Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study

2011 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study: Results, Trends, and Resources
Nov. 1, 1:00 pm Central

Over 8,400 urban, suburban, and rural libraries participated in the 2011 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study, the largest and longest-running study of Internet connectivity in U.S. public libraries. Key findings include:
§  70% of libraries report increased use of public access computers, while at the same time, over 76% report an insufficient number of public computers to meet demand.
§  65% of libraries report that they are the only source of free public access to computers and the Internet in their communities.
§  67% of libraries offer access to e-books.
§  72% of libraries report that staff help patrons complete online job applications.
§  16% of libraries report decreased hours of operation. This translates to lost hours at more than 2,600 branches.

In this webinar co-sponsored by ALA TechSource, the ALA Office for Research & Statistics, and WebJunction, you will learn how to interpret the data and emerging trends; access new advocacy and marketing tools including state profiles, issue briefs, and PR templates; and use the data to make the case for your library with elected officials and community stakeholders.  Presented by: John Bertot, Co-Director, Information Policy & Access Center, University of Maryland; Judy Hoffman, Project Manager, American Library Association, Office for Research and Statistics; and Peggy Rudd, Director, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.


If you do not have an account with WebJunction and would like to view this webinar visit the WebJunction Minnesota home page, http://mn.webjunction.org. Select [Create Account]. Be sure to affiliate with Minnesota!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Geoscience Librarianship 101

FREE SEMINAR ON GEOSCIENCE LIBRARIANSHIP SET FOR OCTOBER 8


“Geoscience Librarianship 101” – a free seminar on earth science

information resources and their organization – will be presented by the

Geoscience Information Society on Saturday, October 8 in Minneapolis,

Minnesota. Registration is open to all information professionals as well

as students in library and information studies.


The workshop is aimed at librarians new to the geosciences and those

already in the field who want a refresher. A team of experienced

geoscience librarians will cover topics in collection development,

reference and instructional services, maps and geographic information

systems (GIS). Presenters include Lisa Dunn (Colorado School of Mines),

Adonna Fleming (University of Nebraska-Lincoln), Lura E. Joseph

(University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana), and Linda Zellmer (Western

Illinois University). After the formal presentations participants will

have the opportunity to engage in open discussion and to give feedback.

Clara McLeod, earth and planetary sciences librarian at Washington

University in St. Louis, is coordinating the event.


Geoscience Librarianship 101 will be held from 9:15 AM to 4:30 PM at the

Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Room S1500. Pre-registration is

required; no walk-ins will be admitted.

Registrations must be received by September 30, 2011. To sign up, please provide your name, daytime contact
information, and professional (work/school) affiliation to: Clara P. McLeod, Rettner Earth & Planetary Sciences Library, Washington University, Campus Box 1169, St. Louis, MO 63130, telephone
314-935-4817, e-mail cpmcleod@wustl.edu.
Sponsored by GeoScience World and ESRI

Monday, September 26, 2011

Volunteers Needed: Quatrefoil Library “Barcode the Books” Project


Quatrefoil Library (www.qlibrary.org) needs volunteers to help with our barcoding and inventory project. Students who know their way around LC call numbers especially in demand!

Work with a volunteer leader and crew to physically place barcodes on books, DVD’s and videos.

We’ve been working during the hours that the library is closed (M-F 9AM-6PM, Sat-Sunday evenings) in 3 hour blocks.

We have 20,000 items to barcode and expect this project to continue until December.

Physical ability and manual dexterity helpful ( bending and reaching to grab books, handle barcode stickers, push bookcarts) see us for other tasks if needed. Attention to detail a must.

Please send an email to info@qlibrary.org message line “Barcoding” and crew times will be arranged. Don’t have email? Leave a message for Karen at the library 651-641-0969. Thank you!

Friday, September 23, 2011

UT Job Posting - Technical Writer, SirsiDynix

Here is a great opportunity to put your library science/English/journalism degree to work in the library software industry.

MATT ANDERSON, MSLS | Product Manager | SirsiDynix
P: 801.223.5246 | Matt.Anderson@sirsidynix.com www.sirsidynix.com

Technical Writer - Lehi, UT

Job Description
The Associate Technical Writer is a key member of our documentation team, responsible for the creation, development, and maintenance of technical information used by both internal and external audiences

Primary Responsibilities
* Develops, writes, and maintains information for internal and external users such as online help, installation and upgrade instructions, and release notes.
* Researches available product information, such as design specs and prototypes; interviews remote and local technical experts; conducts independent tests of technical features and software/documentation usability.
* Functions as a member of a cross-functional software team in an agile development environment; collaborates with product management, software engineers, test engineers, and support personnel to produce product documentation based on established deadlines and milestones. Attends and reports at regular team meetings.
* Performs and implements technical and peer reviews of product documentation.
* Understands different user levels and writes to the appropriate level. Adheres to department standards, including templates and style guides.
* Provides status updates on projects as required by management. Coordinates with other technical writers on documentation projects.
* Develops working knowledge of product functional areas as assigned.
* Develops proficiency in the company's internal processes and department guidelines.
* Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills/Requirements
* Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or equivalent experience is required.
* 0-24 months of previous experience in technical writing in the computer software industry, or developing and publishing training or procedural information. Experience in the library industry preferred but not required.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Good analytical and problem-solving skills, and an aptitude for technical concepts.
* Ability to write for different audiences.
* Ability to work in a team environment and independently.
* Ability to work on multiple projects at the same time.
* Experience with Adobe FrameMaker, InDesign, or Quark layout software; experience using Adobe Acrobat Pro for publication.
* Knowledge of basic HTML or XML; Acrobat Pro preferred.
* Experience using an online authoring tool such as Madcap Flare, WebWorks Publisher, Adobe Acrobat Pro or Adobe FrameMaker is a plus.
* Experience with screen capturing, creating illustrations and diagrams, or graphics manipulation.

Application Procedures
Apply for this position at <http://www.hirebridge.com/jobseeker2/viewdetail.asp?joblistid=132997>.

UT Job Posting - Proposals Writer, SirsiDynix

Here is a great opportunity to put your library science/English/journalism degree to work in the library software industry.

MATT ANDERSON, MSLS | Product Manager | SirsiDynix
P: 801.223.5246 | Matt.Anderson@sirsidynix.com www.sirsidynix.com

Proposals Writer - Lehi, UT

Primary Responsibilities
* Create customized proposals based on RFP requirements as assigned by the Proposals Director.
* Assist in determine layout of final corporate response to bid/proposal, identifying mandatory forms and obtaining required signatures. Anticipate and avoid potential problems in regards to the completion and timely delivery of a given proposal.
* Obtain answers to specifications from subject matter experts if not available in RFP knowledge bases.
* Write customer-centric summary after dialogue with sales representative regarding site's "sensitive issues" and our pricing proposal.
* Respond to requests for information from other departments.
* Reformat Implementation and Pricing answers (provided in Excel) for inclusion with Word and PDF version of completed corporate bid response. May require some mathematical calculations.
* Enter and edit records into knowledge base.
* Create and maintain other sales-oriented documents or presentations, as assigned.
* Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills/Requirements
* BA/BS Degree in technical writing, English, journalism, communication or a related field required.
* Post-graduate education or training a plus!
* 3 to 12 months experience in business writing, with preference given to proposal writing or sales writing experience
* Experience in library sector or library automation industry is preferred.
* Superior business writing skills
* Proven ability to write documentation that is technically accurate, easily understood and conforms to the company's writing style guidelines
* Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word; intermediate knowledge of entire MS Office suite, including Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
* General knowledge of sales principles and proposal development
* Proven editing skills and experience
* Quick, flexible learner
* Ability to work on complex, detailed proposals under tight deadlines
* Ability to work on a project collaboratively with other writers and sales team
* Ability to multitask
* Strong research skills
* Basic mathematical skills

Application Procedures
Apply for this position at <http://www.hirebridge.com/jobseeker2/viewdetail.asp?joblistid=133022>.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Intent to Graduate Deadline

If you are completing your Library Information Technology certificate or degree by the end of fall semester you need to fill out and return an intent to graduate form by 4:30 p.m. October 14, 2011. You can get the form at http://oldsite.minneapolis.edu/pdfs/intenttograduate.pdf. Fill out the form and mail it to:

Office of the Registrar
T.2200, Attn: Intent to Gradute
Minneapolis Community & Technical College
1501 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Monday, September 19, 2011

MN Job Posting: Temporary PT evening library tech for Hennepin Tech Brooklyn Park Campus

Hennepin Technical College Library is seeking a temporary PT evening library tech for their Brooklyn Park campus (9000 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445)

Hours: M-TH 3-8:30pm, fall and spring semesters only
For more information or to apply, contact Bill Vann, Librarian at Bill.Vann@hennepintech.edu

MN Job: Acquisitions and Electronic Resources Library Associate

St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN (jenny sippel's alma mater) is hiring a full-time library associate. Northfield is a small(ish) two-college town about 45-minutes south of Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Acquisitions and Electronic Resources Library Associate - this is a full-time (1.0 FTE) replacement position.
The Acquisitions and Electronic Resources Associate is responsible for the acquisition of and payment for all serials, standing orders, and online databases, archives and data sets including annual renewals. The Continuing Resources Acquisitions Associate maintains statistics on the use of electronic resources and provides usage and acquisitions reports as requested. 

For more information and/or how to apply visit: http://jobs.stolaf.edu/postings/2152
(please note: description will be amended to read "bachelor's degree or equivalent experience")

 

Help with the Fly Away Zine Mobile visit

Anyone interested in helping Debbie with her mini-zine-making workshop between 3 and 6? Let me know.
jennifer.sippel@minneapolis.edu


On Tuesday, Sept 20th from 3-6 p.m., the Fly Away Zine Mobile will visit the MCTC Library. The van will be parked immediately outside the main library entrance on the MCTC Plaza at 1501 Hennepin Ave, Mpls, MN 55403. Zines will be on display, the curator of the collection will be available to talk about the project, and there will be a mini zine-making workshop going on there as well. See you there!

College of DuPage Press: Library Futures Update

MCTC LIT program will continue to host the College of DuPage Press Library Futures presentations. However, there are no presentations scheduled at this time. Here is an update from their website:

We’re on the move…

We are moving our teleconference production studios to a brand new facility. The relocation of College of DuPage’s Multimedia Services department will cause a brief interruption in teleconference production this fall. We are busy planning the finest continuing education and professional development programming to a nationwide community of library professionals for the spring of 2012. Our new studio is well-equipped to bring you the same high-quality programming you expect streamed directly to your facility.

Library Futures will return soon…

College of DuPage and the Library Learning Network are planning two Library Futures teleconferences this season, beginning in 2012. Dates are yet to be determined. Detailed information on those two programs will be posted as soon as it is available. During this transition, the Library Futures staff is carefully reviewing your feedback from last season in order to develop programs that will be most beneficial to you.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Fly Away Zine Mobile visits MCTC Library

On Tuesday, Sept 20th from 3-6 p.m., the Fly Away Zine Mobile will visit the MCTC Library. The van will be parked immediately outside the main library entrance on the MCTC Plaza at 1501 Hennepin Ave, Mpls, MN 55403. Zines will be on display, the curator of the collection will be available to talk about the project, and there will be a mini zine-making workshop going on there as well. See you there!


If you want to work in libraries

With special thanks to Margot Barry, LIT program student, for bringing this to my attention:

Upper Midwest ASI Chapter Meeting

Upper Midwest ASI Chapter Meeting
Saturday, October 1, 2011
9:30 am - 4:30 pm
William Mitchell College of Law, 875 Summit Ave, St. Paul
Schedule:
9:00 – 9:45: Coffee and Networking
9:45 – 10:00: Chapter Business Meeting
10:00 - 4:00: “Editing and Polishing Your Index” by Enid L. Zafran
There will be a break for lunch from 12:30-1:30, and a Q&A and networking time after the presentation
$65 registration fee includes lunch and beverages (water or coffee)
** We are now offering a student rate of $55. If you are currently a student, please send a note to that effect with your registration information.
Enid Zafran will present a workshop on the steps involved in editing and polishing your index. Remember that when you have finished indexing, you have not completed the job—the edit is an essential step and requires its own skills and checklist. Tips will include "editing-as-you-go" and various self-checks that will make indexing easier and more accurate. The workshop will have
something for newer indexers as well as for those with more experience. A hands-on exercise will be included, and there will be time for questions. Here is praise from the Denver chapter: “The many useful nuggets Enid packed into her presentation made it more than worth the price of admission, but it was her snappy style and knack for reinforcing practical information with useful handouts, examples, and the hands-on exercise that made this workshop a real
standout.”
Please register by Friday, September 23, 2011. You may send your contact information (including e-mail) along with a check, payable to ASI Upper Midwest Chapter, to: Steven Baker, ASI-UMW Treasurer, 6210 Franklin Ave., Des Moines, IA 50322
There is no registration form; your check is your registration. Receipts will be available up on request.
For more information, please contact Steven Baker (bakerdsm@gmail.com), Eve Morey Christiansen (eve_dbq@hotmail.com), Lee Humphrey (lee@humphreyindexing.com), or Julie Foley (foleyindexing@gmail.com)