Administration - 603-271-2392

In an effort to assist local libraries with their automation needs, the State Library is proposing a consortium-type system, modeled after the current New Hampshire Downloadable Audiobook Consortium. The State Library would work with the vendor(s) to establish consistent pricing for the hosting and maintenance and to help make the process of joining as simple and cost-effective as possible.

Please contact Michael York if your library is interested in joining this consortium.

Electronic and Government Information Services - 603-271-2143

If you are interested in joining the NH Downloadable Audiobooks Consortium at this time, please let Bobbi Slossar know by emailing her at bobbilee.slossar@dcr.nh.gov

Here is the information about the program:

Fees:

$300 one-time set-up fee for library set-up and training paid directly to OverDrive.
Yearly consortium fees for libraries serving populations:

Under 2,500: $220
2,500 - 4999 population: $550
5,000 - 9,999 population: $700
10,000 - 20,000 population: $1400
20,000-40,000 population: $1600

General Timeline for this open enrollment period:

The set-up forms are due the first week of October.
Library staff receive training later in the month.
The library would begin offering audiobooks to their patron during the first week of November.

Library Development Services - 603-271-2865 (Concord) 603-419-0086 (Lancaster)

Library staff in public and school libraries can take modular courses this fall on such topics as puppetry, budgeting, cataloging and reference. For a complete listing and registration information, visit www.nh.gov/nhsl/training/modules/

The state library also holds free workshops in its training lab and other locations. Everything from Alternative Medicine and Legal Reference to PC Maintenance and Browser Software will be offered. Courses begin September 30 and run through December10. To register go to the webpage at www.nh.gov/nhsl/training/.

Attend the Librarians' Orientation on Friday, November 20 and learn what the state library has to offer you. Register at www.nh.gov/nhsl/training/modules/

Free Library Webinars (seminars on the Web) are listed on the NHSL website Education page or directly at www.nh.gov/nhsl/training/modules/Webinars.html

There are also many upcoming conferences and events including the following:

The CHILIS Fall Conference will be held on Thursday, October 15 at the Fireside Inn in Lebanon. Featured speakers include Anita Silvey and Mary Danko.

The NH Library Association's Fall Conference is scheduled for Thursday, November 5 in Portsmouth. Please visit www.nhlibrarians.org/ for more details.

The NH Library Trustees Association announces several workshops on subjects such as budgets, risk management, personnel management and policy development. Please visit their website at www.nhlta.com/calendar.htm for more information.

The READS section of the NH Library Association will be holding its Fall Program on Friday, October 23, 2009 at the Local Government Center in Concord. The conference is called "No Money? No Problem! Marketing Your Library on a Shoe String." See the following for more information: www.nhlibrarians.org/reads/readsbrochureoct2009.pdf

Tom Ladd, NHSL Consultant & Library Education Coordinator, is now located at 629 B Main Street, Lancaster, NH 03584. His phone number is 419-0086.

NHAIS Services - 603-271-2141

Classes in using the NHU-PAC for cataloging, searching, and interlibrary loan will be offered in Gilmanton in Concord on October 27. For details and to register online, go to www.nh.gov/nhsl/nhais/locations.htm and click on the "online registration system" link. There is no charge for these classes.

If demand warrants, a North Country date may be added to the schedule (reply to this message if you're interested in that) but otherwise the above two dates are it for NHU-PAC classes until at least next spring.

If you're wondering whether it's worthwhile to go through training now when there's talk of a new statewide system, be aware that it's likely the current NHU-PAC system will be in place for at least the next couple of years. The topics covered in these classes will be useful for some time to come.