Illinois - LSTA

A Village Grows: 50 Years of Life in Elmwood Park

2009-06-18T18:38:55Z

Elmwood Park Public Library
Digital Archive Collection

Proud recipients of a 2009 LSTA Digitization Grant, the Elmwood Park Public Library has digitized 408 selected photographs which represent the history project, “A Village Grows: 50 Years of Life in Elmwood Park.” These special photos offer a glimpse of early area pioneers, early businesses, government officials, street scenes and various other aspects of the Village from the period of 1914-1964. The Village of Elmwood Park incorporated in 1914, and its citizens celebrated their Golden Jubilee in 1964.

The digitized images are among the inventory of archival materials housed in the History Center of the Elmwood Park Library. The collection of pictures belonging to this Project all relate to Illinois history and culture. One of the major aims of this Digitization Project is to create an awareness and enthusiasm for local history, and to enlighten our citizens regarding our local heritage.

Project Mgr. Russell Parker organized the historical photos and applied descriptions to each item. Some rare color slides of the 1954-1964 era were included in the Project. Most of the other materials are black and white prints. There are a few advertisements and articles included from local newspapers. Backstage Library Works, of Provo, Utah, digitized the collection at the Library, a process completed over a period of three days. The Library staff completed the required compilation of metadata for each digitized image. This is a lengthy process, but it is necessary for proper identification and cataloging.

Our Library had two wonderful articles in our local Elm Leaves newspaper, informing readers about the progress of our Project. In January, we offered a public showing of the digitized photos, which drew an enthusiastic adult audience of 55 people. This was so successful, that we are planning on future programs to highlight the remainder of our Digitization Grant photographs. Local students also viewed several of the photos in their classroom, as part of a program bringing local history to our schools.

It is also a requirement to submit to the Illinois State Library periodic Financial and Programmatic reports. As a result, the LSTA Grant Project continues for one-year duration. The Grant requires a bit of work to keep up with everything, but it is also very rewarding in knowing that we have contributed to the knowledge, encouragement and preservation of our statewide heritage. Thanks very much to the wonderful and helpful staff at the Illinois State Library in Springfield.

Movin' Up and Out: Going Online with SILNET

2009-06-15T16:33:02Z

Movin’ Up and Out: Going Online with SILNET

Students will have a new method for searching library materials at the Teutopolis High School and Teutopolis Junior High School come fall 2009. Under the auspices of a Library Services and Technology Act grant, records for all library materials have been entered into the Shawnee Library System database, SILNET. The grant application was written and submitted in spring 2008. Winners were announced in September 2008 and the effort to complete grant activities was begun in December 2nd with training of data entry personnel, Linda Verdeyen and Barbara Weber, and district media specialist, Susan Yallaly. Training was provided by Shelley Stone, Shawnee Library System cataloger. Through diligence and commitment, nearly 10,000 library records were entered into SILNET database between December 2, 2008 and April 24, 2009. Concurrently, library collections at both schools were evaluated and weeded of out-date items. Through regular district library funding, many new non-fiction titles were purchased in the effort of providing current, relevant information for Teutopolis students. Popular fiction titles in disrepair were likewise replaced.

Staff and students will be offered training in fall 2009 of how to utilize the new library searching system, as well as the benefits of interlibrary borrowing. This change in library searching and circulating services allows Unit #50 to become a part of the global online services offered through SILNET and WorldCat.

People unfamiliar with libraries may wonder at the need for the conversion. Advantages to having our school libraries become an automated member of SILNET include:
1. Greater fluidity of interlibrary loaning from SILNET’s 94 member libraries, including school, public, academic, and special libraries across 32 counties in southern Illinois.
2. The inclusion of our library resources on OCLC’s WorldCat. WorldCat is the global network of library content. Library items can be searched at http://www.worldcat.org/. Our own library items will begin appearing in WorldCat in January 2009.
3. The opportunity for further participation in the Shawnee Library System as a SILNET automated member.
4. Provision for the possibility of future increased community involvement.

The attached photos show Linda Verdeyen, one of two data entry personnel and former Unit 50 district media specialist and Cindy Esker, Teutopolis High School Library Aide. Remaining photos show the Teutopolis High School Media Center facility.

For more information, contact Susan Yallaly, district media specialist at yallalys@ttown.k12.il.us.

Funding for this grant was awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a Department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), under the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

BRRRRRR Blog

2009-06-11T13:41:03Z

What to do when your district says NO to Web 2.0?

Because Rockford Public Schools District #205 restricts most aspects of Web 2.0, we had to provide a way to help our students understand a small piece of social networking.
We chose a moderated blog and called it our BRRRRRR Blog.
Books =Reviews, Reflections, Responses & Reactions, Rebuttals, Recommendations.

This blog is our district’s first foray into web 2.0 thinking. It provided a technological venue for our elementary students to increase their appreciation of books and reading as well as improve their writing skills. Each elementary building received at least one new student computer. Students in six pilot schools received three computers. Students in the six pilot schools were introduced by the library paraprofessional to the BRRRRRR Blog during their weekly library time, although all schools could participate if they so chose. It wasn’t long before students were reading and posting their reviews on the BRRRRRR Blog.

To satisfy our district’s restrictions, students submitted their comments to the certified librarian in charge of that student’s school. (Our certifed librarians are responsible for nine elementary schools) These submissions were then sent on to the Project Director who posted them to the website. Although the decision was made to accept a student’s submission as it was received, at each level, students work was checked for errors that could mislead other students. For example, an author’s name and title of the book must be spelled correctly. Minor spelling or grammatical errors were corrected but student wording was left whole. You will see many AWESOME capitalizations, “you know” phrases, “trust me, you’ll like it” with some “wow’s” thrown in for good measure.

Although we started small, we expect it to grow because teachers soon discovered it provided a venue for the students’ writing practice. We have fifth graders who asked if they would be able to post next year after they move on to middle school. Our answer to them is a resounding YES – It’s already in the planning stage.

Check us out at http://webs.rps205.com/departments/lms/brrrrrrblogbooklist.html

LSTA FY09 Press Release

2009-05-28T16:07:52Z

The Stark County junior high and high school libraries have converted to a 21st century system of managing library services with funding from a Library Services and Technology Grant (LSTA) through the Secretary of State’s office. LSTA is a federally funded grant program administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a grant-making agency dedicated to creating and sustaining a nation of learners by helping libraries and museums serve their communities. Until recently, the junior and senior high libraries used the traditional card and pocket system for checking out books. But, with grant funding, the district has purchased the required technology and an upgraded Resource Sharing Alliance membership that allow all research, circulation, and records procedures to be completed online. Using the new automated services, students and teachers can locate and determine availability of books and resources in real time from other libraries. Library staff Vicki Deusinger, Janet Wilkinson, and Kathy Clifford have collaborated with library staff from the Wethersfield School District and the Toulon Public Library District to implement and maintain the new system. Additional funding for the project was provided by the Stark County Education Foundation.

Mini/Print Design Center

2009-04-22T22:54:03Z

In October of 2009, the East Dubuque District Library was awarded a LSTA Grant called, “Mini Print/Design Center”. The city of East Dubuque does not have a commercial copy center. Working with area non-profit and service organizations, the library created a mini print/design center for the residents of their district. A color copy machine, copy center supplies and layout/design software were purchased with grant monies. Also paid for with the grant were classes on the layout/design software and use of the copy machine that members of non-profits and service organizations as well as local citizens could attend. Non-profits and service organizations have used the library copy center to design and run copies of signs and flyers to publicize their services and events. An East Dubuque Lion’s Club member attended the library training on the software then came to the library and designed signs to advertise this year’s Easter Egg Hunt. The Frentress Foundation (non-profit organization established to preserve a historic site in East Dubuque) has designed an information booklet using the mini print/design center.
The color copy machine is part of the library’s computer network. Software on the color copy machine itself allows staff to scan any document a patron has and send it to the desktop the patron is working on. The result is a patron has a PDF electronic version of a previous paper only document. The patron may take this electronic format, edit it and use it on the Internet or in email. This has been a service that was highly in demand in the past, but before the grant, the library did not have the resources or technology to offer this service. This service has been used by non-profit and service groups to send their information out electronically, as well as by individual patrons updating and sending out resumes.
The response to the grant and the copy center has been overwhelmingly positive. 92% of the people who attended the layout/design classes said the classes met their needs. 100% of those surveyed viewed their public library as an educational anchor in the town. Non-profit and service organizations have contributed to this grant with monetary donations, time and donations of supplies such as paper.
The library has always worked closely with the non-profit and service organizations in town. The library will continue to work with those groups to help promote their services. The color copy machine will be sustained for at least five years required by the grant, but the library plans to keep the machine as long as it is functioning and filling patron’s needs. The library will also find ways to continue to offer computer/software training opportunities to the public. A binder and online version of the binder of non-profit and service group contact information, mission and meeting dates will be updated yearly and available for the public as well.
Casey Klein, member of the East Dubuque Lion’s Club and a Library Board Trustee said, “As a community support volunteer, our District Library’s grant opportunity for the copy machine access has been a big support to two local organizations I work with in East Dubuque. With recent computer classes, I was able to create 2 area flyers and brochures for upcoming events in our area. And with access to the copy machine at the library, it was a great help to make extra prints for the public. Both the East Dubuque Lion’s Club and the East Dubuque Business and Tourism Board wish to thank the East Dubuque District Library and its staff for being so supportive to our community endeavors.”
Chuck Splinter, member of the Frentress Homestead Foundation and small business owner in East Dubuque said, “As a self employed business person and President of the Frentress Homestead Foundation, I am so pleased with the new color copy machine and service it provides here at the district library. The quality of print far surpasses the old printers and it was so easy to learn how to use with the assistance of the library staff. Learning curves take time and this new service to district patrons is outstanding.”
Funding for this grant was awarded by the Illinois State Library (ISL), a Division of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), under the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

Allowable PR Items in LSTA Projects

2009-02-26T14:21:50Z

If you are writing a Library Services & Technology Act (LSTA) grant, here are some tips for what is appropriate versus is not allowed for Public Relations and Promotional Materials:

PUBLIC RELATIONS:
Typically, allowable public relations costs are specific expenses involved in a project to inform the public or the press about specific LSTA grant projects. Public relations costs, such as brochures and bookmarks, charged to an LSTA project to carry out that SPECIFIC project would be allowable.

However, a general message such as "libraries are good places and have great stuff" would be considered NOT allowable.

As a further example, it would NOT be an allowable cost on an LSTA project to hire a photographer to take photographs of library patrons for a press release highlighting the importance of libraries. However, using a photographer to take photographs to let users know about the availability of an LSTA-funded service in furtherance of a specific LSTA-funded projects would likely be allowable.

LSTA costs may be used to promote the project, not the library.

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS: Educational and Informational vs. Promotional and Entertainment

OMB Circulars A-21, A-87, and A-122 do NOT allow costs of promotional items and memorabilia including models, gifts, and souvenirs to be applied as allowable costs to LSTA grant awards.

Following is a listing of promotional items that are carefully reviewed on a case-by-case basis before their cost is approved out of LSTA award funds: bookmarks, postcards, T-shirts, mugs, books, bags, CDs, calculators, banks, jump ropes, ties, scarves, bibs, safety plugs, hats, rubber stamps, sidewalk chalk, jigsaw puzzles, patches, flying disks, paint sheets, plastic bags, trading cards, stretch band watches, gel bracelets, posters, door hangers, magnetic bookmarks, pennants, megaphones, figurines, banners, book packs, mini-pad holders, and message magnets. Please note that the foregoing list is illustrative; its inclusion in this Guideline does not imply that these items are per se allowable. Each item is carefully scrutinized in the context of its specific corresponding project.

As stated above, the OMB Circulars prohibit these items from being used as gifts, models, or souvenirs. The purchase of these items with LSTA funds is rarely an allowable cost unless sub-grant recipients have a clearly demonstrable and legitimate purpose for the purchase and distribution of these items that is directly related to the LSTA grant project.

A general guiding question often used is whether a prudent person would determine that the items are directly related to the LSTA grant project, and a factor may be whether the items are more educational and informational in nature than promotional. Since often these items are more promotional in nature, and therefore are an unallowable cost, many libraries partner with businesses and other organizations to cover the costs of promotional materials.

Education and informational would generally be allowed. Promotional and entertainment would generally not be allowed.

Best wishes for a successful LSTA grant application!

FY2009 LSTA Grants - September Pre-Planning Activities

2008-09-02T17:36:48Z

Congratulations on your FY2009 LSTA grant project! Although LSTA grant funds may not be expended or obligated, and project activities may not legally start until October 1, 2008, there are several pre-project activities that may begin now.

Has an authorized person (Library Director, Principal, Superintendent, Fiscal Officer, etc.) signed the contract and have all four copies been returned to the Illinois State Library? Once the contract has been executed, a copy will be returned to you. Execution of the contract is required before any grant funds will be released.

Right now, it seems like there will be a lot of time to complete your LSTA project activities. Because daily crises will inevitably arise in your library, the project timeframe of October 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009, will quickly shrink to nothing before your very eyes. Much of the preliminary planning work that does not require LSTA funds to be obligated can be done now.

If you are buying equipment or materials, begin reviewing professional selection tools, making decisions, and talking to vendors, so that on October 1 or soon thereafter, your orders are ready to submit to the vendor.

If you are working with outside agencies, now is the time to call them to reconfirm their role in the project and set meeting dates after October 1.

Now is the time to be gathering baseline statistics to use for comparison purposes later when you will be asked to evaluate whether or not your project is meeting its objectives. Go back to objectives as written in your application and set up the mechanism early on for gathering the statistics needed.

Now is also the time to talk with your bookkeeping, fiscal staff or the grants and contracts department so that they, and you, understand what work will be required on the project (handling funds, record keeping, tracking staff paid with LSTA funds, paying bills, advertising for part-time positions, bidding, timely reporting) and exactly who will do it.

While you may not obligate any grant funds or start project activities until October 1, take September to position your library and be ready to start your LSTA grant project. The adventure will soon begin!

Be sure to sign up for the Grants Management Workshop at the Illinois State Library on October 3rd or 6th. If you have any questions before then, please don’t hesitate to call Karen Egan at 217.782.7749.