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September '96 Vol.10 No.9 ISSN 0895-0806 phone: 402-471-2045, 800-307-2665
Timely information from the Nebraska Library Commission

[Announcements]

The Nebraska State Government Home Page is newly remodeled. Point your browser to http://www.state.ne.us/ and let us know how it works for you.

UMI, EBSCOHost, Galenet, H.W. Wilson, and IAC will set up booths at the NE Library Association/NE Educational Media Association (NLA NEMA) Convention at the Cornhusker Hotel in Lincoln, October 23-25. These providers will offer a trial of their services from January 1-May 31, 1997. Nebraska librarians are invited to visit these exhibits and sign up to participate in the trial.

John Baker has joined the Library Commission staff as Information Systems Intern. John is a student at Union College completing a degree in Computer Information Systems through the Guaranteed Degree Program. John's duties include conducting sessions with selected Nebraska libraries to install Nebrask@ Online software, provide instruction to librarians, and assist staff in more efficient use of Nebrask@ Online and Internet applications. He will report results of these sessions for follow-up assistance and perform some computer programming. Contact Jo Budler to arrange sessions, 800-307-2665, 402-471-4031.

Nebrask@ Online is implementing new Windows-based Internet software. Loading the software and dialing into Nebrask@ Online will be much simpler with the "Netscape Dialup Kit." Nebrask@ Online has updated all the necessary documentation to help make the process as simple as possible. Windows 3.x or Windows95 is required to use the new software. The suggested minimum system requirements include 8 MB of RAM, and a 14.4 baud modem. For more information, contact Nebrask@ Online at 800-747-8177 or 402-471-7810.

Nebrask@ Online is implementing a new pricing structure for libraries. No annual subscription fee is required for libraries to access the Internet via Nebrask@ Online's 800#. Internet access includes: electronic mail, World Wide Web, Usenet News, telnet, and ftp; uploading and downloading user utilities; and access to information from State Government, Library and Community sources for $.10/minute. (Most of these information services can be accessed at no per minute charge, if the library uses an alternative Internet provider.) Some information services have a transaction fee. The library must request activation of fee-based services on any or all IDs. Library accounts are payable on a monthly billing cycle (no minimum per month) or by prepaid time option (purchase time blocks at $.10/minute in advance). Libraries may have up to 10 Internet e-mail IDs under either payment structure. For more information, see the Library Commission Home Page, / and search on pricing.

The Nebraska congressional delegation returns to Washington after Labor Day recess, with one month remaining until final adjournment. Librarians across the country are taking this last opportunity this year to educate our elected officials about the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). If the Library Services and Technology Act conference agreement within H.R. 1617 does not pass, librarians are urging the library/museum portion to move forward separately. Otherwise, no successor program to the Library Services and Construction Act will be on the law books, and a crucial stimulus to improvement of library services through technological innovation and outreach services may disappear. The conference report on H.R. 1617 is available on the Web through GPO Access and Thomas. The University of California provides a gateway to GPO Access. Search for 104-707 at http://www.gpo.ucop.edu/search/congrpt.html for links to a text version and an Acrobat version. If you don't have Internet access, contact Mary Geibel, 402-471-2045, 800-307-2665, e-mail: Mary Geibel for a print copy.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month, when the American Library Association and librarians across the country remind parents and other concerned adults that the most important school supply of all is available free-at their local public library. For more information, see the Library Commission Home Page at /, under "News," then "Announcements." Contact Mary Geibel, 402-471-2045, 800-307-2665, e-mail: Mary Geibel for print information.

In continuing efforts to advocate for discounted telecommunications rates for libraries, the American Library Association, (ALA) prepared responses for the third round of the universal service proceedings before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This is the latest opportunity to provide input as the FCC-Joint Board develops recommendations for the full FCC as part of its universal service rulemaking. Of the 75 respondents in this phase, the single largest number of responses are from libraries and library-related groups. See the ALA web site for the full text of this third filing, as well as ALA's original Comments and Reply Comments and more information about the universal service proceeding. Direct your browser to: http://www.ala.org/oitp/univserv.html or contact Mary Jo Ryan, 402-471-3434, 800-307-2665, e-mail: Mary Jo Ryan for more information.

Libraries will be cited as a source of information about dealing with sexual harassment in new public service announcements developed by ABC Television and the American Women in Radio and Television. The spots, to be launched on September 11, direct viewers to a special Web site, http://www.resources.org, accessible from their computer at home or at many libraries. The Web site, available mid-September, will provide information on what constitutes sexual harassment and how to deal with it, as well as a list of national and state resources and links to other sites offering additional information. If your library doesn't have Internet access, contact Mary Geibel, 402-471-2045, 800-307-2665, or e-mail: Mary Geibel for a print copy of the resource list.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UN-L) will be the first to host "The Frontier in American Culture" traveling exhibition. The exhibit is sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) in cooperation with the Newberry Library, Chicago, and funded by a $350,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Through photographs, maps, advertisements and other educational and interpretive materials, the exhibit examines how stories and images of the frontier and the settling of the West have played an integral role in shaping American identity and values. The display will be on exhibit on the second floor of Love Library, September 5 - October 17. Related events sponsored by the Friends of the UN-L Libraries and the Nebraska Humanities Council include: September 19: Screening of "In Search of the Oregon Trail;" September 21: Lecture and Opening Reception; October 2-5: Joint Conference of the Western History Association and the Western Literary Association; and October 11: Panel discussion on Perspectives on the Frontier. For more information, see the UN-L Home Page at http://www.unl.edu/lovers/news.html or contact Mary Geibel, 402-471-2045, 800-307-2665, e-mail: Mary Geibel for a print version.

This year the Grolier National Library Week Grant has been doubled to $4,000. It is awarded annually to a library or library association for a proposal for a public awareness campaign that best supports the theme and goals of National Library Week. The theme of the next National Library Week (April 13-19, 1997) is "Kids Connect @ the Library." For a grant application and list of guidelines, contact: American Library Association Public Information Office, 50 East Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611, 800-545-2433, ext. 5044/5041, e-mail: pio@ala.org. The deadline for proposals is October 11.

[Continuing Education & Training]

Public Library Administration Basic Skills Class

September 17 & 24, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. CST, Neligh Public Library.
Contact: Kit Keller, 402-471-3216, 800-307-2665, e-mail: Kit Keller for registration details.

This is a two-part class. Part one is scheduled for Sept. 17 and part two is scheduled for Sept. 24 (same time/same place). The facilitator for this class is Ruth Strassler. The instructor is Kathy Tooker. The public library administration course includes: governance and cooperation; the library and the community; administration and development; and personnel and physical features. Cost: $25.00

Public Library Administration Basic Skills Class

September 17 & 24, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. MT, Scottsbluff Business Center.
Contact: Kit Keller, 402-471-3216, 800-307-2665, e-mail: Kit Keller for registration details.

This is a two-part class. Part one is scheduled for Sept. 17 and part two is scheduled for Sept. 24 (same time/same place). The facilitator for this class is Mary Ruth Reed. The instructor is Kathy Tooker. The public library administration course includes: governance and cooperation; the library and the community; administration and development; and personnel and physical features. Cost: $25.00

Public Library Administration Basic Skills Class

September 20 & October 4, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. CST, Schuyler Public Library.
Contact: Kit Keller, 402-471-3216, 800-307-2665, e-mail: Kit Keller for registration details.

This is a two-part class. Part one is scheduled for Sept. 20 and part two is scheduled for Oct. 4 (same time/same place). The facilitator for this class is Paula Mares. The instructor is Kathy Tooker. The public library administration course includes: governance and cooperation; the library and the community; administration and development; and personnel and physical features. Cost: $25.00

Nebraska Literature Festival 1996

September 20, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., the Wagon Train Project, 512 South 7 Street, Lincoln, and
September 21, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UN-L) East Campus Union.
Contact Cindy Schneider, UN-L Dept. of English, 402-472-1817, for more information or a registration brochure.

Presentations and programs include readings from twelve publishing Nebraska writers, writing workshops, a book fair, book signings, luncheon, open-mike readings, and Native American poetry group. The Festival will be followed by a cocktail reception at 5:15 p.m. in the Great Plains Room.

1996 Share Fair for Children's Librarians and Media Specialists

September 27, 1:00-5:00 p.m., at the Library Commission.
Contact Mary Jackson, 402-471-4006, 800-307-2665 or Kit Keller, 402-471-3216, 800-307-2665, or e-mail: Kit Keller.

The Share Fair is presentations, displays, talent shows and swap meets, offering ideas and stimulation-all brought by the participants. There is no charge to attend. Evening activities include a buffet/reception at the Nebraska Bookstore (1300 Q St.) from 6:30-9:00 p.m., with a special performance by storyteller, Nancy Duncan. To be a presenter or for further details, contact the above.

NE Library Association/ NE Educational Media Association (NLA/NEMA) 1996 Convention

October 23-25, at the Lincoln Cornhusker Hotel.
Contact: Ellen Van Waart, Local Arrangements Chair, 402-471-4004, 800-307-2665 for more information about the convention.

This year's theme is Success at All Points: Strength through Interdependence. Nebraska's Regional Library Systems will sponsor a preconference on "Getting Your Message Out to Build Clout, Visibility and Support" on October 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Cornhusker, featuring Kare Anderson. NLA's Information and Technology Access Round Table will sponsor a preconference on "Working with Images for WWW and Multimedia Applications," on October 23, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UN-L) New Media Center, featuring Phil Johnson. Keynote speakers will provide insights into the changing world of technology and how libraries and librarians can be successful in the environment. Workshop sessions, business meetings, luncheons and demonstrations will cover a variety of topics. The Coalition for Nebraska's Libraries will host a special session on Friday at 2:25 p.m. on "Tomorrow's Libraries Today: Increased State Funding for Library Service." For more information about the NLA/NEMA Convention, contact Ellen Van Waart, listed above.

Online World '96 Conference & Expo

October 28-30, Washington DC.
Contact: http://www.onlineinc.com/olworld/.

(Previously the Online/CD-ROM conference.) Sessions are divided into three interest areas: Information Managers, Information Professionals and Online Users, with a preconference session on Oct. 27. Nearly 70 vendors are registered to exhibit. A group registration fee of $270 per person, (saving $125 per person) is available, with a registration deadline of September 18. For more about the Online World '96 Conference and a list of vendors, see http://www.onlineinc.com/olworld/.

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