Message from the State Librarian -- Update #4

Please feel free to share this update and to pass it along to anyone! This June 19 update and past updates are posted on the New York State Library’s website at http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/about/statelibrarian.htm

Legislative Sausage: The famous quote clearly is correct. The two (2) things that one should never watch being made are sausage and law. The grinding process has at least stopped for the moment in the State Senate. The Senate has abolished all of its committees, except for the Rules Committee. Many closed door meetings are the symbol of this part of government not working. The State Assembly has however not slowed its pace of work. A new Chair, Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton (Ithaca) has
been appointed for the Library & Educational Technology Committee. We welcome her to this very important legislative/public policy position. Yesterday the Academic Research Information Act (ARIA) passed the Assembly. ARIA has been promulgated by the New York State Higher Education Initiative (NYSHEI). Though this has no funding connected with it at this stage, it serves as a future "vessel" to support database acquisition in science, technology and medicine using state economic development resources. I, of course, want the State Library to play a greater role in the database resources area and this is a good beginning. (More about this later). The ARIA legislation still requires Senate approval and the Governor’s signature.

The funding for the State Library (and the larger Office of Cultural Education which also includes the State Archives, State Museum and Public Broadcasting) is precarious. Legislation (A.6783-A/S.3640-A) to raise the fees that support the Cultural Education Fund is still in the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and was in the Senate Codes Committee. The Senate Committee is gone. Its Ranking Member Senator Dale Volker told us earlier this week that he would support the bill. The New York State Trial Lawyers Association has gone on record in opposition, but we
have now negotiated a compromise with them which should permit this legislation to move forward. There is still significant legislative opposition to raising fees of any sort but we are hopeful nonetheless.
The Cultural Education Fund is now bankrupt! The fund balance is -$400,000 and sinking. The State Division of the Budget has not granted any approvals for spending of special revenue funds since April 1st. We are just holding on. This legislation is vital. Stay tuned.

Congratulations: It is no easy feat to be selected by LIBRARY JOURNAL as Library of the Year! Kudos to the Queens Library, under the leadership of Tom Galante, and his great staff, trustees, and library patrons. You make every New Yorker proud of our library traditions with such an important honor.

Also, kudos to the three library systems in New York City for their leadership and successful advocacy in averting the proposed draconian cuts in city support for Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library and the Queens Library.

Summer Reading: The 2009 New York State Summer Reading program is in full swing. ‘Be Creative @your library’ is the theme for kids and "Express Yourself@your library" is the theme for teens. With so many families facing tough economic times, we are expecting participation to exceed last year’s fantastic 1.5 million. We can all help to keep kids reading over the summer months. Check it out at www.summerreadingnys.org. New York’s goal for 2012 is 1.8 million participants. And remember that summer reading is not only for kids. Do you have a summer reading program!? Linda Fairstein has some great biblio-mysteries and pays tribute to The New York Public Library and its Andrew Mellon Director David Ferriero in her latest book, Lethal Legacy. Please tell me if you read any great books this summer that I should
put on my list. Maybe a master list of good reads selected by New York librarians is in the future.

Broadband and Federal Stimulus Funds: We are awaiting the formal release of the "Notice of Funds Availability" for the two primary federal broadband funding programs being administered by the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture. Notice is expected by the end of June. I hope that we can consider a statewide proposal to secure funds for many libraries. We are working within the State Education Department and are in discussion with the State’s Chief Information Officer Melodie
Mayberry-Stewart as well. If you have shovel or shelf-ready projects, get them ready. We were fortunate to host, with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a Broadband Summit which brought together 250 people from many parts of the state. Participants included librarians, trustees, economic development people, regulators, suppliers, public policy makers and others. You will be hearing more about this
initiative as we roll-out the results and use the great input to develop a plan to support (fund) broadband access for libraries. You can visit online at www.opportunityonline.org to see some of the Summit programs. The programs were all based on the theme: "The Magic of Broadband". The eligible libraries which participated will be considered for
matching grants to improve their broadband access to at least 1.5 mbps. We have about 85 libraries which will be eligible for funds. If you are interested in helping with this effort to enable libraries in every community across the State provide high-speed broadband connectivity for their customers, please send an email to bband@mail.nysed.gov.

Educational Technology: The State Education Department is welcoming comment on a new Educational Technology Plan. Feedback is welcomed as the Department builds-out a new Office headed by Larry Paska. Feedback is welcomed at http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/edtech/. It is my hope that all librarians and library staff from K-12 schools, colleges and universities, public libraries and special libraries will review and
comment on this plan. It is a great chance for everyone to see the interconnections of technology in the traditional pre-K to 12 learning environments with those in the lifelong learning and higher education worlds. Do not miss this chance to comment. All types of libraries and library systems have an important stake in this.

Databases: In my travels around the state over the past five months, I have begun to talk about my vision of a comprehensive information system. I have been calling this NYSCIS for the: New York State Comprehensive Information System. I have pictured some type of wonderful winged animal representing this concept of a wide array of database resources being delivered to everyone, everywhere in New York.
A target of 1,000 commercial databases is not too outrageous for us to contemplate. This, of course, would require state financial resources, as well as contributed resources from the library community. It will require some new ways of equipping those we serve with tools for access and productive use. It will require public education and it will require everyone to see the value of quality information resources being essential for public prosperity, public safety and public health. I
look forward to talking with many more people in the library community about this concept. Your ideas about how we can build on NOVELny and its success in resource delivery as the foundation for NYSCIS is welcomed. My thanks to Sandy Stone, Orchard Park Middle School Librarian; Mary Zdrojewski, School Library Media Specialist, Sinclairville Elementary School and Melissa Morton, Library Assistant,
Chautauqua Lake Central School District who along with 30 other colleagues sent me beautiful postcards expressing thanks for the NOVELny databases, especially the addition of the Grolier database. I will not embarrass everyone who writes or e-mails me by listing your names, but I do welcome and appreciate your feedback and ideas.

New York State Research Library: At 20 million items strong, the New York State Library is an amazing resource. Staff have been engaged in a work group looking at increasing hours of public service. The focus is opening on Saturdays and a staff survey has just been completed so that we can assess some of the best ways to implement this service expansion. I look forward to swinging the doors open on Saturdays very soon. If you have ideas to help us through this transition, please share them with me or Loretta Ebert, Director of the Research Library
(lebert@mail.nysed.gov).

Update: There are many more activities to share. My travels around the state have given me a chance to meet many of you, to hear your thoughts and to share some of my thoughts and observations with you. I have heard that many of you are appreciating these occasional updates and I want to assure you that it is my plan to continue these in the future. If there are issues or topics that you would like me to address please do not be shy about contacting me. And...please read a few good books this summer.

Bernard A. Margolis
State Librarian
New York State Library

Definitely a good news library story

From the Guardian comes the story of how the local people in Wirral saved their public libraries by various protests etc. causing the intervention of the Culture Secretary (not sure the U.S. has someone like this in the cabinet).

Read the story here.

A Different Way to Manage the Albany Landfill

Steve Hoyt of Northeast Biogas will present a program on anaerobic digesters on Wednesday, June 17. The program is co-sponsored by Save the Pine Bush and Citizens Environmental Coalition.

Anaerobic digesters are a potential technology for use in disposing of waste food and other organic waste. A number of Capital Region institutions, including colleges and universities, are considering developing a consortium to find a common solution to their waste food disposal problem. Household waste food could also be processed in this manner, thus keeping it out of the landfill.

The meeting is at the First Presbyterian Church in Albany, corner of State and Willett streets (one block west of Lark St.). Please use the State St. entrance.

The vegeterian lasagna dinner (which you are welcome to attend, $10 ea., $5 for Seniors) starts at 6:00. The program starts at 7:00.

New York Issues Guidelines For Victims Of Ponzi-Style Investment Schemes

New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Commissioner Robert L. Megna has announced tax guidelines for people who suffer financial losses through fraudulent investment arrangements commonly known as Ponzi schemes.

To view the entire document please visihere.

Albany County Rail Trail Public Meeting

June 17, 2009
6:00-9:00pm
Bethlehem Town Hall
445 Delaware Avenue
Delmar

Albany County is hosting the first public meeting on the Albany County Rail Trail project on June 17.

Albany County Department of Public Works Commissioner Michael Franchini and the County's project consultant Greenman-Peterson, Inc. will give a brief presentation about the project followed by an opportunity for questions and comments.

Public input is a critical component of the decision making process in the planning and design phase of the Rail Trail project. Come help make this trail a success!!!

For more information on the trail: http://www.albanycounty.com/railtrail>
To join the Friends of the Rail Trail (FORT): http://www.mohawkhudson.org/fort.htm

A Copyright Policy is an Excellent Educational Tool

Developing a Copyright Compliance Policy

A copyright policy can serve a variety of functions, from determining who owns works created during employment, to explaining your licenses, to establishing a procedure for clearing permissions in copyright-protected works. Generally speaking, a copyright policy is a summary of copyright management procedures for your organization. Depending on the contents of the policy, it can also be an educational tool and serve as reference material on copyright issues relevant to your organization. Another purpose of a copyright policy is to provide a single, consistent approach to copyright issues.

Underground Railroad Tour

Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc.
Sunday, June 21th 2009 at 1:00pm
Meet at Albany Area Heritage Visitor's Center, Quackenbush Square
Dads walk free of charge
Phone: 518 432-4432

Being a Librarian Takes More Than a Love of Books

Being a Librarian Takes More Than a Love of Books: Technology, Organizational Skills Are Key By Karen Maserjian Shan For the Poughkeepsie Journal, June 9, 2009

"It's really important to go out there and be in your community and active
in your life," Goverman said. "The library provides one more facet of having an active and full life."

"Because people have such easy access to good information from their homes
(computers), when they come into the library, a lot of times it's because
(they're in need) of an answer they couldn't find at home," Goverman said.

"There was the idea about 10 years ago that with the Internet and Google and Barnes & Noble, people would say: Why do we need libraries?" Cohen said. "But I think what we've seen is the opposite; that once you give people a taste (of) what information is out there, they say 'Well, I really need to find out more about this.' It's kind of led more people back to the libraries."

Ray Melleady to speak at Citizens for Public Transportation Meeting - 6/17

Lucile Brewer announced that the CDTA Executive Director will be at the Citizens for Public Transportation meeting this Wednesday night as the main speaker to answer questions.

The meeting will be held at the Albany Public Library Main Branch at 7 p.m.

There are a lot of questions and concerns out there regarding CDTA and the decisions they've been making... so if you have the time -- show up!

The Oxford English Dictionary added several new words to their publication. That complete list can be accessed online here.

New Words include:

+ amateur night, n. and adj.

+ bailout, n.2

+ blizzard, v.

+ bupkis, n.

+ Clintonista, n.

+ commitment-phobe, n.

+ dwarf planet, n.

+ grilled cheese, n.

+ searchability, n.

+ turducken, n.

ALA files comments to FCC on development of national broadband plan

The American Library Association filed comments before the FCC in response to a Notice of Inquiry on the development of a national broadband plan (as required by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009).

In the comments, the organization argued that America’s libraries are uniquely situated to deliver on the Commission’s goals for the plan.

You may view the post here.

National Volunteer Effort Update from ALA

By early next week, an announcement will come from the White House asking partners, including libraries, to post their local volunteer opportunities online. Since the initiative will then officially launch on June 22, you'll want to have any information on volunteer opportunities at your library ready to go in anticipation of this quick turnaround. We recognize that this doesn't give you much time, but we
hope you will consider being a part of this important initiative.

Please visit www.ala.org/summerofservice to find a one page fact sheet on the initiative from the Corporation for National & Community Service.

Volunteer opportunities can be posted right now by visiting www.serve.gov, and I encourage you to do that as soon as you are able.

The ALA will keep you informed as this initiative progresses, and the next time you hear from us will be after President Obama has announced it publicly. The ALA will also be providing tips and resources for volunteer ideas, best practices, and ways to contribute your own information, ideas and stories, all of which you can access at
www.ala.org/summerofservice.

Prior to the public launch of the service initiative, the Corporation for National & Community Service is looking for volunteer opportunities that will take place on June 22nd to use as potential examples. If you do have such a volunteer opportunity going on in your library, we encourage you to fill out the form posted at www.ala.org/summerofservice and send it back to library@ala.org no later than June 17.

Sincerely,

Keith Michael Fiels
Executive Director
American Library Association

ALA files comments to FCC on development of national broadband plan

This week, the American Library Association ALA comments before the FCC in response to a Notice of Inquiry on the development of a national broadband plan (as required by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009).

In their comments, they argue that America’s libraries are uniquely situated to deliver on the Commission’s goals for the plan.

You may view the latest post here.

Summer Reading to be featured on U.S. Department of Education TV program

On June 16, the U.S. Dept of Ed TV program, Education News Parents Can Use, will be airing a show titled: "Summer Learning Programs: Preventing the Slide, Promoting the Achievement."
At the end of the one-hour program, the past president of the Collaborative Summer Library Program, Sally Snyder, has been asked to give some tips to parents on keeping their children reading during the summer months. The New York state Library has provided Sally with the New York Statewide Summer Reading Program's flyer "SIX EASY WAYS TO GET CHILDREN TO READ THIS SUMMER" along with the translated versions.

Information about the program is available here.

"LIBRARY JOURNAL" NAMES QUEENS LIBRARY AS 2009 LIBRARY OF THE YEAR

Announcement at City Hall Shares News with All of NYC

According to the June 15, 2009 issue of "Library Journal," Queens Library is 2009 Library of the Year. "Library of the Year" is an annual awards program of "Library Journal," sponsored by Gale, part of Cengage Learning. Queens Library is one of New York City's three public library systems. The recognition was given for the "abililty of the managers and staff to provide an incredibly diverse set of services and continue the constant modernization of the 62 libraries. Their sustained commitment to library service that truly improves the lives of everyone in the borough is what makes the Queens Library so strong." An announcement will be made by Francine Fialkoff, "Library Journal's" Editor-in-Chief and John N. Berry III, Editor-at-Large, on Friday 6/12/09 on the steps of New York City's City Hall.

Special mentions were also given to Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH; Hoover Public Library, AL and River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester, NY because they "feature the service philosophy and dedication to community that signify a Library of the Year."

"Library Journal" is the oldest and most respected publication covering the library field. Considered to be the "bible" of the library world, LJ is read by over 100,000 library directors, administrators, and staff in public, academic, and special libraries. It is the single-most comprehensive publication for librarians, with groundbreaking features and analytical news reports covering technology, management, policy, and other professional concerns. Its hefty review sections evaluate nearly 7000 books annually, along with hundreds of audiobooks, videos, databases, web sites, and systems that libraries buy.

2009 Household Hazardous Waste Days

Residents new to Albany need to know that the City of Albany has a program for disposing of environmentally-toxic materials, such as batteries, turpentine and cleaning products (see the list below for more examples). Rather than disposing of these chemicals with your regular household garbage, the City of Albany has instituted Household Hazardous Waste Days during which Albany residents can drop off their environmentally-hazardous household waste at the Albany landfill on Rapp Road.

Only the residents of the City of Albany are eligible to participate in this program. Pre-registration is required by calling toll- free at 1-800-494-CARE (2273). The remaining Household Hazardous Waste Days are scheduled on the following dates-- all Thursdays--from 4 to 7 PM at the Albany Rapp Road Landfill:

• July 9
• August 6
• September 3
• October 1
• November 5
• December 3

For further questions, call the Albany Rapp Road Landfill at 869-3651. Examples of household hazardous waste are:

Aerosols
Ant Bait or Traps
Antifreeze
Artist Paint
Asbestos
Auto Cleaning Products
Automotive Fluids
Automotive Paints
Lead/Acid Batteries
Battery Acid
Caustic & Acidic Cleaners
Chemistry Sets
Drain Cleaners
Driveway Sealer
Fire Extinguishers
Flammable Caulks & Adhesives
Flammable Waxes & Abrasives
Garden Products
Gasoline
Propane Cylinders
Herbicides
Insecticides
Pesticides
Fertilizers
Household Cleaning Products
Lacquers
Lawn Care Products
Mineral Spirits
Mercury Filled Light Bulbs (i.e. fluorescent bulbs)
Motor Oil
Paint (Oil & Latex)
Pet Supplies
Photographic Chemicals Developers
Thinners
Fixers
Varnishes
Rodent Control Products
Swimming Pool Chemicals
CPUs
Computer Monitors
Televisions
Electronic Equipment
Needles & Syringes

New York State Library Launches 2009 Statewide Summer Reading Program

*Students Urged to “Be Creative” at Their Local Library*

The New York State Library launched the 2009 New York Statewide Summer Reading Program at an event in the New York State Museum, Albany. The annual free program is offered in more than 1,100 public libraries and branch libraries throughout the state. In eight years, participation has increased by 300 percent, with more than 1.5 million participants last year.

Jeffrey W. Cannell, Deputy Commissioner of Cultural Education for the New York State Education Department, introduced New York State Education Commissioner Richard P. Mills, who kicked off the event with remarks about the role and importance of summer reading programs at public libraries in preparing our youth for success in an ever-
changing world.

“These days, families can’t afford to buy all the books they might want to read,” said Commissioner Mills. “Kids today need arm loads of books—not just for learning, but for inspiring their creative minds, and just to pass the time on a summer day.” Mills noted that the New York Statewide Summer Reading Program has grown significantly over the past decade, reaching more than 1.5 million children at more than 1,100 sites. “Our Summer Reading Program is helping to keep books—and the local public library—at the center of a child’s summer life”.

“In these economically challenging times, more and more families are seeking ways to involve and challenge their children with summer activities that are fun, inspiring and engaging, while not straining the family budget,” said Cannell, featured speaker at this event. “Public libraries offer great resources for kids throughout the
summer, and the New York Statewide Summer Reading Program offers ways for kids of all ages to be creative at their local libraries.”

Community libraries continue to play a major role in fostering literacy, especially for those most in need of assistance in developing literacy skills, according to a 2001 study by the Pennsylvania Library Association. The study also concluded that public library reading programs play an important role in the overall reading
achievement of children who otherwise lack access to books and other reading materials in their daily lives.

Cannell then announced two new summer reading themes for this year— Express Yourself @ Your Library for teens and Be Creative @ Your Library for children—and unveiled one of two Summer Reading public service announcements. Created by Frank and Caroline Mouris, celebrated and award-winning animators, “Be Creative at Your Library” uses playful illustrations of children’s book illustrator David Catrow. Frank and Caroline Mouris then presented a talk about how they created their spot using their signature collage style of animation, and how they collaborated with musician Kevin Bartlett in creating the spot’s sound track.

The program is implemented in libraries across New York State, and results are often measured in number of books read or time spent reading. In addition, individual libraries offer their own programs to add to the fun of summer reading and encourage visits to the public library. “The New York Statewide Summer Reading Program helps improve reading capabilities over the summer, which in turn leads to achievement advances in the next school year,” said Commissioner Mills.

A recent study by children’s publisher Scholastic found that 22 percent of children rarely or never read for fun, and that percentage increases as the child ages. In addition, approximately 25 percent of children polled indicate that they have trouble finding books that they would actually want to read. Public library summer reading programs combat this trend.

There are many resources available for librarians, parents, educators, children and teens at the program’s web site, www.summerreadingnys.org. Visitors can access promotional flyers, fact sheets, tip sheets, recommended web site links, book lists and reading-related puzzles, games and activities.

New York State partners with 46 other states as part of the national Collaborative Summer Library Program to share best practices and ideas for program goals, activities and themes. The New York Statewide Summer Reading Program is a program of the New York State Library in the Office of Cultural Education in the New York State Education Department and is funded through the Federal Library Services and
Technology Act, with funds awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

To view an image of all the presenters at the Kick-off event visit the New York Statewide Summer Reading Program site.

For additional information about 2009 Statewide summer Reading Program please contact:
Karen Balsen
Coordinator of the New York Statewide Summer Reading Program
New York State Library
New York State Education Department
Albany, NY 12230
518-486-2194
kbalsen@mail.nysed.gov

ABC News Shuttering In-House Library in Favor of 'Digital Research Facility'

Looking To Donate Print Materials
By Felix Gillette
June 4, 2009 | 2:36 p.m
The New York Observer
http://www.observer.com

Today, yet another bricks-and-mortar media bibliothque fell victim to the digital age.

This afternoon, in an email to his staff, David Westin, the president of ABC News, announced that ABC News will be converting its existing research library on the second floor of its 47th street building into a smaller, more cyber-focused "Digital Research Facility."

"Our extensive, hard copy library filled with periodicals and other materials is no longer necessary in the digital age," wrote Mr. Westin. "The time has come to reshape that library to reflect today's world."

More here


>From A Reader Comment:

If Mr. Gillette would visit the Research Center, he would discover a group of highly trained information specialists who spend the majority of their work hours expertly and cost-efficiently utilizing databases on the web; working iteratively through sources and with reporters and producers all along the story development process, and perhaps occasionally checking a print source along the way as appropriate.

This ABC corporate produced meme that they are acting responsibly to transition into the digital age from an imagined book-filled mausoleum is gross justification for irresponsible cost-cutting. And Mr. Gillette does a great disservice to Observers readers by perpetuating that meme, and not fully reporting the real story.

>From A Reader Comment:

One can hope that the new virtual library at ABC will include access to the Disney Channel so that substitution for the books and journals can at least include some good Mickey Mouse cartoons.


>From A Reader Comment:

Amazing. the abc news library was non-digital, minimal digital, maybe even anti-digital. amazing and extremely unlikely.

Boston Public Library on Boston's NPR station

Interesting article/NPR broadcast from a couple months ago with Boston Public Libraries President Amy Ryan. Amy wrote here MLIS thesis on the role of libraries during economic downturns.

Lottery Scam Warning

Everyone wants to be a winner, but lottery scams can fool some people. In order not to be taken in by the illusion of monetary gain, the New York State Consumer Protection Board and the New York State Lottery have produced a Public Service announcement of tips in English and Spanish featuring Yolanda Vega here.

US Colored Troops Civil War Re-enactment

A number of people have been meeting around the issue of forming a US Colored Troops Living History Group. The group has met twice and is planning its third meeting Sunday June 14th at 2:30 in one of the second floor conference rooms of the Washington Avenue Main Branch of the Albany Public Library. The meeting will be from 2:30 to 4:30pm. At this meeting there will be discussion regarding what federal military unit to use as a model and Howard Young of the Civil War Round Table will be avaialble in uniform to continue our discussion of uniforms and equipment. If interested email Paul Stewart or call 518-432-4432

DOCUMENTARY ON STATE LIBRARY'S NEW NETHERLAND PROJECT FEATURED ON WNYT

The New York State Library’s program that has shaken American history studies to their foundations, the New Netherland Project, is featured in the documentary “Uncovering America’s Forgotten Colony: The New Netherland Project.” The film will be aired on WNYT, Channel 13 on Saturday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m. The documentary focuses on the work of Dr. Charles Gehring and his colleagues. It highlights more than 30 years of uncovering America’s forgotten Dutch colonial history through the transcription and translation of the official archives of New Netherland.

One of the most unique history projects in America, the New Netherland Project provided the documentation and inspiration for Russell Shorto’s recent best seller, The Island at the Center of the World: The Epic Story of Dutch Manhattan and the Forgotten Colony that Shaped America.

A program of the New York State Library, the New Netherland Project has been working since 1974 to translate and publish the official 17th-century Dutch colonial documents of one of America’s earliest settled regions. Originally created under the sponsorship of the New York State Library and the Holland Society of New York, the New Netherland Project has been supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the New York State Office of Cultural Education. Translated documents and other work by the New Netherland Project can be accessed at www.nnp.org.

The documentary “Uncovering America’s Forgotten Colony: The New Netherland Project” was produced by Mogul One Productions in partnership with the New Netherland Institute. For more information on the New Netherland Project, go to www.nnp.org.

Patron Videos from San Francisco Public Library for Fine Amnesty Week

Captain C.B. "Sully" Sullenberger had a pretty good excuse.

KC Public Library Announces Grand Opening of H&R Block Business & Career Center

As a business librarian, this story intrigu-ed me.

(Kansas City, Missouri) - A new resource for local entrepreneurs, small business owners, job seekers, non-profit managers, and adults and youth who wish to improve their financial literacy will soon become available at the Kansas City Public Library. On Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 6:30 p.m., the H&R Block Business & Career Center opens at the Central Library, 14 W. 10th St. The new, 2,800 square-foot space is funded by a $600,000 grant from H&R Block and the H&R Block Foundation.

The grand opening of the H&R Block Business & Career Center will begin with A Conversation with Henry Bloch, co-founder of H&R Block, conducted by Crosby Kemper III, director of the Library. Bloch will discuss how the entrepreneurial start-up he and his brother Richard founded in Kansas City in 1955 grew to become the world's largest tax services company, a publicly-traded corporation that in 2008 served 23.5 million clients at more than 13,000 U.S. retail offices and through its digital tax solutions.

Admission to the grand opening event is free. Call 816.701.3407 to indicate your interest in attending or you may RSVP online . A 6 p.m. reception precedes the event, followed by the ribbon cutting and dessert. Free parking is available in the Library District Parking Garage at 10th and Baltimore.

"The H&R Block Business & Career Center became a reality with the generous support of H&R Block and the H&R Block Foundation," said Kemper. "It's the first step for many of our customers-the first step to a new business, job, career, non-profit, or another step in lifelong learning. In the present economic environment, we've seen an increase in demand for these resources, and now we have dedicated staff and space."

Staffed by business librarians, the H&R Block Business & Career Center offers proprietary research databases which are unavailable without a subscription. These include Reference USA, a resource for investigating suppliers, competitors, and markets; Business Source Premier, which provides up-to-date information on the financial health of specific industries, changes in technology, and consumer trends; and the Business and Company Resource Center, which offers profiles, statistics, and articles about industries and companies.

For job seekers and people who are exploring new careers, the Vault Online Career Library contains videos on specific occupations; information on education, training, and required certifications; and tips for résumés and interviews. Visitors can also access Learning Express which provides practice sessions for standardized tests, such as the General Equivalency Diploma (GED), Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), and Law School Admission Test (LSAT), civil service exams, the U.S. citizenship test, and occupational licenses, including practice tests for nurses and paramedics.

For investors, Standard & Poor's NetAdvantage checks S&P ratings; gives weekly stock "picks and pans," provides access to corporate annual reports and other company data; and offers the Stock Screener to identify the right investments for individual financial planning strategies. For additional independent analysis, the weekly print publication Value Line covers 3500 stocks and 1900 mutual funds on a quarterly basis.

The H&R Block Business & Career Center also houses the "Cooperating Collection" of the Foundation Center, a grants-research organization based in New York, which provides access to the Foundation Directory Online, Foundation Grants to Individuals Online, and directories and publications for grant research.

The new services complement the Library's popular free classes in computer software applications, Internet basics, online job searches, GED completion, and résumé writing. For individualized help, customers may call for a consultation with a business librarian to receive assistance in using Library resources and, if needed, referrals to local agencies for more training or specialized information.

For customers who prefer to conduct their own research, computers and laptops are available exclusively for Library patrons who are investigating businesses, industries, careers, non-profits, and finances. The H&R Block Business & Career Center also has a comprehensive collection of top business books-including FORTUNE's 75 best business books-and a Newspaper Nook with access to nearly 1,000 national and foreign newspapers. Three wall-mounted monitors will display Bloomberg, MSNBC, and the Fox Business Network.

Libraries and the President’s Summer of Service

June 3, 2009

The American Library Association has just been contacted by the White House in partnership with the Corporation for National & Community Service to get libraries involved in the President’s Summer of Service program, scheduled to launch on June 22, 2009.

Summer of Service is a “national coalition of major youth-serving organizations that are committed to engaging youth in service during the summer months and recognize the potential of youth to identify issues, develop projects, and provide lasting benefits to the communities in which they live through volunteer service.” Libraries and other organizations that work with youth ages 5 to 21 are encouraged to
participate.

Beginning the week of June 8, 2009, libraries and other organizations will be invited by the White House to list their local volunteer opportunities online. On June 22, the White House will announce the initiative to the public at large. The initiative will conclude on
September 11, 2009.

Although this timetable doesn’t provide much time to plan, we know that most libraries already have active volunteer programs, and wanted to provide a little bit more advance notice for libraries interested in participating in this exciting national initiative. Summer of Service presents a great opportunity for libraries of all types to involve young people as volunteers. This will also be a great opportunity to educate the public about the importance and vitality of America’s libraries, and gain new supporters advocating for your library.


The American Library Association will be disseminating information and resources as they become available. Stay tuned for volunteer ideas, best practices, resources, and ways to contribute your own information, ideas and stories at www.ala.org/summerofservice.

You can learn more about Summer of Service at http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/initiatives/summer.asp.


Sincerely,

Keith Michael Fiels
Executive Director
American Library Association

Education is Best Way for Congress to Address Cyberbullying

If Congress wishes to address cyberbullying through federal legislation, it should focus on education-based approaches instead of criminalization, argue Berin Szoka and Adam Thierer in Cyberbullying Legislation: Why Education is Preferable to Regulation, released this week by The Progress & Freedom Foundation. Criminalizing what is mostly minor-on-minor behavior will not likely solve the age-old problem of kids mistreating each other, a problem that has traditionally been dealt through counseling and rehabilitation at the local level.

An Urban Ecological Design Weekend June 5-7, 2009

The Capital District Permaculture Guild presents

An Urban Ecological Design Weekend

with Dave Jacke and Friends

Dave Jacke, author of Edible Forest Gardens, will be in Albany June 5-7 to lead a weekend urban permaculture workshop and give two public talks. There are a few spots left in the workshop -- see details below!

The organizers of this event are asking for a suggested donation of $10 for each evening talk, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds (free for workshop participants).

It is hoped that you'll be able to join any and all of these events and participate in this critical conversation about designing a sustainable future. Please forward and call with any questions! 518.366.1711

Here's the schedule for the weekend:

Friday, June 5

An Introduction to Urban Ecological Design

with Dave Jacke and Scott Kellogg

Picotte Hall, College of St. Rose

324 State Street, Albany (between Lark and Dove)

7 PM

$10 suggested donation

Leading ecological design practitioners Dave Jacke and Scott Kellogg will introduce concepts of permaculture and discuss how our culture’s core belief in humanity’s separation from nature has created numerous planetary challenges to our survival. To adapt to these environmental and economic challenges, we need to shift to an ecological paradigm that will allow us to regenerate our landscapes, our economy, and our society as a whole. We'll discuss strategies for making this shift, with a focus on urban environments.

Saturday, June 6

Lessons from the Forest: Energy, Community and the Future of Food

First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany

450 Washington Ave.

7 PM

$10 suggested donation

What is the future of food in an era of economic contraction, peak oil and climate disruption? Can we regenerate healthy ecosystems and rebuild our communities while meeting our basic needs?

Leading ecological designer and author Dave Jacke will discuss how we can apply the principles of forest ecology to design a sustainable future.

(special thanks to the Honest Weight Food Co-op for co-sponsoring this event!)

Cracking the Pavement: Ecological Design for Urban Homesteads

June 5-7, 2009

164 Chestnut Street, Albany, NY

with Dave Jacke, Scott Kellogg and Keith Zaltzberg

workshop fee $150-200 sliding scale

This weekend workshop offers urban dwellers a survey of ecological design, direct experience with home-scale permaculture design, and creative ideas for urban homesteading. Learn how to grow food in small spaces while healing damaged soils, collect wasted resources for productive reuse, and create beautiful outdoor living rooms.

Participants will engage with issues of urban sustainability through observation, discussion, design exercises, and hands-on implementation of an ecological design in a city garden. Join us for two days and go home with practical possibilities and the tools to embody them on your own site.

Lead instructor Dave Jacke is the primary author of the award-winning two-volume book "Edible Forest Gardens" and a student and practitioner of ecological design for more than two decades.

Scott Kellogg is co-author of "Toolbox for Sustainable City Living: A Do-it-Ourselves Guide". Scott is the primary instructor for R.U.S.T. - The Radical Urban Sustainability Training, an intensive weekend workshop in urban ecological survival skills.

Keith Zaltzberg, a founding member of the Regenerative Design Group in Greenfield, MA, is an energetic ecological designer who draws on his experiences as an organic farmer and Permaculture teacher to create beautiful and productive landscapes.

For more information or to register contact:

Alice Oldfather

aliceoldfather@gmail.com

518.366.1711

Fake Check Scams

From DocuTicker:

The Consumer Federation of America is launching a national campaign to combat fake check scams. Millions of consumers are lured into accepting genuine-looking checks and money orders and wiring money to crooks in return. According to the results of a CFA survey, nearly one third of adults have been approached with fake check scams and at least 1.3 million have become actual victims. With an average loss of $3,000 to $4,000 per consumer, billions of dollars have been pocketed by fake check scammers.

The most common fake check scams are those involving sweepstakes/lotteries (66 percent), grants (36 percent) and work-at-home opportunities (35 percent). In the sweepstakes and grant scenarios, the consumer receives a check or money order with instructions to wire a portion of the money to pay taxes or administrative fees. In the phony job offers, consumers are asked to process payments for a foreign business or make purchases as a mystery shopper and wire the remaining money to their employer minus their “pay.” Another popular variation of the scam is the “overpayment,” where the scammer offers to buy something the consumer has advertised for sale, sends a check or money order for more than the asking price, and tells the consumer to wire the extra to someone who will arrange for shipping.

Banned Book Library

Out of a locker, no less.

Tax Officials Identify Hard Working New Yorkers Who Did Not File For Tax Credits

Federal, state and New York City officials announced that the state Department of Taxation and Finance is mailing letters and amended federal and state 2006 tax returns to nearly 13,000 taxpayers who may be eligible for an additional tax refund through the Earned Income Credit (EIC).

To view the entire document please visit here.

Statement of Principles on Copyright Exceptions & Limitations for Libraries & Archives

In many countries, copyright law, through exceptions and limitations, has long supported the essential functions of libraries through statutes that permit functions such as preservation. But these laws have not adequately kept pace for uses of digital information.

Map of the Internet by Country Codes

Created by the team at Bytelevel, the map illustrates the 245 country codes, each two-digit code is aligned over the country it represents and is color coded with the legend below for quick and easy reference. The size of the letters represents the size of the country or territory (with exception of China and India, which were restrained by 30% to fit the layout).

USA Government Channels on YouTube

This page points to all U.S. Government YouTube channels.
You’ll find content from the following agencies and organizations:
+ The White House
+ NASA
+ CDC
+ Library of Congress
+ FEMA
+ NOAA
+ FDIC
+ FDA
+ NIST
+ VA
+ EPA
+ Corporation for National and Community Service
+ Dept. of Education
+ SSA

Board of Regents Adopts Amendments to Commissioner's Regulation 90.3 related to public library systems;

Assistant Commissioner for Libraries and State Librarian Bernard A. Margolis announced today that the New York State Board of Regents formally adopted amendments to Commissioner's Regulation 90.3, related to public library systems; specifically, Coordinated Outreach Services, Family Literacy Library Services and Adult Literacy Library Services. The amended regulations will take effect on June 11, 2009.

Specifically, the amendments will:

* Certain terminology relating to the approval of public library systems, specifically the Coordinated Outreach Services state aid to public library systems, the Family Literacy Library Services competitive grant program (formerly called "Enriched coordinated outreach program") and the Adult Literacy Library Services competitive grant program, are updated to conform to Education Law, section 273, as
amended by Chapter 57 of the Laws of 2005, Part O, and to accurately reflect the current implementation of the statute.

* The proposed rule adds the definition of "developmentally or learning disabled" to the special populations who are served by coordinated outreach.

* The "Enriched coordinated outreach program" has been replaced with a more appropriate name, the "Family Literacy Library Services Grant Program."

* Current operations of library systems are more accurately reflected and references to obsolete practices and terms are omitted.

To see the text of the amended regulations, please visit the State Library website here. For further information, please contact Cassandra Artale at
518-474-1479.

School, library budget passed

From the Albany Times Union web page:

School budget: Approved, 2,580-1,464

Library budget: Approved, 2,514-1,478

Library trustees:(3) - votes not available, but winners are

Esther Patterson

Andrew Bechard

Holly McKenna

Underground Railroad Conference: Call for Proposals

“Gender, Class, Race, and Ethnicity in Abolitionism, on the Underground Railroad, and in the Struggle Since”
The Ninth Annual Underground Railroad History Conference
Sponsored by Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc.
February 26, 27, 28, 2010 in the New York Capital Region
The forces of gender, class, race, and ethnicity have deeply and complexly conditioned the Underground Railroad and the movements for freedom that have arisen in its wake. The theme of the 2010 UGR History Conference calls on us as academic scholars, independent researchers, performers, educators, and community members to examine the many ways that these forces interacted to shape the UGR and the struggles that followed it, and to consider how these interactions impact us today.
Possible questions to be considered:
• In what ways did gender, class, race, and ethnicity--individually or in combination-¬determine the programs, leaderships, activities, ideologies, and crises of UGR and abolitionist groups, locally and/or nationally?
• How did abolitionists and UGR participants understand, react to, and negotiate the contradictions of gender, class, race, and ethnicity in antebellum US society?
• What were the legacies of the UGR’s attempts to grapple with gender, class, race, and ethnicity for post-Civil war struggles for freedom and equality?
• How can we best learn from the successes and failures of the UGR and abolitionist movement in dealing with these forces in our work today?

Your proposal may be for a 60-minute panel session, workshop, cultural/artistic activity, media production, poster, or other exhibit that addresses these questions and this theme. While we urge that the content focuses on the theme, we also invite proposals on other important topics concerning Underground Railroad history. When possible, activities should encourage audience interaction.
Proposals should be no more than two double-spaced pages, and should include information on the following:
• Type of presentation (workshop, panel, etc.) and level of audience interaction
• Title and content, including topics of individual presentations, if any.
• Intended/appropriate audience
• Name(s), contact information (including work and home / cell phone), and brief biographical information on presenter(s)
• Technology needs

Proposals should be submitted by October 1, 2009
to URHPCR, PO Box 10851, Albany NY 12201 or via email to urhpcr2010@localnet.com.
For more information, see www.ugrworkshop.com or call 518-432-4432

“The gold standard of Underground Railroad conferences...bringing together an extraordinary spectrum of attendees, ranging from noted scholars and authors to large numbers of interested laymen, in spirited and informative workshops which both bring history alive and open new avenues of research.” --Fergus M. Bordewich, author, Bound for Canaan
Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc.
researches, preserves, and retells New York's regional history of the Underground Railroad, highlighting the role of African-American freedom seekers and local abolitionists. URHPCR is a 501(c) 3 organization.

Gringolandia

APL Names New Executive Director

The Albany Public Library (APL) Board of Trustees appointed Carol A. Nersinger as the organization’s executive director at its regular meeting May 12.

Call for nominations for two NYLA awards

Outstanding Advocate of Libraries and Outstanding Services to Libraries

May 30th is the deadline for nominations for two important New York Library Association statewide awards.

Outstanding Advocate of Libraries Award:

This award is presented to an individual who is not an employee, trustee or group primarily affiliated with library information services and yet has made a significant contribution of these services to the people of New York State. Deadline for nominations - May 30, 2009.

NYLA - Outstanding Advocate of Libraries Information and Nomination Form available here.


Outstanding Service to Libraries Award:

This award is presented to an individual or group who has performed through their direct affiliation as an employee or trustee of a library or information service a significant contribution of these services to the people of New York State. Deadline for nominations - May 30, 2009.

NYLA - Outstanding Service to Libraries Information & Nomination Form available here.

NYS Library Seeks Nominations

The New York State Library is seeking, by June 30, recommendations for membership in two important groups: (1) the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries and (2) the NOVELny Steering Committee.

1. The Regents Advisory Council on Libraries advises the New York State Board of Regents on State policy regarding the New York State Library, library development programs, legislation and library aid programs. The Council 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 Board of Regents will appoint three Regents Advisory Council appointees to serve five-year terms from October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2014. In addition, one member will be appointed to serve an unfulfilled term for two years. The Council meets four times a year: January (conference call), April (Board of Regents meeting in Albany), September (NYC) and December (NYC). Members of the Regents Advisory Council are leaders in a wide variety of endeavors across the State, including business, human services, education, and libraries. For more information, see www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/adviscns/rac/index.html.

2. The NOVELny Steering Committee is comprised of library leaders from a broad spectrum of libraries and systems throughout the State and assists the State Library with review and implementation of the NOVEL Plan to guide electronic services in the State's libraries and to ensure quality information services to all residents. The NOVELny Steering committee meets four times a year, twice in Albany and twice by conference call. Terms are for three years from September 1, 2009 to August 31, 2012. For more information, see www.novelnewyork.org/steering_committee.php .

The State Library particularly encourages recommendations of representatives of New York State's broadly diverse population, including but not limited to African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic origin/ancestry and people with disabilities.

Please send nominations, and if possible, a brief bio or resume, for the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries and/or for the NOVELny Steering Committee by June 30 to: Paula Paolucci, Office of the State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner for Libraries, New York State Library, 10C34 Cultural Education Center, Albany, NY 12230; e-mail: ppaolucc@mail.nysed.gov .

Make a Difference at Your Library!

The Albany Public Library budget vote and candidate election is on Tuesday, May 19.
Please take a few minutes to cast your ballot
between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. next Tuesday.

Make your voice heard on the future of your library.

For more information, visit www.albanypubliclibrary.org

President Requests $265,556,000 for Institute of Museum and Library Services

President Obama has requested $265,556,000 for fiscal year 2010 for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The request, which was transmitted to Congress last weeky, represents an increase of $1,453,000 over the FY 2009 enacted level for the Institute’s programs and administration. The proposed budget will support museums and libraries as they provide unparalleled value to the public, fuel knowledge sharing, and energize our economy, creativity, and competitiveness.

The President requested $213,240,000 for the nation’s 123,000 libraries. Of that amount, approximately 80 percent is distributed through the Grants to States program to the State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and freely associated state, according to a population-based formula. These grants help libraries meet the community needs, use technology to develop new service models and reach underserved populations.

Source: Institute of Museum and Library Services

Book sale

This weekend there will a book sale at the home of UAlbany Emeritus Professor John M. Spalek, at 1039 Western Avenue, Albany. It will occur on Friday and Saturday, May 15-16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are mostly non-fiction books that Dr. Spalek accumulated as a lifelong scholar.

Bus meeting

Citizens for Public Transportation will host a panel of neighborhood association representatives, discussing transportation needs and concerns, next Wednesday, May 20th at the Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Avenue. All are welcome. A CDTA rep will attend.

Technology and books: Is the novel too much for our technology-addled brains?

from the Chicago tribune:

The price of my relentless Internet use became clear the other day when I pulled a well-reviewed novel from a library shelf and all I could think was, “Man, this thing is heavy.”

I knew immediately that no matter how clever the book’s plot or delightful its wordplay, there was no way I would finish it. The part of my brain that once guzzled fiction by the hogshead has lost its thirst.

It’s a depressing realization for someone who majored in English and read the Russian masters for fun. I once prided myself on my ability to conquer the longest, densest text — I devoured the 500,000-plus words of “Les Miserables” during two months of subway commutes — but those days are over.

Too much surfing, scanning and tweeting has given me the attention span of a gnat on Red Bull. Today it’s all Google, no Gogol.

Some interesting facts about Mother's Day

* The first official celebration of mothers in the United States took place in 1858. Anna Reeves Jarvis campaigned for a Mothers' Work Day in her home state of West Virginia to raise awareness about local sanitation issues. When Jarvis passed away in 1905, her daughter Anna pursued a national mother's day in honor of her own activist mom. Anna's efforts paid off when in 1914, Mother's Day was recognized as a national holiday by Presidential proclamation.
* More than 83 million mothers are living today in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. There are approximately 2 billion mothers living worldwide.
* Modern moms have an average family size of two children, while mothers in the 1950s had an average of 3.5 children. In the 1700s, women gave birth to seven to ten children each.
* Nearly 96% of all Americans participate in Mother's Day celebrations in some way. For example, the holiday is the peak day for long distance carriers and one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants.
* The founder of Mother's Day, Anna Jarvis, was vehemently opposed to the commercialization of the holiday. "I wanted it to be a day of sentiment, not profit," she once said. Despite Jarvis' opposition, Mother's Day is the second biggest gift-giving holiday in America, preceded only by Christmas. The National Retail Foundation estimates that Americans will spend more than $14 billion a year on Mother's Day.

Source: www.holidays.net/mother

Underground Railroad Conference: Call for Proposals

Call for Proposals

“Gender, Class, Race, and Ethnicity in Abolitionism, on the Underground Railroad, and in the Struggle Since”

The Ninth Annual Underground Railroad History Conference Sponsored by Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc.

February 26, 27, 28, 2010 in the New York Capital Region

The forces of gender, class, race, and ethnicity have deeply and complexly conditioned the Underground Railroad and the movements for freedom that have arisen in its wake. The theme of the 2010 UGR History Conference calls on us as academic scholars, independent researchers, performers, educators, and community members to examine the many ways that these forces interacted to shape the UGR and the struggles that followed it, and to consider how these interactions impact us today.

For the full call document visit here (PDF).

SAVE THE DATE!

Start of A New Library

Embrace the start of construction with a special community groundbreaking ceremony. Neighbors, business owners, community members, and library fans are invited to join library leaders and distinguished guests to celebrate
-- Monday, May 11, at 11 a.m. - Groundbreaking ceremony at the John J. Bach Branch Library on New Scotland Avenue next to the Engine 11 fire station

This new library, plus the Arbor Hill/West Hill branch, are going to be jewels of their neighborhoods. Both are designed as state-of-the-art green buildings with diverse collections; lots of public access computers; distinct areas for adults, teens, and children; plenty of meeting spaces; and other features requested by the community.

Eight Candidates on Library Trustee Ballot

Eight Albany residents are vying for three open seats in the Albany Public Library Board of Trustees election set for Tuesday, May 19.

The library will host two special public forums to present the eight trustee candidates, and the proposed 2010 budget, on Monday, May 11, at 7 p.m. and Tuesday, May 12, at 4 p.m. in the large auditorium of the Main Library at 161 Washington Avenue. Polls are open on Tuesday, May 19, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

H1N1 Flu

Flu information from the US Centers for Disease Control and the NY State Dept of Health

The Web 2.0 Guide to Swine Flu from Salon

Should You Fear Swine Flu? from About.com."No, but a healthy respect is called for."

Apparently, pork producers were peeved that the original appellation was problematic in promoting their product, partially causing the name change. Others were bothered as well.

How to Wash Your Hands


From the techies at UAlbany: As the Swine Flu story unfolds, we anticipate that scammers and cyber thieves will try to take advantage of the interest in this topic by sending out phishing messages and malicious attachments that purport to contain information and updates about the illness. The US-Computer Emergency Response Team has already issued the first alerts about such messages being circulated. In this case, the message contained a malicious .pdf file called "swine influenza frequently asked questions.pdf."

URHP Walking Tours

Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc.
Sunday, May 10, 2009 at 1:00pm
Meet at Albany Area Heritage Visitor's Center, Quackenbush Square
Moms walk free of charge
Phone: 518 432-4432

Mailing Services Prices Effective Monday, May 11, 2009

Remember. See full list here.
First-Class Mail Price
Letters – first ounce $0.44
Large envelopes – first ounce $0.88
Parcels – first ounce $1.22
Additional ounces $0.17
Postcard $0.28
Stamped Card $0.31
Stamped Envelope $0.54

information Literacy instruction vital to the success of libraries

Maryann Mori, Director of the Waukee Public Library in Iowa, explains how information literacy instruction is vital to the success of a library. She outlines all the benefits that result from this instruction, including increased library usage and greater appreciation of the librarian.

Tulip Festival

The City of Albany's highly anticipated spring tradition continues on May 8 - 10 where over 200,000 tulip bulbs blossom into a sea of colors just in time for this Mother’s Day celebration in Washington Park. Historic events take place annually, including the street scrubbing on State Street, the tradition of the Tulip Queen Coronation, Tulip Queen and Court Luncheon and Royal Tulip Ball Click here for details.

Restaurant Week May 3-9!

Some of the independently-owned restaurants participating in Restaurant Week will offer fixed-price, three course meals for the price of $20.09 beginning Sunday, May 3rd. Don't forget to make your reservations today.
For this spring event, not only will guests have the opportunity to enjoy great dining at a great value, but entertainment and hospitality special offers as well. Click here for details.

Google Starts Begins Making Public Data Easier to Access, Visual

Google is adding search power to public data. The new public records search and visualization service (it's in the very early stages of development) went live Tuesday afternoon. Check it out.

National Library Week Snapshot Contest Winners

The New York Library Association is pleased to announce the winners of the National Library Week Snapshot Contest. Please feel free to contact Johanna at events@nyla.org with any questions you may have.

Librarians as Teachers & Trainers
A Favorite Patron
By: Onondaga County Public Library

Librarians as Trailblazers in New Technology
Podcast-Twilight: Making some noise at out podcast – Library volunteer R. Twardy facilitating
By: Friedatoth

Most Humorous
DiGiovanniRP: Mrs. Monica DiGiovanni gets into character at the Rocky Point Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School. Rocky Point is located on the North Shore of Long Island in Suffolk County.
By: swilsonrp

Best Overall
There’s No Such Thing as Too Many Books: Elizabeth selecting books in the Teen Lounge at Webster Public Library
By: elizardkwik

Winners in each category will receive a $50 gift certificate to be used to purchase items in NYLA's Fundraising Store or toward registration costs for the 2009 Annual Conference or for a NYLA Institute.

Honorable Mention

Aiden Playing the Harmonica, Cohocton Public Library

Lynbrook Public Library, cleaning up the children’s room, kathydevoe30

Springtime Art & Craft Show

Cathy Frank (formerly of Firlefanz Gallery) together with the Woman's Club of Albany, 725 Madison Ave in Albany NY (518 465-3626) is pleased to announce the second annual Springtime Art & Craft Show: Thinking of Mom and Tulips on May 1st and 2nd, featuring many artists (painters, photographers, ceramic artists, fiber artists and jewelers) The Woman's Club will again feature a little cafe with homemade sandwiches and sweet treats that was so successful last year.

Hours:
May 1st, 5pm to 9pm-The show and cafe will be part of Albany's First Friday Art Events. The Woman's Club will be one of the stops on the event trolley line.
May 2nd, 11am to 5pm,show and cafe.


The show is free and open to the public. 10% of the sales from the show and all profits form the cafe will benefit the Club's programs.


Featured artists are:

Jewelers:
Karen Greendale, Hope Konecny, Nancy Miller, Katie Nare, and Cathy Frank

Ceramic artists
JoAnn Axford, Victoria Crowell, Cathy Frank,, Liz Vigoda

Visual artists:
David Brickman, Robert Cartmell, Charlene Leary, Lori Lawrence, Sunghee Park, Jean Strausman, Liz Vigoda , Bill Wilson

Fiber artists:
Carol Crandell, Linda L. Harvey, Antoinette Indge, Roxanne Storms, Barbara Weingart

Metal works:
Georgianna Heller

About The Woman's Club of Albany

Founded in 1910, The Woman's Club of Albany began as a civic organization dedicated to helping women and children, and to improving conditions in the City of Albany. Those involved in the recent renaissance of the Club have expanded its mission to include maintaining an organized center for cooperation among women in the Capital District "for civic, literary and charitable works. The Club fulfills this mission by heightening public awareness of the historical, social and legal movements of women, and by promoting service and philanthropy. This includes raising funds for charitable organizations that serve needy members of our community, particularly underprivileged children and families in the Capital Region. For additional information about The Woman's Club of Albany and its historic building, please visit www.womansclubofalbany.org.

For further information about the Arts & Craft show please call Cathy Frank at 518-456-1913, cathyfrank@verizon.net

Home Across Lands documentary

The screening of the Albany premiere of Home Across Lands refugee documentary, hosted by USCRI Albany, will take place at SUNY's Page Hall, 135 Western Avenue, on Wednesday, April 29 at 7:00 PM.

Home Across Lands chronicles the story of Kunaman refugees as they move from a refugee camp in Ethiopia to their new home in the US; it was made by an Emmy award-winning team of documentary filmmakers.

More information about the film, including how to purchase tickets, is available at USCRI Albany's website.

"USCRI Albany has been helping refugees begin new lives in the Capital Region since 2005. Refugees arrive having fled war and persecution, and must quickly adjust to new way of life in the United States."

Swine Flu

Swine Flu information from the US Centers for Disease Control and the NY State Dept of Health

The Web 2.0 Guide to Swine Flu from Salon
Should You Fear Swine Flu? from About.com."No, but a healthy respect is called for."
The last great swine flu epidemic "This virus will kill 1 million Americans," declared the U.S. in 1976. The panic then has a lot to teach us today.

Investigative Reporter Thomas Bass at APL

Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Albany Public Library
Street: 161 Washington Ave.
City/Town: Albany, NY


Investigative Reporter Thomas Bass Explains The Vietnam War And Pham Xuan An's Dangerous Game

The People's State of the City

Tuesday, April 28th
6:30pm-8:30pm
Albany Public Library
161 Washington Avenue

The evening will include a panel presentation of the Albany Neighborhoods First vision for the city of Albany, an open discussion, and a call to action.

Panelists include: Councilmembers Dominick Calsolaro, Cathy Fahey, and Barbara Smith

Sponsored by Albany Neighborhoods First

REGENTS ADVISORY COUNCIL PROPOSES NEW COMMISSION ON THE FUTURE OF NEW YORK’S LIBRARIES

Citing the dire fiscal struggle of New York’s libraries in the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and evidence that library usage by the people of New York has increased dramatically, the members of the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries have urged the Board of Regents to make state and federal funding for libraries a Regents priority budget and legislative item each and every year.

The Council’s 2009 annual report to the Regents, which includes this recommendation and others related to strengthening New York’s libraries is now posted on the Council’s webpage.

Libraries across the State and the nation are reporting that use has increased by as much as 10-20 percent on average and, in some communities, as much as 50% or more. Norman J. Jacknis, chairperson of the Regents Advisory Council pointed to consistent underfunding that has caused many libraries to dramatically reduce hours, eliminate staff and curtail resources – just when students, the recently unemployed, and other residents need them most. According to Mr. Jacknis, the library world is well past "doing more with less" and, at a time when New Yorkers are turning more than ever to them, libraries are being forced into "doing less with less".

The Council reports annually to the Board of Regents on library matters. The 2009 report also highlights the need for all schools in New York State, including elementary schools, to have school libraries and certified professional librarians. Dozens of studies conducted across the county have demonstrated that students with access to a well-stocked school library and a certified school librarian have improved test scores of 10 to 20 percent.

In recognition of the dramatic changes in the library world over the last decade, including the pervasive impact of the Internet, the Council also called upon the Regents to form a new Commission on Library Services to re-examine the future of library services in New York State. In the spirit of many of the new services already being offered by libraries, the Council suggested that this new commission could handle much of its work virtually.

The Council’s report also outlines recommendations to the Board of Regents for 2009 budget and legislative priorities for libraries.

Please contact Norman J. Jacknis, Chairperson, New York State Regents Advisory Council on Libraries with any questions concerning the Council’s 2009 report to the Board of Regents. For more information on the Council, including a roster of council members with contact information, please visit the State Library's website.

The Regents Advisory Council on Libraries was established by the New York State Board of Regents on June 5, 1894. The Council advises the Regents regarding library policy, works with State Education Department leaders in developing a comprehensive statewide library and information policy and makes recommendations to the Regents concerning the implementation of the program.

There is a story in yesterday's Washington Post about a new digital library being launched by the UN. You can view the library's website from a link in the news item. Also there is a link to the Library of Congresses website American Memory which sounds interesting.

REGENTS APPOINT CAROLE HUXLEY AS INTERIM EDUCATION COMMISSIONER

The New York State Board of Regents announced today that Carole F. Huxley has been appointed as Interim New York State Education Commissioner, effective July 1, 2009. Carole Huxley had previously served the Education Department as Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education for 24 years, retiring in November of 2006.

Carole Huxley will begin service on May 15, working alongside current Commissioner Mills until he steps down at the end of June. She will assume the office and duties of Education Commissioner and President of the University of New York on July 1, 2009.

“We are grateful that after such a long and distinguished career Carole Huxley was willing to temporarily place her retirement on hold to continue the critical work the Regents have put in motion,” said Merryl Tisch, Chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents. “Having Carole in place will ensure a seamless transition in leadership as the Board continues a wide and exhaustive search for the next Education Commissioner. Carole will be the bridge that connects the leadership of Rick Mills with the next Commissioner.”

“Now is a time of great challenges that we cannot set aside, but must confront. This is also a moment that presents great opportunities that we cannot set aside, even for a few months,” said Interim Commissioner Huxley. “I am eager to continue the work underway and to guide the progress ahead until new leadership is ready to take on the task.”

“Carole is an inspired choice to connect the current work of the Department with the Department of the future, said Education Commissioner Richard P. Mills. “I am certain that under her watch the Department will continue to move forward while preparing for the next Commissioner.”

New York State Library Job Information Web Page Helps Library Staff Help Job Seekers

Thousands of New Yorkers are seeking career counseling and employment-related assistance through their public libraries in these tough economic times. Libraries and library staff across the state are struggling to meet increased demands from the public for a wide variety of job-related services and web-based information.

To help libraries and library staff better help job seekers, the New York State Library has created a web page with links to important Job and Career Information resources.

Please visit the New York State Library's Job and Career Information web page for:
* Basics in job search resources
* Links to outstanding public library system and public library employment and education web pages
* State and national job and career links
* Recent media items on the importance of libraries for people who are unemployed and in need of job and career assistance and resources

According to the NYS Department of Labor, the unemployment rate in New York State is 8.1 percent, with the total number of workers unemployed at 792,000 as of March, 2009. To view these and other statistics see the New York State Department of Labor's site.

Arts critic Joseph Dalton at the Albany Public Library

Sponsored by the Friends of the APL.


Date: Thursday, April 23, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Albany Public Library
Street: 61 Washington Ave.
City/Town: Albany, NY

Dalton discusses his new book and the crisis facing arts critics as newspapers cut back copy.

Library of Congress Appoints Kay Ryan to Second Term as U.S. Poet Laureate

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Kay Ryan to serve a second term as Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry.

Billington said, "Kay has been an uplifting presence as Laureate during the past year, and her poetry continues to awe and delight readers. In her appearances at the Library, Kay has captivated audiences with her fresh insights into the beauty, power and importance of poetry. We are looking forward to her announcement this fall of a project she hopes to establish, and we are glad she is available to serve in this important position in 2009-2010."

The State of America’s Libraries Report 2009

From the Report Summary:

The value of libraries in communities across the country continued to grow in 2008 — and accelerated dramatically as the national economy sank and people looked for cost effective resources in a time of crisis, according to the American Library Association’s (ALA) annual State of America’s Libraries report, released Monday as part of National Library Week, April 12-18, 2009.

The report states library usage soared as Americans visited their libraries nearly 1.4 billion times and checked out more than 2 billion items in the past year, an increase of more than 10 percent in both checked out items and library visits, compared to data from the last economic downturn in 2001.

However, public funding did not keep pace with use, according to a survey conducted by the ALA. Forty-one percent of states report declining state funding for U.S. public libraries for fiscal year 2009. Twenty percent of these states anticipate additional reductions in the current fiscal year.

+ Children are among the heaviest users of public-library resources. Children’s materials accounted for 35 percent of all circulation transactions, and attendance at library-based children’s programs was 57.8 million.

+ Individual visits to school library media centers increased significantly at the schools that responded to both the 2007 and 2008 surveys: up 22.7 percent for the 50th percentile, up 12.5 percent for the 75th percentile and up almost 25 percent for the 95th percentile. There were no major year-to-year differences in the responses with regard to the other variables.

+ Academic libraries maintain their leading role in partnering to scan and digitize print book collections, with the potential to provide unprecedented access to millions of volumes. Large-scale digitization initiatives include Google Book Search, Microsoft Live Search Books, Open Content Alliance and the Million Book Project.

Stimulus Watch

"StimulusWatch.org was built to help the new administration keep its pledge to invest stimulus money smartly, and to hold public officials to account for the taxpayer money they spend. We do this by allowing you, citizens around the country with local knowledge about the proposed "shovel-ready" projects in your city, to find, discuss and rate those projects. These projects are not part of the stimulus bill. They are candidates for funding by federal grant programs once the bill passes."

On each page are the "shovel-ready" projects the mayors of the states "submitted in the 2008 U.S. Conference of Mayors report. You can click on a project to read (and add to) its description. You can also discuss the project and vote on whether you believe it is critical or not."

Library is Job Search Central

In the continuing posting of stories about libraries and the economy (in the U.S. it has to be said) comes the latest story from the NY Times. This one is on the new Job Search Central that has been established at the Science, Industry and Business Library in NY.
Not only has the library put together a great list of resources etc. for job seekers but they are playing an active role in helping people navigate the resources etc. So have a look at this article.

Mobile Libraries Blog And Its Companion Global Facebook Group

The Mobile Libraries Blog Is Located At http://mobile-libraries.blogspot.com/, while The Companion Facebook Group Is Located herr.

The Mobile Libraries Blog Is Devoted To Documenting Any and All Topics Relating To Services Provided By Libraries To Patrons Within Mobile Environments. Library Mobile Services Are Defined As Any And All Library Services That Are Provided Via Mobile Technologies.

The Companion Mobile Libraries Fb Group Is Intended To Primarily Serve As An Interactive Discussion Forum.

The Mobile Libraries Blog FeedBurner Feed Is here.


>>FIRSTS: The Musical Theme Of The Mobile Libraries Blog AND Fb Group Is
'Take Five' By The Dave Brubeck Quartet And The Artist-In-Residence For The Mobile Libraries Group Is Alexander Calder<<

Update on ARRA

From: Jeffrey W. Cannell, Deputy Commissioner for Cultural Education

This is another in a series of updates related to State funding for education and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

Please visit http://usny.nysed.gov/arra/ to read the latest memo, issued April 10, from the New York State Education Department.

An archive of the Department webcast on State funding for education and the ARRA held April 6 is also available on this site. The questions submitted both during and in advance of the webcast are being used in the development of an FAQ document. Please continue to submit your questions on the ARRA as it relates to education to the dedicated mailbox at arra@mail.nysed.gov .

ALA files comments on Broadband Technology Opportunities Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Library Association (ALA) submitted comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), defining the position of libraries on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s (ARRA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).

Citizens for Public Transportation meeting

Citizens for Public Transportation will be having its monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 15th at the Albany Public Library Main Branch (161 Washington Ave.) at 7 pm. A couple Mayoral candidates are invited to talk about transportation issues. A representative from CDTA is expected as well.

Underground Railroad History Project: Jazz Event

“Worlds connect @ your library” in Second Life

In celebration of National Library Week, the American Library Association (ALA) will host a series of “Worlds connect @ your library” events in Second Life. “Worlds connect @ your library” is theme 2009 theme for National Library Week.
This year’s attractions and events in Second Life mark the second National Library Week to host “in-world” activities. Attractions open throughout National Library Week will include an ALA / Information Island Archipelago Treasure Hunt. Visitors are invited to explore the Information Island Chain while picking up fun and useful freebies along the way.

NYLA 2010 Book Fair Planning Committee

NYLA received a state grant from Senator Neil Breslin (D-Albany) to launch a NYS Book Fair in Albany on April 9-10th of 2010 (at the beginning of National Library Week). The two-day event will be held at the Empire State Plaza and Cultural Education Center (State Library/Museum). The NYS Book Fair is modeled after Brooklyn's Book Festival and Manhattan's We Are Book Country event.

NYLA is looking for people to serve on the Planning Committee who have experience in planning and implementing Book Fairs/Festivals or similar events and have connections with authors, publishers, etc. Please let me know as soon as possible if you are interested in serving on the Planning Committee, which will entail several conference calls or in-person meetings in Albany (which will be reimbursed if necessary).

We are partnering with the Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau and NYS State Library to host this event as well as other organizations that can contribute to the success of the event.

Michael J. Borges
Executive Director
New York Library Association
6021 State Farm Road
Guilderland, New York 12084
(518) 432-6952, ext. 101
(518) 427-1697 Fax
director@nyla.org

It's a Plot, I Tell You! Checking Out Books at the Library Will Never Be the Same.

By John Kelly, Washington Post, Tuesday, April 7, 2009; Page B03

"There's an old cliche that librarians are dusty, spinsterish women in twin sets and granny glasses shushing patrons who turn their pages too loudly.

In fact, most librarians are liberal, forward- thinking public servants, always pondering ways to do their job better.

And for this, I hate them."

Actually, APL has already sucumbed to this nefarious plot.

BiblioTech and Program Guide Now Online

The April issue of BiblioTech is now online. This month's newsletter features updates on our Branch Improvement Plan, details about the upcoming board of trustees election, and information about a variety of library programs. Check out the April BiblioTech online here.

Book reviews. Movie screenings. Smart money workshops. Computer classes. Spring break activities. Game nights. Storytimes. Albany Public Library has a ton of great events scheduled in April. Our new program guide highlights many of these free events. You can pick up the guide at any of our locations. You can also read the program guide online here.

Please check out the latest BiblioTech and program guide, and make plans to join us at the library.