SEMLS News

The first-generation Amazon Kindle that traveled with the SEMLS Technology Sandbox has been replaced with the Kindle 2.

SEMLS is planning to give away the older Kindle to a SEMLS member chosen at random. In order to qualify for the Kindle, the library must be willing to use it to support a user program or service. In essence, it can’t just be used for staff to try out the technology but must make it into the hands of your users.

In addition, we are asking that the library receiving the Kindle agree to write an article for the SEMLS newsletter a few months after implementing the program or service that uses this device.

If your library is interested in receiving the Kindle, please send an e-mail to Kathy Lussier at klussier@semls.org by April 27. In the e-mail, please let us know how you plan to use the Kindle in your library (a few short sentences will do.) SEMLS will choose a winner at random on the week of the 27th.

Ten libraries receive gaming and literacy grants

CHICAGO - Ten libraries in 10 states from New York to Alaska will receive $5,000 grants as part of the American Library Association's (ALA) Libraries, Literacy and Gaming initiative, funded by the Verizon Foundation.

The winners, representing a broad spectrum of libraries - seven public, two school and one academic - will use the funds to develop and implement gaming and literacy programs that provide innovative gaming experiences for youths 10-18 years of age. The 10 libraries were selected out of 390 that applied for the grant.

The following libraries were chosen:

Anderson Public Library, Anderson, Ind.
Brewster Ladies Library, Brewster, Mass.
Cascade Middle School, Auburn, Wash.
Henshaw Middle School Library, Anchorage School District, Anchorage, Alaska
Indian Trails Public Library, Wheeling, Ill.
Manhattanville College Library, Purchase, N.Y.
San Pablo Library, San Pablo, Calif.
Sewickley Public Library, Sewickley, Pa.
Wayne Country Public Library, Goldsboro, N.C.
Weber Country Library System, Ogden, Utah

"These library gaming programs will help tweens and teens build 21st-Century literacy and learning skills," said Dale Lipschultz, literacy officer with the ALA's Office for Literacy and Outreach Services.

The Libraries, Literacy and Gaming initiative is generously funded by the Verizon Foundation and managed by ALA's Office for Literacy and Outreach Services. Dr. Scott Nicholson, an associate professor in the School of Information Studies, Syracuse University, is the  evaluation specialist.

 

Join us at the Lakeville Public Library Thursday, January 14 for a full-day technology program on the mobile library.

More people than ever are using mobile devices to access the Internet and communicate. There is now a growing expectation that business, government and libraries meet the needs of these mobile users. Join us for a full-day technology conference where we will highlight developments in mobility and discuss ways libraries are meeting the needs of mobile users.

Tom Peters of TAP Information Services will deliver the keynote address, "Mobile Libraries: The Future of Libraries and of Our Sense of Place." Joe Murphy, Coordinator of Instruction & Technology at the Yale University Science Libraries, will provide an overview of ways libraries can reach out to mobile users in "Mobile Tech, Mobile Users, Mobile Libraries." Jill Erickson of the Falmouth Public Library will give an update on the early months of Falmouth's "Text-a-Librarian" service. SEMLS Assistant Administrator for Technology Kathy Lussier will explore e-Book options for libraries. The day will end with small group discussion as participants brainstorm ways to incorporate mobile technologies into library service.

Participants will also have an opportunity to try various gadgets from the SEMLS Technology Sandbox during the breaks. In addition to the Amazon Kindle 2, SEMLS plans to have a Sony Reader and Nook by January 14.

Participants should bring a brown bag lunch. SEMLS will provide drinks.

Register through the SEMLS event calendar.