Friday, October 31, 2008

Workshops on Original Wood Windows and Lead Paint

Worried about the cold coming winter months and your heating bill? Bombarded with advertisements for “energy efficient” replacement windows? You are not alone! That’s why you are cordially invited to attend HAF’s Window Sash Chat at the First Presbyterian Church (362 State Street). What to expect? Expert preservation panelists and window repair experts will give presentations and field questions on how can make your old sash energy efficient!

When: November 1, 2008, Noon-4pm
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 362 State Street (corner of Willett St.), Albany
Why: To clear the air, and make sure you know all the facts when it comes to your original wood windows
Who: Expert panelists will include: Roberta Lane, National Trust for Historic Preservation; Walter Sedovic, Walter Sedovic Architects; Mark DeChiro, NYSERDA contractor, Alden & Stephen Withem, Contractor’s Millworks; and Jim Devine, Advanced Energy Panels
How: You can walk, bike or park in the First Presbyterian Church’s parking lot (limited spots!) or in Washington Park.

Ghosts in the Library!


The Haunted Library Series is Back

Daughters of Penelope Antiques Show & Sale-November 14 & 15, 2008

The best food in Albany will accompany one of the finest events in Albany--the Daughters of Penelope Antiques Show & Sale at the St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church. The antiques show will be held on Friday, November 14 from 11am-7pm and Saturday, November 15 from 10am-4pm. The lemon drop soup and the rice pudding are highly recommended. St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 440 Whitehall Road. Donation: $4.50.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Windows, art

1. Window Sash Chat, this Saturday, November 1, 2008. It’s all happening at the First Presbyterian Church (362 State Street) from 12-4pm. Expert panelist, including Roberta Lane, National Trust for Historic Preservation; Jack Alvarez, Landmark Consulting; Mark DeChiro, NYSERDA contractor, Alden & Stephen Withem, Contractor’s Millworks; and Jim Devine, Advanced Energy Panels, will clear the air and make sure you know all the facts when it comes to your original wood windows. There is a fee of $5 for HAF members and $10 for general public. For more information or to reserve a spot call 518-465-0876 x10.

2. Built; Albany’s Architecture Through Artists’ Eyes. The 7th Annual Art Show and Silent Auction will take place on November 8, 2008 at the Cathedral of All Saints (62 South Swan Street). Honorary Chair Norman S. Rice invites you to view the work of local and regional artists inspired by Albany’s built environment and (most importantly) purchase these beautiful pieces for your humble abode. Visit www.historic-albany.org/built.html for more information and to download a RSVP card. Or give me a call at the office, (518-465-0876 x10) to purchase a ticket today!

Groups Warn that New Voters May Not Find Names in Poll Books

Here's a press release from the LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW YORK STATE and the NEW YORK PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH GROUP that I think is important enough to reprint verbatim:

News Release
For Immediate Release: Oct 27, 2008
For More Information Contact: Neal Rosenstein (212) 349-6460
Aimee Allaud (518) 465-4162

Local Boards Urged to Take Steps to Ensure Voters Names at Poll Sites

Warning of possible confusion and longer lines for next week’s Presidential election, two of the state’s leading civic organizations called for steps to make sure that the names of recently registered voters appear on the lists used by poll workers. The New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) and the League of Women Voters of New York State called for supplemental listings of voters to be printed and distributed in any counties that may not have entered new registrants’ names in time for them to appear in the lists of voters at poll sites.

Missing names at poll sites could arise if local Boards of Elections were unable to process and enter the large number of new registrants into their databases, said NYPIRG and the League. Many of the registrants are new voters who may have signed up through online web sites and whose forms were mailed to the State Board of Elections, as permitted by Election Law § 5-210(3). The State Board then forwarded the forms to local Boards for their review and to be entered onto the voter rolls. Reports that many of these voters may not have made it into poll books first surfaced in Saturday’s New York Times.

“Voters shouldn’t be penalized because of inadequate staffing at a local Board,” said Neal Rosenstein of NYPIRG. “Local Boards must now take whatever steps are necessary to make sure any voter who mailed their form in to the State Board before the deadline gets on the rolls,” he added.

NYPIRG and the League reminded voters that if they don’t find their name at the polls, they should first ask the poll workers to check that they are at the correct site and table. If the voter’s name still can’t be found, he or she should fill out a paper Affidavit Ballot and request a voter rights flyer that is required to be at each table. But the groups also noted that the Affidavit Ballot process is error-prone and can increase lines at the polls. They urged that Boards take immediate steps to ensure that all voters’ names are at poll sites.

“If the normal poll site books don’t contain all the names, local Boards should immediately make plans to print supplemental voter lists and get them to poll sites,” said Aimee Allaud of the League. “These voters registered on time and now it’s up to the local boards to make sure they can vote without barriers at the polls,” she added.

The groups commended the New York City Board of Elections for deciding to print supplemental poll site books. They also called on Mayor Bloomberg and local governments across the state to provide the necessary funding for printing and distributing the books in time for Election Day.


Meanwhile, if you're newly registered, or have moved, it's especially important to verify your registration. The State Board of Elections website for this has only been recently corrected in Albany County, so you should check with your county Board of Elections.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Andrew Bechard named to library board

Attorney Andrew Bechard is the newest member of the Albany Public Library board of trustees.

Bechard, who was among 17 people to run for the board last year was sworn in [last week] to the seat left vacant by the death of James Gallagher. In May, the winner of an election will serve the year then remaining on Gallagher's term...

When he ran for the library board of trustees last year, Bechard created a Web site. The site still exists and provides background on his thoughts about the library's role in the community, he said.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

ELECTION WEB PAGE FEATURED ON NEW YORK STATE LIBRARY WEB SITE

You can find all the information you need about elections in New York State on a new page of the New York State Library’s web site. "Selected New York State Election Websites," a page of links relating to elections and election-related topics can be accessed from the State Library’s web site at www.nysl.nysed.gov. Point to Hot Topics: Election Websites under "What's New" in the bottom right hand corner of the Library's main page or go directly to http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/reference/election.htm.

The websites on the page cover federal, state, and local representatives; New York State newspapers; political and citizen groups; New York-based public opinion polls; and more. You can learn about how Federal Campaign Finance Laws are administered and enforced, find out about the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and its role in regulating federal elections, learn how to register to vote, identify your State representatives, view election district maps from the NYS Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Apportionment, connect to your local county to find notice of county government meetings, and link to other important information about elections and the election process.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Craft and Art Festival


FRI, NOV 7, 2008 5pm-9pm
SAT, NOV 8, 2008 10am-5pm
725 Madison Ave, Albany, NY

Part of Albany's 1st Friday schedule, A Wonderful Craft and Art Festival at the gracious 1895 mansion of The Woman's Club of Albany near Albany's historic Washington Park. A fabulous raffle will benefit the literacy and foster care programs of the club.


Meet studio jeweler Loretta Fontaine, potter Liz Vigoda, mixed media artist Wendy Costa, photographer Nancy Noble Gardner, McGillicutty’s Handmade Soap, woodworker C.A. Foster, fiber artist Cherry Schacher and glass artist Terry Weaver.

Visit the web site: http://www.albanyholidaystudiosale.com/ for artist bios, map and more information.

Friday, October 24, 2008

School board candidates

The remaining public candidate forums is Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 6:30 p.m. at Albany High School. Please encourage people to come.

5 Museums, 5 Libraries Receive Nation's Highest Honor

Institutions from eight states, including New York, plus Puerto Rico, were awarded a 2008 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.

First Lady Laura Bush awarded these museums and libraries at a White House ceremony on October 7. Each year, the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), in coordination with the White House, presents the National Medal to 10 museums and libraries "in recognition of their extraordinary civic, educational, economic, environmental, and social contributions."

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

BOARD OF REGENTS APPOINT BERNARD A. MARGOLIS NEW YORK STATE LIBRARIAN

The Board of Regents today announced the appointment of Bernard A. Margolis as the New York State Librarian. He will assume his new responsibilities in January 2009.

State Education Commissioner Richard Mills said, "We live in an age of information, and libraries play a critical role in providing us with access to that information. They are vital to our economy and our communities. They promote literacy and lifelong learning. And in these trying economic times, they are vital to people seeking information about jobs. I am thrilled that the Regents have appointed a dynamic and innovative person like Mr. Margolis to serve in the critically important position of State Librarian.”

The New York State Library provides information and library services through its Research Library and the Division of Library Development.
Mr. Margolis will have oversight responsibility for a $13.4 million operating budget, 180 employees, over 20 million collection items and nearly $100 million in State and federal aid to libraries.

One of the largest research libraries in North America, the New York State Research Library is the only state library which is a member of the Association of Research Libraries. The Library’s holdings include a significant manuscript and rare book collection, as well as holdings in a wide variety of formats, including paper, microform, digital and electronic records. It is also a Federal Depository and Patent Library; has the responsibility for the acquisition, distribution and maintenance of New York State documents; and is a regional library for the blind and visually impaired in New York’s 55 upstate counties.

The Division of Library Development provides leadership and technical assistance to New York’s 73 library systems through a comprehensive program of State aid for public, school, academic and special library services. Staff experts work with librarians, trustees, school administrators, public officials and local leaders to solve problems and find new ways of making library services and resources available to their community. Library Development administers more than $100 million in State and federal aid to New York’s libraries and helps them to take full advantage of federal and private funding programs like E-rate telecommunications discounts and Gates Library Foundation grants.

Mr. Margolis served as the President of Boston Public Library (BPL), Boston, Massachusetts, from 1997 to 2008. BPL is the oldest municipal public library in the country, with 27 neighborhood branches. The Library’s collections of over 34 million items include the library of President John Adams, Shakespeare’s first folio, Gutenberg’s Catholicon, and many other unique and rare materials. BPL is a member of the Association of Research Libraries.

Mr. Margolis’s achievements as BPL president include expansion of branch library hours; appointment of a children’s librarian in every branch; creation of a nationally recognized Homework Assistance Program and online tutoring program; implementation of Reading Readiness to prepare preschoolers for school success; creation of local history centers in eight branch libraries; creation of the award-winning Norman B. Leventhal Map Center; development of a collection conservation program; and growth of the BPL’s trust funds from $37 million to $55 million. Under Mr. Margolis’s leadership, BPL secured $7 million of direct grants and $18 million in federal funds for technology improvements and many foundation grants, designated gift funds, and major bequests.

Mr. Margolis led the effort to restore and renovate the historic central library building, securing funding from a number of sources. He worked with the City of Boston to establish a critical repair fund, allowing BPL to address building and equipment repairs in a timely manner. BPL collaborated with other cultural institutions and more than 4,500 different community groups and organizations.

Mr. Margolis holds a BA in Political Science and an MA in Librarianship, both from the University of Denver. His library experience includes management and executive positions in libraries and library systems in Colorado and Michigan. Prior to moving to Boston, he served as Director/CEO of the Pikes Peak Library District in Colorado Springs (from 1988 to 1997).

Mr. Margolis’s service includes a number of elected positions within the American Library Association, leadership in the Association of Research Libraries, service as a professional delegate to the White House Conference on Libraries, and service on the boards of library organizations in Massachusetts, Colorado, and Michigan. He has served on the editorial boards of the Journal of Library Administration and Bottom
Line: The Magazine of Library Financial Management. He has contributed to several books and has published articles in American Libraries, Pub¬lic Libraries, and Library Journal.

Disability Etiquette

From the United Spinal Association: "A great resource for businesses, schools, organizations, staff training and disability awareness programs. You don’t have to feel awkward when interacting with, or when you meet, a person who has a disability. This booklet provides tips for you to follow that will help create positive interactions and raise everyone’s comfort levels. The publication offers advice related to a diverse number of specific disabilities."

Friend of APL Dennis Mosley Wins Prestigious NYLA Award!

Dennis Mosley, member of the board of the Friends of the Albany Public Library, has been selected to receive the prestigious Daniel W. Casey Award by the New York Library Association. He received this award, in the words of Karen Achilles Casey Award chair, “for his commitment and focus to bring the library to the community and vice versa.” She noted his involvement with the Book Cellar and the Albany Independent Film forum, among other accomplishments.

Dennis will receive the award on Friday, November 7th at the NYLA conference. He will receive a personal plaque and his name will be added to the Empire Friends Roundtable plaque which may be displayed at the library for a year.

Congratulations, Dennis!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Are We Ready for November 4?

Pew Study Finds State Elections Web Sites Have Significant Room for Improvement. State elections Web ites are often too difficult for voters to find and use to answer questions such as whether they are registered to vote, where to vote and what will be on the ballot, according to a new study released by the Pew Center on the States. “Being Online is Not Enough: State Elections Web sites” is a 50-state analysis examining elections Web sites’ usability...

One example of this jumps out: the New York State Board of Elections has a "Look up your voter registration and find your polling place" link. Unfortunately, as of this writing, when I put in my information, my polling place shows as ALBANY PUBLIC LIBRARY, 517 WESTERN AVENUE; this is incorrect. The Pine Hills branch of the library is closed, and the correct polling place is 400-420 WESTERN AVE, which is at the College of St. Rose.

Watchdogs Ask: Is America Ready to Vote?. With millions of Americans expected to confront an array of voting technologies on Nov. 4, election experts from the Brennan Center for Justice, Common Cause and Verified Voting [released] a 50-state report card that grades every state on its preparedness to respond to Election Day voting system problems like broken machines, software malfunctions, or long lines that result from voting equipment breakdowns or misallocation of machines.

Researching Patent and Trademark Information

New York State Library would like to announce an upcoming program it is presenting.

Title: Researching Patent and Trademark Information
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2008
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (lunch on your own)
Location: New York State Library, 310 Madison Ave. (bet. Eagle & Swan Sts.), Albany, NY 12230
Cost: Free

Description:
Representatives from the United States Patent and Trademark Office will present a free, full day seminar for inventors, entrepreneurs, educators, legal professionals and the general public on researching patent and trademark information. The agenda includes an overview of intellectual property, conducting a patent search, conducting a trademark search, using the USPTO web site and dealing with invention promotion firms.

Space is limited. Registration is required.

Registration at:
518-474-2274
NYSLTRN@mail.nysed.gov
http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/press.htm

Monday, October 20, 2008

Regents Appoint Library Advisory Council Members

The New York State Board of Regents has appointed Bridget Quinn-Carey and John P. Monahan to the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries. Terms for both will extend through September 2013.

Ms. Quinn-Carey is currently the Director at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library. Prior to this appointment, she was the Directorof the Essex Library Association in Essex, Connecticut. She earned her Master of Arts in Library Science at St. John’s University. Ms. Quinn-Carey is the President of the Board of Directors of Libraries Online, Inc. and won the New York Times Librarian Award in 2003. She has also been Director of the Washington Public Library in Washington, Iowa and information transaction coordinator at the Connecticut State Library. She was the president of the Iowa Small Libraries Association.

Mr. Monahan is the Director of the School Library System at the Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Monahan was an Adjunct Professor at the Palmer School of Library and Information Science at Long Island University. He earned his Certificate of Advanced Study at SUNY New Paltz and his Masters of Library Science at Queens College, City University of New York. Mr. Monahan is an Advisory Board Member of Metropolitan New York Library Council, was on the initial New York State Library’s NOVEL Steering Committee, and was a recipient of the School Library System Association’s Distinguished Service Award in 2005.

The twelve-member Council advises the Regents on State policy regarding the New York State Library, library development programs, legislation and library aid programs. Other members of the Council are: Lucretia McClure, Chair, Countway Library of Medicine-Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Norman Jacknis, Vice Chair, Cisco Systems, Cortlandt Manor; Ellen Bach, Whiteman, Osterman & Hanna LLP, Albany; David Ferriero, The New York Public Library, New York City; Barbara Hamlin, Wood Library Board of Trustees, Canandaigua; Jill Hurst-Wahl, Hurst Associates, Syracuse; Sara Kelly Johns, Lake Placid Middle/Senior High School, Lake Placid; Tim Johnson, New York University Libraries, New York City; Gerald Nichols, Palmer Institute for Public Library Organization and Management, Brookville; and Sam Simon, Ramapo Catskill Library System, South Nyack. Carol Tauriello and Mary Lou Caskey have completed their five-year terms with distinction, leading the Regents Advisory Council effort to provide information about New York’s libraries to legislators and other decision makers.

The Regents Advisory Council on Libraries works with the officers of the State Education Department in developing a comprehensive statewide library and information policy, and makes recommendations to the Regents concerning the implementation of the program. The Council is broadly representative of libraries and statewide constituencies served by the New York State Library.

Nominations for appointments to the Council and other advisory panels are welcomed by the Education Department. They should be sent to the Office of the State Librarian, New York State Library, Room 10C34 Cultural Education Center, Albany, New York 12230.

MUSEUMS IN AMERICA

Rockefeller College Tuesday Policy Lunch Series

October 21
12:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Levitt Room, Milne Hall, Downtown Campus, University at Albany

MUSEUMS IN AMERICA: REALITIES AND CHALLENGES IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Christine Miles, Director of the Albany Institute of History & Art


Christine Miles has served as director of the Albany Institute of History & Art since 1986. The museum collects, preserves, and interprets the art, culture, and history of Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley region in a global context from the 17th century to the present.

Miles has focused on making the museum, one of the oldest in the country, a broadly accessible cultural and educational resource. She oversaw a massive three-year construction and renovation project that expanded and upgraded facilities. In just the last 10 years, the Albany Institute has featured more than 150 exhibitions and offered thousands of education programs.

Miles previously worked at a number of museums in New York City and Washington, DC, including: South StreetSeaport Museum, Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Octagon of the American Institute of Architects Foundation. She earned a bachelor’s degree in art history from Boston University and a master’s degree in American culture and museum studies from George Washington University. She is also a graduate of the Getty Foundation’s Museum Management Institute at the University of California at Berkeley.

Leonard S. Marcus book signing

Lecture and Book signing - October 23, 2008, 4:00 PM, University at Albany

Leonard S. Marcus, author of Minders of Make-Believe: Idealists, Entrepreneurs, and the Shaping of American Children’s Literature

Where: Standish Room, Third floor Science Library, University at Albany, SUNY

When: Thursday October 23, 2008, 4:00 PM

Leonard Marcus, one of the foremost authorities on the history of children’s literature, will discuss and sign his new book, Minders of Make-Believe (2008, Houghton Mifflin), an animated first-time history of the visionary editors, authors, librarians, booksellers, and others whose passion for books has transformed American childhood and American culture.

What should children read? Marcus tackles this three-hundred-year-old question that sparked the creation of a rambunctious children’s book publishing scene in Colonial times. And it’s the urgent issue that went on to fuel the transformation of twentieth-century children’s book publishing from a genteel backwater to big business. Marcus delivers a provocative look at the fierce turf wars fought among pioneering editors, progressive educators, and librarians - most of them women - throughout the twentieth century. His story of the emergence and growth of the major publishing houses - and of the distinctive literature for the young they shaped - gains extraordinary depth through the author’s path-finding research and in-depth interviews with dozens of editors, artists, and other key publishing figures whose careers go back to the 1930s.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

You can never have too many Friends

Join the Friends of APL as Pat Illnicki, past president of the Friends, reviews The Girls of Riyaldh by Rajaa Alsanea.
Tuesday, October 21, High Noon At the Main

On Saturday, October 25th, you can enjoy the Annual Book and Author Luncheon featuring Ron Bassman, the author of A Fight to Be: A Psychologist's Experience From Both Sides Of The Locked Door.
Tickets are $15 per person for lunch at 12pm, but the Author talk (at 1PM) is free and open to the public.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Antiquarian Book Fair at the Washington Avenue Armory November 9

34th Annual Antiquarian
Book & Ephemera Fair

Sunday, November 9
10 am - 4 pm

The Albany Institute of History & Art is pleased to present the 34th Annual Antiquarian Book & Ephemera Fair featuring more than 60 dealers selling antiquarian and out-of-print books, manuscripts, autographs, postcards, maps, posters, photographs, and ephemera. There will also be a special silent auction This event is sponsored in part by Albany Basketball & Sports Corp and will be held on Sunday, November 9, from 10 am to 4 pm at the Washington Avenue Armory, 195 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York.

The Book Fair is managed by Dennis Holzman Antiques (518) 449-5414 and Austin's Antiquarian Books (800) 556-3727. For more information, please visit www.albanybookfair.com.

Book Fair Admission: $6.00

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Business FAQs

The Library of Congress Business Reference Services has a Frequently Asked Business Questions dealing with these topics
1. Can you tell me if my old stock certificate has any value?
2. What is the cost of living today compared with X years ago?
3. How can I get a sample business plan?
4. How can I get information on foreign exchange rates?
5. Where can I find the history of a company?
6. Where can I find standard industry ratios so I can compare the performance of company X to others in the industry?
7. What are NAICS and SIC codes?
8. Where can I find information on starting a small business? I'm particularly interested in government loans and grants.
9. I am planning to start a new company and want to be sure the name I choose will be unique and protected nationwide.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Today Is the Deadline for Citizens’ Police Review Board Nominations

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
The Albany Common Council is seeking nominations of qualified residents of the City of Albany for the following position:

Title of Position:
Member, Citizens’ Police Review Board (CPRB)

Term of Appointment:
Vacancy expiring 10/26/09
Appointees are eligible for reappointment at the end of their term to an additional term of three years.

Position Responsibilities/Duties:
The CPRB is an independent body established by the City of Albany in 2000 to improve communications between the Police Department and the Community, to increase police accountability and credibility with the public, and to create a complaint review process that is free from bias and informed of actual police practice. In addition to review and determination on completed investigations of complaints made by citizens against officers of the City of Albany Police Department for alleged misconduct, the nine member Board may make recommendations to the Common Council and the Mayor regarding police policies and practices relevant to the goals of community policing and the exercise of discretionary authority by police officers. Board members are appointed by the Mayor (4) and the Common Council (5). The Board is required to, among other things, undergo significant training, and engage in public outreach and education.

Members of the CPRB shall reside in the City of Albany and possess a reputation for fairness, integrity and responsibility and have demonstrated an active interest in public affairs and service. The Common Council and the Mayor shall endeavor to reflect community diversity in their appointments, including income level, race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation and experience and shall, in their appointments, solicit recommendations from the community. Officers, current employees of the City of Albany and the immediate relatives of officers and employees shall not be eligible for appointment.

Members shall be appointed for three-year terms. No members of the CPRB shall serve for a period which exceeds two consecutive terms. Completion of an orientation program concerning the goals, powers and procedures of the CPRB is required before a member may participate as a voting member. In addition, graduation from the Albany Police Department’s Citizen’s Police Academy within six months of the start of the member’s term is required. Members are also required to undergo continuing education on issues related to the interaction between civilians and police officers from the perspectives of both the citizen and the police officer.

The CPRB meets once per month and Board members are required to take responsibility in preparing cases for presentation. Board members also participate in community outreach efforts.

Additional information on the CPRB is available on their web site maintained by the Albany Law School’s Government Law Center

Statutory Authority:

The CPRB is established in accordance with Article XLIV of Part 33 of Chapter 42 of the Code of the City of Albany (sections 42-332 through 42-352). A copy is available on the CPRB web site (see above) or by contacting the Common Council’s office (see below).

Application Requirement:
Applicants are requested to submit a letter of intent describing qualifications and include a current resume to:
Cashawna Parker
Legislative Aide
Albany Common Council – Room 206
City Hall
Albany, NY 12207
Tel: 434-5087
Fax: 434-5081
E-mail: parkerc@ci.albany.ny.us


Applicants will be interviewed by a selected committee of the Common Council prior to appointment.

Deadline for Applications: October 15, 2008

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Digital Quality of Life:

Understanding the Personal and Social Benefits of the Information Technology Revolution from Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF)/. "In the new global economy information technology (IT) is the major driver of both economic growth and improved quality of life."

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Governor Paterson Calls for "New Vision for Student Engagement"

New York Governor David Paterson called on all New Yorkers to JOIN TOGETHER IN FIGHTING DROP-OUT EPIDEMIC. "Tens of Thousands of New York High School Students Drop Out Every Year", severely inhibiting not only the individual's but also the state's long-term success.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

The budget is coming

You may have heard the 2009 City Budget is here! Read the 189-page document here (PDF) and let them know what you think of it on October 20th at 7PM at City Hall.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Getting Political

Join the Friends of APL as Eleanor Billmyer, former Albany County Legislator, reviews No Safe Place. Richard North Patterson's mastery of characterization, shines in this stunningly realistic potrayal of American presidential politics.

Tuesday, High Noon at The Main.

Thursday, October 09, 2008

October is Movie Month

Read here for information about GLBT History Month Film Festival (4 films on the 10th and 11th), the
Silent Film Spectacular on the 15th, 22nd, and 29th, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull on the 19th.

Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival

Though the holiday is Monday, the events are on Saturday.

Want a Better Job? Find one you like!

This is your chance to work one-on-one with one of the stars in the employment field, Michael Barber, a seasoned, local employment counselor.

Skills Assessment
October 9th
7-8:30PM
At the Main

You can learn how to identify your skills, interests and abilities and how to communicate this information to prospective employers

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Restored, not replaced

In the agreement reached by the Albany Public Library, Historic Albany Foundation, and Mansion Neighborhood Associatio, renovation plans for the John A. Howe branch Library in Albany's South End will include the restoration of many of the original windows in this historic 1920's-era branch library.

"We're really delighted to have reached an accord on this issue", says Tim Burke, Interim Library Director

APL to Restore Historic Howe Windows

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

The Economic Bailout

An Analysis of the Economic Emergency Stabilization Act (PDF) by CCH/Wolters Kluwer. President Bush signed EESA into law within two hours of its final passage in the House of Representatives on October 3, 2008.

Sunday, October 05, 2008

Private Delivery Services accepted by the NYS Tax Department

"Generally, tax returns, payments, and other documents sent to the New York State Tax Department are considered to be ontime if they are postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service on or before the due date of the return, payment, or other document. As a result of the 1997 Taxpayer Bill of Rights, taxpayers can also use certain private delivery services, in addition to the U.S. Postal Service, with the assurance that returns, payments, etc., that are mailed on time will be considered to have been filed on time. However, only mail delivered by private delivery services that are designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury or by the New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance qualify for the timely postmarked is timely filed/paid rule." To view the entire document, Publication 55 (9/08), click here(PDF).
Note DHL, FedEx and UPS are on the list, but it must be for specific levels of service.

Saturday, October 04, 2008

The Feminization of Librarianship

As a male, I found this particularly interesting:

"Since the proliferation of American public libraries began in the late nineteenth century, library work has been associated with women. As in other female dominated fields the salaries and benefits are less than those fields that associated with traditionally male skills and personality traits. When women initially entered the field in high numbers their economic options for professional and intellectual expression were limited and thus the role of the librarian was adopted as a female identity that fit conveniently into prevailing societal norms of a women as service-oriented nurturers.

"The discussion about women in librarianship has often failed to address the root causes of divisions in gender that are wrongly assumed to be inherent. Librarians must address the roots of why femininity is debased in the workplace and also seek to illuminate the vast contributions women have made in the field. "

More here.

Friday, October 03, 2008

PUBLIC LIBRARIAN CERTIFICATION REGULATORY CHANGES

Public Comments on Commissioners Regulation 90.7 Certificates for librarians in registered public, free, and Indian libraries due November 17, 2008
****
On July 28, the NYS Board of Regents Cultural Education Committee directed the State Library to move forward with amendments to Commissioners Regulations 90.7, requiring continuous professional development for professional public librarian certificates
issued on or after January 1, 2010.

The Notice of Proposed Rule Making will be published in the State Register at www.dos.state.ny.us/info/register.htm on October 1, 2008, for a 45-day public comment period through November 17, 2008. Please send any comments on the proposed regulations to Jeffrey W. Cannell, Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education and Interim State Librarian, State Education Department, Office of Cultural Education, Room 10C34, Albany, NY 12230.

Regents policy calls for a highly skilled library workforce. Recommendation nine of “Meeting the Needs of All New Yorkers: Library Service in the New Century: Final Report of the Regents Commission on Library Services”, which was adopted as Regents statewide policy for libraries in 2000 and reaffirmed in 2004 and again in December 2007 recommends establishing “a certification process to promote excellence in New York’s Library workforce at all stages and levels”.

In September 2007 NYLA leadership began discussing a variety of options to improve the skills of the library workforce in New York State in order to address Regents policy. During the past year, the NYLA Continuing Education Committee has worked with NYLA members, the New York State Library and with the statewide library community to develop a new proposal that would equip New York State’s new public librarians to meet the changing information needs of New Yorkers and continue to
provide first-class library service throughout their professional careers.

The amendments to CR 90.7 will be presented for adoption at the December 2008 meeting of the Board of Regents. Regulations will become effective January 8, 2009.

Thursday, October 02, 2008

FROM THE TU - State archive thief: "I apologize"

Daniel Lorello sentenced to 2 to 6 years in prison by ROBERT GAVIN, Times Union Staff writer, Thursday, October 2, 2008

Solution: Books That Are Really Gross

The Wall Street Journal story identified the problem that Boys Don’t Like to Read. The solution was less "Little House on the Prairie" and more "Vlad the Impaler".

Make a Difference!

National Make a Difference Day and the Mayor's Drop Off Day on October 25th. Each year, NEW clothing is collected for needy school-aged children in Albany. You can participate this year by dropping off your donation at the Washington Park Lake House on October 25th or dropping it off at City Hall during the week of October 26th - November 1st. You may also purchase NEW clothing at Lodge's Department Store, at a discount, and leave it there for donation. Call Albany Special Events at 518-434-2032 or click here for more details.

New York State's Archives: Hidden Treasures

October is New York State Archives Month!

Archives in the Capital District are celebrating with a full slate of activities, from a lecture on the Murder at Cherry Hill (Oct 15, 1:00 pm, Albany County Hall of Records) to a candlelight tour of Old Fort Johnson featuring readings from diaries and journals of the 18th and 19th centuries (Oct 25, 7:00-9:00 pm, Old Fort Johnson Historic Site, Montgomery County) to an exhibit based on the letters of a local Civil War soldier (during museum hours, Brookside Museum, Ballston Spa) and much more.

For a complete list of events, visit the Capital District Library Council's web page at www.cdlc.org (click "Archives Month 2008" under "News & Upcoming Events.").

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

2007 Librarian Salary Survey & Workplace Study

The 2007 SLA Salary Survey & Workplace study is available for purchase. Get the highlights here.

Ol' Rust Bucket

Iron Man, starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Gweneth Paltrow gets an 8.1 on the Richter Scale (IMDB). Spend your Sunday afternoon in APL's "climate controlled" large auditorium for a free newly released movie. Bring along your friends and family...the more the merrier.
Check out the trailer for Iron Man here.
See you at 2PM, Sunday afternoon, October 5 at the Main Library!

1st Friday This Weekend. Celebrate Our Youth

Friday, October 3, 2008 – 5th Anniversary Summer In The City, Youth Talent Exhibition at St. Joseph’s Church (38 Ten Broeck Street) as part of 1st Friday
Admission is FREE and the 1st Friday Trolley will provide complementary service to St. Joseph's Church every 30 minutes from 5:00pm – 8:30pm. The Summer In The City Exhibition celebrates the accomplishments of young people in Arbor Hill and other downtown neighborhoods, showcasing performing arts, multimedia, poetry, cultural knowledge projects, and more created during the summer of 2008. Also included will be selected pieces of art from Albany City Schools, sponsored by Albany Charity for Arts in Education. Call 935-4858 for more information.

Saturday, October 4, 2008 – Writing From Art, a Workshop & Reading Presented by the Hudson Valley Writers Guild and the Albany Institute of History & Art, co-sponsored by Historic Albany Foundation and The Arts Center of the Capital Region. Award winning Albany poet and teacher Therese Broderick, MFA will join with Erika Sanger, Director of Education of the Albany Institute of History & Art, to conduct a workshop where attendees are invited to take inspiration from the IMPRESSIONIST GIVERNY: American Painters in France, 1885-1915. A reception and reading of the works will be held Friday, November 7, 2008. The workshop is $25 for members or sponsors, $30 for the general public. Space is limited so reserve your spot by calling 463-4478 x404 or email sangere@albanyinstitute.org.