Friday, December 23, 2011

Regents Advisory Council for Libraries issues second draft of Creating the Future, a 2020 Vision

The New York State Regents Advisory Council for Libraries has released the second draft of Creating the Future, a 2020 Vision and Plan for Library Services in New York State: Preliminary Recommendations of the New York State Regents Advisory Council on Libraries to the New York State Board of Regents. The deadline for submitting written comments about the second draft is February 15, 2012. Comments will inform the development of the final plan which the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries will present to the New York State Board of Regents in April 2012.

The widget below will lead library users to the new draft document and provide them with an opportunity to submit comments and improvement suggestions by email. Get a copy of the widget to put on your website HERE.

This second draft document reflects hundreds of comments submitted through November 2011. For more information about the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries, please visit the State Library’s website.
Click here to read and comment on the RAC 2020 Vision plan; please send us your comments by 2/15/2012

Vacation Week Fun for Kids at APL

Looking for something fun — and free — to do with the kids during vacation? Visit APL for these great activities!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

APL Seeks RFPs for Customer Service and Library Usage Study

Albany Public Library is gearing up for a comprehensive Customer Service and Library Usage Study and has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking project proposals from qualified vendors. APL’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved issuing the RFP at its October meeting. The RFP was officially issued Dec. 19 and project proposals are due Jan. 18. The full RFP can be viewed here [PDF].

Library leaders expect the Customer Service and Library Usage Study to yield important data and analysis that will help them make decisions about several critical projects.




http://www.albanypubliclibrary.org/news/?p=439

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

NYLA Distributes $9,000 in Disaster Relief Funds to Libraries Damaged by Flooding

Last week, representatives of NYLA, including President Matt Bollerman, Past-President Marcia Eggleston, Deputy Director Jeremy Johannesen and Michael J. Borges, Executive Director, visited nine libraries to hand deliver $1,000 checks to help them with their recovery efforts. The libraries visited were in varying degrees of restoration, with some already done with repairs and open for business, while others were still weeks or months away from reopening.

Everyone who contributed to our Disaster Relief Fund enabled NYLA to provide this financial assistance to libraries in need. The fundraising efforts demonstrated that when the library community acts in concert we can make a difference.

See the list of libraries that received financial assistance or make a contribution to the Disaster Relief Fund.

Happy Holidays and thanks again for your support!


New York Library Association

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

CDTA Announces Holiday Service Schedules

The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) announced that on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, 2011, service will operate on a regular Saturday schedule. On Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 2011, service will operate on a Sunday/Holiday schedule. Regular weekday service will resume on Monday, December 26, 2011.

On New Year's Eve, Saturday, December 31, 2011, service will operate on a regular Saturday schedule. To help support Capital Region Stop DWI efforts, CDTA will offer free bus service at all regular bus stops from 8:00PM on New Year's Eve, Saturday, December 31, 2011 through 1:00AM on Sunday, January 1, 2012.

CDTA is also offering special Saratoga First Night transportation service on New Year's Eve. Attendees who show First Night buttons may ride for free on all regular Saratoga bus routes and the two special shuttle routes from 4:00 pm through 1:00am.

On New Year's Day, Sunday, January 1, 2012, service will operate on a Sunday/Holiday schedule. Regular weekday service will resume on Monday, January 2, 2011.

NX Northway Commuter service will not operate on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve or New Year's Day as the holidays fall on the weekend when NX service does not normally operate.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Avoiding the presumed charms of the Electronic Book-Reading Gadget

The Vent: There are still substantial advantages to the old, nonelectronic book.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Holiday Tip of the Day: Reduce Holiday Waste

The holiday season includes many opportunities to reduce waste, recycle, and reuse items. Think about the durability of a product before you buy it as a gift. Cheaper, less durable items often wear out quickly, creating waste and costing you money. If you plan to send greeting cards, consider purchasing ones that are made of recycled paper, or save postage costs and reduce waste by sending electronic greetings. Consider these additional ideas to reduce waste, save money, and help the environment.
View all of the holiday tips. Tomorrow's tip will help you keep your holiday meals safe.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

2011 Summer Reading at New York Libraries Reaches 1.65 Million Children & Teens

December 12, 2011 - New York State Deputy Commissioner of Cultural Education and Acting State Librarian Jeffrey W. Cannell announced today that 1.65 million children and teens throughout New York State participated in “Summer Reading at New York Libraries” at their local libraries. This represents a statewide increase of almost 10% over 2010. Kids are reading for fun during the summer months and that summer reading is associated with academic success.
“During the summer…children and families made reading for fun a top New York State activity. Taking full advantage of what public libraries in New York State offer has resulted in record participation in ‘Summer Reading at New York Libraries,’” stated Cannell. “This involvement with reading during the summer months leads to better academic performance when children return to school in the fall.”
Research has shown that children who continue to read during the summer vacation perform better in the fall when school resumes, and that reading for simple summer enjoyment helps children with literacy skills, while helping prevent learning losses.
“Statistics point to the disappointing loss of learning that takes place when young people are not in school during the summer,” said Commissioner of the New York State Education Department John B. King, Jr. “The effects of summer learning loss are especially dramatic for students from high-needs communities. By providing summer reading programs, the State Library and public libraries throughout the State can provide young people and their parents with the tools necessary to ensure year-long learning success and cultivate a love of reading.”
For more information on the positive value of public library summer reading programs see “The Importance of Summer Reading: Public Library Summer Reading Programs and Learning” (http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/summer/research.htm).
Thanks go out to all the public library systems and the public libraries that made “Summer Reading at New York Libraries” such a success in 2011. New York's public library system youth and teen services consultants offered training and technical support, and library staff and volunteers in New York's public and association libraries provided the programming and resources that made kids want to join the fun.
This year six public library systems reported 15% or higher increases
in participation levels over 2010. Congratulations to these *Stars* and
to all the systems for a wonderful 2011 “Summer Reading at New York Libraries.”
PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEMS WITH 15% OR HIGHER INCREASES IN PARTICIPATION:
*  Buffalo and Erie County Public Library *
*  New York Public Library*
*  Nioga Library System *
*  Queens Library *
*  Southern Adirondack Library System *
*  Westchester Library System *
For further information please contact Karen Balsen at 518-486-2194, kbalsen@mail.nysed.gov

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

OTHER TESTIMONY FROM ASSEMBLY HEARING ON LIBRARIES NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE



The New York State Library has posted copies of  written statements and testimony submitted for the Tuesday November 29 Assembly Public Hearing on funding libraries on the State Library's website at:

Click on the link "Other Testimony" to see 29 statements from libraries, library systems and library organizations across the State - from Brooklyn to Nyack, from Onondaga to Western New York.

The six hour public hearing was conducted by the New York State Assembly Committee on Libraries and Education Technology which is chaired by Assembly Committee Chair Robert P. Reilly. 

The New York State Library, located in Albany, New York, is a program of the Office of Cultural Education within the State Education Department.

Two public meetings set on plans to shutter two downtown Albany offices

Downtown residents can weigh in on the potential closure of post offices in the Capitol and Empire State Plaza Wednesday at two separate meetings at the Albany Public Library.

The U.S. Postal Service, which is studying whether to close the two downtown facilities, will hold its first meeting on the potential closure of the Capitol post office at noon, with the second on the Empire State Plaza post office to follow at 2:30 p.m.

Both sessions will be in the large meeting room in the Albany Public Library on Washington Avenue.

Read more: HERE.

Monday, December 12, 2011

CDTA TO OFFER STAR CUSTOMERS A FREE “CAPITAL HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN THE PARK” SHUTTLE TOUR

(Albany, NY) – The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) announced that on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 (weather permitting) it will provide STAR customers with free shuttle rides to the Capital Holiday Lights in the Park in Albany’s Washington Park as a thank you for their patronage all year. The shuttle tour has a limited number of seats available and is reserved on a first come, first served basis.

STAR customers who would like to make reservations for the tour can contact STAR at (518) 482-2022.

STAR is Special Transit Available by Request; a para-transit service offering transportation alternatives to people who are unable to use the CDTA fixed-route bus system because of a disability or impairment.

Customers who need more information regarding CDTA service can call the CDTA Customer Information Center at 482-8822 or visit www.cdta.org. Information operators are on duty 6am weekdays and 8:00am-6pm weekends and holidays. To stay connected with CDTA’s latest news visit facebook.com/CDTAiride or twitter.com/CDTA.

Remember to call in to schedule free STAR Park Tour!

Main Library Hours to Change Next Year

Albany Public Library is changing the hours at the Main Library starting in January. In a plan approved last month by the Board of Trustees, the Main Library’s schedule will be reduced by six hours a week. The hours at the six branches remain the same.

“The revised 2012 budget approved by voters in July required us to make some unpleasant but necessary cuts, one of which is a small reduction in the operating hours at the Main Library,” said Executive Director Carol Nersinger. “Library managers carefully examined the usage patterns at the Main Library to determine how best to reduce a few hours a week with the least impact to our customers. We recognize that this change may be difficult for some, but it was necessary to help keep our costs in line and our budget down.”

Effective Jan. 3, the Main Library will be open:
Mondays — 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesdays — 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Wednesdays — 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursdays — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fridays — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturdays — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sundays — 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The new schedule for the Main Library reduces weekly service hours by a total of six: four hours on Thursday, one hour on Friday, and one hour on Saturday. The service hours on Sunday through Wednesday remain unchanged.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

CDTA Winter Weather Tips

When the weather turns bad, many people ride CDTA so they don't have to worry about driving. If you plan to take CDTA during a snow/ice storm, here's what you need to know:

Safety comes first

CDTA operators are trained to handle adverse weather conditions.

Some bus lines may be Rerouted

If a route has steep hills or other potential dangers, service may be rerouted until the roads have been cleared. Visit the service alerts page at cdta.org or call 518-482-8822 to check whether your bus line is on a reroute. You can also watch for announcements on local TV and radio stations.

Buses may not be running on schedule

Snow and ice on the roads affects all traffic, so buses may experience delays during weather emergencies. However, buses should still arrive at regular intervals.

Preparation pays off

CDTA Supervisors will be at major transit transfer points throughout the region to assist riders. Here's how you can make your own preparations:


Wear high-visibility clothing.
Look for bus stops on clear, level streets.
Give yourself extra time to reach your destination. Detours and road conditions are likely to delay your trip, but we're working to get you there safely.
Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the doors open before stepping off the curb.
Use handrails when getting on and off the us . Remember, stairs and aisles may be slippery from the snow.
It takes longer to stop in snow and ice, so give your driver extra notice when you signal to get off the bus.
Dress warmly and expect delays.
If there's no traffic going by your bus stop, walk to a stop on a sanded, busy street.
If your stop is in the middle of a hill, walk to the bottom where the bus can safely stop.
Stand back from the curb until the bus comes to a complete stop; it can slide sideways in slippery conditions.


Where do I find the very latest information?

Check the website Service Alerts page or call the CDTA Hotline at (518) 482-8822 and a Customer Services Representative will give you the latest update.

Friday, December 09, 2011

Making TV Accessible

Recognizing the importance of television as a channel for the dissemination of public information, education and entertainment, ITU, in collaboration with partner G3ict, has released Making TV Accessible, a new digital inclusion report designed to help the millions of persons worldwide living with a disability that prevents them from fully enjoying the audiovisual content coming into their homes.
The report identifies the kinds of access services required by a range of persons with disabilities, along with different accessibility options. These include closed captioning and signing for the deaf, audio description and audio captions for the visually impaired, and accessible remote control devices for the elderly and those with reduced dexterity.
It also explains how access services are produced and delivered so that regulators and service providers can better understand the issues and costs, emphasizes the need to make target users aware of access services, and provides a checklist for accessible TV implementation.

Link to full report here.

Thursday, December 08, 2011

FRIENDS & FAMILY HOLIDAY SALE

As the Holidays approach, remember the librarian on your shopping list with a gift from the NYLA fundraising store.

With many new items to choose from, there is something for everyone:

20% off your entire purchase when you spend $150 or more
25% off your entire purchase when you spend $300 or more

Sale END Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

How to Use Google Search More Effectively

There's a lot more to efficient Googling. See this.

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Is librarianship in crisis and should we be talking about it?

Librarians are worriers, and one thing we like to worry a lot about is the future of libraries.

Veronica Arellano however thinks that we should stop writing about it. Why? She gives several reasons...but concludes with

"Writing about the 'crisis' in libraries tries to elicit change out of fear, rather than a desire to better serve our communities. By continuing to write our own obituaries, we are dissuading enthusiastic, forward-minded young scholars, technologists, and community leaders from entering the profession by painting ourselves as stuck in the past and obsolete."

She has a point too much negativity in particular obituaries type predictions can be self-fulfilling.

More HERE.

Monday, December 05, 2011

The library weeding process

Ruth, who writes a blog at Artifact Collectors has just posted an interview with Holly Hibner, author of 'Awful Library Books' on her blog.
The interview is about the weeding process, the weeded books and what happens to them after they have been weeded.
Yopu can find it HERE, in part because I don't think the general public is aware that there IS a weeding process at libraries.

Sunday, December 04, 2011

BENEFIT SCHOHARIE FREE LIBRARY AND MIDDLEBURGH LIBRARY

BOOKFAIR AT BARNES AND NOBLE- MOHAWK COMMONS OR ONLINE TO BENEFIT SCHOHARIE FREE LIBRARY AND MIDDLEBURGH LIBRARY

IN-STORE - Saturday, December 10, 2011
ONLINE- Saturday, December 10 - Thursday, 15, 2011

Come support libraries that were damaged by Hurricanes Irene and Lee. Stop by Barnes and Noble at Mohawk Commons (Schenectady) anytime on Saturday, December 10 and use Bookfair ID 10622223 at the checkout when you make a purchase. A percentage of your purchase anywhere in the store, including the café, will be donated to the libraries by Barnes and Noble.

Join them for our special family events:

11 AM - Nancy Gifford, Children's Librarian, Schenectady County Public Library will be presenting a story time

1 PM - Making a jigsaw puzzle wreath with the Schoharie County Cooperative Extension

*In-store gift wrapping from 11-1 and 2-4?

For those who want to order online, use bn.com anytime between December
10 and December 15 and be sure to include Bookfair ID 10622223 at the end of the sale.

Barnes and Noble members and educators can use their discounts on eligible purchases in-store or online.