LIBRARY NEWS

September 7, 2023

June 30, 2023


We're thrilled to count among the 200 libraries selected across the country for digital literacy and APC workshops. Learn more from the following press release from the American Library Association.

CHICAGO —Powered by a contribution from AT&T, the Public Library Association (PLA) has selected more than 200 public libraries across 45 states to host digital literacy and ACP workshops. The PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentives, supported by AT&T support public libraries in their work improving digital skills and promoting broadband adoption among families and communities. The workshops leverage the online digital literacy courses, created by PLA in collaboration with AT&T, that are freely available to anyone through DigitalLearn.org and AT&T ScreenReady. DigitalLearn.org online courses and training materials were developed with and for library staff and their patrons.

This second cohort is part of an expanded national initiative and collaboration between PLA and AT&T. In 2022, 160 libraries were selected to be part of the PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive, supported by AT&T.  The initial group of libraries held more than 1,500 workshops which helped over 8,000 learners build skills and confidence using technology. This new cohort will increase the number of learners libraries can continue to reach.

PLA President Maria McCauley said, “Public libraries continuously play a vital role in providing digital literacy tools and information to their communities. The expansion of this powerful collaboration with AT&T for the second year will ensure that even more families and communities can benefit from programs and resources that increase digital access and equity.”

Workshops, available in English and Spanish, will be offered on 8 digital literacy topics, as well as how to apply and use the ACP benefit. Courses cover basic technology skills which include topics such as internet use, video conferencing, cybersecurity, and mobile device basics and ACP basics.

“DigitalLearn aligns perfectly with our library’s mission of providing equitable access to digital literacy, technology, and information. DigitalLearn has played a critical role in our library by providing digital support and literacy. Our library will continue to use this resource in a variety of ways." said Miranda Robbins, New Braunfels Public Library, New Braunfels, TX, 2022 cohort participant.

“Collaboration is a crucial part of helping to close the digital divide,” said Charlene Lake, chief sustainability officer, senior vice president, AT&T corporate responsibility. “Our work with libraries is making a difference as we meet people in their local neighborhoods and bring them digital literacy tools and resources so they can gain the skills needed to participate in our connected world.”

Workshops funded by the PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive will be conducted online and/or in person at participating libraries across the United States in 2023. Workshops will begin in August and will be offered through December 2023. Patrons should check with your local libraries to learn about upcoming workshops in the community.

"PLA awards $1.27 million to more than 200 Public Libraries for digital literacy and ACP workshops", American Library Association, June 20, 2023.

http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2023/06/pla-awards-127-million-more-200-public-libraries-digital-literacy-and-acp (Accessed June 30, 2023)

Document ID: 40f5306f-f91b-4a2f-9a79-586593935ae9

See the full press release including a list of selected libraries at the link above.

June 20, 2023


Won't you be our neighbor?

This 6,600 square foot property is available now for lease by a nonprofit from the Jefferson County Library. This building offers a perfect turnkey floor plan for a medical or rehab facility.

The highlights:

Keycard access control

Large, divisible seminar space

Medical lab

Immunization room

4 exam rooms

3 offices plus a kitchen

Backup generator

Dedicated parking spaces: 5 employee spaces, 4 ADA spaces, and 12 general parking spaces, with additional overflow spaces when available.

Get in touch- we'll send you a video tour and answer any questions you might have, and we'd be happy to set up a walk-through.

Please email library director Tony Benningfield at tbenningfield@jeffcolib.org with any inquiries! 

May 24, 2023

NEWS RELEASE


Don’t ask Jefferson County Library staff to count how many rolls of colored tape they’ve used on their reclassification project. But it’s all worth it to make book selection more approachable for patrons!


Each branch of the Jefferson County Library has completed the process of switching from an author call number scheme to a browsing system, classified by genres.


"We wanted to make browsing easier for patrons of all ages,” said library director Tony Benningfield, “and especially those returning to the library who may not yet know who their favorite author is.”


The Children’s Department provided the inspiration for the change, Benningfield said.

“When children come in looking for a book about animals, they don't know to ask for the latest Willems. We just applied that idea to the general collection.”


With twelve genres in juvenile, ten in teens, and four in adults, patrons who may not be familiar with specific titles or authors can more easily find a book that fits their interests.


The move was also born out of a need for call number consistency across the district, according to technical services manager Kate Coleman. 


At every location, each genre is assigned a color, and books are labeled with colored tape. Signs detailing the system help users locate just what they’re looking for.


One thing that hasn’t changed? Staying on top of trends! 

According to Benningfield, “new and popular materials remain the easiest to find."


Though it was no small task, it has paid off. Coleman noted that even regular patrons are thrilled with the new experience.


“I am so happy with the results and proud of our staff,” she said. The rainbow of colors throughout the collection is a bonus, too!”

May 10, 2023

NEWS RELEASE

Library Receives Grant to Support Network Security


Jefferson County Library received $7,831 to replace servers at the Northwest and Cedar Hill locations. These servers host mission-critical software for the operation of the library district, and must be updated regularly in order to meet current security standards.

 

Assistant Director of Library Services Pam Withrow and library network administrator Keith McFarlane worked together to outline the library’s needs in the grant application.

 

The IT Department makes every effort to prevent security breaches, McFarlane explained. These servers are one of many ways the library ensures digital safety at the branches. The department also offers regular technology training for library staff.


Some operational improvements will also come with the new servers, according to McFarlane.

“Besides enhancing general data security, the new servers will increase hardware reliability, efficiency, speed, and sustainability,” he said. “Patrons and staff will notice less lag time when streaming content or participating in a virtual conference.”


The grant funds will pay for 75% of the project, with the library contributing the remaining 25% of the cost.

 

“Because people depend on Jefferson County Library for their educational, recreational, and business needs, our technology must be reliable and as secure as possible,” Withrow said. “Grants like this enable us to purchase state-of-the-art equipment that would otherwise be difficult for the library to afford.”

 

The grant was awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Missouri State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.

Assistant Director of Library Services Pam Withrow and library network administrator Keith McFarlane worked together to outline the library’s needs in the grant application.

Mar. 28, 2023

Library Swag!

Grab your gear to represent the library everywhere you go. 

The best part? A portion of the proceeds benefits the Jefferson County Library Foundation.

Find it all right here.

Mar. 1, 2023

We're on TikTok!

JCL's digital presence continues to expand. 

You can find us at tiktok.com/@jeffcolibmo.

Feb. 6, 2023

Mark your calendars - it's here!

Celebrate the grand opening of the Cedar Hill Satellite with us. Festivities include a ribbon cutting ceremony, refreshments, and tours of the library. We can't wait!

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Feb. 20, 2023

6780 Mall Dr. in Cedar Hill

Feb. 2, 2023 

Cedar Hill Branch Opening Soon! A few "sneak peek" photos from our move-in days...

We can't wait to celebrate the opening of our newest location - a satellite branch in Cedar Hill.

Serving the community of Cedar Hill and beyond, the branch offers a children's area, public computers and printing, and a drive-through service for holds pickups!

December 16, 2022

JCLD's Facilities truck has a new look! Check it out!

 November 29, 2022


Jefferson County Library District patrons,

 

Missouri’s Secretary of State is proposing a new administrative rule that would restrict state funding to public libraries based on new collection development policy requirements.


The rule states, in part, that "no funds received shall be used to purchase or acquire materials in any form that appeal to the prurient interest of any minor." You can read the proposed rule here. 

 

Jefferson County Library’s Board of Trustees passed a resolution regarding the proposed rule at their meeting on November 21. You can read the resolution below. 

 

 A 30-day public comment period regarding the rule is open from November 15-December 15. If you are interested in submitting a comment you can do so by the methods below:

 



 

Jefferson County Library encourages parents and guardians to foster a love of reading, creativity, and a strong sense of imagination in their children – all of which are found in abundance at the library. The Library has an established collection development policy that supports the best interests of children, families and our patrons. We value parents’ and guardians' involvement in how their children use the library.

 

We believe our collection development policies serve our patrons effectively and reflect the diversity of the age, race, ethnicity, culture, education, socioeconomic level and lifestyle of the communities we serve.

The Library upholds the rights of each individual to privately read, listen to, and view the full range of published thought and ideas. The Library subscribes to the principles embodied in the Library Bill of Rights and its interpretations, Freedom to Read Statement and Freedom to View Statement adopted by the American Library Association. 

 

We are always sensitive to any possibility of censorship and restriction of equitable access to books and other vital Library materials. We believe parents and guardians should be arbiters on what is suitable for their own children, and are wary of any third parties – including the State of Missouri – to impose those choices on others.

 

Since 1989, Jefferson County Library has provided resources and services to enrich individual minds, enhance lives and expand perspectives. We look forward to continuing to serve our Jefferson County community.



November 21, 2022


Jefferson County Library Board of Trustees - Resolution Opposing 15 CSR 30-200.015 Library Certification Requirement for the Protection of Minors submitted by the Missouri Secretary of State

 

 

WHEREAS, the Jefferson County Library Board of Trustees believes that the right to read is an important part of the intellectual freedom that is basic to democracy;

 

WHEREAS, the Jefferson County Library Board of Trustees upholds the belief that responsibility for a child’s reading must rest with the parent or guardian, not with the library. The library will not infringe on the parent’s right to choose materials for their children; and

 

WHEREAS, the Jefferson County Library Board of Trustees does not support the removal of local control where library administration is concerned.

 

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Jefferson County Library:

1.    Stands steadfast in its commitment to uphold intellectual freedom;

2.    Defends a patron’s freedom to read and asserts that it is the sole right and responsibility of the parent or guardian to determine what library material is appropriate for their children; and

3.    Affirms that policy and collection development decisions should remain at the local level.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Jefferson County Library:

1.    Urges the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules to reject 15 CSR 30-200.015.

 

ADOPTED this 21st day of November 2022