Eastern Library System—Serving Burt, Cuming, Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders and Washington Counties Eastern Express

The Newsletter of the Eastern Library System—SSN 1064-3486

Inside this Issue: From the Executive listen carefully, and engage in build- Transformation...pages 1-2 Director…. Kathy Tooker ing a relationship with the customer. Upcoming Events...page 2 A little humor may be appropriate. TRANS → FORM → ATION Vision Statement...page 3 BUSINESS Hall contends that customers no System News...pages 4-5 Libraries should be in the transforma- longer want or expect libraries to fo- Worth Checking Out...page 6 tion business not the transaction busi- cus on static, fixed models of service Youth Resources...page 7 models that no longer fit our users ness that is centered on collections of FYI....page 8 books, DVDs, databases, etc. accord- needs, wants, and expectations of

Disaster Plan...page 9 ing to Tracie D. Hall, founder of value-added service.

Board Minutes...page 10 GoodSeed Consulting Group, and speaker at both a workshop and the Instead of providing good library ser- NLA Officers...page 11 Fall Colloquium sponsored by the vice to our users, we may stop short at Library Class…..page 12 providing library customers with Eastern and Southeast Library Sys- Book Fair...page 13 tems. Hall says the libraries change quality customer service.

people, places, and things with What Libraries information; too Supply :

often we have Eastern Library System policies in place • Product Focus 11929 Elm Street, Suite 18 that inhibit our (on library collection Omaha, NE 68144 ability to provide and facilities) 402-330-7884 the transforma- • Sameness 800-627-7884 tional experience • Uneven Service Fax 402-330-1859 that library cus- • Standardization www.elsne.org L-R...Tracie Hall, Elaine Westbrooks— tomers seek. A University of Nebraska Lincoln, Brenda • Staff Customer Proc- Ealey-Southeast Library System, Julie Kathleen Tooker, person coming to essing Beno-Lincoln City Libraries Executive Director a library wants • Library Policies [email protected] more than just a Nancy Meyer, Administrative transaction (i.e. checking out a book), What Library Customers Want : Assistant they come to a library to change their lives. • Personal Focus on Customer’s Robin Bernstein Scott Berryman Needs, Wants, and Preferences Gail Formanack Libraries need to analyze customer • Differentiation Lowen Kruse service needs and not let policies and • Seamlessness Mary Jo Mack procedures stand in the way of using • Innovation Joyce Neujahr good judgment. Customer service • Compelling Customer Experience David Privitt needs to become customized service. Marie Reidelbach • Customized Response Gayle Roberts As librarians, we need to offer a Rosa Schmidt broader range of products, more (Based on a model by Scott McKain) John Seyfarth thoughtful solutions, ask questions, Jan Therien Continued on next page

PAGE 2 EASTERN EXPRESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009

(Transformation Business continued) Upcoming Events All of this sounds great but in the real world how November 28 —Barnes and Noble Book does a library make it happen? We all know that Fair. Support Eastern Library System change is difficult, some people love it while others and do your holiday book shopping at are less enthusiastic about it — and some will even the Barnes & Noble Book Store at Oak- quit rather than change. view—144th and Center, Omaha.

Hall says to initiate change by asking ourselves these December 11 —ELS Board Meeting, Early Childhood questions: Training Center—Omaha, 9:30 am

1. Do we need to reexamine library policies? (Are December 11 from 2-5pm. we setting ourselves up to do our best work? Are Come and see the new we thinking “customer” whenever we create pol- Eastern Library System of- icy?) fice, have some refresh- ments and visit with the 2. Do we have an executable vision? staff and board. We are very proud of our new of- 3. Do we acknowledge the difference between fice space and we would user/customer “processing” and user/customer love to show it off. Plus service? you can take a look at some of the services we have to 4. Are we making room for innovation and risk? offer system members.

5. Are we extending our presence virtually? December 18 - Direct Meeting, Baright Public Library, Ralston 2010 6. Are we personalizing our service? January 8 - Technology Workshops (more info coming)

7. Have we adopted an active outreach February 5 - CLICK Meeting, Early Childhood Training (time/territory model)? Center, Omaha

We all know it takes time to make changes in a li- February 9 - Library Legislative Day brary, but it is possible to start with making innova- tive changes in one area or one branch. February 12 - ELS Board Meeting—Omaha Public Li- brary, Elkhorn Branch Ten Steps—Ten Seconds Jodene Glaeseman, branch March 20 - Media Specialist Training Day (more info coming) supervisor at Lincoln Cities Walt Branch, has instituted April 9 - ELS Board Meeting—Lyons Public Library this as one way of providing customized service. She calls it the 10 steps, 10 sec- ond policy. When a library Be sure to Eastern Library mention ELS System customer asks where an item when you do is the librarian, instead of pointing, walks with the Book Fair your Holiday Saturday, customer for 10 steps and 10 seconds. This interac- Shopping! tion with the customer is very important and takes November 28th Barnes & Noble at little time or effort but demonstrates to the customer Oakview, 144th and that they their needs are important. Center, Omaha PAGE 3 EASTERN EXPRESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009

Our Shared Vision for Library and Informa- • Make your own video tion Services: Nebraska Libraries Future • Open microphone events Search Conference • “Fine front porch” – less formal entry [by Sharon Osenga, Meridian Library System] • Have experts make visits to make suggestions on making physical space more hospitable Vision statement:  • Outreach to determine what is done (especially Front Porch : My library provides an inviting diverse populations) and welcoming front porch where the community • Curbside service on roller skates comes to learn, play and investigate. People come • Drinks and books first in this nurturing and enriching gathering • Facebook, Myspace; and whatever is next place for all. • Posters where our neighbors are • Wii tournaments The public perceives the library as a neutral place and it is a natural meeting place for divergent cul- Things to think about and discuss: tures, ideas and groups to meet. Libraries should be sensitive to the changing nature of our commu- What are the emerging groups in your commu- nities due to immigration and cultural values nity? Don’t just think of ethnicity but of shifts. other groups such as latchkey children, the unemployed and young mothers. In an article on gaming in libraries from the Au- What programming are you offering through- gust/September 2009 American Libraries , Jenny out the year to these various communities? Levine suggests some possible goals: Do you offer materials and services for the in- formational, recreational and social needs Offer recreation around content (book discussion of your community? groups; craft classes) What ideas from those listed above could you Offer social communal space (adult programming; use to create a front porch atmosphere at rooms for knitters) your library? Offer literacy programs (storytime) When you think of front porch, don’t forget Offer interactions between different demographics how your library looks. Do a “walkabout” (family events, multigenerational programming) and assess how friendly and welcoming your facility is. What can you do to make Suggested activities for the library as Front it more welcoming? Porch: Discuss the following from the South Carolina State Library blog: The fact is, people all • Grandparents reading to kids around us are connecting in so many new • Singing ways. Mostly younger people, at least for • Serve seasonal beverages now. The USA Today survey that told us • Read around the posies that college students would rather give up • Rock-a-thon beer than Facebook. It gave us the news: • Kool-Aid stand These kids are not out on the porch, and • Spooning they are not in the public library…not even • Birdhouses in the college library. They are chatting it • Ice cream socials up, making friends, and passing informa- • Bluegrass tion around online. Of course, they could • Shoebox social be online in the public library. The public • Gaming bees – “Wii-Bee” library as front porch for the community… • Film festival – outdoors; make community films something to think about. • Chautauqua Rethink having staff behind desks. Wander • Greeters around the library offering assistance and • Local art displays guidance. If no one is in need of help, it’s a • Historical reenactment great time to make some impromptu dis- plays. PAGE 4 EASTERN EXPRESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009

System News Public Library Accreditation Guidelines for service were developed for Nebraska public libraries in order to "assist and support im- Award Winner provements in Nebraska public library services." To qualify as an Essential Accredited library, it is neces- sary to meet all of the 26 Essential Guidelines. The Midcontinental Chapter of the To qualify for Enhanced Accreditation, a library must Medical Library Association meet all Essential Guidelines, and any 18 of the En- (MCMLA) has awarded its Out- hanced Guidelines. The following libraries, in ELS, standing Achievement Award to qualified for the enhanced status: Jim Bothmer, director of the • • Health Sciences Library/Learning Tekamah Bellevue • • Resources Center at the Creighton Omaha Blair • • University School of Medicine. Hooper La Vista • Gretna • Lyons Bothmer, an assistant vice president for health sci- • Papillion • Papillion ences, is the 17th person to receive the honor over • Beemer • Springfield the past 35 years. MCMLA is a professional organiza- • Bennington • Wisner tion for individuals and institutions in the health sci- • West Point ences library field. The midcontinental chapter in- cludes the states of Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Ne- To qualify for Excellent Accreditation status, a library braska, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming must meet all of the Essential and Enhanced Guide- lines, and any 14 of the Excellent Guidelines. Two li- Jim also just became a grandfather for the first time. braries achieved this status; Carter James Michela arrived in Reno, NV at 10:04 • Scribner PDT on October 1. He weighed in at 6lbs. 12 oz and • Oakland 19” long. Reddish blonde hair! • Ralston

Banned Books Week Scholarship Recipients The week to celebrate the freedom to read was held The Nebraska Library Association Scholarship Com- last month. This is a great opportunity for librarians mittee is pleased to announce the 2009 recipients of and media specialists to promote the importance of the Louise A. Nixon and Duane Munson Scholarships. our First Amendment rights and the power of litera- Both of the winners are from the Eastern Library ture. We’re sure that most ELS libraries took advan- System. tage of this opportunity. Here are a couple of exam- Nixon Scholarship: ples: Beth Steffensmeier, Omaha

Marguerite Miller, Omaha LaVista —Lindsay did a banned book display in the

La Vista Public Library teens’ area featuring Un- Duane Munson Scholarship: shelved comics as well as banned book from all sec- Marguerite Miller, Omaha tions of the library. She wasn’t finished with the dis- play when someone was asking for one of the books. If you didn’t apply this year check out these links

and see if you qualify for next year’s allocations. Papillion —A display for Banned Book Week with http://www.nebraskalibraries.org/nixonschol.htm literature, posters, but no books, was popular. Mary started a first Amendment Film Festival. Twice a week films that showcase the effects of censorship Ruth Peterson has retired from the Blair were shown. Notable, the film “Storm Center” with Public Library and Gayle Roberts is the new Bette Davis, is about banning a book from a library. director. Congratulations to both ladies.

PAGE 5 EASTERN EXPRESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009

More System News We were fortunate to be able to have Dr. Jean Lukesh talk to us about one of the books she has Wahoo written and some she is currently working on. Now The Wahoo Public Library has held a couple of suc- retired, Jean had been the Integration Specialist cessful fund-raisers this Fall. Residents eating at the (Media Specialist and Building Level Tech Support local Runza restaurant raised over $300 for the li- Representative) at Walnut Middle School in Grand brary...an all time record. In the last five years, Island. In 2005 and 2006, she wrote and revised The Runza Restaurants have donated more than $120,000 Nebraska Adventure, a Nebraska Studies textbook to local libraries and schools through the Great Book for the 4th grade. Her book won a 2005 national for Great Kids program. The Friends of the Wahoo textbook award for excellence in education, a 2006 Public Library held their 4th annual “Friends Fall Nebraska Book Award for nonfiction, and a 2006 Fair” in October featuring over 18 vendors. A por- Moonshell Arts and Humanities Council’s Literary tion of the proceeds was donated to the library. Award. The book is used in a majority of Nebraska’s 4th grade classes across the state. Youth Service Retreat The 15th Annual Youth Services Retreat was once again a time of learning, networking, relaxing, eat- ing, and enjoying the great outdoors. This year’s attendance was down due to budget restraints, how- ever, 26 librarians did come for all or part of the two- day event. Two sessions were particularly memora- ble.

Robin Clark, director of the Sump Memorial Library in Papil- This is a book that should be in every public library. lion gave a The publisher is Gibbs Smith Education. Contact in- demonstration of formation for the book is http://education.gibbs- henna tattoos. smith.com/productdetails.cfm?PC=976 We were then able to create our own tattoo and part of the procedure was to wrap A good time was had by all. Next year’s Youth Ser- your tattoo in toilet tissue to allow it to dry. vices Retreat is September 16-17.

PAGE 6 EASTERN EXPRESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009

Worth Checking Out ian as he sets a colleague straight on how to deal with content. Go to http://www.copyright.com/ It’s Happening in Scotland and click on the link to download the video. [American Libraries , August/September 2009] Louise Brown, 91, has read several books a week Some Interesting Stats since 1946 without incurring a single fine. She According to an American Library Association mostly borrows large-print books, but has read al- report titled “Libraries Connect Communities 3: most every book in her local library’s collection. Public Library Funding and Technology Access The staff of the Stranraer Library in Dumfries and Study 2008-2009,” the following stats show the Galloway say Brown’s enthusiastic reading habits importance of libraries. over the past 63 years could earn her a place in the • 71% of all libraries report that they are the only record books. source of free access to computers and the inter- net in their communities. New Division of the American Library Associa- • 66% of public libraries rank job-seeking services tion February 1, 2009. This marks the date when among the most crucial online services they offer Friends of Libraries U.S.A. (FOLUSA) and the As- • 80% of libraries report helping patrons connect sociation for Library Trustees and Advocates online with government services and information (ALTA) join forces to become an expanded division • 44% of states reported declines in state funding of ALA. The new organization will be called the As- sociation of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, or ALTAFF for short. Award Opportunity Awarded annually, the Sara Jaffarian Award recog- Paula Poundstone (comedian and author) will be the nizes a school library or media center that serves national spokesperson and will continue to lend her children K-8 that conducted an excellent humanities name, voice and humor to help Friends groups program during the prior school year. around the country to promote their libraries. The selected program will receive: $4,000 cash To help local Friends groups promote themselves award, a plaque to be awarded at the 2010 ALA and the library, ALTAFF has made available free Conference in Washington, D.C., and promotion of downloadable publicity materials that incorporate the winning program as a model for other school li- Paula’s quote, “If you haven’t been to the library braries. For more information go to: www.ala.org/ lately, you’re overdue.” Included are two public ser- jaffarianaward. vice announcements available in both audio and Great Group Reads video formats, as well as bookmarks and other mate- October was National Reading Group Month. This pro- rials. Go to: www.ala.org/altaff and click on “About gram of the Women’s National Book Association was ALTAFF” and then “Celebrity Spokesperson.” launched in 2007 to promote reading groups. Following is the 2009 list of Great Group Reads chosen by the Na- tional Reading Group Month Selection Committee: Copyright, the Video • Appassionata by Eva Hoffman [School Library Journal , October 2009] • The Unit by Ninni Holmquist Some concepts inherently lend themselves toward • fun visuals. That’s not exactly the case when it The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte by Syrie James comes to copyright law. Nevertheless, this video, • The House on Fortune Street by Margo Livesey created by the Copyright Clearance Centers, is a • lively production, animated in a retro style that Perfection: A Memoir of Betrayal and Renewal by Julie Metz makes you think you are watching a ‘50s-era com- • mercial—all the while absorbing the ins and outs of While I’m Falling by Laura Moriarty • infringement and fair use. The 6.5 minute video, Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson • “Copyright Basics,” follows debonair Jim T. Librar- Cost by Roxanna Robinson • Burnt Shadows by Kamila Shamsie PAGE 7 EASTERN EXPRESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009

Resources for Youth Services Money, Money, Money To locate and apply for federal and Librarians and Media Specialists state-funded grants, visit Grants.gov , your one-stop source for government- Love That Dog….. based funding. [LibrarySparks , November 2009] Grants for Schools Visit HaperCollins web site at www.schoolgrants.org/index.htm is a great site for www.harpercollinschildrens.com/ school media specialists who are seeking funding HarperChildrens/Teachers/ and sources. Grants for Schools provides proposal writing download a classroom kit for tips and lots of practical fund-raising ideas. Sharon Creech’s books, Love That Dog (2001) and Hate That Cat (2008). FREE BOOKS The National Endowment for the Humanities in coopera-

tion with the American Library Association, is offering Storybug E-newsletter 4,000 libraries a set of classic books for young readers [LibrarySparks , November 2009] related to the theme “A More Perfect Un- Storyteller Karen Chace offers a free monthly ion.” This is in conjunction with the sixth online newsletter, Catch the Story Bug with “links “We the People Bookshelf” program which is observing the 150th anniversary of the to web resources designed to add a dash of spice Civil War. Bookshelf is a grant program to your storytelling, rev up your curriculum, and that encourages young people to read and spark your imagination!” Visit www.storybug.net/ understand great literature while exploring newsletters.html where you can download back themes in American history. Online appli- issues and sign up to subscribe. cations will be accepted now through January 20, 2010.

Book Links - Booklist Go to www.publicprograms.ala.org/bookshelf for an ap- Beginning last month, Book Links magazine will be plication and guidelines. Any public library or K-12 published quarterly as a supplement to Booklist . school library (public and private) in the United States can apply. The supplement is being offered at no additional cost to subscribers. It will also appear in Book- NEMA Awards and Scholarship Winners list Online. The free e-newsletter Quick Tips will Distinguished Service Award: Gail Formanack , Omaha continue as Booklist’s Quick Tips for Schools and Public Schools. Gail has served both out organization as Libraries . To sign up for the newsletter go to: well as the students and staff of Omaha Public Schools for www.booklistonline.com many years with tremendous heart and as the ultimate pro- fessional. Gail inspires and encourages those she works with and cares deeply about preparing students to be suc- Check out http:// cessful lifelong learners. www.crayola.com/ Sound Off for Media Award: Carol Nish , St. Vincent de You will find lots of ideas, paul Catholic School, Omaha. Carol serves the 800 plus K- lesson plans, creative 8th grade students and staff at St. Vincent’s. She created games and crafts. and coordinates and annual Reader’s Quiz Bowl competi- tion among middle school students throughout the schools of the Archdiocese of Omaha. This program, which has Planning Your Budget grown to involve eleven schools in just three years, has ex- According to School Library Journal , Children’s posed students to a variety of books and, most importantly, and YA hard back books will increase on average created an excitement for reading. 26 cents per title ($21.10-21.36) in 2009 and pa- Paul Ashford , Millard Public School, was the recipient of a perbacks an additional 9 cents per book ($11.36- conference/workshop scholarship. 11.45). Rod Wagner , NLC, received the Meritorius Service Award. PAGE 8 EASTERN EXPRESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009

•Technology Trends in Libraries: Tools, Skills, Staffing, Books in Series Training April 9, 2010

The Nebraska Library Commission's More information on program contents will be forthcom- Books in Series Website at ing. We will post the information in the Library Training www.nlc.state.ne.us/ref/booksinseries/index.html Calendar and at: lets readers search book series by author, series http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/libdev/ce/dupage/colldupage.ht name, or book title. This is a terrific resource for ml . those who read voluminous series such as Star Wars and Star Trek or who are beginning a new JOB OPENING series. Books in Series is one of the Commission's The City of Blair is accepting applications for the position most popular sites and since its inception in 2003, of Librarian until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1, the Commission has received notes and e-mails 2009 . Blair is a family-oriented, growing community that from customers around the country thanking embraces education, creative thinking, service learning, them for these lists. Many have submitted addi- and outreach opportunities. Outstanding customer service tional series lists to be included in this database. skills are welcomed and appreciated in this progressive, If you can't find the series you're looking for, click expanding community. Job functions include but are not limited to assisting the Director in supervising library on the Contact Us link and Commission staff will aides, student employees, and volunteers. Maintains li- add it. brary materials including new, donated, or leased library

materials. Participates in planning and conducting library For more information contact Lisa Kelly, programming. Completes basic bookkeeping responsi- Nebraska Library Commission Information Ser- bilities including but not limited to statistical compila- vices Director, 402-471-4015 or 800-307-2665; tions of adult and children's collection circulation usage. [email protected] . Minimum of bachelor’s degree in library services, educa- tion, child development or related field or five (5) years College of DuPage Teleconferences 2009-2010 previous experience in a library facility is required. Please refer to the job description below for additional informa- Another season of great programming for librarians is tion regarding essential job functions and knowledge, coming up! Again this year, on behalf of all Nebraska skills and abilities required for the position. libraries, the Nebraska Library Commission has sub- Starting salary is $27,634.88 ($13.286 per hour) scribed to the teleconference series put on by the College of DuPage. The City of Blair does not discriminate on the basis of Programs can be accessed via Webcast or via satellite race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability downlink. Every program is on a Friday at 11 a.m. (10 in employment or the provision of services. a.m. Mountain time) and lasts 90 minutes. Register for each program—free to you!--on the Nebraska Library Completed applications are required in applying for this Commission Training calendar at: position but resume/other attachments are wel- http://www.nlc.state.ne.us/training/train.asp . come. Electronic submission is encouraged to: [email protected] . Applications will also be accepted Host a group! Enhance the learning by sharing and dis- by mail or fax. Only applications received by the above cussing the program with others. Only one person per site deadline will be considered . If you are unable to needs to register. download any of the information and would like it mailed or faxed, please contact Brenda Wheeler, City Clerk, City Programs: of Blair, 218 S. 16 th Street, Blair, Nebraska 68008 (402) •Making the Best of a Shrinking Budget: Creative Prac- 426-6694 or email [email protected] . tices in a New Economy January 29, 2010 •Cataloging: Where are we now? Where are we going? All inquiries regarding this position should be directed to February 19, 2010 Gayle Roberts, Library Director at (402) 426-3617 or •Information Literacy Education: A National Overview email [email protected]. March 12, 2010 PAGE 9 EASTERN EXPRESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009

Thinking About a Disaster adequately. If you are insured with/by the city, by Harry Willems find out what the coverage is for the building and materials. Make sure it is adequate. [taken from CKLS POST , November-

December 2009] Weather can be truly unpredictable. A prolonged, deep cold snap could freeze pipes never frozen before. An Here is a list of what to collect or do before a disaster unusually heavy rain could send water where it has strikes. Your response can determine the extent of never been before and freaky straight-line winds can damage and if the library reopens in a reasonable strike with the force of a tornado. amount of time. The real disaster would be if you decided to procrasti- 1. Find and label water, electrical and gas shutoffs. nate and not collect information and have a plan to Make sure staff knows where they are and make deal with a disaster; it’s like riding in your car without sure all are functional. In any disaster, shut off all a seatbelt. utilities until someone determines what can be turned back on. ______2. Talk to coaches, 4-H leaders, or other organized groups to get a commitment of understanding that Celebrating Nebraska they will provide manpower if it is needed to move Carnegie Libraries materials. Write down names and phone numbers to call. Christmas is coming and Eastern Library System has 3. Get agreements with storage facilities, preferably the gift you can give that is guaranteed to fit and be cold storage. Refrigerated vans, walk in coolers, used! We have selected 21 Nebraska Carnegie Librar- frozen food storage are all good places to check. ies for an 18-month calendar. Talented professional You may need to look in the next town for this. graphic artist, Ananda Spadt, sketched the libraries Write down contact information. Keeping books from original photos of the libraries. This very attrac- cold or frozen will stop mold and mildew long tive calendar is for sale for only $10. Libraries fea- enough for drying to be arranges. tured are: 4. List the chain of command for who’s in charge in the event of a disaster. Is it the librarians, board Aurora McCook chair? List a progression of 1-5 leaders in a top Ashland Pawnee City down order. Beatrice Ravenna 5. Write down the important phone numbers and give Blair Scottsbluff to each employee. Also have employee’s home Chadron Sidney phone numbers readily available. David City Tekamah 6. Have all fire extinguishers inspected yearly, and Fremont Wayne make sure your facility has adequate extinguish- Holdrege South Omaha ers. Local fire stations can do a walk through to Gibbon Kearney make suggestions. Columbus Hastings 7. Make sure all exits are clear, uncluttered with Lincoln (Main) mops and storage materials. 8. Make sure all exits open easily. Try them yourself. ELS also has note cards in either cream or white with 9. Inspect gutters and downspouts and ground slope any of the above libraries on the front. Cost is $1.50 to make sure water is channeled away from your each or 12 for $12. facility. With a long ladder, inspect gutters for clogging with leaves, twigs and debris. An example and ordering information can be found on 10. Review your city or county disaster plan and see if our web page at www.elsne.org. or contact us a call at cleanup materials or sheets of plastic are stored for 800-627-7884 / 402-330-7884, [email protected]. your use. If not, plan where these materials will We can also customize any Carnegie library picture come from or better yet, purchase large tarps or into a glass ball shaped ornament for $5. plastic sheeting to cover book shelves, computers or even the roof of your building. Note — The calendars and the note cards are copy- 11. Have the name and contact information of your righted but if you would like to use the one of your li- insurance agent. If you have not had an insurance brary and make your own note cards for the library gift audit in the past five years, have your insurer go shop or to sell or give away, please contact us. over your policies to be sure you are covered PAGE 10 EASTERN EXPRESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009

Eastern Library System Board Meeting • Kathy announced that all but two public libraries in the October 9, 2009 Eastern Library System are accredited; 15 libraries are ELS Office – 11929 Elm Street, Suite 18, Omaha at the enhanced level, and three at the excellent level including the Oakland Public Library, John Stahl West Board Members Present : John Seyfarth, Robin Bern- Point Public Library and Baright Public Library, Ral- stein, Joyce Neujahr, Scott Berryman, Rosa Schmidt, Mary ston. Jo Mack, Gayle Roberts, David Privett, Lowen Kruse, • ELS received $2000 form the Dollar General store for Marie Reidelbach, Jan Therien, Nancy Meyer, Kathleen the book bag project. Requests have been coming in Tooker for bags for grades 4-6.

• Kathy noted that February 9 is Legislative Day. The meeting was called to order by President, John Sey- farth. Committee Reports

A. Nominating – No Report Board Members introduced themselves and shared what was new in their libraries, institutions, or personal activi- B. Fundraising – Marie Reidelbach ties. • Items to be sold at NLA/NEMA Annual Meeting in The August 14, 2009, meeting minutes were corrected the exhibit area include Christmas decorations, note with the addition of Jan Therien present at the meeting. cards in packs or individually, and calendars of the Jan Therien approved the minutes as corrected and Joyce Nebraska Carnegie Library sketches. Also will be Neujahr seconded. Motion carried to approve the minutes selling the Book Lovers’ calendars. as corrected. • Stuart Dayton, UNMC, provided two posters promot- ing the Nebraska Carnegie items. They will be hung Treasurer’s reports for August and September 2009 were behind the ELS table in the exhibit area. reviewed. The reports were approved to be filed for audit. • Kathy met with Marcia Jussel, community representa- tive, regarding the November 28 Book Fair at the Bar- Correspondence included a thank you from a Central Com- nes and Noble at Oak View Shopping Center. ELS munity College student for Kathy Tooker’s presentation in will receive a percentage of the sale purchases that Columbus on September 18. day provided the person mentions ELS when they check-out. Kathy Tooker and John Seyfarth attended the NLC/System Quarterly meeting on September 28 at the Grand Island C. Technology – No Report Public Library. Discussion centered on initiating a plan- ning process across the state, accreditation, and roles of the D. Continuing Education – systems. With continued flat budgets, it is challenging for Kathy Tooker reported for Joyce Neujahr since she was the regional library systems to provide the programs and unable to attend the meeting. Kathy reminded people of services. If the Nebraska Library Commission’s budget is the upcoming Fall Colloquium and the Grief Pre- cut it is likely cuts will be passed onto the systems. Little conference to be held at NLA/NEMA Conference. that can be done for 2010, but it was suggested strategizing for 2011 is important to improve the financial stability of Old Business all the library systems across the state. Fortunately, good Several of the brainstorming ideas discussed in the last budgeting, fund-raising, and grant writing has kept the board meeting is underway. Kathy shared that three email ELS in good standing for the current year.. messages on services and opportunities has resulted in 89 people on their current routing table. A meeting has taken The executive director’s report for the past two months place on establishing a Mentoring program for the Eastern was distributed. Kathy reported on some of the highlights: Library System. Packaged programs for teens are already • A visit to the Public Libraries in Waterloo, Fremont, available on the web. Simply go to the ELS Website and Hooper, Scribner, Snyder, and North Bend. look for Share Your Library Programs on Google Docs • Speaking to Library Information Service students from community colleges. (continued on next page) • Kathy is working with Becky Pasco who is planning a

regional school library conference. PAGE 11 EASTERN EXPRESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009

New Business SCYP Vice Chair/Chair Elect, Gayle Roberts The amended Budget for FY 2009-2010 was motioned for Secretary/Treasurer, Patty Birch approval by Rosa Schmidt, seconded by Mary Jo Mack, and motion was carried. ITART Lowen Kruse motioned to approve the 2009-2011 System Vice Chair/Chair Elect, Karin Dalziel Plan, Robin Bernstein seconded, and motion carried. Secretary, Becky Wymer

Open House of the ELS New Office Scheduled after the NMRT ELS Board meeting on Friday, December 11 from 2-5. Vice Chair/Chair Elect, Ted Naylor Help from board members after the meeting is appreciated. Secretary, Sarah Haack Treasurer, Melissa Tiemann David Privett motioned to adjourn the meeting, Jan

Therien seconded, motion carried. TSRT Minutes respectfully submitted by Marie Reidelbach, Sec- Vice Chair/Chair Elect, Arnette Payne retary of the Eastern Library System Board. NLA Awards Next Meeting:

Friday, December 11, 2009 • Early Childhood Training Center, Omaha Presidential Award for Excellence—Becky Pasco, University of Nebraska at Omaha • PLTS Excalibur Award—Lisa Olivigini—Crete Public Library Kathy Tooker was presented the • C & U Distinguished Service Award—Corinne Jacox, Communication & Leadership Creighton University Award at the Toastmaster’s • SCYP Mad Hatter Award—Shawna Linder, Kearney “Power Up District 24 Awards Public Library • Paraprofessional of the Year Award—Jennifer Luncheon” held at Mahoney State Wrampe, Nebraska Library Commission Park. CONGRATULATIONS! • NMRT Mentor of the Year Award—Judy Johnson, Retired from UNL • NMRT Beginning Professional of the Year Award— Newly Elected Officers of the Susan Franklin, Hastings College Nebraska Library Association

NLA Vice President/President Elect, Christine Walsh NLA Treasurer, Marjorie Harrison Joy Johnson co-founder of the MPLA Rep, Theresa Jehlik Centering Corporation was the presenter at the NLA/NEMA C&U Section conference last month. The Cen- Vice Chair/Chair Elect, Sabrina Riley tering Corporation provides edu- Secretary, Ben Brick cation and resources for the be- reaved. Joy gave those who at- Para Section tended some techniques for Vice Chair/Chair Elect, Marguerite Miller

PLTS helping library Chair, Sarah Watson patrons deal with Vice Chair/Chair Elect, Robin Clark end-of-life issues. Secretary/Treasurer, Terry Wingate She also gave eve-

ryone a bear.

PAGE 12 EASTERN EXPRESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009

www.cccneb.edu

LIBR 2150 Managing Collections in Libraries and Information Agencies Online class Spring Term, 2010 Monday, January 11, 2010 – Thursday, May 6, 2010

Course will provide students with an understanding of managing collections in libraries and information agencies, including:

• Basics of Collection Management (terminology, models)

• 21 st Century Literacies

• Community Analysis

• Selection (All resources, for all age levels)

• Acquisition

• Collection Analysis

• Deselection / Weeding

• Intellectual Freedom

• Copyright

• Resource Sharing

LIBR 1010 Foundations of Library and Information Services is a prerequisite required for this class.

For information concerning Admissions or Registration, contact: Mary Young Admissions/Recruiting Director [email protected] 800- 402-562-1296 For questions regarding course content and organization, contact: Patty Birch Instructor, LIBR 2150 Central Community College 308-532-8667 [email protected] PAGE 13 EASTERN EXPRESS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009

Saturday, November 28th Barnes & Noble Oakview—144th and Center, Omaha Saturday November 28th

Books make fantastic Holiday Gifts. Support Eastern Barnes & Noble Library System and have some book fun at Barnes & Noble. Preorder your holiday cheesecake from the Barnes and Noble Café. A percentage of each purchase benefits 3333 Oakview Drive Eastern Library System.

We will host several authors. 10077154 11 am—Bob Cain - “Crumpets, Tea and Poetry” 1 pm - Joy Johnson, “The Boob Girls” 1 pm—Jeff Koterba, “Inklings” 1 pm—Lowen Kruse, “God, Religion, and the Legislature” 11 am—Storytime - “Dewey, There’s a Cat in My Library” & other cat stories