Cedar Rapids Trustee Wins National Award

Congratulations to Susan McDermott!

This news comes courtesy of Cedar Rapids Public Library.  Cedar Rapids PL board member Susan McDermott received a Trustee Citation from United For Libraries. The award was given at ALA’s annual conference in June; it recognizes public library trustees for distinguished service to library development, honoring the best contributions from among the 60,000 Americans who serve on public library boards across the country. 1-2 trustees nationally are chosen for this prestigious award each year.

Susan McDermott began serving on Cedar Rapids Library Board in 2007, serving as Vice President for two years and later President for two years.  When the Flood of 2008 destroyed the downtown library, McDermott was among the board members tasked with the rebuilding process and disaster recovery, all while searching for a new library director. 

She played an integral role in the design of both the new Downtown Library and Ladd Library and their 2013 openings, after which the library received several prestigious awards, including the 2017 National Medal for Museum and Library Service.  A passionate advocate for inclusion and access and freedom of information, she has helped shape library policy and overseen the development of multiple library strategic plans. 

From Cedar Rapids Library Director Dara Schmidt: “Throughout her time at the library, Susie has pushed her directors and peers to think bigger, go further, and break barriers to library service. Her steadfast and passionate commitment to intellectual freedom and unfettered access to materials for all is unparalleled. She is a true library champion and so deserving of this special citation.”

About United For Libraries

United for Libraries is a division of the American Library Association.  It represents the interests of public library trustees, friends, foundations, and advocates. It’s mission is to support those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for all types of libraries. 

At the State Library, we appreciate the challenges that people take on when taking a seat on a public library board. Our congratulation to Susan McDermott on this wonderful recognition! 

Read More at Cedar Rapids Public Library

Awesome Education in August

"Something For Everyone"

This news from Samantha Bouwers deserves recapping here because it promotes an impressive lineup of continuing education from the State Library.  On July 22, Sam sent a bulletin summarizing August C.E. and wrote “there’s sure to be something for everyone coming up in August. From scam protection, to YA romance, to the next installment of The Boardroom series, read on and register for all kinds of exciting education programs from the State Library. Or search IA Learns for our live and recorded courses …” 

In today's space, a shortened summary of upcoming classes: 

Signs of a Scam: Keep Your Patrons and Yourself Safe from Online Fraudsters August 16.  1:00-2:00PM

In this webinar, Carol Kando-Pineda from the Federal Trade Commission will teach you how to identify common signs of a scam, how to avoid falling for one, methods to help train patrons to avoid scams, and how to keep devices protected from online threats.

Back to School: Best Practices for Promoting Brainfuse HelpNow August 24.  10:00-11:00AM

As the school year begins, it’s an ideal time to promote Brainfuse HelpNow. Diane Bizzle, Director of Outreach, will provide a brief overview of the services within the Brainfuse HelpNow program focusing on the popular online homework help, writing lab, and practice tests.

Friday Tech Focus.  August 26.  9:30-10:00AM

Join us to learn about a new tech or web tool and discuss how it might be used in a library setting. We’ll show a “library-ish” (i.e., might be useful to librarians) app and invite others to share their favorites. 

Marketing Brainfuse to Job Seekers & Veterans in Your Community. August 31. 1:00-2:00PM

Brainfuse’s goal is to connect people with questions to those with answers. It is often said that job hunting is one of the most difficult jobs you will have and navigating the VA can be overwhelming. Join Diane Bizzle, Director of Outreach, for an overview of JobNow and VetNow. Learn strategies for letting your community members know about the services offered for veterans and job seekers.

Plus another installment of Big Ideas Book Discussions (August 11) and another installment in The Boardroom series (August 30)  Those plus the above—and more—inside IALearns.  Looks like we’re all going back to school this month!

Register in IALearns

"Prepping For Accreditation" Recordings

The Highlight Reels

If your library is in the next accreditation cycle, then February 2023 is the time to submit your accreditation application. And if you’d like ample time to review the accreditation process and learn more about what’s required—well in advance of the deadline—then our “Prepping For Accreditation” recordings are just the ticket!

For the last three years, beginning in August each year, District Consultants facilitated monthly information sessions live via ZOOM.  Each month focused on specific standards like strategic planning, required policies, the ADA Checklist, board education, and more.  While intended for libraries in the next accreditation cycle (February of any given year) these sessions also proved to be valuable for any library wanting to increase their Tier status and move from Tier 0-1-2.  These meetings were equally helpful for newly hired directors and newly appointed board members to learn more about Iowa’s public library service standards.

This year, though, we’re setting aside the live ZOOM meetings in favor of promoting last year’s recordings.  The Iowa Library Trustee’s Handbook (c2021) is very new and referenced in the video content.  The current edition of In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards (c2016) is still in play.  So rather than repeat this as live programming, instead  I’ll use this space in Monday Morning Eye-Opener periodically to encourage all libraries in the coming accreditation cycle to watch these video recordings. Then contact your District Consultant or Scott Dermont with follow-up questions.

We started our ZOOM sessions with the planning process because that can be the most time consuming aspect of accreditation.  But there’s no requirement to watch the videos in order, you can choose to start with any topic that is of most interest or most needed at your library.  Just so you know what’s on the menu, here are the “Prepping For Accreditation” recordings to choose from:

- Strategic Planning Part 1: Demographics & Community Data

- Strategic Planning Part 2: Mission Statement, Goals, Objectives 

- Board-Related Standards 

- The ADA Checklist 

- Personnel Standards 

- Policies & Standards 

- Application Submission Process 

Again: if your library is in the next accreditation cycle—February 2023—or if you plan to increase your Tier status from 0-1-2-3, then plan to watch our “Prepping For Accreditation” video series! 

"Prepping For Accreditation" Recordings

This Week ...

Education Abounds

As today’s second article spotlights, there are a crazy number of classes coming up this month.  Along with today’s Eye-Opener, refer to a longer bulletin from Samantha Bouwers sent on July 22.  The IALearns catalog is also a great place to browse for full descriptions of these classes—and registration, of course!

Enrich Iowa Reports Due July 31

Libraries that receive Enrich Iowa funds through the Interlibrary Loan, Open Access or Direct State Aid programs must submit reports--the deadline was yesterday July 31. If you haven't already done so, library directors will need to file Enrich Iowa Reports indicating your library’s Open Access and ILL transactions. In addition, directors need to report what was purchased with your library’s share of Direct State Aid funding. Refer to last week’s Eye-Opener for more details, find the needed forms at the link below.

Enrich Iowa Report Forms