At $25, a chance to see the great lake, and a content-rich program, it’s a deal! Participation is invited from staff of all library types and geographic locations. Location: Superior, WI (near Duluth)

Shared on behalf of Adam Brisk, WITC:

Lake Superior Libraries Symposium – Sign up for June 1st Conference! Call for Posters Extended!

The 2012 Lake Superior Libraries Symposium would like to extend an invitation to our inaugural conference on June 1^st, 2012 at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Superior, WI.  Join archivists, technologists, librarians, directors, technicians, and students from around Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula. Just consider all of the experiences, resources, and ideas that are being gathered for this unique conference!   Attendees will:

SEE ELI NEIBERGER, 2011 Library Journal Mover and Shaker, offer a keynote address on the future of providing materials and services entitled “Access Schmaccess.”

• EXPERIENCE FOUR SESSIONS of informational presentations full of dynamic content featuring all aspects of librarianship. Sessions on digitization, leadership, assessment, children’s literature, collaboration, web-design, long term planning, and more.
• NETWORK THANKS TO ample time devoted to networking and sharing ideas This is an opportunity unlike any other to collaborate, develop relationships, and help create a stronger future for libraries. Imagine this:
  • Minnesotans shaking hands with Wisconsinites!
  • Librarians from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan speaking to you! 
  • Academic librarians and public librarians exchanging pleasantries!
  • Archivists, Catalogers, and Reference Librarians conversing!
• SHARE WITH COLLEAGUES because our Call for Posters has been extended!  Take a minute to sign up and share your research, organization, or future plans.
• EAT DELUXE TACO BAR, an amazing amalgamation of beans, tortillas, tacos, spices, lettuce, proteins, and joy!
• BE FRUGAL AND economical! all of this (and more) for the low, low price of 25 Dollars! A full conference experience for a webinar price! Penny Pinchers Rejoice!

So, what are you waiting for?  Register by phone by calling 715-468-2815, or online at via the WITC Classfinder.  Registration, due to fiduciary and organizational structure, requires personal information; all information is secured and used only by the state Wisconsin to better serve its community.

For more information, visit our site at https://sites.google.com/site/lakesuperiorlibrariessymposium/

Questions, comments, suggestions and condemnations should be directed to adam.brisk@witc.edu

The Lake Superior Libraries Symposium is marketed, staffed and supported by the collaborative efforts of librarians from University of Minnesota-Duluth, WITC, UW-Superior, Superior Public Library, the College of St. Scholastica, Superior Middle School, Northern Waters Library Service, and many others!

Call for Posters – Go North in June!

Lake Superior Libraries Symposium – Call for Proposals

Library staff may soon be able to take advantage of an emerging trend to obtain free continuing education opportunities. Several high profile academic institutions are working with others to launch free online course initiatives this year.   The online courses will be developed and taught by “world-class” faculty.  Some resources will be open-source for anyone to use. Students may be graded or receive a certificate of completion, but will not receive college credit.  So, participants will have free learning opportunities while the institutions learn what works and what doesn’t in their online courses.

Three new initiatives have been in the news recently. One nonprofit, edX, and two for-profit companies, Coursera and Udacity, and have been formed to create and offer free online courses to the masses. Institutions mentioned in recent stories include Harvard University, MIT, Stanford, Princeton, Berkeley, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan.

Here is a list of recent news stories about these emerging free online course initiatives. Feel free to add additional news stories and your observations in the comments area.

Learn from Harvard and MIT this fall – and it’s free (Star Tribune, 5/4/12, from New York Times, 5/2/12)

Harvard and MIT Put $60-Million Into New Platform for Free Online C… (Chronicle of Higher Ed, 5/2/12)

MIT and Harvard announce edX (MITnews Press Release, 5/2/12) -Joint partnership builds on MITx and Harvard distance learning; aims to benefit campus-based education and beyond.

Explosion In Free Online Classes May Change Course Of Higher Education (MPR, 5/2/12)

From Silicon Valley, A New Approach To Education  (MPR, 4/18/12) – [Coursera, Udacity]

Professor Leaves Stanford Teaching Post, Hoping to Reach 500,000 at…  (Chronicle of Higher Education, 1/29/2012) – [Udacity]

Stanford Takes Online Learning to the Next Academic Level (NRP, 1/23/12)

5/1/2012
Noon – 1:00 (CT)
Rick Riordan and The Serpent’s Shadow (School Library Journal)
He’s b-a-a-ack! Despite their best efforts, Carter and Sade Kane can’t seem to keep Apophis, the chaos snake, down. Now Apophis is threatening to plunge the world into eternal darkness, and the Kanes are faced with the impossible task of having to destroy him once and for all. Unfortunately, the magicians of the House of Life are on the brink of civil war, the gods are divided, and the young initiates of Brooklyn House stand almost alone against the forces of chaos. Join Rick Riordan at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium in San Jose, California for a unique tour of actual Egyptian artifacts and a chance to ask Rick questions live! 

5/1/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
Putting Nonfiction to Work: Helping Youth Nonfiction Circulate in Your Library (Booklist)
Is nonfiction at work in your library? Join three children’s nonfiction publishers—The Creative Company, Amicus Publishing, and Black Rabbit Books—who will offer “best practices” advice from librarians nationwide, while also introducing upcoming fall books. Share your own success stories during the presentation for a chance to win one of three gift baskets of books. Moderated by Booklist’s Books for Youth associate editor Ann Kelley.

5/2/2012
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. (CT)
Digital Resources of the National Library of Medicine (NCompass LIve/NLM)
This session focusing on National Library of Medicine Digital Resources, will be presented by Marty Magee, Education & Nebraska Liaison, National Network/Libraries of Medicine. It will include such resources as Turning the Pages, and History of Medicine Resources, tutorials and much more!

5/2/2012
11:00 – Noon (CT)
Maximize What You Learn at Work to Accelerate Your Career (American Management Association)
What Did You Learn at Work Today? While your employer may offer you one or more weeks of training per year, you have many learning opportunities every day in the course of your work. In this webcast, you’ll learn how to make the most of these learning opportunities and discover ways to use them to improve your job performance and accelerate your career growth.

5/2/2012
11:00 – Noon (CT)
Hiring a Quality Director: How & Why (Utah State Library)
Why hire a qualified director; knowing what to do.  Having good, strong, effective, appreciative leadership can bring any organization to success, especially as it relates to: Motivating staff for productivity, Engaging supporters, Serving the community, and Keeping library operations legal and solvent.  It’s just so important to hire the right director…the right way. Here are some practical steps that help you know how.

 5/2/2012
1:30 – 2:30 P.M. (CT)
Make it Stick: Embracing Transliteracy in Library Programming and Training (Colorado State Library) Transliteracy – the ability to communicate and interact across multiple platforms and technologies – is becoming increasingly vital to creating cultures of learning within our libraries and our service communities. This session will introduce you to the principles of transliteracy and will provide practical ideas for integrating transliteracy skills into staff training, public training, and public programming. We’ll discuss ways in which your library can equip staff with the skills necessary to keep pace in a transliterate world. During the session, you’ll generate ideas for library programs and classes that your library can deliver to your communities to ensure transliteracy flourishes.

5/2/2012
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. (CT)
Rallying Your Community: Mobilizing the Grassroots (American Library Association) You must register in advance
In a difficult economy, the citizen voice is more important than ever. Learn how two community organizations, the Sustainable Library Citizens Coalition of Indianapolis-Marion County (Ind.) Public Library and Urban Librarians Unite of New York City, have used their voices to impact library funding. Laura Johnson, deputy director, public services, of the Indianapolis Public Library and Tara Seeley, senior grants officer, Central Indiana Community Foundation, will share their story of engaging the Indianapolis community to successfully advocate on behalf of libraries and librarians. Lauren Comito, director of communications and operations, Urban Librarians Unite, will describe this group’s radical tactics for promoting and supporting libraries in the New York area. Marci Merola, director of the ALA Office for Library Advocacy, will moderate the webinar and demonstrate practical applications of resources from the ALA Office for Library Advocacy.

5/3/2012
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (CT)
The Flipped Classroom: Turning Learning on its Head (eSchool News)
Flipped Learning is when educators actively transfer the responsibility and ownership of learning to their students. Flipped learning happens when the teacher’s lecture is delivered to students via video outside of the classroom. Then traditional class time is used for active problem solving and one-to-one or small group tutoring with the teacher. Mastery learning occurs when students learn a series of objectives at their own pace instead of all students working on the same topic at the same time. The flipped-mastery classroom marries that with modern technology to make a sustainable, reproducible, and manageable environment for learning.

5/3/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
Curriculum Connection: Bridging Reference and Students (Booklist)
Upper elementary through high school students depend on their school and public libraries for quality resources and support. How can you assist them? Join us for a free, hour-long webinar where representatives from Britannica and World Book will showcase their study guides, interactive lessons, and material suited to state standards. Booklist Reference and Collection Management editor Rebecca Vnuk moderates.

5/3/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
Jump Start Your Grant Seeking (TechSoup)
Jeremy Smith, GrantStation’s communications and technology director, will provide a short tour of the GrantStation website. He will also talk about how a GrantStation membership can provide you with full access to the website, including a searchable database of thousands of private, corporate, and international grantmakers, as well as a list of current federal grant programs. The tour will also include a sneak peek of Grants2020, a newly developed tool to help you build an effective grants strategy for years to come.

5/4/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
3M Cloud Library eBooks (3M)
Covers the standard patron-facing interface using iPad and PC as examples. Shows how patrons can search for and check out e-books. Overview of 3M Discovery Station and how Library Staff will use the Download Station software to transfer e-books to 3M e-readers.

5/4/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
Strategies for Overcoming Student Resistance (The TLT Group)
There are several interdependent elements that affect students’ readiness to learn and that shape their desire to engage in the classroom.  However, being aware of these forces is only the first step in ramping up student motivation to learn.  Using the Integrated Resistance Model, this session will explore ways that faculty can assess the various elements in order to determine where their students are and will describe some strategies that faculty can implement to help students to overcome their resistance and become active participants in their own learning.  The session will also focus on methods to encourage student willing participation in collaborative group work.

5/8/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
Lerner Fall 2012 Preview (School Library Journal)
Visit with Lerner Publishing Group’s editors as they unveil the new fantastic new books they’ll be publishing in Fall 2012. Get the inside scoop on upcoming nonfiction, middle grade and YA fiction, graphic novels, and picture books for grades K-12. Plus, learn about new digital offerings, as well as free discussion guides, downloads, and websites that make lesson planning easy.

5/9/2012
11:00 – Noon
Hiring a Quality Director: Expectations & Hiring (Utah State Library)
Formulating your expectations of a new director & hiring with them in mind.  What do you like about the library’s current operation? What about the outgoing director’s performance? What improvements would you like to see? Learn how to turn those answers into a list of characteristics and criteria on which the advertisement, the selection of interviewees, and the interview questions will based.

5/9/2012
Noon – 1:00 p.m. (CT)
Grantseeking Basics (Grantspace)
Are you a representative of a nonprofit organization? Are you new to fundraising? Do you want to learn how the funding research process works, and what tools and resources are available? Learn how to become a better grantseeker! In this class we will cover: what you need to have in place before you seek a grant; the world of grantmakers; the grantseeking process; and available tools and resources.

5/9/2012
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (CT)
Rediscover the Nineteenth Century: The creation and organization of Nineteenth Century Collections Online (Library Journal)
In 2003, Gale Cengage Learning changed the landscape of primary source digitization for research with the release of Eighteenth Century Collections Online. Taking on digitizing the 19th Century presented new issues and concerns, with publishing in Great Britain alone exceeding more than 10-fold that of the previous century. With the guidance of an elite, globally focused advisory board, Gale Cengage Learning is proud to announce the release of Nineteenth Century Collections Online. Please join us for an overview of the scope and focus of the program, and a tour of this exciting line of archives.

5/10/2012
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (CT)
Christian Fiction Spring Book Buzz (Library Journal)
There’s more to Christian fiction than “gentle reads”, which explains its expanding appeal to a more sophisticated and demographically diverse readership. Join us on May 10 for our Spring 2012 Christian Fiction webcast. We’ll be talking about the latest and upcoming titles, the ones you’ll need to know about.

5/14/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
Nuts & Bolts of Social Media (InSync Training)
This session will cover basics of creating and sustaining community via social media tools. Rather than theory, participants will walk away with an understanding of how to implement and utilize these applications. Briefly, we will look at several popular social media tools, such as blogs, wikis, Facebook and Twitter, then basics of using these tools for 1) Creating Community & Community Management; 2) Fostering Communities of Practice; 3) Knowledge Transfer and Management. 

5/15/2012
Noon – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
Made in a Library: A free online innovation symposium (OCLC)
What happens when you take a place that has traditionally been about learning and transform it into a place of doing and making? Find out, when we look at how librarians, teachers, students, faculty and communities are turning their focus to creation—whether providing digital tools for game makers, programmers, musicians and authors, or makerspaces for 3-D printing and other “real-life” projects. Join moderator Jason Griffey from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; Sue Considine and Lauren Britton, who started the Fayetteville (New York) Free Library’s FFL FabLab makerspace; and Joseph Sanchez, currently at the University of Colorado Denver, who incorporated a variety of “doing” spaces into the Red Rocks Community College Library—saving it from closure in the process.

5/15/2012
Noon – 1:00 p.m. (CT)
Proposal Writing Basics (Grantspace)
For those new to proposal writing, this class will cover how the proposal fits into the overall grantseeking process, what to include in a standard proposal to a foundation, tips for making each section of your proposal stronger, and what funders expect to see in your proposal and attachments.

5/15/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
eBooks: New Models, New Tools & New Approaches–A Discussion of Emerging Options (Library Journal)
This session will look at the eBook landscape from a wide perspective, including the many options for approaching eBook acquisition, lease and loan. This will include discussion of Patron Driven Acquisition (PDA) as well as next generation approaches to patron driven acquisition – “Smart PDA.” It will cover collection development approaches, platform and device changes & possibilities, as well as user experiences & expectations. The session will discuss the many options that can be made available to libraries to optimize their approaches to eBook discovery, usage and overall value of their collections. EBSCO will also discuss its recently released eBook ordering and management platform for eBooks on EBSCOhost including its current capabilities and a glimpse of the road ahead.

5/16/2012
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Addressing Your Roots – Searching the 1940 Census (NCompass Live)
Do you know where your Uncle Fred lived in Omaha? If not, the Library Commission has some resources to help, as knowing his address may be key to finding him in the 1940 Census. Allana Novotny, Beth Goble and Devra Dragos will share tips and resources for searching this census before the name-indexing is completed. 

5/16/2012
11:00 – Noon (CT)
Hiring a Quality Director: Hiring & Interview Process (Utah State Library)
The job hiring and interview process.  Learn the most effective, fair and replicable way to compare applicants and make interview decisions, which involves the use of a matrix/graph that allows both for required characteristics and skills (as identified in Section 2, above) and for “surprises” that could add value to the organization. Learn the “nuts and bolts” of how the interviews should be set up, what presentations or other documentation might be required, how to include staff and community in the process, checking references and negotiating an offer.

5/16/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
Libraries and the Era of the Learner: A Vision for the Future (WebJunction)
Join us for a discussion exploring lifelong learning as an economic driver in the 21st century and the expanding role of libraries in this “era of the learner.” Building on discussions about 21st century skills and workforce development, we’ll hear from futurist Garry Golden on the changing workforce and the role that public libraries can play. We’re excited to take a glimpse into the future and to hear how libraries can identify changes, explore implications and pave the way for learners in the 21st century. This session will build on discussions from a face-to-face convening to be held in April, but will benefit and be of interest to all working in libraries.

5/16/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
QR Codes in Libraries (GLA)
QR codes are popping up everywhere! This session will highlight how libraries are using QR codes, the benefits and drawbacks of using them, and best practices for getting the most out of QR codes.

5/16/2012
2:15 – 3:15 p.m. (CT)
Content Management Systems: Drupal (GLA-Georgia Library Association)
This session will introduce you to the concept of Content Management Systems and will take Drupal as an example to explain the concept and its implementation. We will discuss the various capabilities of Drupal and go through some examples of Drupal sites.

5/18/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
Copyright Series (The TLT Group)
Interview with Kenneth Crews, Copyright Advisory Office, Columbia University.

5/22/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
Overview of eBooks and eReaders: the basics (Colorado Library Consortium)
Join trainers at the Colorado Library Consortium to learn more about eBooks and eReaders.

5/23/2012
11:00 – Noon (CT)
Hiring a Quality Director: Discipline (Utah State Library)
Disciplinary actions, when it’s not going to work.  Clear, open communication, that begins during the interview and continues through probation, should set the stage for true analysis of the job fit that results. No surprises, no personal value judgments, but, rather, professional guidelines, support, goal-setting and measurements should govern the process of performance review and subsequent disciplinary steps (if needed). This is critical to know, yet often ignored.

5/23/2012
Noon – 1:00 (CT)
What’s the Big Deal about HTML5 for Mobile eLearning (Adobe)
Join eLearning Evangelist, Dr. Allen Partridge for a fascinating discussion of HTML5 and other mobile solutions for eLearning. Dr. Partridge will give practical advice for developing ‘just in time’ tools, job aids and other practical solutions to today’s mLearning requirements. Attendees will learn how to convert their eLearning content to HTML5, and when to convert their content to HTML5. Allen will discuss the short and long term implications of the latest version of Hypertext language and it’s uses and limitations for everything from performance aids to on demand eLearning assessments.

5/23/2012
11:00 – Noon (CT)
Leading from any Chair in the Organization (Webex)
Leadership is not reserved for the people at the top of an organization. For a team or organization to truly move forward in an aligned and synergistic way, everyone has to be involved and feel that they can contribute in a meaningful way—no matter their role. In this webinar, Blanchard Senior Consulting Partner Bob Glaser will share three ways you can create a culture where everyone feels a sense of ownership and empowerment and ability to make a difference.

5/24/2012
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. (CT)
To Pin or Not to Pin: An Exploration of Pinterest for Librarians (Texas State Library)
Have you heard people talking about “pinning” the night away, but are clueless as to what they’re actually talking about? Join Dawn Krause, Manager of Continuing Education at the Texas State Library and Angela Palmer of Bee Cave Public Library — both avid Pinterest users — in an overview of this fun tool. Find out what all the fuss is about and explore the ways that libraries are beginning to use this tool. Pinterest.com is a social site that allows users to “pin” images from around the internet or upload them from their own personal collections to create visual bulletin boards. Find out how the tool works and how your users may be using it, then decide if it’s right for your library. Of course, we’ll cover some of the controversy around copyright as well.

5/29/2012
Noon – 1:00 p.m. (CT)
Performance Implications of Mobile Design (O’Reilly)
Building a good mobile website, spanning different devices, platforms and contexts, is a difficult task. And also making that website FAST is even harder. Performance is often overlooked as designers and developers focus on layout and functionality, often resulting with slow and heavy mobile sites. In this webcast presentation we’ll review the top design philosophies for building a mobile website, briefly explain each & dig into the primary performance implications it carries, we’ll show real world examples, explain what they did wrong, and talk about how you can avoid these problems on your own site.

5/30/2012
10:00 – 1:00 a.m. (CT)
Tech Talk with Michael Sauers (NCompass LIve)
In this monthly feature of NCompass Live, the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Michael Sauers, will discuss the tech news of the month and share new and exciting tech for your library. There will also be plenty of time in each episode for you to ask your tech questions. So, bring your questions with you, or send them in ahead of time, and Michael will have your answers.

5/30/2012
11:00 – Noon (CT)
Hiring a Quality Director: Continued Success (Utah State Library)
Continued Success. Keeping with the established performance needs identified earlier, an evaluation tool should be created and used several times during the new director’s probationary period. Critical also is the collection of input from peers, community stakeholders and subordinates, as it’s often impossible for Board members to truly see how one person’s leadership is affecting the whole. Also, at the point of offer, clear expectations, goals and consequences must be articulated so all avenues for potential success are open.

5/30/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
Bozarthzone! Where’s the Power? What’s Your Point? (InSync)
Tired of seeing PowerPoint shows that have neither power nor a point? This session provides strategies for developing memorable slides with punch, not just pretty slides peppered with bullets. Join us as we look at ways to hook our learners, generate discussion, highlight critical information, and create learning points that will stick.

5/31/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
Understanding Compassion Fatigue in Your Library (WebJunction)
You love your job. You love your library. You love helping your patrons and giving them the extra attention that lets them know you care. But there are days when you’ve given just about all you have to give. At the end of the day you feel drained, or irritated, or both! You may have achieved “compassion fatigue.” The term, which is used frequently in medical settings, describes a caregiver’s reaction to chronic stress that results in feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, self-doubt, lack of focus and fatigue. This webinar will help you recognize the symptoms and the situations that may trigger compassion fatigue and understand how it affects you and your working environment. Explore ways to take care of yourself so you can continue to show compassion and give your patrons the care they need.

WebJunction courses are available to members of the Minnesota library community. With the move to a new platform, WebJunction Minnesota (WJMN) users will have one login for WebJunction in general and a separate login for the WebJunction Course page .

Here are the instructions for login to the new WebJunction Courses page!

•    Returning WJMN Course Users:

1. If you had enrolled in and accessed courses after 10/1/2010 and you were a Minnesota affiliate, your account should have migrated to the new course site and you should have received an email from WebJunction with a temporary password on Friday, March 23, 2012.
2. To access the new course site, click “Go to Courses” in the box on the right.
3. Log in with your previous WebJunction username and the temporary password.
4. Upon login, you’ll be asked to choose a new password. WebJunction strongly suggests that you choose the password you used on the old site. If you do that, you will then have the same login and password as before.

•    New WJMN Course Users:

1. If you’d like to preview the courses available through WebJunction, follow the “Preview Course Catalog” link on the right.
2. If you decide you’d like to request access to those courses, follow the “Request Course Access” link to the right and complete the online form.
3. Please provide an email address and the name of your library-related employer or organization, so that we may easily verify and approve you as a Minnesota affiliate.
4. You will receive an email notifying you that your account has been approved (or denied), along with instructions to create your account on the new course site.
5. Once you’ve created your course account, you can easily log in to the course site from this page via the “Go To Courses” link. This link can be found on the home page for WebJunction or WebJunction Minnesota.

Questions? Let us know. Send a message to mnwebjunction at gmail.com or directly to support@webjunction.com.

4/2/2012
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. (CT)
Dynamic Duo: English Teacher & Teacher Librarian (TL Virtual Café)
Creating a Culture of Reading wherever they Go! Meenoo Rami, Nick Provenzano and Shannon M. Miller offer an important discussion around how classroom teachers and librarians should be working together to create a rich literacy environment in our schools.

4/3/2012
Noon – 1:00 (CT)
The Mobile Omnivore: A Taste Test of Mobile Website Development (O’Reilly)
The mobile web is a complex place. There are lots of ways to build a mobile website—how do you choose the right tool for the job? In this webcast presentation, we touch on a series of technologies and techniques including: Responsive Web Design (RWD), Mobile-first RWD, Server-side device detection, HTML5 and CSS3 on mobile, Device idiosyncrasies, Some of our favorite tools and tips for mobile development. If you already have web development chops but want to go mobile, this is the talk for you! Familiarity with HTML and CSS is a must; comfort with some JavaScript is helpful.

4/3/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
Instructional Design for the Real World (InSync Training)
Join in for a fast, fun tour of quick tools and tricks that will support rapid instructional design, cut to the heart of needs analysis, and improve communication with subject matter experts and managers and others requesting training solutions.  

4/3/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
You’ve Got Male: Great New Books For Boys (Booklist)
Capturing the attention of the often elusive male reader continues to be a goal of many youth publishers. What are some of the top titles and trends that that you should be aware of? Join us for a fascinating hour-long program moderated by Books for Youth senior editor Daniel Kraus and featuring a panel of representatives from Listening Library, Annick, and Lormier.

4/3/2012
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (CT)
An Introduction to the LSSC Program (American Library Association/Library Support Staff Certification Program)
LSSC will offer an hour-long webinar on the program and how it works.  The presentation will explain the value of this certification to Library Support Staff, employers, and library users. You will also have the opportunity to have all of your questions answered by program staff members. This webinar is open to all interested candidates. *Note the Wyoming State Library will offer 10 LSSC registration assistance grants ($175) beginning April 16* For more information and to register for the program, visit:

4/4/2012
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. (CT)
Dream Big READ: Summer Reading Program 2012 (NCompass Live)
Sally Snyder, Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services at the Nebraska Library Commission, will give brief book talks of new titles pertaining to the 2012 Summer Reading Program themes: Dream Big READ (children’s theme) and Own the Night (teen theme).

4/4/2012
Noon – 1:00 (CT)
Accessibility and Usability: Working Together at MIT (EDUCAUSE)
The usability and accessibility teams in MIT’s Department of Information Services and Technology have always worked closely together, but were formally merged during a department-wide reorganization in 2009. The goal in blending the teams was to provide a comprehensive service to clients without diluting individual practices. Over two years, we have strengthened our ability to advocate persuasively for both usability and accessibility with clients. We’ve also seen fewer projects slip through the cracks and observed standards applied more consistently. The merge has provided a greater understanding of why the two practices belong together, how this can happen, and the importance of commitment from administrative leadership.  

4/4/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
Skills for the Everyday Leader (WebJunction)
Many of us regard a move into management as “going to the dark side,” but leadership is not only reserved for those with manager in their title. Learning effective supervisory skills can benefit many levels of work in the library, especially if you wear multiple hats in your organization serving as both staff peer and manager. Find out the top 10 actions to take and the top 10 mistakes to avoid as an everyday leader. By the end of this webinar, you’ll have some simple and effective tools to help you work more powerfully with your colleagues or become the supervisor you always wanted to work for.  

4/9/2012
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (CT)
Everything I Need and Want is in the Teen Section: YA Spatial Practices in New U.S. Public Libraries (San Jose State University – SLIS)
While conventional LIS youth services concentrates on collections, this presentation, part of a 3-year IMLS National Leadership grant, engages a critical youth studies approach examining “spatial equity” for young adults in libraries: what current U.S. practices tell us. Recently collected quantitative data from both professionals and youth library users further inform on-going qualitative research with video ethnography and experimental 3D mockups of real spaces.

4/10/2012
11:00 – Noon (CT)
The New Science of Building Great Teams: Analytics for Success (Harvard Business Review)
Managers have long believed that building high-performance teams is an art and not a science. But new research reveals a scientific approach to building great teams. MIT’s Human Performance Dynamics Laboratory has identified the specific factors that characterize high-performing teams. These factors are observable, quantifiable, and measurable. On April 10, 2012, join Sandy Pentland, the Director of MIT’s Human Performance Dynamics Laboratory, as he describes why high-performing teams are different. He will explain why patterns of communication are the key to great teams and will identify the specific elements of communication that most affect team performance. 

4/10/2012
Noon – 1:00 (CT)
25 Twitter projects to engage your community and benefit your business (O’Reilly)
Jesse McDougall, author of #tweetsmart, discusses the approach of engaging in Twitter community-building projects in a way that is strategic, fun, and measurable. Jesse will share some of his favorite Twitter projects to demonstrate how to build community in 140 characters or less and will show how your business can benefit.

4/10/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
Picture These: What’s New With Graphic Novels (Booklist)
As readership of graphic novels continues to skyrocket, it’s clear that the format has firmly taken root for a wide range of readers. How can you stay on top of the hottest new graphic novels for children and teens? Join us for an exciting, hour-long program moderated Booklist Books for Youth senior editor Ian Chipman and featuring a panel of representatives from six leading graphic-novel publishers: ABDO, First Second Books, Kids Can Press, Papercutz, TOON Books, and Top Shelf. 

4/10/2012
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (CT)
Spring Adult Book Buzz (Library Journal)
Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Ford’s Canada, his first novel in six years. Chelsea Cain’s Kill You Twice, next in the New York Times best-selling Archie Sheridan series. And award-winning broadcast journalist Lynn Sherr’s Swim: Why We Love the Water. These are some of the spring/summer season’s hottest titles, and they’ll be featured with other big titles on LJ’s April 10 webcast, Spring Adult Book Buzz. Arm yourself with suggestions for vacation reading by joining us as sponsors Harper Collins, Macmillan Library Marketing, Perseus, and Random House share their top picks.

4/10/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
Virtual Connections (WebJunction)
Get connected with your library patrons! Connecting with patrons in the online world is vital for libraries. Learn how to build and maintain virtual, internet-based connections with your patrons by utilizing the tools they are increasingly using themselves, including Google Plus, QR Codes, and Pinterest. We will focus on how to get started with these platforms and how to immediately put them to use for your library. You will also be provided with ideas to expand your use of these great connection-oriented tools. Learn how libraries are growing virtual community connections and engaging with their patrons.  

4/11/2012
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. (CT)
Snapshot Day: What It Is and How Your Library Will Benefit (NCompass Live)
Join Robin Clark, chair of NLA’s Advocacy Committee, and Jessica Chamberlain, NLA’s PLTS Vice-Chair, as they explain what Snapshot Day is, how your library can participate and how your library will benefit from participating in this advocacy event.

4/11/2012
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (CT)
Before You Seek a Grant: A Checklist for New Nonprofits (Grantspace)
Learn the characteristics of effective nonprofits and assess whether yours is ready for foundation fundraising. This class is designed for new nonprofits or community groups with very little experience in grantseeking. We focus specifically on foundation fundraising. The course will address such questions as: What groundwork do I have to have in place before approaching foundations for funding? What are the steps to obtaining incorporation and nonprofit status and where can I get some help to do so?

4/11/2012
7:30 – 8:30 p.m. (CT)
Information Professional to Intelligence Analyst: Translating your LIS Skills (San Jose State University – SLIS)
Librarians are breaking into a wide range of fields outside the traditional roles because our skills are extremely valuable across the board to many organizations and agencies. The Intelligence community is one of these. This presentation will highlight the transferable skills needed to make the transition from librarian to intelligence analyst, as well as provide tips on preparing a resume, and yourself, for a career supporting law enforcement and military agencies using your LIS background.

4/13/2012
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (CT)
The Cycle of Nonprofit Sustainability: Building Blocks to Organizational Success (Grantspace)
Learn how to enhance your organization’s competitiveness and strengthen its financial health. Sustainability is a popular but often misunderstood buzzword in our sector. Nonprofit sustainability means more than just generating enough money to keep our organization afloat. In this class we will begin with the definition of nonprofit sustainability, and then we will cover each of the four key elements that contribute to long-term sustainability for an organization. Learn what you can do to increase your organization’s competitiveness and strengthen its financial health in the current economic climate.

4/17/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
Juggling 101: Managing Multiple Priorities (InSync Training)
Time management” is an oxymoron. You can’t change it, or lengthen it, or shorten it, or ‘manage’ it. This course will help you identify ways to deal with the things you can manage: yourself, others, and the tasks with which you’re confronted.  

4/17/2012
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (CT)
Healing Reads: Bibliotherapy for the 21st Century (Infopeople)
The popularity of bibliotherapy has seen resurgence in the last few years with an emphasis on using both fiction and non-fiction reading in highly creative ways. Its aim now is to increase individual well-being rather than simply focus on self-help and psychological disorders. These changes offer a renewed role for bibliotherapy in your library! This one-hour webinar will review the benefits of bibliotherapy for all ages, provide examples of programming and services available, and share with you how to incorporate the use of bibliotherapy into your library. This webinar will be of interest to Adult, Teen and Children’s Librarians and Academic Librarians.

4/18/2012
11:00 – Noon (CT)
How the Best Managers Create a Culture of Belief (American Management Association)
Are Your Employees “All In?” Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton teamed up with Towers Watson to analyze an unprecedented 300,000-person study revealing that high-performance organizations possess a distinctive kind of culture. In these environments, employees believe in their leaders and the company’s mission, values, and goals. Join us as Gostick and Elton explore a simple 7-step roadmap for creating a high-achieving culture: defining a burning platform, creating rigorous customer focus, making sure team members root for one another, and establishing clear accountability

4/18/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
QuickBooks Made Easy for Nonprofits and Libraries! (TechSoup)
Need an easy way to handle your organization’s accounting transactions? Join our free webinar, QuickBooks Made Easy for Nonprofits and Libraries! on Wednesday, April 18 at 11 a.m. Pacific time to learn more about how you can streamline your day-to-day business with the new 2012 updates to Intuit’s QuickBooks. During this webinar, we will be hearing from QuickBooks Made Easy instructor Gregg Bossen about how this tool can aid your nonprofit or library, giving you an in-depth look at the new updates to the QuickBooks software.

4/19/2012
Noon – 1:00 (CT)
Responsive Web Design Bootcamp (O’Reilly)
It is no longer safe to assume that visitors to your website are sitting in front of a large monitor equipped with a keyboard and mouse. As smartphones overtake the desktop as the primary portal to the Web – and as new device types and interaction models continue to emerge – designers need to adopt future-friendly strategies that support a full range of user contexts with a single codebase. This webcast is for web designers and developers who are interested in creating mobile web sites and web apps. A working familiarity with standard HTML, CSS, and JavaScript would be very helpful but is not required.

4/20/2012
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (CT)
Latest Trends in Library Architecture and Interior Design (San Jose State University – SLIS)
Steve and Desta Krong of Krong Design Inc. will discuss some of the latest trends in library architecture and interior design such as: how libraries have transformed through the years, the importance of design, identity, and branding, how to prepare for the future of library design, budget and scope considerations, architect‘s and interior designer‘s working relationships, new library rooms & areas, finish materials, furniture, lighting trends, case study reviews, and sustainability in library design and operations.

4/23/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
My 3 Top Favorite iThings (Accessible Technology Coalition)
Our iPad expert and AT Specialist, Jennifer McDonald-Peltier, will tell us about three apps that she uses all the time, with a variety of students. They are all very flexible and allow quick and easy personalization for the many individuals she sees. 

4/24/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
The Murderous Month of May: Hot Mysteries for Spring (Booklist)
Booklist Online editor Keir Graff will preview Mystery Month, from Booklist’s May 1 Mystery Showcase to a wealth of Booklist Online exclusive content. Publishers HarperCollins, Macmillan, Random House, and Severn House will share the best titles for libraries from their forthcoming lists. 

4/24/2012
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (CT)
Cook Book Spring Buzz (Library Journal)
As the nation’s diet—and its consequences—has become an increasingly common topic of conversation, commonsensical truths—from the social benefits of a shared family meal to the health boost that home cooked, unprocessed foods provide—have gained new advocates. What a better way to tap into these benefits than by cracking open some of these forthcoming spring cooking titles and preparing a delicious meal to share with friends or family. 

4/24/2012
2:00 – 3:00 p.m. (CT)
Leveraging Technology to Support Early Literacy in the Library (Infopeople)
Thinking of enhancing early literacy environments in your library? Wanting to learn more about technology for young children? Can’t decide what type of early literacy technology to add to your library? This webinar will review the benefits of technology for young children, the types of technology available, and how to incorporate the technology into your library. Find out how libraries can play a role in enhancing early literacy technology experiences and the importance of promoting technology for all ages.

4/27/2012
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (CT)
Teen Literature Update 2012 (Infopeople)
The world of young adult literature is an inherently dynamic one and one that, in the last decade, has become among the most active in publishing. Each new publishing season brings a plethora of new titles, new forms, and new formats, many of which require new methods of evaluation. Keeping up with all of these changes and the new titles flooding the market can be a full-time job. This webinar will help students identify new trends and the best new titles and resources for collection development.

4/30/2012
Noon – 1:00 (CT)
Access to Public Records: tensions between the right-to-know and the protection of privacy and the role of Records Management in addressing these issues (San Jose State University – SLIS)
Government accountability, fostered by ready availability of public records, is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Yet the government also holds increasingly large amounts of sensitive personal and business data that is legitimately entitled to confidential treatment. Needless retention of information that is truly no longer needed creates risks ranging from improper breach of confidentiality, to burdens of “searching the haystack,” to unmanageable opacity by simple result of sheer quantity. The accelerating increase in the volume and range of public information calls for forward-looking management of information as a highly important asset.

Posted on behalf of the Lake Superior Libraries Symposium……..

The Lake Superior Libraries Symposium Announces a Call for Posters

March 14^th, 2012 -  The Lake Superior Libraries Symposium is announcing a “Call for Posters” as part of its June 1^st Conference in Superior, WI. Librarians, Educators, and organizations from Wisconsin, Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan are encourage to submit a poster proposal to promote their programs, resources, and research.  To sign up, visit http://goo.gl/vw66H or https://sites.google.com/site/lakesuperiorlibrariessymposium/

The Lake Superior Libraries Symposium will provide a 6′ x 18″ table, power supply and WI-FI for poster sessions. Posters will be set up from 12:00 – 3:00 in the Conference Center.   

The Call for Posters closes on April 30th

 Questions regarding the Poster Sessions should be addressed to: Julie Rustad, jrustad@css.edu, (218) 723-6535

The Lake Superior Libraries Symposium, June 1^st, 2012, is the off-shoot of informal gathering of library professionals in the Twin Ports, Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota. Designed as an easy to access, affordable education conference for the Northland, the LSLS features content and presenters covering the cutting edge of library leadership, programming and technology. Featuring Keynote Speaker, Eli Neiberger, a 2011 Library Journal Mover and Shaker, the conference will bring great content and networking opportunities to the Twin Ports at WITC-Superior.

The Lake Superior Libraries Symposium is staffed by librarians from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, University of Minnesota-Duluth, College of St. Scholastica, Northern Waters Library Service, Superior Public Library and many others.

Conference Registration opens April 10^th.  Conference Cost is 25 dollars and includes CEU’s, Cookies, Coffee, and Deluxe Taco Bar, plus three session of dynamic speakers and trainers covering topics such as management, leadership, design, teaching, outreach, digitization and books!

For more details, regarding the LSLS, visit our site  https://sites.google.com/site/lakesuperiorlibrariessymposium/  or contact adam.brisk@witc.edu for more details.

Big Talk From Small Libraries
February 28, 2012
8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (CT)
Registration (364 registered to date, and room for 600 more!)

This free one-day online conference, Big Talk for Small Libraries, is aimed at librarians from small libraries. Each of the speakers is from a small library or directly works with small libraries. The schedule was just updated, and  hot topics include: e-books/e-readers, community partnerships, working in the Cloud, gaming, helping the public learn technology. The buzz is building – consider attending all or part of this day-long conference!

Everyone is welcome to register and attend, regardless of how big or small their library is. While there is a public library focus, many of the topics will be relevant to other library types.

Sponsors: Association for Rural & Small Libraries, Library Renewal, and The Nebraska Library Commission

If you live in northern Minnesota and northern Wisconsin, live proffessional development opportunities for library staff are limited. The more common offerings are in the Twin Cities or Madison – a three to eight hour drive. So, this event caught my attention when I saw it in a blog posting the other day.

It’s being organized by library staff in the Lake Superior area. One of the Wisconside-side organizers, Adam Brisk, tells me they are very open to program proposals and attendance from people outside the region. Their goal is to develop learning opportunities for local library staff that don’t involve hours of travel for them. So, if presenters are willing to travel to the conference, they would welcome a proposal. I didn’t get the impression there would be travel reimbursement for speakers. Apparently they plan to charge the hefty conference fee of $13 for food. (Watch their site for final details!)

Call for Proposals:

From Lake Superior Libraries Symposium, posted to PerfectDuluthDay blog, Feb 2, 2012:

The Lake Superior Libraries Symposium is placing a call for proposals with local librarians, teachers, IT professionals and community members to participate in our inaugural conference to be held on Friday, June 1, 2012 at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Conference Center. 

We are actively seeking presenters on Leadership, Teaching & Learning, and Technology; if you believe you can share a viable program, message, workflow, idea, demonstration, or other experience in a breakout/classroom format, then we encourage you to submit here.

Presentations should be 45 minutes in length including Q&A. The Symposium will provide audio visual support. Presenters will be thanked for their service and sharing, and will also be able to go to the front of the buffet line for Deluxe Taco Bar.  Call for Proposals closes on February 24th, with presentation schedule released in mid-March.

The Lake Superior Libraries Symposium is a conference developed by local librarians from Wisconsin and Minnesota. Our goal is to develop and foster an enhanced network of skills, programs, and literacy types that will benefit the libraries of Northern Wisconsin, Northern Minnesota, and their respective communities. Recognizing the limitations of budgets and time available to most library staffs, the Lake Superior Libraries Symposium is designed to be a low-cost, centrally located event to maximize our reach. This inaugural conference will be held on Friday, June 1st at WITC-Superior with minimal costs for attendance.

From Lake Superior Libraries Symposium site, About Us:

The Lake Superior Libraries Symposium is a conference developed by local librarians from Wisconsin and Minnesota. Our goal is to develop and foster an enhanced network of skills, programs, and literacy types that will benefit the libraries of Northern Wisconsin, Northern Minnesota, and their respective communities. Recognizing the limitations of budgets and time available to most library staffs, the Lake Superior Libraries Symposium is designed to be a low-cost, centrally located event to maximize our reach. This inaugural conference will be held on Friday, June 1st at WITC-Superior with minimal costs for attendance.

Organized by rock-star librarians from
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
University of Wisconsin – Superior
University of Minnesota – Duluth
College of St. Scholastica
Northern Waters Library System
And many, many others!

Join me there tonight?

An exhibit celebrating Cave Paper’s work runs January 20 through March 25, 2012 in the second floor literary commons of the Open Book building, 1011 Washington Avenue South in Minneapolis. A reception showcasing the exhibit and honoring O’Malley and Degener takes place Friday, February 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at MCBA, with a brief program and presentation at 6:30 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public, and features live music, hors d’oeuvres, and wine. Exhibits of O’Malley and Degener’s work will also be featured at other venues throughout the state this year, including Saint Paul’s Central Library beginning in late March and running through April.

http://www.mnbookarts.org/artistsprograms/bookartistaward.html

http://www.thefriends.org/programs/mnbookawards/mba_author_news.html#news