Save the Date: MN Book Award Author Event on October 1st

Minnesota Library Futures Group

There is still time to apply – deadline is September 8.

Envision the Library in 2025—Apply to be part of the Minnesota Library Futures Group

Library staff born between 1975-1985 are encouraged to apply for a place in the Minnesota Library Futures Group. This group of 24 will engage in a focused conversation to “Envision the Library in 2025” and to address the challenges & opportunities that face Minnesota libraries as they evolve to meet the changing demands of users and society.

Staff from all types of libraries are encouraged to apply. You do not need a library degree to participate, but you must demonstrate a commitment to libraries and show a willingness to participate in all Futures Groups meetings and events. Those selected will be expected to share their learning and results in various library settings during and after the Initiative. The first meeting of the Group will be in mid-October, with additional meetings determined by members of the group. The Group is expected to complete its work by May 2011.

More details--including the reasons the Steering Committee focused on staff between 25 & 35 years old--and the online application link can be found here: http://mnlfi.pbworks.com/Minnesota-Library-Futures-Initiative

This is an exciting opportunity to have a voice in how Minnesota’s libraries grow toward the future. You will learn a lot, meet interesting people, contribute to the evolution of Minnesota libraries, and more. It is definitely a commitment of time and energy beyond your library day, but it will be worth it! Apply today!

Not within the age range yourself? You can participate by encouraging staff you know to apply. You can also offer your expertise to the Futures Group by volunteering to be on the Resources Subcommittee. All Futures Initiative events will be open to the entire library community.

Please share this announcement with the library community. We are looking for a wide pool of applicants.

MN Internship - Library Outreach Services

Library Outreach Services Internship
Hennepin County Library

Outreach promotes the use of the library by the nontraditional or under-served user through the development and support of programs and services.

The Outreach Department's goal is to bring the experience of the library and its resources to the community - in their homes, senior living facilities, rehabilitation centers, the correctional facilities of the county and through events held at the library.

Commitment:
One semester, 4 to 8 hours per week, September 2010 to December 2010.

Wage:
This is an unpaid position which could be for college credit or work experience.

Location:
Main work location is at the Ridgedale Library, 12601 Ridgedale Dr., Minnetonka, with some work in Downtown Minneapolis at the Juvenile Detention Center, in Plymouth at the Adult Correctional Facility, and in Minnetonka at the County Home School.

Application Deadline:
September 2, 2010.

Duties:
Duties may include the following:
• Assist at outreach events aimed at first generation library users
• Assist in classifying / organizing Adult Correctional Facility collection
• Assist in compiling and analyzing data for Adult Correctional Facility programs and Deposit Collection booktalking program
• Assist in creating documents for use in Large Print book club kits, including writing book discussion questions
• Assist in implementation of resource workshops at Adult Correctional Facility
• Assist in the creation, implementation and evaluation of a reading interest survey for use with the Deposit Collection sites, at the Adult Correctional Facility, and at the County Home School
• Assist in weekly filling of information requests from Adult Correctional Facility
• Plan, develop, and implement a book discussion group at the Adult Correctional Facility (women's) and District 287 (teens)
• Plan, develop, and implement a project of interest related to Outreach

Requirements:
Intern must currently be enrolled in a library program or a library school graduate.

To Apply and For Questions:
Submit a resume and brief cover letter outlining your qualifications for this internship to:
bamckenzie@hclib.org
- OR -
Barb McKenzie
Hennepin County Library - Ridgedale
12601 Ridgedale Drive
Minnetonka, MN 55305
(952) 847-8579

For more information contact Patrick Jones at pjones@hclib.org or (952) 847-8859.

MN Job Posting: Project Coordinator

The Northfield History Collaborative (NHC) is seeking a Project Coordinator for a grant-funded project to digitize historical materials relating to Northfield and place them on the NHC portal. For information about the NHC and a full job description, see http://collaboration.northfieldhistory.org/

This is a full-time contract position for 9 months.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Work with member organizations to coordinate digitizing & cataloging of historical materials.
• Supervise and train student personnel and volunteers.
• Coordinate NHC’s Repository for student research on Northfield

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelors degree and relevant experience
• Demonstrated experience in supervision and superb interpersonal and organizational skills
• Excellent command of Word, Excel and Outlook, and ability to quickly learn and effectively teach new technologies.
• Experience with digitizing content for preservation and access is desirable.

PLEASE MAIL OR EMAIL LETTER OF APPLICATION AND RESUME TO:
Hayes Scriven -- scriven@northfieldhistory.org, or
The Northfield History Collaborative
c/o Northfield Historical Society
408 Division Street South
Northfield. MN 55057
Submit application by August 31

Upcoming Webinars

Minitex Webinars offer great learning opportunities for students and recent graduates.

Minitex Bibliographic and Technical Services has scheduled the following webinars on cataloging in August and September.

Connexion Client Modules 3 & 4: Basic Editing, Record Processing, and Save File Maintenance

This course demonstrates how to use Connexion Client to process MARC records one at a time — including editing, update holdings, exporting, and creating labels. It also covers online and local save files.

Tuesday, Aug. 24, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Central
Registration: http://www.minitex.umn.edu/Training/Details.aspx?SessionID=248

RDA: What It Is and What It Means To You

This information session will introduce participants to Resource Description and Access (RDA), the new manual of cataloging rules designed to succeed AACR2. The instructor will present a thumbnail sketch of RDA's contents, how these guidelines differ from AACR2 and relate to FRBR/FRAD, and what effects these may have on your library catalog. Information on the RDA Toolkit and the U.S. national libraries' RDA test will also be addressed. This is the first in a series of training sessions Minitex will offer on RDA and the RDA Toolkit.

Friday, Aug. 27, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Central

Registration: http://www.minitex.umn.edu/Training/Details.aspx?SessionID=302

Tools for Original Cataloging with Connexion Client

Do you do original bibliographic cataloging? Are you uncertain when original records are required and how to input them? This webinar will discuss criteria for creating new records and demonstrate Connexion Client tools (workforms, constant data, text strings, etc.) that can help you work faster and more efficiently.

Wednesday, Sept. 1, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Central

Registration: http://www.minitex.umn.edu/Training/Details.aspx?SessionID=98

Advanced Copy Cataloging Tools in Connexion Client

Are you looking for tools that would enable you to copy catalog more efficiently? In this webinar, we will explore Connexion Client features that can help you when you’re editing a record—covering constant data and text strings, keymapping, and other labor-saving tools.

Thursday, Sept. 9, 9:30 a.m.—11:00 a.m., Central

Registration: http://www.minitex.umn.edu/Training/Details.aspx?SessionID=264

Connexion Client Module 10: Basic Batch Processing

If you want to know how to use Connexion Client to perform searches and record actions (i.e. setting & deleting holdings, exporting, creating labels) using batch processing, you should attend this webinar.

Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2:00 p.m.—3:00 p.m., Central

Registration: http://www.minitex.umn.edu/Training/Details.aspx?SessionID=298

Browse all Minitex’s upcoming training sessions: http://www.minitex.umn.edu/Training/

View our complete calendar: http://apps.minitex.umn.edu/forums/calendar.php

LIBRARIAN POSITION POSTING for American Craft Council

Applicants should send their cover letter and resume to Alanna Nissen at anissen@craftcouncil.org.

LIBRARIAN

Reports To:
Director of Education/Executive Director

Summary:
The librarian is responsible for the effective management of day-to-day operations and long-range planning for the American Craft Council library in accordance with its mission to acquire, organize, preserve and provide information about craft.

Primary Duties:
1.    Goals, policies and procedures.  Develops short and long-range planning goals that lead to the recognition of the library as a premier source for information about contemporary craft. Develops and recommends library policies.  Develops and implements procedures and plans.   
2.    Catalog.  Oversees, monitors, and modifies if necessary the cataloging of new books and exhibition catalogs into OCLC, and into the library’s online catalog.
3.    Databases. Develops and/or modifies library databases so that they provide the information the library staff and patrons need to answer reference queries efficiently and accurately.
4.    Reference and patron assistance. Responds to reference questions and requests and assists patrons as needed.
5.    Acquisitions.  Evaluates and selects monographs, exhibition catalogs, serials, non-print and electronic media with the assistance of Council staff members.   
6.    Archives.  Assesses the current archival holdings.  Develops and implements a plan for the organization, description, maintenance and preservation of the council’s archives.
7.    Files.  Develops and maintains craft artist, pamphlet and other files.
8.    Serials. Maintains the vendor relationship with EBSCO, checks in new issues, and completes bi-annual binding projects.
9.    Public relations.  Expands awareness of the richness of the library’s collection with the
        general public, ACC members, and other organizations and libraries.




Secondary Duties:
1.    Works with other program heads and the Executive Director to develop library policies and procedures for the Council.
2.    Assists the Executive Director, program heads, and other staff in utilizing the library collection and the special skills of the library staff.
3.    Assists with the continuing development and maintenance of the Council’s Web site and the library’s presence on it.
4.    Performs other tasks as assigned or necessary.

Special Qualifications:
1.    MLS or MLIS from ALA-accredited program.
2.    Supervisory experience in specialized library setting. Experience in art/craft library collection is very desirable.
3.    Cataloging experience with OCLC Client or web based WorldCat.
4.    Strong reference skills in both print and electronic media.
5.    Working knowledge of AACR2, LCSH, LC classification, and MARC.
6.    Ability to work with databases, familiarity with InMagic system is ideal.
7.    Knowledge of archive organization and preservation.

Upgrading My Skills

It's been a little while since I've posted anything new here. I've been busy working on a few different little projects, a self branded website for myself, Genesis Font. I've also been trying to make a post every now and then on my internet handle, PuReWebDev.

I've been working for an online marketing company as well, doing some SEO work and development. The development part is the part I really enjoy, even though I produce rather impressive results with the marketing. I still get to do my own affiliate retail marketing as well.

This year in general has been interesting to say the least. Lots of changes to speak of, but in regards to technology, I've been spending a lot of time focusing on jQuery, as well as standards compliant coding, xhtml and css. I'm happy to do things the right way, and it's a great feeling knowing that you've coded something properly, and makes you wonder how you've managed to do things any other way.

I've spotted some new market opportunities that I'm going to exploit later this year. Fantastic idea, no one is doing, and kind of makes you wonder why that is. I actually have to set up a server to get it all going,