Tag Archives: NCompLive

NCompass Live: Creating a Culture of Privacy & Security

Posted on August 18, 2023 by Christa Porter

Learn about ‘Creating a Culture of Privacy & Security’ in your library every day on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, August 23, at 10am CT.

This session discusses how to encourage library staff to really embody the policies of security and privacy in their library (and how to get those in place if your library doesn’t have them). Get lots of tips and insights from our experienced speaker.

Presenter: Robin Hastings, Library Services Consultant, Northeast Kansas Library System (NEKLS).

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • August 30 – SPECIAL TIME – 3-4pm CT – Pretty Sweet Tech: Kai’s Education: Adventures in Collaborative Coding
  • Sept. 20 – NLC Grants for 2024

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.

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NCompass Live: E-rate 101: Just the Basics for 2024

Posted on July 28, 2023 by Christa Porter

What is E-rate? How can my library benefit from E-rate? How do I apply for E-rate? Bring all of your E-rate questions to ‘E-rate 101: Just the Basics for 2024’, next week’s NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, August 2 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.

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 2024.

Presenter: Christa Porter, Nebraska’s State E-rate Coordinator for Public Libraries, Nebraska Library Commission.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • August 9 – Deploying Soft Skills in the Library Setting
  • August 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.

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NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: Internet Filtering For E-Rate CIPA Compliance And Cybersecurity

Posted on July 21, 2023 by Christa Porter

Learn about ‘Internet Filtering For E-Rate CIPA Compliance And Cybersecurity’ on next week’s Pretty Sweet Tech NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, July 26, 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.

To take advantage of the E-rate funding to pay for your library’s Internet service, you are required to have CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act) compliant filtering in place. Filtering can also provide strong cybersecurity protection for library staff and customers. Guest Presenter Andrew “Sherm” Sherman, with the Nebraska Library Commission Computer Services team, will discuss how this filtering can be implemented, the cyber security benefits, and the various solutions that meet CIPA guidelines.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • August 9 – Deploying Soft Skills in the Library Setting
  • August 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.

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NCompass Live: A Library Centennial Celebration in Photos and Memories

Posted on July 7, 2023 by Christa Porter

Hear how Baright Public Library created ‘A Library Centennial Celebration in Photos and Memories’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, July 12 at 10am CT.

Using a qualitative research methodology termed “photovoices,” oral histories, memories, and reflections were gathered from Ralston community members for Baright Public Library’s centennial celebration. Long-time and recent residents were interviewed to gather personal stories and photographs provided by the interviewees. Participants were asked to share photographs that showed something meaningful in relation to the Ralston, Nebraska community or the library and to talk through why they chose that photo and what it means to them. This session focuses on the research process including participant recruitment and staff time, the research methodology, and the value of this type of project for a centennial celebration.

Presenter: Amy Jo Ellefson, Adult Programs Coordinator, Baright Public Library, Ralston, NE

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • July 19 – Nebraska Open Meetings Act: 2023 Overview and Updates
  • July 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Internet Filtering For E-Rate CIPA Compliance And Cybersecurity

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.

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NCompass Live: One Book For Nebraska Kids & Teens 2023

Posted on June 30, 2023 by Christa Porter

Wouldn’t it be great if kids all over Nebraska were talking about books? Hear about the Nebraska Library Commission & the Regional Library Systems’ program where kids can all read and discuss the same book on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, July 5 at 10am CT.

Join Sally Snyder, the NLC’s Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services, and Aimee Owen, Information Services Librarian, to learn all about the One Book for Nebraska Kids and Teens program. And be the first to hear the 2024 titles that will be announced on this show!

Our 2023 titles are:

  • One Book For Nebraska Kids – The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich
  • One Book For Nebraska Teens – Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter.





Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • July 12 – A Library Centennial Celebration in Photos and Memories
  • July 19 – Nebraska Open Meetings Act: 2023 Overview and Updates
  • July 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Internet Filtering For E-Rate CIPA Compliance And Cybersecurity

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 Books & Reading, Education & Training, Youth Services | Tagged | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: Secure Computers For Public Use

Posted on June 23, 2023 by Christa Porter

Learn how to keep your library computers secure for public use on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, June 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.

Computers for public use are a service unique to libraries. To provide the best possible protection for the customers that use them and maximize their availability, they need to be properly secured and maintained. Guest Presenter Andrew “Sherm” Sherman, with the Nebraska Library Commission Computer Services team, will take you through the process he has used to do this for the libraries he has provided IT support for.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • July 5 – One Book for Nebraska Kids & Teens 2023
  • July 12 – A Library Centennial Celebration in Photos and Memories
  • July 19 – Nebraska Open Meetings Act: 2023 Overview and Updates
  • July 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Internet Filtering For E-Rate CIPA Compliance And Cybersecurity

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, Library Management, Pretty Sweet Tech, Technology | Tagged , | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: Nebraska Public Library Laws: Chapter 51 and Beyond

Posted on June 16, 2023 by Christa Porter

Learn the essentials of Nebraska State Statutes that affect Nebraska Public Libraries on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, ‘Nebraska Public Library Laws: Chapter 51 and Beyond’, on Wednesday, June 21, at 10am CT.

While Nebraska public libraries are agencies of local government, the laws that specifically deal with the formation and governance of those libraries are state laws. Library directors and board members should be familiar with library specific laws, as well as other statutes not specifically aimed at libraries, but which may affect libraries. Attend this session to learn the essentials of Nebraska State Statutes that affect Nebraska Public Libraries. Note: This topic is very Nebraska specific. If you are attending from another state, the laws we discuss may not be applicable for your library.

Presenters: Scott Childers, Executive Director, Southeast Library System, Lincoln, NE; and Christa Porter, Library Development Director, Nebraska Library Commission.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • June 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Secure Computers For Public Use
  • July 5 – One Book for Nebraska Kids & Teens 2023
  • July 12 – A Library Centennial Celebration in Photos and Memories
  • July 19 – Nebraska Open Meetings Act: 2023 Overview and Updates
  • July 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Internet Filtering For E-Rate CIPA Compliance And Cybersecurity

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.

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NCompass Live: Transforming Library Staff Learning Through Technology Skills Assessments

Posted on June 9, 2023 by Christa Porter

Learn about technology skills assessments that you can modify to fit your library’s needs on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, ‘Transforming Library Staff Learning Through Technology Skills Assessments’, on Wednesday, June 14, at 10am CT.

Technology skills assessments are tools used by supervisors and managers to gauge competency in key subject matter areas. These assessments can be powerful tools for identifying common skills gaps, allowing libraries to make objective decisions on how best to close those gaps. Even more concerning is that frequently these technology skills gaps are related to proficiencies in areas with large impact to your organization, such as cybersecurity and cloud computing, making these gaps detrimental if unaddressed. By utilizing technology skills assessments, libraries are able to take factual data into account when deciding how to best train their staff.

We conducted pre-training technology skills assessments for library staff in several libraries, identifying the common gaps of knowledge among staff members. We then provided free training, and followed up by conducting post-training technology skills assessments to ensure that staff increased their knowledge. Staff reported that they felt more comfortable helping patrons and students with their technology issues, and supervisors reported that they had more confidence in their staff’s ability to both use technology and assist patrons and students with their technology needs.

In this session, we will provide attendees with a sample technology skills assessment that you can modify to fit your needs. We will also provide a list of resources for free technology training. In addition, you’ll learn how to conduct the post-training technology skills assessment, and how to determine if more training is needed.

Presenters: Regina Burgess, Director of Professional Development, Panhandle Library Access Network, Inc. and Diana Silveira, Novare Library Services.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • June 21 – Nebraska Public Library Laws: Chapter 51 and Beyond
  • June 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Secure Computers For Public Use
  • July 5 – One Book for Nebraska Kids & Teens 2023
  • July 12 – A Library Centennial Celebration in Photos and Memories
  • July 19 – Nebraska Open Meetings Act: 2023 Overview and Updates
  • July 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Internet Filtering For E-Rate CIPA Compliance And Cybersecurity

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.

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NCompass Live: In Search of the Obscure – Using Library & Online Sources to Find Resources that are Out of the Ordinary

Posted on June 2, 2023 by Christa Porter

Learn some resources and tactics for finding unusual materials on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, ‘In Search of the Obscure – Using Library & Online Sources to Find Resources that are Out of the Ordinary’, on Wednesday, June 7, at 10am CT.

As more of the world has moved on-line, researchers are discovering items that they didn’t know were out there. We will share with you resources and tactics for finding unusual materials. For example, international libraries are open to sharing their collections but have unique challenges. Individual and regional libraries are creating online digital collections that can be accessed for free. We’ll also share some sites that you’ll want to avoid because they specialize in pirated information.

Presenters: Michael Straatmann, Associate Director for Collection Management; Joyce Melvin, ILL Manager; Amy Heberling, Borrowing/Resource Sharing Associate, University Libraries, University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • June 14 – Transforming Library Staff Learning Through Technology Skills Assessments
  • June 21 – Nebraska Public Library Laws: Chapter 51 and Beyond
  • June 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Secure Computers For Public Use
  • July 5 – One Book for Nebraska Kids & Teens 2023
  • July 12 – A Library Centennial Celebration in Photos and Memories
  • July 19 – Nebraska Open Meetings Act: 2023 Overview and Updates
  • July 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Internet Filtering For E-Rate CIPA Compliance And Cybersecurity

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.

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NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: Bots for the Community!

Posted on May 26, 2023 by Christa Porter

Join us to hear how the FarmBot project, ‘Harvest at the Library’, was born on next week’s ‘Pretty Sweet Tech’ NCompass Live webinar, ‘Bots for the Community!’, on Wednesday, May 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.

Hear how a FarmBot had an impact on the community and how the library launched videos to teach people how the bot works (in-person programs were not open yet at the library). Lou shares the excitement of harvesting the very first carrot from the FarmBot!

Guest Presenters: Dan Lou, Library Program Coordinator, Palo Alto City Library; Susan T. Cheng, Lead Mentor, Space Cookies FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1868, Adult Co-Leader, Space Cookies Girl Scout Troop 62868; and Navika S., Space Cookies FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1868, Space Cookies Girl Scout Troop 62868.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • June 7 – In Search of the Obscure – Using Library & Online Sources to Find Resources that are Out of the Ordinary
  • June 14 – Transforming Library Staff Learning Through Technology Skills Assessments
  • June 21 – Nebraska Public Library Laws: Chapter 51 and Beyond
  • June 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Secure Computers For Public Use
  • July 5 – One Book for Nebraska Kids & Teens 2023
  • July 12 – A Library Centennial Celebration in Photos and Memories
  • July 19 – Nebraska Open Meetings Act: 2023 Overview and Updates
  • July 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Internet Filtering For E-Rate CIPA Compliance And Cybersecurity

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.

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NCompass Live: La Biblioteca Es Para Ti – Building Community Relationships in a Different Language

Posted on May 19, 2023 by Christa Porter

How can you build community partnerships in a different language? Find out on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, ‘La Biblioteca Es Para Ti – Building Community Relationships in a Different Language’, on Wednesday, May 24 at 10am CT.

Hear one library’s experience with outreach to their Spanish-speaking population. Learn how to build a relationship with an underserved population so your library can add value to ALL of your community.

Presenter: Jenny White, Library Director, Schuyler (NE) Public Library.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • May 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Bots for the Community!
  • June 7 – In Search of the Obscure – Using Library & Online Sources to Find Resources that are Out of the Ordinary
  • June 14 – Transforming Library Staff Learning Through Technology Skills Assessments
  • June 21 – Nebraska Public Library Laws: Chapter 51 and Beyond
  • June 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech
  • July 5 – One Book for Nebraska Kids & Teens 2023
  • July 12 – A Library Centennial Celebration in Photos and Memories
  • July 19 – Nebraska Open Meetings Act: 2023 Overview and Updates

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, Library Management, Programming, Public Relations | Tagged | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: Read the Rainbow: Serving the LGBTQ+ Community in Your Library

Posted on May 12, 2023 by Christa Porter

LGBTQIA…BCDEFG? What do all those letters even mean, and why should you care? Find out on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, May 17 at 10am CT.

Join Lane for a primer on all things LGBTQ, and learn about how (and why) you can begin to build a more inclusive and welcoming library for both customers and staff, and why it matters.

Presenter: Lane Gibson, Library Service Associate, Gere Branch Library, Lincoln (NE) City Libraries.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • May 24 – La Biblioteca Es Para Ti – Building Community Relationships in a Different Language
  • May 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Bots for the Community!
  • June 7 – In Search of the Obscure – Using Library & Online Sources to Find Resources that are Out of the Ordinary
  • June 14 – Transforming Library Staff Learning Through Technology Skills Assessments
  • June 28 – Pretty Sweet Tech
  • July 5 – One Book for Nebraska Kids & Teens 2023
  • July 19 – Nebraska Open Meetings Act: 2023 Overview and Updates

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 Books & Reading, Education & Training, Library Management, Programming, Public Relations | Tagged | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: The 2023 Public Library Accreditation Process

Posted on May 5, 2023 by Christa Porter

Get a head start on ‘The 2023 Public Library Accreditation Process’ on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, May 10 at 10am CT.

The 2023 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 what it can do for 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 17 – Read the Rainbow: Serving the LGBTQ+ Community in Your Library
  • May 24 – La Biblioteca Es Para Ti – Building Community Relationships in a Different Language
  • May 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Bots for the Community!
  • June 7 – In Search of the Obscure – Using Library & Online Sources to Find Resources that are Out of the Ordinary
  • June 14 – Transforming Library Staff Learning Through Technology Skills Assessments

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.

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NCompass Live: Public Libraries & Wikipedia: Creative Collaborations

Posted on April 28, 2023 by Christa Porter

Learn about the Wikipedian in Residence program at the Kansas City Public Library on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, ‘Public Libraries & Wikipedia: Creative Collaborations’, on Wednesday, May 3 at 10am CT.

Kansas City Public Library hosted the first Wikipedian in Residence (WiR) at a public library in the country. Explore what a WiR is, how WiRs collaborate with community members and GLAM institutions (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums), and why collaborations between Wikipedia and public libraries are mutually beneficial and have an impact.

Kim Gile, Director of Branch Services & Engagement, will reflect on the residency at KCPL and give an update on the Library’s Wikipedia journey that started in 2018.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • May 10 – The 2023 Public Library Accreditation Process
  • May 17 – Read the Rainbow: Serving the LGBTQ+ Community in Your Library
  • May 24 – La Biblioteca Es Para Ti – Building Community Relationships in a Different Language
  • May 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Bots for the Community!
  • June 7 – In Search of the Obscure – Using Library & Online Sources to Find Resources that are Out of the Ordinary
  • June 14 – Transforming Library Staff Learning Through Technology Skills Assessments

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 , , | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech – Computers in Libraries 2023 Highlights & Trends

Posted on April 21, 2023 by Christa Porter

Highlights and Trends from Computers in Libraries 2023 will be shared on next week’s Pretty Sweet Tech NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, April 26 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 was a moderator for one of the tracks this year, so some of the highlights are skewed heavily towards UX Design and Website Revamps, but that is not a bad thing!

Here’s a preview of some of the trends I will cover:

  • New User Experience Library Trends
  • Partnerships to Expand Services
  • Workforce Development & Business Librarianship
  • Techy Goodness (obviously!)

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 3 – Public Libraries & Wikipedia: Creative Collaborations
  • May 10 – The 2023 Public Library Accreditation Process
  • May 17 – Read the Rainbow: Serving the LGBTQ+ Community in Your Library
  • May 24 – La Biblioteca Es Para Ti – Building Community Relationships in a Different Language
  • May 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Bots for the Community!
  • June 7 – In Search of the Obscure – Using Library & Online Sources to Find Resources that are Out of the Ordinary
  • June 14 – Transforming Library Staff Learning Through Technology Skills Assessments

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 , , | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: Creative Aging Arts Program for Nebraska Libraries

Posted on April 14, 2023 by Christa Porter

Learn how to host a Creative Aging Arts Program for older adults at your public library, with grants available from the Nebraska Arts Council, on next week’s NCompass Live webinar on Wednesday, April 19 at 10am CT.

A happy surprise during the Nebraska Arts Council’s pilot year of the Creative Aging Arts Program (CAAP) was the interest shown by public libraries around our state and engagement with them. Now in its second year, CAAP is going strong, with grants available to libraries throughout Nebraska. These grants support sequential, interactive workshops that are led by teaching artists who’ve completed training to work with older adults. Join us to learn about why the Nebraska Arts Council (NAC) supports creative programming that engages older adults. We’ll also share experiences from libraries that have already hosted artist residencies, learn about the variety of visual and performing artists who are involved in this program, and discuss the grants that are available to libraries and how to apply for those grants.

Join NAC Program Specialist Anne Alston and NAC Program Coordinator Joshua Brown, as well as the Lincoln Lied Township Library Director, Wendy Ketelsen – who is also a CAAP artist herself!

  • Hear what NAC has learned about the importance of socialization and creative skill building for older adults.
  • Tell us about programming that you would like to see in YOUR libraries.
  • Learn about the steps involved with applying for a grant, hiring an artist, and hosting a series of artist-led workshops for older adults.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • April 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech – Computers in Libraries 2023 Highlights & Trends
  • May 3 – Public Libraries & Wikipedia: Creative Collaborations
  • May 10 – The 2023 Public Library Accreditation Process
  • May 17 – Read the Rainbow: Serving the LGBTQ+ Community in Your Library
  • May 24 – La Biblioteca Es Para Ti – Building Community Relationships in a Different Language
  • May 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Bots for the Community!
  • June 7 – In Search of the Obscure – Using Library & Online Sources to Find Resources that are Out of the Ordinary
  • June 14 – Transforming Library Staff Learning Through Technology Skills Assessments

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, Grants, Programming | Tagged | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: Art Show! Where Art and Science Meet to Bring the Community Together

Posted on April 7, 2023 by Christa Porter

Learn how a planned celebration of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) launch evolved into a community-wide art show and led to new opportunities for collaboration on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, ‘Art Show! Where Art and Science Meet to Bring the Community Together’ on Wednesday, April 12 at 10am CT.

In 2022 our library was an official NASA host site for the JWST launch. We worked with a geoscience professor at Chadron State College to promote the launch through a variety of events, including an art show. We invited the community to imagine what the JWST might see and to express that as visual art.

The community and the organizers had a great time so we decided keep going. We held our second community art show in February 2023. Learn how we worked with the schools and community groups to plan, publicize and set up the show, and how a collaboration among scientists and artists led to an ongoing exploration of the intersection of science and art.

Presenters: Susan J. Rolfsmeier, Assistant Director, Chadron (NE) Public Library; Whitney Tewahade, K – 8 Art & Design Teacher, Chadron Public Schools; and Dr. Tawny Tibbits, Geosciences Professor, Chadron State College.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • April 19 – Creative Aging Arts Program for Nebraska Libraries
  • April 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech
  • May 3 – Public Libraries & Wikipedia: Creative Collaborations
  • May 10 – The 2023 Public Library Accreditation Process
  • May 17 – Read the Rainbow: Serving the LGBTQ+ Community in Your Library
  • May 24 – La Biblioteca Es Para Ti – Building Community Relationships in a Different Language
  • May 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Bots for the Community!
  • June 14 – Transforming Library Staff Learning Through Technology Skills Assessments

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 | Tagged | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: T(w)eens: Programming, Partnership, and Burnout

Posted on March 31, 2023 by Christa Porter

You can create successful teen library programs without burnout! Learn how on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, ‘T(w)eens: Programming, Partnership, and Burnout’ on Wednesday, April 5 at 10am CT.

There’s a lot to consider when we are planning teen and tween programming. In this presentation you will learn about using connected learning principals and co-designing to develop programs with teen patrons. We’ll learn the difference between partnerships and supporters, and how to identify them using community asset mapping. Create successful teen programs without burnout!

Presenter: Kymberlee Powe, Children and YA Consultant, Connecticut State Library.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • April 12 – Art Show! Where Art and Science Meet to Bring the Community Together
  • April 19 – Creative Aging Arts Program for Nebraska Libraries
  • April 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech
  • May 3 – Public Libraries & Wikipedia: Creative Collaborations
  • May 17 – Read the Rainbow: Serving the LGBTQ+ Community in Your Library
  • May 24 – La Biblioteca Es Para Ti – Building Community Relationships in a Different Language
  • May 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Bots for the Community!

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, Youth Services | Tagged | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: Pretty Sweet Tech: GrandPads: Creating Digital Connections for Older Adults

Posted on March 24, 2023 by Christa Porter

Learn how to plan and implement a GrandPad program, with tablets designed by older adults for older adults, on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, ‘GrandPads: Creating Digital Connections for Older Adults’, on Wednesday, March 29 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.

During the pandemic, social isolation became a significant problem for many seniors, who were also the most vulnerable to COVID-19. On top of the isolation, the persistent digital divide left many older adults in the St. Louis area either without internet access, a device, the skills to use digital technology, or all three. St. Louis County Library devised a way to serve the digital needs of the community through an innovative program of lending GrandPads to isolated, low-income older adults. GrandPads are tablets designed by older adults for older adults with a simple, intuitive, and decluttered design. In this session, learn how St. Louis County Library planned and implemented the GrandPad program, including securing $1,000,000 in funding from local government, reviewing applications, and distributing and administering the GrandPads.

Guest Presenter: Eric Button, Deputy Director, St. Louis County Library.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • April 5 – T(w)eens: Programming, Partnership, and Burnout
  • April 12 – Art Show! Where Art and Science Meet to Bring the Community Together
  • April 19 – Creative Aging Arts Program for Nebraska Libraries
  • April 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech
  • May 17 – Read the Rainbow: Serving the LGBTQ+ Community in Your Library
  • May 24 – La Biblioteca Es Para Ti – Building Community Relationships in a Different Language
  • May 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Bots for the Community!

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, Pretty Sweet Tech, Technology | Tagged , | Leave a comment

NCompass Live: New Technology for the Visually Impaired of Nebraska: Magnifiers and e-readers

Posted on March 17, 2023 by Christa Porter

Electronic video magnifiers and Braille e-readers will improve services to your blind and visually impaired patrons, and they are available via public libraries across the state. Learn about this equipment on next week’s NCompass Live webinar, on Wednesday, March 22 at 10am CT.

Erin Brandyberry and Mickie Saltzman, from the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and Pat Fischer from NanoPac, will talk about and demonstrate how to use equipment that will improve services to your blind and visually impaired patrons. Electronic video magnifiers were placed in Nebraska public libraries by the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Braille e-readers are available to Nebraska patrons from the Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS) at the Nebraska Library Commission.

Upcoming NCompass Live shows:

  • March 29 – Pretty Sweet Tech: GrandPads: Creating Digital Connections for Older Adults
  • April 5 – T(w)eens: Programming, Partnership, and Burnout
  • April 12 – Art Show! Where Art and Science Meet to Bring the Community Together
  • April 19 – Creative Aging Arts Program for Nebraska Libraries
  • April 26 – Pretty Sweet Tech
  • May 17 – Read the Rainbow: Serving the LGBTQ+ Community in Your Library
  • May 24 – La Biblioteca Es Para Ti – Building Community Relationships in a Different Language
  • May 31 – Pretty Sweet Tech: Bots for the Community!

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, Talking Book & Braille Service (TBBS), Technology | Tagged | Leave a comment