Don't forget about the Rural and Small Libraries Conference scheduled for April 30-May 2, 2014. It will be 2014 before you know it and registration and program details will be available at that time. The 2014 conference will be held at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island and we will be able to enjoy all the hotel has to offer as well as a full schedule of programs, keynotes and networking with library colleagues. Also, if you are a rural library don't forget to take a look at the Impact Survey available here: http://digitalinclusion.umd.edu As of today 42 of Michigan's rural libraries have completed the survey but we would love to have a more complete picture of rural libraries nationwide. Your data will help create a national picture of rural libraries in the twenty-first century. Please participate in the Digital Inclusion Survey by this Friday, November 22. The survey will generate unique and valuable data in the areas of digital literacy, economic and workforce development, civic engagement, and public access to the internet. You can access the survey by going to http://digitalinclusion.umd.edu Why is your participation important? Participation in the survey will allow your library to: * Get a better sense of your community's needs, challenges, and opportunities through interactive tools http://digitalinclusion.umd.edu/content/interactive-map and how your library's services add value to your community. * Communicate with decision makers about the value of your library's technology-enabled services and public access technologies. * Articulate how your library helps build a digitally inclusive community http://digitalinclusion.umd.edu/content/di-initiatives, supporting 21st century workforce development, digital literacy, education, and a healthy community. * Identify where your library's services and resources are meeting community needs and where there might be room for improvement or a need for new partners to extend the library's reach. Results from the survey and speed test will provide valuable new data for advocacy at the local, state, and national levels. 1. How do you participate? Go to http://digitalinclusion.umd.edu/ and follow the Complete the Survey button. In addition to the survey questions, libraries are requested to complete a network speed test. Instructions are on the first page when you log in to the survey. Speed capture is automatic. 2. Can you see the survey questions before answering them? Yes, you can access a PDF version of the survey sections on the survey project website http://digitalinclusion.umd.edu/content/digital-inclusion-survey . Please note that the print and Web surveys are slightly different (not in terms of the questions, but in terms of layout and presentation). 3. Can you save your answers and finish the survey later? Yes, you can save your answers at any time by clicking the 'stop and resume later' button at the bottom of each survey question page. To get back into the survey later, use your ID to login, find your library and click the button that says 'resume' or 'completed.' You can also print a copy of the completed survey for your records. 4. How long will it take to complete the survey? Test estimates ranged from 20 minutes to 40 minutes. Thank you for taking the time to consider submitting information for the survey this year. We look forward to seeing you on Mackinac Island in 2014! Shannon ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Shannon D. White Continuing Education Coordinator Library of Michigan 702 West Kalamazoo, P.O. Box 30007, Lansing, MI 48909-7507 Ph: 517-373-9489; Fax: 517-373-5700 Toll free: 877-479-0021 whites29@michigan.gov<mailto:whites29@michigan.gov> http://michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan The Library of Michigan is pleased to share a new video series highlighting Michigan libraries and how they are making a difference in their communities and to those they serve in the 21st century. Visit http://brightside.cedam.info/ to watch the 21st Century Libraries episode.