Topics include:

1) DOWNLOADABLE AUDIOBOOKS PORTAL LAUNCH

2) ROUND TWO BROADBAND APPLICATION FILED

3) CURRENT ISSUES – LIBRARY TRENDS WITH GEORGE AND JAMES

4) NEW STUDY DESCRIBES PUBLIC LIBRARY INTERNET USE

5) YOUTH PROGRAMS IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST FUNDED

6) AMERICA – THE STORY OF US CONTESTS

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1) DOWNLOADABLE AUDIOBOOKS PORTAL LAUNCH

No April fooling! The Washington State Library is pleased to announce the launch of our new web portal for the Downloadable Audiobooks project. The portal is divided into two sides: one for the general public and one for staff at participating libraries.

The public side helps people determine if their local library provides downloadable audiobooks and provides help for the download and transfer process. It also provides links to free eAudiobooks and eBooks. The library side helps library staff learn how to set up and use both NetLibrary and OverDrive, provides links to promotional materials, usage stats, training schedules, and much more.

Visit the portal site here: www.sos.wa.gov/library/eaudiobooks. Please send your comments and suggestions for improvement to Ahniwa Ferrari at [email protected].

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2) ROUND TWO BROADBAND APPLICATION FILED

The Washington State Library (WSL) partnered with the Northwest Open Access Network (NoaNet) and eleven other organizations to apply for a Round Two federal broadband stimulus funding application. NoaNet was the lead applicant on a Comprehensive Community Infrastructure middle mile project submitted last Thursday, March 25.

The application was for $79,000,000 and included 285 sites. Forty-two libraries were named in the project. WSL partnered with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to provide the 30 percent match required by the federal government.

More information is available at the Washington State Library’s broadband resources page: www.sos.wa.gov/quicklinks/broadband

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3) CURRENT ISSUES – LIBRARY TRENDS WITH GEORGE AND JAMES

Current Issues is a two-day program presenting George Needham and James McPeak who will talk about library trends and how to develop strategies for adapting to them. These well-known and popular speakers bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the topic.

The Washington State Library and WALT are sponsoring this Public Library Association CPLA (Certified Public Library Administrator) course May 25-26 at the Timberland Regional Library System Service Center in Tumwater. To receive the special Washington partner pricing, select “WA State Librarian Partner Registration” when registering. This rate of $250 is a savings of $100 off the standard, non-ALA member rate.

Current Issues will provide working librarians with the skills and knowledge they need to develop plans for their libraries that are based on a close integration of the institution with the community. At the end of the program, students will be able to identify trends in the local, regional, national, and international environment that affect public library service; to develop strategies for adapting to these factors; and to analyze current services in the light of a changing environment. Students will apply these skills to the case study county in one exercise and then apply the skills to their own communities. The final module will provide guidance on turning the message to build an environment-based vision for library service.

Register via this shortcut link: www.sos.wa.gov/quicklinks/trends.

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4) NEW STUDY DESCRIBES PUBLIC LIBRARY INTERNET USE

The University of Washington Information School has just released a research study which profiles people who use public access computers and internet connections in libraries, the types of use in which they engage, and the impact that use has on them, their families, friends, and communities.

The results clearly show that public libraries are a key element of America’s digital infrastructure and that large numbers of people are using public access services to meet their needs in health, education, employment, and other important areas. The new, reliable data provided by this report will support local and national advocacy and funding efforts.

The study report, titled “Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries” is available online via this shortcut link: www.sos.wa.gov/quicklinks/impact. The study was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

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5) YOUTH PROGRAMS IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST FUNDED

The Charlotte Martin Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that provide services in urban, rural, and tribal communities throughout Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. The Foundation is dedicated to funding projects that enrich the lives of youth in the areas of athletics, culture, and education. Grants are also provided for the preservation and protection of wildlife and habitat.

Applications, which must be submitted online, are reviewed throughout the year. For the current year, there is a $20,000 funding request limit. Visit the Foundation’s web site to review the goals and priorities for each of the Foundation’s program areas: www.charlottemartin.org.

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6) AMERICA – THE STORY OF US CONTESTS

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), together with HISTORY^TM (the A&E History channel) and the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, invites libraries and students across the United States to flex their creative muscles and share their passion for American history by participating in HISTORY’s America: The Story of Us contests.

For libraries, the contest entails creating a special exhibit or media project about American history that will strengthen their communities’ interest in American history. Students are asked to create a short video based on any topic related to American history and are encouraged to use the resources of local libraries, historical societies, and archives for information on their own local history or on the American history topic that interests them most.

These contests are exciting opportunities to promote learning about American history and explore our nation’s diverse heritage. IMLS is pleased that HISTORY is reaching out to the nation’s libraries to encourage a community dialogue about America’s past. Use this shortcut link for more information: www.sos.wa.gov/quicklinks/history.

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