PLA Blog

Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) is popular with kids. However, there are some libraries that might still have questions on what the DDR options look like, even after attending presentations at conferences and reading posts on blogs. I recently replied to a message on this topic from one of the listservs I subscribe to (a patron wanted to donate a system, and the librarian needed to tell the patron what to buy, but didn’t know where to start), and I’ve answered this question for librarians and patrons on many an occasion, and I thought the information might be worth sharing here in a really basic HowTo format.

Here’s a really basic overview:

TV Plug-n-Play Pad
Parts you need: pads, TV.
You may have seen them in the stores, usually retailing for about $15-$40, depending on the brand. These pads are designed to just plug into a television via the RCA/Composite connectors (the yellow, white, and red things). These require no console or computer to play, you just plug them in to the TV, change the channel (usually to the same channel used for playing your VCR), and use the pad to control the game. While these pads are limited in songs and features, they are very cost effective as a starter option, especially if you’re looking at a small group or if you don’t know if the game is going to take off at your library.

DDR games for consoles
Parts you need: controller pads, game console (Xbox or Playstation), TV, game CDs compatible with the consoles.
This is the most popular and scalable option. Various flavors of DDR are available for the Xbox, Xbox360, PlayStation (PS), and PlayStation 2 (PS2), which are all considered gaming consoles. These boxes hook up to a television, and work much like a CD player with external controllers.

The pads for the console games are different, you can’t connect the plug-n-play pads to a game console. For a console configuration you need the controller pads, one for each of the two players, which come in a variety of styles, the metal kind being the most expensive but most durable, and the padded kind being less expensive but not as durable. While there are wireless pads available, there can be issues of connectivity and slight delay in registering a step.

The downside to this setup is that it can be initially expensive. A PS2 alone can run about $130, the pads can run about $30 each, and the games are about $40 brand new. On the upside is that you can use the console configuration for multiple games, so you can own the latest DDR release, and offer lots of variety. You can also move on to other games as they become popular; Guitar Hero is the latest big thing with the kids I’ve talked to, so by having the console already, you just need th Guitar Hero CD and guitar controller.

DDR on a computer
Parts you need: Spare PC or Mac laptop or computer+monitor, controller pads, game CDs compatible with the computer.
This is a pretty old school setup without much variety or longevity, but it’s still an option. In this configuration, you plug the computer-compatible controller pads into the computer, and you pop a computer-compatible version of the game CD into your computer. The game then plays on the monitor, or on a TV, with the right wires.

On the big screen
At my library, we often connect our PS2 setup to a LCD projector that is hooked up to speakers. That way, you can add volume (some projectors don’t have very loud sound) and a bigger picture that is easier for everyone to see (and it just looks cooler). We don’t have Guitar Hero yet, but I’ve seen it projected on a screen with speaker sound, and it’s *awesome*.

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Public libraries can be total rock stars when it comes to publicity. Take a moment to strut your stuff by entering the competition (details below) now that they’ve extended the deadline!

C’mon - you know your library does some amazing public relations work . Show it off to the rest of the country! Enter this year’s Best of Show Competition, put on by the Swap & Shop Committee (LAMA/PRMS). All libraries are invited to submit promotional materials produced in 2006. Judging in all categories will bebased on content, originality, design format and effectiveness. Entries must be received by April 20, 2007. A team of experts in librarianship, public relations and marketing will judge the library promotional materials. Winning entries will be on display during the Swap and Shop program scheduled for Sunday, June 24, 2006, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., during the ALA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. The awards will be presented to the winners on that day. Free samples of library public relations materials from dozens of libraries will be available for attendees to “swap and shop” during the program. For more information, contact Luke Vilelle at or 540.231.1108. Best of luck to you all!

Best of Show Entry Form

2007 FAQs

Troy Rumpf
Manager, Community & Media Relations
Laramie County Library System
2800 Central Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82001
307.635.1032 ext. 123
www.LCLSonline.org

We invite you to share your fabulous promotional tips, campaigns, and even ideas you haven’t tried yet here on the blog by commenting on this post.

I love it when the PPO thinks so far in advance. If you’re heading to ALA, here are some programs you should consider hitting (via the PPO listserv):

The Public Programs Office will present several Annual Conference programs for library programmers at all levels and in all types of libraries including:

LIVE! @ your library Reading Stage
Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Take a break from a day of meetings and programs and visit the LIVE! @ your library Reading Stage to enjoy readings from new and favorite authors and poets, learn how to develop author programs for your library, and find new recommendations for your patrons. This year, in honor of YALSA’s 50th anniversary, Monday’s stage will feature YA authors Cecil Castellucci; 2006 Michael L. Printz Award Winner, John Green; Barry Lyga; 2004 Michael L. Printz Honor Book Winner, Carolyn Mackler; Catherine Murdock; and Patrick Jones.

Break on Through to the Other Side: Cultural Programming for New Librarians (co-sponsored by NMRT)
Saturday 6/23/07, 10:30 am - Noon
Congratulations! You’ve earned your MLS and you’ve been hired. Whether you work in a public, academic or school library, you need to know how to develop cultural programming for your library’s community. Leading a book discussion is just the tip of the iceberg. The ALA Public Programs Office offers resources, funding, training and the framework needed for you to conduct high-quality cultural programs. Empower your professional career with a review of best practices and a model program demonstration.

Partnerships Produce Successful Cultural Programs
Sunday 6/24/07, 10:30 a.m. - Noon

Working with partners outside the library is an essential element of successful cultural programs in the library. Find out how the ALA Public Program Office’s collaboration with the National Library of Medicine has produced traveling exhibitions popular in all types of libraries. Public and academic librarians will also talk about successful partnerships that have led to unique cultural programs with maximum community impact.

PRIME TIME FAMILY READING TIME®: A Model Outreach Program
Sunday 6/24/07, 10:30 a.m. - Noon
How can your library reach the under-served, or never served, families in your community? Attend this session to hear library, literacy and humanities representatives discuss their successes with PRIME TIME in reaching this audience to create new library users. Learn about bilingual initiatives, evaluative outcomes, funding opportunities and strategies to bring this award-winning family literacy program to your community.

Engaging the Community with Documentary Film Screenings in Your Library
Sunday 6/24/07, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Experience a model for working with Public Television’s P.O.V. program through their Community Engagement Program. Attendees will learn how to select and secure P.O.V. films, develop program content to support the films, and lead a facilitated post-screening discussion. Librarians who have run successful programs screening these films in their communities will share their experiences. As part of the model, a P.O.V. film will be shown.

We the People Bookshelf Project
Monday 6/25/07, 10:30 a.m. - Noon
Representatives from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and experienced “We the People” project directors talk about the “We the People Bookshelf” grant, the books, themes and application process. During the past four years of this initiative, 6,000 Bookshelf collections have been awarded to school and public libraries nationwide.

Let’s Talk About It: 25 Years of Reading and Discussion Programs
Monday 6/25/07, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
The 25 year old Let’s Talk About It (LTAI) reading & discussion model has been engaging people through provocative theme based, scholar-led discussions of excellent literature. Learn about new themes, funding opportunities and resources as LTAI project directors, participants and scholars discuss the evolution of the program model, favorite themes and books and ideas for the future. Program followed by a LTAI 25th anniversary celebration.

I received this via the Public Programs Office listserv:

A record number of applications have been received for this year’s We the People Bookshelf on the “Pursuit of Happiness”! We need more volunteer reviewers!

This year’s We the People Bookshelf has only one deadline and the number of school and public libraries to be awarded is again 2,000! As this national initiative continues to impact so many school and public libraries, it presents an excellent opportunity for librarians to be integrally involved in library selection.

Judges will review and rate proposals online via a password accessible National Endowment for the Humanities Web site. The applications are very brief and should take no longer than 3-5 minutes per review. Each judge will be asked to review approximately 40-50 applications. Each judge will be given three weeks to complete the assigned batch of proposals. The entire review process will be competed by February 28, 2007.

Judges may not be applicants to the WTP initiative under the January 30 deadline.

More information on the WTP initiative can be found at www.ala.org/wethepeople or http://www.wethepeople.gov/bookshelf. If you are interested in serving as a reviewer, please contact Mary Davis Fournier at .

Mary Davis Fournier
Project Director
Public Programs Office
American Library Association
312/280-5056
1-800-545-2433, ext 5056
www.ala.org/publicprograms

This came to my attention very recently through the ALA Public Programs listserv. The deadline for application submission is very tight (December 18, 2006), but it seems like it would be worth the hustle and trouble for interested libraries. All bold emphasis mine.

Dear Library Colleague:

In the spring of 2006, Arthur marked a milestone that few children’s-or adult-series ever attain: ten seasons on the air! To celebrate the occasion, the WGBH Educational Foundation is pleased to launch Arthur’s 10th Anniversary Literacy Initiative, a new outreach effort targeting public libraries.

This new outreach effort is designed to use the series’ continuing popularity to support two intersecting target audiences-libraries and parents. Many parents become library users when their children are toddlers and preschoolers. Many also know the importance of reading aloud to support their children’s literacy development. However, as their children age and become readers themselves, parents often relegate responsibility for their children’s reading success to teachers and become less aware of how libraries can support them and their children as they grow older.

WGBH will award grants in the amount of $1,000 each to 15 public libraries, asking them to design projects using the Arthur resources and targeting parents and children, including soon-to-be as well as independent readers. We seek libraries that represent diversity in size, location, and population served (with an emphasis on reaching at-risk audiences), and will also consider the creativity of their approach and the strength of their community partners (including local PBS stations), which will be essential to access families not currently served by the library.

We invite you to apply for an Arthur’s 10th Anniversary Literacy Initiative grant. Applications are due by Monday, December 18, 2006 and can be found at http://www.ala.org/ala/ourassociation/chapters/literacyoutreach.htm.

If you have questions on the grant application, please feel free to contact Natalie Hebshie, Arthur Outreach Coordinator, at 617/300-3639 or by e-mail at .

Sincerely,
WGBH Educational Outreach

What You Can Expect from WGBH:

• A $1,000 grant to defray the cost of staff time and materials required to develop targeted outreach activities for kids and families.
• Arthur Library Event Guide. This online resource includes ideas to engage kids across the age spectrum in reading activities.
• Let’s Read! (in English and Spanish). This family activity booklet offers ideas for how parents can support their children’s literacy at different ages.
• Arthur anniversary stickers and pencils for distribution to young patrons
• Read Aloud Book Club Kit for young readers, including six book club session cards with activity suggestions, and books for distribution.
• Arthur-themed bulletin board decorations.

What WGBH Expects From Your Library:

• Design outreach activities that support kids and families.
• Partner with your local PBS Station on your outreach activities.
• Utilize ideas and activity suggestions from the Arthur Library Event Guide.
• Distribute Arthur outreach materials, including Let’s Read!, stickers, and pencils.
• Publicize your activities.
• Complete and submit a final report on your outreach activities (final report form provided by WGBH).

Dates to Keep in Mind:

• Grant applications due to WGBH Educational Outreach: December 18, 2006
• 15 grantees selected and notified: January 2, 2007
• Grantees complete final report and submit to WGBH: April 30, 2007

Questions? Please contact Natalie Hebshie, Arthur Outreach Coordinator at 617/300-3639 or by e-mail at .

I wish I had posted this last week, but in any case, this free webcast on screencasting (creating digital presentations that record your actions as you use a computer, with or without a voice over) is happening today from 8-9am PST (11-12am EST). If you don’t catch it the first time around, SirsiDynix will be adding it to their archive, along with a whole slew of interesting, free, archives of previous webcasts on everything from podcasting to teaching client (patron) relations, to name just a few.

The Public Library Association’s awards and honors are designed to highlight the best in public library service. Nominate your library or a colleague for a PLA award through PLA’s new online awards application.

The deadline for applications is December 1, 2006. All applications must be submitted online prior to the deadline in order to be considered.

PLA Achievement Awards:

• Advancement of Literacy Award to a publisher, bookseller, hardware and/or software dealer, foundation, or similar group for a significant contribution to the advancement of literacy. Sponsored by Library Journal

• Allie Beth Martin Award of $3,000 to a public librarian who has extraordinary range and depth of knowledge about books/library materials and the distinguished ability to share that knowledge. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor

• Charlie Robinson Award of $1,000 to a public library director who, over a period of seven years, was a risk-taker, innovator, and/or change agent in a public library. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor

• EBSCO Excellence in Small and/or Rural Public Library Service Award of $1,000 to a public library serving a population of 10,000 or less that demonstrates excellence of service to its community as exemplified by an overall service program or a special program of significant accomplishment. Sponsored by EBSCO Information Services

• Highsmith Library Innovation Award of $2,000 to a public library for achievement in planning and implementing a creative community service program. Sponsored by Highsmith, Inc.

New this year from PLA:

• Gordon M. Conable Award of $1,500 to a public library staff member, library trustee, or public library that has demonstrated a commitment to intellectual freedom and the Library Bill of Rights. Sponsored by LSSI

PLA Grant Opportunities:

• Baker & Taylor Entertainment Audio Music/Video Product Award Grant of $2,500 in audio/music-video products for a proposal that outlines the purpose, benefits, and plan for initiating or expanding a circulating audio music/video collection. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor

• Demco New Leaders Travel Grant of up to $1,500 each, not to exceed $5,000, to PLA members who are new to the profession and who have not attended a major PLA continuing-education event in the last 5 years. Sponsored by Demco, Inc.

• “Grow Your Own” Institutional Scholarship of $8,000 to a public library for reimbursement of employees’ course tuition costs at the undergraduate or graduate level. This PLA Pilot program is now in its second year.

Visit www.pla.org for applications and more information.

Remember – Deadline for applications is December 1, 2006!

This came my way via the ALA Public Programming listserv this morning, and I thought I’d share.

Kathleen Weibel and Kay Cassell are doing an article for LIBRARY TRENDS on public library programming aimed at women with particular focus on National Womens History Month. Unlike academic libraries with a womens studies librarian position, public libraries do not have an institutionalized focus on women and womens issues. However, these libraries do provide public programming aimed at women or on womens issues often during Womens History Month.

The LIBRARY TRENDS issue, edited by Sue Searing and Cindy Gold, will be on gender issues in information needs and services. This issue will explore a wide range of issues in the provision of information through libraries and other agencies, viewed through the lens of gender analysis.

Cassell and Weibel would love to hear from any libraries doing programming on womens health, careers, finances or any other topic as well as programs for National Womens History Month. Please contact Kay Cassell at by November 15.

Kay Ann Cassell Assistant Professor School of Communication, Information and Library Studies Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

These two tidbits came to me care of the ALA Public Programs Office email list. There are more grants and awards (with upcoming deadlines), events, and news listings listed on the ALA Public Programs Office part of the ALA site, as well as information on how to subscribe to the email listserv.

Carnegie Whitney Grant Deadline Approaching
http://www.ala.org/work/pubs/Carnegie.html
The American Library Association Publishing Committee provides a grant of up to $5000 for the preparation of print or electronic reading lists, indexes, or other guides to library resources that promote reading or the use of library resources at any type of library. Applications must be received by November 6, 2006. Recipients will be notified by the end of February 2007.

ALA Seeks Grant Applicants for New We the People Bookshelf
http://www.ala.org/wethepeople
This year, we are offering 2,000 sets of classic books for children on the theme the “Pursuit of Happiness.” To apply, simply complete the easy online application by describing how your library will create a theme-related program that highlights the Bookshelf titles. Applications are due by January 31, 2007.