From the State Library

To All Library Directors!

The deadline is fast approaching to complete the “On-line Survey on Broadband in California Public Libraries.” We need to hear from all 182 public library jurisdictions in the state, so if you have not begun the survey please start now!

If you were thinking this survey did not apply to you please contact us as soon as possible! We need everyone’s help in this important effort, and appreciate those of you who have completed the survey.

So far, unfortunately, the response rate has been VERY low, and we are concerned that the lack of response will send an erroneous message to the Governor & Legislature that there is not a  need for enhanced broadband in California’s public libraries. Please help us collect the data needed to demonstrate there IS an increasing need for high-speed broadband connectivity.

We know that some of you are in the process of gathering the necessary data to complete the survey, and we suggest you begin the survey even with just the central library data by August 30^th, so that we know you are working on it. If you have questions about the survey or are having difficulty with gathering data or completing the survey we have people available and waiting to answer your questions & assist you as needed. 

For more information - Broadband Project Resources Page, or if you have a specific question contact the Broadband Project Help Desk.

Califa Vendor Fair, this week, don't miss is.

Just a reminder that there is still time to register for our fifth annual Vendor Fair, this Thursday on August 29 in the beautiful library of Santa Clara University. 

As in previous years, the full day's event will be split into 40 minute segments, during which time you can attend demos from the participating vendors.  This is a chance not just to get in-depth updates from vendors, but also to find out about new products, and be in the know on upcoming new vendors.

And best of all, it's free for Califa members ($20 for staff of non-member libraries).  Parking is free, as are both breakfast and lunch.

See a complete list of vendors who are attending, and register on our website at http://califa.org/vendorfair2013/

Registration closes Tuesday morning August 27.

Broadband Project

Califa hosted 4 webinars for the State Library which explained the Broadband Project. The State Librarian has requested all public libraries complete a survey in response to a Legislative request to fully understand the connection challenges and lack of broadband strength at many California libraries.

It is critically important that the survey be completed. With this information the State legislature will assess whether or not state funding for broadband connection should be provided to public libraries in the 2014-15 budget.

The funding would enable California public libraries to connect to CalREN, CENIC's backbone which serves California's K-20, research & education institutions with cost-effective, high-bandwidth networking. 

Even if your library enjoys strong broadband strength now, there are more and more imminent pressures that will impact your existing service with the launch of the Affordable Care Act this Fall, the GED test going online shortly, not to mention the many patrons currently coming in to use your computers or Wi-Fi.

 Here is the link f you missed the webinar, need the survey or for any further information on the Broadband Project: http://www.library.ca.gov/lds/broadband.html

Mosio's Got a New Facebook App

Mosio, also known as text-a-librarian has a new Facebook app, enabling libraries to add an Ask a Librarian button to their Facebook pages with about 3 clicks.

Here is the link for the trial: http://try.mosio.com/mfl-trial-signup/

Enki in the News

In case you missed the print version of this article, Declaring Independence
by Matt Enis in Library Journal's July issue, here is the online version.

2 Pronunciator Webinars

Save the dates.
Tuesday, August 13th, at 10 AM Pacific
Wednesday, August 28th, at 10 AM Pacific

We are offering 2 webinars on Pronunciator. They are a language-learning service, with 80 languages and the ability to learn them in any of 50 languages -- for 4,000 possible course combinations. They have a new interface and new interactive features like smart flashcards and pitch analysis.

Sign up now to find out more:
http://www.pronunciator.com/webinar-califa.html

The 25-minute webinar includes a 5-minute overview and a 20-minute product tour.

The California State Library Needs Your Library To Complete A Survey About Your Broadband Needs!

July 30,2013

 

 

TO:          California Public Library Directors

 

FROM:    Gerald Maginnity
                Acting State Librarian

 

RE:          Survey on public library broadband needs, due August 30, 2013
 

 

 

In December 2009 the Broadband Summit for California public libraries increased our awareness of the issues involved in acquiring and maintaining broadband connectivity. Even though most public libraries provide basic Internet access, only a small percentage has sufficient high-speed broadband connectivity. Growth trends, and bandwidth demands from emerging services, indicate that public libraries will need high-speed broadband connections that can handle gigabit transmission speeds.
 

In January 2012 the Public Library Director Summit developed ideas regarding what should be supported by the state in terms of funding for libraries. One of its highest priorities was technology infrastructure. With that in mind, The LSTA 5-year plan adopted in June 2012 contains:
 

                Goal V: Bridging the Digital Divide
                California communities have access to technology and broadband connectivity

                through their local libraries so that they may participate in the digital world.
 

CENIC has now made a proposal that would allow all California’s public libraries the ability to join CalREN, the high-capacity Internet network to which most of the state's K-20 educational institutions are connected. Through the efforts of CLA in 2013, the State was made aware of how the CENIC proposal would fill a critical need and subsequently in the State of California 2013/14 budget bill, AB110, the following direction is given:
“The State Librarian shall prepare a needs assessment and spending plan to connect local libraries to a statewide high-speed Internet network.”
 

I cannot stress enough the importance of reaching this milestone in the efforts to secure state level funding for high speed connections. It will be critical that my report to the Governor and Legislature be as complete and informative as possible. Therefore, I am going to ask you to fill out an on-line survey by August 30 that will move us in that direction. While this will be challenging, we will be providing webinars and consultants to help you complete the survey.
 

• A one hour webinar will be offered to walk you and your staff through the survey and answer questions. Webinars are now scheduled for:
     o Monday, August 5, 2013, 2:00pm
     o Wednesday, August 7, 2013, 11:00am
     o Monday, August 12, 2:00pm
     o Wednesday, August 14, 11:00am
     o Details will be released shortly
• Throughout the process consultants Joe Ford and Chris Goodheart will be available to assist you
• Attached is a pdf copy of the on-line survey to help you assemble the data before going on-line. It is also available at:

 

http://www.cenic.org/JurisdictionalandNeedsAssessmentSurvey.pdf
 

• Once the webinars begin, the survey will be available on-line
 

Filling out the survey does not commit you to anything. It is important to gather the necessary details for the Governor and Legislature in order to portray the current connectivity of California’s public libraries. I am most appreciative of the efforts you and your staff will put forth.
 

Respectfully yours,
 

Gerald Maginnity
Acting State Librarian of California

An original copy of this letter can be found here.