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Category Archives: Public Library Boards of Trustees
Trustee Academy: Updated Courses
Through a statewide partnership between the Nebraska Library Commission and United for Libraries, all Trustees, Friends groups, and library directors in Nebraska have access to online United for Libraries resources. The Trustee Academy is a series of webinars to help Trustees learn about their roles in libraries.
Recently, these Trustee Academy resources have been updated. The old courses will only be available until June 30, 2017.
- Trustee Competencies
- Working Effectively with the Library Director
- The Library’s Budget for Trustees
- Standing Up for Intellectual Freedom
- Everyday Advocacy – Why the Library Matters!
Added Webinar (not a part of the Trustee Academy):
- Merging a Friends and Foundation – “In the library world today, there is a huge need for support organizations – Friends & Foundations – but often the lines between these two groups are blurred and their work counter-productive. In this webinar, presenters Peter Pearson and Sue Hall discuss the difference in the roles of Friends and Foundations and identify areas where there can be conflict – and present strategies for minimizing conflict. They also address the question, “When is it time for the two organizations to merge?” and share solutions for engaging in a merger process that minimizes pain and maximizes potential. Pearson and Hall also talk about national challenges and trends for Friends and Foundations.”
The old (soon-to-be-retired) courses are still available until June 30, 2017:
- Trustee Basics – Part I
- Trustee Basics – Part II
- Working Effectively with the Library Director
- The Library’s Budget
- Advocating for Your Library
- Evaluating the Library Director
For more information: http://www.ala.org/united/nebraska
Admission to the Trustee Academy courses has been prepaid by the Nebraska Library Commission for Nebraska Library Trustees and Directors. Contact Holli Duggan for the username and password.
Teachers and Librarians Invited to Host Letter Writing Clinics
Teachers and Librarians Invited to Host Letter Writing Clinics
Books make a difference in the lives of Nebraska young people. We know this because they say so in the letters they write to authors for the Letters About Literature competition. In her 2014 winning letter to Gary Soto, Sydney Kohl says, “The work inspired me to be true to myself, and also taught me the importance of each and every small perk in life. Our time on Earth is short, and might not be perfect, but as long as we take advantage of the opportunities given to us, maybe that’s okay.” *
Nebraska teachers and librarians are invited to apply for $300 grants to conduct Letters About Literature Letter Writing Clinics. Funding will be provided to introduce students to the Letters about Literature (LAL) contest and letter writing techniques, and to work with them to select books and craft letters to the authors. Grant funds can be used for items such as instructor honorariums, supplies, marketing, small participation prizes, etc. Applicants will target their efforts to specific age groups: grades 4-6, grades 7-8, or grades 9-12
For more information about the LAL Letter Writing Clinic grant (due March 30), see http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/lalwritingclinics or contact JoAnn McManus, Nebraska Library Commission, 402-471-4870, 800-307-2665. This grant opportunity is sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book and Nebraska Library Commission and supported by Humanities Nebraska. More about how the LAL national reading and writing promotion program encourages young readers in grades 4-12 to explore what books mean to them by writing a personal letter to an author is available at centerforthebook.nebraska.gov.
* Get inspired by listening to Nebraska winners Ashley Xiques and Sydney Kohl read and talk about and their winning letters to the authors that meant something to them at NET Radio’s All About Books.
NOTE: The Letters About Literature competition is made possible by a generous grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, with additional support from gifts to the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, which promotes the contest through its affiliate Centers for the Book, state libraries, and other organizations. Letters About Literature is coordinated and sponsored in Nebraska by the Nebraska Center for the Book and the Nebraska Library Commission, with support from Houchen Bindery, Ltd. and Chapters Bookstore in Seward.
Governor Ricketts Proclaims 2017 One Book One Nebraska: Black Elk Speaks
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 11, 2017
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Rod Wagner
402-471-4001
800-307-2665
Governor Ricketts Proclaims 2017 One Book One Nebraska: Black Elk Speaks
On Jan. 9, 2017 Governor Pete Ricketts signed a proclamation honoring 2017 One Book One Nebraska: Black Elk Speaks by John G. Neihardt. In this year people across Nebraska are encouraged to read this novel. The story of the Oglala Lakota visionary and healer Nicholas Black Elk (1863-1950) and his people, offers readers much more than a glimpse of a vanished time. Black Elk’s searing visions of the unity of Humanity and Earth, conveyed by John G. Neihardt, have made this book a classic that crosses multiple genres and generations. The 2017 One Book One Nebraska selection is among 150 books chosen to highlight the 150th year celebration of Nebraska’s statehood. Rod Wagner, Director of the Nebraska Library Commission, presented the governor with a copy of the book. “The John G. Neihardt Foundation and State Historic Site in Bancroft is honored to take part in sharing this story, as well as our heritage and history, together with Nebraskan readers and beyond,” said Amy Kucera, Executive Director at the John G. Neihardt State Historic Site. “This transcendent tale is a true gift – created from a remarkable past so we might better understand the present, it continues to inform and inspire the future as each generation takes its turn through the pages.”
Photos of the proclamation-signing ceremony are available online.
The One Book One Nebraska reading program is entering its thirteenth year and is sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book, Nebraska Library Commission, John G. Neihardt Foundation & Nebraska State Historical Society, University of Nebraska Press, Humanities Nebraska, and Nebraska libraries and regional library systems. It encourages Nebraskans across the state to read and discuss one book, chosen from books written by Nebraska authors or that have a Nebraska theme or setting. Libraries across Nebraska will join other literary and cultural organizations in planning book discussions, activities, and events to encourage Nebraskans to read and discuss this book. Support materials to assist with local reading/discussion activities are available on the 2017 One Book One Nebraska web page. Updates and activity listings will be posted there and on the NCB Facebook page.
The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at the Nebraska Library Commission and brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book, supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is supported by the Nebraska Library Commission.
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.”
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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.
Sam Shaw: Planning and Data Services Coordinator
Meet Sam Shaw who serves as our Planning and Data Services Coordinator.
Sam collects and gathers statistical data about public libraries and produces a variety of products. A large portion of the data collected is from the annual IMLS Public Library Survey. Sam was born and raised in Northeast Lincoln and is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University where he received a BA in Philosophy. Since philosophical jobs were in short supply, Sam worked at a law firm in Lincoln and discovered that he would rather devote his time to public service as opposed to private practice. Sam then became the public services librarian at the Nebraska State Library, better known as the Nebraska Supreme Court Law Library in the capitol building. After staff elimination from budget cuts (Sam got RIF’d), he became the librarian at the Nebraska State Penitentiary and later the Library Coordinator for the Nebraska Correctional Libraries. He obtained his MLS from the University of Missouri. Sam says the most satisfying thing about working in libraries is finding information, helping people with projects, and serving the public
When I asked Sam what he thinks of when I mention the Library Commission he responded: Its laid back, there is support for new ideas and ways of doing things, and a great group of people. When Sam isn’t working at the Commission, he enjoys light workouts, chen style tai chi, gardening, fixing things, visiting botanical gardens, and ballroom dancing. He is the father to a daughter (age 9) and a son (age 5). If he could choose any other profession he would like to found and run non-profits supporting the local community. Likely these would be bringing a large scale botanical Garden or an Asian Cultural Center (tai chi and Asian botanical garden or self-realization center) to Lincoln. Sam describes himself as non-fiction reader and a lowbrow fiction reader, with his favorite authors including John Waters, Raymond Carver, Charles Bukowski, Albert Camus, and Larry Brown. It’s not uncommon for Sam to have 40 or more items borrowed from the Lincoln City Library at one time, including kids’ books and DVDs. A perfect day might include a favorable climate, sleeping late, drinks, napping, dinner, and late night salsa dancing. It’s wonderful to have Sam at the Library Commission after he has served other Nebraska State Agencies so well.
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Nebraska Authors to Speak at October 29 Celebration of Nebraska Books
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 18, 2016
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Mary Jo Ryan
402-471-3434
800-307-2665
Nebraska Authors to Speak at October 29 Celebration of Nebraska Books
Readers are invited to hear presentations by winning Nebraska writers and book designers at the Nebraska Center for the Book’s October 29 Celebration of Nebraska Books in downtown Lincoln. Presenters will include the following 2016 Nebraska Book Award Winners:
Designers: N. Putens, Rodeo Nebraska.
Fiction Writer: Chigozie Obioma, The Fishermen: A Novel.
Illustrator: Justin T. Sipiorski, The Fishes of Nebraska.
Non-fiction Writers: James W. Hewitt, In Cold Storage: Sex and Murder on the Plains; Summer Miller, New Prairie Kitchen: Stories and Seasonal Recipes from Chefs, Farmers, and Artisans of the Great Plains; Nancy Plain, This Strange Wilderness: The Life and Art of John James Audubon; and Robert A. Hrabik, Steven C. Schainost, Richard H. Stasiak, Edward J. Peters, The Fishes of Nebraska.
Photographer/Writer: Mark Harris, Rodeo Nebraska.
Poets: Lin Brummels, Hard Times, and Charles Peek, Breezes on Their Way to Being Winds.
The celebration, free and open to the public, will also feature presentation of the Nebraska Center for the Book’s 2016 Jane Geske Awards to City Impact (Lincoln), Literacy Center for the Midlands (Omaha), and Platte Valley Literacy Association (Columbus) Community Reading Program for exceptional contributions to literacy in Nebraska. The Nebraska Center for the Book will also present the 2016 Mildred Bennett Awards to Nebraska poets Twyla Hansen and Marjorie Saiser at the Celebration. Hansen and Saiser will be honored for their contributions to Nebraska writing and for their service in support of Nebraska’s writers and readers.
This year the Celebration marks the twelfth year of One Book One Nebraska with a program by Karen Gettert Shoemaker, author of The Meaning of Names, the 2016 One Book One Nebraska book selection
The Nebraska Center for the Book Annual Meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m.—just prior to the 2:30-6:30 p.m. Celebration. An awards reception honoring the winning authors, book signings, and announcement of the 2017 One Book One Nebraska book choice will conclude the festivities. The Celebration of Nebraska Books is sponsored by Nebraska Center for the Book, Nebraska Library Commission, Nebraska State Historical Society’s Nebraska History Museum, and University of Nebraska Press—with support for the One Book One Nebraska presentation from Humanities Nebraska. Celebration information is available at http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/programs/celebration.html.
The Nebraska Center for the Book is housed at the Nebraska Library Commission and brings together the state’s readers, writers, booksellers, librarians, publishers, printers, educators, and scholars to build the community of the book, supporting programs to celebrate and stimulate public interest in books, reading, and the written word. The Nebraska Center for the Book is supported by the Nebraska Library Commission.
As the 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.
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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.
Gov. Ricketts Names Appointments to Nebraska Library Commission
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2016
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Mary Jo Ryan
402-471-3434
800-307-2665
Gov. Ricketts Names Appointments to Nebraska Library Commission
Gov. Pete Ricketts recently appointed Charles (Chuck) Peek, of Kearney, and Sandra (Sandy) White, of Sidney, to three-year terms on the Nebraska Library Commission. Gov. Ricketts also reappointed Michael LaCroix, of Omaha, to a second three-year term.
A former member of the board for Kearney Public Library, Chuck Peek is an Emeritus Professor of English at University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK). He served for some time as a board member and president of the Nebraska Center for the Book, and received its Mildred Bennett Award in 2011. Since retiring in 2008, he has published two books of poetry and one volume of homilies given at Red Cloud’s Grace Church for Cather events—and currently serves on the Willa Cather Foundation Board of Governors. Chuck teaches occasionally for Kearney’s Senior College, Lincoln’s OLLI, and the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry in Topeka.
Sandy White was a Nebraska educator for more than forty years. Before retiring, she served panhandle schools for several years as the Library-Media Services Director for Educational Service Units 13 and 14. She served on the board of the Western Library System (formerly known as the Panhandle Library System). She also served on the board, including a term as president, of the Nebraska School Library Association (formerly known as the Nebraska Educational Media Association). She currently serves on the board of the Sidney Public Library.
Michael LaCroix served as Director of the Reinert-Alumni Memorial Library at Creighton University and as interim dean of the University of Nebraska Omaha’s Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library. He formerly served as library director at Greensboro College and Wingate University in North Carolina, and at Albright College in Pennsylvania. He is a member of the board of directors for United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), and previously served on the Nebraska State Advisory Council on Libraries—including a term as chair—and on the North Carolina State Advisory Council on Libraries. LaCroix was elected to the board of directors of ALA’s Association of College and Research Libraries and served as Nebraska’s representative to the Online Computer Library Center Member’s Council. Formerly the treasurer of the Nebraska Library Association (NLA), he chaired the NLA College and University section.
They join current Commissioners Molly Fisher (Lincoln), Susan Warneke (Norfolk), and Debby Whitehill Bloom (Omaha) serving on the Nebraska Library Commission—the policy-making body ensuring that the agency is fully responsible for the statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library programs and services.
As the 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.”
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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases
NLC Staff: Meet Craig Lefteroff
Meet Craig Lefteroff, who joined the Nebraska Library Commission as our Technology Innovation Librarian a year ago this month. Craig was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi and attended college at Delta State University, in Cleveland, Mississippi, graduating with a BA in English. After graduation, Craig taught English and speech for one year in a Mississippi Delta town with one store and a prison. This experience encouraged Craig to seek new employment, so he moved to Versailles (pronounced ver-say-elles), Kentucky, where he cleaned computers for Walmart. Next up was a job as an accountant for a Holiday Inn in Lexington, Kentucky. This job afforded him some flexibility so, affirming his love for books and literature, he enrolled in library school at the University of Kentucky.
Craig’s first professional library job was as a reference librarian at St. Tammany Parish Library north of Lake Pontchartrain after Hurricane Katrina. A tipping point occurred during this chapter of Craig’s life and it was time to try living closer if not north of the Mason-Dixon Line. To fill a job title of Reference and Electronics Librarian, Craig moved to West Virginia to work for the Kanawha City Public Library where he lived at the top of a hill. When Craig was selected by the Nebraska Library Commission, it was a priority to be able to walk to work as this was never a possibility in Elkview.
It is typical for librarians to have eclectic interests and Craig fits this description. He surrounds himself with a variety of people and enjoys movies, music, and reading. Some of Craig’s favorite authors are Thomas Hardy, George Elliot, Herman Melville, Cormac McCarthy, and Mary Roach. A book that Craig has read at least five times is Stoner by John Williams owing to the theme of a young man growing up in the south who falls in love with literature. If money were no issue, he would spend his time reading and traveling first to Italy. When asked what other profession he would like to practice, Craig would be a writer and when I asked him to comment on his associations about his workplace, he responded: food day.
We’re grateful Craig has made the Midwest his home and is willing to share his skills and interests with those of us in Nebraska libraries.
Nebraska Libraries on the Web
Imagine that a new resident has just arrived in your town. She’s eager to read the new Ruth Ware novel, but isn’t familiar with your library, so she hits the Internet to search for you. What does she find? What would you like for her to find?
Nebraska Libraries on the Web is a free service open to any public library in Nebraska. We use the WordPress platform to create robust and user-friendly library websites. Our sites are controlled by “themes” that modify the display of your site, meaning that your content will be presented in an appealing fashion automatically. You don’t have to worry about coding, just add text and images that tell the world about your library. For those who wish to alter aspects of their site’s theme, controls are available that allow you to tweak your font, colors, and more. You can even change your entire theme with one click to give your site a brand new appearance.
Because WordPress is so widely used, it’s not surprising that it works well with the biggest names on the Internet. Your site will arrive ready to connect to Facebook, Pinterest, and more. Any content that you add to your website can be automatically posted to your social networks, too. If you use Google Calendar, you can incorporate that directly into your new site, or use add-on tools called plugins to create a new calendar that displays your library’s events. Plugins also allow you to create surveys, contact forms, and forums, and host them all on your site. There’s probably a plugin for anything that you’d like to do with your site and Commission staff are available to assist you in tracking down the right tools. We also take care of software updates and security concerns, so you never have to worry about maintenance.
If this sounds like an approach that might work for your library, please contact Craig Lefteroff, or by phone at (402) 471-3106. For more information on the service or to view our current sites, please visit http://libraries.ne.gov/projectblog/.
Free Advocacy Webinar Series Set to Start July 14
United for Libraries co-sponsors FREE online Library Campaign Training Institute, July 14-Aug. 4
Developed and presented by Libby Post of Communication Services, the Library Campaign Training Institute will teach attendees how to create, market, and implement an effective advocacy campaign for your library.
(Note: Registration is mandatory, and “seats” in the virtual room are first-come, first serve. All four hour sessions will be recorded and archived for future viewing; registrants will be sent a link after each session to watch the recorded webinar. Thanks in advance for understanding!)
Part 1: Building your Base – July 14, 2016, 12:00, CST
This workshop makes the connection between program and services outreach and building a library’s base of support for advocacy. This workshop details:
- Using recent research as well as preparing public service return on investment calculations.
- How to map a community.
- Options for program development – examples used are the Recreation market and local elected officials.
- Connection between customer service and advocacy.
- Use of social media.
- Managing data.
- Using volunteer messengers.
Register here: http://ala.adobeconnect.com/e237rpvpkjb/event/registration.html
Part 2: The Best Defense is a Good Offense – July 21, 2016, 12:00, CST
This workshop provides participants with the knowledge needed to:
- Create a campaign plan.
- Recruit volunteer leadership.
- Detail roles and responsibilities.
Register here: http://ala.adobeconnect.com/e3l3fk4nzyp/event/registration.html
Part 3: Message, Marketing, & Media – July 28th, 2016, 12:00, CST
This workshop walks participants through:
- How to develop a campaign message using values and emotional branding.
- Integrating that message into campaign outreach.
- Public presentations.
- Using the media to advance the message.
Register here: http://ala.adobeconnect.com/e8gwutbl7gb/event/registration.html
Part 4: Connecting with YES Voters + Part 5: Get out the Vote (Immediately following Part 4): August 4, 2016, 12:00, CST
This workshop details the nuts and bolts of a library field operation including:
- Targeting through using enhanced voter files.
- Phone Banking/Direct Mail/Social Media/Email/Voter Tracking
This workshop brings the previous four together with the ultimate goal of reaching out to Yes voters and getting them to the polls.
Register here: http://ala.adobeconnect.com/e2mcuzeax0q/event/registration.html
Strategic Planning Workshops offered in the Western Library System
If your public library is slated for re-accreditation in 2016
or in 2017, these workshops are for you!
Every three years accredited Nebraska public libraries have the opportunity to seek accreditation again for another three-year period. Libraries are accredited at one of three levels – Bronze, Silver or Gold – based on the number of points accumulated on the accreditation application form. Accreditation also requires that the library submit and have approved by the Commission, a strategic plan (learn more about Strategic Planning and Accreditation here).
Next month three Strategic Planning workshops will be offered in the Western Library System area:
• Tuesday, July 12, 2016 – Alliance Public Library (1750 Sweetwater Ave., Alliance)
• Thursday, July 14, 2016 – Lied Imperial Public Library (703 Broadway, Imperial)
• Tuesday, July 19, 2016 – Sidney Public Library (1112 12th Ave., Sidney)
Each workshop will run from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. You should have had lunch before you get to the workshop. To register for one of the workshops, go to the following link which will take you to the Commission’s Calendar on which you can register.
In case you are not sure of your accreditation status, following are the public libraries in Western Library System slated for re-accreditation in 2016, and 2017:
2016:
Bridgeport Public Library
Chadron Public Library
Chappell Memorial Library & Art Gallery
Dundy County Library (Benkelman)
Nancy Fawcett Memorial Library (Lodgepole)
Paxton Public Library
Sidney Public Library
Trenton Public Library
2017:
Crawford Public Library
Hastings Memorial Library (Grant)
Morrill Public Library
Goodall City Library (Ogallala)
Rushville Public Library
In addition the following unaccredited libraries which submitted their annual statistics this year (and received funding under the “Dollars for Data” program) are eligible to become accredited libraries:
Arthur County Library
Bayard Public Library
Sioux County Public Library (Harrison)
Hayes Center Public Library
Hemingford Public Library
Lewellen Public Library
Lyman Public Library
Minatare Public Library
Hooker County Library (Mullen)
Stratton Public Library
Wauneta Public Library
So, how about it? Come to one of the above workshops (and bring a board member or two along too) and find out what this strategic planning is all about. You might see that it is easier than you anticipate.
For questions, contact me at the Nebraska Library Commission:
Richard Miller
(800) 307-2665
Library Improvement Grants Announced for 2016
Library Development Director Richard Miller announced today that 14 Nebraska libraries — 13 public libraries, and one state-run institutional library — would be receiving Library Improvement Grants this year. These grants are funded with federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds made available through the Institute of Museum and Library and Services and administered by the Nebraska Library Commission.. The grant review team consisted of Scott Childers (Southeast Library System), and, from the Commission, Rod Wagner, Allana Novotny, Christa Burns, and Richard Miller.
Here are the libraries, brief descriptions of their projects, and grant amounts. For those libraries receiving grants for AWE Work Stations, the amounts of those grants are pending, to be determined following discussions with the company which sells these work stations. (Note: As with the last round of Youth Grants for Excellence, this will be the last year AWE Work Stations will be eligible grant projects under the Library Improvement Grants.)
Axtell Public Library — Outdoor Movie Night — $2,013
Beaver City Public Library — AWE Work Station — TBD
Blue Hill Public Library — Central Nebraska Digital Consortium membership; iPod Touch units — $636
Brunswick Public Library — CatExpress; two computers — in preparation for joining the Pioneer Consortium — $4,359
Fairbury Public Library — AWE Work Station — Spanish-Language — TBD
Franklin Public Library — 2 computers; Pioneer Consortium membership preparation — $4,587
Fullerton Public Library — AWE Work Station — TBD
Lincoln City Libraries — Mobile Maker Spaces — $6,721
McCook Public Library — Join Pioneer Consortium — $8,657
Norfolk Regional Center Patient Library — Creation of reading/learning nook for patients — $500
North Bend Public Library — Computer classes; author visits; storytelling; ADA Update — $3,920
Plainview Public Library — Computers; whiteboard; smart TV for new library building — $13,500
Springfield Memorial Library — Digitizing of historical photos; scanner; cart; camera kit — $2,670
Yutan Public Library — IPads; technology & social media training; Maker Space activities — $2,416
For questions concerning the Library Improvement Grants, please contact Richard Miller.
Nebraska Library Commission Announces Accreditation for Public Libraries
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 15, 2015
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Richard Miller
402-471-3175
800-307-2665
Nebraska Library Commission Announces Accreditation for Public Libraries
Nebraska Library Commission Library Development Director Richard Miller recently announced the accreditation of public libraries across Nebraska. Miller stated, “We are dedicated to helping Nebraska libraries meet Nebraskans’ information needs, opening up the world of information for citizens of all ages. The Library Commission continues to work in partnership with Nebraska libraries and the regional library systems, using the Public Library Accreditation program to help public libraries grow and develop.”
Public libraries in Nebraska are accredited for a three-year period, from October 1 of the first year, through September 30 of the third year. To learn more about this process, and see a complete list of all accredited Nebraska libraries, see the Nebraska Library Commission website (nlc.nebraska.gov), search on Accreditation.
The Nebraska Library Commission congratulates the public libraries listed below as they move forward toward the realization of this vision for the future: “All Nebraskans will have improved access to enhanced library and information services, provided and facilitated by qualified library personnel, boards, and supporters with the knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes necessary to provide excellent library and information services.”
As the 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.”
Nebraska Public Libraries Newly Accredited through September 30, 2018
Ainsworth Public Library
Alliance Public Library
Auburn Memorial Library
Aurora, Alice M Farr Library
Bassett, Rock County Public Library
Beatrice Public Library
Beaver City Public Library
Beemer, Karlen Memorial Library
Bellevue Public Library
Bennington Public Library
Bloomfield Public Library
Blue Hill Public Library
Broadwater Public Library
Broken Bow Public Library
Central City Public Library
Clarkson Public Library
Clearwater Public Library
Creighton Public Library
Crete Public Library
Culbertson Public Library
David City, Hruska Memorial Public Library
DeWitt, Bob and Wauneta Burkley Library and Resource Center
Emerson Public Library
Exeter Public Library
Fairbury Public Library
Fairmont Public Library
Friend, Gilbert Public Library
Genoa Public Library
Gering Public Library
Gibbon Public Library
Gordon City Library
Gothenburg Public Library
Grand Island Public Library
Gretna Public Library
Hartington Public Library
Hildreth Public Library
Holdrege Area Public Library
Hooper Public Library
Hyannis, Grant County Library
Lied Imperial Public Library
Kimball Public Library
La Vista Public Library
Lexington Public Library
Lincoln City Libraries
Loup City Public Library
Madison Public Library
McCook Public Library
Minden, Jensen Memorial Library
Mitchell Public Library
Nebraska City, Morton-James Public Library
Newman Grove Public Library
Norfolk Public Library
North Platte Public Library
Oakland Public Library
Omaha Public Library
O’Neill Public Library
Ord Township Library
Orleans, Cordelia B Preston Memorial Library
Oshkosh Public Library
Palisade Public Library
Papillion, Sump Memorial Library
Pilger Public Library
Plainview Carnegie Library
Plattsmouth Public Library
Schuyler Public Library
Lied Scottsbluff Public Library
Scribner Public Library
Seward Memorial Library
South Sioux City Public Library
Stanton Public Library
Stromsburg Public Library
Superior Public Library
Lied Tekamah Public Library
Raymond A Whitwer Tilden Public Library
Valentine Public Library
Wausa, Lied Lincoln Township Library
Wayne Public Library
Weeping Water Public Library
West Point, John A Stahl Library
Wilber, Dvoracek Memorial Library
Wymore Public Library
Yutan Public Library
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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.
Library Improvement Grants Now Available
The 2016 Library Improvement Grants, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) from Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant monies, are now available. Nebraska accredited public libraries and certain state-run institutional libraries are eligible to apply for these competitive grants to help facilitate growth and development of library programs and services by supplementing local funding with federal funds designated for these purposes.
In keeping with the goals of the Library Services and Technology Act, the Library Improvement Grants are intended to help libraries meet the goals of the Nebraska Library Commission’s LSTA Five-Year Plan 2013 – 2017. To be funded projects must meet one or more of specific LSTA Purposes listed at the following link. Funding to help libraries join the statewide Pioneer Consortium will receive priority consideration as grant applications are evaluated.
Other requirements include a 25% local match. At least 10% of this match must be in cash. Federal LSTA grants involve meeting certain other requirements which are outlined at the link above and in grant agreement documents for approved projects. The minimum grant amount is $500.
Libraries submitting grant applications will notice that the application form has been changed quite a bit from those used in the past. These changes meet federal reporting guidelines which will allow IMLS to present cogent and cohesive reports on the use of federal LSTA monies to Congress as part of its efforts in support of continuing this funding for library services nationwide. This link will take you directly to the grant application form.
Pertinent dates to remember:
• December 4, 2015 – Application form available
• January 28, 2016 – Applications due by 11:59 PM Central Time
• February 17, 2016 – Grant recipients announced
For questions concerning these grants contact Richard Miller 800-307-2665.
NCompass Live: Introducing Two New Library Guides
Join us for next week’s NCompass Live, “Introducing Two New Library Guides”, on Wednesday, October 21, 10:00-11:00 am Central Time.
Take a look at the new Library Board Handbook—streamlined, updated, user-friendly, and chock full of great information. Sharon Osenga, co-director of the Central Plains Library System; Anneka Ramirez, director of the Three Rivers Library System; and Laura Johnson, Continuing Education Coordinator at the Nebraska Library Commission will show off the Handbook.
But that’s not all! A new library director has to handle a lot of new things. The Public Library Directors Guidebook is a compilation of information that should help to answer questions about who’s who and what’s what. Sharon, Anneka, and Laura will demonstrate this work-in-progress, and ask what information and features would be most useful to program attendees.
Upcoming NCompass Live events:
- Oct. 28 – The Golden Sower Award: Nebraska’s Children’s Choice Literary Award
- Nov. 4 – 2016 Nebraska Library Internship Grant Program
- Nov. 18 – Inspire Your Community with an Innovation Lab
For more information, to register for NCompass Live, or to listen to recordings of past events, 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 GoToWebinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoToWebinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
FREE Recorded Webinar: Anatomy of a Successful Library Campaign
Nebraska library staff and board members are encouraged to access a free recorded Webinar, Anatomy of a Successful Library Campaign: Real World Tips for Getting the Funding You Need, at https://ala.adobeconnect.com/_a1087453682/p3ggw7rl5mk/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal. United for Libraries recently recorded a webinar with Libby Post of Communication Services and Doreen Hannon, executive director of the Salem-South Lyon (Mich.) District Library, who discussed the library’s successful millage campaign.
Libraries can also access the free United for Libraries Power Guide for Successful Advocacy, which takes the mystery out of advocacy, provides you with an organized step-by-step approach, and allows you to develop a set of strategies that will motivate your community to pressure funders to support the library or in the case of a referendum or a bond issue – to vote “yes.” Check out the Webinar and other online tools developed thanks to a Neal-Schuman Foundation grant.
Funding for Small-Town Libraries: Kreutz Bennett Donor Advised Fund Grants
The Nebraska Community Foundation has recently announced that this year’s Kreutz Bennett Donor Advised Fund Grants are now available for public libraries in communities of fewer than 3,000 residents. The three types of grants are:
- Planning Grants (leading to public library Accreditation)
- Enhancement Grants (for improving library services and/or programs)
- Facilities Grants (to contribute toward new facilities, or renovation, restoration or rehabilitation of current libraries)
The process requires submitting an initial “short application” — due by October 1, 2014. This application is reviewed and used as a basis for whether or not to invite the library to send in a “long form” application which is used to determine which libraries will receive grants during this grant year.
For details on the grants, including match requirements, levels of funding available, and many more details, contact: Reggi Carlson, Nebraska Community Foundation Communications Director, (402)323-7331 or rcarlson@nebcommfund.org or go to the following link to review the guidelines and to see the application procedures including the short application:
www.nebcommfound.org/fund/kreutz-bennett
Nebraska Community Foundation is a statewide organization using charitable giving to build prosperous communities. NCF works with volunteer leaders serving more than 200 communities by providing training, strategic development, gift planning assistance and financial management for its affiliated funds located throughout the state. In the last five years more than 35,000 contributions have been made to NCF affiliated funds, and more than $122 million has been reinvested to benefit Nebraska communities. For more information visit www.NebraskaHometown.org.
Join us April 22 for a Webinar Discussion on the Regional Library Systems Configuration Task Force Preliminary Report
Rod Wagner, Nebraska Library Commission Director, and Richard Miller, Nebraska Library Commission Library Development Director, will summarize the report of recent Regional Library Systems Configuration Task Force discussions and will solicit questions and comments from Nebraska library staff and board members.
State and federal budget cuts over several years and flat funding in recent years prompted discussions among regional library system directors, system board members, and Nebraska Library Commission staff to address funding constraints and regional organization. Those discussions resulted in formation of the Regional Library Systems Configuration Task Force. The Task Force recommended options for reducing the number of regional systems from the current six to five or four regions. The March 14, 2014 report of this task force can be accessed at: http://nlc.nebraska.gov/systems/
Participants in this Webinar discussion will be encouraged to provide input via live chat or microphone connection. For more information contact Richard Miller, Nebraska Library Commission Library Development Director, richard.miller@nebraska.gov, 800-307-2665, or 402-471-3175.
This Webinar will be broadcast live on April 22, 2014 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website or use the World Clock Time Zone Converter. In the Time Zone Converter, NCompass Live is broadcast from U.S.A – Nebraska – Lincoln.
This webinar will be presented online using the GoToWebinar online meeting service. It will be recorded and archived. Registration is not required to view the archived recording, but GoToWebinar login instructions are sent to registered attendees after registration for the session closes on April 20, 2014. Please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoToWebinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
REGISTER AT: http://nlc.nebraska.gov/scripts/calendar/eventshow.asp?ProgId=13080
Applications for Trustee Conference Grant due Jan. 15
United for Libraries is accepting applications for the United for Libraries/Gale Trustee Conference Grant through Jan. 15, 2014. Nebraska library board members are invited to apply for this grant.
The United for Libraries/Gale Trustee Conference Grant enables a public library Trustee to attend the ALA Annual Conference for the first time. A grant of $850 plus full conference registration is awarded annually to a public library Trustee who has demonstrated service to the library. The Conference Grant, made possible by an annual gift from Gale Cengage Learning, is administered by United for Libraries. A formal presentation to the winner is made at the ALA Annual Conference. The upcoming 2014 Annual Conference, Las Vegas, NV is scheduled for June 26-July 1, 2014.
For more information and to apply, seee www.ala.org/united/grants_awards/trustees/trusteegrant.
Take the new Accreditation Guidelines for a Test Drive!
A number of Nebraska public library directors have asked if they could try out the new Accreditation Guidelines even though their libraries are not up for reaccreditation this year. The answer is, yes! In particular they were interested in seeing how their libraries stack up against their “peer libraries,” that is, libraries with populations 15% lower and higher than theirs. Until recently this was not possible because we were only able to add in statistics from the peer libraries for those libraries up for accreditation in 2013. However, due to the good work of Vern Buis, Computer Services Director at the Commission, the comparative statistics are now drawn automatically from Omnibase, on which the annual data submitted via Bibliostat Collect are displayed. So, have a go at it. Please keep in mind a few things:
- If your library did not submit statistics for the last full year — i.e., 2011 — 2012 — there will be no comparable statistics for you to look at.
- You should not submit the application form itself if your library is not up for re-accreditation in 2013 (or if you are an unaccredited public library that did not submit statistics for 2011 — 2012 — see the first point above).
- These data change each year, reflecting the statistics submitted for that year. Therefore, you cannot necessarily draw conclusions from the data for this year if your library is applying for accreditation in a different year.
Please let Richard Miller (richard.miller@nebraska.gov , 800-307-2665) know if you have any questions about the Accreditation Guidelines, and happy driving!
2013 Nebraska Public Library Accreditation
The 2013 public library accreditation process is underway, and a number of libraries have already begun to fill out the new application form — or at least have taken it out for a “test drive.” You may want to take a look at the application also (although it is interactive only for those 50 libraries due for reaccreditation in 2013, and for 40 additional unaccredited libraries that submitted their annual statistics for 2011 — 2012). To see what the application looks like go here.
Here are some of the changes in the new guidelines:
- Some guidelines are “pre-filled” with statistics your library submitted on the annual report.
- It is now possible to work on submitting the guidelines, then save them to return later to complete the process (any number of times up until the October 1st deadline).
- The library must have an up-to-date strategic plan in order to apply for accreditation (and incidentally, in order to successfully complete the accreditation application).
- There are 12 minimum qualifications a library must meet before it can begin to fill out the accreditation application. Among others these include: the legal establishment of the library; a governing or advisory library board; a certified board; a certified librarian; and an actively used e-mail address by the director.
- The three levels of accreditation attainment are bronze, silver and gold.
- There is a total of 275 points possible to accumulate — bronze (175 points); silver (200 points); and gold (250 points).
- Libraries are compared with their “peer libraries” that serve populations within 15% of their service populations, for a fairer comparison with like libraries.
The development, or updating, of a strategic plan for the library is also an essential part of the accreditation process. Such a plan helps to ensure that the services the library offers are wanted and needed by its community. How long has it been since you determined the needs of your community? This planning process enables you to do that and helps to ensure that you enjoy continued support from your community. For more information on strategic planning, go to “About the Strategic Plan” here.
For any questions about the public library accreditation process, contact Richard Miller via e-mail, or call 800-307-2665, or 402-471-3175.
