Rhodarian

From 1:30 to 4:30 P.M. today library professional organizations, library-focused groups, and Office of Library and Information Services will be at the State House to convey how libraries are vital community and school resources. Everyone is invited to stop in for a few minutes or as long as you please! What you will learn: How libraries are the third-place, providing a place for people to learn, gather, go online, read, and explore information resources. How the state library agency, OLIS, provides funds for public library construction, literacy including a statewide summer reading program for children, manages state funding for public libraries, runs a library for the blind and physically disabled, and supports interlibrary loan services. Representatives from professional organizations including RIEMA and RILA will talk about their support of library staff and library legislation. Ocean State Libraries will share how a consortia multiplies the power of public library services statewide. There’s more, but you will have to be there to experience it all. We look forward to meeting you.

Federal Stimulus Grant to Fund 600 New Library Computers, Mobile Computer Centers

OSHEAN and its partner Ocean State Libraries (OSL) have been awarded a federal stimulus grant to assist Rhode Islanders with library based, computer access. The $1.6 million in funds will provide 600+ computers/printers and 10 mobile computer centers for public libraries at over 70 locations throughout the state - covering virtually every public library in Rhode Island.

“Stimulus funding is coming to Rhode Island at an extremely critical time for public libraries,” said David Macksam, Director of the Cranston Public Library and OSL Vice President. more

ALA’s @ your library website is great page to link to from your library’s home page. The information provided are resources that everyone can take advantage of at their local libraries. Headings such as  “What’s at the Library?, How do I use the Library?, and Why use the library? lead the public to a greater understanding of the value of libraries in their lives. ALA created the site as part of its public awareness campaign, the Campaign for America’s Libraries. the Campaign highlights the value of libraries and librarians and connects people to free resources created the site to encourage the public to use libraries.

LYRASIS’ Mass Digitization Collaborative is a “soup-to-nuts” approach to digitization, providing guidance in all levels of the process – from selection to digitization through uploading to the Internet Archive where content is hosted and made accessible to the world.  On February 17, LYRASIS will be holding a special online session just for New England libraries on this exciting program.

Date: February 17^th   (10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.)

Cost:  FREE

To register visit: LYRASIS website
(NOTE: each registrant must sign up for a MyLYRASIS account to register)

Additional information can be found on the LYRASIS’ Mass Digitization Collaborative website.

View the Mass Digitization Collaborative Brochure (includes pricing)

 ALA’s Alire Addresses Advocacy Anniversary

At its Annual Meeting on February 8, 2010, the Rhode Island Coalition of Library Advocates will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of its official incorporation. The meeting and gala celebration will be held from 4:30 to 7:00 PM in the Governor’s State Room of the Rhode Island State House.

Camila Alire, president of the 68,000-member American Library Association, will be the keynote speaker. Alire will speak on the topic of advocacy for libraries, the central tenet of COLA’s mission. Other honorees include Louise Blalock, who will be named Sweetheart of the Year. Blalock, the former director of the Barrington Public Library, originated the concept of a statewide advocacy group for Rhode Island and suggested that it be called COLA.

The meeting will be a highlight of Library Advocacy Week, a week of appreciation for libraries sponsored by the Karla Harry Commission, a legislative commission established to promote and do strategic planning for library service in Rhode Island. COLA, founded in 1985 has long been in the business of grass roots advocacy. COLA members were integral to the passage of the 1986 constitutional amendment mandating state support for libraries and have continued to work to improve state-wide library services by building public awareness through advocacy and education.

One-day workshops held at Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC), Andover, Massachusetts

• PRESERVATION OF SCRAPBOOKS - Tuesday, March 9
• BASIC PAPER REPAIR - Wednesday, March 10
• PRESERVATION OF OVERSIZE MATERIALS - Thursday, March 11
• METADATA BASICS - Tuesday, March 16
• DISASTER PLANNING WITH dPLAN LITE - Wednesday, March 17
• (at Merrimack College Library, North Andover, MA)
• TESTING YOUR DISASTER PLAN - Thursday, March 18

COST: $150 per workshop ($130 each if you register for 2 or more workshops)

QUESTIONS? Contact: Donia Conn, (978) 470-1010 ext. 220

FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, VISIT:  www.nedcc.org

The John Russell Bartlett Society presents a free panel presentation on replevin laws and how they impact collecting documents, both privately and for institutions. Replevin is an act or writ to recover goods by somebody who claims to own them and who promises to have the claim later tested in court. The program feature former Supreme Court Judge and Lincoln Collector Frank Williams and David Cheever, Archivist for the State of Maine. Maine is in the midst of a replevin case involving a copy of the Declaration of Independence. The free program is scheduled for 2:00 PM January 30th at Brown University’s John Hay Library in Providence. Program flyer
Learn more about the JRB Society and its upcoming events

RILA is sponsoring a Legislative Day February 9th on the second floor of the State Capitol from 1:30 - 4:30 pm.  LIbrarians and library staff are invited to participate. RILA President Laura Marlane writes:

SNAPSHOT: ONE DAY IN THE LIFE OF RHODE ISLAND LIBRARIES will be the theme of this year’s Legislative Day at the State House.  Through various displays, we will showcase the impact libraries and the resources they provide have in our communities. This is a special opportunity for all of us to demonstrate to our legislators what the significance of our work is and to encourage their continued support.

Displays will demonstrate the impact public, school, academic and special libraries have in our communities.

Please send photos of residents using libraries and library services to Cindy Lunghofer; pictures of unique and non-traditional activities are encouraged, as well as images of traditional library services.  All libraries - public, school, academic, special, hospital - are being asked to invite their Representatives and Senators to visit the displays and enjoy refreshments during the afternoon.

Contact David Macksam for more information. Please send pictures to Cindy Lunghofer.

Library and information science students with access needs are encouraged to apply for the 2010 ASCLA Century Scholarship, a one-time $2,500 award funding necessary services or accommodations to enable the winner to complete a master’s or doctoral program in the field.

All LIS graduate students including veterans with disabilities are encouraged to apply. To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must have been accepted to an ALA-accredited graduate program, be a U.S. or Canadian citizen and be able to provide documentation of his or her access need (”disability”). Interested students should complete the online scholarship application, including submission of a personal statement, letters of reference and transcripts. Questions about the online application process can be directed to the ALA Scholarship Clearinghouse at scholarships@ala.org or 1(800) 545-2433 ext. 4279. Appropriate medical documentation should be sent to Liz Markel, ASCLA Marketing Specialist at ASCLA, ATTN: Century Scholarship, 50 E. Huron Street, Chicago, IL, 60611. All scholarship application materials including medical documentation must be received by March 1, and only complete applications will be considered. More information about the scholarship and other ASCLA awards is available at the ASCLA awards webpage. Questions should be directed to the ALA Development Office at development@ala.org or (312) 280-3259. www.ala.org/membership.

Rhode Island’s Island Free Library is among the 258 star libraries recognized by the LJ Index of Public Library Service.

LJ Index scores and star ratings are based on data reported for 2007 by public libraries to their state library agencies and compiled by the Institute of Museum and Library Services .  The index scores based on four per capita service output statistics:  library visits, circulation, program attendance, and public Internet computer use.  7,268 public libraries were included in this round of LJ Index of Public Library Service.

Congratulations to the staff of the Island Free Library and New Shoreham residents.