WSL Updates for August 6, 2015

Volume 11, August 6, 2015 for the WSL Updates mailing list Topics include: 1) IT ACADEMY WEBINARS 2) EXPLORING TECHNOLOGY: ET KITS GRANT CYCLE OPEN 3) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS 4) OUTSIDE THE LINES COMING IN SEPTEMBER 5) NORTHWEST ELEARN CONFERENCE 2015 6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) IT ACADEMY WEBINARS Funding for the Microsoft IT Academy was renewed for another two years, providing free access for all Washington residents through August 2017. Along with the online courses, Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification will continue, and we’ll soon introduce a new resource for digital literacy certification. Join us for one of two online meetings to learn more and share ideas and best practices for the future of the IT Academy. Sessions will be held:

  • Wednesday, August 13 from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. PDT
  • Tuesday, August 18 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. PDT
A few minutes before the scheduled time, click to join the meeting. Questions? Contact Elizabeth Iaukea, Project Manager Microsoft IT Academy, at 360-570-5578 or [email protected] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) EXPLORING TECHNOLOGY: ET KITS GRANT CYCLE OPEN Exploring Technology: ET kits grant cycle from the Washington State Library (WSL) is open. The purpose of this grant cycle is to empower libraries as exploration centers for youth. This grant cycle enables public and tribal libraries to apply for a Mindstorm Lego® Robotics kit or an Eggbot Robotics kit. WSL expects youth will increase their science, technology, engineering, and math skills through interaction with the kits. The contents of the Mindstorm Lego® Robotics kit and the Eggbot Robotics kits can be found in the third section of the grant guidelines. Carolyn Petersen at [email protected] or Maura Walsh at [email protected] can also be emailed for further information. This grant cycle is made possible through funding provided to the Washington State Library by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS The Professional Development (PD) Grant Cycle is open. The Washington State Library has phased out Continuing Education (CE) grants. Professional Development (PD) grants replace CE grants. PD grants use a revised process for applying, reporting, and claiming reimbursement. There are some major changes. Applying for PD Grants:
  • Only libraries may apply for PD grants;
  • Individuals can no longer apply;
  • Qualifying libraries include public libraries, schools and their school libraries, academic institutions and their libraries, tribal libraries, and non-profit institutions and their libraries.
Libraries can apply for two types of PD grants:
  • Libraries may apply on behalf of individual staff members. The grant can allow up to $1,000 per person per year. The maximum per library is $6,000 per year.
  • Libraries may apply to bring training into the library. The maximum is $3,000 per library per year.
Either a library or its parent institution, depending on their structure, has the authority to apply for these grants and receive reimbursements. In either case, only libraries and library staff are eligible to use the grants. If branches of a library or library system apply, they are considered part of a single library for award limits. Libraries serving a population of less than 5,000 are eligible for a waiver of the required match. For more information, including application forms, visit. Questions? Please contact Maura Walsh at [email protected]. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) OUTSIDE THE LINES COMING IN SEPTEMBER Outside the Lines: Libraries Reintroduced is a global initiative demonstrating the creativity and innovation happening in libraries. Organizations around the world will participate in this week-long celebration September 13 – 19, 2015. Large, small, and in-between libraries of all types are invited to join in the Outside the Lines celebration: Host an event or campaign that gets people thinking and talking about libraries in a different way; Showcase the library out in the community as well as in the library;
  • Highlight how your library is relevant to people’s lives;
  • Represent your community – get people engaged;
  • Have fun!
To learn more about ALA’s advocacy and public awareness efforts, visit: ilovelibraries.org. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) NORTHWEST ELEARN CONFERENCE 2015 Registration is now open for the tenth annual Northwest eLearn Conference (NWeLC). This year’s event will be held in Olympia, Washington from Thursday, October 22 – Friday, October 23, 2015. Two exceptional keynote speakers, Jesse Stommel of Hybrid Pedagogy and Audrey Watters of Hack Education, will launch Northwest eLearn Conference 2015. NWeLC provides an opportunity for higher education and K-12 faculty, administrators, instructional designers, and technologists to come together to discuss best practices, collaborations, and ideas in integrating technology in learning. This year's NWeLC will be held at the Olympia Red Lion. To reserve a room at the conference rate and find out about transportation options, visit the conference travel & hotel page at nwelearn.org/travel-hotel. Register for the Northwest eLearn 2015 Conference at nwelearn.org/registration by Friday, September 11, 2015 to get the discounted rate. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK August 10 August 11
  • The Archival Advantage: Integrating Archival Expertise into Management of Born-digital Library Materials (OCLC Research); 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. PDT
  • Readers' Advisory for your Library’s Midlist Collection (Booklist); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT
  • Juggling 101: Managing Multiple Priorities (InSync); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT
  • Bridges to Citizenship: Connecting Classrooms and Libraries to Expand and Enhance Services for Adult Immigrant Learners (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT
  • Christian Fiction Book Roundup (Library Journal); 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. PDT
  • Creating and Operating a Public Library Makerspace – A Conversation with North Richland Hills Public Library Staff (Texas State Library and Archives); 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. PDT
  • Individual Programs: Anything but Passive (Colorado State Library); 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. PDT
  • 6 Ways to Elevate Your New Hire Onboarding: Using Virtual to Engage, Equip & Energize (Training Magazine Network); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT
  • Prepare & Present Compelling Webinars (Training Magazine Network); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT
  • What’s New on the ProQuest Platform (ProQuest); 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. PDT
  • Heritage Quest Online (ProQuest); 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. PDT
August 12 August 13
  • Donor Acquisition Beyond Direct Mail (GrantSpace); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT
  • Because Advocacy Never Stops: New Tools for Taking Action (WebJunction); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT
  • Lerner Publishing Group’s Fall 2015 Librarian Preview (Booklist); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT
  • The Next Generation Federal Digital System (FDsys) (Federal Depository Library Program); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT
  • Build Staff Buy-In for Volunteer Engagement (VolunteerMatch.org); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT
  • eLibrary Curriculum Edition (ProQuest); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT
  • ProQuest Research Library Prep & ProQuest Central K12 (ProQuest); 12:00 – 12:45 p.m. PDT
August 14 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For more information and to register (unless otherwise linked above), visit the WSL Training Calendar at sos.wa.gov/q/training. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Washington State Library has gone social! Friend/follow us at:  Facebook: on.fb.me/FBWSL;  Twitter: twitter.com/WAStateLib.
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