Free Infopeople Webinars

The month of December has four free webinar offerings in the first half of the month:

When the Clock Strikes 50: Planning for Retirement - Tuesday, Dec. 6 - 1:00PM Central

Building Digital Communities through Blogs and Social Networking - Wednesday, Dec. 7 - 1:00PM Central

Digital Preservation: Fundamentals - Thursday, Dec. 8 - 1:00PM Central

What Will Happen When I'm Gone: Ensuring Knowledge Transfer to Your Successor - Tuesday, Dec. 13 - 1:00PM Central

You register for these webinars the day of the event unless you have a special need for accommodation in which case you need to contact them 72 hours in advance for arrangements. The registration link is in the upper right hand corner and is straight forward. Be sure you go to the bottom of the page to the link for testing to make sure your browser is compatible and ready for the WebEx interface that the presentations use.

The Infopeople webinars I have attended have been uniformly worthwhile. You can click on the title of the webinar above to go the description of each webinar to see if it is something you might find useful.

Salem Press Announces Library Grants Center

Salem Press has announced the launch of a Library Grants Center, a free web tool designed to help librarians everywhere—whatever their level of experience—navigate the world of library grants.

Check out Tech Tools for the Classroom

If you are not familiar with edweb.net you really should check them out. It's a professional social network for the education community and it's free. All you need to do is sign up. Check out their various groups and join those that might be of interest to you. Edweb.net allows you to:

Connect with Colleagues in Education, Create Professional Learning Communities, Collaborate on Goals and Initiatives, Provide Support for New Teachers, Practice 21st Century Skills

I've found their programming to be very beneficial..free webinars at your desktop on topics relevant to you as a librarian and/or teacher.

Take advantage of edWeb.net's TechTools for the Classroom webinar this month!

Making Podcasts

Tuesday, November 15th - 5PM Eastern Time

In this session

Giving students the opportunity to create a podcast gives teachers a chance to learn from their students. When teachers create podcasts it gives them 24/7 access to their students ears. In this webinar we'll discuss how to make podcasts using FREE web-based resources, what sites will host your podcasts for free, and how to download the podcasts onto iPods or MP3 players.

About the presenter

Shannon Holden has been a high school and middle school teacher and administrator in North Dakota, Texas, and Missouri for 20 years. Holden built a website, www.newteacherhelp.com in 2009 to help reduce the 50% five-year attrition rate for new teachers in the educational profession.

To participate, follow this link at the scheduled time:

http://www.instantpresenter.com/edweb12

About TechTools for the Classroom: Easy Ideas to Engage Students

In this community and series of free webinars you'll gain new resources, free technology, and learn ways to integrate technology into the classroom in order to engage your students. In our series of free webinars, live chats, and online discussions, you'll collaborate with other teachers to share techniques that engage students by using technology.

Converse with others who are using technology in classrooms across the country, even in districts where access is limited. CE Certificate provided for webinar participation.

Visit TechTools for the Classroom at www.edweb.net/techtools.

MLA Report # 17

From Nancy Maxwell of the Virginia Public Library:

Thank you to the NCLC Board for funding to help make going to MLA this year possible for me.

Sharon Lerner Lecture: Everything I need to know I learned from a children's book

Author Anita Silvey contacted many noted celebrities to talk about what children's book influence their lives and compiled a book of their essays. In this workshop, Ms. Silvey explained how she did it and how public libraries could do the same with local community "celebrities" for a One Book, One Community event that models reading at all ages. This is a program we could very easily do at Virginia Public Library.

Trustee Subunit Meeting

It was nice to see the number of interested community members that participated in this business meeting. Also interesting were the success stories shared by various Friends groups when the Friends subunit joined the Trustees group.

E-books: What's all the EXCITEMENT About?

It was interesting to learn how other libraries around the state are handling e-books, what types of readers the libraries are providing (or not providing) to patrons and what types of formats they offer and their take on e-book collection development.

Things in a Flash: The Latest Web 2.0 Tools

This was a fun, fast paced overview of marketing tools for libraries and personal use. I was most impressed with the ease of making and using QR codes using Bitly. Get Glue, a social network for entertainment and Wunderlist, a tool for note-taking were of less interest to me. A number of other tools presented were just not anything that I would probably use.

50 in 60 Book Blast

Always my favorite workshop at any MLA conference. It's fun to hear what other people like to read and to get new leads on books in genres I don't usually consider such as Nordic mysteries, contemporary women's fiction, fantasy and science fiction and horror.

Overall, I thought it was a nice conference. the sessions and speakers were of quality. There were not as many exhibitors as there are when the conference in in the Cities. There were a lot of sessions that I would have like to attend but it seemed they were all scheduled in big blocks of time. I thought there was too much time in between sessions. I guess you just can't get to everything. I enjoyed networking with colleagues.

MLA Conference Report #16

From Eileen Anselment of the Silver Bay Public Library:

The theme of the 2011 MLA Conference in Duluth was "Libraries: Superior Values for Life". Just glancing at the schedule, anyone could see that libraries truly are a life-long value. From infants to elders, students to leaders, readers to authors and others, libraries are free and open to all...from past, present and hopefully, well into the future.

With so many offerings at this year's conference, my two coworkers and I were planning and re-planning our selections right up until we walked into our respective conference rooms.

Having a renewed interest in children and young adult books because of changes in my own family, I wanted to know how many of the forty titles presented in 60 minutes I would find interesting and exciting enough to want to include in my personal library or in the public library of the small town where I work. I noted the titles I found most interesting and exciting for young readers. Titles like: Terezin: Voices from the Holocaust; How to Survive Anything; Please Ignore Vera Dietz. Of the 40 titles , there were less than 5 I could resist either reading or purchasing. Maybe it was the enthusiasm and joy in the reviews provided by hosts Heidi Hammond, Joni Kruesner and Gail Nordstrom. I know I'll be checking out more than a few of these titles and finding out for myself what make these selections great books for kids.

After the morning's first session I regrouped with my two co-workers. We decided to check out the exhibit hall. It was great to see the Edmund Fitzgerald hall packed with all of the agencies and organizations that lend support to libraries and meet some of the people behind the scenes. (Minnesota Historical Society, Lerner Publishing, Minitex, Baker and Taylor, and many, many more.) Some I had not even known of before today. We easily spent an hour perusing the exhibit's wares. And what's not to love about leaving an exhibit fully armed with a year's supply of pens, post-it notes, a little dental floss and candy? Unfortunately, we missed out on the coveted cat bags.

Dessert always makes life's little disappointments a bit more palatable so onward we went, minus our cat bags, to the dessert keynote with Dr. Scott Nicholson, Associate Profession and Program Director for the Masters of Science in Library and Information Science, Syracuse University. I liked his ideas. Let's have a little fun in libraries with gaming! We're not talking about back-room gambling or exclusive intellectual games, but fun, creative play. Imagine creating stories between a toddler and a senior citizen. Maybe you and a group of friends can create an entirely new board game. Sure, you may not get rich but you'll have fun conjuring new worlds with friends or people you might not even know. Imagine that, it could be fun,. I think it's a wonderful idea.

Some might argue that technology is robbing us of our imaginations. it was quite obvious- as seen by the numbers of participants quickly filling the room for my next session- that people are excited. By the time the session was scheduled to begin (E-books: What's All the Excitement About?) there was standing room only. More chairs were brought in and still there were people pressed towards the door. The panelists held a broad view of technology, E-books specifically. Some absolutely love them, other, not so much. What will become of the beloved physical book? How do we handle the ever growing number of devices and the technological questions that come with them? There were possibly more questions than answers but it is a thought provoking topic by its very nature. I thought the panelists were excellent and a perfect balance of those who proceed cautiously and those who go boldly. I'm still not sure which way I'm going.

That is why, though I hadn't considered it at the time, I was very glad that my last session of the day was Growing Readers: Bringing Libraries, Nature, and Families Together. Nature takes the edge off. Nicole Brinkman and Jennifer Dietrich are children's librarians at Ramsey County. They are mothers of young children who love sharing the natural world with their children and others. Sadly, they have also witnessed the increasing difficulties that children who are not exposed to nature experience. From stress, lack of creativity, difficulty with social skills, nature deficit is an increasing social ill. By creating a garden oasis in an urban area on the grounds of Ramsey County Library, they have provided a place where children can fully engage with nature. At the same time, they can utilize and integrate the the resources of the library with this garden space. As they demonstrated, the two work together beautifully. The children can explore the garden they helped design. Books and resources inside the library help them identify what's happening in 'their' world outside. Whether it is bugs, plants or vegetables they can turn into food, flowers they can draw and color, stones they can turn with their parents or grandparents, it is an experience outside of themselves. That the library is a place where they are finding this place seems perfectly natural.

As we go forward, keeping simple values integrated with the complexities of future demands might be what keeps libraries thriving well into the future.

Nominations Sought for NE MN Book Awards (NEMBA)

The University of Minnesota Duluth Library and the Friends of the Duluth Public Library are seeking nominations for the Twenty-fourth Annual Northeast Minnesota Book Awards (NEMBA).

Category nominations are : General Nonfiction, Fiction, Art, Photography, Children's Literature, Poetry, and Memoir and Creative Nonfiction. A non-refundable $25 entry fee is required for each nominated title.

The awards recognize books that are substantially representative of northeastern Minnesota in the areas of history, culture, heritage or lifestyle. For the purposes of the awards, northeastern Minnesota includes these counties: Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Pine and St. Louis.

Nominated books must have been originally released in 2011.

To nominate a book, visit the NEMBA web site. Each nomination should be sent with a copy of the nominated book and the non-refundable $25 entry fee.

An awards reception honoring all nominated authors will be held on Thursday, May 17, 2012 in the Kirby Ballroom on the University of Minnesota- Duluth campus and is open to the public. For more information, visit the NEMBA web site.

A Report on AASL in Minneapolis

From Susan Solin, Morgan Park Middle School, Duluth, MN:

On October 27-29, I had the unique opportunity to attend the AASL (American Association of School Librarians) National Convention in Minneapolis. This was an amazing conference, filled with people whose main goal is to instill a love of reading in others. Thursday night I attended the keynote address by Nicholas Carr. He is the author of the book The Shallows. His talk, "The Mind in the Net" had the premise that our mind behaves differently because we are now trained to multi-task. He believes that when we emphasis one way of thinking, we de-emphasis another. The Internet gives us an "information rich, interruption-rich" environment which encourages quick shifts in focus. This change actually discourages sustained attention.

I was fortunate to attend six concurrent sessions with a variety of topics. "Book Clubbing without Boundaries" gave me ideas and insights into conducting Book Clubs as an after-school program. Information was shared regarding how to choose the novel, advertise the event, type of groups (groups for at-risk students, grade level, etc.), and "Skyping" with authors after a novel has been read.

"Recommending Reading: Letting Technology Lend a Hand" gave a wealth of information pertaining to websites that suggest books to read based on patron's interest and books that they have enjoyed in the past. I aslo attended a session called "Kids Tell It Write", which was pesented by Sue Black, who is a storyteller who uses her skills to encourage students to write. This session allowed participants to practice her techniques in activities that can easily be used in the classroom. "Plagiarism and All That Comes with It " gave case studies of celebrities who were take to court over copyright infringements, as a way to share copyright, plagiarism and fair use information. Another session was "Turning the Page from the Past: Purposeful Programming for Your Patrons". This session gave fabulous ideas for after-school programming such as : "Teen Read" weeks, poetry slams, movie nights and many more. Excellent information was given regarding time management, fund raising and grant writing, and how to get teachers and staff on your side. My favorite session was "Knock 'em Dead: Using Book Trailers to Get Students Reading and Researching". This session gave websites and software options to create (and have students create) book trailers. I have already created a book trailer to use with my classes during book checkout weeks because of this session!

This conference was, perhaps, the best one I have ever attended, simply because the whole focus was the promotion of reading. The ideas and suggestions that I gathered will certainly be put to use.

My Experience at the MLA Conference in Duluth, October 12-14, 2011

From Mark J. King of the Cloquet Public Library:

I attended my first Minnesota Library Association conference from October 12 through 14 in Duluth. I knew little about what to expect, other than that it might be a nice break from work as well as an opportunity to meet other librarians and attend some informational sessions. The array of sessions, breakouts, and other unfamiliar offerings looked daunting from the conference website. I knew there would be opportunities to learn, but I did not realize that the conference could well qualify as continuing education. In fact, I was unprepared for the information overload I was to experience over the next three days.

Things began promisingly with Anita Silvey's luncheon keynote address. Her topic—the books that have most influenced children who became leaders in their fields—was one that I've thought a great deal about myself, and I've made lists of those works that made a memorable impression on me. So I immediately related to what Ms. Silvey had to say, and pulled out my notepad (the old-fashioned paper kind) to take notes. Several of the books mentioned were among those on my own personal lists. This was one of the best talks I have ever enjoyed, and I sought out her book as soon as I returned to my library.

The honeymoon was soon over, however, as I began attending the information-laden mini-classes. I took notes on all of them. The "New to the Game" session was dynamic but also overwhelming—it felt more like a test about what I didn't know than an introduction offering explanations that would help guide me through the conference. This first session was certainly challenging.

I felt a little more comfortable in the second session I chose, "Professional Social Media." I knew the basics of Facebook although I don't use it. The session did not overestimate one's familiarity with Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and struck just the right balance. I came away with many helpful ideas.

My first day came to an end with the cocktail reception at Fitger's. There, I met two librarians from Canada and was most interesting to compare notes on our libraries and communities.

The first session I attended on Thursday was St. Catherine's professor Joyce Yukawa's excellent presentation on "Empowering Older Adults. I was surprised to learn that her focus was specifically on adults age 84 and older. It is at that age that motor and cognitive skills begin to decline precipitously, she explained. Significantly for libraries, this population will double in the next 20 years. Practical tips were given regarding web design, and a link to her professional website provides access to her handout and PowerPoint presentation.

Being something of a traditionalist, I have been a skeptic when it comes to "gaming" activities in the library. My mind was opened to an extent at the dessert keynote address on "Engagement Through Games" by Scott Nicholson of Syracuse. I especially took notice when he said that a chess club was welcomed in the San Francisco Public Library in 1855. I haven't investigated the websites yet that he referred to but plan to do so. Our library now has X-Box Kinnect, which surprisingly seems to be a plus when it comes to some of the "problem" teens who hang out here. I do plan on looking into further gaming possibilities.

I next attended "Libraries Supporting Job Seekers." We have many unemployed people using our library, and I agree that we need to provide services meeting their needs. One of my responsibilities at the Cloquet Public Library has been to offer beginning computer classes. Judging by the response to these classes, I know how important it is for libraries to step up to the plate with practical offerings.

The presenters spoke of the resistance that they have encountered from the Jobs & Training/Workforce department. I could understand the concerns of Jobs & Training, because it seemed like libraries were trying to do their job. For example, it was recommended that the librarian meet one-on-one with patrons to assess their needs, review their resumes, determine their interviewing skills, etc. It's one thing to be able to provide resources and assist people, and it's another to try to be, not only librarians, but social service workers, job counselors, and the like. The demands being placed on librarians to be all things is a little unsettling. However, I think a balance can be reached, and most of what was presented was indeed something I could see being implemented in a library.

I still have many handout materials to go through before I'll be able to figure out what aspects of the job seekers session I may be able to bring to use here. Some suggestions were as simple as adding links on the library webpage to job-hunting resources and bookmarking job search websites on public computers.

An afternoon session on "The Latest Web 2.0 Tools" was fun and informative. I liked the way many new web technology topics were covered by different librarians. I was excited to find out how easy it is to create a QR Code, and I have already placed one that links to our library's events blog on some of my events posters.

Friday morning brought my final session that I attended, "50 in 60 Book Blast." This was an informative session, especially since I haven't had time to keep up with all of the latest titles (and I'm not involved inordering books).

Finally, the closing luncheon address with writer William Kent Krueger was the most enjoyable moment of the conference to me, along with Anita Silvey's opening address. It occurred to me that what resonated with me with these two speakers is that they are writers and creative people. My own background and aspirations have been along similar lines, whereas the role of librarian is more of a nuts-and-bolts, practical, technically savvy manager. I am learning to become those things and am beginning to see that it is possible to be both. The MLA conference showed me that I don't have to forget my liberal arts and humanities education and interests even as I continue learning new skills and developing in my career as a librarian.

All in all, the three-day conference was very valuable in my professional development. Should I have the opportunity to attend future conferences, I will feel better prepared and more comfortable with the challenging nature of the conference.

MLA Conference Report #14

From Julie Meyers of Silver Bay Public Library:

The following is my report/review of my experience attending my first MCLA Conference:

I attended on Thursday October 13, 2011.

Session C3- Empowering Older Adults: I enjoyed this session and the speakers. Since I work in a small rural library and we have a number of older adults without computer skills this session was helpful to me. I could relate to the inhibition and frustration older adults feel when first confronted with a computer. I learned that older adults just want/need basic computer skills than include email, internet and social network use. I liked the idea of creating a "senior friendly" atmosphere and a special area in the library with a larger keyboard, ergo mouse, pointers, better seating etc. for them to feel more comfortable and lessen stress. I also like the idea of a "Senior Day" where seniors could come in specially to address their needs and learn to use computers more efficiently. Finding out a persons needs is also important; they just may need help finding something on the Internet and not a whole explanation of DOS!! These are all good ideas that can be used in our library.

LUNCH: The lunch speaker was interesting until we played the game he had designated. Many people at my table did not want to participate and it was rather a flop. I thought maybe this game, for such a large audience, was just too complicated. Maybe something "lighter" would go over better. I really enjoyed his enthusiasm for his subject tho---., and games at the library are a wonderful way to bring young, old, and families together.

Session D5- EBOOKS: WHAT'S ALL THE EXCITEMENT ABOUT?: This was a panel session with great panelists!! They all had much to contribute and I learned a lot about how larger libraries are handling E-book issues. It was interesting to learn how they are incorporating this new technology and what the future will bring our way on this subject.

Session E10 - THINGS IN A FLASH: THE LATEST WEB 2.0 TOOLS: This is an area where I have basically no skills, knowledge!! so this was a great session for me. I learned about QR codes, Instagram, Get Glue, Wunderlist and Evernote! The last two will come in handy in my personal life for organization. QR Codes are everywhere and I never really knew the purpose. I now understand them and can see how we could use them to draw the younger crowd (teens and young adults) to more library use by incorporating this technology- maybe in the reading programs??. I also heard about Google API's, Cloud Collaboration and Geo location. All in all a lot of information. I would like to delve deeper into each one now. A teen geo location program might be a neat idea. I know that they have similar programs at the state parks and they are very popular.

I felt my day spent at the MLA conference was very informative and I was glad to have the opportunity to attend.

MLA Conference Report #13

From Carla Powers of Duluth Public Library:

This year's MLA conference was, as usual, full of information and ideas. Below are a few particularly useful gems That I took away from it.

We are advocates for citizens. In a session titled "Everyone is a Library Advocate!" one of the speakers encouraged us to reframe the idea from being advocates for libraries to being advocates for the citizens whose lives are changed by libraries. I think this slight shift in approach could have a powerful impact on the way we tell our stories as public libraries. I am going to encourage my board, Friends group and foundation to focus less on the importance of the library as an institution in their advocacy efforts, and to focus on collecting and sharing the stories of the individuals who use and depend upon our services.

Libraries are about services, not stuff. This was shared in Thursday's "Engagement through Games" keynote luncheon. To me it's a gem because it points to the new way that libraries are approaching their mission. We're still in the business of loaning "stuff," but as collections and access points change we are realizing that the most important thing libraries provide is a connection between people and ideas. We accomplish this through the services we offer. As remote access to "stuff" continues to grow, I think that libraries need to emphasize their role as the Great Good Place - a place where all people are welcome and can come to spend quality time, learn something new, and interact in person with others in the community.

Get off the dance floor and onto the balcony. This phrase came from a session called "Performance Management: Theory and Practice," which featured three speakers from the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Performance Management Institute. The speaker was referring to the importance of periodically stepping back from day-to-day operations to take a big-picture view. It's a good reminder than even though library directors and managers get very busy with the day-to-day operations of their library, we need to remember that it's our job to focus on the big picture of library service for our community.

Thank you, NCLC board, for providing this scholarship to cover my attendance at the MLA Conference. The library's travel and training funds are very limited these days, and by covering my registration you made it possible for another library staff member to attend.

MLA Conference Report #12

From Debby Bocnuk of Babbitt Public Library:

The MLA Conference offered a wide variety of practical sessions, an array of vendors, and time to mix, mingle, and discuss library related issues with others. In all, it was a good opportunity to learn, locate resources, and network. A brief summary follows.

Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a Children's Book with Anita Silvey, the Wednesday Luncheon Keynote was excellent and inspiring. Anita interviewed Kirk Douglas, Maurice Sendak, Robert Kennedy Jr., Steve Wozniak, Steve Forbes and a host of other notable people who linked their career choices and accomplishments to specific children's books. Their interviews spoke to the significant power and influence of children's books and how lives were impacted. Dr. Scott Nicholson, Thursday's Dessert Keynote, presented Engagement Through Games: Reaching Library Users through Playful Ways. His goals included attracting teens and adults, establishing the Library as a Community Hub and source for Entertainment. Gaming improved the library's reputation, gamers used other services while in the library and returned for non-gaming services, and social connections were made.

Among the sessions I attended were Nick Lavely's History of Copyright (fast paced and info packed covering copyright from 1790 to present with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998), Organizing Your Ordering: Buying Materials for Children's Collections (an interactive exchange of useful info), Empowering Older Adults (research findings, best practices, and resources), Board@Your Library (hot board games to develop community with teens and families), and Growing Readers: Bringing Libraries, Nature, and Families Together (incorporating early literacy principles with nature play and creating family connections).

Benefits of attending the conference go beyond just the sessions. An evening was shared with several attendees, one, a presenter, shared a wealth of fascinating information during our dinner conversation. Also, vendors included architectural firms that deal with libraries. This was a great find as our Library Board has been looking for a person knowledgeable of lighting needs specific to libraries.

I will be revisiting my notes as there are great ideas and useful information to be put into practice.

Again, thank you for granting me the privilege of attending this conference.