The American Library Association (ALA) Public Information Office announced the release of “Increasing Relevance, Relationships and Results: Principles & Practices for Effective Multicultural Communication—Library Edition,” http://tinyurl.com/7xdtvo written by the Metropolitan Group, a leading strategic communication and resource development agency specializing in work with libraries.

The article defines eight principles and practices for effective multicultural communication, and highlights the important, integrated role multicultural communication plays in creating social change. Read more at http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/news/pressreleases2009/january2009/piomulticulturalcomm.cfm [scb]

WebJunction is pleased to host the third cookbook from TechSoup’s MaintainIT Project, Planning for Success. This free online resource brings together the most current ideas and best practices for planning, building, and managing your library’s computer technology. Librarians from around the country have contributed their experience and knowledge on over 50 topics ranging from security solutions and strategic maintenance practices to community building experiences. http://www.webjunction.org/maintainit-cookbooks/articles/content/34716950 [posted on WebJunction Newsletter - January 2009 Crossroads] scb

It’s a new series of classes presented by the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, MidContinental Region! We’re focusing on the “spotlight” aspect - choosing limited databases on which to focus, and practice time with exercises in each monthly session. The first is “Update on PubMed” - presented by Rebecca Brown on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009 for one hour - 1:00 MT, 2:00 CT.

This online training is FREE, and requires no registration. All you need is a computer with Internet access and a phone. All classes can be accessed by going to https://webmeeting. nih.gov/mcrupdate. The series is targeted for the fourth Wednesday each month. Upcoming dates and topics include: Feb. 25 -MedlinePlus and the Household Products Database., March 25 - Educational Resources for Kids, and April 22 - Drug Resources. We hope to “see” you there!

During this difficult time of flooding, tornados, and lots of rain don’t forget eXtension is a source of research-based information. Here are some topics covered on the sites:

Family caregiving disasters - <http://www.extension.org/category/family+caregiving+disaster+preparedness> Information on stress and decision making, safe sheltering of your home, things caregivers should know in a disaster.

Floods- <http://www.extension.org/category/floods%3A+clean-up+and+recovery>. Information on what to do when you enter the home for the first time,

Agro security- <http://www.extension.org/pages/Extension_Disaster_Education_Network_Agrosecurity> This includes information about animals, food safety, worker safety, assessing risks and much more. (bbj)

PBS Broadcast in Two Weeks!

Thursdays at 10PM (9PM Central, 8PM Mountain)
March 27, April 3, 10, and 17

Check local listings
MARCH 27: In Sickness and In Wealth (56 min)
APRIL 3: When the Bough Breaks (28 min) and Becoming American (28
min)
APRIL 10: Bad Sugar (28 min) and Place Matters (28 min)
APRIL 17: Collateral Damage (28 min) and Not Just a Paycheck (28 min)
Please distribute at will and help spread the word to colleagues,
constituents, members, community, friends and family. (bbj)

A New York Times article “Librarian to the Stars” is a delightful article on a New York Public Library librarian that highlights the benefits and fun of what we do. You can read the article at http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/31/arts/31rese.html?pagewanted=print

This article is a great example of the power of personal stories and how what we do impacts other people and the goals and vision of our institutions. It also is a strong testament to being proactive, outgoing and getting the library out into the lives of our users. Are you collecting these stories from your institution? Are you sharing them with your users and your administration? Are you willing to share them with others? Please send any stories from your experiences that you are willing to share to Barb Jones at jonesbarb@health.missouri.edu. (bbj, bk)

How people use the internet, libraries, and government agencies when they need help
Leigh Estabrook, Professor Emerita, University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign
Evans Witt, CEO, PSRAI
Lee Rainie, Director, Pew Internet & American Life Project
“This report emerges from a national survey that looks at how people use a variety of
information sources to help them address some common problems that could be related in some way to government agencies and programs. The problems about which we queried included: dealing with a serious illness or health concern; making a decision about school enrollment, financing school, or upgrading work skills; dealing with a tax matter; changing a job or starting a business; and getting information about major programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.” http://www.pewinternet.org/pdfs/Pew_UI_LibrariesReport.pdf [scb]

The Heritage Emergency National Task Force http://www.heritagepreservation.org/programs/TASKFER.htm is a partnership of 41 national service organizations and federal agencies created to protect cultural heritage from the damaging effects of natural disasters and other emergencies. With support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Heritage Preservation has developed the Field Guide to Emergency Response. The compact handbook is designed for immediate use when disaster strikes. Simple, clear instructions help staff organize essential disaster response functions and tackle common threats to collections. The Guide provides handy checklists and features an instructional DVD on salvage techniques that can be viewed on-site with a laptop computer.You can see the guide and other resources for cultural institutions at http://www.heritagepreservation.org/PROGRAMS/TFHurricaneRes.HTM There are also resources for the general public to learn how to save their family treasures. http://www.heritagepreservation.org/PROGRAMS/TFHurricanePub.htm [scb]

From American Libraries Direct and ALA, see a piece on the response of public libraries in California to the wildfires. http://alfocus.ala.org/videos/after-fire scb

The Regional Medical Library is asking Missouri public librarians to participate in a focus group to provide a snapshot of the public library’s available health-related resources, staff comfort level in assisting health information customers, and library health outreach programs. This focus group session is scheduled so that you will be able to attend the Nancy Pearl session!

An important mission of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine is to improve the public’s access to information, enabling them to make informed decisions about their health. In many communities, the only resource for health information is the public library. For certain ethnic groups, lower-income and less-educated citizens the public library is the sole source for accessing the Internet. With your skills and knowledge, you can help customers use health information resources effectively and bolster the health information literacy of the community. In turn, this information can empower consumers and facilitate their health care decision-making.

Your participation in this focus group will greatly assist the MidContinental region’s staff in understanding how we can assist you, develop useful health information training programs that will enhance your skills and knowledge, and facilitate partnerships in your community to support consumer health information.

The focus group will be held immediately before the Missouri Library Association Annual Conference at the Library Station (more details below) on Wednesday, October 3, 2007 from

9:30 - 10:30 AM. The Library Station is 4.2 miles (approximately a 10 minute drive) from the University Plaza Hotel and Conference Center.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Barb Jones at jonesbarb@health.missouri.edu or 573-884-5042 by September 21, 2007.

Date: Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Time: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Location: Library Station
2535 N Kansas Expressway
Springfield, MO 65803-1184
Phone: (417) 874-8140 (bbj)