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State Library updates: 2/4/16

MDELogoTO: Minnesota Libraries
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: February 4, 2016
SUBJECT: Updates from State Library ServicesWe’re Hiring! Position Open at the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library
State Library Services is excited to announce that the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library is now hiring an Audio Visual Education Specialist. Based in Faribault, this new position will run the library’s volunteer-driven recording program, creating digital audio recordings for library patrons. Applications will be accepted through February 16. To access the job posting and apply online, visit Minnesota’s Online Job Application website and search for job opening ID #2799. For more information, please contact Catherine Durivage (507-384-6860).Learn How Your Library Can Feed Hungry Kids
Fewer than 15 percent of Minnesota kids who benefit from the free or reduced-price school lunch program have access to summer and afterschool food programs. Limited access to free food programs, particularly during the summer, leaves many children hungry. Public libraries can help make sure kids have access to nutritious food when school is not in session. Begin planning your summer 2016 participation by attending an informational webinar on February 24, 2016 at 11 a.m. Jenny Butcher, USDA Summer Food Service Program Coordinator at MDE, will share how you can get involved. There is no need to pre-register. Please join the WebEx meeting online (meeting number 594 625 833) or call in at 1-888-742-5095 (conference code 874 403 3672). Please contact Jen Verbrugge (651-582-8356) with questions or to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event. Note: MDE requires a two-week advance notice in order to provide the requested accommodation and requires a 48-hour notice in order to cancel a requested accommodation.Introducing Ebooks Minnesota!
Dozens of librarians contributed valuable input throughout the 2014 Explore eBooks MN project. Taking to heart the primary interests identified by participants in the ebook summit, State Library Services and Minitex partnered to build a statewide ebook collection that complements the resources already available through most Minnesota libraries. Ebooks Minnesota is now available for you to explore at www.ebooksmn.org.With a focus on providing access to quality books from Minnesota’s many independent publishers, Ebooks Minnesota’s opening day collection includes about 3,000 titles from publishers such as ABDO, Lerner Publishing Group, Cherry Lake Publishing, University of Minnesota Press, Milkweed Press, and Coffeehouse Press. These independent presses publish ebooks on a wide variety of topics from sharks to ethnic cooking and in an assortment of genres from graphic novels to literary fiction. There is no limit to the number of titles that can be checked out at any time and readers can keep titles as long as they wish. Access the collection online or download an app for your device via the App Store, Google Play, or Kindle Fire HD. Ebooks Minnesota was made possible in part by funding from the Minnesota Department of Education through a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Please contact Jen Nelson (651-582-8791) with questions or for more information.

In response to the expressed need for more ebook device training, two Minnesota librarians—Stephanie Langer (Kitchigami Regional Library System) and Emily Kissane (MDE, State Library Services)—joined colleagues from North and South Dakota for ILEAD North Dakota. The program, a continuing education program designed to cultivate technology and leadership skills, was part of ILEAD USA (Innovative Librarians Explore, Apply and Discover), an initiative funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Stephanie and Emily worked with their team to develop a website that consolidates help and information about popular ebook platforms. Go to the eContent website. The site will continue to grow with new eContent initiatives in the three states, and with contributions from you. To submit content or for more information about ILEAD North Dakota, please contact Emily Kissane (651-582-8508).

Supporting Creative Solutions to Service Gaps
In an effort to extend library services to address unique needs, State Library Services is providing Library Services and Technology Act grants to the Rochester Public Library and Leech Lake Tribal College Library. The grants are aligned with interests in innovative library services in transit locations and in serving underserved youth.

Extending Library Services through a Pilot Project
In a partnership with the Rochester International Airport and the Friends of the Rochester Public Library, the Rochester Public Library will install an ebook kiosk and mini library at the airport in a project called “Books on the Fly.” The intent of Books on the Fly is to extend the library’s service capacity by reaching visitors to the area and residents at the regional transportation hub. In addition to providing temporary cards to visitors for the use of library-purchased econtent, the library plans to integrate access to the newly emerging statewide ebook collection, Ebooks Minnesota. The ebook kiosk will be paired with a Friends-supplied mini library that uses a ‘free library’ model to provide reading materials.

Serving Underserved Youth
As a way to help at-risk students build digital literacy skills and explore college opportunities, the Leech Lake Tribal College Library will offer a series of Traveling iPad Workshops for Middle School Students, on the Leech Lake Reservation. At half-day workshops held at community centers on the reservation during summer 2016, students will explore and create digital art using 2-D and 3-D art concepts, music composition, as well as cartoon and stop-motion animation. At the end of the summer, the tribal college will host a project exhibition open to participants, friends, family and community members.

We’re excited to support these efforts to improve access to high-quality library services that address local needs. Please contact Jen Nelson (651-582-8791) with questions or for more information about the projects.

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This service is provided to you at no charge by Minnesota Department of Education 1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville, Minnesota 55113 – 651.582.8200.