Category Archives: Education & Training

2025 NLC Grants are Open for Applications!

Posted on September 20, 2024 by Christa Porter

Nebraska Accredited Public Libraries and State-run Institutions! Do you have an idea for a program or project you would like to see funded? Apply for an NLC Grant!

The Nebraska Library Commission has made funding available for four grants for 2025: Continuing Education & Training, Internship, Library Improvement, and Youth Grants for Excellence.

Applications are being accepted for all NLC grants right now! Don’t let your library miss out on these opportunities!

Grant applications for all 2025 NLC grants are due November 15, 2024.

For more information about these grants, register for the September 25 NCompass Live webinar, NLC Grants for 2025.

Continuing Education & Training grants help 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. There will be two rounds of CE Grants. The first fall grants will open in September and applications will be accepted for events/projects/classes that must be completed before June 2025 . The second spring round will open in March and applications will be accepted for events/projects/classes that begin after June 2025.

Internship grants work to introduce high school and college students to the varied and exciting work of Nebraska libraries. The internships are intended to function as a recruitment tool, helping the student to view the library as a viable career opportunity while providing the public library with the finances to provide stipends to the student interns.

Library Improvement grants facilitate growth and development of library programs and services in Nebraska public and institutional libraries, by supplementing local funding with state funds designated for these purposes.

Youth Grants for Excellence are available specifically for innovative projects for children and young adults in your community. The program encourages creative thinking, risk-taking, and new approaches to enable youth librarians to begin needed programs and try projects which they have been unable to undertake, and to offer an opportunity to expand youth service capabilities in new and different directions.

Posted in Education & Training, Grants, Library Management, Now hiring @ your library, Programming, Technology, Youth Services | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: Problem-solving in Your Library Using the Toward Gigabit Libraries Toolkit

Posted on September 13, 2024 by Christa Porter

Learn how to solve common library tech issues using the free Toward Gigabit Libraries toolkit on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, September 18 at 10am CT.

In this session, we will tap into the collective “IT brain” of the attendees to walk through how to solve common library tech issues using the free Toward Gigabit Libraries toolkit. The newly updated toolkit helps library staff scale up their tech skills to understand, improve, and fund IT and broadband improvements. The Toward Gigabit Libraries toolkit was made possible through two grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), RE-00-15-0110-15 and RE-246219-OLS-20. For example, how can a non-techie library worker know which cables are actually working and which ones are dormant/unused? The participants will collaborate with some help from Stephanie, Carson, and the toolkit to talk through common IT and broadband problems and find solutions. Attendees are encouraged to bring their real-life library IT and broadband issues to the session– we’ll work together to leverage the community’s collective knowledge and the toolkit’s resources to solve them. After you attend the session, you’ll know how to navigate the free toolkit to use later with your library staff to raise everyone’s “IT IQ.”

Presenters: Stephanie Stenberg, Director, Internet2 Community Anchor Program (CAP) and Carson Block, Library Technology Consultant, Carson Block Consulting, Inc. .

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • Sept. 25 – NLC Grants for 2025
  • Oct. 2 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Digital Navigators & Digital Equity in Nebraska
  • Oct. 9 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE – ENJOY NLA!
  • Oct. 16 – Dragons at the Library: An Exciting New Reading Program
  • Oct. 23 – Letters About Literature 2024
  • Oct. 30 – Pretty Sweet Tech
  • Nov. 6 – Summer Reading Program 2025: Color Our World

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

Posted in Education & Training, Technology | Tagged | 1 Comment

What’s Up Doc? New State Agency Publications at the Nebraska Library Commission

Posted on September 11, 2024 by Mary Sauers

New state agency publications have been received at the Nebraska Library Commission for July and August, 2024.  Included are Annual Reports from the Nebraska Department of Health and human Services, reports from the Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts, the Nebraska State Treasurer, the Nebraska Department of Revenue, the Nebraska Department of Transportation, and the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement System, to name a few.

With the exception of University of Nebraska Press titles, items are available for immediate viewing and printing by clicking directly in the .pdf below. 

The Nebraska Legislature created the Nebraska Publications Clearinghouse in 1972 as a service of the Nebraska Library Commission. Its purpose is to collect, preserve, and provide access to all public information published by Nebraska state agencies.  By law (State Statutes 51-411 to 51-413) all Nebraska state agencies are required to submit their published documents to the Clearinghouse.  For more information, visit the Nebraska Publications Clearinghouse page, contact Mary Sauers, Government Information Services Librarian; or contact Bonnie Henzel, State Documents Staff Assistant.

Posted in Books & Reading, Education & Training, General, Information Resources, What's Up Doc / Govdocs | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: Memory Care Initiative

Posted on September 6, 2024 by Christa Porter

Join us for an insightful webinar featuring Brian Pichman, an innovator in library technology and services, as he explores the vital role libraries can play in memory care on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, September 11 at 10am CT.

This session will explore how libraries can become supportive environments for individuals with memory-related conditions, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Brian will share practical strategies for designing inclusive library programs, integrating therapeutic activities, and leveraging technology to create engaging, supportive, and accessible spaces. Ideal for librarians, caregivers, and community leaders, this webinar aims to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to enhance memory care through the power of libraries. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how libraries can make a meaningful difference and provide more inclusive programming.

Presenter: Brian Pichman, Director of Strategic Innovation, The Evolve Project.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • Sept. 18 – Problem-solving in Your Library using the Toward Gigabit Libraries toolkit
  • Sept. 25 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Digital Navigators & Digital Equity in Nebraska
  • Oct. 9 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE – ENJOY NLA!
  • Oct. 16 – Dragons at the Library: An Exciting New Reading Program

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

Posted in Education & Training, Programming | Tagged | Leave a comment

#BookFaceFriday – “On the Go with Senior Services” by Phyllis Goodman

Posted on September 6, 2024 by Tessa Timperley

Listen up, it’s #BookFaceFriday!

The Nebraska Library Commission is hiring! We are looking for a Marketing and Outreach Coordinator for our Talking Book and Braille (TBBS) department to help us recruit, retain, and engage our TBBS patrons.

The Talking Book and Braille Service is a no-cost braille and Audiobook library service for people with temporary or permanent low vision, blindness, or a physical or perceptual disability that prevents them from reading or holding the printed page or a reading disability. It’s one of the NLC’s core services and, while not limited to, is used by many Nebraska senior citizens.

“On the Go with Senior Services : Library Programs for Any Time and Any Place” by Phyllis Goodman (Libraries Unlimited, 2020) is a part of NLC’s Library Science Collection, which provides professional and reference materials for Nebraska librarians and library science programs. This includes all librarians and library science students. The checkout period is 4 weeks, and items can be sent through the mail or picked up in person. You can find all of these books and more in our catalog, or reach out to our reference staff for a recommendation!

“Providing programming at senior living facilities may be uncharted territory for many libraries. If you’re looking to begin offering programs for senior residents, start your research with this book. Find inspiration to take seniors to the past or around the world, make everyone an artist or author, empower them to use technology confidently, and connect with people living with dementia.”

― Jennie Fidler, Special Services Coordinator, Oconomowoc Public Library

Love this #BookFace & reading? Check out our past #BookFaceFriday photos on the Nebraska Library Commission’s Facebook page!

Posted in Books & Reading, Education & Training, Library Management, Talking Book & Braille Service (TBBS) | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Call for Speakers: Big Talk From Small Libraries 2025

Posted on September 5, 2024 by Christa Porter

The Call for Speakers for Big Talk From Small Libraries 2025 is now open!

Submit your proposal by Friday, December 13, 2024.

This free one-day online conference is tailored for staff from small libraries; the smaller the better!

Small libraries of all types – public, academic, school, museum, special, etc. – are encouraged to submit a proposal. We’re looking for seven 50-minute presentations and four 10-minute “lightning round” presentations.

Do you offer a service or program at your small library that other librarians might like to hear about? Have you implemented a new (or old) technology, hosted an event, partnered with others in your community, or just done something really cool? The Big Talk From Small Libraries online conference gives you the opportunity to share what you’ve done, while learning what your colleagues in other small libraries are doing.

Here are some possible topics to get you thinking:

  • Unique Libraries
  • Special Collections
  • New buildings
  • Fundraising
  • Improved Workflows
  • Staff Development
  • Advocacy Efforts
  • Community Partnerships
  • That great thing you’re doing at your library!

Speakers from libraries serving fewer than 10,000 people will be preferred, but presentations from libraries with larger service populations will be considered. Speakers must be from small libraries or directly partnered with a small library and submitting a proposal to co-present with the library.

Big Talk From Small Libraries 2025 will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025 between 8:45 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (CT) via the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Speakers will present their programs from their own desktops. The schedule will accommodate speakers’ time-zones.

This conference is sponsored by the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) and the Nebraska Library Commission.

Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash

Posted in Books & Reading, Education & Training, Grants, Information Resources, Library Management, Preservation, Programming, Public Library Boards of Trustees, Public Relations, Technology, Youth Services | Tagged | Leave a comment

Free Virtual Conference on AI in Libraries!

Posted on September 3, 2024 by Amanda Sweet

You know I’m always on the look-out for new and interesting AI conferences. On September 16-17, Brian Pichman with Bywater Solutions will be hosting the free Unlocking the Future: AI Innovations in Libraries conference. I’ve worked with Brian on a whole mess of projects, so I can confirm he knows his stuff about all things AI, education, and libraries. Bywater also brought in a bunch of speakers with their own expertise and awesomeness.

What Will You Find at the Conference?

You will find all kinds of fun sessions, including:

  • AI Literacy: What do we really need to know about AI to prepare our communities for a better future?
  • AI for Kids: How can we help K-12 students build AI literacy?
  • Generative AI: What is all this about AI generating images, stories, responses, etc? What does this mean for public libraries?
  • Library Marketing: How can generative AI improve our own library marketing?
  • AI for Reference and Training: How can libraries improve services, rather than fall behind?

Naturally, I registered already. Was there really any question?

How to Register

You can find conference info. & register at this link.

Did I mention it’s free? Bywater Solutions rocks!

Spread the Word!

Feel free to spread the word to all your library folks. We need more libraries talking proactively about all things AI! This conference is a good start. We might need a new library interest group soon…

Posted in Education & Training, Pretty Sweet Tech, Technology | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: Board Games & Computer Science in Libraries

Posted on August 30, 2024 by Christa Porter

Learn how to use tabletop games to teach computer science on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, September 4 at 10am CT.

While programming can seem abstract and confusing, board games provide an excellent, tangible parallel for how it works. In the current golden age of tabletop gaming, libraries worldwide are adding board games to their collections. Get some ideas for different ways libraries can use these assets for education and outreach.

Presenter: Stephen Hall, Computer Science & Engineering Librarian, University of Pennsylvania Libraries.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • Sept. 11 – Memory Care Initiative
  • Sept. 18 – Problem-solving in Your Library using the Toward Gigabit Libraries toolkit
  • Sept. 25 – Pretty Sweet Tech
  • Oct. 9 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE – ENJOY NLA!
  • Oct. 16 – Dragons at the Library: An Exciting New Reading Program

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

Posted in Education & Training, Programming, Technology | Tagged | Leave a comment

Fern V. Heim Trustee Scholarship: Applications Extended!

Posted on August 26, 2024 by Holli Duggan

Apply for an individual scholarship to attend either the NLA 2024 Conference in Kearney on October 9th-11th or to virtually attend the ARSL 2024 Conference on September 11th-14th!

**These scholarships are open only for current Nebraska Public Library Board Members!**

The Fern V. Heim Scholarship for Trustees was established by her friend, Mary Louise Dutcher, to honor Fern’s dedication to small public libraries and their trustees. Although Fern’s library career began in special libraries (Head of the UNL Chemistry Department Library, Serials and Circulation Departments of UNL Love Library, and then Director of the Research Library at Goodrich Tire and Rubber in Akron, Ohio), her work at the Nebraska Library Commission was devoted to public libraries. Recognizing that few small library budgets could provide support for librarians, let alone their volunteer trustees, to attend professional meetings, she encouraged them to go whenever possible (at their own expense) if only for a portion of the meeting. As her legacy, it is fitting to assist those trustees through this scholarship program.

The Fern V. Heim Scholarship Award was established to provide assistance to current public library trustees with preference to members of the Nebraska Library Association Public Library and Trustee Section (PLTS) for attendance at the Nebraska Library Association Conference or the Association for Rural and Small Libraries Conference.

Applications due by Friday, September 6, 2024!

For more details and application:

Please submit all grant application forms and questions to: Holli Duggan

Posted in Education & Training, Grants, Public Library Boards of Trustees | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: How to Make a Magic Butterfly Wand

Posted on August 23, 2024 by Christa Porter

Learn ‘How to Make a Magic Butterfly Wand’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, August 28 at 10am CT.

Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.

I’ve been having some fun using my butterfly wand to display lights in pop-up cards, so I’m going to show you how it works using Micro:bit radio control. Sort of like how you use a controller to make an RC car move, the butterfly wand controls a fun LED light display. It’s not too bad once you see it in action. By the end of this session you will have:

  1. Customizable material listing
  2. Code snippet you can download & re-use
  3. Activity ideas using micro:bit for elementary to middle school

This session will having you flying home to make your own wands!

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • Sept. 4 – Board Games & Computer Science in Libraries
  • Sept. 11 – Memory Care Initiative
  • Sept. 25 – Pretty Sweet Tech
  • Oct. 9 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE _ ENJOY NLA!
  • Oct. 16 – Dragons at the Library: An Exciting New Reading Program

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

Posted in Education & Training, Pretty Sweet Tech, Technology, Youth Services | Tagged , | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: Purchasing Computers for the Library

Posted on August 16, 2024 by Christa Porter

Is your library ready to upgrade its computers? Get some expert tips about ‘Purchasing Computers for the Library’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, August 21 at 10am CT.

Providing computers for public use is unique to libraries and their purchase requires extra consideration. Sherm will cover the topics of recommended styles, features, where to buy, funding, recommended software, and ongoing support.

Presenter: Andrew “Sherm” Sherman, IT Infrastructure Support Analyst, Nebraska Library Commission.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • Aug. 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech: How to Make a Magic Butterfly Wand
  • Sept. 4 – Board Games & Computer Science in Libraries
  • Sept. 11 – Memory Care Initiative
  • Sept. 25 – Pretty Sweet Tech
  • Oct. 9 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE _ ENJOY NLA!
  • Oct. 16 – Dragons at the Library: An Exciting New Reading Program

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

Posted in Education & Training, Technology | Tagged | Leave a comment

Fern V. Heim Trustee Scholarship: Applications Due Friday!

Posted on August 13, 2024 by Holli Duggan

Apply for an individual $500 scholarship to attend either the NLA 2024 Conference in Kearney on October 9th-11th or to the ARSL 2024 Conference in Springfield, MA on September 11th-14th!

The Fern V. Heim Scholarship for Trustees was established by her friend, Mary Louise Dutcher, to honor Fern’s dedication to small public libraries and their trustees. Although Fern’s library career began in special libraries (Head of the UNL Chemistry Department Library, Serials and Circulation Departments of UNL Love Library, and then Director of the Research Library at Goodrich Tire and Rubber in Akron, Ohio), her work at the Nebraska Library Commission was devoted to public libraries. Recognizing that few small library budgets could provide support for librarians, let alone their volunteer trustees, to attend professional meetings, she encouraged them to go whenever possible (at their own expense) if only for a portion of the meeting. As her legacy, it is fitting to assist those trustees through this scholarship program.

The Fern V. Heim Scholarship Award was established to provide assistance to current public library trustees with preference to members of the Nebraska Library Association Public Library and Trustee Section (PLTS) for attendance at the Nebraska Library Association Conference or the Association for Rural and Small Libraries Conference.

Applications due by August 16, 2024!

For more details and application:

Please submit all grant application forms and questions to:
Holli Duggan

Posted in Education & Training, Grants, Public Library Boards of Trustees | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: Operating a Culture of Belonging: Personal Librarian 2.0

Posted on August 9, 2024 by Christa Porter

Learn about Princeton University Library’s “Personal Librarian Program” on next week’s NCompass Live webinar ‘Operating a Culture of Belonging: Personal Librarian 2.0’ on Wednesday, August 14 at 10am CT.

Welber started Princeton University Library’s “Personal Librarian Program” in 2017, randomly pairing each undergraduate with a member of the library staff for all 4 years. The program, along with its associated in-person outreach events, has continued to increase in popularity among students and recently gained the notice of other campus partners. Two years ago, the dean of student services reached out to request a personal librarian for several athletic teams needing extra support. This proved so successful, the program has begun creating other “identity cohorts,” such as the Freshman Scholars Institute, which supports first-generation/low-income students. The library has found that assigning students a personal librarian in this way strengthens the efficacy of the program through connections among cohort members and their adult support system (mentors, leaders, coaches). This shift in emphasis has also strengthened the DEI aspect of the program, contributing to the culture of support and belonging that the library strives to provide. Welber explains the technical aspects of implementation and tips for making a program successful in your environment.

Presenter: Audrey B. Welber, Coordinator for Undergraduate Research and Instruction, Library-Data, Research and Teaching Services, Princeton University Library.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • Aug. 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech
  • Sept. 4 – Board Games & Computer Science in Libraries
  • Sept. 11 – Memory Care Initiative

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

Posted in Education & Training, Library Management, Public Relations | Tagged | Leave a comment

CCC Library Information Services Classes for Fall 2024

Posted on July 29, 2024 by Bailee Juroshek

Central Community College Fall 2024 classes in the Library and Information Services program are open for Registration. Classes begin August 19.

For further information concerning Admissions or Registration, contact Michelle Setlik, 402-461-2538 or toll free at 308-398-7341. See details of classes and registration information at https://www.cccneb.edu/lis

Posted in Education & Training, General, Information Resources, Public Relations | Tagged | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: Screaming Frog SEO: A tool to keep websites neat and up to date

Posted on July 26, 2024 by Christa Porter

Learn how to use Screaming Frog SEO to keep your library website neat and up to date on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, July 31 at 10am CT.

Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.

Many years ago I stumbled across a tool called Screaming Frog SEO. It’s a free/ low-cost tool to keep your website and resource documents up to date, Google keyword-friendly, and just all-around awesome. It is code-free and easy to learn with plenty of tutorials. In this session you will see how Screaming Frog can help you:

  • Check for broken links on your web pages for easy repair.
  • Make sure all images on your website are accessible.
  • Spell check and grammar check your whole website.
  • Find out when pages were last updated.
  • Other helpful tips and tricks.

As a fun fact, I found this tool because frogs are my favorite animal and I just wanted to see which website tools were frog-friendly. Now this is one of my most-used tools to update website and resource listings!

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • Aug. 7 – Learning New Technologies On-the-Fly: Vendorbrarian to Public Librarian
  • Aug. 14 – Operating a Culture of Belonging: Personal Librarian 2.0
  • Sept. 4 – Board Games & Computer Science in Libraries

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

Posted in Education & Training, Pretty Sweet Tech, Technology | Tagged , | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: E-rate 101: Just the Basics for 2025

Posted on July 19, 2024 by Christa Porter

What is E-rate? How can my library benefit from E-rate? How do I apply for E-rate? Find out on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, ‘E-rate 101: Just the Basics for 2025’ on Wednesday, July 24 at 10am CT.

E-rate is a federal program that provides discounts to schools and public libraries on the cost of their Internet Access and Connections to make these services more affordable. This includes Broadband, Fiber, and Wi-Fi Internet access as well as Internal Connections, such as wiring, routers, switches, and other network equipment. And new for 2025: off-premises use of Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless Internet services.

This session will be a general overview of the E-rate program. Full in-depth E-rate workshops will be held later in the year. It will be useful to libraries who have never applied for E-rate, libraries who are new to E-rate, and current E-rate libraries who just want a short refresher on what E-rate is all about.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The dates and rules in this session will be specific to E-rate Funding Year 2025.

Presenter: Christa Porter, Nebraska’s State E-rate Coordinator for Public Libraries, Nebraska Library Commission.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • July 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Screaming Frog SEO: A tool to keep websites neat and up to date
  • Aug. 7 – Learning New Technologies On-the-Fly: Vendorbrarian to Public Librarian
  • Aug. 14 – Operating a Culture of Belonging: Personal Librarian 2.0
  • Sept. 4 – Board Games & Computer Science in Libraries

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

Posted in Broadband Buzz, Education & Training, Technology | Tagged , | Leave a comment

United for Libraries Virtual 2024: Statewide Registration

Posted on July 18, 2024 by Holli Duggan

2024 United for Libraries Virtual: Trustees, Friends, Foundations

Tuesday July 30 – Thursday, August 1

There’s still time to register for the 2024 United for Libraries Virtual Conference! All Nebraska library directors/staff, Trustees/board members, and Friends of the Library and Foundation representatives receive FREE live registration – a value of $149 per person. 

Registration includes live attendance and on-demand access to three full days of programming, keynote featuring author Eric Klinenberg, and the virtual Gala Author Tea. Individuals may attend any/all sessions live and/or watch on-demand.

This interactive three-day virtual event will feature expert speakers on current topics facing library Trustees, Friends, Foundations, and staff who work with them.

  • Participate in live Q&A sessions with presenters
  • Enjoy exclusive access to keynote speakers and authors
  • Receive a certificate of attendance (for live participation or on-demand viewing)

Programming runs from 10:00 am CST to approximately 3:00 pm CST daily with scheduled breaks. Registrants may participate in some or all program sessions live, and/or watch recordings on-demand. (Sessions are also eligible for certification CE hours!)

Sessions include:

Tuesday, July 30th – Trustee Day

  • “Rising to the Challenge: The Trustee’s Role in the ‘Culture Wars’”
  • “Securing Tomorrow: Effective Succession Strategies for Library Boards”
  • “Valuing Your Library: Beyond Cost-Benefit Analysis”

Wednesday, July 31st – Foundations & Fundraising Day

  • “Donor Engagement: Acquiring and Inspiring Committed and Faithful Supporters”
  • “Enhancing the Story – Developing a Smaller-Scale Capital Projects Fundraising Campaign”
  • “Fundraising Tips and Tricks: Some Novel Ideas”
  • “Marketing is the Future: How to Build a More Sustainable Library Foundation Model by Integrating Marketing in the Organizational Culture, Strategy, and Practice”

Thursday, August 1st – Friends Day

  • “An Extravaganza of Literary Events for Your Library”
  • “Championing Library Freedom: How Friends Groups Can Fight Back When Our Library is Under Attack”
  • “Libraries are Better with Friends: How to Foster a Strong Group of Advocates”
  • “Smooth Sailing with Library Trustees and Staff”

Registration Options

Choose *one* of the following options below to register for the virtual conference:

  • Statewide Free Registration Form
  • Email United for Libraries
    • Email united@ala.org
    • Include your full name, email address, library, and primary library role
    • Allow one business day for registration
  • Bulk Registration
    • Library Directors may email united@ala.org
    • Include full names, email addresses, and primary library roles for each individual to register
    • Allow two business days for registration.

If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan.

Posted in Education & Training, Public Library Boards of Trustees | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

What’s Up Doc? New State Agency Publications at the Nebraska Library Commission

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Mary Sauers

New state agency publications have been received at the Nebraska Library Commission for March through June, 2024.  Included are reports from the Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts, the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services, the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission, the Nebraska Department of Transportation, and the Nebraska Public Power District, to name a few.

Items are available for immediate viewing and printing by clicking directly in the .pdf below. 

The Nebraska Legislature created the Nebraska Publications Clearinghouse in 1972 as a service of the Nebraska Library Commission. Its purpose is to collect, preserve, and provide access to all public information published by Nebraska state agencies.  By law (State Statutes 51-411 to 51-413) all Nebraska state agencies are required to submit their published documents to the Clearinghouse.  For more information, visit the Nebraska Publications Clearinghouse page, contact Mary Sauers, Government Information Services Librarian; or contact Bonnie Henzel, State Documents Staff Assistant.

Posted in Books & Reading, Education & Training, General, Information Resources, What's Up Doc / Govdocs | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Internet Librarian Connect 2024 Conference (Oct. 22-24)

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Susan Knisely
Internet Librarian Connect 2024 Logo

The Nebraska Library Commission is pleased to offer a discount to all librarians in Nebraska who sign up for a Virtual Pass to attend the Internet Librarian Connect 2024 Conference.

This leading virtual conference on library technology allows librarians and information managers from all over the world an equal opportunity to be a part of an exciting conference in a time-efficient and cost-effective manner. Along with the flexibility of participating from anywhere, Internet Librarian Connect offers attendees the benefits of no travel costs, diverse content with the convenience of on-demand access, and global networking opportunities.

The Virtual Pass discounted rate is $199 (regularly $299). The Virtual Pass includes access to all keynotes and main conference sessions, networking, and the virtual exhibit hall. It also includes access to archived session recordings for viewing through December 31, 2024. (Does not include access to workshops unless purchased separately.)

This year the conference is being held virtually, from October 22 – 24, 2024. Detailed information about the conference can be found on the virtual event website now!

Full program details will be added to the Event Agenda in late July.

To receive the discount:

  1. Go to the Internet Librarian Connect 2024 registration link: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/ILC24/register#category
  2. Click on the Single Registration option.
  3. Complete the registration form, entering and applying the discount code 24NLC when prompted at checkout. Your discounted pricing should appear at this point.

Note: Your code will only work in the Single Registration option. The code isn’t needed when using the Team Registration.

Also, before registering, please be aware that sharing virtual access is not allowed. Each registration allows access for one person only.

Registration Questions:

Joan Weiss, Conference Registrar
jweiss@infotoday.com

General Inquiries:

virtual@itiworkspace.com

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NCompass Live: Think Outside the Box: Transformative Training with Breakout Challenges

Posted on July 12, 2024 by Christa Porter

‘Think Outside the Box’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, July 17 at 10am CT.

You have all likely heard of breakout boxes. Join me to learn and discuss creative ways this tool can help make learning fun. These can be used for children and for adults, and the possibilities are endless. I will share what ideas I have explored, and it will be exciting to hear of any suggestions others have to offer!

Presenter: Tammi Thiem, Director, Three Rivers Library System, Omaha, NE.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • July 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech
  • Aug. 7 – Learning New Technologies On-the-Fly: Vendorbrarian to Public Librarian
  • Aug. 14 – Operating a Culture of Belonging: Personal Librarian 2.0

To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.

NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.

The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.

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