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We have a budget! 2015-2017

We have a budget! 2015-2017

From the desk of Rand Simmons, Washington State Librarian. Monday, June 29 the Legislature approved a compromise 2015-2017 Operating Budget.  Governor Inslee signed it Tuesday, June 30, the final day of the fiscal year.  This action avoided a government shutdown on Wednesday, July 1. Secretary of State Kim Wyman wrote, “This means no shutdown, no unpaid furloughs and no service interruptions.  I’m happy for the citizens of Washington and for all of our amazing OSOS staff!” The budget news for…

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Kalama students are using their IT Academy training to help their community.

Kalama students are using their IT Academy training to help their community.

Down in the southwest corner of our state the State Library, High School and Public Library have formed a great partnership.  Before the State Library began working with Microsoft to provide free access to IT Academy training courses for all Washington residents, our public High Schools offered the trainings to their students.  Kalama students have been taking IT Academy classes for several years, in fact their students routinely qualify to represent Washington state at the Microsoft Office Specialist World Championships…

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The WSL has a new Master.

The WSL has a new Master.

By now I think most of you have heard about the Microsoft IT Academy (ITA) program which is offered through the Washington State Library. The ITA is a collection of over 400 online courses and other IT instructional materials that are available to all Washington residents. But have you heard yet about the newest addition to the program, the opportunity to prove your skills with certification? Thanks to the hard work of Elizabeth Iaukea, certification sites are being set up…

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SecState Wyman receives leadership award

SecState Wyman receives leadership award

Flanked by Senate Republican Caucus Whip Ann Rivers (left) and Senate Republican Caucus Chair Linda Evans Parlette, Secretary of State Kim Wyman thanks the Senate Republican Caucus for giving her the Women in Leadership Award. (Photos courtesy of Legislative Support Services Photography Department) Secretary of State Kim Wyman has received a new award from legislators for her work in helping make an information technology training program available, for free, to people throughout Washington. Wyman is the first recipient of the…

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IT Academy program launches in WA libraries, and it’s free!

IT Academy program launches in WA libraries, and it’s free!

Washington State Librarian Rand Simmons discusses the IT Academy partnership between Microsoft and the State Library during a launch event in Bellevue. Washington residents needing to learn new information technology skills for their current job, a new career or just wanting to add some skills for personal enrichment can do so through their local library thanks to a new partnership just announced between the Washington State Library and Microsoft. The State Library and the Redmond-based software giant have paired up…

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Office of the Secretary of State and WSL launch Microsoft IT Academy

Office of the Secretary of State and WSL launch Microsoft IT Academy

Tuesday, November 12, the Office of the Secretary of State and its division, the Washington State Library, joined Microsoft in launching a joint adventure, the Washington State Library / Microsoft IT Academy with an event at the KCLS – Bellevue Library. This online technology training program will be offered in more than 385 Washington libraries, free of charge, thanks to funding by the Washington Legislature. State Librarian Rand Simmons noted that the program furthered the state’s embrace of 21st Century…

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