Tag Archives: Libraries

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist

ENABLE: Seeking Library Participation!

logoProject ENABLE is a collaborative project between Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies, Center for Digital Literacy, and Burton Blatt Institute. ENABLE strives to provide high quality, comprehensive, train-the-trainer continuing education programs for school librarians with a special focus on delivering effective library and information services to PreK-12 students with disabilities.

If this sounds like a program you would be interested in being a part of, they are currently recruiting 3-person teams consisting of a librarian, general educator and special educator as well as 15 school library faculties in higher education. Participants will be asked to attend a four and a half day workshop on the Syracuse University campus in either June or August 2013. For more information contact cdl@syr.edu.

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Thinking of Redoing Your Library Space?

Image by Thurman some rights reserved
Image by Thurman some rights reserved

Rejuvenate Your Space: Top Building Trends in Library Design

Wednesday, June 5, 2013, 2:00 – 3:00 PM CST

Looking to spruce up your space? More than just a home for books, a library is a living organism, a vibrant community center for learning, digital content discovery, and exploration. Shouldn’t your 21st century patrons have a 21st century library? Learn about the top building trends in exterior and interior design from architects who have reinvigorated and reimagined library spaces throughout the United States. Breathe new life into your library.

Click on the link for additional information about this free webinar!

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Libraries Aid Preservation

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Image by CharlesCarstensen some rights reserved
Image by CharlesCarstensen some rights reserved

Libraries are repositories of information that are often quickly associated with books, journals, and other tangible resources. However, they are also conduits to preserve community/family stories-some of which have yet to be cataloged (intangible).  This month @ your library, an American Library Association (ALA) campaign, provides a list of resources for libraries to assist patrons in collecting and maintaining  their stories. Included are links to information on how to conduct an oral history interview, ways to research ancestry, develop a family archive and make a time capsule. In addition, in honor of military month this May, a special section has been added for military families.

Tip:  Teachers, with summer approaching, this may be an excellent project for students to work on as they spend time with family on vacation; in the car, at the lake, or around the dinner table.  Additionally, what creative ways does your library encourage/facilitate these conversations?

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

MN Library Legislation: House Legacy Conferees Named — Please Contact!

**This legislative update was originally  written by Elaine Keefe, lobbyist for MLA/MEMO, slight modifications by Patricia Post** (Received on Thursday, May 16, 2013 11:08 AM)

The House conferees for the Legacy bill were appointed on Thursday , May 16th. 

Legacy Funding Background:  The House Legacy bill passed on the floor on Friday (10th). The Senate Legacy bill was unveiled in the Senate Legacy Subcommittee on Thursday (9th).  It includes $300,000 per year for the Minnesota Digital Library (the amount requested) and $1 million per year for regional public libraries.  This is a huge reduction from the $3 million per year currently allocated to regional public libraries.  Senator Dick Cohen, chair of both the Senate Finance Committee and the Legacy Subcommittee of the Senate Finance Committee, has historically opposed Legacy funding for libraries. His position has been that only those who advocated for the constitutional amendment should share in the funds generated.  Other recipients can be viewed as interlopers, including libraries.  Senator Cohen’s goal has been that 50% of the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund is to be allocated to the State Arts Board.  Currently about 43% is allocated to the State Arts Board.  The Senate bill includes a provision requiring that in the future 50% of the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund shall be allocated to the State Arts Board.  The initial version of the Senate Legacy bill distributed the funds to regional public libraries under the RLBSS formula, as has been done the past two biennia.  I subsequently spoke with Senator Cohen and he agreed to amend the bill to change the formula in accordance with the MLA/MEMO platform and to require that the funds be distributed in 10 equal payments.  That amendment was adopted on Friday (10th) and the bill was passed out of the subcommittee.

Please contact the Conferees and urge them to support the House position on Legacy funding for regional public libraries.

The House maintains the current funding level of $3 million per year, whereas the Senate reduces it to $1 million per year.

Rep. Phyllis Kahn
651-296-4257
rep.phyllis.kahn@house.mn
Rep. Leon Lillie
651-296-1188
rep.leon.lillie@house.mn
Rep. Mike Freiberg
651-296-4176
rep.mike.freiberg@house.mn
Rep. David Bly
651-296-0171
1-800-920-5882
rep.david.bly@house.mn
Rep. Anna Wills
651-296-4306
rep.anna.wills@house.mn

Elaine Keefe

Capitol Hill Associates
525 Park Street, Suite 310
St. Paul, MN 55103
office 651-293-0229
fax 651-293-1709
cell 612-590-1244
elaine@capitolhillassoc.com

Academic, Check this out:, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Hidden Spaces!

Image by Jester100 some rights reserved
Image by Jester100 some rights reserved

There is something alluring about hidden spaces. I am not sure if it is the mystery, sense of adventure, possible mischief or merely the idea of sneaking away somewhere-known only to a select few. For some, this adventure begins and/or ends with a book.  Buzzfeed (April 2013) posted 31 Beautiful Hidden Rooms and Secret Passages, using books as the main attraction/distraction.

Just for Fun: This week take a peek between (or behind) the stacks-to find something unexpected.