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Author Archives: Holli Duggan
CE Grants: Still Time to Apply!
There’s still time to apply for a Continuing Education and Training Grant! The application due date is next Friday, January 15, 2021. We will inform applicants whether they have received a grant on or before January 22, 2021.
This year, the Nebraska Library Commission is offering grants for online learning courses, attending conferences (in-person or virtually), and for larger staff or board member training projects.
Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. CST on January 15, 2021. Faxes and U.S. mail will not be accepted.
The applicant must be either 1) employed in an accredited Nebraska public library or a state-run institutional library at the time of application and for the duration of the grant, or 2) a current board member of an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the grant.
More details about the grant and application requirements are available on the Continuing Education Grants page. If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan, Continuing Education Coordinator.
Posted in Education & Training, Grants
Tagged Continuing Education, grant opportunity, grants
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CE Grants: Application Date Extended
There’s still time to apply for a Continuing Education and Training Grant! The application due date has been extended to January 15, 2021. We will inform applicants whether they have received a grant on or before January 22, 2021.
This year, the Nebraska Library Commission is offering grants for online learning courses, attending conferences (in-person or virtually), and for larger staff or board member training projects.
Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. CST on January 15, 2021. Faxes and U.S. mail will not be accepted.
The applicant must be either 1) employed in an accredited Nebraska public library or a state-run institutional library at the time of application and for the duration of the grant, or 2) a current board member of an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the grant.
More details about the grant and application requirements are available on the Continuing Education Grants page. If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan, Continuing Education Coordinator.
Posted in Education & Training, Grants
Tagged Continuing Education, grants, training
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Applications Still Open! CE & Training Grants 2021
Applications are still open for the 2021 Continuing Education and Training Grants!
The purpose of these grants is to assist Nebraska libraries in improving the library services provided to their communities through continuing education and training for their library personnel and supporters. This year, the Nebraska Library Commission is offering grants for online learning courses, attending conferences (in-person or virtually), and for larger staff or board member training projects.
Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. CST on December 9, 2020. Faxes and U.S. mail will not be accepted. We will inform applicants whether they have received a grant on or before January 6, 2021.
The applicant must be either 1) employed in an accredited Nebraska public library or a state-run institutional library at the time of application and for the duration of the grant, or 2) a current board member of an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the grant.
More details about the grant and application requirements are available on the Continuing Education Grants page. If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan, Continuing Education Coordinator.
Posted in Education & Training, Grants
Tagged Continuing Education, grant opportunity, grants
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Friday Reads: Half Baked Harvest by Tieghan Gerard
As we seem to be jumping right into winter weather this week, it’s the best time for soups, comfort foods in general, and so much baking.
Tieghan Gerard’s Half Baked Harvest Super Simple is my current favorite cookbook with “more than 125 recipes for instant, overnight, meal-prepped, and easy comfort foods.” Recipes like browned sage-butter chicken pot pie” (p. 172) or broccoli cheddar soup (p. 94) are perfect for cold, rainy/snowy weeknights.
The recipes are divided into: basics, breakfast and brunch, appetizers and sides, salad and soup, pizza and pasta, vegetarian, poultry and pork, beef and lamb, seafood and fish, and dessert. Each recipe fits on a single page with a short personal note from Tieghan (such as growing up in the Ohio and her love of Top ramen which has now become a more “grown-up” version with garlic-butter noodles). She includes different instructions for cooking on a stovetop, pressure cooker, or slow cooker, as well as ingredient alternatives. The recipes are intended to be fairly easy to make without a long list of ingredients. Some recipes include premade or store-bought items, like her Blondie Brownie Bars (p. 274) which includes a boxed brownie mix or the Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup (p. 91) which includes a box of mini potato gnocchi. But some days, there’s just not time to make everything from scratch and the recipes make them super delicious. (She also has a five ingredient hazelnut brownie recipe or cinnamon rolls with chai frosting which are both incredibly easy and wonderful.)
Along with the recipes, the photography in this book is gorgeous. The book is well worth checking out just to look at the pretty pictures of delicious food.
Gerard, T. Half baked harvest super simple. Clarkson Potter. 2019.
Flash CE Grant!
We are opening applications for just one week to cover registration costs to attend the Iowa Library Association’s virtual conference on October 15th!
ILA has extended a special $50 registration rate for Nebraska Library Association (NLA) members. Non-members can register for $80 or Trustees for only $20.
More information about the conference can be found at the links below:
- Conference Details
- Registration
- Keynote Speaker
- Sessions (Recordings will be available after the conference.)
CE Grant Details:
- The applicant must be either 1) employed in an accredited Nebraska public library or a state-run institutional library at the time of application, or 2) a current board member of an accredited Nebraska public library. You do not need to be a member of NLA to apply.
- These are for individuals only (no group applications).
- Applications are due by 11:59 pm (CST) on Wednesday, October 7th.
- You will also need to submit a separate indication of support form.
- Applicants will be notified on Thursday, October 8th.
- You must register for the conference by Monday, October 12th.
Note: This mini-round of CE grants is separate from our 2021 Continuing Education grants which will be available for applications starting on Monday, October 5th and will be open for online learning, other out-of-state conferences, and larger CE projects. For more information on those grant opportunities, please see our main CE Grants Information page.
If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan.
Posted in Education & Training, Grants
Tagged Continuing Education, grant opportunity, grants
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Basic Skills Update: Postponed Classes
The three Basic Skills classes that were postponed earlier this year will be offered again!
- Library Technology
- 10/5 – 10/16
- Registration is open today!
- Finance:
- 11/16 – 12/4
- Registration opens on 10/12
- Intellectual Freedom:
- 12/14 – 1/4
- Registration opens on 11/16
There will be more classes added and an updated 2021 schedule, so if you are unable to attend these dates, there will be more options coming up. These classes will hopefully help if you need to finish up your Basic Skills certification requirements.
Please note that Finance and Intellectual Freedom do fall over holidays, but they are scheduled to allow for extra time, if needed. These classes, like the other Basic Skills classes, do not require you to be logged in at any specific times.
If you have any questions at all about these or any of the Basic Skills classes, please contact Holli Duggan, CE Coordinator.
Reminder: Submit your CE grant applications!
Just a few days left to apply for a Continuing Education (CE) grant to attend the ARSL 2020 virtual conference!
You can now see the detailed program schedule, as well as the session descriptions on the conference website. Keynote speakers include William Ottens, Cassandra Campbell, and Nancy Pearl. Sessions will also be recorded and available to registrants after the conference, so you won’t have to worry about missing anything!
Nebraska public librarians, library board members, and library students have a terrific opportunity with this virtual professional conference. Each grant recipient will be reimbursed for the costs of attendance, including conference registration and mileage (if traveling to a host library). Librarians, board members, and students may apply for an individual grant. Since ARSL is offering a group registration rate this year, library directors may apply for a group grant.
More details about the grant and the application forms are all available on the Continuing Education and Training Grants 2020 page.
If you have any questions at all, please contact Holli Duggan, CE Coordinator.
Posted in Education & Training, Grants
Tagged Continuing Education, grant opportunity, grants
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Apply for a Continuing Education Grant!
There’s still plenty of time to apply for a Continuing Education (CE) grant to attend the ARSL 2020 virtual conference!
You can now see the detailed program schedule, as well as the session descriptions on the conference website. Keynote speakers include William Ottens, Cassandra Campbell, and Nancy Pearl. Sessions will also be recorded and available to registrants after the conference, so you won’t have to worry about missing anything!
Nebraska public librarians, library board members, and library students have a terrific opportunity with this virtual professional conference. Each grant recipient will be reimbursed for the costs of attendance, including conference registration and mileage (if traveling to a host library). Librarians, board members, and students may apply for an individual grant. Since ARSL is offering a group registration rate, library directors may apply for a group grant.
More details and the application forms are all available now on the Continuing Education and Training Grants 2020 page.
If you have any questions at all, please contact Holli Duggan, CE Coordinator.
Important Dates:
- Aug. 31: CE Grant Application Due Date
- Sept. 4: Recipients Announced
- Sept. 28 – Oct. 2: ARSL Conference
Posted in Education & Training, Grants
Tagged ARSL, conference, Continuing Education, grants
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ARSL Conference and CE Grants
Registration for the 2020 ARSL virtual conference is opening today!
Registration will open today at 4:00 p.m. (CST). The updated schedule and speakers can be viewed on the ARSL Conference website.
Even better news — the CE grants are reopening!
Starting Monday, July 20th, applications for CE grants will be available to submit online until August 31st.
What will be covered by grant funds?
- Registration for the ARSL 2020 virtual conference
- Mileage if traveling to a host library
Who is eligible to apply?
- Librarians and staff members employed in an accredited Nebraska public library
- Board members of an accredited Nebraska public library
- Nebraska students currently enrolled in a Library Science degree program (or will be enrolled in the fall) – will require proof of enrollment
Can library directors apply for a group CE grant?
- Yes! ARSL is offering group registration rates this year. If libraries wish to take advantage of these group rates, the library director may apply for a CE grant for multiple staff members. Groups are not required to watch the conference together, though you may set up watch parties (following all safety guidelines).
Note: If you’ve already been awarded a CE grant for the ARSL conference, you do not need to reapply. I’ll be reaching out to you all individually.
If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan, CE Coordinator.
Friday Reads: Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor
During my recent morning walks, I’ve been trying out more audiobooks instead of the usual podcasts. Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor was one that appeared on my recommended list (which then reminded me that I also have the hardback copy sitting on my to-read shelf for a while, oops) and is narrated by Yetide Badaki. I haven’t quite finished it yet, but it’s definitely hard to put down. The world-building and magic, rooted in mythology, is fantastic.
Twelve-year old Sunny feels like she just doesn’t belong anywhere, living between two worlds. She was born in New York City, but moved to Aba, Nigeria with her parents and brothers when she was nine. All Sunny wants to do is to go to school, play soccer (where she would excel on the field if given the chance), and laugh with friends. However, she’s constantly bullied by her classmates, her brothers, and even her father. The boys at school won’t let her play soccer with them. Even if they would, her albinism causes her skin to be far too sensitive to be out in the sun, as well as more bullying. But Sunny never backs down, she’s a strong and intelligent character.
One night, during a blackout, she sees a nightmarish vision in candlelight. Shortly after, she meets Orlu and Chichi, and her odd life starts to make a little more sense. She has strong magical abilities which she begins to study as a new member of the ancient Leopard People society. The wonderful magical world opens up to Sunny, as she learns to turn her weaknesses into her greatest strengths while keeping it all secret from the rest of her family. She and her new friends quickly learn how dangerous this world and their training can be as they’re set to stop a dangerous killer before Sunny’s vision can come true.
Okorafor, Nnedi. Akata Witch. Penguin Group, 2011.
Niche Academy is Open!
Two new online learning resources are now available!
First, the Nebraska Library Commission Academy is available to librarians as a thirty-day trial through Niche Academy. Lessons include topics such as:
- Code of Ethics for New Directors
- 10 Strategies for Community Organizing in Libraries
- 2020 United States Census
- Virtual Programming: Working with Presenters and Performers
- Research Essentials
Please check it out and let me know what you think! Each lesson is eligible for 1 CE credit for those enrolled in the Nebraska Public Librarian Certification program, just submit a CE Activity Report form when completed.
Second, the Reopening Lives Academy is a collaborative project between Niche Academy and librarians all over the United States to help answer patron questions as libraries work on reopening.
…many of us are anticipating a surge of patrons with questions about unemployment, taxes, and financial resources. We anticipate questions about public and personal health, and how the CARES act (and other legislation) will affect or help small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Niche Academy
These short tutorials are intended to help librarians and patrons answer these many different questions and provide quick resources with quality information on topics such as COVID-19, wearing masks, mental health, and writing resumes.
If you want to learn more about the collaborative project (or are interested in participating), there is more information posted on the Niche Academy blog.
United for Libraries Login Update
The United for Libraries platform has been updated!
The new system should be easier to use with some shiny new features. More details about those features will be coming soon, but for now, the login information has changed. There will no longer be one general login for libraries and library boards. Members will register for their own individual logins through the United for Libraries website. This includes the Trustee Academy courses, the Short Takes for Trustees, and other United for Libraries resources.
Access to these resources has been provided for Library Trustees and Directors by the Nebraska Library Commission.
To request a login, please submit a United for Libraries Login Request form.
If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan.
Continuing Education: April Free Webinar List
Lots of free webinars coming up in April!
The free webinar list from the Wyoming State Library/WebJunction presents a list of webinars with program descriptions and links to registrations. Below are some upcoming webinars.
NCOMPASS LIVE
- Apr 1: Beta Testing for Social Wellbeing
- Apr 8: How to Add Movement to Library Programming
- Apr 15: Amplified Advisory with Video Book Talks
- Apr 29: Pretty Sweet Tech
ONLINE CONFERENCES
- Apr 8: Middle Grade Magic (School Library Journal)
ADVOCACY
- Apr 1: Advocacy for Associations: Timeless Principles, Modern Approaches (Gather Voices)
- Apr 9: Dispatches from the Field: Advocacy Best Practices with Jeremy Johannesen and Megan Cusick (Association for Library Service to Children)
- Apr 22: ECE Program Websites Matter to Families NOW & Always: SEO & Content for Parents (Early Childhood Investigations)
ASSESSMENT & PLANNING
- Apr 1: Project Outcome: Evaluating Online Library Learning (ALA & ACRL)
- Apr 1: Evaluating Online Library Data (Association of College & Research Libraries)
- Apr 2: Measuring the ROI of Training Programs (Training Industry)
- Apr 23: Harnessing Library Data: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and eBook Usage (Infopeople)
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
- At Your Leisure: Introduction to Website Accessibility (Infopeople)
- Apr 3: Quickly Implementing Accessibility Tools (Association of College & Research Libraries)
- Apr 15: The Intersection Between Plain Language and 508 Compliance (Digital.gov)
BOARDS
- Apr 2: 10 Principles of Good Data for Foundations (Blackbaud)
- Apr 22: How to be a Great Board Chair (Propel Nonprofits)
CAREERS
- Apr 9: Self-Care During a Pandemic (Idaho Commission for Libraries)
- Apr 16: WHY-brarian: How to Reconnect to your BEST (North Dakota State Library)
- Apr 21: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People in 2020 (Training Magazine Network)
CHILDREN & TEENS
- At Your Leisure: 1000 Books Before Kindergarten (Montana State Library)
- At Your Leisure: Connect Your Students to eBooks, Audiobooks & eResources in MackinVIA (Mackin)
- Apr 7: Full-Spectrum Literacy with Kate Brunner (Colorado State Library)
- Apr 8: Play Games, Role-Play, Drama and Movement Activities to Build the Brain (Ablenet)
- Apr 8: Using Mindfulness With Children of All Abilities to Keep Connections Strong (Early Childhood Investigations)
- Apr 14: Honoring Infancy: Growing the Garden – Nurturing a Play and Early Learning Space (Association for Library Service to Children)
- Apr 21: Are Play Groups Right for Your Library? (Colorado State Library)
COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT
- Apr 1: Beta Testing for Social Wellbeing (Nebraska Library Commission)
- Apr 9: No Budget? No Problem! How to Stock your Library with Free Government Publications (Federal Depository Library Program)
- Apr 14: Must-Have Middle Grade (Booklist)
- Apr 15: Amplified Advisory with Video Book Talks (Nebraska Library Commission)
- Apr 16: WHY-brarian: How to Reconnect to your BEST (North Dakota State Library)
- Apr 21: Rainbow Reads for Youth (Indiana State Library)
- Apr 21: Library Love for LibraryReads (Booklist)
- Apr 21: Rainbow Reads for Teen (Indiana State Library)
- Apr 21: The Hottest Graphic Novels of Spring 2020 (Library Journal)
- Apr 22: New Books for Storytime – 2020 Update (Infopeople)
COMMUNICATION
- At Your Leisure: Making the Most of Your Digital Collection (School Library Connection)
- Apr 8: Building Your Nonprofit’s Communications Engine (Bloomerang)
- Apr 30: Falling Between the Cracks: Addressing Workplace Mistakes and Misunderstandings (Pattern Research, Inc.)
COVID-19
- Apr 1: COVID-19: How One Library is Coping with Being in the Epicenter and How Controlled Digital Lending Can Benefit Libraries (SirsiDynix)
- Apr 2: Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Successful Ways to Work Remotely (Public Library Association)
- Apr 7: What’s Working in the COVID-19 Response Using GIS (GovLoop)
- Apr 8: Coronavirus Frauds and Scams: What You Need to Know (FDLP)
- Apr 8: COVID-19: How to Prepare Your Library for the Unexpected (SirsiDynix)
- Apr 9: Self-Care During a Pandemic (Idaho Commission for Libraries)
- Apr 15: COVID-19: Coping with Realities of Business Operations During a Crisis (GovLoop)
- Apr 16: Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Innovative Solutions in Times of Crisis (Public Library Association)
DEVELOPMENT & MANAGING CHANGE
- Apr 1: COVID-19: How One Library is Coping with Being in the Epicenter and How Controlled Digital Lending Can Benefit Libraries (SirsiDynix)
- Apr 2: Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Successful Ways to Work Remotely (Public Library Association)
- Apr 7: Thriving in the Chaos of Unexpected Change (Effectiveness Institute)
- Apr 8: COVID-19: How to Prepare Your Library for the Unexpected (SirsiDynix)
- Apr 9: How to Bring Your Live or In-Person Events Online (TechSoup)
- Apr 9: Self-Care During a Pandemic (Idaho Commission for Libraries)
- Apr 15: COVID-19: Coping with Realities of Business Operations During a Crisis (GovLoop)
- Apr 16: Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Innovative Solutions in Times of Crisis (Public Library Association)
- Apr 21: How to Lead and Work Through Uncertainty (GovLoop)
- Apr 28: Remote Learning Toolkit: Leading and Learning in a Virtual World (edWeb.net)
- Apr 29: Pretty Sweet Tech (Nebraska Library Commission)
- Apr 29: Social Work Students and Public Library Partnerships (Web Junction)
- Apr 30: Falling Between the Cracks: Addressing Workplace Mistakes and Misunderstandings (Pattern Research, Inc.)
DIGITAL RESOURCES
- At Your Leisure: Making the Most of Your Digital Collection (School Library Connection)
- Apr 23: Harnessing Library Data: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and eBook Usage (Infopeople)
FUNDRAISING
- Apr 1: Engaging Library Supporters During the COVID-819 Pandemic (United for Libraries)
- Apr 3: Coronavirus and Nonprofit Grants: Tactics and Strategies to Help You Adapt (CharityHowTo)
- Apr 8: Introduction to Finding Grants – Live Webinar (GrantSpace)
- Apr 8: Making the Ask (Firespring)
- Apr 16: Improving Your Data Management to Drive Donations (GrantSpace)
- Apr 21: How Nonprofits Can Use Crowdfunding to Raise More Money (Nonprofit Tech for Good)
- Apr 21: Donor Management System Best Practices (IdealWare)
- Apr 22: How to Build Your Major Donor Portfolio (CharityHowTo)
- Apr 23: What’s Changing In Fundraising & How Nonprofits Should Adapt (Productive Fundraising)
- Apr 29: It’s a New World: How to Cultivate Your Online Community (Firespring)
LEGAL
- Apr 15: The Intersection Between Plain Language and 508 Compliance (Digital.gov)
LIBRARY SPACES
- Apr 14: Honoring Infancy: Growing the Garden – Nurturing a Play and Early Learning Space (Association for Library Service to Children)
MANAGEMENT
- Apr 2: Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Successful Ways to Work Remotely (Public Library Association)
- Apr 7: Managing Remote Workers (Association of College & Research Libraries)
- Apr 9: Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Managing Stress and Anxiety (Public Library Association)
- Apr 9: Incorporating an Equity Lens into Your Hiring Practices (GrantSpace)
- Apr 14: How to Cut Your Marketing Budget–Without Killing Your Marketing (TechSoup)
- Apr 15: COVID-19: Coping with Realities of Business Operations During a Crisis (GovLoop)
- Apr 15: PNR Rendezvous: Make it Work—Managing Your Solo or Small Hospital Library (National Network of Libraries of Medicine)
- Apr 16: Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Innovative Solutions in Times of Crisis (Public Library Association)
- Apr 23: Budget Fundamentals for the First-Time Manager (EduCause)
OUTREACH & PARTNERSHIPS
- Apr 8: Public and School Libraries: Creative Ways to Build Successful Partnerships (Web Junction)
- Apr 9: Mental Health and Public Libraries (SirsiDynix)
- Apr 15: Unusual Bedfellows: Expanding and Developing New and Different Partnerships (America Walks)
- Apr 16: Setting researchers up for success with better workflow (Library Connect)
- Apr 22: Expanding Audience Reach Through Multilingual Programming (Blackboaud)
- Apr 29: Social Work Students and Public Library Partnerships (Web Junction)
PROGRAMMING
- Apr 7: Full-Spectrum Literacy with Kate Brunner (Colorado State Library)
- Apr 8: How to Add Movement to Library Programming (Nebraska Library Commission)
- Apr 8: Play Games, Role-Play, Drama and Movement Activities to Build the Brain (Ablenet)
- Apr 9: How to Bring Your Live or In-Person Events Online (TechSoup)
- Apr 21: Are Play Groups Right for Your Library? (Colorado State Library)
- Apr 22: Citizen Science Online (SciStarter)
- Apr 22: Expanding Audience Reach Through Multilingual Programming (Blackboaud)
- Apr 23: Feel Good, Do Good: How Offering Physical Literacy Programs at your Library Can Change Your Community (SirsiDynix)
- Apr 29: PNR Rendezvous: What’s All This Talk About Citizen Science? (National Network of Libraries of Medicine)
READERS’ ADVISORY
- Apr 7: In the Middle of It All: Books for the Middle Grade Reader in All of Us (Booklist)
- Apr 14: Must-Have Middle Grade (Booklist)
- Apr 15: Amplified Advisory with Video Book Talks (Nebraska Library Commission)
- Apr 21: Rainbow Reads for Youth (Indiana State Library)
- Apr 21: Library Love for LibraryReads (Booklist)
- Apr 21: Rainbow Reads for Teen (Indiana State Library)
- Apr 21: The Hottest Graphic Novels of Spring 2020 (Library Journal)
- Apr 22: New Books for Storytime – 2020 Update (Infopeople)
- Apr 28: The Clue is in the Title (Booklist)
REFERENCE
- Apr 3: Help! I’m an Accidental Government Information Librarian presents… Navigating the Labyrinth of UN Documentation: An Overview for people new to the world of UN documents (North Carolina Library Association)
- Apr 7: Trusted Health Information Resources for Your Community (Washington State Library)
- Apr 7: What’s Working in the COVID-19 Response Using GIS (GovLoop)
- Apr 8: Coronavirus Frauds and Scams: What You Need to Know (Federal Depository Library Program)
- Apr 8: The National Math Festival: Engaging Girls in Math Fun! (National Girls Collaborative Project)
- Apr 9: Orientation to Legal Research Webinar Series: Tracing Federal Regulations (Library of Congress)
- Apr 15: Welcoming Generation Z to our Libraries (Infopeople)
- Apr 16: Setting researchers up for success with better workflow (Library Connect)
- Apr 21: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People in 2020 (Training Magazine Network)
- Apr 28: Passing the FDLP Torch: Planning for Depository Succession (Federal Depository Library Program)
SCHOOL LIBRARIES
- At Your Leisure: Sessions presented at the 2019 AASL National Conference
- At Your Leisure: Connect Your Students to eBooks, Audiobooks & eResources in MackinVIA (Mackin)
- Apr 2: AASL Town Hall (American Association of School Librarians)
- Apr 2: It’s About Equity! Let’s Tackle Information Poverty (School Library Journal)
- Apr 7: How Your Librarian Can Support Teachers During School Closures (Follett)
- Apr 7: Building Students’ Social-Emotional Strength Through Literacy (edWeb.net)
- Apr 7: Teaching Civic Ideals through Primary Sources (Library of Congress)
- Apr 7: Supporting Librarians During School Closures: Find the Help You Need for Your School and Yourself! (Follett)
- Apr 7: Engage & Inspire with Visual Essays (TeachersFirst)
- Apr 9: eLearning Teaching Tips: Support for Educators During the COVID-19 Pandemic (edWeb.net)
- Apr 15: EdTech in the Era of Distance Learning (edWeb.net)
- Apr 22: The Transformative Power of Audio Reading (edWeb.net)
- Apr 30: Unlocking Emotional Blockades: Neuroscience-Based Tools to Optimize Self-Regulation and Joyful Learning (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development [ASCD])
TECHNOLOGY
- Apr 1: Developing reports and workflow tools for libraries using Google Apps Script (OCLC)
- Apr 2: Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19: Successful Ways to Work Remotely (Public Library Association)
- Apr 9: How to Bring Your Live or In-Person Events Online (TechSoup)
- Apr 29: Pretty Sweet Tech (Nebraska Library Commission)
TRAINING & INSTRUCTION
- Apr 2: Measuring the ROI of Training Programs (Training Industry)
- Apr 2: Coaching in Crisis: Revise and Rethink eLearning on the Fly (edWeb.net)
- Apr 7: Open Educational Resources — Build a Lesson Using Free Government Resources (Federal Depository Library Program)
- Apr 7: Building Students’ Social-Emotional Strength Through Literacy (edWeb.net)
- Apr 7: Teaching Civic Ideals through Primary Sources (Library of Congress)
- Apr 9: Online Classroom Success (Pattern Research)
- Apr 9: Preparing Community College Students with Research Skills for a Lifetime (Library Journal)
- Apr 9: eLearning Teaching Tips: Support for Educators During the COVID-19 Pandemic (edWeb.net)
- Apr 15: EdTech in the Era of Distance Learning (edWeb.net)
- Apr 16: Get Your Digital Learning Act Together – Blending Virtual and eLearning for Best Results (InSync Training)
- Apr 22: Teaching Soft Skills in a Virtual Environment: A Case Study (Training Industry)
- Apr 22: How to Plan Classes and Presentations (Colorado State Library)
- Apr 22: The Transformative Power of Audio Reading (edWeb.net)
- Apr 28: Remote Learning Toolkit: Leading and Learning in a Virtual World (edWeb.net)
VOLUNTEERS
- Apr 8: Writing Accurate and Useful Volunteer Position Descriptions (VolunteerMatch)
Friday Reads: My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi
I am here!!
Eighty percent of the world’s population has been manifesting fantastic superpowers by the time they turn four years old. Those with more powerful “quirks” have become professional superheroes, working to stop those who would use their powers for evil and to save innocent lives. Young Izuku Midoriya dreams of the day when he can follow in the steps of his idol, All Might – the number one hero and symbol of peace.
When Midoriya learns that he is one of the unlucky few, born without a quirk, he is crushed. However, he refuses to let this setback stop him from his dream of attending U.A. High, the prestigious high school, and enrolling in their hero course. As the entrance exam approaches, it seems all but impossible that Midoriya will have any hope at all getting accepted.
An encounter with All Might and a battle with a sludge villain changes everything and sets Midoriya on the path to his destiny (with some incredibly hard work). Katsuki Bakugo, his rival/friend since childhood is less than impressed. (If you’ve ever seen or read Dragon Ball Z, they remind me of Goku/Vegeta, ha.)
I’ve just started reading this series, but I’m really enjoying it so far. Midoriya is so pure and precious and there’s more to All Might than just his physical strength. (There’s some fourth-wall breaking that I also love with All Might’s character.) The quirks and other characters are all so different and fun. There are animal-based quirks; one character has all the powers of a frog. Others can make things float, have powers of fire or ice, explosions, or powers like one student who has engines in his legs that make him really fast.
This first book of the manga series moves quickly with enough story to build the world and lots of action between villain/hero battles and later in the entrance exam. Intended for young adults/teens.
Horikoshi, K. My Hero Academia, Volume 1. Translated by Caleb Cook, VIZ Media LLC, 2016.
Basic Skills Postponed and Certification Update
As situations continue to change daily, we have decided to postpone the upcoming Basic Skills classes. We are going to be focusing on developing more self-paced modules which will be announced as they are available.
The one exception to this change will be the “Introduction to Cataloging” class which begins on April 1st and will be open until May 31st. Additionally, the “Understanding MARC 21 Bibliographic Records” class (which is part of the cataloging certification, not a Basic Skills class) will begin as scheduled on March 30th.
So, what does this mean if your certification is due in 2020?
No worries!
For both librarian and library board certifications that are due in 2020, you will be able to extend your certification for one year. For example, if your current certification date is 05/01/20, your new date would be 05/01/21. Linda Babcock will be reaching out to individuals and library boards via email about this extension process.
For those of you who are not due for certification renewal in 2020, but are worried about completing CE hours or keeping up with the Basic Skills requirement as we move through this difficult time, we understand and are able to work with you for extensions or offering additional resources. We absolutely want to do everything we can to help.
If you have any questions or concerns at all, please don’t hesitate to contact Linda Babcock or Holli Duggan.
Continuing Education: COVID-19 and Emergency Planning
Below is a short list of free resources related to the current difficulties of COVID-19, including the sudden shift to online or distance services and managing anxiety and stress. Following this list, there are upcoming webinars discussing online library instruction, copyright, how other librarians are navigating this crisis, and frauds and scams to watch out for. Additionally, there are several recorded webinars focusing on emergency and disaster planning. These webinars are all eligible for continuing education (CE) credit for the Public Librarian certification program and for library board members. If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan, CE Coordinator.
Resources:
Pandemic Preparedness (Nebraska Library Commission) – some guidance and resources collected, includes several example policies and restrictions from Nebraska libraries
Libraries and the Coronavirus: Evolving Information and Resources (WebJunction)
OCR Short Video on Online Education and Website Accessibility (U.S. Department of Education)
Virtually Virtual Hangouts for Educators (Media Education Lab) – daily live hangouts with educators to discuss COVID-19 with different discussion leaders and curated resources
Managing Anxiety and Stress (CDC) – short article with resources
Emergency Responders: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself (CDC) – short articles with resources
COVID-19 Webinars:
Information Literacy at a (Social) Distance: Strategies for Moving Online (ACRL) – archived from March 17th
Pandemic Pedagogy: Resources for Library Instruction at a Distance (ACRL) – archived from March 18th
Navigating the Impact of Coronavirus – discussion panel with library professionals of Seattle Public Library Foundation, King County Library System Foundation, Toronto Public Library, and The Public Library Fundraising Forum – recording
Professional Convention and Management Association is hosting a series of webinars in March on how business events around the world are being affected
March 20: Copyright for Campus Closures: Exploring Copyright Issues around Moving Instruction and Reference Online (ACRL) – will be archived after the live session
March 20: Libraries and COVID-19: Managing Strategies and Stress (American Libraries Live)
March 26: Librarians Respond to Coronavirus and Other Pandemics (Library 2.0) – recording will be available, register for a free Library 2.0 account to login
April 8: Coronavirus Frauds and Scams: What You Need to Know (Federal Depository Library Program) – register to attend live session or to receive recording
Emergency/Disaster Planning Webinars and Courses:
From Facilities to Trauma: Disaster Planning and Community Resiliency at Your Library (WebJunction) – archived recording
- Disaster Planning and Community Resiliency Guidebook and Workbook (New Jersey State Library)
NCompass Live: Emergency and Disaster Response Planning for Libraries (NLC) – recording
Are You Ready? Essential Disaster Health Information Resources for Keeping Your Loved Ones Safe (NNLM) – archived course
In Case of Emergencies: Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning (NNLM) – online course
Making Sense of Numbers: Understanding Risks and Benefits, Learning How to Communicate Health Statistics (NNLM) – archived recording
From Problem to Prevention: Evidence-Based Public Health (NNLM) – archived recording
Basic Skills Schedule Changes
***Basic Skills Postponed and Certification Update***
Due to the closures and difficulties related to COVID-19, there will be some changes to the upcoming Basic Skills course schedules.
Library Technology will be postponed until April 6th. Registration will be reopened and be available until March 27th. If you have already registered, you do not need to register again. If you would like to cancel or change your registration, please contact Holli Duggan.
Library Finance will be postponed until May 4th.
Intellectual Freedom and Core Values will be postponed until May 25th.
Additionally, each Basic Skills course will be “open” for an additional week (though still 2 CE hours each) to allow more time to complete the required work, if needed.
The upcoming Introduction to Cataloging course will still begin on April 1st, but will be open until May 31st.
Details about each of the courses and registrations can be found on the NLC Training & Events Calendar.
If you have any questions at all, please contact:
CE Grants: Last week to apply!
There’s still time to submit your application to attend the 2020 ARSL Annual Conference in Wichita, KS! Applications are due next Friday (01/17/20)!
Though the conference is in September, registration opened in spring last year (and sold out very quickly). Best to plan early and apply! Grant funds could go towards the cost of registration, travel, meals, or hotels.
CE grants are open to applicants who are either 1) currently employed in an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the conference, 2) a current board member of an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the conference, or 3) a student enrolled in a certificate or degree program with a concentration in library and information science or school library media at an accredited college or university for Fall 2020.
More details about the grant requirements, along with the application forms can be found in the links below.
- Grant Information
- Grant Application Form – Librarians & Board Members
- Grant Application Form – Students
- ARSL Annual Conference Preview
If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan, CE Coordinator.
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Apply for a CE Grant!
There’s still time to apply for a CE Grant to attend the ARSL 2020 conference before January 17th! This is an awesome opportunity to attend an out-of-state but nearby conference focused on rural and small libraries! Though the conference is in September, registration opened in spring last year (and sold out very quickly). Best to plan early!
Applications are now open to library students, librarians employed in an accredited public library, and library board members! Please see details in the links below.
This year, the Nebraska Library Commission is offering individuals $500 grants to attend the annual Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) 2020 Conference in Wichita, Kansas (Sept. 30th to Oct. 3rd)! Funding could go towards the cost of travel, hotel, meals, and/or registration costs.
CE grants are open to applicants who are either 1) currently employed in an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the conference, 2) a current board member of an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the conference, or 3) a student enrolled in a certificate or degree program with a concentration in library and information science or school library media at an accredited college or university for Fall 2020.
More details about the grant requirements, along with the application forms can be found in the links below.
- Grant Information
- Grant Application Form – Librarians & Board Members
- Grant Application Form – Students
- ARSL Annual Conference Preview
If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan, CE Coordinator.
Friday Reads: Minecraft: The End by Catherynne M. Valente
First, a confession, I have never actually played Minecraft. I know the basic concepts and I’ve watched other people play it, I just haven’t played it myself (yet). The only reason I picked this book up is that I’ll read anything and everything by Catherynne. I don’t know the lore of the game, so I’m sure I missed certain things, but I still really enjoyed this book (and you don’t need to read the other three official Minecraft novels before this one either).
This is a story of two young twelve-year-old endermen. Twin brother and sister, Fin and Mo, have always lived on their purple ship attached to the end city of Telos with their angry little pet shulker, Grumpo. They spend their time scavenging for very good junk or just junk, visiting the Ender Dragon (ED) who circles and watches over the End, or with their friend Kan who is very much an outsider. They all communicate telepathically, but still have a distinct “voice.” It’s definitely interesting how Catherynne writes. I really didn’t expect to care so much about little square shadow creatures.
Individually, endermen become dumb and angry, but stacked together with other elders and fragments, they become smarter, stronger, better. However, Fin and Mo are happy just the two of them and are plenty smart, thank you very much.
Then the invaders arrive from another dimension. Humans. Fin and Mo now have to defend their home and treasures as everything they know changes.
