November 15, 2018
Topic:  Reference Resources We Aren't Using

Attendees:
Shannon, Hoover
Deidre, Bessemer
Judith, Homewood
Emily, BPL
Michael Paul Lopez, Mountain Brook
Jon, Avondale
Bridget, Homewood
Heidi, Homewood
Edward, Homewood
Maura, Trussville
Bryce, Hoover

Thanks go out to both Michael and Bryce for bringing us new resources and showing us tricks with older resources!  This meeting was quite popular and might need to be an annual event, like the adult program swap!

Other things:  in the pipeline, AVL will be adding an Open Resource Directory allowing professors and teacher to post text and classroom assignments on the depository, hopefully cutting the costs of textbooks for students.

If you didn't already know, the Foundation Center Cooperative Database, which only BPL downtown and Hoover have on site, provides a wealth of information on grants for individuals and nonprofit organizations. Hoover routinely holds classes for the public on the use of this unique resource.  Another free resource is FoundationCenter.org which gives all types of information for granters and grantees.

Also, Hoover has begun to provide "Niche Academy" -- which is a link on our website.  This resource offers how-to videos on all types of resources -- such as Overdrive's Libby, Chilton's Auto Repair library, using GoodReads, Homework Help, Twitter, etc.  It also allows the host library to post self-made videos on unique resources.  This resource might benefit a library when helping patrons over the phone -- refer them to help videos on Niche instead of trying to walk them through it on the phone!  Evidently pricing is based on population but did not break the bank -- for more information, feel free to go through this online tutorial https://my.nicheacademy.com/help/course/1259 or contact the rep. Jim Wilson at jim@nicheacademy.com. 

Lastly, Bryce shared some unique features of ReferenceUSA that may be underutilized.  For instance, on the front page you can see where you can choose U.S. Consumers/Lifestyles...  Using consumer data, users are able to create lists of customers with predictive buying habits or predictive charitable giving patterns.  Using geographic limitors, an organization can narrow down by geography, type of charitable giving and, say, the type of car they own.  Lots of individuals and organizations pay top dollar for this type of consumer data.  And it's all here for free to those willing to dig for it!!!!

Also, if you've gotten rid of your Morningstar paper resource, simply google "FINRA Morningstar" or bookmark: http://finra-markets.morningstar.com/MarketData/Default.jsp
This site has the up-to-date market data.  It gives market indices and bond market activity available for your patrons.

Michael gave a presentation at JCPLA Staff Day several years ago and has updated it for our purposes.  Fortunately, Michael has given me a link to his presentation so that all of you can take advantage of the outstanding (and sometimes strange) resources available on the Internet.

The one resource that stuck out to me was GNOD.com.  Each point of the star let's you explore books, music, movies, art, products, using artificial intelligence to predict what you will like "The origin of Gnod is my interest in artificial intelligence and new user interfaces. Meanwhile we are 3 people working on the system and over 300,000 users use it each month to discover new things they might like."  It uses crowd sourcing and predictive analytics to present you with choices.  Very cool to use and very cool to show off to patrons!

Please link to the resources mentioned so that you can see what they do and how they can help you!  
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hsW6FIfCrIad8LC8_opc3MJqiHdkgieX/view

For those of you that cannot get to Google Drive, here is a handout of the resources Michael shared: 

Adult Services Round Table, Thursday, September 20, 2018

Topic:  Adult Program Swap

Attendance:

Deidre, Bessemer 

Leslie, Avondale

Melanie, Hoover

Shannon, Hoover

Maura, Trussville

Susan, Trussville

Terri, Vestavia Hills

Judith, Homewood

Jenn, Five Points West

Nancy, Leeds

Cynthia, BPL 

Leigh, North Birmingham  

Judith:  

September Reed has done both teen and adult programs on henna painting, flower crowns and more.  September.reed@gmail.com or Text Only to 205-242-1447. Reasonable rates.  Also, Bonard Hughins is a very versatile artist who can do painting parties, drawing classes, cartooning and anime (his main gig) and fossil art and calligraphy.  Bonardh@gmail.com or 205-602-1400.

"My Mystery Party" - teens and adults, pay and download prepared packages.  Although the packages are very involved, there is little for the librarian to actually do.  Character descriptions and instructions are given to participants and it is incumbent upon them to perform and act out the part.  Currently, I have in my possession the "Ravenwood Masquerade Murder" and "A Magical Murder at Toadwart Inn".  If anyone wants a copy, I can send them the information.  Perhaps if more libraries purchase different scripts, we can share them?  More is available from the company's website:  https://goo.gl/Rvvftj

"Let's Dish" Recipe Club - Judith has started this instead of a cookbook club because there are so few copies of cookbooks in the system.  This way, participants share successful recipes.  Perhaps bringing food will also be required??  YUM!

Below are some suggestions from Holley Wesley from Emmet O'Neal Library and Shannon Haddock from Hoover:

From Programming Librarian Facebook group and website:

• DIY Christmas Ornaments
• Upcycled Gift Wrap
• Adults-only Harry Potter Party!
• Winter Reading Bingo
• Hygge-themed Silent Reading Party
• Chair Yoga
• Chili Cookoff
• Giant Indoor Scrabble
• "Taking great photos of your kids"
• "Will it Waffle?"

It would beneficial to check out this group and their site!  http://www.programminglibrarian.org/  Also, their Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/groups/ProgrammingLibrarianInterestGroup/

Often you can ask live for suggestions for names of programs or poll the group on your own ideas.  Very worthwhile!!

Idea of Caregiver Support Group:  JeffCo Office of Senior Citizens or ALACare for possible moderators for such a group (recommended).

Idea of Reaching out to other groups:  LGBTQ individuals (Birmingham AIDS Outreach, Magic City Acceptance Center -- Amanda Keller is a great presenter and easy to work with)

Maura:
For those wanting photography classes:

Shades Valley Camera Club: https://www.shadesvalleycameraclub.com/

Jamie Keats: 

Keats Sinclair Photography, LLC

205.518.2038

jamie@keatssinclair.com

https://www.keatssinclair.com/

English Country Dance Classes: 

Lucy Lunsford - lucythevaliant1@gmail.com.

Author Robert Bailey (McMurtrie & Drake series):

Robert Bailey, thriller writer from Huntsville, author of 5 titles, would make a great guest author to have at your library.  His stories take place in Tuscaloosa and reading them will seem very familiar.

256-535-1100 (Office)
256-713-2211 (Direct)
Email: RNB@LanierFord.com

https://robertbaileybooks.com/

Thanks for all the contact info, Maura!

Deidre:

Programs that offer inform patrons of changes to Medicare, "Medicare and You." Maria Watkins, CEO at M. A. Watkins & Associates, 205-937-5452.  

"Conversations on Aging" bring together a variety of speakers to talk about pertinent issues.  Perhaps provide legal aide for those wishing to put together a legal will.

Is anyone doing or thought of doing adult coding classes???

Spotlight on (new) unique collections:

Avondale & Trussville - ukeleles

Vestavia Hills - hammocks

Homewood - telescopes

Terri:

Tai Chi Classes, teacher Kathy Hagood, http://mindbodyfitnessworks.blogspot.com/

Tangled Stones, Zentangle expert

Handouts with contact information at end of Minutes...

Leigh, North Birmingham:

African-American Poetry, read-aloud published or original, very popular

Five Points West, Jenn:

Hot Pepper Poetry (good with teens) have participants eat varying degrees of hot hot peppers while reciting/reading poetry.  (This sounds like a viral video waiting to happen!)

Adult Website Building

Irondale:

Make Your Own Art Journals (using old books)

Don't forget to contact Bib & Tucker Sewing Co-op for classes and presentations on general sewing or quilting.  4915B 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222, bibandtuckersewop@gmail.com

Leslie, Avondale:

Podcast Discussion Group

Greeting Card Making class

Tangled Stones Studio Handout:

Public Relations and Marketing

July 19, 2018 Meeting Topic:  Public Relations and Marketing

Attendees:

Shannon, Hoover

Susan, Trussville

Terri, Vestavia Hills

Jon, Avondale

Maura, Trussville

Deidre, Bessemer

Michelle, Irondale

Pre-topic, we discussed the 2019 ASRT schedule -- I've got topics chosen (all but one month!)  I am putting out a plea for host locations (Clay, Pelham, Pinson, maybe?  anyone?)  We will be hitting the new Trussville library for our September 20, 2018 meeting.  I've already gotten volunteers for host locations in 2019 from Homewood and Vestavia.  Shoot me an email if you'd like to host!

The main focus for today's meeting was Canva.com.  Michelle from Irondale gave us an updated version of her JCPLA Staff Day talk from 2 years ago.  And, boy, has she improved her skills in those 2 years!  Working within the free online tool, you can quickly and confidently become a graphic designer pro!  Irondale opted to buy the base membership to Canva, allowing for a more diverse set of options such as graphics, etc.  However, Canva.com *free version* still does the trick for me!

The one thing we all agree is very valuable within Canva is that it gives you an enormous amount of examples of finished marketing promotions that you can take and change however you like.  Also, when designing something, you can pick just the right promotion format -- for example, you can choose Facebook post and it will already be the right dimensions for posting directly to Facebook.  Same goes with Twitter or a 3-fold flyer -- whatever it is, you can most likely find an example via the database and go to town making changes such as fonts, pictures, backgrounds, etc.

Michelle pointed out that she often uses the free picture database of Pixabay.com for items to download, then upload into Canva.com.  She does caution that Pixabay does sometimes direct you to pay-for-use sites such as Shutterstock so keep vigilant if you want the free stuff!

Michelle also lauded the Canva.com mobile app -- frequently she can design a Facebook post on the go or while doing other things (longggg meetings anyone??) and post them directly from the app.  There is also possible to print and download your works with an option to send it to one of the selected printing agencies used by Canva.  Michelle did point out that she has found these are not always the most cost effective.

It costs nothing to look into Canva and play around.  See if something new and bright and modern might make a display POP or make your social media posts go viral!

Michelle also showed us the new-and-improved Irondale Public Library website

https://www.irondalelibrary.org/

!  Very visually appealing with great functionality.  It was created and completed via input from a committee, which often makes things difficult but in this case brought diverse input and a great end product!  Thanks for sharing!  By the way, below are some examples of Michelle's handiwork.  She uses Publisher to create her monthly calendar but used Canva to create a small insert to the Irondale water bill -- the great "What can you do with your library card?"

Deidre from Bessemer wanted everyone to know about their upcoming Local Authors Expo on August 18th.  Entry is only $30 with authors welcome to sell their wares.  Give her a call or email if you'd like more details!

And, because our September 20th meeting is our annual Adult Program Swap, we did discuss the use of "My Mystery Plays".  Michelle says she has bought her 2nd "kit" to use with her teens.  I am still trying to find the  best time to do one with our adults at Hoover!  So far, about four different libraries have bought kits which include scripts and detailed information for characters and settings.  Basically it's a live-action game of Clue with patrons acting as the possible criminal.  Many libraries have reported great success with these!  We hope to make all the existing kits/scripts available for free at the September meeting in case anyone want to give it some consideration.  Caution:  this is labor intensive on the librarian's side as you do have to have a top-down understanding of all the working parts.  I'm looking forward to trying it!

In preparation for the meeting, I put together what is essentially a screen-shot from PLA about Marketing that includes some webinar information (essential!!) along with templates (including Canva.com!) and some of my own websites I've grown to love.

Check it out here:  PLA Marketing Strategies

So, don't forget September's Adult Program Swap -- bring your ideas, small inklings of ideas, contacts, bring your successes and your failures.  We will swap, shop, talk all of them and hopefully update the existing adult programming database/spreadsheet!!!  See you then!

Topic: APLS and Online Readers' Advisory Tools

May 17 Meeting Minutes

TOPIC:  Alabama Public Library Service & Online Readers' Advisory Tools

Attendees:

Shannon, Hoover

Amanda, EOL

Susan, Trussville

Ramona, Leeds

Holley, EOL

Eric, EOL

Jon, Avondale

Bridget, Homewood

Kelly, Springville

David, BPL, Fiction

Deidre, Bessemer

Maura, Trussville

Gregory, EOL

New website:  http://aplsws1.apls.state.al.us/aplsnew/

Speaker:  Alex Perry

Mission:  Expand and support local capacity to ensure high level of library service.  

• Facilitate state aid and LSTA funding
• Provide resources and services to libraries
• Focus on libraries with limited resources and staff
• Statewide database licensing
• Library development consulting staff
• Training and professional development material
• Book club sets
• Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (BPH)

Statewide databases:

• Ancestry Library Edition
• Chilton Library
• Homework Alabama
• Learning Express
• AVL database training
• Member of advisory council
• Not directly responsible for content but will provide training on request

Library Development:

• Consultant for each congressional district
• Serves the needs of the region
• Annual visits
• Host/organize regional meetups
• Area of expertise:
• E.g. state aid, library statistics, CD, children's and adult programming, library advocacy, Friends and foundations
• Training and other assistance
• Agency contact

Professional Development:

• Extensive collection of library professional development materials
• 200 items added since 2016
• Wide coverage of all major library topics, including programming, finances and fundraising, and collection development
• Available to you through institutional loan (3 months)
• Updated annually
• Suggestions encouraged
• Non-library professional development materials
• Resumes, cover letters, job searching
• Software guides (Word, Excel, Mac, Windows, Linux, coding, etc.)
• Hardware guides (handhelds, PC, Mac, etc.)

Book Club Sets:

• Large collection of book club sets
• 140 sets of (usually) ten available for extended loans
• Institutional loan
• Additions coming in the summer
• Suggestions and donations welcome

Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

• Statewide service
• Receive Talking Books and player through the mail
• Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) materials include books, magazines, and music
• 87,000 titles
• Reader advisor assigned to each patron
• Application for BPH Services:   https://www.loc.gov/nls/enrollment-equipment/apply-for-nls-service/
• Register for BARD services:  https://www.loc.gov/nls/enrollment-equipment/register-for-bard-get-bard-mobile/   
• Contact BPH at (334) 213-3906 or bph@apls.state.al.us

APLS Reference team

• Request specific database training
• Acquisitions suggestions
• Answer reference questions for you/patrons
• Phone (334) 213-3920
• Email reference@apls.state.al.us
• Web form:  http://aplsws1.apls.state.al.us/aplsnew/content/askalibrarian

Shannon's APLS meeting notes:

• It is worth your time to check out the APLS website and see what is in their collections.
• Staff at APLS can come to your library and do "Train the trainer", meaning they will come and train you on any of the provided databases enabling YOU to become the trainer for your library -- covering the basics and getting into advanced training too.
• APLS provides benchmarking for a number of very important public library-related topics such as going fine free or various statewide initiatives.  Their staff will put in the hours needed to help you make an informed decision.
• If you are not sure what to do for Alabama's Bicentennial celebration, contact APLS!  They have a great many resources you can use in your library including traveling exhibits.
• Staff will also train on using the Alabama Virtual Library.
• Their consultants are the backbone of the institution.  They love to do reference work!  For instance, Dale Shelton (Children's services consultant) had done a lot of research and planning for storytime's for autistic children.

Next Topic:  Online Readers' Advisory Tools

With the help of Holley Wesley from the Readers' Advisory Roundtable, we compiled a fairly comprehensive list of links and websites that provide various services such as simple book news, award winning titles, book club recommendations, newsletters for specific genres, and sites providing algorithms for the book lover.  The Excel spreadsheet is available on Google Docs at this link:  https://goo.gl/NM7cpc

When I send out the meeting minutes reminder, I will also include the Excel spreadsheet for your general use!

Next Meeting:  7/19/18, Hoover Library's Children's Program Room, 10 am

TOPIC:  Public Relations/Marketing

Update for adult programs:

Davina Bell, a LAIII at Central BPL is a certified Zumba instructor and wishes to let everyone know she is open to providing Zumba classes at your library!  She currently teaches Monday and Wednesday mornings at the Alabaster YMCA.  If you'd like to explore having her do something to go with this year's summer reading program, get in touch at debell@bham.lib.al.us.  Thanks, Davina for that information!

Clarification:
In the March 15 minutes, I mentioned BPL's Spinners Club.  Unbeknownst to me, this was a program started by Russell Lee at Central and the program won the November 2017 Innovative & Cool Award by the BPL Board of Trustees!  Russell is taking the show on the road to bring the Spinners Club to nine branches during the upcoming summer reading program.  This is a music-based program in which patrons will listen to pre-selected music recordings and then open the floor for brief discussions about them.  Russell hosts the program at BPL on a monthly basis.  Very cool, indeed!

March 2018: Adult Summer Reading

Thursday, March 15, 2018
Topic:  Adult Summer Reading & Mergent/Intellect Database

NEXT MEETING:  May 17, 2018 at Emmet O'Neil Library, TOPIC:  Online RA Tools & APLS will be in the house!

Attendees:
Shannon, Hoover
Deidre, Bessemer
Michelle, Irondale
Maura, Trussville
Ginny, Leeds
Debbie, Leeds
Jon, Avondale
Holley, EOM
Lisa, Gardendale
Jim, BPL Central
Leigh, North Birmingham

BookRiot's "3 Things I Learned from Running My Library's Adult Summer Reading Program"

Collaborative Summer Library Program:  2018 Adult Program:  Libraries ROCK!

Thank you to everyone who attended our first meeting for 2018.  I apologize for the weather-related cancellation of January's meeting.  Irondale Library hosted this meeting and we really appreciate their facilities and hospitality!

Above is a small attempt to gather some interesting ideas that might work for any size library to coincide with this year's adult summer reading theme:  Libraries ROCK!  All attendees agreed that this theme offers many opportunities for fun, engaging programs for adults.  As I run down what each library either plans to do or wants to do, I will provide as much information as I can so that other libraries may pursue doing similar programs!

If having musical acts in your library seems daunting, please plan to attend ALLA's convention in Florence and look for Joel Gamble and Amanda Westfall's program on booking artists at your library.  Not only will they ease your fears, they'll share some hard-learned tips for making it work.

It seems Trussville is the library with the most theme-related programming planned.  Since their re-opening is scheduled soon, they are going all out for summer reading.  Here are some examples:  UAB Jazz Quartet, music trivia, a musical movie presentation, Elvis impersonator, ballroom dance classes, drum circle and their book group has chosen a music-themed title.  They have also got a Hoop for Fitness demonstration scheduled (https://www.hoopforfitness.com/).  

Bessmer is getting into the act with an African Drum Solo performance for the finale of summer reading with other possibilities to come.  

At the downtown branch, Jim Murray detailed a cooperative effort with Octavia Kuransky to present programs aimed at entrepreneurs and new businesses.  The main focus is for artists, musicians, etc. to help teach the business side of succeeding in the Arts.  This will coincide with Innovation Week in July -- July 9th at 5:30 pm.  Avondale is doing this too but in April. Perhaps this can be something for other branches to present?

Irondale will be presenting Rejoicing Rhythms with Walker Wright (http://rejoicingrhythms.com/index.html).  This is collaborative drum circles for all ages.

Other ideas discussed within the group:  Jim Lacefield, author of Lost Worlds in Alabama Rocks, is a noted Alabama geologist that is also a great speaker.  Also recommended is Ken Wills and Dr. Larry Davenport, authors of Exploring Wild Alabama -- great speakers and wonderful resource. At McWane Center, Jun Ebersole is the best source for all things paleontology.  Jun is the Collections Manager at McWane (jebersole@mcwane.org).  Another great source for speakers is Sloss Furnaces educational/speakers bureau.  Contact Karen Utz at (205) 254-2281 or karen.utz@birminghamal.gov for more information.  North Birmingham is also planning a Monday morning "movie musical" program that sounds like a blast.

Other, less formed, ideas for programs might be to focus on "healing crystals" and have a speaker talk about that.  Or have a silent dance party at your location (there is actually a Birmingham company that does DJ'ing for silent parties at https://www.silentevents.com/!  Jon at Avondale said their monthly yoga programs are very popular (check out https://www.sweetomalabama.org/ for a one-stop-shop for yoga instructors in the Birmingham region).  There is also a Spinner's Club at Avondale that sounds fantastic.  Even just showing the documentary, Muscle Shoals, would be right in line with the theme!

Not all libraries are able to provide on-theme programs but have embraced the "reading" aspect of adult summer reading.  Now that most libraries are utilizing BeanStack to keep track of reading for children and adults, that has been made easier!  One thing that has not been pointed out is the built-in readers' advisory that comes with BeanStack.  As patrons enter book titles, other books are recommended based on previous titles.  Parents can really take advantage of this aspect.  The cost of BeanStack is based on your population.

Give-aways for adult prizes range from Alexa Smart Home Device, Bluetooth speakers, ITunes gift cards or anything else music-related!

MERGENT/INTELLECT database 

Victoria Poole from the company Mergent, presented their database offering, Intellect, which is similar to our current database ReferenceUSA.  The benefit of Intellect is that the company utilizes Dun & Bradstreet and Hoover's datastream.  There are a great many uses for this database in small, medium or larger branches business departments.  You can get key demographic data, business listings, residential listings, but uniquely:  consumer data.

Victoria will work with Jim Murray at the Central library for a system-wide trial of the database.    If purchased by the cooperative, all should take advantage of the free trial to get to know their offering.