Channel Weekly, Vol. 15, No. 6, October 18, 2012

1. Join the national virtual conversation series on digital literacy and libraries
2. Nominations for best practices using cutting edge technology
3. Bob Bocher appointed to development group for library technology benchmarks
4. BadgerLink Resource of the Week: NoveList and NoveList K-8
5. Website of the Week: World Reference
6. Calendar
=================================================


**********************************************************
NOTE - Due to the Wisconsin Library Association conference, Channel Weekly will not be published next week (October 25). The next issue of Channel Weekly will be the November 1 edition.
**********************************************************


1. JOIN THE NATIONAL VIRTUAL CONVERSATION SERIES ON DIGITAL LITERACY AND LIBRARIES

On November 14 and December 11 at 7 p.m. EST, the American Library Association's (ALA) Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP) and its Digital Literacy Task Force will host the next two conversations (of a continuing series) exploring the role of libraries in supporting and deepening digital literacy skills development for students, the general public, and colleagues in other professions.

OITP invites participation on November 14 for "Creating a Culture of Learning: How Librarians Keep up with Digital Media and Technology," where speakers look at the dramatic shifts in formal and informal learning and civic engagement because of the rapidly changing technology landscape, where every information professional must be prepared to ensure meaningful access and skills development to our communities so all may fully participate in the digital age.

More information on that and a subsequent virtual discussion can be found here (shortened link):
http://goo.gl/rs0dH. Please note that potential participants must RSVP to request participation.


2. NOMINATIONS FOR BEST PRACTICES USING CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY

The American Library Association (ALA) Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP) and the Library and Information Technology Association (LITA) know many public, school, college/university libraries, library consortia and coops, and state libraries are using cutting edge technology to develop and deliver impactful library services and programs. OITP and LITA are soliciting nominations for best library practices using cutting-edge technology, and the November 6 deadline is only a few weeks away. Additional information on the criteria and nomination process can be found at http://www.ala.org/offices/oitp/cuttingedge.


3. BOB BOCHER APPOINTED TO DEVELOPMENT GROUP FOR LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY BENCHMARKS

Former Wisconsin Public Library Technology Consultant Bob Bocher has been appointed by the American Library Association (ALA) to serve on the Edge Initiative's Benchmark Tool development group (http://goo.gl/G1BHV).

The Edge Initiative, launched in March 2011, is a coordinated effort of a coalition of leading library and local government organizations to develop public access technology benchmarks for public libraries. The benchmarks are intended to serve as reference points against which best practices may be compared and will help libraries determine:

  • The operational capacity libraries should maintain to provide high-quality computer and internet services
  • The external communications and partnerships that extend the value of technology
  • The programs and services that build people's digital literacy skills and their ability to use technology for activities such as job-seeking, e-government transactions, health, wellness, and education.

The Edge Benchmarks have been beta tested at eight libraries in four states. The voluntary Benchmark survey is anticipated to be ready in 2013. A number of Wisconsin libraries participated in a review of benchmark measures that were used to develop the beta set. Among the Edge Library Directors Advisory Group is Ted Stark, director of the Menomonie Public Library.

More information about the Edge Initiative and the Benchmarks can be found at http://www.libraryedge.org/.


3. BADGERLINK RESOURCE OF THE WEEK

Not sure what to read next? Use NoveList or NoveList K-8 on BadgerLink to access book recommendations, author read-alikes, book reviews, book lists, and more. Go to the BadgerLink Homepage (http://www.BadgerLink.net) to begin your reading adventure.


4. WEBSITE OF THE WEEK

WordReference.com -- http://www.wordreference.com/ -- Started in 1999 in an effort to provide free online bilingual dictionaries and tools to the world, this site offers free online Oxford dictionaries - Spanish, French, Italian, German, and others, as well as conjugations, audio pronunciations, and forums for answers to questions. (website reference courtesy of refdesk.com)


5. CALENDAR

October 23-26, 2012 - Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) annual conference, La Crosse

November 7, 2012 - Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Advisory Committee meeting, DeForest

November 9, 2012 - Council on Library and Network Development (COLAND) meeting, Sheboygan

==================================================
To access previous issues of Channel Weekly, or to subscribe or unsubscribe,
go to: http//channel.dpi.wi.gov
==================================================


Roslyn M. Wise
Editor, Channel Weekly
Department of Public Instruction
Division for Libraries and Technology
PO Box 7841
Madison, WI 53707-7841
Phone: (608) 266-6439
FAX: (608) 267-9207

For questions about this information, contact Roslyn Wise (608) 266-6439