Technology Grants Awarded for FY 2001
he Nebraska Library Commission awarded $286,999 in Library Technology Grants in Spring 2001 to Nebraska libraries to improve public access to electronic information. Grants are funded through federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds, allocated by Congress and made available through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), as well as State of Nebraska funds allocated by the Legislature for library technology. Grants are awarded annually by the Commission according to the long-range plan, Libraries for the 21st Century. For more information see the Commission home page at nlc.nebraska.gov, search on LSTA Grant Recipients. Grant recipients were:
LSTA Grants Awarded to Public Libraries
- Hoesch Memorial Library, Alma
- Atkinson Public Library
- Auburn Public Library
- Battle Creek Public Library
- Karlen Memorial Library, Beemer
- Nigel Sprouse Memorial Library, Callaway
- Central City Public Library
- Chadron Public Library
- Clay Center Public Library
- Columbus Public Library
- Hruska Memorial Public Library, David City
- Fairbury Public Library
- Fairfield Public Library
- Fairmont Public Library
- Lydia Bruun Woods Memorial Library, Falls City
- Gibbon Public Library
- Hartington Public Library
- Hebron Secrest Library
- Imperial Public Library
- Leigh Public Library
- Lexington Public Library
- Lincoln City Libraries
- Meadow Grove Public Library
- Newman Grove Public Library
- North Platte Public Library
- Ord Township Library
- C.B. Preston Memorial Library, Orleans
- Pawnee City Public Library
- Plattsmouth Public Library
- Seward Public Library
- Shelby Public Library
- Stanton Public Library
- Syracuse Public Library
- Struckman-Baatz Public Library, Western
Grants Awarded to Other Libraries
- Beatrice State Developmental Center
- Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center, Kearney
- Lincoln Correctional Center
- Nebraska Health and Human Services System Library Technology Consortium
Grants Awarded with State Funds
- Southeast Library System
- John Rogers Memorial Library, Dodge
- Kearney Public Library and Information Center
- Lincoln City Libraries
- Neligh Public Library
- Goodall City Library, Ogallala
- Pierce Public Library
- Six Regional Library Systems Partnership
Public Librarian Certification Program
he Nebraska Library Commission's Public Librarian Certification program, initiated in 1987, is designed to improve public library service throughout the state and to motivate librarians to acquire, maintain, and develop skills through basic and continuing education.
Participation in this program has grown steadily since its inception, with more than five hundred library staff members currently enrolled in the program. A task force was established in 1998 to evaluate the Public Librarian Certification Program, including the Basic Skills courses. The Nebraska Library Commission contracted with Debra Wilcox Johnson, J&J Consulting, to direct the evaluation process. The result of this evaluation is an in-depth analysis of the certification program, as well as recommendations for program improvements. This report is located on the Nebraska Library Commission Web page at nlc.nebraska.gov, search on Certification Report.
Public Librarian Certification Program changes include:
- The implementation of a "provisional" certificate on January 1, 2001. For participants who apply to the program after that date, the Nebraska Library Commission will issue a one time, three-year Provisional Certificate. This certificate is provisional until the requirements of the certification program are met. A Provisional Certificate expires at the end of three years and is not renewable. This does not apply to participants with a Master of Library Science degree. The certification program operates with the same requirements as always. The only change is that the initial certificate contains the word "provisional."
- The renewal application is no longer required. Once the requirements for re-certification are met, the Library Commission issues a renewed certificate, along with a copy of the participant's record. In January of each year, certified persons are notified if records show that they do not have the necessary requirements for renewal.
- No fees are charged to participate in the Public Librarian Certification program. Participation in the certification of public library boards has dropped since the program started in 1992, with approximately 120 library boards currently certified. Program changes are designed to increase participation.
Library Board Certification Program changes include:
- Library board certification runs from October through September. This coincides with the time frame for public library accreditation. Renewal dates will be checked and each board contacted near their renewal date.
- Certificates for library boards are sent to the library director, with copies mailed to board presidents.
For more information contact Kit Keller, Library Data Services Coordinator, 402-471-3216, 800-307-2665, e-mail: Kit Keller.
