Marketing Your Database

Gale  

 

Vendors want you to spread the word about their databases and many of them provide all kinds of promotional items to help you do just that. Gale has a program called Gale ProMo, which provides libraries with free custom promotional materials such as bookmarks, posters, and tent cards.

You can access these materials by signing in, where you're given the option to choose standard (I'll Take It) items, or custom-made (I'll Tweak It) materials with your library name, logo, quick response codes, website, contact information, and more. Promotional materials for specific products or general promotional items are available. Choose your quantity, place your order, and it will arrive in about a week.

To sign in, you must type in your Username and Password.

Your username is: gale + your account number (ex.: gale123456)

Your password is: only your account number (ex.: 123456)

These materials are available for the majority of their databases, material for the newer databases are still being worked on.

Total Boox Launches Free Reading Campaign

In honor of National Library Week, Total Boox is making its entire collection of ebooks available for free reading through the end of April, 2015. Anyone with an Android, IOS, and Kindle Fire tablet or an Android phone can read over 35,000 quality titles for free at www.totalboox.com/campaigns/nlw.

Librarians are invited to take advantage of this unique opportunity and encourage their patrons to explore the plethora of ebooks that Total Boox offers—from romance, mystery, and literary fiction to self-help, travel, and cooking—at no cost to the patron or the library.

“We had phenomenal success when we first introduced our “free reading” campaign in honor of the National Library Week in April 2014,” said Yoav Lorch, Founder and CEO of Total Boox. “The mission this year is the same: to celebrate libraries by inviting people to read, with no limitations.”

Total Boox provides instant access to an array of fiction and nonfiction titles bearing imprints of the world’s top publishers, including the Workman group, O’Reilly, FW Media, Sourcebooks, Other Press, Berlitz, New World Library, Red Wheel Weiser, Berrett-Koehler, Open-Road, and many more.

For instructions on how to register and download ebooks for free, go to www.totalboox.com/campaigns/nlw.

From No Shelf Required: http://www.libraries.wright.edu/noshelfrequired/2015/04/17/total-boox-launches-free-reading-campaign/

enki Training at Folsom Public Library

Please join us for an overview and introductory training on enki eBooks on 

Tuesday, May 12th  at 10 AM - 12 Noon at the Folsom Public Library.  

RSVPs are required.  Limit 35.

To RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1u1EXF8IJgaq5-x4iMiNSkepaYw4-JeDWs0rQsFtyoIE/viewform?usp=send_form. 

Each two-hour course will cover:

• What is enki? How was it developed and where is it now? 
• enki resources such as support, marketing and the collection 
• How to access enki to check out, download and return titles 
• Statistics and reports 

Each training will include hands-on time, so please bring a personal device such as a laptop, tablet or smart phone. Please also bring a working library card and PIN number for a participating enki library. 

You will also need Adobe Digital Editions.

Training sessions will be taught by Amanda Jacobs Foust of enki Collection Development Coordinator for Califa.  

enki eBook Training

Please join us for an overview and introductory training on enki eBooks. 

Each two-hour course will cover:

• What is enki? How was it developed and where is it now? 
• enki resources such as support, marketing and the collection 
• How to access enki to check out, download and return titles 
• Statistics and reports 

Each training will include hands-on time, so please bring a personal device such as a laptop, tablet or smart phone. Please also bring a working library card and PIN number for a participating enki library. You will also need Adobe Digital Editions.

Northern California Sessions

Northern California training sessions will be taught by Amanda Jacobs Foust of enki collection development for Califa.  

RSVPs are required for Northern California. 

To register: http://goo.gl/forms/XD1MItGqTY 

Thursday, April 2nd:

• 10 AM-12/Noon at the Peninsula Library System Office: 2471 Flores Street, Room 204; San Mateo, CA 94403. There is a parking lot but most of the spaces are rented out.  Please don’t park in the lot.   There is all day street parking on 24th Ave. between Flores St, and Hacienda St. Limit: 24. 

• 2 PM-4PM at San Jose State University: 150 E San Fernando, Classroom 217, San Jose, CA 95113  (corner of San Fernando and 4th) and the room is on the 2nd floor. There is a parking garage on 4th just north of the library, between Santa Clara and San Fernando, on the left side of the street.  (4th is a 1-way going south so you get to the garage before the library). Limit: 28 

Friday, April 3rd:

• 10 AM- 12/Noon at the Marin County Free Library Technical Services Office at 1600 Los Gamos Dr., Suite 180, San Rafael, CA 9403.  Limit: 18. 

Southern California Sessions

Please email Linda Andersen at: ils@inlandlib.org if you plan to attend .

There will be an Orange County session in April, date to be determined.

Wednesday, March 25th:

• 10 AM-12/Noon at the Riverside County Library System-Robidoux Library, 5840 Mission Blvd., Jurupa Valley, CA 92509

Wednesday, April 1st:

• 9 AM-11 AM at the Palm Springs Public Library, 300 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA  92262.

Promoting Your Databases

Even with discounts, databases can still be an expensive resource and many libraries comment that they are underused.  In order for them to be used, however, both patrons and staff must know they are there.  Some bookmarks, an email, or a widget on your website won't be enough.  It will take some time and require various methods so your patrons and staff are exposed to your message in different ways and multiple times. Databases need to be promoted.

First off it's important that staff knows their library has a database and they have been trained on how to use it. This enables staff to recommend a database, show how to use it or hold classes on certain databases. Many vendors offer ongoing webinar training on their products to review changes and updates and libraries can contact their reps or Califa to set up trainings or webinars for their staff.

Some libraries promote databases at staff meetings where a staff member trains everyone on a database. This has the additional benefit of providing staff members with the opportunity to hone their presentation and training skills.

Los Angeles Public Library has been promoting 'Featured Resources' for a few years now. Every month they choose a database which is highlighted on their Research & Homework page and they have a sign next to the reference desk in all their branches promoting that month's resource as well. 

Pasadena Public Library has created subject guides to promote their resources. They also feature monthly databases, which are listed on their main subject guide page. Some vendors will provide t-shirts, buttons or bookmarks that can be worn or handed out during such a promotion.

Cross promotion is another great way to not only remind patrons but staff as well of additional resources. In a reference book, the career center, or in the stacks where popular items (books, DVDs, CDs, audio books) are often checked out a library can place brochures, bookmarks, posters, signs or QR codes suggesting specific databases, e-books or streaming services. Again many of these materials are provided by the vendors.

Also in database classes staff can promote related databases or e-books. For example if a library is holding a class on a language database, they can also let patrons know they can access foreign films or music through a streaming service or check out an e-book in that language. 

A library should define an acceptable activity level or cost per use. This provides a benchmark to assist in the evaluation and to see if the promotions had any effect. If those databases aren't seeing much use, make sure you're giving them a chance, after all you have spent a lot of money on them. Unfortunately "Build it, and he will come" doesn't always work; sometimes you need to tell them about it. And not just once, but often.

Enter AWE's 2015 Video Contest for a chance to win an AWE Early Literacy Station

It's as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Create a short video, 30 to 90 seconds in length about your library. It should
2. Show how you use AWE's Early Literacy Station(s) at your library or why you want one at your library. And it should
3. Tell how the Early Literacy Station™ currently benefits or would benefit the young children in your community.

Three libraries will be selected as the winners. Each winner will win a free Early Literacy Station.

The submission period is March 16 - May 31, 2015.

For details: http://www.awelearning.com/en/markets/libraries/publiclibraries/awevideocontest/

New Staff Professional Development Resources from Gale

In hopes of assisting libraries in providing tools for staff professional development, Gale has compiled a list of eBook titles using the ​nomenclature compiled by WebJunction​ for the 2014 Competency Index, and bundled them by competency. 

The eBooks are from 4 leading publishing partners, focused specifically on library professional development topics and can provide an affordable self-directed option for staff looking to build or advance their skills. By creating a sub-collection within GVRL, staff will enjoy simultaneous access, article-level indexing,  PDF options, highlighting and notes and flexibility. 

The 2014 Competency Index was compiled by WebJunction and delivered to the community by OCLC. Input from a number of library practitioners, leaders and organizations was gathered and reviewed by subject matter experts. This index is endorsed by ALA.

 

You may read the full Index here, but in summary there are 5 overarching competency areas, as well as sub-topics/skills areas supporting each.

 

1. Essential  Library  Competencies: These  competencies  are  the  underpinning  of  all  of  the  other  sections  of  the  Competency  Index.  Core  technology  skills  and  strong  interpersonal  skills  are  fundamental  for  everyone  who  works  in  a  library  in  any  position.  Librarians and  library  staff  who  possess  all  of  these  qualities  will  build  a  vibrant  and  relevant  library. Personal/Interpersonal Competencies are key In  most  situations  in  life,  where your  effectiveness  is  enhanced  by  clear  communication,  strong  relationships,  ethical  behavior  and the  flexibility  to  be  a  leader,  team  player  and  lifelong  learner.
2. Library  Collection  Competencies: Library  collections  exist  to  meet  the  diverse  lifelong  learning  needs  of  their  users  and  communities.  Laws  and  policies  guide  practice.  Efficient  workflows  and  practices  help  provide  organized  and  expedient  access.
3. Library  Management  Competencies: Today’s  organizational  cultures  are  less  traditionally  hierarchical  in  structure  and  focus  more  on  collaboration  and  empowerment.  Library  directors  and  leaders  manage  traditional  responsibilities  like  finances  and  facilities,  but must  also  be  excellent  communicators  who  inspire  others  and  act  with  the  larger  community  in  mind.
4. Public  Services  Competencies: All  of  the  services  that  interface  directly  with  the  library’s  users  come  together  under  the  heading  of  public  services.  These  frontline  staff  anticipate and  meet  the  needs  of  users  in  the  most  visible  way.  Fully  supported  by  all  of  the  other sectors  and  departments,  they  work  to  provide  the  best  possible  programs  and  services  to  the  library  community.
5. Technology  Competencies:  Systems  and IT: Technology  is  now  ubiquitous  in  libraries  and  IT intersects  with  all departments. Depending  on  the  size  and  type  of  library,  there  may  be  strict  divisions  between  the  responsibilities  of  IT  staff  and  other  library  staff,  or  the  line   may  be  more  indistinct  as  it  is  for  “accidental”  systems  librarians  in  small  libraries.  Certain IT functions may be handled by consultants, too. 

 ​

About the Titles

This package includes more than 100 2012-14 titles across 4 leading publishers—all current. 60 of the titles are copyright year 2014.

• Chandos Publishing: An imprint of Elsevier, Chandos Publishing is a leading publisher in library and information science and social science, producing books combining theory and practice into high-value resources. Chandos represents more than ½ the total package and has titles covering everything from leadership to social media marketing.
• Information Today: Information Today, Inc. is the publisher of several Internet and Technology magazines, newsletters and books all geared toward the library, information & knowledge management community. Available in this package are a dozen eBooks including titles like Career Q&A: A Librarian’s Real-Life, Practical Guide to Managing a Successful Career, The Accidental Systems Librarian, The Cybrarian’s Web, and more.
• Libraries Unlimited: An imprint of ABC-Clio, Libraries Unlimited serves academic, public, school, and special libraries by producing library science textbooks, reference works, practical handbooks, and professional guides designed to help library professionals keep current with leading-edge trends and acquire new skills through every phase of their careers.
• Wiley: Wiley is a leading publisher of global research, professional development and education materials. Hand-selected specifically for this collection are titles which can help libraries advance in the areas of marketing and leadership including eBooks such as Great Leadership Creates Great Workplaces, The New Rules of Marketing & PR, and Pinterest Marketing: An Hour a Day. 

For titles and pricing information, click here.

There are some changes afoot

On January 9th Linda Crowe, Califa's Executive Director announced her retirement and today Susan Hildreth was announced as her successor. Ms. Hildreth will start on March 1.

Dear Colleagues,

It is with both regret and a sense of anticipation that I officially announce my retirement today. I came to PLS in 1983 and have seen PLS grow and move forward in a true model of sharing and collaboration. The work in building the mega systems and PLP has been challenging and rewarding. While I have been Executive Director of Califa, we have had many entrepreneurial enterprises and opportunities that have benefited all libraries in California, both from a visionary as well as a cost-savings perspective. I will continue to work part-time for Califa with CENIC on the broadband infrastructure project.

I expect that an announcement will be made next week regarding my successor and the timing of the transition, but I wanted to give you this information personally.

Linda Crowe

-----

The Peninsula Library System, a consortium of public and community college libraries in San Mateo CA, is pleased to announce that Susan Hildreth will be joining the System as its Executive Director.  She will also assume the responsibilities for its affiliated partners, the Pacific Library Partnership, a California Library Service Act system and Califa, a 501(c)(3) not for profit membership organization that provides services and programs to libraries throughout California.  Hildreth served as the State Librarian of California from 2004 – 2009 and has served in leadership positions in California public libraries since 1980.  Hildreth will complete her term as the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services in Washington, DC, on January 18, 2015 and will assume her new position on March 1.

ScienceFlix, a new Scholastic product

We're excited to introduce ScienceFlix, a brand-new digital STEM product from Scholastic.

Please join us on January 13th at 10:00 am for an in-depth review of the many features and assets in this dynamic resource. 

To register: http://bit.ly/1A07tPY

ScienceFlix offers 30 complete scientific units over six curricula strands, each featuring:

· Engaging videos to build background knowledge and introduce the topic and key vocabulary

· Anchor articles written at three reading levels

· Supplemental articles written at three reading levels

· Project and experiment ideas

· Science career section

· News article with study guide

· Multimedia including interactive timeline, slideshows, videos and more

· Lesson plans

· Thousands of vetted websites on related content

For additional information, here is review from School Library Journal:

http://www.slj.com/2014/12/reviews/digital-resources/scienceflix-an-in-depth-exploration-to-tempt-budding-scientists-reference-online/

Webinars this Week

Save the dates for webinars from these vendors. Please see our calendar for invite information: http://califa.org/calendar/

BookFlix: 

December 11, 2014 at 11 am​

This webinar will cover:

* BookFlix introduction

* Features

* Correlations to the Common Core

* Resources available for library staff/patrons

* Questions

Pronunciator: 

December 10, 2014 at 11 am

Pronunciator will demonstrate its sleek new interface; learning guides (up to 22 months of guided instruction per language); and ProRadio feature (streaming major label music with lyrics) 

Skillsoft Books24X7: 

December 9, 2014 at 1:30 pm

Skillsoft’s Books24x7 provides business, technical and well being content containing thousands of digitized books, book summaries, research reports and best practices. There are also instructional videos covering a wide range of IT, programming and desktop topics.

Internet Librarian 2014

For those of you that like to plan ahead, Internet Librarian is October 27-29 in lovely Monterey, California. Califa Members can register online at https://secure.infotoday.com/forms?form=il2014 and use code 14CAL to receive the consortial discount.

This year’s Internet Librarian 2014 conference focuses on the strategies, services and tools that enable us to engage, connect and build relationships with the communities who use our libraries, fund our libraries, and support and defend our libraries. The program includes discussions about how the use of mobile devices and electronic collections is changing the spaces in libraries and the services libraries provide. It focuses on the skills, competencies, and roles that are evolving to deal with these and other changes in our towns, campuses, agencies and corporate enterprises. Information Today’s 17th annual Internet Librarian caters to all interests and all levels of knowledge with five simultaneous tracks, including Internet@Schools. The conference provides the ideal opportunity to gather insights and ideas to ignite our imaginations and spark innovation while it creates lots of opportunities for connections and conversations.

Join us at the most comprehensive conference for library and information professionals interested in technology to discover the insights, strategies and practices that allow us to push the envelope in expanding the net, managing libraries and digital information, and enhancing the information sharing and learning experience of people in our communities. Internet Librarian 2014 provides attendees with lots of opportunities to meet and hear from leading “movers and shakers” in the information industry in all types of environments – leaders in the information industry are integrating content and delighting their clients, organizing and managing digital content in creative ways, setting the context for excellence in information utilization in their organizations, revolutionizing the roles of info pros, building strong collaborative communities among their customers and colleagues, and using new technologies in exciting ways. This conference encourages you to bring and share your ideas and champion new practices – this is where ideas and action come together, where innovation ignites.

Enki will be offering stories from JukePop

JukePop and Califa Library Group Reach Agreement to Offer JukePop e-Books on Califa's Enki Library E-book Platform

PALO ALTO, CA--(Marketwired - June 11, 2014) - JukePop, Inc., the pioneering e-book discovery site using crowd sourced reading analytics to identify up-and-coming literary talent, announced that it has reached an agreement with the Califa Library Group to offer fresh and popular stories from JukePop's self-published authors on Califa's Enki Library E-book Platform. Developed in conjunction with the Contra Costa County Library, the Enki Library E-book Platform currently serves 35 libraries in California. This new agreement will provide these library patrons access to JukePop emerging new authors with the click of a mouse.

"We are thrilled to be working with Califa Library Group, the largest consortium in California, serving 220 jurisdictions and 1200 libraries," said JukePop Founder, Jerry Fan. "The agreement enables our authors to offer their content to library patrons throughout California.  In addition, the agreement enables libraries to incorporate content that e-book platforms used by libraries had up to now no way to accommodate. And libraries get to play a key role in identifying and proliferating emerging authors that would otherwise not have a venue to showcase their talent."

"Califa is pleased to have JukePop join its growing number of e-book publishers providing content on the Enki Library E-book Platform," said Califa's Assistant Director of Innovation and Development, Heather Teysko. "We have over 120 publishers working with Califa, now including JukePop. We have a shared collection that has 20,000 items. The shared content belongs to the consortium and is not licensed as with other platforms used in the past.  Beginning in July individual libraries will be able to acquire their own e-books from JukePop and every other publishers, that will be hosted on the Enki Library servers."

About Enki

The Enki Library E-book Platform, a collaboration between Califa Library Group and Contra Costa County Library, Launched in May of the 2013. Modeled on a system that Douglas County Colorado developed, it was designed to host and lend library-managed e-books.  

About JukePop Inc. 

JukePop is an incubation platform that combines community driven feedback and data analytics to help authors turn their concepts into great books.  We believe there's at least one great book in every author, the difference is in how the story is told.

http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1981207

Media Contact:

Jerry Fan

JukePop Inc.

Jerry@jukepop.com

Heather Teysko

Califa Library Group

hteysko@califa.org

From Booklist Online

THE POWER OF LIBRARIES BOOTH AT BOOK EXPO 
Lucky enough to be attending Book Expo America conference in NYC this week? Be sure to stop by the Power of Libraries, in booth #1242 (naturally, come say hello to us at the Booklist booth, as well, booth #1043!).

There are five library consortia from across the country that are collaborating on this theme.
The groups are: Amigos (TX), Califa (CA), LYRASIS (GA), MLS (MA), and RAILS (IL)
Collectively they represent over 6,000 libraries of all types across the United States.

Each of these groups have statewide e-book platforms, and they seek to strengthen the library-publisher relationship, especially in this time of great flux in the e-book marketplace. Some of their goals with this Power of Libraries campaign are to:

Engage in dialogue with authors and publishers on the importance of e-books in libraries, and voice current concerns held by librarians and patrons while respecting the views and interests of authors and publishers.

Demonstrate the collective buying power of libraries in the e-book market.

Keep letting publishers know that readers use libraries AND buy books.

Reinforce the fact that librarians have the expertise to bring readers to new books that they may eventually buy.

Take some time away from the galley grab of BEA and spend a moment talking to Veronda Pitchford and the Power of Libraries team. They’ll be distributing a fun comic strip showcasing librarians as superheroes.   Let them know Booklist sent you!

- See more at: http://blog.booklistonline.com/2014/05/28/the-power-of-libraries-booth-at-book-expo/#sthash.CFh08NAb.B0uthDzm.dpuf

California Emerging Technology Fund Names Linda Crowe 2014 Broadband Champion

Peninsula Library System Leader Acts to Close the Digital Divide

Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA – March 26, 2014 – The California Emerging Technology Fund is pleased to announce Linda Crowe, Executive Director of the Peninsula Library System (San Mateo County) and Califa, a consortium of more than 220 California public libraries, is a 2014 Broadband Champion.  Fifteen individuals are being recognized for their groundbreaking work and strong commitment to close the Digital Divide.  

The Champions were selected in consultation with dozens of broadband leaders, community advocates and state and local policymakers.  The 15 individuals are featured in the California Emerging Technology Fund 2013-2014 Annual Report and will be recognized at events in San Francisco on March 27 and in Pasadena on May 19. 

“We congratulate Linda and all of the Broadband Champions.  From El Centro to Silicon Valley, from Hollywood to Humboldt, they are representatives of trailblazers who work throughout California and beyond to point the way for policymakers to understand the opportunities afforded by information technology and high-speed Internet access,” said CETF President and CEO Sunne Wright McPeak.  “The Champions also share the moral imperative not to leave anyone behind or offline.  Each of these individuals inspires us to act to close the Digital Divide,” she said.   Photo of Linda Crowe and the full list of recipients are available on request. 

Linda Crowe:  Moving California Libraries into the Digital Age

Linda Crowe understands the power of networks.  She serves as Executive Director of the Peninsula Library System, which includes Silicon Valley cities, and of Califa, a consortium of more than 220 California public libraries.  A pioneer on national and state digital initiatives, including leading a national task force focused on equal access to electronic resources, Linda for a decade has worked to develop a library network for California. In 2012, the state’s academic-based network agreed to invite public libraries, but then the State Library budget was slashed.  Undeterred, Linda and others conducted a “needs assessment,” which showed that 52% of California public libraries had unacceptably slow Internet connections.  Now, the Governor’s proposed budget for 2014-15 includes $3.3 million for upgrading connections to join the network.  Linda is not looking back:  Instead she asks “What’s next?” and “How can we make it better?” 

California Emerging Technology Fund Announces 2014 Broadband Champions

Honoring 15 Individuals Who Act to Close the Digital Divide

Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA – March 26, 2014 – The California Emerging Technology Fund is pleased to announce the 2014 Broadband Champions.  Fifteen individuals are being recognized for their groundbreaking work and strong commitment to close the Digital Divide. 

The Champions were selected in consultation with dozens of broadband leaders, community advocates and state and local policymakers.  The 15 individuals are featured in the California Emerging Technology Fund 2013-2014 Annual Report and will be recognized at events in San Francisco on March 27 and in Pasadena on May 19.

“We congratulate the Broadband Champions.  From El Centro to Humboldt, from Hollywood to San Francisco, they are representatives of trailblazers who work throughout California and beyond to point the way for policymakers to understand the opportunities afforded by information technology and high-speed Internet access,” said CETF President and CEO Sunne Wright McPeak.  “The Champions also share the moral imperative not to leave anyone behind or offline.  Each of these individuals inspires us to act to close the Digital Divide,” she said.  

Photos of recipients and full stories for each are available on request.

2014 Broadband Champions (in alphabetical order)

Ø  Richard Abisla:  Making Tech Training His Mission
Technology Manager, Mission Economic Development Agency, San Francisco
Richard developed the first broadband adoption program at MEDA, which has blossomed into an ambitious goal to ensure every family in the Mission District has access to a computer and high-speed Internet at home.

Ø  Cecilia Aguiar-Curry:  Leaving No Winters Child Behind

Mayor of Winters, Yolo County

Schoolchildren in the Sacramento Valley town of Winters are getting the latest technology at school from a generous grant, but many still have no Internet access when they go home.  Cecilia is making parent engagement a top priority and is now working to get families connected to broadband at home.     

Ø  Gerardo Alvarez, Israel Lara:  Putting Parlier Students at the Head of the Class

Gerardo Alvarez, Superintendent of Parlier Unified School District; Israel Lara, President, Youth Centers of America, Parlier

Gerardo and Israel arranged to distribute 900 new iPad tablets – one to every Parlier High School student – just days before Christmas 2013.  Each tablet has a hotspot so families now can get online at home.

Ø  Connie Barrington:  Building Broadband Oases in the Desert
Imperial County Librarian,  El Centro

Connie is the spark for connecting hundreds of residents in rural desert farming communities to the online world, and she helped land a reading and literacy grant designed to get 1,300 young students reading proficiently by the 3rd grade.

Ø  Damary Bustos:  Finding Her Voice Through Technology

Youth Disability Rights Activist, Disability Action Network for Youth and Yo! Disabled & Proud, Alameda County

Born with cerebral palsy, Damary uses technology that enables her to attend college and follow her passion to advocate for disability rights.  Her story underscores how access to broadband communication can open up new worlds and enable a remarkable young woman to be heard.

Ø  Linda Crowe:  Moving California Libraries into the Digital Age

Executive Director, Califa and the Peninsula Library System, San Mateo County

Linda has worked for more than a decade on the local, state and national level to develop technology resources of libraries.  Her recent advocacy is focused on securing state funds for upgrading connections and allowing California libraries to network more easily.

Ø  Eric Cutright and Paul Romero:  Bringing 21^st Century Technology to Tribes

Eric Cutright, Karuk Tribe Informational Technology Director; Paul Romero, Yurok Tribe Information Service Director, Humboldt County
After years of  living with unmet promises for reliable telecommunications systems, the Karuk and Yurok tribes joined efforts to launch the Klamath River Rural Broadband Initiative Project.  When completed, more than 600 unserved and underserved households will be connected. 

Ø  Marilyn Friedman:  Drawing Inspiration from Young Animators.

Volunteer, The ACME Network, Los Angeles

As former head of outreach for DreamWorks Animation, Marilyn matched budding animators, many of whom attended low-performing Los Angeles schools, with Hollywood professionals.  She also spearheaded the donation of more than 1,400 DreamWorks computers to The ACME Network, which sponsors the career-building program.

Ø  Susan Hildreth:  Turning Libraries into Innovation Centers

Director, Institute of Museum and Library Services, Washington, D.C.

A former California State Librarian, Susan was appointed in 2011 by President Obama to lead the Institute.  In this national leadership role, Susan and her team are recognized internationally for using technology to offer engaging experiences for lifelong learners and turn libraries into centers of innovation.

Ø  Arlene Krebs:  Using Technology to Transform Lives

Founding Director, Wireless Education and Technology Center, CSU Monterey Bay

Arlene understands how technology can transform lives by providing access to new opportunities.  Leading a number of broadband adoption programs in Monterey County, Arlene is promoting digital inclusion for the homeless, unemployed, students and veterans.

Ø  Rick Miller and Jay McPhail:  Pioneering Computers in the Classroom

Rick Miller, Former Superintendent Riverside Unified School District (now Superintendent, Santa Ana Unified School District); Jay McPhail, Former Director of Innovation, RUSD (now Chief Technology Officer, Fullerton School District)

Rick and Jay are pioneers in bringing technology to the classroom.  Beyond placing computers in Riverside middle schools, in partnership with the CETF-sponsored School2Home program they focused on implementing critical teacher and parent training to ensure a successful program.

Ø  Dewanna Slaughter:  Connecting Her Community to Broadband

Teacher, Frick Middle School, Oakland

Dewanna wants her students to succeed academically and to be productive contributors to society.  That motivation leads her to involve parents in the learning process through the School2Home program, which supports student and family engagement with technology in the classroom and at home.  Once a student at Frick herself, Dewanna has helped 300 Frick families gain Digital Literacy training and home broadband. 

About the California Emerging Technology Fund

The mission of CETF is to close the Digital Divide in California by breaking down barriers to high-speed Internet access at home.  The goal is to reach 98% of all residences with broadband infrastructure and to achieve 80% home adoption by 2017.  This statewide goal can only be accomplished if the following specific hard-to-reach target communities achieve at least a 70% adoption rate:   low-income populations, Latino households, rural communities, and people with disabilities. For more information, please visit www.cetfund.org.

Reader's Advisory Workshops with Duncan Smith Creator of NoveList

Whether your library has a fully-staffed readers’ advisory department or is just beginning to explore how to bring RA to your library, this program will provide essential information on how libraries are currently engaging and serving readers. 

Join Duncan as he explores a reader-centric model for delivering this high-value service. He will review the results of a recent Library Journal survey and its conclusions about the health of readers’ advisory service in public libraries 

(see the February 1, 2014 issue of LJ for an article about the survey http://lj.libraryjournal.com/2014/02/library-services/the-state-of-readers-advisory/). 

You’ll leave the workshop with an understanding of how your library measures up to national trends as well as specific ideas for taking your library’s reader services to the next level. 

The workshops are free, however registration is required.

To register: http://bit.ly/1hUT9xz

April 22, 2014

10:00 am to 12 noon

Glendale Public Library

222 East Harvard, Glendale CA 91205

April 22,  2014

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Whittwood Branch Library

10537 Santa Gertrudes Ave., Whittier, CA 90603​

April 24, 2014

9:00 am to 11:00 am

Koret Auditorium

San Francisco Public Library

100 Larkin St., San Francisco, 94102​

April 24, 2014

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

PLS Headquarters

2471 Flores Street, San Mateo, CA 94403

​

If you are interested in a quote for NoveList Complete: 

 http://www.ebsco.com/promo/califa-novelist-complete

A Message From Greg Lucas, California’s New State Librarian

I wanted to briefly introduce myself and say thanks for the welcome and encouragement I’ve received from California’s library community. I’m excited by the chance to help advance literacy and draw attention to the contributions of libraries and librarians throughout the state.

The State Library is an amazing, 164-year-old institution whose staff shares a commitment to California’s past and its future.

In the immediate future, my primary focus is approval of the governor’s $2.25 million budget proposal to link public libraries to the not-for-profit Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California. I’m not an acronym fan but the high-speed broadband system is routinely referred to as CENIC. Created by the University of California, CENIC’s other members include the state university system, California’s community colleges and public schools.

As someone said on a conference call the other day, hooking up to CENIC is a “game changer” for libraries. A State Library needs assessment on high-speed broadband finds that 70 percent of California’s public libraries have connectivity that is more limited than the typical American home– not exactly redefining lickety-split for the 21^st Century.

If the response is sluggish for a handful of people, imagine what’s it like for dozens of simultaneous library users.

This status quo would be almost laughable in the state that’s home to the Silicon Valley and any number of telecommunications marvels, except it’s not funny.

In libraries all over the state, particularly in underserved communities and rural areas, those connections provide lifeline services like job applications, tax forms and medical information to countless Californians.

Over the last few days, I’ve heard various estimates that at least 40 percent and as many as 80 percent of public libraries would see improved Internet speed by hooking up to the network. By any yardstick, that’s way better than the current situation.

Hooking up to such a large broadband network also means CENIC takes care of a lot of the tedious, time-consuming activities that have led some short-staffed libraries to give up on navigating the labyrinth of existing Internet service discount programs. The governor also includes $1 million in his budget to help libraries upgrade their systems to better benefit from the high-speed connection.

The broadband proposal is being considered by legislative budget subcommittees during the week of April 21. Lawmakers send a budget to the governor on or before June 15.

An open book is an open mind.

####

 

 

 

 

Deborah A. Lynch

Communications Officer

California State Library

900 N Street, Suite 300

Sacramento, CA 95814

 

deborah.lynch@library.ca.gov

(916) 651-6452

 

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AWE Video Contest for Public Libraries

Create a short video, 30 to 90 seconds in length about your library and show how you use AWE's Early Literacy Station(s) at your library or why you want one at your library. And the video should tell how the Early Literacy Station™ currently benefits or would benefit the young children in your community.

Three libraries will be selected as the winners. Each winner will win a free Early Literacy Station.

The submission period is March 17 - June 1, 2014

For details: http://www.awelearning.com/en/markets/libraries/publiclibraries/awevideocontest/

New State Librarian

Hello Library Directors,

 

The Governor appointed a new State Librarian today.  The appointment announcement is located at http://www.gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=18459.

 

3-25-2014
SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointment.

Greg Lucas, 55, of Sacramento, has been appointed State Librarian. Lucas has been a senior editor for Capitol Weekly since 2011 and has written and edited California’s Capitol, a website he created focusing on California history and politics, since 2007. He was Sacramento bureau chief and a Capitol reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle from 1988 to 2007 and covered the Capitol for the Los Angeles Daily Journal from 1985 to 1988. Lucas has been a board member at the Friends of the California State Archives since 2012. He earned a Master of Arts degree in professional writing from the University of Southern California. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $142,968. Lucas is a Democrat.

 

 

Jarrid Keller

Chief Information Officer

California State Library

914 Capitol Mall, Room 218

Sacramento, CA 95814

916-323-9769

916-323-9786 fax

Jarrid.Keller@library.ca.gov

 

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Public Library Broadband Proposal to go Before Budget Subcommittees in April – LETTERS NEEDED

Governor Brown’s January Budget contains $2.25 million in proposed new, ongoing funding to connect all public libraries to a statewide, high-speed broadband network operated by the Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California (CENIC).  The budget also proposes that an additional $1 million in one-time money be used for grants for those public libraries that may need assistance with the purchase of circuits or other hardware, etc.   This funding and policy issue has been scheduled for hearing in the Budget Subcommittees on Education Finance next month at the State Capitol and we need your help.

The State Library budget is the purview of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee Number 2 on Education Finance and the Senate Budget Subcommittee Number 1 on Education Finance.  These subcommittees have scheduled a discussion of the Governor’s public library broadband proposal for late April (April 23 and April 24 respectively).  CLA, the State Library and CENIC worked tirelessly last year to educate the legislature and the Department of Finance about the need for this program.  That advocacy effort led to the creation of the major State Library Broadband Needs Assessment that almost the entire library community participated in during the Fall.  The Needs Assessment gave CLA critical data and validated the claims we had made at the Capitol regarding the overwhelming need for better broadband speed, capacity and connectivity for California public libraries.

Since the Governor has embraced this proposal as part of his January Budget, it is imperative that the library community demonstrate a strong show of support for the broadband plan when the issue is before the Budget subcommittees in April.  Please take a moment today to use the sample letter that we have provided or feel free to customize it to fit your needs.  Send your letter to each member listed below either by mail or by fax by Wednesday, April 16. 

There is also a fact sheet on the broadband plan that you may access on the CLA website at www.cla-net.org in the “Advocacy” section.   

  

Budget Subcommittee Hearing Dates and Contact Information – 

State Library/CENIC Issue

Senate Budget Subcommittee Number 1 on Education Finance

Hearing Date:  Thursday, April 24 – 9:30 a.m. or upon adjournment – Room 3191

The Honorable Marty Block, Chair

Senate Budget Subcommittee Number 1 on Education Finance

State Capitol, Room 4090

Sacramento, CA.  95814

Fax:  (916) 651-4939

                                    

The Honorable Carol Liu, Member

Senate Budget Subcommittee Number 1 on Education Finance

State Capitol, Room 5097

Sacramento, CA.  95814

Fax:  (916) 651-4925

The Honorable Mark Wyland, Member

Senate Budget Subcommittee Number 1 on Education Finance

State Capitol, Room 4048

Sacramento, CA.  95814

Fax:  (916) 651-4938

                                                

Assembly Budget Subcommittee Number 2 on Education Finance

Hearing Date:  Wednesday, April 23 – 4 p.m.    Room 126

Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, Chair

Assembly Budget Subcommittee Number 2 on Education Finance

State Capitol, Room 4117

Sacramento, CA.  95814

Fax:  (916) 319-2166

Assemblyman Rocky Chavez, Member

Assembly Budget Subcommittee Number 2 on Education Finance

State Capitol, Room 2170

Sacramento, CA.  95814

Fax:  (916) 319-2176

Assemblyman Matt Debabneh, Member

Assembly Budget Subcommittee Number 2 on Education Finance

State Capitol, Room 5144

Sacramento, CA.  95814

Fax:  (916) 319-2145

Assemblyman Brian Nestande, Member

Assembly Budget Subcommittee Number 2 on Education Finance

State Capitol, Room 4139

Sacramento, CA.  95814

Fax:  (916) 319-2142

Assemblyman Phil Ting, Member

Assembly Budget Subcommittee Number 2 on Education Finance

State Capitol, Room 3173

Sacramento, CA.  95814

Fax:  (916) 319-2119

SAMPLE LETTER

[Date]

The Honorable [Name]

California State [Assembly or Senate]

State Capitol

Sacramento, CA.  95814

RE:                BUDGET ITEM # 6120-215-0001:  CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY –

            Statewide Library Broadband Services – Support Governor’s January Budget

Dear [Assemblymember or Senator _____]

I am writing to request your strong support of a program contained in the Governor’s January Budget that would provide essential broadband services for all of California’s public libraries.  This issue will be before the Budget Subcommittees on Education Finance in late April for a hearing when the State Library budget is considered. 

Budget Item 6120-215-0001 would provide $2.25 million in ongoing General Fund money for public libraries to allow them to join a major high-speed broadband network, operated by the Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California (CENIC).  An additional $1 million in one-time funding would be provided for the purpose of providing grants to libraries that may need additional assistance with the purchase of circuits or other augmentations, in order to join the CENIC network.

I am pleased that Governor Brown included funding in his Budget that will enable public libraries to join a high speed Internet backbone, which will allow libraries throughout the state to better meet the dynamic changing needs of patrons.  Library usage is at an all-time high [ - please insert some numbers  or percentages here from your own library - ] and yet many public libraries are equipped with broadband strength that is less than what one might find in their own home.  Your constituents are coming to the library to complete EDD applications, submit job applications, researching Affordable Care Act plans, accessing tutors for school assignments, applying for veterans programs – all online.  Not everyone has a computer or smart tablet at home, so libraries fill the role of the “great equalizer” of access for all in a community.

I strongly encourage the legislature to adopt the Governor’s proposal, which ultimately will allow the State Library to join the cooperative network, CENIC.  It is important to note that the legislature has a good familiarity with CENIC, as CENIC has been providing a high level of broadband service for the K-12, University of California, CSU, and community college systems for many years with great success.  

Your support of this project is vitally important to the public library community.  Thank you for your consideration.

 

Sincerely,