Author Archives: Michael Sauers

Friday Reads: Fabricated: The New World of 3D Printing by Hod Lipson and Melba Kurman

Fabricated

Despite being two years old this book by Hod Lipson and Melba Kurman is a great introduction to all of the major concepts behind 3D printing. Not only does it explain the technology but looks at different types of printing materials from ABS plastic to shortbread and 3D printing’s impact on everything from education to architecture.

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Nebraska Learns 2.0: Memes & Doormice

jihz9The Nebraska Learns 2.0 Thing for April is All Your Memes Are Belong to Us.

This month we’re going to take a look at memes; those wonderful “viral ideas” that get passed around online every day. We’re focusing on tools that allow you to create image-based memes but also a great source for explaining those ones you just can’t seem to make sense of.

Another facet of Nebraska Learns 2.0 is BookThing. Each month we pick a single title that we feel has relevance to librarianship and/or information theory. Some of the titles will be very obviously related; while others may not seem so on the surface but there is a connection. Your assignment will be to read the book and create a blog post answering some questions about the title.

What-the-Doormouse-Said-196x300The BookThing for April is What the Dormouse Said by John Markoff.

Nebraska Learns 2.0 is the Nebraska Library Commission’s ongoing online learning program. It is a self-discovery program which encourages participants to take control of their own learning and to utilize their lifelong learning skills through exploration and PLAY.

Each month, we offer you an opportunity to learn a new Thing (or lesson). You have all month to complete that Thing and receive one CE credit. You may choose which Things to do based on personal interest and time availability If the Thing of the month doesn’t interest you or if you are particularly busy that month, you can skip it.

If you are new to Nebraska Learns 2.0, your first assignment is to sign up to participate. This program is open to ALL Nebraska librarians, library staff, library friends, library board members and school media specialists.

We hope you’ll join your library colleagues in the fun as you learn about new and exciting technologies!

 

 

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Recently on the NCompass Podcast

Podcast IconHave you listened to the NCompass Podcast lately? Here are the episodes from March 2015. To get all of the episodes delivered to you automatically be sure to subscribe via RSS or iTunes.

 

 

Episode 326: Thirteen Things You Might Not Know About National Library of Medicine Resources

Episode 327: Bethany Book Talk

Episode 328: Getting More $$ from Your Book Sales OR Is This Old Book Valuable?

Episode 329: The Little Library that Could (and did!)

Episode 330: Hack the OPAC: How to Create a Free Online Library Catalog

Episode 331: Discount Shopping with the NLC

Episode 332: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers: Alexa, what’s an Amazon Echo?

Episode 333: Reaching Out: Fighting back against a bad public image

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LIS Classes at CCC Open for Registration on April 10th


Central Community College logo

Central Community College – Registration opens on April 10, 2015 for classes in Library and Information Services (LIS).    The program is online and students may opt to pursue an Associate’s Degree in LIS or complete a certificate program.

  • Summer Class:  Reference Services
  • Fall Classes:  1) Foundations in Library and Information Services, 2) Leadership and Management in Library and Information Agencies and the 3) Library and Information Services Capstone Practicum.

For more information see: http://www.cccneb.edu/library or contact Dee Johnson at CCC, djohnson@cccneb.edu or 402-562-1418 or 877-222-0780, extension 1418.

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Free Unshelved Ebooks for Libraries

Unshelved+1Thanks to the generosity of our Kickstarter backers, Unshelved is allowing libraries to circulate DRM-free ebooks of its first eleven collections to their patrons absolutely free.

We’ve offered to make these books available for circulation by all library ebook vendors.

The first vendor who has taken us up on this is Mackin. Go Mackin! Information on how to access the ebooks can be found on this page. Anyone with questions about how to access the ebooks can contact Mackin directly at eservices@mackin.com or 800-245-9540.

We’ll update this page as others take us up on this offer. If your ebooks vendor isn’t listed here, please let them know you’d like them to carry the Unshelved ebooks (they can contact Gene for more information). That may be the push they need!

Meanwhile you are also welcome to circulate our ebooks to your patrons directly. Read the following license, then sign up and we’ll send you download instructions.

In addition to the free books, our cataloger Emily has made MARC records available for these titles, all ready for you to download and import into your OPAC.

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Recently on the NCompass Podcast

Podcast IconHave you listened to the NCompass Podcast lately? Here are the episodes from February 2015. To get all of the episodes delivered to you automatically be sure to subscribe via RSS or iTunes.

 

 

Episode 321: Youth Coding Resources – Programs and Resources for Youth in Your Community

Episode 322: Strategic Planning in a Nutshell

Episode 323: Fun with Friends: Integrating Programming for Adults with Special Needs Into Your Library

Episode 324: Anatomy of an Ad Campaign

Episode 325: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers: Adding True SMS Service to an Integrated Library System (ILS)

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Friday Reads: Weird Fiction Review

Weird Fiction Review #5From the publisher:
“The Weird Fiction Review is an annual periodical devoted to the study of weird and supernatural fiction. It is edited by S.T. Joshi. This fifth issue contains fiction, poetry, and reviews from leading writers and promising newcomers. It features original stories and essays by Jason V Brock, Dennis Etchison, John Butler, Sherry Austin, Stefan Dziemianowicz, Darrell Schweitzer; a lengthy interview with Michael Aronovitz and one with Ray Bradbury; an 8-page full-color gallery of art by Travis Louie; regular columns by Danel Olson and John Pelan and much more.”

This wonderful journal from Centipede Press, a small publisher located in Colorado, generally runs about 300 pages and contains fiction, poetry, articles and interviews. At $35 per copy and with a limited print run of just 500 copies per issue, it isn’t available in most libraries but there are a few that do have it in their collections.

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Willa Cather Foundation gets new website

Willa CatherThe Willa Cather Foundation has launched a new website in celebration of its 60th year.

At the new WillaCather.org, users will find a streamlined interface where they can purchase products, register for events, buy tickets and make donations. There are also virtual tours, a newsletter library and educational content.

The site was designed and developed by UNANIMOUS, a Lincoln-based marketing agency.

The Willa Cather Foundation was founded in 1955 and is headquartered in Red Cloud, Nebraska. The foundation will hold a number of events to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of Cather’s “The Song of the Lark.” Upcoming events include the Willa Cather Spring Conference and the International Cather Seminar. For more info, go to WillaCather.org or call 866-731-7304.

Read the full article @ Omaha.com.

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ACRL Conference Presenters Needed for ULS Online Discussions

ACRL LogoWe are seeking volunteers to lead an online discussion in Spring 2015.  We’ve had a GREAT response to these discussions, including 400+ registrants for the discussion we led late last year.  We’d love to keep the momentum going with another informative and enlightening session this spring. Great for your resume, great for ULS, and great for the library community.

The ACRL 2015 conference is approaching – are you presenting at a panel discussion or poster? It would be great to offer an online version to the membership, a great benefit for those unable to make it to the conference.

Please let us know if you are interested in sharing your conference presentation or would like to nominate someone else. We’re hoping to host an online discussion later this Spring. We’ll provide the technology and guide you every step of the way.

We look forward to hearing from you!
Emily Daly, Rebecca Blakiston, Drew Smith (ULS members-at-large) and Apryl Price (ULS Membership Committee member)

Apryl Price
Electronic Resources Collection Management Librarian
Florida State University
711 West Madison Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32306
acprice@fsu.edu

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Nebraska Learns 2.0: Zamzar & Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free

The Nebraska Learns 2.0 Thing for February is Zamzar.

This month we’re going to take a look at a simple yet powerful tool. Once that you might not need every day, but will make you someone’s hero when you pull it out of your online toolbox: Zamzar

Another facet of Nebraska Learns 2.0 is BookThing. Each month we pick a single title that we feel has relevance to librarianship and/or information theory. Some of the titles will be very obviously related; while others may not seem so on the surface but there is a connection. Your assignment will be to read the book and create a blog post answering some questions about the title.

The BookThing for February is Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free by Cory Doctorow.

Nebraska Learns 2.0 is the Nebraska Library Commission’s ongoing online learning program. It is a self-discovery program which encourages participants to take control of their own learning and to utilize their lifelong learning skills through exploration and PLAY.

Each month, we offer you an opportunity to learn a new Thing (or lesson). You have all month to complete that Thing and receive one CE credit. You may choose which Things to do based on personal interest and time availability If the Thing of the month doesn’t interest you or if you are particularly busy that month, you can skip it.

If you are new to Nebraska Learns 2.0, your first assignment is to sign up to participate. This program is open to ALL Nebraska librarians, library staff, library friends, library board members and school media specialists.

We hope you’ll join your library colleagues in the fun as you learn about new and exciting technologies!

 

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Recently on the NCompass Podcast

Podcast IconHave you listened to the NCompass Podcast lately? Here are the episodes from January 2015. To get all of the episodes delivered to you automatically be sure to subscribe via RSS or iTunes.

 

 

Episode 317: Addressing the Legal Information Needs of Immigrants and Non Native Speakers

Episode 318: Best New Youth Books of 2014

Episode 319: Nebraska Memories

Episode 320: Installing and Using the OverDrive App: A Day-Before-Christmas Refresher!

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Jack McDevitt to Receive The 2015 Robert A. Heinlein Award

Jack McDevittSF author, and recent entry in the Commission’s Friday Reads, Jack McDevitt is being honored this year.

Jack McDevitt, science fiction author is the 2015 winner of the Robert A. Heinlein Award. The award is bestowed for outstanding published works in science fiction and technical writings that inspire the human exploration of space. This award is in recognition of Mr. McDevitt’s body of work including over 21 novels and 81 short stories.

The award will be presented on Friday, May 22, 2015 at opening ceremonies during Balticon 49, the Maryland Regional Science Fiction Convention. Balticon and the Robert A. Heinlein Award are both managed and sponsored by The Baltimore Science Fiction Society. A grant from the Heinlein Society funds a quarter of the costs associated with the award.

Read the full article @ SF Signal.

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HWA Announces Jack Ketchum and Tanith Lee as 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award Winners

Horror-writers-association02

The Horror Writers Association (HWA), the premier organization of writers and publishers of horror and dark fantasy and home of the iconic Bram Stoker Awards®, today announced Jack Ketchum and Tanith Lee as the 2015 recipients of the Bram Stoker Award® for Lifetime Achievement. The HWA presents the award annually to individuals whose work has substantially influenced the horror genre. While the award is often presented to a writer, it may also be given for influential accomplishments in other creative fields.

“We had a wealth of very worthy candidates for this award,” said John R. Little, jury chairperson of the Lifetime Achievement Award (LAA) committee. “After much discussion, we believe we agreed on two exceptional winners this year.”

Jack Ketchum has been one of the premiere authors in the horror field for many years. His novel The Girl Next Door is considered a classic, but he’s written many other equally deeply moving works. Ketchum has won the Bram Stoker Award® four times and been nominated an additional three times, showing the broad appeal to his audience. He was named the Grandmaster at the 2011 World Horror Convention.

Tanith Lee has written more than ninety novels in various fields, including horror, fantasy, and science fiction. She is very popular regardless of the genre she chooses to write in. She has won several World Fantasy and British Fantasy Awards, and in 2013 was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the World Fantasy Convention.

“Jack and Tanith remain extremely popular authors today,” said HWA President Lisa Morton, “and the Horror Writers Association is proud to bestow the Lifetime Achievement Award on them.”

Ketchum will be on-hand to accept the award (Lee will accept via video), on the evening of Saturday, May 9, 2015 as part of a gala banquet and the presentation of the Bram Stoker Awards during the World Horror Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Tickets to the banquet and the convention are on sale to the public at http://www.whc2015.org. The awards presentation will also be live-streamed online for those who cannot attend in person.

The 2015 Lifetime Achievement Committee was chaired by John R Little, and included Maria Alexander, Patrick Freivald, Aaron Sterns and Heather Graham. For more information on the Bram Stoker Awards presentation and the 2015 World Horror Convention, please visit http://www.whc2015.org.

THE HORROR WRITERS ASSOCIATION is a nonprofit organization of writers and publishing professionals around the world, dedicated to promoting dark literature and the interests of those who write it. The HWA formed in 1985 with the help of many of the field’s greats, including Dean Koontz, Robert McCammon, and Joe Lansdale. Today, with over 1250 members around the globe, it is the oldest and most respected professional organization for the much-loved writers who have brought you the most enjoyable sleepless nights of your life.

One of HWA’s missions is to encourage public interest in and foster an appreciation of good Horror and Dark Fantasy literature. The organization offers public areas of its site, www.horror.org; sponsors or takes part in public readings and lectures; publishes a monthly newsletter for members; maintains outreach to booksellers, librarians, fans and readers; facilitates readings and signings by horror writers; offers scholarships; and maintains an official presence at the major fan-based horror and fantasy conventions, such as the World Horror Convention, and literary festivals.

For more information on the HWA, please visit www.Horror.org

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Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries

Will Eisner

Two Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries are given annually – the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grant will provide support to a library that would like to expand its existing graphic novel services and programs and the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Grant will provides support to a library for the initiation of a graphic novel service, program or initiative. These Grants will support two categorical grants that will encourage public awareness on the rise and importance of graphic literature, sequential art, and comics as a literary medium.  The objective of the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries is to facilitate library-generated programs and services that will promote graphic novels to library patrons and to the local community.

Will Eisner (1917-2005) was an acclaimed American comics writer, artist, teacher, and entrepreneur.  He is considered one of the most important contributors to the development of sequential art (a term he coined) and is known for the cartooning studio he founded; for his highly influential comic series, The Spirit; for his use of comics as an instructional medium; for his leading role in establishing the graphic novel as a form of literature with his 1978 groundbreaking graphic novel, A Contract with God and Other Tenement Stories; for his 20 years of teaching at the School of Visual Arts, leading to his three textbooks. In a career that spanned nearly seven decades—from the dawn of the comic book to the advent of digital comics—Will Eisner was truly the “Father of the Graphic Novel.”

Each winning library will receive a grant award of $4,000 to support initiatives that align with the objective of the Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries.  The grant award will consist of the following:

  • $2,000 grant to purchase graphic novels from the distributor-partner (current partner is The Brodart company.  Purchase to include cataloging and shipping),
  • $1,000 grant to host a graphic novel-themed event at a library or another community location, and
  • $1,000 grant to attend the ALA Annual Conference to receive their grant money.  This grant can be used towards any of the following: conference registration, transportation, lodging and food.

In addition, from the book publishers and the Eisner Foundation, the winning libraries will also receive the following graphic novels, valued at approximately $3,000:

  • The Will Eisner Library: A graphic novel collection of Will Eisner’s work and biographies about Will Eisner comprising approximately 75 books and;
  • Graphic novels nominated for the current year’s Will Eisner Awards at Comic-Con International comprising approximately 100 books.

Chosen Grant applicant must agree to take responsibility for organizing a recognition ceremony of their grant in their library.

Further details and application information @ ALA.org.

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Tax forms flyer available for your customization and use

Daniel Glauber a librarian in White Plains, NY has made this wonderful flyer regarding the lack of tax forms and instructions this year available for others to customize and use. You can download the Publisher file and all you really need to do is change the printing cost information and address of your nearest Taxpayer Assistance Center or other relevant service provider. (And maybe the date for the arrival of the state forms.)

Tax Forms flyer

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2015 One Book One Nebraska Proclamation

2015 One Book One Nebraska Proclamation (1206x2000)

2015 One Book One Nebraska Proclamation signing ceremony

2015 One Book One Nebraska Proclamation signing ceremony

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A Map of 3D Printers in Libraries

Amanda Goodman is creating a Google Map of libraries with 3D printers. So, if you’ve got a 3D printer in your library, head on over to the Map, and add your pin.

3D Printers in Libraries map

Posted in Technology | 2 Comments

Recently on the NCompass Podcast

Podcast IconHave you listened to the NCompass Podcast lately? Here are the episodes from December 2014. To get all of the episodes delivered to you automatically be sure to subscribe via RSS or iTunes.

 

 

Episode 312: Addressing the Legal Information Needs of Immigrants and Non Native Speakers

Episode 313: Best New Youth Books of 2014

Episode 314: Nebraska Memories

Episode 315: Installing and Using the OverDrive App: A Day-Before-Christmas Refresher!

Episode 316: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers: WordPress and SEO/SMO

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Friday Reads: The Ritual of Illusion by Richard Christian Matheson

Ritual of Illusion by Richard Christian Matheson“A sinister love letter to the movies, acclaimed author Richard Christian Matheson s The Ritual Of Illusion is a novella of modern fear about where stars truly come from. Oscar-winning film siren, Sephanie Vamore, meteors to iconic fame . . . but like cinema itself, nothing is as it appears. The fifty witnesses to her mythic ascent and bizarre fate are film royalty . . . many based on Hollywood glitterati; directors, stars, agents, studio heads, screenwriters, lovers, producers. Widescreen with lies and revelation, Vamore s story is told Rashomon-style with dialogue alone each hypnotic character adding poignant or lurid details to the shocking truth of what she really is. Matheson s insider s voice is a scathing x-ray that leaves them bloodied, awaiting their close-up.” (via Amazon.com)

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Library Employee Tuition Award

SYR Tuition

Are you interested in obtaining your graduate degree in library and information science (MSLIS)? Do you already have library experience?

The Syracuse University School of Information Studies (iSchool) offers a 25% Library Employee Tuition Award. If you work or have previously worked in the field of library and information science, and want to pursue an ALA accredited Library and Information Science (LIS) or LIS School Media (LISSM) master’s degree, either online or on-campus, this award can help you achieve that goal. This tuition award may also be applied to the CAS in Data Science.

For more information, go to http://ischool.syr.edu/libraryemployee

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