Pictures from the Wyoming Reads Celebration in Buffalo, Wyoming. Around 120 first graders enjoyed the afternoon in City Park and received their books.
Wyoming Reads Celebration – Johnson County
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Nancy Gwinn, Director of Smithsonian Libraries, receives honorary doctoral degree from UW
On Saturday, May 11, the University of Wyoming presented its highest award, the honorary doctoral degree, upon Sheridan native Nancy Gwinn, director of the Smithsonian Libraries.
Annually, UW alumni, current or former trustees and faculty are eligible to nominate, for honorary degrees, individuals who embody the university’s high ideals; exemplify the values of excellence, service and integrity; and have distinguished accomplishments in their professions or contributions to the sciences, arts, humanities, public service and service to humanity. Submissions are referred to a joint committee, headed by UW President Tom Buchanan, and nominees who receive votes from two-thirds of the committee are recommended for approval.
Gwinn received her Bachelor of Arts in English at UW in 1967. She advanced through increasingly responsible positions at libraries in California and Washington, D.C., and began work at the Smithsonian Institution Libraries starting in 1984. She was named the director in 1997.
Maggie Farrell, dean of libraries at UW, says Gwinn has led the Smithsonian Libraries through significant technological changes that increased the profile of the libraries within the Smithsonian as well as within the profession.
“Once viewed as a special library serving only Smithsonian staff, the Smithsonian Libraries are now considered an international leader in modern library methods, especially in the area of digitization,” Farrell says. “Through (Gwinn’s) efforts, the Smithsonian Libraries are contributing content to critical research projects, ensuring that the American public has access to the deep resources of the Smithsonian Institution.”
As a leader in librarianship, Gwinn has been active in the American Library Association (ALA) and the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA). Since 2003, Gwinn has held several leadership positions within IFLA, including the Publications Committee and serving on the Governing Board.
Among her publications, two were awarded, respectively, the Waldo Gifford Leland prize of the Society of American Archivists and the American Library Association’s Blackwell North American Scholarship Award. Her most recent work has focused on aspects of the joint history of the Smithsonian Institution and the Library of Congress.
Gwinn’s many contributions have advanced national and international librarianship — she was a leader in preservation during a period when libraries transitioned from primarily print collections to a variety of print, micro and electronic collections. Her outstanding accomplishments have instructed librarians and assisted libraries worldwide in developing preservation and digital programs.
“Her work within IFLA and with national libraries attests that she is a global citizen extending Smithsonian collections and assisting libraries around the world to improve access to rich collections that benefit humankind,” Farrell says.
Photo above: Dean of UW Libraries Maggie Farrell with Nancy Gwinn, Director of Smithsonian Libraries, at a special reception on Friday, May 10th in Laramie.
Events for the Week of May 13th
Events for the Week of May 13th
We’ve recently upgraded our training calendar to a new format. You can subscribe to it and view the events in your calendar software or find all the events here at: WyomingLibraries.org/calendar.
If you have any questions be sure to let us know here.
Retirement celebration for Patty Myers, Campbell County Public Library System Director
Patty Myers is retiring after serving nine years as the Campbell County Public Library System director. Her retirement celebration was held on Wednesday, May 1 in Gillette.
Events for the Week of May 6th
Events for the Week of May 6th
We’ve recently upgraded our training calendar to a new format. You can subscribe to it and view the events in your calendar software or find all the events here at: WyomingLibraries.org/calendar.
If you have any questions be sure to let us know here.
Law Library Announces Wyoming Law Day Poster Winners
In celebration of Law Day, Chief Justice Marilyn S. Kite announced the winners of the 2013 Wyoming Supreme Court Poster Contest. Nicole Sagner of Chugwater Elementary in Platte County received first place, Titan Edwards of Pioneer Park Elementary in Laramie County received second place, and Madisynn Weber of Manderson Elementary in Big Horn County received third place. There were over 90 entries and participation from eight different counties. Accompanying each poster was a one paragraph statement describing how the poster reflected the theme of the contest: Western Justice: Celebrating Our Freedom in Wyoming. Law day is a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law. Law Day also provides an opportunity to recognize the role of courts in this democracy and the importance of jury service to maintaining the integrity of the courts.
“Today marks over 50 years of celebration of Law Day, a day designed to underscore how law and the legal process contribute to the freedoms that all American share. Our poster contest brings together diverse fifth graders from across the state for an exciting opportunity to express their creativity and celebrate this special day,” Kite explained.
The winning posters will be on display at the Wyoming Supreme Court, 2301 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne, through the month of May.
Posters, from top to bottom: Top: First Place: Nicole Sagner of Chugwater Elementary in Platte County; Middle: Second Place: Titan Edwards of Pioneer Park Elementary in Laramie County; Bottom: Third Place: Madisynn Weber of Manderson Elementary in Big Horn County.
Pew Study: Parents, Children, Libraries, and Reading
The Pew Research Center finds that the vast majority of parents with children under the age of 18 find libraries very important for kids.
Summary of Findings
The vast majority of parents of minor children — children younger than 18 — feel libraries are very important for their children. That attachment carries over into parents’ own higher-than-average use of a wide range of library services.1
The ties between parents and libraries start with the importance parents attach to the role of reading in their children’s lives. Half of parents of children under age 12 (50%) read to their child every day and an additional 26% do so a few times a week. Those with children under age 6 are especially keen on daily reading with their child: 58% of these parents read with their child every day and another 26% read multiple times a week with their children.
The importance parents assign to reading and access to knowledge shapes their enthusiasm for libraries and their programs:
- 94% of parents say libraries are important for their children and 79% describe libraries as “very important.” That is especially true of parents of young children (those under 6), some 84% of whom describe libraries as very important.
- 84% of these parents who say libraries are important say a major reason they want their children to have access to libraries is that libraries help inculcate their children’s love of reading and books.
- 81% say a major reason libraries are important is that libraries provide their children with information and resources not available at home.
- 71% also say a major reason libraries are important is that libraries are a safe place for children.
Almost every parent (97%) says it is important for libraries to offer programs and classes for children and teens.
Read the whole study here: libraries.pewinternet.org
Events for the Week of April 29th
Events for the Week of April 29th
We’ve recently upgraded our training calendar to a new format. You can subscribe to it and view the events in your calendar software or find all the events here at: WyomingLibraries.org/calendar.
If you have any questions be sure to let us know here.
Laramie County Library System Launches New Business Service: L2B
Laramie County Library System in Cheyenne, Wyoming Launches New Business Service: L2B
Laramie County Library System in Cheyenne, Wyoming, has hired a business librarian and launched the first business program of its kind in the state. The program, called L2B (Library to Business), has been created by Diane Pawling over the past six months.
Establishing a business information service to let people know about the wealth of information about business that is available has been a longtime goal of the library. “We are pleased to have someone of Diane’s experience and expertise to bring this service to fruition which is another step in the library’s role as a community center,” says Lucie Osborn, County Librarian.
Pawling’s job is to engage people who are thinking about starting a business, existing businesses that need help, non-profits, investors and job seekers. “We are not duplicating services that are being provided by other entities,“ Pawling explains. “We are connectors, helping people connect with the services they need.” The connections, in addition to library resources, will be with agencies such as the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce, AARP, Small Business Administration, Cheyenne SCORE, Cheyenne LEADS, Wyoming Business Council, Wyoming Entrepreneur’s SBDC (Small Business Development Center), MRC (Market Research Center) and Wyoming Women’s Business Center. As part of L2B, Pawling offers one-on-one consultations by appointment. The library also offers many online resources, available free with a library card.
Pawling has a master’s degree in library science from Villanova University in Pennsylvania. She worked 12 years as a corporate librarian in a major utility company, followed by six years as a public library director and seven years as a business reference librarian. She runs her own small business with her husband. Her position is unique, making Laramie County Library the only library in the state to have a business librarian with the exception of the University of Wyoming.
L2B has already begun to offer workshops. Topics include Thinking about Starting a New Business, Tools for Small Business Financial Management, Encore Entrepreneur Workshop and What Do Customers Really Want? For information, visit the L2B website at http://www.lclsonline.org/
ARSL Annual Conference Registration Open
The Conference Planning Committee is pleased to announce the opening of registration for the September 25-28, 2013 ARSL Annual Conference to be held at the Doubletree in downtown Omaha, NE. Start the process by following the link listed on the registration page of our website, here: http://arsl.info/registration/
Be sure to take advantage of early bird member pricing (membership pays for itself if you’re coming to conference), and also the special events that will soon sell out, such as:
- Pre-conferences scheduled for Wednesday, September 25th (featuring 1 full day and 3 half-day options)
- Tours (featuring your choice of a full day tour of several local sites filled with history, shopping, and a famous restaurant for lunch, or an evening ghost tour!)
Our conference will feature the following general session speakers, in addition to a wide variety of breakout session topics:
- Thursday opening keynote: Lee Rainie of the Pew Research Center
- Thursday luncheon: Mary Beth Stenger, winner of the 2013 Best Small Library in America Award
- Friday opening keynote: Joseph Starita, award winning author and American Indian history scholar
- Friday Author Luncheon: Craig Johnson, author of the Longmire series, featured on A&E’s hit television program
- Saturday closing keynote: Sally Gardner Reed, Executive Director of United for Libraries
In addition to all of these excellent speakers, we invite you to join us the evening of Wednesday, September 25th from 7:00-9:00 pm at the Omaha Public Library (just over a block from the conference center) for a welcome reception complete with music, an array of foods originating in Nebraska, a cash bar, and excellent company. Conference registration includes all meals (this also includes the Author Luncheon) from Wednesday evening’s reception through Saturday’s brunch), with the exception of Thursday and Friday evening, when you are invited to sign up for the “dine-around” of your choice at conference. Thinking of bringing a guest, or the whole family? This year, we are offering a meal package option for the conference, and also an author luncheon ticket for those who are not registering for the full conference. Your guest is welcome to join you at our meal events, thanks to this provision. There is plenty to see and do in the area, and our hotel offers a free shuttle to local attractions. Take a look at www.visitomaha.com for more information.
With a low registration fee, conference rate hotel rooms at $99 per night, free wireless Internet, and a free airport shuttle, this is a great opportunity to network with peers from all over the country, and take in a conference devoted entirely to the needs of those from small and/or rural libraries.
We hope to see you in Omaha!
Tena Hanson
2013 Conference Co-Chair on behalf of the Conference Planning Committee