From the desk of Rand Simmons Washington State Librarian

Washington State Library, Tumwater, WA

Based on an OSOS Press Release, 6/9/2014.

In-person service hours at the main Washington State Library in Tumwater will be reduced by four hours a day, effective June 16, as the service-and-research institution grapples with continuing significant budget challenges.

The Library at 6880 Capitol Blvd. in Tumwater traditionally has been open to the public Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  But like other states facing budget difficulties, the State Library faces an immediate shortfall that must be addressed through layoffs and fewer direct service hours.

The dedicated fund that finances Library operations now projects a potential shortfall of more than $1 million, due primarily to an unexpected slump in the number of recording fees collected by county auditors. This is on top of a $664,000 budget cut that was required at the beginning of the biennium, following a decade budget and staff reductions.

Beginning June 16, the central Library will be open daily from noon to 5 p.m. for walk-in patrons.  Chat and email help will still be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

“The State Library staff have become more efficient in their operations over the past 10 years, providing the same general level of services while reducing employee count by 42 percent. Secretary of State Kim Wyman, whose office hosts the Library said, “We have reached the point where we must reduce our in-person hours at the central library, at least temporarily, because of additional staff cuts.”

The shorter hours in Tumwater do not affect the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library in Seattle or the institutional libraries at state hospitals and corrections centers. Grants to local libraries, a central role of the Washington State Library, will be maintained, and the State Library-Microsoft IT Academy will not be affected.

“The decision to reduce service hours is something that pains us very much – librarians are absolutely passionate about serving patrons directly, either in person or online or over the phone,” Wyman said. “That service ethic will not diminish one bit, but the hours we’re open will be fewer, sadly.”

Instead of 45 hours of in-person service each week, it will be 25 hours.

Wyman said the action reflects continuing challenges of sustaining the Library, which is the oldest cultural institution in Washington, dating to 1853, when the first territorial governor, Isaac Stevens, and Congress created it with books shipped around the Horn. The Library was assigned to the Secretary of State by the Legislature about a decade ago, and was formerly a separate agency.

“The State Library has been a core service of government for 160 years, but for some years now, it has been a struggle to survive. In the past decade, state support has dropped by 42 percent and staff levels have shrunk from 158 to 63 today.”

Wyman acknowledged that recent library usage around the country is turning to online access, rather than solely relying on a brick-and-mortar library building.  The State Library is committed to service excellence to all customers, whether online or in-person, and is working to make more of its collections available online, she said.

“We are busy transforming the State Library information services, meeting people where they live,” Wyman said. “As the old saying goes, crisis meets opportunity. We intend to be the model Library of the 21^st Century.”

State Librarian Rand Simmons is at 360-570-5585.

WTBBL Youth Services Librarian: Mandy Gonnsen

Mandy Gonnsen, Youth Services Librarian, Washington Talking Book & Braille Library

“Mandy blew into WTBBL like a welcome summer storm and immediately took charge of the youth services department! She started just weeks before the 2012 Summer Reading Program began and quickly planned out the entire eight weeks with reading lists and activities that were mailed to all participating youth in English or Spanish, depending on their preference,” says her colleague Eura Szuwalski, Electronic Services & Instruction Librarian.  

Mandy Gonnsen is the Youth Services Librarian for the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library and she has a big job!  Children from birth to 21, schools, teachers, and families are all the focus of the Youth Services Program.  Mandy, a recent graduate of the Library and Information Science master’s program at the University of Washington, is a fantastic addition to WTBBL and is quickly becoming a vital team member for statewide providers and resources for children and teens with visual, physical, or reading disabilities.

Mandy has worked with children and teens in various capacities over the past few years, and is connecting with our young patrons and their families.  She earned a bachelors degree in psychology from the University of Maryland and had a chance to work with kids and families from the research side as well.  While a student at the iSchool, Mandy was a volunteer at WTBBL, then a temporary page while a staff person was on leave.  “I was thrilled when Mandy applied for our Youth Services Librarian position – we already knew she was a real keeper and we were delighted to get her back and as a permanent part of our WTBBL family,” says Danielle Miller, Program Manager at WTBBL.

David Junius, Volunteer & Outreach Services concurs: “When Mandy joined WTBBL as a volunteer before she started library school, I knew she was a special person.  In the year since she started working as a librarian here, she has proven me right.”

“I believe that youth of all ages have a place at the library, and I’m looking forward to establishing some fun and engaging programs for youth at WTBBL,” Mandy says. She is certainly making our youth patrons feel at home by revamping the children’s room at the library, growing the collection, and increasing library programming and our online presence.  Since Mandy joined WTBBL in the summer of 2012, the number of children and teachers has grown and participation in events and reading programs has increased. 

“Mandy does more in a day than many of us even think about doing.  She is incredibly motivated, organized, and a true gift for our young patrons and families looking for ways to help their children reading,” says Danielle Miller. 

“Mandy is an absolute inspiration to work with. I am constantly amazed by her ideas of how we can engage with our patrons and share the resources that are available here at WTBBL. Whether speaking with a patron, coworker, or guest, her enthusiasm for great books and stories is clear!” said Marah, a page in the Shipping Department. 

Eura Szuwalski also says of Mandy, “I have been lucky to join her for many conferences and school visits during her time here and see firsthand her calmness, patience and energy when working with youth, from our baby patrons to our teen patrons. She is unstoppable and WTBBL is so very lucky to have her as part of our team!”

Mandy is excited to meet new people so please don’t hesitate to call or stop by with any questions or just to say hello. If you are a teacher or librarian around the state and want to learn more about WTBBL Youth Services, consider inviting Mandy for a visit, or setting up an online session with her.

Thanks, Mandy, for helping us reach our goal That ALL May Read. 

Volume 9, July 4, 2013 for the WSL Updates mailing list

Topics include:

1) EVENTS FOR (ALMOST) EVERYONE

2) WORLDSHARE ILL UPDATE & TRAINING

3) LAST CALL FOR IPAD TABLET LAB GRANT APPLICATIONS

4) REGISTER BY JULY 8 FOR WMLA ANNUAL MEETING

5) DUST, DROUGHT, AND DREAMS GONE DRY

6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

Read the rest of this entry »

Volume 9, June 20, 2013 for the WSL Updates mailing list

WSL Updates will be on hiatus next week. Have a safe and happy July 4^th!

Topics include:

1) EVENTS FOR (ALMOST) EVERYONE

2) IPAD TABLET LAB GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE JULY 12

3) FREE DISASTER PLANNING WORKSHOP

4) CALL FOR PROPOSALS – ONLINE NORTHWEST

5) WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE – DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO?

6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES

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1) EVENTS FOR (ALMOST) EVERYONE

Events can be an excellent way to connect with patrons, volunteers, your partnering organizations, and your surrounding neighborhood. They build good will, spread the word about your services, and add to your list of successes. But with a limited budget, what can you do? Mark your calendars now for the next First Tuesdays program, Events for (Almost) Everyone, where David Junius of the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library, will share the rudiments of low- or no-cost events for which the idea and spirit behind them are as important as their successful execution.

This free online webinar will take place on July 9, 2013, from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. PDT. For more information about First Tuesdays, visit sos.wa.gov/q/tuesdays. For instructions on joining the presentation, visit sos.wa.gov/q/FirstTuesdays.

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2) IPAD TABLET LAB GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE JULY 12

The purpose of the iPad Tablet Lab grant cycle is to provide iPad tablet training labs, each consisting of 10 Apple iPad tablets, a Bretford PowerSync charging tray, and covers for each tablet, to 15 qualifying libraries in state-funded K-12 schools and/or community and technical colleges in Washington State. The training labs may be used to support a variety of trainings and other library services including, but not limited to, providing educational support and access to online resources.

Awarding of grants will be weighted to ensure equitable geographic disbursement of labs across the state. Potential awardees should have the ability to use and maintain the equipment. For K-12 schools, preference will be given to schools with the highest level of participation in the USDA National School Lunch Program (NSLP). This grant cycle is supported with Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds and includes the purchase of equipment that provides access to the Internet. All qualifying K-12 schools in Washington State that can provide certification of compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) may apply. CIPA certification is not required for participation by community and technical college applicants.

For grant guidelines and the application form, go to sos.wa.gov/q/iLab. Grant applications are due Friday, July 12, 2013.

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3) FREE DISASTER PLANNING WORKSHOP

Burst pipes, floods, fires, earthquakes. All these and more can threaten collections. Register now for a free 2-part disaster preparedness and response workshop, Protecting Cultural Collections, sponsored by the Western States and Territories Preservation Assistance Service (WESTPAS). This workshop is part of a coordinated regional approach to raising awareness about disaster planning for collecting institutions throughout the Western United States. This 2-part training is free to participants, who will:

• Complete a disaster response and collection salvage plan for their collections by the end of Part 2;
• Learn how to train staff to implement the plan effectively;
• Set pre- and post-disaster action priorities for collections;
• Understand how to use practical decision-making skills during an emergency;
• Have hands-on practice in salvage procedures for a variety of materials including books, documents, photographs, and objects.

Workshop information:

• Part 1: Prevention & Preparedness: Friday, October 4, 2013, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.;
• Part 2: Response & Recovery: Thursday, November 7, 2013, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.;
• Location: Odegaard Undergraduate Library, Room 220, University of Washington, Seattle, WA;
• Workshop instructor: Gary Menges, retired Preservation Administrator at the University of Washington Libraries, and member of AIC-CERT (American Institute for Conservation – Collections Emergency Response Team);
• Register online at sos.wa.gov/q/Protect4Oct.

If you need further registration assistance, please contact Alexandra Gingerich at [email protected]. Additional information about the workshop will be sent in a separate e-mail message after you have registered. For questions related to the workshop, please contact Gary Menges at [email protected].

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4) CALL FOR PROPOSALS – ONLINE NORTHWEST

Online Northwest is a one-day conference that focuses on the use of technology within libraries. The 2013 conference will be held in Corvallis, Oregon, on Friday, February 7, 2014.

Online Northwest 2014 is currently seeking 45-minute presentations or 5-minute lightning talks on all topics relating to technology and libraries including:

• Mobile computing;
• Ebooks;
• Cloud computing;
• Virtual research environments;
• MOOCs and open education;
• User Experience Design;
• Technology competencies.

Other topics related to technology in libraries are welcome. Academic, public, school, and special librarians are strongly encouraged to submit proposals, which are due no later than Monday, October 14, 2013. For more information about the conference and to submit a proposal, visit onlinenorthwest.org.

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5) WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE – DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO?

A pipe bursts. Torrential rains turn a creek into a raging flood. A sewer line malfunctions. And your collections have been affected. Do you know what to do? Before a disaster strikes, be sure to see Coping with Water Damage, a 10-minute video from Heritage Preservation that provides step-by-step guidance on dealing with water damage to collections. The practical tips on safety, simple equipment, and salvage priorities also make the video a useful guide for home owners who want to rescue treasured family heirlooms. Check out this free online resource by going to sos.wa.gov/q/HPCoping.

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6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES

Monday, June 24:

• Advanced Searching: Beyond the Single Search Box (ProQuest); 11:00 – 11:45 a.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/PQ723;

Tuesday, June 25:

• Fixing Leadership Development Programs & Developing Effective New L & D Initiatives (Training Magazine Network); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/TMN25June;
• Intro to Raspberry Pi (O’Reilly Community); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT: oreillynet.com/pub/e/2650;
• Data-Driven Libraries Part 3: Decoding Data to Plan for the Future (Library Journal); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT;
• OneClickdigital – Downloadable Audiobooks (Recorded Books); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/1Click25June;
• ProQuest Administrator Module (ProQuest); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/PQ724;
• Need Nonprofit Board Members? LinkedIn Helps You Make Connections (Nonprofit Webinars); 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. PDT;
• Improving Parenting Skills: New Tools in PerformWell (PerformWell); 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/newtools;
• Build Your First Mobile App With: HTML5, jQuery, PhoneGap (O’Reilly Community); 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. PDT: oreillynet.com/pub/e/2739;

Wednesday, June 26:

• Managing Conflict During (and After) Non-profit Mergers and Collaborations (Nonprofit Webinars); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/Mergers;
• TDD (Test-Driven Development) Web Development from Scratch (O’Reilly Community); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT: oreillynet.com/pub/e/2670;
• Government Statistics (U.S. Census Bureau); 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/CensusEd;
• Using Census Data to Get Grants (Nonprofit Webinars); 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. PDT;
• Go Language for Ops and Site Reliability Engineering (O’Reilly Community); 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. PDT: oreillynet.com/pub/e/2712;

Thursday, June 27:

• MOOCs and More! (Wyoming Libraries); 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. PDT;
• The Many Faces of ROI: Analyzing Training’s True Value (Training Magazine Network); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/TMN27June;
• Using DTrace on Your Application Code (O’Reilly Community); 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. PDT: oreillynet.com/pub/e/2711;

Friday, June 28:

• Review, Respond and Shape FridayLive (The TLT Group); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT: sos.wa.gov/q/TLTShape;

For more information and to register (for those not linked above), visit the WSL Training Calendar at www.sos.wa.gov/quicklinks/training.

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The Washington State Library has gone social! Friend/follow us at:

• Facebook: on.fb.me/FBWSL;
• Twitter: bit.ly/TwitWSL.

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An archive of WSL Updates is available at http://list.statelib.wa.gov/read/?forum=wslupdates.

Volume 9, May 23, 2013 for the WSL Updates mailing list

Topics include:

1) LAST CHANCE TO FILL THE BASKET FOR WTBBL

2) DIGITAL LITERACY HELP FROM WSL

3) OCLC ILL MIGRATION UPDATE

4) GRANTS FOR STEM EARLY LEARNING

5) SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMING COMPETITION

6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

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Danielle Miller, Manager, Washington Talking Book & Braille Library

Danielle Miller is the Manager of the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library (WTBBL) located in Seattle, WA. She joined the Washington State Library a division of the Office of the Secretary of State in 2008 and became the first manager of WTBBL as a direct service of the Washington State Library.

WTBBL staff have deep feelings toward Danielle, and among them shipping page Marah says, “Danielle is great with the amount of recognition and support she gives us…a reminder that our daily routines are appreciated and needed.” Readers Advisor Shannon says, “she brings energy and vitality into the office every time she walks through the door. “ Librarian Eura says, “Empowering is something that Danielle takes to her heart whether working with our patrons or staff at WTBBL. Danielle’s direction and leadership allow WTBBL staff to thrive, find innovative solutions to problems and, even during trying budget times, remain a warm workplace family.” Librarian Mandy says “She is the force behind our outreach into the community and the pole that supports our ongoing efforts to share our service and mission throughout Washington State. “ And shipping page Bonnie says “Thank you for encouraging us at work, cheering us on, making us feel special.”

In a recent WTBBL newsletter profile, Danielle described herself this way: “I became a librarian because I couldn’t decide on anything else. I love languages, science, medicine, botany, zoology, medieval French history, math, photography and drawing, teaching…you get the picture. I also love helping people to help themselves.

One day I discovered that as a librarian, you have the opportunity to help others and there are endless chances to learn a bit about thousands of things you never thought you would know about. For example, once at the public library, I had a gentleman ask me how he could ‘become the master of static.’ That was a new one for me and one of the many examples of why this profession never gets old.

I can safely say that my work at WTBBL is the best job I’ve ever had and I’m constantly aware of how lucky I am to work with all of you good people.”

“”Danielle has created a strong bond with our partners and constituents,” Rand Simmons State Librarian noted. “She has an amazing ability to get people to work together.”

“With Danielle Miller’s appointment as Director of WTBBL in 2008 a breath of fresh air and a new sense of energy and a positive spirit came in to WTBBL” said Sue Ammeter, Chair of the WTBBL Patron Advisory Council.  “This was evidenced by the fact that WTBBL received the 2009 Network Library of the Year Award from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.  Danielle believes that WTBBL patrons should have the same right of equal access as all other library users,”  Sue added. “We are indeed fortunate to have such an innovative and progressive person as our Director.”    

Thank you, Danielle, for your zeal and drive in moving forward service to all people of Washington.

Volume 9, May 16, 2013 for the WSL Updates mailing list

Topics include:

1) SHARE YOUR EXPERTISE AT THE 2013 WALE CONFERENCE

2) WTBBL NEEDS YOU TO FILL THE BASKET!

3) OUTREACH GRANTS FOR DISASTER HEALTH INFORMATION

4) HELP CELEBRATE TWO GREAT BIRTHDAYS

5) SURVEY FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE INSTITUTIONS

6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

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Volume 9, May 9, 2013 for the WSL Updates mailing list

Topics include:

1) PIERCE COUNTY WINS NATIONAL MEDAL

2) FILL THE BASKET AND SUPPORT WTBBL

3) GOT GENEALOGISTS? GET TIPS AT JUNE’S FIRST TUESDAYS

4) HELP WASHINGTON’S CHILDREN TO REACH OUT AND READ

5) CCC SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ACADEMIC LIBRARIANS

6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

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Volume 9, May 2, 2013 for the WSL Updates mailing list

Topics include:

1) FIRST TUESDAYS – SPOTLIGHT ON FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITIES

2) PUT SOME APPLES IN THE BASKET FOR WTBBL

3) SDL PROQUEST RENEWAL

4) REGISTER FOR THE FREE OLYMPIA DISASTER WORKSHOP

5) CAYAS SPRING WORKSHOP COMES TO SEATTLE AND SPOKANE

6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

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Local author Kevin O’Brien spoke at the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library for Library Snapshot Day.

On Thursday, April 18, 2013 the Washington State Library participated in Washington Library Snapshot Day–a statewide effort to promote the important work libraries do every day. We collected usage statistics, customer comments, and photographs depicting everyday activities at the Washington State Library, its 17 branches, and the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library.

On Library Snapshot Day, the Washington State Library, including its branches throughout the state:

• Was open for business for a total of 77.5 hours.
• Answered 509 reference questions.
• Was visited by 841 patrons (in-person).
• Received 1,151 unique visitors to its website.
• Circulated 3,453 items.
• Provided 72 individual sessions to persons needing to use computers or access the Internet.
• Mailed out 77 items for interlibrary loan.

WSL Special Collections Librarian Sean Lanksbury shows a new collection of Washington fruit box labels to Assistant Secretary of State, Ken Raske.

A few more numbers:

• Washington library patrons asked 121 questions using the Ask-WA virtual reference service; libraries across the state answered 115 questions from around the world.
• Our Digital Collections and Resources received 2,744 visits.
• WSL and WTBBL each hosted local author programs, seeing a total of 70 attendees.
• The Washington Talking Book and Braille Library saw 99.75 volunteer hours for the day.

All in a day’s work!

For more great snapshots of life at the Washington State Library, click here.