U.S. IMPACT Survey Pilot – Request for Help From Public Libraries

Public Library Directors,

I am forwarding a message from the University of Washington and asking for your help. With support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation they are developing a new U.S. IMPACT Survey public access technology evaluation tool. This follows their “Opportunity for All” survey (with report) conducted in 2009 and a second report released in 2011.

They are looking for public libraries of all sizes to help test their survey tool. See below for details. They have extended the enrollment in this pilot until September 26 for a 2-4 week field study.

It is important that we have some VT libraries participate in this pilot. Contact info is in the message below. Their goal is to register 400 libraries nationwide for this pilot.

Request for Public Comment on Broadband and Fiber Optic Expansion

SUMMARY: The Vermont Telecommunications Authority (VTA) is seeking public input on issues affecting high-speed Internet coverage in Vermont, and how the VTA can best support broadband expansion using state funds appropriated in its FY2012 capital appropriation. In addition to comments related to broadband generally, comments specifically on expansion of fiber optic facilities are also being solicited. Comments must be received by October 6, 2011.

Society of American Archivists Disaster Recovery Grants

The Society of American Archivists offers small grants of up to $2,000 to aid in disaster recovery efforts for institutions holding historical or archival records. Please share this link with any colleagues in need:

http://www2.archivists.org/news/2011/grants-available-through-saa-foundations-national-disaster-recovery-fund-for-archives

Gregory Sanford
Vermont State Archives and Records Administration
(802) 828-2369

Getting Vital Information to the Public

Greetings all.

We have heard from many of you over the past 10 days and recognize what an amazing group of people we have in the Vermont library world! So many of you have become emergency response centers or stayed open additional hours or just listened to people who are confused or in shock after Hurrican Irene. As a new resident in Vermont it has been a real eye-opener about this state.

FEMA Public Assistance Applicant Briefings – Tropical Storm Irene

The Vermont Agency of Transportation will be holding applicant briefings for communities in counties granted a Public Assistance disaster declaration following floods from Tropical Storm Irene. Attendance at this meeting is required to receive FEMA funding. Every Vermont county except Grand Isle has received a Public Assistance disaster declaration.

Steps To Applying For FEMA Assistance

Vermonters recovering from the impact of Tropical Storm Irene in Chittenden, Rutland, Washington, Windham, Windsor counties can now apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Donations for Flooded Vermont Public Libraries

We have received many calls and emails from people all across the country who want to help our libraries. We are grateful to all of you and want to let you know how you can best help our libraries at this time. For now, please do not send books. Instead, we are accepting cash donations.

Free Online Education Opportunities for September 2011

Listed below are FREE programs American Management Association, Booklist, EDUCAUSE, Georgia Library Association, GrantSpace, Infopeople, InSync Training, Inc., Library Journal, Lyrasis, National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Nebraska Library Commission, Northwest Central, O’Reilly Webcasts, School Library Journal, Texas State Library & Archives, TL Virtual Cafe, University of Wyoming, and Webjunction will be webcasting during September.

In the event that you aren’t available during those times, or you would like to check out past webinars, here are the links to archived events:

VT Collections Salvage and Recovery Resources from NEDCC

Vermonters, NEDCC is here to help!

The Northeast Document Conservation Center is actively working with the
VT State Library, VT State Archives, and other VT institutions
responding to Hurricane Irene to distribute information about options
for salvage and recovery of cultural collections.

NEDCC has gathered resources including disaster assistance hotlines,
disaster recovery and remediation services, and collections care
information.

Follow this link:
http://www.nedcc.org/eblasts/2011VT_Floods.html

Please print and distribute to those without power or internet.

Northeast Document Conservation Center
Andover, MA
www.nedcc.org

Access to Universal Class Online Learning (Public Libraries)

Public Libraries that have registered barcode numbers or patron ID’s can now direct their users to the Universal Class Registration page.

Libraries that have registered may put this direct link to the registration page on their websites:

http://vermontstate.universalclass.com/register.htm

Your library users will not be able to enroll in these classes until:(1) your library’s barcodes numbers or patron ID’s have been registered (http://libraries.vermont.gov/barcodereg) and (2) Recorded Books has enabled those numbers for course registration.