Affordable Care Act and Libraries

At the American Library Conference last week, it was announced that public libraries will be part of the effort to get information and crucial computer time to the millions of uninsured Americans who need to get coverage under law.  The Affordable Care Act requires certain employers with at least 50 full-time employees to offer health insurance coverage to its full-time employees (and their dependents) that meets certain minimum standards or to make Employer Shared Responsibility Payments.

The initiative starts on October 1st when people without health coverage will start shopping for insurance online.  Coverage can start as soon as January 1, 2014.

In the meantime, there are some articles that are available at: http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2013/07/01/libraries-enlisted-to-publicize-health-insurance-options/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/01/obamacare-libraries_n_3529849.html

In addition, the federal website is already up at https://www.healthcare.gov/ and the key features of the Affordable Care Act are available at http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/facts/timeline/timeline-text.html 


The Institute of Museum and Library Services is working with OCLC to develop an online toolkit and training webinars for librarians.  I'll post this information when available.

E-book Frequently Asked Questions for Libraries

E-books are very popular right now and librarians worry about being able to keep up with the demand.  The issue is amplified by the fact that several large book publishers continue to deny libraries access to their e-books and others make e-books available under difficult terms. Since libraries need a way to organize and circulate their e-book collections, they have different concerns from the home e-book users.  As a result, many librarians are asking, “What can I do to advocate for fair e-book lending practices?”

To assist libraries in informing the public about e-book lending practices, the American Library Association (ALA) released today the “ALA E-book Media & Communications Toolkit,” a set of materials that will support librarians in taking action in their communities.  One of the tools in the toolkit is a frequently asked questions page that provides some basic information about the depth and scope of this problem. 

Developed by the ALA’s Digital Content and Libraries Working Group (DCWG), the toolkit provides resources for library supporters interested in informing the public of the role that libraries play in building literate and knowledgeable communities. Additionally, the toolkit provides guidance on ways to use the media templates, as well as ALA talking points, e-book data, and public service announcement scripts.

“The library community cannot sit by while publishers openly refuse to sell libraries the e-books that they need to serve their patrons,” said ALA President Maureen Sullivan, who recently led several library meetings with publishers. “Librarians and our allies must speak out more forcefully in communities across the country. Everyone needs to know that libraries offer e-books and 21st century library services, but we are unable to offer all the e-reading choices our patrons demand and deserve.”

The Digital Content & Libraries Working Group, a representative group made up of 27 ALA members from various types of libraries, advises the Association on issues related to libraries and digital content, and the provision of equitable access to digital content for all. The group has developed a number of other resources about e-books, including the report “Ebook Business Models for Public Libraries,” a digital rights management “Tip Sheet,” and an E-Content supplement to American Libraries magazine.

Lincoln Exhibition coming to Princeville in 2014

Recently, the Lillie M. Evans Library District and the Princeville Heritage Museum partnered to write a grant for the traveling exhibition “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War.” We are pleased to announce that Princeville is one of the two hundred sites selected to host the exhibit. However, the exhibit won’t be here until spring 2014, so mark your calendars!

Funding for the exhibition and tour is provided by a major grant from NEH. Each site will receive a $750 grant from NEH to support expenses related to exhibition programming. Participating institutions will present at least two free public programs featuring a lecture or discussion by a qualified scholar on exhibition themes. All showings of the exhibition will be free and open to the public. This grant is provided by American Library Association (ALA), in partnership with the National Constitution Center (NCC) and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

More information can be found through the press release dated 10/11/11: ALA, NEH announce 200 site tour for “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War” traveling exhibition. Watch for information about the Princeville exhibit and programs in the fall of 2013.

Celebrate National Library Week April 10-16

Next week is National Library Week. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. Whether you are getting your first library card, learning new computer skills or planning a trip, the library is the place where your story begins. This National Library Week, join our nation’s libraries and librarians and Create your own story @ your library.

As part of National Library Week, the Lillie M. Evans Library District will be participating in Illinois Snapshot Day on Wednesday, April 13. We hope our loyal patrons will stop by and be a part of this historic day. Libraries around Illinois will be collecting and compiling information, comments, and photographs from events in a typical library day. The results can not only provide indisputable proof that libraries consistently provide invaluable services, but they also can be an important tool in crafting the story of local libraries in the 21st century, and in educating decision makers at the federal, state, and local level of our value to the community.

Enjoy your week, and we hope to see you on Wednesday!