2021-01-29 SPLAT Curiosity Report: Volume 7, Issue 6

Featured Story

Special Message From SPLAT

Do you enjoy reading the Curiosity Report? Do you see change as an opportunity to learn and grow? Do you find yourself going with the flow when things don’t go as planned? Great, you should apply to be one of three (3) new SPLAT members!

The SPLAT team is composed of a diverse group of Idaho library staff that seek to have representation from all geographic areas, all types of libraries, all sizes of libraries, and individuals in differing stages of their careers. These varied perspectives strengthen the group by enabling members to address a multitude of needs that are found within our library communities.

Applications will be open February 1-14th. Join us for a one hour online information session February 4th at 12:30 MST/ 11:30 PST.  Stay tuned to this space, LibIdaho, and the SPLAT Facebook page for details and application link!

I now return you to your regularly scheduled Curiosity Report.
– Deana Brown

Idaho Libraries Because!

Libraries Transform is an ALA initiative focused on increasing the public awareness of libraries and the critical role they play in transforming lives and communities through education.

Since Libraries Transform launched in 2015, more than 10,000 libraries and library advocates have joined the campaign

Libraries Transform can help you tell your library’s story. What does “transformation” mean in your library? Perhaps it’s the maker spaces and digital labs that say transform to you. Maybe it’s a basic service as teaching a child- or an adult- to read. Libraries Transform allows you to capture your library’s story using attention–getting “Because” statements that remind the public of the ever-increasing value of libraries in a changing world. (ALA Website)

Libraries transform: What is YOUR “Idaho Libraries Because” statements? And how can libraries get started thinking about the Libraries transform movement. Maybe initiate a “Libraries Because Statement Wall” at your library. Ask questions during staff meetings on how to move your library into the future. Let’s get all of us involved and thinking: how can we transform our communities? Here are a few of mine.
Idaho Libraries Because:

  1. Learning can happen anywhere/anytime
  2. Libraries inform
  3. Libraries support parents, teachers, communities
  4. Libraries encourage the future
  5. Libraries invite
  6. Libraries are open

– Rasheil Stanger

 

Fail Forward

We’ve all been there. You pour your heart into a program, and no one shows up. You try something new, and you fall on your face. Sound familiar? Fail Forward is the place to share your failures, and give you the opportunity to share what you learned from them. Did you promote your program in a different way after no one showed up? Maybe you took a new approach to the new thing you were excited about? Awesome! Share your story via our online form so others can learn, and realize that failure is often part of the process.

Over Automated

I was working on a project where I needed resources from a spreadsheet to be on a printed, designed handout in a uniform way. I figured there had to be a way to automate the process, and spent days working on custom scripts and convoluted setups, only to realize that the system I was using didn’t have a way to expand text boxes if everything didn’t fit. At this point, my options were to move to a different platform or to build it manually. I decided on both – I built it manually so I could meet the deadline, then moved things into a different platform to keep experimenting and hopefully have a way to automate handouts in the future.

– Alex Johnatakis

Crush Corner

Is there a library you follow on social media who is always doing new and exciting things? How about a blog you follow that inspires you? What about a new idea, book, or resource that you want to share? Library Crush Corner is a place for those working in Idaho libraries to share what inspires them, and who or what they’re crushing on… in a professional sense. Share your story via our online form so we can publish it in a future issue!

Meridian Library District!

After recording my own virtual storytimes for the library, I realize how difficult this can be. I felt a little exposed and vulnerable. YIKES! But these librarians at The Meridian Library District are rockin’ it! If you need an extraordinary example of how to do a fun storytime that is quick, easy and yet immensely effective then here you go. Follow the link and see how cute and fun virtual learning events can work at your library.
Watch Meridian Storytime Virtual for all ages.

SPLAT explores the ever-evolving library world and supports library folks as they adapt to meet the needs of their communities. Library folk throughout the state of Idaho volunteer to serve on the Special Projects Library Action Team (SPLAT). Learn more about SPLAT at splat.lili.org

SPLAT is brought to you by the Idaho Commission for Libraries and was made possible, in part, by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (LS-246156-OLS-20). The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.