News Archive for December 2008    

Nonprofit Innovation Awards recognize and honor local 501(c)(3) organizations and executives that demonstrate innovation in their daily operations. This program will recognize organizations and executives at all levels. An independent panel of judges evaluates the nominations and determines the finalists.

Finalists will be recognized at an awards breakfast on April 2, 2009. Award recipients in each of the organization categories will receive a check for $2,000. The award recipient in the Nonprofit Leadership Excellence category will receive a check for $1,000 made payable to his/her organization.

Nominations are accepted in five categories:
• Brand Identity/Unique Marketing Campaign
• Collaboration
• Management Operations
• Programs
• Nonprofit Leadership Excellence

To be eligible, the organization or executive must meet all of the following requirements:
• Recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization
• Located in one of the following counties:
Adams
Cumberland
Dauphin
Lancaster
Lebanon
Perry
York
• Innovation was implemented no earlier than January 1, 2006

Nomimation forms may be downloaded at:
events.asp?nID=48&show=details

Organizations and executives must submit a nomination packet postmarked by Wednesday, December 31, 2008, to be considered for the awards.

Presenting Sponsor: Highmark Blue Shield

Major Sponsors: Brown Schultz Sheridan & Fritz, Schaedler Yesco Distribution, and Temple University Harrisburg

Supporting Sponsor: Commerce Bank/Harrisburg

In cooperation with: The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, Lancaster County Community Foundation, and York County Community Foundation

If you have any questions regarding the Nonprofit Innovation Awards, contact Colleen Jones at colleenj@journalpub.com.

The Board of Directors of the Laughlin Memorial Library, Ambridge, Pennsylvania is seeking a Library Director who is enthusiastic, eager to meet an exciting new challenge, and has a vision for moving and expanding an established institution into the 21st century.

The Borough of Ambridge is located approximately eighteen miles from downtown Pittsburgh, and twenty minutes from the Pittsburgh International Airport. Serving over 12,000 area residents, the library has a budget of $225,000 and has a staff of three full time employees and four part time employees.

Duties of the Director include but are not limited to the following:

*Report to the Board of Directors at its monthly meeting with a prepared agenda
*Handle library finances in a competent and timely manner
*Direct the daily operations of the library including staff management, collection development, and the implementation of Board policies
*Develop a public relations program that encourages local support groups
*Long range planning and development

Qualifications
*A MLS or MLIS degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association
*Pennsylvania certification
*A working knowledge of the many facets of library management and its daily operations
*A working knowledge of the computer and applicable programs necessary to run the library
*A ability to communicate effectively with the staff, the Board of Directors, the community and pertinent organizations
*The ability to handle the preparation of required reports on all levels dealing with the operation of the library
*An awareness of the latest trends and innovations as they pertain to the library

Resume, cover letter, a list of professional references and salary requirements may be sent to:

Laughlin Memorial Library Search Committee
Laughlin Memorial Library
99 Eleventh Street
Ambridge, PA 15003

An email with attachments may be sent to: laughlinmemlibrary@ippimail.com

Position Available: Information Literacy and eLearning Librarian

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College in Johnstown, PA seeks a creative and energetic librarian to join us in advancing our online information literacy program and online teaching environment. The design of online instruction, both web-based tutorials and content modules for delivery through learning management systems, will be a strong focus as the college seeks to expand its online instruction and learning programs.

Responsibilities: Analyze needs assessment and evaluation of data to identify and meet the requirements of the targeted audience; develop measurable learning objectives and goals for learning activities; determine methods and modalities for delivery, with web-based being the primary modality. Lead subject matter faculty through instructional design process to identify and create technical content for learning activities. In addition to providing reference services to students and assisting in collection development.

Required qualifications:

· ALA-accredited MLS degree

· Strong commitment to information literacy instruction

· Demonstrated ability to create web-based instructional tools and other Web 2.0 resources

· Effective interpersonal, oral, written, and online communication skills

· Ability to work independently and a part of a team and to work with faculty and students

Desired qualifications:

· Knowledge of adult learning theory, instructional design principles and practices, web-based development tools and project management

· Teaching experience

· Experience with creating library services embedded within online courses

· Knowledge of MS-SQL, HTML, XML, TCP/IP, or willingness to learn

Criminal background clearance is required as a condition of employment. Starting salary is between $40,000 and $50,000. Interested candidates should send or e-mail a cover letter, resume and the names and telephone numbers of at least three (3) professional references to:

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
Executive Director of Human Resources
101 Community College Way, Johnstown, PA 15904
valtemus@pennhighlands.edu

Priority consideration will be given to candidates whose material is received on or before January 16, 2009. However, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is an Equal Opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its activities, programs or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX and Section 504.

Program Descriptions for 2009 Institute for Trustees and Friends
‘Trustees and Friends Together:
Using Best Practices for Better Libraries’

(DRAFT)

Friday April 24 In Grantville

* The starred sessions are recommended topics for Friends as well as Trustees.

1:30-1:45PM Greetings, Clare Zales, Deputy Secretary of Education and Commissioner of Libraries, Phil Albright, PCBL (in Grantville) and “Tips on Getting the Most out of Your Institute,” Bonnie Young, Head, Public Libraries and Professional Development

1:45-2:45 Keynote Address – Karen Hyman – Title?

2:45-3:15 Two Group Sessions: “Best Practices Checklist – How Do You Measure Up?”

· Trustees Discussion – Facilitated by Michael Kumer, Executive Director, Non Profit Leadership Institute, Duquesne University
· Friends Discussion – Facilitated by Sally G. Reed, Executive Director, FOLUSA

3:15 Refreshment Break

3:30-4:45 Concurrent Sessions Round 1

*Fundraising – Dee Jay Oshry

This session covers fundraising in a difficult economic climate and the role of Trustees and Friends in effecting successful fundraising.

* Friends and Trustees: Different Roles – Same Goals! – Sally G. Reed, Executive Director, FOLUSA

While Trustees and Friends have very different roles in working for the library, they share the over-arching commitment to give their time in order to ensure that their community has the best library possible. This program will share ideas and strategies on how these different formalized lay groups can work effectively together to strengthen their libraries through fundraising and advocacy!

Strategic Thinking/Strategic Planning – Michael Kumer, Executive Director, Non Profit Leadership Institute, Duquesne University

Confused by conflicting ideas about strategic planning? Well, you’re not alone! Attend this session and learn how libraries ensure a thriving future by crafting, monitoring and constantly updating exciting, relevant plans. Topics will include: compelling visions, missions that matters; and strategies that effectively connect- the-dots.

*“Web 2.0: What in the World is a Wiki? (New Technology for Libraries 101)”

5:00 Cash Bar

6:00 Dinner

7:00 Table Talks – After dinner, tables will be numbered, with a specific topic and a discussion facilitator. You may choose to sit at whatever table topic interests you.

Saturday April 4 in Grantville

* The starred sessions are recommended topics for Friends as well as Trustees.

8:00 Buffet Breakfast

8:45-9:00 “Library Certification Program” (Title?) – James Hollinger, Bureau Chief, Bureau of Library Development

9:00-9:30 *Harrisburg Update and Hands-on Advocacy – Glenn Miller, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Library Association

Learn what’s happening up-to-the-minute, and take that first step with some direct communication with your legislators.

9:45-10:45 Concurrent Sessions Round 2

*“Advocacy 24/7” – Janice Trapp

Non-Profit Dos and Don’ts: Ensuring Effectiveness – Fernando Chang-Muy, Professor, University of Pennsylvania

Learn about the key components of an organization and how standards helps an organization become more focused in planning and organizational efforts. Learn how to energize the Board and staff, increase credibility with donors and the public, assess the library’s capacity, how to use standards as a way to promote the highest level of public confidence.

HR/ Personnel Issues – Alan Carlos Blanco, Esquire

*Panel Discussion: Your Library’s Image in the Community – Veronica Pacella, Ellwood City Area Public Library Director, Bill Schell, Martin Memorial Library Director, and one other
image – public perception. In York, we want to be perceived as useful and valuable. Our marketing plan is to innovate (be creative), to navigate (direct our service to our customers needs), and to penetrate (capture public and private revenues to afford results). Strategic planning, board leadership, and responsive services are necessary elements to a positive image. (Edit)

10:45 Refreshment Break

11:00-12:00 Concurrent Sessions Round 3

Legal Responsibilities of Trustees – Fernando Chang-Muy, Professor, University of Pennsylvania
Learn about the general role and duties of the Board, how to develop procedures for recruiting, nominating and orienting Board members, how to involve and engage non-contributing Board members, and how to develop and use Board manuals and efficient action oriented meetings and agendas.

*”That’s What Friends Are For: A Panel of Success Stories”- PCBL (Moderator: Elizabeth Heim in Grantville)
*Three different sized Friends Groups share how- to tips on projects, programs and people power with question and answer networking time.

*Building a New Library (Title) – Diana Megdad, Keystone Grant Advisor(?)

*Questions about Trustee Certification? – Members of the Trustee Certification Committee

12:30 *Lunch and Action Plans – Michael Kumer leads the planning session during lunch
What are your plans when you return to your library? What will you share with your fellow board members? What will you accomplish to improve your libraries?

1:45 Adjourn

Program Descriptions for 2009 Institute for Trustees and Friends
‘Trustees and Friends Together:
Using Best Practices for Better Libraries’

(DRAFT)

Friday April 3 in Pittsburgh

* The starred sessions are recommended topics for Friends as well as Trustees.

1:30-1:45PM Greetings, Clare Zales, Deputy Secretary of Education and Commissioner of Libraries, Gary Wolfe, PCBL (in Pittsburgh) and “Tips on Getting the Most out of Your Institute,” Bonnie Young, Head, Public Libraries and Professional Development

1:45-2:45 Keynote Address – Karen Hyman – Title?

2:45-3:15 Two Group Sessions: “Best Practices Checklist – How Do You Measure Up?”

· Trustees Discussion – Facilitated by Michael Kumer, Executive Director, Non Profit Leadership Institute, Duquesne University
· Friends Discussion – Facilitated by Sally G. Reed, Executive Director, FOLUSA

3:15 Refreshment Break

3:30-4:45 Concurrent Sessions Round 1

*Fundraising – Dee Jay Oshry

This session covers fundraising in a difficult economic climate and the role of Trustees and Friends in effecting successful fundraising.

* Friends and Trustees: Different Roles – Same Goals! – Sally G. Reed, Executive Director, FOLUSA

While Trustees and Friends have very different roles in working for the library, they share the over-arching commitment to give their time in order to ensure that their community has the best library possible. This program will share ideas and strategies on how these different formalized lay groups can work effectively together to strengthen their libraries through fundraising and advocacy!

Strategic Thinking/Strategic Planning – Michael Kumer, Executive Director, Non Profit Leadership Institute, Duquesne University

Confused by conflicting ideas about strategic planning? Well, you’re not alone! Attend this session and learn how libraries ensure a thriving future by crafting, monitoring and constantly updating exciting, relevant plans. Topics will include: compelling visions, missions that matters; and strategies that effectively connect- the-dots.

*“Web 2.0: What in the World is a Wiki? (New Technology for Libraries 101)”

5:00 Cash Bar

6:00 Dinner

7:00 Table Talks – After dinner, tables will be numbered, with a specific topic and a discussion facilitator. You may choose to sit at whatever table topic interests you.

Saturday April 4 in Pittsburgh

* The starred sessions are recommended topics for Friends as well as Trustees.

8:00 Buffet Breakfast

8:45-9:00 “Library Certification Program” (Title?) – James Hollinger, Bureau Chief, Bureau of Library Development

9:00-9:30 *Harrisburg Update and Hands-on Advocacy – Glenn Miller, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Library Association

Learn what’s happening up-to-the-minute, and take that first step with some direct communication with your legislators.

9:45-10:45 Concurrent Sessions Round 2

*“Advocacy 24/7” – Janice Trapp

Non-Profit Dos and Don’ts: Ensuring Effectiveness – Fernando Chang-Muy, Professor, University of Pennsylvania

Learn about the key components of an organization and how standards helps an organization become more focused in planning and organizational efforts. Learn how to energize the Board and staff, increase credibility with donors and the public, assess the library’s capacity, how to use standards as a way to promote the highest level of public confidence.

HR/ Personnel Issues – Alan Carlos Blanco, Esquire

*Panel Discussion: Your Library’s Image in the Community – Veronica Pacella, Ellwood City Area Public Library Director, Bill Schell, Martin Memorial Library Director, and one other
image – public perception. In York, we want to be perceived as useful and valuable. Our marketing plan is to innovate (be creative), to navigate (direct our service to our customers needs), and to penetrate (capture public and private revenues to afford results). Strategic planning, board leadership, and responsive services are necessary elements to a positive image. (Edit)

10:45 Refreshment Break

11:00-12:00 Concurrent Sessions Round 3

Legal Responsibilities of Trustees – Fernando Chang-Muy, Professor, University of Pennsylvania
Learn about the general role and duties of the Board, how to develop procedures for recruiting, nominating and orienting Board members, how to involve and engage non-contributing Board members, and how to develop and use Board manuals and efficient action oriented meetings and agendas.

*”That’s What Friends Are For: A Panel of Success Stories”- PCBL (Moderator: Al Kamper in Pittsburgh)
*Three different sized Friends Groups share how- to tips on projects, programs and people power with question and answer networking time.

*Building a New Library (Title) – Diana Megdad, Keystone Grant Advisor(?)

*Questions about Trustee Certification? – Members of the Trustee Certification Committee

12:30 *Lunch and Action Plans – Michael Kumer leads the planning session during lunch
What are your plans when you return to your library? What will you share with your fellow board members? What will you accomplish to improve your libraries?

1:45 Adjourn

REFolution: Reference Service in a Constantly Changing World
Monday-Tuesday, April 6-7, 2009
Holiday Inn Harrisburg-Hershey, PA

Reference services are evolving rapidly in response to changing customer demands and new technologies. Prepare for tomorrow’s challenges at this event featuring:

*Keynote Address by Marie Radford of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey: Foreshadowing Reference Futures: Far Out or Forthcoming?
*Pre-Conference Question Point User Group Meeting, including demomstrations of new product
development
*Interactive, hands-on Reference Recess period to roll up your sleeves and play with the latest
products and technologies from our sponsors

This conference promises to be one of the most enlightening events you’ll attend next year…don’t miss it!

For more information, or to register for this event please visit:
refolution

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is inviting nominations for the 2009 Coming Up Taller awards, which honor excellence in afterschool, out-of-school, and summer arts and humanities programs for underserved children and youth. Coming Up Taller is an initiative of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) is partnership with IMLS, the National Endowment for the Arts(NEA), and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

Each year, the Coming Up Taller awards recognize ahd reward exceptional programs that cultivate character development and life skills in young people, in addition to presenting high-quality arts and humanities learning opportunities. Award recipients receive $10,000 each, an individualized plaque, and an invitation to attend the annual Coming Up Taller Leadership Enhancement Conference.

Nomination forms are available at:
121008.shtm

This is a prestigious opportunity for libraries that offer special programs to young people intended to make a difference in their futures.

A multi-district workshop featuring the 2009 Summer Reading theme, Be Creative @ Your Library, will be held at the East Shore Area Library, Friday, January 16, 9:30 am -3:40 pm. Snow Date is Friday, January 23.

See what other libraries are doing for kids, teens and adults; preview performers and get a jumpstart on summer program bookings; be introduced to an exciting web-based software program that Commonwealth Libraries is providing to all PA libraries; earn books for your library just by attending. Check out the agenda below.

To register, complete the survey below.
s.aspx?

Find directions to the East Shore Area Library at: Branches.htm

The Temple University Libraries invite applications and nominations for the position of Reference Librarian/Subject Specialist for Art. Under the direction of the Head of Reference and Instructional Services, the Reference Librarian/Subject Specialist for Art will provide general reference and specialized research consultations in person and virtually; develop print and web based instructional materials and consel faculty in developing effective information literacy assignments and activities; provide library instruction to art, art history, and art education students and faculty as well as to undergraduates in the general education curriculum; support the use of visual resources such as ARTstor; and engage with the faculty in Temple’s Tyler School of Art and with the wider campus community through outreach and promotional activities. The librarian will develop and manage electronic and print collections in art, art history, and related subject areas, under the coordination of the Chief Collection Development Officer. The librarian will also participate in library-wide projects and activities and is expected to be active professionally. Some evening and weekend hours are required. For more details and information on how to apply, visit:
artlib.jsp;jsessionid=F52E25AF5E91E63AEC0F21634C409AB3?bhcp=1

It was a pleasure hosting training sessions for OverDrive.
The service seems very easy to use from a patron perspective.

Here is the login information for Capital Area’s Virtual Branch website.

It is LIVE! Your library will soon put a link on your main website in order to provide access to the resource to your patrons.

URL: http://capitalarealibrary.lib.overdrive.com

To try the service at your library, if you are just sampling, please use the Always Available title collection for trying.

You will be able to check out titles using your own library card.

All titles will be returned to the collection prior to your site going live.

DIGITAL LIBRARY 101:
In Digital Library 101 we walked through the patron’s experience of browsing, selecting, and downloading titles. We also looked at a demonstration of burning a title to a CD and transferring to a portable MP3 / WMA device.

LISTEN TO A RECORDING OF CAPITAL AREA’S WEDNESDAY MORNING DIGITAL LIBRARY 101 SESSION:
Listen to the Recording here

ACCESS A COPY OF DIGITAL LIBRARY 101:
This is a PDF copy of the online training that was presented to 4 audiences: Digital Library 101

The presentation can be viewed and printed using Adobe Reader 5.0 or higher.

If you’d like additional training, just ask. Carrie, district consultant, can bring the training to your next staff meeting or host another session just for you.

SirsiDynix Institue presents The Collaborative Mind: Tools for 21st Century Learning on December 12, 2008 from 11:00-12:00p.m. Join Ernie Cox to learn how 21st Century learning standards (AASL & ISTE to name a few) highlight the importance of collaborative learning and thinking. What tools can foster collaborative student engagement while also addressing budgetary and infrastructure limitations? This institute will offer participants a look at tools which address this question including Google Education Edition, Noodle Bib, and wikis.

For more information and to register for this program, visit:
seminar_page.php?sid=109

Join Lisa Sarm of the Springfield Public Library in Illinois to discover the fun way your library can build a web presence using MySpace. In addition to finding out what’s worked for Lisa, discussions about signing up, privacy, customizing and more! The program will be from 4:30-5:30p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2008.

To attend this program, go to room.asp?id=rs630df606b9d8 on the day of the program.

There will be a WebJunction Learning Webinar on December 11, 2008 from 2:00-3:00p.m.-Learning for Learning Professionals: Competencies, Strategies and Resources. To celebrate Employee Learning Week join in for an exploration of current and future competencies for learning professionals working in libraries. Strategies for development and the resources available will be the focus.

For more information and to register for this program, visit:
eventcalendar.asp

On Wednesday, December 10, 2008 from 5:00-6:00p.m., there will be a WebJunction Learning Webinar-Top 10 Tips for Effective Application Training in the Virtual Classroom-to answer questions about technical training such as:

*How can it be engaging?
*How can we get beyond the demonstration, the “I’ll show you” format so many online classes are trapped in?
*Is anyone paying attention?
*How do we know if they are learning it?

The problem with most application-based training that is delivered virtually is that it is simply “watch me do it”. It doesn’t allow for interaction, collaboration or hands-on experience. Join in for an interactive hour immersed in the topic of technical training in the virtual classroom and learn:

*Why this topic is important?
*The difference between demonstrating and teaching
*Top 10 tips for effective application training via the virtual classroom

For more information and to register for this program, visit:
eventcalendar.asp

On December 9, 2008 from 2:00-2:30 there willa be a fast-paced and interactive webinar-Laptop Labs: Creating, Maintaining and Using Them. Maybe you’ve been dreaming about building a laptop lab to use for training and now your’re ready to make it a reality. What should you buy? What kind of maintenance will be involved? How have other libraries used laptop labs?

Take 30 minutes to learn from the experiences of others and get something started. For more information and to register for this program, visit:
eventcalendar.asp

This WebJunction-Spanish Language Outreach webinar is for understanding issues of language acquisition. They were once called LEPS (limited English proficient students). Today we know them as ELLs (English language learners). Increasingly, public policy dictates that learning instruction for all bilingual learners be conducted in English. Yet 10.4 million children or 20% of all students ages 5-17 speak a language other than English (LOTE) at home. How can librarians honor and respect parents’ efforts to keep the home language alive while their child acquires a second language, and why does this matter? Join in for an informative webinar on this topic presented by Latino Children’s Literacy Consultant, Oralia Garza de Cortes on December 9, 2008 from 1:00-2:00p.m.

For more information and to register for these programs, visit:
eventcalendar.asp

This is part three of a three part series of December Town Hall webinars focusing on the topic of libraries in tough economic times. Join in a new “Town Hall” format designed to engage all attendees with questions, brainstorms, stories, and to collect practical strategies. Part three is on Thursday, December18, 2008 from 3:00-4:00p.m.

For more information and to register for this program, visit:
eventcalendar.asp

This is part two of a three part series of December Town Hall webinars focusing on the topic of libraries in tough economic times. Join in a new “Town Hall” format designed to engage all attendees with questions, brainstorms, stories, and to collect practical strategies. Part two is on Friday, December 12, 2008 from 2:00-3:00p.m.

For more information and to register for this program, visit:
eventcalendar.asp

This is part one of a three part series of December Town Hall webinars focusing on the topic of libraries in tough economic times. Join in a new “Town Hall” format designed to engage all attendees with questions, brainstorms, stories, and to collect practical strategies. Part one is on Thursday, December 4, 2008 from 1:00-2:00p.m.

For more information and to register for this program, visit:
eventcalendar.asp

Join guest presenter Katie Artzner of the Foundation Center and 2008 ALA Emerging Leader for a half-hour overview of ideas for creating local digital history documentaries in short, bite-size form using Microsoft PhotoStory 3. Topic to be explored:

*what makes a good local history digital history documentary
*a few nuts and bolts of using Microsoft Photostory 3
*what your library could do with them

For more information and to register for this program, visit:
eventcalendar.asp