ULC Online Learning!
Thursday, February 20
1 pm ET/12 pm CT/11 am MT/10 am PT Tweet #ULCWebinar A One-Hour Webinar Featuring: Dr. Sarah Roseberry Lytle, Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences Crystal Faris, Kansas City Public Library Find out how babies and toddlers acquire language and the "building blocks" of literacy through everyday interactions. They see and hear everything! Seasoned library professional, Crystal Faris will carry the "research to practice" mantle, leading an engaging discussion on what emerging knowledge about the human brain means for library programs. Find out more and register today!
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Early Bird Registration! 
June 20-25 / Chicago, ILTweet #NextLibrary2014
Register today and join this global gathering of library leaders and innovators. Our theme is Accelerate Learning, and we'll explore bold ideas, push boundaries and imagine a new library for the 21st century, one that fuels learning experiences for people of all ages, in every context. Find out much more and assemble your team for NEXT. Register Now!
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ULC is Growing
ULC is growing to better serve our members. To add more capacity and open new doors of collaboration, ULC has established an office in Washington, DC. The new location provides ULC with an exciting opportunity to strengthen our national presence and deepen relationships with key organizations that are headquartered in the capital region. Staff in both Chicago and DC continue to speak vigorously on behalf of ULC members and seek new forums in which we can advocate on behalf of the 21st century library.
On the E-Rate Front Positive signs abound that expanding opportunity is on the horizon via the nation's E-Rate program. On February 7, National Digital Learning Day, current FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler affirmed his commitment to ensure that "libraries and schools" have the resources they need to support internet connectivity for people of all ages. In 2014 and 2015, federal funding for the E-Rate program will double from $1 billion to $2 billion! Read Chairman Wheeler's full remarks.
An E-Rate Discussion Tool ULC has published a paper, Modernizing the E-Rate Program, that 1) describes the essential work of libraries in providing both connectivity and a rich array of digital tools and 2) offers substantive recommendations for strengthening the E-Rate program, now and for the future. When in discussions with local and state leaders, please use this report as a tool.
An E-Rate Event
On February 27, New America Foundation is hosting a forum, "Connected Communities in a Digital Age of Learning," which features education, technology, library and government leaders discussing the need to expand internet connectivity so that learners everywhere can take full advantage of today's bountiful learning opportunities. The featured speakers include ULC Executive Board Chair and Richland Library, SC, Director, Melanie Huggins. This event is free and open to all. If you are in the D.C. area, find out more and RSVP.
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News from Learning Labs
Last week, teams from 18 Learning Labs sites gathered with YOUmedia and other national leaders at Nashville Public Library (NPL), TN. Their focus was on connecting with peers, sharing best practices, challenges and smart strategies as they continue to plan, design and open new learning spaces for youth in libraries and museums across the country. Highlights from the convening included interactive sessions on badges and learning networks; mentor and staff professional development; funding strategies for sustainability; and presentation from youth leading prototype activities at NPL. IMLS Director Susan Hildreth provided an update on the agency's activities. Keep an eye out in the coming months for ULC webinars that will feature lessons and tools from Learning Labs.
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What Will You Showcase?
2014 marks the fifth year of ULC's annual Innovations Initiative, and we'll open the gateway for submissions very shortly. Watch for the guidelines, gather your team and start thinking about the big ideas that are keeping your library vital in your community. See what members are doing and showcase your successful work in ULC's Innovations Resource Center.
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State-of-the-Art Learning and Job Training Center
Orange County Library System, FL, has opened the Melrose Center for Technology, Innovation, and Creativity at its downtown branch. This state-of-the-art learning and job-training center includes a recording studio, sound booths, a film studio with green screen, simulators and a fabrication lab with 3-D printers. Take the virtual tour!
Blueprint for Serving the Immigrant Community
Hartford Public Library, CT, and its community partners were featured recently at the international conference of the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action. Their session, "Innovative Approaches to Community Development in a Challenging Economy and Changing Society," focused on the varied engagement strategies they've deployed to serve Hartford's booming immigrant community. Hartford has created a blueprint that other communities can adapt. Get the details.
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Share Your Good News!
Members, have exciting news or opportunities to share with the ULC community? Please send your news to ULC's Sheila Murphy to be considered for the e-News Weekly.
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Urban Libraries Council 125 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 1050 Chicago, IL 60606 312.676.0999 l urbanlibraries.org |
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