Minitex Policy Advisory Council
December 2, 2016
Central and Northern State Colleges
Cynthia Jorstad
Central and Northern State
Colleges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Minnesota State Library
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Multicounty Multitype
Library Systems . . . . . . . . . . 3
North Dakota State
Libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Private Colleges . . . . . . . . . . 8
Regional Library Systems .11
State Government
Libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
State Universities . . . . . . . . 14
Twin Cities & Southern
State Colleges . . . . . . . . . .
16
University of Minnesota
Twin Cities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Northland Community & Technical College - East Grand
Forks/Thief River Falls (Cynthia Jorstad)
The first thing that comes to mind to report is we are very ready for winter
break!
Beyond that...
our number of instruction sessions increased almost 20% compared to last
fall. This made for a very hectic schedule, but I am very pleased to have the
opportunity to introduce our resources and services to so many students.
Our College in the High School program is expanding and we are working
with more classes than in past years to support access to library services.
These students do not have active StarID accounts, or NCTC ID cards (with
a library account barcode on the back) so we ‘manually’ assign a barcode to
each student and create a library card for them. We’ve created 92 accounts,
compared to 28 last fall. It’s gratifying to know we’re helping these students
become ‘college ready’; their library skills will give them a jump start when
they arrive on campus …even if it isn’t our campus.
We’ve begun a LONG overdue weeding of the TRF reference collection.
Whenever it’s finished, we may decide to eliminate the REF collection and
move everything into our circulating collection.
Milt Kinzler, who retired as librarian of our East Grand Forks campus library
in 2011, has been serving as the temporary library technician in EGF while
our lib tech is on maternity leave. He was fully in the swing of things after a
couple of days and is enjoying his time ‘back in the trenches’. It’s wonderful
to have someone there who really knows the ropes; it’s allowed me to be in
TRF more than usual as our lib tech here has needed some personal time off
this past month.
I’m proud to mention I had a letter to the editor published in the StarTribune
today. The letter is a librarian’s perspective on the need for higher funding
from the legislature for the Minnesota State system.
Northwest Technical College - Bemidji (Cynthia Jorstad)
According to Ann Campbell, former lib tech at NWT, interviews to fill a position that included library services were
being held Nov. 21. The position was posted as a College Lab Assistant 2 (an AFSME position) and the description
included testing, tutoring, and all the library work, including duties that are normally considered faculty librarian work.
There was a discussion about the posting on the MnPALS- Discuss listserv, concerns and a copy of the job description
were sent to the appropriate MSCF representative. The MSCF folks may address the problem with the college.
Pine Technical College - Pine City (Mindy Hicks)
My big news is that as of 12/21 I will no longer be working at PTCC!
Many factors came into play and the school has not yet determined how they will staff my position and so have not
posted it.
Rainy River Community College - International Falls (Stephanie Olson)
The RRCC Library, which houses the Adult Basic Education (ABE) classroom, would like to welcome Instructor Doug
Lowthian. Doug is available to assist community members with their GED. He will also help individuals who struggle
with English as a Second Language (ESL) or academic skills. In addition, Doug will work in conjunction with The MN
WorkForce Center to assist in developing job search skills with job seekers. Email Doug at: [email protected]
Minnesota State LIbrary Services
Jennifer Nelson
Tax Season Materials and Webinar
State Library Services is working again with Prepare + Prosper’s statewide outreach campaign,
Claim it!, and the Department of Revenue to provide libraries with free resources and a webinar in
December.
Libraries can order outreach materials from Prepare + Prosper to help individuals discern if they qualify for the federal
Earned Income Tax Credit and to locate a free tax preparation site. Orders should be placed so they arrive in time for the
start of tax season.
Prepare + Prosper and the Department of Revenue will host a webinar for libraries with resources and information for
the 2017 tax season. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, December 14, at 11 a.m. Library staff can register for the
webinar today and join us in December. Please contact Emily Kissane (651-582-8508) with questions.
Early Childhood Screening Informational Video and Webinar
Early Childhood Screening, offered by all school districts, is a way to determine if young children are on track for
meeting developmental milestones. Public libraries can help increase participation in screening by encouraging families
to get their three-year-old children screened. The Minnesota Department of Education and community partners teamed
up to create a five-minute informational video with basic information about screening for parents and caregivers, thanks
to funding from The McKnight Foundation.
Library staff can learn ways to help increase families’ awareness of screening and comfort with the process, by attending
a webinar presented by MDE’s Early Childhood Screening Coordinator, Margo Chresand, on Thursday, December 8,
Noon-12:30 p.m. (Add the webinar to your calendar.) Please contact Jen Verbrugge (651-582-8356) with questions.
2016 Minnesota Public Library Annual Report Library annual report filers and directors are invited to share their ideas
and preferences about data elements for the 2016 report, by completing the 2016 Minnesota Public Library Report
Proposed Data Element Changes survey. They are also invited to join colleagues in a discussion on Thursday, December
15, 1:30-2:30 p.m. When it's time, join the meeting via WebEx or join by phone at 1-888-742-5095. Registration is not
required. Please contact Joe Manion (651-582-8640) with questions.
Minnesota’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Plan Progress Report
State Library Services thanks the many members of our library community who took the time to participate in the recent
ESSA regional meetings held across the state. Commissioner Cassellius and other MDE staff were impressed by the
representation of libraries at each session. Approximately 25 school librarians attended the ESSA meeting held by Jen
Nelson and Kevin McHenry at MDE on November 9. Later this fall, there will be additional opportunities to discuss the
plan as it takes shape, including a survey for parents, educators and community members. Visit MDE's ESSA webpage
for updates and information, and email MDE with questions or concerns.
LSTA Five-Year Plan
State Library Services is working with Management Analysis and Development (MAD) to assess our progress toward
meeting the goals of the 2013-2017 LSTA Five-Year Plan. We received hundreds of responses to our online survey and
25 library stakeholders participated in focus group discussions. Our evaluation report is due to IMLS at the end of March
2017. Please contact Jackie Blagsvedt (651-582-8805) with questions.
Exploring Early STEM Learning in Libraries
This fall, the Science Museum of Minnesota (SMM) offered early STEM training to more than 170 library and early
childhood professionals. The Early STEM Learning in Libraries initiative is made possible by funding through a Library
Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Please contact Jackie Blagsvedt
(651-582-8805) with questions.
Public Library Afterschool Programs Survey
Although it was optional, we received more than 100 responses to our public library afterschool programs survey
which was distributed in November. Thank you to everyone who responded! The Minnesota Department of Education
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Policy Advisory Council Member Reports
is partnering with Ignite Afterschool, Minnesota's afterschool network, to
map afterschool programs throughout the state. Now--with the information
gleaned from this survey--we’ll be able to showcase through Ignite Afterschool
the work that public libraries are doing for the afterschool set. Please contact
Jen Verbrugge (651-582-8356) with questions.
Multicounty Multitype Library Systems
Ann Walker Smalley
Arrowhead Library System (Shari Fisher)
• Five library staff attended the Minnesota Library Association (MLA) conference in Duluth via Multi-type scholarship
funds provided by ALS.
• Seven library staff attended the Association of Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) conference in Fargo via Multi-type
scholarship funds provided by ALS.
• 17 library staff attended the STEM Learning workshop that was held in Grand Rapids.
• Two Brainfuse HelpNow and JobNow webinars were sponsored by ALS to provide training on the use of the
databases.
• By the end of December 2016, ALS will have provided $20,000 in funds for MackinVIA pre k-12 e-book
content.
Central MN Libraries Exchange (CMLE) (Mary Wilkins Jordan)
While I am new here, this has been a very busy and active time for CMLE! We are building on a strong foundation
of service to our community of libraries, and working to strengthen our relationships and services provided.
• I have met with library people from around the state, and multitype systems, to learn about the structure of library
functioning in Minnesota.
• I attended the MLA annual conference, the quarterly multitype directors meeting, and the ITEM annual conference,
each time meeting many new people and learning about libraries across the state. Two of my librarians won awards as
voted on by their colleagues from across Minnesota! (We posted a blog entry about it, including their administrators
who also attended the awards luncheon.)
• We sent out a Needs Assessment survey to all our members. It had been nearly two years since the last one, and we
received many suggestions about services our members want, training they want, and issues they would like us to
peruse for them. The information was very valuable, and gave us a good source of ideas as we began to plan the work
we will do to support our libraries for the next year.
• We created Monthly Topics on our blog and website; each month a new topic of importance in libraries is highlighted
and we collect information to share with our members. This material is then archived on our website so they always
have access to information when they need it.
• We offered in person and online classes for our Monthly Topics. October was Hiring, November was Advocacy, and
December is Stress Management. January will be Grant Writing, and we are currently scheduling topics for the rest of
2017.
• We have set up site visits to our member libraries, a project we anticipate to take about 18 months to complete. As
we visit each library, meet the library staff, and see their resources, we also have a chance to talk about their needs
and the things CMLE can do for them. This program has already yielded benefits in making contacts between libraries
here, in setting up training from experienced library trainers, and in helping us to develop new programs that can help
Minitex Policy Advisory Council
December 9, 2016
our libraries. We take pictures at these visits, and then blog about each library so other members can get to know each
other. These blog entries are some of our most popular, so we have archived the links on our website to give members
easy access to past visits.
• We created Google groups for our members to have a chance to communicate with each other easily. One of the issues
we have consistently heard from members is that they feel alone in their libraries. Most of our members are solo
libraries, or supervise a staff of less than four people. We want to build communication strategies for helping them work
together.
• We have been active on social media, talking about library and education issues of all sorts on Twitter and Facebook,
and establishing an Instagram and a Pinterest account. Each of these different tools is slowly building in followers. (One
of our tweets is going to be published in the January ALA journal.)
• We set up two online book groups on Goodreads for our members; one is a book focused on management skills they
may need in their library, and one is for fun (and has a librarian in each book). We select books easily available in paper
and digital formats from our local libraries, and offer paper copies in our office for members to borrow.
• We have ordered (and received) postcards to mail to our members and other stakeholders, with our contact information
so they can easily find us when they need to reach out.
• We have answered reference questions from our members, locating material and ideas they struggled to find. While this
is not one of our main responsibilities, we are here to help our members in anything they need.
• We hosted a focus group for the State Library Services to talk with people about LSTA.
• We shifted to a new weekly newsletter service, and have made some changes to the website. In December, we are
planning a massive overhaul of the site, to make it more user-friendly to our members and others who use it as a
resource.
• We have many plans for more programs for our members as they have requested, including monthly group visits to
libraries across the system so people can have the chance to talk and to see different services offered. We are planning
to establish monthly casual gatherings, to let members have lunch or dinner while talking with people from across the
system about things of interest across libraries and library types. We are also putting together equipment to start
a regular podcast, and creating a YouTube channel to host member videos of their advocacy elevator speeches. Our
members have a lot to brag about in their library services, and we want that information to be available to everyone!
Overall, the past few months have been both hectic and exciting! CMLE is a wonderful place to work, with a group
of enthusiastic libraries and library staff. We will keep working to build communication channels, to provide useful
information, and to help our libraries to succeed!
Metronet Ann Walker Smalley
• The multitype-sponsored events at MLA & ITEM were a big success. 200 people attended the Glensheen Mansion event
at MLA in Duluth. The multitypes collaborated with UMD Library & MLA to provide tours of the Mansion, a chili supper,
& a bonfire. After a few glitches with the arrangements, it all came off without a glitch on the evening—even the weather
cooperated. The event got rave reviews from the attendees. The Trivia Ninjas put on another fun evening of (harder)
trivia for about 125 ITEM attendees.
• The Twins Archives Wind Down had 40 people attend. More people wanted to attend than could be accommodated so
we will schedule another visit later in 2017.
• Two Wind Downs are scheduled:
Dec 14 Inside the Library at Downton Abbey. 4:30-6:30 at Andersen Library in Room 123 ABC.
LBGTQ library resources in the Twin Cities, 4:30-6:30 at Quatrefoil Library.
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Policy Advisory Council Member Reports
The Director attended two stakeholders’ meetings for the federal ESSA planning process in Minnesota. One was the
general meeting in Burnsville; the second was only for library media specialists and their allies in Roseville. Olivia
attended the Roseville meeting.
• The Director attended the half-day workshop on ESSA implementation sponsored by ITEM & AASL.
• The Director met with a Melissa Brechon and David Inman to discuss the Minnesota Genealogical Society library. It
is at a transitional point and they wanted to talk about membership in Metronet, resources for the library, and other
developmental issues.
• The Director represented the multitypes at the LSTA focus group in St Cloud. The purpose was to share experiences
and opinions on LSTA in Minnesota as part of the State Library Services 5-year evaluation of the program.
• The Director represented the multitypes at the MLA Board meeting that met with Jen Nelson of State Library Services
to discuss recent changes in her job responsibilities and how those changes will impact service to libraries.
• The Director was elected incoming MLA Legislative Committee chair. The incoming chair plans the summer Legislative
Forum and takes office in the following January (so January 2018).
• Olivia Moris, MILI Program Manager, is a judge for the Minnesota Book Awards, Genre category.
Teen Lit Con planning is progressing. Three national authors are confirmed: Box Brown (Andre the Giant & Tetris: The
Games People Play), Jay Asher (Thirteen Reasons and One Light) and Megan Medina (Burn, Baby, Burn). TLC2017 is May
6 at Henry Sibley High School.
Northern Lights Library Network (Kathy Enger)
John Wallace Ingersoll Foundation Fund
NLLN Governing Board President, Wayne Ingersoll, requested donations in memory of his brother, John Wallace
Ingersoll, go to Northern Lights Library Network. John Wallace grew up in Moorhead and taught German in the
Grand Rapids, Minnesota, public schools from 1966-1998. As a result of the John Wallace Ingersoll donation, NLLN is
establishing a foundation fund for donations in honor or memory of NLLN Governing Board members past and present
and in honor or memory of members of Northern Lights Library Network.
Online Destiny Training
Gina Drellack, Media Specialist and Education Services Coordinator with Northwest Service Cooperative in Thief
River Falls developed an online Destiny Training program that library staff in the region can take online for continuing
education credits. To participate, follow these instructions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Visit Schoology
Sign up or Login if you already have a Schoology account
Go to “Courses”
Go to “Join”
Join the Destiny Training course by entering the course number: C37RB-M8TGX
Greenbush Public Library
Architect David Crutchfield (Professor, NDSU) visited the Greenbush Public Library on November 11 to consult on
cracked concrete in the floor of the library and cracked beams in the ceiling. Exterior rainwater surface and sitedrainage
appeared to be creating the problem. David is the principle architect with BIOME Architecture, PLLC, and volunteers his
time to libraries in the NLLN region.
The Skills Media Specialists Impart to Students
Using qualitative grounded theory analysis, Executive Director Kathy Enger and Media Specialist, Glenn Heinecke,
analyzed 2,240 pages of documents on media specialists in the library and information science literature to determine
the skills media specialists impart to students. These skills, which focus on using information effectively, include
Minitex Policy Advisory Council
December 9, 2016
information literacy, digital literacy, and library and information science, skills that are necessary for student success in
the electronic era. In the process of learning how to access information and use knowledge effectively, students read,
write, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information in the online environment. The article, The Skills and Knowledge
Students Acquire from Media Specialists: Emerging Theory to Support Student Success, has been submitted to the
journal, Learning and Instruction for publication and will be presented at the Minnesota School Board Association
convention in January.
eBook access for middle and high school students throughout the NLLN region
NLLN is supporting eBook access through Overdrive and Tumblebook Library for Lake Agassiz Regional Library
(LARL) and Northwest Regional Library (NWRL).
SAMMIE (Shelly Grace)
• Began work redesigning their website with help from ArtUnlimited
• Executive Director attended the Minnesota Library Association Conference, Information and Technology Educators of
Minnesota Conference, and Association of Rural and Small Libraries Conference
• Executive Director, as part of MLA’s 25th Anniversary Committee, received the President’s Award at MLA
• Executive Director attended the regional ESSA stakeholder meeting
• Awarded $2,737 through the Teen Summer Read Grant to 29 libraries
• Hired and trained new Administrative Assistant Maureen Keimig
• Provided scholarships to 20 area library staff to attend conference, including Association of Rural and Small Libraries
Conference, Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Conference, and the Ties Tech Conference
• Scheduled SAMMIE’s first online conference for Friday, February 3, 2016 (see information here)
Southeast Library System (Reagen Thalacker)
SELS co-sponsors all continuing education opportunities with SELCO.
• Co-hosted Southern Minnesota ELM Expo on November 5, 2016, with TdSLC and SAMMIE for 50 + librarians.
• Held Practical Librarianship: Customer Service workshop for 22 area librarians. Workshop presented by Anthony
Molaro, Ph.D. from St. Catherine University (MLIS Program).
• New SELS Advisory Committee members have been elected for the upcoming year.
• Regional Librarian provided consultation to TdSLC about SELS multitype activities and the project management of
Camp Read-a-Lot.
• Continuing Education survey currently running to secure feedback about future regional training opportunities.
• 10 scholarships were awarded to library staff within the region to attend conferences offered by the Minnesota Library
Association (MLA), the Information Technology Educators of Minnesota (ITEM), The Association for Rural & Small
Libraries (ARSL), and Library Marketing and Communications Group.
Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative (Bob Boese)
No report submitted.
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Policy Advisory Council Member Reports
North Dakota
Mary J Soucie
Library Visits
Digitization Librarian Kom visited Mott Library, assisted by Library Development Specialists Martinson and Meier, for an
“Our Town Roadshow” (formerly called “Scan Days”). 192 images were digitized.
Soucie participated in the Bismarck Public Schools “Lights on for Afterschool” event held at Sax Elementary. The
Afterschool Program held an essay contest which NDSL staff judged. Soucie presented the certificates for the winning
essays.
Meetings, conferences, booths:
A number of staff attended the NDLA Annual Conference. Presentations were given by Library Development Specialist
Meier and Soucie on Active Shooter Policies; Library Development Manager Stroshane on Data Privacy; and Public
Services Manager Peterson on Increasing Broadband Speeds in Libraries. Library Development Specialist Martinson and
Soucie both participated in an NDLA Ignite presentation- 26 slides, 5 seconds each. Martinson’s topic as “Make America
Read Again” and mine was “Staying Positive in Negative Times”.
ILL Manager and Center for the Book Coordinator, Mosser, attended the National Book Festival along with Technical
Services Clerk Reisenauer. We gave out temporary tattoos and pins this year.
Four staff members attended the Mountain Plains Library Association Conference in CO. Stroshane’s term as President
was completed at the conference; he presided over an MPLA Board meeting and the MPLA Membership meeting. He will
continue to serve on the Board as Past President for one year. Soucie was appointed Chair of the Leadership Institute
Committee and remains a member of the Board. We also provided transportation for 3 librarians from Minot Public
Library and 2 from West Fargo Public Library. This is the second year that the State Library provided transport to the
conference.
Four staff members attended the Association of Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) conference in Fargo. Soucie and
Library Development Manager presented a breakout session on Active Shooter Procedures. In addition, IT Manager Kroh
provided IT support for two days of the conference. Over 500 people were attended the conference in Fargo. Soucie
participated as a member of the conference planning committee. We were happy to partner with Minnesota State
Library to co-host the ARSL conference. Soucie hosted a “dine around” during the conference, meeting one of our public
librarians at dinner. The State Library awarded 18 scholarships to public library staff to attend the conference; two
recipients were unable to attend. We had 42 ND librarians in attendance which is awesome since many of our librarians
don’t get the opportunity to attend national conferences very often.
LEAP/e-rate
Public Services Manager Peterson continued to assist libraries with completing applicable e-rate forms. NDSL is moving
forward with the creation of a statewide consortium for libraries for e-rate.
Continuing Education
The State Library has subscribed to Zoom web conferencing software. We plan to offer more online educational
opportunities as well as host a variety of meetings. Our first meeting via Zoom was our NDLCC Standards
Subcommittee. Zoom worked very well and we’re excited to offer this to the library community.
North Dakota Library Coordinating Council
The Council has created a subcommittee to look at the public library standards. The standards are effective July 1, 2017
and in order to apply for NDLCC grants, libraries must be in compliance. Library Development and Administration have
been working with libraries to help them achieve compliance.
The Coordinating Council held a Zoom meeting for their 4th quarter meeting. It was a brief meeting. Topics discussed
included future grant opportunities, Library Standards subcommittee and a digitization project. NCLCC approved using
remaining LV2020 monies to bring in a facilitator to lead a conversation about next steps in digitization for NDSL and
ND libraries. That meeting will be held in the spring.
Minitex Policy Advisory Council
December 9, 2016
Center for the Book
Letters for Literature will open on 11-1.
Center for the Book Coordinator Mosser participated in a conference call with the Library of Congress (LoC) and other
Centers for the Book. The new Center for the Book Director at the LoC is working on more building and sharing of the
free resources for education and training from the LoC. She also wants more communication between all the states and
the LoC.
Staff
NDSL currently has two positions open: Librarian II Training Coordinator and Librarian II School and Youth Services
Specialist; both are Library Development positions. The School and YS position is a reclassified position and will be the
first time we have a specialist who is focused on the school community. We are currently interviewing for the training
coordinator. The School and Youth Services Position will be reopened in early December.
Private Colleges
Terry Metz
Bethany Lutheran College (Alyssa Inninger)
Mission and Objectives
Our administration has been evaluating and revamping the college’s Mission and Objectives. Once established and approved by the Board, our library staff will examine them at and evaluate our own statement.
Information Literacy Developments
Faculty are in the process of restructuring the general education requirements. Information literacy has been considered
as a major component of the proposed curriculum, so that is encouraging!
Online Course Offerings
Bethany began offering ten courses online this fall. All are lower division courses, and only limited research support has
been needed from the library thus far. One of our librarians is also teaching an online class, so we are very much a part
of the process.
College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University (Kathy Parker)
Benedictine Values and Pedagogy
The CSB/SJU Libraries continue to work on creating a more inclusive environment that reflects the Benedictine value
of respect for all persons. This year we have been focusing on effective strategies for serving students with learning
disabilities, especially adopting principles of universal design in our instruction and service programs. Our faculty
colleagues have been implementing two Mellon grants investigating inclusive pedagogies, and we continue to learn from
their findings as well.
Digital Preservation
Digital Preservation has become a strategic priority for our Libraries, and we are moving forward with developing and
adopting a policy in collaboration with a number of campus partners. So far we have defined preservation metadata
standards and drafted a working policy. The group working on digital preservation is also investigating whether or how
to migrate our significant CONTENTdm holdings to a new platform.
Building Renovations
At Saint John’s, work continues on our building renovation and expansion. Last summer we moved out all 750,000+
volumes; this month we are starting the process of returning the collection to new compact shelves. The existing Alcuin
Library will reopen mid-­January for the start of the spring semester. The addition will be completed in Summer 2017.
Concordia College Moorhead (Laurie Probst)
Academic Impact
It has been a busy fall in the Carl B. Ylvisaker Library. We have our heaviest teaching load in the fall, primarily working
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Policy Advisory Council Member Reports
with our First-­Year-­Experience classes and we’re pleased to report that again this year, we’ve had 100% participation for
all of our incoming students in at least one library session. We’re also pleased that our partnership with the Academic
Enhancement and Writing Center, the Office of Student Success and Retention, and the Career Center continues to
gain traction. The library hosts peer tutors (writing and other subjects), peer mentors, career peers for afternoon and
evening appointments and drop-­in sessions. Usage continues to increase, and we are seeing more faculty requiring their
students to make tutor appointments, particularly for their writing assignments.Library Management Platform
We are busy with preparations and clean up for our migration to the OCLC WMS system, which will begin in earnest in
January.
Staffing
We’re sad to report the departure of one of our colleagues. Solveig Lund will be leaving us early next year as her family
moves to the Bemidji area. We are hoping to launch a search for her successor in January.
We’re also conducting a search for a new curriculum center librarian. If you know anyone who might be interested in
the position, please contact the search committee chairs (Lisa Sjoberg, [email protected] or Kevin Baggett, kbaggett@
cord.edu).
Cooperating Libraries in Consortium (Ruth Dukelow)
Staffing Changes
CLIC Systems Manager, Steve Waage, retired in October. Steve was employed at CLIC for 24 years.
Library Management Platform
CLIC’s major focus is our migration from Innovative Interfaces Millennium to Ex Libris Alma/Primo. Our target date for
final cutover is May 31, 2017.
Hamline University (Terry Metz)
Former Law Library Collection
Last January, the Hamline University School of Law and the William Mitchell College of Law combined to form the Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Since last May Hamline library staff have relocated, sold, or donated about 18,500 titles from
the former HUSL law library collection to other libraries and non-­profit organizations. That work is now complete. The
remaining titles (approximately 60,000) will be discarded and recycled.
New FLSA Rules
We spent a considerable amount of time this fall addressing new rules on overtime and how they apply to our library
staff. (Chronicle article, August 28, 2016 – “Colleges Brace for Impact of Overtime Rule”)
Staffing
We are sad to report the departure of one of our colleagues. Jon Neilson, our Director of Digital Services & Strategies,
will be leaving at the end of December for a similar position at Concordia University – St. Paul. We expect to launch a
search for his successor in January.
HLC Reaccreditation
The university’s HLC 10-­year re-­accreditation visit will take place in early December 2018. Teams have been formed
around the criteria and have begun work on identifying evidence. I am as one of the members for Criterion 2
Subcommittee (Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct).
Macalester College (Terri Fishel)
DASH/DLA Gathering
Approximately 30 librarians and information technologists gathered on November 18th at Macalester. Co-­sponsored b
the University of Minnesota Libraries, the event explored setting up a support network for those engaged in working on
the digital humanities on our campuses. Based on interest from the group that attended, the organizers will be looking
to establish ongoing communication and another in-­person gathering in the spring. A Google site is available where
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December 9, 2016
more information and updates can be found.
Reminder for upcoming 10th Annual LibTech Conference
Registration for 2017 conference, March 15-­17, opens at noon on December 7th. Last year conference registration filled
within two hours. More information will be found at the Conference website.
Martin Luther College (Linda Kramer)
Collection Development/Weeding
We have updated the library's collection development policy in conjunction with the implementation of a systematic
weeding process of the print collection.
College Archives
Our archives structure continues to become more organized and recognized on campus in what we hope to be a
continually developing program.
North Central University (Judy Pruitt)
Library Staff
Judy Pruitt assumed the directorship of the T.J. Jones Library in June 2016. Before joining the NCU family, Judy served
for several years as a public librarian in Missouri. Judy is currently participating in ACRL’s College Library Director Mentoring Program. She has been paired with a mentor for this school year and will attend the annual seminar at Goucher
College in Baltimore in Spring 2017.
The library plans to add an Access and Electronic Services Librarian during the coming year.
Library Instruction
The library has successfully launched a major initiative to provide an embedded library specialist in all Rhetoric and
Research classes, giving students maximum ongoing access to support and instruction for research. This strategy is also
designed to help students build a foundation for future academic writing.
Library Website
The library’s web presence has been updated and streamlined, making online resources easier to access and navigate.
Several up-­to-­date subject guides are offered on the library website, providing clear guidance for research in NCU’s most
popular disciplines and majors.
Collection Development
Our print collection is under intense discipline-­by-­discipline scrutiny and analysis in an effort to make the collection
current, relevant, and complete in the context of the subjects and majors that are in demand at NCU. The Children’s
Literature Collection was evaluated during summer 2016 and over 100 new titles were chosen to specifically target and
complement the assignments and projects of NCU’s Education majors. This same in-­depth examination and acquisition
process is being applied in other high-­demand areas of the library’s collection including Education, Business, Leadership,
etc.
Library Space
A new area for group study is open to students this fall, and other spaces in the facility have been updated and
rearranged to maximize space for both individuals and groups. An upgraded copier/printer was added to
the library’s computer lab in 2016.
Library Outreach
The library regularly offers and/or hosts various types of programming for students. Over the past year, this has included
workshops demonstrating the use of library resources, an open house, a series of jazz nights
featuring live music, a short film festival, a writing revue, and a literary journal release party.
10
Policy Advisory Council Member Reports
Regional Systems Libraries
Barbara Misselt
Arrowhead Library System
ALS staff are working on implementing Enterprise, SirsiDynix’s discovery interface, and the eResource Central product
that will improve how downloadable content interfaces with the regional catalog. Once implementation is complete, we
will begin conversations with the Duluth Public Library on the possibility of migrating them to Horizon. Also hanging
over the heads of the ALS technology and technical services staff is the OCLC Reclamation project for MnLINK, which
is a major undertaking. ALS uses the Horizon MobileCirc product (using iPads) on our Bookmobile, which allows “live”
circulation. We have also used MobileCirc for inventory at a number of our libraries and ALS has invested in multiple
“kits” to facilitate our libraries performing inventories for collection clean-up prior to the Reclamation project. The kits
include iPads and Bluetooth scanners.
In member library news, the Eveleth Public Library has appointed staff member MaryEllen Higgins as the new library
director. In Hibbing, Tyler Pulkkinen is the new “lead library worker” for the Hibbing Public Library. The Grand Marais
Public Library is preparing to interview candidates for the newly-created assistant director position.
East Central Regional Library
The Highlight of October was definitely the All Staff Day on October 20th. Over 70 people attended and moved about
the Cambridge building smoothly – thanks to the super organizational skills of Assistant Director Carla Lydon. Staff from
all corners of the region renewed friendships or met each other in person for the first time. During session introductions
many staff members proudly related how many different locations they’ve worked in. ECRL has come a long ways
from the silo atmosphere where there was little relationship between branches. Over 36 employees received longevity
certificates. While it seems like there is a high position turnover, almost half of the staff have enjoyed a long-term career
at ECRL: 17 received 5+ year certificates; 7 – 10+ years; 5—15+ years; 2--20+years; 2--25+ years; 1--30+ years; 1--35+
years.
The November 8th election resulted in great disappointment for the prospect of a new Cambridge Library. The ballot
question to approve a Local Option Sales Tax to fund a new library and headquarters was defeated. The vote was 2,266
no votes and 1,832 yes votes – a difference of 434. Director Barbara Misselt submitted a letter of notice to retire on April
1st. The Board has appointed a hiring committee and the job will be posted early in January.
Great River Regional Library
St. Cloud Public Library arson
Great River staff spent most of September and October keeping the region operational with most of our headquarters
and largest collection inaccessible due to fire restoration. We never missed a day of delivery, our payroll went out
without fail and services in 31 libraries continued without missing a beat. Rebalancing our floating collection will be the
next phase of our interesting experiment. On the first day we pulled holds in St. Cloud, 5,000 children’s and media items
were processed resulting in 51 bags being sent to Waite Park.
All Staff Day
We hosted our annual All Staff Day at the River’s Edge Convention Center on October 10th. Sessions included a keynote
on the future of libraries by Toby Greenwalt, sessions from our employment attorney on data privacy and harassment, a
timely session on resiliency from MCIT and a tutorial on using the digital library for public service staff.
Expanding Services Available to Residents Unable to Physically Visit the Library
Patron Services and Collection Development Department staff worked with librarians from the College of St. Benedict
(CSB) and St. John's University (SJU) to set up off-site registration for CSB/SJU students. GRRL staff provided two
days of outreach at the universities to register students for cards. Following this, GRRL staff utilized the interlibrary loan
delivery service to work with CSB librarians for additional student registrations. Approximately 110 students and staff
were registered for cards in the month of September through this project.
Minitex Policy Advisory Council
December 9, 2016
Impact Survey
We conducted the Impact Survey in August, a repeat of the survey we conducted in 2014. Of the survey respondents
who reported visiting the library in the past year, 59% used a public access computer or the library's wireless network
during their visits. Half of public access technology users also received help from a librarian when using the computers
or Internet at the library. Of those users, 90% have access to the Internet at home, school, or work but still choose to use
the library's technology.
The most significant changes were an increase in mobile usage, decrease in library computer usage and increase in
Internet accessibility outside the library. In 2014, 51% of survey respondents said they accessed library resources through
a handheld mobile device. This year’s survey results showed an increase to 62%. Fewer respondents reported use of a
library computer in the past 12 months -a decrease to 42% from 53%. There was a minor uptick in reports of using the
library’s wireless connection with a personal computer (to 45% from 42%).
Staff changes
We’ve had a number of great new additions to the GRRL team over the past few months.
• Royalton Library Services Coordinator Linda Mueller retired at the end of August after 15 years of service.
• Patron Services Coordinator Sandy Toland left GRRL at the end of July for a position in Wisconsin.
• Kate Buechler joins us from Clinton Public Library in Iowa as our new Patron Services Librarian focused on
outreach.
• Neil Vig has been promoted to St. Cloud Patron Services Coordinator and stepped into the role with great gusto.
He started two weeks after the arson and became point person for the facility.
• Jennifer Cleveland was promoted to Library Services Coordinator in Big Lake.
• Terri Deal-Hansen joined us as Royalton Library Services Coordinator.
Lake Agassiz Regional Library
Lake Agassiz Regional Library (LARL) is happy to announce the launch of 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, a program
designed to foster relationship-building and brain development while preparing youth for kindergarten. Thanks to the
Minnesota Department of Education through a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum
and Library Services, LARL is committed to offering this program to the residents of the seven counties served by LARL,
including Becker, Clay, Clearwater, Mahnomen, Norman, Polk, and Wilkin Counties.
This free program encourages parents and caregivers to read to youth from birth to kindergarten and beyond. Each
participant will receive a book bag with information about the program, information about the benefits of reading to
young children, a library card application, and reading logs for tracking books read. LARL will provide incentives and
celebrations for youth and families who complete the program each year.
In effort to best serve youth of this age, and bridge the opportunity gap, LARL will be looking for partnering agencies
and organizations to help spread the word about this program. We hope to use this program as a tool to establish
new relationships with outside agencies and organizations who currently serve birth-K, in addition to strengthening
relationships already in place. Partnering agencies currently include various ECIs, County Health Agencies, and
Headstart.
Pioneerland Library System
The new Cosmos Library will be officially opening on December 10th. Cosmos Library burned to the ground in February
of 2011. It’s been a long, long process -- but we are finally there!!
SELCO
SELCO/SELS Executive Director Search
Work continues on the search for a new Executive Director pursuant to Ann Hutton’s forthcoming retirement. Updates
12
Policy Advisory Council Member Reports
are provided routinely to the membership. Any and all information pertaining to the Executive Director Search can be
found here.
SELCO Membership Agreements
On November 22, 2016, the SELCO/SELS Board signed off on the acceptance of the last remaining membership
agreements from the public libraries within the SELCO region. All 37 libraries now have their first ever membership
documents on file.
Hot Reads for Cold Nights
Completing its 20th year, SELCO staff is finishing up sending out products from the Hot Read for Cold Nights winter
reading program. SELCO received 101 orders – 57 InRegion, 29 Out-of-Region, and 15 from out of state.
L3: Bremer Training & Mentoring Opportunity
Five area libraries are participating in the 2016-2017 customized L3 Training Institute. L3 is shorthand for The Bremer
Rural Libraries and Literacy Leadership Institute. The libraries participating are from Caledonia, Dodge Center, Rochester,
St. Charles, and Winona.
Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative
Bob Boese continues as Interim Executive Director.
Ann Hokanson will begin work as the new Executive Director of Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative on January 1.
Ann is currently the Director of the Austin Public Library.
On Saturday, November 5th the Minitex staff and ELM vendors did a terrific job at the Mankato ELM expo. Although
attendance was less that we had hoped, all of the reviews were very, very positive. Several attendees asked for additional
programs on training for databases and E-Books.
Cheryl Bjoin is retiring as the Director of the Watonwan County Library on January 1. The new Director will be Mark
Blando. Mark has worked most recently for the Siouxland Library, Sioux Falls. Prior to that he was the director of the
Bayport PublicLibrary in Washington County.
Viking Library System
Viking Library System recently purchased a 2017 T-250 Ford Transit Van Medium Roof. It is much more spacious in the
cargo area and allows staff to stand while sorting books. The staff members also decided to switch to all plastic bins
for transport now that there is additional floor space.
The community of Fergus Falls approved a ½ cent sales tax library referendum with 66% in favor as part of the general
election. They are planning to expand and renovate the current library. An addition of 12,000 square feet will double
the current size and allowfor specialized space within the main building.
Melissa Yauk, director of the Morris Public Library retired September 15. Anne Barber has been named as the new
director.
Minitex Policy Advisory Council
December 9, 2016
State Government Libraries
Liz Reppe
Attorney General Library
• Changes are coming! Anita Anderson, Library Director, and Karla Gedell, Research Librarian, will both retire on Feb. 1,
2017.
• Attorney General Lori Swanson has issued a report on opioid prescription painkillers that makes legislative and policy
recommendations to build on Minnesota’s response to the growing prescription painkiller epidemic. The report is titled
Opioids: Preventing and Addressing Prescription Drug Abuse.
• Did you know many of the Attorney General publications have been updated? Tip: the updated booklet covers have a
new, modern style. The shorter information sheets (1-4 pages) have the title in white (reverse) type. If you have sheets
with black titles, they are outdated. Print PDF versions or order new copies from the AG website.
State Law Library
• In July the State Law Library hosted a group of MnDOT employees for a tour of the library.
• In August State Law Librarian Liz Reppe did a site visit to the Cook County Law Library in Grand Marias, and sat in on
the law library’s board of trustees meeting.
• In September one of our Law Library Service to Prisoners librarians, Jean Anderson, was awarded the Unsung Hero
award from Minnesota Lawyer.
• Liz Reppe was part of a group that presented at MLA in Duluth. The program was 30 Resources in 60 Minutes and Liz
reviewed six legal websites. While in Duluth Liz visited the St. Louis County Law Library. She reviewed its print
collection and provided recommendations as to what to keep, update or weed.
• Our long-time Cataloger and Technical Services Librarian, Robin Horowitz, left us for a job at the Minnesota Historical
Society. We promoted from within to fill her position. I am happy to report that Elizabeth Tuckwood is the new
Cataloger.
State Universities
Pam Gladis
Minnesota State University, Mankato, Joan Roca, Dean of Library Services
Staffing Changes
• Peter Jarnstrom, who was our key ILL resource staff, retired this past summer after 36 years of service at our Library,
where he started in the cataloging department. Peter served in many committees locally and statewide and was
recently involved in the PALS ILS Task Force. Unfortunately, we will not be able to replace this position due to budget
reductions.
• Mary Beatty, library technician in acquisitions, also retired this summer. The position has been filled by Annalis Luck,
who was our night manager on a half-time basis.
• Tom Tran is our new Systems Librarian, replacing Peg Lawrence who retired in May. His previous position was at SUNY
Binghamton. We’re excited that he will be leading
our technology initiatives.
General Updates
• As part of the University’s budget reduction targets, the Library’s budget has had a 2.5% cut that affected the lost staff
position as well as a drop in its materials budget.
14
Policy Advisory Council Member Reports
• As a pilot, and in partnership with IT and other campus departments, the Library added three 3D printers available for
students to use.
• The Library is an active member of the campus Sesquicentennial Committee, as our institution’s 150th is coming up in
2018.
• The Library held once again the annual Common Read program, targeted primarily at new students but open to
anyone. This year’s book is Julie Otsuka’s When the Emperor was Divine and has offered many opportunities for side
activities with faculty and other groups on campus. Highlighting the book’s topic of Japanese internment camps, the
1000 Peace Crane project has been very popular while teaching participants how to make origami peace cranes.
Minnesota State University, Moorhead (Jean Kramer)
• Fargo-Moorhead’s “One Book, One Community” program was held in Fall 2016. Author Kao Kalia Yang gave a public
lecture at Minnesota State University Moorhead on her book Late Homecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir.
• The library received a grant from Minnesota Digital Library to scan additional volumes of the Randolf M. Probstfield’s
diaries which describe farming and life in the Fargo-Moorhead region in the late 19th century. Staff received on-site
training from Molly Huber of Minnesota Digital Library in September to create metadata.
• The library staff participated in making a short promotional video which is currently playing on our new digital sign
channel.
• The Library’s Curriculum Materials Center received a sizable donation of props, puppets, and costumes suitable for
story hour programs. The library in turn, donated many of these pieces to libraries in the vicinity.
• The library is preparing for its next self-study visit in Spring 2017 and is looking for an external reviewer. If you have an
interest or a could offer a referral, please contact Jean Kramer by email at [email protected].
Southwest Minnesota State University (Pam Gladis)
• We continue weeding in Reference, Government Documents, and Journals.
• Our new Research Help Desk was significantly damaged in shipping, so a new one has been ordered and is scheduled
to be here the first week of December.
• Our University Undergraduate Research Conference was held November 30, 2016. This is the 11th year of the
conference and over 21 different programs and 285 undergraduate students presented. The Library supports a
Research Award that students can apply to win. We gift two $50 awards – one for an oral presentation and the other
for a poster presentation.
• We are in the midst of the search process for our Instructional Design Librarian position!!
• We offered 90 library instruction sessions this fall.
• We are in the midst of a revamp of our Digital Archives page as we look to add new content in preparation for our
50th Celebration next year.
Minitex Policy Advisory Council
December 9, 2016
Twin Cities & Southern State Colleges
Elissah Becknell
Colleges represented: Colleges represented: Anoka Ramsey Community College, Anoka Technical College, Century
College, Dakota Community & Technical College, Hennepin Technical College, Inver Hills Community College, Minneapolis
Community & Technical College, Minnesota West College (Canby, Granite Falls, Jackson, Pipestone, Worthington),
Normandale Community College , North Hennepin Community College, Ridgewater Community College (Hutchinson,
Willmar), Riverland Community College (Austin, Owatonna), Rochester Community & Technical College, Saint Paul College,
South Central College (Faribault, North Mankato), Southeast Technical & Community College (Red Wing, Winona)
Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Coon Rapids Campus (Gina Pancerella-Willis)
Ruth Martin, library technician, retired November 4, 2016 after serving the Coon Rapids Campus for 42 (!!) years. Ruth
has vast knowledge of circulation, reserve, and interlibrary loan, along with good stories to tell of the many changes she
has seen both in library services and at the college. We are pleased to welcome Candice Young as our temporary library
technician, who is proving to be a terrific addition to our staff. In 2015-16, Candice worked at our Cambridge campus as
a temporary librarian. She has an A.A. from North Hennepin Community College, a B.A. from the University of Minnesota,
and a MLIS from St. Catherine University.
During Fall 2016, the Coon Rapids Campus library received updated chairs and tables, including a few standing ones,
along with additional wiring for mobile devices. In addition, the library personnel met with an architectural firm to
develop a plan for renovating the library in the short and long term as funding permits.
Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Cambridge Campus (Juliana Boner)
The Cambridge library has a permanent full-time librarian as of Fall 2016-me! The Cambridge campus has not had a FT
librarian since the spring of 2015, when long-time librarian Bonnie Boese retired. I worked here as one of two temporary
part-time librarians over the last year, and was fortunate to be selected as the FT librarian. I’m super excited to be here! Anoka Technical College (Jill Holman)
No report.
Century College (Maura Smyth)
We divided our print and online periodical records, and extensively weeded the back files of our print periodicals. We
started circulating DVDs that had previously been for in-house/instructor use only. We contracted with Kanopy for PDA
beginning in January.
Dakota County Community & Technical College (Michael Kirby)
At the DCTC Library, we’re working to clean up our Aleph data in preparation for migration to the next system. Our neverending weeding project continues.
Hennepin Technical College (Teresa Schneider for Jennie Simning)
Jennie is on maternity leave. In October, they welcomed a baby boy: Donovan.
The library has 1 of 4 group study rooms updated with projector systems and computer-assisted learning technology to
improve student study capabilities. The remaining 3 rooms will hopefully be updated over winter break. At the request of
Nursing Program faculty, the library is updating NCLEX-PN study materials and general test-taking resources to assist the
program in maintaining or increasing the first time pass rate. The library is also applying for Perkins funding to support
the laptop rental program, which is a very popular amenities service at the HTC library.
Inver Hills Community College (Ann Schroder)
No News!
16
Policy Advisory Council Member Reports
Minneapolis Community & Technical College (Elissah Becknell)
We implemented chat reference this semester (using LibAnswers software). Also, because EasyBib changed to
something less desirable, we’ve been evaluating different bibliographic management software for our campus. We’re
exploring having only digital e-serials available to students, we’re trialing Flipster and looking into tablet check outs
for students. We’ve also spent time researching a redesign of the space on our first floor, there have been visits to
makerspaces around the Twin Cities and talks with Agati and Steelcase furniture vendors.
Minnesota West College (Kip Thorson)
Fall semester 2016 was fairly quiet in comparison to the previous year that saw a significant weeding project, a
repurposing of library space on the Worthington campus (library commons) and installation of digital signage, and
expanding ebook offerings from 15,000 to 150,000.
We are currently focusing our efforts on preparation for conversion from Aleph to Alma.
Normandale Community College (Rachel Wrightman)
We are hosting a graduate practicum student from St. Kate’s during the upcoming spring semester.
North Hennepin Community College (Craig Larson)
No report.
Ridgewater College, Willmar & Hutchinson campuses (Terrence Edwards)
Following the retirement of Carolyn Kelleher in December 2014, Ridgewater hired Terrence Edwards as the new librarian
overseeing both Ridgewater campuses in March 2015. The array of databases and print subscriptions have remained
nearly the same for students and faculty. The focus of the library in the past year has been primarily on outreach and
instruction. In particular, we have strengthened holdings in Health through a coordinated effort together with Nursing
faculty as well as introducing library instruction at an early stage of their program.
Riverland Community College (Jeannie Kearney)
No report.
Rochester Community & Technical College (Diane Pollack)
No report.
Saint Paul College (Ben Tri)
No report.
South Central College (Ala Garlinska & Johnna Horton)
No news.
Southeast Technical & Community College
No news.
Minitex Policy Advisory Council
December 9, 2016
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Wendy Lougee
RECENT PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS
Maxine H. Wallin Special Collections Research Center
The University of Minnesota Libraries received a gift of $1.5 million from the
Wallin Foundation to create the Maxine H. Wallin Special Collections Research
Center. This gift will advance the programs of Archives and Special Collection
in the Andersen Library. The Research Center will enhance Andersen Library,
creating an innovative venue in which to share and explore the cultural record.
The Center will include a full educational suite, including a user research
space, seminar and teaching facility, exhibit gallery for rare materials, and an
expanded digitization lab. The Research Center will open early in 2018. As
part of the capital project, the James Ford Bell Library and rare collections
will move to Andersen Library.
Wilson Library and Murphy Collection Access Center
The Libraries recently began the predesign phase of the Wilson Library and Murphy Collection Access Center project.
This project includes converting 125,000 square feet of Murphy Warehouse into environmentally controlled storage
space to preserve library general collections and the partial renovation of O. Meredith Wilson Library as a vital academic
hub for learning and scholarship. The predesign process will define the programmatic, physical, financial, and scheduling
aspects of the project. In 2017, the University will include the Murphy/Wilson project in a request to the state for design
funding. The total project cost for design and construction, including both state and University funding, is currently
estimated to be $60 million.
The need for expanded storage at Murphy Warehouse is timely. The University Libraries no longer has storage space
available in its main libraries and branches for its expanding print collections. Furthermore, the Minnesota Library Access
Center (MLAC) is full. Murphy Warehouse will be able to store, preserve, and deliver lesser-used collections to ensure
sustained access and support for learning and discovery in Minnesota.
The need to renovate Wilson Library is also timely. Wilson Library was originally designed in 1968 to hold 1.5 million
volumes at a time when the University Libraries collections as a whole totaled 2.6 million volumes. Wilson now houses
3.6 million volumes, achieved at the expense of critical user space, leaving the library with 1,400 of its originally 2,200
user seats. As the main library of the Twin Cities campus and an intellectual hub for arts, humanities, and social sciences,
a renovation of Wilson will be revitalized as a place for dialogue, learning, teaching, research, and exhibition through a
wider range of engaging spaces.
Big Ten Academic Alliance GeoPortal
The University of Minnesota Libraries is the lead in a Big Ten Academic Alliance collaboration, creating a GeoPortal
for discovery and access to digital geospatial resources, including GIS datasets, web services, and digitized historical
maps from multiple data clearinghouses. The interface offers both text and place-based search options, and item pages
display descriptive metadata records along with external links to download, view, or read more about the resources.
This site is solely an aggregator and does not host any data. The resources in the portal are selected and curated by
librarians and geospatial specialists at ten research institutions in the Big Ten Academic Alliance.
The Transgender Oral History Project of the Upper Midwest
The Tretter Collection has recently posted the first videos from The Transgender Oral History Project of the Upper
Midwest, supported by a grant from the Tawani Foundation. This project will empower individuals to tell their stories,
while providing students, historians, and the public with a rich foundation of primary source material about the
transgender community. The Tretter Collection provides a record of GLBT thought, knowledge and culture for current
and future generations and is available to students, researchers and members of the public. Over the next months, new
content will be added. This project is being led by Andrea Jenkins, poet, writer, and trans-activist. Browse the video
collection at the UMedia Archive.
18
Policy Advisory Council Member Reports
Online Misinformation
Prompted by this last election cycle, the Libraries created a guide to help navigate when information sharing goes
awry, such as the dissemination of mis-information and incorrect information that can be spread through memes, fake
news and biased news sites. The University Libraries created "Can you believe what you'll do after viewing this video?
Assessing sources of information" as a nod to the viral videos with catchy or click-bait titles to give our community a
few tips to help them be smarter about consuming and sharing things they read on the Internet. We also encourage
starting at a library - that we are here to help people become better citizens of information through developing their
information literacy skills.
STAFF APPOINTMENTS
Kalan Davis has joined the Libraries as Special Collections Metadata Librarian. Davis has worked as project manager of
the Immigration History Research Center Archive for the past two years. Davis received her MLIS from San Jose State
University.
Melinda Kernik has been appointed as Spatial Data Analyst & Curator at the Libraries. The components of this position
revolve around the analysis and curation of geospatial data and include consultation and advocacy, data curation,
workflow analysis and process development, and involvement in the Big Ten Academic Alliance Geospatial Data Project.
This position is being funded through a partnership with the U-Spatial program. U-Spatial provides support for spatial
research across campus.
Alicia Kubas is the new Government Publications and Regional Depository Librarian at the Libraries. Kubas comes
to the University of Minnesota from North Dakota State University where she managed the regional government
documents collection and oversaw selective federal depository libraries as regional coordinator. In her role at the
University, Kubas serves as the primary contact for the regional depository, provides reference and research support for
government information and data, and develops the Libraries depository collections. She also serves as the coordinator
for the three-state depository services (Minnesota, South Dakota, Michigan).
Emma Molls joined the Libraries as the Publishing Services Librarian. As a member a member of the University of
Minnesota Libraries' Publishing Services Team, she supports the University affiliates' creation of scholarly publications,
providing consultations on publishing options and access to publishing platforms to start a new publication with the
University Libraries. Molls received her MLIS from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and her BA in English Literature
from the University of Minnesota.
Karen Obermeyer-Kolb has joined the Libraries’ University Archives as project archivist. She in will manage a statefunded, large-scale digitization project of 2,000+ audio reels of KUOM radio broadcasts held in the University Archives.
Prior to joining the Libraries, Obermeyer-Kolb was with the Minnesota Historical Society as a reference assistant.
Obermeyer-Kolb received her MSI from the University of Michigan in 2015 and completed her undergraduate work at
Minnesota State University at Mankato.
Kelly Thompson was hired as a Metadata Analyst Librarian, participating in the management of the descriptive data,
which facilitate access to library collections, both digital and traditional. Thompson comes to the Libraries with a MLIS
from the University of Iowa and a BA in Biology from Carleton College. She is also an Association of Research Libraries
(ARL) SHared Access Research Ecosystem (SHARE) 2016-2017 curation associate.
CURRENT EVENTS
For full information on events and exhibits, visit continuum.
First Fridays: December 2016 - Business and Politics and Hidden Networks and Special Interests
Friday, December 2, noon to 1:00 p.m. Elmer L. Andersen Library, Room 120
Celebrate Sticks, Straw & Mud: Jewish Settlers in the Upper Midwest
Monday, December 5, 3:00 p.m.
Elmer L. Andersen Library Gallery and Atrium
Minitex Policy Advisory Council
December 9, 2016
A Feast of Words: The First ‘Global Immigration Crisis’: History and Contemporary Issues, with Author Erika Lee
Thursday, January 26, 2017, 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. Campus Club, Coffman Memorial Union
Out of the Studio and into the Streets: Using Design Thinking to Advance Equity and Sustainability
Part of the series: Critical Conversations About Diversity and Justice
Friday, January 27, 2016, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Elmer L. Andersen Library, Room 120
First Fridays: February 2017
Researchers and the Swedish East India Company and Whiskey and Vice
February 3, 2017, Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Elmer L. Andersen Library, Room 120
Nurturing Justice: Raising Inclusive Children in an Unjust World Part of the series: Critical Conversations About Diversity
and Justice Friday, February 24, 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Elmer L. Andersen Library, Room 120
CURRENT EXHIBITS
‘Sticks, Straw, and Mud’: Jewish Settlers in the Upper Midwest
October 17, 2016 through January 27, 2017
Elmer L. Andersen Library Gallery
Framing Humanity Past and Present: Celebrating 100 Years of Anthropology at the University of Minnesota
November 7, 2016 through March 24, 2017
Elmer L. Andersen Library Atrium Gallery
20