and April Workshops; and the day of the workshop in September for the September Workshops.

Note: Before registering, please check with your local library/system for any continuing education requirements (i.e., approval from Supervisor or Director).
Registration Deadline: Registrations are due by 4 PM March 12th for the March and April Workshops. Registrations are due by 4PM September 2nd for the September Workshops.
Registration Form: Please complete our form to register for Readers' Advisory, Collection Development, and/or ILL.

http://www.arrowhead.lib.mn.us/certification/formra.htm

Contact: Rebecca Patton at rpatton@arrowhead.lib.mn.us

Sponsored by: Minnesota Certification Program

Funding: The Institute of Museum and Library Services, a Federal agency that fosters innovation, leadership and a lifetime of learning and State Library Services, the Minnesota State Library Agency, supports this workshop at the regional library systems with funding under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

National Library Legislative Day award available

2008-01-30T06:25:00.000-08:00

The ALA Washington Office in conjunction with the White House Conference on Library and Information Services Taskforce (WHCLIST) is pleased to announce that a monetary award has been created to help pay for a participant to attend National Library Legislative Day (NLLD) held annually in Washington DC. WHCLIST was an effective force in library advocacy nationally, statewide, and locally, following the White House Conferences of 1979 and 1991.

Criteria:

The recipient should be a library supporter (trustee, Friend, general supporter), not a
professional librarian.

Priority will be given to those who are first-time attendees to National Library Legislative Day.

Recipient should include a letter of reference from a library director, school librarian,
trustee board Chair, Friends Group Chair, or other library person.

Recipient must be willing to continue to advocate for library services.

The Washington Office will contact the recipient's Senators and Member of Congress to announce
the award.

Two WHCLIST leaders and one member of the Washington Office staff will choose the recipient each
year.

ALA and WHCLIST are committed to ensuring that the American people get the best
library services possible. These funds will be used to further those efforts.

If you or someone you know might be interested, please send a letter explaining why you should be chosen, your letter of reference, and a completed NLLD registration form to:

Rosalind Reynolds
Government Relations Specialist
1615 New Hampshire Ave NW
First Floor
Washington, DC 20009

rreynolds@alawash.org
202-628-8419

NLLD registration form can be found at:
http://www.ala.org/ala/washoff/washevents/nlld/registrationa/registration.cfm

Social Side of Reflections

2008-01-24T16:08:00.000-08:00

The Minnesota Digital Library is pleased to announce that people may now comment on the images in our “Minnesota Reflections” collection. The MDL designed a wiki site that allows us to provide this resource. Look at a photo, map or document, click on the “comment on this item” and leave your comments.

We are looking for public support in providing information on the items in our collection and we would like people to ask questions and share stories.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Visit Minnesota Reflections ( http://reflections.mndigital.org/ )

• Search for items you want to view.

• When you are looking at an individual photo, document or map, you will see a button in the blue menu bar above the image. The button is red with yellow type.

• Click on that button and you will go to a wiki page. From there, comment as you like on that particular object.

No registration is required. We do ask people to focus their comments on the item in the collection.

The Minnesota Digital Library will monitor comments. This is still a prototype service. We are still designing it and answering questions about how to share the information people provide.

If you have general comments, suggestions or insights to offer regarding the Social Side of Reflections, please send them to Marian Rengel, MDL outreach coordinator (mrrengel@stcloudstate.edu).

Thanks for helping the MDL with the project and have fun.

Visit the Minnesota Digital Library’s collection site at http://reflections.mndigital.org/ and our home at http://www.mndigital.org/

Library Day at the Legislature

2008-01-24T07:31:00.000-08:00

Library Day at the Legislature is February 27th this year. We have an important platform (available at http://web.augsburg.edu/library/MLA/2008platform.pdf ) this year that we are trying to advance during a year with a bleak budget forecast and transportation at the top of the agenda for the Governor and legislature (there was apparently some kind of transportation-related thing in the news this year).

The evening briefing this year will be at Augsburg College (room TBA), conveniently located just off of I94 about 10 minutes from the Capitol. Parking will be provided.

Please register as soon as possible. Registration form can be found at
http://web.augsburg.edu/library/MLA/2008%20Leg%20Day%20Registration%20Form.pdf

Librarian Position at Inver Hills Community College

2008-01-24T07:30:00.001-08:00

Inver Hills Community College seeks an unlimited full-time Librarian to join its team of librarians, technicians and support staff. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to bibliographic instruction, and will possess currency in using electronic databases.

This position will provide reference service to faculty and students; provide bibliographic instruction to students in a classroom setting; perform other miscellaneous librarian duties (acquisitions, web page development, statistics management, etc.); supervise student workers; participate in professional development activities; participate in committee assignments and college-wide initiatives; conduct classroom research and other assessment/evaluation activities; mentor students.; and participate in program review.

Located 10 minutes from downtown St. Paul, Inver Hills is an open door community college which serves over 5000 students each semester through liberal arts, transfer, and career programs. Nationally recognized in adult experiential learning, Inver Hills is an Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) institution. The college is committed to reflecting a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds among its administrators, faculty and staff.

Application Deadline: February 27, 2008

Appointment: Unlimited full-time beginning August 20, 2008

Starting Salary: $40,000 to $57,500/year to start, based on education, and teaching and related professional experience. Salary potential to $68,000 based on continued employment. (Salary range as of 6/30/2007; collective bargaining agreement is still being negotiated.)

Minimum Qualifications:

· Master’s degree in Library Science or equivalent degree.

Preferred Qualifications:

· ALA-accredited MLS.

· Academic library experience.

· Experience with reference and/or bibliographic instruction.

· Effective written and oral communication skills.

· Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team.

· Demonstrated ability to teach using a variety of teaching methods.

· Experience using a variety of technologies to enhance teaching and student learning.

· Understanding and commitment to the assessment of student academic achievement.

· Experience with diverse student populations.

· Supervisory experience.

Application Requirements: Submit an application packet by February 27, 2008 which includes ALL of the following:

· Letter of interest which states that you are applying for the Unlimited Full-time Librarian position, and addresses the minimum and preferred qualifications for the position.

· Current resume.

· Graduate transcripts (photocopies acceptable at time of application; original sealed transcript due at time of hire). (NOTE: Many institutions provide students and graduates with online access to unofficial transcripts).

· A completed Inver Hills Community College Application found at http://depts.inverhills.edu/HR/default.htm

Submit a complete application packet to:

Human Resources – UFT Librarian Search Committee

Inver Hills Community College

2500 – 80^th Street East

Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076-3224

651-450-8399 (fax)

Humanresources@inverhills.edu (email)

651-450-8369 (TTY)

23 Things on a Stick: A Library Learning 2.0 Program

2008-01-24T07:28:00.000-08:00

It is official! The 23 Things on a Stick: A Library Learning 2.0 Program is now open for registration. Technically, registration is open until February 15th, but why wait? Register today to begin exploring these 2.0 activities in as little as 15 minutes per day. We guarantee that your confidence level will increase with the accomplishment of each Thing. Be prepared to feel like some of this is play, which is OK! Go now to http://23thingsonastick.blogspot.com

Creativity and Aging program with Dr. Gene Cohen

2008-01-24T07:27:00.000-08:00

Nationally-known author and aging expert, Dr. Gene Cohen, will visit the Twin Cities area in late-January 2008 to speak on "The Mature Mind and Aging Brain: Positive Changes and Creativity in the Second Half of Life."

Monday, January 28, 7 - 9 p.m.
Ridgedale Library, 12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka
PUBLIC PROGRAM - OPEN TO ALL
Dr. Cohen will speak on latest research and findings on the subject of creativity and aging, highlighting elements in his most recent books. Dr. Cohen is a highly recognized professional in the area of aging and promotes the value and wisdom of age coupled with experience. There will be a drawing for his books (2) at the end of the program. No registration is required.

Tuesday, January 29, 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Ridgedale Library, 12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka
WORKSHOP FOR LIBRARY STAFF
(Open to staff throughout Minnesota. Please register in advance at http://www.melsa.org/member/workshop/index.cfm .)
Dr. Cohen links the attributes, gifts and skill sets of the 55+ age population with library services and programs, including volunteer work, building planning, and intergenerational programming.

Dr. Cohen is a graduate of Harvard College and the Georgetown University School of Medicine and has a doctorate in Gerontology from the Union Institute. He is the author of more than 150 publications in the field of aging, including several edited text books. His individually authored books include, "The Brain in Human Aging," "The Creative Age: Awaking Human Potential in the Second Half of Life," and "The Mature Mind: The Positive Power of the Aging Brain."

At the present, Dr. Cohen is the director of the Center on Aging, Health and Humanities at George Washington University where he also holds the positions of Professor of Health Care Sciences and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. He is the cofounder of the Creative Discovery Corps whose mission is to identify and preserve the creative accomplishments and rich histories of under-recognized talented older adults.

Both programs are co-sponsored by the Hennepin County Library and the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA).

Library Day at the Legislature

2008-01-22T16:44:00.000-08:00

Library Day at the Legislature is February 27th this year. We have an important platform this year that we are trying to advance during a year with a bleak budget forecast and transportation at the top of the agenda for the Governor and legislature (there was apparently some kind of transportation-related thing in the news this year).

The evening briefing this year will be at Augsburg College (room TBA), conveniently located just off of I94 about 10 minutes from the Capitol. Parking will be provided.

Please register as soon as possible.

I will post more information as it becomes available.

MLA membership and PLA registration

2008-01-16T08:58:00.000-08:00

Just a quick reminder that there's still time for MLA members to take advantage of the January 18 early bird registration deadline for the 2008 Public Library Association Conference, which will be held in Minneapolis on March 25-29. Visit http://www.placonference.org to register.

Remember, one of the perks of being an MLA member perk is the discounted registration fee!
In addition, be sure to sign up for our Guys Read: Make Noise with Boys Book Discussions preconference on Tuesday, March 25th, which will feature author Jon Sciescka. The MLA Board and I are delighted that Scieszka was recently appointed by Librarian of Congress, James H. Billington, as the first National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2008/08-001.html This position was created to raise national awareness of the importance of young people’s literature as it relates to lifelong literacy, education, and the development and betterment of the lives of young people.

It's a coup for MLA that one of Scieszka's first national appearances after receiving this honor will be at our preconference!

In addition to Scieszka and the other outstanding presenters, there are some surprises in store for preconference attendees. You'll receive a variety of Guys Read-related gifts and enjoy refreshments courtesy of Capstone Press http://www.capstonepress.com/ and Stone Arch Book .http://www.stonearchbooks.com/

In addition, MLA will receive 100% of the registration fees from this preconference and will incur no expenses. So, this is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to benefit! You'll have an excellent professional development opportunity that will also benefit our association. I hope to see you there!

LISjobs.com Launches Online Community

2008-01-16T08:56:00.000-08:00

New discussion forums now open

LISjobs.com, the largest free library career portal on the Internet, is pleased to announce the launch of its new online community for librarians. Devoted entirely to career development and job hunting, these forums provide a space for librarians, LIS students, library workers, and information professionals to discuss professional development issues: http://lisjobs.com/forum/.

“I’m excited to be able to offer this space for collaboration and discussion,” says Rachel Singer Gordon, webmaster, LISjobs.com. “As librarians, we know that we work and learn best in community -- I look forward to watching the forums grow.” Current forum moderators include:

Michael Stephens, LIS schools
Jess Bruckner, Jumpstart your career
Meredith Farkas, Professional development and participation
Susanne Markgren, Talking tenure
Kim Dority, Professional writing
Sophie Brookover, Work/life balance

In recent related developments, Info Career Trends, LISjobs.com’s professional development newsletter, has moved to the Wordpress platform to better serve its subscribers. Its long-time career Q&A columnists, Tiffany Allen and Susanne Markgren, have moved to their own blog, and author/entrepreneur Kim Dority joins in with her new monthly column on “Rethinking Information Careers.”

Info Career Trends continues to fill an underserved niche, devoted entirely to career and professional development issues for librarians and information professionals. The newsletter and column content are accessible at: http://www.lisjobs.com/career_trends/. Rachel Singer Gordon shares: “I’m so pleased to bring Kim on board, and to watch the Library Career People column evolve in its new blog format. I look forward to hearing others’ opinions across the LISjobs.com online community.”

LISjobs.com, launched in 1996, provides free library-related job listings to both employers and job seekers, as well as related services from resume postings to career development blogs.

LISjobs.com: http://www.lisjobs.com
Online community: http://www.lisjobs.com/forum
Info Career Trends newsletter: http://www.lisjobs.com/career_trends/
Contact: Rachel Singer Gordon, rachel@lisjobs.com

Legislative Day is February 27th

2008-01-14T15:40:00.000-08:00

Legislative Day is scheduled for Wednesday, February 27th, 2008. Please save the date, and the registration form will be available on the MLA website soon.

MN Coalition for Intellectual Freedom New Website

2008-01-04T08:44:00.001-08:00

The Minnesota Coalition for Intellectual Freedom has a new website www.mncif.org

This organization is dedicated to defending 1st ammendment rights and is slowly building a web presence.

Apply by January 25 for We the People "Created Equal" Bookshelf!

2008-01-03T12:36:00.000-08:00

The ALA Public Programs Office is pleased to partner with the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) for the fifth We the People Bookshelf project. This year's theme is Created Equal.

Public and school (K-12) libraries are invited to apply online through January 25, 2008 at www.ala.org/wethepeople. A single application may be submitted on behalf of multiple libraries within a library system, school district or community. Individual branch and school libraries are also encouraged to apply.

In spring 2008, 3,000 successful applicants will receive the We the People Bookshelf, a collection of 17 classic hardcover books for young readers on the Created Equal theme. Several titles focus on the life and writings of Abraham Lincoln, whose 200th birthday will be celebrated during the 2008 - 2009 programming period. In addition, winning libraries will receive four titles in Spanish translation, a History in a Box resource kit on Lincoln, and accompanying materials for programming including bookplates, bookmarks and posters.

For book titles, programming ideas and tips, access to the guidelines and application, and further details, visit www.ala.org/wethepeople. With questions, contact publicprograms@ala.org.

Sincerely,
American Library Association
Public Programs Office
50 E. Huron - Chicago, IL 60611
www.ala.org/publicprograms

P.S. - Please share this information with other libraries in your area! Multiple libraries within a system/district may apply for and receive Bookshelves.

Early Literacy Training

2008-01-03T12:34:00.000-08:00

The Power of Play:
Its Impact on Early Literacy and Learning

Family Place Libraries National Symposium 2008

Featuring Guest Speaker, Vicki Hawley

Held at the Minneapolis Public Library

Wednesday, March 26, 2007

8:45 AM - 12:00 PM

Family Place Libraries invites you to learn more about what public libraries can do to foster early literacy within their own libraries and communities. This free bi-annual symposium brings together public librarians from around the nation to hear presentations from specialists in children's literature, early literacy, childhood development, and family support, and provides a forum for librarians to network and learn from one another.

The Symposium is free of charge. Register early; space is limited. Registrants will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

Click here to register online, or click here to download a brochure.

For more information please contact Caitlin Maloney at cmaloney@lff.org.

This year's guest speaker, Vicki Hawley, is the coordinator of professional development in early literacy for the Center for Early Education and Development at the University of Minnesota. Ms. Hawley has a varied child and family teaching background, which includes Minnesota's Early Childhood and Family Education, and Parents as Teachers Projects. She has served as the training coordinator for the Minnesota Early Literacy Project as well as statewide child care training and parent education programs in North Dakota, the literacy home visiting component of the Words Work! initiative in St. Paul and a statewide Head Start/Americorps early literacy initiative in Minnesota. Due to her great curiosity about the process of learning and change in adults, particularly those that work with children, Ms. Hawley views her work both as a vocation and a avocation.

Tech-savvy Gen Y finds a home in the library

2008-01-03T12:32:00.000-08:00

Future Tense is a 4-minute daily feature on Minnesota Public Radio. Tuesday’s segment featured comments on a Pew survey by Leigh Estabrook professor of library and information science, professor of sociology and director of the Library Research Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The survey results indicate young adults 18-30 years old are heavy users of libraries. They know libraries provide information resources in all media.

Tech-savvy Gen Y finds a home in the library
http://www.publicradio.org/columns/futuretense/2008/01/01.shtml#014426

State Library Services newsletter now available

2007-12-27T18:28:00.000-08:00

The 2-page December issue of State Library Services monthly newsletter is available at

http://education.state.mn.us/mdeprod/groups/Library/documents/Publication/033333.pdf

Coming Up Taller Award Nominations needed

2007-12-20T13:37:00.000-08:00

The following is a text-only press release from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). An HTML version of this release can be read on the agency's Web site at http://www.imls.gov/news/2007/120607.shtm.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 6, 2007

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Jeannine Mjoseth, jmjoseth@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

IMLS Calls for 2008 Coming Up Taller Award Nominations For Excellence in After-School, Out-Of-School, and Summer Arts and Humanities Programs for Young People

Deadline-January 31

WASHINGTON, DC-Nominations are now being accepted for the 2008 Coming Up Taller awards that recognize and reward outstanding after-school, out-of-school, and summer arts and humanities programs for underserved children and youth. The program, in its eleventh year, is sponsored by the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

By honoring excellence in after-school, out-of-school, and summer arts and humanities programs, the Coming Up Taller awards promote a creative, engaged, skilled, and confident generation of young people. Eligible museums, libraries, performing arts organizations, universities, arts centers, community service organizations, schools, businesses, and eligible government entities are encouraged to participate.

Recipients of a Coming Up Taller award receive $10,000 at a special ceremony in Washington, DC, an individualized plaque, and an expense-paid invitation to attend the annual Coming Up Taller Leadership Enhancement Conference. Visit http://www.cominguptaller.org/downloads/2008CUTNominationApplication.pdf
for the nomination guidelines and application (PDF, 227KB).

At a previous Coming Up Taller awards ceremony, First Lady Laura Bush remarked, "...young people are discovering the humanities and the arts. They're developing the life skills and the discipline that leads to success. They're building the confidence to paint, dance, speak, and sing -- and in every one of their communities, to walk taller."

Institute of Museum and Library Services The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. For more information: www.imls.gov.

President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities The President of the United States recognizes that the Nation's cultural life contributes to the vibrancy of society and the strength of democracy. The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities helps to incorporate the arts and humanities into White House objectives. The Committee bridges federal agencies and the private sector. It recognizes cultural excellence, engages in research, initiates special projects, and stimulates private funding. Areas of current focus include programs in youth arts and humanities learning; preservation and conservation; special events; and expansion of international cultural relations. For more information: www.pcah.gov.

National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts, both new and established; bringing the arts to all Americans; and providing leadership in arts education. Established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government, the Endowment is the nation's largest annual funder of the arts, bringing great art to all 50 states, including rural areas, inner cities, and military bases. For more information: www.arts.gov.

National Endowment for the Humanities
Because democracy demands wisdom, the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) serves and strengthens our Republic by promoting excellence in the humanities and conveying the lessons of history to all Americans. The Endowment accomplishes this mission by providing grants for high-quality humanities projects in four funding areas: preserving and providing access to cultural resources, education, research, and public programs. For more information: www.neh.gov.

Cataloging Course at MCTC

2007-12-19T13:10:00.000-08:00

Minneapolis Community and Technical College is offering INFS 2200 Introduction to Cataloging, a 3-credit course, Spring 2007. Classes meet on Wednesday evenings, from 5-7:45 p.m., beginning January 16 through May 7.

This course is a good course for:
* Librarians and paraprofessionals new to cataloging
* Librarians and paraprofessionals who would like a refresher
* Librarians and paraprofessionals who have been cataloging for some time, but would like more formal training.

This course provides a basic overview of descriptive and subject cataloging, using appropriate tools. While we're using AACR2 as our primary model for description, we'll be introducing concepts brought forward in RDA as well. Students will work with OCLC's Connexion browser, building familiarity with that tool.

This course can be taken by non-degree seeking students, and can be audited or taken for a grade.

For more information, visit the Library Information Technology website at:
http://www.minneapolis.edu/academics/areaofstudy.cfm?aos_id=88

Or contact:
Virginia Heinrich
Instructor/Librarian
Minneapolis Community and Technical College
612.659.6296
AIM: MCTC Heinrich
virginia.heinrich@minneapolis.edu

Aging and Creativity Workshop @ Ridgedale Library

2007-12-17T14:13:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, January 29, 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Ridgedale Library, 12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka
WORKSHOP FOR LIBRARY STAFF
(Open to staff throughout Minnesota. Please register in advance at http://www.melsa.org/member/workshop/index.cfm .
Dr. Cohen links the attributes, gifts and skill sets of the 55+ age population with library services and programs, including volunteer work, building planning, and intergenerational programming.

Both programs are co-sponsored by the Hennepin County Library and the Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA).

Special Library Association 2.0

2007-12-17T14:08:00.000-08:00

After hearing Michael Stephen’s lecture on Library 2.0: Trends and Technologies, several SLA members and decided it was something they wanted to explore. We decided to use the 9 Week Learning 2.0 plan developed by Helene Blowers of PLCMC as a tool to explore the technologies in an informal group. Every week, starting in January and concluding in March, we will learn about a new technology/tool. Every couple of weeks we’ll get together to brainstorm these technologies and how they could be used in Special Libraries. They also created a blog that discusses this program in more detail: http://mnslalibrary20.blogspot.com. For more information, contact kathy.degenhardt@target.com.

Call for articles

2007-12-17T14:00:00.000-08:00

The Center for the Study of Rural Librarianship at Clarion University of Pennsylvania is seeking scholarly articles for its two professional publications:

1) Rural Libraries, focusing on current trends and issues affecting small and rural libraries
2) Bookmobile and Outreach Services, concentrating on current trends and issues in library outreach.

Each journal is published twice annually, once in the spring and once in the fall. Articles may take the form of scholarly papers or essays and may reflect librarianship from any part of the world. Submissions must conform to guidelines in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association 5th Edition and should be 10-25 pages in length. Please review earlier issues of each journal available at http://jupiter.clarion.edu/~csrl/services.htm or through WilsonWeb's Library Literature and Information Science Full Text database to familiarize yourself with the preferred style for each journal and to review previous article topics.

Submissions in MS Word 2003 format may be:
1) mailed to the address below in hard copy with electronic version on floppy disc or CD, or
2) e-mailed as an attachment to csrl@clarion.edu.

Include the following information with your submission:
1) Name
2) Title/Position
3) Institution
4) Address
5) Phone Number
6) E-mail Address
7) The Name of the Journal to Which You Are Submitting
8) An abstract of no more than 120 words
9) A biographical sketch of the author of no more than 100 words (100 words each if there are multiple authors)

Notification of receipt of your submission will be sent via e-mail.

Submission deadlines are as follows:
RL and BKOS Spring 2008: Friday, January 11, 2008 RL Fall 2008: Friday, June 27, 2008 BKOS Fall 2008: Friday, July 25, 2008

Thank you and we look forward to reviewing your work.

Center for the Study of Rural Librarianship Department of Library Science Clarion University of Pennsylvania 840 Wood Street Clarion, PA 16214 814-393-2014 csrl@clarion.edu

Please send all correspondence ATTN: Editorial Staff.

ARLD Day 2008

2007-12-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

ARLD Day 2008 will be held on April 25, 2008, 9am-3:30pm at the Landscape Arboretum. Details will be available soon, and registration will open in early April. Questions? Please contact Jim Newsome, jmnewsome@stkate.edu.

Survey on mentorship in libraries

2007-12-03T11:25:00.000-08:00

Paula Seeger from the University of Minnesota Law Library is looking for input for an article on mentoring. She'd like responses by Monday December 10. Please send responses directly to Paula.

Have you ever been a mentor to a library staff member (ever; not just in your current position)?
If so, what were/are some positive and negative aspects to your mentoring relationship?
Have you ever sought out a mentor to assist you in your library career?
If so, what did you find useful or less useful about your mentorship?
How would you know if a mentorship is successful?
Any other thoughts on mentors in libraries?

Paula Seeger
Circulation Librarian
University of Minnesota Law Library
150 Mondale Hall
229 19th Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 625-1547
(612) 625-3478 (fax)
seege030@umn.edu

ALSC 2008 Preconference - We want your input!

2007-12-03T11:24:00.001-08:00

The Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association is planning a preconference on Public Library Summer Reading Programs that will be presented at the 2008 ALA Annual Conference. The preconference is titled "Summer Reading Survivor: Overcoming the Challenges."

We invite you be part of this preconference by providing information about your successful summer programs by responding to a survey which is located at

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=gVSMuvvqOMUn6IQ8do2hLg_3d_3d

The purpose of this survey is to gather information on what types of programs are being provided for children, their parents, teachers, and care givers during the summer months. Please tell us about your successful programs! Information collected via this survey will be compiled into a booklet and distributed to Preconference participants. If you need additional space to answer any of the questions or have questions about the preconference, please contact Carole Fiore at Carole@Fiore-tlc.biz. Thank you for your participation.

Please respond by December 21, 2007. Thanks in advance for your contribution to the success of the preconference.

More information about the preconference will be available soon!

State Library Services November newsletter

2007-11-27T15:11:00.000-08:00

The monthly Minnesota libraries newsletter is now available at:
http://education.state.mn.us/mdeprod/groups/Library/documents/Publication/032865.pdf

Read Across Minnesota

2007-11-27T15:09:00.000-08:00

Read Across MN isa library advocacy program that invites elected officials to be guest readings. It’s an opportunity to highlight the role public libraries play in early childhood education with those who make funding decisions.

There are twenty $100 grants available for programs happening in 2008. Additional information will be available soon, or you can contact Kathleen James at MELSA for details at 651-645-5731 or kathleen@melsa.org.

Volunteers wanted for Public Library Association Conference

2007-11-21T13:16:00.000-08:00

Wanted:
Librarians who Enjoy Exhibiting (even if you've never tried it before) AHIP points available

The GMR is looking for volunteers to staff the NLM booth at the upcoming Public Library Association conference: PLA's 12th National Conference and Exposition at the Minneapolis Convention Center, March 26-28, 2007 http://www.placonference.org/

We need volunteers for the following time slots (half-day volunteers are welcome!):

Wednesday, March 26 - 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 27 - 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday, March 28 - 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The GMR will reimburse volunteers for transportation (mileage, tolls, parking, bus, taxi, etc.).

If you are interested, please respond to haburt@uic.edu. Thank you so much and I look forward to working with you in March.

Holly Ann Burt, MLIS
Education and Outreach Coordinator
NN/LM-Greater Midwest Region
1750 W. Polk St. M/C 763
Chicago, IL 60312-4330
phone: 1-800-338-7657 or 312-996-2464
fax: 312-996-2226
haburt@uic.edu
nnlm.gov/gmr

Shirley Olofson Memorial Award for the 2008 ALA Annual Conference

2007-11-20T13:20:00.000-08:00

Do you want to attend ALA Annual 2008 in Anaheim, CA, but you're light on the travel funds? Apply by December 15, 2007 for the Shirley Olofson Memorial Award and you may receive a $1000 check to help defray the cost of attendance!

Applicant must:

1. Be a member of ALA and NMRT

2. Be active in the library profession

3. Show promise or activity in the area of professional development

4. Have valid financial need

5. Have attended no more than five ALA annual conferences

To apply, please visit:

http://www.ala.org/ala/nmrt/applyforfunds/shirleyolofson.htm

Minnesota Book Awards deadlines

2007-11-20T13:17:00.000-08:00

With the application deadline quickly approaching for individuals interested in serving as a final round judge for the 20^th annual Minnesota Book Awards, I wanted to send out a reminder that the application deadline is Friday, November 30, 2007.

Applications are being accepted from individuals qualified and interested in judging one of the following eight award categories: Children’s Literature, General Nonfiction, Genre Fiction, Memoir & Creative Nonfiction, Minnesota Nonfiction, Novel & Short Story, Poetry, and Young Adult Literature.

The position description and application form are available at www.thefriends.org/mba_judges.html. Qualified applicants need not have previous judging experience to apply.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Book Awards staff with questions about anything related to the 20^th annual Minnesota Book Awards, and be sure to visit www.thefriends.org for ongoing updates. As a reminder, book nominations close on Friday, December 14, 2007.

Thank you for your continued support of Minnesota authors and books.

Ann Nelson
Minnesota Book Awards Coordinator
The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library
325 Cedar Street, Suite 555
Saint Paul, MN 55101-1055
Direct Phone Number: 651/366-6497
Main Office Number: 651/222-3242
Fax: 651/222-1988
mnbookawards@thefriends.org

MLA Visioning Summit Summary from November 15, 2007

2007-11-20T07:14:00.000-08:00

The following is the MLA Visioning Summit Summary. Please feel free to post responses. We'd like to see an open discussion about this topic.

MLA Visioning Summit

November 15, 2007

Participants: Edward Swanson, Cecelia Boone, Jesse Leraas, Ben Trapskin, Suzanne Miller, Katherine Stecher, Kim Edson, Brian Lind, Sandy Walsh, Deb Bergeran, Emily Mamum, Michele McGraw, Ginny Heinrich, Susan Nemitz, Gretchen Wronka, Robin Chaney, Jody Wurl, Tim Hayes, Jeanne Whetstone, Marlene Moulton-Janssen, Mary Johnson, Carla Urban, Pat Conley, Ken Beringer, Roseanne Byrnes, Chris Olson, Nick (ECRL), Linda Valen, Gretchen Wronka, Wendy Wendt, and several others who did not sign in

Facilitator: Sue Hall

MLA Snapshot…

Current MLA membership - 832; roughly 2/3 public 1/3 academic

Membership numbers tend to be fairly stable;

How many potential members? Estimate over 5,000

Professionals, paraprofessionals, friends/trustees

May see decline in membership due to stressed budgets

Depends on who pays dues; who supports travel costs

Dues cost is $25-200; senior staff tend to join

Where advocacy is primary focus, no perceived value except to top management

No relevance to many members; no perceived value

Participation is influenced by conference offerings--join to go one year but do not continue to be members after conference (year to year)

Highest attendance at an MLA conference was estimated at between 700-800

Members want to see more programs—educational and networking opportunities

Lack of leadership at MLA

Executive director should be a librarian who speaks for librarians/including lobbying;

In the past the executive director has been a secretary who does conference planning

MLA needs to stop lobbying and become a professional organization

Others disagree – contend that continuing ed and lobbying have been conscious decisions

Currently, the legislative platform runs the organization--very narrow in focus;

If MLA doesn’t take the advocacy role, who will?

Leadership Institute should ask for something back from participants – leadership roles/projects for MLA

Statewide Leadership –

Being in Dept of Ed works against us – the “elephant in the living room”

Libraries need a strong, independent state library

Value of subunits (round tables) as perceived by subunit members

Subunits are an important way to get involved in the association

Varied support from the organization - not good communication with Board

Need to better invigorate

No representation on the board - would improve communication

[this is a structural issue that needs to be addressed]

Current: [3 div 6 sections 13 round tables]

Are other organizations taking over what used to be MLA’s role? Are different groups competing to do the same thing?

Can’t be all things to all people

MOTSE, MORE were MLA initiatives

Library technology support not available through MLA

Values of membership:

Continuing Education--need more

Certification program

Conference

Networking opportunities

[EQUS at U of M]

Leadership opportunities (limited by library administrations)

Lobbying - (represents about $12,000 out of $100,000 total MLA budget)

At Minitex, they see burnout on meetings - too many opportunities?

How do you decide what is direction in which to head?

Need for social interacting - even if online; having meetings at bars/restaurants has been successful for some groups

Ability to participate is affected by Institutional cultures that may or may not support involvement

Decimation of the state agency undermined all the programs that everyone is trying to pick up and keep vital—filling the vacuum

Other State Associations:

Other State’s associations…

Sponsor many events;

Get into rural areas more (esp. Illiniois)

Need to expand efforts

Sometimes have to belong to state organization to be certified

Successful conference programs are offered to all Hennepin staff, maybe they can push out to rural areas

Possibly do a “sampler” of the conference’s best programs and bring to libraries in greater Minnesota?

Take it on the road – Ex.: MLA president goes out and provides a program on what s/he intends to do

In Minnesota, we are fragmented; no shared vision; no cohesion; unclear mission

What is our collective interest? What are 5 things we’re all trying to achieve?

Could we have a theme or focus every year or two so we feel like we’re all working toward a shared goal?

Tech competencies

Rural access to technology

E-commerce

Serving the poor, etc.

What is the value of Minnesota libraries to our communities? How do we articulate this?

Concern about personality driven institutions; inability to come together in consensus

There is divisiveness throughout the library community and this organization is reflecting that – Fractionalization is costing the whole

Need some flattening of the organization

Participation is part of your professional responsibilities – it’s not what’s in it for you, it’s what you put into it!

Need to ask what people want and how they want to get it

Need someone to drive the association and inspired the library community

What are “best practices” in other state library associations? Needs additional research

Is MLA inclusive or exclusive? Don’t put up walls – take them down!

Who is part of the profession? Perception of “professional” is frequently debated

IT staff- left out consistently

Need non-degreed staff to feel welcome at MLA – programming for all library workers

Need to meet people where they are at--outside the box is not necessarily in the library

What do you want MLA to look like 2 years from now?

Clear mission and vision

Clear communication

Sub-units have voice on the board

Strong, dynamic Executive Director who represents the profession

Sufficient staff to support strong communication network

Varied programming to include TS and circ--so they need to be on committees to do planning

Larger membership required to have financial ability to accomplish this--so membership of 1600+

Diversified revenue sources

Financial stability not dependent on success or failure of conference

Statewide connections - more outreach beyond metro

Keeping in mind that rural areas have challenges including dial-up connectivity

Alternative opportunities to provide expanded ability to participate

MLA facilitates bridging divisiveness and other issues

Works with strong, independent state library

At the table discussing issues which divide the state and shaping where libraries will be in the future

Leadership Institutes—need to remain high priority

Has been successful and can be grown

Bringing in next generation of library staff

Require participation - specific tasking

[Has fostered resentment in some areas--because of limitation on participation]

Other leadership development options; bibliography; videos; local meetings;

High level of activism on part of all members

More mentoring/apprenticing on multiple jobs to avoid burnout

More transparent, better understood legislative process

So if not returning value we can adapt

Develop “Leadership Toolkit” – maybe customizable – for member libraries to use as needed

“Professional” is an attitude - a level of commitment that you bring to your job everyday; everyone has a level of expertise they offer; inclusive language used to not exclude particular “groups” (library worker vs. professional)

Fee structure is barrier to participation--can we do something different?

Revision of board structure - for stability and longevity;

*Morale issues - new librarians not seeing opportunities - more paraprofessionals doing the job now; also suffering from lack of strong library program (MLS) in the state; how are we going to move into next century? New environment/ landscape; move beyond traditional

Rural v. metro/urban membership - 25% of the Minnesota population will be served by Hennepin County beginning in 2008 (after merger)

Timeline/next steps:

Research other state library associations’ best practices

Re. office structure

Check with Wisconsin Assn on professional support for change (they’ve gone through this process)

Research characteristics of library communities – build relationships with other groups with similar goals

Does/can academic community help--does it factor in?

Find out who doesn’t join MLA and why

Focus groups (hard to get participation)

Surveys

Blog, wiki, listservs, etc.

Restructure organization (this would require By-Laws change) and rework mission and vision –

Look at value of committees/round tables

Value analysis – what value is currently offered and how does that translate in support for whole

Find three library systems in the state where MLA is working (high membership and participation) and three places where it is not

Build on this

How can we influence this?

Summary:

We need to mentor from the Board down – it is each Board member’s responsibility to reach out

All MLA leaders (Board, roundtables, committees, etc.) meet at least quarterly?

Make the current structure more viable

The Board needs to synthesize the information gathered and select a focus

Membership needs to hear about the progress re re-establishing the previous Library Council

MLA—summary categorization of issues:

Leadership – For MLA and re issues within library field for all levels (train and invigorate)
Advocacy/Legislative - Relationships with larger community including state agency; Ready for K; etc.
Operational issues/Infrastructure - how do we function/communicate/ have structure to accomplish what we want to do

ALA's 'I Love Libraries' campaign

2007-11-19T15:19:00.000-08:00

Many of you may be familiar with ALA's new website for the public, Ilovelibraries.org, a place where those outside of the library community can visit to learn more about the health and vitality of today's libraries, to share their library stories, to sign up for the e-newsletter and to advocate on behalf of libraries.

Although designed with the general public in mind, we are encouraging members of the library community to use this Web site as a vehicle to tell their library stories, as well. To that end, we are looking to ALA Chapters for help in gathering those stories. Do you have a story idea that might be a great fit for Ilovelibraries? Did something recently run in your newsletter that might have larger appeal? Do you think your fellow chapter members might have a story to tell?

ALA is encouraging people who love libraries to send their news stories, essays, articles, and other writings to Ilovelibraries.org. We are particularly looking for written, feature articles of 500-1500 words, and Library Showcase featurettes of 300-500 words, as well as accompanying artwork, if possible. Further details are found at http://www.ilovelibraries.org/aboutus/editorial.cfm.

To help solicit stories for Ilovelibraries.org, ALA has created ads (available in black and white, and color) and is asking chapters and other groups to include them in their print and online publications. We hope you take this opportunity to help spread the word about Ilovelibraries.org!

If you have an idea for an article, but aren't sure it's what we're looking for, please contact us at ilovelibraries@ala.org.

And, if you haven't yet taken a look, please visit http://www.ilovelibraries.org and let us know your thoughts!

Thank you.

Sincerely,

The Ilovelibraries Team

Michael Dowling, Director, Chapter Relations and International
Relations Office
Don Wood, Program Officer, Chapter Relations Office
Andy Bridges, Communications Director, ALA Washington Office
John Chrastka, Director of Membership Development
George Eberhart, Senior Editor, American Libraries
Keith Michael Fiels, ALA Executive Director
Jenny Levine, ALA Internet Development Specialist and Strategy Guide
Marci Merola, Interim Director, Office for Library Advocacy
Kerri Price, Senior Administrative Assistant, Communications & Member
Relations

P.S. To promote Ilovelibraries.org on your blogs and elsewhere, download the ilovelibraries.org badges at http://www.ilovelibraries.org/aboutus/webbadges.cfm.

SURVEY: Library Impact/Relief from Bridge Collapse

2007-11-13T19:45:00.000-08:00

For an article I’m writing, I would like to find out how Twin Cities/Minnesota libraries were impacted by, and assisted with the relief efforts of, the 35W Bridge Collapse. Please take a moment to answer the following questions and reply to me. Please reply by Friday Nov. 30. Thanks for your help!

Your library’s name/location:
How was your library impacted by the bridge collapse?
How did your library respond to the bridge collapse? (Relief efforts, special subject guide or website, etc)
Does your library have an emergency disaster plan?
Did your library create or update any disaster plans or emergency communication lists as a result of 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, or the Bridge Collapse?
Have your library staff members responded to any other disasters, such as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Tsunami, or California Wildfires? (By sending resources, funding, or staff to conference projects, etc)
Anything else you’d like to add? Tips for handling disasters?

Again, thank you for your assistance! Summary of survey results or a copy of the published article will be available upon request.

Paula Seeger

Circulation, Security & Facilities Librarian

University of Minnesota Law Library

150 Mondale Hall

229 19th Ave S.

Minneapolis, MN 55455

(612) 625-1547

(612) 625-3478 (fax)

seege030@umn.edu

List of Social Networking Sites

2007-11-13T10:22:00.000-08:00

Here's a list of Social Networking Sites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_social_networking_websites

MNIUG Conference Presentations Available

2007-11-12T16:32:00.001-08:00

Thank you all for making the Fall 2007 MNIUG Conference a huge success! We had 140 attendees--the highest attendance ever!! :-)
We had people from Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and one person from California who flew in just for the conference! How 'bout that?!

Several of you have asked for the MNIUG presentations--we heard you! We've created a MNIUG Fall 2007 Handouts page for all the information presented by the speakers, as well as some additional information we hope will help meet your needs.

Based on the feedback we received, some of you requested information about the entire concept and focus of Open Source, so we've provided that for you as well.We determine the content and agenda of these conferences based on member suggestions and needs.The MNIUG Steering Committee now has a group email and we'd love for you provide additional comments and feedback for us.

Complete contact information is available for all the speakers, their company, or institution. We sincerely hope you utilize the information and make contacts with the speakers to answer any additional questions or concerns you may have.

If you need any other information, by all means, feel free to contact me or any member of the MNIUG Steering Committee.

Sincerely,

Deb Bergeron
MNIUG Chair

Lost Dog Went Home

2007-11-12T15:43:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

I know many of you were wondering about the lost dog in the parking garage at the MLA Conference. Good news! The dog's owners picked him up at the pound. His name is 'Taco.' He had wandered over a half mile from home.

Thank you all for asking about him and your willingness to adopt him. There's so many more to adopt, though, so please peruse the humane and no-kill shelter sites for new furry and cuddly additions to your families!

Sincerely,

Deb Bergeron

MLA VIsioning Summit

2007-11-06T08:42:00.000-08:00

The Minnesota Library Association needs you – members and non-members alike! The Association will be holding a Visioning Summit on Thursday, November 15^th from 10 am until 1 pm at the Ridgedale Library.

As you have heard, this past year has been one of great challenges for MLA, but it has also been one of great opportunities. It has been an opportunity to get back to our member-driven roots and to regroup, reevaluate and recharge.

It is now time to start planning for the future. Now is our opportunity …

To explore the challenges that libraries and library workers are facing and

to explore ways that MLA might help them meet these challenges

To evolve into an association that is limber, progressive, and relevant to its members,

to the library community, and to the state as a whole

To excel as an association and to help our members excel as well

Sue Hall will be facilitating this brainstorming session, which will be an opportunity for the library community to talk about what the association is doing right, what doesn’t fit so well anymore, and what should be changed. Let’s think outside of the box and explore the possibilities!

I hope to see you there! If you are unable to attend, there will also be an online survey available, a Visioning blog, and additional follow-up meetings and conversations to make certain that your voice is heard. Help us ensure that MLA is vital and relevant to every library in the state!

Minnesota Library Association 2008: To Explore. To Evolve. To Excel. Together.

Morris Public Library Director Position posting

2007-11-05T15:01:00.000-08:00

The Morris Public Library invites applications for the position of Library Director. The successful candidate will engage in planning and budgeting, provide 21st century vision and leadership, set goals and oversee and develop traditional library services. The director must be able to balance existing library services and resources with emerging technologies, while meeting the needs of this community.

The Morris Public Library is located in west central Minnesota. The community is host to the University of Minnesota Morris campus, and features quality small-town living.

Qualifications: ALA MLS and five years of public library service. Supervisory and/or administrative experience preferred. Salary negotiable from $43,000.

Interested applicants should send a letter of application, resume, and the names of three professional references to: Search Committee, 609 Oregon Avenue, P. O. Box 438, Morris, MN 56267. Applications must be postmarked by November 14, 2007. For a complete job description go to www.ci.morris.mn.us or call City Hall at 320-589-3141.

Contact: Blaine Hill, City Manager, 609 Oregon Avenue, P. O. Box 438, Morris, MN 56267; or blaine_hill@ci.morris.mn.us

Job pays: Negotiable from $43,000

Starts: 1/1/08 anticipated

Apply by: November 14, 2007

Call for talking points for 2008 Legislative session

2007-11-05T14:59:00.000-08:00

We need to start preparing the talking points to support our 2008 legislative platform and we need volunteers to help write those talking points. There are three things that we need help with at this time:

1. Construction Grant talking points from the 2006 session in electronic format would be useful as a starting point for this legislative session. If you have a copy of those talking points, please forward it to me at bloomber@augsburg.edu or Verne Oleksowicz at verneo@grrl.lib.mn.us

2. Information in support of any of our three planks (quoted at the bottom of this message). If you have any information that you think should be included, please email me and/or post to the forum in WebJunction at http://mn.webjunction.org/forums/forum.jspa?forumID=368

3. Help with the actual writing of the planks. If you have a particular interest in any of the planks and would like to join in the writing of the Talking Points for that plank, please let me know.

The planks approved by the membership at our business meeting in Mankato:

MLA and MEMO support the allocation of $10,000,000 for the purpose of public library accessibility and improvement grants. Over $250 million in renovation, expansion, or new public library projects are planned for the near future. State investment in these projects leverage local dollars, and provide incentives that accommodate new technologies, and extend 21st century library services to those with physical disabilities.

MLA and MEMO support an increase in Local Government Aid (LGA) and County Program Aid. Cuts have resulted in significant revenue losses for cities and counties affecting library services.

MLA and MEMO support the capital budget proposals to improve library facilities for Northland Community College - East Grand Forks campus; Minnesota State Community and Technical College - Moorhead campus; Hennepin Technical College - Eden Prairie and Brooklyn Park campuses; and Minnesota State University, Moorhead.

Thank you,
Mike Bloomberg
612-330-1379

Printable Nursery Rhyme Mini Books now available

2007-11-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

The State Library of Louisiana has produced a series of 24 one-page Printable Nursery Rhyme Mini Books for children to color and keep.

Each mini book requires one sheet of 8.5 x 11 paper and just 2 folds. Please encourage staff to print them out and give them to children, parents, and teachers after programs, tours, presentations, as part of preschool outreach book delivery services, etc.

All 24 mini books can be found as a PDF on the State Library's web site here: http://www.state.lib.la.us/empowerlibrary/ALL%2024%20NRNS%20Mini%20Books.pdf

Mini books by individual title are here: http://www.state.lib.la.us/la_dyn_templ.cfm?doc_id=826

Please see the State Library of Louisiana's other nursery rhyme resources at: http://www.state.lib.la.us/la_dyn_templ.cfm?doc_id=765 There's an index to nursery rhyme related activities in resource books, a nursery rhyme product directory and web sites with nursery rhyme activities.

Louisiana's early childhood home page is at: http://www.state.lib.la.us/la_dyn_templ.cfm?doc_id=152

The 2007 MLA conference from a RART perspective

2007-10-31T12:40:00.000-07:00

'Tis the day after conference,
And all through the Alltel Center,
Not a creature is stirring,
Not even a leadership mentor.

I know, I know, that isn't quite as poetic as the original, but the sentiment is still true: the 2007 MLA Conference is officially over. We wrapped up Friday afternoon following an energizing session by Overdue Media's Bill Barnes and Gene Ambaum. They were absolutely hilarious - somehow they managed to be both motivational and demotivational at the same time.the extra dash of irony was well appreciated.

The conference ended on a laugh, and if you are a RART member, it started with a laugh as well. On Wednesday evening at 6:00, over 30 librarians/library staff/library lovers congregated at Pub 500 for an evening of books and beer. After the first round we held our mandated "business meeting," which I'm disappointed to say lasted longer than the 3 and a half minutes I had allotted (it actually was closer to five). Three hours later we headed back to our respective hotels, excited about books that other attendees had recommended, potential authors to contact for future programming, and if you happened to be me, the deep-fried brownie I had in lieu of dinner. Photos are online in MLA's flickr account.

I won't take the time to rave about every RA-related session, but for me the highlights included the trying out a 5/8 scale replica of a Gutenberg Press, talking about fiction with author Sandra Benitez, and an hour and a half on Friday morning devoted to books, music, and movies from India. Life is good.

Now we just need to think up ideas for next year's conference.

Best,

Katherine Stecher
Readers Services Division
Rochester Public Library

MLA Visioning Summit

2007-10-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

MLA members and non-members are encouraged to participate in this brainstorming event. How can the Association better serve you? What is MLA doing right and what could be improved? Join us at the Ridgedale Library (Hennepin County) -- 12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55305. For more information contact Wendy Wendt, 507-537-7003.