[Libs-Or] FW: August news from TechSoup for Libraries

Wed Aug 3 14:20:30 PDT 2011

Some interesting items from our friends at techsoup. Of particular interest, I think, is the Public Access Technology Benchmarks Project at the top of the post.
MaryKay

From: Sarah Washburn [mailto:techsoupforlibraries at techsoupglobal.org]
Sent: Wednesday, August 03, 2011 1:53 PM
To: MaryKay Dahlgreen
Subject: August news from TechSoup for Libraries

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Welcome to the TechSoup for Libraries<http://tsg.convio.net/site/R?i=CEbtRmR6679sdDpi77E_WA..> newsletter! This month we are focusing on TechSoup's product donation programs.

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Better Together: Chime in on the Public Access Technology Benchmarks Project

[https://secure3.convio.net/tsg/images/content/pagebuilder/ts4l_chimes2_080311.jpg]TechSoup is part of an unprecedented national coalition<http://tsg.convio.net/site/R?i=fckFjW4Cv1F2gXYftnybfw..> designing and piloting public access technology benchmarks for public libraries, supported with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. These benchmarks support continuous improvement and local advocacy efforts in public access technology at libraries, including positioning libraries for success by:

  *   Creating a common language for discussing public libraries and public access technology in supporting community goals
  *   Setting clear, achievable and measurable standards for public access technology for libraries of all sizes
  *   Supporting strategic planning, budgeting and advocacy processes
  *   Providing an extra layer of legitimacy and authority to library technology discussions
  *   Helping you find new and clearer ways to tell your library's story
This project relies on feedback and expertise from you, from libraries large and small, to create meaningful and useful benchmarks. As always, TechSoup is interested in hearing from you, so please share your thoughts with the project team<http://tsg.convio.net/site/R?i=9FSD2zWyDMjeSi_hCI9i7A..>. You can read more about the Public Access Technology Benchmarks<http://tsg.convio.net/site/R?i=M-HPqJYqKkdUFKP4hVN4sQ..> in Ariel Gilbert-Knight's post about a recent focus group of California library directors.

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Online Events

Microsoft Donation Program: How Does It Work?
Thursday, August 4, 2011 - 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Pacific
Online Registration<http://tsg.convio.net/site/R?i=9ppsIGKPPG_4bT2iFFtmjg..>

Whether you are new or experienced with Microsoft donations, join us to learn about the recently updated donation program, restrictions, and additional benefits that will help you to get the most out of your donation request.

Microsoft Donation Program: Get Your Questions Answered
When: Thursday, August 11, 2011 - 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Pacific
Online Registration<http://tsg.convio.net/site/R?i=GYG5_1Kwx99g9U8sopW0rA..>

This webinar will give a broad overview of the donation program, explain who is eligible, the procurement process, and the benefits that are included. When you register, submit your questions using the registration form, and we will do our best to answer them all. There will be additional open question time as this webinar will focus on you and your questions.

Free Windows 7 Curriculum: Basic Computer Training at Your Library or Nonprofit
When: Thursday, August 18, 2011 - 11:00 - 12:00 p.m. Pacific
Online Registration<http://tsg.convio.net/site/R?i=x-QcsJdn4LIO06o_RUQ2IQ..>

Struggling to provide jargon-free, basic computer training for an adult audience? The My PC Series offers free online curriculum. This webinar features My PC program manager Todd Watts, and includes background on using Windows 7 and Windows Live Essentials to teach basic computer and photo-editing skills.

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Browse Our Updated Product Donation Digital Catalog

[http://home.techsoup.org/PublishingImages/Digital-Catalog-2011.jpg]<http://tsg.convio.net/site/R?i=lTB_MkJi-y6EoR8fmdrOjQ..>
Take a look at everything TechSoup has to offer with our updated, easy-to-use digital catalog<http://tsg.convio.net/site/R?i=w0oGS374UiqnvMBOG_Z6aA..>. It's interactive - you can see the donation programs your library is likely eligible for, browse products by the tech solution you need, and see what others in your field are requesting. Public libraries and nonprofits may be eligible for donations<http://tsg.convio.net/site/R?i=3o0CqhW5gvoeEdeoThQ9UQ..> of brand-new software and hardware at savings of 80-90% (over 450 donated products). Donations are available to all public libraries that are listed in the IMLS database<http://tsg.convio.net/site/R?i=2BcI2ywbG_7Snwj2CTY3sw..> or have a valid 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.

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Don't forget that what might be "no big deal" to you may be an "aha!" to someone else. Thanks to ALL of you for your continued participation and support. Please keep in touch<http://tsg.convio.net/site/R?i=c8u5z4nmkSaGwQXi-g7Nfw..>; we savor your feedback and contributions.

--Stephanie Gerding, TechSoup for Libraries

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TechSoup Product Spotlight: MS Donation Program Updates

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Microsoft is making it easier for you to get the software donation you need, when you need it. Each year, the Microsoft donation program provides millions of dollars of software donations to nonprofits and libraries. To find out more about these updates, attend an upcoming webinar<http://tsg.convio.net/site/R?i=UEHDXlSVuBlbQ4kPtmGCgQ..> or read this recent blog post<http://tsg.convio.net/site/R?i=QteZ1lgD75fLoXrKNW5Z-A..>.

Monthly Survey

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We rely on your thoughts and experiences to create practical and useful resources for libraries. This month, we'd like your thoughts on the Public Access Technology Benchmark Initiative<http://tsg.convio.net/site/R?i=_XNx7Yq8ts64L7icAH3oEg..>. Please take a moment to answer the two questions in our survey<http://tsg.convio.net/site/R?i=3Jxu96fEQZa9SPFL5lKCbA..> and if you're lucky, win a prize! Last month's winner was Connie Barrington, from Imperial County Free Library<http://tsg.convio.net/site/R?i=X9y1P7ppNHC_4SDETOPlWA..> in El Centro, CA.

Here are some responses to last month's survey question, "Is there anything missing from the Vision and/or Guiding Principles?"

"Provide more guidance on making the benchmarks relevant to stakeholders."

"Incorporate the fact that library environments are constantly changing, at a rapid pace, so there must be occasional re-assessment of the public demands on libraries."

"Acknowledge the library's role in providing meaningful access by supporting the daily educational aspect of being a librarian."

Your insightful thoughts from last month's survey will be shared with our partners. Thank you!

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