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YALSA's Alex Awards-Did You Know?

Submitted by jhenry on Mon, 02/06/2012 - 11:42

Did you know that this year is the 10th anniversary of YALSA's Alex Award?  

The Alex Awards are given to ten books written for adults that have special appeal to young adults, ages 12 through 18. The winning titles are selected from the previous year's publishing. The Alex Awards were first given annually beginning in 1998 and became an official ALA award in 2002.

The award is sponsored by the Margaret A. Edwards Trust. Edwards pioneered young adult library services and worked for many years at the Enoch Pratt Library in Baltimore. Her work is described in her book Fair Garden and the Swarm of Beasts, and over the years she has served as an inspiration to many librarians who serve young adults. The Alex Awards are named after Edwards, who was called “Alex” by her friends.

Check out this year's winners here: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists/alex#current

Survey Invites Feedback on Future State Library Services

Submitted by jhenry on Tue, 01/24/2012 - 10:26

 

     REMINDER-Your Input is Important!

Acting State Librarian Jeffrey W. Cannell invites the library community and library leaders to participate in an online opinion survey about future programs and services of the New York State Library. The survey is posted at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/J6W3BQH  and will be open until 5pm February 1st.

The State Library is conducting a multi-faceted evaluation of New York’s current Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Five Year Plan (2007-2012). Data from this evaluation, along with the far reaching policy recommendations in the Regents Advisory Council on Libraries new 2020 Vision for library services will help inform and shape New York State’s new  LSTA Five Year Plan (2012-2017) as well as a new strategic plan for the State Library.  

Governor Releases 2012-2013 Executive Budget

Submitted by jhenry on Tue, 01/17/2012 - 15:30

(Please excuse cross-postings. Posted on NYLINE)

The Governor has released his proposed 2012-13 Executive Budget and has kept Library Aid funding flat at last year’s final level of $79 million (including the $3 million restored by the Legislature) and has also included $14 million in Public Library Construction funds.

In addition, School Aid (as promised by the Governor earlier) has been allocated a 4% increase or $805 million in additional funding to $20.3 billion (30% of state general fund).  The caveat is that the increased aid is tied to school districts adopting the new teacher evaluation process.

CUNY and SUNY also receive same amount of general fund support as last year with the authority to spend the additional tuition increases ($113.2 million for SUNY and $66.6 million for CUNY).

Community colleges were also held at last year’s levels of $2,122 per student reimbursement.

Adult Literacy Education (ALE) funding was also flat with last year at $4.2 million.

NYS Senate Establishes Select Committee on Libraries

Submitted by jhenry on Tue, 01/17/2012 - 15:25

(An official press release from Senator Hugh Farley's office early last week via NYLINE.)

Senator Farley Announces Establishment of Senate Library Committee 

            State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R,C, I - Schenectady) reports that he was named Chairman of a newly-created Senate Select Committee on Libraries.  This 19-member bipartisan body was established on January 10th through passage of a Senate resolution.

             “This new committee will help the Senate in promoting libraries and addressing their needs,” said Senator Farley.  “I am proud to have been a lifelong advocate for libraries, and will continue my efforts to assist them in meeting the needs of the public.

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