TSLAC reports that the Plinkit program, which makes it easy for a library to create a website at no cost, will continue to be supported for the foreseeable future.
This is good news at NTLP, where we currently support 25 Plinkit sites for North Texas libraries. (See the list at http://www.ntrls.org/plinkit/ ) These websites are hosted at the Texas State Library, with administrative and tech support shared between TSLAC and NTLP. Each library has control over its own site's content and appearance.
If you have been thinking about a Plinkit website for your library, now is the time! Contact NTLP for more information.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Congrats to the Librarian In Black
Congratulations to Sarah Houghton-Jan, whose Librarian in Black was awarded the Salem Press Library Blog Award for best general interest blog!
If you haven't heard, Sarah will be in North Texas presenting at the upcoming TechNet Annual Conference on August 3rd. Registration is open but filling up fast! Don't miss this chance to hear Sarah and the rest of the awesome lineup of presenters at TechNet.
If you haven't heard, Sarah will be in North Texas presenting at the upcoming TechNet Annual Conference on August 3rd. Registration is open but filling up fast! Don't miss this chance to hear Sarah and the rest of the awesome lineup of presenters at TechNet.
Ideas for Promoting YA literature
Here's a list of ways to promote YA literature using technology, from the edtech VISION blog. I especially like the creative use of a digital frames as a low-cost version of an electronic sign.
Thanks for sharing the blog, Carolyn Brewer!
Thanks for sharing the blog, Carolyn Brewer!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
TechNet Registration is Open!!!
The 4th annual NTLP Conference for Library Technology
Quick Response to Technology
Wednesday August 3, 2011
8:30-9 a.m. Sign-In
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Conference
2010 West US Hwy 380; Decatur 76234
Training Sessions ~ Exhibitor Demonstrations ~ Technology Petting Zoo
Dedicated Time to Visit the Exhibit Hall ~ Refreshments ~ Up to 7 CE/CPE hours
Time for Networking with Peers ~ Lunch ~ New This Year: Networking Café
Intended for all library personnel whose responsibilities involve the use of technology,
whether at the most basic or the most expert level.
Registration Fee: $25 through June 30; $30 beginning July 1
Lunch will be provided for all registered participants.
Register now at http://www.ntrls.org/ce/.
Note that seating is very limited and - with Sarah Houghton-Jan,
Michael Porter, Jessamyn West and Rachel Vacek among our speakers for this
very reasonably priced conference - we expect to reach maximum capacity right away!
Additional information: http://www.librarytechnetwork.com/
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
A resource for job seekers and those who support them
Most of you are probably familiar with TWDL (Texas Workskills Developments in Libraries), a cooperative effort between NTLP and several other system offices designed to help libraries meet the needs of job seekers in their communities.
Here's another online job-related resource, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration to share with your staff, volunteers, and library users:
"Workforce3 One is an e-learning, knowledge sharing webspace that offers workforce professionals, employers, economic development, and education professionals a dynamic network featuring innovative workforce solutions. Online learning events, resource information, and tools help organizations learn how to develop strategies that enable individuals and businesses to be successful in the 21st century economy."
There are free podcasts, webinars, newsletters, and 11 different virtual communities, ranging from topics such as Youth Connections, Older Workers, and of particular interest to public libraries, the Partnerships Community of Practice group. The Partnerships CoP focuses on community organizations and non-profits which are committed to helping Americans succeed in the labor market.
There is a wealth of information and resources on the website and I hope you enjoy checking it out.
Here's another online job-related resource, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration to share with your staff, volunteers, and library users:
"Workforce3 One is an e-learning, knowledge sharing webspace that offers workforce professionals, employers, economic development, and education professionals a dynamic network featuring innovative workforce solutions. Online learning events, resource information, and tools help organizations learn how to develop strategies that enable individuals and businesses to be successful in the 21st century economy."
There are free podcasts, webinars, newsletters, and 11 different virtual communities, ranging from topics such as Youth Connections, Older Workers, and of particular interest to public libraries, the Partnerships Community of Practice group. The Partnerships CoP focuses on community organizations and non-profits which are committed to helping Americans succeed in the labor market.
There is a wealth of information and resources on the website and I hope you enjoy checking it out.
Thursday, June 02, 2011
2011 NTLP Award Winners Announced!
NTLP is proud to announce the award winners for FY2011. We are honoring the award winners on our website instead of holding an awards ceremony this year. Thanks to the the Awards Committee for reviewing the award nominations and making the difficult choice in selecting winners. The winners are:
Margaret Irby Nichols Award
Co-Winner of the Library Project/Program Award
for Libraries Serving Populations between 6,001 & 50,000
for Libraries Serving Populations between 6,001 & 50,000
Co-Winner of the Library Project/Program Award
for Libraries Serving Populations between 6,001 & 50,000
for Libraries Serving Populations between 6,001 & 50,000
Check out the NTLP homepage for a detailed description of these programs and video links for the winning submissions. Congratulations to the winners. Great job!
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
One Book, One Twitter?
For all you Twitter fans out there - here's a creative use of social networking to create an online book discussion:
"Jeff Howe, the author and journalism professor who coined the term “crowdsourcing,” wants to take [social networking book clubs] a step further and use Twitter to create the world’s largest virtual book-reading club. Howe is partnering with The Atlanticmagazine on a project called 1book140 that starts on June 1 and will Twitter-fy one book a month as selected by users."
It starts today, June 1, and the first book up is The Blind Assassin, by Margaret Atwood.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Two NTLP training opportunities!
Are you interested in a quick (15 minute) refresher on customer service? Do you want tools and techniques to manage change? Registration is currently open for the following NTLP Continuing Education opportunities:
Online Workshop: Customer Service at the Library
Registration is open until June 1, 2011 but you will have until July 31st to complete the workshop, evaluation and exercise.
Steve Wishnack, President of Think and Do (www.thinkanddo.us) presents a fifteen minute presentation on customer service in the library. You will receive a link and password by email within 7 days of registration, if not earlier. After viewing the presentation, you will need to complete the exercise and evaluation for CE credit. The link for these will also be included in the email you receive after registration.
Transitions: Moving Through, Keeping Up, and Moving On
June 8th, 10:30-11:45 a.m. (Audio-only workshop)
Our presenter, Lauren Burnett, speaker, trainer and coach for The Center for Inner Quality works with professionals who strive to enhance their credibility, connection and Communication. Her learning and coaching sessions unleash the power of choice for extraordinary results and embrace break-through thinking and action to create cultures and conversations of influence.
As a result of this webinar you will be able to…
- Identify 6 cycles, symptoms, what is needed to cope and properties of the “danger zone” that can keep us stuck.
- Take away practical strategies on managing the 5 areas that change during change and typical associated resistances—security, direction, competency, direction and territory
- Benefit from best practice "how tos" of other library personnel—Front Line Wisdoms Leverage resiliency tips to enhance your elasticity and to move on
Attendees will be sent handouts prior to the date and will receive the phone number to call into the workshop via email 2-3 days before the workshop.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Salem Press Library Blog Awards
Do you love reading library blogs? Here's your chance to vote for your favorites and discover some new ones.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Librarians discuss Ebooks, continuing saga
At BEA, Librarians Describe Challenges and Future of Ebooks
Here is an article in Library Journal about a panel of librarians discussing Ebooks during the BookExpo America last Wednesday. It was very interesting to me to hear alternate views on the Harper Collins limited checkouts issue, as well as the comments from librarians whose Ebook budgets are growing exponentially. One librarian also made a particularly salient point for publishers to consider: while publishers might not need libraries for big-name, best sellers, libraries often pay a pivotal role for mid-list and debut titles. It will be interesting to hear how publishers respond.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The future of libraries
Seth Godin has an interesting blog post on the future of libraries in the digital age. He moves through the past history of libraries as a place to house the books and the home for librarians who take care of the books. As information becomes increasingly digital, how will this change librarians and libraries?
Godin envisions librarians surviving by taking an active role, producing content and proactively guiding users through the digital universe:
"Librarians that are arguing and lobbying for clever ebook lending solutions are completely missing the point. They are defending library as warehouse as opposed to fighting for the future, which is librarian as producer, concierge, connector, teacher and impresario."
Godin also predicts: "The library is no longer a warehouse for dead books. Just in time for the information economy, the library ought to be the local nerve center for information."
What do you all think? And, if you agree, how do we get there?
Godin envisions librarians surviving by taking an active role, producing content and proactively guiding users through the digital universe:
"Librarians that are arguing and lobbying for clever ebook lending solutions are completely missing the point. They are defending library as warehouse as opposed to fighting for the future, which is librarian as producer, concierge, connector, teacher and impresario."
Godin also predicts: "The library is no longer a warehouse for dead books. Just in time for the information economy, the library ought to be the local nerve center for information."
What do you all think? And, if you agree, how do we get there?
Monday, May 02, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Librarians React to Amazon's New Lending Library: More Questions Than Celebrations
NTLP has a large consortium of Overdrive libraries. We are all waiting to see how this will play out. What do you think?
Congratulations to our award winners!
Tina Hager, Director of the Little Elm Public Library won the 2011 Siddie Joe Johnson Award from the TLA Children's Round Table. This award is presented annually to an outstanding children's librarian. See photos on the NTLP Facebook page.
Ray Stephens, a member of the NTLP Board of Directors, won the 2011 Texas Reference Source Award for his book Texas: A Historical Atlas. This award is presented by the TLA Reference Round Table to recognize an outstanding reference tool in Texas history, culture, or commerce. See a video about the book here.
Congratulations to Tina and Ray!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
ALA calls on Congress to restore support to libraries in FY2012 budget
ALA calls on Congress to restore support to libraries in FY2012 budget
WASHINGTON, D.C.– H.R. 1473, the budget bill that will fund the government through September 2011, includes across-the-board cuts that may deeply affect libraries of all kinds.
The bill, which cleared Congress Thursday night, includes a $28 million cut to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), appropriating the agency at $237.8 million for FY2011. IMLS has 30 days to determine how they will administer these cuts.
The Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program – the only federal program exclusively for school libraries – was absent from the bill text. The program was last appropriated at $19.1 million in FY2010. By not designating an appropriation for the remainder of FY2011 in this bill, Congress gave authority to the Department of Education to determine funds for school libraries. The Department of Education also has 30 days from the date of enactment of H.R. 1473 to submit to Congress an operating plan for school libraries.
“These cuts in funding hurt people throughout the United States who depend on libraries,” American Library Association (ALA) President Roberta Stevens said.
“We are putting our nation at a disadvantage as we compete in a world that realizes and values the importance of being educated and informed.”
As the FY2012 budget debate proceeds, the ALA calls on Congress to restore support for libraries, which serve the American public now more than ever with job hunting and career development. In our schools, libraries provide students with the 21st century skills they need to succeed in the Digital Age.
WASHINGTON, D.C.– H.R. 1473, the budget bill that will fund the government through September 2011, includes across-the-board cuts that may deeply affect libraries of all kinds.
The bill, which cleared Congress Thursday night, includes a $28 million cut to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), appropriating the agency at $237.8 million for FY2011. IMLS has 30 days to determine how they will administer these cuts.
The Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program – the only federal program exclusively for school libraries – was absent from the bill text. The program was last appropriated at $19.1 million in FY2010. By not designating an appropriation for the remainder of FY2011 in this bill, Congress gave authority to the Department of Education to determine funds for school libraries. The Department of Education also has 30 days from the date of enactment of H.R. 1473 to submit to Congress an operating plan for school libraries.
“These cuts in funding hurt people throughout the United States who depend on libraries,” American Library Association (ALA) President Roberta Stevens said.
“We are putting our nation at a disadvantage as we compete in a world that realizes and values the importance of being educated and informed.”
As the FY2012 budget debate proceeds, the ALA calls on Congress to restore support for libraries, which serve the American public now more than ever with job hunting and career development. In our schools, libraries provide students with the 21st century skills they need to succeed in the Digital Age.
Monday, April 18, 2011
State Support for Library Services Declining
Washington, DC—Many State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) are reporting steep and sudden declines in state revenues for library services, according to a report released today by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The majority of states reported reductions, with six states reporting losses of greater than 15 percent in one year. Overall, 51 SLAAs collected $34 million less in state revenue in FY 2009 than they did in FY 2008. During the same period, SLAAs lost 227 full-time employees, a one-year decrease of 6.7 percent.
SLAAs play an important role in planning and evaluating library services in the states. While the range of services each SLAA provides differs state by state, all are tasked with administering the IMLS Grants to States program, which helps libraries embrace technology, serve underserved populations, and develop new service models.
“State Library Administrative Agencies are part of the educational and economic fabric of the nation,” said Susan Hildreth, director of IMLS. “SLAAs assess needs for library services in the state and support a wide range of programs that support the nation's libraries as they help people get work, pursue their education, and strengthen the civic life of communities everywhere. It is important for us to track and report about the health of these essential state agencies.”
Continue
SLAAs play an important role in planning and evaluating library services in the states. While the range of services each SLAA provides differs state by state, all are tasked with administering the IMLS Grants to States program, which helps libraries embrace technology, serve underserved populations, and develop new service models.
“State Library Administrative Agencies are part of the educational and economic fabric of the nation,” said Susan Hildreth, director of IMLS. “SLAAs assess needs for library services in the state and support a wide range of programs that support the nation's libraries as they help people get work, pursue their education, and strengthen the civic life of communities everywhere. It is important for us to track and report about the health of these essential state agencies.”
Continue
Monday, April 11, 2011
A Possible Path for Regional Library Development in Texas
As it stands now, the Texas Library System comprised of 10 geographically-based Systems is financially unsustainable, even if fully funded. With the state budget now under consideration, funding will be reduced by more than half for fiscal year 2012 (beginning in September 2011) and will fail entirely by fiscal year 2013 (beginning in September 2012).
The Systems are a major channel for Texas libraries and librarians to receive state- and federal-funded continuing education, technology assistance, and general consulting assistance. As regional entities, they can negotiate consortium agreements and group discounts to help reduce costs for individual libraries. At NTLP we strongly believe that this regional library development builds stronger libraries which in turn builds stronger and better-educated Texas communities.
Adam Wright, Executive Director of North Texas Library Partners, and Pat Tuohy, Executive Director of the Central Texas Library System, Inc., have suggested a path that the Texas State Library could take with regard to regional library development in Texas. This is just one suggestion of several which could be put forth. We hope that it will begin the frank discussion on what needs to be done with the Systems program.
Our plan allows for the basic structure of geographically-based Systems to remain intact while drastically reducing administrative overhead. Member libraries could continue to receive regional library development services while retaining membership in the Systems they are familiar with. The potential alternative, no regional library development in Texas, is unacceptable for a state of this size.
If you support our plan, or if you have a plan of your own, or if you just want to express concern about losing regional library development in the state of Texas, please contact the commissioners of the Texas State Library.
The Two-Systems Solution (plan offered by NTLP and CTLS, Inc.)
More about the current Texas State Library System [map]
Contact information for TSLAC and the TSLAC Commissioners
Read TLA's Overview of the impact of the proposed Texas state budget on libraries. (Systems are affected under "The Loss of Federal Funds")
The Systems are a major channel for Texas libraries and librarians to receive state- and federal-funded continuing education, technology assistance, and general consulting assistance. As regional entities, they can negotiate consortium agreements and group discounts to help reduce costs for individual libraries. At NTLP we strongly believe that this regional library development builds stronger libraries which in turn builds stronger and better-educated Texas communities.
Adam Wright, Executive Director of North Texas Library Partners, and Pat Tuohy, Executive Director of the Central Texas Library System, Inc., have suggested a path that the Texas State Library could take with regard to regional library development in Texas. This is just one suggestion of several which could be put forth. We hope that it will begin the frank discussion on what needs to be done with the Systems program.
Our plan allows for the basic structure of geographically-based Systems to remain intact while drastically reducing administrative overhead. Member libraries could continue to receive regional library development services while retaining membership in the Systems they are familiar with. The potential alternative, no regional library development in Texas, is unacceptable for a state of this size.
If you support our plan, or if you have a plan of your own, or if you just want to express concern about losing regional library development in the state of Texas, please contact the commissioners of the Texas State Library.
The Two-Systems Solution (plan offered by NTLP and CTLS, Inc.)
More about the current Texas State Library System [map]
Contact information for TSLAC and the TSLAC Commissioners
Read TLA's Overview of the impact of the proposed Texas state budget on libraries. (Systems are affected under "The Loss of Federal Funds")
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Kansas State Librarian Goes Eyeball to Eyeball with OverDrive in Contract Talks
Kansas State Librarian Goes Eyeball to Eyeball with OverDrive in Contract Talks
If you are part of an Overdrive consortium or plan to pursue Overdrive - this article is a warning. Do we get content purchased, get us in the door, and then raise our fees to high and basically hold our libraries' content hostage??
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
National DBTAC Launches Accessible Technology Web Site!
The Accessible Technology Web Site, developed as a national project
for the Disability & Business Technical Assistance Centers across the
country, is now live and ready for public use. The Web Site is
"AccessibleTech.org" and its purpose is to build a partnership
between the disability and business communities and to promote full
and unrestricted participation in society for persons with
disabilities through the promotion of technology that is accessible
to all. To access this Web Site, go
to:
for the Disability & Business Technical Assistance Centers across the
country, is now live and ready for public use. The Web Site is
"AccessibleTech.org" and its purpose is to build a partnership
between the disability and business communities and to promote full
and unrestricted participation in society for persons with
disabilities through the promotion of technology that is accessible
to all. To access this Web Site, go
to:
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Losing Stat Abstract??
Taken from GovDocs Archive - FYI
Dear Folks,
I couldn't take the uncertainty anymore so I called the Census Bureau
and spoke to Ian O'Brien who's the Chief of the Statistical Compendia
Branch. He said that the 2012 budget doesn't include funding for his
branch, which would mean the elimination of not only the Statistical
Abstract, but all titles produced by that branch (State and
Metropolitan Area Data Book, County and City Data Book, etc.). No
new editions would be produced in print or online.
I asked if there was any hope of changing this and he said that
there's always a chance that Congress could be convinced to continue
funding for the program. He said those who would like to save the
Statistical Compendia Branch could write to their Senators and
Representatives. I'm guessing this would go for the Federal
Financial Statistics Program as well.
So, start writing your letters and encourage others to do the same.
Jim Jacobs
data services librarian, emeritus
university of california san diego
Dear Folks,
I couldn't take the uncertainty anymore so I called the Census Bureau
and spoke to Ian O'Brien who's the Chief of the Statistical Compendia
Branch. He said that the 2012 budget doesn't include funding for his
branch, which would mean the elimination of not only the Statistical
Abstract, but all titles produced by that branch (State and
Metropolitan Area Data Book, County and City Data Book, etc.). No
new editions would be produced in print or online.
I asked if there was any hope of changing this and he said that
there's always a chance that Congress could be convinced to continue
funding for the program. He said those who would like to save the
Statistical Compendia Branch could write to their Senators and
Representatives. I'm guessing this would go for the Federal
Financial Statistics Program as well.
So, start writing your letters and encourage others to do the same.
Jim Jacobs
data services librarian, emeritus
university of california san diego
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