Microsoft MyPC survey

Some of you attended, or are signed up for, the webinars they have hosted about this new program.  Please see below for information on how you can guide development of the program.

The My PC Program has designed a short online survey to solicit input from librarians to help guide our intial pilot programs. We asked Califa members who joined our March 10th web presentation to take the survey and six libraries have taken it as of this morning. Input from your members into the process is critical as we enter into the public library space, and we would like to ask Califa to post our survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/mypclibrarysurvey2011

Thanks, members, for your input!

Facts on File Product Trials

Facts on File has two trials available for their new products.  To get the trial login information, go to califa.org -->Members --> Internal Documents (you will need to log in with your Califa username and pw at this point - email me if you don't have it).  The trials are listed at the top of that members page.

World Geography and Culture:

Facts on File is pleased to offer our award-winning database for trial. The site offers comprehensive geographical and cultural information on more than 200 countires. You can get the background of the current news stories worldwide and a complete overall picture of the country or region making news. The database, launched last spring has received outstanding reviews and will be cited "Reference Source of the Year" April 15 issue of LIbrary Journal.  "an excellent reference source...Highly Recommended" - Library Media Connection, starred review  " ..(an) incredible amount of appropriate and accurate material..user-frriendly and curriculum-aligned... highly recommended" Booklist, starred review

World Almanac Online:

Facts on File is pleased to annouce the launch of the new World Almanac Online. filled with up to the minute news, the latest facts and figures from the best-selling authoritative reference source.

Let me know if you have any questions or would like a quote.

New Califa Vendor: Shmoop

Many of you have requested that we begin working with Shmoop (more info at shmoop.com), a test-prep company with products designed specifically for teens.  We are happy to announce that we will be working with them, and have discounted pricing, available now.  If you would like a quote, just email me back.

Trials are available for Califa members - just go to califa.org --> Members--> Internal Documents (you'll have to log in at this point - if you don't know your Califa login, let me know and I'll resend it to you).  The trial information is posted at the top. 

They will be hosting two webinars - one on April 7 at 2pm, and one on April 13 at 10am.  Both of which will be introductory webinars explaining how their service works, what makes them different, and how a student would use their service.

To RSVP for the webinars, use the links below.

April 7 at 2pm:  https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/717714849 

April 13 at 10am: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/370544760

Let me know if you have any questions.

Another MyPC Series Webinar

Many of you have let me know that you are interested in the MyPC Series classes that Microsoft is offering, but were unable to attend the last webinar. They are holding a second one for Califa members on April 7 at 10am PDT. The webinar will last no more than an hour, and will cover the courses, how you sign up to put them on, and what is required by the library. If you would like to attend the webinar, just RSVP via email to me, and I will send you the login information.

Disaster Preparedness Workshop

ARE YOU READY?

Scenario Planning & Collaboration Among Heritage Institutions to Improve Disaster Preparedness for Collections


Eureka: Friday, May 6, 2011 – Humboldt County Library – 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sponsored by Western States & Territories Preservation Assistance Service (WESTPAS)

Workshop instructor: Barclay Ogden, Co-Coordinator, California Preservation Program & WESTPAS and Director for Preservation, UC Berkeley Library

************************************************************************



Okay, now you have a plan, but do you know how well it will work in a real disaster situation? It's better to find answers now than after a disaster has occurred!



This workshop will:

Help you assess your vulnerabilities
Test your plan using a scenario table top exercise
Explore how collaborations can help you respond to a disaster
Build a shared vision for regional disaster preparedness


Who should attend:

When possible, send 2-3 participants from your institution to work together on disaster preparedness activities:

Staff member(s) responsible for emergency preparedness
Administrator and/or manager responsible for the building/collection
Key members of the emergency/disaster team responsible for decision-making


Requirements for attendance:

A written disaster plan (draft okay) that includes collections response/recovery
A letter of institutional commitment to explore collaboration to optimize preparedness
A completed 3-page vulnerability assessment (distributed 3 weeks before workshop)


Cost: No fee; just your time, energy, and institutional commitment.

Funding provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Co-sponsored by the California State Library & California State Archives.



Registration: Pre-registration required. Register online at: WESTPAS workshop http://tiny.cc/ZePOL

For registration assistance contact: Kathy Krause krause@plsinfo.org

For general & content information contact: Julie Page jpage@westpas.org