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Author Archives: Holli Duggan
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.
Posted in Education & Training, Grants
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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.
CE Grants deadline extended! Now open to library science students!
The deadline to apply for this year’s CE Grants has been extended to January 17, 2020! This is an awesome opportunity to attend an out-of-state but nearby conference focused on rural and small libraries!
Applications for CE Grants to attend the ARSL 2020 conference are also now open to library science students! Applications are still open to those employed in an accredited public library and 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.
Continuing Education: Eliminating Fines
Eliminating library fines has been getting more and more attention lately.
Chicago recently eliminated late fees and “[t]he number of book returns has since increased 240%” (Forbes, 2019). Denver also announced back in January that they were going fine free and “zeroing out most customers’ existing overdue balances so they can start fresh” (Denver Library, 2019) citing their belief in “free and equal access for all.” Some libraries, like Lincoln City Libraries, are eliminating late fees for youth materials which are “an unnecessary barrier for children who often lack the autonomy or ability to return library materials on time, and for families who cannot afford to pay them” (Lincoln City Libraries, 2019). The idea behind eliminating fines really goes back to increasing access and breaking down barriers for library users. But is this the right move for every library? How do you decide or implement this kind of initiative?
There are many arguments for and against eliminating library fines, but if you’ve been having this discussion in your library or are interested in finding out more, the resources and webinars below should help start your search.
Resources:
- Library Late Fines as Social Inequity: Librarians Consider Ditching Due-Date Fees (NET News)
- Social Library, Fines Edition (WebJunction)
- Fine Free Library Map (endlibraryfines.info)
- 2019 ALA Resolution on Monetary Library Fines as a Form of Social Inequity (ALA)
- An Overdue Discussion: Two takes on the library-fine debate (American Libraries)
- Not So Fine with Library Fines? A Look at the Overdue Debate (EBSCO)
- Doing Fine(s)?: Fines & Fees (Library Journal)
- Eliminating Fines – Resources (Colorado Virtual Library)
Webinars:
- Upcoming Nov. 20th – “Eliminating Fines: A win-win for your library and community” (Infopeople)
- “You will hear how eliminating fines can lead to an increase in library use and circulation, with no negative effects.”
- Recorded – “NCompass Live: Eliminating Late Fines is a Win-Win for Your Library and Community” (NLC)
- “In this session, Beth [Crist] and Meg [DePriest] will review the research and results from the growing number of libraries across the country that have ditched late fines and coaxed new and former users to their doors. They will share talking points, tips, and an advocacy tool you can use to build a case to eliminate fines in your library.”
- Recorded – “Fine-Free Future” (RIPL)
- “This webinar brings together three experienced library directors who have recently eliminated some or all overdue fines at their libraries to discuss the strategies they used in their communities, the arguments for and against the elimination of fines, their plans to measure impact and success, and how they communicate the issue of overdue fines as critical to any library’s mission of equal access and social equity.”
- Recorded – “Planning and Implementing a Fine-Free Policy” (Florida Library Webinars)
- “Libraries are ready for a change! Our academic library went fine free in 2016, and we’re not alone. In this informative and interactive program, we will share why and how we managed to eliminate most overdue fines, aligning our circulation policies with the needs of our most frequent users…Policies and methods from public libraries will also be included!”
For webinars and CE: If you would like to earn continuing education (CE) credit and are enrolled in the Nebraska Public Librarian Certification program, please submit a “CE Activity Report Form” after each webinar.
If you have any questions about continuing education, please contact Holli Duggan.
Continuing Education Grants!
Start planning ahead early and apply! 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.
This is an awesome opportunity to attend an out-of-state (but nearby) conference focused on rural and small libraries! Details about the grant, along with the application forms can be found in the links below. Applications are due by December 13, 2019!
The purpose of these grants is to assist Nebraska libraries to improve the library services provided to their communities through continuing education and training for their library personnel and supporters. 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 or a 2) current board member of an accredited Nebraska public library at the time of application and for the duration of the conference.
If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan, CE Coordinator.
Posted in Education & Training, Grants
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Continuing Education: Library Boards
This week we’re focusing CE for all those wonderful library board members!
Below is a list of resources with helpful reference information for new and current library board members (or for anyone curious what library boards do), followed by several upcoming or recorded webinars.
Resources:
- Nebraska Library Board Manual – NLC
- Public Library Board Certification and Continuing Education -NLC
- Friends, Trustees & Volunteers – WebJunction
- United for Libraries* – ALA
Webinars:
- Working Effectively with Your Library Trustees – United for Libraries*
- “[L]earn tips and strategies for working effectively with your Trustees. Topics include orientation for new Trustees, understanding roles, meetings, emergencies, and effective communication.”
- Equity, Diversity, Inclusion: What Library Trustees Need to Know – United for Libraries*
- “This workshop will help trustees and library directors understand how to incorporate EDI into policy development, strategic planning, funding initiatives, board development, and more.”
- Troubled Library Boards: Prevention & Survival – United for Libraries*
- “What essential practices can prevent or minimize board problems? When a board does become dysfunctional, how can those involved survive and create change?”
- Library Accessibility – What Public Library Trustees Need to Know (RAILS)
- “In this webinar…Renee Grassi will equip Library Trustees with the information and tools they need to be more effective accessibility advocates for their library communities.”
- Build a Culture of Learning with Library Boards – WebJunction & ARSL
- “Trustees can and should play a key role in fostering a culture of learning at their libraries – beginning with themselves. When library boards embrace a learning culture, they become more receptive to supporting continuing education, in policy, planning and budgeting.”
- The Rural Library Trustee: Roles, Responsibilities, and Relationships – WebJunction & ARSL
- “will provided you with practical ideas and tactical strategies to support and advocate for your library organization as a trustee, or library director in a small or rural community.”
- Toward Tech Savvy Trustees – WebJunction & ARSL
- “The more that trustees are dialed into a personal use of technology, the better advocates they will be for the library’s technology needs. Learn some fun and practical ways to inspire greater tech savviness in your trustees.”
*The Nebraska Library Commission has prepaid for all Nebraska public library directors, members of Friends organizations, Foundation boards, and trustees to participate free of charge in online training and access to education resources offered by the American Library Association’s United for Libraries. Please contact Holli Duggan or Linda Babcock for login information.
For webinars and CE: If you would like to earn continuing education (CE) credit and are enrolled in the Nebraska Public Librarian Certification program, please submit a “CE Activity Report Form” after each webinar.
If you have any questions about continuing education, please contact Holli Duggan.
Continuing Education: Website Accessibility
What does it mean to have an accessible website? Why is it important?
“Web accessibility means that websites, tools, and technologies are designed and developed so that people with disabilities can use them. More specifically, people can: perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the web” – W3C
This is important to ensure equal access to information and equal ability to interact with websites and resources by eliminating barriers. For example, providing closed captioning/subtitles on videos for those who aren’t able to hear or including alternate text to describe an image helps those using screen readers.
Below are just a few introductory resources to start looking through and several webinars (upcoming and recorded) that may be useful.
Resources:
- Prioritizing Accessibility and Disability Inclusion at Your Library (WebJunction)
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Overview (W3C Initiative)
- WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool) (WebAIM – University of Utah)
- Web Accessibility Guidelines (American Library Association)
- Libraries and Accessibility: Accessible Websites LibGuide (CT State Library)
- ARL Web Accessibility Toolkit (Association of Research Libraries)
Webinars:
- Oct. 23rd – Introduction to Website Accessibility (Infopeople)
- “In this one-hour webinar, you’ll gain an understanding of which guidelines are used to measure website accessibility in the United States, and how to being to evaluate your own library’s site for potential issues.”
- Archived – NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech – Building a Clean, User-Friendly Library Website (Nebraska Library Commission)
- “Websites are often the first thing people see when interacting with a business. With so many things vying for people’s attention, the library website should be a call to action for people to use library services. This session will act as a guide to building a library website that makes a good impression on library customers.”
- Archived – Evaluating Websites for Accessibility (Great Lakes ADA Center/ADA National Network)
- “This introductory webinar will cover online barriers to accessibility and explain how to check that web content is accessible to all visitors”
For webinars and CE: If you would like to earn continuing education (CE) credit and are enrolled in the Nebraska Public Librarian Certification program, please submit a “CE Activity Report Form” after each webinar.
If you have any questions about continuing education, please contact Holli Duggan.
Continuing Education: Digital Citizenship & Literacy
It’s Digital Citizenship Week!
Digital citizens positively and safely use technology tools to participate in society (for example, social media). Topics include cyberbullying, online safety and privacy, verifying information, and creating content. Digital literacy plays a very important role as it focuses on the skills necessary to effectively access and interact with various technologies and digital information, such as how to use a web browser or how to critically analyze information found on a website.
The links and webinars listed below are just a few resources to get started thinking about digital citizenship and digital literacy as you work with students and/or public library patrons.
Resources:
- Digital Literacy – Public Library Association
- Digital Literacy Professional Tools – Public Library Association
- 20 Examples of Digital Citizenship – EdTech Update
- List of some specific examples to help better understand what good digital citizenship skills include
- Digital Citizenship Curriculum – Common Sense Education
- K-12 digital citizenship skills lesson plans
- Resources for Digital Citizenship Week – Ask a Tech Teacher
- Virtual Privacy Lab – San José Public Library
- Mozilla Web Literacy: The WebLit Core Curriculum – Mozilla
- Bridging the Digital Divide by Building Digital Literacy Skills – WebJunction
Webinars:
- Let’s Celebrate Digital Citizenship Week: Something for Everyone – edWeb
- “Increase awareness and get students, faculty, and families inspired to learn about media balance, cyberbullying, privacy, and much, much, more!”
- Digital Citizenship – Niche Academy
- “In this free one-hour webinar, Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, founder of Digital Respons-Ability, discusses digital citizenship, the ethical and responsible use of technology. This digital citizenship primer will discuss online safety, digital law and digital health.”
- Digital Citizenship: New Lessons for a Changing World – Common Sense Education
- “This award-winning, comprehensive Digital Citizenship Curriculum covers a range of topics from media balance to cyberbullying to privacy. It prepares students to think critically and use technology responsibly to learn, create, and participate. This edWebinar is designed for all K-12 teachers, librarians, and tech coordinators.”
- Digital Citizenship: New Roles and Responsibilities in the Digital Age – WebJunction
- “A webinar defining ‘digital citizenship’ and exploring ways for public libraries to support services and programming to help grow safe, responsible, and respectful digital environments.”
- Privacy Literacy at Your Library – WebJunction
- Learn about San José Public Library’s Virtual Privacy Lab. “The modules guide users through topics such as social media and security, and provide personalized tips, links and resources that enable them [library patrons] to feel safe and confident online.”
- Is That Real? A Crash Course in Verifying Online Content – WebJunction
- “Dive into the tools and skills that you and your patrons need to verify the authenticity of user-generated content, and learn how to create engaging fact-checking investigations that will empower learners to detect and debunk misinformation online.”
- Digital Literacy Training Tutorials for Libraries – WebJunction
- Learn about GCFLearnFree.org and DigitalLearn.org which “are two resources that provide free digital literacy and technology training tutorials.”
- Using DigitalLearn in Your Library – PLA
- “Understand how to integrate DigitalLearn.org into the library’s digital literacy training efforts.”
- Teaching Patrons to Use Technology: Skills for One-on-One Tech Instruction – Florida Library Webinars
- “In this webinar, learn practical training skills that will help boost your ability to help library patrons with technology questions.”
For webinars and CE: If you would like to earn continuing education (CE) credit and are enrolled in the Nebraska Public Librarian Certification program, please submit a “CE Activity Report Form” after each webinar.
If you have any questions about continuing education, please contact Holli Duggan.
Continuing Education: Scary Stories
Halloween is creeping closer with scary story marathons and late-night horror binges.
But what if you’re not a super fan of horror and don’t know where to start when someone asks for a recommendation? Or maybe you’re looking for something new? Below are just a few resources and webinars to help get in the spirit of readers’ advisory.
Resources:
- The Readers’ Advisory Guide to Horror (Second Edition) – Becky Siegel Spratford (2012)
- Paperbacks from Hell: A History of Horror Fiction from the ’70s and ’80s – Grady Hendrix (2017)
- RA For All: Horror – Becky Spratford
- Blog posts every day in October with all sorts of resources, links, and lists
- Librarian’s Page – Horror Writers Association
- Horror Starter Pack (list of five titles) – NoveList
- Zombies and Skeletons and Vampires, Oh My! 10 Picks for Elementary Readers – School Library Journal
- Teen Screams: YA Horror for Every Kind of Reader – School Library Journal
- Summer Scares Program Inaugural Reading List – Partnership between Horror Writers Association, United for Libraries, Book Riot and School Library Journal
Webinars:
- Crash Course in Horror – NoveList (archived)
- “Why horror is so popular and how libraries can ramp up the thrills and chills in their collection, how horror developed…subgenres and trends…search strategy tips and learn where to access genre-related information in NoveList”
- The Haunt They Want: Why Student Readers are Entranced by Horror & Suspense – Junior Library Guild (archived)
- “Young readers are after the heart-pounding, nail-biting shivers that these novels deliver – and children’s and young-adult authors are making sure they’re adequately spooked. Join us for this book talk with JLG’s Mystery/Horror/Suspense category editor Maria Wang as she discusses how spooky and scary tales entrance student readers of all ages.”
- Spine-Chilling Ideas for Halloween at Your Library – Florida Library Webinars (archived)
- “Halloween will be here before we know it and this interactive and informative webinar is for you if you are looking for fresh spooktacular ideas!”
- Exploring New Horizons in SF/Fantasy & Horror – Booklist (archived)
For webinars and CE: If you would like to earn continuing education (CE) credit and are enrolled in the Nebraska Public Librarian Certification program, please submit a “CE Activity Report Form” after each webinar.
If you have any questions about continuing education, please contact Holli Duggan.
Continuing Education for Health Literacy
October is Health Literacy Month!
From the National Network of Libraries of Medicine: “Health literacy requires a complex group of reading, listening, analytical, and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to apply these skills to health situations. For example, it includes the ability to understand instructions on prescription drug bottles, appointment slips, medical education brochures, doctor’s directions and consent forms, and the ability to negotiate complex health care systems.”
How do people access and understand health-related information and how can librarians help? Below is a list of free resources and webinars (some upcoming, some archived) focused on health literacy and the role of libraries.
Resources:
- “October is Health Literacy Month” – WebJunction
- “Health Literacy Month” – healthliteracy.org
- “Health Literacy” – National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM)
- “Health Literacy, Programming, and Consumer Health Information” – ALA
- “Healthy Community Tools for Public Libraries” – PLA/NNLM
Webinars:
- Oct. 2nd: Welcome to Health Literacy Month! – healthliteracy.org
- Oct. 10th: How the Library Can Help Students Navigate Mental Health – School Library Connection
- Oct. 15th: Helping Patrons Navigate “Dr. Google” – NNLM
- Oct. 16th: Health Information Needs of Immigrant Populations – NNLM
- Oct. 16th: PNR Rendezvous: Health Insurance Literacy and How Librarians Can Help – NNLM
- Oct. 22nd: Activate, Collaborate, and Educate: Health Outreach and Programming in Your Community – NNLM
- Oct. 30: Public Libraries Partner to Respond to the Opioid Crisis – WebJunction
- Archived: Health Literacy Begins at Your Library – WebJunction
- Archived: Health Education Resources with the National Network of Libraries of Medicine – NCompass Live
- Archived: Many Languages, Many Cultures: Responding to Diverse Health Information Needs – NCompass Live
If you would like to earn continuing education (CE) credit and are enrolled in the Nebraska Public Librarian Certification program, please submit a “CE Activity Report Form” after each webinar.
If you have any continuing education questions, please contact Holli Duggan.
Continuing Education for Banned Books
More free webinars! This week is all about exploring issues and themes of Banned Books Week 2019.
ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom
- Sept. 23: “Three Ways Librarians Can Combat Censorship” – SAGE Publishing, Index on Censorship magazine, & OIF
- “During the webinar, librarians will share their experiences and tips with navigating censorship. The webinar will also highlight how contested books can engage readers in constructive conversations.”
- Sept. 24: “Ask Me Anything About Censorship” – ALA OIF
- “OIF Assistant Director Kristin Pekoll will briefly explore banned book and censorship history, along with ways readers can stay alert about censorship. Attendees are invited to ask questions during the second half of the discussion.”
- Sept. 25: “Banned Books 101” – ALA OIF
- “With a suggested audience of students grades 6-12 and young adults, the webinar will review recent challenges to titles, the ways a book can be censored, and stories of students who stood up for the freedom to read.”
Image Comics + ALA Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table + ALA Intellectual Freedom Round Table
“Each Library Livestream will be a freewheeling discussion on creativity, freedom of expression, the (sometimes recent) history of banned and challenged comics, and how access to information is a fundamental right library patrons can expect librarians to defend across the world.”
- Sept. 23: “Historical Voices“
- “Andre R. Frattino (SIMON SAYS) and Sanford Green (BITTER ROOT) in conversation with Dr. Katie Monnin (Author of 8 books on teaching graphic novels, Why so serious? Productions Founder) about banned voices throughout history. Topics covered will also include the use of censorship as a mode of suppression, the erasure of dissenting voices from the historical narrative of our nation and others, and the legacy of those erasures as they affect current events. “
- Sept. 24: “Banned People & Post-Colonial Narratives”
- “Sloane Leong (PRISM STALKER) and Henry Barajas (VOZ DE M.A.Y.O. TATA RAMBO) in conversation with Alea Perez (GNCRT President-Elect) about banned people, the legacy of colonialism in literature and popular culture, and the rise of post-colonial voices as a challenge to systems which under-represent/under-acquire authors/artists of color.”
- Sept. 25: “Banned Books & Civil Rights“
- “Ronald Wimberly (BLACK HISTORY IN ITS OWN WORDS) and Nate Powell (MARCH) in conversation with Scott Bonner (IFRT, Ferguson Municipal Public Library Director) about banned and challenged books, the role of censorship in civil rights movements, and how their work in comics has addressed legacies of erasure.”
- Sept. 26: “LGBTQ Challenges”
- “Michelle Perez (THE PERVERT) and Grace Ellis (MOONSTRUCK) in conversation with Monica Barette (GNCRT Board, Principal Librarian at Chula Vista Library) about the disproportionately high incidence of bans and challenges levied against LGBTQ+ books, especially (but not limited to) those titles aimed at younger readers, in libraries and schools. This discussion will also touch on the recent increase in challenges and cancellations of Drag Storytimes in libraries across the nation.”
- Sept. 27: “Access Issues – Privatization & Gatekeeping“
- “David F. Walker (BITTER ROOT) in conversation with Ray James (IFRT Coalition Building Committee) about how privatization impacts access, particularly as it relates to prison libraries, as (most) US prisons are privatized and how this impacts inmate access to information. This discussion will also touch on how gatekeeping and biases (of librarians, prison staff, the public) affect access for this vulnerable population.”
If you would like to earn continuing education (CE) credit and are enrolled in the Nebraska Public Librarian Certification program, please submit a “CE Activity Report Form” after each webinar.
If you have any continuing education questions, please contact Holli Duggan.
Posted in Books & Reading, Education & Training, Youth Services
Tagged Banned Books Week
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Friday Reads: The Line Between by Tosca Lee
Cults, the impending apocalypse, and an ancient plague.
Wynter and her sister spent fifteen years within the walls of the New Earth doomsday cult compound under the charming leadership of Magnus, an ambassador to God himself. As Wynter’s sister, Jaclyn, seemed to thrive in this world, Wynter struggled.
After she’s cast out from her family and community, Wynter is forced into the outside world just in time for it to start ending. An ancient disease has been freed from the melting Alaskan permafrost and is sweeping across America causing victims to fall into madness (as well as general societal chaos and violence). Late one night, Jaclyn reappears with medical samples that might just hold the key. Now Wynter must find a way to get them to a research lab in Colorado before the world really does end as prophesied by Magnus.
The story alternates between past/present, through Wynter’s time living in the compound, to her banishment, as she connects with old family friends and tries to adjust to the outside world, then through the dangerous journey to save (and understand) the world with the help of former military, Chase Miller.
The sequel (A Single Light) comes out September 17th. (Don’t worry though, this first book doesn’t end with a big cliff-hanger.)
Don’t miss Tosca Lee tomorrow at the Book Festival!
Saturday, September 7th 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Friday Reads: All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries #1) by Martha Wells
“As a heartless killing machine, I was a terrible failure.”
Murderbot (as they call themself) is a part organic/part machine SecUnit (security unit) who is contracted out by The Company to various research and exploration teams traveling to other planets to keep them safe, and to keep an eye on what they’re doing. Unlike other SecUnits, however, this particular one has hacked their own (cheaply made) governor module so they no longer have to follow the Company’s strict protocols. Rather than turning against all humans or anything overly violent, Murderbot just wants to be left alone to watch thousands of hours of sci-fi/adventure soap operas and to do the bare minimum of work (just enough so no one realizes they now have free will).
The current job includes a group of humans who are exploring a planet for scientific reasons that don’t matter much to Murderbot. This is a fairly easy job until equipment starts to fail, creatures start attacking, and vital pieces of information seem to be missing which puts the humans all in danger. Now they must find out who is behind the conspiracy and what’s going on, keep the humans safe from other (more heartless) robots, and get them all off of the planet while desperately trying to avoid more social interaction than is necessary.
All Systems Red is the first novella of four in The Murderbot Diaries which all follow our snarky SecUnit. Quick reads with fast-paced stories, engaging characters, lots of snarky humor, cyborg/robot/human battles, and tentative friendships.
- All Systems Red
- Artificial Condition
- Rogue Protocol
- Exit Strategy
CE/Training Grants Applications Due Friday (12/7)
The Continuing Education/Training Grants are back this year and the applications are still open until Friday (12/7)!
Grant information and Application Forms
The purpose of these grants is to assist Nebraska libraries to improve the library services provided to their communities through continuing education and training for their library personnel and supporters. Successful applications will show how the continuing education and/or training proposed will support the library’s mission.
This year we are offering grants in three different areas: attending an out-of-state professional conference, taking an online CE course, and other larger CE group/staff projects.
Applications are due December 7, 2018
Applications will be evaluated and applicants notified by January 11, 2019
For more details about filling out the applications, the archived session “NCompass Live: 2018 Continuing Education/Training and Internship Grants” is also available.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Holli Duggan.
Friday Reads: Podcasts as Books
I’m rather late to the world of podcasts, but I’ve been finding more and more really good ones. Even better, I’ve been finding related books for when I just want more of the story or just need a break from listening. Here’s a list of a few I’ve recently gathered:
Limetown. “What happened to the people of Limetown?” Three hundred people living in a small town in Tennessee seemingly disappeared overnight, including Lia Haddock’s uncle Emile. Lia, a journalist, investigates the mysterious research facility and the surrounding town looking for answers as to what really happened that night. The book goes back to seventeen-year old Lia’s, looking for answers about her family who all refuse to talk about the incident, alternating with Emile’s story leading up to the project in Limetown.
Smith, Cote. Limetown: The Prequel to the #1 Podcast. 2018. Print.
Welcome to Night Vale. Presented as a community radio show, the podcast follows Cecil as he updates residents of this small desert town of all the everyday sorts of activities and events, including the dog park, the ghosts, angels, government conspiracies, and such. While I’m still making my way through the podcast archives, I’m sure I’m missing some of the references throughout the book, but it’s still wonderfully weird. The book follows two residents, Diane with her shape-shifting son, and Jackie who owns the pawn shop, and their search for the meaning of “King City.”
Fink, Joseph & Cranor, Jeffrey. Welcome to Night Vale. 2015. Print.
Sawbones. Dr. Sydnee McElroy and her husband explore how modern medicine has evolved and “all the dumb, bad, gross, weird and wrong ways we’ve tried to fix people.” Think eating powdered mummies, using opium or radium as a cure-all, and drilling holes in your head. Although an entertaining introduction to medical history, the book does seem to have a number of editing issues that can be distracting.
McElroy, Justin & McElroy, Sydnee. The Sawbones Book: The Hilarious, Horrifying Road to Modern Medicine. 2018. Print.
Lore. Each chapter examines a different “creature” (ghosts, vampires, werewolves, goblins…) and the legends, folklore, or history surrounding them and how they relate to human nature. Great for anyone interested in supernatural/urban legends kinds of things. Though, if you’ve listened to the podcast, the illustrations may be new to you, but the stories are more transcripts.
Mahnke, Aaron. The World of Lore: Monstrous Creatures. 2017. Print.
The Moth. True stories told live in front of crowds worldwide, diverse storytellers share their experiences which can be anywhere from dumb things they’ve done to joyful to heartbreaking. The book contains fifty stories from The Moth’s archives. Good if you just want to read some interesting life stories.
Burns, Catherine (editor). The Moth. 2013. Print.
Submitting NLA/NSLA Conference CE Hours
Back from this year’s NLA/NSLA Conference? Remember to submit your hours for CE!
For those in the Public Librarian Certification program and Library Board Members, use the NLA/NSLA Conference Continuing Education Report Form here: http://nlc.nebraska.gov/ce/nlaform.asp
The preconferences and all sessions are listed already. Just go through and click on the ones that you attended then hit submit. We’ll get these added to your (or your library’s) CE record.
If you have any questions, please let me know!
-Holli Duggan, Continuing Education Coordinator
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Applications for CE/Training Grants are Open!
The Continuing Education/Training Grants are back this year and the applications are now open!
The purpose of these grants is to assist Nebraska libraries to improve the library services provided to their communities through continuing education and training for their library personnel and supporters. Successful applications will show how the continuing education and/or training proposed will support the library’s mission.
This year we are offering grants in three different areas: attending an out-of-state professional conference, taking an online CE course, and other larger CE group/staff projects.
Applications are due December 7, 2018
Applications will be evaluated and applicants notified by January 11, 2019
For more details about filling out the applications, the archived session “NCompass Live: 2018 Continuing Education/Training and Internship Grants” is now available.
Grant information and Application Forms
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Holli Duggan.
Friday Reads: A Study in Emerald
Sherlock Holmes & Lovecraftian Mysteries
“A Study in Emerald” was a short story that appeared in the 2003 Shadows Over Baker Street anthology (also a good book). Now this story appears as its own new shiny graphic novel.
An ex-military man and his new detective friend must solve a baffling murder with a few clever twists (especially with the ending) and some cosmic horror. Without giving too much away, it’s a fascinating blend of these two universes and characters. Quick read. Wonderful artwork.
Basic Skills: Introduction to Cataloging Self-Paced Module
Did you miss out on the Organization of Materials Basic Skills class in April? Do you still need this class to complete your Basic Skills requirement? Here’s another chance!
Due to the number of students interested in this class and the Nebraska Library Commission’s ongoing evaluation of the Basic Skills classes as a whole, we have decided to open a second self-paced section of the course with a shiny new name. Introduction to Cataloging!
As this is a new self-paced format, we are limiting enrollment to 35 students. The content of the class will not be greatly different from previous Organization of Materials classes, but this new module will be self-paced, instead of the instructor-led format that you may be familiar with from other Basic Skills classes.
Registration and more details can be found on the NLC Library Training & Events Calendar:
If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan, Continuing Education Coordinator.
