NLC ommunicatorAugust '99 Vol.13 No.8 ISSN 0895-0806 phone: 402-471-2045, 800-307-2665
Timely information from the Nebraska Library Commission
NLC ommunicator
[Announcements]
On July 15, applications for library accreditation were mailed to all unaccredited libraries, and all libraries with accreditation expiring this year. Applications are due back at the Library Commission by September 1. Accredited libraries are eligible for direct state aid and to apply for federal and state grants.
Library Journal is compiling data for the December 1999 Architectural Issue. Nebraska libraries with new construction or remodeling projects to report should contact Sally Snyder at the Nebraska Library Commission, 402-471-4003 or 800-307-2665, e-mail: Sally Snyder. The completion date for these projects should be between July 1, 1998 and June 30, 1999. There are two forms to fill out with information about referenda on library building projects and library operating fund increases. The deadline for completed forms is October 4.
The Nebraska Library Association (NLA) Scholarship Committee is planning a silent auction at the 1999 NLA/Nebraska Educational Media Association (NEMA) Conference in Lincoln to raise money for the Louise A. Nixon Scholarship fund. This scholarship supports full or part-time students pursuing graduate degrees in library science or school library media. The committee is soliciting cash donations and items to be donated for the silent auction scheduled for October 21, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Cornhusker Hotel. To make a cash contribution, send it to the committee chair, Nancy Busch, Nebraska Library Commission, 1200 N Street, Suite 120, Lincoln, NE. For more information about the scholarship, see: www.nol.org/home/NLA/nlascholars.html. To contribute an item to the silent auction, send or take it to the Library Commission (see above) or your System office.
Web-based Mini-courses are now available on the Library Commission home page. Commission staff plan and provide many workshops and training sessions for Nebraska library staff. Web-based mini-courses are one more way to help librarians plan for the future, develop policies, and continue their education. Mini-courses address topics and issues that library staff encounter in the daily operations of the library. Topics for Web-Based mini-courses include The Internet and Intellectual Freedom, The Internet and Internet for Reference, and Reach Out!-Using Electronic Resources to Serve Your Community. Participants receive continuing education credit hours to be used toward recertification in the Public Librarian or Board Certification Program. These mini-courses are designed to educate librarians to help promote Libraries for the 21st Century. Access the mini-courses at the Commission home page, nlc.nebraska.gov/, search on Mini-Courses.
The Paraprofessional Section of the Nebraska Library Association (NLA) is now accepting nominations for the Paraprofessional of the Year Award, given annually to a paraprofessional who has demonstrated outstanding service to the library field. For a nomination form, criteria, and list of past recipients, see www.nol.org/home/NLA/paraofyear.html. For a print copy contact Mary Geibel, Paraprofessional Section Citations Committee Chair, Nebraska Library Commission, The Atrium, 1200 N Street, Suite 120, Lincoln, NE 68508-2023, e-mail: Mary Geibel, fax: 402-471-2083. Nominations are due September 15.
On September 17 and 18, Oglala Lakota College and Chadron State College (CSC) will co-host the 1999 Nebraska Literature Festival on the campus of Chadron State College. The theme, "Crossing Borders: Geographical, Ethnic, and Literary Frontiers in Plains Literature," acknowledges and celebrates the interstate cooperation behind the 1999 Festival. Artists from several states, working in various formats and representing diverse cultures, will come together to read, act, discuss, and perform during the festivities. Everyone is welcome and registration is free. For more information, see Announcements on the Library Commission home page, nlc.nebraska.gov/. For program details (as they are available) or to register for a Friday morning writing workshop, contact Andrew Elkins, Dept of Language and Literature, 1000 Main St., Chadron State College, Chadron NE, 69337, 308-432-6307 or 308-432-2047, e-mail: <aelkins@csc.edu>.
The Library Commission maintains the State Government Publications Online Web site, nlc.nebraska.gov/docs/pilot/pilot.html, as part of the Nebraska Publications Clearinghouse Service mission to provide access to Nebraska state government publications. New publications were posted to the site between January 1 and June 30. A search feature is provided for keyword access to words in agency and publication names. Suggestions for updates and additions are welcome.
In July, the U.S. Department of Commerce released Falling Through the Net: Defining the Digital Divide. The report finds that while the number of Americans connected to the nation's information infrastructure is soaring, a digital divide exists and is widening. Minorities, low-income persons, the less educated, and children of single parent households (particularly when they reside in rural areas or central cities) are among the groups that lack access to information resources. The report calls for public policies and private initiatives to expand affordable access to critical information resources. One of the solutions can be found at the school and public library. The report notes that "community access centers" such as libraries, schools and other public access points play an important role. The 1998 data demonstrate that community access centers are particularly well used by those groups who lack access at home or at work. The report can be seen at: www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/digitaldivide/.
Remember to take a few days to celebrate Vision and Learning Month in August. A celebration toward the end of the month can also serve as a back-to-school activity. The American Foundation for Vision Awareness is partnering with the Library Commission to offer public libraries an opportunity to be involved with activities celebrating the important relationship between vision and learning. For a packet of materials contact Neil Powell of See-to-Learn, 402-474-2242, e-mail: <neilson1@webtv.net> by August 15. The packet includes suggested activities, a copy of a Proclamation, a booklist, a press release, stickers, bookmarks, and coupons for free vision assessments for three-year-olds. Specify number of bookmarks, stickers, and coupons needed.
A reminder for Nebraska public librarians: Mail the summer reading program evaluation by September 1 to Mary Jackson, Nebraska Library Commission, The Atrium, 1200 N Street, Suite 120, Lincoln, NE 68508-2023. The evaluation is in the "Treasure Your Library" summer reading manual on page 45.
September is Library Card Sign-up Month. The theme is, "Library cards connect kids, parents to learning, fun." Library Card Sign-up Month is a reminder that today, more than ever, a library card connects children to a range of resources. Nebraska librarians are encouraged to join the American Library Association and libraries across the country in sponsoring teach-ins, displays, and other activities. More information about Library Card Sign-up Month can be found at www.ala.org/librarycard/.
If you do not have access to the Internet World Wide Web, contact Mary Geibel, 402-471-2045 or 800-307-2665, e-mail: Mary Geibel for print information about the previous announcements.
Preparation of this newsletter was supported in part by funds allocated through the Library Services and Technology Act administered by the United States Institute of Museum and Library Services.
[Continuing Education & Training]
The Database Road Show
(Earlier sessions are full.)
Nebraska State Data Center 10th Annual Summer Conference
August 26, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Boys Town Conference Center, 144th and Pacific, Omaha.Basic Skills/Collection Development
Alliance: September 1 and October 5, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Alliance Public Library.NEBASE Annual Meeting
September 10, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Nebraska Center for Continuing Education, 33rd and Holdrege Streets, Lincoln.
