Registration is required by September 9, 2011.

What is a roadshow you ask?

 Simply a really fun way to network with your library peers, learn more about unique library services (Plinkit, AskColorado/AskAcademic,SWIFT, Colorado Historic Newspapers, Colorado Virtual Library), and eat free food!

Can you think of a better way to spend a fall morning?

Still curious? Check out the pictures of past roadshows on Flickr!  You won’t be able to resist!

• * 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)

In the afternoon a panel of technology experts in the library realm (David Lee King, Melissa Kiser, Susan Staples, Carson Block, Matt Hamilton and Mindy Kittay) discussed how they keep up with the ever-changing world of technology, libraries,  and more.

The afternoon concluded with a great presentation by Melissa Kaiser, Information Technology Librarian for Allen County Public Library (IN), on using video and other tools to build community.

Check out some of the handouts, links and information that went into TechFest 2009! It was a wonderful day of information, networking, and fun! As libraries focus more and more on using these tools to connect with their communities, I feel privileged to have been invited to join the Anythink community and to take part in this amazing event!

What greeted me was an open layout, a sense of airy space, and a notably clean view from one side of the library to the other.

Set upstairs in a building that is part of Centennial’s Southglenn shopping district, I expected to see the usual kind of design touches that today’s modern libraries offer. Small, non-intimidating service desk: check. Fireplace: check. Comfy chairs: check. Self checkout: check.

I was pleasantly surprised to find minimal but effective signage, intuitive zones for patron traffic flow and patron activity, many areas for collaboration, rooms for programs and community gathering, as well a number of clever touches. Southglenn is one of the more memorable libraries I’ve seen in some time.

The remainder of the photos from my tour are viewable on our Flickr site. In those photos, you’ll note a lack of patrons, so it might seem like the place was deserted. At the time I visited, on a Friday afternoon at 4 pm, the library was actually quite busy. Lacking photo release forms, I actually had to work hard at taking photos that didn’t include the estimated 45-50 patrons in various parts of the library. In a few areas, I was unable to take any photos because every chair or every computer was in use!

During my visit, I was approached at least three times by staff members asking if they could provide me any assistance or help me find something. One of those, seeing I had a camera, appropriately probed, asking if I needed help. I assured her that I was not photographing any patrons, just the space.

Not seen in the photo tour on our Flickr site: comfortable spaces for individuals reading. A teen area. An outdoor porch with Adirondack chairs. And much more.

Looking for inspiration, warm design and plenty of light? Check out the Southglenn Library which is both modern and functional.

For small libraries in Colorado, staffing and volunteers are particularly crucial for day-to-day operations. Directors wear a dozen different hats, so to take time away from daily work for this kind of networking and information sharing is no small decision.  Our thanks to all of those who made the trip, and to Jan McCracken, Akron’s director, for hosting!

Last week I visited Carol Lee Dugan, Library Director, at the Monte Vista Carnegie library.  We were talking about the broadband initiative. Here is what is happening in her town.
Carol was approached by her local telecom company to see if the library would be interested in loaning out video cameras. The company wanted to insert this collaborative piece into their grant proposal.
Carol is also in discussion with a renewable energy company who wants to install a thermal pump heating system at their new branch in South Fork. Tax credits may be available for investing in renewable energy. Can anyone else add to this discussion about the advantages of using tax credits? Of course the library will have to pick up part of the funds to install, but in the long run it could prove a good long term solution to rising energy prices. Finally…

Carol said that the USDA is getting a bunch of federal stimulus money. It might be wise to contact your local USDA representative to discover how you can get in on this opportunity.  Your area has to fit certain criteria in order to be eligible for USDA funds, but a phone call or going to their web site should clear that up.  http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/CO/
It would be nice to start a discussion about the federal stimulus money, as well as the USDA info., as it seems we all have pieces of information that might be helpful to others. Anyone else have information (or experience) with the federal stimulus package opportunities, the USDA,  or have started discussions with organizations in your community about collaborating to obtain stimulus package or USDA funds?

View entire press release (PDF)

More information:

Paul Paladino, Director, 970-249-9656 or 970-275-2958      
Amy McBride, Dvpt Officer, 970-249-9656 or 970-433-8779