Table of Contents
1. ALA meetings address library broadband issues
2. New DVDs on library partnerships and model services available for loan from RLL
3. IMLS press release on summer reading programs
4. Governing magazine article features changes in library service
5. Free Webinar: "Cultivating a Culture of Learning in the Library"
6. Website of the Week -
Kids.gov
7. Calendar
1. ALA MEETINGS ADDRESS LIBRARY BROADBAND ISSUES
The issue of libraries having sufficient broadband connectivity to ensure fast Internet access is a continuing problem nationwide. In the latest American Library Association (ALA) survey, 53% of the country's public libraries report problems with slow Internet access. The ALA's Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP) has undertaken several recent initiatives to address this issue.
(1) In December, 2007, OITP held a meeting in Denver that brought together 20 representatives from regional library systems. Based on previous research, OITP knew that states with robust library systems have fewer complaints from libraries about sufficient broadband. The Denver meeting looked at the models library systems used to address broadband issues and if these models could be shared with states where library systems are struggling with this issue. Several Wisconsin system staff attended the Denver meeting or participated via conference call. These included Stef Morrill, South Central, Karen Boehning, Winnefox, and Rick Krumwiede, from the Outagamie Waupaca Library System. Bob Bocher, on the DLTCL staff, chairs the OITP's Telecommunications Subcommittee and assisted in developing the meeting's agenda. A report on the meeting is at http://www.ala.org/ala/washoff/oitp/2008_OITP%20RLCs%20Repor.pdf.
(2) In late May, 2008, OITP held a meeting in Chicago for 18 representatives from library networks. The purpose was to address the technical and policy issues related to library broadband issues. For example, discussion on one of the technical issues centered on trying to determine how much bandwidth certain applications -- like gaming and video -- require. One of the policy issues reviewed was how to educate library boards and other funding bodies about the importance of adequate bandwidth. Wisconsin representatives attending the meeting included David Goldfein from the La Crosse Public Library, Chris Alberts from MCA Network Consultants, and Bob Bocher from the division. A report is expected to be published later this summer.
2. NEW DVDS ON LIBRARY PARTNERSHIPS AND MODEL SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR LOAN FROM RLL
"SPI: Special Partnership Investigation" (also known as "SPI: Successful Partnership Investigation") is a new 28-minute program that uses a humorous takeoff on a television program to look at what makes a good partnership between a library and another organization. The program highlights some examples of library partnerships and describes practical steps for successfully developing and maintaining them. Elements for success include starting with a good idea, matching it to the library's goals, researching potential partners, listening to be sure the partner's needs are met, including the participation of all of the stakeholders, creating a written plan, and doing regular evaluations. The DVD was produced by Library Video Network in 2008, and has optional subtitles. The Reference and Loan Library's call number is DVD V-255.
"Beyond Books: the Middle Country Public Library" (Middle Country Public Library, 2007; 29 minutes) is a documentary commemorating the 50th anniversary in April, 2007, of the Middle Country Public Library, the largest and busiest public library on Long Island, N.Y., and serving a diverse population. It tells of the library's modest beginnings in two small storefronts and how it became a center for the community as well as a nationally known model for its innovative programs and services and its successful collaborative partnerships with businesses and health and human services organizations. The Reference and Loan Library's call number is DVD V-269.
DVDs and videos may be requested from the Reference and Loan Library (R&LL) through normal interlibrary loan channels; by calling R&LL's circulation/AV booking department at 888-542-5543 (in-state) or 608-224-6169; by fax at 608-224-6178; or by email at rllill@dpi.wi.gov.
3. IMLS PRESS RELEASE ON SUMMER READING PROGRAMS
Last week, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) issued a press release that begins as follows:
For many children, summer holds the promise of swimming pools and summer camps. But parents know that it's also a time when children can lose valuable educational gains made during the school year -- an average student who doesn't read or engage in other learning opportunities can lose as much as 2.5 months of learning over the summer! The nation's libraries and museums stand ready to help children and youth enjoy exciting summer time activities and retain their educational gains.
"We encourage families to participate in the low- and no-cost museum and library programs that are available in virtually every state," said Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). "The programs are so much fun. In addition to outstanding reading programs, museums and libraries offer arts and craft making, games, family nights, contests, and prizes. There are also visits by authors, story tellers, scientists, and educational entertainers."
The full press release is at http://www.imls.gov/news/2008/052808.shtm.
4. GOVERNING MAGAZINE ARTICLE FEATURES CHANGES IN LIBRARY SERVICE
The current issue of "Governing" magazine features an article on changes in public library service in a number of U.S. public libraries. The article briefly discusses "Library 2.0," libraries as community centers, alternatives to the Dewey Decimal System for organizing books and materials, attracting teens, and libraries offering tools for content creation. The article, "Revolution in the Stacks," is available online at http://www.governing.com/articles/0806libraries.htm.
5. FREE WEBINAR: "CULTIVATING A CULTURE OF LEARNING IN THE LIBRARY"
On Tuesday, June 10, at 1:00 p.m., WebJunction's E-Learning Institute will present a free hour-long online Webinar focused on helping library managers, trainers and front-line staff succeed with online learning. The Webinar will cover why libraries need to get their staff out of the classroom and instead focus on creating a culture of learning in the library. The Webinar will be conducted by Lori Reed, Training Specialist at the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County.
The workshop will explore:
* The differences between training and learning
* The benefits to libraries for creating a culture of learning
* The key elements of a learning organization
* Tips for creating a culture of learning in any size library
Registration is not required, but first-time attendees are encouraged to test their computers before the session. More information and instructions for attending the online session are available here: http://webjunction.org/do/Navigation?category=15543.
6. WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Kids.gov -- http://www.kids.gov/ -- This family-friendly site, a service of the Federal Citizen Information Center of the Office of Citizen Service, U.S. General Services Administration, features links to over 500 websites from government agencies, schools, and educational organizations, all geared to the learning level and interest of kids.
7. CALENDAR
June 26-July 2, 2008 - American Library Association annual conference, Anaheim, California
June 29-July 2, 2008 - National Educational Computing Conference, San Antonio, Texas
July 12, 2008 - Council on Library and Network Development, Milwaukee
October 9, 2008 - Delivery Services Advisory Committee, Wisline web
October 10, 2008 - Library Information Technology Advisory Committee meeting, Madison
To access previous issues of Channel Weekly, or to subscribe or unsubscribe, go to:
http://dpi.wi.gov/channel/chweekly.html
For questions about this information, contact Roslyn M. Wise (608) 266-6439
Last updated on 8/25/2008 12:16:14 PM
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