Tag Archives: Library

Join the New State Library Services Listserv!

The information in this post was written by Jennifer Nelson, State Library Program Specialist.

(Since this communication was received, Jennifer has been named Interim Director of State Library Services. For more information, see our associated blog post about changes to the MN State Librarian.)

State Library Services has established a list-serve for distributing information to libraries in Minnesota. It will be used as a primary tool for announcements, including competitive grants, from the agency.  The list-serve will also be used to distribute information of broad interest to the library community in Minnesota. The list-serve will not replace current distribution lists directed at specific audiences.

To sign up, please send an email with “subscribe” in the subject line to: Jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us

Please contact me if you have additional questions about communications from State Library Services. We look forward to your continued partnership.

Jennifer R. Nelson
State Library Programs Specialist
State Library Services
Minnesota Department of Education
1500 Hwy 36 West, Roseville MN 55113
Voice: 651-582-8791
Email: Jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us

State Librarian Changes for MN

This past summer Nancy Walton announced her retirement as the State Librarian for Minnesota. In a recent interview by Minitex she stated, “The best advice that I could give for you… don’t cling to the past, be willing to embrace the future.” Click here to listen/download the entire interview with Nancy Walton as she looks back on her career. Since then, Kevin McHenry, Assistant Commissioner has been meeting with various library systems to talk about the pending transitions in leadership and to identify a list of current issues.

Here is a statement written by McHenry on 9/11/13;

Over the last month I have had an opportunity to work closely with State Library Services as Acting Chief Library Officer.  I have developed an understanding of the needs and challenges that libraries in Minnesota are facing today and am eager to take the next steps in restructuring State Library Services so that the division is poised to support quality library services that address the needs of Minnesotans.

As we move forward with planning for a new Director/State Librarian while also supporting division staff on a day-to-day basis, I am pleased to announce that Jennifer R. Nelson has accepted the position of Interim Director. Jen has worked in and for libraries for well over 25 years. Her extensive background includes stints as a children’s librarian, reference librarian, interlibrary loan coordinator, archives assistant, e-resource and training coordinator and more. She is recognized across the United States for her work in developing innovative technology programs for youth and is the author of “Technology and literacy: 21st century library programming for children and teens” (ALA Editions, 2012).  Jen also serves as an adjunct faculty member in St. Catherine University’s MLIS program, teaching a course in grant writing and proposal development. Her expertise in administration, project management and partnership development will ensure a consistent level of support for Minnesota’s libraries and build on the work that we have already accomplished. Jen can be reached directly at 651-582-8791 or Jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us

I will be working closely with Jen during her time as interim director and continue to welcome your thoughts, ideas and feedback on how State Library Services can best address the needs of libraries.

Kevin McHenry
Assistant Commissioner
Minnesota Department of Education
O: 651.582.8250   M: 612.306.0895
Email: kevin.mchenry@state.mn.us

“Leading for educational excellence and equity- Every day for every one”

Library Usage Among Young Adults

In an earlier post, CMLE referenced the topic of physical and virtual libraries, discussed in an article by Higher Education Network. In continuation of that discussion,  Pew Research Center released a study regarding the library habits of young adults (ages 16-29.) This study found that yes, these patrons use electronic resources such as the internet, library website and their own personal mobile devices more that older patrons. However, they also found that they see an increase in the desire for print books and materials compared to patrons 30 or older.

According the Pew (June 2013), “Large majorities of those under age 30 say it is  “very important” for libraries to have librarians, as well as books for borrowing, and relatively few think that libraries should automate most library services, move most services online, or move print books out of public areas.”

Click here to read the summary of findings for Younger Americans’ Library Habits and Expectation.

Image retrieved online from PewInternet.
Image retrieved online from PewInternet.

Recommended Ed Tech Tool: National Constitution Center

Image by Stan Faryna. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons licensing. Some rights reserved.
Image by Stan Faryna. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons licensing. Some rights reserved.

At the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, on September 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed by 38 of the 41 delegates present (This Day in US History.) Two years later this document would become the foundation of the Country’s Bill of Rights.

Therefore, this week CMLE’s Recommend Ed Tech Tool is the National Constitution Center’s website. This phenomenal resource is broken down into three main components;

  1. The Experience Center showcases exhibits, programs, museum links and current initiatives.
  2. Search Constitutional Articles, Amendments, and Issues by using the Explore the Constitution tab.
  3. And finally, click on the Learn tab to participate in free and live webcasts (Constitutional Hall Pass), find out more about civic holidays and how they became recognized, incorporate recommended resources from the educational resources page, and much more.

Tip: If you work with a teacher interested in traveling to the nation’s capital, the Plan Your Trip tab provides tickets, visitor’s guides and lists with links for trip essentials.

Solo Library Technologist

Image by swanksalot. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons licensing. Some rights reserved.
Image by swanksalot. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons licensing. Some rights reserved.

In a recent ACRL TechConnect post, Eric Phetteplace provides advice for library technologists that may feel as if they are going solo and unequipped to address pending tasks. He generalizes common issues into the following four areas:

  1. Colleagues lacking similar skill sets
  2. Too broad of responsibilities and limited technology time
  3. Creating endurable and maintainable projects
  4. Determining appropriate projects given the available resources

Click here to read the full article, Advice on Being a Solo Library Technologist to read  tips on how to circumvent these common road blocks.

Tip: Although this article is directed to Academic Libraries and their respective staff, the advice is very applicable to  all technology users in any library type.