1. LSTA plan for 2008-2012 available on Web
2. Libraries provide information on conversion to DTV
3. May-June issue of Channel now available online
4. Milwaukee Public Library receives award
5. Website of the Week - How Spam Works
6. Calendar
REMINDER - Due to July Fourth holiday, Channel Weekly will not be published next week. The next issue of Channel Weekly will be the July 12, 2007, edition.
1. LSTA PLAN FOR 2008-2012 AVAILABLE ON WEB
The Library Services and Technology Act program is a federal program designed to improve library services throughout the country, with a special focus on technology and on making quality library services available to everyone, including to those who may have difficulty using a library. States are required by law to develop a five-year plan for the use of the LSTA funds and to evaluate the activities assisted with LSTA funds prior to the end of the five-year period. The LSTA five-year plan for Wisconsin has been submitted to the Institute of Museum and Library Services and is now available on the web at http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/pdf/lstaplan07.pdf.
Wisconsin has two major goals for improving library services in the state with the use of LSTA funds during 2008-2012: (1) To ensure that libraries and library systems utilize technology to improve services and facilitate access to materials and information resources in Wisconsin libraries and from other sources for the benefit of all Wisconsin residents, and (2) To ensure convenient access to a wide range of quality library and information services for all Wisconsin residents, including those who have difficulty using a library because of limited literacy and language skills, educational or socioeconomic barriers, or disabilities.
Selected Activities for 2008-2012
Wireless Internet Access - Funds will assist public libraries in installing the technology needed to offer or upgrade wireless Internet access for library patrons. In Wisconsin 43 percent of public libraries offer wireless access, compared to 54% nationally.
Digitization - Funds will enable public libraries to offer improved access to electronic resources, including access to digitized historical materials that are of unique or local interest.
Virtual Reference - Funds will be used to support 24x7 statewide coverage of a virtual reference service called Ask?Away as part of a partnership between Wisconsin libraries and libraries throughout the country.
Innovative Uses of Technology - Funds will assist public libraries and public library systems in implementing programs or services that demonstrate innovative uses of technology in libraries to improve services.
Adolescent Literacy Initiative - As part of a statewide adolescent literacy initiative, funds will support a statewide leadership conference and regional training on the literacy needs of adolescents and the role public libraries can play in this effort.
Library Development Training - Funds will assist public libraries and public library systems in hiring trainers or developing educational programs for library staff and boards to learn more about library related topics and issues and enhance the ability of the library to better serve patrons.
A copy of the evaluation of the LSTA program for 2003-2007 is available on the web at http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/pdf/lstaeval07.pdf.
2. LIBRARIES PROVIDE INFORMATION ON CONVERSION TO DTV
The biggest change to television since Philo Farnsworth demonstrated his experimental television in the late 1920s will occur at midnight on February 17, 2009. At that time TV broadcasters will stop broadcasting in the old analog format and will only broadcast in the new digital format. Older TV sets with antennas that receive traditional over-the-air (not cable or
satellite) programs will only work after the transition date if consumers have purchased a converter box to change digital broadcasts back to the analog format. (There is a federal coupon program to help offset the cost of the converter boxes.)
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has a DTV Website at http://www.dtv.gov. This site has many guides and FAQs designed to be printed and distributed to consumers to help them determine what steps they may need to take to ensure TV reception after February 17, 2009. Several guides include:
- DTV Fact Sheet, http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.pdf
- DTV Shopper's Guide, http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/DTVShoppersGuide.pdf
- Buying a Digital Television, http://www.dtv.gov/dtvtipsheet.pdf
As of May 25, 2007, FCC rules required all retailers to clearly label any TVs they sell that have only an analog tuner. In mid-June the FCC cited several major consumer electronic retailers for not complying with this labeling requirement.
Libraries are encouraged to provide patrons with information on the coming transition to digital television.
3. MAY-JUNE 2007 ISSUE OF CHANNEL NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
The May-June 2007 issue of Channel, the newsletter of the Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning, is now available on the web at http://dpi.wi.gov/channel/pdf/chn4205.pdf. Among the articles in this
issue of Channel are:
* Rural Library Sustainability workshops meet goals
* Spring 2007 interlibrary loan meeting held May 22
* Evaluations show Early Learning Initiative met goals
* Digital Archives Program provides long-term accessibility
* Trustee Corner (Web index FAQ for public library trustees and directors)
* New era begins for National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
* Delivery Services Advisory Committee meets May 23 in Madison
* AV Notes
* Division's Peg Branson to retire from DPI July 6
* Mary Clark honored at Virginia Hart Special Recognition Awards
* Wisconsin library supporters attend National Library Legislative day
* Menomonie centenarian inducted into 10 Squared Talking Book Club
* LITAC develops work plan at May 14 meeting
Previous issues of Channel are available at http://dpi.wi.gov/channel/channel.html. Issues of Channel Weekly are available at http://dpi.wi.gov/channel/chweekly.html.
4. MILWAUKEE PUBLIC LIBRARY RECEIVES AWARD
The Milwaukee Public Library was honored for its "Excellence in Individual Teamwork" by the Milwaukee-based Public Policy Forum recently as one of its 2007 "Salute to Local Government" award winners.
The management team at the Milwaukee Public Library partnered with the Northwestern Mutual Foundation as the primary private source of funding to provide free computer training programs at the Central Library and several neighborhood libraries. For those seeking to upgrade employment skills or those without computer access at home, the programs are invaluable. All classes are taught as hands-on instruction in a computer lab. Each class is two hours long, and students adhere to a curriculum and receive a certificate upon completion.
5. WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
How Spam Works -- http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ref/spam.htm?cid=e37 -- You block it, you filter it, you unsubscribe from lists you actually want to be on, and still it lands in your inbox. Where does all of this spam e-mail (also known as "unsolicited commercial e-mail") come from? Why is there so much of it? Is there any way to stop it? This HowStuffWorks article answers these questions and many others about spam. (Website courtesy of refdesk.com)
6. CALENDAR
July 13, 2007 - Council on Library and Network Development meeting, Verona
September 14, 2007 - Council on Library and Network Development meeting, Cable
October 12, 2007 - Library Information Technology Advisory Committee meeting, Madison
October 16-19, 2007 - Wisconsin Library Association Annual Conference, Green Bay
November 9, 2007 - Council on Library and Network Development meeting, location to be announced
For more details about these and other meetings, see the WISDOM calendar at http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/wisdom.html and the BadgerLink and WISCAT training site at http://dpi.wi.gov/rll/wiscat/training.html.
Return to the Channel Weekly Home Page
For information about Channel Weekly or to submit article ideas, please contact:
Roslyn Wise, Editor, at (608) 266-6439
For questions about this information, contact Roslyn M. Wise (608) 266-6439
Last updated on 7/3/2007 11:00:15 AM
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