News Archive for July 2010    

The Medical Library in the The Commonwealth Medical College in Scanton is seeking a web services librarian. The Web Services Librarian is primarily responsible for developing, maintaining and supporting the TCMC Medical Library website. By working collaboratively with librarians, faculty and students on the Medical Library website’s contents, this position will provide support to the TCMC curriculum and instructional program components. A primary responsibility is ensuring that high quality online materials and a wide array of electronic and print collection resources are readily available to virtual medical library users on a variety of platforms. This position will also lead evaluation efforts such as administering surveys and evaluating EZ Proxy data. The Web Services Librarian will also work closely with librarians and library staff on a variety of projects and initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Content Creation for the Medical Library Website: collaborate with library units and content providers to create websites that support organizational strategies and goals. Create, or coordinate as a member of the medical library team, the online instructional components to support the library’s information literacy and informatics programs, such as tutorials, podcasts, blogs and wikis; design, develop and manage the virtual medical library website by performing webpage programming and providing technical maintenance; develop technical documentation related to the virtual medical library website to ensure quality control of projects and compliance with standards recommended by TCMC; provide leadership and recommendations for new technologies, such as handheld devices, and web-based applications, and assist with implementation of these new technologies.

2. Assist with Management of Electronic Resources: manage the A to Z e-journals and e-books lists; Troubleshoot technology problems for library clientele; Assist in the evaluation, selection and promotion of electronic resources; Identify, evaluate and contribute relevant content for the library’s website including high-quality, relevant documents and site links, and new e-resources; train, or arrange training for, end-users and staff in the use of electronic resources; assist with promoting alternative publishing models such as PubMed Central.

3. Public Services: The Web Services Librarian will participate in public services delivery to faculty and students both on the TCMC main campus and at the regional campuses. This position will engage in both formal and informal communication methods to learn about and meet user needs; assist students with research papers, troubleshoot electronic resources access issues and provide other direct public services via e-mail, phone or in-person.

4. Information Literacy and Informatics: The Web Services Librarian will participate in information literacy and medical informatics training and initiatives in partnership with TCMC librarians, the office of Academic Informatics and the office of Medical Informatics. These functions include supporting faculty development and medical informatics training and educational classes; and helping to troubleshoot access to library resources.

5. Service: Contribute to the Medical Library team and serve on TCMC internal/external committees by working cooperatively on library-wide initiatives as appropriate to position functions. Participate in statewide, regional and national library organizations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
• This position reports to the Director of the Library.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:
• Master’s degree in library and information science (MLS or MSLS) from an ALA accredited program.
• Experience in developing and building websites and in providing technical maintenance.
• Commitment to a user-centered approach to web-based services, including web interfaces that meet the needs of
library clientele.
Desired:
• Previous experience in an academic library preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• Proficiency using HTML and web editors such as Dreamweaver and FrontPage.
• Proficiency using graphics editors, such as Photoshop and Visio.
• Knowledge of website and information architecture principles.
• An understanding of graphic design elements.
• Knowledge of current and emerging technologies in digital and web-based library services.
• Knowledge of current digital library standards and best practices.
• Knowledge of web-based instructional design principles and technologies.
• Knowledge of standard Windows packages, including PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel and MS Access.
• Strong Internet searching skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, and to set and meet deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to new and changing situations, priorities and technologies.
• Excellent communication skills in articulating the library’s online vision.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Detail oriented, with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals, including students, faculty and staff.
• Strong initiative and ability to function independently and as a contributing member of a team.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize, ability to demonstrate innovation and flexibility.

Please submit a cover letter and CV to: Human Resources, The Commonwealth Medical College, 150 North Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503 or electronically to hr@tcmedc.org.

For electronic submissions, please include the title of the position in the subject line of the response.

The Medical Library in the Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton has a full-time, entry level position for a Public Services Librarian. The Public Services Librarian is primarily responsible for coordinating the full range of public service functions such as Information Services Desk services and staffing; document delivery and interlibrary loan, reference, tours and research assistance. A strong public services perspective, experience and enthusiasm for delivering library services both to campus-located and distant clientele, and an interest in developing new and innovative services are required. There will be a strong focus on medical informatics and expansion of library public services as the college continues to grow. The Public Services Librarian supervises a part time library assistant and a part time library volunteer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Public Services; coordinate and deliver public services to faculty, staff and students both on the TCMC main campus and
on the regional campuses; engage in both formal and information communication methods to learn about and meet user
needs; assist students with research papers; and provide other direct public services via e-mail, phone or in-person.
2. Participate in medical informatics training and initiatives in partnership with TCMC librarians, the Office of Academic
Informatics and the Office of Medical Informatics. These functions include supporting faculty development and medical
informatics training and educational classes; and helping to troubleshoot access to library resources.
3. Participate in the Library Outreach Services Program, by delivering library services and resources to our outreach services
partners, as well as facilitating access to our library services and resources when our outreach partners are on-site.
4. Coordinate document delivery and interlibrary loan services;
5. Collect, maintain and report usage statistics related to all library services and resources;
6. Special Projects: lead or participate as a member of team on special projects that are developed as library goals.
7. Service: contribute to the TCMC Medical Library team and serve on TCMC internal/external committees by working
cooperatively on library-wide initiatives. Participate in statewide, regional and national library organizations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
• This position reports to the Director of the Library.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:
• Master’s degree in library and information science (MLS or MSLS) from an ALA accredited program.
• Working knowledge of both print and non-print library resources, including Internet resources and electronic journal, bibliographic and citation databases.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well with a variety of people within a team framework.

Desired:
• Experience working in an academic medical library.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
• Knowledge of current and emerging technologies in digital and web-based library services.
• Knowledge of current digital library standards and best practices.
• Knowledge of standard Windows packages, including PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher and MS Access.
• Strong Internet searching skills.
• Excellent communication skills in articulating the library’s vision.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to work with diverse groups of individuals, including students, staff and faculty.
• Strong initiative and ability to function independently and as a contributing member of a team.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize; ability to demonstrate innovation and flexibility.

Work Schedule: We are seeking an individual who is willing and able to work daytime, evening and weekend hours.

Please submit a cover letter and CV to: Human Resources, The Commonwealth Medical College, 150 North Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503 or electronically to hr@tcmedc.org.

For electronic submissions, please include the title of the position in the subject line of the response.

The Pennsylvania Center for the Book presents A Baker’s Dozen, the Best Children’s Books for Family Literacy. A bookmark has been developed-Family Literacy Bookmark-and available for any library who would like them for their patron’s. To order this great promotional tool contact:

Caroline Wermuth
Outreach Coordinator
The Pennsylvania Center for the Book
502 Paterno Library
University Park, PA 16802-1812
cvw1@psu.edu

Now is the time to apply for fall programming! Please be aware of a special opportunity. The Pennsylvania Humanities Council offers free arts and cultures presentations through the Commonwealth Speakers program, and our Speakers’ topics range from African Dance to the Civil War to fictional sleuth Nancy Drew. All Pennsylvania libraries can apply to have a free Speaker come to their community this fall.

The Commonwealth Speakers catalog and application are available on our website at http://www.pahumanities.org/resources/speakers.php. Applications must be submitted at least 8 weeks prior to the event date. If you have any questions about the program take a look at their website or contact
Emilie B. Haertsch
Program Associate – Commonwealth Speakers
Pennsylvania Humanities Council

Here are some links to news and stories about the new DCLS library location in Hummelstown, the William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library.

Learn about the library: http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2010/07/hummelstown_library_to_open_we.html

Read about the grand opening from the Patriot News: http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2010/07/new_hummelstown_library_dedica.html

Check out this video of the grant event: http://videos.pennlive.com/patriot-news/2010/07/new_hummelstown_library.html

And here’s a video showing how one piece of art in the new library was created: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0KhBEOSdBA

Enjoy!

Remember to use AFL instead of HUM for local delivery routes.

http://jobs.pennlive.com/careers/jobsearch/detail/jobId/28523646/viewType/featured

Here’s the text of the job ad that recently appeared in the Patriot News: LIBRARY AIDE – Customer service position at busy public library. $7.50 per hour. Requires ability to work daytime, evening, and weekend hours. Job description and application available at Simpson Public Library, 16 N. Walnut St, Mechanicsburg. 717-766-0171

BOS is getting ready to begin purchasing items with its LSTA grant for Technology materials. Read all about it here: http://pa-cumberlandcountylibraries.civicplus.com/index.aspx?NID=1075 and fill out BOS’s survey to recommend the most valuable technology books to purchase with these grant funds.

Today, library directors across the state of PA received a letter from Secretary Gluck regarding the distribution of state funds to public libraries.

Here’s a brief quote:
“If the FMAP funding extension is not authorized by Congress, all state line items in the recently passed budget are vulnerable to cuts, including the public library subsidy. Because of this possibility, the public library subsidy will be paid out in the amount of one-twelfth (1/12) of the total amount of the enacted appropriation per month. This will allow for a budget reserve or reduction in 2010 -2011 enacted budget levels, if ultimately necessary.
Congress is considering the FMAP allocation this week (House of Representatives) and next week (Senate) and there is still time for you to communicate with your representatives and senators about the importance of the FMAP extension to Pennsylvania’s budget. You can find contact information for your senator and representative at http://www.usa.gov/Contact/US_Congress.shtml.”

Read more about PA’s changes to state funding for libraries in the convenient comparison chart here: http://pala.affiniscape.com/associations/9291/files/2008-09-10%20state%20budgets%20compared.pdf .

Want to know more? Here’s a state budget policy site with some more information about FMAP funds: http://www.pennbpc.org/FMAP-congressional-district For even more information, ask your reference librarian to do some research so you can have an informed opinion backed up by credible facts to share with the community about how this will effect your budget planning.

For those directors or trustees in the district who want to talk about budget planning for the coming year, contact your consultant.

Keep motivated and focused on delivering necessary services to your customers. Keep focused on ways you can show the positive impact of having strong public library service in your community. Impact stories and real outcomes will be useful tools to demonstrate the great return on government dollars invested in strong information and resources sharing services.

The Board of Directors of the Juniata County Library, Mifflintown, Pennsylvania is seeking a Library Director who is dynamic, eager to meet exciting new challenges, and has a vision for leading the Juniata County Library into the future.

Serving a rural population of over 22,800 area residents, the library has a budget of approximately $230,000 and has a staff of 10 part-time employees. The library annually circulates over 120,000 items. Funding is provided by Juniata County and local municipalities. Additional support comes from the state as well as from grants, individual donations from patrons, memorial gifts and fund-raising events.

Responsibilities:
* Administer the Library and operations.
* Implement policy established by the seven-member Library Board of Trustees.
* Supervise 10 part-time personnel and 6 volunteers.
* Provide collection development, reference, reader’s advisory, programming, and library development planning.
* Develop and oversee library budget. Administer gifts and memorials.
* Provide circulation desk coverage when necessary.
* Assure proper maintenance of Library facilities and grounds.
* Attend Library Board and Friend meetings. Attend Central PA District meetings.
* Represent the Library to private and professional groups.
* Attend workshops and conferences. Seek out continuing education opportunities.

Our ideal candidate will have an ALA accredited MLS degree, preferably with 3+ years of library experience with increasing management responsibilities. Other desired qualifications:
* The ability to work in a collaborative, service oriented, and rapidly changing environment to accomplish goals.
* Proven supervisory skills.
* An awareness of the latest trends and innovations as they pertain to the library.
* Budget and financial experience.
* Reference experience.
* A commitment to professional development.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills.
* The ability to speak Spanish is preferred.
Salary & Benefits: $30,000 – $35,000 based on experience, 35 hours per week, generous vacation days, health insurance, and retirement plan.

To Apply: If you feel you have the experience, qualifications and motivation to fulfill this challenging role, you are invited to apply for this opportunity. For full consideration, please send a resume by August 11, 2010 covering relevant experience and education, a meaningful cover letter detailing your interest and how you qualify for the position and four professional references to:
Juniata County Library
Attn: Director Search Committee
498 Jefferson Street
Mifflintown, PA 17059

Questions can be emailed to: Jean Aurand at jaurand@juniatalibrary.org. Visit the website: www.juniatalibrary.org

The regional task force assigned to investigate electronic resources will be meeting on Wednesday, July 21 from 9a.m.-noon (or sooner) to discuss what deliverable we will present to the leadership of the region and then at the Oct. DLC meeting.

If you are interested in what this group is starting with, join the WebJunction group to see what we’re working on. Try this link: http://www.webjunction.org/900 or go to WebJunction, create an account or log in with your existing account, and then search for PA Capital Region Planning Group.

The small task force (1 representative from each District Library Center in the region) will meet to discuss what actions or steps should be taken next. Here’s a loose agenda for our meeting:

Agenda Outline:
-Name for the collaboration:
-How to handle communications and libraries not directly represented:
-Scope of work for this core group: What does our charge include? How should we propose to define it?
-Deliverable expected
Short Term: What we will present to the Region in mid-Sept and then at Oct DLC meeting
Intermediate:
Long Term:
-Information needed to proceed:
-Tasks to assign:
-Next meeting need?

The four library districts that make up the Northwest Region of Pennsylvania are pleased to offer Building Blocks: Strengthening Children’s Services, a Multi-District Workshop, on Friday August 13th at the Clarion Holiday Inn.

The featured presenter is the incomparable Sue Nespeca, a nationally acknowledged expert in the field of Youth Services. Ms. Nespeca has 30 plus years of experience in the field, has served as a trainer for ALA’s Every Child Ready to Read Project, and has presented to great acclaim at over 100 conferences and workshops. She currently serves as the Youth Services Specialist for the Northeast Ohio Regional Library System a 23 county multi-type library consortium.

This is not a workshop to be missed. Please see the attached brochure for details and registration information:Multi-district brochure-2010 (2)

Novelist is no longer provided to our libraries via POWERLibrary.
Thanks to DCLS staff at MOM for reviewing these alternatives. Try one of these today:

Amazon.com

What Should I Read Next?

Gnod.net : Divided into nodes, displays as a cloud.

Bookseer.com : suggestions from Amazon and Librarything

whichbook.net : Sliders help you select by plot topics and themes.

Allreaders.com : not a great site design, but does quick fairly current searches by author, title, plot, setting, character.

bookbrowse.com

Please add more ideas to the list by using the comments area below. :)

Thanks to NWP for adding this suggestion too: www.fantasticfiction.co.uk

Save the dates on your calendars to join librarians and library staff in Lancaster for exciting workshops and educational sessions designed to make your library better at serving your community.

Read more details as they become available at palibraries.org.

Save the date on your calendars to join librarians and library staff in Lancaster for exciting workshops and educational sessions designed to make your library better at serving your community.

Read more details as they become available at palibraries.org.

Check out the Foundation Center resources housed at the Dauphin County Library System’s largest library ESA.

Online, you can search a database for examples of possible areas of collaboration. Consider how streamlining the work your organization does by combining forces with other libraries and non-profits could help to expand the impact and make the outcomes of your work more visible in the community. Collaboration Ideas.

Use the search to find examples of other non-profits who have joined together in a collaboration to:
-Purchase goods and /or services together
-Share (co-locate) or better utilize space
-Combine marketing efforts
-Share development (fundraising) activities
-Share advocacy efforts
-Form a confederation
-Merge
-Share staffing
-Share staff training

How could your library apply to win the next Collaboration Prize?

Bucks County Free Library is accepting applications for a Youth Services Librarian/Librarian 1 at the Bucks County Free Library located in Quakertown, PA. For a complete job description, please see our website: jobs

DUTIES: The Youth Services Librarian plans and implements or participates in planning and implementing a comprehensive program of library services for children from birth through teen years, as well as parents, caregivers, and community organizations serving them. This may include collection management; reference and reader’s advisory; outreach and programming; advocacy and public relations. The Youth Services Librarian may guide the work of other staff and/or volunteers supporting Youth Services efforts. The Youth Services Librarian 1 position is an entry level position with the same duties and responsibilities as Librarian 2. (Please see job description attached.)

Versatility will be a key factor for success. The individual selected for this position will regularly conduct programming and special events for children of all ages, teens, and families, as well as provide general assistance to library users of all ages. S/He will build and maintain relationships with community leaders and teachers to foster opportunities for showcasing the library in the community.

Candidates who have a working knowledge of child/teen development, have recent experience nurturing a love of literacy in children of any age gained while working in a formal setting, and a strong commitment to providing quality customer service will be highly considered.

This position requires the ability to troubleshoot software and printer problems. Youth Services Librarians must be able to provide computer assistance and instruction in popular software packages and Internet applications.

QUALIFICATIONS: Requires a Master’s degree. Degree required: Library/Information Studies. Requires ongoing continuing education as mandated by Commonwealth Libraries. No previous experience required.

HOURS: Full time – 37.5 hours per week – weekdays, evenings and weekends included

SALARY: $21.69/hr. (regular rate); $20.84/hr. (probationary rate)

TO APPLY: E-mail a letter of interest noting the position for which you are applying and your current resume to: libraryjobs@buckslib.org.

When a group of people comes together with the dedication, courage, and vision to improve community access to shared resources, they make the future brighter for everyone.

That’s what librarians and their supporters do.

Every day amazing people come together to make public library buildings and websites examples of welcoming community centers that offer beneficial resources and services to everyone. These libraries are places where information in many formats is collected, organized, and shared; education is provided and expanded to all ages; and the love of literacy, arts and sciences that enhance our society can thrive.

Public libraries are a place where people (regardless of age, income, race, weight, sexual orientation, religion, or politics) are free to ask for information or to borrow books owned by any other community library, to follow specific interests in any topical area, access technology tools to keep up with the rapidly changing economy, and to clear the pathway to leading successful lives.

Are you a library supporter? I hope so.

Budget proposals estimate a soon to be signed 9.1% state funding cut to the public library subsidy in PA.
Read this memo for more on what the budget holds for libraries. Memo

See calculations of 9.1% reduction for public libraries in the three county Capital Area Library District: Estimated calculations for Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry County public libraries as well as the District

And for those of you who want to see the whole state budget, here’s a file for that too. General Fund State Appropriations

The belt tightens a little more, especially for those libraries that do not receive much from local municipal or county funding, but the library spirit will stay strong. You can’t defeat a librarian! Libraries are backed by boards of trustees that know what community needs can be best met by sharing resources.

Good strategic planning allows libraries to make the most effective community impact with the resources they have. Continue to play big, focus on outcomes and results, and thrive within the economy you can control, always knowing that your community is 100% better because there is a public library. Call or email your consultant to schedule a consult or Q & A session on budgeting and planning for your library’s future.