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New Titles for Children and Teens: March Video Review
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From the State Librarian
In case you were in doubt, this is the era of data. Like every other governmental agency, the Department of Libraries is heavily involved with the collection and reporting of data and I expect this kind of activity will take more of our time and attention in the coming months and years. The State of Vermont -- and an increasing number of Vermont non-profits -- is implementing Results-Based Accountability (RBA) methodology into program planning and evaluation, budgeting and performance measurement. "Big data" (defined by Wikipedia as a "broad term for data sets so large or complex that traditional data processing applications are inadequate") is a hot topic in government, business, and education. In the library world, use of big data is most prominent in academic and special libraries, but even small public libraries and school libraries are collectors and curators of data. In strategic planning, a local library uses demographics and collects all kinds of information (both qualitative and quantitative) about the local community in order to plan services and programs that will have the greatest impact for local residents. Without this kind of data, libraries operate in a kind of vacuum -- and changes to meet local needs and demands do not take place. Full article
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FY14 VT Public Library Statistics Released
The Department of Libraries (VTLIB) has released Vermont Public Library Statistics FY2014, the latest annual report of data collected from Vermont's public libraries. The full report and an Excel spreadsheet of the FY14 data are now available at: http://libraries.vermont.gov/services/news/public_statistics. Readers will also find on that page data from previous years. Print copies of the report will be mailed to all 183 public libraries by the end of March. Full article |
2015 Continuing Education Workshops Available
The 2015 Continuing Education website and registration calendarare ready for viewing! The Department of Libraries (VTLIB) offers a wide range of workshops and webinars for library personnel looking to broaden their skills, or working toward public library certification. Full article |
Celebrate April with National Poetry Month,
National Library Week
National Poetry Month and National Library Week are excellent reasons for Vermont celebration this spring. Montpelier, Randolph, and St. Johnsbury have been collecting local poems and planning town-wide events for April, according to Poem City Vermont. Need child-friendly poetry ideas and activities? Try School Library Journal. To send Vermont thoughts as part of the national stream, follow @POETSorg on Twitter, and tweet using #npm15. Full article
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Town Meeting Brings New Trustees
Library boards have varied practices to train and support new board members. Often the educational responsibility is shared by the library director and one board member. Conversation, a notebook containing key documents, and a brief session at the April meeting are time-honored ways to orient trustees to the tools they need. Full article
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Get Ready for DCF Conference & Voting
Spring is an exciting time for Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award (DCF) enthusiasts. DCF is Vermont's reader's choice book award for grades 4 - 8, and as students gear up to choose the 2015 winner, teachers and librarians are looking forward to attending the annual conference in May. Full article
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Announcing 2015-16 VT Book Award Nominees
New lists of nominees for Vermont's three reader's choice book awards are hot off the presses. While students are still preparing to vote on the 2015 lists, committee members have been busily reading and fiercely debating possibilities for the upcoming year. The selection committees for the Red Clover Book Award (kindergarten - grade 4), Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Award (grades 4 - 8), and Green Mountain Book Award (grades 9 - 12) are excited to present the results of their efforts to choose engaging, high-quality publications for young readers. Full article |
More VT-Based "Talking Books" Recorded
In March 2014, the Department of Libraries (VTLIB) completed production of its first locally-recorded audiobook for Vermonters who are eligible for services from the Vermont Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped (LBPH). One year on, the LBPH, part of VTLIB's Special Services Unit, is pleased to report that an additional four titles have been completed and are now available. Full article
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ONLY COMPLETE ARTICLES BEYOND THIS POINT
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From the Vermont State Librarian
In case you were in doubt, this is the era of data. Like every other governmental agency, the Department of Libraries is heavily involved with the collection and reporting of data and I expect this kind of activity will take more of our time and attention in the coming months and years. The State of Vermont -- and an increasing number of Vermont non-profits -- is implementing Results-Based Accountability (RBA) methodology into program planning and evaluation, budgeting and performance measurement. "Big data" (defined by Wikipedia as a "broad term for data sets so large or complex that traditional data processing applications are inadequate") is a hot topic in government, business, and education. In the library world, use of big data is most prominent in academic and special libraries, but even small public libraries and school libraries are collectors and curators of data. In strategic planning, a local library uses demographics and collects all kinds of information (both qualitative and quantitative) about the local community in order to plan services and programs that will have the greatest impact for local residents. Without this kind of data, libraries operate in a kind of vacuum -- and changes to meet local needs and demands do not take place.
As you will see in a separate article in this newsletter, we have just released the Vermont Public Library Statistics Annual Report for FY2014. Now that the work compiling the report is finished, we will take some time to study the data -- along with the reports of previous years -- to determine where there are trends. What does it mean that some public library usage (circulation, library visits) decreased overall last year? And what does it mean that program attendance has gone up? In which libraries do we see the greatest changes -- and to what can we attribute those changes? What can we learn -- and how can we use this data to develop and hone the kinds of library services that Vermonters most want? How can we use this data to show policymakers both the value and the shifting roles of the public library?
This week I completed the SLAA (State Library Administrative Agency) survey, distributed to state librarians from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) every other year. Like most of you, I am not fond of completing such surveys, but I recognize the value in reporting and using this data. The SLAA survey collects information on Department staffing, service outlets, revenue and expenditures, use of federal and state funds, and programs and services. I have not yet had a chance to study the data that I submitted (I was glad just to get the survey off my desk!), or compare it with our past reporting, but I will do so -- and I will report the information on our website once our report is approved by IMLS. You can read the FY12 State Library Agency report if you are interested, but I know the report will be most valuable here at the state level. It gives us the chance to look at what other state library agencies are doing, compare our work with what is happening in other states, and look at trends in our own Department. We will use this information as we move forward with significant FY16 budget cuts to make necessary changes in our strategic plan and to zero in on our biggest priorities.
And, of course, our Department's data collection does not end with those two reports. This week I will send out an online survey to public libraries requesting information about the results of Town Meeting. I know how much time and effort it takes to complete our various surveys and questionnaires. We are thoughtful about what we send out -- and try not to overload libraries with all of our data collection. But I hope that readers know how valuable these tools can be as we look at the landscape of Vermont libraries and plan for the future.
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FY14 VT Public Library Statistics Released
The Department of Libraries (VTLIB) has released Vermont Public Library Statistics FY2014, the latest annual report of data collected from Vermont's public libraries. The full report and an Excel spreadsheet of the FY14 data are now available at: http://libraries.vermont.gov/services/news/public_statistics. Readers will also find on that page data from previous years. Print copies of the report will be mailed to all 183 public libraries by the end of March.
This year 163 libraries submitted their data via an online data collection tool. The modified interface seemed to be well received, helping library staff to enter only their available data. VTLIB's Data Coordinator Rob Geiszler compiled the information and the final report.
Responses show that the number of visits to libraries and the number of physical items checked out from libraries fell this year. It is important to note that the report -- which includes data elements that are agreed upon by state library agencies across the country and by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) -- does not include statistics on use of downloadable audiobooks or e-books. The rise in the use of these digital library resources from home, school or office may account for some of the decrease in other circulation and even library visits.
Here are some highlights from the report:
- Visits to libraries decreased by 406,350 (-11.21%)
- The number of registered borrowers decreased by 26,816 (-8.21%)
- Total reported circulation of all physical items decreased by 203,903 (-4.51%)
- Total income from all sources increased by $533,810 (2.58%)
- Libraries offered 2,358 more programs this year (11.28%)
- Program attendance increased by 9,111 (2.71%)
- Number of individuals using public computers increased to 15,520 sessions per week (4%)
- Fletcher Free Library (Burlington, 378,889) and Kellogg-Hubbard Library (Montpelier, 275,991) had the highest total circulation
- Sherburne Memorial Library (Killington, 67.75) and Greensboro Free Library (32.38) had the highest per capita circulation
- Libraries that supplied the highest number of interlibrary loans to other libraries: Springfield Town Library (2,153) and Essex Free Library (1,969)
- Libraries with the highest program attendance: Bennington Free Library (17,287) and Ilsley Public library (Middlebury, 17,046).
The Department of Libraries reports the findings of the Vermont annual report to IMLS, and they include that information in their national report. Read the latest (FY2012) IMLS report at: http://www.imls.gov/research/public_libraries_in_the_us_fy_2012_report.aspx.
This report is a valuable source of data that shows what is happening in our state's public libraries. By looking at the data in this report and in reports from previous years, readers can see trends in financial support, services and usage in our local libraries. We encourage librarians, library trustees, town officials, policymakers and citizens to use this report.
In September VTLIB will hold a workshop for public libraries on using statistics to help librarians better understand and use the information collected in this annual report. VTLIB wants to thank all the librarians and library trustees who submitted their FY14 data for this report. For more information, please contact Rob Geiszler at [email protected].
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2015 Continuing Education Workshops Available
The 2015 Continuing Education website and registration calendar are ready for viewing! The Department of Libraries (VTLIB) offers a wide range of workshops and webinars for library personnel looking to broaden their skills, or working toward public library certification.
This year VTLIB is offering Basic Public Library Administration, a five-day core course in the Vermont Certificate of Public Librarianship program. Other highlights include:
Additional workshops will be added over the course of the year, so check back for more offerings.
Contact Mara Siegel at [email protected] or (802) 828-2727 with any questions.
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Celebrate April with National Poetry Month, National Library Week
National Poetry Month and National Library Week are excellent reasons for Vermont celebration this spring. Montpelier, Randolph, and St. Johnsbury have been collecting local poems and planning town-wide events for April, according to Poem City Vermont. Need child-friendly poetry ideas and activities? Try School Library Journal. To send Vermont thoughts as part of the national stream, follow @POETSorg on Twitter, and tweet using #npm15.
National Library Week runs April 12 - 18. On Monday, April 13, Channel 3's Across the Fence (WCAX TV) features Vermont librarians Bree Drapa (Westford Public Library) and Amy Howlett (Department of Libraries) talking about books for all ages. Many libraries feature staff favorite titles, honor library volunteers, or meet with the select board to tell them what the library does for the town. Tuesday is traditionally National Library Workers Day; Wednesday offers National Bookmobile Day; and on Thursday, Celebrate Teen Literature will have librarians displaying the best of this vibrant genre.
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Town Meeting Brings New Trustees
Library boards have varied practices to train and support new board members. Often the educational responsibility is shared by the library director and one board member. Conversation, a notebook containing key documents, and a brief session at the April meeting are time-honored ways to orient trustees to the tools they need.
The Manual for Vermont Library Trustees suggests some basic documents every trustee should receive:
- library policies
- board by-laws
- library's long range plan
- the current budget
- a list of other trustees and library staff
- staff job descriptions
- list of library hours, programs, services and basic facts
- latest library statistical report
- Friends of the Library information
- minutes of recent board meetings
- library publicity pieces
- a membership form for the Vermont Library Association
Make sure trustees have the current 6th edition, the 2014 Manual, which includes the specifics of the updated Open Meeting Law.
More resources can be found at http://libraries.vermont.gov/services/public_libraries/trustees, including a one page orientation and a chart comparing staff, trustee and Friend roles. Need more help? Contact a regional VTLIB consultant.
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Get Ready for DCF Conference & Voting
Spring is an exciting time for Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award (DCF) enthusiasts. DCF is Vermont's reader's choice book award for grades 4 - 8, and as students gear up to choose the 2015 winner, teachers and librarians are looking forward to attending the annual conference in May.
Conference
This year's DCF conference will be held on Friday, May 1, 2015 at the Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, VT.
The keynote speaker will be Steve Sheinkin, the award-winning author of many nonfiction books for young readers, including Bomb: The Race to Build - and Steal - the World's Most Dangerous Weapon, a 2013-14 DCF nominee. Tim Federle, whose celebrated debut novel Better Nate than Ever is a current nominee, will speak in the afternoon. Books by Sheinkin and Federle, as well as titles on the brand-new 2015-16 DCF master list, will be for sale at a discount.
The conference also features a variety of workshops on ways to promote reading and engage students with the books on the new DCF list. Details and a registration form can be found in the conference brochure, which has been sent to all schools and libraries and is available on the DCF website: http://libraries.vermont.gov/services/children_and_teens/book_awards/dcf. A scholarship application form is also available on the website.
Deadline to register: Friday, April 17, 2015.
Voting
It's time to vote! Any child in grades 4 - 8 who has read 5 or more books from the current list is invited to vote for his/her favorite title.
Teachers and librarians should collect students' votes and enter the totals online at:
Schools and libraries must submit votes in order to attend the award ceremony later this spring.
The voting deadline is also Friday, April 17, 2015!
Questions? Contact Sharon Colvin at [email protected] or (802) 828-6954.
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Announcing 2015-16 VT Book Award Nominees
New lists of nominees for Vermont's three reader's choice book awards are hot off the presses. While students are still preparing to vote on the 2015 lists, committee members have been busily reading and fiercely debating possibilities for the upcoming year. The selection committees for the Red Clover Book Award (kindergarten - grade 4), Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Award (grades 4 - 8), and Green Mountain Book Award (grades 9 - 12) are excited to present the results of their efforts to choose engaging, high-quality literature for young readers.
Red Clover Book Award
Ogres and otters and bees, oh my! From a dog who knows his own mind to a young hero in a snowstorm, fascinating characters abound in the ten picture books on the 2015-16 Red Clover list. New this year is a Red Clover "Honor List" of titles that were strong contenders for the final list of nominees.
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Award
The thirty titles on the 2015-16 DCF list cover territory ranging from Alaska to Oman and include every genre of interest to middle grade readers. Librarians and teachers will come together at the DCF Conference in May to share ideas for exploring these books with students.
Green Mountain Book Award
The 2015-16 GMBA list, intended to encourage teens to read for pleasure, includes fifteen titles -- both young adult books and adult books with teen appeal. From dragons to debutantes, artists to astronauts, there is sure to be something to please everyone. The GMBA committee seeks to fill several openings this year; visit http://libraries.vermont.gov/blog13 to learn more.
As usual, promotional materials for each award, such as bookmarks and spine labels, will be made available to libraries and schools later this spring. In addition to this newsletter, readers can keep up to date with the latest book award news on Facebook or through the Children's Book Exhibit Center blog.
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More VT-Based "Talking Books" Recorded
In March 2014, the Department of Libraries (VTLIB) completed production of its first locally-recorded audiobook for Vermonters who are eligible for services from the Vermont Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped (LBPH). One year on, the LBPH, part of VTLIB's Special Services Unit, is pleased to report that an additional four titles have been completed and are now available.
The Vermont Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped is a regional network library of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, which provides recorded books and other materials to individuals who are unable to read standard print due to a visual or physical disability. Through the National Library Service, thousands of digital "talking books" are made available to patrons of the network libraries, including books by a number of prominent Vermont authors such as Archer Mayor, Katherine Paterson, Chris Bohjalian, and Howard Frank Mosher. However, in Vermont there is always interest in more works by Vermont authors as well as books on local history, so the local recording program was created to make more of this material available to readers who would not otherwise have access to these books.
The five books that have been completed to date are: a young adult trilogy by Judith Edwards: Invasion on the Mountain, Trouble on the Mountain, and At the Top of the Mountain, about the Civilian Conservation Corps on Mount Ascutney during the 1930s; Dateline Vermont, by Chris Graff, a long-time reporter on Vermont politics; and My Name Is Jody Williams, an autobiography of the Vermonter who received the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts toward an international ban on landmines.
Volunteers read and record these books in studios set up in two locations: the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired offices in South Burlington, and the Vermont Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in Berlin. VTLIB staff and volunteers then edit the recordings and apply digital navigation for use in the players distributed by the National Library Service. VTLIB is seeking more volunteers to read, monitor, and edit recordings as the project continues to grow. If interested in volunteering, please contact Jennifer Hart at [email protected] or (802) 828-3273.
The Department's Special Services Unit provides a program of advice and consultation to public and school libraries and to libraries in state institutions, as well as providing recorded books and other materials to individuals with qualifying disabilities. To apply for these free library services, including "talking books," large print books, materials in print-braille, or audio-described videos and DVDs, citizens can contact the Special Services Unit at: 800-479-1711 (toll-free in Vermont) or (802) 828-3273.
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