WSL Updates for August 11, 2011

WSL Updates for August 11, 2011

Volume 7, August 11, 2011 for the WSL Updates mailing list

(With apologies for the delayed posting)

Topics include:

1) TECHNOLOGY DONATIONS FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES

2) MORE CONNECT THE DOTS PRESENTATIONS ONLINE

3) FREE GREAT LAKES ROMANCES

4) WHY TECHNOLOGY IS NO LONGER A LUXURY

5) LOOKING AHEAD FREE E-FORUM

6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

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1) TECHNOLOGY DONATIONS FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES

TechSoup is a nonprofit program that distributes donated and deeply discounted software and technology products to eligible nonprofit organizations and libraries. Libraries can save as much as 80 – 96% on brand-new software donated by top companies. All products are available either for a small administrative fee if donated, or at prices that are deeply discounted.

Each of TechSoup’s donated and discounted product programs has specific eligibility guidelines. Libraries wishing to apply should review the Nonprofit Eligibility Requirements and Donor Partner Restrictions before making a donation request. Public libraries that are listed in the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) database or that have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status are eligible for TechSoup’s services. Each branch of a library system, not just the main branch, must register with TechSoup individually to request software products.

For additional information, including a list of available programs and links to the Nonprofit Eligibility Requirements and Donor Partner Restrictions, visit www.sos.wa.gov/quicklinks/TS11.

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2) MORE CONNECT THE DOTS PRESENTATIONS ONLINE

The Foundation for Early Learning has just posted three more videos from the June 30, 2011, Connect the Dots event on the Foundation’s YouTube channel:

  • Sergeant Adrian Z. Diaz, from the Seattle Police Department, talks about the importance of early learning and how it can prevent future criminal behavior;
  • Dr. Steven G. Gilbert, the Director and Founder of the Institute of Neurotoxicology and Neurological Disorders (INND) in Seattle, speaks about the harmful effects of chemicals on children and the need to make information about toxins more accessible;
  • Matthew Amster-Burton, author of Hungry Monkey: A Food-Loving Father’s Quest to Raise an Adventurous Eater and personal finance columnist for Mint.com, humorously relates the world of personal finance to feeding a child.

To view these, visit www.youtube.com/fdnforearlylearning.

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3) FREE GREAT LAKES ROMANCES

Bigwater Publishing/Great Lakes Romances® (wholesome fiction for ages 12 and up), would like to donate some of their titles to libraries wishing to add them to their collections. All costs, including shipping, will be covered by the publisher.

Simply review the following list of titles, decide which ones you would like to receive, and how many of each. Then e-mail [email protected] to place your order. Be sure to include the address where you would like your books sent via Library Rate.

  • ISBN 0-923048-76-6 The Captain and the Widow
  • ISBN 0-923048-81-2 Aurora of North Manitou Island
  • ISBN 0-923048-82-4 Bridget of Cat’s Head Point
  • ISBN 0-923048-84-7 Rosalie of Grand Traverse Bay
  • ISBN 0-923048-83-9 Elizabeth of Saginaw Bay
  • ISBN 0-923048-78-2 Jenny of L’Anse Bay
  • ISBN 0-923048-85-5 Isabelle’s Inning
  • ISBN 0-923048-86-3 Unlikely Duet
  • ISBN 0-923048-80-4 Sweet Clover, A Romance of the White City

More information about the titles may be found at www.greatlakesromances.com.

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4) WHY TECHNOLOGY IS NO LONGER A LUXURY

How can libraries and librarians utilize the economic downtown to reintroduce themselves to their communities? Now, more than ever, libraries are uniquely positioned to lead their communities. Technology is no longer a luxury but a way to continue to provide services to communities that so desperately need access to digital content. By embracing technology, libraries can reinvent themselves in the midst of tough economic times.

Find out how from panelists R. David Lankes, Professor and Director of the LIS Program at Syracuse University; Bill Pardue, Reference and Virtual Services Supervisor at Arlington Heights Memorial Library in Illinois; and Corinne Hill, Director of the Dallas Public Library in the free webcast, The Post Recession Library: Why Technology is No Longer a Luxury, sponsored by Library Journal and Polaris.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT. For more information and to register, go to www.sos.wa.gov/quicklinks/tech.  An archived version will be available for later viewing.

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5) LOOKING AHEAD FREE E-FORUM

In the quickly shifting landscapes of Acquisitions and Collection Development, it can be difficult to identify and develop viable research topics that lend themselves to meaningful exploration and conclusion. There are myriad factors that affect decision-making, analysis, and budget management, and every library environment has local idiosyncrasies. Some issues stem from business models that are not fully mature, such as those that exist for demand-driven acquisition. Others arise as we wait to understand the full impact of developing technologies, such as electronic resource management systems. In Looking Ahead: Research Topics in Acquisitions & Collection Development, a free two-day e-forum, participants will have the opportunity to discuss which acquisitions and/or collection development issues need further research.

Day one: Tuesday, August 16, 2011, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. PDT

Day two: Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. PDT

For additional information and to register, go to connect.ala.org/node/153190.

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6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

Monday, August 15:

  • OCLC 101: A Guide to Your Cooperative (OCLC); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT;
  • My Research (ProQuest); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT: www.sos.wa.gov/quicklinks/PQ97;

Tuesday, August 16:

Wednesday, August 17:

  • Gadgets, Games and Google for Learning: How to Leverage the Latest Technologies for Learning and Performance Improvement (Training Magazine); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT;
  • DIY Digital Assets: Creation, Implementation, Access (Infopeople); 12:00 – 4:30 p.m. PDT;
  • The Post Recession Library: Why Technology is No Longer a Luxury (Polaris/Library Journal); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT: www.sos.wa.gov/quicklinks/tech;

Thursday, August 18:

  • Searching WorldCat on FirstSearch (OCLC); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT;
  • Free Windows 7 Curriculum: Basic Computer Training at Your Library or Nonprofit (TechSoup); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT: www.sos.wa.gov/quicklinks/TS10;
  • Using Technology for Time Management (Infopeople); 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. PDT;
  • Introduction to the New ProQuest Platform (ProQuest); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT: www.sos.wa.gov/quicklinks/PQ100;

Friday, August 19:

For more information and to register (unless otherwise linked above), visit the WSL Training Calendar at www.sos.wa.gov/quicklinks/training.

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