NETLS Updates and Information: 2009-09-20

WHAT ARE YOU BUYING?

NETLS and NTRLS are exploring consortia or group purchasing discounts for our member libraries. We expect to identify products and negotiate terms in FY2010 and provide group pricing in FY2011 (September 2010). The first step in the process is this survey.

I’ve been peeking at the results of this survey, THANK YOU for participating. This is also a good time to remind you of our current discounts page since some of the vendors we have listed are being requested in your responses. We will not be able to arrange discounts for the categories of books and media on the statewide purchasing contract (.pdf). If you have questions or problems with the statewide contract, please contact me. Maybe we can work out the kinks!

JOB HUNTING AIDS

in addition to the vast (and sometimes scattered) array of free offerings on the web, several vendors are offering subscription services designed to help job seekers. Among services stressing job hunting search or preparation are:

• Live Homework Help from tutor.com – offers review of resumes, cover letters, etc. by certified teachers (NETLS offers consortia)

• JobView – offers kiosks (in some areas) and desktop job search, includes many jobs not listed by the Workforce Commission and identifies jobs appropriate for ex-offenders (NETLS negotiated favorable pricing)

• ResumeMaker – provides forms for resume writing, job search feature, interview sample questions, variety of guides and video clips (NETLS offers consortia)

• Career Resource Center (GaleCengage) – all-in-one workflow, begins with interests, career or job fit to interests, training resources, etc.

We have 41 libraries participating in the ResumeMaker consortia – there is “room” for more, contact me for more information.

HELP!

The staff of the Palestine Library is carefully investigating options for recovery from the extensive damage to the building. Work is underway to shore up the north wing in order to remove materials from the facility. The catalog home page is kept up-to-date with notices and photos.

NETLS staff made two deliveries of borrowed book trucks and book boxes to the library and assisted in packing the genealogy collection (in the stable, historic portion of the library). If you have skills, resources or ideas to offer, contact Library Director, Carol Herrington at 903 729-8087. All help is appreciated, contact Carol before visiting or sending help or materials so that efforts can be coordinated and scheduled as needed.

News stories of the first collapse here and about the recent collapse here and here. The library is keeping their catalog home page up-to-date with notices and photos.

While Palestine’s library is closed, the Jacksonville Library is serving Palestine residents. More about the cooperation between the cities here.

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One of the NETLS nonprofit libraries is hoping to stay competitive in their total compensation for employees. If you have a document or link you can provide to show salary scales and benefits packages, please send to me at mailto:cmoss@netls.org?subject=Salary/Benefits%20Question

STARTING SURVEYS
As we begin our new fiscal year we’ll be sending a series of quick surveys, primarily to confirm your intention to participate in our group purchases or subsidy. The current survey tallies your intent to participate in the courier service. Please respond to all surveys, even if your answer is “No, thanks!”

LOOKING FOR LITERACY INFORMATION.. TRY:
Adolescent Literacy Development in Out-of-School Time: A Practitioner's Guidebook Carnegie Corporation of New York Moje, Elizabeth Birr; Nicole Tysvaer Published: September 2009

A companion report to Carnegie's Time to Act, describes types of literacy support offered in afterschool, weekend, and summer programs. The report includes outlines promising programs and practices, elements of success, and strategies for planning and implementation. (More reports available on the Foundation Center’s PubHub)

OPPORTUNITIES
1. The Gates Foundation's Opportunity Online Broadband Grant Program is looking for high-impact stories directly from patrons, commentary from library staff about the services they are able to provide or would provide if they had a broadband connection, and what patrons have done with the increased connection speed if they have gotten a high-speed connection. A video team is planning to be in the state for a week in September to try to get film stories in as many sites as possible. If you are interested in participating in this project please read this blog post and contact Dawn Vogler at (512) 936-4449.

Libraries not currently subscribing to broadband service should have received invitations to the Opportunity Online Summit in San Antonio next month. Library directors are encouraged to invite one community decision leader to attend the event. Libraries with broadband and not eligible for the new program may also be invited to the summit to share their experiences.

OPPORTUNITIES…
3. Making the most of broadband stimulus funds, Tuesday, October 13th, 1 pm CDT Presented by: Motorola
Focused on wireless services, this free webinar (presented by industry insiders) will discuss how entities – think cities or counties -- looking for funds can drill down beyond the marketing hype and find the right partner to move through the bureaucratic, funding and procurement process. Municipal wireless planning guide (pdf).