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.

AskColorado

On February 1, Colorado’s statewide virtual reference provider will begin using the software developed by InstantService. In addition to serving some well-known companies across a range of industries, InstantService is currently used by Florida’s AskALibrarian virtual reference service. The Florida AskALibrarian service, which has 102 participating libraries of all types, has been using InstantService for nearly a year and raves about the company’s service. The AskColorado Software Selection Committee, which was comprised of library representatives from public, academic and school libraries from across the state, chose InstantService after reviewing several vendor options.

InstantService offers the expected, basic function of live chats with a librarian, but the (NEW!) integration of email to provide patrons with a communication option if the AskColorado service is busy or closed for a holiday IS A SIGNIFICANT improvement to the former software system.

Additional features and functions:

• fully integrated staff service module, which will allow libraries to offer different communication channels to their patrons while interacting with and responding to patrons at a single service point;
• entirely web-based, compatible with more operating systems and browser platforms than the previous software;
• works on both PCs and Macs;
• the ability for participating libraries to add an embedded IM widget box within their web sites, similar to Meebo.

Looking forward to the spring…text messaging will be added as an option so that patrons can communicate with the AskColorado library service using a handheld device like a cell phone.

If you have any questions, or would like further information about joining and supporting the AskColorado Collaboration, please feel free to contact Susie Whiteford [swhitefo@denverlibrary.org]of Denver Public Library, currently Chair of the AskColorado Steering Committee.

And if your library is already a member of AskColorado, welcome to a bright new era of virtual reference service and sophisticated electronic communications with your patrons!

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

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.

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.

Christine Kreger, Plinkit Service Coordinator said, “Libraries today are all about building community and being accessible to their patrons. I am honored to be a part of a project like Plinkit that offers small libraries across Colorado the opportunity to put their library online and to connect to their communities 24/7.”

Kreger shared the honor of accepting the award with two other staff members. Software developer and system administrator Stephen Gregory ensures that the Plinkit system is solid and humming. Service administrator Jim Duncan watches finances and guides with strategic direction.

At the award’s dinner, three other state library staffers were cited for their contributions and support of the Plinkit service: Mark Ferguson, Sharon Morris and Gene Hainer.

• * 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)

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.

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!

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

The fabulous staff at the College Hill Library in Westminster.

Attendees working on and proudly presenting their completed summer reading craft activities:

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.

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.

Anythink(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.