NORTHEAST TEXAS
LIBRARY SYSTEM NEWSLETTER #133
Sep./Oct./Nov. 2003
There are many challenges that NETLS will face in the next few months. We are pleased that we will be welcoming a new staff person just in time to help us with all these planning activities. Marsha Barker is joining us as Assistant Coordinator. She will also focus on collection development issues. Everyone will have an opportunity to greet Marsha at our Membership Meeting on Dec. 9. Her first Newsletter article is included in this issue.
In the next few months the most pressing issue for the staff and the membership is the creation of a biennial budget. This budget will be developed using guidelines that have changed significantly from previous years.
As I shared at the Geographic Committee meetings, we will be reviewing all existing NETLS programs to determine the value of continuing them. We will also be considering new programs that NETLS could offer the membership. As we study current NETLS offerings, one of the guiding facts we must face is that the “creation of new programs will probably mean eliminating or reducing existing activities”.
Another constant issue throughout our deliberation is limited funding (actually reduced statewide by half a million dollars from SFYs 2003 and 2004). Additionally, we must struggle with creating outcome based evaluations (OBE) for all of our programs.
An outline of our biennial budget planning process is as follows:
· Before the Dec. 9th Membership Meeting or early in the new year, the NETLS staff will develop and distribute a survey. We will mail the survey in print form so you can use it as a working document. However, we will ask you to respond to the survey on the Web. We will provide periodic reports on the status of the survey.
· During January and early February, the staff will meet with those NETLS committees that support specific programs (i.e. CE, CD, Media, Technology, etc) to review survey results and make recommendations for the biennial budget.
· In February, the System Planning Committee (made up of representatives from all standing committees and Geographic Committees) will meet to review recommendations from the committees and the staff.
· In late February, the staff will create a draft Biennial Budget and mail it out to the membership.
· In early March, the staff will schedule a series of Geographic Committee meetings to review the proposed Biennial Budget.
· Late in March, we will hold a Membership Meeting for a vote on the proposed Biennial Budget for SFYs 2006 and 2007.
The staff looks forward to working with the membership to create system programs that provide support for you as you serve your community.
The second Membership Meeting of the SFY2004 will be held on Tue., Dec. 9 at the Patty Granville Arts Center (PGAC) in Garland. Arts Center (formerly known as the Performing Arts Center) is located on 5th Street adjacent to the DART light rail station in downtown Garland.
Lunch will be available for $8.50 per person, and will be catered by Two Sisters Catering from Dallas. It will be served in the new Atrium at the Granville Arts Center, next to the PGAC.
Detailed information on the meeting, a luncheon reservation form, and a map to the location has been posted on the NETLS Web site <http://www.netls.org> and sent to all members.
Greetings NETLS colleagues, member libraries, and library supporters. I am so happy to be greeting you as the newest member of the NETLS team. This is the beginning of an exciting new path on my journey and I am looking forward to meeting and working with each of you.
I received my MLS from the Univ. of North Texas and have been working as a public librarian for the past 4½ years. Before that, I worked as a school librarian in both public and private schools for over thirteen years. I am eager to incorporate that experience into my work at NETLS.
What an honor it will be for me to collaborate and share ideas with so many outstanding librarians across the Northeast region of Texas. I am grateful for the privilege of working with you and look forward to the coming days with great anticipation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at <mbarker@netls.org> or by phone at 972.205.2567 if I can be of assistance in any way.
"In the nonstop tsunami of global information, librarians provide us with floaties and teach us how to swim." Linton Weeks (Washington Post, 13 January 2001, p. C01)
COLLECTION
DEVELOPMENT
Andrews-Goebel, Nancy. The Pot That Juan Built. David Dias, Illustrator. Lee & Low Books, Inc., 2002.
Black, Robert J. Togo. Philomel Books, 2002.
Chandra, Deborah & Madeleine Comora. George Washington’s Teeth. Brock Cole, Illustrator. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2002.
Dowell, Frances O’Roark. Where I’d Like to Be. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2003. Audiobook: Listening Library.
Fleishman, John. Phineas Gage: A Gruesome but True Story About Brain Science. Houghton Mifflin Co., 2002.
Gordon, Amy. The Gorillas of Gill Park. Holiday House, 2003.
Green, Michelle. A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson. Dial Books for Young Readers, 2002.
Grimes Nikki. Danitra Brown Leaves Town. Floyd Cooper, Illustrator. HarperCollins Publishers/ Amistad, 2002.
Haas, Jessie. Runaway Radish. Margot Apple, Illustrator. Greenwillow Books, 2001.
Janeczko, Paul B. Dirty Laundry Pile: Poems in Different Voices. Melissa Sweet, Illustrator. HarperCollins Publishers, 2001.
Johnston,
Tony. Any Small Goodness: A Novel of the Barrio. Raul Colon,
Illustrator. The Blue Sky Press, 2001.
Paperback: Scholastic Signature.
Krull,
Kathleen. Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez. Yuyi
Morales, Illustrator. Harcourt Brace, & Co., 2003.
Spanish language edition: Cosechando esperanza: La historia de Cesar
Chavez. Translated by F. Isabel Campoy and Alma Flor Ada. Harcourt
Brace, & Co.
McKissack, Patricia C. Tippy Lemmey. Susan Keeter, Illustrator. Simon & Schuster, 2002.
Miller, Debbie S. Arctic Light, Artic Nights. Jon Von Zyle, Illustrator. Walker Publishing Co., Inc., 2003.
Mundis, Hester. My Chimp Friday: The Nana Banana Chronicles. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2002.
Myers, Laurie. Lewis and Clark and Me: A Dog’s Tale. Michael Dooling, Illustrator. Henry Holt & Co., Inc., 2002.
O’Connor, Barbara. Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia. Farrar, Straus, & Giroux/Frances Foster Books, 2003.
Salisbury,
Graham. Lord of the Deep. Delacorte Press, 2001 .
Audiobook: Recorded Books.
Williams,
Vera. B. Amber Was Brave, Essie Was Smart. Greenwillow Books,
2001.
Paperback: HarperCollins.
Woodson,
Jacqueline. Locomotion. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2003.
Paperback: Puffin.
The TBA Committee selected the 2004-2005 Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List titles after receiving suggestions from librarians, teachers, parents, students and others. The Master List books, all recommended by one or more reviewing sources, should be evaluated in terms of each library’s selection policy. It is not mandatory that a school or public library purchase all titles listed
CONTINUING EDUCATION
The Texas Library Assn. (TLA) is currently calling for nominations for candidates to attend the eighth TALL Texans Leadership Development Institute. The Institute will take place May 31-June 4 at Canyon Oaks Ranch near Wimberly.
The Leadership Development Institute is aimed at degreed and non-degreed TLA members who are mid-career library and information science practitioners, are currently employed in the field and who have at least five years experience in library and/or information science. The Institute is a five-day intensive learning experience that is intended to foster leadership capabilities, define leadership development and foster cultural diversity in library leadership in Texas.
Candidates may either nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else. Nominees who meet the criteria stated on the completed nomination form will receive an application and reference forms.
To request information or nomination forms, go to the TLA Web page, <http://www.txla.org/groups/talltex/tallldi.html> or contact the Texas Library Assn.; 3355 Bee Cave Rd.; Suite 401; Austin 78746-6763; 800.580.2TLA; fax 512.328.8852.
Nominations are due Dec. 1.
The Library Development Div. of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) is offering a workshop series on infant lapsit programs for infants 0-12 months and their caregivers.
The goal of Mother Goose at the Library is for participants to gain the knowledge and confidence to plan and present developmentally appropriate programs that incorporate library resources in a variety of formats.
The workshops will be presented by Christine McNew, Youth Services Consultant for the Texas State Library, on the following dates and locations.
· Jan. 23 -- Christopher A. Parr Library, (PLANO PUBLIC)
· Jan. 30 -- Montgomery County Central Library (Conroe)
For more information and to register, library staff members may visit the TSLAC Web site at <http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/workshops/laps/index.html> .
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) will sponsor satellite teleconferences offered by The College of DuPage for their 2003-04 season.
The College of DuPage teleconferences provide library staff with valuable continuing education opportunities and with a chance to network with peers. TSLAC has purchased unlimited downlink rights for the teleconferences so that these events may be broadcast to an unlimited number of library staff at any participating host site in the state of Texas.
All teleconferences may be videotaped and rebroadcast by the host sites to library staff in Texas. More information regarding the teleconferences can be found on the TSLAC Web site at: <http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/workshops/teleconferences/index.html>.
The upcoming schedule for College of DuPage teleconferences is:
· Jan. 23 -- Soaring to Excellence Series, Part II: A Technology Toolkit: Survival Skills for Everyone"
· Feb. 6 -- Reference Series: New Tools for Enhancing Digital Reference
· Mar. 12 -- Web Filtering: Policies, Software, Staff Training and CIPA
· Mar. 26 -- Soaring to Excellence Series, Part III: A Professional Toolkit: Skills for Advancement
· Apr. 16 -- Reference Series: Joe Janes and Colleagues: Preparing for the Future of Digital Reference
All teleconferences will be broadcast from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Central time and all teleconferences occur on Fridays.
No advance registration is required of participants. Library staff members simply visit the Web page of the particular teleconference they would like to attend, view the list of participating host sites, decide which host site they would like to attend, notify the site coordinator at that host site of their plans to attend at least 24 hours in advance of the event, and then sign-in at the host site on the day of the event. Links to all teleconferences can be found at <http://www. tsl.state.tx.us/ld/workshops/teleconferences/index.html>.
Host sites are subject to change. Participants are advised to check the list of participating sites prior to each event in case a more conveniently located host site has been added. There is also a frequently asked questions page for teleconference participants: <http://www.tsl.state.txus/ld/workshops/teleconferences/faqp.html>.
An email announcement has been sent to TSLAC’S current list of institutions with satellite teleconference capabilities to encourage them to register online to host one, some or all of the upcoming College of DuPage teleconferences. Participating host sites for each teleconference will be listed on the corresponding TSLAC Web page of that particular teleconference.
From Naomi Dominguez, Distance Learning Consultant, TSLAC
CIPA is the abbreviation for the Children’s Internet Protection Act, passed by Congress in December 2000, along with its companion, Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act (NCIPA). CIPA addresses what types of Internet content libraries are required to filter, the need for libraries to have Internet policies in place, and how E-rate and LSTA funding for libraries is affected by compliance with the law. NCIPA addresses what has to be included in an Internet policy and affects only the E-rate program.
Library staff members may understandably be a bit confused by all the changes regarding CIPA and Internet filtering. Like many laws, CIPA has undergone many ups and downs since its passage in 2000. The intent of this article is to provide a brief introduction and overview of the key elements of CIPA and update readers with the most current information on how CIPA affects public libraries.
Although CIPA was temporarily determined to be
unconstitutional in 2002 by a federal court, the Supreme Court recently
overturned that ruling. The Supreme Court 
However, a thornier issue involves defining compliance. Admittedly, there is much confusion surrounding what compliance actually means. According to Robert Bocher in his article “A CIPA Toolkit”, which appeared in the Aug 15, 2003 issue of Library Journal, compliance with CIPA involves using a “technology protection measure” such as filtering or blocking technology.
The law states that the technology must protect against access to visual depictions that are :
1) obscene
2) child pornography
3) harmful to minors.
Obscenity can be defined within the context of local community standards, which underscores the need for an Internet Safety Policy for all libraries. For more in-depth information, read the “CIPA Toolkit” at <http://libraryjournal.reviewsnews. com/index.asp?layout=article&articleid=CA315151&publication=libraryjournal>.
What is the definition of a “technology protection measure”? In simple terms, all computers must be filtered and the filtering must be turned on, although an adult may request for the filter to be turned off. Also, it doesn’t matter whether the filter is applied to each PC or at the network level, as long as the filter can be turned off selectively and reflects the library’s compliance with CIPA.
The most effective way to manage an Internet filter is by using an Internet appliance. An Internet appliance is dedicated to filtering Web sites and can be centrally managed. In some cases, routers or firewalls currently in use by libraries have the filtering technology built-in. The library would simply need to subscribe to the service provided by the vendor. Two NETLS member libraries, PITTSBURG/CAMP COUNTY and MT. PLEASANT PUBLIC, have firewalls with this capability.
Will the library cease to be in compliance if the technology protection measure fails? Generally, even if the filter fails, it is not the intention of the FCC to punish the library as long as the library is acting in good faith.
And finally, when patrons complain that a site has been blocked, Mr. Bocher recommends that libraries include a process in their Internet Safety Policy that allows patrons to lodge complaints regarding the display of images possibly covered by CIPA.
For more information about CIPA and additional CIPA resources, library staff should visit the ALA Web site <http://www.ala.org> as well as the Web Junction site at <http://www. webjunction.org>.
For questions regarding this article or other technologies used in public libraries, contact Jerry McCulley, Library Technology Consultant at <jmcculley@netls.org> or call 972.205.2569.
Although many people prefer using the computer mouse for routine keyboard functions, there are folks who, for one reason or another, have difficulty with mouse use. For those people, using keyboard shortcuts could be the answer. Keyboard shortcuts can save time and make life simpler even for veteran mouse users.
The only problem with keyboard shortcuts is remembering which combination of keys will perform a given function. NETLS Automation Consultant Roy Lewis has created a list of the most common keyboard shortcuts to serve as a reminder.
· Minimize windows = Alt + Space + N
· Maximize windows = Alt + Space + X
· Manage bookmarks = (NS*) = Ctrl + B
· Organize favorites = (IE*) = /
· Open History window = Ctrl +H
· Reload = Ctrl + H or F5
· Back (previous page) = Alt + Left Arrow or Alt + Backspace
· Forward (next page) = Alt + Right Arrow
· Stop = ESC
· Home = Alt + Home
· Go to bottom of page = END
· Go to top of page = Home
· New window = Ctrl + N
· Close window = Ctrl + W
· Go up one line = Up Arrow
· Go down one line = Down Arrow
· Full screen (toggle) = F11
· Find on page = Ctrl + F
· Add page to favorites = Ctrl + D
· Print current page or active frame = Ctrl + P
Keyboard Shortcuts for Internet Explorer ONLY
· Open favorites bar = Ctrl + I
· Select text in address bar = Alt + D
· Force reload (not from Cache) = Ctrl +F5
* NS = NetScape; IE = Internet Explorer
If you are considering installing filtering products in response to the recent Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) decision, the questions in the following checklist should help provide guidance.
Because filters are both technological tools and intellectual screens, selection depends on a variety of factors:
· Will you be installing filters on a server or on individual PCs?
· What are the terms of licensing?
· What is the availability for installation: Online? CD-ROM?
· How easy is the product to install and update?
· Does the vendor publish a block list? How updated and how often?
· Can you adjust or amend the block list? Are there levels of blocking from which you can select?
· Does the product track sites visited? Is any log consistent with your patron privacy policy?
· Does the vendor report to you the sites that your patrons visited? Does the vendor sell that information to third parties?
· How easy is the filter to turn on and off?
· Does the filter work with any security you’ve already installed on your machines (IKiosk, Deep Freeze, etc.)?
Ask vendors for the names of other libraries using the product. Contact the librarians and ask about their experiences with software.
Check Publib-L and its archives <http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/PubLib/archive.html> to see what other libraries are doing, what works, and what doesn’t.
*Sara Weissman is a Reference Librarian at the Morris County (N.J.) Library and a co-moderator of the PUBLIB electronic discussion list. (Reprinted with permission of the author
This is the third/fourth year for the NETLS Special Services Minigrants. NETLS member libraries were invited to submit grant applications for a wide range of special projects. Out of a funding pool of $23,000, the NETLS Special Services Committee awarded twelve grants. Congratulations to these winners of NETLS Special Services Minigrants:
· FARMERS BRANCH MANSKE - $500 - Parents of Infants
· FARMERS BRANCH MANSKE - $1,050 - Teen tutoring
· FARMERS BRANCH MANSKE - $1,000 - Youth Services outreach
· IRVING PUBLIC - $2,400 - Bilingual signage
· IRVING PUBLIC - $3,350 - Children’s outreach
· IRVING PUBLIC - $3,000 - Job center
· LONGVIEW PUBLIC - $3,500 - Senior citizen resources
· MT. PLEASANT PUBLIC - $3,200 - Spanish language resources
·
PALESTINE PUBLIC - $600
·
PLANO PUBLIC - $1,050
·
QUITMAN PUBLIC - $2,500
· ROCKWALL PUBLIC - $850 - Literacy/ESL
In September, the NETLS Media Service started a new statistics collection program. WebBOOK© users are now being asked to report their Showings and Viewers statistics online as a part of the WebBOOK© Media Booking System.
The new program will allow media users to keep better track of when to expect media deliveries to arrive and when to return items, as well as allowing NETLS to collect those all-important usage statistics in a more timely and accurate fashion.
Library staff members who use the WebBOOK© system have been asked to supply NETLS Media Service with a business email address that can be used to receive email messages that are generated automatically by the WebBOOK© system. Each video title that is booked by a user generates a set of at least two messages. The link on the email messages will take users to an interactive reporting form on the WebBOOK© site.
The first message is sent out as soon as a
video is shipped out from NETLS and informs the user of its ship date and
the expected arrival date. A request to report statistics and a copy of the
statistic report form is included along with a direct link to WebBOOK©.
Staff members may print this message and use it as a preliminary report
form.
The second is generated when the video is due to be shipped backed to NETLS, reminds the user to report statistics and supplies the direct link.
A third message is generated if the video has not been returned and cleared by the booking system by its due date. It is a reminder that the material is overdue, needs to be returned as soon as possible, and that viewer and showing statistics need to be reported. The direct link is included in the message.
If the overdue video and/or the statistics for that title are not reported to the system after the third message is sent, a fourth message is generated that will repeat automatically for seven days. It reminds the user of the terms of the NETLS Letter of Agreement, which allows the Media Service to discontinue service to any library that consistently keeps materials overdue and/or does not report statistics.
If statistics are still not reported at that point, Media Assistant Lori Mullins will contact the library staff who made the original booking by telephone to get the needed statistics. Libraries that continually violate the terms of the Letter of Agreement could have their media booking privileges blocked.
Statistics can also be reported by logging on to WebBOOK© and clicking on the “Report Statistics” box. Library staff members can view an interactive list of all videos that have been used by their library and have not had statistics reported yet. Clicking on the “Report” link will bring up the form for each title and allow it to be completed. This function is helpful when the original user of the material is away from the building and the job of reporting statistics falls to someone else.
All of this is not intended to make the lives of WebBOOK© users more difficult, but to make reporting statistics and keeping track of media shipments and return dates easier and more accurate.
So far, after the initial confusion of getting everything running smoothly, all of reports that we have received from NETLS libraries using the new program have positive. We appreciate your assistance and cooperation with this project. Please to not hesitate to contact Media Consultant Barbara Rhodes (972.205.2573, <brhodes@netls.org>) or Media Assistant Lori Mullins (1.877.463.8537, <lmullins@netls.org>) with any comments or questions.
Current budgetary issues at the state level make the accurate reporting of media usage absolutely crucial to the continuation of the NETLS Media Service. We need the help of all our users to insure that we will continue to be here to serve you.
With the advent of the new online statistics reporting program on WebBOOK© it is time for NETLS Media Services to update our WebBOOK© Online Media Booking System training course. We will be planning a series of WebBOOK© training sessions in multiple locations throughout the NETLS area. The sessions will be approximately two hours long and will be good for Continuing Education hours. Exact dates and locations will be announced at a later time.
Any library staff members who are interested in WebBOOK© training, either for the first time or as a refresher course, are invited to contact Media Consultant Barbara Rhodes at <brhodes@netls.org> or by phone at 972.205.2573 to get their names on a sign-up list. When workshop locations and dates have been finalized, an online registration form will be provided on the NETLS Web site.
Congratulations to the following libraries who were awarded minigrants by the NETLS Audiovisual Committee:
Video Playback Unit Minigrant
· ROCKWALL COUNTY
Die Cutting Machine Minigrants
· McMillan Memorial Library/RUSK COUNTY
· ROYSE CITY
US Interactive, creator of the Take Home Defensive Driving and Take Home Traffic School is offering VHS and DVD copies of their programs free to Texas libraries. These are the same programs that are frequently found for rent at Blockbuster® and other video stores.
The US Interactive materials are approved by the Driver Training and Education Division of the Texas Dept. of Public Safety for use in defensive driving classes for ticket dismissal and/or insurance reduction. One public library that has already taken advantage of the program is Harris County Public in Houston.
The Take Home Defensive Driving course materials consist of 2 videos or 1 DVD that contain 6 hours of course material. Libraries that accept the donation are registered as “course sites” by US Interactive. Patrons who borrow the materials are responsible for contacting US Interactive to register as students in order to receive credit for the program. The program fee of $40 is paid by the student.
Due to state law, and the fact that the company must have a contract between the student and the company in order to process a student, students are required to register online for the course. An enrollment agreement is accessed and processed during the registration procedure. For patrons without home Internet access, a library could function as an online registration site.
After registration however, students do not necessarily need Internet access to complete the course. Students who do not have access to a computer may use a toll-free telephone number provided by US Interactive to take the required quizzes that are part of the program. When students have successfully completed the program they will be sent a certificate of completion that may be submitted to a judge or sent to an insurer.
Libraries that choose to participate in the program will receive 2 sets of videos and 2 sets of DVDs per library branch and display signage about the materials.
For more information about the program or to request the free materials, contact Brenda Perkins, 800.505.5095 ext.1380, <b.perkins@takehome.com> .
NOTE: NETLS has received a set of the Take Home Defensive Driving videos for internal preview purposes. Staff at member libraries who would like to preview the videos before deciding whether to participate in the program may contact NETLS Media Consultant Barbara Rhodes, 972.205.2573, <brhodes@netls.org> to borrow them.
Libraries that subscribe to AudioFile PLUS, the review journal for audiobooks can now take advantage of a special offer. AudioFile will ship complimentary copies of the magazine to the library to be used as a giveaway to patrons.
Each free copy will have a cover sheet announcing the magazine’s Library Listeners Campaign. Library Listeners is a program that invites library patrons to subscribe to AudioFile with a portion of their subscription fee going to benefit their library. For every subscription that originates from the library’s patrons, AudioFile will give the library $5.00 or 20% of the subscription fee.
The library will not be responsible for collecting subscription fees or inquiries. The cover sheet will direct patrons to an AudioFile Web address or an 800 number.
38% of the audiobooks listened to in the U.S. come from libraries. The Library Listeners Campaign was created by AudioFile to honor the work that libraries do in the promotion of audio-books by sharing the magazine’s subscription fees.
To request more information on the Library Listeners Campaign or request complimentary copies of AudioFile, contact Kirsten Cappy; AudioFile Magazine; 37 Silver St.; Portland ME 04112; 800.506.1212; <Kirsten@audiofilemagazine.com> .
Marsha Barker, formerly with DALLAS PUBLIC, is joining the staff of the Northeast Texas Library System as our new Assistant Coordinator/Collection Development Consultant. She will begin her duties in late November.
Rodney Bland, formerly of Haltom City Public, is the new director of ROWLETT PUBLIC, and will assume the helm in late November.
Barbara Boyd has joined the staff of NICHOLSON MEMORIAL (Garland) in November as the new Central Manager. She previously worked at the St. Louis Public Library System in Missouri.
Christine Davis has resigned as director of TRI-COUNTY LIBRARY (Mabank).
NETLS Advisory Council Member Jan Moltzan has been selected as the new coordinator of the TALL Texans Leadership Development Institute.
Joyce Morrison, director of UPSHUR COUNTY (Gilmer), retired in September after 16 years of service.
Ruth Semrau, former NETLS Advisory Council Member, lay representative and long-time library supporter, has been named as the new librarian at UPSHUR COUNTY (Gilmer) by the Upshur County Commissioners Court.
Kraig Willis recently joined the staff of DALLAS PUBLIC as Assistant Manager of the Children’s Center at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.
Congratulations to the following NETLS-member library staff members who graduated from the 2003 TALL Texans Leadership Development Institute in June.
· Jane Darling (WILLIAM T. COZBY PUBLIC (Coppell))
· Juanita Hazelton (VAN ALSTYNE PUBLIC)
· Dawn Lovett (Maribelle Davis Library, PLANO PUBLIC)
ALLEN PUBLIC; Barbara Buehler, director; 972.727.0190
City officials, library board members, library staff, citizens and supporters joined together in October at a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction on a new library and civic auditorium building.
The new combined facility will be 54,000 square feet and feature a 300-seat auditorium for the performing arts, a gallery for visual arts and exhibitions, and a drive through book drop.
It is hoped that the new building will be open for service by January, 2005.
CORSICANA PUBLIC; Pat Spiller, director; 903.654.4810
In light of the closing down of two major employers in the area, a situation that put nearly 500 people out of work, the staff of CORSICANA PUBLIC reinstated its popular “Food for Fines” program. The program, first used in 2001, allowed a week where patrons who owed library fines were encouraged to bring in non-perishable food items to pay off their debts.
The revised program allows patrons to pay “Food for Fines” year-round. After the first six months, the library has sent 2,275 items to the local food pantry. Library staff members feel they are helping out struggling families and the amount of cash collected for fines has only dropped 9.5%.
LONE OAK AREA PUBLIC; Christene Barrow, director; 903.662.4565
The staff and supporters of LONE OAK AREA PUBLIC moved into a new building in June. Funds from a Tocker Grant were used to furnish the new facility, and TIF money paid for 13 new computers. With everything in place and paid for, grand opening celebrations took place Sept. 20.
MT. PLEASANT PUBLIC; Lori Rigney, director; 903.575.4181
A teen advisory group (TAG) has been established at MT. PLEASANT PUBLIC. Members of the group volunteer their time and meet monthly to help plan events for youth in the library.
Additionally, the library has begun “Lunch & Learn @ Your Library”, a series of special presentations to be held during the lunch hour. In September, the chair of the Titus County Historical Commission presented a local history program.
NOONDAY COMMUNITY; Mae Wylie, director; 903.939.0540
The staff at NOONDAY COMMUNITY has recently started a “Homeschooler’s Day Out at the Library” program. In addition to having access to library resources, homeschool students will be able to enjoy various speakers from the community and will participate in several community and worldwide projects.
RICHARDSON PUBLIC; Jane Shelton Merz, director; 972.744.4350
The Friends of the Library have booked several well-known authors for the 2004 INPERSON Lecture Series. Travel guru Rick Steves will speak in March, photographer Wyman Meinzer lectures in April and author Brad Meltzer shares his art in May. Proceeds from the series are used to support library projects.
The library’s annual Murder Mystery fundraiser will be held on Jan. 31. Proceeds from the event are used to help support the Richardson Adult Literacy Center.
SHERMAN PUBLIC; Jacqueline Banfield, director; 903.892.7240
A donation from the estate of a long-time patron and library supporter, Mrs. Margaret Wheeler, has allowed SHERMAN PUBLIC to purchase the 1930 U. S. Census records on microfilm as well as cabinets to house the material and two digital microfilm reader/printers.
TYLER PUBLIC; Chris Albertson, director; 903.593.7323.
The Tyler Area League of Women Voters is currently undertaking a study of library services in Smith County. A previous library services study was undertaken by the League many years ago the resulted in increased government support. It was felt that recent population growth and the development of libraries in nearby towns such as Lindale, Bullard and Noonday called for an updated study on needs and resources for library services to be done.
As a part of the process, a county-wide “open forum” on library services in Smith County took place in October.
UNIVERSITY PARK PUBLIC; Lee Shuey, director; 214.363.9095
UNIVERSITY PARK PUBLIC has received a $5700 grant from the Summerlee Foundation to purchase Texas books. Library staff members are seeking titles and selection information on books that would be eligible to be purchased with grant funds. Any NETLS-area library that has lists of such materials is requested to contact Director Lee Shuey.
The Get on Board and Read @ your library program, through which teens can win a trip to meet pro skateboarder Tony Hawk, officially kicked off in mid-November with the launch of a new Web site.
Library staff members that register on the site will receive access to free materials to help them promote the program, including downloadable posters and bookmarks, programming ideas and sample press materials. To date, over 2,300 librarians have registered on the site at <www.hersheysmilk.com/getonboard>. The program runs through the end of April.
Developed by the American Library Assn. (ALA) and Morningstar Foods, Inc., maker of HERSHEY®’S Milk and MilkShakes, Get on Board and Read @ your library invites teens to check out a book from their local library and create an entry about how the book is meaningful to them.
Teens
can submit a written essay or a creative entry consisting of a poem, painting or
video and can work individually or as a team. The librarian who sponsors the
winning teen or team will also go on the grand prize trip to meet Tony Hawk.
Get on Board and Read @ your library is also offering Tony Hawk skateboards as first-place prizes; copies of Hawk’s book, Hawk: Occupation: Skateboarder as second-place prizes; and a one-month supply of HERSHEY®’S Milks and MilkShakes as third-place prizes.
The program also encourages librarians to reach out to teens and invite them to submit an entry. A new incentive program offers 50 coupons for HERSHEY®’S Milk and MilkShakes for librarians who submit at least 5-14 teen entries; 15 HERSHEY®’S Milk and MilkShake T-shirts for those who submit 15 to 24 entries; and an autographed poster of Tony Hawk and t-shirts for 25 or more entries. Librarians who submit a report on how they promoted the program, along with sample publicity materials, will also be entered into a drawing for a bookstore gift certificate worth $100.
Get on Board and Read @ your library is part of The Campaign for America's Libraries, ALA’s multi-year public education initiative to speak loudly and clearly about the value of libraries and librarians in the 21st Century. Morningstar Foods, Inc. is a founding partner in the campaign.
For more information about the @ your library campaign, visit <www.ala.org/@yourlibrary>.
GRANTS & AWARDS
Applications are now being accepted for the National Book Scholarship Fund (NBSF), a grants program of ProLiteracy Worldwide. The fund distributes New Readers Press books and educational materials to qualified adult and family literacy providers in the U.S. to assist them to improve their services.
The purpose of the NBSF is to provide literacy programs with materials they might otherwise not be able to afford. New Readers Press materials are specifically designed for use by adult new readers, tutors and trainers.
Since 1991, the NBSF has given nearly $1.7 million in grants to more than 800 programs in all 50 states and the District of Colombia. Special emphasis is given to grant applications from family literacy programs, followed by English-as-a-Second-Language projects, adult basic education programs, and projects that are focused on women.
For more information about the NBSF or to apply, visit the NBSF Web site at <www.nbsf.org>, or contact Project Administrator Mara Roberts; National Book Scholarship Fund, ProLiteracy Worldwide; 1320 Jamesville Ave.; Syracuse, NY 13210; 315.422.9121, ext. 345; <mroberts@proliteracy.org>.
Deadline for grant applications is Dec. 4.
As
part of a project for the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, the Texas Library Assn.
(TLA) will award mini-grants to public and school librarians within the state
who wish to implement an initial El dia de los niños/El dia de los libros
(DNDL) event or add to an existing program.
Thirty grants of up to $300 will be awarded to fund event programs that occur between April 1 and May 31, 2004. Monies will not be awarded for on-going events or for the expansion of current programs.
For more information on the mini-grant program or to print an application, visit the El dia de los niños/El dia de los libros Web site at <http://www.texasdia.org>.
Deadline for applications is Dec. 15.
The purpose of the 3M/NMRT Professional Development Grant is to encourage professional development and participation by new members in national American Library Assn. (ALA) and New Members Round Table (NMRT) activities. Applicants must be ALA/NMRT members who are working within the territorial United States.
The 2004 grant will help finance attendance at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. It covers round-trip airfare, lodging, conference registration fees, and some incidental expenses. Grant winners will be announced at the ALA Midwinter meeting in January. Applicants do not have to be present to win.
For more information on the grant, or to apply, go to the ALA Web site <http://www.ala.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Our_Association/Round_Tables/NMRT/Apply_for_Funds/3M_Award_Information.htm>.
Applications are due Dec. 15.
Applications are now available for “Assimilating America: the Life and Stories of Isaac Bashevis Singer”. This new initiative comes from the Library of American working in cooperation with American Library Assn. (ALA) Public Programs Office and with support from the Nat. Endowment for the Humanities.
Libraries of all types are invited to apply for a grant. Those applying are asked to develop a program for a public audience based on ideas that explore Singer’s life and work.
Fifty selected libraries will receive a $450 grant to cover programming costs and support materials, including the authoritative three-volume hardcover collection, Isaac Bashevis Singer: Collected Stories, a reading group guide, a program leader’s guide, and access to an extensive Singer Centennial Web site.
For more information on the grant, or to obtain a grant application, visit the ALA Public Programs Web page at <www.ala.org/publicprograms>.
Deadline for applications is Dec. 15.