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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

These vertical catalog stations appear to run on magic…where is the CPU?

Thanks to Claudine Perrault and Mark Riffle for the detailed documentation of how these cool catalogs are set up:
 
“We used Dell wide screen (19”) monitors with a brushed aluminum (color) finish to match the Apple (USB) aluminum keyboard and silver USB mouse.  We picked these monitors because they were inexpensive, matched the keyboard, and had a uniform boarder all around with a same colored logo that was unobtrusive when turned on its side.  We had an electrical plug installed in the column directly behind the monitor mount and we drilled a hole in the mount to access the plug.  The computer is a Mac mini mounted in the ceiling so the video cable and USB cable for the monitor keyboard and mouse come down inside the column.  A plug also had to be installed in the ceiling for the computer.  A network cable runs through the ceiling from our server room to the computer.  The Mac is set to restart after a power loss.  Keyboard commands can be used to deal with most problems.  The IT person remote accessing the machine via the network takes care of most anything else that needs to be done after the fact.

We use the Mac Safari Internet Browser and ‘Saft’ Kiosk software to limit patron access to select web pages.  Saft eliminates all navigational buttons and locks down access to all but what we allow. 

If Mark had it to do again we would put the computers for all of our catalogue stations (with the exception of the children’s room where little hands play) under the counter instead of in the ceiling.  On perhaps three or four occasions in 4 months we have had to pop up into the ceiling to reset a machine; not bad but avoidable.  There is a beautiful little metal mount made for the Mac Mini that would allow the computer to be mounted under counter ($50); just take the USB hub out of the mount.  To keep it clean put a gasket in a round hole in the wall below counter level to run the video cable to the monitor.

Unfortunately mounting the computer under the counters would eliminate some of our best entertainment.  Next to our desks are windows overlooking the two main catalogue stations.  We have watched people on several occasions get down on their knees looking for the computer; makes us chuckle; they will never find it.  Must be magic!”

Every month, KSUT partners with a different public library or local bookstore in making the Four Corners: One Book selection. This month, KSUT has teamed up with the Lavenia McCoy Public Library in Bayfield, which chose The Hemingway Book Club of Kosovo because of its well-written and inspiring tale about how one person can make a difference.  The library has invited Huntley to talk about her book and real-life experience in Kosovo just after the Kosovo war at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 18.

KSUT will be teaming up with a different local library or bookstore and letting them select a new book every month. They will also be scheduling on-air interviews with the authors, community discussions and author talks. In the spirit of community, KSUT is asking participants to buy or borrow the books locally.

If you are interested in being a book club member, simply pick up a book! If you’re interested in sponsoring One Book: Four Corners or partnering with KSUT, please contact KSUT staff.