Idaho's Medical Libraries

On February 19th, the Board of Library Commissioners awarded all five of the 2010 LSTA Competitive Grant applications submitted. The libraries receiving grant funds are: Kootenai Shoshone Area Libraries received $70,826 to equalize the services across the existing district and the newly added Post Falls Public Library; Kootenai Shoshone Area Libraires also received an additional $32,437 to promote the seamless service across the newly expended district; Boise School District Libraries received $17,083 to train library staff and teachers in the Big6 teaching technique; Challis Public Library received $7,962 for their afterschool outreach homework assistance program; and Twin Falls Public Library received $6,757 to provide computer training to senior citizens as a outreach program as well as a library program.

The new skin allows for customization of the colors and the block corners so your e-Branch site can be even more individual! The "Fun Corners" skin will use the same colors that you have set for the "Default" skin so you don't need to re-configure.

To use the new skin:

1. Log in
2. Navigate to Administer >> Site Building >> Themes
3. Make sure that the GrandCentral theme is Enabled (i.e. the check box is checked) and it is the Default theme (i.e. the Default radio button is selected)
4. Click on the Configure Tab
5. Make sure that you are in the GrandCentral settings area (i.e. GrandCentral is underlined underneath the configure tab)
6. Scroll down to the theme specific settings area
7. Choose the skin you want to use from the drop down list

The new skin allows for customization of the colors and the block corners so your e-Branch site can be even more individual! The "Fun Corners" skin will use the same colors that you have set for the "Default" skin so you don't need to re-configure.

To use the new skin:

1. Log in
2. Navigate to Administer >> Site Building >> Themes
3. Make sure that the GrandCentral theme is Enabled (i.e. the check box is checked) and it is the Default theme (i.e. the Default radio button is selected)
4. Click on the Configure Tab
5. Make sure that you are in the GrandCentral settings area (i.e. GrandCentral is underlined underneath the configure tab)
6. Scroll down to the theme specific settings area
7. Choose the skin you want to use from the drop down list

The Idaho Board of Library Commissioners is seeking nominations for two seats on the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Advisory Council. One seat is for an At Large Member (a member from any type of library: public, school, academic, or special) from the northern Idaho area to fill a position vacated with one year remaining in the appointment. The second seat is for a Public Library representative from southwestern Idaho and is a five-year appointment.

Vicki Kreimeyer from Boise Public Library has completed one full term on the LSTA Advisory Council as a Public Library representative and is seeking a second term. There is no incumbent seeking a second term for the At Large Member position.

The LSTA Advisory Council is appointed by the Board of Library Commissioners in accordance with the Library Services and Technology Act, P.L. 104-208. The Council broadly represents the library community and library users, and serves to advise the Board on the development of the state plan for the Library Services and Technology Act, the annual LSTA program, and evaluation of LSTA grant applications and projects. The Board of Library Commissioners may also seek Council advice on other matters related to library services.

Council members, both individually and as a group, are expected to advocate for the improvement of library services in Idaho. Individual members may also be asked to represent the Council’s interest on other Commission-appointed advisory groups. More information about the Council is available at http://libraries.idaho.gov/page/advisory-council. Or contact Sonja Hudson or Marj Hooper or at 208-334-2150. The LSTA Advisory Council meets once a year in Boise for two days; additional input is solicited as needed via conference call or e-mail. Members are reimbursed for travel expenses.

Individuals interested in applying should send a letter to Ann Joslin, State Librarian, describing his or her interest in and experience with libraries. When sending an email notice of interest, please also include a mailing address and phone number where you may be reached. Letters may also be sent to:

325 W. State St.,
Boise, ID, 83702.

Council members are appointed for terms of five state fiscal years (July-June). Appointments are scheduled to be made at the June 4, 2010 Board of Commissioners meeting. All letters must be received at the Idaho Commission for Libraries by 5:00 p.m. on April 30, 2010.

This is a great hour-long overview of the what did and didn't happen at ALA Midwinter in Boston in January 2010 - in regard to technology. Four techys give their 10 minute overview with a few Q&A's. You will hear about

• www.thecopia.com -- a new social e-book platform
• www.blioreader.com -- a new ebook platform designed for the visually impaired
• Mobile Discovery Tools: MyLibrary, Polaris Mobile PAC, OCLC/Red Laser, Library Thing/Local, SyrsiDynix BookMyne
• Augmented Reality -- what it is and how it might be used by libraries
• Discovery Systems
• Failing to Win -- a cultural shift in viewing failure as a part of success, rather than a negative
• Finally, flexibility, deconstruction, serendipity, and community as growing trends in the transition of the library world as well as the world as a whole.
• Two more apps: Foursquare and GoogleBuzz

Get your favorite beverage or snack and enjoy! Listen

Apply for the Fall 2010 through Spring 2011 programs. Get the application here. The deadline is Monday, April 26, 2010. Funding is available for fifteen libraries to participate. Participating libraries provide a $100 cash match.

Let's Talk About It is celebrating 25 years of bringing reading and discussion programs to Idaho libraries. Find out about our goals, project sponsors, staff, and program resources.