WSL Updates for February 9, 2017

Volume 13, February 9, 2017 for the WSL Updates mailing list Topics include: 1) SERVICE EXCELLENCE IN YOUR LIBRARY 2) WSL GRANT DEADLINE EXTENDED 3) USER EXPERIENCE WAIT LISTS 4) VOLUNTEER AT MLA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 5) EZRA JACK KEATS MINIGRANTS 6) BECOME A NASA@ MY LIBRARY PARTNER 7) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) SERVICE EXCELLENCE IN YOUR LIBRARY All library staff from top to bottom, internal and external, are in a service position. What is it that sets an organization's level of service apart from others? How can employing these techniques propel the good service we already provide in WA's libraries into great service? Join Kate Laughlin, WLA Executive Director and experienced trainer, for this engaging look at transforming our library's culture to one of “Service Excellence.” Explore how such a transformation occurs, and as an individual, how you can encourage this change. This training emphasizes consistent approaches to service, while providing additional skills to help ensure satisfaction in all customer interactions. It is appropriate to anyone working in libraries, regardless of job position or library type. This class is offered from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (except NCRL) as follows:

  • 3/2: Sno-Isle Regional Library, Lynnwood Branch, Lynnwood
  • 3/8: Timberland Regional Library Service Center, Tumwater
  • 3/23: Camas Public Library, Camas
  • 3/29: North Central Regional Library Distribution Center, Wenatchee: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • 3/30: Spokane Community College, Spokane
This free workshop is sponsored by the Washington State Library. Sign up soon (within the next two weeks) to guarantee a spot: sos.wa.gov/q/Service. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2) WSL GRANT DEADLINE EXTENDED The deadline for the 2017 Imagine Academy Laptop and Tablet Lab Grant, which provides equipment and funding to Washington State Library Microsoft Imagine Academy Program members to support Microsoft Imagine Academy projects, has been extended. Program members may continue to submit their applications until February 23, 2017. Please see our grants page for more information. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) USER EXPERIENCE WAIT LISTS The April “User Experience Jumpstart” workshops (Burlington and Lacey locations) are already full and a wait list has begun. If you registered for the workshop but will not be able to attend please notify Nono Burling at [email protected]. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) VOLUNTEER AT MLA ANNUAL CONFERENCE The Medical Library Association’s annual conference is May 26-31 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle. Though you may not be associated with medical or health science libraries, you are invited to volunteer and network with your librarian colleagues. Non-MLA members who volunteer for 4 hours are eligible for a free day of conference attendance. The preliminary program is out, so you can plan your schedule. How can you volunteer?
  • Hospitality Booth: Be a local expert and use this LibGuide if needed. Choose your shift here: sos.wa.gov/q/MLA-H.
  • Placement Center/Member Resource Room: Volunteers will monitor the room and the equipment, and direct visitors to appropriate resources and information. Choose your shift here: sos.wa.gov/q/MLA-RR
  • Assembling Annual Meeting Bags: We need 20-30 people to help assemble the Annual Meeting bags starting at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 25 at the Convention Center. This project takes about 3-4 hours total, and MLA provides lunch to the volunteers. Contact Carolyn at [email protected] to be added to the list.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) EZRA JACK KEATS MINIGRANTS The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, which fosters children’s love of reading and creative expression in our diverse culture, celebrates the 29th year of its Mini-Grant program with a call for proposals. Approximately 60 grants of $500 each will be awarded to qualifying teachers and librarians at public schools and libraries across the United States. “For almost 30 years it has been our joy to award Mini-Grants to support teachers and librarians who reach beyond the standard curriculum—creating programs that inspire and encourage students in a creative and cooperative context,” says Deborah Pope, Executive Director of the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. “It is essential that educators have resources to create these special programs, and this year we’ve revamped our application to make it even easier for them to apply for funding.” To learn more about Mini-Grants, including this year’s criteria, visit Ezra Jack Keats Mini-Grants. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2017. Decisions will be emailed to all applicants by early May. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) BECOME A NASA@ MY LIBRARY PARTNER Engage public audiences nationwide in informal and lifelong learning with the excitement of NASA exploration and discovery through new NASA@ My Library resources! NASA@ My Library will increase and enhance STEM learning opportunities for library patrons throughout the nation, including geographic areas and populations currently underserved in STEM education. Seventy-five U.S. public libraries will be selected through a competitive application process to become NASA@ My Library Partners and participate in the 18-month project (Phase 1), with the opportunity to extend for an additional two-year period (Phase 2). Applications will be accepted from February 1 to March 22, 2017. To view the project guidelines and apply online, visit apply.ala.org/nasalibraries. The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office invites ALA members and nonmembers to apply; membership status will have no impact on your application. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK Monday, February 13 Tuesday, February 14 Wednesday, February 15 Thursday, February 16 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:
(html)

Secretary of State
Steve Hobbs

이미지
Image of Secretary of State Steve Hobbs

Connect with Us

Search Our Corner

About this Blog

The Washington Office of the Secretary of State’s blog provides from-the-source information about important state news and public services.

This space acts as a bridge between the public and Secretary Steve Hobbs and his staff, and we invite you to contribute often to the conversation here.

Comments Disclaimer

The comments and opinions expressed by users of this blog are theirs alone and do not reflect the opinions of the Secretary of State’s Office or its employees. The agency screens all comments in accordance with the Secretary of State’s blog use policy, and only those that comply with that policy will be approved and posted. Outside comments will not be edited by the agency.