News Archive for June 2010    

The Cumberland County Library System Administrative Office has a part-time processing clerk position available. The successful candidate will:
*provide library materials to the public in a timely manner through the
receipt and processing of materials for library collections
*provide regular supervision of volunteers
*clerical support to the technical services unit

Applicants are encouraged to apply online through:index.aspx?NID=715

Application deadline if June 28, 2010

The district consultant is getting married on August 28. She will be out of office for a few days before and for a vacation after where work for public libraries will be the last thing on her mind.

Friends of Bosler Library
Present a Central PA Book Festival.
When: Saturday, October 23, 2010 from 9a.m.-5p.m.
Where: Carlisle Expo Center
Admission Cost: $5 per person; children under 12 are FREE.

Featuring the author of Marley & Me John Grogan plus authors from around the region, book signings, book vendors, used boooks, illustrators, storytelling, information on interesting topics and children’s activities.

Check out the boslerfriends.org

Learn more about Bosler Library: BOS

Check out this article in the Patriot News for a perspective of what’s happening with the state budget: http://www.pennlive.com/ The concluding sentence of the article doesn’t leave those departments and libraries starting with a new fiscal year on July 1 with much security, but I do what I can to remain positive and hope for the best: “No wonder both sides are not shy about saying the June 30 budget deadline can’t contain the oozing plumes of disagreement on so many important issues.”

To libraries, I would suggest that this isn’t the time to get mired in worry about what will happen if state funding isn’t available. You know you are doing your best with the resources that are provided. We’re not here to lobby; the valuable impact we make on the community often speaks for itself, but perhaps it could be time for public libraries to show their value and expertise in using and sharing valuable information.

I read an article over the weekend (thank you Google reader and friends for aggregating news on my interests all in one place) that showcased winners in a contest to make government information easy to access, display, use, and understand. Check it out to see how very complex information can be displayed in a more simple format to share with the public in some of these examples: Government Information Design contest winners. I particularly enjoyed this fun way to compare county level data showing each county’s level of each of the 7 deadly sins: countysinrankings.org/ which relied on data displayed at countyhealthrankings.org/ to give a data picture in easy to compare format.

How can libraries best design and share the information we have to help us showcase the benefits of keeping our funding level strong or of increasing it by 5% as advocated by the Pennsylvania Library Association?

How can libraries assist in the organization of information and facts and data to help our citizens and leaders be literate to can play a vital role as a part of an informed democracy.
Can we send an online information packed display to our public and the politicians showing them an infographic of the impact of budget decisions? As one example, can we show how increased library funding can coorelate with decreased prison funding? How can we use the ROI study to spread the news?

What did your library do today to show the public library role as an aggregator of the range of viewpoints, a wealth of information in multiple formats, and a place for education to enhance our great democracy?

Use this egovtoolkit to make sure your community knows how to access egovernment too.

Ideas always welcomed. :)

Join a vibrant campus community whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success. West Chester University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Library Services invites applications for a full-time temporary special collections librarian for the 2010-2011 Academic Year. This faculty position is a 9-month appointment with some evening and weekend hours required. Duties include: managing the Special Collections of West Chester University Libraries and assuming an equitable share of the general responsibilities of all Public Services librarians, including working at the F. H. Green Library Reference Desk, information literacy instruction, collection development and serving as liaison to the History Department.

Required qualifications: ALA-accredited MLS or its equivalent; experience or training in special collections or archives; demonstrated effective communication skills; ability to work independently and collegially in a changing environment; and successful completion of an on-site interview and presentation.

Preferred qualifications: experience in an academic library; experience with digital collections and technology; background in American history; reference and instructional experience; grant-writing experience; 2nd Master’s degree or Ph. D.

Rank and salary: Instructor, minimum salary $44,795.24 for nine months. Actual starting salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Includes generous faculty benefits package.

West Chester University is located in the historic town of West Chester, Pennsylvania, less than one hour from Philadelphia. The University’s web site address is:www.wcupa.edu . West Chester University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Review of applications begins immediately; position open until filled. Send letter, resume, and the names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses, if available, of three professional references to:
Rachel McMullin, Chair
Temporary Special Collections Librarian Search Committee
Francis Harvey Green Library
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PA 19383
Email: rmcmullin@wcupa.edu

While doing some study for ILL and Electronic Resource steering committees, I came across some interesting articles on the Value of Information. I’m posting a few of them here in case anyone wants to join the dicussion and perhaps try to find some more recent studies: http://nnlm.gov/evaluation/workshops/measuring_your_impact/Navy-tutorial.pdf
http://informationarchitects.jp/the-value-of-information/
It’s just the beginning… there’s more.

Feel free to comment or discuss. (Or to let me know that you read this post.)

Are there lots of patrons on the waiting list for the latest Stephanie Meyer novella: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella (in the Twilight Saga) at your library?

Did you know that it is also available FREE online for people to read on their screen for a limited time at: http://breetannerbook.libredigital.com/index.html

I wonder how many will read it on a computer screen or mobile device with a capable internet browser in this format.

Will the fact that it is available right now, free to all who have an internet browser mean that your library buys less copies of it?

Do you have a method for getting information about ebooks to your readers? Could you add a temporary catalog record directing users who want it while it’s brand new to the website to read the digital copy?

Note that it says this: Please keep in mind that you can only read the book here – you won’t be able to download it to your e-reader or phone. And you can’t print it out.

Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library is seeking a Youth Services District Consultant.

Position Title: Youth Services District Consultant
Job Classification & Department: Librarian III – 20 hours per week
Supervisor: Executive Director, MC-NPL
Number of Employees Directly Supervised: 2 PT Support Staff shared with Children’s Department
Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Exempt

Statement of Responsibilities
Advises youth services librarians, library directors and para-professional staff of both the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library and the public libraries of the Montgomery County Library District on matters related to collection development, reference and reader’s advisory service, programming and administration of service to children and young adults.

Organizational Relationships
Ensures that the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library, in its capacity as District Library Center for the public libraries of Montgomery County, provides leadership, support and coordination for youth services throughout the district. Serves as liaison between youth services librarians at district libraries and the various departments of the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library. Serves as liaison between public libraries of Montgomery County and organizations such as the Intermediate Unit, school districts, head start, social service agencies, and governmental organizations.

General Responsibilities and Examples of Work

Staff supervision and training
• Identifies training needs for youth services staff of the Montgomery County District. Plans appropriate training to meet these needs
• Visits district libraries to advise, evaluate and assess the quality of youth services. Provides support and guidance to local youth service librarians and their administrators in areas such as collection development, programming, and services.

Public service responsibilities
• Coordinates District Summer Reading Program in cooperation and coordination with the statewide (national collaborative) reading themes.
• Represents the Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library in cooperative projects with school districts, intermediate unit and community organizations.
• Coordinates planning for district-wide youth services among all public libraries within the district.
• Acts as a liaison for Montgomery County Library District and the Commonwealth library around services for youth.
• Works with youth services district consultants from the five county South East Region to plan and implement region-wide projects such as a multi-district workshop.

Back office responsibilities
• Plans and develops, in partnership with district libraries or by the request of the director, appropriate grant applications for special projects, programs and services.
• Coordinates grants involving district wide youth services
• Prepares reports as needed
• Attends department heads meeting of the DLC, continuing education workshops and other meetings as required.
• Serves on staff and board committees as requested by the director.
• Represents District youth services at MC-NPL Board meetings

Qualifications for Employment

Must have M.L.S. from ALA accredited library school. Must have eight years of professional experience in youth services, including a minimum of two years in a supervisory or administrative capacity with a public library.

Valid driver’s license required for travels throughout the District and State as necessary.

Physical Demands or Requirements (* is used to indicate essential requirements)

Strength/movement requirements
• Able to lift or move 25 pounds*
• Able to bend to floor level and/or reach overhead
• Able to stand and/or walk for 30 minutes period of time
• Able to sit for 3 hour period of time*

Manual/physical dexterity requirements
• Able to manipulate keyboard of computer, typewriter or other office equipment*
• Able to manipulate mouse, pointing device or other input device*
• Able to manipulate data cables, cords, connections, or similar power and data devices
• Able to manipulate pages of books, insert and remove disks, manipulate library materials*

Communication requirements
• Able to use telecommunication devices to hear and speak with staff and public*
• Able to see, understand and create written material*

Send resume to:

Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library
1001 Powell Street
Norristown, PA 19401-3817

Join us for a Symposium on Community Based Librarianship
Thursday, June 10, 2010
9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Free Library of Philadelphia
Parkway Central Library
1901 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA

Agenda
Opening Session by Dr. Susan B. Neuman on
The Role of Public Libraries in Communities
Selected Breakout Sessions
Queens Library New Americans Program – Loida Garcia-Febo
Beyond Gaming: Rich Media Programming for Youth – Jennifer Nelson
A New Way to Think About Work – Davis Associates Consulting Group
Refresh Your Space: Tips from an Architect – James R. Keller
Dollars and “Sense”: Gain Support for Early-Childhood Services – Donna Piekarski
Global Philadelphia: Language Accessibility Services – David L. Torres
Become a Mover and Shaker: Benefits of Professional Involvement – Panel Discussion
Community Based Librarianship: A White Paper Presentation- IMLS Grant Participants
Closing Session by Joan Frye Williams on
Futureproofing Your Library

R.S.V.P. to Symposium@freelibrary.org
C.E. credit: 4 hours
This symposium is made possible through a grant from the
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Growing Our Own: A Model for Community Based Librarianship

Smart Cataloging Strategies for Challenging Times will take place on June 18, 2010 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) at Lehigh University Scheler Humanities Forum Linderman Library, Room 200 30 Library Drive Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015

From traditional formats to online repositories and many other new types of digital assets, catalogers are facing a multitude of challenges today. Many libraries have fewer resources to tackle these challenges. What’s your benchmark for born digital?
What are your strategies for disseminating data? Are your local links positioned for global discovery?

Join us as we explore these topics and share smart, practical strategies for catalogers who are looking to strike a balance between tight budgets and optimal use. This event is open to all and free to attend. Complimentary lunch and refreshments will be provided. Although this event is free, registration is required as seating is limited.

Register today to attend this event at:
request.asp?specialCode=MembersMeeting10June18Lehigh

Agenda:
10:30 – 10:45 a.m. Welcome: Carole Myles, OCLC Member Services Consultant
10:45 – 11:30 a.m. Mary Alice Robinson, Senior Training Coordinator, OCLC
11:30 – 11:45 a.m. Break
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lehigh University: Sharon Wiles-Young, Director for Library Access Services; Judy McNally, Cataloging Librarian; and Doreen Herold, Cataloging Librarian
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Roundtable Discussions: Carole Myles, OCLC Member Services Consultant
2:00 – 2:30 p.m. Feedback and Closing Remarks

The Centre County Library is seeking a Branch Manager for the Centre Hall Area Branch Library.

This is a permanent, full-time supervisory position responsible for overseeing the operations of the branch library which includes the operation of the circulation system, scheduling and supervising all branch staff, and sharing in the staffing of the circulation desk.
Must play a leadership role in modeling the highest standards of public and customer service and be an active member of the branch management team.

Requires two (2) years university, community college, business school, trade or technical school. Other equivalent experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Must have previous customer service experience, strong supervisory skills with teambuilding experience. Library public service or retail management experience is preferred.

Upon hire, must provide Act 34 Criminal Record Check and Act 151 Child Abuse History

Submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to tcarey@centrecountylibrary.org or mail to Director, Centre County Library, 203 N. Allegheny St. Bellefonte, PA 16686 no later than 5:00pm on Wednesday June 16th.

Check out this workshop in Harrisburg, sign up with your PANO membership, which you receive courtesy of district funds.

Here’s a direct link: PANO Workshop

Lobbying and Advocacy -
The Most Important Tool in Your Mission Toolbox
with Joseph M. Geiger, CAE, Executive Director

Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations
Friday, August 20, 2010
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
(registration begins at 8:30)

PANO Building
777 East Park Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17111

Throughout the history of the United States, advocacy by nonprofits led to fundamental reforms in our society that have saved and improved lives and strengthened our democracy.

Pennsylvania’s nonprofits are facing unprecedented challenges. Many nonprofits are coping with declining and disappearing contributions, grants, traditional corporate support and government lifelines. When resources dwindle, the community’s need for services grows.

Advocacy is arguably the most important tool in the box in fulfilling community mission. Government officials, including the Internal Revenue Service, expect charities to be engaged in the policy process. Some say, if a nonprofit is not lobbying, it is not doing its job. So many nonprofits don’t understand the rules of engagement, so it gets left to a few. That is not sustainable and not powerful. As nonprofits find themselves in competition for scarce resources, advocacy becomes increasingly crucial to an organization’s performance. The stakes are too high for nonprofits to stand on the sidelines.

This half-day workshop will provide you with tools and tips to help you engage in conversations with your elected officials at all levels of government. You will learn the rules by which we must adhere. The timeliness of this program is great given the upcoming fall elections.

This program will provide you with:

Who should attend? Nonprofit Board Members, Executive Directors, Government Relations Staff – everyone intending to engage in our democratic process!

Cost: $59 members; $106 nonmembers
Early registration ends on 06/20/2010.
Regular registration starts on 06/21/2010 and ends on 08/20/2010.
Late registration starts on 08/21/2010.
All times are 12:00am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).