A Tale for Seven Towns

The libraries from 7 towns in SE Franklin County (Deerfield, Leverett, Montague, New Salem, Shutesbury, Sunderland, and Wendell) have come together to plan a single community-wide reading program with a broad array of speakers and activities scheduled for February and March.

The book is The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl, by Timothy Egan. We selected this book because of the current interest in the environment, in climate change, and in sustainable agriculture.

Among the events are book discussions, film showings, slide shows and craft events, and "expert speakers." Books are available for borrowing from each of the seven libraries.

~ Linda Wentworth, Director, Leverett Library
75 Montague Road, P.O. Box 250, Leverett, MA 01054-0250, 413-548-9220

Clip Art from LibraryClipArt.com

Mass.gov/libraries

Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Launches New Website ...

Plus Radio and Television Spots to Promote Massachusetts Libraries ...

And Librarian PR Tool Kit

Today's libraries are no longer just places to check out books: they have something for everyone. With the launch of a new advertising campaign and Website, Mass.gov/libraries, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) seeks to increase awareness that today's libraries offer everything from Internet access to music, movies, 24/7 on-line access to resources and databases, newly released books, literacy programs for children as well as a variety of programs and events for adults.

In addition to helping people locate a library near them, the new Web site will highlight some of the services that libraries offer. Users will be able to locate a library with Wifi (almost 70% of libraries offer this service), reserve books, movies, and music on-line, and use on-line resources. "Our on-line resources give people the simplicity of Google-like search with a yield of information that is from reliable sources and includes full-text articles," stated MBLC Director Robert C. Maier. Visitors to the new Web site can access the on-line resources using their library card from anywhere Internet is available.

Libraries have computers with Internet, Wifi access, the latest book releases, DVDs, CDs, audio books, popular magazines, newspapers and more. But one doesn't actually have to be at the library to access all the library has to offer. Visit Mass.gov/libraries and rediscover your library.

Funding for the Web site is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The Board of Library Commissioners (mass.gov/mblc) is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth. The Board advises municipalities and library trustees on the operation and maintenance of public libraries, including construction and renovation. It administers state and federal grant programs for libraries and promotes cooperation among all types of libraries through regional library systems and automated resource sharing. It also works to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth, regardless of their geographic location, social or economic status, age, level of physical or intellectual ability or cultural background, have access to essential new electronic information technologies and significant electronic databases.

~ Celeste Bruno, Communications Specialist, MBLC Public Awareness Campaign

Online Reference Resources - Two Spectacular Websites!

At the recent Online Reference Resources program held at WMRLS, our discussion of outstanding developments in digital technology prompted the sharing of two spectacular websites.

The British Library has scanned nearly a dozen books from their collection and you can actually “turn the pages” and hear the text of these rare works as well as use a magnifying glass to more closely examine these gems! Visit their site at http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/ttp/ttpbooks.html

And at http://www.thebanmappingproject.com/ the Theban Mapping Project has taken years of research and made it available digitally, including 3-D tours of ancient tombs in Thebes and other archaeological wonders! Check it out! Thanks Anna Popp, West Springfield Public Library.

~ Shirley A. Keech, Research & Database Specialist, WMRLS

A World of Cities

Exhibit: “A World of Cities,” prints, drawings and photographs from the permanent collection of the University Gallery, Jan. 31-April 30, 2008, Lower Level, Du Bois Library, UMass Amherst. “A World of Cities” corresponds to a spring 2008 seminar “The City” (Architecture and Design 211) taught by Amherst College history professor Frank Couvares and UMass Amherst Art professor Max Page. The opening reception, February 12, 2008, 4:30 p.m., is free and open to the public, refreshments will be served. The exhibit follows Du Bois Library hours: http://www.library.umass.edu/hours.html.

Photo info:
Paul Ickovic ( American, b. 1944, Czechoslovakia)
Fellini Set #1 Prague, 1981
Silverprint, 12 3/4 x 19 inches
Collection of the University Gallery, Purchased with Funds from the Alumni Association, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
UM 1981.37


~ Leslie Schaler, Development and Communication Dept., W.E.B. Du Bois Library (413) 545-0162 lschaler@library.umass.edu

Library Technology and Management Competencies

Recommended Reading from the WebJunction website:

Managing the library's public computer programs, keeping the equipment operable, and satisfying the patrons using them involves a host of skills and knowledge by Betha Gutsche, Editor

From the WebJunction website:

"Defining competencies for sustaining public access computing programs is the first step toward providing a roadmap for library staff to identify skills gaps through assessments and to connect to learning opportunities to achieve each competency.

Download the pdf of the full Competencies for Sustaining Public Access Computing Programs, which includes the Management Competencies.

Download the pdf of the Technology Competencies only.

WebJunction’s competencies are divided into three sections—two of which address technical skills and knowledge and a third that addresses the management of public access computing programs. Technology Competencies for Patron Assistance defines skills that frontline library staff need in order to provide direct assistance to patrons on the public computers. The System Administration section defines skills necessary to set up, configure and maintain the public computers and networks. The Management Competencies are the umbrella over all, covering the master-planning, coordination and integration aspects of running a public access computing program. "

Catalogue of the Photographic Exhibition of Irish Carnegie Libraries

Catalog of the Photographic Exhibition of Irish Carnegie Libraries

As a result of my correspondence with Carnegie libraries for our recent 90th celebration, I received this fabulous look at the beautiful libraries on the Emerald Isle. All brick structures, there is one or two that look like quaint country homes, others grand and elaborate. Hope you enjoy scrolled down the list as much as I did. As the Irish say... Cheers!

~ Janice McArdle , Youth Service Librarian, Granby Free Public Library

Friends of WMRLS Honor Someone Special

The public’s response to the Friends of WMRLS’ “Honor Someone Special” bookmobile project has been generous. In November, information packets with a supply of donation forms went out to every public library in the Western Region. Members of the public have responded using the donation forms found on libraries’ circulation desks. The project got a further boost when a splendid feature article appeared in the December 7th issue of Springfield’s The Republican, titled Book Service Strained by Elizabeth Roman. Over $2400 has been donated as of this writing, and more is anticipated as the project continues into the new year. The funds will be used to purchase children’s books for the bookmobile, which now serves 76 towns and villages throughout Western Massachusetts.

So far, the 52 contributors (3 from out-of-state) represent 22 different Western Massachusetts cities and towns. Of these, 9 are towns that receive bookmobile service. As the project continues, we hope to see this number increase. We are pleased to note that so many contributors come from towns that do not themselves receive bookmobile service.

Contributions have ranged from $260 from the Friends of the East Longmeadow Public Library to $200 from Anonymous (Bless you!) to $20, which is the more typical donation. It is really gratifying to see this kind of support, and touching to see people so ready to honor, celebrate and remember friends and loved ones in this way.

The Hatfield branch of the Bank of Western Massachusetts is also to be congratulated and thanked for inviting Friends of WMRLS to set up an “Honor Someone Special” display table (with donation forms) during the holidays to increase public awareness of the bookmobile project. It was a nice example of partnership and of opportunities to get the word out into other venues in our local communities.

Please remember – this project is ongoing. Keep those pink donation forms on the circulation desks and, where possible, place them at other sites in the community.For the love of your bookmobile!

~ Louise Kanus, Secretary/Clerk, Friends of WMRLS