E-books? E-xperiments?
Questions about e-books are becoming more frequent. When your patrons ask if you have e-books they probably mean “do you have free current bestselling books in electronic form that will move wirelessly to my reader?”
There are several readers on the market, some have their own wireless access built-in, other use Wi-Fi networks, others use standard USB or proprietary connections to a computer to transferring files.
Both Overdrive and NetLibrary offer downloadable books that are downloaded to a computer and then transferred with a wired connection to the device/reader. Overdrive has recently announced apps for wireless devices that permit transfer of e-books without first downloading to a computer. The apps are installed on the device which then can wirelessly access Overdrive content. Neither Overdrive nor NetLibrary products work with the Kindle.
The most common e-book file types are: .azw (for Kindle), .pdf (works with readers using Adobe Digital Editions –Sony, Barnes&Noble) and epub. EPUB is the standard a nice chart of software to read these files is here. Files for the Kindle are available from Amazon. There are routines that may successfully convert and deliver content to the Kindle. (The Kindleworld Blog lists free sources of books for Kindles as well as routines to convert other formats to use by the Kindle.)
Try these sample books using Adobe Content Reader to get an idea of how these books work. NetLibrary ebooks are downloaded through the Adobe Content Server, an add-on service for libraries subscribing to NetLibrary e-books..
The July ;-) issue of Consumer Reports evaluates e-readers and the Kindle comes out on top. (Ebscohost link) This post by Library Consultant, Cindy Orr explains who may be interested in e-books.
NEW! E-Books, Libraries at the tipping point, a virtual e-book summit and conference is presented by Library Journal and School Library Journal, September 29, 11-7 CDT. Early bird registration through August 13 is $19.95. Take a peek at the virtual conference environment.
From the TWDL Project
JobNow! THROUGH August 31
NETLS libraries are invited to offer JobNow! To their users through August 31 as part of the TWDL.Org project. This product provides a variety of job hunt resources featuring LIVE, job coaching and LIVE, online interview coaching. Point your users to this portal and authenticate with the shared login (for the library card number).
Contact the NETLS office for the shared login AND for promotional materials – we have JobNow! Posters, bookmarks, brochures, etc. Just ask!
Career and Job Hunt Resources
The items listed below have been purchased as part of the TWDL.ORG project for workplace literacy. These items are designed for self-guided study. The first two items, provide a great basis for teaching job hunting skills. The Survival booklets provide English translations for common phrases with phonetic pronunciation guides for Spanish speakers.
Job Search Basics, 3rd ed.
Job Smarts Workbook, 2nd ed. [has example forms]
Envision Your Career [DVD] a video to measure career field interest
Complete Job Application [DVD]
Survival English for Spanish-Speaking Hotel Employees [booklet]
Survival English for Spanish-Speaking Restaurant Employees [booklet]
Everyday English Survival Guide for Latinos [booklet]
We have FREE copies of all of each of these resources for every library/literacy center/job resource center requesting these items. (We want to share these so don’t be shy!)
Computer training disks if you don’t need them, send them back (please). If you need more, let us know, we have some extra disks we can send. The disks can be circulated and/or used in the library or learning center.
I’d love to hear how your patrons view these products, praise or problems.
¶TWDL Successes?
If your library and library users are using TWDL.org for Job Hunting and Computer resources *and* you or your patrons are willing to be interviewed for public service announcements, talk to Connie. Other promotional materials for TWDL are near the bottom of this page.
netls Tweets
From the source, eBook Sales: News Release http://shar.es/mVrrz
By The Book: Librarian Serves City For Nearly 3 Decades: http://bit.ly/az5yV6
FEEDBACK?
If your library users, library, Friends or Foundation has something to brag about, do it here! We always want to know about successes and struggles.
Let us know when there is something we’ve offered (consulting, continuing education, projects, or just information) that resulted in success or a story of personal accomplishment.
We love to have your stories when we talk to funders about budgets and your stories help us plan when we know what did or didn’t work.
Buddy Up
Several libraries in the region are exploring changing their library automation systems. If you are interested in partnering with another library, let us know – maybe we can do some match-making!
Seeking Large Print
Dot Linn and DeAnn Hicks are seeking large print books for the Bonham VA Hospital and Senior Outreach Program. If you have large print books (preferably paperback) new or old you can donate, call 903-583-6302 for more information.
Celebrate in Duncanville!
The Duncanville Recreation Center and Library celebrates the 10th Anniversary on August 14. A ceremony at 9:15 is followed by celebration activities. (More information, .pdf)
Retirement in Rains County
Virginia Northcutt has retired from her position of director of the Rains County Library in Emory. A reception in her honor was hosted by the Friends of the Library on July 20.
Celebrity Signed Materials
This summer, the Screen Actors Guild Foundation has an exciting opportunity to benefit their global children’s literacy initiatives. We are partnering with the Clothes Off Our Back Foundation to sponsor our second annual online auction of celebrity-authored signed books.
Between August 2 and August 17, bids are accepted for autographed books written by your favorite actors. Celebrities including Sir Sidney Poitier, Kirk Douglas, Julie Andrews, Tim Allen, Sting, Carol Burnett, Mickey Rooney and many more have donated their signed books to be part of this auction. Take part in this auction by bidding on books that will make for great summer reading or the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones.
Visit http://www.clothesoffourback.org/sagfoundation beginning August 2, 2010 to view the selections and make a bid to support children's literacy.
STORYBLOCKS.ORG, is an online video collection featuring one-minute songs and rhymes for babies, toddlers and preschool children in both English and Spanish. Filmed in partnership with Rocky Mountain PBS, librarians throughout Colorado share successful activities as well as literacy tips.
Books on Tape has changed their pricing model for most of their materials, see their promotional literature.
Making your case
Try the 2010 How Libraries Stack Up report from OCLC
Find facts and figures in the Kids Count Data Book
… additional resources for service direction are found in the PubHub
Reports on children and youth
Role of libraries
Budgeting?
The NETLS operating budget has not yet been approved by the TSLAC Commissioners. We are expecting the budget to be approved as submitted (with some minor adjustments based on census population and number of accredited libraries).
1. We have requested TexShare Database subsidies as provided in SFY2010.
2. The budget includes funds to reimburse materials lost in ILL/Loan Star Card loans.
3. We expect to continue courier subsidies as in the past.
4. We plan to fund small “Spot Consulting” projects.
5. Technology mini-grants are expected.
6. We expect Loan Star Library grants to return to SFY2009 levels (a reduction from the current year).
ILL Transit Expenses
As noted above NETLS will continue to offer a courier subsidy to libraries that are NOT accepting courier subsidies from another source. Courier rates for SFY11 are the same as in the current year. ($4500-5day; $3075-3day; $2425-2day service; costs quoted do not reflect any subsidies)
Libraries receiving materials from the TexNet ILL Center at the Dallas Public Library through the mail will soon notice pre-paid postage mailing labels included with their materials for return of materials to the Dallas Public Library. This pilot project is another attempt to increase user access to materials while controlling costs.
We are continuing to seek cost effective solutions for loans not originating from the Dallas TexNet ILL Center with one of the parties not in the courier system.
Coming soon on a computer near you:
Best Practices in Library Fundraising - Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 10:00-11:00 am Central Time
Library Strategies consultant and President of The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, Peter Pearson, will present strategies for implementing a comprehensive fundraising program to support your library. Pearson’s program will be based on the successful activities of libraries and library organizations across the nation. Topics will include: cultivating individual donors, annual campaigns, corporate sponsorships, special events, planned giving and much more.
*****
Advocating for Your Library - Wednesday, August 11, 2010, 10:00-11:00 am Central Time
With public support for libraries shrinking, it is more critical than ever to have an political advocacy program in place. Library Strategies consultant and President of The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, Peter Pearson, will present a plan for creating and sustaining a successful advocacy program for your library. Topics will include creating a powerful advocacy committee, drafting an advocacy platform, meeting with elected officials and sustaining your library's advocacy efforts year to year.
*****
Conducting a Successful Capital Campaign - Thursday, August 26, 2010, 10:00-11:00 am Central Time
Capital campaigns are not rocket science but conducting a successful campaign involves many activities and a lot of hard work. Done well, conducting a successful campaign can go way beyond building a new library building – it can position your library for great fundraising into the future. Library Strategies consultant, Sue Hall, will lay out all the activities in a capital campaign – including the feasibility study, setting a campaign goal, recruiting campaign leadership, creating a compelling campaign case, soliciting major donors and all the campaign activities.
*****
Mango Languages Offers webinars every Tuesday in August from 1-2 pm. Registration links:
Aug 3 Aug 10 Aug 17 Aug 24 Aug 31
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Get on the bus! The Texas State Library and Archives Commission version of the Get on the Bus: Rev Up Your Reference Training is now available. This free online training opportunity is an 8 unit course, covering a vast array of reference service topics. To register and participate in the course, go HERE. The complete program provides 9 CEU/SBEC.
August Webinars listed on TSLAC Library Developments Blog
Also available: Librarian Live Podcasts
Management and Training topics
August 3-5 Hands-on PLINKIT workshops in Rockwall, Mt Pleasant, Tyler Registration closed
August 6 Friends Roundup, Mt Pleasant Information Registration
August 9 & 10 Annual Literacy Texas Conference , Austin.
August 11 Stage 1 applications due for Union Pacific Foundation grants
August 13 Selecting the Right Stuff II Information Registration
August 15 Final/Stage 2 applications due for Union Pacific Foundation grants
August 15 Libri Foundation grant applications due. For grants of childrens books for small libraries.
August 19 Back to the Facts: YALSA Nonfiction Webinar Interested? Contact Steve
August 20 Submit your career video for possible $1,000 prize
August 27 Friends Roundup, Canton Information Registration
August 27 Banned Books Week Read-Out competitive grant applications due
August 30 Earliest Literacy, Allen Information Registration
September 10 Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy up to $65,000 for literacy programs for adult primary caregivers and their children.
September 14 The rural library trustee: Roles, responsibilities and relationships free webinar Information and registration Recommended for governing boards
September 15 Ezra Jack Keats minigrant applications due
September 15 Texas Cultures Online digitization grant applications due
September 16 Ready, Set Go! 30 Ways to Reach Reluctant Readers in 60 Minutes, YALSA Webinar, Interested? contact Steve
September 25 – October 2 Banned Book Week (resources)
September 29 E-books at the tipping point virtual e-book summit NOT FREE
October 19 All about Grants Workshop Jacksonville 4CEUs information here
October 20 All about Grants Workshop Midlothian 4CEUs information here
Below the line …
Texas ARRangers! and
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