Tag Archives: state librarian

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Updates from State Library Services

MDE Logo

TO: Minnesota Libraries
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: November 9, 2015
SUBJECT: Updates from State Library Services

Help Us Get the Word Out: MBTBL Advisory Committee Seeking New Members

The Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library (MBTBL) is seeking two members for its Advisory Committee. The MBTBL provides specialized statewide public library service to Minnesotans of all ages with visual, physical, and reading disabilities. The five-member advisory committee serves as a sounding board for library planning, priorities, policies, program efforts and service concerns. Individuals appointed to this committee must be active users of the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library. Applications are due on November 24, 2015. For more information about this committee, call the MBTBL at 1-800-722-0550 or visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Open Commission and Appointment website.

Take Your Learning Online: Upcoming Webinars

1) Basic Records Management for Minnesota Public Libraries

Charles Rodgers of the State Archives Department of the Minnesota Historical Society will present a brief webinar review of the state records laws, the definition of government records, basic records management issues, and the role of the State Archives on Wednesday, November 18 from 1-2 p.m. Special emphasis will be given to records created and maintained by public libraries, including retention and disposition guidance, and documents with historical value. Charles is familiar with general records retention schedules for Minnesota cities and counties, which include sections addressing public library records. There will be ample time for questions and answers. No registration is necessary, just join the WebEx meeting online or call 1-888-742-5095  (toll-free) or 1-619-377-3319 using conference code 874 403 3672 / meeting number 253 118 533. Please contact Jen Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us with questions.

2) Attend Taxes 101 for Minnesota Libraries

Believe it or not, the 2016 tax season is right around the corner! To help libraries serve their communities during the tax season, State Library Services and Prepare + Prosper’s Claim it! campaign invite you to Taxes 101 for Minnesota Libraries on Thursday, November 19, 11 a.m.-noon. The webinar will cover topics such as who needs to file taxes, basics about tax credits for individuals and families with low to moderate income, free tax preparation sites, frequently asked questions, and community resources. Our goal is to give libraries the resources they need to make tax time a little less overwhelming. Register today and then join the WebEx meeting online or call in at 1-888-742-5095 (toll-free) or 1-619-377-3319 using conference code 874 403 3672 / meeting number 593 489 753. Please contact Emily Kissane at emily.kissane@state.mn.us with questions.

Note: The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) requires advance notice in order to provide a requested accommodation and requires a 48-hour notice to cancel a requested accommodation.

Investigate the Future of STEM in Public Libraries

The Public Libraries & STEM Conference held in August 2015 brought together 151 leaders and decision-makers from both the public library and STEM education communities. As libraries nationwide have reexamined their roles in their communities, STEM activities have emerged with a widespread role in strengthening community‐based learning and fostering critical thinking and problem solving for people of all ages. The conference’s work and subsequent publications will help to guide future development of informal STEM learning programs in public libraries. Visit the conference’s website to find background papers, session PowerPoints and handouts, and related resources. Conference resources highlight public libraries’ current needs, obstacles, and opportunities to offering STEM programming. Jen Nelson, State Librarian, served as a member of the conference’s national organizing committee. Please contact Jen at 651-582-8791 or Jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us for more information about the conference or to learn more about how you can bring STEM learning opportunities to your library.

Calling All Kid Filmmakers!

The 90-Second Newbery Film Festival is an annual video contest in which kid filmmakers make movies that creatively tell the entire stories of Newbery-winning books in ninety seconds or less. Making the film is a fun, creative and multi-faceted educational exercise. Kids cooperatively write, storyboard, produce, direct, costume, act, frame and edit their films.

Public librarians, school librarians, homeschool parents, teachers, and scout leaders are encouraged to work with their kids to make movies. The deadline to submit films for the 2015-2016 film festival is January 10, 2016. Inspiration and more information can be found on the 90-Second Newbery website. Want to make a 90-Second Newbery video, but are daunted by the project? Download this handy guide of tips, tricks, and strategies. Mark your calendar for the second annual Minnesota screening of the best local entries on Saturday, February 27, 2016, from 3:00-4:30 pm at Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central. Co-hosts of the event will be James Kennedy (90-Second Newbery founder and middle grade author) and Kelly Barnhill (Minneapolis author of The Witch’s Boy). For more details, please contact Jennifer Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us or 651-582-8356.

Look Up to the Stars!

Congratulations to top-rated Edgerton, Grand Marais and Ramsey County libraries. They are among the 261 Star Libraries on the Library Journal Index of Public Library Services.  The index compares U.S. public libraries with their spending peers based on loans, visits, program attendance, and public computer use. The number of competing libraries is at an all-time high, so earning star status is harder than ever.

Grand Marais Public Library received five stars, the highest rating, which it has earned every year the index was published. Edgerton Public Library moved up from a three to four star library. Ramsey County Library has earned three stars each year since 2013.

Library Journal Index scores are based on data reported annually by public libraries to their state library agencies. The 2015 ratings are based on 2013 data compiled nationally by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. To be eligible for star-status, be sure to complete the Minnesota Public Library Survey which opens in February.  State Library Services looks forward to helping you collect and report data that will lift your library into the national constellation. For help, contact Joe Manion, State Data Coordinator, at joe.manion@state.mn.us or 651-582-8640.

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

State Library Updates

MDE logo retrieved online 12/17/13..

TO: Minnesota Libraries
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: March 27, 2015
SUBJECT: Updates from State Library Services: Position opening, Meetup, webinar, LSTA grants

Libraries Serving Youth Meetup – Last Call to Register
Registration closes next week for State Library Services’ first ever Libraries Serving Youth Meetup. The event is a chance for school and public library staff to meet, network and share ideas. Learn about successful public library and school collaborations and get creative ideas. Scheduled presenters from across the state include Brianna Belanger, Mike Evavold, Chad Lubbers, Ellen Morehouse, Donna Ohlgren, Nina Shimmin, and Erin Smith.

The Meetup is on Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Minnesota Department of Education in Roseville. A working lunch will be provided and there is no charge for the event. Registration for the Meetup closes Wednesday, April 1, so register today. A certificate of attendance for CEUs will be available. For more information, please contact Jennifer Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us or 651-582-8356.

Community Literacy Initiatives and Partnerships Webinar
Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps (MRC/MMC) are helping more than 30,000 students in over 700 Minnesota schools succeed in reading and math. Join Anne Demotts (MRC/MMC Outreach Coordinator), Barb McKenzie (Hennepin County Library Volunteer and Internship Coordinator), and a Minnesota Reading Corps Master Coach for a webinar on Thursday, April 2, 2015 from 1-2 pm to learn more about how connecting with MRC and MMC can benefit your library and your community. Pre-register here.

Please contact Jennifer Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us 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.

Join our award-winning team
State Library Services, a division of the Minnesota Department of Education, is now recruiting candidates for a Library Development Specialist – State Data Coordinator.
State Library Services aligns its mission with the department’s vision of educational equity for all and the Governor’s Seven Point Plan for Excellence in Education. We work collaboratively with the Minnesota library community to create and deliver resources that address the educational, social and cultural needs of Minnesotans to accomplish our mission. Based in Roseville, this is a unique professional employment opportunity for librarians interested in working in a leadership role in the state. Primary position responsibilities include coordinating the annual collection of public library data and providing expertise on program design, implementation and measurement to improve the ability of Minnesota’s libraries to articulate the impact of library services. We are looking for candidates with a background in library services, program design, statistical analysis and evaluation that also have excellent communication skills. Applications will be accepted online through April 15, 2015.
Questions? Please contact Jennifer Nelson at 651-582-8791 or jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us.

LSTA Grant Application Process
Join State Library Services on April 8, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Project Planning with Logic Models, a webinar that will introduce a logic model approach to project planning. Logic models offer a tested framework for developing grant proposals and ensure that your proposals describe the resources you need to achieve the outcomes you propose. The session will also review project activities and budgeting and connect you with resources that can help you create stronger grant proposals. Pre-registration is not necessary; simply click here to log into the webinar. Please contact Jen Nelson at jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us 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.

Because we’re interested in making sure that as many eligible applicants as possible benefit from LSTA grants, applicants/benefitting public libraries that did not receive a competitive LSTA award with federal fiscal year 2013 or 2014 funds and since July 1, 2013 will receive an additional 10 priority points during the proposal review process. Contact Jackie Blagsvedt at 651-582-8805 or jacqueline.blagsvedt@state.mn.us for more information.

 

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

MN State Library Services Updates

MDE logo retrieved online 12/17/13..

TO: Minnesota Libraries
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: March 5, 2015
SUBJECT: Updates from State Library Services
Community Literacy Initiatives and Partnerships Webinar
Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps (MRC/MMC) are helping more than 30,000 students in over 700 Minnesota schools succeed in reading and math. Join Anne Demotts (MRC/MMC Outreach Coordinator), Barb McKenzie (Hennepin County Library Volunteer and Internship Coordinator), and a Minnesota Reading Corps Master Coach for a webinar on Thursday, April 2, 2015 from 1-2 pm to learn more about how connecting with MRC and MMC can benefit your library and your community. Pre-register here. Please contact Jennifer Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us 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.
Libraries Serving Youth Meetup
Registration is still open for State Library Services’ first ever Libraries Serving Youth Meetup. It’s a chance for school and public library staff to meet, network and share ideas. Learn about successful public library and school collaborations, get creative ideas and enjoy a free working lunch. Scheduled presenters from across the state include Brianna Belanger, Mike Evavold, Chad Lubbers, Ellen Morehouse, Donna Ohlgren, Nina Shimmin, and Erin Smith.
The Meetup will be Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Minnesota Department of Education in Roseville. Space is limited, so register early. There is no charge for the event. A certificate of attendance for CEUs will be available. For more information, please contact Jennifer Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us or 651-582-8356.

90-Second Newbery Film Festival – That’s a Wrap!
The first-ever Minnesota 90-Second Newbery Film Festival screening played to a full house on February 28 at Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central’s Pohlad Hall. 90-Second Newbery founder James Kennedy and his co-host, Minneapolis author Kelly Barnhill, lit up the stage with song, dance and comedy amidst showing movies written, directed, acted, filmed and edited by kid filmmakers. Each film tells the entire story of Newbery-winning books in 90 seconds or less. Click here to watch the many creative films submitted by Minnesota K-12 students.

If you’re inspired by the movies from this year’s festival, find out how you can participate on the 90-Second Newbery website. Now’s the time to start talking with your students and community partners about entries for next year. It’s a great project to promote media and digital literacy for kids in a creative, collaborative setting. If you started a movie but missed the entry deadline for this year’s festival screening, don’t give up. Finish your masterpiece and send it in. Mr. Kennedy accepts 90-Second Newbery films all year round. For more information, please contact Jennifer Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us or 651-582-8356.

Seeking Sponsors for 2015 Summer Food Service Program
Many Minnesota families rely on the free or reduced-price meals their children get at school. When school is out, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) bridges the “nutrition gap.” The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is looking for organizations to sponsor the 2015 SFSP and provide free meals to Minnesota children 18 and under during the summer when school is out. There are many underserved areas in need of a sponsor to operate a summer feeding site, especially in greater Minnesota. Sponsors receive training, technical assistance and reimbursement for providing meals to children 18 and under in areas of economic need. Read the news release for additional information. To view a webinar about how public libraries can participate, visit MDE’s WebEx site, then click on “Recorded Sessions” to view “Libraries Can Help Feed Children This Summer.”

Library Construction Grants
An appropriation to the 2014 Library Construction Grant program provided $2,000,000 for library construction and renovation projects. One-to-one matching grants help build libraries that meet high standards of accessibility and energy efficiency. Three projects were earmarked to receive funds, with the remaining funds awarded through a competitive process. As of March 2, 2015, grant agreements have been executed for the following projects:

City of Jackson
This expansion and renovation project will add 1,500 square feet and install new windows, a new entrance, new information desk, expanded meeting space and an accessible parking, among other improvements. Grant funds appropriated: $570,000

City of Perham
An exterior wall reconstruction project will mitigate mold and restore a safe and healthy environment to the library. The work will also prevent future contamination and damage to the building. Grant funds appropriated: $257,000

Ramsey County Library (White Bear Lake)
An expanded and remodeled library will offer enhanced areas for children and teens, more public computers, an improved community room and spaces for individual and group study. Renovations to the parking lot will result in more available parking and improved traffic flow. Grant funds awarded: $200,000

City of Waseca
A redesign and renovation of the library’s layout will result in improvements to the entryway, restroom and meeting rooms to increase the accessibility, functionality and attractiveness of the building. A close working relationship with the Independent Counseling and Advocacy Network will ensure the needs of patrons with all types of disabilities are reflected in the renovation. Grant funds awarded: $75,000

Tri-state ILEAD Team Taking on E-Content Training
During last year’s Explore eBooks MN events, staff from Minnesota’s libraries identified “providing ongoing training and support” as a top priority for enhancing user experiences with e-books. Representatives from Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota will participate in Innovative Librarians Explore, Apply and Discover (ILEAD), hosted by the North Dakota State Library March-October 2015. The team’s project is Supporting Electronic Service Delivery Models, which will address the critical need of libraries to support users, patrons and customers in using e-content. Team members Daniel Burniston (University of South Dakota Libraries), Emily Kissane (State Library Services), Stephanie Langer (Kitchigami Regional Library System), and Al Peterson (North Dakota State Library) will develop strategies for professional development that improve services to library e-content users.
The ILEAD initiative receives funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through a grant administered by the Illinois State Library. The North Dakota State Library is contributing travel and additional expenses, and managing all the logistics and instruction for ILEAD USA in North Dakota. State Library Services is grateful for the opportunity to participate in this innovative program. If you have questions, please contact Emily Kissane at emily.kissane@state.mn.us or 651-582-8508.

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Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

State Library Updates & Reminders

state_mnTO: Minnesota Libraries
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: December 11, 2014
SUBJECT: Award for Continuous Improvement, 90sN Deadline Extended, Summer Reading Evaluation

Award for Continuous Improvement
I am delighted to announce that State Library Services has received the 2014 Governor’s Award for Continuous Improvement.  Under the leadership of Jen Nelson, the State and Federal Programs Team (Jackie Blagsvedt, Emily Kissane, and Jennifer Verbrugge) was recognized for their work in streamlining state and federal grant and aid program administration over the last year.  Their combined efforts to align program applications, reporting and administration with state statutes, work collaboratively with colleagues in School and Agency Finance, and incorporate plain language have led to improved processes and an increased amount of funds available for competitive grants.  Specifically, State Library Services increased federal Library Services and Technology Act competitive grant awards by 58 percent in one year, resulting in more options for funding local projects.

But perhaps the most far-reaching impact of streamlining federal and state program administration has been to allow 1.25 FTE to focus on key priorities for State Library Services and the Minnesota Department of Education – achieving the goals articulated in the Governor’s Seven Point Plan for Better Schools.  State Library Services staff now work with libraries across the state to improve their capacity to deliver quality early childhood learning experiences and to connect schools and libraries to foster academic success and close the achievement gap.

I hope you will join me in congratulating their recent successes and their commitment to fostering strong libraries in Minnesota. -Kevin McHenry, Assistant Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Education

Deadline for Newbery Film Festival Extended to January 16, 2015
90-Second Newbery founder James Kennedy has given kid filmmakers a holiday gift: an extra four weeks to complete and submit films.  The new deadline is January 16, 2015.

Please update your promotional messages to local kids and families through your library or school.  Visit the State Library Services web page to download the logo, an updated sample press release, an updated program flyer, a video invite from 90-Second Newbery founder James Kennedy, and more.

Also – mark your calendar for the first-ever Minnesota screening of the best 90-Second Newbery entries on Saturday, February 28, 2015, from 3:00 – 4:30 PM at Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central.  Co-hosts of the event will be James Kennedy, founder and curator of the 90-Second Newbery, and Kelly Barnhill, Minneapolis author of ‘The Witch’s Boy.’  For more details, please contact Jennifer Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us or 651-582-8356.

Evaluating Summer Reading: A St. Kate’s Capstone Project
On behalf of State Library Services, a trio of St. Kate’s MLIS students researched summer reading program evaluation practices in Minnesota libraries and in other states during the fall semester.  The result is a comprehensive 40-page document with recommendations, the full-text of communications with a range of interviewees, and a bibliography of timely and topical resources.  Please contact Jennifer Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us or 651-582-8356 if you would like a copy of the final report.

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

State Library Updates & Reminders

MDE logo retrieved online 12/17/13..
MDE logo retrieved online 12/17/13..

TO: Minnesota Library Staff
FROM: State Library Services
DATE: December 2, 2014
SUBJECT: Upcoming Workshops for Libraries

Webinars, Workshops and More

Ignite Afterschool

Ignite Afterschool is a statewide network of organizations dedicated to engaging young people in quality afterschool activities. With MDE and its partners, Ignite is building a statewide framework for quality afterschool programs. Library staff are invited to attend regional working meetings in December to provide feedback on the emerging quality framework.

Registration is now open for “Powering Learning. Expanding Possibilities,” a statewide out-of-school time learning and STEM conference co-hosted by Ignite and the STEM Network that will be held on April 14-15, 2015. Library staff are invited to submit conference session proposals on the conference themes — Systems Building and Partnerships, Integrating 21st Century Skills and STEM and Sharing Your Stories and Successes: Data, Evaluation and Messaging.

For more information, please contact Jennifer Nelson at jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us or 651-582-8791.

Calling All Kid Filmmakers!

The 90-Second Newbery Film Festival is an annual video contest in which kid filmmakers make movies that creatively tell the entire stories of Newbery-winning books in ninety seconds or less. With the deadline to submit films set for December 20, 2014 (deadline extended to 1-16-2015 as of 12-11-2014), there are only weeks left to create. Please promote the opportunity to local kids and families through your library or school. Visit the State Library Services web page to download the logo, a sample press release, a flyer, a video invite from 90-Second Newbery founder James Kennedy, and more.

Mark your calendar for the first-ever Minnesota screening of the best 90-Second Newbery entries on Saturday, February 28, 2015, from 3-4:30 pm at Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central. Co-hosts of the event will be James Kennedy, founder and curator of the 90-Second Newbery, and Kelly Barnhill, Minneapolis author of The Witch’s Boy. For more details, please contact Jennifer Verbrugge at jennifer.verbrugge@state.mn.us or 651-582-8356.

Libraries and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

The recently enacted federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) includes exciting opportunities for libraries. From the potential to partner with Job Centers to the possibility to expand digital literacy services, WIOA recognizes the important part libraries play in workforce development and the benefits of strengthening that role.

Please join us for a webinar about WIOA and Minnesota’s libraries on Thursday, December 11, from 1-2 pm. Rick Roy, Director of Workforce Coordination at the Department of Employment and Economic Development, will give an overview of WIOA and lead a discussion of opportunities for partnerships and alignment of services.

Please join the webinar via WebEx. The session will be recorded. For more information, please contact Emily Kissane at emily.kissane@state.mn.us or 651-582-8508.

For more information about State Library Services, please contact Jennifer Nelson at jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us or 651-582-8791.