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Category Archives: Technology
Call for Speakers: Big Talk From Small Libraries 2025
The Call for Speakers for Big Talk From Small Libraries 2025 is now open!
Submit your proposal by Friday, December 13, 2024.
This free one-day online conference is tailored for staff from small libraries; the smaller the better!
Small libraries of all types – public, academic, school, museum, special, etc. – are encouraged to submit a proposal. We’re looking for seven 50-minute presentations and four 10-minute “lightning round” presentations.
Do you offer a service or program at your small library that other librarians might like to hear about? Have you implemented a new (or old) technology, hosted an event, partnered with others in your community, or just done something really cool? The Big Talk From Small Libraries online conference gives you the opportunity to share what you’ve done, while learning what your colleagues in other small libraries are doing.
Here are some possible topics to get you thinking:
- Unique Libraries
- Special Collections
- New buildings
- Fundraising
- Improved Workflows
- Staff Development
- Advocacy Efforts
- Community Partnerships
- That great thing you’re doing at your library!
Speakers from libraries serving fewer than 10,000 people will be preferred, but presentations from libraries with larger service populations will be considered. Speakers must be from small libraries or directly partnered with a small library and submitting a proposal to co-present with the library.
Big Talk From Small Libraries 2025 will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025 between 8:45 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (CT) via the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Speakers will present their programs from their own desktops. The schedule will accommodate speakers’ time-zones.
This conference is sponsored by the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) and the Nebraska Library Commission.
Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash
Free Virtual Conference on AI in Libraries!
You know I’m always on the look-out for new and interesting AI conferences. On September 16-17, Brian Pichman with Bywater Solutions will be hosting the free Unlocking the Future: AI Innovations in Libraries conference. I’ve worked with Brian on a whole mess of projects, so I can confirm he knows his stuff about all things AI, education, and libraries. Bywater also brought in a bunch of speakers with their own expertise and awesomeness.
What Will You Find at the Conference?
You will find all kinds of fun sessions, including:
- AI Literacy: What do we really need to know about AI to prepare our communities for a better future?
- AI for Kids: How can we help K-12 students build AI literacy?
- Generative AI: What is all this about AI generating images, stories, responses, etc? What does this mean for public libraries?
- Library Marketing: How can generative AI improve our own library marketing?
- AI for Reference and Training: How can libraries improve services, rather than fall behind?
Naturally, I registered already. Was there really any question?
How to Register
You can find conference info. & register at this link.
Did I mention it’s free? Bywater Solutions rocks!
Spread the Word!
Feel free to spread the word to all your library folks. We need more libraries talking proactively about all things AI! This conference is a good start. We might need a new library interest group soon…
NCompass Live: Board Games & Computer Science in Libraries
Learn how to use tabletop games to teach computer science on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, September 4 at 10am CT.
While programming can seem abstract and confusing, board games provide an excellent, tangible parallel for how it works. In the current golden age of tabletop gaming, libraries worldwide are adding board games to their collections. Get some ideas for different ways libraries can use these assets for education and outreach.
Presenter: Stephen Hall, Computer Science & Engineering Librarian, University of Pennsylvania Libraries.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
- Sept. 11 – Memory Care Initiative
- Sept. 18 – Problem-solving in Your Library using the Toward Gigabit Libraries toolkit
- Sept. 25 – Pretty Sweet Tech
- Oct. 9 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE – ENJOY NLA!
- Oct. 16 – Dragons at the Library: An Exciting New Reading Program
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: How to Make a Magic Butterfly Wand
Learn ‘How to Make a Magic Butterfly Wand’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, August 28 at 10am CT.
Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.
I’ve been having some fun using my butterfly wand to display lights in pop-up cards, so I’m going to show you how it works using Micro:bit radio control. Sort of like how you use a controller to make an RC car move, the butterfly wand controls a fun LED light display. It’s not too bad once you see it in action. By the end of this session you will have:
- Customizable material listing
- Code snippet you can download & re-use
- Activity ideas using micro:bit for elementary to middle school
This session will having you flying home to make your own wands!
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
- Sept. 4 – Board Games & Computer Science in Libraries
- Sept. 11 – Memory Care Initiative
- Sept. 25 – Pretty Sweet Tech
- Oct. 9 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE _ ENJOY NLA!
- Oct. 16 – Dragons at the Library: An Exciting New Reading Program
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
Posted in Education & Training, Pretty Sweet Tech, Technology, Youth Services
Tagged NCompLive, prettysweettech
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NCompass Live: Purchasing Computers for the Library
Is your library ready to upgrade its computers? Get some expert tips about ‘Purchasing Computers for the Library’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, August 21 at 10am CT.
Providing computers for public use is unique to libraries and their purchase requires extra consideration. Sherm will cover the topics of recommended styles, features, where to buy, funding, recommended software, and ongoing support.
Presenter: Andrew “Sherm” Sherman, IT Infrastructure Support Analyst, Nebraska Library Commission.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
- Aug. 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech: How to Make a Magic Butterfly Wand
- Sept. 4 – Board Games & Computer Science in Libraries
- Sept. 11 – Memory Care Initiative
- Sept. 25 – Pretty Sweet Tech
- Oct. 9 – NO NCOMPASS LIVE _ ENJOY NLA!
- Oct. 16 – Dragons at the Library: An Exciting New Reading Program
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: Screaming Frog SEO: A tool to keep websites neat and up to date
Learn how to use Screaming Frog SEO to keep your library website neat and up to date on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, July 31 at 10am CT.
Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.
Many years ago I stumbled across a tool called Screaming Frog SEO. It’s a free/ low-cost tool to keep your website and resource documents up to date, Google keyword-friendly, and just all-around awesome. It is code-free and easy to learn with plenty of tutorials. In this session you will see how Screaming Frog can help you:
- Check for broken links on your web pages for easy repair.
- Make sure all images on your website are accessible.
- Spell check and grammar check your whole website.
- Find out when pages were last updated.
- Other helpful tips and tricks.
As a fun fact, I found this tool because frogs are my favorite animal and I just wanted to see which website tools were frog-friendly. Now this is one of my most-used tools to update website and resource listings!
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
- Aug. 7 – Learning New Technologies On-the-Fly: Vendorbrarian to Public Librarian
- Aug. 14 – Operating a Culture of Belonging: Personal Librarian 2.0
- Sept. 4 – Board Games & Computer Science in Libraries
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
Posted in Education & Training, Pretty Sweet Tech, Technology
Tagged NCompLive, prettysweettech
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NCompass Live: E-rate 101: Just the Basics for 2025
What is E-rate? How can my library benefit from E-rate? How do I apply for E-rate? Find out on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, ‘E-rate 101: Just the Basics for 2025’ on Wednesday, July 24 at 10am CT.
E-rate is a federal program that provides discounts to schools and public libraries on the cost of their Internet Access and Connections to make these services more affordable. This includes Broadband, Fiber, and Wi-Fi Internet access as well as Internal Connections, such as wiring, routers, switches, and other network equipment. And new for 2025: off-premises use of Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless Internet services.
This session will be a general overview of the E-rate program. Full in-depth E-rate workshops will be held later in the year. It will be useful to libraries who have never applied for E-rate, libraries who are new to E-rate, and current E-rate libraries who just want a short refresher on what E-rate is all about.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The dates and rules in this session will be specific to E-rate Funding Year 2025.
Presenter: Christa Porter, Nebraska’s State E-rate Coordinator for Public Libraries, Nebraska Library Commission.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
- July 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Screaming Frog SEO: A tool to keep websites neat and up to date
- Aug. 7 – Learning New Technologies On-the-Fly: Vendorbrarian to Public Librarian
- Aug. 14 – Operating a Culture of Belonging: Personal Librarian 2.0
- Sept. 4 – Board Games & Computer Science in Libraries
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
Internet Librarian Connect 2024 Conference (Oct. 22-24)
The Nebraska Library Commission is pleased to offer a discount to all librarians in Nebraska who sign up for a Virtual Pass to attend the Internet Librarian Connect 2024 Conference.
This leading virtual conference on library technology allows librarians and information managers from all over the world an equal opportunity to be a part of an exciting conference in a time-efficient and cost-effective manner. Along with the flexibility of participating from anywhere, Internet Librarian Connect offers attendees the benefits of no travel costs, diverse content with the convenience of on-demand access, and global networking opportunities.
The Virtual Pass discounted rate is $199 (regularly $299). The Virtual Pass includes access to all keynotes and main conference sessions, networking, and the virtual exhibit hall. It also includes access to archived session recordings for viewing through December 31, 2024. (Does not include access to workshops unless purchased separately.)
This year the conference is being held virtually, from October 22 – 24, 2024. Detailed information about the conference can be found on the virtual event website now!
Full program details will be added to the Event Agenda in late July.
To receive the discount:
- Go to the Internet Librarian Connect 2024 registration link: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/ILC24/register#category
- Click on the Single Registration option.
- Complete the registration form, entering and applying the discount code 24NLC when prompted at checkout. Your discounted pricing should appear at this point.
Note: Your code will only work in the Single Registration option. The code isn’t needed when using the Team Registration.
Also, before registering, please be aware that sharing virtual access is not allowed. Each registration allows access for one person only.
Registration Questions:
Joan Weiss, Conference Registrar
jweiss@infotoday.com
General Inquiries:
Posted in Education & Training, Technology
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Free Learning Resource: Verizon Skill Forward / edX
“The Verizon Skill Forward program is a collaboration between edX and Verizon aimed at providing career-enhancing online courses focused on high-demand skills to facilitate long-term career growth. The Skill Forward effort is part of Citizen Verizon, Verizon’s responsible business plan to prepare 500,000 individuals for in-demand jobs by 2030.”
This program offers a one-year free account to anyone in the United States (must be over 18). Accounts are free to register for and do not require any banking or credit card information.
These online self-paced courses and programs include high-demand topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Coding, Cybersecurity, Project Management, and Leadership. Spanish-language courses are also available.
For more information about the courses or to enroll:
Posted in Education & Training, General, Technology
Tagged Continuing Education, Learning, online learning
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Visit the Tech Playground @ALA
If you’re going to ALA in San Diego this week, visit our Tech Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet at the Tech Test Pilot Playground in the Exhibit area. Get some hands-on exploration to test out robots, AI, and all that techy goodness. This is a collaboration between Amanda and Brian Pichman from the Evolve Project. It’s time to play!
ARSL 2024 Early Bird Conference Registration is NOW OPEN!
Registration for both in-person and virtual attendance at the 2024 Association for Rural & Small Libraries Conference is open!
The in-person 2024 ARSL Conference will be held at the MassMutual Center, Springfield, Massachusetts, from September 11-14, 2024.
This year’s conference theme is “Libraries are (r)Evolutionary.” Our conference provides an opportunity to explore the transformative power of rural and small libraries in our communities. Like chrysalises of change, these libraries nurture revolutionary ideas and evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of our patrons. Let’s embrace the (r)Evolutionary spirit of libraries and inspire each other.
Early Bird pricing for in-person attendance will be available through July 16.
For more information about the conference and to register, visit the 2024 Conference Homepage.
ARSL Member Rates
- Base Conference Attendance
Early Bird – $295
Regular – $380
On-site – $380 + $25 admin fee - Preconference Workshops**
3-Hour Workshops – $60
4-Hour Workshops – $75
7-Hour Workshop – $160 - Virtual Attendance
$55
Student, Advocate & Retiree Rates*
- Base Conference Attendance
Early Bird – $250
Regular – $290
On-site – $290 + $25 admin fee - Preconference Workshops**
3-Hour Workshops – $60
4-Hour Workshops – $75
7-Hour Workshop – $160 - Virtual Attendance
$30
Nonmember Rates
- Base Conference Attendance
Early Bird – $390
Regular – $460
On-site – $460 + $25 admin fee - Preconference Workshops**
3-Hour Workshops – $85
4-Hour Workshops – $100
7-Hour Workshop – $205 - Virtual Attendance
$80
*Must be an ARSL Advocate, Student, or Retiree member. **Preconference Workshop fees are charged in addition to Base Conference Registration and are available for in-person conference attendees only.
Over $6 Million in E-rate Funding Awarded to Nebraska Schools and Public Libraries
As of May 2, USAC has released two Waves of Funding Commitment Decision Letters (FCDLs) for E-rate Funding Year 2024. These Waves include $6,641,645.17 in funding commitments for 318 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 2024 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 2024, 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.
NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: Computers in Libraries 2024 Highlights & Trends
Highlights and Trends from Computers in Libraries 2024 will be shared on next week’s ‘Pretty Sweet Tech’ NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, April 24 at 10am 1:30pm 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.
Computers in Libraries is the world’s leading technology and innovation conference for librarians! In this session I will cover come of the awesome ideas, tools, tips and tricks of the trade I picked up while in D.C. this year.
I hope to see you there! As a side note, if you’re looking for more emerging tech trends in the library, check out Computers in Libraries magazine.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
- May 1 – One Book for Nebraska Kids & Teens 2024
- May 8 – The 2024 Public Library Accreditation Process
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
This week’s NCompass Live will be held from 1:30pm-2:30pm Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
Posted in Education & Training, Pretty Sweet Tech, Technology
Tagged CILDC, NCompLive, prettysweettech
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Nebraska Library Commission Partners with Medica to Improve Public Libraries’ Internet Access
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 9, 2024
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Andrew “Sherm” Sherman
402-471-4559
800-307-2665
andrew.sherman@nebraska.gov
Nebraska Library Commission Partners with Medica to Improve Public Libraries’ Internet Access
In partnership with Medica, the Nebraska Library Commission (NLC) can assist Nebraska’s public libraries with the purchase and installation of new network technology to improve Internet access and digital equity for their communities.
The funding provided by Medica will be utilized to provide libraries with up-to-date and secure networks and WiFi for public use that can support current and future high-speed Internet connections. “Medica is pleased to provide funding to the Nebraska Library Commission to help local libraries improve internet access and digital equity in their communities,” said Pat Bourne, Medica Market Leader for Nebraska.Many of Nebraska’s small and rural public libraries have challenges accessing the funds and resources needed to select, purchase, and install new technology. The funding provided by Medica combined with the technical resources provided by the NLC will provide the assistance these libraries need to support their communities in this increasingly connected world.
The NLC will initially be contacting libraries that may need assistance with their networks based on the recent Public Library Survey results or have an identified need via the Technology Reviews that have been conducted so far. Libraries interested in upgrading their network can contact Andrew “Sherm” Sherman to arrange for a Technology Review so the current state of their networks can be determined and needed upgrades identified.
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.
Posted in General, Grants, Public Relations, Technology
Tagged internet, Medica, news release, Public Libraries, WiFi
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Make ‘n’ Take Circuit Kits: Brown Dog Gadgets
I know summer reading is taking the world by storm right now, but kids still want some circuit goodness even during the summer! If you’re looking for some quick and easy projects you can do right out of the box, try the circuit kits from Brown Dog Gadgets!
Their Sewing Circuits, Micro:bit rover kits, Solar kits, Origami Circuits, and a lot more are a level above the other kits I’ve tried. Here’s why:
- Excellent instructions
- Well packaged for individual or large group use, depending on the kind you buy
- High-quality parts that actually work
- Easy online ordering & tracking
- Try before you buy- order a sample pack
- Nylon conductive tape is safer and easier to use
- Crazy Circuits system is better for little fingers
Nylon Conductive Tape: For those who have used circuit kits before, I want to clarify those last two items. Traditionally conductive tape is metal and can be pretty sharp. I’ve walked away with far too many cuts on my fingertips after the old paper circuits. Brown Dog uses nylon conductive tape that feels like fabric. It’s durable, but can be repositioned on your project without losing stickiness. They sell their tape separately, so even if you have a bunch of paper circuit supplies already, it’s worth it just to gleefully throw out your old, metal, finger-hating, conductive tape.
Crazy Circuits: Their Crazy Circuits components make it easier to grip and work with LED lights and other small components. Traditionally, LED lights have two small wires and you have to figure out which side is the positive side, and which is the negative side, then make sure the tape makes contact with the right side. Crazy Circuits components are connected to a little circuit board and are easy to grip. So you can tape directly to the board, or use their conductive thread to build a circuit. The large holes also work with Lego bricks so you can make more cool creations.
Pre-packaged kits or individual components: Brown Dog’s pre-packaged kits are great for Code Clubs, make ‘n’ take kits to send home, makerspace activities, or anything your librarian heart desires. Some of their kits use their custom Crazy Circuits system, others use regular LEDs and traditional components. So you have your choice.
Check out Brown Dog Gadgets for quick and easy projects you can order online. They’re geared more towards K-8, but who doesn’t love to sew felt creations that can actually light up with joy? Stock up and pull them out on a rainy day.
Posted in Pretty Sweet Tech, Programming, Technology
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NCompass Live: Improving the Quality of Childcare Through STREAM
Discover new and exciting ways to make learning fun with interactive S.T.R.E.A.M. program boxes on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, April 3 at 10am CT.
Joanne Neemann, Director, Beatrice (NE) Public Library is joining us to talk about the library’s S.T.R.E.A.M. program boxes. With each themed activity box, students will have the opportunity to engage their minds and creativity on a multi-faceted journey exploring the Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math of a chosen topic.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
- April 10 – Program Planning with a Marketing Mindset
- April 17 – 2024 One Book One Nebraska: Dancing with the Octopus
- April 24 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Computers in Libraries 2024 Highlights & Trends
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.
NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: Computers in Libraries 2024 Highlights & Trends
Highlights and Trends from Computers in Libraries 2024 will be shared on next week’s ‘Pretty Sweet Tech’ NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, March 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.
Computers in Libraries is the world’s leading technology and innovation conference for librarians! In this session I will cover come of the awesome ideas, tools, tips and tricks of the trade I picked up while in D.C. this year.
I hope to see you there! As a side note, if you’re looking for more emerging tech trends in the library, check out Computers in Libraries magazine.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
- April 3 – Improving the Quality of Childcare Through STREAM
- April 10 – Program Planning with a Marketing Mindset
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
Posted in Education & Training, Pretty Sweet Tech, Technology
Tagged CILDC, NCompLive, prettysweettech
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E-rate Form 471 Deadline: Two weeks left to file for FY 2024
The deadline to submit the second form in the E-rate process, Form 471, for Funding Year 2024 is Wednesday, March 27. The application filing window for Form 471 opened on January 17.
However, we do not recommend waiting until the last day to submit your Form 471! If there are any issues that day, like the E-rate servers are slowed down because it is the last day to submit, or you can’t submit the form due to reasons on your end, such as illness, weather, power outage, etc., then you could miss the deadline and lose out on E-rate altogether.
So, log into your E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) account and submit your Form 471 as soon as you are allowed!
IMPORTANT: Before you file your Form 471, check your Form 470 Receipt Notification for your Allowable Contract Date – the first date you are allowed to submit your 471. Do not submit your 471 before that date! Remember, after you submit your Form 470, you must wait 28 days to submit your Form 471. You can find your Notification within the EPC portal in your News feed.
Do you need help completing your forms? Do you have questions about E-rate? You’re in luck!
Today’s E-rate News Brief has last-minute tips and links to instructional videos. USAC also conducted a series of webinars focused on E-Rate topics related to FCC Forms 470 and 471 – you can watch the recordings on the USAC Webinars webpage. To keep up on E-rate news, subscribe to the USAC E-rate News Brief.
USAC has a series of video tutorials on the FCC Form 471 at: https://www.usac.org/e-rate/learn/videos/#FCC-Form-471
And more recorded webinars, demos, and training materials are available on the NLC E-rate webpage.
If you have any questions or need any assistance with your E-rate forms, please contact the State E-rate Coordinator for Public Libraries in Nebraska, Christa Porter, 800-307-2665, 402-471-3107.
NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: Evolve Project: Shaping the Libraries of the Future
Brian Pichman of the Evolve Project will be Amanda’s guest on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, February 28, at 10am CT.
Special monthly episodes of NCompass Live! Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.
Brian Pichman of the Evolve Project is the man behind the scenes, transforming how libraries engage with technology. Here at the Commission, he helped a lot with the Tech Kits Through the Mail. If you’ve gotten a kit from us, it’s because he tracks tech trends, works with tech gadget startups, and helps build solid strategies to connect communities with transformative technology.
Honestly, he’s helped me a lot over the years. But I can’t be selfish. I decided to share his expertise with you all! Turns out Brian does way more than I ever knew possible.
In this session we will get Brian talking about all the cool things he has going on:
- Explore how his pilot programs of new games & gadgets are shaping the future of libraries through makerspaces, innovation spaces, and leading edge programming
- Learn how Brian helps libraries embrace AI, VR and AR to revolutionize library services and enhance accessibility and engagement for all.
- Discover his passion for open-source solutions to drive positive change, and his recent endeavors with ByWater Solutions, a leading provider of open-source library software.
- Dig into his work with libchalk, a web hosting platform designed specifically to help libraries host digital content, websites, courses, and online resource libraries.
The real question is, what doesn’t he do? He can help your library too. Find out how.
Upcoming NCompass Live shows:
- March 13 – Winning Grants for Your Library Programming
- March 27 – Pretty Sweet Tech
- April 3 – Improving the Quality of Childcare Through STREAM
To register for an NCompass Live show, or to listen to recordings of past shows, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website.
The show is presented online using the GoTo Webinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoTo Webinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
Posted in Education & Training, Pretty Sweet Tech, Technology
Tagged NCompLive, prettysweettech
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Big Talk From Small Libraries 2024 is tomorrow!
Small libraries! Awesome ideas! FREE!
Join us tomorrow for the 2024 Big Talk From Small Libraries online conference. Registration is still open, so head over to the Registration page and sign up!
We have a full agenda for the day, with speakers from academic and public libraries presenting on a wide variety of topics: fundraising, Memory Cafes, summer reading, accessibility audits, afterschool meals programs, DEIB: diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and much more.
This event is a great opportunity to learn about the innovative things your colleagues are doing in their small libraries.
And, Nebraska library staff and board members can earn 1 hour of CE Credit for each hour of the conference you attend! A special Big Talk From Small Libraries CE Report form has been made available for you to submit your C.E. credits.
So, come join us for a day of big ideas from small libraries!
