TdS – CRPLSA

New TdSLC Director Announced

On Thursday, November 17, the Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative (TdSLC) Board of Directors formally endorsed the hiring of a new Executive Director. The new Executive Director will be Ms. Ann Hokanson, currently the Director of the Austin, Minnesota, Public Library. She has a B.A degree (History and International Relations) and a Master’s degree in Library Science, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Ms. Hokanson brings with her a wide range of experience working with libraries. She has been the Director in Austin for the past thirteen years. Prior to that, she was the Director of the Prescott, Wisconsin, Public Library. She also has experience working as an archivist for the Wisconsin Historical Society and served with the Peace Corps. During her years in the Peace Corps, she worked as a volunteer and trainer for the Trnava District Library, Trnava, Slovakia.

The hiring of Ms. Hokanson completes a long and difficult process for the Board, which is extremely pleased that she has accepted its offer. She will start work in the Mankato office on the first of January. The Board is comprised of one appointee from each of the area’s nine counties, plus a representative from public, school, and academic library staff.

Formula change support grows!

Recent action at mid-month board meetings on October 20 moved forward the possibility of a 2017 legislative initiative to change the Regional Library Basic System Support (RLBSS) formula. The most recent approvals were from:

Lake Agassiz Regional Library
Northwest Regional Library
Pioneerland Library System
Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative

Proposal to amend the current RLBSS formula tied to a funding increase

ELM Expo

Join fellow librarians from across southern Minnesota to learn more about ELM – the Electronic Library for Minnesota.

This day-long training event will provide the chance to explore in-depth all that ELM has to offer. Minitex librarians will provide training on the specialized databases and participants will discover which database is best for what. Learn with the experts about how to best search, save, and share the results as well as how to teach accessing the database resources to users back home. Various database vendors will also be on hand to talk about new resources, interfaces, and features. All levels of experience welcome!

Saturday, November 5, 2016 | 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Minnesota State University Library – Mankato
601 Maywood Avenue, Mankato, MN
$25 per person registration fee – Participation limited to first 100

Sponsored by Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative, SAMMIE, SELCO/SELS, Minitex, and Minnesota State University-Mankato.

TdS Executive Position Open

The Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative (TdSLC) is looking for an Executive Director. This dynamic and challenging position will manage a cooperative that serves libraries in a nine county area around Mankato, Minnesota. Mankato is a vibrant, fast-growing city, home to Minnesota State University, Mankato and a thriving business community. The Executive Director reports to a fourteen member Board of Directors. Members include twenty public libraries (representing nearly forty branches), school media centers and academic libraries.

Services provided to member libraries include a Sierra (III) online catalog and circulation system, cataloging, delivery, inter-library loan, continuing education, programming and much more through a staff of twelve. Minimum requirements include a Master’s in Library Science from a program accredited by ALA and at least two years of public library administrative experience.

For further information check out www.tdslib.org or call 507-386-3022. Letters of application, resumes and references to: chaugen@tds.lib.mn.us Salary from $88,000 per year and up, depending on experience, and generous benefits. Applications received by October 15 will receive top priority.

TdSLC Seeks Executive Director

The Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative (TdSLC) is looking for an Executive Director. This dynamic and challenging position will manage a cooperative that serves libraries in a nine county area around Mankato, Minnesota. Mankato is a vibrant, fast-growing city, home to Minnesota State University, Mankato and a thriving business community. The Executive Director reports to a fourteen member Board of Directors. Members include twenty public libraries (nearly forty branches), school media centers and academic libraries.

Services provided to member libraries include a Sierra (III) online catalog and circulation system, cataloging, delivery, inter-library loan, continuing education, programming and much more through a staff of twelve. Minimum requirements include a Master’s in
Library Science from a program accredited by ALA and several years of administrative experience.

For further information check out www.tdslib.org or call 507-386-3022. Letters of application, resumes and references to: chaugen@tds.lib.mn.us Competitive salary, depending on experience, and generous benefits. Applications received by June 10 will receive top priority.

More regional broadband support

By adding their names to the Minnesota Broadband Vision, regional library boards are showing their support for a future in which residents of all generations and backgrounds will have access to affordable, high-quality broadband. Included on the growing list:

Great River Regional Library (GRRL) – March 15

Kitchigami Regional Library (KRLS) – March 17

Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) – March 17

Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA) – March 17

Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative (TdSLC) – March 17

Viking Library System (VLS) – March 15

With its many community interests, The Blandin Foundation initiated the Minnesota Broadband Vision campaign. This includes sharing news and information on broadband use, policy and trends. There is even an “I Endorse the Minnesota Broadband Vision” Facebook page to “like” as well as post local support.

Boese TdSLC Interim

On March 9, 2016, the Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative regional library board appointed Robert Boese to serve as Interim Director.

LSTA Mini Grants Awarded

State Library Services just announced the projects selected to receive a 2015 Libraries Supporting the World’s Best Workforce LSTA mini grant. The World’s Best Workforce recognizes that Minnesota must have students who are college and career ready and poised to lead the state’s workforce into the future. Minnesota’s libraries are a key resource to help communities across the state achieve these goals. These five projects will directly serve at-risk children and youth (ages 0-25) through improved or expanded library-based services and learning activities.

Carver County Library (MELSA) – $8,334 for “Aids to Digital Navigation”
Osseo Area Learning Center (MELSA) – $9,995 for “Making, Creating, and Partnering in the Library for College and Career Readiness”
South St. Paul Library (MELSA) – $2,809 for “300 Books Before Kindergarten for At-Risk Preschoolers”
Waseca LeSueur Regional Library System (TdSLC) – $10,000 for “Library Lab: Connecting Science and Technology to Teens”
Washington County Library (MELSA) – $4,904 for “Minecraft: Coding Camp”

For more details about each project, visit the Minnesota Department of Education website

LSTA Grants Awarded

State Library Services uses Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds to expand access to learning services, information tools and educational resources in all types of libraries. The State Library helps libraries provide educational and civic engagement opportunities, lifelong learning, workforce development and digital literacy skill-building activities. To achieve this goal, LSTA grants are competitively awarded to fund projects that help Minnesotans in new and innovative ways. The State Library is pleased to announce the nine successful 2015 LSTA competitive grant-awarded projects.

Bloomington Public Schools, “Middle School Makerspaces: A Community of Creators” – $80,084
Farmington Public Schools, “Bridging Literacy through Targeted Instruction” – $43,233
Friends of Hennepin County Library (MELSA), “Cedar Riverside Library Outreach Project” – $96,912
Hmong Cultural Center, “Hmong Resource Center Library Expansion Project” – $12,020
Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA), “Identifying Access Needs for E-Government Services” – $100,000
Robbinsdale Area Schools, “Creating a Culture of Literacy among AVID High School Students”- $64,228
Saint Paul Public Schools, “Building Research-Ready Students in SPPS” – $99,866
Waconia Public Schools, “Waconia Digital Navigators: Students at the Helm” – $49,473
Waseca-Le Sueur Regional Library System (TdSLC), “Romp and Rhyme” – $20,466

Discover Five Practices Essential for Pre-Readers

The Minnesota Department of Education, State Library Services, with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, is excited to bring renowned early literacy educator Saroj Ghoting back to Minnesota for a series of workshops that will give librarians and early childhood educators tools to provide high-quality storytimes and early literacy interactions with pre-readers. The workshops are rooted in the Every Child Ready to Read 2nd Edition (ECRR2) research-based curriculum released by the Public Library Association.

Please visit the Supporting Libraries Serving Youth webpage to learn more about the training options and register for a workshop near you.

Storytimes for Everyone

Great River Regional Library – St. Cloud, Monday, August. 24, 2015, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Headwaters School of Music and the Arts – Bemidji, Thursday, August 27, 2015, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Blue Earth County Library – Mankato, Tuesday, September 22, 2015, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
East Central Regional Library – North Branch Area Library, Friday, September 25, 2015, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Training the Trainers

Great River Regional Library – St. Cloud, Tuesday, August 25, 2015, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Ramsey County Library – White Bear Lake Library, Thursday, September 24, 2015, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

There is no fee to attend – lunch arrangements vary by location. Please email Jackie Blagsvedt or call 651-582-8805 or for more information.

Library Construction Grants

An appropriation to the 2014 Library Construction Grant program provided $2,000,000 for library construction and renovation projects. One-to-one matching grants help build libraries that meet high standards of accessibility and energy efficiency. Three projects were earmarked to receive funds, with the remaining funds awarded through a competitive process. As of March 2, 2015, grant agreements have been executed for the following projects:

City of Jackson – This expansion and renovation project will add 1,500 square feet and install new windows, a new entrance, new information desk, expanded meeting space and an accessible parking, among other improvements. Plum Creek Library System (PCLS) member. Grant funds appropriated: $570,000

City of Perham – An exterior wall reconstruction project will mitigate mold and restore a safe and healthy environment to the library. The work will also prevent future contamination and damage to the building. Viking Library System (VLS) member. Grant funds appropriated: $257,000

Ramsey County Library (White Bear Lake) – An expanded and remodeled library will offer enhanced areas for children and teens, more public computers, an improved community room and spaces for individual and group study. Renovations to the parking lot will result in more available parking and improved traffic flow. MELSA member. Grant funds awarded: $200,000

City of Waseca – A redesign and renovation of the library’s layout will result in improvements to the entryway, restroom and meeting rooms to increase the accessibility, functionality and attractiveness of the building. A close working relationship with the Independent Counseling and Advocacy Network will ensure the needs of patrons with all types of disabilities are reflected in the renovation. Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative member. Grant funds awarded: $75,000

Cow’s Week of Travels

Cow, Mike Wohnoutka, and David LaRochelle had a very successful week with Moo! Trunk Shows around Minnesota.

On Monday they were in Great River Regional Library (GRRL) with stops at Staples (119 attendees at the morning presentation) and Melrose (49 attendees at the evening presentation. On Tuesday they braved the snow for a noon presentation in Elk River (49 attendees) and an evening presentation in St. Michael (75 attendees).

The dynamic trio moved to Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative (TdSLC) with a visit at the Mankato Public Library for two library presentations (12 attendees in the morning and 5 attendees in the afternoon…maybe everyone had already seen the Truck Show while at the MLA conference last fall 😉 ).

At all six shows Cow was very well received. Check out her Flickr pix.

Once Upon a Reader – Moo! calendar Find out when and where Cow will be visiting next

Once Upon a Reader information

OUR is made possible with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the people of Minnesota for Library Legacy activities.

MILE Class of 2015 Announced

MLA recently announced the 2015 class for the Minnesota Library Association Institute for Leadership Excellence (MILE)! The 25 selectees for this year’s class will meet their peers in a dynamic four-day retreat at beautiful Sugar Lake Lodge near Grand Rapids, MN from May 12-15, 2015. There they will learn about using improvisational humor and creative idea generation to foster approaches to problem solving and strategic planning, explore their personal strengths, and discover how they can be leaders no matter what their position in the library. Following the retreat, they will also benefit from having an 18-month mentorship with a current Minnesota library leader.

Congrats to the MILE 2015 class!

Carolyn Avair, East Central Regional Library System
Roxanne Backowski, St. Cloud State University
Trent Brager, Minnesota School of Business-Rochester
Adam Brisk, University of Minnesota-Duluth
Julia Carlis, Dakota County Library
Amelia Cohoes, Globe University
Allison Girres, Pioneerland Library System
Shelly Grace, SAMMIE
Sarah Hawkins, East Central Regional Library System
Stacey Hendren, Anoka County Library
Kristin Jones, Carver County Library/Pioneerland Library System
Richmond Kinney, Duluth Public Library
Kelly Kraemer, College of St. Benedict | St. John’s University
Stephanie Langer, Kitchigami Regional Library
Rachel Lockman, Minneapolis Community & Technical College
Sarah Lo Pinto, Washington County Library
Anne Lundquist, Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative
Chris Magnusson. Arrowhead Library System
Amy Mars, St. Catherine University
Lisa Motschke, Scott County Library
Jake Odland, Douglas County Library
Michael Schnieder, Minnesota School of Business-Elk River
Christie Schultz, Dakota County Library
Jill Wujcik, Sanford-Brown College
Jessica Zillhart, Anoka County Library

MnLINK Gateway Product Demos

Three vendors have been invited to demonstrate their solutions in response to the MnLINK Gateway RFP that was issued in October 2014. Each vendor will be spending one day with the MnLINK Gateway RFP Committee. Minitex has set aside two hours each day for a public demonstration of the products being considered. The sessions will all be held online via webinar from 8:30-10:30 AM.

The schedule of companies and dates for the public demos are:

Wednesday, February 25, 2015 – Relais International
Thursday, February 26, 2015 – OCLC
Friday, February 27, 2015 – Innovative

The product demonstrations will also be available for later viewing for those of you who aren’t able to attend the live session(s). Information on accessing the demonstrations will be provided in the coming weeks.

LARL, SELCO and TdSLC currently have staff members serving on the RFP Committee. For more information contact the Mintex office.

CRPLSA Members to Join MLA Board

Among the new board members recently elected by the membership of the Minnesota Library Association to serve in leadership positions are two CRPLSA directors — Barbara Misselt, East Central Regional Library (ECRL), and Dayle Zelenka, Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative (TdSLC).

Misselt will assume responsibilities for future advocacy efforts as Legislative Chair-Elect and will serve a three-year term in this key advocacy role.

MLA serves as the primary voice and advocate for libraries, librarians, library support staff, and the publics they serve in Minnesota. Advocacy and government relations are among the association’s highest priorities.

Zelenka will chair the MLA Intellectual Freedom Committee. This committee helps educate library workers, trustees and the general public about the nature and importance of intellectual freedom. This is a two-year assignment. Zelenka will also serve as a primary point of contact should a library encounter censorship challenges or difficulties.

Other 2014 MLA election results include Margaret Stone, Anoka County Assistant Director to be the President-Elect and Laura Morlock, IM/MLIS Office Manager at St. Catherine University, who will serve as Secretary.

Elected in 2013 for a two-year position and continuing on the MLA Board of Directors will be Carla Lydon, ECRL Assistant Director.

Congratulations to all and CRPLSA’s appreciation for your willingness to serve.

MnLINK RFP Committee Created

Minitex has formed an RFP group for the MnLINK Gateway. This committee will prepare, solicit and review RFPs to replace the current Fretwell-Downing VDX interlibrary loan software, as well as investigate a discovery layer for the MnLINK Gateway. The individuals on this working group represent different types of libraries, varying areas of expertise and metro/outstate locations.

MnLINK RFP Committee Members

Nick Banitt – Minitex
Ken Behringer – Dakota County Library
Ruth Dukelow – CLIC
Sonja Eilertson – PALS
Raquel Franklin – Minitex
Cheryl Hill – SELCO
Ann Hutton – SELCO
Karen Kilbride – Hennepin County Library
Beth Lunn – Pioneerland Library System (PLS)
Nicole Murphy – Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL)
Dixie Ohlander – Augsburg College
Becky Ringwelski – Minitex
Greg Sauve – Rochester Public Library
Jill Smith – Anoka County Library
Darla Sorenson – Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative (TdSLC)
Paul Swanson – Minitex

Becky Ringwelski, Minitex Associate Director, will chair the committee and Valerie Horton, Minitex Executive Director will participate as an ex officio member. The recommendation of the committee will go to Valerie Horton who will make the final decision on the system to replace the current ZPortal/VDX software. A member of the University of Minnesota Purchasing Department will work closely with the committee during this process.

LSTA Mini-Grants Announced

State Library Services is pleased to announce the recipients of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Mini-Grants for Expanded Learning through Libraries and Play and Learn Space.

The Hoyt Lakes Public Library (ALS), Ogilvie Independent School District (ECRL), and St. Paul Public Library (MELSA) are eligible for a maximum award of $5,000 in the Expanded Learning through Libraries category. These mini grant projects will support activity-based partnerships between schools and libraries to help connect students with meaningful out of school time opportunities that improve literacy and academic achievement.

The Play and Learn Space mini-grants will establish or enhance engaging and welcoming spaces for children ages 0-8 and their caregivers in public libraries. Each Play and Learn Space offers a variety of play activities that support early learners’ growth and exploration across the six domains of Minnesota’s Early Childhood Indicators of Progress. Successful applicants include:

Anoka County Library (MELSA)
Carver County Library System (MELSA)
Dakota County Library (MELSA)
East Central Regional Library (ECRL)
Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL)
North Mankato Taylor Library (TdSLC)
South St. Paul Public Library (MELSA)
Stillwater Public Library (MELSA)
Waseca-LeSueur Regional Library System (TdSLC)
Washington County Library (MELSA)

Here is an example of the type of activities being undertaken for Play and Learn Space projects by CRPLSA members, ECRL and LARL:

ECRL – A new play and learn space at the Cambridge Library, tying into the city’s motto, “Minnesota’s Opportunity Community” will be created.

LARL – Comfortable furniture for caregivers and children, child-sized furniture, and interactive toys will create a play and family friendly space for the children’s area at the new Bagley Public Library.

Details of each project

TdSLC Supports RLBSS Change

The Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative (TdSLC) board agrees with the proposed changes for calculating the Regional Library Basic System Support (RLBSS) appropriation. TdSLC becomes the seventh region to discuss and approve this legislative initiative for the 2015 session.

Proposal to amend current statutory language

CRPLSA hopes for unanimous support from all 12 regions. This will allow the Minnesota Library Association Legislative Committee to begin planning advocacy strategies at the upcoming Legislative Forum on July 8.

New TdS Library Legacy Coordinator

Jessica Kreutter joins Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative (TdSLC) as the new Legacy Coordinator.

Jessica has a Bachelor of Science in Recreation with an emphasis in Program Planning from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and a Master of Science from St. Cloud State University in Mass Communications, focusing on Public Relations and Advertising. She has worked for several non-profit organizations planning programs for youth and adults, managing special events, and developing community partnerships for the success of programming in communities in South Central and Southwest Minnesota.

LeSueur Public Library recognized as WCCO’s Best

Just in time for National Library Week, WCCO viewers recognize the LeSueur Public Library as Minnesota’s best public library. Watch the WCCO news clip with Matt Brickman’s trip to this south central Minnesota community in the Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative (TdSLC) and an interview with Dianne Pinney, Library Director.

New TdSLC Strategic Plan

With the assistance of Library Strategies, Inc. and several member participants, Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative (TdSLC) has completed a new Strategic Plan covering 2014-2016. The planning process also resulted in slightly revised mission and vision statements as follows:

Mission — The Traverse des Sioux L i b r a r y Cooperative promotes cooperation, provides support services, & coordinates shared access to needed resources, programs, and technologies for member libraries.

Vision — The Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative is the leader of a unified consortium of member libraries advancing lifelong learning in our communities.

The new plan covers five major goals and implementation has already begun on:

Member Engagement
Public Relations
Advocacy and Fundraising
Training
Coordinated Services