The March 2012 issue of The Good Stuff is now available on the NDLA website.

The direct URL is: http://ndlaonline.org/Good_Stuff/gsmarch12.pdf

Among the things you’ll find in this issue:

• Call for proposals for NDLA Conference
• NDLA pre-Conference Kickoff: Turning the Page 2.0
• National Library Week 2012
• MPLA Leadership Institute – ND Contingent
• State Library Spring Workshops
• VCSU Library Program Recognized
• Debut of “Nerd Up” column
• The Freedom to Read
• Columns – On the DOCket, People Stuff, Good Stuff from Around the State, Browsing in the Cyberstacks, A Look at NDLA’s Executive Board: ARMRT, North Dakota in Print
• and more …

Good reading!

Marlene Anderson, Chair, The Good Stuff Editorial Committee

Notice from ALA:

The slow economic recovery continues to impact state budgets in general, and library budgets in particular. The Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study team is well aware of the need for data that will help public libraries expand and strengthen their advocacy efforts during this critical time. In response to your feedback, the team has once again created an advocacy package for use during the current legislative sessions.  The package contains the newest data available, gathered from the November 2011 survey responses.

Following are the new resources:

• Press Release templates (local focus, adaptable for state level)
• Op-Ed templates (state focus, adaptable for local use)
• Topic Handouts (click on your state)
• Color graphics comparing your state vs. national, using new 2011-2012 study data:
  -Public Libraries & Employment
  -Public Libraries & E-Government
• *Coming Soon* State Profiles: Selected 2011-2012 study data comparing national and state levels (e.g., speed of connectivity, average # of workstations) as well as other state-level resources. *ETA April 1*

The topic handouts and state profiles can also be accessed through the Information Policy & Access Center at http://www.plinternetsurvey.org (make selection in “Your State” graphic).The new data presented here are based on preliminary analysis and there may be some changes to the figures reported when the final report is issued in June 2012.

The new press release and op-ed templates have been crafted with the focus on the crucial role public libraries play as strategic technology partners for digital literacy and local economic development. The templates can easily be customized for media targets at the state, regional, and local levels. We would appreciate knowing if you have success getting media placement or how these materials are being used in your advocacy efforts.

We hope you find these new resources useful, and know that more survey data will be available later this spring. ALA will present more of the preliminary survey results to the national media during National Library Week (April 8-14), and the full report will be released at the end of June.

Note: 2011-2012 survey state level data are only available for states with sufficient survey response rates. Not included: Connecticut and Oregon.

If you have any questions or feedback regarding the PR templates, please contact Judy Hoffman, 312-280-4291, jhoffman@ala.org. For assistance regarding the State data, contact the Information Policy & Access Center at 301-405-9445 or support@ipac.umd.edu.

In support of public libraries that provide enriching educational opportunities in math and science for preuniversity students, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)-Chicago Section is pleased to announce the first recipients of the IEEE Science Kits for Public Libraries Grant.

With math and science education declining nationally, the grant is just one effort to generate enthusiasm for the engineering profession, especially electrical engineering. With science kits at public libraries, students will have equal access to learning experiences they would not encounter in the traditional classroom. Students can explore, create, and discover within a guided framework, one that allows them to take control of their education.

Grand Forks Public Library was chosen as one of 26 public libraries nationally to receive the grant award.  Congratulations to Wendy Wendt, Director, the Library Board of Grand Forks, and the staff of Grand Forks Public Library as an award recipient.

Visit www.ieeechicago.org for more information.  

Congratulations, Grand Forks Public Library!

Create a 60 second video telling us about your library and what you would hope to get out of attending PLA 2012 and send it to us. One winner will receive a free registration, four nights hotel, and up to $500 reimbursement for travel to and from the conference. If your library submits the video, only one person from the library can receive the prize. The top five videos (determined by members of the PLA board and staff) will be posted to our Facebook page for voting. The video with the most votes on Facebook wins! All videos submitted will be posted on our YouTube channel. Be creative! We look forward to seeing your videos! Submissions will be judged based on “clear, compelling, and creative video statements.

Some Guidelines:

• Videos should be a maximum length of 60 seconds. Suitable file types are .mp4, .wmv, .mov.
• Deadline to submit a video/photo – Wednesday, February 1, 4:30 p.m. (Central Time).
• Email the file to Kathleen Hughes, khughes. Include your name, library, contact information, and any video/photo details necessary.
• Use PLA 2012 Videos in the subject line.
• If you’re worried the file size is too big, use this free and easy file sharing site https://www.yousendit.com.
• Top five videos will be posted on PLA Facebook Page on Friday, February 3, 2012.
• The winner will be announced on Monday, February 6, 2012.

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Students! Tell Us Why You Would Like to Attend PLA 2012 and You Might Win
Library school students – send us a 150 word essay telling us about yourself and why attendance at PLA would benefit you. Be creative! Be succinct! Show us your enthusiasm and excitement for the public library world! We will pick the best essay and that person will receive one free conference registration, four nights hotel, and up to $500 reimbursement for travel to and from the conference.

Some Guidelines:

• Essays should be 150 words.
• Deadline to submit an essay is Wednesday, February 1, 4:30 p.m. (Central time).
• Send the essay to Kathleen Hughes, khughes as a word document attachment to an email. Include your name, library school, and contact information.
• Use PLA 2012 Essay in the subject line.
• Winner will be announced on Friday, February 3.

Questions contact Kathleen Hughes – khughes.

NCFL is now accepting applications for the third annual Libraries and Families Award, made possible by Better World Books. Three U.S.-based library literacy programs that serve families will win $10,000 each and scholarships to the National Conference on Family Literacy in 2012 and 2013.

Is your library literacy program making a difference for families? Do you have a unique and innovative approach? Both previously existing and new programs can apply.

The online application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on February 6, 2012.

http://www.famlit.org/award-grant-opportunities/libraries-and-families-award/

Check out the August 2010 issue of The Good Stuff!  It is packed with information about the upcoming NDLA Conference in Grand Forks, September 29-October 2, 2010. 

Here’s the direct link: 

http://ndlaonline.org/Good_Stuff/gsaugust10.pdf

Enjoy!

Marlene Anderson, chair, The Good Stuff Editorial Committee

The March 2010 issue of The Good Stuff has been posted on the NDLA website.  Click HERE to go directly to this issue. 

Highlights include:

·         New Children’s Library at Bismarck Public Library

·         National Library Week

·         MPLA Leadership Institute (find out who will represent North Dakota at the Leadership Institute)

·         OLA/MPLA Conference

·         Library Vision 2014

·         Grassroots Grant Recipient’s Story

·         Intellectual Freedom Book Review by Rhonda R. Schwartz

Plus …

·         2010 NDLA Awards

·         Browsing in the Cyberstacks

·         Good Stuff from Around the State …

·         North Dakota in Print

·         On the DOCket

·         Professional Development Grants Available

·         TechTips & More

·         Transitions

·         … and more!

Check it out! 

Marlene Anderson, chair

The Good Stuff Editorial Committee

NDLA’s Dakota Gold: Centennial Cookbook and History will be available at the 2009 NDLA Conference in Dickinson.

It makes a great gift and now is the best time to buy; there’s no sales tax on conference sales.

Stop by the Registration & Hospitality table to get your copy or copies!

The June 2009 issue of The Good Stuff is now available on the NDLA website.  Click here to go directly to this issue.       

Highlights include:

·         Fargo’s New Main Library

·         RAC (Rural Assistance Center)

·         Favorite Pet Fundraiser

·         Author John Berendt – Keynote Speaker at NDLA Conference

·         CPLA (Certified Public Library Administrator) Program

·         Correctional Facilities Libraries

·         TechTips & More – Captivating Students at a Distance

Plus:

·         People Stuff

·         Good Stuff from Around the State …

·         On the DOCket

·         Browsing through the Cyberstacks

·         North Dakota in Print

·         Recognize Excellence in ND Libraries – Nominate your colleagues for NDLA Awards

·         Professional Development Grant Opportunities

·         And more!

The August (pre-conference) issue will have news about 2009 NDLA Conference plans,  the NDLA elections, and more.  We plan to post it during the first week of August.

Marlene Anderson, chair

The Good Stuff Editorial Committee