NEBASE Annual Meeting Celebrates Anniversary
The NEBASE 25th anniversary celebration will be held September 20. NEBASE was established by the Nebraska Library Commission in 1976 to facilitate access to OCLC services for libraries throughout Nebraska. Started with nine member libraries plus the Library Commission, NEBASE (Nebraska's regional network for OCLC [Online Computer Library Center]) has grown to include 146 libraries of all types and sizes.
Help NEBASE celebrate this milestone by participating in the festivities at the NEBASE Annual Meeting at The Cornhusker hotel in Lincoln on September 20. Speakers from NEBASE and OCLC will update participants with presentations and discussions concerning computer-supported library services. And, of course, birthday cake will be served. To register contact Jeannette Powell at 402-471-7740, 800-307-2665, e-mail: Jeannette Powell.
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Clara Belle Johnson
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The Commission collaborated with a variety of
organizations during this decade, including The State Agriculture Extension Service; the State Home Economics Association; Home Extension Clubs; the Nebraska Federation of Women's Clubs; the American Legion Auxiliary; the Associated Women of Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation; and teacher and parent-teacher organizations. The decade ended with Johnson's resignation. In a 1981 letter, she spoke of her Commission connection, "What great times to remember!"
Special Report...
Census Information Sources for Librarians
The Census redistricting data summary file (PL-171), containing detailed population and race information down to the block level, was released in March. General age-group, housing, and family characteristics down to the place level was released in late May and can be found in the Demographic Profiles for each state. Eventually, the Census Bureau will release some printed volumes and CD-ROMs, but the Internet is the first place information is made available. Librarians can use census data to help determine library collection, program, and space needs. This data can help find the answers to the following questions: Does our community have a growing Hispanic or Vietnamese population? Increasing numbers of citizens over age sixty-five who may need large-print books and audiotapes? People living in group quarters? Single-parent households? This information can also be used to substantiate the library budget request. Below are some suggested Web sites for digging Nebraska data out of the treasure trove:
University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Library Research Wizard library.unomaha.edu/research/
wizard/index.php3
UNO Center for Public Affairs Research www.unomaha.edu/~cpar/
Nebraska Databook info.neded.org/ stathand/contents.htm
Demographic Profile of Nebraska www2.census.gov/census_2000/
datasets/demographic_profile/
Nebraska/2kh31.pdf
American FactFinder factfinder.census.gov
Census Category, Electronic Library,
Nebraska Library Commission www.nlc.
state.ne.us/nsf/census.html
Beth Goble
EDITOR'S NOTE: Look for another Special Report by Beth Goble in the fall issue of NCompass, in which Beth will discuss the details and implications of the Census 2000 redistricting data for Nebraska and how librarians can use this information to better serve their customers.
NebrasKard Supports Reciprocal Borrowing
On July 1, the Library Commission distributed information packets to enable Nebraska public libraries to participate in the NebrasKard reciprocal borrowing arrangement. Libraries can now permit registered borrowers in good standing to borrow materials from participating libraries across Nebraska. The packets include Policies and Procedures, Frequently Asked Questions, Agreements, Customer Sign-up Forms, and sample marketing pieces (including NebrasKard key chain tags, stickers, bookmarks, etc.). Libraries that wish to participate can mail the completed Agreement Form and Materials Order Form to NebrasKard, Nebraska Library Commission, The Atrium, 1200 N Street, Suite 120, Lincoln, NE 68508-2023,
or fax to 402-471-2083. For information about NebrasKard, including a current roster of participating libraries, see the Library Commission home page at nlc.nebraska.gov, search on NebrasKard Program.
