Sign Up For Your Edge Account

State Librarian Michael Scott has this end-of-year challenge going out to all Iowa libraries that have not yet registered for an Edge account.  Michael writes “…41%. Not a percentage that you ever see a store offering for a discount because frankly, it isn’t easy math to do in your head.  So why am I thinking about 41%? That’s the number of Iowa public libraries (as of 12-14-18) that have not yet registered for an Edge account.  Are you part of that 41%?

The State Library is excited to offer a statewide subscription to Edge, which currently runs through February 29, 2019.  Made up of a national set of benchmarks for public libraries to evaluate their technology services, Edge provides a toolkit which includes a technology assessment, recommendations, and planning resources that libraries can use to develop action plans, as well as communicate the library’s value to their community.  Additionally, the State Library can use the information from all participants to build the case for increased funding for libraries, with the intention of improving technology and other services to Iowa citizens.

However, you can’t take advantage of this awesome resource without taking the first step: signing up for your FREE Edge account.  Go to http://www.libraryedge.org and click on Sign Up in the upper right corner of the screen. Fill in the requested information (about 12 things to fill in, check, choose from a pull-down menu, etc.) and you’ve set up your library’s account.  It’s that easy! “

So before tipping the eggnog and settling down for your long winter’s nap, please take Michael up on his challenge: “my State Librarian’s challenge to the 223 Iowa public libraries that haven’t signed up for their FREE Edge account yet: Take the time between December 17 and December 31 to set up an account.  Let’s head into 2019 together with your Edge account established, setting the stage to accomplishing the next step in the process: the Edge Assessment.  Do your part to make 41% unregistered a “thing of the past,” leading us to 100% of Iowa public libraries signed up and using Edge in 2019!”

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2018 Noteworthy Achievements

This marks the last edition of Monday Morning Eye-Opener for 2018.  With 2019 just weeks away, I’ll use this space to look back at State Library accomplishments this past year.  Here are just a few toots of the horn:

• As highlighted in last week’s Eye-Opener, the State Library welcomed two new staff members this year: Lacey Partlow joined us in June as a Library Resource Technician and Samantha Berch in September as an Accounting Technician.  Angie Manfredi will start in January as the new Youth Services Consultant.  Welcome aboard, our staff is strengthened having you with us!
• The State Library now has a YouTube channel!  Now our recorded webinars are posted in our YouTube channel, with the original programs divided into smaller segments that can be watched from beginning to end in a playlist.  Or watch them a la carte depending on which segments interest you most.  YouTube also allows for closed-captioning, which is now available for our most recent recordings.  This achievement marked an important step in our education and training efforts!
• In answer to commonly asked questions regarding library law, the State Library unveiled the Library Law FAQ page on our website.  This is a compilation of 75 questions and answers on topics ranging from city finances to human resources, from policies to copyright and beyond.  This resource provides an ideal place to start when library directors, staff, trustees, or city officials have questions about the ways local, state, and federal laws impact the library’s operation. Kudos to Mandy Easter for what will surely be a frequently used frequently-asked-questions page!
• The former Iowa Library Directory and the SILO Directory merged into one publication this fall.  The new and improved Iowa Library Directory displays much more data about each library and the best part: new software allows you to edit your own entry when anything changes: hours, emails, staff, etc.  Emails back in September provided instructions on how to edit your entries. 
• Our most talked news in 2018 was providing the Edge Technology Toolkit to Iowa’s public libraries. Through workshops, webinars, and county meetings, we’ve had countless conversations with library staff and boards across the state.  Michael Scott’s year-end challenge is a great one: Take the Pledge, Join the Edge!

A sincere thanks to all of you for your participation and support of State Library services.  Cheers to a successful year ahead for all Iowa libraries!

State Library Feature Stories

Plus Holiday Closings

In the market for copy paper?  Public libraries can stock up thanks to AEA Purchasing.  The winter 2018-19 paper buy (on various weights and colors for copy machines and printers, envelopes also) is going on now through January 11, 2019—that’s the ordering deadline. AEA Purchasing is a statewide coordinated purchasing program that assists Iowa K-12 schools with negotiated discounts on office and janitorial supplies, computer hardware, software, etc.  Thanks to the AEAs, Iowa’s public libraries are eligble for many of the same discounts.  And paper is one of them.  Visit the AEA website for ordering information http://www.aeapurchasing.org/

A reminder that continuing education credit hours for library director or staff certification must be completed by December 31. For more information, go to  www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/c-d/cert

A look ahead to holiday closings: all State Library offices will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.  Monday Morning Eye-Opener takes a holiday, too.  Look for the next issue next year on January 7^th. 

From all of us at the State Library, wishing you a wonderful Christmas Season and a happy New Year!