NCompass Podcast

Episode 157: Learning4Life: AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:47:16 GMT

Learn how to use Web 2.0 tools and other technologies to differentiate instruction while addressing the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Learning4Life standards of collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving. Open source applications such as Xtranormal, Juxio, Prezi, and Make Beliefs Comix will be demonstrated. Samples of student projects using these technologies will also be presented along with ways to integrate into the curriculum. Presenters: Judy Henning, Kearney Public Schools and Dr. Sherry Crow, UNK.

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Episode 156: SOPA and PIPA: What Libraries Need to Know

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:41:02 GMT

Have you heard of SOPA? How about PIPA? SOPA is the Stop Online Piracy Act and PIPA is the Protect IP Act. Both were bills attempting to fight copyright infringement and online piracy, and both have been postponed. But that doesn’t mean they’re gone for good. Brandon Butler, from the Library Copyright Alliance and Director of Public Policy Initiatives, Association of Research Libraries, will tell us what SOPA and PIPA are, how they came about, what's next now that they’ve both been shelved, and how all of this affects libraries.

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Episode 155: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers: Presentation Skills

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:20:21 GMT

This month’s tech talk will feature three librarians experienced in public speaking each talking about what they feel is important in delivering a great presentation. Some of their advice will focus on the technology involved, while others will focus on the softer skills that every public speaker needs. Our three presenters will be Jezmynne Dene, Director of the Portneuf (ID) District Library, Jenica Rogers, Director of Libraries at SUNY Potsdam, and David Lee King, Digital Branch & Services Manager at the Topeka & Shawnee County (KS) Public Library.

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Episode 154: Discovery tools? You Can Compete with Google

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:09:00 GMT

Discovery tools that can be customized for your library can be a powerful alternative to Web search engines like Google. Dee Ann Allison, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, will show you how libraries can customize these tools to provide an Information Portal that brings together the best resources for our communities.

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Episode 153: Linked Data and Libraries: What? Why? How?

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:52:21 GMT

In October of 2011, the Library of Congress released a statement outlining its efforts to move away from the MARC 21 format and toward another carrier for library data. According to the statement, "Linked Data principles and mechanisms" will be the focus of this project. You may be wondering, what is Linked Data? What could it mean for our library catalogs? How do we create Linked Data? In this session, Emily Nimsakont, the NLC’s Cataloging Librarian, will answer those questions and more.

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Episode 152: New Opportunities to Retain Wealth in Nebraska Communities: Transfer of Wealth Study

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:43:02 GMT

In 2002, the Nebraska Community Foundation published the first statewide, county-by-county Transfer of Wealth study in the nation. Now, that pioneering study has been refreshed with 2010 Census data and updated methodology. According to the new study, about $230 billion will pass from one generation to the next in rural Nebraska over the next 50 years. Retaining even a small portion of that wealth for philanthropic purposes close to home is an historic opportunity for our state and for people who care deeply about the places they call home. Jeff Yost, President and CEO of the Nebraska Community Foundation, will address the new study and the massive opportunity it presents for building strong communities across Nebraska.

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Episode 151: Tech Talk - A Conversation with The Librarian in Black

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:23:26 GMT

In this month’s Tech Talk we’ll be speaking with Sarah Houghton, the Librarian in Black and Assistant Director for the San Rafael Public Library, about a wide range of topics involving libraries and technology.

In this monthly feature of NCompass Live, the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Michael Sauers, will discuss the tech news of the month and share new and exciting tech for your library. There will also be plenty of time in each episode for you to ask your tech questions. So, bring your questions with you, or send them in ahead of time, and Michael will have your answers.

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Episdoe 150: Five Thoughts on the Future of Search

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:58:53 GMT

Michael Sauers talks about what he thinks is important when it comes to the future of search for a class at the Syracuse University iSchool.

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Episode 149: Best Youth Books of 2011

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:43:56 GMT

Sally Snyder; Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services at the NLC, will give brief book talks of new titles you may, or may not, have heard about and that could be good additions to your library’s collection. Titles starting with teens and going back through preschool age will be highlighted.

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Episode 148: Brave New World (Wide Web): Job hunting in the 21st Century

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:33:20 GMT

Learn about the importance of effectively using LinkedIn and Twitter to connect and make job contacts, set up alerts, volunteer for projects, and other activities that just a few years ago were not part of this process. Job hunting has changed, and if you haven't changed with it, you and your library customers are likely to miss opportunities.

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Episode 147: Gates Foundation Opportunity Online Hardware Grant Program

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:11:43 GMT

In 2009, 37 Nebraska libraries began participating in the last round of hardware grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – the Opportunity Online Hardware Grant. The grant wraps up this year, and they’d like to share what they’ve learned as they went through this grant process. Come hear some of the participating libraries talk about advocacy, fundraising, promotion, and sustainability. And learn their tips and tricks for other libraries considering participating in a grant like this.

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Episode 146: Mental Health Resources – A conversation about the website Network of Care

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:04:04 GMT

Join Marty Magee, National Network/Libraries of Medicine, and Theresa Sullivan, National Alliance on Mental Illness - Nebraska, to learn about Network of Care, a website of community-based resources and tools for seniors, people with disabilities, caregivers and service providers.

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Episode 145: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers: Fayetteville Free Library Fab Lab

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:13:03 GMT

From "The Public Library, Completely Reimagined": Earlier this year, MAKE Magazine’s Phillip Torrone wrote a provocative article asking "Is it time to rebuild and retool libraries and make ‘techshops’?" In other words, should libraries join some of the other new community centers that are being created and become "hackerspaces" or "makerspaces"? "Yes!", says librarian Lauren Smedley, who is in the process of creating what might just be the first maker-space within a U.S. public library. The Fayetteville Free Library where Smedley works is building a Fab Lab — short for fabrication laboratory — that will provide free public access to machines and software for manufacturing and making things.

In this month’s Tech Talk we’ll be speaking with the creator of that Fab Lab, Lauren Smedley, about just how this idea came about, what it took to implement it, and what the reaction has been so far.

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Episode 144: Hey Kids! Look What We’ve Got!: Effective Marketing to Tweens and Teens

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:03:07 GMT

With the library taking a much deeper look at marketing itself in order to bring in patrons, this program will look specifically at the Teens and Tweens of the community and present effective means of marketing to them. Since this is a traditionally under served population in the library, we will be looking at what the research has to say for marketing to this group, as well as our own experiences with marketing to Teens and Tweens. Presented by Jake Rundle, Hastings Public Library.

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Episode 143: Everything I Learned About Library Collaboration, I Learned from You

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:45:04 GMT

Presented by Jo Budler, Kansas State Librarian.
Prior to her appointment in Kansas, she served as the Ohio State Librarian, and earlier as the deputy state librarian for the Library of Michigan. Jo is a former Nebraskan and was the director of Network Services and NEBASE at the Nebraska Library Commission. She holds a master’s in library science and a master’s of fine arts in Writers’ Workshop, both from the University of Iowa.
She received national attention in the eBook arena for negotiations with OverDrive regarding fees that she felt were “unreasonable, unsustainable and unacceptable” which has resulted in exploration of a beta product with another vendor.

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Episode 142: Volunteers, A Link to the Community

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:18:04 GMT

Volunteers come from the community to serve, and go back into the community as ambassadors of the library. Annette Hall, TBBS Volunteer Services Coordinator, will show how you can plan every step of their volunteer experience to be the best it can be -- from recruitment, selection, and training to supervision, evaluation, and recognition.

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Episode 141: Teach Them Where They Are: Online Learning for Patrons

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:33:44 GMT

For the past five years, libraries around the world have been training their staffs about online tools using the "23 Things" model. Over the past two years, Jennifer Koerber of the Boston Public Library has been developing a way to bring that kind of online training to library users as well. In this week's session, Koerber will present one model for an informal online learning program for patrons & the general public. She will examine the possibilities and pitfalls, look at organizational tools that can scale to a large, diverse participant base, and show off the pilot program recently launched by the Boston Public Library. You'll come away with relevant examples from the past few years, the latest developments, and ideas for bringing online learning to your library.

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Episode 140: Growing Our Future, Community Engagement

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:37:14 GMT

UNO believes part of our future lies in looking farther than our own campus for new partners. By being accessible to not only the academic community, but also to the wider Omaha community, we are building a bridge to our future. UNO has a history as the Omaha metropolitan university and being very active in the community. To that end, Criss Library has formed a community engagement link with Girls Inc. of Omaha and the UNO Teachers Education Department library science classes to create functional libraries for both the north and south campuses of Girls Inc. This session will detail the first steps already taken in this three year agreement and will offer ideas to other libraries how they, too, can build a future with their wider community.

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Episode 139: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers - Live from Internet Librarian!

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:55:42 GMT

This episode of Tech Talk was broadcast live from the Internet Librarian 2011 conference, in Monterey, California. Joining Michael Sauers to discuss their experiences at Internet Librarian: Rudy Leon, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Jezmynne Dene, Portneuf District Library (ID); Shirley Biladeau, Idaho Commission for Libraries; Jennifer Koerber, Boston Public Library; and Donna Hopkins, Champion Technologies (TX).

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Episode 138: The Nebraska Library Commission: Supporting Education for Librarians

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:26:24 GMT

The Nebraska Library Commission supports education for librarians by providing programs, but also by providing scholarships and grants to aid individuals in furthering their professional education. Kathryn Brockmeier and Laura Johnson will discuss the NLC scholarship program and the Continuing Education and Training Grants for 2012.

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Continuing Education and Training Grants 2011 (SlideShare)
Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Scholarships (SlideShare)

Episode 137: Benchmarks and Funding for Library Technology

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:38:38 GMT

This week we have two speakers from our recent Technology Planning Summer Camp to share their presentations from the event held in August.

Mary Jo Ryan, NLC Communications Coordinator, will give an introduction to the unprecedented national coalition that has formed to design and pilot a series of public access technology benchmarks for public libraries. The coalition will develop guidelines that define quality technology services at libraries and how to continuously improve them to motivate local re-investment in public technology access at libraries. Then Richard Miller, NLC Library Development Director, will discuss the importance of local fund raising for keeping technology as up-to-date as possible, and how that can be achieved with the establishment of a sinking fund.

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The Public Access Technology Benchmarks Initiative (SlideShare)
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Episode 136: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers: TechAtlas for Libraries

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:20:21 GMT

This session will explore how the free TechAtlas for Libraries service can help you with everything from starting your technology plan to managing your technology inventory. In this session we'll be demoing the planning tool, the inventory tool, and the event tracker. In this monthly feature of NCompass Live, the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Michael Sauers, will discuss the tech news of the month and share new and exciting tech for your library.

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Episode 135: CatExpress and WebDewey Group Discounts

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:19:14 GMT

OCLC CatExpress provides web-based copy cataloging, with complete MARC records, at a low, flat-fee subscription price. WebDewey offers web-based access to enhanced versions of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) database, based on DDC 23 and Abridged Edition 14. Christa Burns, NLC Special Projects Librarian, and Emily Nimsakont, NLC Cataloging Librarian, will give a live demonstration of these easy to use, web-based interfaces. Then you will learn how to save by joining the CatExpress or WebDewey/Abridged WebDewey group purchases.

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Episode 134: Every Child Ready to Read @ your library

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:03:10 GMT

Every Child Ready to Read^® @ your library^® (ECRR) is a parent education initiative. It stresses that early literacy begins with the primary adults in a child's life. The 2nd Edition of Every Child Ready to Read^® @ your library^®, released in 2011, builds on the 1st Edition, first introduced in 2004. The 2nd Edition incorporates recommendations that evolved out of an in-depth evaluation of the original initiative and an extensive literature review. Jessica Chamberlain, director of the Northeast Library System, will review the program, highlight the changes that were made in the 2nd Edition, and explain how you can incorporate early literacy education into your library's existing programs.

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Every Child Ready to Read @ your library

Episode 133: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers: Technology Planning

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:33:49 GMT

Technology Planning is good for your library! Attend this session to hear attendees at two recent technology planning conferences talk about their experiences. We'll hear about Nebraska's Technology Planning Summer Camp and Colorado's BEST (Broadband, E-rate, Sustainability, Technology) Conference. Joining Michael for this session: Pam Bohmfalk, Hastings (NE) Public Library; Tiffany Hickox, Alliance (NE) Public Library; Nichole Lawless, Madison (NE) Public Library; Veronica Smith, Westminster (CO) Public Library/Front Range Community College Library.

In this monthly feature of NCompass Live, the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Michael Sauers, will discuss the tech news of the month and share new and exciting tech for your library.

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Episode 132: Birds Do It, Bees Do It: Sexual Health Resources

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:45:55 GMT

This Spotlight! on National Library of Medicine Resources, will be presented by Siobhan Champ-Blackwell. This presentation offers reliable resources on sexual health, tips on handling the reference interview, and includes sections on resources for teens, GLBT community members, adults, and older adults.

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Episode 131: Highlights from OverDrive Digipalooza

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 19:57:04 GMT

Andrew Sherman, IT Coordinator at Sump Memorial Library – Papillion, will share highlights from the recent OverDrive Digipalooza, OverDrive's International User Group Conference for partner libraries. Laura Johnson, Continuing Education Coordinator at the NLC, tells us about the Continuing Education Grant that got Andrew to the event, and how you can apply for one. And Devra Dragos, Technology & Access Services Director, will talk about the Commission's OverDrive Consortium for public libraries in Nebraska.

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OverDrive Digipalooza - Andrew Sherman's Notes

Episode 130: Google+

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 19:29:39 GMT

In this episode Michael Sauers, the Commission’s Technology Innovation Librarian, takes you on a tour of Google+, Google’s latest attempt at creating a social network. With more than 10 million beta testers and designed with privacy in mind from the beginning, is Google+ a Facebook killer? Is it something you should be paying attention to? Should your library be there? Michael will give his answers to these questions and more.

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Episode 129: What's Happening with Genre Headings?

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 21:40:49 GMT

Genre headings can be very useful in library catalogs in order to let patrons search for particular types of items. In May of this year, the Library of Congress changed how its genre headings are handled, separating them from subject headings and establishing a separate thesaurus, the Library of Congress Genre/Form Terms for Library and Archival Materials (LCGFT). In this session, Emily Nimsakont, the NLC’s Cataloging Librarian, will give an overview of how genre headings are used and discuss the effects of this decision by the Library of Congress.

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Episode 128: Voice of the Customer: Designing Library Services to Meet User Expectations

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:34:33 GMT

Information seekers have unprecedented avenues to acquire information, many of which do not involve the library. Unless users can see an immediate benefit in time, effort, and quality, they will continue to use the avenues from their "real" lives instead of venturing into the library space. Voice of the Customer is a Bellevue University initiative which identifies the expectations of the student and calls for a change to the institutional environment. This is a top-down call to action. Come learn how the library is meeting the call to become more user focused. Speakers: Robin Bernstein, Casey Kralik, and Becky Wymer, Bellevue University.

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Episode 127: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers: Tales from Library Camp

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:50:30 GMT

In this monthly feature of NCompass Live, the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Michael Sauers, Christa Burns, and other special guests, will share their experiences attending Library Camp Kansas.

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Episode 126: The Best of ALA 2011

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:21:22 GMT

<>Tune in to hear about the best speakers, programs and events of the 2011 ALA Annual Conference held last month in New Orleans. Learn what the Hot Topics of the conference were, how these issues relate to Nebraskans, and how we can address these issues in our libraries.

Speakers:
Amy Mather, Omaha Public Library
Jessica Chamberlain, Northeast Library System
Mary Jo Ryan, Nebraska Library Commission
Robin Bernstein, Bellevue University

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Presentation - My favorite Things - Jessica Chamberlain (SlideShare)
Presentation - The Best of ALA Annual Conference...according to Mary Jo - Mary Jo Ryan (SlideShare )
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Episode 125: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers: Odds & Ends

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:36:32 GMT

In this monthly feature of NCompass Live, the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Michael Sauers, will discuss the tech news of the month and share new and exciting tech for your library. This month we’re skipping the guest speaker and instead, Michael will get us all caught up on the latest in technology news, tips & tricks. Topics will range from the latest theory in password creation to 3D printing to recent Facebook "issues".

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NOTE: This webinar was recorded in the GoToMeeting format. To view the recording, you must either have GoToMeeting installed, or download the GoToMeeting codec (G2M3 decoder) at https://www.gotomeeting.com/codec.
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Episode 124: 23 Things for Professional Development

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:48:49 GMT

Nebraska Learns 2.0 is trying something new for the next 5 months. We are going to be joining other library staff around the world in participating in 23 Things for Professional Development. From the website: "CPD23 is a free online programme open to information professionals at all stages of their career, in all types of role, and anywhere across the world. Inspired by the 23 Things programmes for social media, this new programme will consist of a mixture of social media "Things" and "Things" to do with professional development. The programme starts on 20 June and will run until early October 2011." Contributors to 23 Things for Professional Development and staff running Nebraska Learns 2.0 will talk about this new project.

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Episode 123: Pioneer's Progress

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:17:56 GMT

The Pioneer Consortium has very exciting progress to report. Steve Fosselman, Grand Island Public Library, and Greg Mickells, Lincoln City Libraries, will talk about how go-live has gone for the first libraries in Nebraska’s brand new and cost-effective open source (Koha) ILS system. They'll also share what migrations will be starting this summer and how your library can join the Consortium. It’s like finally reaching Chimney Rock!

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Pioneer Koha - Nebraska Library Automation Consortium

Episode 122: Booktalks With a Bang

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 20:25:11 GMT

Join Sara Churchill, Library Media Specialist at Blair Community Schools, as she highlights a few ways to create book talks that will grab people's attention. Using Google Lit Trips, iMovie, GarageBand, and more, multimedia presentations will gain the attention of kids and adults alike. Student created Google Lit Trips and iMovie Book Talks will be displayed.

Arbor Park Library Wiki

Episode 121: Wanna get hAPPy? Using the iPad in Schools and Libraries

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:26:36 GMT

iPads, iPods, and tablets are the most popular devices around today. There is a wealth of educational and literary apps available for these devices. Sara Churchill, Library Media Specialist at Blair Community Schools, will focus primarily on apps for the iOS and how they can be used in schools and libraries.

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Episode 120: Fallen Through the Cracks: Reengaging the Lost Patron

Fri, 27 May 2011 14:10:44 GMT

Amy Mather, Adult Services & Program Manager at the Omaha Public Library, presents "Fallen Through the Cracks: Reengaging the Lost Patron". This presentation was given at the NLA C&U/ITART Spring Meeting on 20 March 2011.

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Episode 119: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers: Living in the Cloud: How Using Online Services Can Let You Soar

Thu, 26 May 2011 13:47:17 GMT

What do Gmail, Google Docs, Koha, Wordpress, Meebo, Flickr, Facebook, YouTube, Picnik, Screencast.com, Dropbox, and Goodreads share in common? These are all examples of cloud computing. This webinar will introduce the concept of cloud computing ("the cloud"), which many participants will discover they've been using for years. The presenters will also address the benefits of cloud computing, concerns, best practices, examples, and what cloud computing means for libraries.

Presenters:
Liz Rea, Network Administrator, Northeast Kansas Library System
Heather Braum, Technology Librarian, Northeast Kansas Library System
Sharon Moreland, Technology Consultant, Northeast Kansas Library System

In this monthly feature of NCompass Live, the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Michael Sauers, will discuss the tech news of the month and share new and exciting tech for your library.

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Clous Computing Links (Delicious)
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Episode 118: NASA Space Science Workshop: Explore! Jupiter's Family Secrets

Thu, 19 May 2011 14:14:02 GMT

NASA and the Lunar and Planetary Institute presented a 2-day workshop in February about NASA’s Explore! module about Jupiter and upcoming Juno mission that will launch in August to explore Jupiter. Librarians and teachers were provided with hands-on activities and demonstrations developed specifically for children and teens. Sally Snyder, Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services - Nebraska Library Commission will share highlights of the workshop and Sandy Wallick, Gere Branch – Lincoln City Libraries, will tell about the Summer Reading Program events they have planned using ideas from the workshop.

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Episode 117: 2011 Nebraska Book Festival, with Ted Kooser and Friends

Fri, 13 May 2011 14:54:47 GMT

The 2011 Nebraska Book Festival is set for May 21, 2011—1:00 to 6:30 p.m. at Nebraska State Historical Society’s Nebraska History Museum, 131 Centennial Mall North, Lincoln. The festival, Cultivating Creativity, will again be dedicated to honoring Nebraska writers and will focus on the rich literary offerings of Nebraska. Join Nebraska Library Commission staff and some of the Nebraska writers who will be featured at the Festival for discussion and readings.

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Episode 116: Introducing Nebraska Libraries on the Web

Thu, 05 May 2011 16:13:17 GMT

The Nebraska Library Commission is happy to announce the full launch of our Nebraska Libraries on the Web project. This project provides free hosted WordPress-based Web sites for public libraries in Nebraska. If you’re looking to create your library’s first Web site, or bring your existing site into the 21st century, this just may be the program for you. Whether you’re specifically looking to participate or would just like some more information this is the session to attend.

Video (YouTube)
Nebraska Libraries on the Web

Episode 115:The Power of Word-of-Mouth Marketing, with Peggy Barber

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:02:45 GMT

In this totally 'wired' time, the commercial world is turning to word-of-mouth marketing (WOMM) as the most powerful form of advertising. This is great news for libraries because WOMM is truly powerful and because we can afford it! In this program you'll learn: What it is/Why to do it?/Who can do it?/How to do it and Where customer service fits in.

Prior to launching a consulting practice, Library Communication Strategies, Inc., Peggy Barber was Associate Executive Director for Communication for the American Library Association (ALA). She established the ALA Public Information Office, Public Programs Office, and the ALA Graphics program, including the popular Celebrity READ© poster series. She recently completed a term as president of Friends of Libraries USA, now ALTAFF, the Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations. Her current work as a consultant focused on marketing and communication support for libraries.

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Handout (.doc)

Episode 114: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers: Who's Out There? User Personas and Libraries

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 19:05:59 GMT

In this month's episode, Michael Sauers talks with Jennifer Koerber, Web Services Librarian at Boston Public Library, about User Personas and Libraries.

Any marketer or web designer will tell you that creating user personas is a great way to target your services, but just how do you do that? What are the steps involved, and how can we narrow the wide variety of people we serve down to a few "types"? By brainstorming, collecting data and talking to your users, you can make tools to help you develop new programs, focus a marketing campaign, or redesign your website. In this brief overview, Koerber will introduce the basics of persona-making and give you resources to go through the process yourself.

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Episode 113: Selections to Consider for Your Book Club

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:33:01 GMT

Lisa Kelly, Julie Pinnell, and Beth Goble, from the Nebraska Library Commission, will review and discuss titles to consider selecting for your book group. These titles are all available as book club kits for check out from the Nebraska Library Commission. For more information about book groups, check out the previous NCompass Live, "How to Lead a Book Group for Adults or Kids!"

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Episode 112: Nebraska Online Legal Self-Help Center

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:01:09 GMT

Join Janet Bancroft and Debora Brownyard, from the Nebraska State Court Administrator's Office, as they debut the new Nebraska Online Legal Self-Help Center and other Web Resources. This "virtual" Self-Help Center has information and links to legal resources to help you represent yourself in Nebraska Courts. Richard Leiter, Director and Professor of Law at UNL’s Schmid Law Library, will join the discussion to provide ‘insider’ tips on legal research for the non law librarian using online resources.

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Episode 111a: A Brief Introduction to CSS

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:44:10 GMT

Michael Sauers, the Commission’s Technology Innovation Librarian and author of XHTML & CSS Essentials for Library Web Design, will give a brief introduction to Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). Michael will cover items like why CSS was developed, the benefits of using CSS in creating your Web site, and give you just enough code to get you started. Time allowing, Michael will be more than happy to take your coding questions.

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Episode 110: Learning Virtually: 23 Things & Counting

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:31:02 GMT

When the Kansas library community participated in a statewide 23 Things program in 2010, it opened up a new way to look at learning virtually, especially for encouraging librarians to continue their learning after the structured program’s end. Through their Passport to Learning, Braum and Hickey show how to enrich the virtual learning experience. Burns looks at how Nebraska’s 23 Things online program has evolved, its strengths, challenges and “what’s next.” Alcorn describes working with individual libraries and regional library support systems across Iowa, offering training on some of the “things” that encompass Web 2.0 for libraries. Together our speakers identify lots of options for creating a successful program.

Presented by:
Heather Braum, Technology Librarian, Northeast Kansas Library System
Cindi Hickey, Director, Library Development, State Library of Kansas and Coordinator, WebJunction Kansas
Christa Burns, Special Projects Librarian, Nebraska Library Commission
Louise E Alcorn, Reference Technology Librarian, West Des Moines (Iowa) Public Library and Executive Board Member, Iowa Library Assn

Video (YouTube)

Episode 109: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers: Live from Computers in Libraries!

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 18:26:03 GMT

In this TechTalk episode, Michael and Christa are joined by colleagues from across the country for a discussion recorded live at the Computers in Libraries 2011 conference.

Video (YouTube)

Episode 108: Healthy Kids Resources

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:02:42 GMT

<p>Kids' resources can be found on many National Library of Medicine web sites and more. The resources covered will include those about kids, as well as those for kids, including gaming, comic books, coloring books, and stories. Marty Magee, McGoogan Library of Medicine - Univ. of Nebraska Medical Center, presents this session.</p>

<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-_xZORJK80">Video</a> (YouTube)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/nebraskaccess/ncompass-live-healthy-kids-resources">Presentation Slides</a> (SlideShare)</li>
<li><a href="http://delicious.com/NLC_Reference/ncompasslive+healthykids">Links</a> (Delicious)</li>
</ul>

Episode 107: Now That Talking Books Are Digital: Talking Book Readers Describe a New Way of Reading

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:15:57 GMT

The Talking Book and Braille Service now offers books and magazines in digital formats, both downloadable and on flash cartridges for use with a digital player. Join talking book borrowers Fatos Floyd, Robert Nazarenus, Jamie Taylor, and Zoya Zeman as they share their experiences with the new format and player.

Video (YouTube)
Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)

Episode 106: One World, Many Stories: Summer Reading Program 2011

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:25:07 GMT

Sally Snyder, Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services at the Nebraska Library Commission, will give brief book talks of new titles pertaining to the 2011 Summer Reading Program themes: "One World, Many Stories" (children’s theme) and "You Are Here" (teen theme).

Video (YouTube)
Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)

Episode 105: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers: Introducing the First Google Laptop

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:54:58 GMT

This month Michael talks with Jason Griffey, Associate Professor and Head of Library Information Technology at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, who was one of the recipients of the CR-48, also known as "the Google laptop". Michael and Jason discuss the implications of such technology and Jason will supply a hands-on tour of the device.

Video (YouTube)
Links (Delicious)

Episode 104: A New Basic Skills

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 15:50:59 GMT

Come hear Laura Johnson, Continuing Education Coordinator at the Nebraska Library Commission, talk about the transition from "Old Basic Skills" to "New Basic Skills," and how a more flexible program will help you develop the skills and knowledge that you need to provide great service to your community.

Video (YouTube)
Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)

Episode 103: Accessing Courts through E-Government

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:58:39 GMT

Join the staff of the State Court Administrator's Office to learn how to assist patrons to access web-based Nebraska court information and legal resources. The Court staff wants to learn more about the needs that public libraries and patrons have in this regard. Join us on this webinar as we begin our three-year partnership with the Nebraska Library Commission to improve e-government resources.

Video (YouTube)
Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)
NCompass Live: Pro-Se and Librarians: Legal Self Help Options - Recorded Online Session (Related session)

Episode 102: E-rate Basic Training

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:58:29 GMT

What is E-rate? How can my library benefit from E-rate? How do I apply for E-rate? E-rate is a federal program that provides discounts to assist schools and libraries in the United States to obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet access. Christa Burns will cover the basics of E-rate, the changes that have been made this year, and provide tips on completing the first 2 forms in the E-rate process, Form 470 and 471.

Video (YouTube)
Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
NLC E-rate website
USAC Schools and Libraries E-rate website
E-rate Timeline
Application Process Flow Chart
Required Forms and Instructions (PDFs)

Episode 101: Collections for Your Community - Tools? Cake Pans?

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 14:55:28 GMT

A look at some of the special collections popping up in public libraries in the United States. Gayle Roberts and Wendy Lukert will talk about their experience at Blair Public Library with their Toy Library.

Video (YouTube)
Presentation Slides(SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)

Episode 100: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers: Bringing Rural Libraries Into the 21st Century

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:37:51 GMT

In this month's episode Michael Sauers, the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, speaks with Jezmynne Dene, the new director of the Portneuf District Library in Chubbuck, ID, about how she's bringing a small rural library into the 21st century through both technology and innovative ideas. (Have you cataloged your library's pets?)

Video (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)

Episode 99: Why Is Weeding So Hard and What Can We Do About It?

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 15:13:39 GMT

Join Laura Johnson, Nebraska Library Commission, to explore weeding and hear some solutions to the problem. We’ll discuss what weeding criteria are, and how they vary according to subjects and types of material, as well as according to situation. We will also offer some tips and techniques for keeping the library collection user-friendly, useful, and well-groomed.

Video (SlideShare)
Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)

Episode 98: Internships: A Good Fit for Your Library?

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:23:02 GMT

The Cultivating Nebraska Librarians 2.0: Building 21st Century Skills internship grant program, sponsored by the Nebraska Library Association and Nebraska Library Commission, awarded grants totaling $10,000 to twelve Nebraska public libraries. Students have been learning about library work as they shadow and assist with day-to-day operations and implement special projects.

In this session, participating libraries will share their experiences with the internship program, including successes and lessons learned. This session will also introduce the upcoming 2011 grant opportunity for internships, offered by the Nebraska Library Commission and made possible through a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services.

Video (SlideShare)
Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)

Episode 97: Emergency Preparedness for Public Libraries

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:41:25 GMT

Disaster preparedness and recovery, bioterrorism, chemical emergencies, earthquakes, fires, first aid, floods, heat illness, radiation emergencies, tornadoes and winter weather emergencies - is your library ready? Public library personnel serve in a significant way during an emergency or disaster through their public access computing and Internet access availability. They can also offer expertise in organizing communities, identifying and evaluating appropriate disease and health promotion topics, and planning and delivering outreach programs and services. This session will be presented by Marty Magee, Nebraska Liaison for the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, MidContinental Region.

Video (SlideShare)
Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)

Episode 96: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 20:25:38 GMT

In this month’s Tech Talk Michael speaks with the Commission’s Susan Knisely about the expected increase in post-holiday eBook demands on libraries and some of the questions that have already started coming in. Michael also points out a few recent security issues you should be aware of and some cool new software and online services.

Video (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)

Episode 95: Scholarship and Internship Grant Opportunities through New IMLS Grant Program

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 20:42:20 GMT

The Nebraska Library Commission and our partner organization, Central Community College, along with our supporting organizations (Nebraska Educational Media Association, Nebraska Library Association, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska at Omaha), will foster recruitment, education, and 21st century skills development for at least 165 pre-professional and professional students through scholarships, internships, and stipends. The Cultivating Rural Librarians' Technology Skills program adds value to students' formal educational experiences through social and face-to-face networking opportunities and through technology skills training. It will also recruit promising high school and college students and diverse library personnel to ensure that Nebraskans receive library services provided by knowledgeable librarians who represent a range of backgrounds and talents.

Join Mary Jo Ryan, Grant Project Director, and Laura Johnson, Continuing Education Coordinator, as they review the goals and objectives of the grant and discuss the various activities that will take place in the next three years.

Video (SlideShare)
Presentation Slides (SlideSahre)
Links (Delicious)

Episode 94: FRBR: Cataloging's New Frontier

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:49:24 GMT

Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records, or FRBR, is a conceptual model used to understand bibliographic records and the ways in which users of library catalogs interact with these records. Join Emily Nimsakont, the NLC’s Cataloging Librarian, to learn about basic FRBR concepts, see examples of FRBRized resources, and find out about FRBR’s influence on cataloging rules.

Video (SlideShare)
Presentation Slides (SlideSahre)
Links (Delicious)

Episode 93: Introduction to RDA

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:57:35 GMT

Resource Description and Access (RDA) is the new cataloging code that was released in June of 2010. Attend this workshop to learn the basics of RDA. Topics will include: RDA’s relationship to FRBR (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records) and FRAD (Functional Requirements for Authority Data), RDA’s core elements, and specific differences between AACR2 and RDA. The workshop will also include information about the online RDA Toolkit and a discussion of the timeline for the testing of RDA.

This workshop is approved for the NLC Cataloging Certificate Program.

All related resources can be found online @ http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/netserv/training/onlinesessions/rda1210/rda.html.

Episode 92: Technology Planning 101 [fixed]

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:59:39 GMT

Christa Burns will take you through the ins and outs of technology planning for your library. Topics will include not only the why’s of technology planning but also the how’s; from formulating your library’s technology goals to just which technologies you should be planning for now. By the end of this session, attendees will be prepared to return to their libraries and get the process going in this world of ever-changing tech.

Video (Internet Archive)
Slides (SlideShare)

Episode 91: A Clever Title With a Pun Involving the Word Graphic

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 17:41:00 GMT

Join Gordon Wyant, Young Adult Services Librarian at Bellevue Public Library, and Lindsey Tomsu , Teen Coordinator at La Vista Public Library, for a short and mostly accurate history of graphic novels and manga for librarians.

Video (SlideShare)

Episode 90: What is Linked Data and What Does It Mean for Libraries?

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:12:17 GMT

It has been predicted that beyond the person-to-person interaction of Web 2.0 will be interaction between data in the Semantic Web. How can libraries be involved in this new world of information exchange? One answer to this question is: by transforming their bibliographic data into Linked Data, which can then be linked to information from other web resources. Attend this session to learn the basic concepts of Linked Data, how data from libraries can be integrated with other data on the Web, and what this could mean for the future of libraries and their catalogs.

Video (Internet Archive)
Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)

Episode 89: Fall Conference Roundup

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:55:48 GMT

Each year, the Nebraska Library Commission awards Continuing Education and Training Grants to Nebraska libraries to provide funding for staff to attend conferences and training sessions. Join us to hear two Nebraska librarians talk about their conference experiences. Patricia Sloan, Lincoln City Libraries' Circulation Librarian, attended the "Back in Circulation Again" Conference, which brought 82 circulation librarians together to discuss common issues and share solutions. Sheila Jacobs, Lincoln City Libraries’ Outreach Supervisor, attended the 3rd annual South Dakota Statewide Volunteer Coordinators Conference held this fall in Sioux Falls. She will share her highlights including Leadership & Management Consultant Margaret Sumption’s keynote address, "Selling Up, Down & Sideways", and a session that spoke to Generational Diversity.

Video (SlideShare)
Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)

Episode 88: Workshops, Meetings…Webinars

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:37:32 GMT

Budgets are tight, travel is limited. So how can you provide training and host meetings without the usual costs? Holding events online is a great way to continue offering your trainings and meetings. In March 2010, the Paraprofessional Section of NLA hosted their first ever online Spring Meeting using GoToWebinar. Learn why they did it, how they did it, and how you can do this at your own library.

Video (Internet Archive)
Presentation Slides (SlideShare)

Episode 87: WiFi Security & QR Codes

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:35:55 GMT

In Michael's latest latest Tech Talk he talks about why you now must turn on passwords for your public WiFi and give a brief introduction on how QR codes can be used in your library.

Video (SlideShare)
Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)

Episode 86: What is a QR Code?

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:07:10 GMT

This episode is all about QR Codes. Similar to barcodes, QR Codes can contain much more and different types of information. In this session Michael Sauers introduces you to just how QR Codes work and how you can integrate them into your library, giving your patrons easy access to information on their mobile devices.

Video (Internet Archive)
Slides (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)
Conference site

Episode 85: Past to the Future: Meeting Technology Trends

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:09:11 GMT

Joe Murphy of the Yale University Science Libraries is a leading innovator and trend spotter at the forefront of designing strategies for meeting the changing technological landscape. He presents and writes regularly about technology and service trends as well as best practices for exploring and implementing emerging and mobile technologies. Joe received the Library Journal ‘Movers & Shakers’ award in 2009; earned a MLISc from the University of Hawaii in 2006. Joe is also the author of the influential Twitter account libraryfuture, known for setting technology trends within the library and publishing communities. Joe consults with libraries, consortia, and vendors on emerging and future trends impacting libraries and techniques for meeting these changes with success.

This session also includes a welcome to the NLA/NEMA 2010 Annual Conference from Grand Island Mayor Margaret Hornady. It has also been edited due to on-site technological difficulties.

Video (Internet Archive)
Conference site

Episode 84: Google Secrets

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 17:40:47 GMT

Michael Sauers, Technology Innovation Librarian at the NLC, shares some new Google services, tools and features that can help improve your internet life.

Links (Delicious)

Episode 83: Recipe for Library Success with Dan Kuester

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:49:48 GMT

What are the ingredients for library success? Motivational speaker Dan Kuester tells you just what those ingredients are and how to combine them for a wonderful result. This was presented at the Northeast Library System (NELS) Annal Conference in Norfolk, NE on 23 September 2010.

Video (Internet Archive)

Episode 82: How To: Continuing Education/Training and Library Improvement Grants

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:18:42 GMT

Do you have a program or project you would like to see funded? Are you considering applying for an upcoming Nebraska Library Commission grant to support this project? Join Laura Johnson, NLC Library Development, as she provides a grant information session for two of the Nebraska Library Commission’s grant categories: the Continuing Education and Training Grant and the Library Improvement Grant. The session will be an overview of the two grants, including eligibility requirements, the application process and grant review, timelines and deadlines. They will also share some tips on writing effective grants.

Slides (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)
Video (SlideShare)

Episode 81: Let's Get Social

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 17:14:08 GMT

Social media: what it is, its features, and how it applies to libraries?

Slides (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)
Video (Internet Archive)

Episode 80: eReaders 101

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:58:59 GMT

An introduction to eReaders and eBooks along with a discussion of issues around these technologies as they relate to libraries. This was presented by Jessica Chamberlain, Director of the Northeast Library System (NELS) and Michael Sauers, Technology Innovation Librarian for the Nebraska Library Commission at the NELS Annual Meeting in Norfolk, NE on 23 September 2010.

Video (Internet Archive)

Episode 79: Best New Youth Books of 2010

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 20:33:09 GMT

Sally Snyder, Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services at the Nebraska Library Commission, presents brief book talks of new titles you may or may not have heard about, and that could be good additions to your library’s collection. Titles starting with teens and going back through preschool age will be highlighted.

Video (SlideShare)
Slides (Delicious)

Episode 78: 2010 NLA/NEMA Annual Conference Highlights

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 18:21:13 GMT

Tune in to hear about the speakers, programs and events of the 2010 NLA/NEMA Annual Conference. Join Christy Walsh, NLA President, Scott Childers, NLA Past President, and Karen Buckley, NEMA President-Elect, as they share what the Hot Topics of the conference were and how we can address these issues in our libraries.

Video (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)

Episode 77: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers: Live from Internet Librarian!

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 16:00:28 GMT

This episode of Tech Talk was broadcast live from the Internet Librarian 2010 conference, in Monterey, California. Joining Michael Sauers to discuss their experiences at Internet Librarian: Louise Alcorn, West Des Moines Public Library (IA) Jezmynne Dene, Portneuf District Library (ID) Beth Hoffman, Technology and Information Training Consultant, Tucson, AZ Jennifer Koerber, Boston Public Library Amy Mather, Omaha Public Library

Video (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)

Episode 76: r u game? Game Night @ Perkins Library

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:59:03 GMT

Susan Franklin, Public Services Librarian at Hastings College Perkins Library, will explain how "Game Night @ Perkins Library" went from a trial event to a much-anticipated and supported semester-ly event. We’ll cover what motivated us to experiment with game night; what equipment, supplies, PR and partners we started with and how we grew; how we planned and organized; what benefits game nights bring; and what our gaming future holds.

Video

Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
National Gaming Day @ your library

Episode 75: The Big Read: Book Discussions @ your library

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 12:44:42 GMT

Are you looking for ways to spice up the book discussions or book clubs at your library? Or are you hunting for a good book to suggest for a group discussion? The Nebraska Library Commission has Big Read Discussion Packets (reader guides, audio guides, and teacher guides) that can be used in school and public libraries. Join Mary Jo Ryan, NLC Communications Coordinator, for a discussion of how these materials can be used in libraries and to see a sample of the materials.

These packets help illuminate fantastic books like Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin, and many more.

An example of what the packets offer can be found at http://www.neabigread.org/books/myantonia.

The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts, designed to restore reading to the center of American culture.

Video (SlideShare)
Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
National Endowment for the Arts - The Big Read

Episode 74: Pro-Se and Librarians: Legal Self Help Options

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 19:26:55 GMT

Economic pressures and increasing availability of e-government services have increased citizen’s need for help in accessing and using these services. Despite funding cuts, public libraries are increasingly where people turn for help. Much of the need for e-government services relates to legal matters, especially pro-se (meaning representing oneself in court). Beth Goble and Laura Johnson, Nebraska Library Commission and Julie Beno, Lincoln City Libraries discuss the types of questions librarians may encounter, what librarians can and cannot provide without "giving legal advice", and how the Nebraska Court system works. They highlight some resources available for helping patrons do their own "legal stuff" or find legal aid services in their area.

Video (blip.tv)
Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)

Episode 73: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers: Circulating E-book Readers at UNO

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:12:08 GMT

This month, Joyce Neujahr, Director of Patron Services at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, shares her presentation, Circulating E-book Readers at UNO: What we know...for now.

Video (SlideShare)
Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)
UNO's Kindle Check-out Agreement (.pdf)

Episode 72: Banned Books Week: Celebrate the Freedom to Read!

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 19:08:27 GMT

Karen Drevo, Chair of NLA's Intellectual Freedom Committee, will answer the following questions: What is Banned Books Week? Why celebrate it? Where are ideas and resources to help celebrate it?

Video (SlideShare)
Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
Banned Books Week Reader's Theater Script

Episode 71: Get out and REACH! Outreach Projects and Health Information - Outreach Panel Discussion

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:50:04 GMT

Get out and REACH! Outreach Projects and Health Information
Presented by: Marty Magee & Siobhan Champ-Blackwell - National Network of Libraries of Medicine, MidContinental Region

Outreach Panel Discussion

Featuring:
Nick Butler - Health Literacy Missouri
Anne Heimann - Library Director at Bryan LGH
Josie Rodriguez - Consumer Outreach Coordinator for Nebraska Attorney General's Office
Gary A. Wasdin - Director, Omaha Public Library

Hear from people who have successfully run outreach projects. Build alliances, target future projects - a networking opportunity for people from public libraries, school libraries, public health departments, community and faith based organizations. Ideas for discussion/funding/potential projects can be shared at http://outreachcamp.pbworks.com/.

This was part of an all day event held at the Nebraska Library Commission - see the wiki for details about the other sessions: http://outreachcamp.pbworks.com/.

Video (.wmv)
Links (wiki)

Episode 70: Nebraska Games & Parks on the Social Web

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:48:02 GMT

Scott Bonertz runs us through Nebraska Game & Parks use of Facebook, Twitter, several blogs (only one linked) all managed through Hootsuite and maybe Seesmic in the future since Hootsuite is becoming a pay service. He also shows G&P’s Scribd, Slideshare, and Flickr accounts. Scott showed us where G&P’s is going with Meet-up, FourSquare, and using Press75 themes to put all of his blogs aggregated to one site. During & after Scott’s demo we had a lively discussion of social media accessibility and backups and or retention.

Scott Bonertz has played a large role in developing the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission's social media community. He has made Facebooking, tweeting, blogging, podcasting, and interactive marketing a regular practice at Game and Parks. As the public information manager, Scott serves as Webmaster of OutdoorNebraska.org and oversees the interactive and news teams. Before his current position, Scott was the Director of Marketing Communications at the National Strength and Conditioning Association Certification Commission. Scott previously has held roles in broadcasting, marketing and print.

Video (blip.tv)

Episode 69: Introduction to Searching HeritageQuest Online through NebraskAccess

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:49:47 GMT

There's more to searching HeritageQuest Online than typing in great grandpa's name, clicking search, and getting results. If you lack the time to figure out the ins and outs of this database on your own and you missed the in-person training provided during summer’s Database Roadshow, then this session, which will focus on searching the U.S. Federal Census files available through HeritageQuest Online, is for you.

Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
Video (blip.tv)

Episode 68: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers: Video Game Collection Development

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:12:48 GMT

Michael talks with JP Porcaro, Virtual Services Librarian at New Jersey City University and founder of 8bitlibrary.com, about Video Game Collection Development and advocacy issues that all libraries deal with when implementing, or planning to implement, video games into library collections and services.

Links (Delicious)
Video (SlideShare)

Epiosde 67: New in NebraskAccess: Books In Print 2.0 and Non-Fiction Connection

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:41:37 GMT

Books In Print 2.0 is here. Join Allana Novotny to learn about the new BIP interface that is replacing both the Patron BIP and Professional BIP interfaces. Also learn about the new Non-Fiction Connection database that has been added to NebraskAccess.

NebraskAccess
Video (WMV)

Episode 66: RSS: Feed Me

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:09:46 GMT

Keeping up will all of the new (such as blogs & Twitter) along with the old (such as search results and news items) information resources can be difficult these days. However, with RSS you can receive feeds of new material from many different locations into one easy-to-use Web site or program. In this NCompass Live session, our Technology Innovation Librarian, Michael Sauers, will give an overview of why and how you can use RSS to receive timely information with a minimum of effort.

Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
Video (SlideShare)

Episode 65: The Best of ALA 2010

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 20:37:34 GMT

Tune in to hear about the best speakers, programs and events of the 2010 ALA Conference. Learn what the "Hot Topics" of the conference were, how these issues relate to Nebraskans, and how we can address these issues in our libraries.

Presentation Slides

Video (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)

Episode 63: Tech Talk: Michael Sauers talks with Bobbi Newman

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:32:38 GMT

In this episode, Michael will be talking with Bobbi Newman. Bobbi is dedicated to helping libraries find their place in the digital age. She has presented at local, national, and international library conferences on a variety of topics related to improving existing digital services through expanding traditional methods, while creating innovative new practices. She is a librarian, teacher, presenter, writer, community builder, book lover, techno geek, and video game junkie. Her professional interests include digital and technology based services, the digital divide, 21st century literacies and the role of all libraries in equal access and opportunity for all . She writes about these and other topics at http://librarianbyday.net/.

Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
Video (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)

Episode 63: Communication--Getting the Word Out: Does your audience hear what you mean?

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:22:38 GMT

The library has a lot to offer, as a provider of information and entertainment, and as a partner in the cultural, economic, and civic life of the community. But it can be difficult to compose the message and to find channels to deliver it that will make sure that the message gets through. Mary Jo Ryan, Nebraska Library Commission Communications Coordinator will offer some techniques for improving communications with the community.

Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
Video (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)

Video: Read Web articles easier with Readability

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:40:41 GMT

Sometimes Web articles are difficult to read due to factors ranging from fonts, to margins, to distracting unrelated onscreen content. Take just a few moments to customize and install a Readability bookmarklet and you'll be reading easier in seconds.

Episode 62: Conducting Surveys III: Analyzing Data and Reporting Methods

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 20:26:14 GMT

Tackling the job of conducting a survey for your library can be daunting. A systematic and quality-driven approach will yield results which can provide valuable information to decision-makers and stakeholders. This first in a three-part series of workshops on conducting surveys will demystify the survey process, from beginning to end of your project.

This third presentation of the three-part series addresses 1) questionnaire coding, data tracking, and data entry; 2) basics of analyses; and 3) reporting methods, including employing tables and graphs.

Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
Video (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)
Presenting Data in Meaningful and Interesting Ways
Surveys, Focus Groups & Observation
Codebook Example
Completed Survey Ready for Data Entry
Report Outline Example
Reporting Results Question by Question
Conducting Surveys I: Introduction and Questionnaire Design
Conducting Surveys II: Data Collection

Episode 61: Nebraska Libraries Host Prime Time Family Reading Time

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:34:10 GMT

Prime Time Family Reading Time is an innovative family reading program designed for low-income families in communities where student reading scores do not meet Nebraska state standards. The six-week program is hosted by local libraries and led by a storyteller and a discussion leader. Since 2005, when the Nebraska Library Commission funded student interns to work with Prime Time, bilingual student assistants have contributed to the programs while also learning about library work. Erika Hamilton, state coordinator of Prime Time, Nebraska Humanities Council Program Officer, will share her experiences in encouraging parents and children to read award-winning illustrated children’s books, to recognize and discuss humanities topics in the stories, and to become active public library users.

Episode 60: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers : Omaha Public Library and iPads

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:15:32 GMT

In this episode, Michael will be talking with Amy Mather, Librarian and Webmaster at Omaha Public Library, about the library's use of iPads and then presents other tech news and tips for libraries.

Links (Delicious)
Video (blip.tv)

Episode 59: How to Catalog a Kit

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:18:47 GMT

Multi-material kits are found in many library collections. From educational activity kits to test prep kits, these items consist of many different types of materials, and cataloging them can present some unique challenges. In this session, Emily Nimsakont, the NLC’s Cataloging Librarian, will share some tips to keep in mind when cataloging a kit.

Links (Delicious)
Slides (SlideShare)
Video (SlideShare)

Episode 58: One Book - One Lincoln--Building Community One Book at a Time

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:26:23 GMT

Carol Swanson, Gere Branch Library Supervisor, and Kathryn Kelley, Bennett Martin Public Services Librarian and coordinator for the 2010 One Book - One Lincoln Community Reading Program, will provide background information on the One Book One City reading movement that was started in 1998 by Nancy Pearl of the Seattle Public Library and the One Book - One Lincoln Community Reading Program that had its inaugural year in 2002 and has been a highlight activity of Lincoln City Libraries and the City of Lincoln each year since then. Carol and Kathryn will touch on various past years’ books, programs and discussion opportunities and how the program has undergone continual changes to better incorporate community participation, input, and feedback. Carol and Kathryn will focus most of the program on this year’s upcoming One Book – One Lincoln program plan and will be happy to take questions from listeners either online or by phone.

Lincoln is currently in the process of choosing the 9th One Book - One Lincoln title. For the first time ever, the title for the 2010 program will be determined by a community vote. Five finalists were announced by the Selection Committee on Monday, May 31st. Voting will take place June 1 – July 30. Ballots can be found at all Lincoln City Libraries locations and local bookstores. Voting may also be done online at the library’s website. The winning title will be announced in September. At that point programming and discussion opportunities will begin. Check the Lincoln City Library’s website often for the latest announcements.

Links (Delicious)
Slides (SlideShare)
Video (SlideShare)

Episode 57: Conducting Surveys II: Data Collection

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:56:24 GMT

This second workshop of the three-part series addresses 1) sampling and how to target your respondents; and 2) survey methods, including paper-and-pencil, face-to-face or telephone interviews, e-mail, and Internet, with a focus on written questionnaires and an online approach using SurveyMonkey.

Links (Delicious)
Slides (SlideShare)
Video (SlideShare)
Conducting Surveys I: Introduction and Questionnaire Design
Conducting Surveys III: Analyzing Data and Reporting Methods

Episode 56: Participating in the Creative Commons

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:29:44 GMT

With the debate over copyright raging, some are calling for the end of the "all rights reserved" regime, and libraries feeling like they’re caught in the middle. What are the alternatives? Creative Commons (CC) is the most respected alternative available today with its idea of "some rights reserved" as set by the content creators themselves. This presentation will talk about the principles of Creative Commons, show how you can easily apply it to your creations today, and how you and your patrons can use CC to find material that can be legally reused in the creation of new content.

Links (Delicious)
Video (SlideShare)

Episode 55: TechTalk with Michael Sauers: An Interview with Tim Spalding of LibraryThing

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:18:34 GMT

In this episode of NCompass Live, Michael Sauers, the Nebraska Library Commission's Technology Innovation Librarian, talks to Tim Spalding, founder and developer of LibraryThing, a cataloging and social networking site for book lovers.

Links (Delicious)
Video (SlideShare)

Episode 54: Cataloging with RDA: An Overview

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:24:49 GMT

Resource Description and Access (RDA), the cataloging standard developed to replace AACR2, will be released in June 2010, and a period of testing and evaluation of the new rules will begin. Join Emily Nimsakont, the NLC’s Cataloging Librarian, to learn the basics of RDA. Topics of discussion will include the goals and basic concepts of RDA, ways in which the new rules will differ from the current rules, and changes to MARC format related to RDA.

Slides (SlideShare)
Links (Delicious)
Video (.WMV)

Episode 53: Circulating eBook readers at UNO: what we know…for now

Fri, 28 May 2010 18:58:00 GMT

Presented by Joyce Neujahr Director of Patron Services University of Nebraska at Omaha as part of Ebooks: Readers Wanted, the TSRT & ITART Spring Meetings April 23, 2010.

Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
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Episode 52: eBooks: Readers Wanted

Thu, 20 May 2010 14:46:29 GMT

From the ITART/TSRT 2010 Spring Meeting on April 23, 2010, Michael Sauers presents a short history of eBooks and discusses some of the forthcoming eReaders.

Presentation Slides (SlideShare)

Episode 51: Conducting Surveys I: Introduction and Questionnaire Design

Fri, 14 May 2010 20:17:18 GMT

This first workshop of the three-part series addresses 1) the reasons for conducting a survey; 2) issues in effective questionnaire design, data collection and analysis, and reporting; and 3) questionnaire design, especially measurement, question content, and structure, including examples.

To register for the rest of the workshops in the series, click on the workshop name:

Conducting Surveys II: Data Collection
Conducting Surveys III: Analyzing Data and Reporting Methods
Download video (WMV)
Presentation Slides (SlideShare)
Feedback Questionnaire (DOC)
Survey Question Bank (PDF)
Workshop Notes Resources (PDF)

Episode 50: Searching 2.0

Wed, 12 May 2010 15:50:17 GMT

Trainer Michael Sauers applies the super-search strategies he is known for to the latest generation of Web tools. Blogs, RSS, Flickr, podcasting, mashups, the read/write Web, Google, visual search engines, folksonomies, Firefox Search Plugins, Del.icio.us, and more. Irreverent and fun, this presentation will expose you to some of the more recent tools that make the most of the Web 2.0 environment: from improving basic search skills and evaluating search results to making the best use of search engines, both common and cutting-edge. Sauers will also show you how best to organize your resources for quick access at the reference desk.

Episode 49: Balancing Life and Libraries in support of Excellence

Mon, 10 May 2010 19:15:39 GMT

Dr. Rebecca Pasco, Coordinator of Library Science Education Programs, University of Nebraska–Omaha discusses the importance and significance of "letting go" in order to be an effective leader. This is a motivational presentation for folks whose heavy loads are "self-inflicted" because they won’t or can’t say no, or won’t or can’t prioritize. Are you one of them? Help is at hand!

Watch video

Episode 48: Great Summer Reading Program Reads with Sally Snyder

Mon, 10 May 2010 14:50:14 GMT

The Summer Reading Program theme for 2010 is Make a Splash - READ!. Join Sally Snyder, the NLC's Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services, as she presents book reviews on this year's theme.

Episode 47: Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall ... Bullying Concerns Us All

Fri, 07 May 2010 19:44:56 GMT

Join Gayle Roberts, Library Director of Blair Public Library, as she takes a brief look at the increased visibility of bullying in children of all ages. You will learn how libraries can help our youth recognize the downfalls of bullying by providing informative materials and activities for all ages, preschool through high school, as well as for parents and adults in the community.

Episode 46: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers - Podcasting at Schmid Law Library

Fri, 07 May 2010 14:21:13 GMT

In this episode Michael will be speaking with Richard Leiter and Marcia Dority Baker from the Schmid Law Library at the University of Nebraska College of Law about their podcasting efforts.

Presentation Links

Episode 45: Reflections on PLA

Wed, 05 May 2010 18:45:19 GMT

Each year, the Nebraska Library Commission awards Continuing Education and Training Grants to Nebraska libraries to provide funding for staff to attend conferences and training sessions. In 2010, the NLC awarded grants to 5 librarians to attend the Public Library Association Annual Conference in Portland. Attend this session to learn more about the grants and to hear these librarians talk about their experiences at PLA: Mary Jo Mack, Director of John A. Stahl Library, and 4 librarians from Lincoln City Libraries: Carol Swanson, the Branch Supervisor at Gere Branch Library; Mary Luckner, the Youth Services Librarian at Walt Branch Library, Karrie Simpson, the Youth Services Librarian at Anderson and Bethany Branch Libraries, and Tammy Teasley, Collection Librarian at Bennett Martin Library.

Episode 44: Introduction to WorldCat - What is it and how can it help me do my job?

Wed, 05 May 2010 14:23:35 GMT

OCLC's WorldCat database is an essential tool of librarians around the world. If you're not a regular user of WorldCat through FirstSearch, and aren't familiar with its value, then this session is for you. Join Susan Knisely, the NLC’s Online Services Librarian, and learn how to:

Search for a known item (e.g., perform an author/title search)
Limit a search to just juvenile (or non-juvenile) material
Limit a search to just fiction (or non-fiction) material
Limit a search by document type
Identify nearby libraries that own items of interest
Search for books on a particular topic (e.g., perform a subject search)

Special emphasis will be placed on using WorldCat to identify items to purchase or request through interlibrary loan to meet patrons' information needs.

Episode 43: Have Laptop Will Travel, Speed Dating, and Board Silly @ your library

Tue, 04 May 2010 18:21:46 GMT

Library Journal 2010 Movers & Shakers Manya Shorr and Amy Mather from the Omaha Public Library will talk about their efforts to reaching out to the group you may not realize you are missing: the underserved young professionals. They will talk about their Have Laptop Will Travel program, speed dating, and Board Silly (adult game night in your library).

Episode 42: Adventures in Facebook: Getting your library on board

Tue, 04 May 2010 13:43:57 GMT

What does it take to create a presence for your library on Facebook? Which is better, a fan page or a group? How do you go about spreading the word? Find out more when Kathryn Brockmeier shares her personal experience from building a fan page for the Nebraska Book Festival to creating a group for the One Book One Nebraska programs.

Episode 41: Tech Talk: Michael Sauers talks with David Lee King

Mon, 03 May 2010 13:53:08 GMT

In this episode Michael will be talking to David Lee King, the Digital Branch & Services Manager at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, about his library’s use of the Social Web and the line between your personal and professional online lives.

Presentation Links

Episode 40: Surveys, Focus Groups & Observation, or How to find out stuff from people in your community

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:18:30 GMT

Okay, so the best way to find out something is to ask someone. But what's the best way to ask so that you get an answer to the question that you meant to ask and not to the question they thought that you asked? Join Kathryn Brockmeier, Nebraska Library Commission Research Analyst, for some tips and techniques for getting the information you need.

Episode 39: Nebraska Libraries: All A-Twitter

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:27:52 GMT

Come learn about the innovative ways your Nebraska colleagues are using Twitter to promote their libraries' programs and services. NLC staff Christa Burns, Special Projects Librarian, and Michael Sauers, Technology Innovation Librarian, will take you on a tour of Nebraska's twittering libraries.

Episode 38: How to Get Buy-In

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:42:25 GMT

One of the key factors in a successful project is buy-in, the process that gets staffers, board members, and other participants to adopt the goals of the project as their own. Because buy-in is so important--even crucial--it is worth spending time to achieve it. Richard Miller, Nebraska Library Commission Library Development Director, will discuss proven techniques for getting buy-in, and making sure that everyone is on board.

Episode 37: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers: OpenDNS

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:34:36 GMT

In this monthly feature of NCompass Live, the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Michael Sauers, discusses the tech news of the month and share new and exciting tech for your library.

Presentation Links

Episode 36: NCompass Live: The Year in Review

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:55:50 GMT

NCompass Live debuted in January 2009. During the past year, we have covered a variety of library related topics with presentations, interviews, book reviews and web tours. Join the NLC's Christa Burns as we look back on 2009's NCompass Live sessions and hear updates to some of the sessions.

Presentation Slides

Episode 35: USDA Funding Opportunities for Rural Libraries

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:32:22 GMT

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.

Episode 34: Presenting Data in Meaningful and Interesting Ways

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:03:40 GMT

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.

Episode 33: Tech Talk with Michael Sauers

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:56:08 GMT

In this monthly feature of NCompass Live, the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Michael Sauers, will discuss the tech news of the month and share new and exciting tech for your library. Michael also interviews Jay Osborne from the Rochester (NY) Public Library about their circulation of TomTom GPS units.

Presentation Links

Episode 32: E-rate 101: The Basics

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:02:44 GMT

What is E-rate? How can my library benefit from E-rate? How do I apply for E-rate? E-rate is a federal program that provides discounts to assist schools and libraries in the United States to obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet access. This Basics session will be useful to libraries who have never applied for E-rate, libraries who are new to E-rate and current E-rate libraries who just want a refresher on what E-rate is all about.

Episode 31: American Fact Finder

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:18:52 GMT

The U.S. Census Bureau, that source of authoritative demographic information, collects a lot of numbers—and makes them available through their custom Web Interface, American FactFinder. Join Beth Goble, Nebraska Library Commission Government Information Services Director, for a tour of American FactFinder and some great tips on finding facts fast.

Episode 30: Google Secrets

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:56:19 GMT

Michael Sauers, Technology Innovation Librarian at the NLC, shares some new Google services, tools and features that can help improve your internet life.

Presentation Links

Episode 29: Twitter Tips & Tricks

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:53:13 GMT

So, you've got a Twitter account, you post every so often and you follow a few folks. But what else is there? How can you get more out of Twitter? Join Michael Sauers, the NLC's Technology Innovation Librarian, as he shows you some advanced tips and tricks that will help you use Twitter more efficiently for your library and for yourself.

Episode 28: Wilson Databases Update

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:26:14 GMT

If you didn’t get a chance to attend the Database Roadshow this summer, but you’d like a see some of the updates made to the Wilson databases, this NCompass Live session is for you. During the session Allana Novotny, Technology & Access Services Librarian at the Nebraska Library Commission, will highlight some of the interface changes along with providing a quick tour of the Biography Reference Bank Select database.

NebraskAccess

Epsiode 27: Touring the New eLibrary

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:01:47 GMT

If you didn’t get a chance to attend the Database Roadshow this summer, but you’d like a refresher course on searching eLibrary, this NCompass Live session is for you. Join Susan Knisely, Online Services Librarian at the Nebraska Library Commission, as she takes you on a tour of the newly updated eLibrary interface. During this hour-long session Susan will not only review basic searching functionality in eLibrary, but also highlight recent service enhancements. eLibrary is licensed for use in public and academic libraries through the NebraskAccess statewide database program.

Episode 26: All About Twitter

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:13:34 GMT

Michael Sauers, Technology Innovation Librarian at the NLC, will present a live demo of Twitter. Learn all about what Twitter is and how to use it - setting up your profile, tweeting, searching, applications to help you get the most out of Twitter, and more!

Presentation links

Episode 25: NEBASE, BCR & OCLC: The Future of OCLC Services in Nebraska

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:09:30 GMT

The Nebraska Library Commission’s NEBASE department ceased to exist as an OCLC network as of July 1, 2009. Nebraska OCLC member libraries were transfered to BCR (Bibliographical Center for Research) for their OCLC service. Join Christa Burns, NEBASE OCLC Member Services Coordinator, as she explains what’s happening with NEBASE, BCR, and OCLC, and what it means to Nebraska Libraries.

Episode 24: Database Roadshow Teaser

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:59:14 GMT

It’s that time of year again when we begin preparing for the Database Roadshow. This year’s Roadshow is all about change. Attend this NCompass session if you’d like an overview of some of the changes we’ll be talking about during the Roadshow. We’ll also toss out a few database tips and tricks along the way. If you are trying to decide if you want to attend this year’s Roadshow (or if you know you’ll be unable to attend a Roadshow) this session is for you.

Episode 23: The New and Improved Library and Information Services Program

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:50:42 GMT

The Library Technical Assistant program, which previously had been managed in part by all the Nebraska community colleges is moving under one umbrella to Central Community College in Grand Island. Marty Magee, one of the instructors for the newly renamed "Library and Information Services" associate degree program, will cover some of the changes, introduction of other instructors, and talk about the online distance education format.

Episode 22: Google Maps

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:54:22 GMT

When you hear the name Google Maps you may just think it’s simply a tool to provide directions from point A to point B, but it’s much more than that. This session will highlight some of the features in Google Maps and show a few ways your library can use Google Maps.

Episode 21: Meet the Librarians Behind ready@nlc.state.ne.us

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:49:41 GMT

If you use the Library Commission for interlibrary loan, this is your chance to meet the librarians who answer all the emails and questions that come to this email address ready@nlc.state.ne.us. If you are new to ILL with the Library Commission, this will be an excellent introductory session to sign up for to understand how it all works!

Episode 20: How to Lead a Book Group for Adults or Kids!

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:13:39 GMT

Learn valuable ideas for leading a book group for adults or kids. Issues such as optimum size of group, how to choose titles, and how to locate multiple titles for your group will be discussed. Vicki Wood (Youth Services Supervisor, Lincoln City Libraries) and Lisa Kelly (Information Services Director, NLC) will present this session. Together they have several years of experience in leading and participating in book groups and training book group leaders .

Episode 19: Government Information for You and Your Customers

Thu, 28 May 2009 14:14:46 GMT

Join us for a session about the Government Information Services program at the Library Commission and how it can help you help your customers. We will talk about our participation in the federal documents depository program and how we make Nebraska state government information available to the public. We will highlight some great docs and web sites that media specialists, teachers, and librarians can use with students and library customers.

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Episode 18: One Book For Nebraska Kids & One Book For Nebraska Teens

Thu, 28 May 2009 14:01:08 GMT

Wouldn’t it be great if kids all over Nebraska were talking about books? The Nebraska Library Commission & the Regional Library Systems have a program where kids can all read and discuss the same book. Join Sally Snyder, the NLC's Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services, to learn all about One Book For Nebraska Kids and One Book For Nebraska Teens.

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Episode 17: Assistive Technologies for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Wed, 27 May 2009 18:32:15 GMT

Shane and Amy Buresh, husband and wife on staff with the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, will demonstrate how they use technology to access information.

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Episode 16: Libraries, They Are A-Changin'

Wed, 27 May 2009 18:10:39 GMT

A transformation is underway in the library world. How you deliver library services to library users is changing. Many new tools have emerged and are affecting the way people, society and libraries access information and communicate with patrons and each other. Join Christa Burns for a tour of the Web 2.0 services being used and experimented with at libraries large and small.

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Episode 15: Nebraska Memories

Wed, 27 May 2009 17:52:12 GMT

Picture Nebraska’s past—people, places, and events. Nebraska Memories is a cooperative project to digitize Nebraska-related historical and cultural heritage materials and make them available to researchers of all ages via the Internet. Join Devra Dragos, Network Services Director, to learn what’s in Nebraska Memories, why you might want to participate, how to use it with students and patrons, and more.

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Episode 14: Setting Up Your Public Access Computers

Fri, 22 May 2009 13:20:37 GMT

Public access computers are different beasts from staff and home computers. Having dozens or even hundreds of different individuals use the same computer in just a week raises certain issues that must be addressed including virus prevention, security and privacy. In this session Michael Sauers and Diane Wells will discuss these issues and offer advice on ways to address these issues.

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Episode 13: Summer Reading Programs: Who Chooses the Theme?

Thu, 21 May 2009 15:31:58 GMT

The Collaborative Summer Reading Program (CSLP) began in 1987 when ten Minnesota regional library systems developed a summer library program for children. It has grown to a consortium of 47 states working together to provide high-quality summer reading program materials for children at the lowest cost possible for their public libraries. Join Sally Snyder, the NLC's Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services, and the current CSLP President, to learn all about how the CSLP works.

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Episode 12: Putting Facebook to Work for Your Library

Thu, 21 May 2009 15:03:05 GMT

Putting Facebook to Work for Your Library

Curious about Facebook, but don’t know where to start? Hastings College’s Perkins Library has been using its Facebook group page for a year and a half to spread the word about the library’s programs and services. Susan Franklin, Public Services Librarian at Perkins Library, will share how the library developed its Facebook presence and how this social networking tool is being used to inform, invite, announce, network and connect Perkins Library with its community.

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Episode 11: 2009 ONE BOOK ONE NEBRASKA: Nebraska Reads A Lantern in Her Hand

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:57:28 GMT

Join Rod Wagner, Nebraska Library Commission Director, Mary Jo Ryan, Nebraska Library Commission Communications Coordinator, and Teresa Lorensen, Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation Director, to:

Learn about how to create a successful local reading promotion using Nebraska's year-long, statewide celebration featuring Bess Streeter Aldrich, one of Nebraska's best-loved authors.
Brainstorm strategies to read and discuss A Lantern in Her Hand, a classic story of a pioneer woman who withstands the adversity of existence on the prairie to triumph in the joy of everyday life.
Find tools to help engage your community in local activites to encourage them to come together through literature to explore this classic work in community-wide reading programs.

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Episode 10: Computers: What to Know Before You Buy

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:47:34 GMT

Gigahertz, gigabytes, 32-bit, 64-bit, megahertz, megabytes, hard drives, solid-state drives, RAM, CD, DVD-R, DVD+R, Blu-Ray. Could purchasing a new a computer ever have been more confusing? Spend an hour with the Commissions’ Michael Sauers and Diane Wells while they discuss what you need to consider when purchasing new computers for your library and your home. There will be ample Q&A time so be sure to bring your questions with you!

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Episode 9: Check out the New NebraskAccess!

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 21:33:59 GMT

Check it out! NebraskAccess, the portal to information databases for Nebraska residents since 2003, has a new look and a new URL: http://nebraskaccess.ne.gov. The new NebraskAccess site integrates the statewide subscription databases with the web resources selected by librarians, formerly found in the Nebraska Library Commission’s Best of the Web. Sign up for this session to learn all about the new NebraskAccess.

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Episode 8: Participating in the Creative Commons

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:58:12 GMT

With the debate over copyright raging, some are calling for the end of the “all rights reserved” regime; schools and libraries are caught in the middle. What are the alternatives? Creative Commons (CC) is the most respected alternative available today with its idea of “some rights reserved” as set by the content creators themselves. This presentation will talk about the principles of Creative Commons, show how you can easily apply it to your intellectual property today, and how you can use CC to find material that you and your patrons can legally reuse in the creation of new content.

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Episode 7: Nebraska Library Accreditation, Librarian Certification and Library Board Certification: The Whys & Hows

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:33:46 GMT

Have you had questions about Accreditation and Certification? Richard Miller will discuss public library accreditation and Library Board of Trustees certification. Laura Johnson will talk about the librarian certification program. They’ll cover why these programs are important, what they can do for you, and just how they work. Then Richard and Laura will answer questions from attendees.

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Episode 6: Nebraska Learns 2.0 Wrap-up

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:16:41 GMT

You came, you played, you learned! You’ve conquered Nebraska Learns 2.0 and now it’s time for the post-game analysis.

Join Christa, Michael, Allana, and Susan, your guides through the world that is Web 2.0, for this NCompass Live session reviewing the program. We’ll be announcing who won the prizes and let you know things like the total number of blogs, blog posts, comments and other stats. This will also be your chance to give us your feedback and ideas.

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Episode 5: Feel the Love: Free Health Resources from the National Library of Medicine

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:11:00 GMT

Just in time for all the Valentines in your life, Marty Magee, Nebraska and Education Liaison for the National Network/Libraries of Medicine will be talking with Mary Jo Ryan of the Nebraska Library Commission as Marty shares free health resources from the National Library of Medicine, and more. Learn about updates on sites like MedlinePlus and what's available in Nebraska, too!

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Episode 4: Library of Congress Talking Books: Now Downloadable 24/7

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:18:13 GMT

Eligible individuals with email addresses and high-speed Internet connections can now download Library of Congress talking books and magazines from a nationwide web site to a PC, then to a flash memory cartridge for use with a digital player. Dave Oertli and Scott Scholz speak about the new option and demonstrate the service.

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Episode 3: Bibliostat Collect: It's Got a New Look

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 20:07:28 GMT

John Felton and Kathryn Brockmeier demonstrate how to use the new version of Bibliostat Collect and talk about why the Library Commission gathers public library statistics every year.

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Episode 2: Meet the NLC, Part 2: What is the Nebraska Library Commission? Who are we? What do we do?

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 20:05:59 GMT

To kick off the weekly NCompass Live, we will introduce you to the people and departments of the Nebraska Library Commission. In Part 2, you will meet Devra Dragos, Network Services Director, Mary Jo Ryan, Communications Coordinator, Richard Miller, Library Development Director, and Vern Buis, Lead Infrastructure Support Analyst.

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Devra's links, Mary Jo's links, Richard's links, Vern's links

Epsiode 1: Meet the NLC, part 1

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:42:20 GMT

To kick off the weekly NCompass Live, we will introduce you to the people and departments of the Nebraska Library Commission. In Part 1, you will meet Rod Wagner, Library Commission Director, Beth Goble, Government Information Services Director, Dave Oertli, Talking Book & Braille Service Director, and Lisa Kelly, Information Services Director.

Presented online by Christa Burns on 7 January 2009.

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Rod's links, Lisa's links, Dave's links, Beth's links

Participating in the Creative Commons

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:39:46 GMT

With the debate over copyright raging, with some calling for the end of the "all rights reserved" regime, and libraries feeling like they’re caught in the middle, just what are the alternatives? CC is the most respected alternative available today with its idea of "some rights reserved" as set by the content creators themselves. Sauers talks about the principles of Creative Commons, shows how you can easily apply it to your intellectual property today, and how you can use CC to find material that you can legally reuse in the creation of new content.

Presented online by Michael Sauers on 16 September 2008.

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Michael Sauers on the Radio in Kansas City, MO

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:33:46 GMT

This past Monday, September 8th, 2008 our Technology Innovation Librarian, Michael Sauers, had the pleasure of being the guest on Kansas City, MO NPR affiliate KCUR's show up/to/date. We discussed several library issues including copyright, Creative Commons, DRM, databases, privacy, and search engines.

NEBASE Hour: What's New in WorldCat Resource Sharing?

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:24:58 GMT

OCLC continues to make improvements to the WorldCat Resource Sharing system. Attend this session for an overview of the most recent enhancements to WorldCat Resource Sharing, such as:

Printing and Searching improvements
Updates to the Policies Directory
Additional deflection and Reasons for No options
and more!

Presented by Christa Burns on July 9, 2008.

Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way

Mon, 19 May 2008 12:19:14 GMT

Last week Michael was invited to speak to the librarians of Love Library on the University of Nebraska, Lincoln campus. This 70 minute presentation covered The Social Web, Library 2.0, library leadership, and other topics. The Podcast version is audio only. Below you can watch the video version. A link to the PPT slides can be found at the bottom of this post.

Presented by Michael Sauers on 14 May 2008.

Introduction to Open Source Software

Mon, 12 May 2008 13:24:33 GMT

The concept of Open Source is both simple and complex. Instead of the standard model of purchasing software and doing only what it allows you to do, open source software (OSS) is typically free and allows you to change it to fit your needs. However, as it has been said, OSS is not free as in beer, but free as in kittens. There may be no up-front costs, but that doesn’t mean there’s no costs in the long run. The costs are just different. In this session, Michael Sauers, the Nebraska Library Commission’s Technology Innovation Librarian will introduce you to the concepts behind open source, give examples of some of the most influential OSS packages being used today, and discuss why libraries should be paying attention to this model.

Presented by Michael Sauers on 28 April 2008.

Who Are You? Evaluate Your Library Holdings with WorldCat Collection Analysis

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:59:36 GMT

To make the most of your library’s acquisitions budget, you need precise data that reveals your library's subject-matter strengths, gaps, and overlaps. WorldCat Collection Analysis is a Web-based service that provides analysis and comparison of library collections based on holdings information contained in the WorldCat database.

Attend this session to learn how you can:

Evaluate your library’s collections thru peer comparisons
Use the new Circulation Analysis to see how your collection is being used
Use the ILL analysis tools to evaluate your borrowing and lending activities
Produce detailed reports with spreadsheets and graphs

Presented by Christa Burns on 9 January 2008

eSerials Holdings Service: Increase the Visibility of Your eSerials

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:56:28 GMT

Tired of trying to maintain an ever-changing list of eSerials holdings? Looking for ways to automatically set and maintain your library’s eSerials holdings in WorldCat? The OCLC eSerials Holdings service has what you need!

Attend this session to learn how your library can:

Make your electronic content more visible and accessible - without adding to your cataloging workload
Automate setting and maintaining your library’s location holdings in WorldCat
Increase the value of your investment in A-Z lists, OpenURL resolver, WorldCat, and WorldCat Collection Analysis
Increase usage of your electronic serials collection
Automatically control and/or deflect ILL requests from colleagues in the OCLC cooperative
Get started using the eSerials Holdings service - available at no charge to OCLC member libraries

Presented by Christa Burns on 5 December 2007

WebJunction: Resource for Rural Libraries

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:51:24 GMT

WebJunction is an online community where library staff meet to share ideas, solve problems, take online courses - and have fun! If you have not looked at the offerings at Web Junction lately, it's time to take a look. WebJunction provides resources and training specifically for rural and small libraries covering advocacy, funding, outreach and technology. Attend this session to learn what your colleagues across the country are doing to bring library services to their rural and small communities.

OCLC Language Sets: Prepare for the Multilingual World

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:46:22 GMT

OCLC Language Sets is an easy and inexpensive way to build your multilingual collections with fiction and non-fiction books, videos and DVDs. Language Sets offers pre-selected sets of current popular materials in 17 languages - Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Gujarati, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Malayalam, Marathi, Panjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and Vietnamese. The Custom Collection option lets you design a collection based on your library users’ specific needs.

You receive the most current and popular titles, full-level MARC records for each title, plus free shipping and cataloging. Your new holdings are added to the WorldCat database of shared records from libraries around the world, which means your users will be able to find library materials on the Web through familiar sites such as Yahoo! Search and Google. Language-specific posters and bookmarks are included to help you promote your non-English resources.

Libraries who wish to order Language Sets do not have to be members of OCLC. The sets are available to both OCLC member and nonmember libraries.

Attend this session to see an overview of Language Set content, delivery options, pricing and information about how you can create your own custom collections.

Instant Messaging Trends & Practice

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:43:02 GMT

Instant messaging is becoming an increasingly popular way to communicate. In fact, in some environments and among some populations, it is surpassing email in popularity. What does this mean for libraries? During this presentation we will look at instant messaging trends in order to understand who uses IM, and for what purposes. We will also look at some of the ways libraries are implementing IM, and for those who are new to this communication technology we will cover the basics of setting up and using an IM account.

Presented by Susan Knisely on 16 January 2008

Virtual Reference @ NLC

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 13:20:09 GMT

The following video was prepared for a MLS reference class to be presented alongside Karen Hein's (UNO) and Robin Bernstein's (Bellevue University) applications of virtual reference on 01 December 2007. The Nebraska Library Commission has been offering chat reference since December of 2006.

NEBASE Hour: WorldCat Local: Global Network, Local Results

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:32:38 GMT

OCLC is piloting its new WorldCat Local service that will allow your library to customize WorldCat.org as a solution for local discovery and delivery services. WorldCat Local interoperates with locally maintained services like circulation, resource sharing and resolution to full text to present a locally branded interface to your patrons. Attend this session to learn how this new service works and to see the beta being run at the University of Washington Libraries.

Presented by Christa Burns on 5 September 2007

NEBASE Hour - August 2007 - Connexion Client v. 2.00 Enhancements

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 13:40:56 GMT

Would you like to learn more about the recent enhancements to the Connexion Client? Version 2.00 of the client was released on June 26, 2007. With client 2.00, you are able to:

<ul><li>Export bibliographic records in Dublin Core</li><li>Use Connexion client under Windows Vista </li><li>Specify to display the toolbar on one or two rows and view shorter menu lists </li><li>Use RLG bibliographic institution records (IRs) </li><li>...and more!</li></ul>

See the Recent Enhancements page on the Connexion web site for additional information - http://www.oclc.org/connexion/interface/client/enhancements/recent.htm

Presented by Christa Burns on 6 August 2007

Introduction to Searching HeritageQuest Online Through NebraskAccess

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 13:02:20 GMT

Presented by Susan Knisely on 27 July 2007

NEBASE Hour: Streamline Your OCLC ILL with Custom Holdings & Direct Request

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 12:14:15 GMT

Custom Holdings allows an OCLC ILL library to set up automatic borrowing strings, eliminating the need for analyzing lenders on a request-by-request basis. Direct Request uses your Custom Holdings to automate the ILL borrowing process, letting you control the process electronically just as you do now manually.

Attend this session to learn how to design, create, update and use multiple Custom Holding paths and Direct Request profiles.

NEBASE Hour: Track Your Activity with OCLC Usage Statistics

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 12:31:15 GMT

The OCLC Usage Statistics web site provides statistics on your library’s FirstSearch, Resource Sharing, Cataloging, and Open WorldCat activity. These reports are available to OCLC libraries at no extra charge.

Attend this session to learn how to use the updated and enhanced interface to analyze and interpret your library’s OCLC usage patterns.

Presented by Christa Burns on 6 June 2007.

NebraskAccess Databases: The Whirlwind Tour

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 12:58:25 GMT

Come on a whirlwind tour of the NebraskAccess databases. Learn what each database is good for, and see at least one basic search performed per database. Databases to be covered include:

eLibrary
Wilson OmniFile Full Text Select
Wilson Biographies Plus Illustrated
HeritageQuest Online
WorldCat
Fiction Connection
Books in Print with Reviews

Note: This class is not intended to impart in-depth or comprehensive knowledge about any of the NebraskAccess databases. It’s designed to help you get your feet wet and learn what’s available!

Presented by Susan Knisley on 28 June 2007

Introduction to WorldCat: What is it and how can it help me do my job?

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 17:49:36 GMT

Introduction to WorldCat - What is it and how can it help me do my job?

OCLC's WorldCat database is an essential tool of librarians around the world. If you're not a regular user of WorldCat through FirstSearch and aren't familiar with its value, then this session is for you. If you view it you will learn how to:

Search for a known item (e.g., perform an author/title search)
Limit a search to just juvenile (or non-juvenile) material
Limit a search to just fiction (or non-fiction) material
Limit a search by document type
Identify nearby libraries that own items of interest
Search for books on a particular topic (e.g., perform a subject search)

Special emphasis will be placed on using WorldCat to identify items to purchase or request through interlibrary loan to meet patrons' information needs.

Presented by Susan Knisley on 01 June 2007

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The Social Web

Mon, 21 May 2007 13:43:56 GMT

Time Magazine's person of the year for 2006 was "you". Just why are "you" so important? It's all because of the phenomenon known as The Social Web. This presentation will introduce you to just what the Social Web is, it's impact, and many of the ways that librarians can participate.
Presented by Michael Sauers as part of the SELS Training Extravaganza on 18 May 2007.

Introduction to Searching Books in Print with Reviews and Fiction Connection Through NebraskAccess

Fri, 11 May 2007 12:23:41 GMT

If you perform collection development or reader’s advisory services but don’t know much about Books in Print with Reviews or Fiction Connection, this is the class for you. See a variety of search techniques demonstrated and find out what unique functionality each database has to offer. These two Bowker products, available at no cost to you through NebraskAccess, just might make your job easier!

Presented by Susan Knisely on 4 May 2007.

<a href="http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/nlcpodcast/2007.05.04-BooksInPrint.mp3">Listen</a> (MP3)
<a href="http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/Feeds/NLCPodcast.xml">Subscribe</a> (RSS)
<a href="http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/netserv/training/onlinesessions/bipintro.pdf">Presentation Visuals</a> (PDF)

Cataloging with CatExpress

Thu, 10 May 2007 12:38:00 GMT

OCLC CatExpress provides copy cataloging with limited editing capabilities at a low, flat-fee subscription price. With CatExpress, your library can search WorldCat, set and delete holdings, enter information in optional data fields, print labels, retrieve MARC records for loading into your local system, and track your library's usage with the Monthly Transaction Reports.

Attend this session to see a live demonstration of this easy to use, web-based interface to OCLC's WorldCat. And hear about the special NEBASE offer of a free trial month of the OCLC CatExpress service to new subscribers.

Presented by Christa Burns as the NEBASE Hour on 2 May 2007.

Presentation Visuals (PPT)

Hot Topics in Technology

Wed, 09 May 2007 11:57:37 GMT

Do you know what podcasting is? Or USB and portable apps? If you’re not familiar with Wikis, feeds, or WiFi, you will soon be hearing about them from your patrons. This presentation will help you be more comfortable talking with your patrons about their technology needs.

Integrating RSS Into Your Web Site - Part 2

Tue, 08 May 2007 11:56:16 GMT

RSS feeds are an excellent way to receive information from the Internet. What many people don’t know is that you can receive that information and easily repurpose and republish it on your Web site with little technical knowhow. Imagine automatically posting up-to-date local or industry headlines on your library’s home page. This is what you can do in just a few simple steps. Our expert Internet trainer shows you how. This workshop also covers additional RSS tools and services, including one that will create feeds from content without its own feed and another that will turn your text-based content into a podcast automatically.
Part 2 of 2

Integrating RSS into Your Web Site - Part 1

Mon, 07 May 2007 12:37:09 GMT

An Introduction to Searching eLibrary through NebraskAccess

Fri, 04 May 2007 11:59:09 GMT

eLibrary is a wonderful information resource. It boasts searchable full-text content from magazines, journals, newspapers, and reference books, as well as tv/radio transcripts, audio/video clips, pictures, and maps. It's designed to be easy to search -- type in almost any term and you will get results! As with any resource, however, the more you know about eLibrary the better your chances of getting GREAT results! If you'd like to learn more about eLibrary so that you can search with confidence and retrieve improved results, then this is the training session for you. Attendees will see a variety of search techniques demonstrated and they will also learn what search functionality lurks under the Topics and Reference tabs! Presented by Susan Knisley

The Info Island Project on Second Life

Thu, 03 May 2007 14:58:35 GMT

One of the central tenets of Library 2.0 is "go to where the users are". The online, 3D virtual world Second Life has more than 1.5 million residents all potentially needing the services that a library can provide. This session, presented by Michael Sauers of the Nebraska Library Commission and Rhonda Trueman of Johnson & Wales University will introduce attendees to the both the world of Second Life and to the Second Life Library 2.0 project and the services that it offers.