Tag Archives: State Library

Academic, Check this out:, CMLE, Communication, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

Updates from State Library Services

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CMLE Headquarters will continue to bring you all the library news from around the state. You can sign up for these updates from the State Library Services yourself, or just get them forwarded to you here from CMLE. When you are part of a big and wonderful profession like libraries – you want to know all the things happening here!

Early Childhood Screening Informational Video and Webinar
Early Childhood Screening, offered by all school districts, is a way to determine if young children are on track for meeting developmental milestones. Some families do not take advantage of Early Childhood Screening because they don’t know about it or they have concerns about it. If parents knew more about what screening is and is not, they may be more likely to have their child screened and identify areas for additional focus before kindergarten.

Public librarians can help increase participation in screening by encouraging families to get their children screened between the ages of 3 and the start of kindergarten. The Minnesota Department of Education and community partners teamed up to create a five-minute informational video with basic information about screening for parents and caregivers, thanks to funding from The McKnight Foundation.

To learn how you can help increase families’ awareness of screening and comfort with the process, please join us for a lunch break webinar presented by MDE’s Early Childhood Screening Coordinator, Margo Chresand on Thursday, December 8, noon-12:30 p.m. (Add to your calendar.) Please contact Jen Verbrugge (651-582-8356) with questions or to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event. Note: MDE requires a two-weekadvance notice in order to provide the requested accommodation and requires a 48-hour notice in order to cancel a requested accommodation.

Continue reading Updates from State Library Services →

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

State Library Services update

state-library-services

CMLE libraries – we are working to bring you information from libraries across the state and the country. Here is the latest newsletter from the State Library Services department, to get you caught up on some important issues happening across the state!

Bringing Early STEM to Libraries
The Science Museum of Minnesota is offering early STEM training to library and early education staff through a series of workshops across the state this October and November. Over 180 library and early childhood professionals have attended or are registered to attend the workshops. There is still room to register for the Nov. 10 workshop in Waseca.

To support library efforts after the training, the museum is developing early STEM activity plans, kits and prompts as well as educational messaging to help library staff and volunteers facilitate early STEM experiences for children and their caring adults. We look forward to sharing more information and new resources after the training sessions have wrapped up. Contact Jackie Blagsvedt (651-582-8805) with questions.

Evaluating Our LSTA Five-Year Plan 
We are working with the Management Analysis and Development (MAD) consulting group to assess our progress toward meeting the goals of the current LSTA Five-Year Plan. On November 1, we launched a survey to aggregate input from the library community that will inform the required evaluation of our 2013-2017 plan. Your input truly is helpful as we determine how well we have achieved the goals of the plan. You should have received an email from Karen Gaides with an invitation to complete the survey. If you did not receive an email invitation, please contact Karen Gaides (651-259-3822) to request the link. Continue reading State Library Services update →

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Services

Minnesota State Library Services updates

MDE logo retrieved online 12/17/13..

One of the great things about being part of a profession is knowing you are never alone! Even if you are a solo librarian, you are part of a regional system (hello to all our CMLE members!); you are part of the services offered by our state, and you are part of a larger national network of libraries. All of these networks exist to help libraries to provide services and information – so take advantage of their offerings whenever possible. (Maybe a new slogan could be: Make Your Library Life Easier – Rely On Your Network!)

If you have not browsed through the offerings from the State Library Services lately, this is a great opportunity to check on the things they do, programs offered, and services that may be helpful to you and your library work!

Below are the updates, from their newsletter. You can subscribe yourself; or just stay tuned to our CMLE site, and we will continue to bring you this information.

LSTA Grant Awards Announced
As a result of our most recent LSTA grant round, we awarded twelve grants for innovative projects with diverse beneficiaries. The grant-funded projects are wide-ranging and include the creation of programs and resources to strengthen families affected by incarceration, the expansion of a science fair initiative that connects third- and fourth-graders with area STEM professionals, and the development of creative in- and out-of-school-time digital learning opportunities. The grant abstracts are located on the LSTA web page. Please contact Jackie Blagsvedt (651-582-8805) for more information.

Provide a Shortcut to Social Security Services – Webinar
State Library Services and the Social Security Administration’s St. Paul office are presenting a webinar introducing libraries to SSA Express. This program gives people easy access to their most requested services, such as replacement SSN cards and estimating retirement benefits. The webinar will cover how to install a secure shortcut on public computers and also how to provide access via your library’s website. We hope you’ll join us on Tuesday, October 4 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Register today, and then attend the webinar on October 4. For more information, please contactEmily Kissane (651-582-8508).

Announcing Playdates for Educators (Of All Sorts)
The Playful Learning Lab at the University of St. Thomas is hosting monthly, free playdates for educators, artists, and makers who want to discuss, share, and try out new ways of bringing joy and playful learning to students. Fall playdates will be held on Wednesday, September 21, October 26, November 30 and December 14 from 7-9 p.m. in the makerspace on the first floor of the University of St. Thomas Anderson Student Center at 2115 Summit Avenue in Saint Paul. Each session will include a hands-on project led by Playful Learning Lab students, as well as ample time for discussion and networking. Please email Annmarie Thomas to RSVP.

Is Your Library Retro Chic?
We thought library due-date stamps like catalog cards and book pockets were a thing of the past. But if your library is retro by design or necessity, the Humboldt County Library in Winnemucca, Nevada, is interested in learning if you are stamping materials with the due date at check out. If you would like to add your historical or progressive practices to their data collection, please submit this very short, four-question survey.

Connect with State Library Services at the MLA Conference
We’ll be at the MLA Conference right alongside you—presenting sessions, attending section meetings and conference sessions, and looking forward to chatting with you. Please check out the following sessions our talented staff is presenting. We hope to see you at the conference!

Partnerships to Improve Digital Equity in Tribal Communities
Thursday, September 29, 10:55-11:55 a.m.
Co-presented by Jen Nelson and Hannah Buckland
Whether offering iPad workshops to local middle schoolers, planning a community-wide workforce development project, or coordinating opportunities for adult learners, libraries are active in improving digital equity across Minnesota. Tribal libraries in particular provide broadband connections and technology services to communities deeply impacted by Minnesota’s digital divide. Tribal libraries are well poised to bring about positive change even though limited budgets, staffing constraints, and geographic isolation often hinder the services these libraries can provide. To help bridge this resource gap, partnerships between tribal libraries and like-minded organizations like State Library Services, Adult Basic Education, and local governments are necessary. Join us to learn more about partnering to reduce access disparities and help us move digital equity in tribal communities forward.

Tax Resources for Minnesota Libraries
Thursday, September 29, 10:55-11:55 a.m.
Co-presented by Emily Kissane, Sarah Bjorklund and Chris Anning
The 2017 tax season will be upon us before we know it! This session will give libraries the latest department updates and important tax information so they can point patrons to the best information and resources available. The session will be facilitated by State Library Services and will feature presenters from the Minnesota Department of Revenue. The session will cover:
– Minnesota Department of Revenue updates
– Common Minnesota credits
– Important tax dates
– Free tax preparation sites
– Helpful resources
– Tax Research Library
…and plenty of time for questions and answers.

Believe It. Build It. This Book Can Help You Offer Amazing Programs for Youth at Your Library
Thursday, September 29, 1:45-2:45 p.m.
Co-presented by Jen Verbrugge and Eric Billiet
Out-of-school time programming is growing in libraries by leaps and bounds! At last, Minnesota has a blueprint to help you offer more effective afterschool and summer programs for youth. Believe It. Build It. is a guidebook that brings together librarians, youth workers and afterschool care providers around a common language and research-based practices. Learn about building quality into your programs from the out-of-school time experts who are part of Ignite Afterschool, Minnesota’s afterschool network.

State Library Services On-Demand!
Friday, September 30, 8:50-9:50 a.m.
Co-presented by all available State Library Services staff
Are you interested in getting one-on-one answers about LSTA and Construction grants, running customized reports using public library annual survey data, services offered from the Braille and Talking Book Library, or statewide youth services initiatives from the State Library staff? If so, come to this walk-in “reference” desk and consult with the librarians from State Library Services. We will answer your questions on the spot or get back to you–whatever it takes to answer your queries.

Begin Your Love Affair with Data: Evaluating Programs = Finding Success
Friday, September 30, 8:50-9:50 a.m.
Co-presented by Jen Verbrugge and Eric Billiet
Are you offering awesome programs for tweens and teens, but ending up with empty meeting rooms? Believe it or not, looking at the types of data you collect and why you collect it can help you meaningfully connect with more kids through your library programs. This session will help you begin an evolution from simply doing evaluation to being evaluative–and reaping the benefits through improved relationships with young people and increased youth program attendance.

State Library Services: Moving Ahead to 2022
Friday, September 30, 10:55-11:55 a.m.
Presented by Jen Nelson
In 2017, State Library Services is looking ahead to a new Library Services and Technology Act Five Year plan. The plan will support the ongoing efforts of Minnesota’s libraries to positively impact their communities from 2018 through 2022. Please join us and share your thoughts on trends and directions for library services in the coming years. Come prepared for a wide-ranging conversation about programs that expand services through partnerships for learning and access to information and educational resources for individuals of all ages, circumstances and abilities. Together we will share ideas for statewide initiatives to build networks to support research, education and innovation, improve staff skills, and build the capacity of libraries to serve their patrons.

LSTA Grantee Panel: Meeting Emerging Community Needs through LSTA
Friday, September 30, 1:45-2:45 p.m.
Co-presented by Jackie Blagsvedt, Kelly Stade, Mary Lukkarila and Paul Ericsson
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants are available through State Library Services to assist many types of libraries from across Minnesota in addressing emerging community needs. In this session, recent LSTA recipients will share how they recognized a need in their community and developed a project to respond to the need. Panelists will also share their experiences with administering their grant projects and highlight project milestones from conception through completion. Learn best practices for identifying and demonstrating a need in your community, and crafting a plan that meets both the organizational and primary audience needs. The session will also include an overview of Minnesota’s LSTA plan and World’s Best Workforce legislation, which shape the types of projects we are able to support.

ConnectED Library Challenge in Minnesota
Friday, September 30, 1:45-2:45 p.m.
Co-presented by Jen Nelson, Katherine Debertin, Marcus Lowry and Marika Staloch
Putting library cards in the hands of kids pays dividends to public libraries, schools and students. Over the last year, three of Minnesota’s public libraries accepted the White House ConnectEd Library Challenge to give every student a library card. ConnectEd supports student learning by providing with wide access to library programs and resources, including rich, digital content, through school partnerships with libraries. At the same time, a 2015 change in Minnesota statutes created a new opportunity for libraries and schools to share information to ease the process. Join colleagues from Ramsey County, Hennepin County and Saint Paul public libraries and learn about their successful projects as part of the challenge. State Library Services staff will also be on hand to provide information about working with schools around student data. Together, we can help to close the academic achievement gap by providing ready access to library resources to all students.

Academic, General, Public, School Media Specialist, Special

State Library Update: 12/22/15

MDELogoAttend an Upcoming Tax Resources for Libraries Webinar
The 2016 tax season is coming up quickly! To help libraries serve their communities during the tax season, State Library Services and the Minnesota Department of Revenue invite you to attend the Resources for Libraries webinar on Thursday, January 14, 2016 from 10-11 a.m.

The webinar will cover:
– Minnesota Department of Revenue updates
– Common Minnesota credits
– Important tax dates
– Identity theft
– Free tax preparation sites
– Helpful resources
– Q&A

Please join the WebEx meeting online and call in at 1-888-742-5095 (toll-free) or 1-619-377-3319 using meeting number 594 801 277. The webinar will be recorded. Please contact Emily Kissane (651-582-8805) with questions or to request the recording link.

Minnesota Public Library Report Update
Thank you to everyone who completed our data element questionnaire. Your feedback informs State Library Services about what information is useful and not a burden to collect for the annual Public Library Report.

Seventy-one public library directors, survey filers and other stakeholders responded. As a result of that feedback, the 2015 survey will add questions about library boards and summer reading programs. Public use indicators for duration of wireless sessions and number of full text retrievals from databases will not be included this year. Libraries will report branch daily hours by number of hours rather than opening and closing times.

The 2015 survey opens in early February. Instructions and documentation will be updated to include all the changes for this year, including definitions for electronic resources. If you did not have the opportunity to complete the questionnaire or have questions or concerns about the Public Library Report, please contact Joe Manion (651-582-8640).

Calling All Kid Filmmakers!
Know some imaginative kids? 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, 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. The second annual Minnesota screening of the best local entries is on Saturday, February 27, 2016, from 3:00-4:30 pm at Hennepin County Library – Minneapolis Central. Make your free reservation here. Co-hosts of the event will be James Kennedy (90-Second Newbery founder and middle grade author of The Order of Odd-Fish) and Kelly Barnhill (Minneapolis author of The Witch’s Boy). Please download and print a promotional poster to help spread the word about this popular event. For more details, please contact Jen Verbrugge (651-582-8356).

Save the Date—Libraries Serving Youth Meetup
The Meetup is an annual opportunity for school librarians and public librarians to meet, network and share ideas. We invite you to join us at MDE on Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn about serving diverse audiences from author/librarian Cathy Camper and get creative ideas from colleagues. Registration opens February 16, 2016. Stay tuned to the State Library Services website and this listserv for more information.

Upcoming Minnesota Literacy Council AmeriCorps Opportunities
The Minnesota Literacy Council (MLC) is recruiting organizational partners for the Summer Reads VISTA program. If your library offers summer learning for children entering grades K-4 and you’d like to benefit from highly-skilled tutors, check the MLC website for more details. For questions, please contact Meghan Paul-Cook (651-251-9069).

MLC has a second VISTA program, Literacy VISTA, which provides full-time, year-round VISTA members to work behind the scenes on creating, expanding or improving literacy-focused programming for children, youth, adults or families. For more info, visit the website, attend an information session (attendance required prior to applying) and contact Ellen Bergstrom (651-251-9151). Organizations may host both a Literacy VISTA and Summer Reads VISTA.

We wish you a happy and safe holiday season!

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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