Public Library Funding and Technology Access Survey Follow-Up

Hello Everyone,

Ever wonder if the time you take to complete surveys is of any benefit? Is it worth it? Does this effort just disappear?

Last fall you probably completed the “Public Library Funding and Technology Access Survey,” sometimes called the “Plinter Survey.” It took some time to do. Remember all those questions about whether you offer public internet access or do you have a maintenance schedule for your computers or what factors influence your decisions about adding computers or how do you receive IT support?

The results are out. Here’s the announcement from John Bertot, who’s the guy who created and administered the survey:

Chittenden County Libraries in the News!

Check out this article about summer reading programs:

Libraries Keep Kids Reading All Summer Long (Burlington Free Press)

The first-ever Choose Privacy Week May 2-8, 2010.

I am very excited to announce the first ever “Choose Privacy Week” to be held May 2-8, 2010. Choose Privacy Week is a new initiative started American Library Association Intellectual Freedom Committee (ALAIFC) and Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) to spark a national conversation about privacy. Libraries are the natural centers for learning and talking about information issues so they are the perfect place to invite users join the conversation about privacy rights a digital age.

ALA has developed a variety of resources to help libraries reach out to their communities. The campaign gives libraries the tools they need to educate and engage users, and gives citizens the resources to think critically and make more informed choices about their privacy. I hope you take time to explore the website www.privacyrevolution.org to learn more about what your library can do to spark thought and discussion around privacy issues today. Whether you are considering creating a display, sponsoring a contest, hosting a program or workshop, or moderating a community dialogue about privacy, there are tools that can help.

Help us spread the word about the importance of choosing privacy.

Gail Weymouth

VLAIFC, chair

Department of Libraries is Partner on e-Vermont Program

Vermont Library Community,

Good news! The Vermont Council on Rural Development received word last week that they have won a federal stimulus grant in the NTIA Sustained Broadband Adoption program. The Department of Libraries is a partner in this grant project which will help 24 rural Vermont communities develop and use online and e-services. The program includes funds for public libraries in these 24 communities. You can read the full press release below. The 24 communities will be chosen through an application process. Public libraries that want their communities to be considered for this program should contact VCRD at 802-223-6091 or by email at info@vtrural.org

Town Meeting Survey 2010 Deadline for Public Libraries

Public Library Directors:

We have extended the deadline for responding to the annual Town Meeting Results survey and you have until the end of the day on Friday, April 2 to get the results to us.

We have heard from only 89 public libraries so far. If your library has not yet responded, please fill out the electronic survey this week even if your town has not yet acted on your town budget. (There is a question for that in the survey.)

To find the online survey, click this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/V7QNCB9 and follow instructions for completing and submitting the survey electronically.

If you have questions or need any assistance completing the survey, please contact Renee Ancel, Executive Assistant to the State Librarian at: (802) 828-3266 / renee.ancel@state.vt.us

We are aiming for 100% participation this year. Thanks for getting this information to us!

Martha Reid
State Librarian
Vermont Department of Libraries
109 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05609-0601
Tel: (802) 828-3265
Fax: (802) 828-2199
martha.reid@state.vt.us

VLTA Programs at 2010 Town Officers Educational Conferences

The Vermont Library Trustees Association (VLTA), the trustees section of the Vermont Library Association, in conjunction with the Department of Libraries will again offer a series of workshops for trustees and librarians during the spring Town Officers Educational Conferences. TOECs are sponsored by the Vermont Institute for Government, with organizational help from the UVM Extension Service which will mail a registration packet to each library in spring, 2010.

To register for any of the TOECs, find the form online at http://2010toec.eventbrite.com/ $55 online cost includes morning coffee and lunch. Many towns send carloads to the sessions. Contact your town clerk for details.

Dates/ locations:
Monday, April 5-St. Michael’s College, Colchester
Thursday, April 8-Lyndon State College, Lyndonville
Tuesday, April 13-Lake Morey Resort Fairlee
Tuesday, April 20-Grand Summit, Mt. Snow
Wednesday, April 28-Holiday Inn & Conference Center, Rutland

Librarian as Social Worker Panel Discussion

Hello public librarians!

I am the public library representative on the VLA Board. I’m putting together a panel discussion called Librarian as Social Worker, which was how I described my job after arriving at work and finding a young adult (who was a recently discharged veteran) sleeping on the library steps. After discussions with colleagues, I realized I wasn’t alone in feeling overwhelmed by the increase in our patrons’ needs. In the past year or so, patrons have needed more information relating to health and human services, rather than reader’s advisory. Whether it’s a question about emergency heating assistance or a child you fear is being abused, librarians are increasingly working with patrons who are in crisis.

The panel will be made up of members of local and state agencies who will discuss their organizations and how librarians can best use their resources. VT 211 will have a representative on each panel. There will be time for Q & A.

Panels will be held at two locations: Friday April 9th at the Aldrich Public Library in Barre and Monday April 26th at the Hartland Public Library, 10:00 –1:00 PM (coffee at 9:30.) Please bring a bag lunch. I’m also looking for real-life examples to provide to the panelists. RSVP to lucinda.walker@norwichlibrary.org or 802-649-1184.

Thanks,
Lucinda

Rock & Roll Library Tour! THE HIGH STRUNG are coming!

Are you looking for a high-energy, summer reading program?

For the past six years the quirky, carefree, energetic music of Detroit’s
The High Strung has been electrifying patrons across the nation with sunny three-part harmonies and witty, lyrical bravado. This year the guitars are roaming the country again, headed in your direction, and the show is only getting better.

Rock & Roll Library Tour! THE HIGH STRUNG are coming!

Rock & Roll Library Tour! THE HIGH STRUNG are coming!
Are you looking for a high-energy, summer reading program?
For the past six years the quirky, carefree, energetic music of Detroit’s
The High Strung has been electrifying patrons across the nation with sunny three-part harmonies and witty, lyrical bravado. This year the guitars are roaming the country again, headed in your direction, and the show is only getting better.
Read more→

LAST CALL for Nominations for Vermont Library Association Awards for 2010

There are so many fabulous librarians and trustees in Vermont that it is always hard to single out just one of each annually, but there are always ones who are extraordinary and deserved to be recognized statewide. Now is the time for you to think about who VLA should recognize this year at the Vermont Library Conference, and nominate those deserving colleagues.

The 2010 Sarah C. Hagar Award which is for outstanding service in or significant contribution to the field of librarianship in Vermont. Nominees must be working in a Vermont library and a member of VLA.

The 2010 Trustee of the Year Award for achievement by a trustee on behalf of his or her library, either during the previous year or during his/her years of service.