Life got in the way this month, so let’s jump right into this month’s highlights for librarian continuing ed!
Still time to register for the webconference FY2014 Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants happening Monday, Sept. 9 from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. The FY2014 Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid grants application is available online for public libraries to complete and submit prior to the October 15, 2013 deadline. Due to a number of changes in this application process, you are encouraged to attend this or one of the other informational opportunities offered by Illinois State Library staff. This workshop will be held via videoconference at the locations listed HERE. FREE
Pick up a few new tricks at the RAILS Tinker meeting at Evanston Public Library Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 9:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. Experience hands-on ideas for youth library technology programming and learn about school-public library technology partnerships. Then experiment with electricity with squishy circuits and build artbots, creatively motorized drawing tools. For more information, please contact Renee Neumeier at 847-448-8623 or rneumeier@cityofevanston.org. REGISTER FREE
With changing demographics in our communities, you may be interested in Helping People Become Citizens (Training by the USCIS) Wednesday, September 11, 2013 (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM) at Indian Prairie PLD. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services staff will train library personal on the naturalization process and available USCIS resources and how to provide information to interested aspiring citizens. FREE
Recent projects at Chicago Public Library have brought the issue of partnership between public libraries and schools to the forefront of many discussions in Libraryland, and WebJunction Illinois’ WJIL’s youThink! Friday: Public Libraries + School Libraries = Success for your Students Friday, Sept. 13 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. continues it. Do you partner with your local school or public library, but wish your ties were a bit stronger? Would you like to create a partnership but don’t know where to start? Your local public library might have resources you can tap into and staff you can partner with. School Librarian MaryJo Matousek and Public Youth Services Librarian Lisa Coleman share their partnership experience. REGISTER FREE
WJ: Geek the Library Q&A with Mary Stein, Tuesday, September 17, 2013 (1:00 PM – 1:30 PM) sounds fun! Geek the Library helps public libraries shift the perception of libraries in the community, and changes the conversation from one about information to one about transformation. The Geek the Library community awareness campaign at East Baton Rouge Parish Library (EBRPL) activated both internal and external library advocates, and got the community talking about the library. Learn more about the EBRPL story and get your questions answered live! Presented by Mary Stein, Assistant Library Director, Administrative Services, East Baton Rouge Parish Library. REGISTER FREE
On the tech side, LACONI is offering Content Strategy for Library Websites Friday, September 20, 2013 (9:30 AM – 12:00 PM) at Arlington Heights Memorial Library. Content strategy is both an art and a science. Simultaneously an editor, a curator, marketer, and project manager, a good content strategist not only helps create interesting content, but they ensure that’s it’s easily findable and attractive to read. In this presentation, we examine strategies for providing compelling and useful content for your library website. Hilary Marsh from Content Company will help you identify your customer, describe your product, develop effective web language, and create procedures for reviewing your website. LACONI members: $15//Non-members: $25: REGISTER
Or you could get SASSY (Storytelling and Sharing Skills for Youth), Friday, September 20, 2013 (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM) at Fossil Ridge Public Library District. SASSY is a group of Youth Services staff who meet monthly, throughout the school year, to share ideas for programs, resources and materials. It is a great time of sharing and networking! This month we will share: genre programs, by age group, & book lists to accompany them. Lunch will be catered (regular and veggie lasagna and dessert) and everyone is asked to pitch in $5.00. REGISTER
Finally, another exploration of changing library construct dynamics can be found at WebJunction’s Leaving Fort Ref: Frontiers of Embedded Librarianship, Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 12 p.m. his webinar explores new approaches to reference that embed the librarian in the community, answering questions at the point of need, and growing community connections. REGISTER
Ciao for now!
Recharge 