NELINET Launches New Web Site Using Open Source Platform

SOUTHBOROUGH, MA, November 13, 2008 – For the past few years NELINET, a non-profit library consortium serving New England, has been championing the benefits of open source software to the library community. The rise of interest in open source solutions in the library world reflects the needs of many organizations to easily develop customized and cost effective solutions for everything from integrated library systems to web sites.

NELINET is truly committed to the open-source movement. To underscore this commitment, NELINET just launched its new web site (www.nelinet.net) powered by the Drupal, the open source Web 2.0 content management/portal system. NELINET Executive Director Arnold Hirshon is excited for what the future of open source offers for libraries. “By developing our new website with Drupal, we are able to show our members the possibilities of what you can do with open source software – even those who have limited resources – and advance a key strategic objective of providing our members with technologies that enable them to work together as a community and exchange ideas.”

Read more→

2008 National Survey of Public Library Funding and Technology Access

Hello Everyone,

There have now been 95 responses, giving us a response rate of 61%! That is GREAT – you all made it happen! I believe this is the first time Vermont will be able to be analyzed individually!

The survey will be open for another week, now ending this Friday, November 14. Additional responses are still welcome! So, you can still participate by going to www.plinternetsurvey.org .

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Librarians rule.

Rob Geiszler
Vermont Department of Libraries

Supporting innovation and investment in the nation’s libraries – Lifelong Access Libraries Leadership Institute

Supporting innovation and investment in the nation’s libraries – Lifelong Access Libraries Leadership Institute
December 1-2, 2008
Newton Free Library, Newton, Massachusetts
Library Services for 50+ Adults are Focus of New England Institute
New York – October 26, 2008

Specialists in the fields of aging, work, intergenerational programming and healthy aging will join Lifelong Access Fellows at a special Institute for New England’s library leaders to be held December 1-2 in Newton, Massachusetts.

Libraries for the Future (http://www.lff.org), a national non-profit dedicated to supporting innovation and investment in public libraries, has announced the following confirmed speakers:

  • Mary Catherine Bateson, Anthropologist and Author
  • Robert Tietze, Director, Philadelphia Experience Corps
  • Diantha Dow Schull, Former Director, Libraries for the Future

Read more→

Supporting innovation and investment in the nation's libraries – Lifelong Access Libraries Leadership Institute

Supporting innovation and investment in the nation’s libraries – Lifelong Access Libraries Leadership Institute
December 1-2, 2008
Newton Free Library, Newton, Massachusetts
Library Services for 50+ Adults are Focus of New England Institute
New York – October 26, 2008
Specialists in the fields of aging, work, intergenerational programming and healthy aging will join Lifelong Access Fellows at a special Institute for New England’s library leaders to be held December 1-2 in Newton, Massachusetts.
Libraries for the Future (http://www.lff.org), a national non-profit dedicated to supporting innovation and investment in public libraries, has announced the following confirmed speakers:

  • Mary Catherine Bateson, Anthropologist and Author
  • Robert Tietze, Director, Philadelphia Experience Corps
  • Diantha Dow Schull, Former Director, Libraries for the Future

Read more→

Rapid Reviewers Wanted!

Looking for a challenge? Longing for justification for all the reading you do? Here’s your solution: join the Rapid Reviews team now!

Picture yourself at the Vermont Library Conference this May, sitting in front, promoting the best reading around for an all librarian audience… We’re assembling a new team this year, and you could be part of it. Traditionally, the books for Rapid Reviews are adult fiction and nonfiction appearing in the current year—so May 2008 to May 2009. No best sellers allowed—since libraries know all about those titles.

If you have a special interest (new fiction, poetry, religion, etc.), please indicate that as well. Nominees should be able to meet twice between now and April 15, at a place and time to be determined based on the reviewers. If everything works for you except the meetings—go ahead and apply anyway.

This offer is open to anyone who loves to read—whether you’re a library director, a book store employee, college staff, whatever. Know someone on staff who’s a natural at promoting books? Ask them to apply, please! Send a letter of interest, a brief resume, and a written booktalk if you’re interested. The booktalk given orally should last no longer than two minutes. This is a one year position.

Amy

Amy Howlett
VT Department of Libraries
1 Hospital Court
Bellows Falls, VT 05101
(802) 463-0142
amy.howlett@mail.dol.state.vt.us

FRIDAY DEADLINE – 2008 National Survey of Public Library Funding and Technology Access

Hello Everyone,

As of this morning, a total of 84 libraries have responded, which is a 53.8% response rate. This is great!

We only need another 10 responses to attain the 60% response rate needed to analyze our state individually, and that can likely be accomplished.

I know this is not an easy task to accomplish, and the survey would not be anywhere near as successful without the help of people such as yourself.

We have until the end of the week to finish this up.

Thank you again and please let me know if you need anything further.

Rob Geiszler
Vermont Department of Libraries

YALSA’s MAE Award for Best Literature Program for Teens

This award honors a YALSA member for developing an outstanding reading or literature program for young adults. Winners receive $500 and an additional $500 for their libraries. Applications for the MAE Award, along with all of YALSA’s grants and awards, are due to the YALSA office by Dec. 1.The MAE Award for Best Literature Program for Teens is sponsored by the Margaret A. Edwards Trust.

Edwards was a well-known and innovative young adult services librarian at Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Md., for more than 30 years. Her trust has supported many initiatives from YALSA, including the Alex Awards for adult books with teen appeal and all five rounds of the Excellence in Library Service to Young Adults project.

Read more→

YALSA's MAE Award for Best Literature Program for Teens

This award honors a YALSA member for developing an outstanding reading or literature program for young adults. Winners receive $500 and an additional $500 for their libraries. Applications for the MAE Award, along with all of YALSA’s grants and awards, are due to the YALSA office by Dec. 1.The MAE Award for Best Literature Program for Teens is sponsored by the Margaret A. Edwards Trust.
Edwards was a well-known and innovative young adult services librarian at Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Md., for more than 30 years. Her trust has supported many initiatives from YALSA, including the Alex Awards for adult books with teen appeal and all five rounds of the Excellence in Library Service to Young Adults project.
Read more→

Library Journal Nomination Deadlines

Librarians, please note:

1) 2009 Best Small Library in America Nomination postmark deadline is Nov. 3; http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA606273.html

2) 2009 Movers & Shakers Nomination submission deadline is Nov. 10; http://www.libraryjournal.com/movers2009

3) 2009 Librarian of the Year Nomination deadline has been extended to Nov. 17; http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA606276.html

The first award is only for public libraries (those serving populations of 25,000 or less). But the librarians in Movers & Shakers and Librarian of the Year are professionals working in any libraries, school, college, academic, or special.

Amy Howlett
VT Department of Libraries

Materials for publicizing Green Mountain Care health insurance sent to public libraries

PLEASE WATCH FOR THESE MATERIALS

Green Mountain Care is the family of health insurance plans offered by the
State of Vermont and its partners.

The Office of Vermont Health Access has sent by US mail a packet of
promotional materials and a letter from State Librarian, Martha Reid
requesting public libraries’ assistance in this important effort to make
health care coverage available to all Vermonters.

You can obtain additional materials, through the Green Mountain Care
Outreach Center at www.GreenMountainCare.org and can direct uninsured
Vermonters to call 1-800-250-8427 or visit www.GreenMountainCare.org.

Sheila M Kearns
Director, Information Technology Services
Vermont Dept. of Libraries
109 State St.
Montpelier, VT 05609
802-828-6952
sheila.kearns@mail.dol.state.vt.us