Idaho Commission for Libraries

“Site visits to 63 public libraries reveal the power of technology on staff and users.”

I just read an article in the October 2008 issue of American Libraries titled “Libraries Connect Communities.” Authors Peggy Barber and Linda Wallace share what they learned as part of the team conducting the Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study.

The study included a nationwide survey of libraries (the 2008 survey is underway now); focus groups with library employees, trustees, and users; and library site visits.

So Entertainment Weekly, one of my FAVORITE magazines, just revamped their "20 Scariest Movies" of all time, and since it's close to Halloween (my FAVORITE holiday of the year, besides Guy Fawkes' Day), it got me to thinking about the scariest books that I have ever read.

And apply today to attend the March 8, 9 & 10 in-service designed for you and your key-players. Like last year, the in-service will focus on your critical contributions to student achievement in the context of 21st Century Skills.

Go ahead and dare to dream of the luxuries waiting for you in Idaho Falls...

If you haven't checked it out yet, get thee to the Free Friday Forums from BCR.

Fall is in the air which means it’s time think about summer reading. The Commission is once again sponsoring the 2009 Bright Futures summer reading outreach program for all publicly-funded Idaho public libraries. Your library can apply to receive free materials to support outreach in your community to reach more underserved children.

A friend of mine just sent me a link to Wowbrary! a new service that allows patrons to subscribe to an email digest or RSS feed of their library's newest acquisitions. What fun! It works like this: you go to the site and enter in your email address and zipcode and it pulls up a list of local libraries.

Library Camp of the West
I recently had the opportunity to attend the ever-growing popular "Library Camp" -- the un-conference.

The Idaho Board of Library Commissioners will meet in a regularly scheduled meeting on Friday, October 24, 2008 at 9:00 AM MDT at the College of Southern Idaho Library, 315 Falls Avenue, Twin Falls, ID 83301.

To view agenda items http://libraries.idaho.gov/boarddoc/bymeeting/2008-10-24

I have been asked about online conferencing/webinar software for meeting use and training. The Wimba tool that ICFL uses is part of the Community Partner agreement with WebJunction. ICFL uses this tool to facilitate its meetings and trainings.

One of the presenters at the Association for Rural and Small Libraries annual conference was Bill Harmer of the Chelsea District Library – the most recent Best Small Library in America. He presented some of the great and innovative programs they have provided for their community. The ARSL list sent a message letting librarians know the details.

The Read to Me program has paperback copies of How I Became a Pirate, by Melinda Long for Idaho public libraries who are planning events during Idaho Family Reading Week, November 16 – 22, 2008. Just complete the form by October 29th and we’ll send you books to give to families.

In the School Zone section of the Oct. 10 issue of The Scoop, we talk about the importance and benefits of collaboration. We'd love to hear your personal stories of successes and challenges. This is also a great opportunity to practice blogging for those of you taking the Splat 101! course...!

I've written and discarded 4 posts about Cha-Cha. I wasn't satisfied that my explanation of the service would give readers a good picture of how really cool Cha-Cha can be. So I had an idea that maybe I can ask you to try something without telling you all about it. Get out your cell phone!

Hope every texting librarian in Idaho tries this: