News Archive for August 2008    

The Institute of Museum and Libray Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development.

Picturing America, presented by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), provides high-quality reproductions of great American art to public libraries and K-12 schools to enhance the study of history, social studies, language arts, literature and civics. Picturing America allows everyone, regardless of their location or income to explore American history through the lens of our nations’s great works of art. The Endowment wants every school and public library in the United States to receive Picturing America.

Libraries with collections that circulate to the general public and those that offer reading programs to the public are encouraged to apply. Public libraries are eligible to receive Picturing America materials free of charge. Included in the package are:

*Forty large, high-quality color reproductions of the selected masterpieces (24″x36″)

*A comprehensive teacher’s resource book providing a wide range of ideas and background information to support educators using the works of art in core subject areas.

*Lesson plans and additional resources available through the Picturing America Web site Picturing America.neh.gov

Application information can be found in the ‘Apply Now’ section of the Picturing America Web site, PicturingAmerica.neh.gov. Applications are currently being accepted now through October 31, 2008, with delivery scheduled for spring 2009. Libraries and schools have a second opportunity to apply for a wonderful, free teaching tool and bring great American art to their patrons and students. Previous recipients of the Picturing America collection are not eligible for a second award.

Art has so much to teach about America’s past, present and future. To learn more about the Institute of Museum and Library Services, visit www.imls.gov. Additional information about the National Endowment for the Humanities and its grant programs is available at www.neh.gov.

PaLa scholarships are a great way to make something possible you might not have been able to afford otherwise. There are three PaLA Conference Scholarships available this year. Even though the conference may seem far away, the deadline for applications is Friday, August 29, 2008.

The Conference Scholarships available are:

Boyds Mills Press Conference Scholarship is for first-time conference attendees who are involved in youth services. Three scholarships are available, $500 each.

PaLA Youth Services Conference Grant is for youth services librarians attending the conference but not for the first time. One scholarship is available, $500.

Brodart Conference Grant is for support staff to attend their first conference. Ten scholarships are available, totaling $1,500.

Priority is given in each of these scholarships to those who are PaLA personal members. If you are not a member already, you can find more information and a personal member application form at http://www.palibraries.org/about/membership.asp .

Links to the Conference wiki and to the scholarship application forms are on PaLA’s website http://www.palibraries.org/

From keynote speakers to award sessions and workshops, the conference is a great opportunity to network, learn, and get energized. The scholarships available can be a helpful tool for continued knowledge and education. Applications for scholarships and memberships are easily available on the PaLA website listed above.

The Rosemont College Information Services department seeks a part-time, 9 month, 14 hours per week (includes one evening per week and Sundays) Evening/Sunday Supervisor.

Salary: $11.00 per hour

RESPONSIBILITIES:
-supports the mission of the college by overseeing the library and its student assistants one evening per week and Sundays
-oversees activities at the Circulation Desk
-charge and discharge library materials on automated system
-maintain book stacks; reports on building condition
-opens and closes library building
-interprets library policies to patrons and answers information directional questions
-searches for items not on shelf
-supervises student assistants
-provides support in use of library computers

QUALIFICATIONS:
-requires a High School diploma and some college or other experience in an educational setting
-previous library or customer service experience
-ability to deal well with the public, good communication skills
-commitment to providing service in a team-oriented setting-computer experience

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Send letter of application, resume and references to:

Jane Federowicz
Director of Human Resources
Rosemont College
1400 Montgomery Avenue
Rosemont, PA 19010

The Rosemont College Information Services department seeks a full-time, 12 month, 35 hours per week (includes two evenings per week and Saturdays) Access Services Assistant.

Salary: $11.00 per hour with benefits.

The responsibilities of this position are:

-supports the mission of the college by working with the Head of Access Services on projects
-supervision for two evenings per week and every Saturday
-processes incoming and outgoing ILL requests
-searches and utilizes the interlibrary loan databases
-packs items to ship
-maintains Interlibrary Loan transaction statistics
-assists at the circulation desk
-reports on building condition
-interprets library policies to patrons
-answers informational directional questions
-supervises student assistants
-provides assistance to patrons on library computers

QUALIFICATIONS
-high School diploma and some college or other experience in an educational setting
-accuracy and ability to handle details
-ability to meet deadlines
-good communication skills
-willing ness to work in cooperation with others
-computer experience

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Send letter of application, resume and references to:

Jane Federowicz
Director of Human Resources
Rosemont College
1400 Montgomery Avenue
Rosemont, PA 19010