MARC 21 In Your Library: Live Online

This course is an introduction to MARC21 and how it is meant to work in a library automation system. It explains what the MARC standards are and how those standards tie in with our cataloging rules (AACR) to help catalogers create data that will function effectively in a library catalog.

There are two components to this course. Part One is a series of 9 free self paced webinars that cover the underlying fundamentals of MARC and bibliographic information. You should complete the Part One webinars before starting the live online Part Two which covers the core codes that are most commonly found in MARC records, and their functions.

Part One: MARC and Bibliographic Information: The Underlying Fundamentals: Prerequisite before attending Part Two. Click here to access the webinars: http://www.marcofquality.com/webinars/webm21.html

Part Two: MARC Coding: The Core Codes and Their Functions. This part consists of three two-hour live online sessions. You must attend all three sessions. See scheduled dates below.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain and illustrate correct MARC coding for:
• Indexed fields (used for searching in a catalog to find a description of a resource)
• Display fields (used for choosing between resources found in a catalog)
• Coded fields (used by the catalog to customize searches and displays)
• Number fields (used for searching in a catalog and for duplicate record detection)
• Provide practice in reading MARC records

At the conclusion of this course, you should be able to read a MARC record, talk MARC, understand how errors in MARC coding affect a library catalog, and correctly explain the following, and many other, mysteries of the catalog:

• why can I find this book in the catalog if I search its author but cannot find it when I search its title?
• why does the catalog say we only have six books in Spanish, when just looking at the shelves I can see hundreds of them?
• why do so many descriptions of videos show up in the catalog with a little book icon instead of a video icon?

Who should attend: Directors, reference and acquisitions staff, copy, beginning and experienced catalogers.

Two scheduled classes:

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, May 25, 26 and 27, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Register here for May 25-27 http://bit.ly/anUFID

OR

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, June 14, 15 and 16, 4:00 - 6:00 PM

Register here for June 14-16 http://bit.ly/dxFSx7

For NEFLIN members only. Seats are limited.

Free Library Webinars: May Update

On our sister blog, Library Webinars, we have just put up the monthly list of live webinars.

We have found 30+ webinars and online conferences in May that can assist with your professional development. Here are some randomly selected topics:

• Accidental Leadership with George Needham
• Crime Fiction: Past and Present
• Economics of Sustaining Digital Information
  
• Greening Interlibrary Loan
• Helping Your Patrons Help Themselves
  
• How to Create No Lecture Webinars
  
• Managing Generation Y Employees
• Trends in Teen Literature
• Video in the Library: Best Practices
  

Check it out!

Cool Teen Programs for Under $100 - 2nd webinar added

Stretch your programming dollars! Got Teens? Get immediately implementable program ideas for zero-minimal budgets, successful events that will bring teens to your library and keep them coming back. Based on the recent YALSA book, this webinar will show you how you can create and implement cool teen programs for less than $100. Without letting budget cuts or burnout get in the way, teens in your community will be awed by what you offer @ your library and you'll have all the tools you need to get new programs built, marketed, and measured with success.

Virtual Trainer: Jenine Lillian, Consultant, Librarian, and author of Cool Teen Programs for under $100

Date: Tuesday, May 11
Time: 2:00 - 3:30 pm

Location: On your DESKTOP. You will be emailed access information.

FREE for NEFLIN members.

Nonmembers: $25

Register Today: http://bit.ly/dCRuzT

See all NEFLIN classes at http://www.neflin.org/registration.php

One Man Can Make a Difference

This is such a great story. Thanks again, Paul.

My local newspaper reported today that the last issue resolved by the state legislature was funding for public libraries. 11:59pm on the last day of the budget process.

State Aid Restored!

From Charlie Parker, FLA Legislative Committee Chair.
-------------------------------------------------

Budget Chairs Restore State Funding to Public Libraries to $21.2 Million

At midnight the House accepted a Senate offer to restore State Aid to Public Libraries to the current year level of $21.2 million. When Senate Budget Chair J. D. Alexander made the offer, he asked if "the library guy" with the signs was in the room. The library guy we all know is Paul Clark who has pretty much lived in the Capitol keeping the issue in front of legislators and the press for 6 weeks. Senator Alexander was disappointed that Paul wasn't there and said that other advocates could learn a lot from him.

There, working the issue until midnight were FLA lobbyist Chris Lyon, Small County Coalition coordinator Chris Doolan, and whole contingent from the Department of State including Secretary Kurt Browning, lobbyist Rivers Buford III, and John Boynton. This group barely left the Capitol all weekend long. Chris Doolan had a very positive impact for us, especially on Sunday morning. The folks from the Florida Association of Counties, and many county lobbyists have been working the issue aggressively as well.

The Salter/Mitchell pr folks distributed press releases for us at several critical junctures. FLA's CapWiz wizard, Lisa Manners did an incredible job of keeping the message fresh and for generating over 60,000 messages in the last 6 weeks. And nothing good happens at FLA without Executive Director Faye Roberts talents and effort.

Thanks to everyone for their incredible efforts and congratulations on the wonderful success!

Library Funding in Jeopardy

Thank you for taking time to e-mail state legislators to restore NEFLIN's funding. Your e-mails had an impact. The six Florida MLCs, which includes NEFLIN, are now in the state budget at $1.2 million.

However, we still have work to do.

There is still a significant reduction being considered in State Aid to Public Libraries. A reduction will not only affect public libraries but the MLCs and State Library too. Please read the information below from the Florida Library Association and e-mail these legislators now.

Thanks for your support!

Brad Ward, NEFLIN

--------------------------------

One Last Library Funding Push in the Legislature - $21.2 Million is Needed to Support Public Libraries and an $8 Million Cut (37%) Has Been Proposed With 3 Days Left to Finish the Budget!

We are embarrassed to ask you to step up one more time and contact the Governor, legislative leadership, and your legislators to support State funding for public libraries but ask you we must. Earlier this week a budget conference committee could not reach agreement about State Aid to Public Libraries funding so the issue goes now Budget Chairs Senator Alexander and Representative Rivera.

When they met Thursday Senator Alexander proposed $13,253,978 or an $8 million (37%) State Aid cut, to the $21.2 million needed and the amount provided this year.

Go to: http://capwiz.com/ala/fl/home/

Select "Take Action".
Fill out the Required information and select "Send Message".
(Your e-mail will then go to all the legislators who are dealing with this issue.)

Thank you for all your help!

Ask A Librarian

Free Informational Webinar

Online Meeting for Non-participating Libraries

If you’ve ever heard about Ask a Librarian and wondered what it is and how you and your library can be a part of it, this informational workshop is perfect for you.

Ask a Librarian is Florida’s collaborative virtual reference service allowing users to connect with librarians via chat or email for assistance with reference questions and research. Open 10 a.m. to midnight EST Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Friday and Saturday, Ask a Librarian is available to users 84 hours a week and is staffed by librarians just like you throughout Florida.

Part of the Florida Electronic Library, Ask a Librarian offers for free to participating libraries the collaborative software, a local desk option, an email management system and robust statistical reports. In exchange, Ask a Librarian participants are asked to staff either the collaborative or academic desk. We work with each library to come up with a schedule that suits their librarians and the overall Ask a Librarian program. The service handles over 5,000 chat sessions and 1,000 email questions monthly.

Ask a Librarian uses a software platform from InstantService, an esteemed and flexible software provider. InstantService allows us to offer libraries a variety of options. This means your library could host its own local Ask a Librarian desk, incorporate a simple chat interface – similar to Meebo – on your library’s website, and so much more.

Learn more about Ask a Librarian and see if it fits your library's needs by joining an online information session.

Sessions are:

June 3, 1:30pm - 2:30pm

or

June 7, 10:00am – 11:00am


Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions.

Diana Silveira, Virtual Reference Manager

813.622.8252 ext 234

sachsd@tblc.org

Legislative Update

Great news! The Florida Senate and House agreed in their conference committee late yesterday to fund the six Florida MLCs at $1.2 million for FY2010-11 (which is the same level of funding as the current year).

I will be sending out a message soon to all member library staff with the names of legislators who we need to thank for this state funding.

Thanks also to the MLC Lobbyist, Dale Patchett. He put in a lot of hours on our behalf and made the difference coming down the stretch. Thanks Dale!

Best Free Web Services for Broke Libraries

An addition to the presentations from "Computers in Libraries".

Best Free Web Services for Broke Libraries

FLA Award Winners

NEFLIN Libraries were well represented in the annual awards handed out by the Florida Library Association. Congratulations to the following groups and individuals!

Library of the Year Award
Alachua County Library System, Sol Hirsch, Director

The Alachua County Library District (ACLD) emphasizes excellent library services to improve quality of life for the entire community. ACLD seeks to provide essential community services, addressing local needs while serving as a model for other libraries. The Library Partnership and the Gator Mobile Health Clinic are two unique and collaborative partnerships that have drawn national attention for innovation and effectiveness.

Exemplary Learning Design Award
Jacksonville Public Library

To develop a climate where all employees share a common vision, Jacksonville Public Library established Destination: Leadership. A team of 18 internal trainers led all full-time employees in an 8-hour class over 15 months to develop leadership skills and to positively influence the library's organizational culture.

Friends, Foundations & Boards Outstanding Member Award
Frances A. "Fran" Kolonia, Ocala Public Library Friends

In 1980, Fran Kolonia provided expertise and support to establish the Friends of the Ocala Public Library. She served three terms as President of the Ocala Friends and held numerous other offices, including the first Book Sale Chairman. Her leadership in a 1990 library referendum led to a county-governed library system and she has been an active advocate for libraries locally and across Florida for three decades.

Library Innovation Award
Marion County Public Library System

CREATE (Colossal, Reading, Entertaining, Artsy, Teen Event) highlighted talents and positive achievements of Marion County youth, involved area businesses, and promoted the library as a place to develop teen talents through a writer's conference, a filmmaker's contest, a battle for the bands and a fine art show.

Lifetime Achievement Award
Elizabeth Curry

Dr. Elizabeth Curry is a librarian, trainer, facilitator with experience in human services as well as in all types of libraries. She has held leadership roles in local, state, regional and national professional organizations. While Executive Director of the Southeast Florida Library Information Network, this former FLA President implemented Free-Net, a community network and SunSeeker, a Leadership Institute, forerunner to Florida's Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute. As a consultant, she has worked with the State Library of Florida, multitype cooperatives and library systems across Florida.

Betty Davis Miller Youth Services Award
Ocala Public Library

Bee-a-Reader, established in 2005, provides a weekly 15-minute read aloud program for school children and their families. Children receive a bookmark at each visit and occasional special incentives. This easily reproducible program is offered at the headquarters library and four of the system's branches. Nancy Young is Children's Division Manager.

Eileen Brunner Membership Development Award
Friends of the Columbia County Public Library

For many years the membership in the group had hovered around 200. Although memberships in groups are on the decline, the Friends decided that with a proactive approach they could increase their membership. During 2009, in conjunction with their 50th anniversary celebration, they set out to increase the number to 300. In February they launched a "Love Your Library" campaign, with displays, posters and hanging hearts for each person who renewed or joined during February. In September they launched "Bee a Winner and Join the Friend" in conjunction with the Library's Annual Adult Team Spelling Bee fundraiser. For each campaign they designed materials that were appropriate to the theme. By the end of the year they had met their goal with 301 members!

Outstanding Program Award - "50th Anniversary Celebration"
Friends of the Columbia County Public Library

Columbia Friends know how to give a party! They celebrated their 50th anniversary with "a year-long series of events that ended with a birthday bash" that brought over 500 people to their open house. The number and duration of the Friends involvement was almost inspirational. They produced a calendar listing the many events planned, historical library and staff photos and interesting tidbits about the library. Monthly author programs were held. The celebration also served to draw attention to the library and to bring people to the three library locations so they could see what the library offers and to increase membership in the Friends of the Library.

Web Site Award
Friends of the Ocala Public Library (Marion County)

In 2009 the Friends worked hard to develop a new, fresh image through a comprehensive marking program and to foster community awareness of the Friends. This included a new logo and the development of the web site. The web site is bright, colorful, easy to read and invites the reader to explore further. A simple menu makes navigation easy. Content provides current information on Friends and Library programs. Check it out: www.friendsoftheocalalibrary.org.

Complete List of Award Winners

OCLC's CatExpress Service

CatExpress is a cost-effective way to obtain reliable, complete MARC records.

NEFLIN has a CatExpress "group" that provides discounted use of this OCLC product. If you are interested contact Brad for more information.

If your library needs basic copy cataloging and MARC record delivery for 250–7,000 titles per year, CatExpress is right for you. If your library catalogs more than 7,000 titles per year, and/or needs to create original cataloging records, Connexion is recommended.

Precise records for popular and hard-to-find materials are provided in a one-stop, easy-to-use Web interface that never needs software updates. Through CatExpress, you have access to up-to-date records for all kinds of resources: monographs, serials, maps, electronic books, Web articles, audiovisual recordings, and more. Behind it, the power of WorldCat.

CatExpress Website

CatExpress Tutorial

Very Important Paraprofessional Workshop

TBLC has put together a great program for this year's VIP conference. The day-long event will be held on May 14, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

New this year, an online option will be available for attendees to participate from their desktop.

Find out more and register here.

Computers in Libraries: Session Recaps

The annual Computers in Libraries conference was held this week. Here are links to recaps of various sessions. Check them out!

Librarian in Black

• Communicating the Value of Your Web Presence
  
• Dead and Innovative Technology
• Digital Manager Sound Off
• eBooks: Landscape & Implications
  
• Interview with Archivist of the U.S., David Ferriero
• iPad Manifesto
  
• Keynote, Ken Haycock, Director SLIS, San Jose State
• Keynote, Lee Rainie, Pew Internet Project
  
• LMS Systems: What's Out There?
  
• Mobile Tips and Practices
• Ninja Style Technology Projects
  
• Organization 2.0
  
• Public Library Website Redesign
  
• SOPAC 2.1 (based on Drupal CMS)
  
• Virtual Learning & Training
• Website Redesign: Georgetown University

Swiss Army Librarian

• The Best of Resource Shelf
• Experience Design Makeover
  
• Well-Organized Sites and Portals

David Lee King

• Gen X Librarians: Leading from the Middle
  
• The Global Library Automation Scene
• Videocasting Boot Camp

Blog Holiday this Week

Patty and I will attending the annual Florida Library Association conference in Orlando this week. No posts to the blog until we return next week.

Introduction to Koha - new live online class scheduled

Introduction to Koha: Live Online NEW

In this one-hour live online session attendees will learn about the history of and the basics of the Koha Open Source ILS.

Topics include:

• history of Koha
• basic community structure
• finding support
• brief overview of the OPAC and staff clients.

Intended Audience: Those considering or new to using the Koha ILS

Virtual Trainer: Nicole Engard, Lyrasis

Hurry! Monday, April 19, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Register at http://bit.ly/aQEuyb

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• FREE for NEFLIN members.
• This program is available to NEFLIN members only.
• You will be emailed access information.