Author Archives: Kathryn Brockmeier

NEH Digital Humanities Implementation Grants – applications due Feb. 18, 2015

National Endowment for the Humanities Digital Humanities Implementation Grants are designed to fund the implementation of innovative digital-humanities projects that have successfully completed a start-up phase and demonstrated their value to the field. Such projects might enhance our understanding of central problems in the humanities, raise new questions in the humanities, or develop new digital applications and approaches for use in the humanities. The program can support innovative digital-humanities projects that address multiple audiences, including scholars, teachers, librarians, and the public. Applications from recipients of NEH’s Digital Humanities Start-Up Grants are welcome.

Unlike NEH’s start-up grant program, which emphasizes basic research, prototyping, experimentation, and potential impact, the Digital Humanities Implementation Grants program seeks to identify projects that have successfully completed their start-up phase and are well positioned to have a major impact.

Proposals are welcome for digital initiatives in any area of the humanities. Digital Humanities Implementation Grants may involve:

  • Research that brings new approaches or documents best practices in the study of the digital humanities;
  • Implementation of computationally-based methods or techniques for humanities research; ¿ implementation of new digital tools for use in humanities research, public programming, or educational settings;
  • Efforts to ensure the completion and long-term sustainability of existing digital resources (typically in conjunction with a library or archive);
  • Scholarship that examines the history, criticism, and philosophy of digital culture and its impact on society;
  • Scholarship or studies that examine the philosophical or practical implications of the use of emerging technologies in specific fields or disciplines of the humanities, or in interdisciplinary collaborations involving several fields or disciplines; or
  • Implementation of new digital modes of scholarly communication that facilitate peer review, collaboration, or the dissemination of humanities scholarship for various audiences

Closing date for applications: February 18, 2015

For more information, visit http://www.neh.gov/grants/odh/digital-humanities-implementation-grants.

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Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries and Museums – Application due 2/2/2015

Deadline: Feb. 2, 2015
Amount: $10,000 – $25,000
Awarding institution: Institute of Museum and Library Services

IMLS LogoThe Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries are a special funding opportunity within the IMLS National Leadership Grants for Libraries program. These small grants encourage libraries and archives to test and evaluate specific innovations in the ways they operate and the services they provide. Sparks Grants support the deployment, testing, and evaluation of promising and groundbreaking new tools, products, services, or organizational practices. You may propose activities or approaches that involve risk, as long as the risk is balanced by significant potential for improvement in the ways libraries and museums serve their communities. Successful proposals will address problems, challenges, or needs of broad relevance to libraries and/or archives.

Eligibility: Libraries that fulfill the general criteria for libraries may apply. In addition, institutions of higher education, including public and nonprofit universities, are eligible.

For more information: http://www.imls.gov/applicants/detail.aspx?GrantId=19

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NEH Museums, Libraries, and Cultural Organizations Grants – Applications due Jan. 14, 2015

National Endowment for the Humanities Museums, Libraries, and Cultural Organizations (MLCO) grants provide support for museums, libraries, historic places, and other organizations that produce public programs in the humanities.

Planning grants support the following formats:

  • exhibitions at museums, libraries, and other venues;
  • interpretations of historic places, sites, or regions; and
  • book/film discussion programs; living history presentations; and other face-to-face programs at libraries, community centers, and other public venues.

Implementation grants support the following formats:

  • exhibitions at museums, libraries, and other venues;
  • interpretations of historic places, sites, or regions;
  • book/film discussion programs; living history presentations; other face-to-face programs at libraries, community centers, and other public venues; and
  • websites, mobile applications, games, and other digital formats.

Closing date for applications: January 14, 2015.

For more information, visit http://www.neh.gov/grants/mlco.

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Nebraska Libraries Urged to Apply for $5,000 Award for Excellence in Library Programming

ALA is now accepting nominations for its 2015 ALA Excellence in Library Programming Award. The application deadline is December 1, 2014.

CCF_gray_webThe $5,000 award, supported by ALA’s Cultural Communities Fund, recognizes a library that demonstrates excellence in library programming by creating a cultural/thematic program type or program series, presented during the preceding year (September 1 – August 31), that engages the community in planning, sponsorship and/or active participation, addresses an identified community need, and has a measurable impact.

The award will be presented during the ALA Awards Presentation at the 2015 ALA Annual Conference, June 25 to June 30 in San Francisco.

All types of libraries — school, public, academic and special — are eligible for the award, but the nominated program must have been for a public audience. Self-nomination is encouraged.

For more information on how to apply and to access the online application, go to: http://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/awards/31960/apply.

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“Building STEAM with Día” mini-grants: Applications due Oct. 17

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association, is now accepting mini-grant applications from libraries interested in developing and implementing a “Building STEAM with Día” program. Intended as an expansion of El día de los niños / El día de los libros, the mini-grants will be awarded to libraries that demonstrate a need to better address the diverse backgrounds within their communities and develop culturally diverse and appropriate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) programs. Apply by October 17. Visit http://dia.ala.org/content/2015-building-steam-d%C3%ADa-mini-grants-available for more information.

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NEH Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections Grants – applications due Dec. 3, 2014

National Endowment for the Humanities Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections helps cultural institutions meet the complex challenge of preserving large and diverse holdings of humanities materials for future generations by supporting sustainable conservation measures that mitigate deterioration and prolong the useful life of collections.

Libraries, archives, museums, and historical organizations across the country face an enormous challenge: to preserve collections that facilitate research, strengthen teaching, and provide opportunities for life-long learning in the humanities. Ensuring the preservation of books and manuscripts, photographs, sound recordings and moving images, archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, art, and historical objects requires institutions to implement measures that slow deterioration and prevent catastrophic loss. This work is best accomplished through preventive conservation, which encompasses managing relative humidity, temperature, light, and pollutants in collection spaces; providing protective storage enclosures and systems for collections; and safeguarding collections from theft and from natural and man-made disasters.

As museums, libraries, archives, and other collecting institutions strive to be effective stewards of humanities collections, they must find ways to implement preventive conservation measures that are sustainable. This program therefore helps cultural repositories plan and implement preservation strategies that pragmatically balance effectiveness, cost, and environmental impact. Sustainable approaches to preservation can contribute to an institution’s financial health, reduce its use of fossil fuels, and benefit its green initiatives, while ensuring that collections are well cared for and available for use in humanities programming, education, and research.

Closing date for applications: December 3, 2014

For more information, visit http://www.neh.gov/grants/preservation/sustaining-cultural-heritage-collections.

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NEH Digital Humanities Start-up Grants – Applications due Sept. 11, 2014

Closing Date for Applications: September 11, 2014
Award Amount: Up to $60,000

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) invites applications to the Digital Humanities Start-Up Grants program. This program awards relatively small grants to support the planning stages of innovative projects that promise to benefit the humanities. The closing date for applications is September 11, 2014. Proposals should be for the planning or initial stages of digital initiatives in any area of the humanities. Digital Humanities Start-Up Grants may involve:

  • research that brings new approaches or documents best practices in the study of the digital humanities;
  • planning and developing prototypes of new digital tools for preserving, analyzing, and making accessible digital resources, including libraries’ and museums’ digital assets;
  • scholarship that focuses on the history, criticism, and philosophy of digital culture and its impact on society;
  • scholarship or studies that examine the philosophical or practical implications and impact of the use of emerging technologies in specific fields or disciplines of the humanities, or in interdisciplinary collaborations involving several fields or disciplines;
  • innovative uses of technology for public programming and education incorporating both traditional and new media; and
  • new digital modes of publication that facilitate the dissemination of humanities scholarship in advanced academic as well as informal or formal educational settings at all academic levels.

Innovation is a hallmark of this grant category, which incorporates the “high risk/high reward” paradigm often used by funding agencies in the sciences. NEH is requesting proposals for projects that take some risks in the pursuit of innovation and excellence.

Digital Humanities Start-Up Grants should result in plans, prototypes, or proofs of concept for long-term digital humanities projects prior to implementation.

Details are available at http://www.neh.gov/grants/odh/digital-humanities-start-grants.

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NEH Museums, Libraries, and Cultural Organizations – applications due Aug. 13, 2014

National Endowment for the Humanities Museums, Libraries, and Cultural Organizations (MLCO) grants provide support for museums, libraries, historic places, and other organizations that produce public programs in the humanities.

Grants support the following formats:

  • exhibitions at museums, libraries, and other venues;
  • interpretations of historic places, sites, or regions;
  • book/film discussion programs; living history presentations; and other face-to-face programs at libraries, community centers, and other public venues.

NEH encourages projects that explore humanities ideas through multiple formats. Proposed projects might include complementary components that deepen an audience’s understanding of a subject: for example, a museum exhibition might be accompanied by a website, mobile app, or discussion programs.

Types of Museums, Libraries, and Cultural Organizations awards:

  • Planning grants support the early stages of project development, including consultation with scholars, refinement of humanities themes, preliminary design, testing, and audience evaluation.
  • Implementation grants support final scholarly research and consultation, design development, production, and installation of a project for presentation to the public.

Closing date for applications: August 13, 2014.

For more information, visit http://www.neh.gov/grants/mlco.

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NEH Humanities Collections and Reference Resources – applications due July 17, 2014

Closing Date for Applications: July 17, 2014
Award Amount: Varies
Awarding Institution: National Endowment for the Humanities

The Humanities Collections and Reference Resources (HCRR) program supports projects that provide an essential underpinning for scholarship, education, and public programming in the humanities. Thousands of libraries, archives, museums, and historical organizations across the country maintain important collections of books and manuscripts, photographs, sound recordings and moving images, archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, art and material culture, and digital objects. Funding from this program strengthens efforts to extend the life of such materials and make their intellectual content widely accessible, often through the use of digital technology. Awards are also made to create various reference resources that facilitate use of cultural materials, from works that provide basic information quickly to tools that synthesize and codify knowledge of a subject for in-depth investigation. HCRR offers two kinds of awards: 1) for implementation and 2) for planning, assessment, and pilot efforts (HCRR Foundations grants).

Details are available at http://www.neh.gov/grants/preservation/humanities-collections-and-reference-resources.

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Junior First LEGO League Grant for Public Libraries — Application Due April 4

The STAR (Science-Technology Activities and Resources for Libraries) Library Education Network (STAR_Net), in partnership with Junior FIRST® LEGO® League (Jr.FLL®), is proud to announce a grant program aimed at building participation in Jr.FLL in public libraries nationwide. For more information about Jr.FLL, visit  http://www.juniorfirstlegoleague.org.

This solicitation is open to all public libraries in the United States. Preference may be given to libraries in the following regions where Jr.FLL Affiliate Partners are already established, but other locations are welcome and encouraged to apply: Delaware, New Mexico, Southern California, Rhode Island, Utah, Missouri, Ohio, Central Texas, Virginia, South Carolina, and Illinois.

Libraries chosen to participate in this program will receive approximately $2,500 in LEGO materials, participation fees and other support.

The deadline is April 4, 2014. To apply, visit http://community.starnetlibraries.org/grant-opportunities/. If you have difficulty accessing or sending the application, please contact Anne Holland as soon as the issue arises (aholland@spacescience.org or 720-974-5876).

This pilot program will include a strong research and evaluation component, so libraries should be willing and able to participate in online, in-person and phone surveys related to the project. This pilot program will provide mandatory training, materials and miscellaneous expense reimbursement (such as program fees) to 17 libraries. Libraries not chosen for the program are still encouraged to participate in Jr.FLL.

All applying libraries should join the STAR_Net Online Community at community.starnetlibraries.org to participate in discussions about the program, and gain access to materials developed in support of the program.

In addition to participation in research and evaluation, libraries will be responsible (with help from regional partners as allowed) for recruiting 5 teams (of 2-6 children) and 5 coaches (1 coach per team, all “lead” coaches must be 18+, assistant coaches can be younger).

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Nebraska Library Association Scholarship Applications Due April 15

The Nebraska Library Association is currently accepting applications for two scholarships, Louise A. Nixon ($1,000) and Duane Munson ($250). Applications are due April 15, 2014.

Louise A. Nixon Scholarship
The Louise A. Nixon Scholarship Fund was established to support students who pursue graduate level library education. Full-time and part-time students are eligible for this scholarship. Applicants must meet certain Nebraska Library Association guidelines.

Duane Munson Scholarship
The Duane Munson Scholarship was established to help practicing librarians and paraprofessionals gain additional library-related education and training. Full-time and part-time employees are eligible for this scholarship. Applicants must meet certain Nebraska Library Association guidelines.

Application guidelines and a link to the form are available at http://nebraskalibraries.org/member-resources/scholarships.

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There’s Still Time to Apply for a 21st Century Librarian Scholarship

The Nebraska Library Commission is accepting online applications for its 21st Century Librarian Scholarship program through March 3, 2014(https://nlc.nebraska.gov/NowHiring/Scholarships.aspx). These scholarships are for students pursuing a degree or certificate in Library and Information Science at the Associate’s and Bachelor’s levels. Legal residents of the state of Nebraska are eligible to apply. Transcripts (as required) are due February 18, 2014; and letters of recommendation, if mailed, are due February 18, 2014. Scholarships of up to $3,500 will be awarded, depending on the degree or certificate the applicant is pursuing and the applicant’s course plan.

Scholarships may be used for tuition (for coursework contributing toward a certificate or degree, including general education classes), course-required materials, and school-assessed fees at the following levels:

  • Library and Information Science (LIS) Professional Certificate
  • Associate of Arts or Science Degree in Library and Information Science (LIS)
  • Bachelor of Arts or Science Degree/Endorsement with a major in Library and Information Science or Library Media
Monica Tidyman (r.) had the opportunity to complete her practicum at Hastings Public Library, where Dana Still (l.) works.
Scholarship students meet up: Monica Tidyman (r.) had the opportunity to complete her practicum at Hastings Public Library, where Dana Still (l.) works.

Scholarship recipients will be eligible to apply for stipends for such things as laptop or tablet computers, Nebraska Library Digital Literacy Coaching Corps, professional association dues, and regional or national conference attendance.

The scholarships, stipends, and value-added training are offered through the Nebraska Library Commission’s Cultivating Rural Librarians’ 21st Century Skills program, which is funded through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program. For more information, contact Kathryn Brockmeier, Grant Program Manager, by e-mail or by phone, 402-471-4002 or 800-307-2665.

NOTE: Due to the significant number of applications for the Nebraska Library Commission master’s-level scholarships (funded through the Librarians for the 21st Century Program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services), as of July 1, 2012, graduate-level scholarships will no longer be available. Scholarships DO continue to be available for undergraduate Library Science studies, including LIS certificates, and Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.

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New Faces: Donna Christiansen

In this series, New Faces, the Nebraska Library Commission interviews someone from the next generation of Nebraska librarians.

Today we are speaking with Donna Christiansen, Director at the Plainview Carnegie Library in Plainview, Nebraska. Donna received her certificate in Library and Information Services program from Central Community College in December 2012. She is a 2011-2013 Nebraska Library Commission / Institute of Museum and Library Services Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian scholarship recipient.

NLC: How is it you went to library school?

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: I started as a children’s librarian and found out about the Nebraska Library Commission and the Scholarship program to get a library certificate. I thought this would be good to get since I wanted to improve my knowledge of librarianship and of course become a Library Director someday.

NLC: Did you receive a scholarship from the Nebraska Library Commission? How did it help you with getting an education and in your career aspirations?

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: Yes, I received a scholarship from the NLC. It helped me tremendously; without it I probably wouldn’t have been able to get my Library Certificate. Especially with the extra help of providing me a new laptop and the ability to attend a national conference. With the new laptop I was able to do my online classes and attending the national conference helped me network with other library students and librarians.

NLC: What brought you to the world of library work?

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: I enjoyed being a library aide in high school and I love to read and help people with computer issues. I started as the Children’s Librarian at the Plainview Carnegie Library in February of 2011. Then in September 2011 the Library Director retired so I was able to apply for the Library Director position and in October I became the Director.

NLC: What’s the most useful non-library work experience you bring to a library job?

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: For a couple of years I had my own business, so I guess my business experience of handling money, etc., is what I bring to the library job.

NLC: What do you find most rewarding in your library job?

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: I find helping patrons very rewarding. Whether it is helping them find a book, helping them with the computer, or watching the story time children do their craft projects to see them smile and having fun is very rewarding.

NLC: What do you find most challenging in your library job?

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: Having all the books that people want to read. But thankfully there is the Interlibrary Loan program so it is easy to locate a book for a patron if we don’t have it.

NLC: How would you like to make a difference in the lives of library users or in the community your library serves?

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: I would like to make the library be the center of the community, where the citizens can come and relax, read a magazine, check out a book, check their e-mail and use the computer, just be there for the citizens to use.

NLC: What does the future hold for libraries?

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: I believe that libraries are more than just books and magazines. The future will be to let everyone know that the library offers more than what they believe a library is or was. We offer programs, computers, wireless Internet, and much more that we really have to promote that the library is much more than books and magazines.

NLC: What does the future hold for librarians?

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: I believe that librarians are going to have to embrace the new technology that is out there and to think outside of the box to keep the library in the forefront of the community it serves.

NLC: What are you reading right now? What are your hobbies?

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: I am reading an eBook, No Return by Brett Battles. My hobbies are reading, bird watching, fishing, collecting rocks and minerals.

NLC: Who is your role model?

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: I would say my library role model would be the former Plainview Library Director, Loydell Swan.  She gave 27 years to the library so I learned a lot working with her before she retired.

NLC: Please share a favorite quote, and why it’s your favorite.

DONNA CHRISTIANSEN: “A well-stocked, well-staffed library is like a gardener who plants books, knowledge, and dreams and grows readers, learners, and do-ers,” by Laura Purdie Salas.  I just believe that this quote says what I believe a library is.

The New Faces feature is made possible by a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grant to the Nebraska Library Commission from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

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There’s Still Time to Apply for Internship Grants — Applications due Feb. 18, 2014

The Nebraska Library Commission’s Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian program offers support for internships through grants to accredited public libraries. Application deadline is Feb. 18, 2014. In partnership with the Nebraska Library Association and funded through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program, the internship grants increase awareness about library professions and education and the opportunities for employment in Nebraska libraries.

Internship grants range from $500 to $1,000. Library grantees will recruit, select, and hire their interns. Usually, interns are hired as contract workers and paid on a stipend rather than an hourly wage, but the terms of employment are determined by the library’s governing body. Interns provide valuable assistance with library service activities and local library programming. Library staff help introduce interns to the joys of library service careers. Partnership projects involving collaboration between a public library and another type of library will be given special consideration.

2014 intern Saresse Clay returns from school to implement the Story Walk project she designed during her summer internship.

2014 intern Saresse Clay returns from school to implement the Story Walk project she designed during her summer internship.

To the right is a Facebook post by the Rock County Public Library showcasing their 2013 intern Saresse Clay. Saresse designed a Story Walk project during the summer and implemented the project in November 2013.

Web conferencing: NLC staff are available by phone and through e-mail to discuss general issues relating to the internship grant program. We also invite you to the recorded NCompass Live webinar, Internships: Cultivating Nebraska’s Future Librarians, to learn more about the program from previous grant recipients and to listen to the questions and comments of other participants. In this session, participating libraries and intern Saresse Clay shared their experiences with the internship program, including successes and lessons learned. This session also introduced the 2014 grant opportunity for internships, including information on writing a winning proposal.

To apply: Applications are now being accepted. The deadline for applications is Feb. 18, 2014. More information is available on the Now Hiring @ your library® website, at https://nlc.nebraska.gov/nowhiring/internship-grants.aspx.

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As Nebraska’s state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services — “bringing together people and information.”

The Nebraska Library Association is the cornerstone of the Nebraska library community. The Association advocates for its members, enriches their professional lives, advances the lifelong learning of all Nebraskans, and promotes all library interests in Nebraska. For more information, visit http://nebraskalibraries.org.

IMLS LogoThe Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit http://www.imls.gov.

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New Faces: Libby Munsell

Libby Munsell

Libby Munsell, Library Assistant and Interlibrary Loan Librarian at Kilgore Memorial Library, York, NE

In this series, New Faces, the Nebraska Library Commission interviews someone from the next generation of Nebraska librarians.

Today we are speaking with Libby Munsell, Library Assistant and Interlibrary Loan Librarian at the Kilgore Memorial Library in York, Nebraska. Libby began her studies through the Library and Information Services program at Central Community College, and she received her Bachelor’s degree in General Studies with a concentration in Library Science from the University of Nebraska Omaha in December 2013. She is a 2012 and 2013 Nebraska Library Commission / Institute of Museum and Library Services Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian scholarship recipient.

NLC: How is it you went to library school?

LIBBY MUNSELL: I have always enjoyed my trips to the library, but I didn’t really consider working in a library until high school. I took a Career Education class and one of my suggested jobs was librarian. Since we were required to do volunteer hours to graduate and I decided to volunteer at the library. My job consisted of shelving DVDs and audio books and straightening the magazine collection. I had a wonderful experience—I enjoyed the organization, the peaceful atmosphere, and the staff that were so willing to help me. I researched my options for library programs across the state and decided to start with Central Community College classes to make sure that the library was the place I wanted to be. A year after I graduated high school, I got a part-time job at the Kilgore Memorial Library in York to shelve children’s books. At that time, I knew for sure that I was in the right program.

NLC: What did you learn in your coursework that surprised you the most? Complete the sentence, “I had no idea….”

LIBBY MUNSELL: …that acquiring and preparing a book for the public involved so many steps! When I learned that managing collections and cataloging involved so much thought and detail, I gained a new appreciation for the work that librarians do.

NLC: Did you receive a scholarship from the Nebraska Library Commission? How did it help you with getting an education and in your career aspirations?

LIBBY MUNSELL: I received a 21st Century Librarians Scholarship from the NLC and it has been helpful in multiple ways. First of all, it made getting my degree a more financially affordable option. The scholarship also included a stipend for association membership, conference attendance, and the purchase of a laptop computer. I was able to attend my first Nebraska Library Association Conference last year and it was a great opportunity for me to meet new people and learn from others’ library experiences. While I have not used my association membership to the fullest, I receive emails that keep me up to date on events and information that is important to me as a library assistant and as a library student. The stipend money for a laptop was helpful because it allowed me to have my own laptop that I could use to bring to classes. In addition, I can bring my laptop when I travel to work on my online classes. As a scholarship student, I have been made aware of extra training opportunities and it has encouraged me to always seek new information and build my skills to better work with the public.

NLC: What brought you to the world of library work?

LIBBY MUNSELL: I’ve always loved books—reading them, organizing them, talking about them. I also have an appreciation for technology and the way it connects people and makes information so easily accessible. I knew that I wanted to work in a library because I wanted to be a part of helping the public access the information that they want or need.

NLC: What’s the most useful non-library work experience you bring to a library job?

LIBBY MUNSELL: I worked at a fast-food restaurant for a while when I was looking for a library job. I think that, even though it wasn’t my favorite job, it helped me learn how to deal with the public. I learned that it is important to be kind and patient with everyone, even the people who are obviously in a really bad mood. In a fast-food restaurant, I was there to serve them the food they ordered. In a library, I am here to help them find the information they need.

NLC: What do you find most challenging in your library job?

LIBBY MUNSELL: As of right now, I am the “techie” of the staff. When there is a question related to computers or e-readers, I am generally the one that is asked to help or fix the problem. Most of the time, it is a simple fix such as entering a password or formatting a Word document. When I don’t know how to do something, it is challenging for me to figure out the answer. I think I utilize Google a lot more than people realize. There is almost always other people in the world who encounter the same problem and post their answers on the internet. Though it is a challenge to search for the right answers, I enjoy the challenge and feel accomplished when I can show a patron what I learned and make using technology easier for others.

NLC: Please share a story of how your library work has made a difference in the life of a library user.

LIBBY MUNSELL: I’ve had a couple one-on-one meetings with patrons who need help accessing Overdrive on the e-readers. I like to show them that I don’t always know how to do everything on every device, and if we work together we can solve the problem. I enjoy having conversations with them where I am helping them learn how to use their device and use our library at the same time. I can see that I make a difference when they tell me what they learned and leave the library with an e-reader full of books and a desire to come back. [Ed. note: Libby has shared other stories on the Nebraska Library Storybank, such as Interlibrary Loan Expands Paperback Collection and DVD Collection Expanded Through Interlibrary Loan.]

NLC: What does the future hold for libraries?

LIBBY MUNSELL: I think that libraries are still all about accessing and using information. In the future, libraries will have to follow the trend of digital and instant information to even reach the public. Libraries will be spaces for exploration and creation. I hope that the printed word doesn’t go away completely, but whether it does or not, libraries will still be relevant because librarians can provide the assistance to make finding information easier for patrons.

NLC: What does the future hold for librarians?

LIBBY MUNSELL: Librarians of the future will be flexible and eager to learn. Information and the way we access it is changing, so librarians need to be willing to change with the public so that they stay relevant in their communities. It comes down to community assessment—what are the community’s information needs and how can the library be useful?

NLC: What are you reading right now? What are your hobbies?

LIBBY MUNSELL: I’m reading Insurgent by Veronica Roth and The Book Whisperer by Donalyn Miller, both for pleasure. I also enjoy keeping up with food blogs, personal blogs, and library blogs. I love to read (of course!) and cook. Cooking is my way of unwinding from the day and taking a break from homework.

NLC: Please share a favorite quote, and why it’s your favorite.

LIBBY MUNSELL: “No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.” I just came across this quote [by Atwood H. Townsend] a couple days ago in The Book Whisperer. It’s a new favorite because it’s true to my life. I need to find the time to read because it helps me grow. I learn new things, I understand myself and others better, and I can take a break from everything that worries me.

The New Faces project is made possible by a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grant to the Nebraska Library Commission from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

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Public Libraries Invited to Apply for Internship Grants — Applications due Feb. 18, 2014

Posting date: Dec. 17, 2013
Application deadline: Feb. 18, 2014
Award amount: $500 – $1,000

The Nebraska Library Commission’s Cultivating Rural Librarians’ Technology Skills program offers support for internships through grants to accredited public libraries. In partnership with the Nebraska Library Association and funded through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program, the internship grants increase awareness about library professions and education and the opportunities for employment in Nebraska libraries.

So, what can your library do with the internship program?

  • Share your enthusiasm for library education and the library profession
  • Expand your programming
  • Bring in fresh faces
  • Show interns what happens behind-the-scenes
  • Partner with other library types to show the variety of work settings

Internship grants range from $500 to $1,000. A library may provide one 100-hour internship during the summer months that might last eight weeks, or two 50-hour internships during the school year that might last ten weeks, depending on the needs of the library and the scheduling needs and qualifications of the internship candidates. Library grantees will recruit, select, and hire their interns. Usually, interns are hired as contract workers and paid on a stipend rather than an hourly wage, but the terms of employment are determined by the library’s governing body. Interns provide valuable assistance with library service activities and local library programming. Library staff help introduce interns to the joys of library service careers. Partnership projects involving collaboration between a public library and another type of library will be given special consideration.

Reflection from one intern:

I learned that there are a lot more duties for a librarian to perform than the general public thinks. I liked working with all of the patrons and learning how to keep the library organized and running smoothly. I haven’t decided what I would like to do for a career in the future, but after this summer I would definitely consider being a librarian.

Web conferencing: NLC staff are available by phone and through e-mail to discuss general issues relating to the internship grant program. We also invite you to participate in a webinar to learn more about the program from previous grant recipients, ask questions, and listen to the questions and comments of other participants. NLC’s NCompass Live will air Internships: Cultivating Nebraska’s Future Librarians on Wednesday, January 8, 2014, at 10 a.m. Central time. In this session, participating libraries will share their experiences with the internship program, including successes and lessons learned. This session will also introduce the upcoming 2014 grant opportunity for internships.

To apply: Applications are now being accepted. The deadline for applications is Feb. 18, 2014. More information is available on the Now Hiring @ your library® website, at https://nlc.nebraska.gov/nowhiring/internship-grants.aspx.

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As Nebraska’s state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services — “bringing together people and information.”

The Nebraska Library Association is the cornerstone of the Nebraska library community. The Association advocates for its members, enriches their professional lives, advances the lifelong learning of all Nebraskans, and promotes all library interests in Nebraska. For more information, visit http://nebraskalibraries.org.

IMLS LogoThe Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit http://www.imls.gov.

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NEH Digital Humanities Implementation Grants – applications due Feb. 19, 2014

National Endowment for the Humanities Digital Humanities Implementation Grants are designed to fund the implementation of innovative digital-humanities projects that have successfully completed a start-up phase and demonstrated their value to the field. Such projects might enhance our understanding of central problems in the humanities, raise new questions in the humanities, or develop new digital applications and approaches for use in the humanities.

The program can support innovative digital-humanities projects that address multiple audiences, including scholars, teachers, librarians, and the public. Applications from recipients of NEH’s Digital Humanities Start-Up Grants are welcome.

Unlike NEH’s start-up grant program, which emphasizes basic research, prototyping, experimentation, and potential impact, the Digital Humanities Implementation Grants program seeks to identify projects that have successfully completed their start-up phase and are well positioned to have a major impact.

Proposals are welcome for digital initiatives in any area of the humanities. Successful projects must make digital innovations and be significant to the humanities.

Closing date for applications: February 19, 2014

For more information, visit http://www.neh.gov/grants/odh/digital-humanities-implementation-grants.

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Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries and Museums – Application due 2/3/2014

Deadline: Feb. 3, 2014
Amount: $10,000 – $25,000
Awarding institution: Institute of Museum and Library Services

IMLS LogoThe Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries are a special funding opportunity within the IMLS National Leadership Grants for Libraries program. These small grants encourage libraries and archives to test and evaluate specific innovations in the ways they operate and the services they provide. Sparks Grants support the deployment, testing, and evaluation of promising and groundbreaking new tools, products, services, or organizational practices. You may propose activities or approaches that involve risk, as long as the risk is balanced by significant potential for improvement in the ways libraries and museums serve their communities.

Eligibility: Libraries that fulfill the general criteria for libraries may apply. In addition, institutions of higher education, including public and nonprofit universities, are eligible.

For more information: http://www.imls.gov/applicants/detail.aspx?GrantId=19

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NEH Museums, Libraries, and Cultural Organizations – Applications due Jan. 8, 2014

National Endowment for the Humanities Museums, Libraries, and Cultural Organizations (MLCO) grants provide support for museums, libraries, historic places, and other organizations that produce public programs in the humanities.

Grants support the following formats:

  • exhibitions at museums, libraries, and other venues;
  • interpretations of historic places, sites, or regions;
  • book/film discussion programs; living history presentations; other face-to-face programs at libraries, community centers, and other public venues; and
  • interpretive websites and other digital formats

Types of America’s Historical and Cultural Organizations awards:

  • Planning grants support the early stages of project development, including consultation with scholars, refinement of humanities themes, preliminary design, testing, and audience evaluation.
  • Implementation grants final scholarly research and consultation, design development, production, and installation of a project for presentation to the public.

Closing date for applications: January 8, 2014.

For more information, visit http://www.neh.gov/grants/mlco.

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IMLS National Leadership Grants – Applications due 2/3/2014

Institute of Museum and Library Services National Leadership Grants support projects that address challenges faced by the museum, library, and/or archive fields and that have the potential to advance practice in those fields. Applications are due February 3, 2014.

Successful proposals will seek innovative responses to the challenge(s) identified in the proposals, and will have national impact. IMLS invites libraries to address STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) in their programs and projects in order to advance learning and support the acquisition of STEM knowledge at all ages, but particularly for at-risk youth.

Applicants that fulfill the general criteria for libraries may apply. These include public libraries, public elementary and secondary school libraries, college and university libraries, research libraries and archives that are not an integral part of an institution of higher education and that make publicly available library services and materials that are suitable for scholarly research and not otherwise available.

More information is available at http://www.imls.gov/applicants/detail.aspx?GrantId=14.

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