September 2009 Archives
I am very pleased to announce that Evan Bend is the new Library
Services Manager for OWLS. Evan, who has been OWLS Electronic
Resources Librarian, will now occupy the position formerly held by Beth
Carpenter.
In his new position, Evan will coordinate web services, including member library web site assistance, OWLSweb, and InfoSoup content and training. He will continue to coordinate electronic resource subscriptions and digitization projects, and he will also supervise our graphic arts, continuing education, and special needs programs. One of Evan's first tasks in his new position will be to work with me to fill the position of Continuing Education Librarian. In addition to continuing education, this position's duties will include overseeing special needs programs, working with the Youth Services Liaison, and developing content for InfoSoup and OWLSweb.
Evan has done a great job as Electronic Resources Librarian, and I know that we all look forward to working with him as he takes on new responsibilities.
Rick
In his new position, Evan will coordinate web services, including member library web site assistance, OWLSweb, and InfoSoup content and training. He will continue to coordinate electronic resource subscriptions and digitization projects, and he will also supervise our graphic arts, continuing education, and special needs programs. One of Evan's first tasks in his new position will be to work with me to fill the position of Continuing Education Librarian. In addition to continuing education, this position's duties will include overseeing special needs programs, working with the Youth Services Liaison, and developing content for InfoSoup and OWLSweb.
Evan has done a great job as Electronic Resources Librarian, and I know that we all look forward to working with him as he takes on new responsibilities.
Rick
Two postings have recently been added to the OWLS Employment Opportunities page.
The Kaukauna Public Library has an open position for a full-time Youth Services Librarian. The deadline for receiving applications is October 9, 2009. Please visit the Kaukauna Public Library employment page for complete details and application materials.
The Scandinavia Public Library is currently accepting applications for a Substitute Librarian. Applications will be reviewed on October 1, 2009 until the position is filled. Complete details are available on the Scandinavia Public Library web site.
The Kaukauna Public Library has an open position for a full-time Youth Services Librarian. The deadline for receiving applications is October 9, 2009. Please visit the Kaukauna Public Library employment page for complete details and application materials.
The Scandinavia Public Library is currently accepting applications for a Substitute Librarian. Applications will be reviewed on October 1, 2009 until the position is filled. Complete details are available on the Scandinavia Public Library web site.
Please join us for an entertaining day focused on customer service presented by Gail Johnson and Pam Parr of Face to Face Communications and Training!
Friday, October 9, 2009, 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Appleton Public Library
Meeting Rooms
(5 contact hours for recertification)
In the morning session (9:30 AM to noon), we'll enjoy "Oh, I Wish I'd Said..."
Ever left a conversation wishing you'd said something different? This fun and interactive workshop will give you industry specific real world tips on "what to say and do" when dealing with difficult people.
Guaranteed to increase your confidence and decrease your blood pressure!
And after lunch on your own in lovely downtown Appleton, come back for "What's
the BZZZ..." (1:00 PM to 4:00 PM)
What do customers say about your organization, your staff, and your service? This humorous, highly-interactive workshop will get your people buzzing about how to engage customers so they want to come back again and again. Participants will leave with reality-based “how to’s” and new enthusiasm that will last long after this workshop is over.
Gail Johnson and Pam Parr of Face to Face Communications and Training provide customized training on a variety of topics in a humorous, engaging way. They have presented sessions at ALA conferences and at many libraries across the country. Don't miss this exciting opportunity!
Sponsored by Outagamie Waupaca Library System with LSTA funding from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. For additional information about this program please contact Rick.
If you are interested in history or genealogy, please take a look at our current trial to footnote.com.
A couple of things to note: The site is graphic and photo intense, so trying it during the afternoon slow down might not be the best idea. Although footnote.com has been around for a while, this is a growing and evolving resource. They add about 2 million items a month. At this time they only have two federal censuses online, the 1860 and 1930. I was told that most of the federal census records should be available by the end of the year. So far I find searching a little overwhelming and confusing. I'm not sure if that is because of the sheer size of the database, because I don't know what I'm looking for, or if the database is just not well designed or that the coverage is just very sporadic. I plan to spend some more time exploring before formulating an opinion.
Footnote.com also has a social network component:
Thanks!
Evan
Footnote.com combines original historical documents and personal histories, creating a unique historical and genealogical resource. Footnote.com has a vast array of valuable and unique content consisting of well over 50 million historical documents and imagesFrom inside an OWLS library you should have access just by going to http://www.footnote.com . From inside Appleton Public Library or from home, try http://0-www.footnote.com.www.infosoup.org. The trial should last through the rest of September.
A couple of things to note: The site is graphic and photo intense, so trying it during the afternoon slow down might not be the best idea. Although footnote.com has been around for a while, this is a growing and evolving resource. They add about 2 million items a month. At this time they only have two federal censuses online, the 1860 and 1930. I was told that most of the federal census records should be available by the end of the year. So far I find searching a little overwhelming and confusing. I'm not sure if that is because of the sheer size of the database, because I don't know what I'm looking for, or if the database is just not well designed or that the coverage is just very sporadic. I plan to spend some more time exploring before formulating an opinion.
Footnote.com also has a social network component:
Although footnote.com is a much different type of product than HeritageQuest, given our limited budget I think we have to look at footnote.com as competition for HeritageQuest. While HeritageQuest currently has the federal census records, a core collection of family and regional histories, and a large index of genealogy publications, it is also a static product that is no longer being updated. If footnote.com had the census records would it be a better (or more interesting) resource than HeritageQuest? Our contract with HeritageQuest runs through February 2010. Please take a look and let me know what you think.
Footnote.com creates an environment where members can share their content and insights, ranging from major historical events to personal accounts and family histories. Footnote.com, together with its members, is revealing a side of history that few have seen before.
Thanks!
Evan
