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Technology

Continuous Learning, ISL E-news, Technology
Participatory Technology Tools Survey
October 3rd, 2011 | Permalink | Comment?

The Illinois State Library wants to know how you use participatory technology tools, sometimes referred to as Web/Library 2.0 tools. They are interested in your comments to develop possible new continuing education opportunities.

Please take a moment to complete the simple eight-question survey before October 31.
Continuous Learning, E-Learning, Grants, Technology
Upcoming Webinar on the 2011 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study
September 28th, 2011 | Permalink | Comment?
Early registration is now available for Illinois librarians to attend the following November webinar:

2011 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study: Results, Trends and Resources

November 1, 1 p.m. 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. Take the new survey now!

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.
Research, Technology
Public Library Funding and Technology Access Survey Goes Online Today
September 6th, 2011 | Permalink | Comment?

Libraries in the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Opportunity Online Hardware and Broadband programs are required to participate in the Public Library Funding and Technology Access survey. Please complete the survey between September 6 – October 31.

Visit www.plinternetsurvey.org to complete the survey. Click on the start survey button, and you will then be prompted to enter your survey ID number, which is also your NCES number. If you cannot remember your number, a look up system is provided. Upon completion of the survey, you may register to win an Amazon Kindle.

The survey is administered by the Center for Library & Information Innovation at the University of Maryland-College Park, and technical assistance is provided by e-mailing jbertot@umd.edu. The study is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the American Library Association.
Grants, Programming, Technology
“Wow, That’s Cool! What is it?”
September 2nd, 2011 | Permalink | Comment?

WebJunction Illinois invites you take advantage of an early registration opportunity for an upcoming webinar, “Wow, That’s Cool! What is it?” on Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. (CST).

The Library of Virginia spent part of the last 12 months touring the Commonwealth with a van full of technology toys: e-readers, iPads, pocket video cameras and more, thanks to a grant from IMLS.

This webinar, presented by Cindy Church of LVA and her Wow That’s Cool trainer Lisa R. Varga, will describe how the project evolved, the response of library staff who had never seen or touched the technology patrons were asking about, things they’d do exactly the same next time, and things they’d never do again.

Go to Registration Page>>
Social Computing, Technology
Internet Librarian Conference
August 22nd, 2011 | Permalink | Comment?

A discount is being offered to all ILLINET member libraries for the Internet Librarian 2011 Conference in Monterey, California on October 17–19. For information on conference topics, a preliminary program, hotels and exhibitors, visit here.

To request a registration form with special discounted ILLINET member pricing, e-mail Jill Heffernan at jheffernan@ilsos.net or call 217-557-7259. To obtain the discount, forms must be returned to Jill by September 16.
Advocacy, Technology
U.S. IMPACT Study: Libraries Needed for Pilot Program
August 19th, 2011 | Permalink | Comment?

The University of Washington, with generous support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is extending the benefits of the 2009 U.S. IMPACT Study patron Web survey by making it available to all public libraries to use in their own data collection, evaluation, and advocacy efforts. Through the survey Web site, public libraries will also benefit from new advocacy tools, including video instruction, to help them communicate the value of public access technology to policymakers.

The University is currently recruiting 400 to 600 library systems nationwide to participate in a pilot of the survey tools and supporting materials. Pilot libraries will receive support throughout their involvement and will be asked to provide feedback via survey. A sample of pilot libraries will be asked to participate in a follow-up interview. Participating libraries must begin their flexible two- to four-week survey fielding period by September 12.

Take advantage of this opportunity to evaluate and demonstrate the impact of providing public access technology services in your community. You may register your library for the pilot by creating an account at http://impactsurvey.org. For more information, visit http://impactsurvey.org or contact the survey coordinator at info@impactsurvey.org or 206-543-4324.
Electronic Resources, Illinois State Library, Technology
Try it! Illinois
July 28th, 2011 | Permalink | Comment?

This fall the Illinois State Library will again offer the highly acclaimed service Try-It! Illinois to Illinois librarians and their users. Try-It! Illinois introduces Illinois librarians, staffs and patrons to a variety of electronic databases. These resources will be offered free of charge through the State Library during the trial period (October 1 – November 30). Vendors wishing to be included in this years’ offering should contact Gwen Harrison no later than Friday, September 16. Potential new vendors must contact Gwen to create a login and password necessary for entry into the trial. Contact Gwen or call her at 217-785-7334.
Illinois State Library, Technology
Digital Talking Books Update
June 14th, 2011 | Permalink | Comment?

Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White says new digital Talking Books and players are now available to patrons who use the Illinois Network of Talking Book and Braille Libraries.

White said all active Network patrons have been contacted to see if they wish to receive a digital Talking Book player, and he is encouraging others who are print disabled to sign up for the free service and obtain a new, easy-to-use digital player.

“We are very excited about the availability of these new digital players, and patrons who are already using them have told us how easy they are to use and much they enjoy them,” White said. “We know, however, that as many as 150,000 Illinois residents who have trouble reading or holding regular print materials could qualify for the service. We want those potential users to sign up for our free service and discover how much Talking Books can enhance their lives.”

More than 28,000 Illinoisans now use the wide variety of materials provided by the Illinois Network of Talking Book and Braille Libraries. Users can choose from a large collection of digital audio books, braille materials, descriptive videos, magazines and other services. With the cooperation of the U.S. Postal Service these materials are mailed free of charge to participants, and users return materials free of charge.

Others eligible to participate include anyone who needs large print or who has macular degeneration, arthritis, dyslexia, cataracts, cerebral palsy or any other type of visual or physical impairment that limits reading.

“Many more persons will become eligible in the coming years as the ‘baby boom’ generation ages,” White said. “At the same time, it is not well known that the program is available to all ages. Schools, nursing homes, hospitals and other organizations may use the service. I strongly encourage anyone who qualifies, or who knows a friend, family member or loved one who may qualify, to sign up for this outstanding free service. These materials have the ability to greatly enhance the lives of citizens who cannot read regular printed material because of a visual or physical disability.”

Persons interested in more information, or wanting to sign up, may contact the Illinois State Library Talking Book and Braille Service at 1-800-665-5576, option 5, or log on to www.ilbph.org. The Talking Book program is administered by the Secretary of State’s office, and is a division of the State Library. The Illinois network consists of the TBBS regional library in Springfield; Mid-Illinois Talking Book Center in East Peoria; Voices of Vision Talking Book Center in Geneva; Chicago Public Library Talking Book Center and the Illinois Machine Sub-lending Agency in Carterville.
Grants, Illinois State Library, Technology
Digital Divide Grants
May 23rd, 2011 | Permalink | Comment?
Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has announced that forty-one public libraries and community college learning resource centers will share in a nearly $1 million grant awarded to the Illinois State Library to enhance broadband computer access to citizens across Illinois.

White said the “Eliminate the Digital Divide Program Grant” is being awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to provide equipment, training and services for broadband- delivered education, employment and reading services to the unemployed, children, seniors, minorities, persons with disabilities and others.

“The digital divide prevents many low-income citizens from having access to important technology and educational programs that can greatly enrich their lives,” White said. “Having access to information allows citizens to engage in lifelong learning, and these grants will allow libraries and other providers to offer critical services that will hopefully allow more Illinoisans to lead better, more productive lives. I thank Governor Pat Quinn and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for working closely with us to bridge the digital divide in our state.”

White said grants range from $10,000 to $26,000 and will be awarded to the following recipients:
- City of Chicago SD #299, ACE Tech Center
- Atkinson Public Library District
- Blue Island Public Library
- Bradley Public Library District
- C.E. Brehm Memorial Public Library District, Mt. Vernon
- Cahokia Public Library District
- Carbondale Public Library
- Carthage Public Library District
- Centralia Regional Library District
- Champaign Public Library
- Cherry Valley Public Library District
- Colchester District Library
- Decatur Public Library
- DeKalb Public Library
- Des Plaines Valley Public Library District, Crest Hill Branch
- Eldorado Memorial Public Library District
- Freeport Public Library
- Frontier Community College Learning Resource Center, Fairfield
- Gail Borden Public Library District, Elgin
- Glenwood-Lynwood Public Library District
- Greater West Central Public Library District, Augusta, Golden, Littleton Branches
- Harrisburg Public Library District
- Hoopeston Public Library District
- John Wood Community College, Quincy
- Joliet Public Library
- Kaskaskia College, Centralia
- Kewanee Public Library District
- Lincoln Trail College, Eagleton Learning Resource Center, Olney
- Metropolis Public Library
- Mississippi Valley Public Library District, Fairmont and Collinsville
- Nancy L. McConathy Public Library District, Sauk Village
- Newman Regional Library District
- Peoria Public Library
- Quincy Public Library
- Rend Lake College Learning Resource Center, Ina
- St. Elmo Public Library District
- Sterling Public Library
- Zion-Benton Public Library District
New @ WJ-IL, Technology
What’s New @ WJIL: Website Development
April 14th, 2011 | Permalink | Comment?
In order to reach their patrons wherever they are libraries need an online presence. A quality website once required a programmer however with new web design tools and applications non-IT staff can build an attractive, basic website fairly easily. Read more about website development in this edition of “What’s New @ WJIL.”

Contents: Resources | Courses and Learning | Community | What could I do with…? | What’s New RSS Feed

“What’s New” RSS Feed

Want the latest “What’s New @ WJIL” to come to you? Add the RSS feed to your blog reader.
[http://webjunctionworks.org/il/blog/index.php/category/new-wj-il/feed/

Resources

Open Source Systems Power Library Websites
- This overview of some of the tools libraries are using to build and manage their website, including links to examples of those websites. Drupal, Joomla, WordPress and Omeka are all included along with links to video tutorials.
- Path [Technology» Website Development]
Comparing Open Source Content Management Systems
- A short comparison between WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and Plone
- Path [Technology» Website Development]
Free Easy Ways to Add a Calendar to Your Website
- Keep visitors to your library’s website informed about upcoming events
- Path [Technology» Website Development]
Cloud Computing and Libraries
- Definition and overview of “cloud computing,” and why it is of interest to your library
- Path [Technology» Website Development]
Tips for Designing (or Redesigning) a Nonprofit website
- What are the steps and skills needed to plan a major site redesign
- Path [Technology» Website Development]
5 Tips for Dealing with Difficult Patrons Online
- In this video David Lee King, Digital Branch & Services manager at Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, presents five ways to respond in the rare case of rude or inappropriate comments from patrons on your library’s website.
- Path [Technology» Website Development]
Courses and Learning

Web Development Series
- This series of 19 courses available in the WJIL Catalog for free to registered users includes Web Development Fundamentals, JavaScript Language Basics, Web Services and Service-Oriented Architecture and many others.
Creating a Web Presence for Every Library
- PPT, archive and resources for this WJ webinar.
Community

Check out the following groups related to website development and join the community for information, discussion and inspiration. (Remember you must be logged in to join a Group).
- WordPress for Libraries
- Library Websites Group
What Could I do with…Continuing Education when Budget and Staff have Been Cut?

Everyone’s budget and staff have been cut recently and along with it, the time and money needed for continuing education and learning opportunities. However, learning can still take place in small chunks and when the opportunity arises, such as with this video on 5 Tips for Dealing with Difficult Patrons Online. Pass the link to this short video on to staff and ask them to take just a few minutes to learn something new, then talk about it with others. It will inspire discussion and encourage staff to continue pursuing learning, even in these difficult times.

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Technology

Continuous Learning, ISL E-news, Technology

Participatory Technology Tools Survey

Continuous Learning, E-Learning, Grants, Technology

Upcoming Webinar on the 2011 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study

Research, Technology

Public Library Funding and Technology Access Survey Goes Online Today

Grants, Programming, Technology

“Wow, That’s Cool! What is it?”

Social Computing, Technology

Internet Librarian Conference

Advocacy, Technology

U.S. IMPACT Study: Libraries Needed for Pilot Program

Electronic Resources, Illinois State Library, Technology

Try it! Illinois

Illinois State Library, Technology

Digital Talking Books Update

Grants, Illinois State Library, Technology

Digital Divide Grants

New @ WJ-IL, Technology

What’s New @ WJIL: Website Development

Resources

Courses and Learning

Community

What Could I do with…Continuing Education when Budget and Staff have Been Cut?