CTLS Board of Directors

A Life Well Lived By Laurie Mahaffey

July 2015 No. 148

CTLS Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE:

A Life Well Lived Page 1

Shopper’s Corner Page 2

Library Tech Reviews Page 3

Rescuing Texas History Grants Page 4

Around the Stacks Page 5-6

What’s Happening Page 6

Texas Book Festival Grant Winners

Page 7

CTLS Calendar & Staff Directory

Page 8

Larry Ringer

Chair

Gretchen Pruett

Vice Chair

Alice Nixon

Secretary

Nicki Stohr

Treasurer

Eileen Altmiller

Karen Ellis

Larry Koeninger

Jean Phipps

Nicki Stohr

Dr. Robert Tocker was a man of many talents. He and his lovely wife Bar-bara reared four sons, one of whom is current Tocker Foundation Executive Director Darryl Tocker. He was a dentist in Austin after having served in the military during the Korean War. Dr. Tocker was a generous man who helped create the Tocker Foundation, which serves public libraries in small commu-nities across Texas. I have worked in Texas public libraries long enough to know what it was like before the Tocker Foundation started. The impact of this man and this foun-dation is incredible. The smiles on the faces of patrons and staff of libraries in communities where grants were given are amazing. The daily struggles of keeping a library going in a small town with little industry and depressed ag-riculture are daunting. When the Tocker Foundation began to give grants, the librarians realized they had a true friend in Dr. Robert Tocker and a source, at last, for extra help to make a difference in their libraries. The foundation has improved library interiors in countless buildings, has given grants for automation, and has enlarged the collections of libraries, giving library staff the chance to update and bring their libraries into the new century. It is heartening to observe all the progress this foundation has brought about. Dr. Tocker helped funnel the resources and provided the guidance that made this progress happen. His good works will live on in our libraries and we cannot thank him enough.

Image from http://www.tocker.org/

Shopper's Corner By Samantha Simpson

Vendor Spotlight Tony Marcum joins us this month to tell us about new Commercial Partnership Pro-gram member, ProLine Digi-tal.

“Any product originates from an idea and ideas come from people. The people at ProLine Digital have been developing product ideas and specializing in those products for the Technology, Media Packaging, Media Storage and Media Care markets for over 35 years. Early on, ProLine Digital produced and marketed products for the days of records and tapes, home video tape recorders, computer industry beginnings and was there to wel-come the compact disc to the world. Having customers throughout the world has taught us that there really is meaning to, “quality products go a long way.” Although, we never stand still with new technology that frequently comes along, our roots run deep with Media Packaging, Storage and Disc Care. ProLine Digital has de-veloped many patented products and designs from our disc preservation formulas to disc filing systems to our recyclable multi disc albums for circulation that are widely used in several diverse markets including libraries and schools throughout North Amer-ica. Today, we deliver the solutions for instant communication and promotion through Digi-tal Signage that joins the power of enhanced audio and video anywhere. The accumulation of product design awards along with the numerous media credits that our products and company have received over the years has been continually inspira-tional; however, the greatest inspiration is our complete customer satisfaction. Please call on us whenever we can be of service to you and help you save.”

Thanks, Tony! If you’d like to place an order with ProLine Digital, visit www.ctls.net/discounts and login to view purchasing instructions for CTLS members. If there’s a vendor you’d like to recommend for the CTLS Commercial Partnership Program, email ssimpson@ctls.net.

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Library Tech Reviews:

Children’s Tablets, Part 1 By Paul Waak

This is the first installment in a new series reviewing technology that may be relevant for library use. This review looks at the VTech InnoTab® 3 Plus and the LeapFrog® LeapPad2 GLO. Both are intended for young children, aged 3-9, and have no Internet connectivity. We purchased each tablet for $60, although more expensive packages are available.

CIPA - These are the only two children’s tablets in this review series that do not have WiFi based Internet access. This lack of Internet ac-cess makes these tablets useful for libraries that are using Federal money and wish to avoid triggering CIPA regulations. Software and Media - Updates and additions are performed by attach-ing the tablet to a computer (via USB) and using proprietary software to manage the tablets. Apps may be purchased online and installed via the USB cable. Each eBook, App, Video, or Song only needs to be purchased once and then becomes useable on up to three (3) of the library’s LeapPad or all (∞) of the library’s InnoTab devices. Both tab-lets also support game cartridges. Each cartridge focuses on a skill set such as reading, math, science, art, or preparation for a grade level. The reading cartridges are particularly interesting because some of them tell the same story at varying difficulty levels, adding detail as the difficulty increases. Some of the eBook apps are similarly designed. User Profiles and Statis-

tics - The LeapPad allows up to three named profiles and provides a guest profile. The InnoTab allows up to four named profiles and also provide a guest profile. The guest profiles have full access to the downloaded apps and me-dia. Both tablets only collect usage statistics for the named profiles, which may be created, modified, and deleted with-out requiring a password. The statistics collected include the amount of time spent on the device, in certain pro-grams, and advancement through the programs. Again, no statistics are collected when the guest profile is used. Security - Both VTech and LeapFrog have privacy policies which may be found in the footer notes of their websites. They primarily collect information about chil-dren’s learning behavior and parental (library) spending behavior. Both tablets also feature cameras. The LeapPad has two cameras, one on each side of the tablet. The InnoTab has one camera which may be swiveled front to back or somewhere in between. This makes it easier to know how the camera is being used on the InnoTab. Pictures and videos created in the guest profile are deleted between sessions but the named profiles save them. Pictures and videos may be deleted from the tablet management software provided by each company. Other Things of Interest - Speed : The LeapPad starts and transitions faster than the InnoTab. The Leap-Pad also feels more responsive during use. Advertisements : The LeapPad includes advertisements for new or upcoming downloads and cartridges. The InnoTab does not have advertisements. Power : The LeapPad uses 4 AA batteries. The InnoTab uses proprietary removable rechargeable batteries. Licensing : LeapFrog has confirmed in writing that public libraries may use their products without any li-censing issues. At the time this review was finalized VTech has not yet responded to questions about whether use by a public library falls under their definition of commercial use.

VTech Inno Tab 3 PLUS

LeapFrog® LeapPad2 GLO

Do Tell!

We love to hear from our members! Please don’t forget to let us know what is going on in your library! Brag, share photos, share success stories, and share lessons learned! With your permission, we will

always pass it along on our website, in the newsletter, or through social media.

Contact any of the staff via email or share with us on Facebook or Twitter!

Apply Now for a Rescuing Texas History Mini-Grant Reprinted from Humanities Texas, May/June 2015

The Portal to Texas History at the University of North Texas is accepting applications for its Rescuing Texas History Mini-Grant program. Each grant will provide up to $1,000 of digiti-zation services to libraries, archives, muse-ums, historical societies, and other groups that house historical materials. All of the ma-terials will be scanned at UNT Libraries and hosted on The Portal to Texas History. Both newspapers and archival collections will be considered for digitization. Deadline for re-

ceipt of applications is July 31, 2015.

Since 2006, the UNT Libraries have awarded over 140 mini-grants, enabling organizations and individuals to provide online access to their historic collections through The Portal to Texas History. Over the last few years, The Portal to Texas History has partnered with the Digital Public Library of America, which brings together digital collections from across the United States. This collaboration between the DPLA and the Portal to Texas History has brought with it an even larger user base to discover Portal partners’ items.

Through seven years of projects funded with Rescuing Texas History, the combined results enabled free public access to 37,901 historic items, comprising 106,142 individual files, which have to date received over 4.1 million uses. Visit the Portal to Texas History online for more information and to download the application.

Don’t forget the

CTLS Professional Collection Don’t see something in our collection that you are interested in? Shoot us an email! If we have the funds, we will get it for the col-lection! Our latest addition is Training Library Staff and Volunteers to Pro-vide Extraordinary Customer Service by Julie Todaro and Mark Smith. You can search for this and other titles in our catalog!

Around the Stacks By Katelyn Patterson

Summer Reading Programs Going Strong! We hope everyone is having successful Summer Reading Programs so far this year! After months of planning, it can be satisfying to see it all come together. Though everyone is so busy, a couple of libraries have shared what they have been doing with us! Lago Vista Public Library kicked off opening day of their Summer Reading Program with a bang.  They featured our own local Magician Extraordi-naire, Ryan Coleman (16) with a really great magic show for the kids.  Then they talked about heroes and featured their own “Local Heroes Wall” and lis-tened while the kids gave their ideas of what a hero is and then got all excited when they recognized some of them as friends. Here is their “Heros” poster.

Several of the Harker Heights Public Library part time employees worked with the city’s incredible IT department to make a “Power Up! READ” promo-tional video! Check it out. https://youtu.be/G-8R3KQrIQM. We would love to feature your library! Please tell us about your programs… and don’t forget pictures!

James Patterson’s Gifts to School Libraries

You may have seen that in March of this year author James Patterson announced a large fi-nancial gift to be handed out to school libraries. Initially, Patterson announced he would be giv-ing $1.25 million via grants through the Scholastic Reading club but he has increased the amount to $1.75 million! Scholastic Reading Club will then match each dollar from Patterson with bonus points for the teachers that applied for the grant. Those points can be used to pur-chase everything from classroom supplies to iPads through Scholastic. Earlier this week the first round of recipients were announced. Several of these school libraries are in Texas! Are any of them in your community? Congrats to these school libraries!

Ashley Richardson Dallas, TX Ault Elementary Library Cypress, TX Bebensee Elementary School Arlington, TX Chapa Middle School Library Kyle, TX Cockrell Hill Elementary DeSoto, TX Gorzycki Middle School Austin, TX Hood-Case Elementary Alvin, TX Rose Shaw Special Emphasis School Corpus Christi, TX Tobias Elementary Library Kyle, TX Vines High School Plano, TX Walt Disney Elementary Alvin, TX Continued on next page...

… Continued from previous page

What’s Happening Around the State

Congratulations to the 6 CTLS libraries who went to New York for the Family Place Libraries Train-ing Institute in May: Bertha Voyer Memorial Library, Honey Grove; Bryan+College Station Library; McAllen Public Library; Nueces  County Library, Robstown ; Pasadena Public Library; Wilson County Library, Floresville.

Congratulations to Jennifer Coffey, new Director of the Pflugerville Public Library! Jennifer has worked at Pflugerville for 7 years & was named Assistant Director in 2011. She has her MSIS from the University of Texas at Austin and now manages a staff of 22.

The Midland Public Library and Library Foundation are teaming up with the Midland Odessa Sym-phony & Chorale to present 7 free concerts at local libraries between now and November. The initia-tive has been funded by a grant from the Arts Council of Midland.

The McAllen Public Library is very proud to become a Community Partner with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission meaning their patrons can come to any of the library's three branches to apply for any part of the Texas Benefits program including SNAP food benefits, Medicaid, Chil-dren’s Health Insurance Program, Medicare, and TANF cash help for families.

Congrats to the Lake Travis Community Library for receiving a YALSA 2015 Teens’ Top Ten Book Giveaway Grant!

Diane Insley, Director of the San Marcos Public Library, was asked to head her city’s Flood Dona-tion/Distribution Center in an old Target store. People were able to get the items most needed for the first ten days of emergency: cleaning supplies, food, new clothes, first aid stuff, pet food, water, and tools.

Circulating Backpacks Last year, three library systems in Massachusetts won a Library Services and Technology grant to launch My Own Backyard (MOBY), a program encouraging families to explore the outdoors. The grant enabled them to put on STEM programming, hire a science educator, and make STEM-themed backpacks available for circulation. One backpack encouraged exploring saltwater areas with a net for looking at ocean life and a plant press. An-other encouraged stargazing by having binoculars, books about lunar phases, and star charts. Another backpack available in the winter encouraged playing with

and learning about snowflakes. Also included were jour-nals for patrons to record their findings to share with others who get the backpack. You can learn more about these STEM backpacks and the MOBY program in this School Li-brary Journal post.

Contents of a Pond Life backpack

Spotlight on 2015

Texas Book Festival Library Grant Winners By Allison Baron on June 5th, 2015

reprinted from https://www.texasbookfestival.org/spotlight-on-2015-library-grant-winners/ This year, we gave grants to 34 Texas public libraries totaling more than $75K. Feedback from the librarians and local communities has been overwhelmingly positive. We wanted to highlight a few of the success stories: Hillsboro City Library, Marshall Public Library, Coleman Public Library, and Abilene Public Library-South Branch. Below, you can read about the enhancements each library is making thanks to the grant money as well as their words of praise for the Texas Book Festival. Hillsboro City Library The Hillsboro City Library is using the grant money to purchase recommended books from reading lists sponsored by various committees and round tables of the Texas Library Association, including bilingual and multicultural books. These recommended books are geared not only towards children and young adults but high school students and adults as well. In addition, the grant will be used to purchase books that have received special recognition from the Coretta Scott King Book Awards, which are given annually to outstanding African-American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African-American culture and human values. “We are extremely grateful to receive this grant. The funds will enable us to enhance our collection and better serve our patrons and the residents of our community. The children and young adult population of our community will benefit greatly from this grant award and our entire community will ultimately be benefactors by having the resources available to make them more proficient readers, students, and thinkers, which will, in turn, lead to a better prepared, well-educated work-force and better citizenry.” -Russell Keelin, Assistant Library Director

Coleman Public Library

The Coleman Public Library will use the Texas Book Festival grant to fund the MackinVIA, e-book content of Accelerated Reading books for all Cole-man County students. Students will have easy ac-cess to the collection 24 hours a day, seven days a week accessed via the Coleman Public Library website. (MackinVIA was originally funded by a grant from The Friends of the Coleman County Foundation in 2014.) To take a video tour of the Coleman Public Li-brary, click here. “Public libraries cultivate literacy, learning and imagination. They are the one place in the com-munity that any person can visit to use the inter-net, research any topic of their choosing, or travel to anywhere in the world through reading. Librar-ies serve as a critical public resource for career and job skills information and training, especially during these tough economic times. Coleman Public Library is a vital community resource and one that deserves every bit of support we can give it. That’s why we are grateful to the Texas book Festival for awarding Coleman Public Library a collections enhancement grant. Thank you to the Texas Book Festival, its patrons and its sponsors. The people of Coleman appreciate your support and we look forward to visiting Austin on October 17th and 18th for the 20th annual Texas Book Festival.”

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Connecting Texas Libraries StatewideConnecting Texas Libraries StatewideConnecting Texas Libraries Statewide Laurie Mahaffey , Executive Director laurie.mahaffey@ctls.net Paul Waak, Assistant Executive Director paul.waak@ctls.net Kim Lehman, Newsletter kim.lehman@ctls.net Katelyn Patterson, Bots & Books katelyn.patterson@ctls.net Samantha Simpson, Vendor Program Manager ssimpson@ctls.net

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July 3, 2015 Fourth of July CTLS Office Closed July 7-10, 2015 TLA Annual Assembly Hyatt Regency, Austin, TX For more information July 10, 2015 Texas Library Districts’ Meeting 9:30am at the Wells Branch Community Library July 17, 2015 CTLS Board Meeting July 24, 2015 CTLS Long Range Planning Committee Meeting August 21, 2015 CTLS Board Meeting September 25, 2015 CTLS Membership Meeting Temple Public Library