8/6/2013
CONTACT:
Nathan Curulla
(888) 900-8944
sales@bywatersolutions.com

Merrill Memorial Library Chooses ByWater Solutions’ Koha Support

ByWater Solutions, an open source community contributor and America’s forefront provider of Koha support, announced today that the Merrill Memorial Library, of Yarmouth, ME. is now live on their installation of the Koha integrated library system.

ByWater Solutions completed the migration for the Merrill Memorial Library’s 40,000 plus volumes earlier this year and will be providing ongoing Koha support and hosting services to them. Their custom OPAC can be viewed at: http://catalog.yarmouthlibrary.org.

Nissa Flanagan, Systems and Technical Services Manager at Merrill Memorial Library, commented about their migration to Koha with ByWater:

“Joy and Ed and I’m sure some other people worked so hard over the weekend to make our hosting transfer seamless. It was so smooth we almost didn’t notice the change.”

Brendan Gallagher, CEO of ByWater stated:

“It has been a pleasure working with Nissa and the staff of Merrill Memorial Library. We are happy to have them as a Koha partner and look to a long and productive relationship together going forward!”

About Merrill Memorial Library:

The mission of the library is to provide our patrons with educational, recreational and cultural enrichment and opportunities for independent learning and for personal and professional growth. The library serves a population of over 5,800 residents and provides an impressive array of services to their adult, youth, and child patrons. For more information please visit: http://yarmouthlibrary.org/

About Koha:

Koha is the first open-source Integrated Library System (ILS). In use worldwide, its development is steered by a growing community of libraries collaborating to achieve their technology goals. Koha’s impressive feature set continues to evolve and expand to meet the needs of its user base. It includes modules for circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, serials, reserves, patron management, branch relationships, and more.

Koha’s OPAC, circulation, management and self-checkout interfaces are all based on standards-compliant World Wide Web technologies–XHTML, CSS and Javascript–making Koha a truly platform-independent solution. Koha is distributed under the open-source General Public License (GPL). For more information about Koha, please visit: http://koha-community.org/

About ByWater Solutions:

ByWater Solutions is a full service, high quality support and implementation company dedicated to providing libraries with a lower cost, more advanced level of support for their ILS than a traditional proprietary solution can offer. ByWater Solutions has a proven track record in first rate Koha implementation and support with library systems of all sizes. Our highly ranked, comprehensive support is what sets our company apart from any other vendor in the industry. Partnering with ByWater Solutions to support Koha not only lowers the cost of implementing and maintaining an ILS, but more importantly empowers libraries by giving them the flexibility and freedom they deserve. For more information please visit: http://bywatersolutions.com/

EBSCO continues to bolster EBSCO Discovery Service with valuable language content. An agreement between EBSCO and NetAdvance will add an extensive collection of material for Japanese Studies to EDS. Recent upgrades to the multilingual search feature in EDS also makes non-English content easier to discover, particularly for languages like Japanese that is typically one of the most technically challenging languages for keyword searching. Adding this type of global content in EDS and making it more searchable, addresses the needs of a global and diverse customer base.

The release is below and can also be found online at: http://www.prweb.com/releases/EDS/NetAdvance/prweb10999449.htm or on the EBSCO website at: http://www.ebscohost.com/newsroom/stories/new-agreement-between-ebsco-an....

New Agreement Between EBSCO and NetAdvance Provides Japanese-Language Content to EBSCO Discovery Service™
~ Extensive Collection of Material for Japanese Studies Now in EDS ~

IPSWICH, Mass. — August 6, 2013 — EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) and NetAdvance today have announced an agreement allowing metadata from NetAdvance’s JapanKnowledge collection to be added to EBSCO Discovery Service™ (EDS) — providing unparalleled access to world-renowned content in all subject areas, for researchers at every level.

The content from JapanKnowledge includes an extensive collection of Japanese-language content geared for educational institutions, researchers and businesses. The metadata offers Japanese language dictionaries (Japanese, English-Japanese, Japanese-English and English-English), two dictionaries of current words, a dictionary of scientific terms as well as a biographical dictionary. The content also includes a 30-volume encyclopedia, the Kodansha Encyclopedia of Japan (the largest encyclopedia in English about Japan), a news database that covers Asia and the European Union, full-text books, a database of video recordings from 1908-2005 and a database of dissertations from the humanities departments of six universities in Japan.

NetAdvance General Manager Mr. Masashi Tanaka emphasized “JapanKnowledge is a frequently and widely used database at educational and research institutions both in Japan and overseas. Inclusion of JapanKnowledge metadata into EDS, I believe, will be quite significant, because the variety of valuable Japanese material aggregated in the growing JapanKnowledge collection will be of benefit to the global users.”

EBSCO has continually worked to increase global content in EBSCO Discovery Service and the addition of NetAdvance’s metadata to EDS significantly expands the global reach and will serve as a unique and valuable resource for EDS users.

NetAdvance is part of a growing list of publishers and other content partners that are taking part in EDS to bring more visibility to their content. Partners include the world’s largest scholarly journal & book publishers including Elsevier, Wiley Blackwell, Springer Science & Business Media, Taylor & Francis Informa, Sage Publications, Nature Publishing, IEEE, ACM and thousands of others. Partners also include content providers, such as LexisNexis, Thomson Reuters (Web of Science), JSTOR, ARTstor, Credo Reference, Encyclopedia Britannica, World Book, ABC-CLIO, The HathiTrust and many others.

EBSCO Discovery Service creates a unified, customized index of an institution’s information resources, and an easy, yet powerful means of accessing all of that content from a single search box—searching made even more powerful because of the quality of metadata and depth and breadth of coverage.

EBSCO Discovery Service is quickly becoming the discovery selection for many libraries (www.ebscohost.com/discovery/eds-news), and an obvious partner for content providers. Because the service builds on the foundation provided by the EBSCOhost® platform, libraries gain a full user experience for discovering their collections/OPAC—which is not typical in the discovery space. Further still, in the many universities and other libraries where EBSCOhost is the most-used platform for premium research, users are not asked to change their pathways or habits for searching. There’s simply more to discover on the familiar EBSCOhost platform, and the same can be said for library administrators who can leverage their previous work with EBSCOadmin™.

About EBSCO Information Services
EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) is the leading provider of resources for libraries including EBSCONET®, EBSCO’s total e-resource management system, and EBSCOhost®, the world's premier for-fee online research service, including full-text databases, subject indexes, point-of-care medical reference, historical digital archives and e-books. EBSCO provides more than 375 research databases and nearly 450,000 e-books plus subscription management services for more than 360,000 unique titles including more than 57,000 online titles. Through a library of tens of thousands of full-text journals and magazines from renowned publishers, EBSCO serves the content needs of all researchers (Academic, Medical, K-12, Public Library, Corporate, Government, etc.). EBSCO is also the provider of EBSCO Discovery Service™ (EDS), which provides each institution with a fast, single search box for its entire collection, offering deeper indexing and more full-text searching of journals and magazines than any other discovery service. For more information, visit the EBSCO website at: www.ebsco.com. EBSCO is a division of EBSCO Industries Inc., one of the largest privately held companies in the United States
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For more information, please contact:
Kathleen McEvoy
Vice President of Communications
(800) 653-2726 ext. 2594
kmcevoy@ebsco.com

Dallas, TX — Amigos Library Services (Amigos) announces it has received a Library Cooperation Grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC). The grant will help fund a project to develop a new e-book distribution platform. The planned service will provide e-books for library patrons, searchable through an Amigos search interface or a local library catalog. Amigos will create the platform and negotiate directly with publishers to obtain content. The grant funds will be provided from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to TSLAC under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act and will aid in underwriting the project’s costs. Prior to receipt of the TSLAC grant, Amigos had begun an e-book distribution platform project using resources provided by North Texas Library Partners (NTLP).

“Amigos is grateful to be awarded this funding assistance from the TSLAC grant. It will strengthen our ability to complete development of this timely and strategic pilot project to benefit all Amigos members. TSLAC and the original NTLP library participants are excellent development partners for Amigos, and we look forward to working together,” said Bonnie Juergens, President and Chief Executive Officer of Amigos.

“Having the support of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission gives us confidence as we move forward,” said Project Manager Christine Peterson, Continuing Education Librarian for Amigos. “We hope to provide a service that will complement existing services and aid our members in providing e-books to their patrons.”

About Amigos Library Services
We are one of the largest consortia of libraries and cultural heritage institutions in the United States. For more than 35 years, Amigos members have collaborated to obtain affordable services and shared library resources and knowledge. Through membership in Amigos, we collectively gain access to the latest innovations and services in the library community; pursue opportunities for continuing professional education; leverage our buying power; and preserve our rich cultural heritage. This collaboration strengthens each member’s ability to serve and lead its community in the creative and effective use of information resources.

About Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Formed in 1909, TSLAC is committed to giving Texans access to information and programs they can use to improve their lives and communities. TSLAC provides historical and genealogical search assistance, federal and state government documents, electronic research and library services to all Texans, including those who are unable to read standard print materials because of physical or reading disabilities. For more information, visit www.tsl.state.tx.us.

Media Contact:
Tracy Rochow Byerly
Amigos Library Services
972-340-2893
byerly@amigos.org
www.amigos.org

It's Fun to be Green. Art Projects with the Environment in Mind.

Sign up is at http://www.artmuseums.com/funtobeGreenLibrarian.htm

Enroll Today Starts August 15, 2013

Course Title-It’s Fun to Be Green! Art Programming for Librarians (Age 5-12 Emphasis)

Course Description-This class is for librarians and staff who are looking for new art program and project ideas that incorporate an appreciation for the environment and the use of recycled objects for their Age 5-12 audience. Taught by Valerie Colston author of Teens Go Green! Tips, Techniques, Tools, and Themes for Young Adult Programming (Libraries Unlimited 2011,) the workshop teaches simple to follow and easy to implement going green basics. Topics include: A) How to use the most common throw away materials to create art B) Teaching children to appreciate nature through art activities C) Easy to follow art projects and programming that are economic and eco friendly D) Showing off and marketing your green programming. E) Developing a portfolio of ideas.

Presenter

Instructor Valerie Colston, M.A. is an author and art professor with many years of experience developing and teaching art programs in libraries in San Diego, California. She has also successfully taught librarians from libraries across the U.S. and other countries in her online Art and Crafts for Youth Librarians workshops. Ms. Colston, the facilitator of the workshop was an art consultant to the Wyland Foundation Ocean Challenge program for elementary teachers. Her book 200 Projects to Strengthen Your Art Skills published by Barrons Educational Series has received outstanding reviews appearing in School Library Journal, National Art Education Association newsletter, and more. Her It's Easy to be a Green Teen appeared in the youth librarian publication Voices of Youth Advocates magazine. She recently received a recommended review from Teacher Librarians magazine for her Teens Go Green! Tips, Techniques, Tools, and Themes for Young Adult Programming published by Libraries Unlimited 2011 .

Course Objectives

Librarians and staff who take this class will learn teaching techniques for working with the 5-12 age group, they will also learn simple techniques for creating art projects and programming using recycled materials. Participants will also gain a portfolio of creative programming ideas that deal with environmental themes which can be easily incorporated into their events immediately. Participants will stretch their creativity and skills while having an expert at hand to help them as they develop confidence in their own abilities.

Format

The workshop is offered completely online and takes 12 hours to complete.

The enrollment fee is $59.00

The online class is 4 weeks in length, online, and 12 hours overall.

Approved for 12 LEU units for Indiana Librarians

Week 1-Basic Supplies, Tips for Working with Children, Themes

This unit outlines the supplies you will need to get started. Tips for working with this age group will be discussed. You will learn the basics for developing themes and ideas, and share resources for creating a variety of green art projects and programming. How to use recycled materials to create puppets, dinosaurs, and other items that can be used in story times, and to enhance reading, and displays will be introduced. Making gifts and items for celebrations and holidays are also included.

Week 2-Creating Projects and Programming with Environment in Mind

This unit presents hands on projects and programming that focus on the natural environment. Garden, Oceans, and other natural wonders will be the emphasis of the projects this week. Budget friendly materials will be introduced. Get inspired and begin to create your own ideas. Finding and using resources will be included.

Week 3-Money Matters and Green Themes

Budget will be the focus of this unit. Participants will learn how to create projects under $1.00. Tips for creating a portfolio will be included. How will you use these ideas in your own library? Find recycling materials in unexpected places.

Week 4-Make It and They will Come

This last week will be a busy week with many projects and programming ideas. Learn simple marketing techniques to reach out to the community and bring them back to your library.

For more information Contact:
Valerie Colston
art259@hotmail.com
858-453-2278

It's Fun to be Green. Art Projects with the Environment in Mind.

Sign up is at http://www.artmuseums.com/funtobeGreenLibrarian.htm

Enroll Today Starts August 15, 2013

Course Title-It’s Fun to Be Green! Art Programming for Librarians (Age 5-12 Emphasis)

Course Description-This class is for librarians and staff who are looking for new art program and project ideas that incorporate an appreciation for the environment and the use of recycled objects for their Age 5-12 audience. Taught by Valerie Colston author of Teens Go Green! Tips, Techniques, Tools, and Themes for Young Adult Programming (Libraries Unlimited 2011,) the workshop teaches simple to follow and easy to implement going green basics. Topics include: A) How to use the most common throw away materials to create art B) Teaching children to appreciate nature through art activities C) Easy to follow art projects and programming that are economic and eco friendly D) Showing off and marketing your green programming. E) Developing a portfolio of ideas.

Presenter

Instructor Valerie Colston, M.A. is an author and art professor with many years of experience developing and teaching art programs in libraries in San Diego, California. She has also successfully taught librarians from libraries across the U.S. and other countries in her online Art and Crafts for Youth Librarians workshops. Ms. Colston, the facilitator of the workshop was an art consultant to the Wyland Foundation Ocean Challenge program for elementary teachers. Her book 200 Projects to Strengthen Your Art Skills published by Barrons Educational Series has received outstanding reviews appearing in School Library Journal, National Art Education Association newsletter, and more. Her It's Easy to be a Green Teen appeared in the youth librarian publication Voices of Youth Advocates magazine. She recently received a recommended review from Teacher Librarians magazine for her Teens Go Green! Tips, Techniques, Tools, and Themes for Young Adult Programming published by Libraries Unlimited 2011 .

Course Objectives

Librarians and staff who take this class will learn teaching techniques for working with the 5-12 age group, they will also learn simple techniques for creating art projects and programming using recycled materials. Participants will also gain a portfolio of creative programming ideas that deal with environmental themes which can be easily incorporated into their events immediately. Participants will stretch their creativity and skills while having an expert at hand to help them as they develop confidence in their own abilities.

Format

The workshop is offered completely online and takes 12 hours to complete.

The enrollment fee is $59.00

The online class is 4 weeks in length, online, and 12 hours overall.

Approved for 12 LEU units for Indiana Librarians

Week 1-Basic Supplies, Tips for Working with Children, Themes

This unit outlines the supplies you will need to get started. Tips for working with this age group will be discussed. You will learn the basics for developing themes and ideas, and share resources for creating a variety of green art projects and programming. How to use recycled materials to create puppets, dinosaurs, and other items that can be used in story times, and to enhance reading, and displays will be introduced. Making gifts and items for celebrations and holidays are also included.

Week 2-Creating Projects and Programming with Environment in Mind

This unit presents hands on projects and programming that focus on the natural environment. Garden, Oceans, and other natural wonders will be the emphasis of the projects this week. Budget friendly materials will be introduced. Get inspired and begin to create your own ideas. Finding and using resources will be included.

Week 3-Money Matters and Green Themes

Budget will be the focus of this unit. Participants will learn how to create projects under $1.00. Tips for creating a portfolio will be included. How will you use these ideas in your own library? Find recycling materials in unexpected places.

Week 4-Make It and They will Come

This last week will be a busy week with many projects and programming ideas. Learn simple marketing techniques to reach out to the community and bring them back to your library.

For more information Contact:
Valerie Colston
art259@hotmail.com
858-453-2278