Obama Nominates Research Librarian to Head National Archives

A New York librarian has been chosen to become the next archivist of the United States.

President Barack Obama on Tuesday announced the nomination of David S. Ferriero to the run the National Archives and Records Administration.

The 63-year-old Ferriero is currently the director of research libraries at the New York Public Library.

See Also:
New York Librarian Chosen as U.S. Archivist
News Release About Ferrieo from 2004
David Ferrieo’s Wikipedia Entry

PBS Launching Digital Learning Library Aimed at Educators

From the Announcement:

PBS announced the launch of the PBS Digital Learning Library, a PBS system-wide online repository of digital education assets from public broadcasting programs and services nationwide. The PBS Digital Learning Library will be a comprehensive source of “learning objects,” including video, audio, images, games, and interactive simulations designed specifically for classroom use, delivered to teachers exclusively through local PBS stations. Services to deliver these resources to teachers and learners will be available in fall 2009.

As part of an ongoing, multi-year research initiative to identify and provide effective digital media in the classroom, PBS is aggregating its educational content to make it more accessible and practical for classroom use.

Learn More About the PBS Digital Learning Library

The future is wireless

Pew Internet Report: Wireless Internet Use, July 22, 2009

56% Of All Americans Have Accessed The Internet By Wireless Means

Overview

An April 2009 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project asked respondents whether they had used a variety of devices - laptops, cell phones, game consoles, and more - to go online using a wireless network. Altogether, 56% of Americans said they have at some point used wireless means for online access.

* 39% of all Americans have used a laptop computer to go online wirelessly, making this the most prevalent means of wireless access.

* 32% of all Americans have gotten online with a mobile device - meaning they have used a cell phone or other handheld device to check email, access the internet for information, or send instant messages.

Together, laptop and mobile wireless access account for the vast majority of wireless access, as 51% of Americans have gotten online using either of these two methods. Some people (19% of Americans) opt for both means of wireless access - portable laptops on fast WiFi networks or handheld access on slower networks from cell carriers.

Use of the internet on mobile devices has grown sharply from the end of 2007 to the beginning of 2009.

* In December 2007, 24% of Americans said they had at some point used the internet on their mobile device.

* By April 2009, 32% of Americans said they had at some point used the internet on their mobile device.

* In December 2007, 11% of Americans said they had yesterday accessed the internet on their mobile.

* By April 2009, 19% of Americans said they had yesterday accessed the internet on their mobile.

Links To HTM and PDF versions of the Full Report available

2009 New York state title for the National Book festival

From NYLINE:
Hudson Talbott's "River of Dreams: The Story of the Hudson River" has been selected to represent New York State on the National Book Festival's free USA map which will be distributed to children at the National Book Festival on September 26th, 2009 in Washington D.C.

Hudson Talbott is a local author from Cairo, New York and his book is an excellent choice to coincide with the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's maiden vovage up the river that now bears his name. Thank you to all the Youth Services Librarians who voted for this year's winner.

The National Book Festival will include The President and Mrs. Obama as honorary chairs and will also feature bestselling authors David Baldacci, John Grisham, John Irving, Julia Alvarez, Judy Blume, Ken Burns, Gwen Ifill and Jodi Picoult. Now in its ninth year, the festival celebrates the joys of reading and lifelong literacy.

MORE.

College Libraries Team Up With Their Local Counterparts

From the Article:

Even though it’s the big colleges that typically have the largest budgets and facilities, several universities are teaming up with their local public libraries to bring better service to patrons. At the American Library Association’s annual conference this week, a session titled “Our Town, Common Ground” highlighted some of those partnerships.

Amazon Faces a Fight Over Its E-Books

Last week, Jeffrey P. Bezos, chief executive of Amazon, offered an apparently heartfelt and anguished mea culpa to customers whose digital editions of George Orwell's 1984 were remotely deleted from their Kindle reading devices.

Though copies of the books were sold by a bookseller that did not have legal rights to the novel, Mr. Bezos wrote on a company forum that Amazon's solution to the problem was stupid, thoughtless and painfully out of line with our principles.

An apology was not enough for many people.

A growing number of civil libertarians and customer advocates wants Amazon to fundamentally alter its method for selling Kindle books, lest it be forced to one day change or recall books, perhaps by a judge ruling in a defamation case or by a government deciding a particular work is politically damaging or embarrassing.

Monitor New Words/Phrases via Schott’s Vocab

From Ben Schott’s Web Site (New York Times):

Schott’s Vocab is a repository of unconsidered lexicographical trifles - some serious, others frivolous, some neologized, others newly newsworthy.

Each day, Schott’s Vocab explores news sites around the world to find words and phrases that encapsulate the times in which we live or shed light on a story of note.

If language is the archives of history, as Emerson believed, then Schott’s Vocab is an attempt to index those archives on the fly.

Gov Gab Blog Ask Readers for Feedback About their Local Library

It would be great if some public librarians could chime in about some of the services they offer, like remotely accessible databases and tools. Users can comment, too!

New Words in the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Ed., 2009 Update

From the Announcement:

Hardworking word-lovers everywhere can now learn the meaning of the word staycation (”a vacation spent at home or nearby”) along with nearly 100 other new words and senses added to Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition. America’s best-selling dictionary offers its new 2009 entries in its updated print edition and online at Merriam-Webster.com.

“Our language evolves in many ways,” said John Morse, president and publisher of Merriam-Webster Inc. “As we’ve seen from our Open Dictionary feature on Merriam-Webster.com, people enjoy blending existing words, like combining ’stay’ and ‘vacation’ to make staycation. Staycation is a good example of a word meeting a need and establishing itself in the language very quickly. Our earliest record of use is from 2005, but it seems to have exploded into popular use in 2007.”

“Another example of this kind of creative wordplay from this year’s list,” said Morse, “is frenemy: one who pretends to be a friend but is actually an enemy. But, in addition to these ‘portmanteau words,’ we have added new words from more predictable categories, like science, health, technology, and popular culture, which have also seen widespread use across a variety of publications.”

Many of the new words reflect the importance of the environment (carbon footprint, green-collar), government activities (earmark, waterboarding), health and medicine (cardioprotective, locavore, naproxen, neuroprotective), pop culture (docusoap, fan fiction, flash mob, reggaeton), and online activities (sock puppet, vlog, webisode). Other words added include haram, memory foam, missalette, and zip line.

Reprint agreement will make some rare books widely available

The University of Michigan will make thousands of books that are no longer in copyright — including rare and one-of-a-kind titles — available as reprints on demand under a new agreement with BookSurge, part of the Amazon.com group of companies.

The agreement gives the public a unique opportunity to buy reprints of a wide range of titles in the UM Library for as little as a few dollars. As individual copies are sold on Amazon.com, BookSurge will print and bind the books in soft-cover form...

Maria Bonn, director of the UM Library’s scholarly publishing office, said the reprint program includes both books digitized by the UM and those digitized through the UM’s partnership with Google. The initial offering on Amazon will include more than 400,000 titles in more than 200 languages ranging from Acoli to Zulu.

Free Tools for Job Seekers

From Seeker magazine, June 2009, by Irene E. McDermott, Reference Librarian/System Manager, San Marino Public Library.

"Can you help this patron with her resume?" my colleague asked. "Sure!" I answered jauntily. After all, at work I am Computer Answer Girl, able to solve the most vexing problems with a flick of the mouse or a toggle of a power button.

International Collaborative Text Reference Service Launches

East Peoria — July 16, 2009

It’s official! People are now sending more text messages than they are making cell phone calls. Librarians are aware of the popularity of texting and are ready to take their professional services to cell phones.

Starting today, patrons of approximately 50 libraries from all over the US will be able to text a question to (309) 222-7740 and a real, live librarian will respond within minutes. The service is free of charge, but standard text messaging rates do apply. Staffed by librarians from around the country, answers are sent to cell phones by librarians in 320 characters or less, or the equivalent of two 160-character text messages.

It’s a different way of helping people get the answers they need, wherever they are at the time, with professional assistance. The service, named My Info Quest is the first collaborative text messaging reference service of its kind. Alliance Library System in East Peoria, Illinois has partnered with participating libraries, Altarama and Web Clarity Software Inc., developers of Peoplewhere to build this exciting new reference service. The pilot program will extend until December 31, 2009. Other partners include San Jose State University Graduate School of Library and Information Science, South Central Regional Library Council in New York, and TAP Information Services.

"Text reference service is the next big 'thing' to hit libraries," said Kitty Pope, Executive Director of the Alliance Library System.

"It is important because it augments traditional core reference services and meets our customers where they are. I would like to thank all the libraries who are so eager to learn this new service and to our great partners Altarama, Peoplewhere, San Jose State, TAP Information and the South Central Regional Library Council in New York; without your enthusiastic support and encouragement this project would have been impossible!"

"The technology is the easy part. The hard part has been months of planning and preparation by dozens of creative and committed library professionals, and we're delighted to be along for the ride," said Arthur Brady, President and CEO of Altarama.

"This exciting project is a great fit for our staff scheduling software, PeopleWhere," states Allison Standen, VP of Business Development for WebClarity Software Inc. "We are happy to take on the challenge inherent in balancing the 50+ participants volunteering 1 to 2 hours a week with the goal of consistent coverage for core hours every day of the week. We also look forward to bringing the knowledge tracking aspects of PeopleWhere online to help the My Info Quest service optimize its resources."

The hours of service will be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information about My Info Quest and for a list of participating libraries, check out here.

The project is still accepting new library members to join in August. Please contact Lori Bell at lbell@alliancelibrarysystem.com, or 309-694-9200 ext. 2128 if you would like to join or more information on the project.

Libraries help raise academic performance with summer programs

'Front lines' for learning By SCOTT WALDMAN, Times Union Staff writer, Sunday, July 19, 2009

"The Albany Public Library is one place students are coming to learn. July and August are the busiest months, when library officials try to attract young readers distracted by the buzzing of a school-free world."

IMLS Features NYS Librarian Margolis in "Libraries to the Rescue" Podcast

IMLS Launches Libraries to the Rescue Podcast Series: Discussions Focus on What Libraries are Doing to Help Citizens Through the Economic Crisis

Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary source of federal funding for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums, announced the launch of the Libraries to the Rescue series of podcast episodes. Library use is on a steady rise and the economic downturn has resulted in even greater need for library services. IMLS introduced Libraries to the Rescue to share with libraries steps that other libraries have taken to help their communities.
"Libraries have emerged as one of the go-to place for people looking for work or filing for unemployment, starting new businesses, or learning how to use computers for the first time," said Anne-Imelda Radice, IMLS Director. "Libraries are proving just how important they are to their communities. In these episodes, library leaders share their expertise so others don’t have to reinvent the wheel."

Libraries to the Rescue provides valuable insights from:
• Mary Boone, State Librarian of North Carolina
• Bernard Margolis, State Librarian of New York
• Sheryl Mase, Library of Michigan's Director of Statewide Services
• Jan Walsh, State Librarian of Washington, and Randall Simmons, Program Manager for Library Development in Washington
• Kendall Wiggin, State Librarian of Connecticut
The five episodes cover a range of topics, including how libraries are increasing access to key information through virtual libraries, the importance of broadband access, and new partnerships between libraries and state and federal agencies to help citizens access all types of assistance. The Libraries to the Rescue episodes are short (12-15 minute), digestible audio episodes designed to educate IMLS’s library audience.

Accompanying the series is a list of online resources for libraries that are still navigating the new terrain. To view the list of resources, click here. If you have additional online links to share, please email them to IMLS Public Affairs Officer Jeannine Mjoseth at jmjoseth@imls.gov.
Libraries to the Rescue can be accessed and enjoyed at the listener’s convenience. Audio can be accessed on the IMLS Web site or through iTunes.

Libraries are a Vital Community Resource in the Information Age

IMLS Report:

Washington, DC-The character of library services has changed dramatically with the advent of new information technologies, the continuous development of locally-tailored services, and the expectations of the 21st century library user, according to the first analysis of the Grants to States program by the Institute of Museum and Library Service (IMLS). The report, "Catalyst for Change: LSTA Grants to State Program and the Transformation of Libraries Services to the Public," focuses on services provided through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants to State Library Agencies, the single largest source of federal funding for the nation's libraries and the only library grants that require state-wide planning. IMLS conducted the study to inform the American public, the Administration, Congress and the library community about the program's contributions.

To address the growing demand for online services, libraries have added computer workstations, increased available bandwidth, and provided training in communities where they are often the sole provider of free access to the Internet. Some State Libraries Agencies are incorporating technology investments into their statewide strategic plans while other states manage such investments on a local or regional basis, according to the new report.

"The program's flexibility is its greatest strength because it allows each state to tailor program services to the specific needs of its citizens. The unique nature of each state's approach can present real challenges for evaluation because no two state programs are alike. It is like comparing apples, oranges, kiwis, and kumquats. But a common thread that connects these programs is a dedication to providing state-of-the-art programming and information services that meet a clear and compelling local need," said Carlos Manjarrez, IMLS Associate Deputy Director for Research and Statistics.

To underscore this state-by-state variability, the report provides a two-page snapshot of immediate challenges, program goals for 2008-2012, and an exemplary project for each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
The report draws on the December 2008 analysis of 9,000 state program reports from the Grants to States Program between FY 2003 and FY 2006 by Ethel Himmel and Bill Wilson, a library consulting firm, and the annual State Library Agency Surveys collected by the National Center for Education Statistics and IMLS between 1998 and 2007.

Based on the data, IMLS identified three broad strategies advanced by Grants to States programming: human capital development, library service expansion and access, and development of information and technology infrastructure. The report also provides:
* a description of the Grants to States program also known as the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA);
* a discussion of the local factors that affect state program plans;
* a review of program activities submitted in state program annual reports; and an
* an analysis of program expenditures.

"Libraries build community in many ways," noted Laurie Brooks, Associate Deputy Director for Library Services. "Whether through preparing children for school, helping small businesses thrive, providing technology training for seniors, or imparting a new language, libraries are essential community resources in the information age. The Library Grants to States program provides an important opportunity to plan and support these vital community-building initiatives."

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 123,000 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.

Press Contacts
202-653-4632

Jeannine Mjoseth, jmjoseth@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

What a Sight! (or is that Site?)

(Swiped from APL's Stephanie Simon)

It's really amazing. So much progress has been made on our new Albany libraries -- two new constructions and three renovations -- recently. Crews have been chugging away building the libraries that will open to you and the rest of our community between Fall 2009 and Summer 2010. If you haven't seen these sites lately, these updates and photos will knock your socks off.

All you have to do is drive along New Scotland Avenue and Henry Johnson Boulevard to see how much the sites of the John J. Bach and Arbor Hill/West Hill branch libraries have changed since we broke ground on them just about two months ago. Workers from contractor Sano-Rubin have been busy as beavers at these two locations.

John J. Bach Branch Library
At Bach, the steel beams are up, the roof is going on, and you can see the shape of the building with a curved front wall and high ceilings.

Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch Library
At Arbor Hill/West Hill, the footings have been poured for the foundation walls, and bulldozers are busy moving dirt around in preparation for the foundation floor.

At the three renovation projects, it's the interior work that is most impressive. The crews from Bunkoff General Contractors have been doing an excellent job on these three projects.

Pine Hills Branch Library
At Pine Hills on Western Avenue, workers have cut holes in the first floor ceiling to open up the area and built a grand staircase in the center of the library. Cabinets, lighting, and bathrooms are done.

Delaware Branch Library
At Delaware on Delaware Avenue (of course), walls are up, meeting rooms are in, and loft-like ceilings are in place, as are new windows and skylights. The whole building has an open and airy feel.

John A. Howe Branch Library
At Howe on Schuyler and Broad streets, restoration work on the historic windows is complete, electrical work is underway, and wall framing is up. A new addition housing an elevator and bathrooms is being built at the back of the library.

Position Announcement – Chief Fiscal Officer

Albany Public Library is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, experienced professional for the position of Chief Financial Officer. In this position, the Chief Financial Officer reports to the Executive Director of the Albany Public Library and is responsible for the fiscal affairs of the Library. The duties of this position involve the performance of complex accounting and related business administration tasks in development, review and analysis of activities related to the fiscal management of department funds and expenditures. This includes monitoring all revenues and expenditures, and overseeing grant reporting. The incumbent has latitude for exercising professional judgment and initiative in coordinating the work of the fiscal department. Supervision is exercised over the work of subordinate staff.

Albany Public Library is an urban library serving a population of 95,000 in the Capital Region of New York State and has a publicly funded budget of $6.7 million and a staff of approximately 75 FTE. Albany Public Library’s $29.1 million Branch Improvement Plan will see the opening of five new or renovated, LEED certified branch library facilities by mid-2010.

Job posting: Computer Support Specialist – Part Time

Albany Public Library is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, experienced professional for the position of Computer Support Specialist. In this position, the Computer Support Specialist will be responsible for set-up, maintenance, and troubleshooting of library computer and audio-visual equipment in all locations. Trains staff and public in use of library technology. Assists with network support and planning, and maintains network hardware and software documentation. The Computer Support Specialist reports to the Information Technology Manager.

Albany Public Library is an urban library serving a population of 95,000 in the Capital Region of New York State and has a publicly funded budget of $6.4 million and a staff of approximately 75 FTE. Albany Public Library’s $29.1 million Branch Improvement Plan will see the opening of five new or renovated branch library facilities by 2010.

Distinguishing Features of the Class:
This position involves supporting microcomputer systems in a Windows-based networking environment. This position requires strong interpersonal and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize, make independent judgments, troubleshoot, seek information, independently follow tasks through to completion, communicate results to staff, and document activities. Familiarity with Windows-based microcomputers, Windows XP/Vista workstation operating systems, Windows Server 2003 and 2008, and key components of the Microsoft Office 2007 suite is essential. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Automation Services Librarian. Does related work as required.

Typical Work Activities (illustrative only):
Configures, installs, maintains and repairs microcomputers; assists staff and public with use of hardware and software as needed; performs server maintenance activities, such as back-ups and updates; helps price, search for, evaluate and select microcomputer and server hardware and software; maintains network documentation and software and hardware inventories; drafts equipment procedures; special projects as assigned.
Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics:
Working knowledge of Windows-based microcomputer hardware and software, including Microsoft Windows XP /Vista workstation operating systems, Windows Server 2003 and 2008, and key components of the Microsoft Office 2007 suite; strong communication and organizational skills; good judgment; flexibility; tact and courtesy; strong writing skills; willingness to develop computer skills to keep pace with evolving technologies. Physical condition must be commensurate with the demands of the position.

Minimum Qualifications:
A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or university or one accredited by the NYS Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor’s Degree in computer science or a related field, and three (3) years of fulltime paid experience in the operation of personal computers, software applications or peripherals; OR
B. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered college or one accredited by the NYS Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate’s Degree in computer science or a closely related field, and five (5) years of fulltime paid experience in the operation of personal computers, software applications or peripherals; OR
C. Any equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B) above.

Special Requirements:
1) A valid NYS driver’s license is required at the date of appointment and for the duration of employment.
2) Candidate must possess COMPTIA A+ Computer Technician Certification at the date of appointment and for the duration of employment.

Highly desirable: Experience with virtual computing models, remote software deployment, scripting languages, and group policy management in a Windows Server 2003/2008 network environment.

The salary for this position is $21.75 per hour with some benefits. The schedule is 18.5 hours/week in a combination of daytime, evening and weekend hours as needed. This is a provisional Civil Service position. A Civil Service examination will be required before permanent appointment in accordance with Civil Service laws and rules. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Application review will begin on August 3, 2009. To apply send resume, letter of interest, and the names and contact information for three professional references to:
Marjorie Reinhart, Human Resources/Finance Manager Albany Public Library
161 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12210
reinharm@uhls.lib.ny.us

One Superb Collection of Digital Library and Archive Projects

This list contains over 250 libraries and archives that focus mainly on localized, regional, and U.S. history, but it also includes larger collections, eText and eBook repositories, and a short list of directories to help you continue your research efforts.

Underground Railroad Tour

Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc.
Sunday, July 12th at 1:00pm
Meet at Albany Area Heritage Visitor's Center, Quackenbush Square
Phone: 518 432-4432

We get questions...

Questions keep reference librarians in business. Here's a reflection by one librarian: "I am sure that most of us became reference librarians because we love looking for answers. We would be excellent detectives if we ever decide to change careers. Our patrons expect us to find the answers and even hope that we will do their assignments, but there are some questions that don’t have answers."

Media coverage continues to highlight the surge in library visits

...during tough economic times.

More than 900 placements on this topic have appeared on TV, radio, Web sites and in print. More than 800 million people have seen, heard or read stories about the surge since fall of 2008, when the ALA began its media outreach efforts.

TWO LITERACY ORGANIZATIONS MERGE

Albany, N.Y. – Literacy Volunteers of America—Mohawk/Hudson and Literacy NENY, two of the state’s leading literacy organizations, officially merged July 1 and a new entity, Literacy New York Greater Capital Region, was created.

The new organization will continue to serve individuals who want to improve their reading, writing, math and English fluency skills in Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren and Washington counties. Literacy New York Greater Capital Region will serve 3,500 square miles in the five-county region.

“This merger is part of the natural progression of the integration and standardization projects we started 18 months ago,” said Robert Stevens, former executive director of Literacy Volunteers of America—Mohawk/Hudson, who will serve as the new organization’s executive director and CEO. “Our work together, led by Literacy New York, our statewide association, on improving intake and assessment of students, tutor training, and collection and reporting of data, made it apparent that there were some real synergies between the two organizations.”

Literacy New York Greater Capital Region anticipates that the merger will result in some operational efficiencies and the resources saved, both financial and human, will be put back into programming to better serve more students.

“Prospective students will benefit from our expanded outreach to engage more tutors, and current students will benefit from having tutors who have research-based, skill-specific training,” said Sue Hensley-Cushing, formerly the executive director of Literacy NENY, who will serve as director of educational services. “Our tutors will be able to take advantage of expanded educational opportunities, and the community will benefit as we continue to help residents improve their reading, writing, math and English fluency.”

Kevin Smith, executive director of Literacy New York, the statewide association, said, “The work that these two boards did in preparing for and executing this merger is a model for what we’re encouraging other literacy affiliates across the state to do. They saw real advantages to joining forces and using resources most efficiently, and the people they serve across the Greater Capital Region will benefit as a result.”

Literacy New York Greater Capital Region’s headquarters will be located at 1510 Central Ave. in Colonie; however, it will maintain existing outreach offices in Saratoga, Glens Falls and Salem. In addition, Literacy Resource Centers at the Schenectady County Public Library and Albany Public Library will continue to operate.

U.S. Congressman Paul Tonko remarked, "I applaud the merger of these two fine organizations that have been successfully serving the needs of adults with limited literacy and language skills in the 21st District for many years. Literacy New York Greater Capital Region enables people to volunteer in support of others. It represents the kind of cooperation and efficiency that is required in these difficult economic times."

Board officers of the new organization are Jo Ann LeSage Nelson, vice president of Pierce Communications of Albany, president; Janet Galligani Casey, Skidmore College professor, vice president; Michael Klein, executive director of the Albany Parking Authority, secretary; and Jennifer Switzer, director of finance, EDC - Warren County, treasurer.

A merger task force comprised of board members from both organizations worked for months on the process and ultimately recommended to both boards that the merger take place. On May 27, both boards unanimously approved the recommendation. The merger became official July 1.

“This merger will allow us to maximize our resources, create efficiencies and help ensure our survival at a time when other not-for-profit organizations are struggling for survival and, ultimately, to serve more students better,” said Stevens.

The Charitable Venture Foundation supported the merger process through the funding of the professional services of the New York Council of Non-Profits.

For more information on Literacy New York Greater Capital Region, visit www.literacynycap.org.


-30-


Literacy New York Greater Capital Region changes lives and builds community by strengthening literacy skills. Its staff and volunteers provide assistance to adults building reading, writing, math and English fluency skills, as they achieve personal and economic goals.

New Executive Director Joins Albany Public Library

Albany Public Library welcomes Executive Director Carol A. Nersinger to her post as leader of the six-location library system serving residents of the city of Albany.

Nersinger was appointed by the library Board of Trustees on May 12 after a national search to fill the newly created executive director position. She comes to Albany from East Brunswick Public Library in New Jersey. Last year, Nersinger was named New Jersey’s Librarian of the Year for her innovative leadership in creating a library that serves as a role model to other organizations.

"I’m thrilled to be joining Albany Public Library at such an exciting time," Nersinger said. "We’re building or renovating five neighborhood branch libraries, which will all open between this fall and next summer. These new and improved libraries will greatly expand our collections, technology, and services to better meet our customers’ needs. I’m looking forward to leading the library through this period of growth as we work to integrate the new branches into our comprehensive library system for Albany."

Nersinger has led libraries for more than 20 years. During her four years at East Brunswick Public Library, Nersinger expanded hours without increasing expenditures, expanded programming to reflect a diverse constituency, developed a leading-edge teen center, developed a comprehensive strategic plan, and increased the library’s public awareness initiatives. She previously served as director of the Rochester Public Library, director of the library development bureau at the New Jersey State Library, executive director of the Highlands Regional Library Cooperative in New Jersey, and director of the Irondequoit Public Library in New York. Nersinger holds a master of library science degree from SUNY Geneseo.

Albany Public Library educates, entertains, and empowers our community. The library currently operates six locations serving the residents of Albany, New York. Each month, close to 70,000 people use the libraries to borrow materials, attend programs, access computers, and research information. Almost 90,000 books, DVDs, and other materials are circulated each month. The library is creating five new branches—opening between Fall 2009 and Summer 2010—to better serve customers. Visit Albany Public Library online at www.albanypubliclibrary.org.

On this day in 1731

Ben Franklin founded the first circulating library, a forerunner to the now ubiquitous free public library.

A 4th of July Oration - Liberty and Justice for All ?

Featuring Professor A. J. Williams-Myers
Funded by the New York Council for the Humanities

A founding concept of our nation (Liberty and Justice for All), was challenged by compromises made for the sake of the Union: compromises with slavery, equality, oppression. Frederick Douglass challenged the rhetoric of America with the conditions of Africans in America at his time. Today we revisit Douglass challenges in light of our modern setting.

Saturday, July 4, 11am - 1pm - Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence rear yard - 194 Livingston Avenue, Albany

Plan to Attend: RSVP to 432-4432: Bring your own lawn chair!