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Descriptors:
Library Services; Access to Computers; Disadvantaged; Social Capital; Navigation (Information Systems); Library Personnel; Computer Literacy; Adult Literacy; Multimedia Materials; Electronic Publishing; Information Technology; Information Dissemination; Public Libraries; Man Machine Systems; Help Seeking

Abstract:
The informatics moment is the moment when a person seeks help in using some digital technology that is new to him or her. This article examines the informatics moment in people's everyday lives as they sought help at a branch public library. Four types of literacy were involved: basic literacy (reading and writing), computer literacy (use of a mouse, buying a computer), library literacy (navigating online catalogs and databases), and domain literacy (most commonly and urgently, looking for work in a world where practically all job postings and applications are online). Social capital is also associated with many of these informatics moments: people seek help from those with enough skill who are close at hand, approachable, and familiar, and they collaborate with others in their networks to do so. Understanding the informatics moment could accelerate people's (and society's) anxious transition to an inclusive digital age. (Contains 2 figures, 3 tables, and 6 footnotes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Public Libraries; Library Automation; Library Development; Library Research; Library Role; Cluster Grouping; Library Services; Trend Analysis; Technology Planning; Influence of Technology; Information Technology

Abstract:
In 2008, we started by pulling a sample of 483 public libraries from across the country, using 2007 public library annual report data. Because small libraries have different needs and resources than larger libraries, we stratified the sample to make comparisons by size, according to the following population groups: fewer than 10,000 served; 10,000-24,999 served; 25,000-99,999 served; 100,000-499,999 served; and more than 500,000 served. [...] we plan to supplement future editions of the study with more in-depth investigation into particular libraries' deployment of certain technologies, taking a closer look at the role libraries play in maintaining a Facebook page, for example, and how patrons interact with the library through such forums. (Contains 4 charts.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Public Libraries; Data Analysis; Internet; Library Services; National Surveys; Federal Legislation; Questionnaires; Census Figures; Information Technology; Library Facilities; Library Materials; Library Personnel

Abstract:
The Public Libraries Survey (PLS) is a voluntary survey conducted annually by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). IMLS collects these data under the mandate in the Museum and Library Services Act of 2003 as stated in SEC. 210. The U.S. Census Bureau is the data collection agent for IMLS. The fiscal year (FY) 2009 survey is the 22nd in the series. This report provides summary information about public libraries in the 50 states and the District of Columbia for state FY2009. It covers service measures such as number of uses of electronic resources, number of Internet terminals used by the general public, reference transactions, interlibrary loans, circulation, library visits, children's program attendance, and circulation of children's materials. It also includes information about size of collection, staffing, operating revenue and expenditures, type of legal basis, and number and type of public library service outlets. This report is based on the final data file. The PLS is designed as a universe survey. The survey frame consists of 9,277 public libraries (9,225 public libraries in the 50 states and the District of Columbia and 52 public libraries in the outlying areas of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands), as identified by state library agencies. (Public libraries in one outlying area, American Samoa, are not included in the survey frame because their state library agency has never responded to the request for participation in the survey). A total of 9,082 of the 9,277 public libraries in the survey frame responded to the FY2009 PLS (including Guam and Puerto Rico), for a unit response rate of 97.9 percent. Item response rates are included in the tables in this report. The data were submitted over the Internet via a web-based reporting system. This report includes the following major sections: (1) Introduction, which includes (a) Survey Purpose and Data Items Included in this Report; (b) Congressional Authorization; (c) Key Library Terminology; (d) Types of Tables Included in this Report; (e) History of the Public Libraries Survey; (2) Findings from the FY2009 data collection; (3) Tables (including State Ranking Tables in Appendix A); (4) Technical Notes (Appendix B); and (5) Survey Questionnaire (Appendix C). (Contains 77 tables, 38 figures and 8 footnotes.) [For "Public Libraries Survey: Fiscal Year 2008," see ED534451.] Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Evidence; Library Personnel; Research Libraries; Library Development; Library Services; Case Studies; Web Sites; Surveys; Higher Education; Web 2.0 Technologies; Colleges; Feedback (Response); Librarians; Library Instruction; Users (Information)

Abstract:
This paper describes the process whereby a university library investigated the value of its subject guides to its users. A literature review and surveys of library staff, library users and other libraries were carried out. Existing library subject guides and those of other higher education libraries were evaluated. The project team reported regularly to the wider library team throughout the year long investigation and made recommendations. The project served to develop the professional skills of the project team, to expand the knowledge of the wider library team and encouraged new ways of thinking about guide provision to users. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Library Services; Employment Interviews; Job Search Methods; Career Information Systems; Entrepreneurship; Institutional Advancement; Shared Resources and Services; Grants; Proposal Writing; Community Programs; Program Development; Partnerships in Education; Open Source Technology; Outreach Programs; Program Effectiveness; Stress Management; Contracts; Public Libraries; Library Administration; Library Automation; Library Development; Library Materials; Library Networks; Book Reviews; Educational Opportunities; Staff Development; Personnel Management; Innovation; Information Technology; Economic Impact

Abstract:
Fewer employees, shorter hours, diminished collection budgets, reduced programs and services--all at a time of record library usage. In this book, library expert Carol Smallwood demonstrates that despite the obvious downsides, the necessity of doing business differently can be positive, leading to partnering, sharing, and innovating. This collection speaks to universal concerns, presenting creative and resourceful solutions from dozens of librarians representing a wide variety of institutions. The "Frugal Librarian" helps library professionals: (1) Find supplementary funding sources, including grants; (2) Save money by sharing resources, using tiered staffing for technical services, and implementing green IT; (3) Tap into grassroots movements to save neighborhood libraries; and (4) Preserve and enhance important library functions like programming, outreach, and staff development, despite a tight budget. This book offers plenty of ideas that can be implemented immediately. The book is divided into the following Parts: Part I, Helping Patrons Job Search, contains: (1) Knowledge-Based Job Hunting and Interview Preparation (Michael A. Germano); and (2) Start Your Job Search Here (Jason Kuhl); Part II, Librarian Survival, presents: (3) Entrepreneurs in the Library: How an Entrepreneurial Spirit Expanded the Patron Base and Elevated Its Political Standing (James Lund); (4) Laid Off? Here's One Way to Land on Your Feet (J. James Mancuso); (5) Low- and No-Cost Development Opportunities for Librarians (Colleen S. Harris); (6) Online Resources in Michigan: A School Librarian Survives Hard Times (Margaret Lincoln). Part III, Grants, continues with: (7) Grant Proposals for the Working Librarian: From Idea to Implementation (Lois Stickell and Lisa Nickel); (8) Tools for Grant Searching (Victoria Lynn Packard); and (9) Writing Grant Proposals for Diverse Populations (Vandella Brown). (4) Part IV, Programming, includes: (10) Creating and Sustaining Community-Focused Programs (Wayne Finley and Joanna Kluever); and (11) Nothing to Lose: Creative Programming for the Frugal Librarian (Lisa A. Forrest). Part V, Sharing, includes: (12) Increasing Resources in Tough Times: A New Funding Model for the Purdue University Career Wiki (George Bergstrom and Mary Dugan); (13) Innovating and Saving with Joint-Use Libraries (Emily Dill); (14) Multitype Regional Library Responses to the Economic Crisis (Tom Taylor); (15) Museum Passes: A Low-Cost, High-Impact Partnership (Rebecca Tuck and Lisa Fraser); and (16) Saving by Sharing: Using Open-Source and Shared Catalogs to Do More with Less (John Helling). Part VI, Management, presents: (17) Bringing the Outside Back In: Creative and Cost-Effective Outreach Strategies (Kacy Vega and Kim Becnel); (18) Cost Factors in Digital Projects: A Model Useful in Other Applications (Lisa L. Crane); (19) Data-Driven Cancellation Decisions (Leslie Farison); (20) Green Information Technology Saves Money, Saves Resources (Sarah Passonneau); (21) Managing Staff Stress during Budget Crises: Lessons for Library Managers (Colleen S. Harris and Mary Chimato), and (22) Student Assistants: Maximize Effectiveness through Coordinated Training (Ken Johnson and Sue Hisle). Part VII, On-the-Job Success, contains: (23) Bidding Service Contracts in Public Libraries (Tom Cooper); (24) Digital Projects on a Shoestring (Emily Asch); (25) Developing Partnerships for Added Value (Aline Soules and Sarah Nielsen); (26) Organizing in the Streets and in the Stacks: A Grassroots Movement Saves Neighborhood Libraries (Edgar C. Bailey Jr.); (27) Turning Gifts and Discards into Gold (Robert Holley); and (28) A Small School Library Meets the Economic Challenge (Colleen Driscoll). Part VIII, Staffing, presents: (29) Leveraging Internal Resources to Fill Library Staff Shortages Temporarily (Marwin Britto); (30) Making Good by Making Do: Using Student Staff to Drive Library Technology Innovation (Gwen Evans); (31) Tiered Staffing for Technical Services (Mary S. Laskowski and Fang Huang Gao); (32) We're All in This Together: Solutions for Creative Staffing (Heidi Blackburn and Erin Davis). Part IX, Professional Development, includes: (33) Building Sustainable Professional Development Opportunities in Technology Literacy (Marwin Britto) and (34) $40 A Day, or Attending Library Conferences on the Cheap (Regina Koury). Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Library Personnel; Public Libraries; Social Networks; Knowledge Management; Personal Narratives; Library Development; Library Services; Production Techniques; Electronic Publishing; Communities of Practice

Abstract:
Regular readers of "Computers in Libraries" are aware that social networks are forming increasingly important linkages to professional and personal development in all libraries. Live and virtual social networks have become the new learning playground for librarians and library staff. Social networks have the ability to connect those who are passionate about sharing what they know and helping library professionals remain relevant in both the physical and digital worlds. Public library trainers Marianne Lenox--staff training and volunteer coordinator at the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (Ala.)--and Maurice Coleman--technical trainer for the Harford County Public Library (Md.)--share professional material, articles, and techniques benefiting their own libraries and institutions with each new class, tutorial, or handout they deliver. They each use their own techniques and resources to create and nurture social networks as both formal and informal learning tools. Though their methods differ, they achieve the similar result of increasing information intake and resource redistribution. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Equipment Maintenance; Technical Support; Information Technology; Technology Planning; Information Networks; Institutional Mission; Library Administration; Library Automation; Library Development; Library Equipment; Library Services; Performance Technology

Abstract:
In the library context, they depend on sophisticated business applications specifically designed to support their work. This infrastructure consists of such components as integrated library systems, their associated online catalogs or discovery services, and self-check equipment, as well as a Web site and the various online tools and services needed to manage and provide access to library resources. These systems work together to support the behind-the-scenes work, in-person services for patrons and virtual mobile and Web-based services. In this month's column, the author explores some of the layers of attention that need to be in place to ensure that technology contributes its full potential to the success of the organization. Some of these layers fall into the area of routine, but often deferred, maintenance, as well as larger-scale renovation or rebuilding projects. A stable, reliable, and well-designed technical infrastructure doesn't happen by itself. It requires that the library address the layers of routine maintenance, incremental improvements, and periodic reinvestment appropriate for such mission-critical assets. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Constructivism (Learning); Andragogy; Educational Theories; Academic Libraries; Librarians; Information Literacy; Library Instruction; Library Materials; Library Research; Library Services; Reference Services; Access to Information; Library Personnel; Library Development; Library Role; Communities of Practice; Database Management Systems; Online Systems

Abstract:
This paper will look at the services presently offered to distance students by libraries within the categories of professional staff, access to resources, reference assistance, and library user instruction. It will then offer the argument that these services could be improved by developing embedded librarians within online academic courses as a part of an online community of learners. This assertion is backed by educational theories discussing social constructivism and andragogy. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Fund Raising; Library Administration; School Libraries; Library Automation; Library Services; Librarians; Professional Development; Web 2.0 Technologies; Computer Mediated Communication; Computer Security; Web Sites; Story Telling; Computer Uses in Education; Guides; Educational Technology; Glossaries; Records (Forms); Library Personnel; Library Development; Educational Resources; Reading Aloud to Others

Abstract:
If you're new to running a library or looking for a refresher, this book can serve as your first reference source for school library operation, providing overview information on a wealth of topics, lists of resources for more in-depth information, and coverage of current topics such as Web 2.0, fundraising, digital booktalks, and cybersafety. Running a school library takes knowledge, planning, staffing, and experience. For school library staff members lacking previous library experience, specific library training, or a credentialed on-site librarian to provide help, the job goes from challenges to near impossible. Having a comprehensive library handbook is the next best thing to having an experienced librarian on staff. With the extreme budget cuts most school libraries are facing, professional development resources for library support staff that improve library management efficiency are in great demand. This popular handbook provides an overview of many topics related to school libraries, collecting a vast amount of information together in one volume with an extensive index and selected additional resources. Written in an accessible style, it provides a quick reference and overview information for the operation of school libraries that both experienced and new library staff will find useful. Designed to be read both cover-to-cover and utilized as a ready reference, the second edition of "Where Do I Start?: A School Library Handbook" has updated subject material that includes coverage of Web 2.0 applications, library web pages, reading books to students, digital storytelling, future trends in library automation, and more. [For the first edition, "Where Do I Start? A School Library Handbook," see ED529836.] Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Outreach Programs; Public Libraries; Academic Libraries; Information Technology; Library Services; Library Administration; Library Automation; Library Development; Library Networks; Handheld Devices; Barriers; Trend Analysis

Abstract:
Librarians, like patrons and researchers, are caught between traditional library service models and the promise of evolving information technologies. In recent years, professional conferences have strategically featured programs and presentations geared toward building a mobile agenda and adapting or adopting services to meet new demands of mobile users. Yet for every librarian with a mobile success story, there are many more seeking to identify how, when, and why to develop mobile library services. Adding to the complexities of the mobile puzzle, even vanguard libraries report relatively little overall usage of mobile services. So while mobile interest and capabilities are increasing, libraries with taut budgets must carefully weigh the benefits of specialized services with the costs of delivery. To set a baseline on the extent of current mobile services and to identify desired features, "Library Journal" recently conducted an email survey of public and academic libraries. Results from the 483 respondents indicate that many libraries are endeavoring to participate in the mobile environment, either by implementing or planning to implement mobile services. Overall, 44% of academic libraries and 34% of public libraries currently offer some type of mobile services to their customers; two out of five libraries of all types, academic and public, report plans to "go mobile" in the near future. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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