Archive for the 'Community Collaborations' Category

The NEW AskColorado: utility and coolness combined

Published by Jim on January 27, 2010 in Academic Libraries, Community Collaborations, Front Range, IT, Innovation, Public Libraries and School Libraries. 0 Comments Tags: , .

What do E*Trade, REI, Godiva Chocolatier and AskColorado have in common?

Beginning Feb 1, they will all use the same web-based customer-support and communication technology, InstantService.

In the last few years, libraries have seen an explosion in online communication tools available for reaching and serving patrons. The use of IM, text messaging, online chat and related technologies are becoming embedded in the fabric of libraries’ online service offerings. Given this changing landscape in technology and the evolving need for libraries to flexibly serve their patrons, the AskColorado community and AskColorado Steering Committee have endorsed a migration to this new software platform, InstantService. Continue reading ‘The NEW AskColorado: utility and coolness combined’

Library Stories from the CSL Booth at CAL

Published by Michelle on January 14, 2010 in CAL, Community Collaborations and General. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

The State Library’s booth at CAL in November 2009 had the theme “Libraries: A Place of Endless Possibilities”. Visitors were encouraged to share their stories by writing them, typing them or telling them (to our flip cameras).

Now you can read or listen to the fantastic stories of your colleagues and celebrate the many ways libraries transform lives.

  • Listen to some of the library stories on our YouTube channel
  • Read the rest of the stories on our presentations page from CAL ‘09

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Free Web 2.0 Training for Librarians and Staff

Published by Michelle on January 7, 2010 in Academic Libraries, Children's Services, Community Collaborations, Continuing Education, General, IT, Instruction, Public Libraries, School Libraries, Special Libraries, Teen Services and programs. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

Colorado Libraries 2.0 LogoWant to use Web 2.0 to communicate instantly and effectively? What about collaborating in real time, sharing photos, videos, and documents, or using other tools to increase productivity?

We all know that Web 2.0 tools are essential for communicating and creating in today’s fast-paced world. If there are tools that you or your staff want to learn more about, or if you just need to brush up on the basics, please visit the Colorado Libraries 2.0 website.

Colorado Libraries 2.0 is a FREE learning program to help library staff become familiar with Web 2.0 tools. The program is designed in modules associated with categories of tools:

1. Communication
2. Collaboration
3. Visual Communications
4. Personal Learning Environments (PLE)
5. Productivity Tools
6. A capstone project – Your PLE

Additional modules will be available in 2010.

Join with others from your library to get the most from the program !

Colorado Libraries 2.0 was created by Reach – Leading Learning in Libraries – a group of library staff members committed to sharing continuing education opportunities with others.

Plinkit wins Project of the Year

Published by Jim on December 7, 2009 in CAL, Community Collaborations, IT, Innovation, Public Libraries and School Libraries. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

As they say, “Woot!”

The Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL) recently honored the Colorado State Library’s Plinkit service with its “2009 Library Project of the Year Award” at the association’s annual conference in November.

This award recognizes a creative and innovative project which furthers library service within the state of Colorado. Continue reading ‘Plinkit wins Project of the Year’

The State Library at CAL

Published by Michelle on November 12, 2009 in Academic Libraries, Butterfly Project, CAL, Children's Services, Community Collaborations, Continuing Education, Front Range, General, IT, Innovation, Instruction, Library Visits, Northeast, Northwest, Public Libraries, School Libraries, Southeast, Southwest, Special Libraries, Teen Services, Western Slope, advocacy, conferences, databases, funding and programs. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

The Colorado State Library will have a variety of pre-conferences and workshops at the 2009 CAL Conference.  Don’t forget to stop by our booth on Friday and Saturday in the Exhibits Area. We would love to:

  • * Share with you the latest services and resources we can offer Colorado libraries
  • * Hear how libraries have transformed your lives

CSL at CAL 2009 – Schedule (PDF)

Register Now for 2010 Summer Reading

Published by Michelle on October 21, 2009 in Children's Services, Community Collaborations, General, Public Libraries, School Libraries, Special Libraries and Teen Services. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

READ Pin for 2010 Summer Reading ProgramREGISTER NOW for the 2010 Statewide Summer Reading Programs! The themes are Make a Splash @ Your Library (children) and Make Waves @ Your Library (teens).

Registration entitles you to the following free materials:

  • *A program manual which contains children’s and teen activities, as well as a disc with graphics for both programs;
  • * A basic kit of children’s incentive materials which includes posters, bookmarks, certificates, and stickers (will be sent in spring 2010); and
  • * A basic kit of teen incentive materials which includes posters, bookmarks, reading records, and temporary tattoos (the teen basic kits are available to the first 100 registrants only, and will be sent in spring 2010).

NOTE:

  1. Public libraries must register by library jurisdiction and not by individual branches. Please appoint one person to register for all branches in your jurisdiction, and request sufficient materials for all.
  2. Please ensure that you have completed your reports for the 2009 summer reading program and for the 2009 mini-grants (if you received one). Libraries that have not completed these reports will not be eligible for 2010 materials.

Youth Services Workshop – Westminster, 10.16.09

Published by Michelle on October 21, 2009 in Children's Services, Community Collaborations, Continuing Education, Front Range, General, Instruction, Northeast, Public Libraries, School Libraries, Teen Services, conferences and programs. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

Last week, I was fortunate enough to attend the last of six Youth Services workshops being held around the state.  The College Hill Library in Westminster hosted (and couldn’t have been more gracious), and I do believe a great time was had by all.

In the morning, Kathy Barco from the Albuquerque Public Library presented ideas for 2010 summer reading, including decorations, crafts, celebrations, activities, refreshments, programs, and more. The themes are “Make a Splash @ Your Library” (children) and “Make Waves @ Your Library” (teens).

The afternoon included discussion of after-school programming, a report on the LSTA Early Literacy (CLEL) Storytime grants, an update on State Library youth services initiatives, and of course distribution of the 2010 statewide summer reading program manuals.

Here are some of the photos I took during the day. Enjoy!

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Kathy Barco presenting an activity (making fish headbands out of balloons), and some of the participants enjoying their new looks.

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The fabulous staff at the College Hill Library in Westminster. Continue reading ‘Youth Services Workshop – Westminster, 10.16.09′

Youth Services Workshops – Registration Deadlines This Week & Next

Published by Michelle on September 30, 2009 in Children's Services, Community Collaborations, Continuing Education, Front Range, General, Instruction, Public Libraries, School Libraries, Teen Services, Western Slope, conferences and programs. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , .

The deadlines to register for the Youth Services workshops in the Western Slope area are this Wed-Fri:
–Durango workshop on 10/7 – REGISTER TODAY, 9/30/09
–Delta workshop on 10/8 – REGISTER THURSDAY, 10/1/09
–Vail workshop on 10/9 – REGISTER FRIDAY, 10/2/09

The Front Range-area workshop deadlines are next Wed-Fri:
–Greeley workshop on 10/14 – REGISTER WEDNESDAY, 10/7
–Pueblo workshop on 10/15 – REGISTER THURSDAY, 10/8
–Westminster workshop on 10/16 – REGISTER FRIDAY, 10/9

Visit http://tinyurl.com/YSWorkshops for more information and to register.

Please contact Michelle Gebhart, 303-866-6894, if you have questions.

Mayor provides library building

Published by judy on September 28, 2009 in Community Collaborations. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

What if your Mayor just gave you a library building? That is what happened in the city of Mekelle Ethiopia. Mayor Feseha Zerihun has provided a building for Ethiopian Books for Children and Educational Foundation (EBCEF) to establish a children and youth library. The city of Mekelle has also offered four other locations in surrounding subcities of Mekelle for branch libraries. What made the Mekelle case more incredible was that EBCEF didn’t even ask for the building, but they are thrilled by the offer. Click here more information about EBCEF and libraries in Ethiopia.

A revolution in Rangeview: Anythink

Published by Jim on September 25, 2009 in Community Collaborations, Front Range, Innovation, Public Libraries and advocacy. 2 Comments Tags: , .

You may have missed the September 12 official unveiling of the Rangeview Library District’s latest (some would call radical) movement away from its traditional library brand into a new style.

AnythinkAnythink(tm) “celebrates imagination, play and interactivity.” In the official Anythink announcement, you’ll note a decidedly strategic absence of the tried-and-tired verbiage and emphasis typical of library press releases. Included is a YouTube-hosted “Anythink Branimation.” Pop on over to the site; this is an innovative and bold direction for Rangeview Library District, well worth watching.