Kansas State Library vs. OverDrive

The Kansas State Library is fighting back after OverDrive offered her a contract renewal which would have increased her fees almost 700%.

http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/home/890089-264/kansas_state_librarian_goes_eyeball.html.csp

This is only more proof that there need to be other players in the ebook market.

AWE Order Period has started

We're happy to announce that the new order period for the AWE Early Literacy Stations has started - you can order up until May 13, and all of the orders will be combined so that everyone receives the lowest price (this is the 11th order we've done like this, and only once have we not hit the 50+ price point).

 

If you need to be invoiced in July, but want to take advantage of this order period, let me know and they can work out a special arrangement with you.

 

The pricing and order information is on the flyer here:

http://www.califa.org/uploadfiles/awe2011.pdf

NYPL on Morning Edition

A great bit of PR for the NYPL in subscribing to the Berg Fashion Library from Oxford University Press.

http://www.npr.org/2011/04/04/135106105/n-y-library-offers-free-access-to-fashion-trove

We had a trial of this back in the fall, during the height of Project Runway mania, and it got a lot of use.  If you're interested in your own trial, or pricing, let me know.

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.