December 2014 - Michlib-l

FW: USAC’s Schools and Libraries News Brief SPECIAL EDITION - FY2015 Application Filing Window Dates Announced
by Norris, Sonya (MDE) 19 Dec '14

19 Dec '14

Greetings, The FCC has some tips for filing for E-Rate this year. Specifically, they are saying that whatever your usual timeframe is for preparing to file, leave extra time. More information will be required from you this year but that information will be saved electronically for future filing years. And may the Force be with you this filing season! Sonya Schryer Norris Library Consultant and Plinkit Coordinator Library of Michigan 517-373-4457 http://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan http://www.mel.org<http://www.mel.org/> http://www.michlibrary.org<http://www.michlibrary.org/> Invest in a child’s future today. Support the MDE Culture of Reading. www.michigan.gov/cultureofreading<http://www.michigan.gov/cultureofreading> [Culture of Reading-A (2)] From: SL News Brief [mailto:SLNewsBrief@lists.universalservice.org] Sent: Friday, December 19, 2014 12:13 PM To: Norris, Sonya (MDE) Subject: USAC’s Schools and Libraries News Brief SPECIAL EDITION - FY2015 Application Filing Window Dates Announced December 19, 2014 FY2015 Application Filing Window Dates Announced The FCC Form 471 application filing window for Funding Year 2015 will open at noon EST on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 and will close at 11:59 pm EDT on Thursday, March 26, 2015. The filing window will be open for 72 days. Be sure to review the FY2015 Eligible Services List<https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-14-1556A1.pdf> for details on products and services that are eligible for E-rate discounts in FY2015. We will issue the customary Letter to the Field around the time that the FCC Form 471 application filing window opens to provide filing information and deadline reminders related to the window. Meanwhile, keep the following in mind: * You can file an FCC Form 470 now if you are ready to do so; you don't need to wait for the window to open. To file an FCC Form 470 online, go to the Apply Online<http://www.sl.universalservice.org/menu.asp> page and click on the "Create Form 470" button. * You must wait 28 days after the FCC Form 470 is POSTED to the USAC website before you can select a service provider, sign a contract (if applicable), and submit an FCC Form 471. If you issue an RFP after the FCC Form 470 is posted, you must wait 28 days from the release of the RFP to select a service provider. * Thursday, February 26, 2015 is the last day to post an FCC Form 470 to the USAC website or issue an RFP and still complete all of these actions before the window closes. You can find additional program guidance documents in the Reference Area<http://www.usac.org/sl/tools/reference-area.aspx> of the USAC website.

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Celebrating MeLCat!
by Megan Dudek 19 Dec '14

19 Dec '14

Hi everyone! MeLCat is turning 10 years old on January 10th, and we need you to help us celebrate! We want to hear your MeLCat stories and comments and see your photos and videos; we look forward to anything at all you would like to share. Please send those as soon as you can to me at: dudekm(a)mcls.org Thanks, Megan Megan Dudek MeL Catalog Training & Support Librarian Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) 1407 Rensen St., Suite 1, Lansing, MI 48910-3657 800.530.9019 ext 153 www.mcls.org

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auditors
by Lisa Waskin 19 Dec '14

19 Dec '14

We discussed at last night's board meeting that it has been while since we went out to bid for auditors. We are not having any real issue with our current company, but just wanted to get some comparisons, and see if there is anyone out there who we might like better. If any of you in the UP have someone you have really enjoyed working with who you feel does a good job and is reasonably priced, please share the information. Likewise, if there is anyone you have had issues with, we would appreciate that information as well. If you are not comfortable emailing that, please feel free to give me a call at (906) 632-9331. I am here Tuesdays-Saturdays. Thank you, Lisa Lisa Poignant Waskin Director Superior District Library 541 Library Drive Sault Sainte Marie, MI 49783 906.632.9331 v 906.635.0210 f lisaw(a)uproc.lib.mi.us http://joomla.uproc.lib.mi.us/SDL/

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Board Trustees:
by Myla Stuart 19 Dec '14

19 Dec '14

Does anyone have a protocol or guidelines for Library Board members attending ALA or other professional conventions/meetings? Do you reimburse costs for out of state conventions or conferences? -- *Myla-Jean Stuart, Director* Comstock Township Library 6130 King Highway PO Box 25 Comstock, Michigan 49041 269-345-0136 stuartmyla(a)gmail.com

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Tumblebooks Subscription
by Jessica Wilhoite 19 Dec '14

19 Dec '14

Hi all, We currently have a subscription to Tumblebooks. We really like it and try to recommend it to patrons as often as we can. However, we have seen a HUGE decline in our usage stats and we were wondering if anyone else was experiencing the same thing? If so, do you have a guess as to why there has been such a decline? Our subscription is almost up and the price has gone up a little this year. Before renewing, can anyone tell me if you use something similar to Tumblebooks that might be a little bit cheaper or that you would just recommend over Tumblebooks anyway? Thank you. -- Jessica Wilhoite Youth Librarian Romulus Public Library 11121 Wayne Rd. Romulus, MI 48174 (734)955-4517

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Library Director position -Bay County Library System
by Eileen Schulz 19 Dec '14

19 Dec '14

LIBRARY DIRECTOR The board of Trustees of the Bay County Library System seeks an energetic and visionary leader as its next Library Director to further strengthen library services to a county-wide community of 107,771. The Bay County Library System is made up of 3 Branches, 1 Main Library and a bookmobile. The 2015 operating budget is estimated to be $4.9 million, with an estimated 59 FTE's. Among many professional and personal qualities the Board desires in a new Director, the successful candidate must demonstrate outstanding communication and people skills, keen understanding of public finance, management, and the know how to develop services and programs that actively position and promote the library throughout the community. Qualifications: ALA accredited Master's Degree in Library Science and a minimum 8 years experience in a public library in an administrative or supervisory capacity. Salary: DOQ with an outstanding benefit package. All correspondence can be directed to Eileen Schulz, Administrative Assistant, Bay County Library System, 500 Center Ave., Bay City MI 48708, (989)894-2837 ext. 2225 E-mail: eschulz(a)baycountylibrary.org <mailto:e.schulz@vlc.lib.mi.us> A complete job description can be located at: www.baycountylibrary.org <http://www.baycountylibrary.org/> Deadline: February 2, 2015 Required Material: Resume, cover letter and 3 professional references Send To: Administrative Assistant Job #BCLS 12-14 Bay County Library System 500 Center Ave. Bay City, MI 48708 Bay County Library System is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Re: [Michlib-l] Federal Tax Forms @ the Library - Not!
by Debbie Gallagher 19 Dec '14

19 Dec '14

Well, I don't know about you Linda, but frankly I'm shocked! shocked! that the IRS did not send the supplemental order form for 1040 EZs when promised. I've only sent emails about every three days since December 1st asking where the supplemental order form is and am now convinced they've decided to wait and mail it from the North Pole on the 24th as a special gift to libraries for our good behavior last tax season. I sent another urgent, urgent, email today and will follow-up with the Hotline (smile when you say that). Just listen for those sleigh bells at your library's back door. Debbie Gallagher > Date: Wed, 17 Dec 2014 19:44:32 -0500 > From: lsims(a)hazel-park.lib.mi.us > To: melgovt(a)hotmail.com > Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] Federal Tax Forms @ the Library - Not! > > Hi Debbie - has there been an order form for the 1040ez that I missed??? I don't remember getting one. > > Linda, Hazel Park Memorial Library > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Debbie Gallagher <melgovt(a)hotmail.com> > To: Michlib-L <michlib-l(a)mail2.mcls.org> > Sent: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 09:09:39 -0500 (EST) > Subject: [Michlib-l] Federal Tax Forms @ the Library - Not! > > You may have noticed from your order TFOP Order Form 8635 that the IRS finally sent, they have dropped some very important forms & pubs from the list. Here are the two most egregious (isn't that a great word, sounds so William Buckley when you say it) omissions: > - Form 1040 EZ and Instructions 1040 EZ > - Publication 17 > 1040EZ ? Excuse me? > Although emails and phone calls from govdoc'ers have gone unreturned the IRS did put a small item on the TFOP web site that they may "possibly offer additional items at the end of November." > So we'll have to order what we can while we can and stay tuned for further announcements from the great and wonderful . . . never mind. > Debbie Gallagher >

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Santa Recommendation
by Jason Groth 19 Dec '14

19 Dec '14

Hello everyone, If you’re ever in need of a Santa performer, Santa’s Agent (Michael A. Deller) is the way to go! Feedback from patrons and staff soared well-beyond my already heightened expectations. He was prompt, professional, and engaged everyone with warmth, kindness, and that Santa-style cheer. The authentic Santa beard was a nice touch too! If anyone is interested, you can contact him at: http://santas-agent.com/ 248-719-2820 Merry Christmas all! Jason Groth -- Jason Groth Public Relations and Programs Coordinator Sterling Heights Public Library 586-446-2669 grothj(a)libcoop.net

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Lexile Levels
by G Nartker 18 Dec '14

18 Dec '14

Hello! After the great discussion concerning AR and Lexile Levels recently on the listserv, a teacher in our school district has asked me for some help with two very specific authors and the Lexile Levels of their books: Lane Walker Johnathan Rand Would anyone have information concerning the Lexile Levels of these authors' titles? I have used all of the resources mentioned in the most recent discussion and am coming up with nothing. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help! Gail Nartker, Director Sandusky District Library http://sandusky.lib.mi.us

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Learning Challenges and Summer Reading Webinar - Register now!
by Reish, Karren (MDE) 18 Dec '14

18 Dec '14

We will be hosting Andrea Vaughn Johnson from the Brooklyn Public Library on January 8th at 2:00 pm. Her presentation will address how to bring engaging activities into summer reading for teens and children. Her program description is "Are you looking for a way to make the Summer Reading experience more meaningful for patrons and move away from prizes? Learn how Brooklyn Public Library (NY) uses games to keep children and teens engaged through the entire summer. The Gameboard for children and the Challenge for teens and adults motivates patrons to visit to the library and the library's website, interact with staff, explore the collection, attend programs, check out more books, try fun learning activities, and of course, read!" You can register at the links below for this webinar as well as the February and March webinars. You can find the recording for the first webinar, an overview of the 2015 program, in the Summer Reading section at www.michigan.gov/youthlibraryservices<http://www.michigan.gov/youthlibraryservices>. Please contact me if you have any questions! ________________________________ Our Winter Webinar Series is back! Looking for help with your Summer Reading program? These are four free one-hour webinars throughout the winter on hot Summer Reading topics. You can sign up for a small group session to talk with your colleagues about program basics and new program and outreach ideas. Please find registration links below. If you are unable to attend, please register to get a link to the recording after the webinar is complete. * Learning Challenges as a Way to Increase the Impact of Summer Reading.<http://www.solutionwhere.com/lom/cw/showcourse.asp?57>. Date: January 8th; Time: 2:00 pm; Presenter: Andrea Vaughn Johnson, Brooklyn Public Library. * Online Summer Reading Options: What Services Are Out There and What Can You Do With Them<http://www.solutionwhere.com/lom/cw/showcourse.asp?58>. Date: February 10th; Time: 2:00 pm; Presenter: Karren Reish, Library of Michigan * School Visits and Summer Reading<http://www.solutionwhere.com/lom/cw/showcourse.asp?59>. Date: March 4th; Time: 2:00 pm; Presenter: Cynthia Zervos, Farmington Public Schools and Dottie Pheney, Farmington Community Library. Join us for some great discussions this winter! Mideastern Michigan Library Cooperative is also hosting a workshop on Feb. 24th about reaching reluctant readers. Contact MMLC at http://www.mmlc.info/ for more information. Karren Reish Library Grants Coordinator Library of Michigan 517-241-0021 517-373-5700 f reishk(a)michigan.gov<mailto:reishk@michigan.gov> www.michigan.gov/lsta<http://www.michigan.gov/lsta> www.michigan.gov/youthlibraryservices<http://www.michigan.gov/youthlibraryservices> www.michigan.gov/michiganreads<http://www.michigan.gov/michiganreads> www.michigan.gov/sl21<http://www.michigan.gov/sl21>

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