Tag Archives: Resource

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

STEM Programming Specific to Libraries

Image by Chase_Elliott. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Common's licensing.
Image by Chase_Elliott. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons’ licensing.

Looking for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) content?

SimplySTEM has created a wiki for librarians interested in additional STEM related content. This resource provides a collection of completed program plans including activities, print materials, and suggested links. Click here to view this online resource.

To learn more about STEM, go to Why STEM Education Matters for a four page summary developed by the National Math + Science Initiative.

Tip: You can also highlight your library’s completed STEM programming by becoming a ciki contributor on this site.

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

Can Libraries Afford Ebooks Given Current Pricing Models?

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Image by Welkyn Software Solutions. Retrieved from FlickR. Used under Creative Common's licensing.
Image by Welkyn Software Solutions. Retrieved from FlickR. Used under Creative Common’s licensing.

If you follow ebook news, you have no doubt heard of James LaRue, Executive Director of the Douglas County Libraries (Colorado). Patrons often want the New York Times list of bestsellers in ebook format. But, it is doubtful that they understand how dearly libraries are paying for some of these titles. Ebook prices are set by the publisher, and current distributor business models depend on pocketing more than half of the sale. In true form, Larue challenges librarians as to why they are willing to go along with this model. Prepare to be astounded by the following chart that compares the library pricing of an ebook as opposed to consumer pricing. What does this mean for the future of libraries if readers increasingly ask for ebook formats?

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

Booklist Webinars About Makerspaces & Weeding

Image retrieved from the Booklist site
Image retrieved from the Booklist site

On October 8th at 1 pm, Booklist is offering a free webinar called, Creating A Makerspace Culture.  During this webinar you will have the opportunity to hear from other libraries about how they were able to cultivate successful makerspace environments. Click here for additional information and the registration link.

Tip: If you are unfamiliar with the concept behind “makerspaces”, click here to learn more.

Second Webinar:

Retrieved from Booklist site.
Image retrieved from Booklist site.

CMLE intended on posting a link to another free webinar titled, What Not to Weed presented on Thursday, October 3rd. However, this webinar has reached its maximum capacity for participants. That being said, if you would still like to view the session, Booklist is offering a free, archived video on October 16th. If you would like a link to the video sent to your email, click here to sign-up.

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

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

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

Half Price Book Sale!

Image by Chor lp. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons licensing.
Image by Chor lp. Retrieved from Flickr. Used under Creative Commons licensing.

Did you know that every year, at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds-Grand Stand, a company called Half Priced Books has a clearance sale?

On October 5-6th, from 9-6 pm, you can join hundreds of book lovers. Sift through rows and stacks of materials on the hunt for missing pieces to your personal and/or professional collections.

Tip: If you plan to attend on behalf of your library, consider bringing a helper to watch over your finds. Also, if you intend on making several purchases, bring a cart to do the heavy carrying so you can keep your hands free.