SWIRL - Southwest Idaho Rural Libraries

March 2010:  We toured the newly renovated Middleton Public Library!  Heath Price presented information on the USDA's Community Facilities Direct Loand and Grants.  We received updates on the changes at ICFL including staff changes, BTOP and funding/budgets.  Joy Lear provided info for YRCA voting and SWILA.  Liesl Seborg provided information regarding PNLA Leads which is now accepting applicants.  There are hands on WebJunction trainings coming up in May and June throughout the state.  Contact Shirley Biladeau for more info.  Also, a reminder that Idaho Power's energy efficiency programs are great for libraries.

January 2010:  The group discussed Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP)  and had training from Shirley Biladeau on WebJunction.  View Gina Persichini's notes on BTOP here.Check out WebJunction for continuing education courses and resources.

May 2009: The group discussed social networking tools (Wordle, VoiceThread, Flickr, MySpace, FaceBook & Twitter) and online safety.  Specifically mentioned was Tracking Teresa
which is a screencast that discusses how easily personal information is available
to those who seek it.  Other resources are available for internet
safety at Netsmartz.org. We ran out of time to discuss gaming in libraries but the Online Education Database has these 100 Tips and Resources. 

March 2009: The group watched the College of Dupage Library Learning Network Teleconference "Targeting the Ages: Programming that Hits the Mark."  Workbook

January 2009: Terri Wear, Assistant Director of Ada Community Library, presented to the group on Reference Tools. 

• Must Have Resources
• Online Tools List
• ABLE Reference Courses from ICFL
• Gale Virtual Reference Library resources available via LiLI Databases

November 2008:  Anita Lochner, local marketing expert, presented to the
group on alternative marketing strategies for the library. Handout: "How to Get the Word Out"