Full-day, in-person workshops on preservation topics. The Spring 2012 series includes three workshops on the care and digitization of photographs, as well as hands-on workshops on basic book repair and creating custom protective enclosures.

For more information: http://bit.ly/spwk12

As you probably know, the Library Services and Technology Act’s (LSTA) program provides federal funds to each state library agency, including the Vermont Department of Libraries (DOL).  The amount of funding received by Vermont is based on a population-driven formula; in FFY2011 the DOL received $929,254.  In order to qualify for these funds, each state is required to submit a plan every five years that outlines how this funding will be used within the state to fulfill specific purposes outlined in the Museum and Library Services Act.  You can read the Vermont LSTA 5-Year Plan, 2008-2012 at:
http://libraries.vermont.gov/sites/libraries/files/lsta/vtlsta5yrplan2008-2012.pdf

Under the federal Act, each state is also required to conduct an evaluation of its implementation of the Grants to States program every five years.  Our evaluation covering the period 2008-2012 is due to the Institute of Museum and Librayr Services (IMLS) in March 2012.  Our new five-year plan (2013 – 2017) must be completed by the end of June 2012.

Over the past few months we have been gathering input from Vermont’s library community about the success of the Vermont LSTA program through a series of focus groups and phone interviews.  But, because we want to reach as many library employees as possible, we are also using a web-based survey.

Below is a link to the web survey, conducted by independent evaluators Himmel & Wilson Library Consultants. They will be collecting and analyzing the survey data for their evaluation report.

The survey will take 10 minutes or less to complete.  Please help us as we try to improve our LSTA program to best meet the library and information service needs of the people of Vermont.  Click on the hot-link below to start the survey.

http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/779545/Vermont-LSTA-Survey

Survey deadline: January 31, 2012.

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Martha Reid
Vermont State Librarian

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 the 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.

The PLA 2012 Virtual Conference will include many familiar elements of the on-site conference, including high-quality educational programming, poster sessions and networking opportunities with colleagues. Each day will feature five live programs—the same programs available to in-person conference attendees. In addition, the virtual conference will feature special events such as daily author interviews.

Confirmed PLA 2012 Virtual Conference programs include:

• Can’t, Won’t, Don’t, Couldn’t, Shouldn’t, Wouldn’t: Combating Negativity Nellies in the Workplace
• Engaging with Teens on A Shoestring Budget
• iPads in the Library: from Tech Programming to Staff Productivity
• Library To Go: Putting Your Library Virtually Anywhere
• Q & A with Nancy Pearl
• Tracking Children’s Early Literacy Skills: Options for Libraries
• The Future of Libraries: Trends in Building Design, User Experience and Community Partnerships
• Transforming Public Libraries from Institutions of the Industrial Age to Change Agent for the Networked Society

As PLA finalizes the virtual conference schedule, new programs and updated information can be found at http://www.placonference.org/virtualconference.

PLA is offering both individual and group registration for the virtual conference. Individual registration is $215 for PLA and PaLA members, $270 for ALA members, $310 for nonmembers and $85 for students. Group registration is $599 and allows a single location to host the virtual conference for multiple attendees.

Register for the PLA 2012 Virtual Conference at http://www.placonference.org/virtualconference. Registration closes on Friday, March 2, 2012.

Offered biennially, PLA Conference is the premier event for public libraries, drawing librarians, library support staff, trustees, friends and library vendors from across the country and around the world. The conference includes nearly 200 top-quality continuing education programs, engaging social events, networking opportunities and a bustling exhibits hall. PLA 2012, will be held March 13-17, 2012 in Philadelphia.

The conference will get off to an inspiring start as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. takes the stage at the Opening General Session, 2:30  – 4 p.m. on March 14.  Like PLA Conference attendees, Mr. Kennedy is no stranger to advocacy and fighting for the future of something he values. His efforts to defend the environment have earned him recognition as a “Hero for the Planet” (TIME magazine) and as one of Rolling Stone’s “100 Agents for Change.”  Read more about the accomplishments of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. here.

Following several packed days of education and networking, conference attendees will be ready to relax and have a laugh with actor Betty White at the PLA 2012 Closing General Session, 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m., March 17. From primetime sitcoms to daytime soaps; from feature films to Super Bowl commercials, Ms. White has kept America smiling for nearly 70 years on film and TV. Her range of roles in real life includes actor, producer, author and animal welfare advocate. Get to know more about Betty White here.

Two engaging keynote speakers are just the beginning of what PLA 2012 will offer attendees. As the largest conference dedicated to public libraries and the people who make them work, PLA 2012 offers nearly 200 education programs, countless networking opportunities, hundreds of exhibitors and engaging author events.

Early Bird Registration is now available for PLA members and Pennsylvania Library Association members. Nonmembers are encouraged to join PLA to take advantage of up to $130 in savings. Look online for complete registration details.

For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at             (800) 545-2433      , ext.5PLA, or visit PLA’s website at www.pla.org. PLA is a division of the American Library Association. PLA’s core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve. Its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services.

To comment, share, or see related resources and images, go here.

Tune in to one of the 30 minute January sessions.

To attend, click on “Join Webinar” at www.e4vt.org on the date and time of your choice from any computer with a high speed Internet connection. Free. No pre-registration required.

If you have trouble logging on from e4vt.org, try the direct link:http://vscmymeeting.adobeconnect.com/evtwebinars/

We encourage you to log in 5 min. before the session begins.You will need to turn on your computers sound/speakers.

Webinar Dates (same webinar repeated)

January 4^: 6:00 – 6:30 pm
January 6^: 12:00 – 12:30 pm
January 9^: 12:00 – 12:30 pm

Presented by the Vermont State Colleges as part of the e-Vermont partnership.

And while you’re at e4vt.org, check out the upcoming daylong workshop for using online tools:  e-Communities in a Digital Age, Feb 16th at Vermont Technical College.

The Vermont Calendar Project was created by Williston residents to benefit public libraries throughout Vermont. It is the brain-child of Marcy Kass, graphic designer and Trustee of the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. The team includes Andy Duback-photographer, Kathy Bielawa Stamper – writer and Marti Fiske- Director of the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library and Immediate Past-President of the Vermont Library Association. Seed funds were loaned by the Friends of the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library. Libraries across Vermont will be offering these calendars for sale and will keep all of the profits after production costs.

Libraries featured in the calendar: Lincoln, Mark Skinner (Manchester), St. Johnsbury Athanaeum, Brownell (Essex Junction), Alice M. Ward Memorial (Canaan), Fairfax Community, Grand Isle Free, Lanpher Memorial (Hyde Park), Peabody (Post Mills), Craftsbury Public, Rutland Free, Aldrich Public (Barre), South Londonderry Free and Rochester Public.

You may purchase calendars from the following libraries:
Aldrich Public Library (Barre)
Alice Ward Memorial Library (Canaan)
Brownell Library (Essex Jct.)
Charlotte Library
Craftsbury Public Library
Dorothy Alling Memorial Library (Williston)
Fairfax Community Library
Goodrich Memorial Library (Newport)
Grand Isle Free Library
Kellogg Hubbard Library (Montpelier)
Lanphear Memorial Library (Hyde Park)
Lincoln Library
Mark Skinner Memorial Library (Manchester)
Milton Public Library
Peabody Library (Post Mills)
Pope Memorial Library (Danville)
Richmond Free Library
Rochester Public Library
St. Johnsbury Athenaeum
South Londonderry Free Library
Rutland Free Library
Vermont Public Library Foundation (Montpelier)
or online http://marcykassdesign.com/vlacalendarproject/index.html

I have had a number of questions from public libraries about the offer we have made for Recorded Books One-Click Audio.

Here is some new information to consider in addition to the previous post, Multi-Library Subscription to Recorded Books One-Click Digital Downloadable Audiobook Program:

1.  This offer will only work if we have enough participating libraries to cover the total cost set by Recorded Books.

If we don’t have enough revenue from libraries, we will withdraw the offer.

2.  The cost per library (based on circulation; pricing schedule in message below) was set by DOL. Some of you have told me that it’s too costly. We recognize that this is a stretch for many libraries, but remember that it is a significant savings from the price libraries would pay individually. The pricing structure was designed so that we can reach the required total payment. If we hear from enough libraries, we may be able to LOWER the rates.

Tell us what YOU CAN PAY. We may be able to change the pricing schedule if enough libraries participate.

3. Note: we hope that there will be some excess funds so we can purchase extra content over the next year,  in addition to the 37 titles/month that come with the program.

4. Some of you are unhappy with the core title list.  This is the same list that Recorded Books has offered elsewhere. Remember that all of these titles are available for unlimited numbers of simultaneous users. Monthly additions will all be NEW titles.

5. Note these changes about responding to DOL about One-Click Service. Deadline for responses: December 16, 2011

If you plan to participate, please email Renee Ancel at:renee.ancel@state.vt.us (with the subject line: “One-Click Yes”), and with this information:

Name of Library/Town

Contact name, phone and email

Total Circulation in FY2010

Total Cost

This is not a commitment for your library. That will happen only when you sign an agreement form – to be sent out later this month.

This is for us to assess whether we will have enough participating libraries.

If you want to participate, but you cannot afford the current pricing, please email Renee Ancel at:renee.ancel@state.vt.us (with the subject line: “One-Click Maybe”) and with this information:

Name of Library/Town

Contact name, phone and email

Total Circulation in FY2010

Total Cost (according to the price schedule)

Total cost you could afford to pay if we changed pricing

If we can lower rates, we will let you know.

If you are not interested in this offer, you don’t have to do anything.

We will review the responses the week of 12/19 and will send out information about the future of this offer .

Questions? Contact Renee Ancel at 802-828-3261;renee.ancel@state.vt.us

Marty

Martha Reid

State Librarian

Vermont Department of Libraries

802-828-3265

Please read this letter carefully and take note of important dates (see page 2) for participation.

I am happy to announce that we have received an offer from Recorded Books for discounted pricing for Vermont public libraries. Pricing is based on library circulation. The Department of Libraries isoffering this program with the expectation that a sufficient number of libraries will subscribe and we will be able to meet the total cost set by Recorded Books. This offer will only go forward if we have enough libraries to cover the total subscription cost.

Some details about the DOL offer:

• The One Click Digital Audiobook Program offers patron access to high-quality downloadable Recorded Books titles. ALL titles are iPod compatible. This program includes titles for adults, children and young adults and includes a variety of fiction and non-fiction titles.

• The Core List of 3,400 titles (2,500 adult titles; 900 for youth) will always be available to your library patrons. No holds or waiting lists required.

• Recorded Books will add 30 adult and 7 youth NEW titles each month at no extra cost. DOL plans to retain some funds for purchasing additional content. We will have the ability to purchase from over 8,000+ additional “single access” titles from Recorded Books and other publishers. Selection will be made with input from participating libraries.

• Patron authentication is by library barcode.

• DOL has determined the pricing scheme for libraries (see below). This schedule may need to be modified, depending on the number (and size) of libraries that subscribe.

• DOL does not, at this time, plan to contribute any funding to this program, but to make this as cost-efficient as possible for libraries and to negotiate the best discount, DOL will act as the fiscal agent. This means that we will collect payment from individual libraries and forward one total payment directly to Recorded Books.

• The One Click Digital subscription is for one year: February 1, 2012 –

January 31, 2013.

We will evaluate the program before the end of the first year and poll subscribing libraries about extending the program beyond January 2013.

• For now, patron use statistics will be available only for the entire collective, but at some point in 2012 a Recorded Books service update will allow DOL to provide individual library statistics based on barcodes.

• Libraries are required to make a commitment to this service, by signing and returning a written agreement to DOL no later than December 28, 2011 (postmark date).  DOL will post the agreement form later this month for download and mailing.Meanwhile, if you plan to participate, please email Renee Ancel at: renee.ancel@state.vt.us so we can assess anticipated payments.

• DOL will make a final decision on pricing and the viability of this program by January 4, 2012 and we will contact participating libraries.

• Payment in full will be due to the Department of Libraries no later than January 31, 2012. Checks payable to: Vermont Department of Libraries. Please do not send payment until we confirm that the project will happen.

Pricing Schedule:

Pricing is based on library circulation as reported in the 2011 Public Library Report (FY2009-2010) at: http://libraries.vermont.gov/libraries/stats/plstats