WSL Updates for September 7, 2017

Volume 13, September 7, 2017 for the WSL Updates mailing list Topics include things wanted: 1) WANTED – LIBRARY COUNCIL MEMBERS 2) ECLIPSE GLASSES WANTED 3) HISTORICAL ZINES WANTED 4) AMERICANS TRUST LIBRARIES 5) RURAL PUBLIC LIBRARY GRANTS 6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1) WANTED – LIBRARY COUNCIL MEMBERS

The mission of the Library Council of Washington (LCW) is to help all Washington citizens access library services, information, and resources. The LCW advises the State Librarian and the Office of the Secretary of State on statewide library issues and the expenditure of federal LSTA funding. The fifteen members represent all types of libraries and library users. The Council meets in person three to four times each year. Members may include library employees, volunteers, trustees, foundation board members, advocates, consultants, or educators. We seek new members that are active and knowledgeable, have great communication skills, and can advocate for all libraries while representing a specific interest group’s views as well. There are currently four open positions on the LCW, representing:
  • Special libraries,
  • Technology,
  • Underserved populations,
  • Schools (western Washington).
If you want to help shape our libraries, have at least three years’ experience working with libraries in Washington State, and are interested in applying, please send a copy of the application form and your resume. Application information is available at sos.wa.gov/q/vacancy. Applications must be postmarked by September 22, 2017. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2) ECLIPSE GLASSES WANTED

If you’re wondering what to do with those eclipse glasses you acquired for the big event, don’t throw them away: the State Library wants them! Drop your eclipse glasses off in the lobby, and they will be donated to Astronomers Without Borders. Or check for a collection center near you. The plan is to send them to schools and other institutions in countries where they are needed but not available. The next two solar eclipses across populated areas are in 2019, in South America (total) and southeastern Asia (partial). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3) HISTORICAL ZINES WANTED

Announcing the 3rd Annual Historical Zine Contest – Make Washington History Come Alive! The Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, is sponsoring the 3rd Annual Historical Zine Contest. Participants are asked to create a Zine about some aspect of Washington History using primary resources. Entries will be accepted from four age groups:
  • Grades 4-6
  • Grades 7-9
  • Grades 10-12
  • Adults of all ages
Entries will be accepted from September 1 - December 15, 2017. See the Zine webpage for more information and a video about how to make a zine. Questions? Contact Judy Pitchford at [email protected] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4) AMERICANS TRUST LIBRARIES

Americans struggle to determine what news and information sources they should trust and how to discern reliable information online. They worry that fake news is sowing confusion about current events. And many express a desire to get help. About six-in-ten adults (61%) say they would be helped at least somewhat in making decisions if they got training on how to find trustworthy information online, according to a new analysis of Pew Research Center survey data from 2016. What’s more, a majority of Americans say public libraries are helpful as people try to meet their information needs. About eight-in-ten adults (78%) feel that public libraries help them find information that is trustworthy and reliable and 76% say libraries help them learn new things. Also, 56% believe libraries help them get information that aids with decisions they have to make. While the library is seen as one useful resource, the survey also found that 55% of adults say that training to gain confidence in using computers, smartphones and the internet would help in making decisions. This analysis represents an opportunity for libraries to offer training on media literacy, evaluating information sources, and similar topics. The New York Times provides interesting “lesson plans” on the subject. An Internet search for “evaluating information” turns up numerous related resources, many from academic libraries. This topic is hardly new for libraries, but perhaps the current attention to “fake news” provides a more ready audience. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5) RURAL PUBLIC LIBRARY GRANTS

The Pilcrow Foundation, a national non-profit public charity, provides a 2-to-1 match to rural public libraries that receive a grant through its Children’s Book Project and contribute $200-$400 through local sponsors for the purchase of up to $1200 worth (at retail value) of new, quality, hardcover children’s books. Grant recipients can select from a list of over 500 quality hardcover children’s books best suited for their community, including award-winning and star-reviewed titles from educational and literary organizations. The Pilcrow Foundation accepts applications from independent rural public libraries and Native American Tribal libraries as well as libraries that are part of a county, regional, or cooperative system. Details: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK

Monday, September 11 Tuesday, September 12 Wednesday, September 13 Thursday, September 14 Friday, September 15 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: The State Library regularly highlights third-party events and online resources as a way to alert the library community to training and resource opportunities. By doing so, we are not endorsing the content of the event, nor promoting any specific product, but merely providing this information as an FYI to librarians who must then decide what is right for them. Subscribe to WSL presents: News from Washington Libraries! The Washington State Library has gone social! Friend/follow us at:
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The Washington Office of the Secretary of State’s blog provides from-the-source information about important state news and public services.

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