Data in Action!

(Georgia Public Library Service is an example).

Across the country, state legislative sessions are in full swing, and library advocates are hard at working reaching out to their legislators
face-to-face and remotely. New data from the American Library Association’s Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study
(http://www.ala.org/plinternetfunding)  serves as the core of a new advocacy package that will help libraries expand and strengthen their
advocacy efforts during this most critical time.

The new advocacy tools include:
*       Press Release  and Op-ed templates (local and state level):
http://www.ala.org/research/initiatives/plftas/data_in_action

*         Topic Handouts (click on your state, “State Briefs” on top
right):
http://www.ala.org/research/initiatives/plftas/2010_2011/statemaplinks

Color graphics comparing your state vs. national, using preliminary
2011-2012 study data)

*       Public Libraries & Employment
*       Public Libraries & E-Government

*       State Profiles:
http://www.ala.org/research/initiatives/plftas/2010_2011/statemaplinks

Current study data comparing national and state levels (e.g., Internet connectivity speed, average # of public workstations) and other
state-level resources.

The new press release and op-ed templates have been crafted with the focus on the crucial role public libraries play as strategic technology
partners for digital literacy and local economic development. The templates can easily be customized for media targets at the state,
regional, and local levels.

Download and print the color topic handouts (PDF) for visits with state legislators, as well as local officials. These handouts, along with data
on the State profiles (PDF), will also be useful in your communications with your representatives in Congress.

Libraries Leading Community

Six inspiring examples of libraries pushing their boundaries, complementing their traditional roles and being creative in community building.

• Integrating social services: The Alachua Library
• School-library partnerships: The Howard County Library System
• Hackerspace: The Allen County Public Library
• Express Library :  Greater Victoria Public Library 
• Human library. 
• Mobile libraries: The Columbus Metropolitian Library

Community Centered: 23 Reasons Why Your Library is the Most Important Place in Town

Community Centered: 23 Reasons Why Your Library is the Most Important Place in Town.

–by Julie Biando Edwards, Melissa S. Rauseo, Kelley Rae Unger,

As librarians, we know the value of our community services, and our patrons appreciate their importance as well. But in an increasingly digital world, we see the role of libraries as community and cultural centers at times undervalued, and occasionally under fire. When shrinking municipal budgets combine with the nonstop technological revolution, public library services that focus on building community face-to-face, inspiring and educating patrons about art, literature, and music, and helping patrons engage in civil discourse can seem quaint. But it is precisely those shrinking budgets and the onslaught of technologically mediated life that make public libraries’ cultural and community offerings more important than ever.

Read the entire article at Public Libraries.

It Takes a Community to Bridge the Digital Divide

It Takes a Community to Bridge the Digital Divide

In FCC Chairman Genachowski’s announcement of the sweeping Connect2Compete initiative to increase broadband connectivity and Internet access across the nation, he listed an impressive array of partners who are joining in the effort. Although he singled out libraries as “vital centers for digital literacy,” any effective actions must involve the whole community of players. Join us to hear about the key role that the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is playing in the broadband adoption challenge and the actions already underway for building digital communities. And also hear insights on the collaborative roles and efforts of city/county governments and public and private organizations. Learn how to get started with inclusion efforts from organizations who have taken the steps to implement practical programs which meet local needs and share your ideas about collaborative efforts which lead digital inclusion.

Presented by: Susan Hildreth, director, Institute of Museum and Library Services; Ron Carlee, chief operating officer, International City/County Management Association; and David Keyes, community technology program manager, City of Seattle.

*If you require Closed Captioning in order to attend this webinar, please contact Jennifer Peterson by February 28 petersoj@oclc.org.

*You will be sent a registration confirmation email and a reminder email the day prior to the event.

WebJunction Webinar

Public Libraries: From Supporting Players to Community Engagement Leaders

Shifting Roles for Public Libraries: From Supporting Player to Community Engagement Leader

Five key roles that libraries should welcome in order to be true leaders in advancing civic vitality.

Civic educator 

Conversation starter 

Community bridge–

Visionary.

Center for democracy in action 

“for the public library to move from a supporting player to a valued community engagement leader, the Urban Libraries Council feels a clear definition of the scope of library civic service is required, as well as a strategic agenda that can widen the impact of the public library’s actions.”

 

Read more at the  National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD).