impact of free access to computers, the Internet, and related services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2007

Press Contacts
202-653-4628
Kevin O’Connell, koconnell@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

IMLS Requests Proposals to Study Impact of Free Access to Computers and the Internet in Public Libraries

Deadline: March 26, 2007

Washington, DC–The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) invites proposals to study the impact of free access to computers, the Internet, and related services at public libraries. IMLS will conduct this study with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

“I am very pleased to partner with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on this important study,” noted Dr. Anne-Imelda Radice, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “The federal government, the foundation, and many others have invested significant resources in providing free access to computers in public libraries. The study will examine the social, economic and educational impact of computers in public libraries.”

Previous studies about computers and public libraries in the United States have focused on how many computers are available, what kind of Internet access they provide, and how often they are used. To date very few studies have examined the benefits that computers in public libraries provide to individuals, families, and communities, or how the lack of these service impacts the public. Free access to computers and the Internet in public libraries is nearly ubiquitous, yet maintaining and improving access requires that policymakers have data about public impact so that they can make appropriate decisions about whether to invest dollars to renew technology and information resources and provide training for public library staff and library users. Decision makers at all levels require information about public impact to analyze funding priorities. This study will provide much needed data on public impact to guide future public and private investments in these services and public policy decisions.

The Request for Proposals can be found at www.fbo.gov/spg/IMLS/IMLS/IMLS/RFP-07-1/Attachments.html. The deadline for submissions is March 26, 2007.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums.
The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.

About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to reduce inequities and improve lives around the world. In developing countries, it focuses on improving health, reducing extreme poverty, and increasing access to technology in public libraries. In the United States, the foundation seeks to ensure that all people have access to a great education and to technology in public libraries. In its local region, it focuses on improving the lives of low-income families. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Patty Stonesifer and Co-chairs William H. Gates Sr., Bill Gates, and Melinda French Gates. More information is available at www.gatesfoundation.org.

*****************
Kim
Kim A. Miller
Special Assistant – Technical
U.S. National Commission on Libraries & Information Science 1800 M Street, N.W.; Suite 350 North Tower Washington, DC 20036-5841 202-606-9200; Fax: 202-606-9203 www.nclis.gov

Politics and Networking Course

The Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University
of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is pleased to offer a new continuing
education course. This course is ALA-APA approved for Certified Public
Library Administrator (CPLA) candidates.

Course title: Politics and Networking
Dates: March 15 – April 26, 2007 (No class on April 19)
Times: Online synchronous sessions Thursdays 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Central time
Cost: $300
Instructor: John A. Moorman, Ph.D. Director, Williamsburg Regional Library

Intended audience: Librarians and information professionals needing
training in politics and networking; CPLA candidates

Purpose of the course: To provide the student with an understanding of
the political process as it relates to public libraries. Topics included
are governance and legal structures of Boards and Commissions, how to
assess your community, how to assess local political issues,
understanding and influencing the local political process, the
development and nurturing of library support groups, and how to work
effectively with individuals and groups to increase library visibility
and support. Upon completion of the course the individual is expected to
know how to identify the social, political, and economic issues that
affect the library they serve, develop effective relationships with
governing boards, library support groups, and influence makers, develop
coalitions with groups in the community, and understand the legislative
process.

For additional information and to register, please visit
http://www.lis.uiuc.edu/programs/cpd/CPLA/fund.html or contact Marianne
Steadley, steadley@uiuc.edu or 217-244-2751

Library Student Journal

Library and Information Science students and educators,

Library Student Journal is once again accepting student papers for review and publication in our next issue. Please visit http://informatics.buffalo.edu/org/lsj/getinvolved.php for more information about having your work published.

LSJ was founded at the University of Buffalo in New York state but seeks international readers and authors. We’ve also expanded our services to the LIS community with recent additions of a discussion board and blog. We’re pleased to offer students such an accessible forum for discussion as well as the opportunity to be published alongside peers. Educators are encouraged to share this opportunity with students.
Thank you

- Shannon Smith -
Library Student Journal staff
http://www.librarystudentjournal.com

How do professionals view your CV?

CV Makeovers — CVs and Experts Wanted

In each monthly issue of the Jinfo Newsletter http://www.jinfo.com/ they publish either a CV makeover or an article on how to make your job search more fruitful.

If you would like to serve on our panel of CV experts, submit your CV for possible inclusion or write an article for the newsletter, please write to us at editor@freepint.com

Call for Papers/Submissions Blog

This blog posts “Calls for Papers” and “Calls for Submissions” across a wide spectrum of journals.
Frequently updated . . .

http://community.livejournal.com/callsforpapers/

Electronic Collection Development for the Academic e-Library

“Very useful. Excellent materials…very well organized”

“Diane is an excellent online instructor! You learn much from her courses and seminars.”

“This course was outstanding.”

- past participants in “Electronic Collection Development for the Academic e-Library”

Electronic Collection Development for the Academic e-Library: March 12-31

Instructor: Diane Kovacs, Kovacs Consulting

Registration is open.

In this three-week course, participants will learn to create an academic e-library collection development plan for free and fee-based Web-accessible resources for a patron community of their choice.

Walk away with a collection development plan for your e-Library. The collection development plan will include:

*collection plan abstract or introduction
*collection strategy
*collection organization plan
*collection maintenance plan

This seminar is delivered through WebCT. The seminar is asynchronous and participants can work through each week’s materials and participate in discussion boards according to their schedule.

ALA and ACRL members receive a registration discount.

ACRL member: $135
ALA member: $175
CACUL member: Can $195 (charges will be made in U.S. dollars)
Nonmember: $195
Student: $60

Register today. Registration for this seminar is now open. For additional information and a link to the online registration form, visit: www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlproftools/ecollectiondevelopment

Education Libraries — call

Call for papers
The next issue will focus on diversity issues, particularly in terms of
outreach. Some of the issues include:
· identifying underserved populations
· identifying ways to reach underserved populations
· assessing needs of diverse populations
· developing collections and services for diverse populations
· developing outreach strategies to reach diverse populations

These are just a few of the possibilities for topics to write about. The deadline is March 30. Additional book reviewers are also welcome. Email queries and manuscripts to Editor Dr. Lesley Farmer at lfarmer@csulb.edu

Lesley Farmer
CSULB/EdPAC
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach CA 90840-2201
(562) 985-4509 / 4534 fax
lfarmer@csulb.edu

Education Libraries, volume 29, number 2: Winter 2006

Cataloging of Original Materials in the 21st Century: Frequency and Preparation Factors Dr. Daniel Fuller, San Jose State University (p. 5-11)
Abstract
Cataloging and catalogers play an important role in the access to
electronic catalogs for users at all levels. Two recent studies
investigating the preparation of entry level library media specialists
and the frequency they perform original cataloging led to a larger
examination of the topic in the context of academic libraries. One
factor has been the steady decline in required cataloging courses in
ALA accredited library schools for the past two decades. A second
factor is the relative supply of catalogers and how they have been
reallocated within the academic library. A third factor is the
increasing practice of cataloging outsourcing. Implications of high
levels of cataloging by librarians lacking preparation are analyzed.
The potential for flawed
electronic records being shared and viewed over the Internet has
implications for all levels.

CAT-TI: Elearning, Goal-setting, and Cataloging Jacqueline Snider, University of Iowa (p. 12-20)
Abstract
This article describes the techniques of applying a goalsetting program
to an online tutorial on cataloging the title field. Training staff to
catalog presents many challenges to librarians in management positions.
The task, while necessary, is sometimes considered tedious. In addition,
researchers report an extremely high learner dropout rate for online
tutorials. Goalsetting programs enhance work performance, and
facilitate the completion of online tutorials.

Setting Up and Running an Instant Message Reference Service

R U Ready? Setting Up and Running an Instant Message Reference Service

Wednesday, February 14, 2007 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Central Time) No Charge

Have you considered starting a Digital Reference service for your library but not sure where to begin? Instant Messaging is a great way to get introduced into the world of Digital Reference. You can even create individual IM accounts to stay in contact with staff. In this new webinar, developed by MINITEX staff, learn just how easy it is to set up an Instant Message reference service for your library. We will look at the different IM providers available, ways of delivering service, staffing, training, policies and more. Session length will be 60 minutes which includes time for discussion and questions.

http://www.minitex.umn.edu/train-conf/

ARL/ACRL Institute on Scholarly Communication

(I know some career colleges offer Master’s/Doctorates, so this might be applicable — Erika)

Past Participants Say:

“Thank you for an energizing, inspiring, thought-provoking Institute! Objectives met and exceeded!”

“An amazing experience…”

“I have learned so much and have benefited from talking with so many people with different experience and expertise.”

“We learned, we laughed, we had fun, and we have a plan of action.”

Apply now for the third ARL/ACRL Institute on Scholarly Communication, July 18-20, 2007 in Washington, D.C. The deadline for application is Wednesday, March 14, 2007. Acceptance to the Scholarly Communication program is competitive and limited to 100 individuals.

This jointly sponsored institute offers tools and techniques to build a scholarly communication program or move an existing one to the next level. Participants will assess their campus environment before the institute and engage in 2 ? intensive days of active learning. During the institute, participants will develop customized program plan components to implement at their home institutions. The institute sponsors are seeking participation from a wide range of academic libraries, from community colleges to research institutions. Institutions are encouraged to propose teams that reflect various institutional perspectives, such as librarians, library administrators, faculty and campus administrators.

Complete details about the program as well as the online application form and instructions can be found at: www.ala.org/acrl/events (click “ACRL/ARL Institute on Scholarly Communication”). For questions about the institute and/or the application process, please contact Kara Malenfant, Scholarly Communications and Government Relations Specialist, ACRL, at: kmalenfant@ala.org; or Karla Hahn, Director, Office of Scholarly Communications, ARL, at: karla@arl.org.

Bloggers needed for ACRL

Share your conference experience with a national audience. ACRL is looking for a few individuals to blog the ACRL 13th National Conference, “Sailing into the Future – Charting our Destiny,” which will be held in Baltimore, March 29 – April 1, 2007.

As a conference blogger, you will be a global correspondent providing online dispatches to a worldwide community of academic library professionals. Your posts may cover any aspect of the ACRL conference: topics covered inside the session rooms, thoughts on the exhibits and receptions, and your perspectives on Baltimore as you explore outside the convention center.

We are looking for a blogger or two to cover general aspects of the conference, and we particularly hope to find volunteers who will report from special perspectives, including:

-Technical services
-New librarians/first-time attendees
-New technology in libraries
-Community college libraries

Blog posts may take the form of brief descriptions or commentary on sessions that you attend; short interviews with conference participants, presenters or exhibitors; links to handy resources that you have unearthed; or other posts which might generate discussion among online participants.

Your blog will live online in the ACRL 13th National Conference Virtual Community. All registered face-to-face conference attendees, as well as online-only attendees will have access to the complete ACRL 13th National Conference Virtual Community. In addition, there will be a special portal to the ACRL 13th National Conference blogs that can be accessed by non-conference attendees. Your blog posts will also be published on ACRLog (www.acrlblog.org).

If you’d like to be an ACRL conference blogger, contact Margot Conahan (msutton@ala.org) by February 16, 2007. Please indicate if you’d like to address one of the perspectives listed above. Bloggers will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Complete details about the ACRL 13th National Conference are online at www.acrl.org/baltimore.

Note: Bloggers must register and pay regular conference fees.