Category Archives: Technology

Apply Now: Code Club for Small & Rural Libraries

Posted on June 22, 2018 by Christa Porter

Small and rural public libraries nation-wide are invited to apply to be a part of the IMLS grant “Code Club for Small & Rural Libraries.”

The North Dakota State Library (NDSL) received a grant for $249,000 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), through the National Leadership Grant for Libraries, to help youth learn coding at 50 libraries across the country.

Small and rural communities are at risk of being left behind as computer programming emerges as a critical skill and the gap in access to computer science education widens between urban and rural America. Code Club for Small & Rural Libraries seeks to enable the libraries in these communities to introduce coding to thousands of youth aged 8-14, which will help them gain the skills needed for college and career readiness and life success.

“As centers of learning and catalysts of community change, libraries and museums connect people with programs, services, collections, information, and new ideas in the arts, sciences, and humanities. They serve as vital spaces where people can connect with each other,” said IMLS Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew. “IMLS is proud to support their work through our grant making as they inform and inspire all in their communities.”

The grant will deliver all the resources necessary to run a code club in small and rural public libraries. Those resources include one-on-one training sessions, code club software, and ongoing coaching and support.

A code club is an informal program that takes place at a library where kids learn computer programming skills. Teaching kids computer programming skills can dramatically impact your community by providing kids with 21st century career opportunities and instilling a valuable set of life skills, like computational thinking and problem solving.

Through a partnership with Prenda, code club does not require any coding knowledge to run. It does, however, require:

  • Computers (laptops or desktops)
  • High-speed internet
  • A space in the library
  • Library staff/volunteer to facilitate

To be eligible for this grant you must qualify as a “small or rural public library.”

  • Small = any public library with a service area of 15,000 or less
  • Rural = any public library more than 25 miles from an ‘urbanized area’ (as defined by the US Census)

Applications to participate are due July 16 and must be completed online.

Learn more on the grant website or through the official Facebook group.

This project is funded by the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and is administered by the North Dakota State Library, in collaboration with Prenda. (IMLS Grant information)

Posted in Education & Training, Grants, Technology, Youth Services | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: Library Innovation Studios – A Project Update and Review of the Application Process

Posted on May 25, 2018 by Christa Porter

Join us for the next NCompass Live, ‘Library Innovation Studios – A Project Update and Review of the Application Process’, on Wednesday, May 30, 10:00am – 11:00am CT.

Project staff and partners for the Library Innovation Studios: Transforming Rural Communities project will provide an update to the project, a review of the benefits and commitments involving a makerspace, the need for local partners, and details about the final application/selection process. Eligible Nebraska public libraries are those with a legal service area of less than 25,000 and are accredited. The deadline for the second application cycle – that will identify the final thirteen participating libraries – is scheduled for July 20, 2018.

During the webinar you’ll also hear from Heather St. Clair and Audrey Heil (the directors from the Ashland and Loup City public libraries) who will discuss their experiences preparing for and hosting a Library Innovation Studio for up 20 weeks.

The Nebraska Library Commission (NLC) along with partners University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Nebraska Innovation Studio, Nebraska Extension, and Regional Library Systems, are excited about the project, which was awarded a National Leadership Grant of $530,732 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The project began July 1, 2017 and will conclude the summer of 2020.

The project uses Library Innovation Studios (makerspaces) hosted by libraries to support community engagement and participatory learning experiences by providing access to technological and innovative learning tools not readily accessible locally. This strengthening of the maker culture is expected to stimulate creativity, innovation and the exchange of ideas to facilitate entrepreneurship, skills development, and local economic development.

Project and application details can be found at: http://nlc.nebraska.gov/grants/InnovationStudios/

Presenters: JoAnn McManus, Library Innovation Studios Project Manager; Mary Jo Ryan, NLC Communications Coordinator; Max Wheeler, Instructional Designer for Library Innovation Studios; Connie Hancock, Community Vitality Extension Educator, UNL; Heather St.Clair, Library Director, Ashland Public Library; and Audrey Heil, Director, Loup City Public Library.

Upcoming NCompass Live events:

  • June 20 – Rising to the Challenge: Using the Aspen Institute Report and Action Guide for Strategic Planning
  • June 27 – The 2018 Public Library Accreditation Process
  • July 18 – Many Languages, Many Cultures: Responding to Diverse Health Information Needs
  • August 1 – Engaging Your Community
  • Aug. 15 – Some of Our Favorites: The System Directors Talk Books

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.

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

NCompass Live: Computers in Libraries 2018

Posted on May 4, 2018 by Christa Porter

Join us for the next NCompass Live, ‘Computers in Libraries 2018’, on Wednesday, May 9, 10:00am – 11:00am CT.

Amanda Sweet, Technology Innovation Librarian at the Nebraska Library Commission, will share highlights from the recent Computers in Libraries 2018 conference, held April 17-19 in Arlington, VA.

You probably noticed this, but there is a lot of new tech out there. I want to hear what your library wants. I can help you make it happen. But it is hard to ask for something if you don’t know it exists. This is where the Computers in Libraries 2018 Conference comes in handy.

At this conference I was bombarded by eager developers hoping for a chance. There were countless presenters who put hours of blood, sweat and tears into testing and implementing their own passion projects. There were robots, geospatial based apps, and talk of makerspaces around the world. It was glorious! But the conference was three days long. We have an hour. So I will focus on things I may soon be testing out here at the Nebraska Library Commission. If all goes well, it will spread throughout the state. If you hear about something your library has already done I would love to hear from you!

So settle in for a wild ride. Let’s talk about Future Ready Librarians and makerspaces transcending into the next stage of evolution. Tech just got real.

Upcoming NCompass Live events:

  • May 16 – 2018 One Book One Nebraska: Nebraska Presence: An Anthology of Poetry
  • May 23 – Big-Time Library Support in Small Towns
  • May 30 – Library Innovation Studios – A Project Update and Review of the Application Process
  • June 20 – Rising to the Challenge: Using the Aspen Institute Report and Action Guide for Strategic Planning

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.

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Free Webinar Series: The Social Library

Posted on April 4, 2018 by Mary Sauers

Social Library is a regular WebJunction series featuring some of the amazing work from the libraries that we follow on Facebook. It’s a great virtual tour of how libraries are using social media to connect with their communities, promote services and programs, and engage with their patrons and fans. If you’d like to see your library featured in the Social Library series, please let WebJunction know via social@webjunction.org, or find them on Facebook.

Here are the most recent entries in the Social Library series:

Social Library, Volume 104

 News / Last Modified:20 March 2018

The latest edition of our Social Library highlights innovative ways libraries are using Facebook to connect with communities. One library is circulating fishing poles and another created a video to show that yes, people still use libraries. One libra…

Social Library, Volume 103

 News / Last Modified:20 March 2018

This edition of our Social Library series presents fresh ideas from libraries truly responding to community needs. From language classes in Cree to a lactation station for mothers, and from services for local veterans to a community discussion on new…

Social Library, Volume 102

 News / Last Modified:06 March 2018

In this next edition of the Social Library, we’re showcasing a comic con focused on diversity, patron-designed library cards, libraries as creative economic development hubs, coffee-incentivized reading, and new services for health, literacy and pare…

Social Library, Volume 95

 News / Last Modified:22 February 2018

In this edition of our Social Library series we’re highlighting a pumpkin decorating contest (no carving allowed!), a library ambassador’s take on the new Austin Public Library, a makeup workshop, a 150 celebration, and a microcollege in the Brooklyn…

Social Library, Black History Month Edition

 News / Last Modified:20 February 2018

We continue the Social Library series with this special Black History Month edition, highlighting examples of ways your library can use social media to connect your community to books, programs, videos, oral histories and other resources during the m…

Social Library, Volume 100

 News / Last Modified:06 February 2018

We began our Social Library series nearly three years ago, and we’re pleased to be publishing our 100th edition today! We’ve featured 424 different libraries, representing over 60 states and countries. We have collected each of the editions into a sp…

Social Library, Volume 99

 News / Last Modified:23 January 2018

In this, the first 2018 edition of our Social Library series, we’re highlighting a fresh set of stellar examples of libraries leveraging Facebook in innovative ways. From a fun movie tie-in contest to a reading challenge, and from staff favorites to …

Social Library, Volume 98

 News / Last Modified:04 January 2018

This fresh edition of our Social Library series is guaranteed to bring a few surprises! These libraries are adding everything from lucha libre to the DMV to their offerings, and one is presenting a unique opportunity for patrons to “read away&qu…

Social Library, Volume 90

 News / Last Modified:21 December 2017

We continue our Social Library series with this latest edition featuring dogs and dinosaurs, a mobile kitchen, and some of the innovative ways libraries are using Facebook features. Thank you to all these libraries for their great work and if you’d l…

Social Library, Volume 97

 News / Last Modified:19 December 2017

This week’s edition of our Social Library series highlights posts from five libraries we follow on Facebook, with everything from tech tips to fundraising. There’s really no limit to what you can bring to social media to engage with your community. W…

Reprinted from WebJunction Crossroads : The Newsletter for Library Learning, April 4th, 2018
Posted in Education & Training, General, Information Resources, Library Management, Programming, Technology, Uncategorized, What's Up Doc / Govdocs | Leave a comment

Big Talk From Small Libraries 2018 Recordings Now Available

Posted on March 15, 2018 by Christa Porter

Recordings of all 2018 Big Talk From Small Libraries sessions are now available! You will find them through the Previous Conferences page.

We are still waiting for a few of the PowerPoint files from our presenters – they will be added as soon as we receive them.

And 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.

Posted in Books & Reading, Education & Training, Library Management, Programming, Public Relations, Technology, Youth Services | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: Eleven Ways Your Current Tutorials Are as Forgettable as Barb and What to Do About It

Posted on February 23, 2018 by Christa Porter

Join us for the next NCompass Live, ‘Eleven Ways Your Current Tutorials Are as Forgettable as Barb and What to Do About It’, on Wednesday, February 28, 10:00am – 11:00am CT.

Strategies for Creating Accessible and Usable Online Library Instruction Using New Technologies and Other Stranger Things

Do you ever feel like you are stuck in a rut when you create another LibGuide, screencast or other library instruction? Does it feel repetitive and not-at-all-creative? Are you still getting questions about how to use a database, despite creating detailed screencasts on each one? Are you unsure if what you are creating on the web is accessible to all of your learners? In this workshop, we will address some core skills around universal, instructional and graphic design that you can implement to make your online library instruction more effective. We will share, compare and contrast some tools we’ve used in innovative ways to create library tutorials and guides like reveal.js, Scalar, Timeline.js, Captivate, Articulate Storyline and address the accessibility criteria for each one. Finally, we will apply these tools with you to show how they can work together to create good-looking, usable, accessible and unforgettable online library instruction. Downloadable templates will be made available to attendees.

Presenters: Lindsay H. Matts-Benson, Instructional Designer, University of Minnesota Libraries; Andrew Palahniuk, Peer Research Consultant, University of Minnesota Libraries.

Upcoming NCompass Live events:

  • March 7 – Pioneers in Violence Prevention: Libraries & Rape Crisis Centers
  • March 14 – Tops and Flops of Library Programs
  • March 21 – Reading Diversely
  • March 28 – Providing Access to the Good Life for the Disabled

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.

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Big Talk From Small Libraries is tomorrow!

Posted on February 22, 2018 by Christa Porter

Small libraries! Awesome ideas! FREE!

Join us tomorrow for the Big Talk From Small Libraries 2018 online conference. Registration is still open, so head over to the Registration page and sign up!

We have a great agenda for the day, with seven 50 minute sessions plus five 10 minute lightning round sessions. You can log in and out of the conference as you like throughout the day, based on your interest and availability.

And, Nebraska library staff 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!

Posted in Books & Reading, Education & Training, Information Resources, Library Management, Programming, Public Relations, Technology, Youth Services | Leave a comment

E-rate: Form 470 Deadline and Online Resources

Posted on February 12, 2018 by Christa Porter

Just a reminder …. Thursday, February 22 is the deadline to submit the first form in the E-rate process, Form 470, for the upcoming 2018 Funding Year.

The filing window for submitting the second form in the process, Form 471, opened on Thursday, January 11, and will close at 11:59 PM EDT on Thursday, March 22. This makes February 22 the deadline to post your Form 470 to the USAC website, meet the 28-day posting requirement for the competitive bidding process, and submit a Form 471 by the filing window closing date.

However, we do not recommend waiting until the last day to submit your Form 470! 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 would miss the deadline and lose out on E-rate altogether. So, get your E-rate process started and submit your Form 470 as soon as possible!

Do you need help completing your forms? Do you have questions about E-rate? You’re in luck!

USAC has Form 470 resources on their website:

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 Christa Porter, 800-307-2665, 402-471-3107.

Posted in Library Management, Technology | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: More Than a Library – a Positive Change Agent

Posted on February 9, 2018 by Christa Porter

Join us for the next NCompass Live, ‘More Than a Library – a Positive Change Agent’, on Wednesday, February 14, 10:00am – 11:00am CT.

This session will discuss the Millvale Community Library, a unique sustainable library with solar roof panels that was built from the ground up in 7 years, and now has a makerspace, is connected to a tea shop, and has 3 tenants above the library. We see it as our job to support our community economically, ecologically, and socially. The library is working day and night to make the Borough of Millvale a nicer place to live and learn.

Presenter: Susan McClellan, Executive Director, Millvale Community Library, Millvale, PA.

 

 

 

Upcoming NCompass Live events:

  • Feb. 21 – Why Diverse Literature Matters for Youth Services
  • Feb. 28 – Eleven Ways Your Current Tutorials Are as Forgettable as Barb and What to Do About It
  • March 7 – Pioneers in Violence Prevention: Libraries & Rape Crisis Centers
  • March 14 – Tops and Flops of Library Programs
  • March 28 – Providing Access to the Good Life for the Disabled

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.

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

NCompass Live: Nebraska Schools and Libraries: Breaking the Ice and Igniting Internet Relationships

Posted on January 19, 2018 by Christa Porter

Join us for the next NCompass Live, ‘Nebraska Schools and Libraries: Breaking the Ice and Igniting Internet Relationships’, on Wednesday, January 24, 10:00am – 11:00am CT.

The Nebraska Library Commission, in partnership with the State Office of the Chief Information Officer, is applying for an IMLS SPARK Leadership Grant to incentivize rural public school districts and public libraries to work together to increase the internet speeds at the public library and provide homework hotspots for students who lack internet at home. This session will provide details about the grant and instructions on how your library can apply to participate in the project.

About the Grant
Grant Application for Nebraska Public Libraries

Presenters: Holly Woldt, Senior IT Infrastructure Support Analyst, Nebraska Library Commission; Tom Rolfes, Education IT Manager, Nebraska Information Technology Commission.

Upcoming NCompass Live events:

  • Jan. 31 – The Innovation in Libraries Awesome Foundation Chapter
  • Feb. 21 – Why Diverse Literature Matters for Youth Services
  • Feb. 28 – Eleven Ways Your Current Tutorials Are as Forgettable as Barb and What to Do About It

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.

Posted in Education & Training, Technology | Leave a comment

E-rate Form 471 Application Filing Window Now Open

Posted on January 12, 2018 by Christa Porter

The Form 471 application filing window for Funding Year 2018 opened yesterday at noon EST and will close on Thursday, March 22 at 11:59 pm EDT. You may now log on to the E-rate Productivity Center (EPC) and file your FCC Form 471 for FY2018.

This makes Thursday, February 22, the deadline to post your Form 470 to the USAC website, meet the 28-day posting requirement for the competitive bidding process, and submit a Form 471 by the filing window closing date.

However, we do not recommend waiting until the last day to submit your Form 470. 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, like illness, weather, power outage, etc., then you would miss the deadline and lose out on E-rate altogether. So, get your E-rate Form 470 submitted as soon as possible!

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. Note: This Notice is no longer mailed to you. It is now sent to you within the EPC portal and will be in your News feed.

Do you need help completing your forms? Do you have questions about E-rate? You’re in luck!

USAC has Form 471 resources on their website:

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 Christa Porter, 800-307-2665, 402-471-3107.

Posted in Education & Training, Library Management, Technology | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: The Next Best Thing to Having Your Own Gigabit Internet

Posted on December 23, 2017 by Christa Porter

Join us for the next NCompass Live, ‘The Next Best Thing to Having Your Own Gigabit Internet’, on Wednesday, December 27, 10:00am – 11:00am CT.

Did you know that every Nebraska public school district is connected via fiber to the statewide network, and each is capable of 1,000Mbps Internet or more? Did you know that most Nebraska public libraries are within 1-2 miles of a public school building but fewer than 15% report their Internet capacity in excess of 25Mbps? Did you know that approximately 50,000 K-12 students do not have Internet at home? What if there was a way to partner to share school district Internet with your library at minimal cost AND qualify for E-rate without excessive filtering? Attend this session to find out about this closely guarded infrastructure secret and learn how to strike up a relationship with your local public school district.

Presenters: Tom Rolfes, Education IT Manager, Nebraska Information Technology Commission; Holly Woldt, Senior IT Infrastructure Support Analyst, Nebraska Library Commission.

Upcoming NCompass Live events:

  • Jan. 3, 2018 – Best New Children’s Books of 2017
  • Jan. 31, 2018 – The Innovation in Libraries Awesome Foundation Chapter

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.

Posted in Education & Training, Technology | Leave a comment

E-rate: What’s New for 2018? – Recording now available

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Christa Porter

The recording of the E-rate: What’s New for 2018? online session is now available.

What is E-rate? How can my public library benefit from E-rate? How do I apply for E-rate?

E-rate is a federal program that provides discounts to schools and public libraries on Telecommunications, Internet access, and Internal Connections costs in order to make these services more affordable. There have been some big changes to E-rate since USAC launched the E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC). This new online portal is the main point of entry for all E-rate interactions. With your organizational account you can now use EPC to file forms, track your application status, communicate with USAC, and more.

What does your public library need to know to use this new E-rate portal? In this workshop, Christa Porter, Nebraska’s State E-rate Coordinator for Public Libraries, will first cover the basics of the E-rate program and then show you how to access and use your account in EPC to submit your Funding Year 2018 E-rate application.

If you have any questions or need any assistance with your E-rate forms, visit the NLC E-rate webpage or please contact Christa Porter, 800-307-2665, 402-471-3107.

 

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Computers in Libraries Conference 2018 (April 17-19) Discount

Posted on December 11, 2017 by Susan Knisely

Computer in Libraries logoThe Nebraska Library Commission is offering a group discount to all Nebraska librarians who attend the Computers in Libraries 2018 conference. This year it will be held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Arlington, VA, on April 17-19, 2018. Detailed information about the conference can be found on the conference web page.

This year the Gold Pass will be available for the group rate of $599 (regular rate is $809). The Full 3-day Pass will be $339 (regular rate is $549). (No discount rates are available for the preconference seminars and workshops, unless purchased as part of a Gold Pass.)

In addition, discount prices of $599 (regularly $749) on the Library Leaders Summit (includes all three days of CIL), and $129 (regularly $219) on the Internet@Schools Track are also available.

To receive the discount you will need to register online using this link. Discounted rates should appear on the registration form. If you don’t see discounted rates on the form, please contact Susan Knisely for assistance.

Deadline: Online registrations can be made until March 16 to receive discounted rates.

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Call for Speakers: Big Talk From Small Libraries 2018

Posted on November 21, 2017 by Christa Porter

The Call for Speakers for Big Talk From Small Libraries 2018 is now open!

This free one-day online conference is aimed at librarians from small libraries; the smaller the better! We are looking for speakers from small libraries or speakers who directly work with small libraries. 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 five 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!

Big Talk From Small Libraries 2018 will be held on Friday, February 23, 2018 between 8:45 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (CT) via the GoToWebinar online meeting service. Speakers will be able to present their programs from their own desktops. The schedule will accommodate speakers’ time-zones.

If you are interested in presenting, please submit your proposal by Friday, January 12, 2018.

Speakers from libraries serving fewer than 10,000 people will be preferred, but presentations from libraries with larger service populations will be considered.

This conference is organized and hosted by the Nebraska Library Commission and is co-sponsored by the Association for Rural & Small Libraries.

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

NCompass Live: Non-Visual Desktop Access (NVDA) to the Good Life

Posted on November 17, 2017 by Christa Porter

Join us for the next NCompass Live, ‘Non-Visual Desktop Access (NVDA) to the Good Life’, on Wednesday, November 22, 10:00am – 11:00am CT.

Blind and visually impaired people use screen readers and other assistive technology to access computers. This presentation will focus on how free screen readers can be used in the library to help visually impaired patrons gain equal access to information. Learn how screen readers work and how to set up a computer station for the blind. The presenter will also provide an overview of how to make your websites more screen reader friendly. A virtual handout will be available with some helpful information, including resources for both librarians and patrons to learn how to operate screen readers.

Presenter: Amanda Sweet, Reader Services Advisor, Talking Book and Braille Service, Nebraska Library Commission.

Upcoming NCompass Live events:

  • Nov. 29 – Libraries Rock! : Summer Reading Program 2018
  • Dec. 6 – Guerrilla Storytime
  • Dec. 13  How to Choose Your News: Educating College Students on Identifying Bias
  • Dec. 27 – The Next Best Thing to Having Your Own Gigabit Internet

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.

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

Join the Nebraska WebDewey Group Purchase

Posted on November 7, 2017 by Susan Knisely

This is a good time of year to remind Nebraska librarians that they can save money on a subscription to WebDewey by participating in the Nebraska Dewey Group Purchase!

Dewey on the Web

Enjoy web-based access to an enhanced version of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) database through WebDewey. WebDewey includes all content from the recently discontinued print edition and features:

  • Regular updates (new developments, new built numbers and additional electronic index terms)
  • An easy-to-navigate, simple user interface that is suitable for the novice as well as the power user
  • BISAC-to-DDC mappings

Our next WebDewey Group annual subscription will begin on January 1, 2018 and run through December 31, 2018. Libraries may join the Group at any time. Mid-term subscriptions will be prorated.

If your library is interested in subscribing to WebDewey, you’ll find pricing information on our online WebDewey Order Form.

To see WebDewey in action, try the WebDewey 2.0: An Overview tutorial.

If you have any questions about this group subscription opportunity, please contact Susan Knisely, 402-471-3849 or 800-307-2665.

Note: OCLC Membership is NOT required to purchase WebDewey.

Posted in General, Library Management, Technology | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: Using YA Literature to Inspire Teen Girls’ Interests in STEM

Posted on November 3, 2017 by Christa Porter

Join us for the next NCompass Live, ‘Using YA Literature to Inspire Teen Girls’ Interests in STEM’, on Wednesday, November 8, 10:00am – 11:00am CT.

If Hunger Games can inspire young women to take up the bow and arrow, then surely other young adult (YA) titles can inspire enthusiasm for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). This program will discuss the role of YA fiction in teen development and specific YA titles to encourage STEM interests with teen girls.

Presenter: Dr. Melissa Cast-Brede, Department of Teacher Education, College of Education, University of Nebraska Omaha.

Upcoming NCompass Live events:

  • Nov. 15 – What’s Up @ the Commission?
  • Nov. 29 – Libraries Rock! : Summer Reading Program 2018
  • Dec. 6 – Guerrilla Storytime
  • Dec. 13  How to Choose Your News: Educating College Students on Identifying Bias
  • Dec. 27 – The Next Best Thing to Having Your Own Gigabit Internet

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.

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‘E-rate: What’s New for 2018?’ Workshops Scheduled

Posted on October 29, 2017 by Christa Porter

‘E-rate: What’s New for 2018?’ has been scheduled in locations across the state and online.

What is E-rate? How can my library benefit from E-rate? How do I apply for E-rate?

E-rate is a federal program that provides discounts to schools and libraries on Telecommunications, Internet access, and Internal Connections costs in order to make these services more affordable. There have been some big changes to E-rate since USAC launched the E-Rate Productivity Center(EPC). This new online portal is the main point of entry for all E-rate interactions. With your organizational account you can now use EPC to file forms, track your application status, communicate with USAC, and more.

What does your library need to know to use this new E-rate portal? In this workshop, Christa Porter, Nebraska’s State E-rate Coordinator for Public Libraries, will first cover the basics of the E-rate program and then show you how to access and use your account in EPC to submit your Funding Year 2018 E-rate application.

Dates and locations:

    • November 6 – Kearney Public Library
    • November 7 – McCook Public Library
    • November 8 – Scottsbluff Public Library
    • November 14 – Plainview Public Library
    • November 20 – Blair Public Library
    • November 29 – Seward Memorial Library
    • December 5 – Online, GoToWebinar

NOTE: A location in the southeast part of the state is being finalized and will be announced soon.

To register for any of these sessions, go to the Nebraska Library Commission’s Training & Events Calendar and search for ‘e-rate 2018’.

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Gov. Ricketts Unveils Library Innovation Studios Makerspace Partnership

Posted on October 18, 2017 by Mary Jo Ryan

Governor Pete Ricketts announced that 18 Nebraska libraries will be the initial local participants in Nebraska’s Library Innovation Studios: Transforming Rural Communities project to create library makerspaces. The Nebraska Library Commission was recently awarded a National Leadership Grant of $530,732 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for this partnership project with the University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL), Nebraska Innovation Studio, Nebraska Extension, Regional Library Systems, and local public libraries.

“This partnership demonstrates how our Nebraska communities can use technology and education to empower community residents to create, learn, and invent,” said Governor Ricketts. “By expanding the skills of the workforce in our communities, supporting entrepreneurs, and encouraging lifelong learning, this partnership reinforces our vibrant business climate and supports community development.”

The project uses Library Innovation Studios makerspaces hosted by public libraries to support community engagement and participatory learning experiences by providing access to technology and innovative learning tools not readily accessible locally….READ MORE at http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases/1710Gov.RickettsUnveilsLIS.aspx. 

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