Idaho Commission for Libraries

“Site visits to 63 public libraries reveal the power of technology on staff and users.”

I just read an article in the October 2008 issue of American Libraries titled “Libraries Connect Communities.” Authors Peggy Barber and Linda Wallace share what they learned as part of the team conducting the Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study.

The study included a nationwide survey of libraries (the 2008 survey is underway now); focus groups with library employees, trustees, and users; and library site visits.

So Entertainment Weekly, one of my FAVORITE magazines, just revamped their "20 Scariest Movies" of all time, and since it's close to Halloween (my FAVORITE holiday of the year, besides Guy Fawkes' Day), it got me to thinking about the scariest books that I have ever read.

I appreciate Shirley's collection of free CE opportunities and the fact that it is posted on LIBIDAHO as well as on the ICFL webpage. I'm sure other libraries had their CD budgets reduced, as Nampa did. There is really a great variety of helpful and challenging material we can include in our staff tranining, all gathered and described in convenient packages!

And apply today to attend the March 8, 9 & 10 in-service designed for you and your key-players. Like last year, the in-service will focus on your critical contributions to student achievement in the context of 21st Century Skills.

Go ahead and dare to dream of the luxuries waiting for you in Idaho Falls...

If you haven't checked it out yet, get thee to the Free Friday Forums from BCR.

I'm reading a fascinating book that would make a great addition to the PDS collection.

Solving Tough Problems: An Open Way of Talking, Listening, and Creating New Realities, by Adam Kahane. San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler, 2007. 149 p. $14.95 paperback

Wow...I just finished a webinar with Shirley Biladeau on using Wimba and utilizing WebJunction. It's unbelievable how convenient it is to gather information and learn new skills in the 21st century. It is apparent that if we doddle, we fall behind very quickly! Status quo just isn't pretty!

Fall is in the air which means it’s time think about summer reading. The Commission is once again sponsoring the 2009 Bright Futures summer reading outreach program for all publicly-funded Idaho public libraries. Your library can apply to receive free materials to support outreach in your community to reach more underserved children.

ALA provides free National Gaming Day @ your library activity resources

Once more, I have a new password and it is recorded in a permanent place. At some point, I am sure I will feel like this is my library. This morning's refresher helped a lot. Thanks a bunch

Hi

hey this is cool.

come join in.

I have registered for my new account with ICL and if I can do it so can YOU! The wimba class was an awesome, convenient, fun way to learn. Thanks ICL for all the opportunities you make available to us!

Since the ILA pre-conference of 2007, Trading Spaces, I have been very interested in library displays. I transformed a waiting space to a display area. Previously there were locally related items on this table and it was always a mess. That is history and since May I've had a monthly display here instead.

A friend of mine just sent me a link to Wowbrary! a new service that allows patrons to subscribe to an email digest or RSS feed of their library's newest acquisitions. What fun! It works like this: you go to the site and enter in your email address and zipcode and it pulls up a list of local libraries.

I like the new site! It's very user friendly! This is also my attempt for extra credit for the Spalt 101 course. I'm learning lots of new things!

Library Camp of the West
I recently had the opportunity to attend the ever-growing popular "Library Camp" -- the un-conference.

The Idaho Board of Library Commissioners will meet in a regularly scheduled meeting on Friday, October 24, 2008 at 9:00 AM MDT at the College of Southern Idaho Library, 315 Falls Avenue, Twin Falls, ID 83301.

To view agenda items http://libraries.idaho.gov/boarddoc/bymeeting/2008-10-24

I have been asked about online conferencing/webinar software for meeting use and training. The Wimba tool that ICFL uses is part of the Community Partner agreement with WebJunction. ICFL uses this tool to facilitate its meetings and trainings.

One of the presenters at the Association for Rural and Small Libraries annual conference was Bill Harmer of the Chelsea District Library – the most recent Best Small Library in America. He presented some of the great and innovative programs they have provided for their community. The ARSL list sent a message letting librarians know the details.

I like the new web site