WSL Updates for December 30, 2010

WSL Updates for December 30, 2010

Volume 6, December 30, 2010 for the WSL Updates mailing list

Topics include:

1) WSL GOES SOCIAL

2) GRANTS FOR THE BIG READ

3) TRAVEL OPPORTUNITY FOR SECONDARY EDUCATORS

4) AFTER-SCHOOL ARTS PROGRAMS RECOGNIZED

5) OPEN GOVERNMENT CONFERENCE

6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

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1) WSL GOES SOCIAL

Look out Facebook, here we come! The Washington State Library is pleased to announce not one, not two, but three Facebook pages! Why three pages? Because that’s how many it takes to contain the awesome power of the WSL on Facebook. And it’s not just Facebook either. We’ve got the Twitter, too.

Facebook and Twitter present an exciting opportunity for WSL to network with libraries and library users throughout Washington State, and we hope that you’ll take advantage of them as tools to communicate with us and share information and ideas.

You may find us on Twitter at twitter.com/#!/WAStateLib.

Our three Facebook accounts include:

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2) GRANTS FOR THE BIG READ

The Big Read, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts, is accepting applications from libraries for grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 to conduct month-long, community-wide reads between September 2011 and June 2012. The grants must be matched at least one-to-one with nonfederal funds. Approximately 75 organizations will be selected to participate. Applicants must choose one book from a list of 28 titles or one author from a list of three poets as the focus for their community-wide read.

The application deadline is February 1, 2011. For more information, visit www.neabigread.org/guidelines.php.

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3) TRAVEL OPPORTUNITY FOR SECONDARY EDUCATORS

The Toyota International Teacher Program, administered by the Institute of International Education, is offering U.S. secondary school educators a unique opportunity to travel to South Africa from July 24 to August 10, 2011. This inaugural program to South Africa will provide teachers with first-hand exposure to the social and environmental complexity of the country, focusing on sustainable development and emphasizing the links between history, culture, power, and the environment. Teachers will explore South Africa’s natural and cultural diversity through a range of site visits and hands-on activities. Full-time secondary teachers and teacher librarians in the U.S. who have at least three years of teaching experience are encouraged to apply.

The application deadline is January 23, 2011. Use this shortcut to learn more about this opportunity and to submit an online application: www.sos.wa.gov/quicklinks/Toyota.

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4) AFTER-SCHOOL ARTS PROGRAMS RECOGNIZED

The National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards, sponsored by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, recognize excellence in after-school and out-of-school arts and humanities programs for underserved children and youth. These programs offer high-quality and intensive instruction on weekends, afternoons, and summer vacations, providing a safe and productive space for young people in the hours when they are often the most vulnerable. Twelve winners will receive a $10,000 award and an invitation to accept their award at a ceremony at the White House. Programs initiated by museums, libraries, performing arts organizations, universities, colleges, arts centers, community service organizations, schools, and eligible government agencies are encouraged to apply. Eligible programs must have been in operation for a minimum of five years.

The 2011 nomination deadline is January 31. Visit the program’s website to download the nomination guidelines and forms: www.nahyp.org/.

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5) OPEN GOVERNMENT CONFERENCE

Learn your rights to open government, and get practical tips on exercising them at the federal, state, and local levels. Hear the latest on court battles, issues expected during the 2011 state legislative session, and the Obama administration’s open government initiatives. Network with other community leaders, and meet the most knowledgeable experts in the field-all at the Washington State Open Government Conference at the Mercer Island Community Center.

The conference begins with a keynote speech by Ken Bunting, Executive Director of the National Freedom of Information Coalition, a leader in the effort to promote transparency and hold government accountable on the state and national levels. The luncheon speaker is Tim Ford, Assistant Attorney General for Government Accountability and graduate of Gonzaga University Law School, who provides his expertise concerning open government training, policy, and litigation to state and local agencies. The heart of the conference consists of simultaneous one-hour “break-out” programs held three times throughout the day.

The conference will be held on January 15, from 9:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m. Registration is $25 for WCOG members, seniors, and students, $50 for nonmembers. For more information, and to register, visit www.washingtoncog.org/opengovconf.html.

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6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

  • LSSC Webinar (ALA-APA): Tuesday, January 4, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. PST.

Wondering about the benefits and the requirements of the Library Support Staff Certification Program? The ALA-Allied Professional Association will be presenting an hour-long webinar designed to give you an introduction to the LSSC Program and to offer you an opportunity to ask questions.

  • Emergency Preparedness for Public Libraries (NCompass Live): Wednesday, January 5, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. PST. Registration deadline: January 3.

Is your library ready for a disaster? Public library personnel serve in a significant way during an emergency or disaster through their public access computing and Internet access availability. They can also offer expertise in organizing communities, identifying and evaluating appropriate disease and health promotion topics, and planning and delivering outreach programs and services.

Both of these sessions are online; providers are listed in parentheses. For registration links visit the WSL Training Calendar: www.sos.wa.gov/quicklinks/training.

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