WA Secretary of State Blogs

WSL Updates for September 7, 2017

September 6th, 2017 Will Stuivenga Posted in Digital Literacy, For Libraries, Grants and Funding, News, Updates Comments Off on WSL Updates for September 7, 2017

Volume 13, September 7, 2017 for the WSL Updates mailing list

Topics include things wanted:

1) WANTED – LIBRARY COUNCIL MEMBERS

2) ECLIPSE GLASSES WANTED

3) HISTORICAL ZINES WANTED

4) AMERICANS TRUST LIBRARIES

5) RURAL PUBLIC LIBRARY GRANTS

6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

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1) WANTED – LIBRARY COUNCIL MEMBERS

The mission of the Library Council of Washington (LCW) is to help all Washington citizens access library services, information, and resources. The LCW advises the State Librarian and the Office of the Secretary of State on statewide library issues and the expenditure of federal LSTA funding. The fifteen members represent all types of libraries and library users. The Council meets in person three to four times each year.

Members may include library employees, volunteers, trustees, foundation board members, advocates, consultants, or educators. We seek new members that are active and knowledgeable, have great communication skills, and can advocate for all libraries while representing a specific interest group’s views as well. There are currently four open positions on the LCW, representing:

  • Special libraries,
  • Technology,
  • Underserved populations,
  • Schools (western Washington).

If you want to help shape our libraries, have at least three years’ experience working with libraries in Washington State, and are interested in applying, please send a copy of the application form and your resume. Application information is available at sos.wa.gov/q/vacancy. Applications must be postmarked by September 22, 2017.

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2) ECLIPSE GLASSES WANTED

If you’re wondering what to do with those eclipse glasses you acquired for the big event, don’t throw them away: the State Library wants them! Drop your eclipse glasses off in the lobby, and they will be donated to Astronomers Without Borders. Or check for a collection center near you. The plan is to send them to schools and other institutions in countries where they are needed but not available. The next two solar eclipses across populated areas are in 2019, in South America (total) and southeastern Asia (partial).

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3) HISTORICAL ZINES WANTED

Announcing the 3rd Annual Historical Zine Contest – Make Washington History Come Alive! The Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, is sponsoring the 3rd Annual Historical Zine Contest. Participants are asked to create a Zine about some aspect of Washington History using primary resources.

Entries will be accepted from four age groups:

  • Grades 4-6
  • Grades 7-9
  • Grades 10-12
  • Adults of all ages

Entries will be accepted from September 1 – December 15, 2017. See the Zine webpage for more information and a video about how to make a zine. Questions? Contact Judy Pitchford at [email protected]

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4) AMERICANS TRUST LIBRARIES

Americans struggle to determine what news and information sources they should trust and how to discern reliable information online. They worry that fake news is sowing confusion about current events. And many express a desire to get help.

About six-in-ten adults (61%) say they would be helped at least somewhat in making decisions if they got training on how to find trustworthy information online, according to a new analysis of Pew Research Center survey data from 2016. What’s more, a majority of Americans say public libraries are helpful as people try to meet their information needs.

About eight-in-ten adults (78%) feel that public libraries help them find information that is trustworthy and reliable and 76% say libraries help them learn new things. Also, 56% believe libraries help them get information that aids with decisions they have to make. While the library is seen as one useful resource, the survey also found that 55% of adults say that training to gain confidence in using computers, smartphones and the internet would help in making decisions.

This analysis represents an opportunity for libraries to offer training on media literacy, evaluating information sources, and similar topics. The New York Times provides interesting “lesson plans” on the subject. An Internet search for “evaluating information” turns up numerous related resources, many from academic libraries. This topic is hardly new for libraries, but perhaps the current attention to “fake news” provides a more ready audience.

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5) RURAL PUBLIC LIBRARY GRANTS

The Pilcrow Foundation, a national non-profit public charity, provides a 2-to-1 match to rural public libraries that receive a grant through its Children’s Book Project and contribute $200-$400 through local sponsors for the purchase of up to $1200 worth (at retail value) of new, quality, hardcover children’s books.

Grant recipients can select from a list of over 500 quality hardcover children’s books best suited for their community, including award-winning and star-reviewed titles from educational and literary organizations. The Pilcrow Foundation accepts applications from independent rural public libraries and Native American Tribal libraries as well as libraries that are part of a county, regional, or cooperative system. Details:

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6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

Monday, September 11

Tuesday, September 12

Wednesday, September 13

Thursday, September 14

Friday, September 15

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DISCLAIMER: The State Library regularly highlights third-party events and online resources as a way to alert the library community to training and resource opportunities.  By doing so, we are not endorsing the content of the event, nor promoting any specific product, but merely providing this information as an FYI to librarians who must then decide what is right for them.

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WSL Updates for January 28, 2016

January 27th, 2016 Shirley Lewis Posted in Digital Literacy, For Libraries, News, Training and Continuing Education, Updates Comments Off on WSL Updates for January 28, 2016

Volume 12, January 28, 2016 for the WSL Updates mailing list

Topics include:

1) CREATING A MOBILE MAKERSPACE PROGRAM

2) WSL HOSTS “LEARN AND TEACH” CODING PRECONFERENCE

3) HACK THE CLASSROOM DIGITAL EVENT

4) DFI TO HOST MONEY SMART WEEK

5) WORKFORCE SUPPORT NEWS

6) LAST CHANCE – 2016 CONTINUING EDUCATION NEEDS ASSESSMENT

7) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

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WSL Updates for July 23, 2015

July 23rd, 2015 Diane Hutchins Posted in Digital Literacy, For Libraries, For the Public, Grants and Funding, News, Technology and Resources, Training and Continuing Education, Updates Comments Off on WSL Updates for July 23, 2015

Volume 11, July 23, 2015 for the WSL Updates mailing list

Topics include:

1) IT ACADEMY WEBINARS

2) EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

3) PRESENTING THE GADGET MENAGERIE

4) 2015 DIGITAL LITERACY GRANT AWARDS

5) LINK TO VOTER INFO

6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

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1) IT ACADEMY WEBINARS

Have you heard? Funding for the Microsoft IT Academy was renewed for another two years, providing free access for all Washington residents through August 2017. Along with the online courses, Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification will continue, and we’ll soon introduce a new resource for digital literacy certification.

Join us for one of two online meetings to learn more and share ideas and best practices for the future of the IT Academy. Sessions will be held:

  • Wednesday, August 13 from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. PDT
  • Tuesday, August 18 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. PDT

A few minutes before the scheduled time, click to join the meeting.

Questions? Contact Elizabeth Iaukea, Project Manager Microsoft IT Academy at 360-570-5578 or [email protected]

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2) EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, is recruiting for three Library & Archive Paraprofessional positions at three correctional facilities.

For more information, please visit Branch Library Associate (In-training LAPP5)

Please share this announcement with anyone who may be interested.

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3) PRESENTING THE GADGET MENAGERIE

Would your library’s patrons like to explore some tech devices? Would your library’s staff like some hands-on experience with Kindle, Nooks, IPads, etc.? The Gadget Menagerie kits are available for loan to Washington libraries.

For details, please contact Joe Olayvar, Library Development, Washington State Library at [email protected].

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4) 2015 DIGITAL LITERACY GRANT AWARDS

The Washington State Library recently awarded 10 grants totaling $72,881.96 to public, academic, school and tribal libraries to support digital literacy efforts. Projects include career classes, new online curriculum, STEAM programs, family activities, and the Microsoft IT Academy.

Congratulations to the 10 recipients of the 2015 Digital Literacy grants:

  • Asotin County Library
  • Ellensburg Public Library
  • Garry Middle School
  • Garfield High School
  • Nine Mile Falls School District
  • Lakeside High School
  • Nooksack Indian Tribe
  • Pierce County Library System
  • Seattle World Schools
  • Wenatchee Valley College
  • Whitman County Rural Library District

We will be working closely with the recipients to support the maximum success of their projects during the next year.

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5) LINK TO VOTER INFO

Since counties are mailing primary election ballots to voters now, the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) and Secretary of State’s (SOS) Elections Division request Washington libraries consider adding voter information to library websites. Libraries across the state have always been wonderful partners in relaying information to voters on behalf of the PDC and SOS. Please help us move that partnership online, so that visitors to library websites can access voter resources with just a click of the mouse.

Questions about the PDC link should be directed to Lori Anderson, PDC Communications & Training Officer. SOS Deputy Elections Director Allyson Ruppenthal can answer questions about the MyVote link.

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6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

July 27

  • The Art and Science of Working Remotely (InSync); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT

July 28

  • Data inclusiveness benefits for all (O’Reilly); 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. PDT

July 29

  • Crowdfunding for Libraries: Technology Tips for Futuristic Fundraising (TechSoup); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT
  • Open Educational Resources: Librarians as Advocates, Advisors, and Creators (Georgia Library Association); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT

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

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It’s that time! WSL Statewide Database Licensing Project – ProQuest Renewal.

May 7th, 2015 Nono Burling Posted in Articles, Digital Literacy, For Libraries Comments Off on It’s that time! WSL Statewide Database Licensing Project – ProQuest Renewal.

Digital Graphics by Steve Johnson Flickr Creative Commons http://bit.ly/1csa93x

Digital Graphics by Steve Johnson Flickr Creative Commons http://bit.ly/1csa93x

The WSL Statewide Database Licensing (SDL) Project announces the 2015-2016 ProQuest renewal for all participating Washington libraries. Barring significant cancellations, pricing is not expected to change appreciably for the upcoming year. This contract is open to all non-profit LSTA-eligible libraries in Washington State.

For public, academic, and special libraries, the renewal is automatic. Invoicing from ProQuest will occur in June or July. If a public, academic, or special library wishes to cancel its ProQuest subscription through the statewide contract, please fill out, sign, and return a Cancellation form by or before May 27. For school libraries, renewal (or cancellation) is through your local ESD (Educational Service District).

The invoice period is July 1 through June 30, annually. Individual library costs can vary slightly from year to year, depending on whether libraries drop out, or new libraries join during the previous year. Exact costs will be calculated early in June, and sent to ProQuest for invoicing. If your library needs to be invoiced prior to June 30, please contact us so that we can request expedited invoicing for you.

Note: This is the final renewal that is available under the current contract with ProQuest. The SDL Advisory Committee is currently considering recommendations for the future of the project, based on the recently completed SDL Needs Assessment. Please feel free to submit your thoughts or suggestions to any member of the SDL Advisory Committee, or to Will Stuivenga, the project manager.

More information, including the Cancellation and Intent to Participate forms, can be found on the ProQuest SDL Renewal page. Questions? Contact Will Stuivenga, 360.704.5217 or toll free 866.538.4996.

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WSL Updates for March 19, 2015

March 18th, 2015 Shirley Lewis Posted in Digital Literacy, For Libraries, Grants and Funding, News, Training and Continuing Education, Updates Comments Off on WSL Updates for March 19, 2015

Volume 11, March 19, 2015 for the WSL Updates mailing list

Topics include:

1) THREE GRANT CYCLES OPEN – $$$

2) WELL FED & WELL READ – SUMMER MEAL SITES

3) DIGITAL LITERACY GRANT$

4) DISABILITY LANGUAGE AND ETIQUETTE FOR LIBRARIES WORKSHOP

5) FREE MICROSOFT OFFICE SKILLS EXAMS

6) FY2015 E-RATE APPLICATION FILING DEADLINE EXTENDED

7) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

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WSL Updates for March 5, 2015

March 12th, 2015 Will Stuivenga Posted in Digital Literacy, For Libraries, News, Training and Continuing Education, Updates Comments Off on WSL Updates for March 5, 2015

Volume 11, March 5, 2015 for the WSL Updates mailing list

Topics include:

1) FREE WORKSHOPS FROM WSL

2) MAPPING INCLUSION – FREE ALA WEBINAR

3) AMIGOS CALLS FOR PRESENTATIONS

4) ARSL CALLS FOR 2015 CONFERENCE PROPOSALS

5) ANNUAL CONFERENCE ALERT

6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

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WSL Updates for October 9, 2014

October 9th, 2014 Diane Hutchins Posted in Digital Literacy, For Libraries, For the Public, News, Technology and Resources, Training and Continuing Education, Updates Comments Off on WSL Updates for October 9, 2014

Volume 10, October 9, 2014 for the WSL Updates mailing list

Topics include:

1) WSL ESSENTIAL SERVICES SURVEY

2) GET THE GUIDE

3) CALL FOR PROPOSALS – BUILDING BRIDGES

4) LIBRARY NOW RENEWALS AND SIGNUPS

5) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

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WSL Updates October 2, 2014

October 1st, 2014 Shirley Lewis Posted in Digital Literacy, For Libraries, News, Technology and Resources, Updates Comments Off on WSL Updates October 2, 2014

Volume 10, October 2, 2014 for the WSL Updates mailing list

Topics include:

1) NATIONAL INFORMATION LITERACY AWARENESS MONTH

2) LIBRARY NOW WEBINARS

3) 2013 WASHINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY STATISTICAL REPORT – NOW AVAILABLE!

4) ALA SCHOLARSHIPS

5) EXPLORING HUMAN ORIGINS TRAVELING EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITY

6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

 

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Digital Literacy Grant recipients announced

August 15th, 2014 Nono Burling Posted in Articles, Digital Literacy, For Libraries, For the Public, Grants and Funding Comments Off on Digital Literacy Grant recipients announced

Recently the Washington State Library awarded 12 grants totaling $75,059 to public, academic, and tribal libraries to support digital literacy efforts. TurnerUnivPlace022014A 3-D Printer, Spanish language computer classes, Digital Petting Zoos and the Microsoft IT Academy are all receiving funding from the Washington State Library.

Congratulations to the 12 recipients of the 2014 Digital Literacy grants. These grants are beginning as the 2013 Digital Literacy grant cycle is wrapping up.

The 2014 Digital Literacy Grant recipients are:

  • Columbia County Rural Library District will purchase 10 laptops for use by the public in the library’s e-Commerce incubator initiative. The district will provide a six-week repeatable program of business basics instruction, including e-marketing principles, using Excel as a business tracker, and utilizing online payment systems. The library will work with Dayton Chamber of Commerce, Port of Columbia and Dayton School District 1.
  • Ellensburg Public Library will offer classes and support to Spanish language speakers for improving computer skills. The library is partnering with Ellensburg School District staff and St. Andrew’s Catholic Church.
  • Libraries of Stevens County will purchase 11 “gadgets” to educate and encourage county residents to engage with technology. The Digital Petting Zoo will be showcased at eight library locations, local events such as fairs, and as requested by other organizations.
  • Mount Vernon City Library will provide computer instruction to help with daily business and communication tasks. The library will target two underserved populations: families with young children, especially English language learners; and retired seniors. The library will use grant funds to provide more devices for training, improve computer access for parents with children, and pay for substitute hours so full-time staff can build the program. Project partners are Goodwill Training Center, which will refer clients and provide teaching advice; the Senior Center, which will give referrals, and a practice center for seniors; and Key Bank, which will provide a bilingual presenter for some classes. The library will continue partnerships with the Microsoft IT Academy and the Friends of the Mount Vernon Library.
  • Nisqually Tribal Library will offer three six-week series of classes, using Microsoft IT Academy curricula, to specific targeted audiences: TANF/Worksource clients, patrons on a path to completing their GED, and parents of young children. Partners include the Washington State Library and Microsoft, as the tribal library is a current host site for the Microsoft ITAcademy, and tribal community support services.
  • Nooksack Indian Tribal Library will conduct digital literacy building for elders. The program will match tribal teens with tribal elders to assist them with computer basics, building teen/elders relationships. All tribal administrative departments will be partners for this project; social services, education, culture, information technology), housing, family services and tribal health.
  • North Central Regional Library will use its grant for its Make it NOW! 3-D Printer Project. In traveling education programs, teens will learn how to design, program and create their own 3-D printer objects. Staff will collaborate with local teachers, engage older teens to become mentors, and teach young teens new skills in rural library branches.
  • Pierce County Library System will provide Microsoft IT Academy open classroom labs where transitioning service members with moderate computer and technology skills can take online classes and earn certification. The labs will be located at the library’s partner sites, Workforce Central and RallyPoint/6. Workforce Central will identify clients and provide funding for certifications.
  • Ritzville Public Library will purchase a laptop lab to hold a series of off-site monthly workshops on a variety of topics aimed at specific user groups. Topics will include basic computing, the Internet, job skills, online security, etc. Workshops will focus on the elderly and disabled who can’t access library programs due to the library’s non-ADA compliant building, or residents in the library’s widespread service area for whom visiting the library is difficult.
  • Seattle Central College Library will train and lead a team of faculty in developing digital literacy curriculum for SCC students. Librarians will create a “next wave” digital and information literacy plan that incorporates “metaliteracy.” Using this plan, librarians will partner with the college’s Center for Extended Learning to help faculty develop instructional content for online, face-to-face, and hybrid courses.
  • Spokane Public Library will provide access and training to the Spokane business community, partnering organizations and library customers interested in technologies that can improve their understanding and knowledge in an ever-changing digital world. The library will provide direct training, as well as produce instructional videos to improve individuals’ and organizations’ digital presence. The partnering organizations for this project are: Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners Women’s Business Center, the Small Business Administration SCORE office, and the Avista Center for Entrepreneurship at Spokane Community College.
  • Walla Walla Rural Library District will conduct monthly Tech Nights on Digital Literacy themes for library users throughout its five-branch library district. These hands-on sessions will teach users how to use current technology to find information, conduct personal and business transactions, and enrich their personal lives. Local community members who use tablets and other mobile technology in their small businesses will be invited to attend programs to share their experiences. Partners for this grant project include Library Friends groups, which will provide volunteers for Tech Night programs.

For more information on the grants, contact Jennifer Fenton, the State Library’s digital literacy project manager, at (360) 570-5571.

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