WAIS Grants Available to Bring State Authors & Illustrators to Wisconsin Communites

Bring a Wisconsin Author or Illustrator to Your Community

The Wisconsin Center for the Book's Wisconsin Authors and Illustrators Speak program, offers towns and cities the opportunity to celebrate and explore the literature of our state with writers and artists. The Center for the Book will award up four grants of $300 each to qualifying organizations wishing to bring a Wisconsin author or illustrator to their community to speak at a public event. The event must be free of admission charges and be scheduled between September 1, 2010 and April 30, 2011. A Wisconsin author or illustrator is defined as one who has lived in Wisconsin for a significant period of time, including someone who may no longer be living in the state.

Any Wisconsin nonprofit organization interested in books and reading is eligible to apply for one of the grants. Collaboration among groups is encouraged. Such groups may include libraries, schools, community organizations, and places of worship. Applications will be judged on the basis of community outreach and collaboration, thoroughness of planning, and rationale for the choice of speaker.

Application information can be found at http://wisconsincenterforthebook.wordpress.com/wais/ 
or by contacting Sarah McGowan, Wisconsin Authors and Illustrators program chair, at windsong@centurytel.net. Completed applications are due July 1, 2010.

OverDrive’s Audiobook App for iPhone Now Available in Apple App Store

OverDrive’s Audiobook App for iPhone Now Available in Apple App Store

OverDrive (http://www.overdrive.com/), the leading global distributor of audiobooks and eBooks to libraries and retailers, today announced the availability of OverDrive's free audiobook application for iPhone®, iPadTM, and iPod touch®. With OverDrive® Media ConsoleTM for iPhone, users can now wirelessly download MP3 audiobooks from OverDrive-powered library and retail websites to their Apple® device. Audiobooks for over-the-air download are available from more than 10,000 libraries worldwide (Wisconsin Public Library Consortium, which includes the Wisconsin Valley Library Service), as well as major retailers such as BarnesAndNoble.com, BooksOnBoard.com, Borders.com, and WHSmith.co.uk.

• The free audiobook app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch can be accessed in iTunes® and on the Apple App Store (http://bit.ly/OverDriveiPhone).
• To find libraries and retailers that offer MP3 audiobook downloads, visit http://search.overdrive.com./

OverDrive Media Console for iPhone provides the same superior audiobook experience as OverDrive's other desktop and mobile applications, which boast millions of Windows®, Mac®, AndroidTM, Windows Mobile®, and BlackBerry® users worldwide. Best-selling and new release audiobooks from OverDrive are divided into parts for convenient mobile downloading and can be navigated using MediaMarkersTM. With the audiobook app, users can also create bookmarks and resume from the last point played. Audiobooks from the public library automatically expire so there is never a late fee.

OverDrive provides download services for thousands of libraries, retailers, and schools worldwide, with support for Windows, Mac, iPod, iPhone, iPad, Sony® ReaderTM, nookTM, Windows Mobile, Android, and BlackBerry. For the latest information on OverDrive's download services for libraries, become a fan on Facebook (http://facebook.com/overdriveforlibraries) or subscribe to OverDrive's Digital Library Blog (http://blogs.overdrive.com/library).

(American Libraries Direct, April 28, 2010)

Gates Foundation, IMLS Research Proves Value of Online Access

Gates Foundation, IMLS Research Proves Value of Online Access

The economic downturn has led to dramatic increases in library visitation across the nation, including unprecedented demand for free computer and internet access. Over the last year, Americans have flocked to libraries to get online and find help from trained staff to conduct job searches, complete online coursework, apply for government services, and learn new workforce skills.

Ironically, even as demand for services grows, library budgets are shrinking. According to a recent ALA survey, 24 out of 45 reporting states experienced decreased library funding over the past year. And although almost all libraries offer free technology access, many continue to struggle to replace aging computer workstations and increase the speed of their internet connections. Up to a third of all libraries say they lack even minimally adequate broadband for their patrons.

Despite these challenges, I am optimistic about the future of libraries. They have never been more relevant and more important to our communities. Groundbreaking new research proves the broad use and value of internet access in public libraries. “Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries” reaffirms what many of us already thought to be true—that library technology services have created opportunity for millions of Americans.
 This research, authored by the University of Washington and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, found that nearly one in three Americans age 14 or older—roughly 77 million people—used a public library computer or wireless network to access the internet in the last year. Major uses of online access at libraries include employment and career support (40% of users); education and training such as applying for college, doing homework, or taking an online course (42%); and researching health and wellness issues (37%).
 This important study highlights what is at risk, particularly for low-income individuals who rely heavily on the public library for their technology, if future public and private investment in public libraries doesn’t keep pace with demand.
 At the federal level, we’ve recently seen the potential for unprecedented commitment from the federal government to help public libraries secure the high-quality broadband access they need to ensure libraries remain vital technology hubs for our communities. Libraries and other community institutions have been given priority in the disbursement of federal stimulus broadband grants, and the National Broadband Plan recently announced by the Federal Communications Commission recognizes libraries as critical access points to ensure digital inclusion of all communities. By digital inclusion, I mean that people have both quality access to technology and the ability to use technology to improve their lives.
 The Gates Foundation began its partnership with public libraries over a dozen years ago to help transform the way patrons access information at the library. We believe that every life has equal value and that everyone deserves the chance to live a healthy, productive life. In the United States, there is no better way for us to continue working toward that vision than by partnering with libraries.
 With our investments in computer hardware now completed, we look forward to our role as a champion of technology in public libraries and helping to amplify the value of libraries to the public and decision makers. Over the next several years, the foundation will make investments designed to help library leaders plan for, manage, and advocate for technology, and to help community leaders understand the value of public access technology in libraries.
 As I look to the work and challenges that lie ahead, I am more confident than ever that libraries will continue to provide Americans with the opportunity, learning, and hope that shapes our country. I am proud to partner with the thousands of library leaders, staff, and community supporters that will carry this important work forward.

(Jill Nishi, Deputy Director of the U. S. Libraries Initiative for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, American Libraries Direct - April 28, 2010)

Important Change in OverDrive (WPLC) Lending periods!

OverDrive Collection Lending Periods Change on May 1, 2010

Effective May 1st, patrons will have new options available for their lending periods. Patrons will be able to set their own default lending period on a format-by-format basis. However, if the patron does not set any lending period, the systemwide default for all formats will continue to be 7 days.

The patron will have the following options:

• Lending period options for Adobe EPUB eBooks, Adobe PDF eBooks, OverDrive WMA Audiobooks, OverDrive MP3 Audiobooks:
• 7 days
• 14 days
• Lending period options for OverDrive WMA Music, OverDrive WMV Video:
• 3 days
• 5 days
• 7 days
• 14 days

 Additionally, at the time of checkout, a patron can select a lending period on a title-by-title basis.  Both the Help section on the WPLC OverDrive website and the WPLC Digital Book Center FAQ found at: http://overdrivefaq.pbworks.com/ will be updated with information on this feature on May 1st.

This does not change the fact that most materials cannot be returned early. Only Adobe? eBooks may be returned early, and instructions for doing so are available in the Help section of the WPLC OverDrive website.

How Libraries Stack Up: 2010

How Libraries Stack Up: 2010

This new report examines the economic, social and cultural impact of libraries in the United States. As the current economic environment is impacting library budgets and library usage is increasing, particular attention is paid to the role that libraries play in providing assistance to job-seekers and support for small businesses. Information includes statistics on:

•Americans receiving job-seeking help and career assistance at public libraries
•Libraries as a resource for small businesses
•The prevalence and scope of library activity in the United States
•Libraries as providers of free services to the community such as Wi-Fi access, technology training and meeting rooms
•Comparisons of library activities to various retail and entertainment businesses

 Download the report:
•In full color [PDF: 634K]

•In a format optimized for black-and-white printing  [PDF: 295K]

This information may be useful to librarians as they develop budget proposals and discuss the value of library services in the context of community needs. Two versions of the report are available for download; one in color and one optimized for black-and-white printing.

(American Libraries Direct, April 7, 2010)

National Library Week - April 11 - 17, 2010

Celebrate National Library Week

With Americans turning to libraries in record number for employment resources and technology support, the nation’s libraries celebrate National Library Week, April 11-17.

The celebration, sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA), includes events held at thousands of libraries to promote the many free resources available. The programs include assisting the unemployed with jobs searches and filing unemployment benefits, helping the unskilled learn to use a computer, providing homework help, access to e-government services and providing accurate financial education information.

This year’s honorary chair is best-selling author Neil Gaiman. Neil Gaiman is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels “Neverwhere,” “Stardust,” “American Gods,” “Anansi Boys” (#1 NYT bestseller), and “Good Omens” (with Terry Pratchett); the Sandman series of graphic novels; and the short story collections “Smoke and Mirrors” and “Fragile Things.” He is also the author of books for readers of all ages including the #1 bestselling and Newbery Medal winning novel “The Graveyard Book.”

In a print public service announcement for National Library Week that can be downloaded from www.ala.org/nlw, Gaiman brings his messages about the value of America’s libraries to communities across the country.

Americans visited their libraries nearly 1.4 billion times and checked out more than 2 billion items in the past year, and library use continues to climb. Survey results indicate that 68 percent of adults in the U.S. have public library cards, the greatest number since the American Library Association (ALA) started to measure library card usage in 1990. This is an increase of more than 10 percent in both checked out items and library visits, compared to data from the last economic downturn in 2001.
 On Monday, April 12, the ALA’s Public Information Office will release “The State of America’s Libraries” report detailing both the positive impact libraries and librarians have on the millions of people who use them and the various challenges libraries face.

The week’s festivities will include National Library Workers Day (www.ala-apa.org/about/nlwd.html), which is celebrated Tuesday, April 13. This national observance is a day for library staff, users, administrators and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers - including librarians, support staff and others. It is sponsored by the American Library Association-Allied Professional Association (ALA-APA), an organization that advocates for improving the salaries and status of librarians and support staff.
 On Wednesday, April 14, the highly anticipated “Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2009” list will be released from the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom. The list will include the reasons behind the challenges, as well as the overall number of challenges received in 2009.

Also on April 14, libraries will also celebrate the first-ever National Book Mobile Day. On this day libraries will recognizes and celebrates the role of bookmobiles and direct-delivery outreach services in fulfilling the mission of libraries.

On Thursday, April 15, the ALA will celebrate Support Teen Literature Day (http://wikis.ala.org/yalsa/index.php/Support_Teen_Literature_Day) in which libraries across the country will host programs and celebrations to raise awareness among the general public that young adult literature is a vibrant, growing genre with much to offer today’s teens. Programs will showcase award-winning authors and books in the genre, as well as highlight librarians’ expertise in connecting teens with books and other reading materials. This annual celebration is sponsored by the ALA’s Young Adult Library Services Association.
 In addition to National Library Week, many school libraries also celebrate the month of April as School Library Media Month (www.ala.org/aasl/slmm), sponsored by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the ALA.
 For more information on National Library Week, visit the National Library Week Press Kit at http://tinyurl.com/nlwpk2010.

(American Libraries Direct, April 7, 2010)

WAPL Registration Reminder

WAPL Registration Reminder

This Friday, April 9, is the last day of early registration for the WAPL Spring Conference “Anchoring the Past, Setting Sail for the Future” at the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, April 28 – 30.

You’ll find registration information at: http://www.wla.lib.wi.us/wapl/conferences/2010/index.htm as well as the schedule at a glance and the conference program. Don’t miss the great speakers and programs that will help your library improve services and weather these difficult economic times. If you are unable to complete registration by April 9 you will be able to register at the conference.

Challenge and Opportunity: Update on WLA Restructuring

Challenge and Opportunity: Update on WLA Restructuring

Get the latest scoop on proposed changes to WLA unit structure and viability requirements during the WAPL Spring Conference April 28 – 30 at the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan. . The WAPL membership general session on Thursday, April 29 at 4:00 p.m. will answer member’s questions about a proposal under discussion and development throughout 2010 for presentation to the membership at the annual Business Meeting at the WLA conference in November. Find out what the proposed restructuring will mean to for your membership or leadership experience. Speakers include Lisa Strand, WLA Executive Director and Jim Trojanowski, Director of Northern Waters Library Service. Jim is the WAPL representative on the WLA Board.

Go online to find the WAPL spring conference schedule at-a-glance, plus the full program listing: http://www.wla.lib.wi.us/wapl/conferences/2010/index.htm. The deadline for conference registration is April 9. Register online (where you can opt to send a check, using the receipt and confirmation email to submit to your library for payment) or print the PDF registration form and send it in.

To make room reservations at the conference center go to www.blueharborresort.com or phone 866-701-2583 and use code 7A9582. The room registration deadline is April 6.

WAPL Conference Program Highlight

WAPL Conference Program:  One Conference, One READ, Book Discussion

A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore will be the featured title during the WAPL spring conference “One Conference, One READ, Book Discussion on Friday April 30 at 9:00 a.m.

Gary Niebuhr, Library Director at Greendale Public Library will lead the discussion sponsored by READ. The New York Times selected this book as one of 2009’s best, and Publisher’s Weekly gave it a starred review. From Publishers Weekly: Moore (Anagrams) knits together the shadow of 9/11 and a young girl's bumpy coming-of-age in this luminous, heart-wrenchingly wry novel—the author's first in 15 years. Tassie Keltjin, 20, a smalltown girl weathering a clumsy college year in the Athens of the Midwest, is taken on as prospective nanny by brittle Sarah Brink, the proprietor of a pricey restaurant who is desperate to adopt a baby despite her dodgy past. Subsequent adventures in prospective motherhood involve a pregnant girl with scarcely a tooth in her head and a white birth mother abandoned by her African-American boyfriend—both encounters expose class and racial prejudice to an increasingly less naïve Tassie. In a parallel tale, Tassie lands a lover, enigmatic Reynaldo, who tries to keep certain parts of his life a secret from Tassie. Moore's graceful prose considers serious emotional and political issues with low-key clarity and poignancy, while generous flashes of wit—Tessie the sexual innocent using her roommate's vibrator to stir her chocolate milk—endow this stellar novel with great heart. (Sept.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The WAPL Spring Conference will be held at the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan April 28-30, 2010. Go online to find the conference schedule at-a-glance, plus the full program listing. The deadline for conference registration is April 9. Register online (where you can opt to send a check, using the receipt and confirmation email to submit to your library for payment) or print the PDF registration form and send it in.

To make room reservations at the conference center go to http://www.blueharborresort.com/ or phone 866-701-2583 and use code 7A9582. The room registration deadline is April 6.

Health Care Reform Resources

Health Care Reform Resources

For those of you with customers who are curious about health care reform and its impact on them, here are two recommended resources:

•“The Top 10 Immediate Benefits You’ll Get When Health Care Reform Passes” from the Huffington Post
•White House website on Health Care Reform
•Health Care Overhaul Timeline from the Washington Post
•Health Care Reform in the United States on Wikipedia (really – this is awesome and highly accurate)
(From the Librarian in Black Blog, March 23, 2010)

Journal of Library Innovation

Journal of Library Innovation

The Editorial Team of the Journal of Library Innovation has published its first issue. This online, peer-reviewed journal can be viewed at: http://www.libraryinnovation.org/ 

There are no subscriptions necessary to read the journal. If you haven't already done so, you may register as a reader in order to receive email notification whenever an issue is published.

There is a bibliographic record in WorldCat too, if you would like to add it to your catalog! The journal is a publication of the Western New York Library Resources Council.