USDA Funding Opportunities for Rural Libraries

USDA Rural Development has funding available to assist libraries in rural areas (populations less than 20,000) with expansions, renovations, new construction, energy efficiency improvement projects and equipment purchases. Funds are made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Join Troy Gagner, from Nebraska USDA Rural Development, to learn about the funding opportunities available to Nebraska libraries.

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The 2010 Winter Olympics will be starting on Feb. 12, 2010 in Vancouver and Karen Drevo, from Norfolk Public Library, has created some Bookmarks to highlight some of the associated websites. http://nlc.nebraska.gov/reserve/2010WINTEROLYMPICSbookmarks.pdf. Thanks Karen

Remember the Baby-Sitters Club?

According to an article in the December 30, 2009 New York Times book section, Scholastic is planning to re-release “The Baby-Sitters Club” by Ann M. Martin. She has written one new book, a prequel titled The Summer Before which will be released on April 1. They have “slightly revised” the first two books in the series to gear them to the 7-10 age range and update some older terminology. Here’s a link to the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/31/books/31babysitters.html

Right now I’m reading another book from the library: Double Eagle by Sneed B. Collard III. Michael, 13 or 14, is spending the summer of 1973 with his father on a small island off Alabama. A salvage ship is looking for treasure nearby, and Mike would really like to know what they have found. Mike and his new friend, Kyle, make a surprising discovery at the old fort, and the salvagers may want what they found. A good adventure story for this summer’s “Make Waves @ your library” theme.

One Book One Nebraska 2010 invites citizens across the state to read The Home Place, by Wright Morris, a native of Central City, Nebraska. This “photo-text” is an account in first-person narrative and photographs of the one-day visit of Clyde Muncy to “the home place” at Lone Tree, Nebraska.

We know that library involvement is the key to success of our Nebraska statewide reading efforts. We also know that the staff and volunteers of Nebraska public libraries are very busy with a variety of library services and reading promotion activities. We continue to request your input into the resources and tools that can help libraries bring communities together through literature by hosting reading and discussion activities.

Is your library interested in celebrating One Book One Nebraska 2010 by reading The Home Place by Wright Morris? Please take a look and the Website, http://centerforthebook.nebraska.gov/onebook/2010/and comment below with suggestions and ideas for tools that might help you with reading/discussion activities and other events.

Thanks, Mary Jo Ryan

If you’re a Twitter user you may have noticed that this week you might have been forced to change your password. Why? Because so many people use the same password for multiple sites that Twitter was getting hacked as a result. Turns out that so nefarious people were setting up other sites that required users to create usernames and passwords specifically to collect those passwords and try using them on other sites! Please, please, please, do not use the same password on more than one site!

Use a password generator, store your passwords in some secure software or Web site, create a passphrase that you can modify on a site-by-site basis. I don’t care how you do it, just use a different password on different sites. Still going to be lazy about this? Then at least use a different password on the really important stuff like your bank account.

Cross-posted on the ITART blog, The Travelin’ Librarian, and the NLC blog.

For a few years now I've been recommending Windows Steady State be installed on public access computers. Steady State was a free program from Microsoft that did the same thing as the more costly DeepFreeze and Centurion products that many libraries are familiar with. All three programs allowed you to set up your computer the way you wanted it, and then lock that computer so that no matter what a user did, no changes survived a reboot. In fact, I liked Steady State so much we use it here in the computer lab at the Commission.

Then, Monday morning I checked my voice mail and had a message from a Nebraska librarian asking me what she should use instead of Steady State on her new Windows 7 computers since Steady State won't work. What? This was news to me, so I dove in to the Google to see what I could find out. The simple answer was that this is correct. Windows Steady State is not, nor will ever be supported by Windows 7. It will continue to work on XP and Vista, but 7 is out.

While researching this, I did discover that in early beta versions of Windows 7 Microsoft had actually integrated Steady State into the OS and called it Guest Mode. (This is different from a Guest Account which I'll discuss shortly.) This idea was a wonderful solution in my opinion. Then, when the first release candidate (RC1) was available, users discovered that Guest Mode had been removed, never to be seen again. (Bad Microsoft!)

So, the question still stands: what to do about security on new Windows 7 computers? Well, you've basically got two options.

Option #1: Purchase either DeepFreeze or Centurion. Both are now software only as Centurion does not make or support the key-based hardware version any more. I've personally used DeepFreeze in the past and have found it easy to use. I have not personally used Centurion but have not ever heard any serious complaints. For 10 computers DeepFreeze will run you less than $300 and for Centurion I was unable to find any pricing on the Web site. My recommendation: do with whichever costs less.

Option #2: Have your users log in using the Guest Account. A Guest Account will give you all the security you'll ever need. However, unlike Steady State, DeepFreeze or Centurion, you will not be able to customize this account at all. No setting the wallpaper, no customizing desktop icons, no nothing. It'll work and it won't cost a dime, but it will not necessarily look the way you want your computers to look.

As always your comments and suggestions on this topic are welcome. If you've got an option that you think I've missed, please share it in the comments below.

In cooperation with NetLibrary and Lyrasis, the Nebraska Library Commission is pleased to announce the launch of the NetLibrary Shared Collection 9!

About the Shared Collection 9: The 9th Shared Collection opened in January 2010. Projected to include 2,500 to 3,000 titles, this collection continues the tradition of Lyrasis regional shared purchasing of front list titles and post-2000 imprints newly available in electronic format. The collection is projected to include content from leading publishers such as McGraw-Hill, Oxford University Press, AMACOM, Taylor & Francis, and university presses. Content will be available later in 2010, depending on member participation.

For more information about this collection, including pricing and ordering instructions, go to our NetLibrary Shared Collection 9 web site.

To learn more about NetLibrary, including background information on past shared collections (e.g., title lists, participants) go to our NetLibrary Consortium Information web site.

Gayle from the Sargent Township Library recently sent me the following questions. Since I thought that others would benefit from her questions and my answers she graciously gave me her permission to repost it all here.

Michael.

We use a wireless router at our library that is currently unsecured. I would like to be able to keep it that way so that anyone with a laptop can have access. The problem is that we have 3 desktop computers that are not wireless and attached to the wireless router with an Ethernet cable. I have always assumed that the desktops are secure because we are not using them wirelessly. Now I have learned that they are not secure. Is there a way to secure the desktops so that people can do their income taxes and internet banking? Could some hacker be able to control our router and obtain all of their passwords? Also, even my computer is attached to the same wireless router.

Gayle,

From the sounds of it you have nothing to worry about. However, there are points you do need to be aware of so please bare with me while I write this all out…

As I understand it you have the following setup:

• Some public access desktop computers connected to a router via Ethernet cables
• That router also accepts unsecured wireless connections from public laptops
• That router then connects all of these computers to your library’s internet connection

Assuming all this here are the three areas that need to be considered:

WiFi access:
The security issue here is the over-the-air signal between the laptop and the router. In a home situation you would want to secure that connection with a password which then encrypts (scrambles) the signal while it’s in the air. When it’s scrambled two things are prevented. The first is that no one can read the signal if they pick it out of the air. Second, it prevents your neighbors from using your internet connection since they don’t know the password. This is what you should do for “non public” WiFi connections. In your case you’re offering public WiFi access. In this case you do not want to secure the connection with a password. If you did you would have to give anyone who wanted to connect the password and once many people have it, it no longer provides security. (It would be like locking your house but then giving anyone who asked a key.) As a result, your WiFi policy should mention that this is an insecure connection. As to whether people should be doing things like banking and taxes over an insecure connection needs to be left up to the user. (If the URL of the site their on starts with “HTTPS” then the site is handling security and it generally be considered OK but some will still be uncomfortable.)

The desktops:
Since the connection to the Internet through the router is done over cable, there is no over-the-air signal to be intercepted and therefore the general concerns with WiFi do not exist. There are still some issues to be considered. For the users, they should still look for the “HTTPS” URLs when doing financial things on any computer. Also, computers and browsers tend to remember information input by the users. Your computers should have some sort of security software that will prevent this information from being kept. (I can address this in another e-mail if you’d like.) From the library’s point of view, all file-sharing should be turned off on public access computers unless you have a specific need. This will limit the ability of anyone on the outside being able to access these computers remotely.

The router:
Since all of the information from both the desktops and the WiFi go through this device, it is a central point where security also needs to be considered. All you can really do here is to make sure that the Router has a strong administrative password set on it which will prevent anyone from logging into the router and changing its settings.

Some of the free programs coming up in February are:

See a list of programs and particulars on the NEW "Free Webinars" page.

Thanks to our friend Jamie Marcus at the Wyoming State Library for compiling a list.

On January 27th, NetLibrary released a new holds feature that will allow users to place popular eBooks and eAudiobooks on reserve. With this enhancement, users will be able to:

• Place hold requests for titles that are already checked out by other users
• View their place in line for each item, or cancel hold at any time
• Receive e-mail notification when the content is available for check-out

Holds are available to all libraries that purchase content from NetLibrary. Users will be able to request a hold for up to 40 titles, with 2 days to check out titles once they become available. When the holds feature is initially released, functionality will be activated for eAudiobook content only. To activate holds for eBooks, e-mail OCLC’s Customer Service Department at support@oclc.org

Holds management, including the ability to turn holds on and off for each content type, modify the number of hold per patron, and view reports on popular titles held each month, will be available through the Library Resource Center in summer 2010.

With over 200,000 eBooks and 10,000 eAudiobooks available in the NetLibrary catalog and a growing number compatible with portable devices including mobile phones, laptops, iPods and iPhones, this new feature will enhance the user experience and increase circulation and management of NetLibrary content.

News About Rick Riordan

The first book in Rick Riordan’s new series, The Kane Chronicles, Book One: The Red Pyramid will be released on May 4, 2010. It features a brother, Carter, and his younger sister, Sadie, who will face Egyptian gods in the present day. Riordan says the characters will age with the series. In the first book, Carter is 14 and Sadie is 12. The publisher plans to release one book a year for a total of three books (unless he decides to write more). The 11/5/09 Publisher’s Weekly has a article on the series, visit: http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6705617.html

The article also mentions that his next Camp Half Blood series will debut in the fall of this year. An earlier article (4/2/08) stated it would debut in 2011, so we will have to wait and see if they have moved up the date. I’m looking forward to them both!

After finishing The Monstumologist (good, but gruesome!) I needed something different, so I just finished Gauge, book two of “The Dragons of Wayward Crescent” by Chris D’Lacey. Lucy’s mother makes dragons and other things to sell from clay. Every once in a while she uses a very special item on the small clay dragon she is creating, and it comes alive to help the household. Fun for readers grades 2-4. Who wouldn’t want a special dragon (or five) in their house?

Presenting Data in Meaningful and Interesting Ways

You’ve gathered data to support the case you’re making. But how can you present that data so that the audience understands—and more—is grabbed by it? John Felton, Nebraska Library Commission Planning and Data Services Coordinator, offers some tips and techniques to make your data lift off the page and capture your audience.

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If you purchase Nebraska newspaper microfilm for your library from the Nebraska State Historical Society, note the change in their duplication policy outlined below. A complete listing of NSHS access and duplication charges can be found on their web site at http://www.nebraskahistory.org/lib-arch/services/refrence/fees_duplication_access.pdf

Notice Regarding Microfilm
Duplication Services
From the Nebraska State Historical Society

As of March 1, 2010, there will be a change in microfilm duplication services. We will continue to offer silver halide microfilm as a duplicate copy at $70/reel. Because of a change in pricing from the vendor, we will no longer offer diazo duplicate microfilm. Silver halide is archival quality and is the best choice for library use. With this in mind and with the pricing increase that would be necessitated if we continued to offer diazo duplicates, we have decided to implement a silver halide only duplication policy. This change will affect all orders including standing patron orders. Thank you for your continued support and effort in preserving Nebraska history.

Andrea I. Faling
Associate Director, Library/Archives

Mary Woltemath
Curator Assistant, Library/Archives
Microfilm Department
(402)-471-4776

ALA Book Awards

Welcome to the first of what I plan to be weekly blog entries about my perspective of goings on in the book world, from articles in library journals to whatever book I am reading that week. Let me know your opinion of the titles I mention by adding your comment to the appropriate entry.

The ALA book awards were announced this week, visit: http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/news/pressreleases2010/january2010/ymawrap2010.cfm
or see the Commission’s announcements page for the winners), and I was pleased to notice that one of the Honor Books for the Printz Award, The Monstumologist by Rick Yancy, is the title I checked out of the library last week. (I can’t be too smug because I did not check out the Printz winner, or the Newbery winner, etc.)

The main character, Will Henry, is 12 and is the assistant to Dr. Warthrop, a monstrumologist: one who studies and defeats various monsters in the world. A knock at the door in the middle of the night begins this adventure when a local grave robber brings in a strange and fearsome dead creature. The monstrumologist is certain there are more such creatures and they must be destroyed as soon as possible.

It already has offered a couple of scary places that make me happy to be reading it during the day (I am easily scared!), still I can’t wait to know what will happen. I wish it had a drawing of one of the Anthrpophagi they are after, but maybe my imagination is enough. It will appeal to readers who like things a little scary and Rick Yancy is a proven story teller, his Alfred Kropp books are such fun. Visit his website at: http://www.rickyancey.com/

The Nebraska Library Commission is offering a group discount to all Nebraska librarians who attend the Computers in Libraries 2010 conference. The conference is planned for April 12-14, at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, VA. Detailed information about the conference can be found on the conference web page .

The price of the conference with the discount is $244.00 for the three-day event (April 12-14). This is more than a 50 percent savings off the regular price. No discount rates are available for the pre- or post-conference seminars and workshops.

In addition, discount prices of $109.00 on the Internet@Schools East conference and $244.00 for the combo of Internet@Schools East and Computers in Libraries general conference are also available.

To register for the conference, print off and complete the CIL 2010 Registration Form. Mail the completed form to Sue Biltoft at the address below. Payment must accompany your registration form (checks or credit cards payable to Information Today, Inc.) To receive the discount your registration MUST be sent to the Nebraska Library Commission. Completed registration forms must be received by February 26, 2010.

Sue Biltoft
Nebraska Library Commission
1200 N St., Suite 120
Lincoln, NE 68508-2023
Phone: 402-471-4009 or 800-307-2665

LearningExpress LLC, the company behind LearningExpress Library, a collection of test preparation and skill building tools subscribed to by a number of Nebraska libraries, recently began promoting a brand new service: Job & Career Accelerator. To introduce Job & Career Accelerator to the Nebraska market, LearningExpress LLC is offering Nebraska libraries free trial access to the new service through February 15, 2010.

Product Description: Job & Career Accelerator integrates everything patrons need to conduct a successful job search, all in one easy-to-use online application. Interactive wizards guide patrons through each step of the process, from exploring suitable occupations and finding available jobs to preparing targeted resumes and improving critical job search skills. In addition, the personalized Job Search Portfolio allows job seekers to plan, tailor, and track multiple job searches at the same time while providing easy access to all their saved information. The end result is the most efficient and effective job search possible. Job & Career Accelerator features:

• Easy-to-Use Online Interface: The Getting Started tutorial helps job-seekers become familiar with the job search process. The intuitive wizard-based design guides users through the search process, step-by-step.
• Personalized Career Guidance: Questionnaires and career-oriented skills and interests assessments provide personalized career recommendations based on individual responses.
• Occupational Exploration: Over 1,000 Occupational Profiles allow users to explore and compare occupations in detail including salaries, expected growth, key responsibilities, education requirements, and more
• Real-Time Job Postings: An integrated database of over 5 million up-to-date job listings, aggregated from leading job boards, classified ads, and other web sites, delivers targeted job openings based on occupational interests and desired locations
• Focus and Organization: Filtering and ranking functionality for industries, occupations, and geographic locations allows job seekers to hone in on occupations and job listings of most interest for a focused and effective job search.
• Superior Preparation: Robust resume and cover letter wizards allow job-seekers to easily create professional and targeted resumes in multiple formats, and interactive tutorials and tips help them master interviewing techniques, establish professional networks and improve business communications skills, and more.
• Tracking and Monitoring Dashboards: The Job Search Portfolio allows users to access all their saved information in one easy-to-access dashboard, and enables them to organize, plan, and track the entire application process using personal wizards and checklists.
• Prescriptive Learning: For subscribers to LearningExpress LibraryTM, Job & Career AcceleratorTM is fully integrated to provide recommended learning paths, such as adult basic skills tutorials, GED preparation, and career certification/licensing test preparation resources, based on occupational requirements and user profile data.
• Always On: This Web-based application is accessible 24/7 from any internet-enabled computer.

For more product information and an online demonstration of Job & Career Accelerator, see www.learningexpressllc.com/accelerator.

Trial Dates: January 11, 2010 through February 15, 2010

Trial URL: http://www.learningexpresslibrary.com

Trial Access Instructions: Trial access instructions were distributed via a January 11, 2010 message to the TRIAL mailing list. If you did not receive this information or would like to have it sent to you again please email Susan Knisely

The Governor's State of the State Address (also known as the Budget Speech) will be broadcast live from the NET web site Thursday January 14th at 10 am. To view the webcast go to the NET Public Media site and click on the Main Legislative Chamber Link.
http://www.netnebraska.org/publicmedia/capitol.html

We are grateful to Kathy Tooker at the Eastern Library System for donating the following book club kits to our collection:

The Big Four by Agatha Christie
10 Copies

Chinhominey's Secret by Nancy Kim
11 copies

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
15 copies

Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters
13 copies

Disobedience by Jane Hamilton
12 copies

Enslaved by Ducks by Bob Tarte
12 copies

Everywhere That Mary Went by Lisa Scottoline
11 copies

Gravity by Tess Gerritsen
13 copies

Hanna's Daughters by Marianne Fredriksson
11 copies

The Leopard by Giusseppe di Lampedusa
9 copies

Mona in the Promised Land by Gish Jen
12 copies

Seven Sisters by Earlene Fowler
11 copies

All of our book club kits can be viewed here: http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/ref/bookclubkits.html/. Please contact us to make a reservation!

Monthly grants of $1000 will be awarded in 2010 to libraries in the “We Love Libraries” lottery from Sisters in Crime, the organization which promotes women crime writers. Just fill out the entry form and upload a photo of a library staffer with three books in your collection by Sisters in Crime members. The list of members is available on the SinC Website.