ALA Midwinter 2014 Day 4

Monday and the temperature is beautiful today -- although predicted to plummet for tomorrow! 

Started the day by attending a discussion session on the Affordable Healthcare Act.  This was a small group with representatives from state libraries, state library association, public libraries and school libraries.  We had an informal discussion on what has been happening with the roll out of the ACA and libraries.  While one public librarian had indicated they had braced for a large push -- the reality was it didn't impact library workflow.  In fact they had posted a large banner "Affordable Care Act" behind the circulation desk and frequently got the question "What is this?"  State libraries and library associations indicated various approaches to the ACA rollout, with primary themes being -- 1) it is up to the individual library in regard to their approach; 2) libraries are providing access not assistance; 3) in many communities, the library is the only access to high speed Internet.

Then it was off to Makerspaces Camp because another session I was going to attend was cancelled!  Made a spin bot, a flashing circuit, and watched my colleague Erica try on Google Glasses and get very excited!

Listened to my colleague Gina Persichini as she answered questions prior to Executive Council elections.  Gina won!  Go Gina!

Attended the Rev Up and Wrap Up session with James McBride, author of Good Lord Bird.  This was a wonderful way to end the conference.  James with three other colleagues provided great jazz music intertwined with the story telling of Good Lord Bird.  The group had the attendees rockin and rollin!

At the end of the day -- went to Library Camp.  Great discussion points on what was our aha! moments.  For several of us it was the Rev Up and Wrap Up session.  For many of the new librarians, it was the awesomeness of the entire event -- so much to absorb, so little time.  All in all -- regardless of the weather, another fine learning, networking opportunity!

ALA Midwinter 2014 - Day 3

It's Sunday morning and another day at Midwinter.  I started with day by attending the YALSA Badging session by Linda Braun.  The key point from this presentation was that "the Badge" is the last piece.  There are a lot behind the scenes items to cover to get to "the Badge."  The YALSA series is debuting and can be accessed at http://YALSAbadges.ala.org -- for more information about the process and badging in general go to http://www.ala.org/yalsa/badges-learning.  There are currently 3 badges sequences ready for testing:

• Access to Information
• Communication, Marketing, Outreach
• Leadership and Professionalism

Next on the day's agenda for me was a discussion session with other state library colleagues.  Hot topics we discussed included Common Core Standards, Digital Inclusion Survey, FCC pilot project money, Makerspaces and EDGE. 

I did get to try the Google Glasses -- and it is pretty cool.  I just happen to have the correct shaped glasses that they fit nicely over -- tap on the left side of the ear stem and speak OK GLASS when it appears on the screen in the upper right hand corner, select an action and speak -- TAKE PHOTO -- and there you go -- the easiest picture taking I ever experienced.  Then you can share by speaking -- SEND (contact name) and off it goes!  to scroll the menu lightly swipe from front to back or back to front for all the options.  When you are not using it the little screen goes to sleep.  Very little interference with vision otherwise.  More at http://www.google.com/glass/start/ -- although $1500 is a bit steep for me!  I'll wait!

Next was "Is there a MOOC in your future?"  Although I have participated in a MOOC, was interested in hearing the discussion.  Take aways include.  1)  MOOCs are Messy!  There are no standards and no single story which describes the learner or learning environment.  Some people come only to see what it is like, some come to gain a specific piece of information  - then leave, and some complete the process.  2)  Leaner has to be self-directed, interested in exploring topics and earning credentials. 3)  Quick MOOCs at http://quickmooc.com is a tool focusing on a single unit of instruction created by David Loertscher to facilitate the creation of learning MOOCs.  There is a $10 per MOOC -- if you wish to create a MOOC using this tool, contact David for more information.

Attended the Lyrasis Reception -- great music and good conversation.

ALA Midwinter 2014 Day 2

Another cold and snowy day in the City of Brotherly Love!  Some highlights of the day include:
1.  NSA session for highlights see ...
2.  Will need to stop by the Google Glass display to try a pair .. Just to see what all the talk is about.
3.  Spent some time at another Edge session facilitated by Lyrasis.  Gained some great insight into  how ICfL can support public libraries who wish to participate in the assessment process during 2014. The benefits of Edge is that is provides valuable data and insight for State Libraries in regard to training and support needs of public libraries.  It also provides a local focus, starts conversations, and creates a common vocabulary.  Pennsylvania provided 10 workshops to get all libraries on the same page as to the process, answering questions and redirecting fears.  The beauty of the tool is that is provides a snapshot of where the library is at a point in time.  Edge is tailored around technology, however community partnerships are key
4.  Reaching Outward session once again focused on the Harwood tools.  March 6 is the deadline to apply for the OTC Public Innovators.  Learn more at www.ala.org.otc.
5.  Digital Badging.  While I didn't learn much about how to creat a digital badge system, I did learn about the diplomatic Reception Rooms in the US State Department.  They are working with the Smithsonian, National Parks Service and ALA to create a quest series in diplomacy.  This series will be featured in an online web conference to be held on February 12.  While a Badge is an image gained for completing a learning quest, not all badges are created equal.  Quality badges contain the following data: Name, Description, Criteria, Issuer, Evidence, Date issued, Standards,Tags.  For registration and more information go to Smithsonianeducationconferences.org/diplomacy, Www.diplomaticrooms.state.gov, Www.diplomacy.state.gov, Www.history.state.gov

Rounded out the day at the ALA-APA Fundraising Reception.  Enjoyed the music by Ian Lashbrook's brother and even Ian got in on the act!  Nice.

ALA Midwinter 2014 - Philadelphia

While the weather outside is chilly...the information is warmly and freely flowing inside the Philadelphia Convention Center.   Today my colleague Sue and I participated in the training session for the Smart Investing @ Your Library grantees.  We are looking forward to hitting the ground running in March.  ICfL's pilot project will focus on enhancing the financial literacy for staff in 12 south central Idaho libraries which in turn the financial literacy outreach efforts of those libraries will be supported for one year following the training in their individual communities.

In Cognotes today two highlights.  There is free content on public awareness available for librarians to use.  Content targets teens, parents and kids, seniors, job seekers and many others.   Content is available under the Creative Commons license that allows libraries to repurpose content in either online or offline formats.  Check it out at www.atyourlibrary.org

The website was launched with funding from the Carnegie Corporation of New York with additional support from the Disney Book Group.

ALA with assistance from Innovative Interfaces is sponsoring th 2014 ALA Leadership Institute for 40 mid career librarians in August 2014.  Led by ALA Past President Maureen Sullivan and ACRL Content Strategist Kathryn Deiss, the Institute will help future leaders develop and practice their leadership skills in areas critical to the future of the libraries they lead.

Last year, Natalie Nation, branch Diector at Silverstone Branch of Meridian Library District, participated in the Institute and has rave reviews of her experience.  "It has given me the confidence to take on new challenges that I would have never considered prior to the Institute."   Natalie used the 1st time conference attendee grant to defray costs of attending.  Details and guidelines for applying can be found at www.ala.org/transforminglibraries/ala-leadership-institute

ARSL Journal -- Day 3

Saturday started with one final workshop opportunity!  I choose the Laughter Club!  And yes I was in that room which was making all the noise!  (-:).

What a great tool to lighten the situation .. Any situation.  You can't really stay angry if you are smiling and he-he, ha-ha, ho-ho'ing!  Some great ideas for ice breakers and staff meetings.

The final session was a wrap up, thank you's and an invitation to next year's event in Tacoma!  Finally we heard from Sally Reed of United for Libraries.  If you haven't checked out their resources go to http://www.ala.org/united/ -- there is a wealth if information.

Now as we return to our work environments .. Let's not forget the things we learned .. Do one new thing each week for a while .. Or the friendships we netted!

ARSL 2013 Journal Day 3

Friday

Another full day of speakers and workshops at ARSL 2013.  The morning started with author Joe Starita -- Pike Professor of journalism at the University of Nebraska College of Journalism and Mass Communications and author of “I Am A Man” – Chief Standing Bear’s Journey for Justice -- providing a gripping insight into the power of humanity.  How a father's devotion to his son reached across cultures to impact a moment in history.  Chief Standing Bear unwittingly ended up in the cross-hairs of a historic legal decision - one establishing for the first time in the nation's 103-year history that an Indian was "a person" with many of the "same Constitutional privileges as the more fortunate white race."

From there I tripped into Sarah Uthof's Genealogy Basics and came away with a lot of resources for Idaho Commission for Libraries' upcoming genealogy LibGuide [will be at guides.lili.org].  Check out the resources at http://arsl.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Sarah-Uthoff-Handout-1.pdf.

Lunch brought award winning author of the Longmire series, now a popular series on A&E, Craig Johnson.  Craig was engaging the ballroom full of librarians as he guided us through the back story and development of this storyline.  Certainly peaked my interest!

After lunch, two more workshops .... Mind Mapping and Small Libraries Oral History Projects.   Mind mapping isn't so difficult and should be a good way to help in that brain health activity of memory.  Can't wait to use it!  Wait .. I have already started!

Final workshop of the day focused on how Kinsley Public Library in Kansas turned oral history into a community engagement project.  Being a history buff, I found this an intriguing opportunity for libraries of all sizes, especially small libraries in small, rural communities to build community and add valued library services.

Handouts for all workshops can be found at http://arsl.info/category/handouts/

Gaming night tonight after dinner with Jez and Josh from Portneuf

ARSL 2013 Journal Day 2

Thursday

Kicking off with a wonderful continental breakfast .. They do provide ample food in the Midwest.  (481 registered, 37 states represented).  I spent some time chatting with Linn E. of Geek the Library and Kathleen G. of Webjunction prior to the keynote from Lee Rainie of Pew Research .. While you can check out the Twitter feed at #arsl2013 for tidbits, here are my takeaways:

• Rural libraries are gaining momentum through digital literacy training efforts, yet there is still work to do.
• Consider libraries as a platform .. Do what you do best and link to the rest!
• 98% of people interviewed like libraries .. It is like a job interview,everyday.
• Libraries have rebranded themselves as technology hubs.
• Because access to information is ubiquitous, libraries have to change their approach.
• Public libraries give everyone a chance to succeed; promote love of literacy and reading.
• A public library improves the quality of life in a community.

The question a library should ask is what is the franchise, rather than what is the commodity. For slides, report go to http://libraries.pewinternet.org.

Then we moved into the workshops for the day.  For workshop handouts and highlights go to http://arsl.info/2013/09/2013-program-and-handouts/

Here are few notes:
Gaming was presented by Idaho's Josh Barnes and Jezmynne Dene of Portneuf Library District.  They provided a great overview of how they initiated a gaming program which includes both board and electronic games.  Friday night they will host a gaming session for conference participants.

Community Connections focused on how three different libraries focus on an important aspect to engage their community:  schools, businesses, and community groups.  Take always include work closely with your school district to discover a niche to fill, including special programs such as GED, refugees/migrants, or inter generational programming.  Examples of programs include story walks, Pinkalicious and Stinky Feet parties. http://www.crete-ne.gov/index.aspx?NID=41

Seward Memorial Library focuses on their business community to facilitate a wide variety of ongoing activities (http://arsl.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Becky-Baker-Handouts.pdf).  They focus on a variety of scavenger hunts which take readers to businesses throughout the community to gather clues to solve a puzzle.  When they have the answers they return to the library for their reward.  At the end of the year the library hosts a business after hours for all business partners as a thank you!

Finally Kilgore Memorial Public Library focuses on partnering with community groups in their library programming.  This includes heritage organizations historical groups, cultural organizations and service groups.   The best idea that came out of this discussion was another library that facilitates a Scarecrow Contest, raising over $500 for their library.  They charge $10 for a group or individual to create their scarecrow during the Halloween season.  They then split the funds raised with the organization or individual.  Last year they had almost 100 scarecrows .. What community engagement .. Pretty scary!!!

All in all another informative day, filled with great networking opportunities

ARSL 2013 Journal

This is my first time attending the annual Association for Rural and Small Libraries Conference.  So I  am sharing some highlights.

Wednesday

ARSL Pre-Conference .. Shifting Sands

It is a beautiful late September afternoon that I find myself in downtown Omaha, Nebraska at the Association of Rural and Small Libraries Annual Conference.  I have the opportunity to share this 3-day educational experience with other Idaho Library colleagues, including Kevin Tomlinson, Jane Somerville, Jezmynne Dene, Josh Barnes and Susan King.  By the way, staff from Idaho's small, rural libraries have an opportunity to experience this conference next September as it will be held in Tacoma, Washington!  It qualifies for a First Time Conference Attendee Grant, if you have never attended this conference.

What is special about this conference?  About 400 individuals from rural and small libraries throughout the nation converge to share and network, with conversations centering on the joys and challenges of small, rural libraries. It is an amazing group.

Back to Omaha ... I spent an engaging afternoon in a workshop called "Shifting Sands" presented by  Bonnie McKewon, Library Consultant for Northwest District of Iowa Library Services.

Her high value content was interspersed with interesting games and activities.  Dividing the four-hour session into four distinct segments, Bonnie emphasized the importance of digital literacy and community engagement in all aspects of library services, especially trustee development, staffing, library spaces, and collaboration.

We know change is the only constant, however how we deal with change determines the sustainability of our individual libraries.  Here are some key points from the presentation:

1.  Trustee/board meetings need to be greener.  Such as posting board documents on line or sending by email.

2.  What are the technology competences that trustees should have?  (Food for thought!)

3.  Educate the board by demonstrating electronic resources, data bases and library services at board meetings.  Share news, articles, and websites.  Bring training to board meetings.  Some resources include Netted by Webbies, Techsoup and United for Libraries or speak with your Public Library Field Consultant.

4.  Open staff training to board members.

5.  Use a community-based planning process with the service priorities established in Sandra Nelson's Strategic Planning publication.

6.  Create policies for results.

7.  Collaborate with colleagues .. Share the wealth and information by staff exchanges.

The PowerPoint slides can be viewed at http://arsl.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ShiftingSands-Slides.pdf.

Librarian Characteristics

Check out this Tagxedo focusing on characteristics of the 21st Century Librarian:
http://www.tagxedo.com/image/2e752d6865f347bd