SIGNAL January 2005

The introductory page for the Southern Ontario Library Service is www.sols.org . From that page, you can move to any other pages created by staff at the Southern Ontario Library Service, as well as to links to resources and professional information.

Note - as this is an older newsletter, some links may no longer be valid, or may refer you to a section of the site that has been updated in the interim. Please contact if you want more information on a specific initiative.

All Clients, Friends and Supporters are cordially invited to an Open House at the new office of the Southern Ontario Library Service on Wednesday, February 2, 2005 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The keynote speaker, at 5:30 p.m., will be the Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Sue Walls at extension 5105 or via e-mail at by January 31, 2005.

The address of the SOLS office is 111 Peter Street, Suite 902, Toronto. Peter Street runs straight up from SkyDome and 111 is located between Richmond and Adelaide.

SOLS negotiates charitable/consortia purchasing agreements (CPAs) on behalf of SOLS libraries. CPAs are ‘economies of scale’ pricing for the purchase or lease of a range of goods and services.

Fridge Magnets CPA - As a result of client requests, we have renewed the previous CPA for fridge magnets (2” x 3.5” business card size) with the Janway Company. We are fortunate to have concluded negotiations just in time for OLA so interested parties can examine samples and talk directly to Janway representatives about this SOLS CPA at OLA Booth #111. The Canadian sales representative for the Janway Company is Bill Lynch, who can be reached by e-mail at bill.lynch@sympatico.ca or by telephone at 416-244-4024.

The period of this agreement is January 25, 2005 to March 11, 2005. There was an order form in the original e-mail from Ron Neems, but you can contact Ron for a copy. Invoicing and ordering is direct between Janway and the client library. All orders will be shipped to SOLS during the week of April 4th and will then be delivered via SOLS courier.

The price, excluding taxes, for 500 magnets is $160.00; for 1,000 magnets, $290.00; for 5,000 magnets, $850.00 and for 10,000 magnets, $1500.00. For libraries accessing this agreement for the first time, there is a set-up charge of $30.00 per order. Delivery costs are included.

Further information on pending Charitable/Consortia Purchasing Agreements can be found on the SOLS Web site under COOL and CPA. The various CPAs are organized by product and service, as well as by Vendor. The contact person for most of the CPAs is the SOLS Purchaser, Ron Neems who can be reached at 1-416-961-1669 or 1-800-387-5765 ext. 5115 or by e-mail at . If you have ideas for a CPA, please do not hesitate to contact Ron.

As many communities in Ontario identify literacy as a community development need, libraries are beginning to explore ways and means of developing collections that will support adults in their community as they develop and improve their basic literacy skills.

To this end, SOLS and the AlphaPlus Centre (Ontario’s largest special library of adult literacy resources) are seeking feedback from libraries in southern Ontario that would be interested in participating in a POOL for adult and/or family literacy materials.

Before moving forward, we need to ensure there is enough interest to merit further planning. If you are interested in participating in either an Adult Literacy POOL or a Family Literacy POOL, please contact Lynda Dowdle by February 11, 2005 at .

4. E-BOOK COLLECTION – Deadline for new participation - Friday, February 11, 2005

As was mentioned in the November 2004 issue of Signal, SOLS, in conjunction with COOL, is looking to grow the Ontario shared e-book collection. Almost 70 public libraries, 24 colleges and 20 universities have participated in creating this collection. Our current e-book vendor is netLibrary. We have just completed renewals this past December and are giving any libraries interested in participating in the shared e-book collection an opportunity to join now for the current year.

For those of you unfamiliar with the e-book collection, the following are some Qs and As:

What is a Shared E-book Collection? netLibrary defines a shared collection as one that will be accessed by two or more libraries, with one license agreement and one billing entity. netLibrary operates on a “one book, one reader” model. This means that a book can be read only by one person at a time, in much the same way that a print book is used. As soon as the user stops reading the e-book, or 15 consecutive minutes of inactivity have elapsed, it goes back on the shelf and is available to others. This is similar to a one consecutive user model. COOL is the biggest multi-type consortia and owns the largest e-book collection in Canada.

· First, there is the cost of the books themselves. The e-books are licensed on a title by title basis and pricing is based on the hardcopy list price. Discounts are based on the total volume initially purchased, as well as the forecasted purchase of future volumes.

· The second component is the access fee. netLibrary charges an access fee for each e-book. The access fee supports such areas as storage of e-books, circulation management, gathering and reporting statistics and usage information, maintaining the hardware/software architecture, integration efforts with ILS vendors, and participation with evolving e-book standards. A library or consortia chooses to license the right to access the e-book as a onetime purchase, or to license access on a year by year basis with annual subscription fees.

How does a public library participate? SOLS has developed an equitable fee structure which allows public libraries to participate based on the population they serve within their communities. Last year, the public library sector contributed close to $90,000 towards the purchase of e-book titles for the shared collection.

Pop. Served	Fee per Library
<15,000	$100
15,001-50,000	$500
50,001-100,000	$2,500
>100,001	$5,000
County PL	$1000
First Nations PL	$100

How are titles selected? An e-book Collection Development Committee for public libraries was created last year and the Committee focused their purchases in the following subject areas: Business, health, information technology, general science, Canadian content.

How large is the e-book collection? Collection #1 numbers over 4800 titles. These titles are accessible to only those libraries that have participated over the last 2 years. Due to new licensing requirements from netLibrary, separate collections will be created on an annual basis to ensure that only those libraries that contribute to the collection have access to the material purchased.

Are MARC records available with e-books? MARC records are available to all participating libraries at no additional cost. Libraries that have loaded MARC records have noticed increased use of the e-books collection by their patrons.

How do patrons access e-books? E-Book titles are available to patrons at terminals in library branches and from their home computers via the Internet. Robust search technology allows patrons to search quickly across all the e-books in the collection to identify the reputable published sources of greatest interest at any point in time. Library patrons can search across the entire e-book collection for authors, titles, or keywords and they can search within books for keywords and phrases. E-books are available for checkout and are automatically checked back into the library collection when the checkout period expires, making the e-book available to other patrons.

In addition to the collection of copyrighted e-books available through the shared e-books collection, patrons have access to more than 4,000 public domain e-books, featuring political texts and classics in literature and history. THERE IS NO NEED FOR SPECIAL HANDHELD DEVICES TO READ E-B00KS!

For more information about e-books with netLibrary, visit www.netlibrary.com Please forward any questions and/or comments to Barbara Franchetto at . If you wish to participate in this initiative, please contact Brenda Lewis at or 1-800-387-5765, ext. 5130.

The long awaited upgrade to VDX version 2.7.3 is getting closer for INFO libraries. It has been on hold, due to performance issues discovered by the vendor, Fretwell Downing, when another customer with a similar operating environment to INFO’s upgraded last fall. Upgrades to version 2.7.3 for clients running on Solaris systems had not been affected. The problems discovered in a Windows environment were not anticipated by the vendor and have taken some time to resolve. The Wisconsin state libraries using VDX on a Windows platform will be installing the upgrade this week and Fretwell Downing, and SOLS, will be watching closely over the next month for any performance issues.

We want to thank libraries for their patience. It has been a long wait for this upgrade since ILL staff heard about it in User Group Clinics last spring. Our current VDX version is running smoothly and we have not been willing to take any risks with the upgrade until we are comfortable that we will have a stable system.

We will be working with Fretwell Downing over the next few months to prepare for INFO’s upgrade to VDX version 2.7.3 sometime in the spring. Once the schedule is established, we will keep INFO libraries apprised of timelines with regular announcements to the Info Administrators e-mail list.

This message was also sent, via e-mail, from Resource Sharing – INFO Operations to the SOLS Interlibrary Loan Departments on January 6, 2005.

The contract for Library Mail Rate that Heritage Canada negotiated with Canada Post a few years ago expires this coming March 2005. Heritage Canada and Canada Post are currently in negotiations, and the new policy and procedures will be communicated to public libraries by Heritage Canada once they are known.

1. Canada Post is losing money when libraries use Library Mail Rate. The base expense to libraries does not cover their costs. Therefore, though still less than normal parcel post rates, the library mail rate will increase in March 2005.

2. Improper use of mailing labels. Lending libraries might send out four books in one package and borrowing libraries may return the books in four separate packages, using photocopies of the return mail label. Handling four packages that were paid for as one is more costly for Canada Post.

3. Currently the lending library pays for both sending and return of the item and the borrowing library does not pay anything. The special Library Mail Rate (LMR) labels required to identify return packages as “Pre-Paid” have been a nuisance for libraries to acquire. One of the options being tabled in the negotiation process is that each end of the transaction would pay postage. The lending library would pay the outgoing LMR postage to send the book. The borrowing library would also pay postage by putting the return LMR amount on the package to return the item to the lending library. This new procedure (if adopted) would circumvent the need for a special pre-paid return label being sent with the ILL item. The parcel need only be stamped clearly LIBRARY BOOKS ONLY.

For the next few months at least (if not indefinitely), lending libraries need to use an acceptable Pre-Paid Library Mail Rate return label. Canada Post is not allowing photocopy labels and is adamant that a “proper” label be used. This means a commercially printed label, which seems a pointless exercise for each library to arrange if the need for the label might disappear in a few months time. SOLS has ascertained that Canada Post will accept laser printed peel-and-stick Avery labels. This option is a less expensive create-as-needed alternative.

SOLS can provide any interested library with a PDF template of a Pre-Paid Return Mail label with their address on it. The template has four labels to a page that is designed to be printed onto Avery mailing labels, 4 per sheet, size 5 x 3.5 inches (No. 05168). The cost of a box of 100 sheets (400 labels) is approximately $33.00. That breaks down to 8 cents/label when you make your own. SOLS will e-mail the template to libraries free of charge and the Avery labels are available at any office supply store. Send an e-mail to to request a template. State the e-mail address to be used to send you the template. Also, state the full address of the ILL Department location that you want to appear on the label template.

For the short term, until March 2005, when the need for a Pre-Paid LMR return mailing label will be known, SOLS will print labels for libraries that can not undertake making their own because they do not have a quality laser jet printer or need a small quantity. We will charge $0.25 per label. They can be ordered in the following quantities:

To use Option 2, e-mail your request to: MaryJo Lynett at . Clearly state your library name and your name in the e-mail so the labels can be shipped to the appropriate person. Also state the full address of the ILL Department location that you want to appear on the label. After you have placed your order, please send a cheque, payable to “Southern Ontario Library Service”, to Mary Jo Lynett at the SOLS-Toronto office. Please indicate that it is for LMR Postage Labels. If you are using the SOLS courier, the SOLS-Toronto office is on SOLS Route E. The mailing address for the SOLS Toronto office is 111 Peter Street, Suite 902, Toronto, ON M5V 2H1

If you have any questions about this, you may contact MaryJo Lynett at 1-800-387-5765, ext. 5127 or Jill Pangborne at 1-877-532-2974

During the week of January 31, 2005, the delivery service to the libraries on routes F, G and K will be altered to allow these drivers to attend a staff retreat in the Toronto Office. On Wednesday, January 26, 2005, an e-mail was sent to the libraries on these routes which provided the details for the changes for these three routes. Please note that the schedules for all other SOLS courier routes will not be affected by the staff retreat, and will run as usual. The changes on Route F, G and K are:

Tuesday, February 1, 2005 – delivery service following the Wednesday schedule

Thursday, February 3, 2005 - delivery service following the Wednesday schedule

Thursday, February 3, 2005 – see schedule below: **LBI material will be picked up on Wednesday by the Route H driver**

SOLS staff have been working with a number of libraries across southern Ontario in the area of using the Ontario Public Library Guidelines (OPL Guidelines) and possible accreditation. A series of clinics which focused on using the OPL Guidelines as a tool in developing the library were held at the Fall 2004 Library Committee meetings. SOLS staff also posted a series of sample library policies on their Web site for use by any public library.

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SOLS is delighted to offer another diverse program of workshop topics. We are offering sessions on policy-writing, a readers’ advisory on Canadian genre fiction, a session on business information sources, and one on working alone, as well as two information sessions on the TD Summer Reading Club. We also are offering time & stress management, and expertise in gaining municipal support. We hope that you will find this selection helpful, enjoyable and worth your support.

Training information is available at Calendar of Events where you can access electronic registration forms and maps for all training.

Monday, February 21, 2005 from noon to 4pm, Cavan-Millbrook-North Monaghan Public Library – Bruce Johnson branch [this workshop will be preceded by a meeting of the Peterborough area librarians from 10am to 11:30am]

Monday, March 7, 2005 from noon to 4pm, Quinte West Public Library – Trenton branch [this workshop will be preceded by a meeting of the Hastings-Prince Edward-Northumberland area librarians from 10am to 11:30am]

Ottawa Public Library - Friday, April 1, 2005 from 9am to noon, at a branch to be advised

Thursday, May 5, 2005, 10am to 4pm, Oxford County Public Library – Beachville branch

Friday, May 6, 2005 from 10am to 4pm, Innisfil Public Library – Lakeshore branch

Thursday, May 12, 2005 from 10am to 4pm, Kingston Frontenac Public Library – Isabel Turner branch

Wednesday, May 18, 2005 from 10am to 4pm, Pembroke Public Library

Wednesday, June 2, 2005 from 1pm to 4pm, Trent Hills Public Library – Campbellford branch

- To elect members to the SOLS' board according to the terms established in the by-laws

Trustee Councils meet twice a year in eight locations and all public library boards may send a representative. While all appointed trustee council representatives will receive a print mailing of the agenda, the dates of the upcoming meetings have been included below for your information. You may wish to share this information at the next library board meeting. Further information is posted at Trustee Councils. For Spring 2005, the dates and locations will be as follows.

Trustee Council meeting, area 1, Saturday, April 23, 2005 from 10am to 1pm, Oxford County Library – Ingersoll branch

Escarpment Trustee Council meeting, Saturday, April 23, 2005 from 9am to 4pm, Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library – includes trustee training session

Trustee Council meeting, area 3, date to be confirmed shortly, from 6pm to 9pm, Hanover Public Library

Trustee Council meeting, area 4, Tuesday, May 3, 2005 from 6pm to 9pm, Innisfil Public Library – Lakeshore branch

Trustee Council meeting, area 5, Saturday, April 30, 2005 from 9am to 4pm, Markham Public Library – new Angus Glen branch - includes trustee training session

Trustee Council meeting, area 6, Saturday, April 23, 2005 from 9am to 4pm, Belleville Public Library – includes trustee training session

Trustee Council meeting, area 7, Saturday, April 30, 2005 from 10am to 5pm, Renfrew Public Library – includes trustee training session

Trustee Council meeting, area 8, Saturday, April 23, 2005 from 9am to 4pm, Brockville Public Library – includes trustee training session

SOLS provides an opportunity for library staff members to meet and discuss issues of common interest. Committee meetings of area libraries often involve a special clinic on a particular area of interest. This spring, the clinic will revolve around collection development information. Information about the meetings, including an agenda for each meeting, is posted on the SOLS Web site at Networking/Library Committees. This winter, four of the committees will also meet in conjunction with either the ESAO “Working Alone” workshop, or a special presentation.

Escarpment – Tuesday, April 26, 2005 at the Wainfleet Public Library. Meeting 10am to noon and Collection Evaluation Clinic from 1pm to 3pm

Lanark - Tuesday, April 19, 2005 at the Carleton Place Public Library. Collection Evaluation Clinic from 10am to 12:30pm and Meeting 1:30pm to 3:30pm

Leeds and Grenville - Wednesday, February 16, 2005 at the Elgin branch of the Rideau Lakes Public Library. Presentation: L&G Local History 10 am to noon and Special Meeting: 1pm to 3pm

AND Wednesday, May 11, 2005 (location to be determined). Meeting from 10am to 12:30 and Collection Evaluation Clinic from 1:30pm to 3:30pm

Peterborough - Monday, February 21, 2005 at the Bruce Johnson branch of the Cavan-Millbrook-North Monaghan Public Library. Special Meeting: 10am to 11:30am and Working Alone (ESAO) workshop from noon to 4pm

AND Monday, May 2, 2005 at the Campbellford branch of the Trent Hills Public Library. Meeting from 10am to 12:30 and Collection Evaluation Clinic from 1:30pm to 3:30pm

Prescott-Russell (Comité des services en français) - Monday, January 24, 2005 at the Casselman Public Library/Bibliothèque publique de Casselman. Meeting: 10am and Trillium Foundation Presentation.

AND Monday, April 11, 2005 at the Russell Township Public Library/Bibliothèque publique du canton du Russell - succursale d'Embrun. Atelier : 9h30 Lignes directrices

AND Monday, June 13, 2004 at the Champlain Township Public Library/Bibliothèque publique de Champlain - succursale de Vankleek Hill. Atelier : 9h30 à 1200h Service à la clientele. Réunion 13h30 à 15h30

Renfrew County - Thursday, April 28, 2005 at the Arnprior Public Library. Collection Evaluation Clinic from 10am to 12:30pm and Meeting 1:30pm to 3:30pm

Saugeen - Monday, April 18, 2005 at the Grand Valley Public Library. Meeting: 10am to noon and Collection Evaluation Clinic from 1pm to 3pm

Simcoe/Muskoka District – Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at the Beaverton branch of the Brock Township Public Library. Meeting: 10am to noon and Collection Evaluation Clinic from 1pm to 3pm

Tri-County (Hastings-Prince Edward-Northumberland) - Monday, March 7, 2005 at the Trenton branch of the Quinte West Public Library. Special Meeting from 10am to 11:30am and Working Alone (ESAO) workshop from noon to 4pm

AND Monday, May 9, 2005at the Tyendinaga Township Public Library. Meeting from 10am to 12:30 and Collection Evaluation Clinic from 1:30pm to 3:30pm

a) Check out SOLS Web Site for First Nations Public Library (FNPL) Week 2005 Information

Program and resources of special interest to all libraries include First Nation Communities Read 2005, two annotated bibliographies of materials recommended by Ontario’s First Nation Librarians, and a list of URLs for aboriginal-based information and activities for children or use with children.

Ontario’s First Nation librarians invite all Ontario public libraries to celebrate FNPL Week with them. The theme for 2005 is “Proud Past, Proud Future @ your library.” The Ontario Library Association has mailed a FNPL Week 2005 poster to all Ontario public libraries and will have posters for sale at the Super Conference at the OLA Store.

b) Canadian Government Supports 2005 First Nation Communities Read Program (FNCR)

The Government of Canada, through the Book Publishing Industry Development Program (BPIDP), has confirmed a grant of $15,000 to SOLS to assist the delivery of the FNCR 2005 program in Ontario and its expansion to Saskatchewan. Preparation of the grant application and, subsequently, its administration, are examples of ways that SOLS provides support to the 2005 First Nations Public Library Week planning committee and Ontario’s First Nations public library community in general.

The BPIDP funding ensures that all First Nation public libraries in Ontario have a copy of SkySisters, the 2005 FNCR title and are able to participate in the FNCR program. It provides for the production of FNCR book stickers to permanently identify selected titles with the program, and an attractive poster that promotes the titles considered for the 2005 honour. As well, it supports major promotion of the program at the 2005 Ontario Library Association Super Conference (Toronto- February) and the 2005 Canadian Library Association Conference (Calgary – June).

On behalf of the First Nations Public Library Week 2005 planning committee, SOLS has assisted the Library Services to Saskatchewan Aboriginal Peoples Committee and the Saskatchewan Provincial Library with the roll out of the FNCR program in Saskatchewan.

c) Southern Ontario First Nation Librarian is Recipient of One of Two Bro-dart/OLA Super Conference Scholarships

Congratulations to Patricia Taylor from Curve Lake First Nation Public Library. Patricia who will attend the Ontario Library Association (OLA) Super Conference 2005, all expenses paid. OLA reports that there were at least 20 applications for the two honours.

For more information about First Nations Public Library Week, or about the 2005 First Nation Communities Read Program, contact: Patty Lawlor, First Nations Consultant, SOLS, by telephone at 1-800-387-5765, ext. 5107 or e-mail at .

The SOLS Web site is updated continuously. Recent additions to the Web site are:

a) OLITA Toolkits – We added links to two new toolkits from Ontario Library and Information Technology Association (OLITA) under Professional Information, Technical Services.

The RSS Toolkit - RSS stands for Rich Site Summary or Really Simple Syndication or RDF Site Summary. An RSS feed is a type of web content created in XML format. The purpose of an RSS feed is to make it easy for publishers to distribute content and for users to collect news in one central location. This kit includes detailed information about this process and its implementation in libraries.

The Wireless Toolkit - This is a service of OLITA for the library community in Ontario and elsewhere to provide resources for keeping abreast of changing standards and new products. It explains evolving wireless technologies launch applications and devices that are more affordable and useful. "Hot Spots", Blackberry, satellite TV and RFID tags are highly visible.

b) Non-resident survey – A few months ago, Matt Schultz, CEO at Tillsonburg, posed the question of non-resident rates in other Ontario public libraries. The responses that were received by Matt are now posted in the “Consulting” section of the SOLS Web site at http://www.sols.org/consulting/index.html

A number of SOLS staff will be attending, and participating in sessions at, the next OLA Superconference, scheduled for February 3rd to 5th.

a) Peter Abbott, SOLS Researcher, is doing a poster session on basic library trends. Check the conference booklet for more information about timing.

b) SOLS Consultant, Anne Marie Madziak is one of 3 speakers for a session entitled “Designing Public Libraries as Unique and Vital Public Spaces” scheduled for 10:35 – 11:50 am on Thursday, February 3rd. The description for her session is:

“Modern public libraries are unique and vital public spaces that are open to all. As social and cultural cornerstone of the community, it is crucial for library planners to build libraries that are successful public spaces. This session will offer some expert opinion and give participants the opportunity to view photos of recently built public libraries, assess their success, and discuss with each other and with the speakers the issues and trends affecting library design. Participants should come away having informed their own thinking on what makes a library a vital public space and a successful gathering place in the community.”

c) Bill Mitchell, SOLS Library Development Director, is conducting a session on Friday February 4th from 9 am to 10:15 am entitled “Getting on Board: Charting your course for Accreditation”. The session description is:

“Learn how the Ontario Public Library Guidelines can be used as a planning tool for libraries. This presentation will include a practical discussion of the Accreditation Audit process, and focus on the benefits of using the Guidelines to work toward accredited status for your library.”

d) Randee Loucks, SOLS Trustee Development Manager, is involved in one session (#1010), entitled “Calling All New Board Trustees: Check In Here”, which is scheduled for Saturday, February 5 from 10:35 am – 11:50 am. The session description is:

“Are you a new library board trustee? Or are you a longtime trustee who still feels you have something to learn? Randee Loucks and Jim MacDonald will review the Rules of Engagement and present some examples that will help participants understand why community development is central to the library's mission, explore methods of building collaborative community relationships and understand the importance of auditing program effectiveness in fulfilling accountability.”

e) Rob Lavery, SOLS Resource Development Consultant, is running a session (#1009) with Ann Andrusyszyn, Development Officer, Barrie Public Library, entitled “Positioning Your Library for Fundraising Success”. This session is scheduled for Saturday, Feb 5, 2005 - 10:35 am - 11:50 am. The session description is:

“Funding is a primary concern for library boards. In recent years there have been trends towards diversifying funding sources. How do you begin your exploration of alternative sources of revenue for your library? Find out what one public library has done and what might work best for your library. SOLS has monitored trends in revenue diversification over the past five years. Learn about methods being employed, and which are working.”

f) Patty Lawlor, SOLS First Nation Consultant, is convening and participating as a panelist in a session (#111) entitled “First Nation Communities Read: Growing a Great Program”. This session was rescheduled from Friday, February 4 and is being held on Thursday, February 3 at 9:00 a.m. The session description is:

“This panel session discusses a program that develops public awareness of First Nation peoples and cultures, and supports publication and purchase of books featuring aboriginal content and/or creativity. Jan Bourdeau Waboose and Brian Deines, the author and illustrator respectively, of SkySisters, the 2005 First Nation Community Reads title, will join the panel. Session attendees will receive a free copy of SkySisters to encourage their libraries’ participation in the First Nation Communities Read 2005 program. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Book Publishing Industry Development Program (BPIDP) for this project.”

Patty is also convening a First Nation Communities Read author-illustrator program at the Reading Stage on the Expo Floor on Thursday, February 3 at 12:35 p.m. The reading will feature Jan Bourdeau Waboose and Brian Deines, the author and illustrator of SkySisters, the 2005 First Nation Communities Read title. Subject to supply, participants at this Reading Stage session will receive a free copy of SkySisters. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Book Publishing Industry Development Program (BPIDP) for this project.

Patty is convening, and participating as a panelist, in another rescheduled session (#708) on Friday, February 4 at 2:00 p.m. The session is entitled “Libraries Helping Libraries: A Matchmaking Approach to Developing First Nation Libraries”. The session description is:

“This panel session discusses an innovative pilot project that supports First Nation library development through bridge-building partnerships between native and non-native communities. The project is short listed in the small libraries’ category of the 2004 Public Library Service Awards program for a Minister’s Award for Innovation. Attend to learn about the current project and discover if there’s an opportunity for your library to become involved in the program’s growth.”

Patty Lawlor is participating, with librarians from First Nation pubic libraries, in a poster session on Friday, February 4 entitled “First Nation Public Libraries: Our Way Forward”. The purpose of this session is to increase general awareness about the issues and initiatives related to the development of First Nation public libraries in Ontario. There will be information about the new First Nation Public Libraries strategic plan, First Nations Public Library Week, First Nation Communities Read and the Libraries Helping Libraries program. Please stop by to meet and chat with some of your First Nation colleagues.

And finally, most of you will be aware that SOLS has been working on a Consortium for Benefits through the Fall of 2004. The firm, Mosey and Mosey, which is the Benefit Plan Consultants working on this project, will have a booth at the show at which they are happy to meet with any public library about the benefits consortium. Further information on this benefits consortium project is available from Daryl Novak at .
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SOLS maintains a list of all the e-mail addresses for SOLS CEOs. It is this list that is used to distribute Signal. Several times through the month, you may also receive other messages from SOLS.

If you did not receive this message, and would like further information, please contact the SOLS HelpDesk at 1-800-387-5765, ext. 4, or by e-mail to

The purpose of this page is to provide a mechanism through which organizations and individuals can support SOLS financially. To set the context, the section provides detailed information about current SOLS priorities and services, in particular, a link to a brochure called A Brief Listing of SOLS Services and to our current Annual Report.

If you would like to support our work financially, this Web site provides links to a printable donation form and also to an online donation form. If you have any further questions about making donations to SOLS, you can contact Rob Lavery, our Resource Development Consultant at 1-800-387-5765 ext. 5137 or by e-mail at

All issues of SIGNAL, including the French version of SIGNAL, can be viewed online at http://www.sols.org/librarydev/publications/Signal/index.htm . However, if anyone would like to receive the e-mail version of this newsletter, please send a message to . You can reach the editor of SIGNAL at: or by telephone at 1-866-380-9767.

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