Learn about ‘Upcoming Changes to the Nebraska Libraries on the Web Service’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, August 27 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.
Due to software and budgetary issues, the Nebraska Library Commission can no longer offer free WordPress web hosting. We apologize for any inconvenience. This service has been around for a long time and it’s unfortunate that we were not able to maintain the service.
To make the transition easier for libraries, we are offering free basic website hosting through the NLC, and reduced rate web hosting through LibChalk. The current service will be supported through September 30, 2026 to give you time to budget and decide on next steps.
Attend this session to learn more details about how the free hosting works, and explore hosting options through LibChalk.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
Sept. 3 – E-rate 101: Just the Basics for 2026
Sept. 10 – NLC Grants for 2026
Sept. 24 – Pretty Sweet Tech
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.
Are you looking to develop your leadership skills? Join us for ‘Banding Together: Lessons from the MPLA Leadership Institute’, on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, August 20 at 10am CT.
At the MPLA Leadership Institute you can engage in hands-on projects and collaborate with peers from across the MPLA region, all while building a strong foundation for your future leadership in the library community.
Aug. 27 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Upcoming Changes to Nebraska Libraries on the Web Service
Sept. 3 – E-rate 101: Just the Basics for 2026
Sept. 10 – NLC Grants for 2026
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.
The Jerry Kline Community Impact Prize, developed in partnership between the Gerald M. Kline Family Foundation and Library Journal, was created in 2019 to recognize the public library as a vital community asset. When libraries, civic entities, organizations, and the people they serve become close partners, their communities thrive.
One winning library will receive $250,000 in unfettered grant monies from the Gerald M. Kline Family Foundation. The winning library will also be profiled in the March 2026 issue of Library Journal and online.
The winning library will be identified based on the degree of its impact on the community in the following key areas:
Engagement with local government to support the service area’s defined goals
Engagement with the community to develop library services
Community recognition
Inclusive service that supports broad community interests
Leadership development to perpetuate the library’s organizational strength and dynamism
Environmental sustainability and leadership in sustainable thinking
Inventiveness as exemplified by one of the library’s services which is particularly original, both strategically and tactically
Resilience in the face of challenges
Eligibility: All U.S. Public Libraries are eligible for the prize.
Applications are now being accepted for mini-grants of up to $500, offered by the Nebraska Library Commission, as a part of our initiative to get childhood literacy back on track. We’ve partnered with the Little Free Library organization to offer these grants, with a focus on improving access to books in unserved (communities with no library) and underserved (communities that have a library, but would benefit from additional access points, or increased hours of availability) areas. Applications can be submitted anytime between now and are set to close at midnight on August 22, 2025. If the applicant already has an existing little free library, grants of up to $250 are available for the purchase of early literacy books to stock the LFL location. For those communities seeking to install a Little Free Library, grants of up to $500 are available for the library box, post, and children’s books.
Any community within Nebraska is eligible to apply. Local governments or local civic institutions (e.g. Lions clubs, scout organizations, Rotary, Kiwanis, and others) are all welcome to apply. You MUST have permission to install the LFL box and post, either from the public entity (e.g. city/town) or private entity (if installing on private property).
For some facts about how Nebraska has fallen behind when it comes to childhood literacy, and how little free libraries can help, visit our LFL webpage.
Here is a link to more information about the grants, and a link to the online application. Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Learn effective methods for ‘Creating and Implementing Library Policies’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, July 23 at 10am CT.
Policies are a very important piece of how a library is run, but they can be daunting to create or revise for some. In this session, we’ll discuss how to craft policies that fit within your library’s mission statement and goals, are easier to review and revise on a regular basis, and hopefully can be implemented correctly.
Presenter: Scott Childers, Executive Director, Southeast Library System, Lincoln, NE; Christa Porter, Library Development Director, Nebraska Library Commission.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
July 30 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Introducing AI with Purpose and Practicality
Aug. 6 – National Book Festival Near You
Aug. 13 – Ditching 1000 Books: A New Initiative
Aug. 27 – Pretty Sweet Tech
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.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Christa Porter
402-471-3107
800-307-2665
$60,000 in Library Improvement Grants Awarded to Nebraska Public Libraries
The Nebraska Library Commission recently awarded Library Improvement Grants for 2025 totaling $60,000 to twenty-seven Nebraska public libraries and institutions.
These competitive grants were funded with state funds allocated through the Nebraska Legislature and administered by the Nebraska Library Commission. These Library Improvement Grants help to facilitate growth and development of library programs and services by supplementing local funding with state funds designated for these purposes.
In order to be funded, projects had to meet one or more of the following purposes:
Facilitate access to resources . . . for the purpose of cultivating an educated and informed citizenry;
Encourage resource sharing among . . . libraries for the purpose of achieving economical and efficient delivery of library services to the public;
Promote literacy, education, and lifelong learning and to enhance and expand the services and resources provided by libraries, including those services and resources relating to workforce development, 21st century skills, and digital literacy skills;
Ensure the preservation of knowledge and library collections in all formats and to enable libraries to serve their communities during disasters;
Promote library services that provide users with access to information through national, state, local, regional, and international collaborations and networks.
Local libraries also had to provide at least a 25% match in order to receive the funds.
The libraries receiving grants are:
Arapahoe Public Library
Bayard Public Library
Bellevue Public Library
Garfield County Library, Burwell
Elmwood Public Library
Falls City Library & Arts Center
Fullerton Public Library
Genoa Public Library
Lied Imperial Public Library
Kimball Public Library
La Vista Public Library
Laurel Community Learning Center
Lincoln City Libraries
Papillion Public Library
Plainview Public Library
Baright Public Library, Ralston
Lied Randolph Public Library
Ravenna Public Library
Sargent Township Library
Shelton Public Library
South Sioux City Public Library
Stanton Public Library
Maxine White-Sutherland Public Library
Valley Public Library
Lied Lincoln Township Library, Wausa
Maltman Memorial Public Library, Wood River
Yutan Public Library
The projects and services planned include: desktop computers, laptops, monitors, printers, Microsoft software, bookcases/shelving, tables, chairs, makerspace equipment, self-checkout stations, staff desk, a 3D scanner, an Infinity Game Table, cell phone charging lockers, a book return, a bike rack, solar lights, Experience Kits for adults, and AWE Early Learning Literacy Workstations.
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.
Join us for a 2025 Overview and Update on Nebraska’s Open Meetings Act on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, June 25 at 10am CT.
Public library boards for communities of all sizes in Nebraska are required to follow our state’s Open Meetings Act when holding their meetings. In this session, we’ll point out some of the major points of this state law for library boards, changes for 2025, and some of the consequences of not following Open Meeting law.
Note: This topic is very Nebraska specific. If you are attending from another state some of the things we discuss may not be applicable for your library boards.
Presenters: Scott Childers, Executive Director, Southeast Library System, Lincoln, NE; Christa Porter, Library Development Director, Nebraska Library Commission.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
July 2 – Creative Aging Outreach Opportunities for Libraries
July 9 – Printing, Scanning, and Faxing at the Library
July 30 – Pretty Sweet Tech
Aug. 13 – Ditching 1000 Books: A New 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.
The recording of the Nebraska Library Commission’s ‘Public Library Accreditation 2025’ online workshop is now available on the Accreditation webpage.
What is Nebraska Public Library Accreditation? What are the benefits of accreditation? How does my library become accredited? What’s a Community Needs Response Plan? Why does my library need one?
The purpose of Nebraska Public Library Accreditation is to encourage excellent library service in Nebraska communities. The guidelines used to evaluate libraries and their services are community-based, so libraries need to know their communities’ needs in order to provide appropriate library services that meet those unique needs. That’s where Community Needs Response Planning comes in!
In this workshop, Christa Porter, NLC’s Library Development Director, will guide you through Community Needs Response Planning and applying for Public Library Accreditation.
Public Library Directors, Staff, and Library Board Members are encouraged to attend.
If you have any questions or need any assistance with your Public Library Accreditation or Community Needs Response Planning, please contact Christa Porter, 800-307-2665, 402-471-3107.
Discover how partnerships can shape organizational views of rural public libraries on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, ‘Sparking Community Connections: Rural Public Library Partnerships’ on Wednesday, June 11 at 10am CT.
Why do local organizations, schools, and businesses partner with rural public libraries? Do these partnerships change the partner’s view of the library? After an initial partnership, are community organizations more likely to partner with the library again? These questions have preliminary answers backed by research findings. While public libraries have been shown to benefit from community partnerships, there is little data available on whether the partners also benefit. Discovering how partnerships can shape organizational views of rural public libraries grants insight into effective ways to approach possible partners.
June 25 – Nebraska Open Meetings Act: 2025 Overview and Update
July 9 – Printing, Scanning, and Faxing at the Library
July 30 – Pretty Sweet Tech
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.
Join us for ‘Food for Thought: Addressing Food Waste, Access & Insecurity through Rural Libraries’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, June 4 at 10am CT.
Imagine grocery shopping at a Dollar Store. That’s a reality for people living in rural food deserts. The Southern Adirondack Library System and the Comfort Food Community food pantry launched the Farm‐2‐Library initiative to reduce food waste by gleaning at local farms, distributing the produce through rural libraries where food scarcity, lack of food pantries, and transportation limit access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Since launching in 2017, we’ve shared more than 230,000 pounds of fresh produce, creating and deepening relationships with the community while fostering renewed interest in library services by previously reluctant users.
June 11 – Sparking Community Connections: Rural Public Library Partnerships
June 18 – Outreach at Any Size
June 25 – Pretty Sweet Tech
July 9 – Printing, Scanning, and Faxing at the Library
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.
NOTE:This episode of NCompass Live will be presented online using Zoom. Login instructions will be sent to registered attendees after registration has closed. The Registration End date is listed on each session page, but usually closes on the Monday night before the date of the session.
What is a Technology Innovation Ecosystem? And what does it have to do with libraries? Find out on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, May 28 at 10am CT.
Technology Innovation Ecosystems exist to funnel tech resources towards solving problems in existing organizations, and towards entrepreneurial ventures striving to create the solutions that do not yet exist. These ecosystems are relatively new and best practices are still taking shape. When libraries host code clubs and 3D printer trainings, we are unwittingly contributing to this evolving innovation ecosystem. However, libraries don’t always take the next step to help individuals progress and practically apply those skills. “Coding” has also come a long way since the early days of code clubs. It’s not just website development anymore.
This session will help you:
Understand what a Technology Innovation Ecosystem is, and how they take shape.
Track current trends in Nebraska’s Ecosystem, and nationwide.
Brainstorm new library services to fill gaps within the Ecosystem.
The hope is that we will all start introducing technology with purpose, paired with tangible pathways to progress and practically apply skills in partnership with local businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, universities, government agencies, and curious explorers within the community.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
June 4 – Food for Thought: Addressing Food Waste, Access & Insecurity through Rural Libraries
June 11 – Sparking Community Connections: Rural Public Library Partnerships
June 18 – Outreach at Any Size
June 25 – Pretty Sweet Tech
July 9 – Printing, Scanning, and Faxing at the Library
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.
Learn how to make ‘Small Adjustments for Big Changes’ at your library on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, May 21 at 10am CT.
Hear about the programs that have influenced one library’s community, including diversifying collections, creating spaces for different age groups, implementing food security programs, getting outside of library walls, implementing 24-hour book pickup, and offering take-home crafts, all on a small budget in a small building. You’ll look at how some of the programs were planned and work together as a team to share successful programs and identify other ways to make big changes with small adjustments.
June 4 – Food for Thought: Addressing Food Waste, Access & Insecurity through Rural Libraries
June 11 – Sparking Community Connections: Rural Public Library Partnerships
June 18 – Outreach at Any Size
June 25 – Pretty Sweet Tech
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.
Get a head start on ‘The 2025 Public Library Accreditation Process’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, May 14 at 10am CT.
The 2025 Nebraska Public Library Accreditation process opens on July 1. If your library is up for re-accreditation this year, join us for a short refresher on the process. Or, if your library is not currently Accredited, attend this session to explore the possibility of becoming an Accredited Public Library.
In this general overview, you will learn why Accreditation is important and how it benefits your library. We’ll also show you the Application Form, and explain how it relates to the required Community Needs Response Plan.
Public Library Directors, Staff, and Library Board Members are encouraged to attend.
Presenter: Christa Porter, Library Development Director, Nebraska Library Commission.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
May 21 – Small Adjustments for Big Changes
May 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech
June 4 – Food for Thought: Addressing Food Waste, Access & Insecurity through Rural Libraries
June 11 – Sparking Community Connections: Rural Public Library Partnerships
June 18 – Outreach at Any Size
June 25 – Pretty Sweet Tech
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.
‘Public Library Accreditation 2025’ workshops are now open for registration! All workshops will be held online only, via GoTo Webinar. To register for a session, go to the Nebraska Library Commission’s Training & Events Calendar and search for ‘accreditation 2025’.
NOTE: These online workshops are being offered on several days and at varied times, to give attendees multiple opportunities to find a convenient time to attend. The same information will be provided at each workshop, so you only need to register for one session. A recorded version will also be made available after all of the live sessions have been held.
What is Nebraska Public Library Accreditation? What are the benefits of accreditation? How does my library become accredited? What’s a Community Needs Response Plan? Why does my library need one?
The purpose of Nebraska Public Library Accreditation is to encourage excellent library service in Nebraska communities. The guidelines used to evaluate libraries and their services are community-based, so libraries need to know their communities’ needs in order to provide appropriate library services that meet those unique needs. That’s where Community Needs Response Planning comes in!
In this workshop, Christa Porter, NLC’s Library Development Director, will guide you through Community Needs Response Planning and applying for Public Library Accreditation.
Public Library Directors, Staff, and Library Board Members are encouraged to attend.
Dates and times:
June 3 – 1:00-4:00pm Central / 12:00noon-3pm Mountain
June 5 – 9:30am-12:30pm Central / 8:30-11:30am Mountain
June 10– 9:30am-12:30pm Central / 8:30-11:30am Mountain
June 11 – 1:00-4:00pm Central / 12:00noon-3pm Mountain
To register for a session, go to the Nebraska Library Commission’s Training & Events Calendar and search for ‘accreditation 2025’.
Pick up some practical, affordable, and successful advocacy strategies for your small library on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, May 7 at 10am CT.
Everyday advocacy is a way of connecting continuously with your community – with your funders, patrons, business community, schools, and with your local, state, regional, and national governments, as well as with your library colleagues and organizations. This presentation offers practical advice on successful strategies for library advocacy with an emphasis on low-cost activities that are manageable for smaller libraries with limited staff and resources, focusing on educating your community on what a library really is, what a librarian does, and the value of the library to its community.
May 14 – The 2025 Public Library Accreditation Process
May 21 – Small Adjustments for Big Changes
May 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech
June 4 – Food for Thought: Addressing Food Waste, Access & Insecurity through Rural Libraries
June 11 – Sparking Community Connections: Rural Public Library Partnerships
June 18 – Outreach at Any Size
June 25 – Pretty Sweet Tech
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.
On April 26, USAC released Wave 1 of Funding Commitment Decision Letters (FCDLs) for E-rate Funding Year 2025. This first Wave includes $4,833,579.31 in funding commitments for 388 Nebraska school and public library applicants.
Congratulations to all Nebraska schools and public libraries who have been funded!
A list of public libraries who have received E-rate funding is on the NLC E-rate webpage. The 2025 list will be updated as new funding waves are announced.
If you haven’t received your FCDL yet, don’t panic! There are many more weekly Waves to come as USAC processes more applications. This is just the start of Funding Year 2025, more approvals are coming.
When your FCDL is ready, it will be attached as a printable PDF to the email notifying you that your FCDL has been issued. It will also be available in the Notifications section of your EPC account, but you are no longer required to log into your EPC account to view it.
IMPORTANT: As soon as you receive your FCDL, you should immediately go on to the next step in the E-rate process, filing your Form 486. This form is submitted in your EPC account. Information and instructions on how to do that can be found on the USAC website.
If you have any questions or need any assistance with your public library’s E-rate forms, visit the NLC E-rate webpage or contact Christa Porter, State E-rate Coordinator for Public Libraries, 800-307-2665, 402-471-3107.
The 2024 FY public library survey data are now available on the NLC website. Thanks to all of you who submitted your statistics. Historical data (back to 1999) are also available on our website. The next survey cycle begins in November, but you should be collecting those statistics now. If you are a new library director, check out the Bibliostat guide.
Learn how to implement Password Best Practices at your library on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, April 23 at 10am CT.
In this session, we will learn about the importance of having the library’s account logins and passwords fully documented. Especially for staff changes. Don’t leave new staff in the lurch! Sherm will also cover other password related topics such as password security, creating strong passwords, and using a password manager.
Presenter: Andrew “Sherm” Sherman, IT Infrastructure Support Analyst, Nebraska Library Commission.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
April 30 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Computers in Libraries 2025 Highlights & Trends
May 7 – Everyday Advocacy for Smaller Libraries: Practical & Affordable Solutions
May 14 – The 2025 Public Library Accreditation Process
May 21 – Small Adjustments for Big Changes
May 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech
June 4 – Food for Thought: Addressing Food Waste, Access & Insecurity through Rural Libraries
June 11 – Sparking Community Connections: Rural Public Library Partnerships
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.
Don’t forget to complete the conference Evaluation! We’re looking for input from people who attended the live conference and watched the archived recordings.
And mark your calendars now – Big Talk From Small Libraries will be back in 2026! Next year’s conference will be on Friday, February 27, 2026!
The American Library Association (ALA) announces the opening of the third year of the ALA Building Library Capacity Grants of $10,000 to public libraries assisting New Americans – immigrants and refugees.
This opportunity is for public libraries that are or will serve New Americans – immigrants and refugees. It is open to libraries already serving New Americans or those who would like to use the grant to begin serving New Americans. ALA membership is NOT required.
The grants are to bolster library operations and services including literacy and other skill development, developing collections, staffing, expanding outreach, as well as maintaining and amplifying existing service strategies or adding new ones to make an impact.
The ALA Building Library Capacity Grants are supported through a three-year grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Each year focuses on helping add capacity to different segments of the library community.
For questions, contact the American Library Association (ALA) Chapter Relations Office staff at cro@ala.org or 1-800-545-2433, ext. 3200.
