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October 31, 2008

NHLA Annual Meeting Speaker Preview #3

Professor WoodsThe featured speaker for the mid-day session "Federated Searching Case Study: NELLCO" will be Roberta Woods, Assistant Professor of Research at the Franklin Pierce Law Center and Reference and Electronic Resources Librarian at the Pierce Law Library.

Besides selecting, evaluating and making electronic resources available online and in the Law Library, Professor Woods chairs a NELLCO (New England Law Library Consortium) committee working on a high-tech solution to create an open source search system that will enable researchers to search all of the library’s digital holdings with one search. The project was awarded a grant by the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in 2007 and runs through Nov. 30, 2009.

Professor Woods is uniquely qualified to address the electronic resource needs of the Law Library. She holds bachelor’s degrees in computer and library sciences. From her perspective, solutions to the increasingly technical aspects of libraries require technological creativity and a willingness to open up to ever expanding possibilities. “Technology offers a wonderful tool for libraries and researchers.” Professor Woods is always on the lookout to bring the library closer to the realm of today’s electronic researcher.

Posted by Steve B. at 09:58 AM | | Comments (0)

NHLA Annual Meeting Speaker Preview #2

Two additional speakers in the Adult Literacy Program session will be Nancy Ladd and Louise Hazen from the Pillsbury Free Library in Warner, NH. Here's a bit of background about them and their literacy program.

Nancy Ladd and Louise Hazen

Nancy Ladd, Library Director at Pillsbury Free Library in Warner NH since 1985, started adult literacy programming in 1999 at the library with the assistance of Louise Hazen, as volunteer coordinator, and an LSTA Literacy Program grant for materials and publicity.

Louise Hazen holds an M. Ed. with various certifications including Reading Specialist, General Special Education and Learning Disabilities. In addition to working part time at the Pillsbury Free Library, she volunteers as the Adult Literacy Program coordinator and as a literacy tutor. Prior to working at the library, she was frequently involved in volunteer adult literacy work during her career in teaching.

Started in 2000, the Adult Literacy Program at Pillsbury Free Library is volunteer-based, with library funding and grants providing materials and publicity as needed.  Second Start Adult Tutorial Program of Merrimack County provides free G.E.D. pretest clinics, some materials, and Tutor education. They also partner with Kearsarge Regional High School’s Adult Diploma Program, which was begun in 2004. Some grants included funding for materials and programs in several other area libraries.

Posted by Steve B. at 09:52 AM | | Comments (0)

October 29, 2008

NHLA Annual Meeting Speaker Preview #1

As of tomorrow morning, the long awaited NHLA Annual Business Meeting event will be just a short week away. So I thought I'd start giving you a little more information about some of the speakers you'll be hearing from.

Elizabeth SabolOne of the speakers in the adult literacy programs session will be Elizabeth Sabol, Executive Director of the Learn To Read program at the Manchester City Library. Beth discovered her passion for adult literacy in 1990 when she became a volunteer tutor and then a tutor for the Adult Literacy Project, Palm Beach County Library System.  In 2001 she joined the adult literacy program at the Manchester City Library as the program coordinator.

Under her leadership, the number of one-on-one matched, adult learner pairs, has grown over 300%.  The program has achieved accreditation from ProLiteracy America and sustains a very active board of directors. Beth has developed innovative approaches to teaching lifelong learning skills as the foundation for literacy instruction.

In addition, Beth is an assistant vice president of leadership and professional development
at TD Bank University.

Posted by Steve B. at 10:29 PM | | Comments (0)

October 27, 2008

Kindles and Content Management Systems

This is a reminder about tomorrow's NHLA-ITS quarterly drop-in meeting at the Howe Library in Hanover, NH. The meeting begins at 10am, and everyone is welcome. In addition to discussing general IT topics of interest and concern, we will also be given a presentation by the Howe Library staff on their new website and the content management system upon which it is based. We'll also get a chance to take a look at the three new Kindles they have made available to be checked out by their patrons.Kindle

For directions to the Howe Library, visit their snazzy new website, http://www.thehowe.org. Library Director Mary White, an ITS member, will be our host. RSVP by phone, 603-643-4120, or email, mary.h.white at thehowe.org.

p.s. If you arrive early, the library may not yet be open. Mary suggests either waiting for them to open, or try the rear entrance.

Posted by Steve B. at 07:52 AM | | Comments (0)

October 25, 2008

NHLA Facebook Group Now Open To All

The NHLA Facebook group is now an open group, so y'all can join without needing to be approved by the group's administrator, me. I've created an "event" for our Facebook group for the upcoming annual business meeting, and I've sent out invites to members of our Facebook group as well as a number of others. I wonder if there may be other NHLA events where member's would like to use this feature of Facebook to keep track of who is coming and who isn't. Just a thought. Does anyone know of and/or use  other free online event invitation and registration services? If so, please leave a comment.

Posted by Steve B. at 01:17 PM | | Comments (0)

October 23, 2008

Registration Extended for Nov. 6th Annual Business Meeting

Nashua Crowne Plaza HotelWhile many of you have already registered for NHLA's Annual Business Meeting (taking place on November 6th,) registration has been extended beyond the initial deadline so more of you can still come. Just download the event brochure/registration form, fill it out and send it in as soon as you can.

I hope to see you all there!

Posted by Steve B. at 08:45 AM | | Comments (0)

October 16, 2008

NHLA on Facebook!

FacebookFor those of you who are Facebook fans, NHLA now is a "group" in Facebook that you can join. Just send me an email from within Facebook (search for Steve Butzel) or send me an email at work, skbutzel at lib.cityofportsmouth.com, and I will welcome you into the fold! If you have any creative ideas for how we might utilize Facebook, please leave a comment on this post and/or leave a note on our Facebook wall. Also, if you are not a Facebook member, why not give it a try. It's free, and it is one of the most commonly used social networking sites on the web. It's also a lot of fun!

Posted by Steve B. at 04:17 PM | | Comments (2)

READS Ballot

The READS Fall Conference will be held next Friday, October 24, at the Local Government Center in Concord. The READS ballot this year includes a proposed bylaw change and candidates for READS office. Candidates are Deann Hunter of Laconia Public Library for treasurer and Linda Taggart of Nashua Public Library for vice president/president-elect.

The following proposed bylaws change is being recommended by the READS Executive Board.  The change refers to the objectives of the organization.

Old Version

Article II: Objective.
The objective of the Reference and Adult Services Section is to disseminate information pertaining to work in reference, circulation, technical services, interlibrary loan, and adult programming.  Discussions, workshops, and other types of information formats will be used.

New Version

Article II:  Objective.
The objective of the Reference and Adult Services Section is to disseminate information and advocate for matters pertaining to work in

* reference
* adult services
* circulation
* technical services
* interlibrary loan
* readers' advisory
* collection development
* adult programming

Discussions, workshops, and other types of informal formats will be used to educate, empower and provide opportunities for collaboration.

Note: This represents an addition of the following: “adult services,”  “readers’ advisory” and “collection development.”

Posted by Linda T. at 04:15 PM | | Comments (0)

October 14, 2008

NH Library Use Value Calculator Coming Soon

Library Use CalculatorThanks to the assistance of two NHLA members in particular, Elise Daniel of the New Hampshire Institute of Art and Danielle Fortin of the Chesley Memorial Library, I should be able to produce a NH Library Use Value Calculator fairly soon. Quite frankly, you can already use the one Danielle put together for her library here, http://worldpath.net/~chesley1/Library%20Use%20Calculator.html. Once I have the page created on the NHLA site, I will let you know. Also, once it is up and running, I encourage other libraries to link to that page from their own sites.

Thanks also goes to Ann Hoey and Tom Ladd, both at the State Library, for suggesting this project!

Posted by Steve B. at 04:50 PM | | Comments (0)

October 13, 2008

Volunteer Needed for NH Library Use Value Calculator

Want to help justify libraries in NH? Do you feel libraries are undervalued by funding agencies? Here's your chance to make a difference. The NHLA Executive Board is looking for volunteers to help implement a web-based NH Library Use Value Calculator, similar to this one published by the Vermont Library Association, http://www.vermontlibraries.org/library-use-value-calculator. You don't need to have web development skills, just a few hours to assist with some background research. Please contact me by email at skbutzel at lib.cityofportsmouth.com if you'd be willing to contribute. We'd really appreciate it!

Posted by Steve B. at 08:38 PM | | Comments (0)

October 11, 2008

Food Drive at NELA Annual Conference

NELA Executive Board and NELA Conference Committee 2008 are planning a non-perishable food drive to benefit the New Hampshire Food Bank in Manchester, but we can’t do it without your help.

While you are preparing to pack for the Annual Conference, please consider setting aside some room in your suitcase for one or two non-perishable food items.

Urgently Needed Items

·       Protein items such as canned tuna or chicken and canned stews

·       Peanut butter

·       100% juice boxes (no glass please)

·       Canned fruits in light syrup, applesauce

·       Canned vegetables, tomatoes and tomato sauce

·       Soups

·       Healthy cereals

·       Pasta, rice

·       Dry beans

 

Donations may be left in the Conference Exhibit Hall. Arrangements are being made for Tuesday afternoon pick-up. Let’s work together to fill this Food pantry!

Also, the New Hampshire Electric Co-op has issued a financial Food Bank Challenge. Until October 31, 2008, they will match dollar for dollar all of the money raised through their Foundation. For more information on monetary donation, read the Food Bank Challenge website.

Thank you for your assistance in the effort to bring relief and aid to those much in need.

~NELA Executive Board and NELA Conference Committee 2008.

Posted by Judy H. at 10:44 AM | | Comments (0)

October 10, 2008

2008 READS Award of Excellence--And the Nominees Are!

With the READS Fall Conference only weeks away, the 2008 READS Award Selection Committee has diligently reviewed this year’s nominations and finally chosen a recipient. As always, the selection of a recipient for this award was a difficult decision to make. This year’s candidates have all contributed significantly to the New Hampshire Library community in a variety of ways. Please join the committee in congratulating the nominees on their achievements. The award will be presented at the READS Fall Conference on October 24 (the registration form is available here).

Without further ado, the READS Award Selection Committee is delighted to present to you the nominees for the 2008 READS Award of Excellence.

And the nominees are:
  • Diane Mayr, Assistant Director-Head of Adult Services at Nesmith Library. Diane was nominated for this award by Carl Heidenblad, the Director at Nesmith Library.
  • Michelle Bergeron, Library Clerk I at Manchester City Library. Michelle was nominated for this award by Lichen Rancourt, who is the Head of Technology at Manchester City Library.
  • Michelle Du Breuil, Library Assistant at Gordon-Nash Library. Michelle was nominated for this award by Diane Gilson, who is the Assistant Director at Gordon-Nash Library.
  • Patricia Walker, Adult Services Librarian at Nichols Memorial Library. Patricia was nominated for this award by Andy Richmond, who is the Director of Nichols Memorial Library.
This year, the READS Award Selection Committee includes Sarah Leonardi (Past READS President) from Amherst Public Library, Ellen Knowlton ( 2007 Award winner) of Merrimack Public Library, Eleanor Croteau ( 2005 Award winner) and Claudia Mayer (READS Award Selection Committee chair) of Manchester City Library.

Posted by Linda T. at 04:07 PM | | Comments (0)

October 08, 2008

Request or plea for donations for NHLA fall conference raffle

At our last NHLA meeting, the board decided to use the money that we raise from our spring and fall conference raffles to bring in speakers that we might pass on otherwise due to cost factors. If your library, group, or just you yourself can donate some items for the fall conference raffle, you’ll be helping to bring in some great speakers! You can therefore expect these pleas for donations every six months or so (my apologies in advance).

Thanks again to everyone who donated items for the spring conference raffle. We raised over $600 from that effort. Also, thanks very much in advance to anyone who can send items for the upcoming raffle.

Sean Fleming
NHLA Ways and Means
Lebanon van stop
Lebanon Public Library

Posted by Sean F. at 05:08 PM | | Comments (0)

October 06, 2008

Get your game face on!

In two weeks, New Hampshire librarians will be competing against other New England librarians and vendors for the coveted Snail in a NELA-revised version of Trivial Pursuit.  Since New Hampshire is the host for this year's conference, and since New Hampshire librarians are singularly smart, it behooves us to beat our brethren and sistren. We're looking for several intrepid players and lots of audience participation. Please contact Judy Haskell at hamptonfalls.library@comcast.net if you're ready for this challenge!

Posted by Judy H. at 12:28 PM | | Comments (0)

October 03, 2008

Seeking Spring Conference Speaker and Program Ideas

AttitashThe 2009 NHLA Spring Conference Programming Committee is seeking ideas for speakers and programs. If you have a good idea, please download this form and send it to Andrea Thorpe (athorpe at newport.lib.nh.us). This form will also be available on the Spring 2009 Conference web page. By the way, the conference will be at the Attitash Grand Summit Hotel and Conference Center, a pretty nice place, so start thinking about making plans to attend.

Posted by Steve B. at 10:17 AM | | Comments (0)

October 01, 2008

NELA conference discount for early registration

If your registration for "Taking Charge of Change", the 2008 annual NELA conference being held from October 19th to 21st at the Raddison Hotel in Manchester is postmarked by October 10th, you can receive a 25-30% discount!

Here are a few of the highlights:

  • Adult Programming Showcase 
  • Drop-In Resume Review
  • Easy Web Fixes
  • Help! The Teen Librarian Has Left the Building
  • Hot Topics in Technical Services
  • Leading by Example: Toward More Sustainable Communities
  • My College Freshman is Your High School Senior
  • Sophisticated Picture Books
  • The Vanishing Male: Guy Stuff that Lures and Hooks
  • Special Guest Authors: Simon Winchester, Cynthia Lord, and Michael Palmer
  • Special Guest Storytellers: Eshu and Motoko and Raouf Mama

Join us for all this plus award winners, discussion leaders, gamers, social hours, luncheons, exhibits, exhibits, and more exhibits!

Register by mail or online at www.nelib.org

 

Posted by Judy H. at 03:12 PM | | Comments (0)


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