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News, Online Collaboration
Fresh WebJunction Contributions Part 3
May 14th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

And here’s another installment of fresh WebJunction member contributions as promised in our birthday post. In case you’ve missed it, we’re sharing a sampled list of content that’s been posted to the site this past year. Here’s a third set of articles covering from M to S.

You can join in our anniversary celebration by posting to WebJunction a new document about something *you* learned or experienced this past year. Your lesson learned serves as useful advice for your colleagues in Libraryland.

Magazines for Kids!

Maintaining and Sustaining Technology – Further Resources

Maintaining and Sustaining Technology – Tools

MaintainIT Book Club: Avoid Wireless Networking Problems

MaintainIT Cookbook Contributors List

MaintainIT Cookbook Virtual Celebration

Marilyn Gell Mason to retire as executive director of WebJunction

Maryland 2008-09 School Library Reports

Meeting Room Policies

Mesa State College Training Session – Handout with URLs

Mesa State College Training Session – PowerPoint Presentation

Mid-Course Check-in Notes: The Customer Voice, Learn Together Project

Mining For Gold: Maximizing Community Resources for Exciting Events

Minnesota Library Association Presentation

Minnesota School Library 2008-09 Annual Report

MLS Service: Adult and Youth Reference Core Lists for Public and School Lib

Monitoring the Performance of Your Network

Montana Draft School Library Survey

My Courses

My WebJunction

National Science & Technology Council

National Science & Technology Council (attachment)

NCES 2007-08 School Library Media Center Questionnaire

Networking & Collaboration in a Virtual Environment

Networking and Security – Further Resources

Networking and Security – Tools

New Employee Buddy Program

New WebJunction Features: Courses

New WebJunction Features: Friends

October 2008 Bestsellers List

Online Resources

Online Tools Build Communities: Reforma National Conference Presentation

Open Source Library Automation: Overview and Perspective

Open Source Library Website Initiatives

Opening an email Account

Ouchies and Ripoffs

Ouchies and Ripoffs – Presentation

Our CPLAMTAZ09 Class Pictures

PAX 2008 – Gaming Conference

Planning and Decision Making – Further Resources

Planning and Decision Making – Tools

Planning for Success Cookbook Overview and Toolkit

Planning Makes Perfect

Presentation Notes on “Energy”

Presentation Notes on “Environment”

Princeton Environmental Film Festival: Computers in Libraries Presentation

Processing manuals

Proposed Resources/Collection Data Elements 03-19-2009

Proposed staffing data elements and definitions

Public library web survey field guide

Publlib’s Favorite Books of 2008

RAO’s Cumulative List of Lists of the Year’s Best Books

Reader’s Advisory Tools for Adult Readers: A Five Year Retrospective

Reading List Council ~ Best Adult Genre Ficiton 2009

Recommended YA Magazines

Refugee 101 Resources

Refugees 101

Remote Desktop Software

Replacing and Upgrading Technology

Replacing the Print button with the Print Preview button on Internet Explorer

Resources for Learning for Learning Professionals Webinar

Revisiting the Digital Divide

Rural Background Readings

Rural Library Summit Final Report (July, 2008)

RUSA 2009 CODES Notable Books for America’s Reader’s Council Book Awards

Saturday Classic Connections

Scholarships for Online Education

Schuyler Public Library Wireless Use Policy

Selected Curriculum for Computer Classes

Selecting and Configuring a Firewall

Self Service on a Budget

Serving Our Public

Shelby Public Library Wireless Internet Access Policy

Shelf Read Your Personal Information – Handout

Shelf Read Your Personal Information Webinar

Siga Adelante Community and Culture Workshop Template

Siga Adelante Employment Workshop Template

Siga Adelante Finance Workshop Template

Signage for Readers Advisory

Silver Surfing the Sunset Years: electronic literacy classes for seniors

Small Business Resources

Social Learning: with our community

Some CatExpress Resources

Spanish Language Outreach Connects New York’s Libraries with Communities

Spanish Language Outreach in Tough Economic Times

Spanish Language Outreach Update – April 2009

Spanish Language Outreach Update – February 2009

Spanish Language Outreach Update – November 2008

Spanish Language Outreach Update – September 2008

Spanish Language Resources

St. Johns County (Florida) School District Library Media Center Reports

Staff Skills

Standardizing Your IT Infrastructure

Stanton Public Library Wireless Policy

StoryTubes 2009 Press Release

Strategic and Technology Plans

Striking Government Gold

Successful Library Fundraising in a Rural Community

Suggestions for a new library in Panama

Suggestions needed for open source CMS/Intranet options and instruction

Syllabus for EDUC478
News, Online Collaboration
Fresh WebJunction Contributions Part 2
May 13th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

As promised in yesterday’s birthday post, we’re sharing a sampled list of content that’s been posted to WebJunction this past year. Here’s a second installment covering articles from E to L.

You can join in our anniversary celebration by posting to WebJunction a new document about something *you* learned or experienced this past year. Your lesson learned serves as useful advice for your colleagues in Libraryland.

Eastern Township Library (Crofton) WIFI Policy

Effective Application Training in the Virtual Classroom Webinar

Effectively Collaborating with Other Libraries and Partners

English-Spanish/Ingles-Espanol Library Conversations

E-Rate Technology Planning with TechAtlas.ppt

ESL Family Bilingual Library Tour Power Points

Essential Training to Library Trustees

Evaluations and Metrics

Existing WebJunction Members – Edit Account

Extending the Life of Your Computer

Fairmont Public Library Wifi Policy

Fall Programming Template

Fiction_L’s Best Books of 2008

Final Evaluation Report on the Spanish Language Outreach Program

Final IMLS Application – National Medal of Service Kim Yerton Memorial Library

Find Help on WebJunction

Finding Funds for Preservation

Finding the “IT” Factor

Five Ways to Treat Your Old Computer with Respect

Focus on Libraries in Tough Economic Times

Free and Open-Source Software in Libraries

From Information Providers to Community Connectors

Fundraising and philanthropy during an economic crisis

Futureproofing

Gaming in Libraries

Genoa Public Library Wireless Internet Policy

Getting Rid of Old Computers Responsibly

GI Didn’t Know That – AzLA Annual Conference Presentation

GI Didn’t Know That – AzLA Annual Conference Presentation Handout

Gi21 – Best Practices for the Future

Gi21 – December 2008 Final Newsletter

Gi21 – IMLS Final Report

Going Green: Info Pros as Telecommuters

Health Answers

Health Questions

Health Resources Handout

Help-Desk Management Software

Help-Desk Policies and Procedures

Hiring the Right Techs

History & Geneaology – Mesa County Public Library

How People Should Approach their Representatives and Senators

How to have an ELF in your Library

How to Standardize Your IT Infrastructure

How to Talk Business

Hurricane Preparedness: How YOU can help

Identifying Vulnerabilities and Risks on Your Network

IMPACT Research Overview

Impact Web Survey FAQ

Implementing an Online Help Desk Using Event Tracker

Information Access and Delivery

Innovation – Further Resources

Innovation – Tools

Installing and Patching Software

Internet Access and ISPs

Internet Access for Prisoners: Annotated Webliography

Internet in Prison: Pros and Cons Webinar

Internet Services and Training in Social Roles of Public Libraries

Internships: For the Student and For the Library

Interview with Karen Schneider

Interview with Marilyn Gell Mason

Interview with Roy Tennant

Introduction to Broadband and Wide Area Networks

Introduction to Help-desk Management

Introduction to LibX

Introduction to Network Security

Introduction to the Technology Planning Process

Iowa School Library Survey 2009

IT Asset Management

January 2009 Fiction and Nonfiction Bestseller’s List

Keeping Up with Technology

Keeping Your Computers Up and Running—We Can Help!

Key Decision Makers

Kids Stuff Handout

Know Your Community – Handout

Know Your Community – PowerPoint Presentation

Lapsit Program 2008

Latinos and Public Library Perceptions

Latinos and Public Library Perceptions Report – November 2008 Webinar

Latinos and Public Library Perceptions Survey Instrument

Leadership and Advocacy

Learn Together Guide

Learning for Learning Professionals Webinar

Leasing Computers and Other Equipment

Libraries and IT: A Win-Win Situation

Libraries and Museums: A Good Combination or A Big Headache?

Libraries and the Bilingual Child

Libraries and the Bilingual Child – December 2008 Webinar

Libraries: Way Stations on the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route

Library 2.0 Cafe: Food for Thought at ALA 2008

Library as Community Center: Engaging Local Government Managers as Library Partners

Library Staff Acceptable Use Policy

Library Website Content Editing

Links to Training Templates and Curricula for Library Staff Trainers

LITA Slides: Designing for Participation (WJ development process)
News
WebJunction turns 6!
May 12th, 2009 | Permalink | 3 Comments

Today, May 12, marks the sixth anniversary of WebJunction’s initial launch. Our celebration of this occasion is one of gratitude. We are grateful for your help in building the site and for telling us what you need. We thank you for you work with WebJunction projects, such as the Spanish Language Outreach and Rural Library Sustainability Projects. We are especially grateful for your continued commitment to sustaining libraries.

Since 2003, the WebJunction community has grown to more than 40,000 members and 16 partner sites. To keep apace with this evolution, WebJunction has updated its mission and vision statements.

Our new mission is: “WebJunction bridges the barriers to learning by providing open, affordable, online learning communities. Our members take courses, attend events, share knowledge, and network with others – all in an environment that fosters collaboration and mutual support.”

And our vision: “WebJunction will be the place where the worldwide library profession gathers to build the knowledge, skills, and support we need to power relevant, vibrant libraries.”

Much has happened in the past year in WebJunction Land, as this year-in-pictures slideshow will attest…

We also saw a lot of new content posted to WebJunction.org during this past year. We’ll share a sampled list of that new content throughout the week.

You can join in our anniversary celebration by posting to WebJunction a new document about something *you* learned or experienced this past year. Your lesson learned could serve as useful advice for your colleagues in Libraryland.

2007-2008 School Library Annual Report – South Dakota

2008 WiFi Connectivity Grant Setup Instructions rev. 09/17/2008

2008-09 ARSL Board Roster

2009 ARSL Conference Proposal Form

23 Things Summit

24/7 Librarianship: Reaching patrons with digital tutorials

30 Minute Webinar: A Need for Speed – Measuring and Managing Bandwidth

30 Minute Webinar: Technology Services for Children

30-Minute Webinar: Communicating with techies and non-techies

30-Minute Webinar: Go Team! Quick Tips to Help You Build a Technology Team

30-Minute Webinar: Laptop Labs – Creating, Maintaining, and Using Them

30-Minute Webinar: Public Computers and 2.0 Tools

30-Minute Webinar: Quick Tips to Start a Gaming Program in your Library

AASL 2007-08 Survey

Advanced Engagement on WebJunction

ALA Video Roundtable 2009 Notable Films for Adults

American Association of Law Libraries Annual Conference Photos

An IT Person in the House

ARSL Annual Conference (2009)

ARSL Board Committee Roster

ARSL Board Member Job Description

ARSL Board of Directors Application Form

ASCLA Tools for Library Accessibility

Ask A Librarian

Auld Computer & Wireless Policy

Baker Commons at Tompkins Cortland Community College

Bandwidth Management

Basic Computer Literacy Guide

Best Small Library in America: Chelsea District Library

Beyond Library Walls: Government Information Librarians in an Electronic Age

Bite-size Digital History Webinar

Book Censorship in Schools: A Toolkit

Book Discussion Selection Criteria

Book Repair Manuals and Tutorials

Book repair videos

Branding Libraries and Their Services

Broadwater Public Library WIFI Policies

Budget Presentation Example

Building a Technology Team

Buying and Deploying Technology – Further Resources

Buying and Deploying Technology – Tools

Buying Hardware and Software

Buying Refurbished Computers

Case Study of a Community Partnership: Connecticut State Library

Case Study of a Community Partnership: State Library of Kansas

Censorship in Schools: Learning, Speaking, and Thinking Freely: The First Amendment in Schools

Certification requirements for U.S. states

Challenges and Opportunities with Greying Populations in Rural Areas

Change is Coming: MT Library Certification Program Update

Chat Log from Staff Training in Tough Times Town Hall

City of Mesa, Arizona, Library – Training Flyer

Clay Center Public Library WIFI Policy

CML prepares to receive another genealogy collection!

CoALL Brown Bag Presentation

Collaborative Tools

Collection Development highlights from Town Hall on Spanish Outreach

COMMON ANNUAL REPORT DATA ELEMENTS

Communication and Partnerships – Further Resources

Communication and Partnerships – Tools

Community First: An Introduction

Community First: Interview Materials

Community First: Overview Presentation

Computadoras al Alcance de Todos

Conexiones: Connect with and Serve Latinos in Your Community

Conflict in a Peaceful Library

Continuum of Engagement: from passive to active, individual to community

Cooperative Buying Strategies

Counting from Top to Bottom

Cows, Fish and the Blues: How Three Small, Rural Libraries Strengthen their Communities.

Creating a Technology Plan in TechAtlas

Creating Positively Passionate Customers and Advocates

Creating Security Policies

Creating Your Own Network Cabling

Crime Resources Handout

Crossroads April 2009

Crossroads December 2008

Crossroads February 2009

Crossroads January 2009

Crossroads March 2009

Crossroads May 2009

Crossroads November 2008

Crossroads October 2008

Crossroads September 2008

Cuentos y Más/Stories and More: A bilingual TV story time

Customer Service Models for the Special Library

Customer Voice Cohort: Wrap-up Session and Awards

December 2008 New York Times Bestseller’s List

December Virtual Town Halls: Focus on Tough Economic Times

Demonstrating Impact Brainstorm from Town Hall

Deploying New Computers

Designing the Digital Experience: What is Community?

Discussing Technology with Library Shareholders

Disk-Cloning in Libraries

Does Your PAC Have Impact?

Download and Use the WebJunction Toolbar

Draft Application of the IMLS National Medal for Library Service
News, Online Learning, Staff Training
LibraryU courses live on
February 4th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?
Have you been wondering where in the world is LibraryU?

Well, LibraryU has been given new life on WebJunction in the form of 14 refreshed and reformatted online modules on topics tailored to the needs of libraries. Begun as an Illinois cooperative grant project over five years ago, LibraryU was launched to create and deliver online learning for library staff. During that time, they registered over 11,000 users. WebJunction is proud to be able to provide an ongoing, sustainable home so these valuable courses would not end up lost in cyberspace.

Visit the LibraryU section of the course catalog to see details and to enroll in any of these courses:
- Directors ASK! (Administrator-Secret-Knowledge!): this course is offered at a 50% discount for the month of February
- Keep It Simple: Developing a Marketing Plan for Your Library
- Motivating Messages for Your Library
- Merchandising that Works
- Introduction to Cataloging for Non-Catalogers
- Shelving with Library of Congress (LC) Classification
- Shelving with Dewey
- Readers Advisory Services
- Weeding the Library Collection
- Planning Story Time for Children
- Dealing with Angry Patrons
- Basic Web-based Reference
- Accompanying the Young Reader: Helping the Read Choose Appropriate Books
- You Can Do It: A Recipe for Designing Web-based Instruction
- Master of Disaster: Developing a Disaster Plan
Library Services, News
Librarians ready for new action
January 19th, 2009 | Permalink | 4 Comments

Change is in the air. Renewal and energetic forward motion are the order of the day. Which makes me think it’s time for a new icon for librarians, a new librarian action figure.

Don’t get me wrong. I have tremendous admiration for Nancy Pearl, the model for the original Librarian Action Figure. In fact, I have so much appreciation of her vitality and infectious love of literature, that I was disappointed in the reinforced stereotypes of the doll cast in her image. Nancy Pearl is not dowdy and I’ll bet she never shushes (except when posing for a photo-op). Yes, I am the proud owner of my own LAF and I recognize the great publicity and attention that it has generated.

But I think it’s time to move on. So, I have imaged the next generation of the LAF. Two arms and a stack of books are just not enough to convey the range of activities and services provided by library staff.

What is the key action of this librarian? She (he) enables.

Check out the photo on Flickr for details of the actions she holds in her hands. What actions would you add?
Library Management, News, Online Collaboration, Online Learning, Staff Training
The competency connection
January 13th, 2009 | Permalink | Comment?

If you visit the course catalog on WebJunction, you may notice a new Competencies tab. This dynamic list of competencies will allow users to easily find courses and content that address knowledge, skills and abilities associated with a specific competency.

WebJunction has been working on compiling a Competency Index, which covers a broad spectrum of library practice and service. We are currently displaying only the Library Management section of the Index. In the coming months, we will continue to roll out additional sections, and we expect to produce the full Index as a WebJunction publication later this year.

In the meantime, you can learn more about how to use the competencies. Let us know what you think.
Advocacy, Celebrations, News, Seattle
Marathoner runs 50 miles visiting 17 library branches in one day – in a snowstorm!
December 19th, 2008 | Permalink | 3 Comments

Runner Sam Thompson got his Seattle Public Library Passport stamped at 11 different library branches throughout Seattle yesterday.

“I heard about the library-passport program and thought it was really cool,” said Thompson, 28. “I love going to my library. It’s such an incredible resource. My goal is to get people excited about visiting their local branch.”

Thompson had originally planned to visit all 28 branches of the Seattle Public Library system in one day, but freezing temperatures and early library closures shortened his list. Besides the 11 branches he was able to reach before snow forced them to close, he also visited 6 more branches which he photographed.

Seattle Public Library created the Library Passport program to celebrate the completion of its Libraries for All program, encouraging library patrons to visit the new and remodeled library branches.

To read more about Sam Thompson’s library marathon, see the Seattle Post-Intelligencer’s article, A marathon task: Runner logs 50 miles visiting library branches in one day. Also see SPL’s recent news release on other locals’ programs centered around the Passport.
Advocacy, Funding, News, Sustainability, Tech, Webinar
And now, back to “your library in today’s economy”
November 5th, 2008 | Permalink | 6 Comments
I know, it’s a solemn reminder for the day after, but I wanted to check in with folks who were hoping for the passage of library bonds yesterday.

I’ve heard both good news and bad about library bonds passing. I’m hoping folks will share their stories here as a comment or in a WJ discussion. Because we’re getting ready to launch our Virtual Town Hall in December these types of conversations will also be useful in helping the WJ community build a solid foundation for the series.

Virtual Town Hall: Focus on Tough Economic Times

This December, WebJunction is hosting a series of three webinars on the topic of Libraries in Tough Economic Times. Join us in a new Virtual Town Hall format designed engage all attendees with questions, brainstorms, stories, and to collect practical strategies. We’ve picked 3 different days and times to accommodate as many schedules as possible, but you’re encouraged to join us for as many of the sessions as you are able.
- Thursday, December 4, 10:00 PT/1:00 ET Register Now
- Friday, December 12, 11:00 PT/2:00 ET Register Now
- Thursday, December 18, 12:00 PT/3:00 ET Register Now
I’ve started a Town Hall discussion to get the conversation rolling and to get input as we decide on topics for focus. I think that library bonds are certainly worthy of focus. Other ideas include:
- library budgets
- library closures
- staffing cuts
- and new patron needs in tough times.
Please plan on bringing your questions and strategies to the events. All attendees will be encouraged to participate, but if you’ve got something meaty to share, let us know so we can get your slides or pictures into the Virtual Town Hall before the session begins.

I’ve been itchin’ to use the Wimba Classroom for more informal virtual gatherings like this and look forward to the series. With your participation, we as a community can begin to tackle many of the challenges that lie ahead for our libraries.
News, Sustainability
AL Access for All
October 31st, 2008 | Permalink | Comment?

In case you missed the news, American Libraries, ALA’s monthly publication and American Libraries Direct, its companion weekly e-newsletter are now open to all via the web. The resources were formally accessible only to those with an ALA membership. AL Direct is a real gem, always packed with timely news and reminders. This week’s edition reminded me to highlight these two opportunities:

You’ve got one week (November 7) to submit valuable input to the Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study. Data from the library internet survey will be used for peer comparison, budget requests, media outreach, and testimony before legislative bodies.

And I mentioned this a few weeks ago, but now is the time to apply for a $3000 grant for your 2009 National Library Week efforts. The deadline for the Scholastic Library Publishing National Library Week Grant has been extended to November 14.
Funding, News
Screamin’ Deal on GrantStation from TechSoup
September 24th, 2008 | Permalink | 2 Comments

Looking for funding opportunities? The good folks at TechSoup are partnering with GrantStation to help libraries become successful grant seekers.

During this limited-time offer beginning TODAY and lasting until Thursday, September 25, at 5 p.m. Pacific time, one-year GrantStation memberships are available to eligible nonprofits and public libraries for only $99, a savings of $300 over TechSoup’s regular administrative fee. (The regular retail price is $599.) Organizations may also renew their existing memberships with this special offer.

A GrantStation membership provides online access to a comprehensive database of current funding sources and additional tools to help public libraries and non-profits successfully secure funding.
News, Next WJ, WebJunction Staff
Our Next Life
August 4th, 2008 | Permalink | 2 Comments

As you already know, this weekend WJ launched its long awaited upgrade and many of you are busy exploring the exciting new functionality. We know it isn’t perfect but with your help we will continue to improve and refine it to provide the tools that will be most useful to you.

As the founder of WJ I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have helped bring us to this point. Six years ago there was no WebJunction, just a dream that, working together, we could create a community in which library staff could share information and provide support for each other. The Gates Foundation funded that dream and OCLC provided a home. But none of that would have been enough without a first rate staff of people who believed in the dream and were willing to work tirelessly to make it happen.

Even more important, it couldn’t have happened without you, the members and partners of WJ. We now have 15 community partners and are visited by 70,000 unique individuals a month. You provide the content; you are the community. You are WebJunction.

At the end of August I will step down as Executive Director secure in the knowledge that our shared dream will survive and flourish. I expect to continue to contribute to the WJ community but in a somewhat less intense fashion. For more information about my personal goals as I move into the next version of my own life please visit my personal blog: http://thepacific.typepad.com/

For now I just want to say thank you. It has been a grand experience.
News, Next WJ
WebJunction Survey Results: Ever wonder what your library colleagues wish they knew?
July 14th, 2008 | Permalink | 2 Comments
Thanks so much if you took a moment to answer WebJunction’s recent survey! We very much appreciate the 2,000-plus responses from the United States, Canada, and across the globe.

We were excited to hear that 73 percent of you visit WebJunction at least monthly, and almost half of you have bookmarked WebJunction on your internet browsers. An overwhelming majority of users report that they are satisfied or very satisfied with their WebJunction experience and would recommend WebJunction to their colleagues.

When asked, “What skill or knowledge would you like to add to your expertise to help you in your work?” the WebJunction community had a lot to say. Here’s what they say they wish they knew more about:
- Keeping up with new technology
- Keeping up with library trends, including Library 2.0
- Web design and development
- Basic computer skills
- Computer programming
- Networking, esp, wireless
- Time management (including email management)
- Cataloging
- Office applications, especially Excel
- Open source applications
- Computer troubleshooting
- “Web 2.0″, social tools
- Personnel management
- Customer service/ dealing with difficult patrons
- Spanish Language (learning it)
- Grants (finding, writing) and other fundraising skills
- Marketing (especially marketing/outreach materials)
- Budgeting & financial planning
For our part, the WebJunction staff will use these survey results to guide our work in offering courses, and to recruit experts to write articles and host webinars for the WebJunction community. If you have expertise, knowledge or skills in these areas, your library colleagues need you! The next WebJunction is going to open up a door to your sharing policies, practices, documents, and ideas with your colleagues in brand new and exciting ways!

Stay tuned!

Photo credit: Creative commons flickr photo by Jan Tik
Conferences, News, Online Collaboration, SLA 2008, Tech
SLA Opening: Sharing is power
June 16th, 2008 | Permalink | Comment?
“Some people say information is power. Baloney. Information sharing is power!”

So spoke Vint Cerf, “father of the Internet” and keynote speaker at the opening session of SLA 2008. Cerf responded with wit and intellect to perceptive questions from his interviewer Charlie Rose. Given the title of Internet Evangelist at Google, Cerf figured he’d better have a religion, so he calls himself Geek Orthodox.

Future-facing ideas and endeavors:
- Mobile computing will expand the reach of the Internet and lower the barriers to access.
- The key to the huge success of the Internet is its openness—something to be vigilantly defended against attack.
- The Interplanetary Internet is Cerf’s effort to standardize network protocols for data transmission across the solar system.
- His Internet Cafe Project intends to provide Internet access to people in remote locations around the world. With solar-powered systems connected by satellite, the cafes are meant to be run as for-profit businesses.
Just listening to Vint Cerf is a mental exercise—illuminating and exciting.
Celebrations, chrystie, News, WebJunction Staff
Farewell Liz Kellison
April 15th, 2008 | Permalink | 2 Comments

Liz, Chrystie, and Marilyn at ALA07
Originally uploaded by WebJunction

It is with great sadness, but lots of well-wishes for a bright future ahead of her, that we bid farewell to Program Director Liz Kellison. Liz was our first Content Manager and the third WebJunction employee EVER. She’s been with the project since before it began – quite literally! – as she was one of the authors of our original grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, along with our Executive Director Marilyn Mason. Largely responsible for the initial vision of our service, Liz is famous around the office for promoting “read, learn and share” – i.e., bringing together courses, discussions, and articles all together on a single WebJunction page. Liz has been fun to work with, inspiring as a leader for us and for libraries, and a tireless advocate for our programs and the people we work with. We will miss her dearly, but hope you’ll join us in wishing her well in all her future endeavors. (sniff. sniff.)
News, PLA2008, Rural and Small Libraries
John Wood to librarians: I don’t need to tell you
March 27th, 2008 | Permalink | Comment?

…about the community-building, life-changing, essential importance of libraries, that is.

PLA kicked off with keynote speaker John Wood, founder of Room to Read and author of Leaving Microsoft to Change the World. On top of being engaging, energetic, and funny, he really is changing at least a portion of the world. In the eight years since Wood delivered the first load of books on the back of a yak (named Zach) to a remote Nepali village, his organization has established over 5,100 libraries in South/Southeast Asia and South Africa.

For a striking comparison, Wood displayed a bar chart comparing the number of stores opened by Starbucks around the world since 2000 with the number of libraries opened by Room to Read. At first, Starbucks held a strong lead over the fledgling non-profit, but in the last three years, the library effort has surged ahead. More than a frivolous comparison, it’s a challenge that Wood took on, one he dubbed the “Starbucks test.”

“If they can open Starbucks at a rapid rate, why can’t we open schools and libraries at the same rate?”

Photos of kids beaming with excitement shone from the screen; heart-warming stories were told of the priceless rewards that come from empowering kids and communities. It’s inspiring to see what can be done in so short a time. Of course, we gave him a standing ovation.

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Photo credit: Creative commons flickr photo by Jan Tik

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Celebrations, chrystie, News, WebJunction Staff

News, PLA2008, Rural and Small Libraries