SJRLC Connections

Institute of Museum and Library Services Funding Guide

Institute of Museum and Library Services Funding Guide

http://www.imls.gov/pdf/2011_Guide.pdf

Thanks to Patricia Bruder, GPC, Director, Research and Grant Development, Educational Information & Resource Center for this information

Department of Education $10 million for planning grants

Forwarded on behalf of Emily Sheketoff, ALA-Washington Office:

The Department of Education has $10 million for planning grants for the Promise Neighborhoods program as part of the Fund for the Improvement of Education. These planning grants for $400,000 to $500,000 each are for the planning purpose of what will be a program to improve significantly the education and development outcomes of children in distressed communities.

This is a heads up for school, community college and public librarians to REACH OUT NOW to eligible entities which could be non-profit organizations or institutions of higher learning who might be applying because they operate a school; partner with a school or Local Education Agency; currently provide a solution to cradle-through-college-to-career in a distressed neighborhood or represent a neighborhood being proposed for service.

Best is being part of a group's application from the planning stage, but GET INTO THE GROUP AND PARTICIPATE IN THEIR PLANNING.

KEY INFORMATION

• U.S. Department of Education: Promise Neighborhoods application: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/promiseneighborhoods/index.html 
• Deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply: May 21, 2010 
• Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: June 25, 2010

American Association of Grant Professionals Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference West Jersey Reading Council Workshop

Thanks to Patricia Bruder, GPC, Director, Research and Grant Development, Educational Information & Resource Center for this information

American Association of Grant Professionals Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference West Jersey Reading Council Workshop

Dates: May 17, 2010
Time: 8:00 a.m - 5:15 p.m.
Location: FEA Conference Center, 12 Centre Drive, Monroe Township, NJ 08831

Join the New Jersey Chapter of the American Association of Grant Professionals for their Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference. This year's workshop topics include:

• Storytelling for Grant Professionals, the Why & How of Social Media for Grant Professionals,
• Writing Tight, Capital Campaign Nuts & Bolts
• Building Better Boards
• Speaking Skills for Grant Professionals
• Logic Models, and Grant Consulting.

Conference keynote speakers are Douglas W. Schoenberger, Vice President Corporate Responsibility & Public Policy, Verizon Foundation and Bonnie Friedman, author of Writing Past Dark: Envy, Fear Distraction and Other Dilemmas of the Writer's Life.

Registration costs:

• $50 for AAGP members
• $75 for non-members

For more information and to register:  http://www.njaagp.org

Federal Funds for Rural Public Libraries

Posted on behalf of NJ State Library:

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US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director Howard Henderson has announced that funds may be available for the construction or renovation of a library in rural communities.  Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has set a goal providing $100 million of USDA’s Community Facilities American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding including grants for public libraries. 

 

This program can help New Jersey create and save jobs in construction and library service fields.  “By improving rural library facilities we will only enhance educational opportunities and improve economic conditions in America’s rural communities for both adults and children,” said Henderson.  A new or renovated library facility in a rural community can even be a catalyst for renewing that community’s downtown area.

 

Norma E. Blake, New Jersey State Librarian, and Patricia A. Tumulty, Executive Director of the New Jersey Library Association, will be assisting the Rural Development Office in identifying communities which fit the guidelines of the program.

 

"The State Library is most appreciative of both Secretary Vilsack's and State Director Henderson's support for public library service in rural communities," said Blake. "My staff and I look forward to supporting the Rural Development Office in any way possible." 

 

"This is a tremendous opportunity for libraries serving our rural communities," added Tumulty.  "Funding to renovate or construct new facilities is needed by many communities to meet the growing demands for increased access to library services."

 

Municipalities, counties and special-purpose districts as well as non-profit corporations are encouraged to apply for these special ARRA funds as soon as possible.  Funds will remain through September 30, 2010, or until all dollars have been awarded.  For information call Rural Development Business & Community Director Kenneth Drewes at (856) 787-7753 or visit their website at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/nj.   

A Training on Public Libraries and Access to Justice

Thanks to Kathleen Carr for bringing this to our attention.

With funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to the National Center for State Courts, the Center-hosted Self-Represented Litigation Network, in cooperation with the Legal Services Corporation, is presenting:

A Training on Public Libraries
and Access to Justice

January 11-12, 2010, Austin, Texas

Information on Application Process

With funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to the National Center for State Courts, the Center-hosted Self-Represented Litigation Network, in cooperation with the Legal Services Corporation, is presenting a two-day conference that addresses how public libraries can improve access to online legal information at libraries.

The conference will be a unique opportunity for participants to meet with public librarians and with legal and court experts to discuss strategies for integrating access to legal information into their programs, including how to the best locate content and tools, how to talk about the content with library patrons, how to work with content partners to make sure that needed content is developed, how to share what they have learned statewide, and how to use successful programs to advocate for the importance of public libraries as gateways to government institutions..

The conference organizers plan to select between 10 and 15 teams of two to three people from across the country to attend the conference.  These teams will learn about a broad range of currently available print and online, customer-friendly legal tools developed by courts, bar associations, law libraries, and legal aid programs that support people without access to legal aid or counsel. The participants will learn how to access this information, facilitate sharing among libraries and legal agencies and participate in the enhancement and customization of these tools.

Preference will generally be given to teams that include a person who plays a statewide library staff educational or organizational role; a local librarian with a strong interest in expanding the use of public libraries for access to justice; and one of the following: a legal aid staff member; or a court online information expert or member of a self help center currently not using online tools to provide services. Applicant teams are encouraged to put together a group that will be the most effective in their area of service to spread the word in their states.  The decision of the selection group will be final.

Conference participants will receive travel and hotel costs (subject to certain caps described in the application). Participants will also be eligible to apply for post-conference funding to implement some of the tools learned at the conference. Such grants, which will range from $750 to $1,000, might be used for travel to conferences at which training would be shared, development of marketing materials, and so on.


Application materials can be found:

• On SelfHelpSupport: http://www.selfhelpsupport.org/libraries
• On WebJunction: http://www.webjunction.org/legal-information/-/articles/content/86970844. 

For additional immediate information, contact Richard Zorza, richard[at]zorza.net.

We the People Bookshelf Grant

The ALA Public Programs Office is pleased to be partnering with the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) for the seventh We the People Bookshelf project.  Part of the NEH’s We the People program, the Bookshelf encourages young people to read and understand great literature while exploring themes in American history.

Public and school (K-12) libraries are invited to apply online from now through January 29, 2010, at http://publicprograms.ala.org/bookshelf.  In spring 2010, ALA and NEH will select 4,000 libraries to receive the 17 books for young readers, as well as bonus materials for readers of all ages, and the option to receive three titles in Spanish translation. Libraries selected will be required to use the Bookshelf selections in programs for young readers in their communities.

This year’s theme, “A More Perfect Union,” invites reflection on the idea of the United States as a “union,” a “One” as well as a “Many,” and will complement library programs observing the sesquicentennial of the Civil War.  To stimulate programming, the Bookshelf features a DVD edition of “The Civil War,” the award-winning documentary by Ken Burns, including the rights to show the series to public audiences.  Additional bonus materials provided are the companion book to the series and “Declaring Independence: The Origin and Influence of America’s Founding Document,” edited by Christian Y. Dupont. 

The Bookshelf grants are part of the NEH’s We the People program, which aims to encourage and strengthen the teaching, study and understanding of American history and culture through libraries, schools, colleges, universities and cultural institutions.  Since 2003, NEH and ALA have distributed 13,000 We the People Bookshelves to public and school libraries.

For more information about the We the People Bookshelf on "A More Perfect Union,"  including programming ideas, the list of books, and the online application, visit http://publicprograms.ala.org/bookshelf. With questions, contact the ALA Public Programs Office at publicprograms@ala.org

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ALA Public Programs Office

www.ala.org/publicprograms

Maureen Hayes Author/Illustrator Award

Maureen Hayes Author/Illustrator Award

http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/profawards/hayesaward/index.cfm

This $4,000 award was established with funding from Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, in honor of Maureen Hayes, to bring together children and nationally recognized authors/illustrators by funding an author/illustrator visit to a library.

• Current Maureen Hayes Author/Illustrator Award Winner
• Past Maureen Hayes Author/Illustrator Award Winners
• For tips on planning an author visit, please click here.

 Criteria

• Each application will be judged on the following:
  • Reasons for the application.  The applicant seeks to provide a visit from an author/illustrator who will speak to children who have not had the opportunity to hear a nationally known author/illustrator.  Reasons for applying could include: particular contribution; a special celebration, etc.
  • Facilities.  The appropriateness, both in terms of capacity and accessibility.
  • Administrative support.  The organization and administrative capabilities of the person or group submitting an application evident in the enclosed budget, and partially manifested in the presentation of the application itself.
  • Cooperation with other organizations.  The applicant must work cooperatively with other types of libraries (academic, public and school) and bookstores within the local community to provide the author/illustrator visit, thereby also providing a broader audience.  The applicant must present the library's educational goals, as well as evidence of how those goals apply to the local community's educational goals.  The extent to which meaningful cooperation among various local or area groups would suggest an ability to share responsibilities of personnel, time, and money needed to cover local expenses.
  • Author/Illustrator visit visibility.  Emphasis on the presentation as a distinctive event publicized to and open to all potential attendees in the area is a priority for each Award.

Requirements

• Applicants must:
  • Be personal members of ALSC as well as ALA; organizational members are not eligible
  • Act as host for the author/illustrator visit, the date to be arranged at the mutual convenience of the artist/illustrator and the host institution
  • The award covers only the honorarium and travel expense to and from the host city.  The host is responsible for making travel arrangements that are mutually agreed upon by the host and the author/illustrator, and for paying the up front travel costs.  Maximum award is $4,000
  • Host institution must arrange to pay for any reception, dinner, or other hospitality honoring the speaker following the visit and to pay for all local lodging, means, etc. of the lecturer
  • Prepare and distribute publicity
  • If applicable, autographing and sale of books may be arranged with the publisher by the host institution.  Any other programs/events (other than those promoting the visit) must be arranged with the author/illustrator's publisher(s) or agent, and must be arranged with the author/illustrator's knowledge and permission, and must be funded separately

Announcement of Winners

Winners will be announced via a press release on the ALSC Web site shortly after ALA Midwinter Meeting in early January.

How to Apply

Information on the 2010 Maureen Hayes Author/Illustrator Award application will be posted as it becomes available.  Please check back at a later date. 

For more information, visit online at http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/awardsgrants/profawards/hayesaward/index.cfm

2009 Maureen Hayes Author/Illustrator Award

Ezra Jack Keats Minigrant Program For Public Schools and Public Libraries

Thanks to Pat Bruder, EIRC for this news

It’s that time of year again! The Ezra Jack Keats minigrants ($500) are available at:

http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/programs/minigrant.html.

The application is submitted online and the deadline is September 15^th.

Funds will not be granted for:

• general operating costs
• administrative costs
• transportation of the audience
• purchase of books, tapes, software or equipment unrelated to a specific program described.

Creative programs funded in the past have included:

• Ongoing pen-pal projects bringing disparate communities together.
• Multi-cultural portrait projects
• Art projects culminating in art shows, murals, or quilts,
• Bookmaking,
• Creation and performance of puppet shows
• Inter-generational journals.

These are examples.. new ideas are welcomed!

YALSA's Great Books Giveaway Competition

News from Sharon Rawlins, Youth Services Consultant, NJ State Library

YALSA's Great Books Giveaway Competition

Each year the YALSA office receives approximately 1,200 newly published books, videos, CD's and audiocassettes, materials that have been targeted primarily towards young adults.   Publishers and producers submit copies for selection committees to review and nominate.  After the ALA Midwinter Meeting (when committees select their annual lists), these materials need to be removed from the YALSA office to make room for the next year's publications.  

The YALSA Board of Directors believes many libraries that serve young adults would benefit by receiving this collection of materials.  YALSA and the cooperating publishers are therefore offering one year's worth of review materials as a contribution to a library in need through this application process. Applicants must demonstrate:

• Why the collection is needed in their community
• Why the collection is needed in their institution.  
• How acquiring the collection will help them better serve the youth of their community. 
• That the library's commitment to intellectual freedom and equity of access for young adults is supported by an up-to-date, board-approved collection development policy which is based upon the guidelines in the Intellectual Freedom Manual (ALA, 1996) and/or Censorship and Selection: Issues and Answers for Schools by Henry Reichman (ALA, 2001).

Criteria
Each application will be judged on the basis of:

• The degree of need in the community. (20 points)
• The degree of need of the school, public library, or institution where the library is located. (20 points) 
• The degree of improvement of service to young adults in the community. (20 points).  
• The degree of clarity and effectiveness of the statement of need. (20 points)  
• An estimate of the age of the nonfiction collection. (10 points)  
• The currency and completeness of the institution’s board approved collection development policy, including the materials selection policy, with procedures for handling challenges. (10 points)

A total of 100 points is possible.   Each entry will be rated by this point system and the winning application will be the one with the highest total number of points.  The Great Books Giveaway Jury will judge the applications.

Guidelines

1. Applicants must be personal members of YALSA as well as ALA. Organizational members are not eligible.
2. All applications must be received complete in the YALSA office no later than December 1. 
3. All entries must include the cover sheet provided by YALSA.  
4. The application must be signed by the director of the public library, the superintendent of schools, the building-level administrator or the director of the institution. 
5.   Applicants must agree to accept all the materials received at the YALSA office, with the understanding that this collection is material targeted primarily for young adults, ages 12-18. 
6. The cover sheet, supplementary materials and an electronic copy of the current, board-approved collection development policy must be submitted via email to ngilbert@ala.org by Dec. 1 of each year. Applications must be sent electronically; hard copies will not be accepted.  
7. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 
8. Shipping and handling charges are the responsibility of the institution selected to receive the Great Book Giveaway collection. For purposes of estimating shipping costs, winning collections have weighed as much as 2,000 lbs. and included as many as 35 cartons. Shipping ranges from $500 - $800.

Previous winners are not eligible. A copy of these instructions can be found online at http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/awardsandgrants/yalsasgreatbook.cfm
Announcement of Winner

The recipient of the Great Books Giveaway will be announced by a press release issued by the ALA Public Information Office during the upcoming Midwinter Meeting.
For further information contact YALSA at 1-800-545-2433, ext. 4387, or via e-mail at YALSA@ala.org.

Previous Winners
2000 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy, Lexington, Ky.
2001 - Hialeah (Fla.) Public Libraries
2002 - Bell County (Ky.) Public Library System Bookmobile
2003 - Harvin Clarendon County (S.C.) Library
2004 - Tri-Community Library, Caldwell County, Texas
2005 - Hardee Senior High School Library, Wauchula, Fla.
2006 - Barbara Chace Library at the Forman School in Litchfield, Connecticut
2007 - New Orleans Public Library
2008 - Margaret Green Junior High School (MGJHS) in Cleveland, Miss. (1st) and Camden County High School, N.C. (2nd)
2009 - Lincoln County Public Libraries in Libby, Mont. (1st); Creekside High School in Fairburn, Ga.; and Jackson District Library in Jackson, Mich.

FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR JOBS-RELATED PROGRAMMING.

FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR JOBS-RELATED PROGRAMMING. SEE ANNOUNCEMENT AND SIMPLE APPLICATION FORM AT: http://www.sjrlc.org/jobs/announcement.shtml

Deadline for application: Thursday, July 30

We'd like to help you respond to your customers' needs in the recession for workshops on:

• job-hunting
• career choice
• dealing with unemployment
• communication/networking skills
• starting a business

We have:

•  a resource list of experienced speakers and
• seed money for your library to get you started or add to your current program offerings.

SEE ANNOUNCEMENT AND APPLICATION FORM AT:
http://www.sjrlc.org/jobs/announcement.shtml