Recent Messages to Libraries
Find messages to libraries from the State Library.
|
Library Support Network staff, located in Des Moines and six district offices, work to make library service in Iowa the best it can be by offering services and programs for libraries. This page provides "one-stop shopping" for information about these programs and services for Iowa libraries. Use the alphabetical links below or call us. It's Time To...
2012 Dates to Remember More About Library Support Network
|
 |
|---|
Inflation Rates for Books, Audios and Periodicals
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index, http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf, for the unadjusted 12-month period ending August 2011, consumer prices - all items - rose 3.8%. The following information is from the 2011 Library and Book Trade Almanac (formerly the Bowker Annual). Figures are for 2010, the latest available, except where noted.
Headphones for the Adobe Connect Classroom
The State Library is using online web conferencing software called Adobe Connect. We are very happy with Adobe Connect but we know that it greatly enhances the online experience if you have the right set of headphones for use with this product. These headphones connect to your computer or laptop and have an attached microphone that you can use to talk to the rest of the class over the computer. We wanted to provide libraries with some examples of the kind of headphones that work with this system while also giving you the opportunity to buy these headphones with a discount.
Percentage of Iowa Households with Internet Access
"The Connect Iowa survey data shows that as of April 2010, approximately two-thirds (66%) of Iowa residents have a broadband connection in the home, which implies an adoption gap for the state of Iowa of 34% of households, in line with the national adoption gap measured by the FCC.2 On the supply side, according to Connect Iowa broadband inventory estimates, 95.36% of all Iowa households have terrestrial, fixed broadband service available at the basic speeds of 768 Kbps download/200 Kbps upload, and 99.37% of households have fixed or mobile broadband service available at this basic level.3
Bibliography of Non-fiction for Preschoolers
As part of my work with the statewide Every Child Reads team, I compiled an annotated bibliography of nonfiction for children ages 3-5 years. This 19-page annotated bibliography lists new nonfiction (most entries published 2009-2011). Topics into which entries are categorized include biography, concepts, math and science, and social studies.
New Weapons Carrying Law
The debate over cities' and counties' ability to ban weapons from their public buildings and properties continues. A thorough treatment of the debate is in the January 24, 2011 Des Moines Register. There was an article in the Des Moines Register on Dec 31, 2010 entitled "New gun law triggers many questions from public." In the article it said "The Iowa attorney general's office on Thursday sent two letters stating that cities and counties do have the authority to regulate weapons on property owned or directly controlled by the local government. The letters went to public officials - a state legislator and a county attorney - who had questioned whether such bans were permitted under the new law taking effect Saturday. One of the letters answering "yes" was copied to all 99 county attorneys."
Iowa Workforce Development and Public Libraries
On February 17, 2011 the new director of Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) proposed to a legislative appropriations subcommittee that the agency close 39 of its field offices across the state, and involve public libraries in some way in providing services to job seekers. Information about what has happened since...
Friends Book Sales
Recently, there have been many questions about the practice of library Friends groups selling weeded library books with the proceeds going to the Friends group. According to information provided by the State Auditor's office and the state attorney assigned to the State Library, you may need to change current practice regarding book sales held by the Friends group. Please contact your city attorney for advice on how to proceed. The state auditor said "the library cannot give books which are public property and purchased with public funds to a private non-profit organization" such as a library Friends group. The state attorney is in agreement.
EBSCOhost Pricing
As previously announced, EBSCOhost has been selected as the statewide periodical and reference database that will be supported by the State Library of Iowa. The State Library will continue to subsidize EBSCOhost for Iowa libraries to make it available to all Iowans through their libraries. As in past years, the State Library will ask libraries to share in the cost. Since we are starting a new contract effective July 1, 2011, invoices will be mailed on or after July 1 with payment due after that date. If your library currently participates in EBSCOhost, you don't need to do anything at this time. The pricing formula for FY12 beginning July 1 will include a base amount plus an amount per person as follows:
Ending Subscription to WebJunction September 10
As a result of budget cuts to both our state and federal funds, the State Library is regretfully canceling our statewide subscription to WebJunction (WJ) effective September 10, 2011. We wanted to let you know as soon as possible so you can plan accordingly. **Important** If you are enrolled in WJ courses or want to enroll now, you will need to finish by September 9. After September 9, you will need to purchase courses on your own.
