Library Commission Welcomes Twelve New CatExpress Libraries

Since 1999 the Nebraska Library Commission has worked through NEBASE (Nebraska's OCLC Network) to provide smaller libraries with affordable cataloging services and to help small libraries participate in the WorldCat catalog. WorldCat is OCLC's Online Union Catalog containing more than forty-eight million records from OCLC member libraries around the world. The CatExpress service allows smaller libraries to contribute to the WorldCat database, as well as share their own collections through Interlibrary Loan. In 1999 forty-two of Nebraska's libraries became CatExpress users and this January another twelve were added to this total, bringing Nebraska's CatExpress library users to fifty-four.

This fall the Commission offered funding to libraries interested in joining the CatExpress service. Twelve Nebraska libraries signed up for the service in response to the Library Commission's offer to provide CatExpress at no cost for one year. In exchange for receiving the first year of CatExpress service at no cost to the library, these libraries have agreed to maintain the CatExpress service on their own in the future and to participate as an Interlibrary Loan lender.

Welcome the following libraries to the Nebraska CatExpress Group:
Ashland Public Library
Blair Public Library
Hay Springs Public Schools
Humphrey Public Library
Lyons Public Library
Mead Public Library
Nebraska Indian Community College, Macy
Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary

Pierce Public Library
Ravenna Public Library
Schuyler Central High School
Valley Public Library

Designed especially for smaller libraries, the CatExpress service requires no special training and offers an easy and affordable way to copy-catalog library materials. Since the service is Web-based, there is no need to maintain or install software. Nebraska librarians report the ease of use and staff time savings as the primary benefits of using CatExpress. For more information on CatExpress see the Library Commission Web site, nlc.nebraska.gov, search on CatExpress.

Library Commission Thanks Volunteers

What would Talking Book and Braille Service be without the dedicated volunteers who narrate books and magazines, duplicate materials, process new books, and perform quality check? In February we honor these caring individuals. During 2002 National Volunteer Week volunteers were greeted with cinnamon rolls, juice, key ring flashlights, and pins commemorating the United Nations International Year of the Volunteer. When the Shrine circus came to town, volunteers received bags decorated in an animal motif containing popcorn and peanuts. Appreciation for the dedication of our volunteers was expressed through custom-designed cards and posters, snacks, and milestone presentations. Travel mugs were presented to Pat Schreurs, Jeff Schroeder, and Dena Van Kirk.

Volunteers reaching out to make life richer for others is a vital component of our American heritage. Thank you, volunteers.

Legislative Day Activities Held

The Nebraska Library Association (NLA) Legislative Day Luncheon was held in February in Lincoln. Using the theme, Making a Difference @your library^TM, the daylong event focused on the number and variety of services that librarians provide for their customers. With a special emphasis on library services to youth, the luncheon featured a recognition ceremony for young people involved with their local libraries. A continuing education seminar featured Maxine Moul, President of the Nebraska Community Foundation. The seminar focused on library leadership and funding opportunities for libraries and their communities.

MLS Reception Held

A Reception/Information meeting for twenty-eight current and prospective Missouri MLS students was held in the University Library on the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) campus this spring. Faculty discussed admissions and coursework for persons interested in beginning the program and advised students already enrolled. This semester nine students are enrolled in Cataloging, six students in Library Administration, one student in Special Libraries, and three students in Academic Libraries. University of Missouri will offer Managing Collections and Access, taught by Professor Charley Seavey, in the 2002 summer session. This will be a web assisted course covering the eight-week summer session, June 12-July 29, with a face-to-face class meeting in Lincoln, at the Nebraska Library Commission, July 7th-July 9. For more information, contact either Charley Seavey, e-mail: seaveyc@missouri.edu, or Becky Pasco, e-mail: rpasco@mail.unomaha.edu.

Karen Hein, Reference and Electronic Services Librarian at UNO (left), and Marty Magee, MLS student from Omaha and Omaha Public Schools library media specialist, consult reference materials.

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