Daily Links
ALA: Libraries report increased use of e-government, job resources; reduced operating hours
Jun 24th
The 2010 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study is out with some findings that may not surprise you.
Colorado: Ballot measures would force library closures, lay-offs
Jun 24th
If they pass in November, Amendments 60 and 61, and Proposition 101 will devastate public service throughout Colorado, including libraries.
Advocacy U, Advocacy YOU
May 27th
The bad news is rampant. Libraries are in trouble, folks. All hands on deck!
Colorado’s Big, Hairy Audacious Goal Library Advocacy Initiative lays it out this way:
1. We can do nothing, and decline in silence.
2. We can complain about the situation to ourselves.
3. We can take steps to positively influence & reframe public perceptions about the financial support of libraries.
At a loss for where to begin? Looking for tools?
Check out:
- ALA’s Advocacy University.
- bhagColorado.blogspot.com
- Geek the Library: Show Your support
- The advocacy resource link to the right of this post.
This list is not complete. Please share your favorite sites in the comments section.
Tune in. Turn on. But please, don’t drop out.
Links for April 2nd from 10:26 to 16:06
Apr 2nd
These are pro-library, library news, and library advocacy links for April 2nd from 10:26 to 16:06:
- A Nation Without School Librarians – Google Maps – This map marks the cities, towns, communities, and states that have made the decision to either eliminate certified school library positions (indicated in blue) or require one school librarian to work with two (2) or more school library programs throughout the week (indicated in red).
- NJASL Testimony on Proposed School Budget Cuts Affect on School Libraries | mycentraljersey.com | MyCentralJersey.com – The New Jersey Association of School Librarians recognizes that the state faces a monumental budget crisis this year, and the Legislature and Governor have to make extremely difficult decisions about how to address the current shortfall. “School libraries are cost effective. Every resource in a school library that includes books, media, computers, and other learning tools is available to every student and teacher in the school. Proposed cuts to the State Library budget will have a direct negative impact on all public, academic and school libraries if approved.” Massey explains.
- New Jersey Library Association / Save New Jersey Libraries – Gov. Christie's budget calls for a 74% decrease in funding for statewide library services. This cut includes the elimination of all statewide library programs and services. This will affect all types of libraries in New Jersey. Once state funding is eliminated, NJ will lose $4.5 million in federal funding. What does this mean to NJ residents? Once state and federal funding are lost the impact will be felt by all residents:
- More Info – Nationally acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson visited Mexico High School's Pierce Library on Tuesday (March 30) speaking to more than 50 students about her life leading up to becoming an author and her work since.
The author of seven novels, Anderson's main message to the gathered sophomores and juniors was about the importance of libraries.
Click the video icon to watch the story.
- How Libraries Stack Up: 2010 [OCLC - Reports] – This new report examines the economic, social and cultural impact of libraries in the United States. As the current economic environment is impacting library budgets and library usage is increasing, particular attention is paid to the role that libraries play in providing assistance to job-seekers and support for small businesses. Information includes statistics on…
- PRINCETON: Libraries chafed by Christie cuts – For example, many people are using library computers to run their self-employed businesses, she said. While it’s not the library’s job to provide that access, it’s better than that person sitting at home and collecting welfare, she said.
”What the folks up on high don’t realize is how many people are struggling now,” she said. “Libraries are part of the safety net.”
Ms. Burger said there needs to be more dialogue about not only the proposed library funding cut, but also those to schools and municipalities that are included in the proposed budget.
”There hasn’t been any dialogue,” she said. “I think that’s a missing link that doesn’t lead to rationale decision making in a civil society.”
Links for April 2nd from 01:13 to 01:41
Apr 2nd
These are pro-library, library news, and library advocacy links for April 2nd from 01:13 to 01:41:
- Public Libraries: An Indispensable ‘Nonessential’ | TheLedger.com – The Legislature is desperate to find places to cut, and it is looking at so-called nonessential services. But for many library users, the library is essential, it is the only place many can access computers and the Internet, necessary to seeking a job in today's marketplace. Moreover, it is a positive public service that is seeing steadily increasing use, even as budgets keep shrinking.
These are desperate times, and some cuts to the State Aid to Libraries program might be unavoidable. But it is evident that taxpayers are getting more bang for their buck than ever with libraries – use is way up even as budgets are way down – and that should resonate with our lawmakers in Tallahassee.
- Melanie Hollis: Public libraries a great resource for children || OnlineAthens.com – As parents, we want our children to be successful in life, and few things will lead to that success better than reading. For us, the most amazing resource at our community library, other than the books and information contained within, is our beloved librarian.
The librarian is one of the greatest sources of inspiration and motivation to schoolchildren, going to schools and reading books specific to the age group and event. He or she has the amazing gift to make the stories she reads come alive. The students become engaged and transformed.
- One-Third of U.S. Population Uses Public Library Internet; Social Networking, Education Most Popular » Spotlight – “There is no ambiguity in these numbers,” said Marsha Semmel, acting director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “Millions of people see libraries as an essential tool to connect them to information, knowledge, and opportunities. Policy makers must fully recognize and support the role libraries are playing in workforce development, education, health and wellness, and the delivery of government services.”
From the executive summary (PDF):
Librarians enhance the computing and Internet experience. The availability of the Internet at the library coupled with the vast number of online transactions has expanded the librarian’s job and mission, creating a new set of opportunities and service challenges. Librarians have begun serving as informal job coaches, college counselors, test monitors, and technology trainers for the growing number of patrons navigating government aid, the job market, and all levels of education on library computers.
- How the library is helping people find work | FOX 21 Online – DULUTH – For those on the unemployment line, libraries are becoming an increasingly important resource. For many, it's their only access to the internet where so many tools to re–employment are available.
Tyrone Borno is out of work. Many in his situation would just hop on the home computer to see who's hiring.
"No, I can't. I have to utilize the library," he says. - Imaginary People: Chicago Public Library Powers Business – Working with limited finances, the Chicago Public Library was invaluable to us in figuring out what type of business we should register as and how to go about doing so. We were also able to research the way we should be handling our taxes. At one point we ran into some trademark and copyrighting issues and the resources at the Library came in very handy. When you don’t have the funds to have a lawyer at your disposal the Library becomes your other business partner.
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