As many of you are aware, the New Hampshire State Library is facing additional budget cuts and will not be able to provide access to the Biography Resource Center database. This database is up for renewal shortly.
As the biography database has significant usage by the schools, I've contacted Cathy Higgins with the Department of Education to ask if there would be any chance that they could be of assistance. At Cathy's request I've created a survey for School Librarians and teachers about the importance of the databases provided by the State Library. This survey was sent to the NHEMA list.
Michael York or I will keep you posted about the status of the biography database.
Bobbi Lee Slossar
Book Distribution Program: Steve Klein of the Libbie Cass Memorial Library in Springfield collects books, audios and videos to distribute to 10 smaller libraries around the state. Donations have suddenly and unexpectedly dried up this month, so he wants to remind everyone that this is an ongoing project.
This program started with the observation that, although many libraries generously offer free copies of materials they don't want, it's very hard for a smaller library to ever claim anything because the materials are usually snapped up quickly. Smaller libraries just aren't on line often enough to be able to take advantage of the generosity displayed.
Steve collects items that libraries send him, and every month he types up a list (usually of around 500 books or more) of what he's received that month and sends it to 10 smaller libraries who then return the lists with the items highlighted that they would like to add to their collections. Any items that other libraries don't want are put in a bi-annual book sale (or added to Springfield's own collection).
Steve welcomes any books in good condition, fiction or non fiction, adult or youth as well as vhs, dvds, and cds.
He cannot accept outdated non fiction (ex, 2001 guide to Bermuda), directories of NH manufacturers, biographies of Peter Marshall, or high school text books. He also does not want any book with a ripped spine or in terrible condition (this happens most often with children's books--if it's being weeded because it's falling apart, don't send it along). Even old fiction is okay as long as the book is in reasonable condition.
Please send your donations via van to Springfield, Libbie Cass Memorial Library or contact Steve at spfldlibrary@emlot.com for more information.
The CHILIS Spring Conference will take place on Thursday, March 25 at SNHU in Manchester. It will feature the Kids, Books and the Arts showcase. Registration forms can be found on the CHILIS website at www.nhlibrarians.org/chilis
Applications for Kids, Books and the Arts grants can be found at www.nh.gov/nhsl/services/librarians/kids_books.html. The deadline is Wednesday, April 7 at 4pm.
The NHSL has opened the annual NH Public Library Annual Report (NHPLAR) data collection for 2009. The collection will close on 19 April 2010. Libraries that have not started their data entry by 31 March will be contacted with a reminder. Please go to www.nh.gov/nhsl/lds/public_library_stats.html to begin this process. If you have any questions, please contact Tom Ladd by phone at (603) 419-0086 or by e-mail at Thomas.Ladd@dcr.nh.gov
