Nearly all of the PCC are up and running with some HUGE numbers:

* 1072 new desktops, laptops and tablet computers, and other equipment
* 77 of the total 88 locations
* $2.3 million spent of the total $3.3 million
* 1,322,836 computer uses in the Public Computer Centers
* 150,089 one-to-one computer help sessions
* 865  public classes with 8,625 participants trained

Over 1300 PCC students responded to a satisfaction survey, and 94% reported they learned a valuable skill, and 95% would recommend the class to others.

Throughout Colorado 2,883 library staff attended 470 hours of classes, workshops, and webinars so they are prepared to help people both formally (classes) and informally with computer use.  Libraries in 54 communities held festive launch events to highlight how libraries are helping citizens with technology, job skills, and other vital life activities (such as connecting with family).

Stellar Libraries: Going Above & Beyond
A handful of BTOP libraries stand out as re-inventing the way they serve their communities due to this grant.
Delta County Libraries
Delta County Libraries exemplifies the BTOP spirit through its innovation and commitment to training. All five branches of the Delta County Libraries have enthusiastically embraced staff training and computer classes for their communities. Led by Literacy Program Manager Jessica McGrath, iPads are also available at the libraries loaded with educational apps that deliver both literacy and computer skills to k-12 students. In addition, their computer labs are full with classes and activities that are improving skills for high need populations.

High Plains Library District
The High Plains Library District developed an innovative model to bring technology training to remote rural Weld County, covering an area of 4,000 square miles. Before the grant, they were already providing computer classes in libraries so they used the funds to reach out to communities without libraries. By creating satellite library locations as Public Computer Centers, offering one-on-one tutoring sessions by appointment, and nurturing strong relationships with partners, they are meeting high need populations. Director Janine Reid saw the potential for this grant and chose to hire additional staff to train and manage their ambitious and innovative PCC service model. Kelli Johnson helped design the statewide marketing campaign and customized it for their communities. Erin Kirchoefer arranged to host a national video shoot to highlight the impact of the BTOP grant, provides training throughout the area, and excels at reporting and compliance.  They have infused a culture of learning throughout their considerable service area.

Lamar Public Library
The Lamar Public Library has been a good neighbor and a true regional leader by taking the initiative to hire a dedicated trainer and reaching out to smaller towns. Under the leadership of Debbie Reynolds, the Lamar Public Library is a vibrant, committed, passionate, engaging force. They have performed well beyond the grant expectations by expanding past their town and create digitally literacy throughout remote southeast Colorado.

Naturita & Nucla
Naturita Community Library and Nucla Public Library have long been good neighbors. Their collaboration on the BTOP grant is but another example of the benefit to all when libraries work together. Naturita and Nucla library staff have joined together for staff training and to share training resources. By sharing volunteers and training resources, they put their remote  communities’ interests first. They show an eagerness to learn, a generosity to collaborate, and a courageous spirit in leading remote Coloradans into broadband adoption.

A number of small libraries have had the courage to do big things in new ways within their communities.  These libraries have blown us away with their ability to get things done and create learning.

Small But Mighty – Dove Creek
Laurie Ernst is a one-woman show at the Dolores County School/Public Library. Her enthusiasm for bringing additional computers and training to her community is an inspiration. She went to every business in the community to promote the computer center and invited them to the launch event. While helping students find library resources during the day, in the evening Laurie turns her attention to her public patrons and delivers computer classes to eager adult students.

Small But Mighty – Fleming
The Fleming Community Library (school/public) has shown dedication and enthusiasm for their PCC. Despite limited staff time, they were quick to purchase and install new technology and to begin offering instruction. They have recruited volunteers to teach classes, including high school students and community members with a passion for technology. They offer classes in basic Internet, social networking, and digital media so they can teach digital literacy while maintaining a focus on community interests.

They’ve got our backs
We want to acknowledge and thank the Denver Public Library.  Beyond rolling out with their own PCCs, the Denver Public Library staff including Michelle Jeske and Zeth Leitzau have supported the overall statewide effort by assisting the Colorado State Library.  They have allowed us to branch out farther and faster throughout the state. DPL has hosted regional trainings, provided translations of documents,  pre-tested surveys, and even allowed us to shoot a video in their impressive Computer Technology Center. The Denver Public Library has been a shining star behind the scenes.

McBride certainly finds that balance. He starts his journey at Snowmass Mountain and ends it in Mexico where the Colorado is mostly non-existent. Although the future of the Colorado River seems dire, McBride is optimistic that the delta can be saved. Justice Greg Hobbs interviewed McBride and offered his legal perspective on some of the issues. (Photo attached.)

The second Water 2012 event took place at the Colorado Stock Show. In the children’s educational area on the 2nd floor, a booth was set up by Water 2012 staff to educate school children about the importance of water in our communities. Kids spun a wheel that landed them information on how much water you find in a vegetable or fruit or allowed them to win a free prize. On some days over 700 kids visited the booth! (I have a photo I can send you on this.)

See the first issue here (PDF)

Would you like to see a topic covered in the newsletter? Want to share info about your programs? Or perhaps contribute an article? Contact the State Library’s Youth & Family Services Consultant, Beth Crist, 303-866-6908.

The Library Support Staff Certification Program (LSSC), in partnership with the The Colorado Library Consortium (CLiC) is pleased to announce that it has awarded seven Registration Assistance Awards (scholarships). These awards covered the entire enrollment fee to the LSSC Program for the recipients in Colorado.

The recipients are:

Vickie Freemyer – Haxtun Public Library (Haxtun)

Julia Hall-Payne – Poudre River Public Library District (Fort Collins)

April Hurt – Grand Valley High School (Parachute)

Wendy Conley – McKinley Elementary (Canon City)

Beth Harper – Spanish Peaks Library District (Walsenburg)

Karen Melgares – Adams State College Nielsen Library (Alamosa)

Lynn Martin – Woodruff Memorial Library (La Junta)

The Library Support Staff Certification Program (LSSC) offers library support staff an alternative career path in the library profession.  It is an opportunity to commit to professional development and continuing education through the achievement of the ALA-LSSC Competency Sets.    As of January 1, 2012, the LSSC Program has 202 enrolled candidates, from 36 states and with a diverse range of library backgrounds.

Lorelle Swader, Director of LSSC, says, “We are very pleased at the response of the library profession to LSSC.  We believe the ALA competencies for library support staff are setting a standard for support staff performance around the country.”

“It’s rewarding to see people seize this opportunity to advance their career in librarianship, and CLiC is pleased to assist them in this endeavor.” ~ Judy Van Acker, Regional CLiC Consultant.

For more information on the Library Support Staff Certification Program, please visit the LSSC website at http://ala-apa.org/lssc or email  lssc@ala.org.

Speaker Mary Ellen Bates will discuss the future of library services and how we can capitalize on changes in our profession to make ourselves and our libraries more integral and valued parts of our organizations.  She will also lead an interactive panel discussion (which will include Jamie LaRue) regarding what does (and doesn’t) work in making effective and longstanding change.

This program will enable attendees to do the following:

•         List 4 ways changes to library services would add value to your organization to help it grow

•         Discuss 2 methods of promoting library services to increase patron use

•         Plan 3 strategies to make your library and yourself more visible within your organization

•         Predict 2 technologies that will change the way you deliver library services in the future and at least 4 ways you can utilize those technologies to provide integral information and research services to your organization and your patrons

Registration information will be provided in early January – we hope to see you on February 25th!

The themes for 2012 are “Dream Big – READ!” (children), “Own the Night” (teens), and “Between the Covers” (adults). Priority will be given to libraries below 10,000 Legal Service Area population and libraries in non-metro locations. Per IMLS guidelines, the mini-grant funding should be spent on books.

To be eligible for a 2012 mini-grant, libraries must have submitted the 2011 summer reading report AND be registered for the 2012 statewide summer reading themes.

APPLY NOW!

DEADLINE: Friday, January 31, 2012

Questions:
Beth Crist, 303-866-6908
Youth & Family Services Consultant, Colorado State Library

1. Project Management Foundations: What’s the Big Fuss?
   January 18, 12:00-1:00pm

2. Project Management Case Studies: Who Forgot to Measure the Bookcases?
   February 1, 12:00-1:00pm

3. Proof of Concept: Applying Project Management Principles to Your Workplace
   February 15, 12:00-1:00pm
   

This three-part series is for anyone who works in a library at any level. Although it is meant as an introduction, experienced project managers might appreciate the refresher and discover new ways to present information to their teams. We encourage you to attend all three, but we welcome you attend whichever programs you can.

• The change will happen automatically; you will not need to resubscribe, and all archived messages from the “old” Libnet will still be available for viewing.
• The address for sending Libnet messages will change from libnet@marmot.org to libnet@cvl-lists.org. Please update your address books after noon on Thursday.
• Libnet’s information page will change from http://email.marmot.org/mailman/listinfo/libnet to
  http://www.cvl-lists.org/mailman/listinfo/libnet.
• The only noticeable change to Libnet after the move will be an enhancement: it will accept HTML formatted email messages (bold, different fonts, etc.).

Please direct any questions to Jim Duncan, Director of Networking & Resource Sharing at the Colorado State Library.

Kathy Barco, Children’s Librarian at the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Library System in New Mexico, presented the lively morning session highlighting the 2012 summer reading program theme of night time at all 6 sessions. Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy (CLEL) members Jana Ackerman, Lisa Chipouras, Laura Baldassari-Hackstaff, Melissa Depper, and Becky Campbell offered informative, useful afternoon sessions on early literacy, including an overview of the newly revised Every Child Ready to Read program.

Handouts from the workshops are available, including Becky Campbell’s early literacy presentation.

Some comments from workshop attendees:

• It was so helpful to start thinking about summer reading ideas and talk to other youth librarians in the area.
• I love getting ideas for activities plus meeting others and getting their input.
• Both of the presenters were fabulous! They were entertaining, enthusiastic, and really held my attention.
• This year was a great balance between SRP ideas and very appropriate Early Childhood ideas.
• Worthwhile content–Ideas, conversations, motivation. Thank you!
• I really enjoyed tying books to early literacy skills.
• Extremely helpful. The SRP theme seemed difficult until the workshop and now has become clear.

For more resources, tips, and research about early literacy, check out the CLEL website—or better yet join the group; it’s free!

To learn more about the 2012 summer reading program, visit the Collaborative Summer Library Program website. With the overall theme of night time, program slogans will encourage children to “Dream Big—Read,” while teens will “Own the Night.” Adults can interpret their slogan, “Between the Covers,” in a variety of ways, but we hope they’ll be encouraged along the way to read over the summer. Watch for more information and opportunities on the CYS-Lib listserv and here on this blog, and attend the summer reading program session at the CLiC Spring Workshops 2012!

Photo by Streetfly JZ

MID-WEEK BOOSTER SHOTS FOR HEALTH INFORMATION

Do you have 23 minutes? Then join in Wednesdays @ 9am to learn about free, authoritative consumer health information resources. These sessions are conducted virtually, and are available to you at no charge. You will need a computer with internet connection and a telephone.

UPCOMING DATES:

Wednesday – November 30, 2011 – All-purpose Health Information

Wednesday – December 7, 2011 – Medication Safety

Wednesday – December 14, 2011 – Alternative and Complimentary Medicine

Wednesday – December 21, 2011 – Environmental Health

Wednesday – December 28, 2011 – Mental Health

TIME:
9:00-9:23A (MT) – no kidding! 23 minutes, that’s all!

WHERE:
Click on the link below a few minutes before 9am to join in https://webmeeting.nih.gov/booster/

AUDIO CONNECTION:
Once you log into the web meeting room, you will be prompted by the system to enter your telephone number.

If you experience problems, please use the following connection numbers:
Dial-In:  1-866-846-3997
Pass-Code: 239514

REGISTRATION:
Registration is not required, but appreciated. Please visit http://www.tinyurl.com/mcrclasses to register for one, two, three, four or all five sessions!

If you have never attended a Connect Pro meeting before:
Test your connection: https://webmeeting.nih.gov/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm

Dana Abbey, MLS
Health Information Literacy Coordinator
dana.abbey@ucdenver.edu<mailto:dana.abbey@ucdenver.edu&gt;</p> <p>National Network of Libraries of Medicine, MidContinental Region</p> <p>University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus MS A003 Health Sciences Library<br /> 12950 East Montview Blvd., A003<br /> Aurora, Colorado 80045<br /> Office: 303-724-2110, Fax: 303-724-2166<br /> Toll Free 1-800-338-7657, select option 1, then option 2, then option 3 <a href="http://nnlm.gov/mcr/" target="_blank">http://nnlm.gov/mcr/