Florida Library Association Blog

Alliance Library System and LearningTimes Offer Handheld Librarian 2 Conference February 17-18th, 2010!

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:01:00 +0000

More people than 2,000 people attended the first ever Handheld Librarian Conference in July 2009 which featured a wide array of collaboration, learning and networking activities focused on Mobile Library Services! The Handheld Librarian 2 will continue the dialog with a 2-day online conference scheduled for February 17-18, 2010 and is now accepting registrations at http://www.handheldlibrarian.org.

The program -- sponsored by Alliance Library System, and LearningTimes -- will include a series of wonderful keynote and featured speakers collection of available resources, discussions boards, and access to the recording of all live events for one year after the conference. More people than ever are using mobile devices for a wide variety of purposes including communication, internet access, text messaging, and entertainment. It is important that libraries provide mobile services as handheld use increases.

The conference will feature three exciting keynote talks:

· Joan K. Lippincott from the Coalition for Networked Information speaking about “Mobilizing Libraries for Today’s Students”

· Joe Murphy from Yale University speaking about “This is Now: The Mobile Library”

· Tom Peters of TAP Information Services, addressing “Morphing with Mobile”

Registration for the conference is $69 per individual or $119 for a group. LIS students can register for $29. LIS students need to contact Lori Bell, Alliance Library System, at lbell@alliancelibrarysystem.com for a coupon code to register for the $29.

“With the avalanche of new mobile devices and applications, the Handheld Librarian 2 online conference will be a golden opportunity for library land to cost effectively learn how to reach a whole new audience,” said Kitty Pope, ALS Executive Director.

The Handheld Librarian II will also include the real-life experiences of libraries and information professionals. We are now soliciting presentation proposals highlighting current, evolving and future issues in mobile library services. To submit a proposal for the conference, go to http://www.handheldlibrarian.org/call-for-proposals/. Proposals are due November 15 and you will be notified by January 1, 2010 if your proposal has been accepted.

For more information on the conference, go to the conference site at http://www.handheldlibrarian.org. If you have questions, please contact John Walber at LearningTimes at john@learningtimes.net or Lori Bell at Alliance Library System at lbell@alliancelibrarysystem.com.

Local Book Publishers Honored for Publishing Excellence

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:19:00 +0000

HIGHLAND CITY, FL – October 12, 2009 – On Saturday, September 26, 2009, the Florida Publishers Association (FPA) presented its 2009 President’s Book Awards to members whose books were chosen as best in 16 different categories and one special category, President’s Pick, chosen by FPA’s President, Chris Angermann, of New Chapter Publisher, Sarasota, FL.

FPA Book Awards Chair, Betsy Lampe, president of Rainbow Books, Inc., Lakeland, FL, was the mistress of ceremonies for the President’s Book Awards Banquet at The Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel on Lido Beach, Sarasota.

“While it’s quite an honor for the publishers, authors, illustrators and designers whose books won gold and silver medals” says Lampe, who also acts as the group’s association executive, “the awards also provide a new platform from which the publishers can launch new marketing efforts. Publishing is a business, and receiving industry recognition, such as winning in the FPA 2009 President’s Book Awards, can help reviewers, retailers and readers identify some great and, perhaps, previously undiscovered books.”

The evening awards banquet was part of the two-day FPA 2009 Publishing Ed-U-Conference, the theme for which was “Strategies for Success.” Participants attended presentations by nationally recognized book experts and successful independent publishers in Florida.

The following gold and silver medal winners were selected by the competition’s 22 judges (19 Florida librarians and 3 members of an award-winning, nationally recognized book design firm):

PICTURE BOOK

Gold Medal Winner — Adventures of Countess Pigula: "Up, Up and Away!" written and illustrated by Karen Freysinger, published by "A-Ha!" Elora Danan Productions, Inc. (Estero, FL)

Silver Medal Winners — Airport Mouse Explores on Opening Day by Ruth E. Clark, illustrated by Phil Jones, published by Hibiscus Publishing (Naples, FL); Airport Mouse Becomes a VIP/VIM World Traveler by Ruth E. Clark, illustrated by Phil Jones, published by Hibiscus Publishing (Naples, FL); and, Kersplatypus by Susan Mitchell, illustrated by Sherry Rogers, published by Sylvan Dell Publishing (Mount Pleasant, SC)

FLORIDA FICTION FOR CHILDREN

Gold Medal Winner — Florida Santa: Is He Real? How Do We Know It? by Ruth E. Clark, illustrated by Sarah Caterisano, published by Hibiscus Publishing (Naples, FL)

YOUNG ADULT NONFICTION

Gold Medal Winner — Unlock Your Educational Potential by Dr. Brian R. Haig and Jeffrey D. Haig, published by Maximize Your Education (Irvine, CA)

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

Gold Medal Winner — A Cord of Three Strands by Holly Moulder, published by White Pelican Press (Sharpsburg, GA)

CHILDREN’S FICTION

Gold Medal Winner — The Mysterious Jamestown Suitcase: A Bailey Fish Adventure by Linda Salisbury, published by Tabby House (Mineral, VA)

Silver Medal Winners — Jonathan's Journey to Mount Miapu by Ellen Wolfson Valladares, illustrated by Maureen Burdock, published by Argami Productions, LLC (Weston, FL); and Ghost of the Chicken Coop Theater: A Bailey Fish Adventure by Linda Salisbury, published by Tabby House (Mineral, VA)

CHILDREN’S NONFICTION

Gold Medal Winner — Kiddish Yiddish: Jewish Traditions & Culture in Rhyme by Barbara Feltquate, illustrated by Tom Post, published Bardolf & Co. (Sarasota, FL)

Silver Medal Winner — Isabelle's Dream: A Story and Activity Book for a Child's Grief Journey by Betsy Bottino Arenella, published by Quality of Life Publishing Company (Naples, FL)

ADULT NONFICTION

Gold Medal Winner — Everyday Symbols for Joyful Living by Dianne Durante, Ed.S., published by of Life Publishing Company (Naples, FL)

Silver Medal Winners — The Half-Life of a Nuclear Battery by Philip H. Talbert, published by Astral Publishing (Fort Lauderdale, FL); and Real Men Do Cry: A Quarterback's Inspiring Story of Tackling Depression and Surviving Suicide Loss by Eric Hipple, published by Quality of Life Publishing Company (Naples, FL)

MEMOIRS

Gold Medal Winner — Captured Horizons: An Artist's Journey by Michael Judge, published by New Chapter Publisher (Sarasota, FL)

Silver Medal Winners — The Journey Less Traveled: Choose to Turn Your Tragedy Into Triumph by Loretta "Faith" Harris, published by Children's Heart Publishing Company (Orlando, FL); and, The Half-Life of a Nuclear Battery by Philip H. Talbert, published by Astral Publishing (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

FLORIDA FICTION FOR ADULTS

Gold Medal Winner — Promise to Poppy: A Bath Pond Book by Lowell Teal (Windermere, FL)

FLORIDA NONFICTION FOR ADULTS

Gold Medal Winner — Treasured Waters: The Indian River Lagoon by Richard A. Kelly and Camille S. Yates, published by Pioneer River Press (Fort Pierce, FL)

ADULT FICTION

Gold Medal Winner — MillTown by P.D. LaFleur, published by RGI Press (Punta Gorda, FL)

Silver Medal Winner — Alex and the Color of the Wind by Piero Rivolta, published by Chapter Publisher (Sarasota, FL)

INTERIOR DESIGN

Gold Medal Winner — Tastefully Small Finger Sandwiches: Easy Party Sandwiches for All Occasions by Kim Hendrickson, published Atlantic Publishing Company (Ocala, FL)

Silver Medal Winner — ColorAlchemy: Self-Mastery with the Endless Supply of Color written and designed by Jami Lin, published by Earth Design, Inc. (Venice, FL)

COVER DESIGN

Gold Medal Winner — Tastefully Small Dessert Canapés: Bite-Sized Sweets for Easy Entertaining by Kim Hendrickson, published by Atlantic Publishing Company (Ocala, FL)

Silver Medal Winners — Jazz from Row Six: Photographs 1981–2007 by Jean Germain, published by New Chapter Publisher (Sarasota, FL); and, Promise to Poppy: A Bath Pond Book by Lowell Teal (Windermere, FL)

COFFEE TABLE BOOK

Gold Medal Winner — Jazz from Row Six: Photographs 1981–2007 by Jean Germai, published by Chapter Publisher (Sarasota, FL)

Silver Medal Winner — Treasured Waters: The Indian River Lagoon by Richard A. Kelly and Camille S. Yates, published by Pioneer River Press LLC (Fort Pierce, FL)

BUSINESS BOOK

Gold Medal Winner — The Complete Guide to Robert's Rules of Order Made Easy: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply by Rita Cook, published by Atlantic Publishing Company (Ocala, FL)

Silver Medal Winners — The Complete Guide to Understanding, Controlling and Stopping Bullies & Bullying at Work: A Complete Guide for Managers, Supervisors, and Co-Workers by Margaret R. Kohut, MSW, published by Atlantic Publishing Company (Ocala, FL); and, The Secret Power of Blogging by Bruce C. Brown, published by Atlantic Publishing Company (Ocala, FL)

POETRY BOOK

Gold Medal Winner — East of Pouring by William Drew Weinbrenner, published by Ahewlu Productions LLC (Orlando, FL)

PRESIDENT’S PICK

Gold Medal Winner — Real Men Do Cry: A Quarterback's Inspiring Story of Tackling Depression and Surviving Suicide Loss by Eric Hipple, published by Quality of Life Publishing Company (Naples, FL)

In addition to medals to commemorate their awards, winners and finalists in each category received an award certificate and President’s Book Awards labels for their book covers.

Florida Publishers Association, Inc., now in its 27th year, is a non-profit, statewide professional association of publishers, self-publishers, authors and others interested in book publishing in Florida. It conducts numerous educational conferences, seminars and workshops throughout Florida and is affiliated with the Association of American Publishers, the Independent Book Publishers Association, the Small Publishers Association of North America and the Florida Center for the Book. It is also a member of the Florida Library Association and the Florida Association for Media in Education. Florida Publishers Association members are primarily located in Florida but includes members nationwide and internationally.

###

Winning companies by city:

—ESTERO—

"A-Ha!" Elora Danan Productions, Inc., publisher of the Picture Book Gold Medal Winner, Adventures of Countess Pigula: "Up, Up and Away!" written and illustrated by Karen Freysinger (Contact: Karen Freysinger, 239-466-2747, countesspigula@comcast.net)

—FORT LAUDERDALE—

Astral Publishing, publisher of both the Adult Nonfiction Silver Medal Winner and the Memoirs Silver Medal Winner, The Half-Life of a Nuclear Battery by Philip H. Talbert (Contact: Philip Talbert, 954-298-0906, ptalbert@bellsouth.net)

—FORT PIERCE—

Pioneer River Press, publisher of both the Florida Nonfiction for Adults Gold Medal Winner and Coffee Table Book Silver Medal Winner, Treasured Waters: The Indian River Lagoon by Richard A. Kelly and Camille S. Yates (Contact: Monique Walker, 772-462-7242, mwalker@ircc.edu)

—NAPLES—

Hibiscus Publishing, publisher of Florida Fiction for Children Gold Medal Winner, Florida Santa: Is He Real? How Do We Know It? by Ruth E. Clark, illustrated by Sarah Caterisano, and Picture Book Silver Medal Winners Airport Mouse Explores on Opening Day by Ruth E. Clark, illustrated by Phil Jones, and Airport Mouse Becomes a VIP/VIM World Traveler by Ruth E. Clark, illustrated by Phil Jones (Contact: Ruth E. Clark, Ed.D., 239-514-1373, hibiscus311@comcast.net)

Quality of Life Publishing, publisher of the President’s Pick and Adult Nonfiction Silver Medal Winner Real Men Do Cry: A Quarterback's Inspiring Story of Tackling Depression and Surviving Suicide Loss by Eric Hipple; the Adult Nonfiction Gold Medal Winner, Everyday Symbols for Joyful Living by Dianne Durante, Ed.S.; and the Children’s Nonfiction Silver Medal Winner, Isabelle's Dream: A Story and Activity Book for a Child's Grief Journey by Betsy Bottino Arenella (Contact: Karla Wheeler, 877-513-0099, kwheeler@QoLpublishing.com)

—OCALA—

Atlantic Publishing Company, publisher of the Interior Design Gold Medal Winner, Tastefully Small Finger Sandwiches: Easy Party Sandwiches for All Occasions by Kim Hendrickson, designed by Meg Buchner; the Cover Design Gold Medal Winner, Tastefully Small Dessert Canapés: Bite-Sized Sweets for Easy Entertaining by Kim Hendrickson, designed by Meg Buchner; the Business Books Gold Medal Winner, The Complete Guide to Robert's Rules of Order Made Easy: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply by Rita Cook; and the Business Books Silver Medal Winners, The Complete Guide to Understanding, Controlling and Stopping Bullies & Bullying at Work: A Complete Guide for Managers, Supervisors, and Co-Workers by Margaret R. Kohut, MSW, and The Secret Power of Blogging by Bruce C. Brown (Contact: Doug Brown, 352-622-1825, dbrown@atlantic-pub.com)

—ORLANDO—

Children’s Heart Publishing Company, publisher of the Memoirs Silver Medal Winner, The Journey Less Traveled: Choose to Turn Your Tragedy Into Triumph by Loretta "Faith" Harris (Contact: Loretta Harris, 407-232-3992, ms_Harris98@hotmail.com)

Ahewlu Productions LLC, publisher of the Poetry Book Gold Medal Winner, East of Pouring by William Drew Weinbrenner (Contact: William Drew Weinbrenner, 407-488-5054, dweinbre@yahoo.com)

—PUNTA GORDA—

RGI Press, publisher of the Adult Fiction Gold Medal Winner, MillTown by P.D. LaFleur (Contact: Suzanne Lancaster, 941-916-4218, slancaster@rgipress.com)

—SARASOTA—

Bardolf & Co., publisher of the the Children’s Nonfiction Gold Medal Winner, Kiddish Yiddish: Jewish Traditions & Culture in Rhyme by Barbara Feltquate, illustrated by Tom Post (Contact: Chris Angermann, 941-954-4690, c.angermann@comcast.net)

New Chapter Publisher, publisher of the Memoirs Gold Medal Winner, Captured Horizons: An Artist's Journey by Michael Judge; the Coffee Table Book Gold Medal Winner and Cover Design Silver Medal Winner, Jazz from Row Six: Photographs 1981–2007 by Jean Germain; and the Adult Fiction Silver Medal Winner, Alex and the Color of the Wind by Piero Rivolta (Contact: Chris Angermann, 941-954-4690, c.angermann@comcast.net)

—SHARPSBURG, GEORGIA—

White Pelican Press, publisher of the Young Adult Fiction Gold Medal Winner, A Cord of Three Strands by Holly Moulder (Contact: Holly Moulder, fishermoulder@aol.com)

—WESTON—

Argami Productions, LLC, publisher of the Children’s Fiction Silver Medal Winner, Jonathan's Journey to Mount Miapu by Ellen Wolfson Valladares, illustrated by Maureen Burdock (Contact: Ellen Valladares, 954-384-2731, ellenwv@aol.com)

—VENICE—

Earth Design, Inc., publisher of the Interior Design Silver Medal Winner, ColorAlchemy: Self-Mastery with the Endless Supply of Color written and designed by Jami Lin (Contact: Jami Lin, 941-276-8689, gp@jamilin.com)

—WINDERMERE—

Lowell Teal, publisher of the Florida Fiction for Adults Gold Medal Winner and Cover Design Silver Medal Winner, Promise to Poppy: A Bath Pond Book by Lowell Teal (Contact: Lowell Teal, 407-876-2377, lowellteal@aol.com)

OUT OF STATE

—IRVINE, CA—

Maximize Your Education, publisher of the Young Adult Nonfiction Gold Medal Winner, Unlock Your Educational Potential by Dr. Brian R. Haig and Jeffrey D. Haig

—MINERAL, VA—

Tabby House, publisher of the Children’s Fiction Gold Medal Winner, The Mysterious Jamestown Suitcase: A Bailey Fish Adventure by Linda Salisbury, and the Children’s Fiction Silver Medal Winner, Ghost of the Chicken Coop Theater: A Bailey Fish Adventure by Linda Salisbury

—MOUNT PLEASANT, SC—

Sylvan Dell Publishing, publisher of the Picture Book Silver Medal Winner, Kersplatypus by Susan Mitchell, illustrated by Sherry Rogers

Library Day 2010 Announced

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:27:00 +0000

Library Day will be held in Tallahassee on Tuesday, February 16, 2010. All library supporters are invited to be a part of FLA's advocacy efforts to talk with state legislators about the importance of libraries in the state's buget. The 2010 legislative platform includes support for

State university and community college libraries

Public school media centers

State Library & Archives of Florida

Bureau of Braille & Talking Book Services

Department of Correction library services

State Aid to Libraries grants (public library funding)

Public library construction grants

Community Libraries in Caring grant program

Library cooperatives

Expansion of early voting sites

The full platform may be viewed at http://www.flalib.org/advocacy_documents/Leg%20Platform%202010%20Apprvd%20072409.pdf

October is now NATIONAL INFORMATION LITERACY AWARENESS MONTH

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:34:00 +0000

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
___________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release October 1, 2009

NATIONAL INFORMATION LITERACY AWARENESS MONTH, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

Every day, we are inundated with vast amounts of information. A 24-hour news cycle and thousands of global television and radio networks, coupled with an immense array of online resources, have challenged our long-held perceptions of information management. Rather than merely possessing data, we must also learn the skills necessary to acquire, collate, and evaluate information for any situation. This new type of literacy also requires competency with communication
technologies, including computers and mobile devices that can help in our day-to-day decisionmaking. National Information Literacy Awareness Month highlights the need for all Americans to be adept in the skills necessary to effectively navigate the Information Age.

Though we may know how to find the information we need, we must also know how to evaluate it. Over the past decade, we have seen a crisis of authenticity emerge. We now live in a world where anyone can publish an opinion or perspective, whether true or not, and have that opinion amplified within the information marketplace. At the same time, Americans have unprecedented access to the diverse and independent sources of information, as well as institutions such as libraries and universities, that can help separate truth from fiction and signal from noise.

Our Nation's educators and institutions of learning must be aware of -- and adjust to -- these new realities. In addition to the basic skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic, it is equally important that our students are given the tools required to take advantage of the information available to them. The ability to seek, find, and decipher information can be applied to countless life decisions, whether financial, medical, educational, or technical.

This month, we dedicate ourselves to increasing information literacy awareness so that all citizens understand its vital importance. An informed and educated citizenry is essential to the functioning of our modern democratic society, and I encourage educational and community institutions across the country to help Americans find and evaluate the information they seek, in all its forms.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2009 as National Information Literacy Awareness Month. I call upon the people of the United States to recognize the important role information plays in our daily lives, and appreciate the need for a greater understanding of its impact.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA
# # #

Announcing the Redesign of the Florida Electronic Library and Gale’s PowerSearch 2.0!

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:42:00 +0000

The Florida Electronic Library—your gateway to superior electronic resources that offer access to comprehensive, accurate, and reliable information—is pleased to announce a redesigned Web site (http://www.flelibrary.org) and the migration to Gale’s PowerSearch 2.0 platform.

The newly designed site makes accessing information from the Florida Electronic Library collection easier than ever. In addition to locating authoritative sources such as magazines, newspapers, almanacs, encyclopedias, and books, and providing up-to-date information on current events, education, business, technology, and health issues, the new site also helps users connect directly with librarians and libraries across the state.

Students, families, teachers, and librarians will find valuable tools to meet their information needs as well. Whether you are a teacher looking for a lesson plan or a student looking for the best electronic information to complete a report for school, the Florida Electronic Library has the quality information and sources you need.

In addition to the site redesign, the Florida Electronic Library is also very pleased to announce that Gale’s PowerSearch 2.0 has been enabled for all InfoTrac resources in the collection. Improvements to Gale’s PowerSearch platform include:

§ Better navigation options, including the new Publication Browse with hover technology, allowing users to see more publication details without clicking through

§ Three languages (Arabic, Polish, and Russian) added to the translation feature, enabling users to translate any of the 150 million articles available on the PowerSearch platform into 11 different languages

§ Addition of “named user” functionality, allowing researchers to save their search histories, maintain search alerts, create RSS feeds, and save documents into their own customized folders

§ Enhanced search results that incorporate images, videos, and podcasts directly into the results list

§ Web 2.0 sharing tools including Del.icio.us, MySpace, Reddit, Digg, Facebook, Newsvine, Twitter, and others

§ ReadSpeaker technology, allowing users to have all articles available via PowerSearch read to them, or downloaded into MP3 format (for an iPod or other audio device) to listen to later

Ready to take advantage of these great new enhancements?

Login at http://www.flelibrary.org and let a pathway to learning begin!

FLA takes legal action to advocate for libraries

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:33:00 +0000

The Florida Library Association will intervene in a lawsuit filed against the Florida Division of Library and Information Services by Library Systems & Services (LSSI). The suit challenges a proposed amendment to State Aid Program Guidelines which requires the head of a public library be a full-time employee of the single administrative unit.

FLA’s Petition to Intervene includes the following points:
· The proposed change to the eligibility requirements for State Aid to Libraries grants has the potential to affect library budgets and, therefore, current and future employment opportunities at Florida libraries.
· FLA’s mission and purpose include promoting excellence in all types of library service in Florida. It is FLA’s position that excellence is promoted when a library is managed and coordinated by a full-time library professional.

The final hearing will be held on October 8, 2009. For more information, see http://www.flalib.org/advocacy_documents/Petition%20to%20Intervene%20-%20FLA%20member%20announcement.pdf

FLA 2010 Annual Conference - Save the Date

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:32:00 +0000

Save the Date and Think Outside the Book!
April 7-9, 2010
Rosen Plaza Hotel, Orlando

The Florida Library Association is excited about the 2010 Annual Conference, and encourages everyone to put these dates on their calendar: April 7 -9, 2010.

FLA President Wendy Breeden has chosen “Thinking Outside The Book” as her presidential theme, and the 2010 Conference Committee is planning a slate of programs and events that will reflect the vitality and dynamics of Florida Libraries, and the exciting directions our profession is taking.

The coming annual conference will be held in the outstanding Rosen Plaza Hotel. Located on International Drive, this conference location will provide an excellent vantage point for launching great adventures and spending time with your colleagues during conference down time, or as an opportunity to add on several days for a family holiday. To learn more about the Rosen Plaza, visit: http://www.rosenplaza.com/Default.aspx

If you visit the FLA Home page at http://www.flalib.org/, there is a handy link that makes it easy to book your 2010 Conference Hotel reservation with your special conference rate.

“Thinking Outside the Book” starts with you, so join us in Orlando in April 2010!

St. Augustine Research Library Offers Public Rare Digitized Documents

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 00:10:00 +0000

By THEO KARANTSALIS

If you ever wanted to peer into St. Augustine’s past, besides circling it in a trolley, you might want to sift through a hidden treasure uncovered by the St. Augustine Historical Society.

A rare collection of books, photographs and documents dating back hundreds of years, will soon be made available to the public – after they are digitized.

“We’ve embarked on a plan to digitize our collection and make it available to everyone,” said Chief Librarian Jess May, a former Hewlett-Packard employee. “We want to share it.”

The Research Library was formed as an alliance between the Free Library Association of St. Augustine and the St. Augustine Historical Society, both established in the 19th century.

The library’s collection includes books and photographs that document the city’s storied past.

“We have items here that date back to the 16th century,” said Dr. Susan Parker, the society’s executive director. “This is the oldest historical society in the state.”

Most of the older documents are in Spanish. Parker, who speaks Spanish, also added that books from the 17th century are in better shape than those from the 18th century, and attributes this to the quality of paper.

Aside from books and photos, Parker said that the collection includes:

- translations of the earliest church records in the nation that date back to 1594;

- copies of official Spanish and British Colonial documents, from 1513-1821;

- the oldest municipal and county records in Florida, from 1812-1821; and,

- genealogical data from the sixteenth century to today.

Parker said that Minorcan descendants will find a “one-of-a-kind” resource at the library that will allow them to research their genealogy. Minorca, which means "minor island," is one of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and is part of Spain.

“People come from all over to do research here,” said May. “One professor came all the way from U.C. Davis in California to research a load of chocolate that came into St. Augustine in the early years.”

The library’s goal is to preserve its collection while making it available to the public.

May said that digitizing a rare collection is labor intensive and that the library is relying on its “great volunteers” to complete the task. The library actively seeks volunteers and has reached out to library schools to promote internships in return for college credit.

“Every drawer is another 5 years of work,” said May. “It never stops.”

The research library is located at 6 Artillery Lane in St. Augustine. It is open Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the third Saturday of each month, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For information, call 904-824-2872.

Photo: Chief Librarian Jess May (left) and St. Augustine Historical Executive Director Dr. Susan Parker.

Theo Karantsalis is the assistant library director at Miami Dade College’s North Campus.

Book TV.org has some new features!

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:02:00 +0000

Book TV.org has updated it's site and now has "easy-to-navigate sections where you can watch video, view and print the schedule, learn about book festivals, and find news about books and the publishing world" all from within the site. Check it out at: http://booktv.org/.

Here is one example of the programming you can watch from Book TV (courtesy of YouTube).

Kionne McGhee discusses his new book with librarian Theo Karantsalis

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Mon, 11 May 2009 13:10:00 +0000

Kionne McGhee, assistant state attorney, discusses his new book, "A Mere I Can is American" with librarian Theo Karantsalis.

Jazz in the stacks at the West St. Petersburg Community Library (April 21st at 7:30 p.m)

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:33:00 +0000

In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month, St. Petersburg College will host Jazz in the Stacks, a free concert featuring the Helios Jazz Orchestra, on April 21, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. at its West St. Petersburg Community Library, 750 66th Street North, St. Petersburg. This concert is sponsored in part by the Friends of the Library, the EMIT series, and the City of St. Petersburg.

The Helios Jazz Orchestra, a 22-piece jazz big band that performs swing, bebop and Latin jazz, is led by Director David Manson and made up of some of the most talented musicians in the Tampa Bay area.

Visit Helios Jazz Orchestra or the St. Petersburg Library Blog for more information.

Book Cart Drill Team @ FLA Conference

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:16:00 +0000

Join the fun at FLA!

Create great PR for your library!

Strengthen library staff morale!

Start a Book Cart Drill Team!

Florida Library AssociationBook Cart Drill Team Competition
Wednesday, May 6, 2009 3:00pm – 3:45pm

Doubletree Hotel at the Entrance to UniversalOrlando, Florida
1st Prize $250 DEMCO Gift Certificate

2nd Prize $150 DEMCO Gift Certificate

3rd Prize $100 DEMCO Gift Certificate

Trophies awarded for:Best Costumes; Best Decorated Carts and WOW Factor

Carts on the Move

The 2nd Annual FLA Book Cart Drill Team Competition is set for Wednesday, May 6, 2009 3:00pm-3:45pm. The competition will be held during the 2009 FLA Conference at the Doubletree Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando, Florida. If you don't know what to expect at a Book Cart Drill Team event check out this video from last year's FLA Competition. There are also many other videos under the search term “book cart drill team” available at www.youtube.com/. If you are interested in participating be sure to read the Team Rules and Guidelines and complete an application. Both are available by clicking here.

Book Cart Drill Team members who are not attending any sessions, exhibits or events other than the competition, will not be charged conference registration fees and FLA is generously providing these individuals with a free pass to the vendors’ exhibition for the day of the competition.
This event is sponsored

Ask-a-Librarian Director's Chair Contest Winner

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:46:00 +0000

The other Director's Chair winners can be viewed at: http://www.tblc.org/aal/directorschair/winners2009.shtml

Dear Mr. President: A Special Digital Book

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 21:05:00 +0000

The National Education Association and Kidthing.com released "Dear Mr. President", an electronic book where children share their "thoughts, ideas, and advice" for America's 44th President. For more information visit: www.kidthing.com/DMP

Klez4Kids -- a multimedia storytime extravaganza!

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 19:17:00 +0000

Come check out Klez4Kids, a multimedia storytime extravaganza, with a live reading by Heidi Smith Hyde (author of award-winning picture book "Mendel's Accordion"), illustrations projected onto the walls, and musical accompaniment by FAU's Klezmer Company Orchestra! It takes place on Wednesday February 25 at 7pm at Florida Atlantic University @ the Live Oak Pavilion. For more information visit: http://www.klez4kids.blogspot.com/.

FLA Awards Nominations

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:18:00 +0000

Last Chance! 2009 FLA Awards nominations are due by February 28, 2009.

Listed below are the 9 award categories. Visit the FLA website to see a full description of all the awards and to obtain the award nomination forms. FLA’s newest award, the Maria Chavez-Hernandez "Libraries Change Peoples' Lives" Award, recognizes an individual library employee or group of employees who have made a demonstrably positive and big difference in the lives of Florida’s library users. This award is open to all types of libraries, library organizations and library associations in the state. The recognized service or program must have been in place for at least two years and may serve either adults, or adults and children. All types of programs and services may be nominated but the special focus will be programs and services that provide outreach to immigrant and/or underserved populations.

Do you know someone that should be nominated for the Librarian of the Year or the Lifetime Achievement Award? There is also a Library of the Year Award which is presented to a Florida library that has demonstrated outstanding service to the community it serves.

Submit award nomination forms to Faye Roberts, FLA Executive Director at faye.roberts@comcast.net by February 28, 2009.

Current FLA award categories:
· FLA Leader of the Year
· Librarian of the Year
· Library of the Year
· Lifetime Achievement
· Outstanding Citizen
· Friends, Foundations and Boards Library
· Intellectual Freedom
· Library Web Site
· Maria Chavez-Hernandez "Libraries Change Peoples' Lives"

NBC Nightly News report regarding the importance of libraries in these difficult economic times.

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:40:00 +0000

FLA Awards Nominations

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:13:00 +0000

2009 FLA Awards nominations are due by February 28, 2009. Listed below are the 9 award categories. Visit the FLA website to see descriptions of all the awards and to obtain the award nomination forms.

The FLA Leader of the Year Award is presented to a member of the Florida Library Association for distinguished service to the Association. Nominate someone you know who has a dedicated commitment to the Association's goals through active membership on committees, attendance at conferences, support of statewide advocacy efforts, submissions to the Association's publications, acceptance of leadership roles, or other significant activities on behalf of the Association and its aims.

Do you know a library that deserves one of the Library Web Site Awards? These awards are presented in three categories, Public Library Web Site, Special or Academic Library Web Site, and Youth Services Web Site. Library Web Site awards promote awareness of the importance of good design and usability in web page development and to recognize outstanding examples of effective library web pages.

Submit award forms to Faye Roberts, FLA Executive Director at faye.roberts@comcast.net

Current FLA award categories:

· FLA Leader of the Year

· Librarian of the Year

· Library of the Year

· Lifetime Achievement

· Outstanding Citizen

· Friends, Foundations and Boards Library

· Intellectual Freedom

· Library Web Site

· Maria Chavez-Hernandez "Libraries Change Peoples' Lives"

New cookbook from MaintainIT includes many Florida librarian contributions!

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:14:00 +0000

The latest Cookbook is now available on the MaintainIT web site! "Planning for Success, a Guide for the Overworked Librarian" is packed with resources, ideas, tips, and techniques from over a hundred librarians from across the country.

You can find the new Cookbook here: http://www.maintainitproject.org/cookbooks/planning-for-success

Look to this Cookbook for the most current ideas and best practices for planning, building, and managing your library’s computer technology. Librarians have contributed their knowledge on topics ranging from security solutions and strategic maintenance practices, to community building experiences involving Web 2.0 tools and vital partnerships. And like all of the other MaintainIT materials, it is FREE.

Many Florida librarians contributed to it as well. Check them out at: http://www.maintainitproject.org/blog/a-new-cookbook-has-arrived-thanks-to-all-of-you

Helios Jazz Orchestra: Live in the Stacks Video

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:42:00 +0000

The Helios Jazz Orchestra: Live in the Stacks

On Oct. 21, the West St. Petersburg Community Library at St. Petersburg College hosted its second “Jazz in the Stacks” concert with the talented Helios Jazz Orchestra.

The 21-piece jazz ensemble, directed by David Manson, performed swing, bebop & Latin jazz arrangements. Its band members, with vocalists Rita Wilson and Joanna Rose, include some of the best jazz musicians in the Tampa Bay area.

Watch them on SPC TV on:

Sunday 9 p.m.

Wednesday 10 a.m.

Saturday 12 p.m.

Friday 8:30 p.m.

Helios Jazz Orchestra -- Live in the Stacks!

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:06:00 +0000

The West St. Petersburg Community Library at St. Petersburg College and the Friends of the Library proudly presents the Helios Jazz Orchestra -- Live in the Stacks!

The Helios Jazz Orchestra is a resident ensemble at St. Petersburg College. The 21-piece jazz big band is directed by Dr. David Manson and performs swing, bebop & Latin jazz. Its members include the best jazz musicians in the Tampa Bay area. Read more at: www.spcollege.edu/spg/music/helios/heliosroster.htm.

The library is located at 67th Street and Eighth Avenue N. on
the St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus. For more information call (727) 341- 7199.

Date: Tuesday October 21, 2008
Time: 7:30pm
Place: Library
Cost: Free!

Refreshments and snacks will be served.

FLA Awards Nominations

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:18:00 +0000

Nominations needed! Let’s make our 2009 FLA Awards ceremony the best ever. Nominate a Florida library for Library of the Year or for one of the Library Web Site awards. Maybe you know someone who should be nominated for Librarian of the Year, which is presented in recognition of outstanding and ongoing contributions to Florida librarianship.

Don’t forget last year’s new award, Maria Chavez-Hernandez "Libraries Change Peoples' Lives" Award. This award, named in honor of Florida State University’s Dr. Maria Chavez-Hernandez, recognizes an individual library employee or group of employees who have made a demonstrably positive and big difference in the lives of Florida’s library users.

Current FLA award categories:
· FLA Leader of the Year
· Librarian of the Year
· Library of the Year
· Lifetime Achievement
· Outstanding Citizen
· Friends, Foundations and Boards Library
· Intellectual Freedom
· Library Web Site
· Maria Chavez-Hernandez "Libraries Change Peoples' Lives"

To see descriptions of all the FLA awards and the award forms visit the FLA website.

Nominations are due by February 28. 2009 and should be submitted to Faye Roberts, FLA Executive Director at faye.roberts@comcast.net

Libraries Shine In Tough Economic Times

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:28:00 +0000

All Things Considered, July 29, 2008 · With the economy slowing, many Americans are doing research in the public library. Boyd County, Ky., Library Director Debbie Cosper says public-use computers are always full and people are checking out books rather than buying them.

Early Childhood Learning Materials Available

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:32:00 +0000

This is a post George Needham made to "It's All Good," a blog to which he and OCLC colleagues contribute. If public libraries are in the business of helping parents and caregivers prepare young children for reading and learning, then it would seem to make sense to provide learning tools like these from library web sites to support that role.

Washington Learning Systems in Seattle is offering free access to materials to assist in early childhood education.

According to the press release I received: These materials include 14 activities designed to be used outside the home: in the car, while walking, during bus rides, etc.

The activities encourage early language and literacy development from birth through preschool. They are appropriate for children with disabilities as well as children who are developing typically.

The development of these materials was supported by Grant H324M020084 from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.

The materials are available in English and Spanish.You can download the materials here.

George Needham -

Maintaining Public Computers: A Free Webinar for Florida Libraries

mairn.chad@spcollege.edu (Chad Mairn) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:52:00 +0000

Description

1. Are you tired of spending time figuring out how to maintain or support your public computers?

2. Do you wish you could ask someone how they manage public computers at their library? (For example, how do they manage printing? Reservations? Questions from laptop users? And more…)

3. Are you interested in sharing how your library gets things done?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’re in luck: the MaintainIT Project is here to help!

At the MaintainIT Project (www.maintainitproject.org), we interview hundreds of librarians about how they maintain, support, and sustain their public computers. We then publish all of their experiences, successes, and challenges in free guides called Cookbooks, so librarians can learn from the experiences of others who’ve done it before them.

The best part? Everything the MaintainIT Project does is free, and everything is on www.maintainitproject.org. We also produce free webinars, and we’d like to invite you to a free webinar on how you can use MaintainIT resources to make a difference in your library. Please come!

DATE: September 11th, 2008

TIME: 3:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Lori Reed from Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (NC) will be facilitating this webinar for libraries in Florida. Please spread the word!

To participate in this webinar, you will need to be at a computer and on the phone. Connection specifics will be included in an email sent to you after you register.