WSL Updates for July 23, 2015

July 23, 2015

Volume 11, July 23, 2015 for the WSL Updates mailing list Topics include: 1) IT ACADEMY WEBINARS 2) EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 3) PRESENTING THE GADGET MENAGERIE 4) 2015 DIGITAL LITERACY GRANT AWARDS 5) LINK TO VOTER INFO 6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1) IT ACADEMY WEBINARS Have you heard? 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) EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, is recruiting for three Library & Archive Paraprofessional positions at three correctional facilities. For more information, please visit Branch Library Associate (In-training LAPP5) Please share this announcement with anyone who may be interested. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3) PRESENTING THE GADGET MENAGERIE Would your library’s patrons like to explore some tech devices? Would your library’s staff like some hands-on experience with Kindle, Nooks, IPads, etc.? The Gadget Menagerie kits are available for loan to Washington libraries. For details, please contact Joe Olayvar, Library Development, Washington State Library at [email protected]. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4) 2015 DIGITAL LITERACY GRANT AWARDS The Washington State Library recently awarded 10 grants totaling $72,881.96 to public, academic, school and tribal libraries to support digital literacy efforts. Projects include career classes, new online curriculum, STEAM programs, family activities, and the Microsoft IT Academy. Congratulations to the 10 recipients of the 2015 Digital Literacy grants:

Asotin County Library
Ellensburg Public Library
Garry Middle School
Garfield High School
Nine Mile Falls School District
Lakeside High School
Nooksack Indian Tribe
Pierce County Library System
Seattle World Schools
Wenatchee Valley College
Whitman County Rural Library District

We will be working closely with the recipients to support the maximum success of their projects during the next year. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5) LINK TO VOTER INFO Since counties are mailing primary election ballots to voters now, the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) and Secretary of State’s (SOS) Elections Division request Washington libraries consider adding voter information to library websites. Libraries across the state have always been wonderful partners in relaying information to voters on behalf of the PDC and SOS. Please help us move that partnership online, so that visitors to library websites can access voter resources with just a click of the mouse.

Link to PDC site at http://www.pdc.wa.gov/MvcQuerySystem
Link to the SOS MyVote at https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/myvote/

Questions about the PDC link should be directed to Lori Anderson, PDC Communications & Training Officer. SOS Deputy Elections Director Allyson Ruppenthal can answer questions about the MyVote link. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6) FREE CE OPPORTUNITIES NEXT WEEK July 27

The Art and Science of Working Remotely (InSync); 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PDT

July 28

Data inclusiveness benefits for all (O’Reilly); 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. PDT

July 29

Crowdfunding for Libraries: Technology Tips for Futuristic Fundraising (TechSoup); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT
Open Educational Resources: Librarians as Advocates, Advisors, and Creators (Georgia Library Association); 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PDT

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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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