May 15, 2013 (Vol. 19, No. 10) – OLA News

OLA Board Elections
The 2013 OLA Board Election is now open.  Please take a moment to cast your vote and choose who will lead OLA in continuing its important role of leading and supporting Oregon libraries. Voting will close at midnight, June 3.

Follow this link to read about the candidates, and follow this link to access your ballot. In order to vote, you will need to log into your OLA account.

If you have any difficulties with the form please contact ola@olaweb.org.  If you have any question about the election or want to become more involved in OLA, contact Abigail Elder (aelder@ci.tualatin.or.us) or Emily Papagni (emilyp@multco.us)
Thank you for your participation! -Abigail Elder and Emily Papagni, OLA Nominating Committee

2013 Horner Staff Exchange Update
Thank you Oregon libraries and Fort Vancouver Regional Library! Delegates from Oregon’s sister province of Fujian, China, visited area libraries for three weeks to exchange professional knowledge about library and information science.  Our visitors this year were Ms. Ye Jianqin and Ms. Yang Ruiying from Fujian Provincial Library, Ms. Xue Hanqiu from Xiamen Municipal Library and Ms. Liu Minrong from Fuzhou University Library.

Our guests’ itinerary was very full, and we are grateful to all the libraries that were able to host our visitors.  Our visitors arrived in time to attend the WLA/OLA Conference and banquet on April 25. They visited the environmentally friendly Rieke Elementary campus and were serenaded by the students before heading to Wilson High School and participating in World History classes . They toured the remodel of the library at the University of Portland, and later gave a presentation to a class at the Emporia State University SLIM program where they were met with an enthusiastic response and questions from our soon to be MLSs.

They headed south to the Mt. Angel Abbey Library, the Oregon State Library including the Legislative and Law libraries, OSU, the new Monroe Branch of Corvallis-Benton, UO and Eugene Public. The visit ended in Portland with visits to PCC, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, PSU, Fort Vancouver Regional Library and Multnomah County Library.

For fun, there was lots of shopping at the Woodburn Outlets, the Tulip Fields, the Oregon Garden, a night at the Symphony, and an unofficial overnight in Seattle to go to Seattle Public, Suzzallo Library at UW and Chihuly Garden and Glass.  -Nancy Hoover, Marylhurst University

April 15, 2013 (Vol. 19, No. 8, add.) – OLA News

Governor Recognizes El día de los niños/El día de los libros

Governor John Kitzhaber has officially proclaimed that April 30, 2013 is El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day) in Oregon.   The American Library Association describes Día as “a celebration every day of children, families, and reading that culminates yearly on April 30. The celebration emphasizes the importance of literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

As celebrated by libraries and librarians, Día is an enhancement of Children’s Day, a celebration which took hold in 1925 following the World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland as a day to bring attention to the importance and well-being of children. Each country selected its own day for the celebration with Mexico and many other Latin American countries choosing April 30.”

Every year more Oregon sites sponsor Día celebrations, many of which can be found on  ALA’s 2013 El día de los niños/El día de los libros site.  Additionally, there may be schools and libraries in your local area that are not registered, but do have programs involving children and families.

Oregon has been well represented with winners of the national Mora Award for Día celebrations.  Our winners have been Multnomah County Library, Corvallis Public Library, and Springfield Public Library.

ALA has become the national Día home with extensive information and resources.
The upcoming OLA/WLA Annual Conference will have a session: Reaching Out to Diverse Communities: Children’s Day / Book Day.

     

April 15, 2013 (Vol. 19, No. 8) – OLA News

Oregon Battle of the Books Receives Morey Award

Sybilla Cook, Libby Hamler-Dupras, DeAnn Orand, Michelle Barnes, Judy Kulluson, Mary McClintock, and Jim Scheppke at the Oregon Book Awards ceremony.

Cheryl Strayed and Storm Large were in good company at the Oregon Book Awards ceremony on April 8, when the Oregon Battle of the Books was presented the Walt Morey Young Readers Literary Legacy Award.  Named for the author of Gentle Ben and other notable children’s books, the Morey award is presented to a person or organization in recognition of significant contributions that have enriched Oregon’s young readers.  Accepting the award on behalf of OBOB, Mary McClintock described how the Battle of the Books has grown from a program used in a few school districts to a statewide program in which hundreds of schools participate and thousands of young readers are engaged.

According to the OBOB website, the Oregon Battle of the Books is a statewide voluntary reading motivation and comprehension program sponsored by the Oregon Association of School Libraries in conjunction with a Library Services and Technology Act grant. Students in 3rd-12th grade, regardless of ability, are exposed to quality literature representing a variety of literary styles and viewpoints. The mission is to encourage and recognize students who enjoy reading, to broaden reading interests, to increase reading comprehension, promote academic excellence, and to promote cooperative learning and teamwork among students.

Proposed Bylaws Change
The OLA Executive Board will be recommending a bylaws amendment to the membership, to be voted on during the OLA Business Meeting/Lunch on Thursday, April 25, at 12.00p at the OLA/WLA 2013 Conference in Vancouver. Several OLA divisions, round tables, and the Board itself have expressed a desire for the kind of equal opportunity protection to be involved in the organization as is afforded to many of us at our places of employment and other areas of our lives. As such, the Board is recommending adding the following section to the Membership Article in the OLA Bylaws:
2.033 Equal Opportunity
2.0331 Membership in the Association and involvement with any of its Divisions, Round Tables, boards, or committees is unrestricted by consideration of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, family relationship, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
The entire OLA bylaws can be read here:
http://www.olaweb.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=237

Successful passage of this amendment requires a two-thirds vote in favor by the Active and Honorary Life members present at the Business Meeting.

If you have any questions about this proposed amendment, please don’t hesitate to contact me. -Buzzy Nielsen, Hood River Library

Scholarship Recipient Announced
The DIGOR Executive Committee is pleased to announce that Sara Kelso is the recipient of the DIGOR Scholarship to the 2013 OLA/WLA Joint Conference in Vancouver, WA. Sara is a part-time circulation employee with two libraries in Washington County and a first-year MLIS student at San Jose State University. She is interested in services for underserved and socially disadvantaged individuals, a group in great need of access to and understanding of government information and resources. We are happy to help Sara attend the conference and take advantage of the learning and networking opportunities it offers.  Congratulations Sara!

DIGOR is also sponsoring a program at the conference: Mining the Wealth of Demographic Data: American FactFinder, by Charles Rynerson, Oregon State Data Center Coordinator, Population Research Center, Portland State University. The session is on Thursday, April 25, from 4:00-5:15 pm.

DIGOR will also have an informal lunch meeting at the conference on Friday, April 26, 2013, at 12:15 pm at the Main Event Sports Grill. Please RSVP to Arlene Weible by April 25, 2013, as space at the restaurant is limited. For more information, please consult the DIGOR web site.

Equitable Access to Legal Information Update
OLA has a policy goal of assuring all Oregonians have access to important legal information. I have written in earlier Hotlines about the efforts of our fall task force addressing this policy issue.  During those discussions, the one item of agreement was a more efficient means to manage and license electronic resources so they were available to all counties within their courthouses as well as in appropriate publicly accessible libraries.  At one point we suggested that this would need $350,000 annually to do well.

As the current Legislative session  swung into action, OLA was approached about the
outcomes of our task force and if there were any ideas that might be doable in improving access to legal information statewide.  We suggested limited funding for electronic resources at $350,000 for the biennium. We also suggested that this could come from the County Law Libraries proposed allocation of $7.4 million or 4.7% of that budget item.  Those county libraries with no staff or less than .25 FTE have a current allocation of approximately $780,000 for the biennium (2011 statistics from Martha Renick).  Reallocating portion of that so more people had more access in currently unserved or underserved counties seem to make sense.

Some of you may have a read a posting to the Libs-Or from six county law librarians concerning OLA’s position on access to legal information throughout the state.  As OLA’s Library Development and Legislative Committee chair, I am responsible for identifying opportunities to move OLA policy forward.  Our lobbyist, Nan Heim, and other members of the Committee work with me on this task.  In recommending funding for electronic resources, we are aware of reluctance in rural counties for any loss of jobs as well as other uses for the current county law libraries allocation. We remain convinced
that the OLA policy of equitable access to legal information and this small step towards that goal are worthy endeavors. -Janet Webster, Oregon State University.

Legislative Day 2013
Thanks to all who participated in our annual Library Legislative Day.  We had several first timers and made lots of office visits.  Our display of children’s books in the Galleria was well-staffed by BJ  Toewe (Salem Public) and Sara Charlton (Tillamook Public) with assistance from those of us passing through on our way to offices.  Legislators enjoy selecting a book or books that OLA then sends to the library of their choice.  This year, many were tied up in meetings and hearings, so some of us took books to their offices.  Our lobbyist, Nan Heim, carried around a bag of books this past week as legislators who couldn’t attend the event found out that they could still get in on the book party.  It’s a great way to remind them about what we do and who we serve.

For those of you who could not attend and for those you want to follow up, Legislative Committee member Emily Ford has sample letters around several library issues.  Please consider using these as a base, adding your perspective and story, and emailing them to your legislator. A continued presence by the library community in the minds of our legislators is effective!  The sample letters can be found on the OLA website.

Thanks again to all who participated in Legislative Day, physically and virtually.
-Janet Webster, OLA Library Development and Legislation Committee

April 1, 2013 (Vol. 19, No. 7) – OLA News

Legislative Day Rescheduled
Our annual legislative day is fast approaching.  We had to move the date to April 8th as a major pro/anti gun rally is scheduled for April 4 and we just didn’t want to compete.  WE apologize for the inconvenience and to those who cannot make it now as well as those who need to reschedule appointments.  Please contact Nan Heim, OLA’s lobbyist, if you need help making of changing appointments.  Use the wiki to record your appointments and get more information.

The issue briefs are available on the OLA website.

Ready to Read Grant Program and the State Library Budget HB 5022. When speaking with legislators and staff about the Ready to Read Grant program,  please emphasize who you are working with your communities and mention any assessment/evaluation you are doing.

Access to legal information HB 5016. One point of agreement in the Task Force on legal information was more coordinated and efficient access to electronic legal information.  Nan is working on getting some funding for legal resources through the State Law Library.

Information Literacy. There is no bill for this, but it’s a general point of discussion for why the state should support school and academic libraries.

Social media privacy HB 2654 & SB 344. This is an emerging issue and one that OLA has not fully discussed.  The IF Committee recommends supporting the bill. THe Legislative Committee welcomes your input.  We will try and have a discussion about this over lunch on the 8th.

Schedule for the Legislative Day
8:00-2:30 Displays (Galleria)
8:00-4:00 Individual Appointments with legislators
9:00 Issue Briefing – State Library Room 102-103
11:30-1:30 Lunch (pay for your own) Goudy Commons, Willamette University

-Janet Webster, Oregon State University

March 15, 2013 (Vol. 19, No. 6) – OLA News

It’s Not Too Late to Sign Up for Oregon Reads 2014
If your public or academic library has not signed up yet to participate in Oregon Reads 2014, it’s not to late to do so. The OLA Oregon Reads 2014 steering committee is still accepting participation forms to join in the celebration of Oregon’s most beloved poet, William Stafford, next year. Ninety-three public and academic libraries have already sent in a participation form in response to the initial invitation last fall.

Oregon Reads 2014 is a statewide community reading project modeled after OLA’s successful Oregon Reads 2009 project. In 2014 we are celebrating centennial the William Stafford’s birth. The Oregon Reads Steering Committee would love to push the number of participating libraries to 100. That would mean seven more libraries stepping up to participate.

If you would like to receive another invitation letter that includes the participation form and information about Oregon Reads 2014, or if you have any questions about the project, you can send an email to <oregonreads2014@gmail.com> or call Sara Charlton at 503-842-4792.

Nominations for OYEA! Award Still Open
Is there someone or someones at your library providing exceptional service to the teens in your community?  Please considering nominating him, her or them for the  2013 OYAN You’re Excellent Award!.

The OYEA! may be awarded to an individual, library, organization, program, or initiative that has made a positive and significant contribution to teens in libraries in the state of Oregon.  The honoree will receive an engraved plaque and a $100 donation to the teen service program of their choice.  If needed, funds are available to ensure that the honoree attends the 2013 OLA Annual Conference to receive the acknowledgement of their peers.  

Nominations for this coveted award are open until March 31st.  Please include the following:

• Nominee’s name
• Nominee’s contact information
• Description of the nominee’s positive and significant contributions to teens in libraries in the State Of Oregon
• And any accompanying letters of support (okay to send them separate from the nomination).

Mail or email your letter of nomination and letters of support to kris.lutsock@ci.mcmnnville.or.us or Kris Lutsock, McMinnville Public Library, 225 NW Adams St., McMinnville, OR 97128.

Please note that the last three winners have all had at least one letter of support written by a teen from their institution.  Also, we have received multiple, high-quality nominations the last several years and the decision has been difficult.  If you have nominated someone in the past who has not been the recipient of the OYEA! ,  we highly encourage you to make that nomination again this year. – Kris Lutsock, McMinnville Public Library

March 1, 2013 (Vol. 19, No. 5) – OLA News

OLA Library Assessment Round Table
If you were wondering what those fireworks were all about… It’s official. We now have an OLA Library Assessment Round Table!

You can now add the Library Assessment Round Table to your OLA affiliations from this form or when you renew your OLA membership. Right now there are no membership dues (that is something we can vote on later), so it is like you are getting your first year free! Wow, you can’t beat that!

If you or your library is interested in:

• Assessment of library services
• Library value or Return on Investment (ROI)
• Library program evaluation — are we having an impact with our patrons or in our community?
• Quantitative & Qualitative measures of library success
• Then this group is for you! I encourage librarians of all types to become involved. Join here.
Thanks to everyone who showed interest and helped shepherd this effort through. A big thanks goes out to Michelle Burke and Buzzy Nielsen for their
guidance, leadership, and enthusiasm. If you have questions, please get in touch. — Rick Stoddart, Oregon State University

Register Now for CSD Spring Workshop
The Children’s Services Division invites you to join your library pals from around the state for what promises to be a fantastic day of learning and sharing! Registration for the 2013 OLA Children’s Services Spring workshop is now available. This year, the workshop will take place at the Salem Public Library on Friday, March 15, and will becombined with the Lampman Award lunch and presentation for double the enjoyment!

In addition to a fun selection of continuing education offerings, the Spring Workshop is your chance to share your brilliant ideas for programs, activities, crafts and more, inspired by this year’s “Dig Into READING!” and “Beneath the Surface” Summer Reading themes.

Please bring samples, show-and-tell items and 50 copies of any handouts to share.

Registration Deadline is Wednesday, March 13, 2013-hope to see you there! — Jessica R. Marie, Salem Public Library

Final Report of the OLA Access to Legal Information Task Force
OLA supports equitable access to legal information throughout the state. The current structure of county law libraries leaves many Oregonians underserved, particularly outside of the I-5 corridor. The current appropriation to the county law libraries derives from filing fees that are now part of the state’s general fund. This funding is vulnerable. Consequently, the OLA Library Development and Legislation Committee formed a Task Force with the blessing of the OLA Executive Board to explore options for a newapproach to providing access to legal information. The Task Force met several times in the fall of 2012 and completed its work in January 2013.

Documents used and produced by the Task Force are available on the OLA web site at http://www.olaweb.org/legal-information-task-force. Time constraints limited the discussions, however the members agreed that county law library services should buildon the following concepts:
• Provide a mechanism and funding for consolidated purchasing as a means to reducecollection expenses and expand access.
• Provide options for counties that allow for maintenance of adequate, existing county law libraries.
• Establish an alternative service through the State Law Library for those counties without an adequate county law library.
• Collaborate with interested and affected parties including the Oregon State Bar, family law centers, and county administrators.
• Allow or create access locations other than county courthouses.
• Dedicate funding to legal information and law libraries.
• Provide a transition from the existing system to a new approach.
An anticipated outcome was draft legislation that would have outlined a new approach to implementing the above concepts. However, we could not agree on the details of anew approach. The Library Development and Legislation Committee will monitor the progress of HB 5016 that appropriates continued funding for county law libraries using the current funding model. We have suggestions and these can be found in the Task Force’s final report. — Janet Webster, Oregon State University.

It’s Time to Honor your Library Colleagues!
I know you’ve been thinking about that colleague or yours who has really done something great this year and you think they should get an award for it. Well, now is your chance, nominate them for one of OLA’s annual awards.

Tell us about those talented, dedicated individuals whose commitment to excellent library service has made a difference. The OLA Honors & Awards Committee wants to know who those individuals (or groups) are and we want you to tell us!

Nominations may come from all types of libraries for all kinds of librarians, staff and supporters, including our newest division, the school libraries division.

Nominations are open for the following awards:
• Oregon Librarian of the Year
• Library Employee of the Year
• OLA Distinguished Service Award
• Library Supporter of the Year
Nomination letters (with no more than six letters of support) are due Friday, March 15,2013. These awards will be presented to recipients at the 2013 OLA/WLA Joint Conference Luncheon Banquet in Vancouver on Thursday, April 25, 2013.

Here are the details on each award:

• Oregon Librarian of the Year may be awarded to any Oregon librarian who has been working in an Oregon Library for at least two years in a paid professional position. The nominee must demonstrate excellence in library service in his or her community and to Oregon libraries. The nominee must be a member of OLA.
• Oregon Library Employee of the Year may be awarded to any Oregon library staff member who has worked in an Oregon library for at least two years as a paid staff member and demonstrated excellence in library service in his or her community.
• Oregon Library Association Distinguished Service Award may be awarded to any Oregon librarian or library staff member, who has been in the profession for 15 or more years, has worked in Oregon libraries for at least ten years, and is currently amember of OLA, for exceptional service over a period of years.
• Oregon Library Supporter of the Year may be awarded to any volunteer, volunteer group, library Friend, board member, government official, or other individual who is nota paid library staff member and who has demonstrated excellence in supporting andpromoting Oregon libraries.

If you need more info, read the awards guidelines and let me know if you have questions.

Your letter of nomination should include the following information, if pertinent, and be as informational as possible:

• Name, contact information, current position for nominee
• Award for which you are nominating the person or group
• Description of why your nominee should be selected for an OLA Award
• OLA activities: committee appointments, etc.
• Past positions held and summary of major accomplishments (for DistinguishedService Award)
• Your name and how you can be reached if the committee has questions
Please send nominating letters and supporting letters (preferably by e-mail) by Friday, March 15, 2013, to: Leah Griffith, HAS Chair,
leah.griffith@newbergoregon.gov You can also send via mail to me at: Newberg Public Library,503 E. Hancock, Newberg, OR 97132.

E-mail or call me at 503-537-1256 if you have any questions. We will be looking forward to your nominations. — Leah Griffith, Newberg Public Library

OYAN? OYEA!
Is there someone at your library providing exceptional service to the teens in your community?

It’s time to start thinking about the 2013 OYAN You’re Excellent Award!. If you know someone that has made a difference for teens, we want to hear about it. The OYEA! may be awarded to an individual, library, organization, program, or initiative that has made a positive and significant contribution to teens in libraries in the state of Oregon. The honoree will receive an engraved plaque and a $100 donation to the teen service program of their choice. If needed, funds are available to ensure that the honoreeattends the 2012 OLA Annual Conference to receive the acknowledgement of their peers.

Nominations for this coveted award are open until March 31st. Please include the following:
• Nominee’s name
• Nominee’s contact information
• Description of the nominee’s positive and significant contributions to teens in libraries in the State Of Oregon
• And any accompanying letters of support (okay to send them separate from the nomination).
• Send your letter of nomination and letters of support to:
kris.lutsock@ci.mcminnville.or.us or Kris Lutsock, McMinnville Public Library, 225 NW Adams St., McMinnville, OR 97128
Please note that the last three winners have all had at least one letter of support writtenby a teen from their institution. Also, we have received multiple, high-quality nominations the last several years and the decision has been difficult. If you havenominated someone in the past who has not been the recipient of the OYEA!, we highly encourage you to make that nomination again this year.

Youth Services Guidelines Update
Way back in 1998 a group of library advocates banded together to draft a set of guidelines with the purpose of improving library service for Oregon’s youth. Through their dedication and hard work the Youth Services Guidelines were born.  Fast-forward 15 years.

It is 2013 and our library youth services have seen some major shake-ups over the years. From early literacy education and expectations of caregiver interaction to electronic information delivery mechanisms and interactive play spaces, our present youth services landscape has blossomed in many new and exciting ways.

Q: Where do we go from here?
A: The Children.s Services Division needs your help.  CSD is forming a committee of people dedicated to updating and revising the YouthServices Guidelines. We are looking for folks with varied library experience, withrepresentation from libraries small, large and in-between.

All committee work will be conducted online. This is your opportunity to get involved in an OLA committee and to set a new standard for excellence in library service to youth. For more information, email Rick Samuelson at ricks@wccls.org

A Call for Papers
The OLA Quarterly is in need of a few more articles for the spring issue. If you have anarticle to submit, contact editors Karen Muller or Chris King ASAP. Here’s what they’re looking for:

Whether you are trying something new or relying on the tried and true, we all try tomeasure the success of our actions. The essays in the spring issue of the OLA Quarterly will address the question, “How do you know you.re doing a good job?” Do you have a system to evaluate your programs, services or materials purchases? Have you done surveys? How did you evaluate the data they collected? Do you have more subjective measures that you use? We are seeking articles of 1000-2000 words, due inearly March. For more information, please contact Karen Muller atkaren.muller@hillsboro-oregon.gov or Chris King at chris.king@hillsboro-oregon.gov.

February 15, 2013 (Vol. 19, No. 4) – OLA News

It’s Time to Honor your Library Colleagues!  OLA Honors & Awards Nominations Open Now
I know you’ve been thinking about that colleague or yours who has really done something great this year and you think they should get an award for it.  Well, now is your chance, nominate them for one of OLA’s annual awards.

Tell us about those talented, dedicated individuals whose commitment to excellent library service has made a difference.   The OLA Honors & Awards Committee wants to know who those individuals (or groups) are and we want you to tell us!

Nominations may come from all types of libraries for all kinds of librarians, staff and supporters, including our newest division, the school libraries division!

Nominations are open for the following awards:

• Oregon Librarian of the Year
• Library Employee of the Year
• OLA Distinguished Service Award
• Library Supporter of the Year

Nomination letters (with no more than six letters of support) are due Friday, March 15, 2013. These awards will be presented to recipients at the 2013 OLA/WLA Joint  Conference Luncheon Banquet in Vancouver on Thursday, April 25, 2013.

Here are the details on each award:

• Oregon Librarian of the Year may be awarded to any Oregon librarian who has been working in an Oregon Library for at least two years in a paid professional position.  The nominee must demonstrate excellence in library service in his or her community and to Oregon libraries.  The nominee must be a member of OLA.
• Oregon Library Employee of the Year may be awarded to any Oregon library staff member who has worked in an Oregon library for at least two years as a paid staff member and demonstrated excellence in library service in his or her community.
• Oregon Library Association Distinguished Service Award may be awarded to any Oregon librarian or library staff member, who has been in the profession for 15 or more years, has worked in Oregon libraries for at least ten years, and is currently a member of OLA, for exceptional service over a period of years.
• Oregon Library Supporter of the Year may be awarded to any volunteer, volunteer group, library Friend, board member, government official, or other individual who is not a paid library staff member and who has demonstrated excellence in supporting and promoting Oregon libraries.

If you need more info, read the awards guidelines and let me know if you have questions.

Your letter of nomination should include the following information, if pertinent, and be as informational as possible:

• Name, contact information, current position for nominee
• Award for which you are nominating the person or group
• Description of why your nominee should be selected for an OLA Award
• OLA activities: committee appointments, etc.
• Past positions held and summary of major accomplishments  (for Distinguished Service Award)
• Your name and how you can be reached if the committee has questions

Please send nominating letters and supporting letters (preferably by e-mail) by Friday, March 15, 2013, to:  Leah Griffith, HAS Chair, leah.griffith@newbergoregon.gov
You can also send via mail to me at: Newberg Public Library,503 E. Hancock, Newberg,  OR  97132.

e-mail or call me at 503-537-1256 if you have any questions.    We will be looking forward to your nominations. -Leah Griffith, Newberg Public Library

OYAN? OYEA!
Is there someone at your library providing exception service to the teens in your community?

It’s time to start thinking about the  2013 OYAN You’re Excellent Award!.  If you know someone that has made a difference for teens, we want to hear about it.  The OYEA! may be awarded to an individual, library, organization, program, or initiative that has made a positive and significant contribution to teens in libraries in the state of Oregon.  The honoree will receive an engraved plaque and a $100 donation to the teen service program of their choice.  If needed, funds are available to ensure that the honoree attends the 2012 OLA Annual Conference to receive the acknowledgement of their peers.  

Nominations for this coveted award are open until March 31st.  Please include the following:

• Nominee’s name
• Nominee’s contact information
• Description of the nominee’s positive and significant contributions to teens in libraries in the State Of Oregon
• And any accompanying letters of support (okay to send them separate from the nomination).

Send your letter of nomination and letters of support to: kris.lutsock@ci.mcminnville.or.us or  Kris Lutsock,McMinnville Public Library,225 NW Adams St.,McMinnville, OR 97128

Please note that the last three winners have all had at least one letter of support written by a teen from their institution.  Also, we have received multiple, high-quality nominations the last several years and the decision has been difficult.  If you have nominated someone in the past who has not been the recipient of the OYEA! ,  we highly encourage you to make that nomination again this year.

ALA Conference Report
As I’m sure most of you were aware, ALA Midwinter met in Seattle this year – the drizzle was much more this northwesterner’s cup of tea, as compared to locations that try to promise sunshine in the winter.

In my role as OLA’s representative to ALA Council, I voted on a variety of resolutions.  The resolution that resulted in the most debate was a (revised) resolution on ALA member dues adjustment (read – dues increases).  The new dues structure will result in regular increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), instead of raising dues by larger amounts but less frequently.  One of the checks and balances applied to this new way of changing dues is that the ALA Executive Board was tasked with reviewing member dues annually, and any dues change after 2017 will require a mail vote (which includes email) of the ALA membership.  I did vote for this resolution as it seemed to strike a good balance between keeping the association solvent but respecting the need for oversight and input from the membership.  (A side note, but related – I had not previously realized that ALA is a $50 million organization).

A new ALA round table was created – the Sustainability Round Table.  References to School Library Media Specialists were changed to School Librarians to more accurately reflect terminology currently in use.  And a variety of notable people were recognized in memorials, including Aaron Swartz.

One of ALA’s biggest efforts right now is working with e-book publishers via the Digital Content Working Group.  This group has recently developed a media information kit for public libraries to use, along with a ranking tool to help in decision-making when comparing various publishers.

In meetings and conversations with other state library association representatives, I got the sense that the Oregon Library Association is on the right track with a lot of things – our relationship with school librarians, our use of virtual technologies for greater flexibility in meeting, and the level of involvement by our members.

Feel free to ask me any follow up questions. -Hannah Gascho Rempel, Oregon State University,  hannah.rempel@oregonstate.edu

OLA MLIS Scholarships – March 1 Deadline
The application process is open for Oregon residents enrolled or planning to enroll in a graduate course of study for the Masters in Library & Information Science degree for the 2013 – 2014 academic year.

Applications from eligible students are sought for over $20,000 in scholarship awards.  This is a statewide program: rural applicants or those planning to work in rural libraries are welcome to apply too.  Recipients of OLA MLIS scholarships may reapply annually for up to three years of awards.

The scholarship application process deadline is March 1, 2013. Before applying, please read OLA’s Scholarship Program guidelines and eligibility requirements.  You’ll find that information and the eApplication by visiting the Oregon Student Access Commission.
To apply, open the OSAC’s Scholarship Catalog and enter a search for Scholarship Code 471 at “Set filters to customize” or do a keyword search for the Oregon Library Association.  The scholarship application process is confidential, and there is no fee to apply. Applicants must complete the federal student aid form, and submit the required essays with your application.

The Oregon library Association’s MLIS Scholarship Program is supported in whole or part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Oregon State Library, and through the generosity of OLA members who have donated to the scholarship fund.  OLA members are encouraged to make donations to support this new OLA initiative by using the MLIS Scholarship Contribution Form  in the Membership section.  -Gary Sharp, North Bend Public Library

January 15, 2013 (Vol. 19, No. 2) – OLA News

OLA Seeks Officers (wait, don’t ignore this article!)
True confession #1: I had never served on the OLA Executive Board before agreeing to run for OLA President. My participation in OLA was confined to a few committees and divisions, planning your meals at the 2009 conference (sorry about the cold pasta) and giving the occasional program.

Despite my seeming lack of experience, I ran for VP/President-Elect because I have some board experience outside of OLA, and have benefited from OLA throughout my career. I thought I might be able to pay it forward.

True confession #2: I was completely unprepared for how awesome OLA really is! I have been amazed and thrilled and humbled by the experience—surrounded by dedicated and top-notch colleagues, supported by a super-smart business manager, and nurtured by all the OLA officers that came before me.  And I promise we will all be there for you when you hold office, too.

So take the plunge! See your profession and your association in a completely different light. You’ll find that the Oregon Library Association is more relevant, more meaningful, and more fascinating than you had ever imagined.

This year, we are seeking two candidates for each of the following. Contact Abigail Elder  at aelder@ci.tualatin.or.us  to martyr/volunteer yourself or others:

Secretary:  Your words will be preserved forever in the OLA archives.

• Member of OLA.
• Voting member of OLA Board.
• Attend six meetings a year, plus retreat in summer. Take detailed minutes at meetings.
• Help with meeting logistics.
• Post meeting minutes and other documents to OLA website.
• One-year term.

ALA Chapter Representative:  Teach the rest of ALA to pronounce “Oregon” correctly

• Member of both OLA and ALA.
• Voting member of OLA Board.
•  Attend six OLA meetings a year, plus retreat in summer.
• Voting member of ALA Council.
• Attend ALA Annual and Midwinter conferences (some support provided.)
• Participate in ALA listserv discussions and sharing items of interest with your Oregon colleagues
• Keep your Oregon colleagues informed of ALA news and activities
• Three-year term.

Treasurer:  OLA is not broke. Try to keep it that way.

• Member of OLA.
• Voting member of OLA Board.
• Attend six meetings a year, plus retreat in summer.
• Working with our amazing business manager, signs checks and pays bills.
• Presents financial statements for OLA Board and unit chairs at meetings.
• Advises and assists the divisions, committees and roundtables with financial procedures.
• Two-year term.

Vice-President/President-Elect:  Join team Burke-Hummel!

• Member of OLA
• Voting member of OLA Board.
• Attend six meetings a year, plus retreat in summer.
• Coordinate retreat logistics.
• Conspire with president for world domination.
• Three year term (VP/President/Past-President)

Join cool kids like these on the OLA Executive Board

-Abigail Elder, OLA Past-President

A Call for Papers
Whether you are trying something new or relying on the tried and true, we all try to measure the success of our actions. The essays in the spring issue of the OLA Quarterly will address the question, “How do you know you’re doing a good job?” Do you have a system to evaluate your programs, services or materials purchases? Have you done surveys? How did you evaluate the data they collected? Do  you have more subjective measures that you use? We are seeking articles of 1000-2000 words, due in early March.  For more information, please contact Karen Muller at karen.muller@hillsboro-oregon.gov or Chris King at chris.king@hillsboro-oregon.gov.

Less than a month left to nominate for the Evelyn Sibley Lampman Award!
Do you know someone who has done an outstanding job serving the children of Oregon? Have you worked with an amazing librarian, Oregon author, or educator that has knocked your socks off in their achievements for the children of Oregon or children’s literature? Run, don’t walk, to your e-mail and nominate that person for the Evelyn Sibley Lampman award!

Nomination eligibility requirements are as follows:

• The person shall reside principally in Oregon.
• The award shall be given for personal accomplishments to recognize the individual’s contribution and shall not be conferred upon an individual representing the accomplishments of many.
• Only living persons may be considered for the award.

Please include the following in the award submissions:

• Nominee’s name
• Nominee’s title, address, and phone (if known)
• Description of the nominee’s significant and lasting contributions over the years that have benefited the children of Oregon.
• Letters of support are welcome, but not required.

The Evelyn Sibley Lampman Award, presented by the Children’s Services Division of the Oregon Library Association at the OLA Annual Conference, is given in memory of the noted Oregon teacher, journalist and author of children’s books.

Nominations for the award shall be accepted from Children’s Division members, OLA members and members of the Lampman Award Committee. Current Lampman Committee members are not eligible to be nominated.  Please send all nomination materials to Esther Moberg emoberg@cityofseaside.us or care of Esther Moberg at the Seaside Public Library, 1131 Broadway, Seaside, OR 97138.  Nominations will be accepted through January 27th, 2013.

For more information on the award and the current committee, click here.  -Esther Moberg, Seaside Public Library

Mock Caldecott Winners Announced
Approximately 35 librarians, educators and children’s book enthusiasts from all over Oregon (and a handful of folks from Washington) met on Saturday January 5th to participate in the annual Oregon Library Association’s Children’s Services Division Mock Caldecott Workshop.

The event included an overview of the ALA Caldecott Committee experience from 2009 Caldecott Chair Nell Colburn and a hands-on art workshop from Paige Bentley-Flannery of the Deschutes Public Library (we played with gouache, acrylic paint, water colors, cut paper, water soluble crayons, color pencils and toothpaste!).

After meeting in groups to discuss a selection of picture books from 2012, everybody converged and voted on the 2013 CSD Mock Caldecott Award!

Mock Caldecott Medal:
One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by David Small.

Honor Book:
More by I. C. Springman, illustrated by Brian Lies.

December 15, 2012 (Vol. 18, No. 24) – OLA News

Public and Academic Libraries Commit Early to Oregon Reads 2014
We are still six weeks away from the deadline and already 20 Oregon libraries have committed or tentatively committed to participating in Oregon Reads 2014.

OLA sent invitations to all academic and public library directors on November 12th. It included a Participation Form with a due date of January 15, 2013.

OLA is sponsoring Oregon Reads 2014 to celebrate the William Stafford Centennial. We are suggesting four books that libraries can select for their community or campus reading program in calendar year 2014. William Stafford is Oregon’s most celebrated and beloved poet. He is the only Oregon poet to win the National Book Award for poetry. His was the longest serving Oregon Poet Laureate and also was the Poetry Consultant to the Library of Congress (now called the U.S. Poet Laureate). OLA will be one of many cultural organizations in the state that celebrate the William Stafford Centennial in 2014.

Thanks to these libraries that have already committed to participating in Oregon Reads 2014:

Albany Public Library
Beaverton City Library
Cedar Mill Community Library
Coos Bay Public Library
Cottage Grove Public Library
Josephine Community Libraries
McMinnville Public Library
Molalla Public Library
Mount Hood Community College Library
Mt Angel Public Library
Oregon City Library
Portland State University Library
Sandy Public Library
Silver Falls Library
Stanfield Public Library
Stayton Public Library
The Dalles-Wasco County Public Library
Toledo Public Library
Tualatin Public Library
Wallowa Public Library
Willamina Public Library

Oregon Library Passport Program Update
The Oregon Library Passport Program is rapidly approaching launch in January!  The Passport Program will allow card-holders from participating libraries to register and use other participating libraries across the state. The Oregon Library Association is excited to launch this voluntary program that expands Oregonians’ access to library materials, something that has been a goal of our professional organization for many years.

OLA Resource Sharing Committee members have been fielding questions from librarians across Oregon and are ready to assist you with How To issues.  Many libraries have already signed up to participate, and others are in the works.  The list of Participants continues to grow.  If your library has not submitted the participation form yet, please do so as soon as possible so that when the program begins in January, the list of participants is complete.  Forms can be found on the Libraries of Oregon website.

In addition, when libraries sign up to participate, the library’s contact person is enrolled in a new Passport Program listserv created to provide a forum for sharing information between libraries.

As always, if you have any questions, please let me know.  -Eva Calcagno Calcagno@wccls.org.

Remote Access to 2013 Mock Printz Workshop Now Available!
Good news!  You and your local teens can now participate in the 2013 Mock Printz Workshop from the comfort of your school or library.  Up to 25 locations (=computers) may attend remotely.  So, gather all your YA Lit lovers and join the discussion!

When:  Saturday, January 26, from noon to 4 p.m.

To Register:  Email Susan Smallsreed (susansm@multcolib.org) with contact name, email address and location.  Additional resources will be emailed to each remote location a week before the workshop.  Individuals may register, but priority will be given to locations with groups of teens.

Equipment needs:

• Required: Computer with high-speed internet connection;
• Required: Computer speakers and microphone;
• Preferred: Webcam;
• Preferred: Plug into a data port instead of wireless (which can create a lag and create sound echoes).

How to log in:  Go to https://www3.gotomeeting.com/join/752586742.  The meeting starts at noon, but log in as early as 11:30 to test equipment and get familiar with the Go to Meeting Software.

Tech Help
There is an IM chat feature to discuss software issues or program details with the session administrator.
For additional information about Go to Meeting, please follow this link:  http://support.citrixonline.com/gotomeeting

Hope you’ll join us! -Susan Smallsreed, Multnomah County Library

Mock Caldecott, Newbery Workshops
The Children’s Services Division of the Oregon Library Association’s 2013 Mock Caldecott and Mock Newbery workshops are just over a month away!  There is still plenty of space available in these workshops.  If you enjoy children’s literature and enjoy the fellowship of fellow kid-lit enthusiasts, register without delay!

Here are the particulars:

Mock Caldecott Workshop
Saturday January 5th / 9 am – 4 pm
Tigard Public Library / 13500 SW Hall Blvd, Tigard, OR
Cost: $15 for CSD members / $20 for non-CSD members (pays for snacks and lunch)
Registration form: https://ola.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_mc&view=mc&mcid=form_130437

Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Caldecott Award by attending this entertaining workshop that features a special hands-on presentation “Meet Art: A Creative Workshop Exploring Caldecott Artists and Their Techniques” presented by Paige Bentley-Flannery of the Deschutes Public Library.

Mock Newbery Workshop
Saturday January 12th / 10 am – 4 pm
Wilsonville Public Library / 8200 SW Wilsonville Rd, Wilsonville, OR
Cost: $15 for CSD members / $20 for non-CSD members (pays for snacks and lunch)
Registration form: https://ola.memberclicks.net/index.php?option=com_mc&view=mc&mcid=form_130845

Rub elbows with real-life Newbery Committee members Steven Engelfried and Kate Houston.  Hear from Kate as she describes the process of working on the premiere American children’s literature book award.

Again, if you love kid’s books… these are two workshops you won’t want to miss!! -Rick Samuelson, Washington County Cooperative Library Services

November 15, 2012 (Vol. 18, No. 22) – OLA News

Spotlight on the Outreach Round Table
The Outreach Round Table serves librarians and library staff with an interest in providing outreach services in libraries in Oregon. The areas of interest of the Round Table include delivering library services to traditionally underserved populations including but not limited to: library services to the elderly, people with disabilities, people who are geographically isolated, rural and urban poor people, incarcerated individuals, new and non-readers, and non-native English speakers. Current members of the Round Table work in libraries from across the state and deliver outreach services in a variety of capacities.  Members of public, academic, and special libraries are all welcome. The benefits of membership include networking and sharing resources with other library staff and professional development opportunities.

The Round Table recently met for its fall meeting and discussed ways to improve support to library staff providing outreach services. The Round Table will be developing a stronger web presence and is also working to improve communication and resource sharing among members. The ORT will meet again during the 2013 OLA/WLA Annual Conference and is co-sponsoring a program session on best practices in programming and outreach to Spanish speaking individuals.

If you are interested in becoming involved in the Outreach Round Table, you can join by visiting the OLA website’s membership page and filling out the “Add and Affiliation/Publication” form. The cost of membership is just $5.00.

If you have questions or suggestions about how the Outreach Round Table can better serve librarians in Oregon please contact the Outreach Round Table Chair, Annie Lewis by email alewis@ci.tualatin.or.us.

Lampman Award Nominations Sought
Do you know someone who has done an outstanding job serving the children of Oregon? Have you worked with an amazing librarian, Oregon author, or educator who has knocked your socks off in their achievements for the children of Oregon or children’s literature? Nominate them for the Evelyn Sibley Lampman Award!

Nomination eligibility requirements are as follows:

• The person shall reside principally in Oregon.
• The award shall be given for personal accomplishments to recognize the individual’s contribution and shall not be conferred upon an individual representing the accomplishments of many.
• Only living persons may be considered for the award.

Please include the following in the award submissions:

• Nominee’s name
• Nominee’s title, address, and phone (if known)
• Description of the nominee’s significant and lasting contributions over the years that have benefited the children of Oregon.
• Letters of support are welcome, but not required.

Nominations for the award shall be accepted from Children’s Division members, OLA members and members of the Lampman Award Committee. Current Lampman Committee members are not eligible to be nominated.
The award, presented by the Children’s Services Division of the Oregon Library Association at the OLA Annual Conference, is given in memory of Evelyn Sibley Lampman (1907-1980), noted Oregon teacher, journalist, and author of children’s books.

Please send all nomination materials to Esther Moberg esther_creslib@centurytel.net or care of Esther Moberg at the Creswell Library P.O. Box 366 Creswell, OR 97426

More information on the award and the current committee, click here. -Esther Moberg, Lane Library District (Creswell Library)

Oregon Reads 2014 Invitations are in the Mail
Public and academic library directors throughout Oregon will be receiving invitations asking their libraries to participate in Oregon Reads 2014.

Oregon Reads 2014 is modeled after OLA’s very successful community reading program in 2009 that engaged about 80,000 Oregonians. The 2014 version of Oregon Reads will celebrate the poetry and wisdom of William Stafford on the centennial of his birth. The Oregon Reads 2014 Steering Committee is recommending four books as possible choices for a library-based community or campus reading program in 2014. As an incentive, OLA will make mini-grants to small and rural public libraries to encourage their participation in Oregon Reads.

The invitation letter to library directors contains all the details. The letter asks library directors to consult with their staff and with their support groups, like Friends and Foundations, about participating in Oregon Reads 2014. There is a participation form included with the letter that the Steering Committee hopes to get by the deadline of January 15, 2013. Questions about Oregon Reads 2014 from any OLA member can be sent to oregonreads2014@gmail.com.