Sunday, November 21, 2010

Blog use, contact info

How am I doing? I want to provide readers of this blog with 'good' info; stuff you can use. Or even if you don't use it, stuff that's good to know.

So ... feel free to comment on the posts, or to send me emails about how I'm doing, what I'm doing, what you're doing, what you don't like. If we all work together, something good might actually happen. I see it as a kind of intentional community that we're building.

Or you can contact me the old fashioned way, I guess, by email or phone:

Douglas C. Lord
Division of Library Development
Connecticut State Library
Middletown Library Service Center
786 South Main Street
Middletown, CT 06457
1-800-437-2313 (in CT only)
860-704-2204
http://ct.webjunction.org
Additional Grants Blog: http://variousgrants.blogspot.com/ (but you know that, you're HERE!)
dlord@cslib.org

Saturday, November 20, 2010

TechSoup for Libraries Grant Series: One Hour a Week to Success!

This grant training series using blog posts on TechSoup for Libraries.

Audience: You! Librarians who are reluctant to write grants.

Wish you knew more about applying for grant funding? Does it seem overwhelming and you wonder how to get started? TechSoup is here to help! Our new grant series, Successful Grants in One Hour a Week, will provide you with small steps that take you through the entire grant process. Weekly blog posts will outline your steps for the week so you’ll be prepared to apply for a basic grant before the end of the year.

There are many library and federal grant opportunities with deadlines in December, so if you are trying to get a grant application out the door, we are just in time to help. Or if you just want to read along with us, you’ll be ready to start grant work in 2011.

Stephanie Gerding has had grant success in all aspects of the process, as a grant writer, reviewer, project coordinator, consultant, and trainer. She has co-authored two books on grants (Winning Grants just released by Neal-Schuman), as well as the Library Grants Blog, a free resource for grant opportunities, and UNT’s Grant Basics tutorial (also available through WebJunction).

Thursday, November 18, 2010

12/15 Webinar: E-Rate, CIPA, and Library Filters: What You Need to Know


The requirements governing E-Rate, CIPA, and filtering in libraries is boring. And confusing. But it's also The Law and it can save your library a lot of hassle and money if you do it right.

So don't freak out (see: left) but consider attending this webinar if any of these apply to you:

* Your library decided not to apply for E-Rate funds because of the filtering requirements
* You get E-Rate or LSTA funds that require filtering but you aren't sure if you are in compliance
* Your library doesn't filter but worries about laws you don't know about
* You're not sure when patron Internet use shifts from Free Speech to Harassment
* You wonder if there's anything new in filtering technology

Speaker will explain the elements that libraries need to address when developing or revising their Internet Use Policies and using technology to enforce them. Whether you apply for E-Rate now or are wondering if you should, this webinar will provide useful tools for navigating these sometimes muddy waters.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, attendees will have:
*a basic understanding of the filtering requirements for libraries that receive E-Rate and LSTA funds
*a knowledge of best practices for using filters in libraries aside from E-Rate and LSTA requirement
*a introduction to how internet content filters work
*an update on what's new in filtering technology
*a review of free speech and sexual harassmentlaw as it applies to the Internet in public and school libraries

This one-hour webinar will be of interest to library staff responsible for filing E-Rate documents, public service staff, library administrators, and IT staff in charge of public access computers.

For the details and to register visit this InfoPeople site.

Remember, no freaking out.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Ferguson Library, Stamford CNA success story


Check out the new success story up on WebJunction Connecticut about the Ferguson Library in Stamford's Community Needs Assessment grant.

On the far left, Marilyn is one of the lucky older adults selected to share her opinions and needs with the library during the process.


Above, Cindy Kemp of Ipsos Understanding Unlimited is shown facilitating the second session of the day.


Tuesday, November 9, 2010

West Hartford Public Library's LSTA Project

Check out the success story of the West Hartford Public Library’s current LSTA project on WebJunction Connecticut’s Grants Success Stories page.

Despite being a recently launched project, FAIR (Facilitating Access to Information and Resources) details some best practices that all libraries can use regarding services to persons with sensory and/or physical disabilities.

The project enabled a simple staff development day to turn into a transformative experience. And light saber demo.


Webinar: E-Rate, CIPA, and Library Filters: What You Need to Know

E-Rate, CIPA, and Library Filters: What You Need to Know
Date: Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Start Time: 3:00 PM, Eastern Time
FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE

The requirements governing E-Rate, CIPA, and filtering in libraries is often confusing.
Has your library decided not to apply for E-Rate funds because of the filtering requirements?
Do you get E-Rate or LSTA funds that require filtering but you aren't sure if you are in compliance?

* If our library doesn't filter, are there other laws we should be worrying about?
* When does patron Internet use shift from Free Speech to Harassment?
* Is there anything new in filtering technology?

Mary Minow (LibraryLaw.com) and Lori Ayre (LibraryFiltering.org) will provide answers to these questions and more as they revisit the issues related to filtering, CIPA, and the often-confusing laws that libraries must navigate.

Each speaker will explain the elements that libraries need to address when developing or revising their Internet Use Policies and using technology to enforce them. Whether you apply for E-Rate now or are wondering if you should, this webinar will provide useful tools for navigating these sometimes muddy waters.

At the end of this one-hour webinar, attendees will have:
  • A basic understanding of the filtering requirements for libraries that receive E-Rate and LSTA funds
  • A knowledge of best practices for using filters in libraries aside from E-Rate and LSTA requirement
  • An introduction to how internet content filters work
  • An update on what's new in filtering technology
  • A review of free speech and sexual harassment law as it applies to the Internet in public and school libraries
This one-hour webinar will be of interest to library staff responsible for filing E-Rate documents, public service staff, library administrators, and IT staff in charge of public access computers.

Speakers: Mary Minow and Lori Bowen Ayre
Mary Minow is an attorney, consultant, and a former librarian and library trustee. She edits the Stanford Copyright & Fair Use site (http://fairuse.stanford.edu). She teaches digital copyright at San Jose State School of Library Science and at Simmons Graduate School of Library and Information Science. She is a past President of the California Association of Library Trustees and Commissioners. Minow is the first recipient of the California Library Association's Zoia Horn Intellectual Freedom Award, given in 2004. Minow's blog is at blog.librarylaw.com.

Lori Bowen Ayre is the Principal Consultant for The Galecia Group, a library technology consulting company that has been serving libraries for almost 10 years. Lori has been an advocate for expanding the use of open source software in libraries for public computers, web applications, calendaring and content management systems. She is particularly excited about the opportunities associated with open source library system software (Evergreen and Koha) because of the opportunities these open source software projects present for libraries to save money, and even more importantly, control their own destiny.

This webinar will last approximately one hour. Webinars are FREE, registration is ONLY done on the day of the event on the WebEx server, no Passwords are required. For Tips and Registration Information, please go to http://infopeople.org/training/webcasts/tips.html

For more information and to participate in the December 15 webinar, go to http://infopeople.org/training/webcasts/webcast_data/494/index.html

If you are unable to attend the live event, you can access the archived version the day following the webinar. Check our archive listing at:

http://www.infopeople.org/training/webcasts/list/archived

Monday, November 8, 2010

Flip Video camera deal from TechSoup

Tech Soup is offering a deal on Flip Video cameras to eligible not for profits.

It's $175 for two one-hour HD video cameras and a tripod. Click the logo or here for the scoop.


Sunday, November 7, 2010

Hartford Public Library's 'Arts and Archives' LSTA project


Some claps go out to Hartford Public Library's older adults LSTA grant project, Arts and Archives: Master Classes in the Arts and Humanities for Older Adults.

The project has drawn waiting list crowds and attracted WFSB's local interest show Better Connecticut.

The piece aired Wednesday, October 27th at 3pm on WFSB, but you can view the show online at the WFSB site.

Carolyn Condon, Associate Producer of Better CT, remarked on "how amazing it is that every person in the class was able to create such great work in only a short amount of time.”

  • "Shoes off, please." One of the first Arts & Archives sessions had participants drawing their shoes.
  • Shoes off, please

    Hartford Public Library
    500 Main Street
    Hartford, CT 06103
    860-695-6284

    Mary Albro, Penny Rusnak, and Brenda Miller - kudos!

    Saturday, November 6, 2010

    Hartford Public Library Free NFP Workshops

    I've been to a few of these workshops at the Hartford Public Library and I have always found it time well-spent. I've learned a few things and also seen what other NFPs are in the landscape. All are held in the Program room on the 3rd Floor.

    Planning for Continuation & Sustainability with presenter Kathy Frederick, Frederick Consulting
    Wednesday, November 3, 10:00 am - noon.
    Offered in partnership with the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, this workshop looks at the transition between grant-funded initiatives and what will (should) remain in place after inception funds run out. Sustaining your initiatives requires leadership, persistency and a plan. This workshop will enable you to think and act more strategically in demonstrating the sustainability of your initiative(s) and will offer suggestions on planning for program continuation.

    Legal Issues of Fundraising and Revenue Generating Activities with presenter Priya Morganstern, Pro Bono Partnership & Reed Risteen, BlumShapiro
    Wednesday, November 17, 10:00 am - noon
    Is your organization properly registered to conduct fundraising and appropriately reporting the donations it receives to the IRS? Do solicitations contain required disclosures? Are the proper acknowledgements being provided to your donors? Are you generating income from a business venture? Do you owe taxes on such income? Attend this workshop to protect your organization's tax-exempt status and to ensure that your organization is operating within the legal guidelines for nonprofit fundraising and revenue generating activities.

    Building and Sustaining Your Nonprofit with presenter Martey Rhine, Management Solutions & Resources
    Wednesday, December 8, 9:00 am - noon
    This workshop is offered in partnership with the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
    No matter how worthy your mission is to serve others, you will be more successful if you are operating from a solid foundation. If you are a small nonprofit organization and you want to enhance your knowledge of what it takes to build that solid foundation, this workshop is for you. We will cover the basics of building a board, budgeting, operational planning, marketing, and fundraising - all the building blocks your nonprofit organization needs. At the conclusion of this workshop you will have tools, templates, and references for taking the action steps to effectively structure your nonprofit organization and enhance your ability to achieve the mission.

    Friday, November 5, 2010

    National School Library Program of the Year Award

    ALA's AASL Division sponsors the NSLPY Award, which recognizes school library programs that meet the needs of the changing school and library environment. Since 19 and 63, the award has honored exemplary school library programs which ensure that the students and staff are effective users of ideas and information. These programs empower learners to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers and ethical users of information.

    The award recognizes exemplary school library programs that are fully integrated into the school's curriculum.

    Each winning program - two individual schools and one school district - receives a $10,000 prize donated by Follett Library Resources.

    Deadline: 1/3/2011

    Thursday, November 4, 2010

    Kresge Healthy Environments grants


    The Kresge Foundation offers Healthy Environments grants to help agencies improve the health and well being of vulnerable children from low-income families by making the places they live, learn and play safe and supportive of overall good health.

    Funding priorities are clean air, safe and healthy housing and schools, and safe, accessible, and inviting outdoor play spaces – all advanced with community engagement, citizen leadership and cross-sector alliances.

    The size and duration of awards will vary based upon the nature and scope of proposed projects; grantseekers can request between $100,000 to $750,000 for project periods of up to three years.

    Organizations also may also choose to apply for a one-year strategic planning grant

    Deadline: Ongoing.



    Wednesday, November 3, 2010

    Open Clip Art Library: free

    The Open Clip Art Library has quick, free images for your presentations/what have you.

    Such as, oh I dunno .... a water pistol and an innocent victim.


    Tuesday, November 2, 2010

    National Center for Family Literacy Library Grants

    Better World Books and the National Center for Family Literacy award the Libraries and Families Award grants for libraries with exceptional family programming. Deadline: November 12, 2010. The application is all online.

    Monday, November 1, 2010

    Children's librarians: Louise Seaman Bechtel Fellowship

    Who wouldn't want to spend a month reading and studying at the Baldwin Library of the George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida in Gainesville?

    This ALSC ALA fellowship provides a $4,000 grant to do just that. The Baldwin Library contains a special collection of 85,000 volumes of children’s literature published mostly before 1950. The fellowship is endowed in memory of Louise Seaman Bechtel and Ruth M. Baldwin.

    Deadline: December 1, 2010

    "The name is Smathers. George A. Smathers. Of the Gainesville Smathers..."