21st Century Libraries/Library Systems--Plan! Innovate! Transform! Grant Approved!

SCRLC’s Library Services and Technology Act grant application was approved by the New York State Library! The grant, entitled 21st Century Libraries/Library Systems--Plan! Innovate! Transform!, will create learning opportunities and will assist you in providing innovative, effective, and customer-focused services. There are three components to this two-year award:

• The Plan! Innovate! Transform! learning series comprises strategic innovation and planning for 21st century library & information services and includes a component designed to measure, assess, and evaluate services and programs in order to meet customers’ needs. An emerging technologies element incorporates online e-books/e-readers and trends conferences, an e-reader pilot project, virtual reference/SMS text reference support, virtual world librarianship, and DMCA copyright issues including resource sharing. As part of this,
we will be experimenting with various platforms to use in the delivery of distance learning opportunities.

• SCRLC’s Digitizing Boot Camp III will support the Tools of History regional digitization program and offer a series of workshops on project management, copyright, digital imaging, and metadata.

• Online Registration: An online registration system will be implemented to enable you to register electronically and organize and track your learning events.

Here are some dates to keep in mind for your planning purposes:

May-June: Organizational meeting of librarians interested in E-reader pilot project
July: Order and implementation of SCRLC’s online registration software
July: E-Conference on E-Books/Readers
August: Second Life island sponsorship for 1 year
August: Needs Assessment (tentatively August 10)
Sept. 17: Strategic Planning/Innovations Program
October: E-Conference on Emerging Library Trends & Technology
November: 21st Century Customer Service Workshop