2010 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Survey — Deadline Extended!!!!

A friendly reminder that the 2010 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Survey (sometimes called the Plinter survey)  funded by the American Library Association and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will now close on November 14 for  library participation.  Libraries participating in the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Opportunity Online Hardware Grant Program are required to participate in the survey, but all Vermont public libraries are encouraged to submit data.  The survey will close on November 14, so, although you still have time, please be sure to complete it.  So far we have about 18% participation.
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More Information on Videoconferencing Available

Our introduction to videoconferencing was a great success.  You can find more information on possible funding and examples videoconference programs with this posting. 1.) locvideopubliclbn 2.) Polycom Program Resources 2010 3.) Polycom Grant Assistance Program – VIT  4.) VC Content Providers 5.) CAPspace 2010 A DVD of the conference will be available for anyone who was not able to attend.  Watch the listserv for notification of when the DVD is ready for loan.

You can also see what is going on with videoconferencing at Alberta (Canada) libraries at www.risenetwork.ca .

Please contact us if you have any comments or questions regarding videoconferencing or have questions for any of the presenters.

Marty Reid at 802-828-3261 or martha.reid@mail.dol.state.vt.us

Marti Fiske at 802-878-4918 or marti@williston.lib.vt.us .

State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grants

State Farm is proud to team up with Youth Service America to offer grants of up to $1,000 for youth-led service-learning initiatives is all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Ontario, and New Brunswick. Eligible programs will engage youth in service-learning, an effective teaching and learning strategy that promotes student learning, academic achievement, workplace readiness, and healthy communities.  State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grants encourage semester-long projects (following YSA’s Semester of Service framework) that launch on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (January 17, 2011) and culminate on Global Youth Service Day (April 15-17, 2011).

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STS Innovation in Science and Technology Librarianship Award

The purpose of the award is to recognize creative, innovative approaches to solving problems or improving products and services in science and technology librarianship. The award recognizes and promotes leadership and initiative that demonstrate impact on the academic and research community.

Any library-related project is eligible for the award. Projects from the award sponsors are ineligible for consideration. Projects of the STS Chair / Vice-Chair while those persons are in office are ineligible from consideration.

Award

A $3,000 donation by IEEE. The award is administered by the ACRL Science & Technology Section and is presented at the ALA Annual Conference each year.

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Shirley Olofson Award: looking for funds to help pay for your trip to ALA Annual 2011?

Are you looking for funds to help pay for your trip to ALA Annual 2011 in New Orleans?

Apply by Tuesday, December 14, 2010 for the NMRT Shirley Olofson Memorial Award and you may receive a $1000 check to help defray the cost of attendance!

Applicants must:

  1. Be a member of ALA and NMRT
  2. Be active in the library profession
  3. Show promise for activity in the area of professional development
  4. Have valid financial need
  5. Have attended no more than five ALA annual conferences

To apply, please visit:

http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/rts/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/
awolofson/Shirley_Olofson_Award.cfm

Best Small Library in America Award

If your library service area is under 25,000, consider applying for the Library Journal Best Small Library in America award. Entries must be postmarked November 5, 2010. The award is sponsored by LJ and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Prize: $15,000 cash award, a feature story in the February 1, 2011, Library Journal, membership and conference costs for two library representatives to attend the Public Library Association Biannual Conference in 2012 in Philadelphia, PA.

Full information:  http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA606273.html

Circle of Learning Scholarships – Deadline Approaching

The deadline is rapidly approaching for individuals to apply for scholarships for online MLIS courses they plan to take during Spring 2011 at the San Jose School of Library and Information Science.  Prospective students who plan to apply for admission to the School’s MLIS program for the Spring 2011 semester are eligible for Circle of Learning scholarships, as well as current students.

The deadline to apply for Circle of Learning scholarships that can be used during the Spring 2011 semester is September 3, 2010.

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Building Communities Grant Program – 4 Grants Available

The Building Communities Grants Programs consist of five grant programs established and funded by the Vermont Legislature to “help communities preserve important historic buildings and enhance community facilities”. All of these grant programs, with the exception of the Barn Grants, require that the applicant be a non-profit organization or municipality. The deadlines for all five occur in the fall, and selections are made by individual boards through an established selection process. All grants require a match; matching funds from local fundraising efforts are encouraged. The grants of interest to public libraries:

Historic Preservation Grant Program
www.HistoricVermont.org

Cultural Facilities Grant Program
www.vermontartscouncil.org

Recreational Facilities Grant Program
http://bgs.vermont.gov/formsandpublications

Human Services & Educational Facilities Grant Program
http://bgs.vermont.gov/formsandpublications

Save the date! Videoconferencing in libraries

Within Reach: A Live Free Videoconference Connecting All Parts of Vermont to Each Other and the World.

September 21, 2010
1:45 – 3:45 pm
At all VIT sites

We invite library directors, library staff, library trustees, and library Friends to come to this informative and live, interactive presentation. The more the merrier!

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