Attention eBook folks:
The Colorado Library Consortium created a project to clean up the most popular MARC records from Project Gutenberg called eDiscover the Classics. They identified the top 500 or so downloads and cleaned up those records and made them available to other libraries. They launched the website a few
weeks at: http://www.clicweb.org/e_discover/e_discoverhome.html
They are generously giving these MARC records to the library community, so feel free to load them in your catalog. To see the records, search their Koha-based www.aspencat.info under 'project gutenberg'
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Call to Action from CLA
Just in case anyone hasn't seen this yet:
News From The Capitol
December 9, 2010
GOVERNOR-ELECT BROWN HOSTS BUDGET FORUM:
Deficit Could Grow By Another $2.7 Billion – ACTION REQUESTED
By: Mike Dillon & Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists
On January 3, Governor-Elect Jerry Brown will be sworn into office, and by law, the new Governor will be required to submit a balanced State Budget by Monday, January 10, 2011. During the weeks leading up to the gubernatorial transition he has been actively meeting with Department of Finance representatives in the current Schwarzenegger Administration. The Governor-Elect has been receiving regular briefings on the $25 billion projected Budget deficit for the 2011-12 year and yesterday he hosted a symposium for the members of the California Legislature to present to them the dire state of the State. The forum also featured analysis and remarks from the State Controller, State Treasurer, State Legislative Analyst, Director of the Department of Finance, and three of the legislative leaders. These dignitaries sat alongside the Governor-Elect and actively worked through a detailed PowerPoint presentation regarding the state’s finances, program obligations, credit ratings, and borrowing commitments.
Governor-Elect Brown convened the forum by stating that he was “determined to do everything I can to get us back on track.” He added that the purpose of convening was not to “argue about solutions,” but rather to “set a common factual basis” for the Budget problem that would allow the legislature and statewide leaders to have a more productive discussion about solutions. In a surprise announcement, Governor-Elect Brown indicated that the Budget deficit – recently projected at $25.4 billion, may now have grown to approximately $28 billion, due to a potential estate tax revenue loss, depending on Congressional actions. Most startling was the discussion regarding the state’s “threats and pressures” in the out years, such as the unfunded pension liability (projected at $100 billion to $500 billion), unemployment insurance liability ($10.3 billion), outstanding Budget borrowing ($15.3 billion), and the cost of implementing the new health care reform mandates ($3.5 billion). The State Controller and State Treasurer said that while the recession has probably reached its bottom, recovery will be slow, and they cautioned that it is imperative to produce an on-time Budget that addresses the ongoing concerns of Wall Street investors, including but not limited to: the structural imbalance, the partisan environment, and the lack of liquidity, etc.
LETTERS TO GOVERNOR-ELECT BROWN NEEDED ASAP:
Protecting Library Funding in the 2011-12 Budget
Given the state’s extreme and unprecedented Budget situation, we are unsure what Governor Brown’s leaning will be toward the state financing of library programs, particularly the Public Library Foundation, Transaction Based Reimbursement and the literacy program. In fact, Governor-Elect Brown presents an interesting challenge in that when he was Governor 30 years ago he actually vetoed the legislation creating the Public Library Foundation in 1980. At the time, he argued that the state was facing financial difficulties and could not afford the program. Two years later, when CLA sponsored the bill again, Governor Brown allowed the bill to become law without his signature – a move rarely employed by governors. We are hopeful that the Governor-Elect will be supportive of libraries this term, particularly since he served at the local government level as Mayor of Oakland, California, and is aware of the benefits and strengths of libraries.
Most assuredly, the legislature and the Governor-Elect will be operating under an “everything must be on the table” mentality as they examine their solutions for bringing the massive Budget deficit into correction. Wednesday’s forum sponsored by the Governor-Elect was a clear indication that he is taking a very serious approach to addressing the systemic problems inherent in the Budget. The Administration and the legislature’s task will be further challenged by the fact that Republicans in both houses have indicated they will not support tax increases, and the state has run out of many of its borrowing options. Thus, there is no doubt that major Budget reductions will need to be made in many popular programs, and candidly we are concerned about the vulnerability of the PLF, TBR, and literacy program funding.
Please take a moment today to write the Governor-Elect and encourage his support of protecting library funding during this difficult time. It is important to include in your letters specific information pertinent to your local libraries such as: [Tailor these to fit your own situation, please]
● County, city and special district libraries continue to be one of the hardest hit segments of local government. These libraries have had their funding reduced under Governors Davis and Schwarzenegger by over 72 percent. (PLF)
● Over the past years, many school districts have reduced or eliminated their teacher librarians or their school libraries. Public libraries then become the community’s lifeline for students and their families for important programs such as Homework Help centers, early learning programs, etc.
● Door counts continue to rise at an amazing rate for most libraries and library branches. In this difficult economy libraries are a safety net for many people who have lost their home or jobs and are using their local library to write resumes, attend workshops on credit repair, and utilize free access to high speed Internet to look for work.
● Libraries are the “great equalizer,” providing resources and materials to all types of patrons from all walks of life without the expectation of payment. To reduce or eliminate funding for the Public Library Foundation, Transaction Based Reimbursement, or literacy programs under the State Library, would have lasting reverberations for a statewide system that would have a difficult time ever recovering.
To send letters to the Governor-Elect, please address them to:
Governor-Elect Jerry Brown
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814
Thank you for your help. Please send your letters ASAP.
News From The Capitol
December 9, 2010
GOVERNOR-ELECT BROWN HOSTS BUDGET FORUM:
Deficit Could Grow By Another $2.7 Billion – ACTION REQUESTED
By: Mike Dillon & Christina DiCaro, CLA Lobbyists
On January 3, Governor-Elect Jerry Brown will be sworn into office, and by law, the new Governor will be required to submit a balanced State Budget by Monday, January 10, 2011. During the weeks leading up to the gubernatorial transition he has been actively meeting with Department of Finance representatives in the current Schwarzenegger Administration. The Governor-Elect has been receiving regular briefings on the $25 billion projected Budget deficit for the 2011-12 year and yesterday he hosted a symposium for the members of the California Legislature to present to them the dire state of the State. The forum also featured analysis and remarks from the State Controller, State Treasurer, State Legislative Analyst, Director of the Department of Finance, and three of the legislative leaders. These dignitaries sat alongside the Governor-Elect and actively worked through a detailed PowerPoint presentation regarding the state’s finances, program obligations, credit ratings, and borrowing commitments.
Governor-Elect Brown convened the forum by stating that he was “determined to do everything I can to get us back on track.” He added that the purpose of convening was not to “argue about solutions,” but rather to “set a common factual basis” for the Budget problem that would allow the legislature and statewide leaders to have a more productive discussion about solutions. In a surprise announcement, Governor-Elect Brown indicated that the Budget deficit – recently projected at $25.4 billion, may now have grown to approximately $28 billion, due to a potential estate tax revenue loss, depending on Congressional actions. Most startling was the discussion regarding the state’s “threats and pressures” in the out years, such as the unfunded pension liability (projected at $100 billion to $500 billion), unemployment insurance liability ($10.3 billion), outstanding Budget borrowing ($15.3 billion), and the cost of implementing the new health care reform mandates ($3.5 billion). The State Controller and State Treasurer said that while the recession has probably reached its bottom, recovery will be slow, and they cautioned that it is imperative to produce an on-time Budget that addresses the ongoing concerns of Wall Street investors, including but not limited to: the structural imbalance, the partisan environment, and the lack of liquidity, etc.
LETTERS TO GOVERNOR-ELECT BROWN NEEDED ASAP:
Protecting Library Funding in the 2011-12 Budget
Given the state’s extreme and unprecedented Budget situation, we are unsure what Governor Brown’s leaning will be toward the state financing of library programs, particularly the Public Library Foundation, Transaction Based Reimbursement and the literacy program. In fact, Governor-Elect Brown presents an interesting challenge in that when he was Governor 30 years ago he actually vetoed the legislation creating the Public Library Foundation in 1980. At the time, he argued that the state was facing financial difficulties and could not afford the program. Two years later, when CLA sponsored the bill again, Governor Brown allowed the bill to become law without his signature – a move rarely employed by governors. We are hopeful that the Governor-Elect will be supportive of libraries this term, particularly since he served at the local government level as Mayor of Oakland, California, and is aware of the benefits and strengths of libraries.
Most assuredly, the legislature and the Governor-Elect will be operating under an “everything must be on the table” mentality as they examine their solutions for bringing the massive Budget deficit into correction. Wednesday’s forum sponsored by the Governor-Elect was a clear indication that he is taking a very serious approach to addressing the systemic problems inherent in the Budget. The Administration and the legislature’s task will be further challenged by the fact that Republicans in both houses have indicated they will not support tax increases, and the state has run out of many of its borrowing options. Thus, there is no doubt that major Budget reductions will need to be made in many popular programs, and candidly we are concerned about the vulnerability of the PLF, TBR, and literacy program funding.
Please take a moment today to write the Governor-Elect and encourage his support of protecting library funding during this difficult time. It is important to include in your letters specific information pertinent to your local libraries such as: [Tailor these to fit your own situation, please]
● County, city and special district libraries continue to be one of the hardest hit segments of local government. These libraries have had their funding reduced under Governors Davis and Schwarzenegger by over 72 percent. (PLF)
● Over the past years, many school districts have reduced or eliminated their teacher librarians or their school libraries. Public libraries then become the community’s lifeline for students and their families for important programs such as Homework Help centers, early learning programs, etc.
● Door counts continue to rise at an amazing rate for most libraries and library branches. In this difficult economy libraries are a safety net for many people who have lost their home or jobs and are using their local library to write resumes, attend workshops on credit repair, and utilize free access to high speed Internet to look for work.
● Libraries are the “great equalizer,” providing resources and materials to all types of patrons from all walks of life without the expectation of payment. To reduce or eliminate funding for the Public Library Foundation, Transaction Based Reimbursement, or literacy programs under the State Library, would have lasting reverberations for a statewide system that would have a difficult time ever recovering.
To send letters to the Governor-Elect, please address them to:
Governor-Elect Jerry Brown
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814
Thank you for your help. Please send your letters ASAP.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Career Cruising trial
We've added a trial of Career Cruising, a career exploration and research tool, to our list of trials on our site. We haven't signed an agreement with this company yet, but would love your feedback to help us determine whether we should. If you look at the trial and think it's something you would be interested in subscribing to, please let me know. Pricing starts at $600/year for the smallest libraries, and goes up from there - I can get a quote if you're interested.
To view the trial, go to the Califa site at califa.org --> members --> internal documents (you'll need to log in at this point - if you need your califa login and password, let me know).
To view the trial, go to the Califa site at califa.org --> members --> internal documents (you'll need to log in at this point - if you need your califa login and password, let me know).
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
ABC CLIO trial
We are looking at the possibility of working with ABC-CLIO, and all of their databases are now available for trial. Login information is on the Califa website at califa.org -->Members-->Internal Documents (you will need your Califa site login and password to access the information - let me know if you need it).
I'd love to hear feedback from members on the trials, and whether you'd be interested in ordering any of their products. The trials are available until January 11.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Oxford University Press trials
We have special pricing on several OUP products until the end of the year. Trial information is on our site under califa.org --> Members --> Internal Documents (you will need your Califa login and pw to view the trials - let me know if you need your library login information).
The products we have pricing for are below, with descriptions. Please let me know if you have any questions, or would like more information.
The Oxford African American Studies Center combines the authority of carefully edited reference works with sophisticated technology to create the most comprehensive collection of scholarship available online to focus on the lives and events which have shaped African American and African history and culture.
Oxford Biblical Studies Online provides unrivaled access to six essential Oxford editions of the Bible alongside commentary and annotations from study Bibles seamlessly combined with reference material and primary texts.
Oxford Dictionaries Online is a brand new modern English dictionary and language reference service. Powered by the world's greatest dictionaries, Oxford Dictionaries Online gives users a wealth of lexical resources at the click of a mouse
Berg Fashion Library: Informed by prestigious academic and library advisors, and anchored by the forthcoming 10-volumeEncyclopedia of World Dress and Fashion (July 2010),Berg Fashion Library will be the first online resource to provide access to interdisciplinary and integrated text, image, and journal content on world dress and fashion.
Social Explorer is an online research tool designed to provide quick and easy access to historical census data and demographic information. It creates fast, intuitive, and appealing maps and reports to help users visually analyze and understand demography and social change throughout history.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Upcoming marketing summit for Library Directors
You might be interested in this upcoming marketing summit for Library Directors, held at San Francisco Public Library.
Check out the schedule, and register here:
Monday, October 25, 2010
Member Savings Report for FY 2009-2010
We have finished the Member Savings Report for Fiscal Year 2009-2010, and we are thrilled to have been able to help member libraries save over $4.6 million last year!
View the report, and see what your library saved on our website at http://www.califa.org/membersavings.php. If your library hasn't been able to save as much as you'd like, email us to find out how we might be able to work with your plans, and save your library more this year.
View the report, and see what your library saved on our website at http://www.califa.org/membersavings.php. If your library hasn't been able to save as much as you'd like, email us to find out how we might be able to work with your plans, and save your library more this year.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
OUP trials and special pricing this fall
Oxford University Press is offering special pricing on several of their databases for Califa members through the end of November. Trials are available to all members on our Trials page online (califa.org --> members --> internal documents) of the following databases (full descriptions are below):
African American Studies Center
Oxford Biblical Studies Center
Oxford Dictionaries online
Berg Fashion Library
Social Explorer
Please let us know whether you would like a quote, or need your califa website login information.
NEW! Oxford Dictionaries Online 30% off first-year subscription
Do you have patrons looking for guidance on job applications, resumes, and cover letters? Oxford Language Dictionary's Practical Writing section can help. Are there puzzle enthusiasts among your patrons? Fans of crosswords and similar word games should check out the Puzzles section to help solve some of those trickier clues.
Do we need Oxford Dictionaries Online?
70% of people need and use English language resources (for students, the figure is 90%)*
70% of users surveyed found free online dictionaries difficult to use, slow, or out of date**
* Source: Book Marketing Limited research for Oxford University Press 2007
** Source: Oxford University Press consumer research July 2009
Although there are many free dictionary sites, they are not meeting user needs.
Oxford Dictionaries Online is sure to become the go-to resource for definition-seekers, professionals, writers, students, teachers, non-native speakers, puzzle enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to "look it up." Includes audio pronunciation and practical writing advice to make the right impression in everyday situations, including apply for a job and email guidelines.
NEW! Berg Fashion Library 20% off first-year subscription
For all of those budding Project Runway contestants among your teen patrons, and for your community theatre folks or doll-making enthusiasts, here is the new go-to resource!
Anchored by the 10-volume Encyclopedia of World Dress and Fashion (July 2010), the Berg Fashion Library incorporates a full range of resources essential for anyone working on dress or fashion. Contains 4,000+ images (including 1,600 from the Victoria and Albert Museum's internationally renowned fashion collection). Beginning in 2011, over 2,000 images from the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute collection will be uploaded.
Social Explorer 20% off first-year subscription
Understanding your community is the key to success. Make sure that you and your patrons have that key by offering Social Explorer.
Social Explorer is an online research tool designed to provide quick and easy access to historical census data and demographic information. It creates fast, intuitive, and appealing maps and reports to help users visually analyze and understand demography and social change throughout history, 1790 – present.
"...they've done a fantastically thorough job. You can zoom all the way from the national level to ... the street you live on, and see all sorts of different data, from income to industry to gender to ethnicity to means of commuting to family structure. Want a map showing percent of foreign-born nationals who immigrated in the last five years? It's there. Want a map showing percentage of self-employed males? It's there. Percentage of housing where rent is between $600 - $800 per month, or where heat is provided by solar power? It’s there." The Changing World - Jeremy Faludi, 2005
Oxford Biblical Studies Online 30% off first year subscription
Are your patrons interested in biblical studies, commentary, or almost anything in the 200's? And…would they enjoy the flexibility of comparing various Bible verse translations and commentaries side-by-side? Oxford Biblical Studies Online might be the resource just for them!
"HOW GOOD IS IT? I have truly just scratched the surface of this mammoth work of scholarship . . . Oxford breaks the one-to-ten rating scale once again: this file is an astonishing 11. Most highly recommended for academic, public, school, and special libraries serving serious Bible researchers." —Cheryl LaGuardia Library Journal, May 1, 2009
Oxford African American Studies Center 30% off first-year subscription
Be prepared to meet all of your student patron's needs for Black History Month! Along with authoritative reference content, the rich image gallery and multi-media video clips bring history to life - watch Hank Aaron break the major league home run record or Maya Angelou recite “And Still I Rise”. Take a look at Oxford's African American Studies Center and explore the riches available on an unlimited access basis.
“The folks at Oxford have once again thought of everything…There’s not enough space to extol OAASC’s virtues sufficiently…Because it is so extraordinary, the resource makes it necessary this once to raise the usual rating scale of 1 to 10 to an unprecedented 11! The Bottom Line: A remarkable achievement in accessible scholarship, Oxford African American Studies Center is strongly recommended for all libraries.” — Cheryl LaGuardia, Library Journal
African American Studies Center
Oxford Biblical Studies Center
Oxford Dictionaries online
Berg Fashion Library
Social Explorer
Please let us know whether you would like a quote, or need your califa website login information.
NEW! Oxford Dictionaries Online 30% off first-year subscription
Do you have patrons looking for guidance on job applications, resumes, and cover letters? Oxford Language Dictionary's Practical Writing section can help. Are there puzzle enthusiasts among your patrons? Fans of crosswords and similar word games should check out the Puzzles section to help solve some of those trickier clues.
Do we need Oxford Dictionaries Online?
70% of people need and use English language resources (for students, the figure is 90%)*
70% of users surveyed found free online dictionaries difficult to use, slow, or out of date**
* Source: Book Marketing Limited research for Oxford University Press 2007
** Source: Oxford University Press consumer research July 2009
Although there are many free dictionary sites, they are not meeting user needs.
Oxford Dictionaries Online is sure to become the go-to resource for definition-seekers, professionals, writers, students, teachers, non-native speakers, puzzle enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to "look it up." Includes audio pronunciation and practical writing advice to make the right impression in everyday situations, including apply for a job and email guidelines.
NEW! Berg Fashion Library 20% off first-year subscription
For all of those budding Project Runway contestants among your teen patrons, and for your community theatre folks or doll-making enthusiasts, here is the new go-to resource!
Anchored by the 10-volume Encyclopedia of World Dress and Fashion (July 2010), the Berg Fashion Library incorporates a full range of resources essential for anyone working on dress or fashion. Contains 4,000+ images (including 1,600 from the Victoria and Albert Museum's internationally renowned fashion collection). Beginning in 2011, over 2,000 images from the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute collection will be uploaded.
Social Explorer 20% off first-year subscription
Understanding your community is the key to success. Make sure that you and your patrons have that key by offering Social Explorer.
Social Explorer is an online research tool designed to provide quick and easy access to historical census data and demographic information. It creates fast, intuitive, and appealing maps and reports to help users visually analyze and understand demography and social change throughout history, 1790 – present.
"...they've done a fantastically thorough job. You can zoom all the way from the national level to ... the street you live on, and see all sorts of different data, from income to industry to gender to ethnicity to means of commuting to family structure. Want a map showing percent of foreign-born nationals who immigrated in the last five years? It's there. Want a map showing percentage of self-employed males? It's there. Percentage of housing where rent is between $600 - $800 per month, or where heat is provided by solar power? It’s there." The Changing World - Jeremy Faludi, 2005
Oxford Biblical Studies Online 30% off first year subscription
Are your patrons interested in biblical studies, commentary, or almost anything in the 200's? And…would they enjoy the flexibility of comparing various Bible verse translations and commentaries side-by-side? Oxford Biblical Studies Online might be the resource just for them!
"HOW GOOD IS IT? I have truly just scratched the surface of this mammoth work of scholarship . . . Oxford breaks the one-to-ten rating scale once again: this file is an astonishing 11. Most highly recommended for academic, public, school, and special libraries serving serious Bible researchers." —Cheryl LaGuardia Library Journal, May 1, 2009
Oxford African American Studies Center 30% off first-year subscription
Be prepared to meet all of your student patron's needs for Black History Month! Along with authoritative reference content, the rich image gallery and multi-media video clips bring history to life - watch Hank Aaron break the major league home run record or Maya Angelou recite “And Still I Rise”. Take a look at Oxford's African American Studies Center and explore the riches available on an unlimited access basis.
“The folks at Oxford have once again thought of everything…There’s not enough space to extol OAASC’s virtues sufficiently…Because it is so extraordinary, the resource makes it necessary this once to raise the usual rating scale of 1 to 10 to an unprecedented 11! The Bottom Line: A remarkable achievement in accessible scholarship, Oxford African American Studies Center is strongly recommended for all libraries.” — Cheryl LaGuardia, Library Journal
Science in rural libraries
Check out this NPR blog post (pasted below) about science programs in rural libraries. Califa is happy to be managing the project.
Myth: The American populace is science-ignorant, lagging well behind other “developed” nations in scientific literacy.
Fact: It turns out that the U.S. curve is U-shaped: Elementary-school children perform as well in science-understanding metrics as their peers elsewhere, even though formal science teaching at these grade levels is at best sporadic, whereas middle- and high-school students perform abysmally even though they take required science courses. But American adults demonstrate scientific knowledge on a par or above adults in other “developed” countries, even though only 30 percent of adult Americans have ever taken even one college-level science course.
So how to explain these data?
Much of my information derives from an excellent article in the American Scientist by John Falk and Lynn Dierking. They present studies showing that school is not where most Americans learn most of their science. Instead, knowledge is acquired via what is called informal science education or free-choice science learning. And while Falk and Dierking stress that current efforts to improve formal science education should be pursued with vigor, they lift up the imperative to also maximize opportunities for adults to pursue inherent levels of curiosity relating to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
So how do Americans engage in free-choice science learning?
Studies indicate a variety of sources. Adults may be pursuing a hobby, like gardening or tropical fish or star gazing, and devour relevant information. They may take their children to science museums and zoos and pick up information and curiosity in the process. They may be afficionados of NOVA or Discovery Channel. They may consult the internet when they — or family members — incur a disease or when a disaster like the Gulf oil spill occurs, seeking to better understand what’s going on. They may bookmark 13.7 or Chet Raymo or Carl Zimmer or Kahn or Seed and avail themselves of scientists’ attempts to make their passions accessible. They may frequent a science café.
All this is good, but the fact remains that major segments of the U.S. populace do not meet the STEM-literate bar no matter where it is set. Many would self-describe as science-disinterested, or as science-phobic, believing that they lack the wherewithal to understand “that stuff,” or as science-averse, believing that science is a sinister force.
These observations take me to describing how I’ve spent my past few days. I went to Chicago to serve as a scientific advisor to a fascinating project, funded by the National Science Foundation and spearheaded by a group that includes our own Marcelo Gleiser, to develop free-choice STEM accessibility and interest in rural U.S. communities.
Persons in small towns and rural communities lack direct access to science museums or zoos or public lectures or science cafés, and home internet access, if available at all, it is via agonizingly slow dial-up connections. Happily, thanks to the largess of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, more than 98 percent of U.S. librarians now have enhanced broadband access, meaning that the local public library has rapidly become a primary destination for those seeking on-line information as well as books and videos. Indeed, in rural areas, the local library may be the “only show in town” for adult community life. The sign outside the Gilpin County Public Library in Colorado, for example, reads: “FREE COFFEE. INTERNET. NOTARY. PHONE. SMILES. RESTROOMS & IDEAS.”
Many of these libraries sponsor public book clubs, but their focus is almost solely humanities-related. Moreover, the librarians that valiantly serve these libraries, often single-handedly, are rarely formally STEM-educated and, when interviewed, are forthright in acknowledging their sense that their ability to encourage STEM literacy is limited.
So the NSF project being developed is basically a hybrid of a book club and a science café. Here’s the concept.
Choose 4 STEM-related topics.
Create three classy professionally-generated 10-minute videos on each topic.
Identify interested rural librarians and help them locate local persons with some STEM background, where this might be a community college teacher, a forest ranger, a health professional.
Make the videos and supporting on-line materials available to these librarians and STEM professionals, as well as selected fiction books related to each topic, so they can plan their events.
Advertise the events to the community, encouraging but not requiring that the books be read in advance.
Hold four 90-minute sessions wherein the videos are shown and the books and videos discussed by participants, with the STEM professionals and librarians facilitating the conversations.
How cool is that?
The Chicago meeting included high-end script-writers and videographers with PBS-style backgrounds, leaders in the library world (about which I was abysmally ignorant), and scientists. A central goal was to discuss the kind of content that would be good for each module and how it would take compelling video form.
The central theme of the series is called Pushing the Limits. From the proposal summary: “Since the beginning of human time, we have imagined and achieved ways to push the boundaries of the physical world. We want to be stronger, smarter, and more aware, and we create stories to bring those dreams to life. But are there physical limits to what we can do? Are there unbreakable rules of the universe? How far can science and math go to help us push our limits?”
The module I helped develop is called Immortality, and the three units we came up with are provisionally called:
Why Are We Mortal? (a topic I’ve developed here)
What Can Be Done To Postpone Aging and Mortality? (e.g. research on lifespan extension, stem cells, dietary restriction etc.).
Can Mortality Be Eliminated? (e.g. cloning, cryogenics, and making computerized versions of our minds, as explored here.) Those of you who have followed my interests in understanding what’s entailed in being a self will be unsurprised to learn that I encouraged the script writers to stimulate discussion as to what “self” is visualized as being immortalized.
So, for any of you still reading, here’s a question: What good fiction, including but not limited to science fiction, might come to your mind that addresses this Immortality topic in an engaging fashion? Your suggestions might, in the near future, become the grists of inquiry for thousands of your fellow free-choice science learners!
Myth: The American populace is science-ignorant, lagging well behind other “developed” nations in scientific literacy.
Fact: It turns out that the U.S. curve is U-shaped: Elementary-school children perform as well in science-understanding metrics as their peers elsewhere, even though formal science teaching at these grade levels is at best sporadic, whereas middle- and high-school students perform abysmally even though they take required science courses. But American adults demonstrate scientific knowledge on a par or above adults in other “developed” countries, even though only 30 percent of adult Americans have ever taken even one college-level science course.
So how to explain these data?
Much of my information derives from an excellent article in the American Scientist by John Falk and Lynn Dierking. They present studies showing that school is not where most Americans learn most of their science. Instead, knowledge is acquired via what is called informal science education or free-choice science learning. And while Falk and Dierking stress that current efforts to improve formal science education should be pursued with vigor, they lift up the imperative to also maximize opportunities for adults to pursue inherent levels of curiosity relating to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
So how do Americans engage in free-choice science learning?
Studies indicate a variety of sources. Adults may be pursuing a hobby, like gardening or tropical fish or star gazing, and devour relevant information. They may take their children to science museums and zoos and pick up information and curiosity in the process. They may be afficionados of NOVA or Discovery Channel. They may consult the internet when they — or family members — incur a disease or when a disaster like the Gulf oil spill occurs, seeking to better understand what’s going on. They may bookmark 13.7 or Chet Raymo or Carl Zimmer or Kahn or Seed and avail themselves of scientists’ attempts to make their passions accessible. They may frequent a science café.
All this is good, but the fact remains that major segments of the U.S. populace do not meet the STEM-literate bar no matter where it is set. Many would self-describe as science-disinterested, or as science-phobic, believing that they lack the wherewithal to understand “that stuff,” or as science-averse, believing that science is a sinister force.
These observations take me to describing how I’ve spent my past few days. I went to Chicago to serve as a scientific advisor to a fascinating project, funded by the National Science Foundation and spearheaded by a group that includes our own Marcelo Gleiser, to develop free-choice STEM accessibility and interest in rural U.S. communities.
Persons in small towns and rural communities lack direct access to science museums or zoos or public lectures or science cafés, and home internet access, if available at all, it is via agonizingly slow dial-up connections. Happily, thanks to the largess of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, more than 98 percent of U.S. librarians now have enhanced broadband access, meaning that the local public library has rapidly become a primary destination for those seeking on-line information as well as books and videos. Indeed, in rural areas, the local library may be the “only show in town” for adult community life. The sign outside the Gilpin County Public Library in Colorado, for example, reads: “FREE COFFEE. INTERNET. NOTARY. PHONE. SMILES. RESTROOMS & IDEAS.”
Many of these libraries sponsor public book clubs, but their focus is almost solely humanities-related. Moreover, the librarians that valiantly serve these libraries, often single-handedly, are rarely formally STEM-educated and, when interviewed, are forthright in acknowledging their sense that their ability to encourage STEM literacy is limited.
So the NSF project being developed is basically a hybrid of a book club and a science café. Here’s the concept.
Choose 4 STEM-related topics.
Create three classy professionally-generated 10-minute videos on each topic.
Identify interested rural librarians and help them locate local persons with some STEM background, where this might be a community college teacher, a forest ranger, a health professional.
Make the videos and supporting on-line materials available to these librarians and STEM professionals, as well as selected fiction books related to each topic, so they can plan their events.
Advertise the events to the community, encouraging but not requiring that the books be read in advance.
Hold four 90-minute sessions wherein the videos are shown and the books and videos discussed by participants, with the STEM professionals and librarians facilitating the conversations.
How cool is that?
The Chicago meeting included high-end script-writers and videographers with PBS-style backgrounds, leaders in the library world (about which I was abysmally ignorant), and scientists. A central goal was to discuss the kind of content that would be good for each module and how it would take compelling video form.
The central theme of the series is called Pushing the Limits. From the proposal summary: “Since the beginning of human time, we have imagined and achieved ways to push the boundaries of the physical world. We want to be stronger, smarter, and more aware, and we create stories to bring those dreams to life. But are there physical limits to what we can do? Are there unbreakable rules of the universe? How far can science and math go to help us push our limits?”
The module I helped develop is called Immortality, and the three units we came up with are provisionally called:
Why Are We Mortal? (a topic I’ve developed here)
What Can Be Done To Postpone Aging and Mortality? (e.g. research on lifespan extension, stem cells, dietary restriction etc.).
Can Mortality Be Eliminated? (e.g. cloning, cryogenics, and making computerized versions of our minds, as explored here.) Those of you who have followed my interests in understanding what’s entailed in being a self will be unsurprised to learn that I encouraged the script writers to stimulate discussion as to what “self” is visualized as being immortalized.
So, for any of you still reading, here’s a question: What good fiction, including but not limited to science fiction, might come to your mind that addresses this Immortality topic in an engaging fashion? Your suggestions might, in the near future, become the grists of inquiry for thousands of your fellow free-choice science learners!
Friday, October 8, 2010
still time on the Tuition Funding Sources deadline...
For those who were interested in the Tuition Funding Sources but weren't able to make a decision by September 30, please note that the deadline has been extended for a few more weeks. Please contact Tom Bagley at TFS directly - details below - and he will get you set up and invoiced.
Tom Bagley
(801) 943-7676
tgbagley@gmail.com
Tom Bagley
(801) 943-7676
tgbagley@gmail.com
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Gale Virtual Reference Library special offer
Through December 31, 2010, Gale is offering a special e-book package for California public libraries - the first time EVER that Gale eBooks have been available through Califa!
This package of 203 inter-disciplinary titles has been discounted 88% off list – a great starter package for those libraries who want to extend access to high-quality information beyond the library institution and into the home, school, or workplace. Here’s what you’ll accomplish with the GALE VIRTUAL REFERENCE LIBRARY:
· Drive reliable, relevant and authoritative information to your patrons’ desktops – 24/7 remotely. No special readers or hardware required.
· Provide indepth background information along with current news content through cross-searching these titles with any InfoTrac periodical database so patrons get the full picture in one search
· Give staff and learners unlimited access to quality content without fear of damaged material or missing volumes. This is a permanent ownership model – only recurring cost is an annual hosting fee of $100.00.
· Further differentiated learning initiatives in your community – some people learn best by reading, while others learn best by listening. The Gale Virtual Reference Library offers patrons choice with READSPEAK technology. Every article is audible.
· Respond to the multicultural needs of your community. Every article may be translated into 11 languages (Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Russian, German, Polish).
· Make information portable -- every article may be downloaded to the handheld device, making it easy for patrons to have access to authoritative information whenever or wherever they’d like.
· Build a methodology for collection development. Since usage is provided for each title in your collection, you’ll see exactly what your patrons are interested in. You’ll be able to make future purchases to your virtual library based on statistical data, rather than on intuition.
To start your trial of all 203 titles, to review the title list, and request a quote for your library, just click on http://galesites.com/offer/ca
Remember, this special CALIFA offer is only available through December 31, 2010. * So act now and save!
*Ask us about the special incentive for ordering early!
This package of 203 inter-disciplinary titles has been discounted 88% off list – a great starter package for those libraries who want to extend access to high-quality information beyond the library institution and into the home, school, or workplace. Here’s what you’ll accomplish with the GALE VIRTUAL REFERENCE LIBRARY:
· Drive reliable, relevant and authoritative information to your patrons’ desktops – 24/7 remotely. No special readers or hardware required.
· Provide indepth background information along with current news content through cross-searching these titles with any InfoTrac periodical database so patrons get the full picture in one search
· Give staff and learners unlimited access to quality content without fear of damaged material or missing volumes. This is a permanent ownership model – only recurring cost is an annual hosting fee of $100.00.
· Further differentiated learning initiatives in your community – some people learn best by reading, while others learn best by listening. The Gale Virtual Reference Library offers patrons choice with READSPEAK technology. Every article is audible.
· Respond to the multicultural needs of your community. Every article may be translated into 11 languages (Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Russian, German, Polish).
· Make information portable -- every article may be downloaded to the handheld device, making it easy for patrons to have access to authoritative information whenever or wherever they’d like.
· Build a methodology for collection development. Since usage is provided for each title in your collection, you’ll see exactly what your patrons are interested in. You’ll be able to make future purchases to your virtual library based on statistical data, rather than on intuition.
To start your trial of all 203 titles, to review the title list, and request a quote for your library, just click on http://galesites.com/offer/ca
Remember, this special CALIFA offer is only available through December 31, 2010. * So act now and save!
*Ask us about the special incentive for ordering early!
Monday, September 13, 2010
upcoming 3M webinar
Below is an announcement on an upcoming webinar from 3M
Want to hear how three libraries changed the way they do business? Want to know how to they became more streamlined and efficient? Then join us on September 22 for an exciting FREE Webinar, featuring representatives from three leading libraries across the country. You’ll hear firsthand how they achieved success with 3MTM SelfCheckTM Systems, despite a few obstacles along the way.
We highly recommend this Webinar to you, our valued customer, because it’s invaluable information, available to you FREE. If you’re interested in streamlining your operations, you owe it to yourself to join us on the 22nd. If you can't attend the live Webinar, your registration will allow you to view the archived file for up to one year.
For more information, and registration, visit www.LibraryJournal.com/selfservice
Want to hear how three libraries changed the way they do business? Want to know how to they became more streamlined and efficient? Then join us on September 22 for an exciting FREE Webinar, featuring representatives from three leading libraries across the country. You’ll hear firsthand how they achieved success with 3MTM SelfCheckTM Systems, despite a few obstacles along the way.
We highly recommend this Webinar to you, our valued customer, because it’s invaluable information, available to you FREE. If you’re interested in streamlining your operations, you owe it to yourself to join us on the 22nd. If you can't attend the live Webinar, your registration will allow you to view the archived file for up to one year.
For more information, and registration, visit www.LibraryJournal.com/selfservice
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Pepsi Tuition Funding Sources update
Some news on the Pepsi Tuition Funding Sources scholarship search site - many of you have expressed interest, and basically, if at least 476 branches sign on, total, in CA, the price will be $30/branch. If 600 branches come on, the price will drop to $25/branch. Califa will be coordinating the order, which needs to happen by the end of September, so if you are interested, please let me know. (For those of you who have already let me know, I'll be sending you the order confirmation information this week).
Below is more information about the product.
-----------
As you may already know, Tuition Funding Sources is a website sponsored by and subsidized by the Pepsi-Cola Company. It contains the largest database (by far!) of scholarships in existence. It also contains information on careers, colleges and universities, and is a NON-commercial website - meaning no advertising, pop-up ads, no selling of any email addresses or other confidential information.
Pepsi has decided they want to make this service available to libraries nationwide, and has asked us (we are the developer and owner of the website) to make libraries aware of this opportunity. We have priced this service at $100 per branch per year. HOWEVER, in talking about this with various library directors and others in the California system, and knowing of the budget constraints the libraries face, we are able to offer this service at a lower price - especially on a volume basis. Pepsi has told us "don't let pricing be the issue!".
Here is a link to enable you to look at the site: www.tuitionfundingsources.com/?library=demo.
Please feel free to give me a call, or send an email with any questions or concerns. Pepsi has given us a deadline to put this in as many libraries as possible up until September 30, when that window will close. Pepsi will then evaluate where we are, and decide whether to offer it to more libraries next year. However, they will continue to subsidize the libraries who have signed up this year in future years, regardless of their future decisions.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Here's an interesting article on the various ebook formats, what works on each reader, etc.
http://jasongriffey.net/wp/2010/08/25/ebooks-filetype-and-drm/
http://jasongriffey.net/wp/2010/08/25/ebooks-filetype-and-drm/
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
what do you think about this?
An email many of you may have received....
I hope what we have to offer is something that will be of value to your patrons. I have attached an information sheet describing the Tuition Funding Sources website for your review. Feel free to give that information to anyone in your system.
Here is the link and log-in to our website, which you can also share with anyone: www.tuitionfundingsources.com/?library=demo
Tuition Funding Sources is the premier, largest scholarship database in existence - and it is NOT a commercial site - no advertising, no selling of email addresses, etc. It is the Pepsi Cola Company's desire to make this affordable to EVERY library in the nation - so, as I mentioned, the pricing is very low per branch ($100/branch), and we can be flexible to make it something you can acquire for the upcoming school year. Pepsi is allowing us to contact libraries over the next 45 days - then, at the end of September, they will evaluate where they are at, how much they've spent, and determine what to do for next year. However, they will underwrite the cost of the service in future years for ALL libraries signing up for the service this year. As I said, I will do everything I can to make it affordable for your library system.
I look forward to talking with you in the next few days, after you've had an opportunity to review the website and information.
....Soooo....what do you think about this? Something interesting you may want to take advantage of?
I hope what we have to offer is something that will be of value to your patrons. I have attached an information sheet describing the Tuition Funding Sources website for your review. Feel free to give that information to anyone in your system.
Here is the link and log-in to our website, which you can also share with anyone: www.tuitionfundingsources.com/?library=demo
Tuition Funding Sources is the premier, largest scholarship database in existence - and it is NOT a commercial site - no advertising, no selling of email addresses, etc. It is the Pepsi Cola Company's desire to make this affordable to EVERY library in the nation - so, as I mentioned, the pricing is very low per branch ($100/branch), and we can be flexible to make it something you can acquire for the upcoming school year. Pepsi is allowing us to contact libraries over the next 45 days - then, at the end of September, they will evaluate where they are at, how much they've spent, and determine what to do for next year. However, they will underwrite the cost of the service in future years for ALL libraries signing up for the service this year. As I said, I will do everything I can to make it affordable for your library system.
I look forward to talking with you in the next few days, after you've had an opportunity to review the website and information.
....Soooo....what do you think about this? Something interesting you may want to take advantage of?
Saturday, July 31, 2010
New Product: Universal Class from Recorded Books
Universal Class is an online educational service providing a diverse offering of intellectually stimulating courses for people interested in the lifelong pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons. Lifelong learning not only enhances social inclusion, active citizenship and personal development, but also competitiveness and employability.
Something for Everyone - Over 500 courses covering a wide range of subjects
Live Instructors – Real instructors moderate each course, grade assignments and interact with students to better guide their learning
Course Recognition - The ability to earn Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) that meet an international standard
Video Based Lessons – Lessons are presented using engaging, state-of-the-art video presentations
Graded Tests - Multiple choice, written, field work and hands on assignments
Collaborative Learning Environment - Connect with other students in group forums or post a classroom blog
Guided Instruction - Progress tracking and continual feedback throughout a course
Certificates of Achievement - Upon completion of a course (note: these courses are not for college credit)
Library Services – Including remote patron access via the internet, unlimited patron access to all courses, library administrative site with reporting
Visit our website for more information: http://www.recordedbooks.com/
Features of Universal Class:
• Over 500 Courses
• Real Instructors with Continual Feedback
• Engaging Video-based Lessons*
• Collaborative Learning Environment
• Certificates of Achievement
• Continuing Education Units That Meet IACET Standards
• Affordable Pricing for All Libraries
Webinar Schedule
Join us for a free, online demonstration of Universal Class. In this short, 45 minute webinar we will explain how the system works, demonstrate the program live, answer your questions and even give out a few door prizes! Space is limited so sign up today.
Tue, Jul 20, 2010 11am - 11:45am
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/681996306
Tue, Aug 3, 2010 11am - 11:45am
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/342750203
Tue, Aug 17, 2010 11am - 11:45am
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/122421634
Something for Everyone - Over 500 courses covering a wide range of subjects
Live Instructors – Real instructors moderate each course, grade assignments and interact with students to better guide their learning
Course Recognition - The ability to earn Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) that meet an international standard
Video Based Lessons – Lessons are presented using engaging, state-of-the-art video presentations
Graded Tests - Multiple choice, written, field work and hands on assignments
Collaborative Learning Environment - Connect with other students in group forums or post a classroom blog
Guided Instruction - Progress tracking and continual feedback throughout a course
Certificates of Achievement - Upon completion of a course (note: these courses are not for college credit)
Library Services – Including remote patron access via the internet, unlimited patron access to all courses, library administrative site with reporting
Visit our website for more information: http://www.recordedbooks.com/
Features of Universal Class:
• Over 500 Courses
• Real Instructors with Continual Feedback
• Engaging Video-based Lessons*
• Collaborative Learning Environment
• Certificates of Achievement
• Continuing Education Units That Meet IACET Standards
• Affordable Pricing for All Libraries
Webinar Schedule
Join us for a free, online demonstration of Universal Class. In this short, 45 minute webinar we will explain how the system works, demonstrate the program live, answer your questions and even give out a few door prizes! Space is limited so sign up today.
Tue, Jul 20, 2010 11am - 11:45am
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/681996306
Tue, Aug 3, 2010 11am - 11:45am
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/342750203
Tue, Aug 17, 2010 11am - 11:45am
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/122421634
Internet Librarian Discount
You can find information and registration form for Internet Librarian 2010 on our site now, at http://www.califa.org/2010InternetLibrarian.php. Register for this awesome conference and get a discount through Califa.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
New partnership with OCLC
We are excited to announce that Califa is now partners with OCLC - the full press release is below. Let us know if you have any questions!
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Bob Murphy +1-614-761-5136
murphyb@oclc.org
OCLC and the Califa Library Group announce partnership
DUBLIN, Ohio, July 21, 2010—OCLC welcomes the Califa Library Group as the newest partner in the OCLC Partnership Program.
As Partners, OCLC and Califa will collaborate on programs and activities to enhance services and expand educational opportunities to members of both organizations. This new partnership enables both organizations to explore new ways to anticipate and address the needs of shared members. Initiatives will include improving access to information to maximize the use of OCLC products and services, collaborating on online events and conferences with a focus on new technologies, and opportunities to expose new trends in funding and education.
The Califa Library Group, a not for profit membership cooperative serving libraries and information organizations in California, has been an active participant in OCLC cooperative services such as cataloging with WorldCat and group services. As an OCLC Partner, Califa and OCLC will work together to share information, educate and inform members of both organizations for the benefit of libraries and their users.
“We look forward to the opportunities created for Califa members that a partnership with OCLC offers. We are especially interested in collaborating on virtual training on new technologies,” said Linda Crowe, Califa Library Group Executive Director.
“We’re very pleased to welcome Califa to our growing Partnership Program,” said Cathy De Rosa, OCLC Vice President, Global Marketing. “The collaborative programs and services we can deliver together will allow members to take full advantage of current technologies that can improve efficiencies for Califa groups and libraries.”
The OCLC Partnership Program offers value-added services to OCLC member institutions through the development of strategic partnerships with library consortia, groups, networks and other membership organizations. OCLC and its Partners work together to strengthen member relationships and develop programs and services to serve the needs of shared members. For more information about the OCLC Partnership Program, or to learn more about becoming an OCLC Partner to deliver new service options or training to members, contact OCLC at partnerships@oclc.org.
About OCLC
Founded in 1967, OCLC is a nonprofit, membership, computer library service and research organization dedicated to the public purposes of furthering access to the world’s information and reducing library costs. More than 72,000 libraries in 171 countries have used OCLC services to locate, acquire, catalog, lend, preserve and manage library materials. Researchers, students, faculty, scholars, professional librarians and other information seekers use OCLC services to obtain bibliographic, abstract and full-text information when and where they need it. OCLC and its member libraries cooperatively produce and maintain WorldCat, the world’s largest online database for discovery of library resources. Search WorldCat on the Web at www.worldcat.org. For more information, visit www.oclc.org.
About the Califa Library Group
The Califa Library Group is a not for profit membership cooperative serving libraries and information organizations in California. Established in 2004 with LSTA funding from the California State Library, Califa collaborates with members and provides leadership for cooperative negotiations to help ensure that members receive quality information resources. With over 220 members, including most of the public libraries, Califa is the largest library network in California. Califa’s membership includes all sizes and types of libraries – academic, research, public, school, corporate, medical, law, and special. A Board of Directors, elected by and from the membership, governs Califa, which is based in San Mateo, California with an office in Los Angeles. For more information visit http://www.califa.org/
----------
OCLC, WorldCat and WorldCat.org are trademarks/service marks of OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc.
Third-party product, service and business names are trademarks/service marks of their respective owners.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Bob Murphy +1-614-761-5136
murphyb@oclc.org
OCLC and the Califa Library Group announce partnership
DUBLIN, Ohio, July 21, 2010—OCLC welcomes the Califa Library Group as the newest partner in the OCLC Partnership Program.
As Partners, OCLC and Califa will collaborate on programs and activities to enhance services and expand educational opportunities to members of both organizations. This new partnership enables both organizations to explore new ways to anticipate and address the needs of shared members. Initiatives will include improving access to information to maximize the use of OCLC products and services, collaborating on online events and conferences with a focus on new technologies, and opportunities to expose new trends in funding and education.
The Califa Library Group, a not for profit membership cooperative serving libraries and information organizations in California, has been an active participant in OCLC cooperative services such as cataloging with WorldCat and group services. As an OCLC Partner, Califa and OCLC will work together to share information, educate and inform members of both organizations for the benefit of libraries and their users.
“We look forward to the opportunities created for Califa members that a partnership with OCLC offers. We are especially interested in collaborating on virtual training on new technologies,” said Linda Crowe, Califa Library Group Executive Director.
“We’re very pleased to welcome Califa to our growing Partnership Program,” said Cathy De Rosa, OCLC Vice President, Global Marketing. “The collaborative programs and services we can deliver together will allow members to take full advantage of current technologies that can improve efficiencies for Califa groups and libraries.”
The OCLC Partnership Program offers value-added services to OCLC member institutions through the development of strategic partnerships with library consortia, groups, networks and other membership organizations. OCLC and its Partners work together to strengthen member relationships and develop programs and services to serve the needs of shared members. For more information about the OCLC Partnership Program, or to learn more about becoming an OCLC Partner to deliver new service options or training to members, contact OCLC at partnerships@oclc.org.
About OCLC
Founded in 1967, OCLC is a nonprofit, membership, computer library service and research organization dedicated to the public purposes of furthering access to the world’s information and reducing library costs. More than 72,000 libraries in 171 countries have used OCLC services to locate, acquire, catalog, lend, preserve and manage library materials. Researchers, students, faculty, scholars, professional librarians and other information seekers use OCLC services to obtain bibliographic, abstract and full-text information when and where they need it. OCLC and its member libraries cooperatively produce and maintain WorldCat, the world’s largest online database for discovery of library resources. Search WorldCat on the Web at www.worldcat.org. For more information, visit www.oclc.org.
About the Califa Library Group
The Califa Library Group is a not for profit membership cooperative serving libraries and information organizations in California. Established in 2004 with LSTA funding from the California State Library, Califa collaborates with members and provides leadership for cooperative negotiations to help ensure that members receive quality information resources. With over 220 members, including most of the public libraries, Califa is the largest library network in California. Califa’s membership includes all sizes and types of libraries – academic, research, public, school, corporate, medical, law, and special. A Board of Directors, elected by and from the membership, governs Califa, which is based in San Mateo, California with an office in Los Angeles. For more information visit http://www.califa.org/
----------
OCLC, WorldCat and WorldCat.org are trademarks/service marks of OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc.
Third-party product, service and business names are trademarks/service marks of their respective owners.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Califa now represents mk Sorting Systems
mk RFID Book-Drop with Mini SorterLibraries can benefit from a sorting solution that offers space saving options and automatically sorts all library materials. The two bins can be specified to sort children books/adult books or books/media or ready to re-shelve/special handling. The sorter uses RFID and automatically updates your ILS in real time. Califa offers the mk Mini Sorter in various options including wall integrated, or access with outdoor/indoor book drops or stand alone with enclosures to be placed in the public area of the library. Contact Califa for additional information.
mk LibDispenser
German engineering has produced the newest version of automatic book and media dispensing for libraries. This technologically advanced solution integrates with your library ILS system and allows patrons to browse the catalog, check items in and out and also place holds. This stand alone branch allows for 24 hours access to library items anytime and anywhere. Alameda Free Library has set up the first location in the U.S. and the Peninsula Library System will be installing their dispenser in the Millbrae Bart Station later this year. For more information, contact califa@califa.org
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Gale PowerSpeak update
If you were one of the libraries who made the June 30 deadline for the offer for small libraries from Gale for PowerSpeak, congrats! You got a really good deal! If you were unable to make a decision, but would still like information on the product, and pricing, please contact either Gail Bandish or Patti Brown Finnie at Gale - they may be able to work with you.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Update from Mango Languages
Mango Languages has announced the latest addition to its growing family of products with the launch of Mango Take-Out. Designed to provide Mango courses on a USB device, Mango Take-Out enables patrons of those libraries that currently offer the Mango program to complete the courses on their own personal computer.
The Mango Take-Out program, which is initially available only to current Mango library partners, is available in 12 languages: Spanish, French, Mandarin, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, German, Russian, Portuguese, Hebrew, Irish and English as a Second Language (ESL) for Spanish. The program is easy to use, as the user simply inserts the USB device into the port and clicks on the icon. There are no installations and the program will auto-run.
By catering to the user who is interested in our courses but not able to spend the appropriate amount of time at the library personally, Mango Take-Out allows them to work through the program, from their own computer without the need for internet access.
Since its founding in 2007, Mango Languages has grown to become one of the world's leading providers of online language learning products. That growth will continue throughout 2010, as the company plans to enrich content within current offerings and introduce several new products, languages and features to the market, each of which will target a specific user profile and meet that user's needs.
View upcoming webinars here.
The Mango Take-Out program, which is initially available only to current Mango library partners, is available in 12 languages: Spanish, French, Mandarin, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, German, Russian, Portuguese, Hebrew, Irish and English as a Second Language (ESL) for Spanish. The program is easy to use, as the user simply inserts the USB device into the port and clicks on the icon. There are no installations and the program will auto-run.
By catering to the user who is interested in our courses but not able to spend the appropriate amount of time at the library personally, Mango Take-Out allows them to work through the program, from their own computer without the need for internet access.
Since its founding in 2007, Mango Languages has grown to become one of the world's leading providers of online language learning products. That growth will continue throughout 2010, as the company plans to enrich content within current offerings and introduce several new products, languages and features to the market, each of which will target a specific user profile and meet that user's needs.
View upcoming webinars here.
Friday, June 18, 2010
article on Freegal
Check out this article about Santa Clara County's launch of the Freegal music service.
Library first in state to launch 'free music' program
By Matt Wilson
mwilson@community-newspapers.com
Posted: 06/14/2010 07:34:11 PM PDT
Updated: 06/14/2010 07:34:12 PM PDT
The Santa Clara County Library has a long history of letting people borrow items, but now the library is actually giving patrons something to keep.
At the start of this month, the library system became the first in California to offer residents free music downloads.
The county library system, which includes the Cupertino Library, has a new digital music service that lets library card holders search for music and download songs permanently at no charge.
The service, Freegal, is an online database that provides access to songs exclusively from Sony Music Entertainment's catalog of artists. Each library card holder can download three songs each week in MP3 format. The file is permanently saved onto computers, smart phones and other devices with access to the catalog and MP3 capabilities.
"We have been waiting a long time for a service like this that delivers great music, compatibility with lots of devices and simplicity of use. We think this will be incredibly popular with our patrons and will help the library in marketing all its services to the community," said county librarian Melinda Cervantes.
The library system is the first in California to offer the service, which launched the first week of June.
"This is a brand-new type of product that has not been available to libraries before," said Nancy Howe, a deputy county librarian.
Offering music to library patrons isn't new, but this service is on a wider scale than what
is currently available.
"We've had CDs you can check out for a long time now and we have had some streaming music, but this is unique in terms of the range of offerings," said Howe. "The library has a been a place where you can check out music for a long time. The formats have been changing on us, and we have not been able to offer our patrons the [genres] that suited everyone."
Library officials estimate that there hundreds of thousands of songs available in the collection, which covers all of Sony's record labels.
"We wanted to offer something that everyone can enjoy. This is the one that caught our attention," Howe said.
Users can start downloading another three songs each Sunday at midnight when their account resets. Every song has a sample clip patrons can listen to before downloading. The service will work with any MP3 player, including iPods, and songs can be loaded into iTunes, according to library officials.
Currently the service is available remotely only. The county purchased a subscription to the service for one year at a cost of $23,300.
Howe estimates that there are about 1.6 million digital county-wide retrievals on the system's various collections each year, which include digital books and other media. The library system is trying to keep pace with the evolving technology of the day.
"We've had our toe in the water for a while now," she said.
Santa Clara County Library provides library services to residents in Cupertino, Campbell, Saratoga, Los Altos, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, Gilroy and unincorporated areas of the county. Howe reminds residents that anyone in the county can get a library card and use the system.
For more information about the service or to inquire about getting a Santa Clara County Library card, go to www.santaclaracountylib.org.
Library first in state to launch 'free music' program
By Matt Wilson
mwilson@community-newspapers.com
Posted: 06/14/2010 07:34:11 PM PDT
Updated: 06/14/2010 07:34:12 PM PDT
The Santa Clara County Library has a long history of letting people borrow items, but now the library is actually giving patrons something to keep.
At the start of this month, the library system became the first in California to offer residents free music downloads.
The county library system, which includes the Cupertino Library, has a new digital music service that lets library card holders search for music and download songs permanently at no charge.
The service, Freegal, is an online database that provides access to songs exclusively from Sony Music Entertainment's catalog of artists. Each library card holder can download three songs each week in MP3 format. The file is permanently saved onto computers, smart phones and other devices with access to the catalog and MP3 capabilities.
"We have been waiting a long time for a service like this that delivers great music, compatibility with lots of devices and simplicity of use. We think this will be incredibly popular with our patrons and will help the library in marketing all its services to the community," said county librarian Melinda Cervantes.
The library system is the first in California to offer the service, which launched the first week of June.
"This is a brand-new type of product that has not been available to libraries before," said Nancy Howe, a deputy county librarian.
Offering music to library patrons isn't new, but this service is on a wider scale than what
is currently available.
"We've had CDs you can check out for a long time now and we have had some streaming music, but this is unique in terms of the range of offerings," said Howe. "The library has a been a place where you can check out music for a long time. The formats have been changing on us, and we have not been able to offer our patrons the [genres] that suited everyone."
Library officials estimate that there hundreds of thousands of songs available in the collection, which covers all of Sony's record labels.
"We wanted to offer something that everyone can enjoy. This is the one that caught our attention," Howe said.
Users can start downloading another three songs each Sunday at midnight when their account resets. Every song has a sample clip patrons can listen to before downloading. The service will work with any MP3 player, including iPods, and songs can be loaded into iTunes, according to library officials.
Currently the service is available remotely only. The county purchased a subscription to the service for one year at a cost of $23,300.
Howe estimates that there are about 1.6 million digital county-wide retrievals on the system's various collections each year, which include digital books and other media. The library system is trying to keep pace with the evolving technology of the day.
"We've had our toe in the water for a while now," she said.
Santa Clara County Library provides library services to residents in Cupertino, Campbell, Saratoga, Los Altos, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, Gilroy and unincorporated areas of the county. Howe reminds residents that anyone in the county can get a library card and use the system.
For more information about the service or to inquire about getting a Santa Clara County Library card, go to www.santaclaracountylib.org.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Upcoming Powerspeak webinars
Gale is hosting a few upcoming webinars on Powerspeak. If you are unable to attend any of these, please let Patti Brown Finnie or Gail Bandish know, and they will work with you to set up a time that works for you.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
10:00 am PDT: Powerspeak Languages Webinar
Join the Audio Conference
Dial-In:
1 (866) 635-4644
Passcode:
9462290#
Join the Web Conference
To join the web conference, click here
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
10:00 am PST and 1:00 pm PDT:
Powerspeak Languages Webinar
Join the Audio Conference
Dial-In:
1 (866) 635-4644
Passcode:
9462290#
Join the Web Conference
To join the web conference, click here
Thursday, June 24, 2010
10:00 am PDT and 1:00 pm PDT
Powerspeak Languages Webinar
Join the Audio Conference
Dial-In:
1 (866) 635-4644
Passcode:
9462290#
Join the Web Conference
To join the web conference, click here
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Upcoming BYKI Patron Training Webinars
For those of you who have BYKI, or are considering adding it, please see below:
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Recorded Books will be hosting monthly online tours of your Byki Online service. These tours consist of a comprehensive overview designed so that your patrons can get the most out of their Byki Online user experience.
Topics covered in this short 45 minute program will include:
- Creating user accounts
- Selecting Lists and Using Byki Cards
- Managing and Refreshing Learned Items
- Using Learning Activities
- Using Pronunciation Analysis
- Using Blogs, Twitter, FaceBook and Word of the Day features
- Best practices for language learning
These webinars are open to all patrons at your library whether they are currently using Byki Online or they would just like to know a little more about it.
This email invitation is designed so that you can forward it to individual patrons or all of the patrons in your library. Our webinars can accommodate up to 1000 people, so the more the better!
Click on the link to register for this month's webinar or select from one of our future webinar dates below.
Register for a session now by clicking a date below:
Tue, Jun 22, 2010 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM PDT
Tue, Jul 20, 2010 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM PDT
Tue, Aug 17, 2010 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM PDT
Once registered you will receive an email confirming your registration
with information you need to join the Webinar.
System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP, 2003 Server or 2000
Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer
---
Recorded Books will be hosting monthly online tours of your Byki Online service. These tours consist of a comprehensive overview designed so that your patrons can get the most out of their Byki Online user experience.
Topics covered in this short 45 minute program will include:
- Creating user accounts
- Selecting Lists and Using Byki Cards
- Managing and Refreshing Learned Items
- Using Learning Activities
- Using Pronunciation Analysis
- Using Blogs, Twitter, FaceBook and Word of the Day features
- Best practices for language learning
These webinars are open to all patrons at your library whether they are currently using Byki Online or they would just like to know a little more about it.
This email invitation is designed so that you can forward it to individual patrons or all of the patrons in your library. Our webinars can accommodate up to 1000 people, so the more the better!
Click on the link to register for this month's webinar or select from one of our future webinar dates below.
Register for a session now by clicking a date below:
Tue, Jun 22, 2010 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM PDT
Tue, Jul 20, 2010 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM PDT
Tue, Aug 17, 2010 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM PDT
Once registered you will receive an email confirming your registration
with information you need to join the Webinar.
System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP, 2003 Server or 2000
Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer
Friday, June 4, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Gale Powerspeak offer for small publics
Gale has announced special pricing for PowerSpeak, their language learning product, for small public libraries who order by June 30. If you have fewer than 100,000 population served, and are interested in this product, email me for a quote. To trial, go to califa.org, then Members then Internal Documents. You'll need your Califa login/pw - email me if you don't have it. The trial login info is on that main members-only page.
Powerspeak features the 5 most demanded languages asked for by public libraries: Spanish, German, French, Mandarin Chinese, and ESL for Spanish speakers.
Powerspeak was founded on 30+ years of breakthrough research and has earned the unique distinction of being the leader in accredited online language courses.
Powerspeak works because it uses an arsenal of proven and effective teaching methods, not single-delivery techniques like listen and repeat, or memorization that have been shown to be ineffective. Vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, pronunciation are all covered.
Powerspeak makes learning a language fun with an engaging adventure story and multi-modal interaction like audio, video, rich graphics and music to stimulate all learning types: audible, visual and tactile. The creator of LeapFrog brought his vision to Powerspeak.
Powerspeak makes it easy to learn a new language with the extensive use of the diglot weave, a teaching method that gradually weaves together the language you already know with the language that you want to know.
Powerspeak teaches culture and how to communicate fluently, effectively and appropriately while in another country.
Powerspeak was designed with significant input from an advisory board of public librarians looking to build a more effective language product than has been available until now.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
EBSCO Legal Information Ref Center and LibraryIdeas' Freegal
First, we now have pricing on EBSCO's Legal Reference Center's. Many of you are familiar with the fact that EBSCO signed an exclusive contract with NOLO to offer their titles as an EBSCO database. The material has been split up into two databases - the Legal Information Reference Center and the Small Business Legal Reference Center. If you order before the end of June, you will receive both databases for the price of one, for the first year. If you'd like a quote, let me know.
Secondly, our contract with FREEGAL, the music downloading service, has been approved. To get the best possible discount for everyone, we will need 150,000 downloads, collectively, by the end of the month. If you are interested in participating in this group purchase, or want more information, let me know.
Secondly, our contract with FREEGAL, the music downloading service, has been approved. To get the best possible discount for everyone, we will need 150,000 downloads, collectively, by the end of the month. If you are interested in participating in this group purchase, or want more information, let me know.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Upcoming BYKI/ePrep/Transparent Languages webinars
Upcoming webinars for BYKI/Transparent Languages/ePrep
Byki Online Language Service (we do these weekly):
Recorded Books invites you to an online demonstration of our new language learning system - Byki Online Library Edition. Byki (Before You Know It) Online is the most feature rich, effective and easy to use online language learning system available to public libraries today. Using the same core learning technology used by the US government, Byki Online will deliver results fast and bring users back to continue their learning time and time again.
Features of Byki Online:
Over 90 language options + ESL
Remote patron access
Easy, highly effective learning method
Pronunciation analysis
Grammar reference
Multiple learning activities
Individual progress tracking and library administrative portal
In this short, 45 minute webinar we will explain how the system works, demonstrate the program live, answer your questions and even give away a few door prizes! Space is limited so sign up today.
Register for a session now by clicking a date below:
Once registered you will receive an email confirming your registration with information you need to join the Webinar.
System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home,
XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista
Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ePrep – Video SAT/ACT Test Prep Service (we do these bi-weekly):
ePrep is an online, interactive video based test prep service like nothing you have seen before. The ePrep method is much more effective than most traditional text and graphic test prep courses and is proven to increase test scores by 100’s of points.
Features of ePrep:
Videos model problem solving in the very environment that students will face on test day
Online service designed to be used remotely or inside of library
Supplemental resources including Study Hall, Vocabulary drills and more…
Parental Support - parent center with progress updates
Scheduler – email reminders keep student on track
In this short, 45 minute webinar we will explain how the ePrep service works, demonstrate the program live, answer your questions and even give out a few door prizes!
Space is limited so sign up today.
Register for a session now by clicking a date below:
Once registered you will receive an email confirming your registration with information you need to join the Webinar.
System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista
Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Transparent Language Library Edition Software (we do these bi-weekly):
Transparent Language Library Edition is a language learning software program designed to circulate outside of libraries. Language learning software has been around for years, but never truly available to public libraries as a circulating product. Single use copyright, high cost, replacement and durability issues have made maintaining a circulating collection impractical. Until now!!
Recorded Books invites you to join us for a webinar to learn more about this exciting new addition to our product line - Transparent Language Library Edition.
Features and benefits of our new circulating software:
◊ Multi-user license
◊ Easy to use, highly effective learning method
◊ Durable new media format (No CD’s!)
◊ Replacements available
In this short, 45 minute webinar we will explain how the software works, demonstrate the program live, answer your questions and even give away a few door prizes! Space is limited so sign up today.
Register for a session now by clicking a date below:
Once registered you will receive an email confirming your registration with information you need to join the Webinar.
System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista
Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
An announcement of upcoming webinars from Mango. These webinars are very informative, both for those considering Mango, and those who are new customers.
All About Mango
Mango Languages is fast, easy and the absolute most effective way to learn to speak a foreign language.
Join us for a one hour Webinar to learn more about:
1. Language Learning Trends
2. Our Methodology
3. Our Product Offerings
4. Lesson Demonstration
Register for a session now by clicking a date below:
Tue, May 18, 2010 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/345600056
Tue, May 25, 2010 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/274380433
Tue, Jun 1, 2010 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/664838416
Once registered you will receive an email confirming your registration
with information you need to join the Webinar.
System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP, 2003 Server or 2000
Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer
All About Mango
Mango Languages is fast, easy and the absolute most effective way to learn to speak a foreign language.
Join us for a one hour Webinar to learn more about:
1. Language Learning Trends
2. Our Methodology
3. Our Product Offerings
4. Lesson Demonstration
Register for a session now by clicking a date below:
Tue, May 18, 2010 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/345600056
Tue, May 25, 2010 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/274380433
Tue, Jun 1, 2010 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/664838416
Once registered you will receive an email confirming your registration
with information you need to join the Webinar.
System Requirements
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP, 2003 Server or 2000
Macintosh®-based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer
Thursday, May 6, 2010
New Vendor: Paragon Micro/EDU
We're very excited to be able to offer Microsoft products, as well as a lot of other manufacturers' products, through Paragon Micro.Paragon Micro/EDU is a Global Technology Reseller focused on the needs of hardware, software and professional services to our learning communities that include Libraries, Schools and Museums. Through our partnership with Califa we are able to offer group purchasing agreements for their member libraries with leading manufacturers such as HP, Dell, Lenovo, LG, Microsoft and many more.
You can find out more about Paragon at their website, or follow them on Twitter or Facebook. And let me know if you would like more information.
Updates from Morningstar
We just posted the new 2010 Morningstar Investment Research Center brochure on our site. Check it out and let us know if you want a quote.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Vendor Fair 2010
We are thrilled that we will again be able to host our Vendor Fair at the Santa Clara University this summer. The date has been confirmed for September 1, 2010, and the vendors were notified on Monday, with several already confirming their attendance.
For those of you who attended last year, I promise that the event will be even better this year! The first thing to make it better? It's free for Califa members!!! We have increased the cost to vendors slightly so that we don't need to charge our members. And rest assured, the food will be just as good this year as it was last time. We also looked carefully at all the feedback forms last year, and will make many of the improvements that were suggested.
Check out our website for updated information - I just began posting info to califa.org/vendorfair2010.php
Hope to see you all on September 1 for another great day!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
AWE Early Literacy Station Order Time
It's time for the Spring AWE Early Literacy Stations aggregated order. Twice a year we work to aggregate the orders of all Califa members, so that everyone can get the least expensive price, whether you purchase 1 unit or 30. The total units are added up, and whatever threshold we're at for the entire group will be the price per unit that you'll pay. Check out the flyer with the pricing here, and let me know if you have any questions.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Bookbrowse and Boopsie
First, Bookbrowse is offering free May and June access for any members who subscribe for July 1. There is no deadline, but the earlier you commit, the more free time you'll get. There are informational webinars coming up on April 13 and April 21. Check out their website for more details, and registration information.
Second, Boopsie, the company that makes mobile apps for libraries, has already set up a few of our members. They will be presenting a 90 minute webinar on April 22 at 11:30am that both covers information about the product, and will also feature current Califa customers sharing their own experiences setting up the Boopsie application. Henry Bankhead of Los Gatos Public and Lare Mischo of Seattle Public will both be available, and will be presenting their own library apps, and giving helpful hints and tips for those considering the Boopsie product. Email me back to register, and include your name, library name and email address.
Second, Boopsie, the company that makes mobile apps for libraries, has already set up a few of our members. They will be presenting a 90 minute webinar on April 22 at 11:30am that both covers information about the product, and will also feature current Califa customers sharing their own experiences setting up the Boopsie application. Henry Bankhead of Los Gatos Public and Lare Mischo of Seattle Public will both be available, and will be presenting their own library apps, and giving helpful hints and tips for those considering the Boopsie product. Email me back to register, and include your name, library name and email address.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
BYKI and ePrep trials
Just a reminder that until April 20, you all have free access to two new products from Recorded Books - BYKI Online Language Learning and ePrep video test preparation. To check out these resources, go to califa.org, then Members and then Internal Documents. The login information is behind a login page. If you don't know your Califa website login and password, email me and I'll send it to you.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Congrats to Seton Medical Center
Congrats to the Seton Medical Center, and our own Board member Geri Bodeker for placing third in the 2009 Medical Libraries Association Creative Promotions Award contest. The winning libraries were inspired by the 2009 theme, "Fishing for Quality Health Information: Ask Your Medical Librarian". Read about Seton's winning entry here.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Text a Librarian Update
Mosio’s Text a Librarian Launches Mobile Donations Initiative for Libraries
SMS Text Messaging Donations to Help Non-Profit Libraries Raise Funds
San Francisco, CA, March 11, 2010 – Mosio’s Text a Librarian, the leader in text messaging solutions for libraries, today announced its mobile donations initiative to assist non-profit libraries and library organizations in setting up mobile fundraising campaigns via SMS text messaging.
“The success of the Text For Haiti campaign provided mainstream exposure to the collective impact of micro-donations and the effectiveness of fundraising through text messaging” said Noel Chandler, Mosio’s CEO. “Mobile donations are an excellent use of SMS technology. We're using our experience and relationships in the wireless industry to help libraries implement a new method of raising awareness and funds.”
Library budgets are being slashed while patron visits and demand for services have soared. Mobile donations offer a unique opportunity for libraries to augment existing public fundraising efforts. Individuals in the community can give to their library in manageable donations of $5-$10 through a simple mobile technology.
Text messaging is the most widely used form of mobile communication in the world. Americans are now texting twice as much as they are talking on their cell phones. Organizations interested in taking advantage of SMS technologies need to determine which mobile solutions best serve their audience, resources and budget.
“Navigating your way through mobile services can be a daunting process and mobile donations are no different,” said Jay Sachdev, Mosio’s CTO. “Our goal is to help make it as easy as possible for libraries to add text messaging to their existing fundraising campaigns.”
To learn more about Mosio’s mobile donations initiative for libraries, please visit www.textalibrarian.com/mobiledonations
About Mosio’s Text a Librarian
Text a Librarian is a mobile reference service technology developed specifically for libraries. Built on Mosio’s award-winning mobile questions and answers platform, Text a Librarian enables libraries to reach more patrons on the go through their mobile phones. For more information regarding Text a Librarian, please visit www.textalibrarian.com
About Mosio
Mosio is a mobile technologies agency providing messaging and mobile web solutions for businesses and organizations to connect with customers who are on-the-go. Mosio provides interactive mobile strategy and development services utilizing text messaging and mobile web applications to amplify marketing programs, increase business efficiencies and drive information engagement. www.mosio.com
SMS Text Messaging Donations to Help Non-Profit Libraries Raise Funds
San Francisco, CA, March 11, 2010 – Mosio’s Text a Librarian, the leader in text messaging solutions for libraries, today announced its mobile donations initiative to assist non-profit libraries and library organizations in setting up mobile fundraising campaigns via SMS text messaging.
“The success of the Text For Haiti campaign provided mainstream exposure to the collective impact of micro-donations and the effectiveness of fundraising through text messaging” said Noel Chandler, Mosio’s CEO. “Mobile donations are an excellent use of SMS technology. We're using our experience and relationships in the wireless industry to help libraries implement a new method of raising awareness and funds.”
Library budgets are being slashed while patron visits and demand for services have soared. Mobile donations offer a unique opportunity for libraries to augment existing public fundraising efforts. Individuals in the community can give to their library in manageable donations of $5-$10 through a simple mobile technology.
Text messaging is the most widely used form of mobile communication in the world. Americans are now texting twice as much as they are talking on their cell phones. Organizations interested in taking advantage of SMS technologies need to determine which mobile solutions best serve their audience, resources and budget.
“Navigating your way through mobile services can be a daunting process and mobile donations are no different,” said Jay Sachdev, Mosio’s CTO. “Our goal is to help make it as easy as possible for libraries to add text messaging to their existing fundraising campaigns.”
To learn more about Mosio’s mobile donations initiative for libraries, please visit www.textalibrarian.com/mobiledonations
About Mosio’s Text a Librarian
Text a Librarian is a mobile reference service technology developed specifically for libraries. Built on Mosio’s award-winning mobile questions and answers platform, Text a Librarian enables libraries to reach more patrons on the go through their mobile phones. For more information regarding Text a Librarian, please visit www.textalibrarian.com
About Mosio
Mosio is a mobile technologies agency providing messaging and mobile web solutions for businesses and organizations to connect with customers who are on-the-go. Mosio provides interactive mobile strategy and development services utilizing text messaging and mobile web applications to amplify marketing programs, increase business efficiencies and drive information engagement. www.mosio.com
Friday, February 19, 2010
Member poll on Microsoft/technology
We are thinking about working directly with Microsoft to put together an offer on technology for our members. Before moving forward, though, we'd love to get member feedback. If you have a moment to answer four questions, please visit our survey. Many thanks!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Mobile App Fun
Two Califa Members Libraries have their mobile apps from Boopsie up and running now.
Los Gatos
To obtain the LGPL Mobile app, point your phone's
browser to http://lgpl.boopsie.com
iPhone users, go to the App store and type LGPL or Los Gatos Library in the search box.
browser to http://lgpl.boopsie.com
iPhone users, go to the App store and type LGPL or Los Gatos Library in the search box.
Youtube videos
Blackberry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-NZ7-K5HVs
Santa Clara County
visit the link below at the Santa Clara County website to read about and download the app
Boopsie Santa Clara County Library Youtube videos
On Blackberry: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIP2Mfu4zJM
On Android: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhs7zHnb4d4
[Also runs on iPhone, iPod, Windows Mobile, Palm, and Symbian devices.]
Monday, January 25, 2010
IMLS Western Regional Fellowship
Great news! The IMLS Western Regional Fellowship guidelines and application are now "live" on the Transforming Life After 50 website at: http://www.transforminglifeafter50.org/innovators/imls-fellowship.
The IMLS Western Regional Fellowship: Transforming Life After 50 (TLA50) has been created as a collaborative effort of the California State Library, Idaho Commission for Libraries, Oregon State Library, and Washington State Library in partnership with the Pacific Library Partnership. It has been funded by a grant from the U.S. Institute for Museum and Library Services, Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program with additional support from the participating State Libraries.
The goal of this Fellowship program is to develop public library leaders committed to working with and serving midlife adults ages 50+. Fellows should be public library staff on a leadership track. Acceptance of the Fellowship implies a commitment to work as an individual, as a representative of your library, and as a part of a cohort of Fellows to help reshape library practices regarding midlife adults ages 50+. Acceptance also implies a commitment from the Library Director, as evidenced by their Library Commitment Letter, to support the Fellow in his/her efforts to transform the library’s approach to midlife adults.
The IMLS Western Regional Fellowship: Transforming Life After 50 (TLA50) has been created as a collaborative effort of the California State Library, Idaho Commission for Libraries, Oregon State Library, and Washington State Library in partnership with the Pacific Library Partnership. It has been funded by a grant from the U.S. Institute for Museum and Library Services, Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program with additional support from the participating State Libraries.
The goal of this Fellowship program is to develop public library leaders committed to working with and serving midlife adults ages 50+. Fellows should be public library staff on a leadership track. Acceptance of the Fellowship implies a commitment to work as an individual, as a representative of your library, and as a part of a cohort of Fellows to help reshape library practices regarding midlife adults ages 50+. Acceptance also implies a commitment from the Library Director, as evidenced by their Library Commitment Letter, to support the Fellow in his/her efforts to transform the library’s approach to midlife adults.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The Edgy Librarian
Have you registered for The Edgy Librarian yet? If not, you've still got a week left. It's a day of engaging sessions including SMS Reference, Open Source ILS's, digitization and drupal. And the best part? It's all online, so you don't even need to leave the comfort of your desk.
Check it out and register at the conference website.
Thanks!
Check it out and register at the conference website.
Thanks!
Friday, January 8, 2010
World Vital Records and Heritage Microfilm
An announcement from Heritage Microfilm/NewspaperArchive
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NewspaperArchive.com has recently partnered with World Vital Records. We can now offer this resource as an institutional subscription. In fact, we have a specially priced - bundle package for clients who subscribe to both Access.NewspaperArchive.com and World Vital Records.
WorldVitalRecords.com is the FASTEST growing genealogy collection online. You can search over 1 BILLION records in over 11,000 databases from around the world. The collection includes immigration lists, census records, vital records, parish and land records and much more.
- Get access to data that has traditionally been on multiple sites. By aggregating content through 42 partner relationships, you save thousands of dollars on the cost of accessing these digital records through less expansive subscription services or digital products.
- With new databases added daily, your membership is a direct investment in the growth of the collection. WorldVitalRecords.com has grown to more than ONE BILLION RECORDS over the past two years.
- Proven team: Paul Allen, the co-founder of Ancestry.com, has brought together a team of genealogy industry experts to offer the best service available through World Vital Records.
Contact Califa today for a price quote.
--
NewspaperArchive.com has recently partnered with World Vital Records. We can now offer this resource as an institutional subscription. In fact, we have a specially priced - bundle package for clients who subscribe to both Access.NewspaperArchive.com and World Vital Records.
WorldVitalRecords.com is the FASTEST growing genealogy collection online. You can search over 1 BILLION records in over 11,000 databases from around the world. The collection includes immigration lists, census records, vital records, parish and land records and much more.
- Get access to data that has traditionally been on multiple sites. By aggregating content through 42 partner relationships, you save thousands of dollars on the cost of accessing these digital records through less expansive subscription services or digital products.
- With new databases added daily, your membership is a direct investment in the growth of the collection. WorldVitalRecords.com has grown to more than ONE BILLION RECORDS over the past two years.
- Proven team: Paul Allen, the co-founder of Ancestry.com, has brought together a team of genealogy industry experts to offer the best service available through World Vital Records.
Contact Califa today for a price quote.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
New Califa Vendor: Library Automation Technologies
Califa is pleased to announce LAT as a new vendor providing automation equipment for Califa members.
Products included are LAT’s MAX™, MAXine™ and MAXwell™ book self check products, as well as the allCIRC™ media security and disc dispensing product lines.
LAT-Max™, LAT-MAXine™ and LAT-MAXwell™ are a family of self-service machines based on FlashScan™ technology. Providing multiple form-factors, all with a same patron interface, multiple finishes and all at the same price, the machines allow libraries to take advantage of the modern self-service technology regardless of their physical space constraints. Coupled with an array of impressive features and capabilities these machines, installed all across the country, have gained a solid, industry leading reputation for flexibility and value. allCIRC™ product line, already an established leader in media management, is an extension of the FlashScan™ technology that allows total optical media security while simultaneously providing self-service for their patrons.
For more information about LAT's technology and all library products visit www.LATcorp.com
Library Automation Technologies Inc., (LAT) founded in 2001 has installations in hundreds of libraries throughout the United States. LAT's sole mission is to help libraries work better, smarter and more securely. LAT’s innovation earned the firm the coveted “#1 Fastest Growing in South Jersey, 2005” by the Philadelphia Business Journal, as well as a “Finalist in the Family Business of the Year, 2006” award presented by Farleigh Dickinson College. LAT further continues its growth expanding into automation by delivering media dispensing line of products solely dedicated to library operations.
Products included are LAT’s MAX™, MAXine™ and MAXwell™ book self check products, as well as the allCIRC™ media security and disc dispensing product lines.
LAT-Max™, LAT-MAXine™ and LAT-MAXwell™ are a family of self-service machines based on FlashScan™ technology. Providing multiple form-factors, all with a same patron interface, multiple finishes and all at the same price, the machines allow libraries to take advantage of the modern self-service technology regardless of their physical space constraints. Coupled with an array of impressive features and capabilities these machines, installed all across the country, have gained a solid, industry leading reputation for flexibility and value. allCIRC™ product line, already an established leader in media management, is an extension of the FlashScan™ technology that allows total optical media security while simultaneously providing self-service for their patrons.
For more information about LAT's technology and all library products visit www.LATcorp.com
Library Automation Technologies Inc., (LAT) founded in 2001 has installations in hundreds of libraries throughout the United States. LAT's sole mission is to help libraries work better, smarter and more securely. LAT’s innovation earned the firm the coveted “#1 Fastest Growing in South Jersey, 2005” by the Philadelphia Business Journal, as well as a “Finalist in the Family Business of the Year, 2006” award presented by Farleigh Dickinson College. LAT further continues its growth expanding into automation by delivering media dispensing line of products solely dedicated to library operations.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Vote on new products
We need some help from our members - we've been approached by three new vendors, and we'd like to know which one you are most interested in. The first two are similar - math instructional videos from mathvids.com and Winpossible. The third is Guide By Cell, a product that lets you set up guided tours for patrons using their cell phones - useful for special collections, etc. If you could vote this week in the poll at the top right part of our blog, we'd be most appreciative!
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