Search the Blog
Categories
- Books & Reading
- Broadband Buzz
- Census
- Education & Training
- General
- Grants
- Information Resources
- Library Management
- Nebraska Center for the Book
- Nebraska Memories
- Now hiring @ your library
- Preservation
- Pretty Sweet Tech
- Programming
- Public Library Boards of Trustees
- Public Relations
- Talking Book & Braille Service (TBBS)
- Technology
- Uncategorized
- What's Up Doc / Govdocs
- Youth Services
Archives
Subscribe
Tag Archives: Library Boards
United for Libraries Learning Live: A Practical Guide to Evaluating Your Library Director
All Nebraska public libraries are members of United for Libraries through the Statewide Group Membership purchased by the Nebraska Library Commission. The Commission provides this membership to ensure that public library staff members, Friends, Trustees, and Foundations can take advantage of United for Libraries’ services to enhance fundraising, advocacy, and public awareness.
A Practical Guide to Evaluating Your Library Director
Tuesday, April 9th, 1:00 PM (CST)
“Part of a Trustee’s responsibility is to evaluate the library director, yet many organizations do not have an annual review procedure in place. During this Learning Live, library Trustees will acquire the tools needed to conduct an annual evaluation. This session is designed with the understanding that many Trustees do not have HR experience. We’ll offer practical strategies and tools to effectively assess the performance of library directors, with insight from a variety of library stakeholders. Trustees will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to conduct meaningful evaluations of their library directors. Especially when things are going well!”
Statewide Group Members receive FREE registration for the live webinars and on-demand access for the duration of the active statewide group membership. These “Learning Live” sessions are recorded and can be accessed through the United for Libraries eLearning course.
For more information about previous sessions, please visit: Previous “Learning Live” Sessions
United for Libraries Learning Live: Media and Crisis Communications for Trustees & Friends
All Nebraska public libraries are members of United for Libraries through the Statewide Group Membership purchased by the Nebraska Library Commission. The Commission provides this membership to ensure that public library staff members, Friends, Trustees, and Foundations can take advantage of United for Libraries’ services to enhance fundraising, advocacy, and public awareness.
United for Libraries Learning Live: Media and Crisis Communications for Trustees & Friends
Tuesday, March 12, 1:00 PM (CST)
“Is your library’s Board of Trustees and/or Friends of the Library group prepared for a crisis? How can you support your library’s communications policies and procedures? This session, presented by longtime senior communications and marketing executive Kathleen McEvoy, will go over how to develop a solid communication plan, what to know about working with the media, tips on communicating the library’s value, how to respond to inquiries about book bans/censorship, and more. This program will offer tips for board members and Friends, as well as those who work with them.”
Statewide Group Members receive FREE registration for the live webinars and on-demand access for the duration of the active statewide group membership. These “Learning Live” sessions are recorded and can be accessed through the United for Libraries eLearning course.
For more information about previous sessions, please visit: Previous “Learning Live” Sessions
United for Libraries: January Learning Live
All Nebraska public libraries are members of United for Libraries through the Statewide Group Membership purchased by the Nebraska Library Commission. The Commission provides this membership to ensure that public library staff members, Friends, Trustees, and Foundations can take advantage of United for Libraries’ services to enhance fundraising, advocacy, and public awareness.
United for Libraries: Learning Live – Standards of Excellence for Library Friends and Foundations
January 9, 2024 : 1 p.m. (CST)
“Is your Friends of the Library group and/or library Foundation following nonprofit best practices? Join Amy Coates Madsen, Vice President of Programs at the Maryland Nonprofits and the Director of the Standards for Excellence Institute, who will present on legal, ethical, and other standards for nonprofits. Learn about best practices, how to have a clear mission, board development, public engagement, and more.”
Statewide Group Members receive FREE registration for the live webinars and on-demand access for the duration of the active statewide group membership. These “Learning Live” sessions are recorded and can be accessed through the United for Libraries eLearning course.
For more information, please visit: Previous “Learning Live” Sessions
United for Libraries Virtual 2023 Conference: Free Registration!
2023 United for Libraries Virtual: Trustees, Friends, Foundations
August 1-3, 2023
The Nebraska Library Commission has purchased statewide registration! All library directors/staff, Trustees/board members, and Friends of the Library and Foundation representatives receive FREE live registration and/or on-demand viewing – a value of $139 per person.
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.
- Network with colleagues across the country.
- Enjoy exclusive access to keynote speakers and authors.
- View on-demand sessions for one year after the live event.
- Receive a certificate of attendance (for live participation or on-demand viewing).
Attending the Virtual Conference
- See list of sessions here.
- All sessions will be presented live *and* recorded in full.
- Attend any/all sessions live and/or watch on-demand.
- Participate from your laptop, phone, or tablet via Zoom.
- And/or coordinate a viewing event at your library!
- Zoom room opens at 9:30 am CST daily with programming from 10:00 am-3:00 pm CST daily (includes scheduled breaks).
Registering to Attend the Virtual Conference
- Choose one of the following options:
- Click here to register for statewide access. We’ll also register you for the virtual conference.
- Click here to register for the virtual conference. We’ll also register you for statewide access.
- Email united@ala.org with your full name, library, and primary role on behalf of your library. We’ll register you for both the virtual conference and statewide access.
- For library directors, board chairs, Friends presidents, Foundation board presidents – you may send a list of your board members, including their names, email addresses, library, and primary role, to united@ala.org. Staff will create logins for each person, enroll them in the statewide course and 2023 United for Libraries Virtual, and send each person their login credentials.
Invite Your Library Patrons to United’s 2023 Virtual Gala Author Tea
The Gala Author Tea, presented at 3:00 pm CST on Thursday, August 3, will be livestreamed via Facebook. More information coming soon, including a list of participating authors.
- Invite your patrons to the watch the livestream via Facebook at https://fb.me/e/1cD58JyXD.
- Host a viewing party at your library and livestream the event. Consider providing tea and light refreshments.
If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan.
Posted in Education & Training
Tagged conference, Library Boards, Library Friends, Trustees, United for Libraries
Leave a comment
United for Libraries Virtual 2023 Conference
2023 United for Libraries Virtual: Trustees, Friends, Foundations
August 1-3, 2023
Congratulations! The Nebraska Library Commission has purchased statewide registration! All library directors/staff, Trustees/board members, and Friends of the Library and Foundation representatives receive FREE live registration and/or on-demand viewing – a value of $139 per person.
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.
- Network with colleagues across the country.
- Enjoy exclusive access to keynote speakers and authors.
- View on-demand sessions for one year after the live event.
- Receive a certificate of attendance (for live participation or on-demand viewing).
Attending the Virtual Conference
- See list of sessions here.
- All sessions will be presented live *and* recorded in full.
- Attend any/all sessions live and/or watch on-demand.
- Participate from your laptop, phone, or tablet via Zoom.
- And/or coordinate a viewing event at your library!
- Zoom room opens at 9:30 am CST daily with programming from 10:00 am-3:00 pm CST daily (includes scheduled breaks).
Registering to Attend the Virtual Conference
- Choose one of the following options:
- Click here to register for statewide access. We’ll also register you for the virtual conference.
- Click here to register for the virtual conference. We’ll also register you for statewide access.
- Email united@ala.org with your full name, library, and primary role on behalf of your library. We’ll register you for both the virtual conference and statewide access.
- For library directors, board chairs, Friends presidents, Foundation board presidents – you may send a list of your board members, including their names, email addresses, library, and primary role, to united@ala.org. Staff will create logins for each person, enroll them in the statewide course and 2023 United for Libraries Virtual, and send each person their login credentials.
Invite Your Library Patrons to United’s 2023 Virtual Gala Author Tea
The Gala Author Tea, presented at 3:00 pm CST on Thursday, August 3, will be livestreamed via Facebook. More information coming soon, including a list of participating authors.
- Invite your patrons to the watch the livestream via Facebook at https://fb.me/e/1cD58JyXD.
- Host a viewing party at your library and livestream the event. Consider providing tea and light refreshments.
If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan.
United for Libraries Virtual 2022
There’s still time to register for United for Libraries Virtual 2022 Conference!
August 9-11th – Online
The Nebraska Library Commission has purchased a 2022 statewide registration for all Nebraska library board members, library directors and staff, Friends, and Foundations!
Keynotes:
- Libraries, Trustees, Friends, Foundations, and the DEI Revolution with James O . Rodgers and Laura L. Kangas (Live only; no recording)
- Library Workers are NOT Okay: How Trustees Can Support the Health & Well-Being of Library Staff
Sessions:
- Community Needs Assessment: Informing Library Goals and Strategy
- Diversity in Library Boards, Friend Groups, and Foundations: Successes and Struggles in Recruiting and Retaining Diverse Members
- Intellectual Freedom Challenges: How to Strengthen Your Library’s Response
- Our Collection & DEI: A Richmond Public Library Story
- Political Advocacy: The Most Important Kind of Fundraising
- Power Up Your Annual Fund Drive!
- Practical Policy Management: A Guide for Trustees
- Preparing for a Material Challenge
- Successful Bequest Fundraising: Planned Giving Lessons from the Field
- Tweeting to Congress: Library Social Media Advocacy
More details and registration here!
(No discount code or credit card needed to register. The system will recognize the Nebraska registration.)
Please contact Holli Duggan with any questions.
United for Libraries Virtual 2022
The third annual United for Libraries Virtual Conference will be August 9-11th! The Nebraska Library Commission has purchased a 2022 statewide registration for all library board members, library directors and staff, Friends, and Foundations!
Registration and more details are available here.
Keynotes:
- Diversity Training That Generates Real Change: Inclusive Approaches That Benefit Individuals, Business, and Society
- Library Workers are NOT Okay: How Trustees Can Support the Health & Well-Being of Library Staff
Sessions:
- Community Needs Assessment: Informing Library Goals and Strategy
- Diversity in Library Boards, Friend Groups, and Foundations: Successes and Struggles in Recruiting and Retaining Diverse Members
- Our Collection & EDI: A Richmond Public Library Story
- Power Up Your Annual Fund Drive!
- Practical Policy Management: A Guide for Trustees
- Preparing for a Material Challenge
- Successful Bequest Fundraising: Planned Giving Lessons from the Field
- Tweeting to Congress: Library Social Media Advocacy
Registration
Registration is required for live and/or on-demand access. Choose the option below that best meets your needs:
Option 1: If you are registered in the Nebraska Statewide Course at https://elearning.ala.org/
- Click here and you’ll be automatically registered in the 2022 United for Libraries Virtual course.
OR
- Complete the alternate registration form here.
Option 2: If you are *not* registered in the Nebraska Statewide Course at https://elearning.ala.org/ Complete the alternate registration form here.
For any questions, please contact Holli Duggan, CE Coordinator
United for Libraries: Learning Live!
All Nebraska public libraries are members of United for Libraries through the Statewide Group Membership purchased by the Nebraska Library Commission. The Commission provides this membership to ensure that public library staff members, Friends, Trustees, and Foundations can take advantage of United for Libraries’ services to enhance fundraising, advocacy, and public awareness.
Statewide Group Members receive FREE registration for the live webinars and on-demand access for the duration of the active statewide group membership.
April Learning Live – Unite Against Book Bans
- Tuesday, April 12th at 1 p.m. CST / 12 p.m. MST
- “As part of National Library Week, ALA debuted Unite Against Book Bans, a national initiative focused on empowering readers everywhere to stand together in the fight against censorship. Join Megan Cusick of ALA’s Public Policy & Advocacy Office to learn more about the campaign and how library board members/Trustees, Friends, and Foundations can get involved. In addition, find out about United for Libraries resources specifically for Trustees, Friends, and Foundations as they support libraries facing challenges to materials and programs.”
- Register here
May Learning Live – Libraries Build Business: Support from Boards, Friends, and Foundations
- Tuesday, May 10th at 1 p.m. CST / 12 p.m. MST
- “Libraries Build Business (LBB) is a national initiative of ALA, supported by Google.org, intended to build capacity in libraries offering programming or services to local entrepreneurs and the small business community, prioritizing low-income and underrepresented entrepreneurs. Learn how library boards, Friends of the Library groups, and library Foundations can help support libraries in their business-related services and programming. Megan Janicki, project manager of Libraries Build Business, will provide an overview of the program. Susan M. Preece, director of the Topsham (Maine) Public Library, will discuss how the library’s board and Friends have supported the LBB program in their library. Stacey Goddard, public services manager at the Spokane (Wash.) County Library District, will address their library Foundation and board’s involvement.”
- Register here
June Learning Live – Friends of the Library & Book Sales: Branch Sales, Online Stores, and More
- Tuesday, June 14th at 1 p.m. CST / 12 p.m. MST
- “Join staff with the Friends of Montgomery County (Md.) Libraries as they provide tips and answer Q&A on branch book sales, full-time used bookstores, online store fronts, and more.”
- Register here
More details about the speakers of these sessions and about previous Learning Live sessions are available here.
Posted in Education & Training
Tagged Continuing Education, Library Boards, United for Libraries
Leave a comment
Continuing Education: New ALA eLearning Portal
The American Library Association (ALA) has recently launched “a new centralized web portal that brings together the most comprehensive digital collection of professional development for library and information professionals.”
Members can find a number of ALA learning resources, including webinars, courses, and other events. Not all resources in this catalog are free, but you can filter to see only those available at no cost to ALA members and/or non-members. You may also search events by library type, subject or topic, and ALA divisions (such as PLA or YALSA).
These resources are eligible for CE credit through the Nebraska Public Librarian Certification program and for Nebraska library board members.
The original press release can be found on ALA News with additional details.
For library directors and board members, this does not change how you access the United for Libraries webinars and other resources. You will continue to use the Nebraska access page to register for a new account or to login. Membership and access to United for Libraries, is separate from the ALA eLearning catalog and has been prepaid by the Nebraska Library Commission for Nebraska library directors and trustees.
If you would like to learn more about these United for Libraries resources and the statewide membership, the NCompass Live: United for Libraries recorded session is still available. Beth Nawalinski, Executive Director, and Peter Pearson, Past-President, discuss Nebraska libraries, the United for Libraries’ mission and vision, and how to make the most of these resources.
If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan, Continuing Education Coordinator.
Links:
Posted in Education & Training
Tagged Continuing Education, Library Boards, Trustees, United for Libraries
Leave a comment
United for Libraries Login Update
The United for Libraries platform has been updated!
The new system should be easier to use with some shiny new features. More details about those features will be coming soon, but for now, the login information has changed. There will no longer be one general login for libraries and library boards. Members will register for their own individual logins through the United for Libraries website. This includes the Trustee Academy courses, the Short Takes for Trustees, and other United for Libraries resources.
Access to these resources has been provided for Library Trustees and Directors by the Nebraska Library Commission.
To request a login, please submit a United for Libraries Login Request form.
If you have any questions, please contact Holli Duggan.
Basic Skills Postponed and Certification Update
As situations continue to change daily, we have decided to postpone the upcoming Basic Skills classes. We are going to be focusing on developing more self-paced modules which will be announced as they are available.
The one exception to this change will be the “Introduction to Cataloging” class which begins on April 1st and will be open until May 31st. Additionally, the “Understanding MARC 21 Bibliographic Records” class (which is part of the cataloging certification, not a Basic Skills class) will begin as scheduled on March 30th.
So, what does this mean if your certification is due in 2020?
No worries!
For both librarian and library board certifications that are due in 2020, you will be able to extend your certification for one year. For example, if your current certification date is 05/01/20, your new date would be 05/01/21. Linda Babcock will be reaching out to individuals and library boards via email about this extension process.
For those of you who are not due for certification renewal in 2020, but are worried about completing CE hours or keeping up with the Basic Skills requirement as we move through this difficult time, we understand and are able to work with you for extensions or offering additional resources. We absolutely want to do everything we can to help.
If you have any questions or concerns at all, please don’t hesitate to contact Linda Babcock or Holli Duggan.
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
