Idaho Commission for Libraries

Each year, the Collaborative Summer Library Program provides us with materials to use in our Summer Reading programs. As a participant in this program, we have access to these items for a predefined time period and that time has passed for 2009.

Please help the Idaho library community document our growing needs for technology and connectivity by participating in the 2009-2010 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study online survey, open through November 6, 2009 at www.plinternetsurvey.org.

What is this study?

The 2009 National Book Festival was held on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Marj Hooper and Pam Bradshaw from the Idaho Commission for Libraries represented Idaho in the Pavilion of the States, promoting reading, sharing information about Idaho literacy and library programs, and answering questions about Idaho writers and libraries.

Two new Skins are now available (part of the GrandCentral theme) to all e-Branch in a Box participating sites:

Cengage Learning (also known as Gale) will be providing one hour online training sessions for the Idaho library community during June and July.

WHAT: GALE VIRTUAL REFERENCE LIBRARY WEB TRAINING
WHEN:

• JUNE 12, 2009 11:00 AM (MOUNTAIN TIME)
• JUNE 24, 2009 1:00 PM (MOUNTAIN TIME)
• JULY 2, 2009 9:00 AM (MOUNTAIN TIME)

The Social Security Administration has asked libraries throughout the country to partner with them in sharing information with the public about initiatives involving retirement, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus package, and Medicare. They are asking libraries to inform their patrons of the following initiatives:

We have set a tentative target of June May for the next major upgrade of the Drupal software behind our e-Branch web site hosting project for Idaho libraries.

“Site visits to 63 public libraries reveal the power of technology on staff and users.”

I just read an article in the October 2008 issue of American Libraries titled “Libraries Connect Communities.” Authors Peggy Barber and Linda Wallace share what they learned as part of the team conducting the Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study.

The study included a nationwide survey of libraries (the 2008 survey is underway now); focus groups with library employees, trustees, and users; and library site visits.

One of the presenters at the Association for Rural and Small Libraries annual conference was Bill Harmer of the Chelsea District Library – the most recent Best Small Library in America. He presented some of the great and innovative programs they have provided for their community. The ARSL list sent a message letting librarians know the details.

Earlier this week I visited 7 public libraries in Bingham, Bonneville, and Jefferson counties to discuss the Talking Book Service. I enjoyed meeting with library staff and touring their libraries. I was impressed with the variety of resources available to persons unable to read standard print.