The Central Minnesota Libraries Exchange (CMLE) is one of seven regional multitype library systems established to meet the needs of and share the resources of all types of libraries.
We love libraries, and are here to support them!
Image by AngryJulieMonday. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
Yet another state recently launched a pilot project to provide statewide, equitable access to eBook content. Fifty-one multitype libraries in Massachusetts will begin a six month pilot to offer eBooks to their communities. This project is an effort to further explore: different eBook lending models, different platforms, and user experiences too. This project is managed by the Massachusetts Library System (MLS), in cooperation with its vendor partners—Baker & Taylor and BiblioLabs. Funding came from matching funds from MLS and through federal funds provided by the Institute for Museums and Library Services (IMLS). In Minnesota, a task force is meeting to discuss an eBook summit in 2014 to advance of the conversation of equitable, statewide access to eBooks in Minnesota. Read more about the Massachusetts initiative at MA eBook Project.
Image by Wiertz Sebastien. Retrieved in Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
Have you heard of BookBub? It is a daily email service that alerts you to limited-time free and discounted eBooks that match your interests. What is really a game changer for me is the fact BookBub works with all major devices and eBook stores. Not so very long ago, I felt a need to declare which “eBook camp” I was in, which drove the type of device, but not anymore. This is competition at its best! And, when you download the book, it is in the book collection you have already created with your favorite eBook store. And, you don’t need an eBook reader to read your free book either. You will be told which mobile app will allow you to read the book. For my purposes, the Nook and Kindle Cloud Reader apps on my iPad suit my needs, then when I log in to either my Amazon account (Kindle) or my Barnes & Noble (Nook) account, the book is there, depending on who I “bought” it from. Do I own a Nook or Kindle? Yes, but I don’t even use my Nook anymore. I wanted the e-ink technology, which means I have to sideload content, which is a pain. I will use it in the summer when I am reading outside and can’t see a screen with glare. And, I find that if I turn the brightness down on my iPad, I don’t mind reading a book on it one little bit!
So, why is this a game changer for me when I have not been too keen about buying eBooks in the past?
I do not typically invest in new books, as I can’t justify the cost when I seldom read a book twice.
In my way of thinking, buying a used book is a very disposable transaction. That is, if I pay $2.99 for a used book, I often read it, then send it right back to Savers or Goodwill where I got it for someone elses enjoyment unless I believe it is outstanding and worthy of my bookshelf!
In the past, I borrowed my “worthy” books to lots of people, but now, as more people are buying eBooks, my home bookshelf is not serving the same purpose.
Now with BookBub, getting the books free or for under $2, gets me the content, but removes the clutter from the house too. Downsizing feels good.
I can more easily read electronic books in bed too; not as much weight, no page turning forcing different positions in bed either, and I can read in the dark too!
Check it out, BookBub only features books that are bestsellers or written by a bestselling author, were published by a top-tier publisher, or have received strong reviews from critics and readers. However, it is quick turnaround, you almost always have to buy the same day you receive the notice. Please don’t write me off just yet as “going to the dark side”, I still put myself on waiting lists at the public library for very specific items I need. But, the long lines can feel even more discouraging when so much content is so readily available through services like BookBub! What impact lies ahead for libraries as the user experience is so immediate and painless?
**This legislative update was originally written by Elaine Keefe, lobbyist for MLA/MEMO** (Received on December 5, 2013 at 4:07:49 PM )
On Thursday the state economic forecast was released and it contains good news!
The state has a projected surplus of almost $1.1 billion. After the school property tax recognition shift is repaid, along with a loan from the state airport fund, $825 million remains on the bottom line. You can read the forecast documents on the Minnesota Management and Budget website: http://www.mmb.state.mn.us/nov-2013-forecast. I attended a series of news conferences held today by MMB officials, Governor Dayton, and DFL and Republican legislative leaders. All of them cautioned that things could change between now and the next forecast in late February. Here is a summary of their comments: MMB officials pointed out that the money is not yet in the bank, and that we are only 5 months into the current state fiscal year. They also noted that one way to avoid the need for future education funding shifts would be to build a bigger state budget reserve. Governor Dayton said that if the February forecast shows a similar surplus, he will propose a series of tax cuts. He wants to repeal the business sales taxes that were passed last session (on warehouses, equipment repair and telecommunications equipment). The projected cost of repealing those taxes in the current biennium is $315 million. He also wants to cuts taxes for the middle class by conforming with federal law to eliminate the marriage penalty and expand the working family credit. House DFL leaders seemed supportive of Governor Dayton’s tax cut proposals. Senate DFL leaders said that their top priority was to build up a larger state budget reserve. They were non-committal about tax cuts. House and Senate Republican leaders said the large surplus proved that the tax increases passed last session were unnecessary. They support repealing all of them.
Elaine Keefe Capitol Hill Associates
525 Park Street, Suite 310
St. Paul, MN 55103
office 651-293-0229
cell 612-590-1244
elaine@capitolhillassoc.com
Walk alongside another librarian for a day to see how alike or different your worlds are!
Image by Pings and Needles. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
The CMLE shadowing service is relatively new, but promises lots of potential in Central Minnesota. CMLE staff pay attention to the details of academic, public, school and special libraries in 319 locations in 12 counties. Through our work in the field, our communications to library staff, and our use of tools like our Quick Question Polls, we strive to have a good grasp on the library landscape in Central MN. Then, by using that knowledge, our staff can play matchmaker and connect you to a library setting other than your own. We call this activity shadowing.
Who could benefit from a CMLE shadowing experience?
Many librarians wonder wistfully whether they made the right decision back in library school about what type of librarian they wanted to become. Maybe shadowing can provide clarity without the professional risk of changing jobs!
Are you a para running a school media center, wondering if you should pursue a degree? Particularly in K-12 schools, the experience of media specialists can be quite different, depending on whether the school is moving into Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) or One-to-One Initiatives (1:1). CMLE staff know which schools are in these stages of transition and can provide you with the right fit.
Are you an academic librarian trying to anticipate how the high school student coming out of a BYOD or 1:1 school might approach a college experience differently? Will there be impact on how you provide an academic library or teaching experience?
Are you a high school media specialist feeling beyond stretched as you single handedly run the media center and teach classes? Are you wondering if a public or academic library might be a better fit for you?
Are you a special librarian, working fairly solo (often not feeling so special), and wondering if it might be time for a larger setting and a team of people with whom you can work?
If any of these scenarios sound like you, our shadowing program may be a good option for you. Or, maybe you are simply a curious person, willing and anxious to understand a bigger library world….that is ok too.
If you are interested in setting up a shadowing experience, please make contact with me to sort out the details. I will help you with connections and logistics.
Image by bibigeek. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.
In an earlier post, I mentioned a thread of programming at the fall MLA Conference about mindfulness and reflective thinking, as it relates to librarians. This idea keeps coming back to me. From a review of the literature, and from conversations with librarians embracing mindfulness, I believe it has value to our practice. Professional and personal growth can increase if we slow down and take the time to understand mindfulness. A few key things to consider about this concept include:
If we embrace a state of being aware, focused and present in the moment, we can reduce job-related stress and improve the quality of library services.
Multitasking is finally being questioned, and not necessarily valued as it was in the past.
“Monkey-mind syndrome” describes a state of being where thoughts continually flit in and out of our minds. This is often caused by too much multitasking or by continually shifting gears or changing priorities without tools to manage it.
In MLA president Kristen Mastel’s article about mindful librarianship (see end of post), she talks about “beginner’s mind” and the challenges of achieving beginners mind. As you may guess, it is harder to achieve this state when you have been in positions for long periods of time.
Mindfulness can be used anywhere or anytime, making it the ultimate mobile device!
As we embark on the 23 Mobile Things program in mid-January, CMLE staff will inject a mindfulness thread in the program, to help participants manage their focus and enhance their learning outcomes.
Mastel ends her article by saying, “Mindful librarianship—practiced with awareness, intention, and open mind, and a spirit of compassion—could make the difference in the success of our students, our profession, and ourselves. Read the full article: Insights and Practical Tips on Practicing Mindful Librarianship to Manage Stress
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