News from September, 2008

Rachel Gray, Project Librarian

Deciding on how to invest your hard-earned money can be a hard decision since there are many options out there.  On this week's program we are looking at the pros and cons of different investment vehicles.  We'll look at questions like:

• Why should I buy mutual funds instead of individual stocks or bonds?
• How are preferred and common stocks different?
• What shorter term investments are out there to save for college?

Last week I talked about delicious.com and the Smart Money* list of links that has been collected there.  This week's special topic of discussion is a collection of resource guides provided by FINRA and can be found on SELCO's Smart Investing @ Your Library website

These Resource Guides cover a wide range of topic from different kinds of investments, bank products and securities, along with information on investment risk and choosing investment professionals. As you can see, there is a lot of valuable information here to help you gear up to become a successful investor. 

Check this, and the rest of the Smart Investing @ your library webpage to educate yourself on what is available for you to invest in!

*Smart Money Connections was produced by KSMQ Public Service Media, Inc. SMARTMONEY is a trademark of SmartMoney. Smart Money Connections is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by SmartMoney (a Hearst SM Partnership and Dow Jones & Co., Inc. partnership), nor does it represent the views or opinions of SmartMoney, Hearst SM Partnership or Dow Jones & Co., Inc. or their respective employees, owners, or affiliates in any way.

Mollie Pherson, Regional Librarian

Just a reminder, folks -- September is Library Card Sign-up Month!  For cool info about Library Card Sign-up month, check out the ALA website!

Mollie Pherson, Regional Librarian

This link was sent to me by a co-worker and when I clicked on it, I was amazed!   The link directed me to a story about a new series called The 39 Clues, which is a planned 10-volume set.  Each volume will have a different writer and is designed for kids ages 8-12.  The series also features contests, game cards, and a web site that has blogs, videos, games, backgroud info--creating a multi-media learning experience for the reader.  Read about it!  It's SO cool!!

Mollie Pherson, Regional Librarian

Today is the day to celebrate literacy!  Did you know there are now close to 4 billion literate people in the world?!  For more stats and info about International Literacy Day, check out the following links:

• International Literacy Day
• UNESCO Literacy page
• Literacy Rates
• Literacy Online
• International Literacy Day -- Wikipedia
• Activities for International Literacy Day
  

Rachel Gray, Project Librarian

Credit cards are so prevalent in today's society that I'm sure everyone reading this has at least 1 or 2 cards that carry a balance on them.  In theory, they are wonderful since they let you borrow money against your next pay check and also give you the ability to not have to carry so much cash with you to make purchases.  The problem is, credit card companies make it way too easy to spend money you don't have and it is really easy to get in over your head in debt.

On this week's Smart Money Connections* (Wednesday September 10 @ 6:30pm), we'll be taking a closer look at credit cards and have experts on-hand to answer your questions about them.  This episode was inspired by the Frontline program Secret History of the Credit Card.  If you would like more information on this topic, take a look at their homepage.  The full 60-minute program is available to view online, as is a lot of other information about this multi-billion dollar industry. 

*Smart Money Connections was produced by KSMQ Public Service Media, Inc. SMARTMONEY is a trademark of SmartMoney. Smart Money Connections is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by SmartMoney (a Hearst SM Partnership and Dow Jones & Co., Inc. partnership), nor does it represent the views or opinions of SmartMoney, Hearst SM Partnership or Dow Jones & Co., Inc. or their respective employees, owners, or affiliates in any way.

Michael Scott, Assistant Director

On August 18, 2008, I had the opportunity to visit the Spring Valley Public Library in Spring Valley, Minnesota.  When I had worked at SELCO back in 1997-1999, the library had been in an older building on the other end of main street when I had made a site visit.  The current library's location at that time was merely an empty former grocery store with tape on the floor to outline where shelving units and offices were to be placed.  What a difference!  It was very exciting to see a large beautiful space.

I had the opportunity to meet with Dianne Sikkink, the director of the library.  She gave me a tour of her lovely space which includes a real tree in the children's area (check out the photos here on Flickr ) that is decorated at various times with something interesting.  The day I visited, there were items on the tree in support of the "What's Cooking" summer reading program.  What a great idea and certainly a conversation piece, to say the least.

The library has a large collection of books and media as well as several public computer workstations.  There is a beautiful reading room at the back of the library with a gas fireplace and plenty of comfy seating (I've been told many a nap has been taken back there!)  As Dianne remarked to me, "it is a great place to come work to everyday!"  I certainly felt welcome at the library and had some patrons who stopped in for some materials remark at how the library is such a great place to be.  If you ever have the chance to visit the library or if you're ever passing through, stop in and see Dianne and her staff.

Thanks Dianne (and Marcia) for a great visit.

Michael Scott, Assistant Director

Just saw this come across American Libraries Direct newsletter that was in my email inbox this morning.  Seems that Highsmith was bought by Lab Safety Supply and the company has announced that they will close Highsmith on November 1, 2008.  Click here for the story.  Highsmith was located in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin and had been a supplier of supplies, furniture, and equipment to libraries around the world.

Rachel Gray - Information Services Librarian

Have you ever thought of having a podcast to alert patrons to what's happening in your library?  Have you nixed the idea as being too difficult or technically advanced for you to tackle?

 I was recently researching podcasts (how to create them, where to host them, etc.) for training possibilities here at SELCO, and I ran across a couple wonderful introductory SirsiDynix Institute Webinars all about podcasting.   

 A Beginner's Guide to Podcasting: Part 1 - A Consumer's Guide taught by Greg Schwartz makes it really easy to understand what a podcast is and how to find some that appeal to you.  This session helped me appreciate the wide variety of topics covered in podcasts, and it was also interesting to see how quickly this media exploded and gained popularity around the internet.

A Beginner's Guide to Podcasting: Part 2 - A Creator's Guide is a follow-up webinar that explores programs and tools available to anyone interested in creating their own podcasts.  Since SirsiDynix is a company that serves libraries, both of these guides focus on how podcasts can benefit libraries and librarians, and also gives ideas for libraries to podcast about.  The nice thing about this guide, is that Greg Schwartz doesn't just paint a rosy picture about how easy podcasting is, although he does make it look easy.  He also mentions that podcasting takes time and effort, which is important to remember before taking the plunge and getting into this new wave of information distribution.  

Check out these free webinars for more information on podcasting.  I am very happy I did, and I'm sure you will be too.

Michael Flores, User Technology Manager

Recently the LaCrescent Public Library was given five new computers from their city to replace some of their older equipment.  This was a great improvement for many of their public computers.  However one of the computers fell short of being useful as a public computer.  LaVonne and I did some brain storming and instead of recycling this computer we decided to take out all of the parts inside of it and turn it into a donation box for the LaCrescent Public Library Computer Fund.  This computer now sits on the front desk with an opening in the floppy drive for patrons to put in their donations to help keep their public computers running.

Mollie Pherson, Regional Librarian

Happy Monday!  Here is some more information pertaining to libraries.

If you are looking for speakers regarding library safety, Wendy Wendt, Marshall-Lyon County Library Director, has compiled a list of library safety speakers. 

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is now soliciting public comments on the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Science--Draft Revision dated September 2008.  As part of the process, MDE is asking public libraries across the state to make the draft standards document and the feedback form in the printed and online versions available from their facilities (upon request).  A notice that these documents will be available at public libraries will be part of a press release from MDE.  An online link to both the draft standards document and the online version of the feedback form can be found via the MDE homepage by clicking here.  If you have any questions, please contact Marsha Davis-Busch at 651-582-8755.

Attention Friends of the Library groups and Minnesota library staff!!  Did your Friends of the Library group do something notable?  The Minnesota Association of Library Friends (MALF) is asking you to submit that special project for the Best Project by Friends Award.  The MALF is eager to recognize a variety of projects by Friends groups, completed after January 1, 2007, in communities of all sizes.  Submit an Entry Form by Friday, September 26.  The appropriate forms are available below:

To verify a group's membership in MALF, please contact Bob Papke at 763-545-8072 or papkecr@comcast.net.  The award will be presented on Thursday, November 20 at the Sheraton Bloomington during the Minnesota Library Association Annual Conference, November 19-21.

Finally, Happy Birthday to Tomie dePaola, the late Robert McCloskey, and the late Agatha Christie!!   

Rachel Gray, Project Librarian

We've all seen commercials that show the hazards of not knowing what your credit rating is.  But what really does your credit rating tell banks and lenders about your financial past?  What is the difference between a rating of 400 and 600?  How much does having one delinquent loan affect it?  What do the three credit reporting agencies do, and why are there three of them anyways?  These are just some of the questions we'll be taking a look at on this Wednesday's Smart Money Connections*.

Most people do not know that they are given the right to a copy of their credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by the Federal government.  There is an online brochure about how to request a copy of your reports on the FTC website . 

One reason to get a free report is to make sure everything on it is correct.  It is especially important when you are looking at buying a big ticket item like a house or car because it can prevent you from making this purchase if things are wrong on your report.  Another reason to regularly look at your credit report is to make sure you haven't been a victim of identity theft.  If you have, a credit card may be illegally opened in your name with your social security number.  When they make charges but don't pay for them, it will have a bad effect on your credit. 

Tune in to the show on KSMQ and webcast starting at 6:30pm on 9/17/08 to learn more about this very important topic!

*Smart Money Connections was produced by KSMQ Public Service Media, Inc. SMARTMONEY is a trademark of SmartMoney. Smart Money Connections is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by SmartMoney (a Hearst SM Partnership and Dow Jones & Co., Inc. partnership), nor does it represent the views or opinions of SmartMoney, Hearst SM Partnership or Dow Jones & Co., Inc. or their respective employees, owners, or affiliates in any way.

Michael Scott, Assistant Director

 I had the opportunity to visit the Leroy Public Library on July 18, 2008.  I had a great time getting to know Rhonda Barnes and her staff and finding out about what was happening at the Leroy Public Library.

The library itself consists of two floors.  The main floor contains the Information Desk, public computers, the Adult Fiction collection and the Children's area.  The lower level consists of the Adult Non-Fiction collection and large tables where patrons have plenty of space to spread out work they're doing.  On the day I visited, the library was buzzing with activity.  The public computers were all in use and there was even a bit of a waiting line for the computers (yes, I know, no surprise!)  There were also a number of patrons coming in to check out and return library materials.

One of the unique parts of the Leroy Public Library's collection is its cake pan collection.  For a small fee, patrons can "check" out a baking pan in some unique shape and bake the perfect birthday or special occasion cake.  I thought this was a neat service for patrons who want to make a very special cake but don't want to own a very special cake pan forever.  Rhonda told me that this collection receives quite a bit of use.

I want to say thanks to Rhonda and her staff (Sharon and Kay) for making my visit so very welcoming.  I felt just like one of their patrons whom they warmly welcome to the library.

Michael Scott, Assistant Director

I have an update to my SELCO Librarian post on September 12, 2008 about the closing of Highsmith.  This information had been reported in both The Capital Times (Madison, WI) and on the American Libraries Direct newsletter.  It turns out that Highsmith is closing its Fort Atkinson, WI, facility and relocating to Janesville, WI as it was purchased by Lab Safety Supply, which is based in Janesville.  A correction has been issued by The Capital Times.  Additionally, American Libraries Direct this week noted the correction and has provided links to an article in the Watertown Daily Times about the relocation and a press release from Highsmith issued to clarify the issue.  Having relied on information from reputable sources, I apologize for any concern or confusion this may have caused for Highsmith customers.

Mollie Pherson, Regional Librarian

Here is information on the two-part series with 2008 MN Book Award Winners, thanks to the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library:

Mark your calendars for a two-part series with 2008 Minnesota Book Award winners and Pioneer Press books editor Mary Ann Grossmann, presented by The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library.  Get to know the writers, their work, and enjoy a conversation moderated by Ms. Grossmann.

On Sunday, September 28 at 2 p.m., sit down with Children's Literature winner Lynne Jonell (Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat); Readers' Choice honoree Jill Kalz (Farmer Cap); and Young Adult Literature winner Will Weaver (Defect).  The following Sunday, October 5 at 2 p.m., join the General Nonfiction category winner Charles Baxter (The Art of Subtext); Memoir & Creative Nonfiction winner Patricia Hampl (The Florist's Daughter); Minnesota winner Doug Hoverson (Land of Amber Waters:  The History of Brewing in Minnesota); Poetry winner Deborah Keenan (Willow Room, Green Door) and Fiction winner Wang Ping (The Last Communist Virgin).

Both events take place in the Magazine Room of Central Library, 90 West Fourth Street.

Rachel Gray, Project Librarian

Home ownership is always a big and scary step under any circumstances, but in this day and age with all the issues in the financial world, it has become an even scarier step.  The good news is that there is a lot of information out there to help you educate yourself so you know what to expect when buying your first house.  This week's Smart Money Connections* broadcast & webcast are two great places to get this information. 

There are also quite a few websites out there to help you decide if you are financially ready to take the homeownership plunge.  To start with, there are many mortgage calculators online you can use to see what your monthly payments are likely to be.  One the I especially like is Mortgage Calculator.  This website not only lets you know what your monthly payment will be based on the loan amount and interest, but it also shows you how much money you will actually pay over the course of your mortgage and it also shows how much of each year's payments will be for interest & principle.  These kinds of calculators are very helpful in getting a big picture of the life of your home loan. 

Another important website to be familiar with is The US Department of Housing .  There is a lot of excellent information available from HUD that includes an section on avoiding foreclosures , and another on http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfmHUD Approved Housing Counseling Agencies that gives people info on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, credit issues, and reverse mortgages.  This is just the tip of the iceberg of the vast knowledge and information you can get from the HUD's website. 

There is a lot of help and knowledge out there for those buying a home, both online and in books and magazines.  We have created a list of websites on mortgages and home buying at http://delicious.com/smartinvesting/mortgage.  If you have further questions or are looking for more information, visit your local library!  Librarians may not have all the answers you're looking for, but they know where and how to find them for you.

*Smart Money Connections was produced by KSMQ Public Service Media, Inc. SMARTMONEY is a trademark of SmartMoney. Smart Money Connections is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by SmartMoney (a Hearst SM Partnership and Dow Jones & Co., Inc. partnership), nor does it represent the views or opinions of SmartMoney, Hearst SM Partnership or Dow Jones & Co., Inc. or their respective employees, owners, or affiliates in any way.

Aurora Jacobsen, Information Services Librarian

I've read a number of articles lately about how as library budgets have decreased, library use has increased. One of the best articles about the topic appeared Monday in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Not only does it summarize some of the recent press, it does a good job of explaining exactly what the author gets for the $35 a year she gives the library in taxes and how she feels the value she receives far exceeds that amount. 

A bit earlier this month was a report titled "Why Public Libraries Close" was released by Christie M. Koontz , Dean K. Jue and Bradley Wade Bishop of Florida State University and released through WebJunction. It's generating attention and comments on various library blogs and generating some good discussion.

Mollie Pherson, Regional Librarian

 The 11th Annual Hot Reads for Cold Nights products are ready for your order!  This year's theme features the moose and the Minnesota landscape.  Southeastern Libraries Cooperating (SELCO) recognizes the importance of preserving our environment and we are offering a few "Green" products this year.  Our print and promotional materials are reasonably priced and available to all libraries throughout the state of Minnesota and out of state.

Order deadline is Monday, October 13, 2008.

If you are a SELCO/SELS member, please click here to view product information.

If you would like to place an order and you are not a SELCO/SELS member, please click here to view product information.

Michael Scott, Assistant Director

I had the opportunity to visit the Rushford Public Library on August 26, 2008.  I met with Susan Hart, the library's director and had a great visit.  Susan provided me with a tour of the building, which as you can see from the photos on Flickr, is not only a busy place but certainly bursting at the seams!   Patrons are certainly well-served at this library with library materials for all ages and public computers with Internet access as well.  As many of you remember, the Rushford Public Library was the headquarters for a number of relief agencies during the floods of 2007 and the place in town where residents could access the necessary forms (mostly through the Internet) and assistance 24/7.  Though the library made it through the flood fairly intact there are still signs of the flood's effect.  The carpet has been removed from the main floor (saying it was in bad shape would be an understatement!) and the basement is still not back to full use at this point.  However, there is a glimmer of hope for the future.

The day I visited the library was the day before the kickoff of their "Continuing the Legacy" campaign with the goal of building a new library in Rushford.  The site has been picked and now the process of raising funds begins.  According to their website, they have a goal for groundbreaking in Spring 2009.  Here's wishing them the best of luck in achieving their goal.

I wanted to say a special thank you to Susan for allowing me to visit the Rushford Public Library!

Rachel Gray, Information Services Librarian

One of the email lists I follow turned me onto an online article today about Jay Walker's personal library.  Mr. Walker is the founder of think tank Walker Digital that's best-known for Priceline.com, and when he built his house, he built it around a 3,600 square foot library that is part museum.  It includes three levels of bookshelves and display areas that include everything from Sputnik to a raptor skeleton to the instruction manual for the Saturn V rocket.

The article is "Browse the Artifacts of Geek History in Jay Walker's Library" By Steven Levy and it is in Issue 16.10 of Wired.  My jaw dropped at the sheer beauty of this library and it's amazing collection, and I hope yours does too!

Rachel Gray, Project Librarian

Losing control of your money by placing it in investments is always scary, but with all the recent trouble on Wall Street it is doubly so.  It is always hard to know what companies and industries are good places to put your hard-earned money, but this should not stop people from making these investments.  Luckily there are people who research companies and investments full-time, and hiring one of these investment professionals is a good idea if you don't have much knowledge or experience. 

In this week's Smart Money Connections*, we will take a look at what the advantages and disadvantages of using a financial professional.  We'll also examine the differences there are between investment and insurance professionals, in addition to talking about what questions you should ask someone before hiring them to manage your money.  As always, we hope you not only watch the conversation, but join in yourself, and get your questions answered.

KSMQ & SELCO value your opinion of Smart Money Connections.  Please take a few minutes to fill out a short survey and we'll mail you a 1 GB flash drive for your time!

*Smart Money Connections was produced by KSMQ Public Service Media, Inc. SMARTMONEY is a trademark of SmartMoney. Smart Money Connections is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by SmartMoney (a Hearst SM Partnership and Dow Jones & Co., Inc. partnership), nor does it represent the views or opinions of SmartMoney, Hearst SM Partnership or Dow Jones & Co., Inc. or their respective employees, owners, or affiliates in any way.