Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursdays Jump Off in EZ!!!
As expected Thursdays are jumping off after I made the switch from 9-12pm to 1-4:30pm. Last Thursday 11 patrons showed up to use the Empowerment Zone. This is close to the highest number of users for a single day yet. We managed to take some pictures and use them for the Florida Library Association's Snapshot Day as well. It is kind of ironic that we were so busy since earlier in the week a patron came up to the desk and complained that we had made the switch from mornings to afternoons. I wasn't there when he complained, but the first thing I thought was, "where have you been all of the Thursday mornings?"! Seriously, we were lucky to have 3 or 4 people show up on Thursday mornings, and after only 3 afternoons, we are up over my goal of 10 patrons each Thursday afternoon. Hopefully this momentum will be maintained, but as I sit here typing this there is only 1 patron in so far on a Monday morning, which used to be our busiest day. Who knows?
Saturday, January 8, 2011
First Thursday Afternoon for Empowerment Zone
Last Thursday, January 6th, was the first ever afternoon time for the Empowerment Zone. Given how busy we were on the public computers the previous Thursday afternoon, I was expecting a large group of patrons to use the EZ. Mother Nature had other plans, and right before 1pm there was a huge thunderstorm with wind and rain gusts. The library is always slower when it is raining, or cold out, and this proved true again on Thursday. Only about half of the public access computers were in use, and the EZ only had 3 users from 1-4:30pm. Hopefully the weather is more patron friendly next week, and more patrons come to use the EZ. One of the positive outcomes was that only one person showed up at 9am and wanted to use the EZ, which hopefully means the patrons took notice of the time change. More to follow...
Monday, December 20, 2010
Long Long Long Time No Blog
It has been quite some time since ink has been spilled on the Delray Beach Public Library Empowerment Zone. Things have gone routine with the EZ and with no "new" news, creativity for this blog has been stifled. But, there is now some news to report.
1st. Last summer I submitted an online application to give a workshop at the 2011 Florida Library Association Annual Conference. In November I was sent an email notifying me that my program was not selected to be presented on. No reason was stated, and I was pretty disappointed with the news. I was then encouraged by Brad at NEFLIN (one of the SSLLI Leaders) to submit an online application for a poster session at the 2011 FLA Conference. So...
2nd. Last week I filled out this online application, and am waiting to hear back to see if the EZ is at least poster session worthy.
I plan on attending the FLA Conference regardless, but being a presenter would be extra motivation for my library to send me, and would be an excellent way to network and get the word out about the EZ. While there I plan on seriously evaluating the programs that were approved for presentation to see what makes them more special than my EZ proposed program.
3rd. Starting Thursday January 6th the EZ will now be open from 1-4:30pm on Thursdays instead of 9-12pm. I have been wanting to switch one of the EZ days to afternoons since last summer, but due to the large number of afternoon classes we have been teaching this had not been possible. Monday morning has by far become the busy morning (unless it is cold, raining, or a holiday week) and switching Thursday was almost a no-brainer. Thursday afternoons the public computers are very busy, so we should be able to shift the appropriate people from the time managed computers to the EZ. This will give us the opportunity for even greater word of mouth advertising, and instead of telling people to come back Monday morning (or the following Thursday morning) as we have been doing, we can just shuttle them immediately into the EZ. I am hoping the numbers really climb with this switch. More to follow.
4th. I plan on trying to get an article published on the EZ in either American Libraries, Library Journal, Public Libraries, or the FLA publication. I would like to talk about the entire procedure of setting up the EZ, and give an overview of what has followed since opening, including statistics.
That is all for now on the Empowerment Zone. I will have more after January 6th.
1st. Last summer I submitted an online application to give a workshop at the 2011 Florida Library Association Annual Conference. In November I was sent an email notifying me that my program was not selected to be presented on. No reason was stated, and I was pretty disappointed with the news. I was then encouraged by Brad at NEFLIN (one of the SSLLI Leaders) to submit an online application for a poster session at the 2011 FLA Conference. So...
2nd. Last week I filled out this online application, and am waiting to hear back to see if the EZ is at least poster session worthy.
I plan on attending the FLA Conference regardless, but being a presenter would be extra motivation for my library to send me, and would be an excellent way to network and get the word out about the EZ. While there I plan on seriously evaluating the programs that were approved for presentation to see what makes them more special than my EZ proposed program.
3rd. Starting Thursday January 6th the EZ will now be open from 1-4:30pm on Thursdays instead of 9-12pm. I have been wanting to switch one of the EZ days to afternoons since last summer, but due to the large number of afternoon classes we have been teaching this had not been possible. Monday morning has by far become the busy morning (unless it is cold, raining, or a holiday week) and switching Thursday was almost a no-brainer. Thursday afternoons the public computers are very busy, so we should be able to shift the appropriate people from the time managed computers to the EZ. This will give us the opportunity for even greater word of mouth advertising, and instead of telling people to come back Monday morning (or the following Thursday morning) as we have been doing, we can just shuttle them immediately into the EZ. I am hoping the numbers really climb with this switch. More to follow.
4th. I plan on trying to get an article published on the EZ in either American Libraries, Library Journal, Public Libraries, or the FLA publication. I would like to talk about the entire procedure of setting up the EZ, and give an overview of what has followed since opening, including statistics.
That is all for now on the Empowerment Zone. I will have more after January 6th.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Results
Today the EZ hosted the first ever Resume Writing Workshop for the library. We had 13 people in attendance which allowed for an intimate atmosphere, with a lot of questions being asked and answered. Dr. Jadwick was exceptional, and used props for examples, along with an excellent PowerPoint presentation. I was a bit disappointed that several of the EZ regulars were not in attendance, but for a first event it was still decent.
In other news 7 people have now signed up for the Workforce Alliance mobile unit that is scheduled for next Monday. We have also decided to change the time of the EZ on Thursdays from 9-12pm on Thursdays to 1-4:30pm. I am hoping that the later time will draw more people in, plus with having one morning slot and one afternoon slot this gives our patrons more flexibility.
In other news 7 people have now signed up for the Workforce Alliance mobile unit that is scheduled for next Monday. We have also decided to change the time of the EZ on Thursdays from 9-12pm on Thursdays to 1-4:30pm. I am hoping that the later time will draw more people in, plus with having one morning slot and one afternoon slot this gives our patrons more flexibility.
Monday, October 25, 2010
EZ Update
Last Wednesday on page 4 of the Delray Forum there was an article dedicated to our upcoming EZ event in November. On November 3rd from 10-12 the EZ will be presenting a resume workshop in the library's large meeting room. I have had announcements strategically placed all over the library for the last month or so, and have been giving out handouts to patrons who are interested. I also went to several community centers in Delray Beach, and the Chamber of Commerce to give them handouts on the program. Plus, the following week the Workforce Alliance will be visiting to help people look for jobs, etc. They have a mobile unit that will be parked in our lot on November 8th from 2-5pm. So far only 4 people have signed up for this, which doesn't surprise me, since the EZ basically offers the same services minus the bus. I visited the Lake Worth public library a few weeks ago when they had a smaller mobile unit there and the driver/IT guy told me they had 11 participants for the afternoon.
The EZ has slowed down a bit since August, and we are unsure if this is due to people giving up, moving away, being able to afford laptops, finding work, etc. Monday has now become the busier day, when before Thursday was always busier. We plan on moving the Thursday time to the afternoon in 2011, and hope that that will bring in larger numbers of patrons. We seem to get a lot of people that arrive around 11am, which reinforces my theory that those looking for jobs are late risers. Staff continues to hand out flyers and mentions the EZ whenever patrons complain about the time management software, or lack of time on the public PCs. The EZ has been mentioned in the Sun Sentinel, Palm Beach Post, and Delray Forum multiple times now, along with being mentioned on the library's facebook page. This level of advertising along with word of mouth should have us at capacity, but as I mentioned we have slowed down. If the two November events fail to bump our numbers up, a strategy session will need to be planned.
The EZ has slowed down a bit since August, and we are unsure if this is due to people giving up, moving away, being able to afford laptops, finding work, etc. Monday has now become the busier day, when before Thursday was always busier. We plan on moving the Thursday time to the afternoon in 2011, and hope that that will bring in larger numbers of patrons. We seem to get a lot of people that arrive around 11am, which reinforces my theory that those looking for jobs are late risers. Staff continues to hand out flyers and mentions the EZ whenever patrons complain about the time management software, or lack of time on the public PCs. The EZ has been mentioned in the Sun Sentinel, Palm Beach Post, and Delray Forum multiple times now, along with being mentioned on the library's facebook page. This level of advertising along with word of mouth should have us at capacity, but as I mentioned we have slowed down. If the two November events fail to bump our numbers up, a strategy session will need to be planned.
Monday, October 11, 2010
EZ Press Release
NEWS RELEASE
Delray Beach Public Library FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
100 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33445
DATE: October 11, 2010
CONTACT: Bonnie Stelzer, Director of Community Relations
PHONE: 561-266-9490
FAX: 561-266-9757
WEBSITE: www.delraylibrary.org
The Delray Beach Public Library Reaches Out to
Job Seekers
Job seekers are encouraged to check out the Delray Beach Public Library’s Empowerment Zone (EZ), located in the 2nd floor Technology Center at 100 West Atlantic Avenue. Several FREE programs will be offered by the Empowerment Zone during the month of November 2010 including computer classes for the beginner to experienced user.
* On Mondays and Thursdays, from 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon Library card holders can visit the Empowerment Zone to receive help with Job Searching, Resume Creation and Critique, Typing practice, and assistance with E-Government Services including food stamps and unemployment applications.
* On Wednesday, November 3rd at 10:00 a.m. the Library’s Empowerment Zone will offer the first in a series of programs for job seekers with an in-depth, Resume Writing Workshop presented by Doreen K. Jadwick, Ed.D., Employment Specialist, Palm Beach State College. This program is FREE and open to the public. Space is limited so arrive early!
*On Monday, November 8, 2010 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. the Library’s Empowerment Zone will co-sponsor the Workforce Alliance mobile resource unit. The mobile unit, equipped with multiple workstations, will be strategically placed in the Delray Beach Public Library’s parking lot and will offer internet access computer stations, and staff professionals who are available to help job seekers prepare resumes, do on-line job searches, register on the employment website Employ Florida (www.employflorida.com), discuss career opportunities and provide current information on available jobs.
For further information on the many FREE programs and services offered to the community by the Delray Beach Public Library, contact the Director of Community Relations at 561-266-9490 and for further information on the Empowerment Zone please contact Brian Smith at 561-819-6405.
# # #
Delray Beach Public Library FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
100 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33445
DATE: October 11, 2010
CONTACT: Bonnie Stelzer, Director of Community Relations
PHONE: 561-266-9490
FAX: 561-266-9757
WEBSITE: www.delraylibrary.org
The Delray Beach Public Library Reaches Out to
Job Seekers
Job seekers are encouraged to check out the Delray Beach Public Library’s Empowerment Zone (EZ), located in the 2nd floor Technology Center at 100 West Atlantic Avenue. Several FREE programs will be offered by the Empowerment Zone during the month of November 2010 including computer classes for the beginner to experienced user.
* On Mondays and Thursdays, from 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon Library card holders can visit the Empowerment Zone to receive help with Job Searching, Resume Creation and Critique, Typing practice, and assistance with E-Government Services including food stamps and unemployment applications.
* On Wednesday, November 3rd at 10:00 a.m. the Library’s Empowerment Zone will offer the first in a series of programs for job seekers with an in-depth, Resume Writing Workshop presented by Doreen K. Jadwick, Ed.D., Employment Specialist, Palm Beach State College. This program is FREE and open to the public. Space is limited so arrive early!
*On Monday, November 8, 2010 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. the Library’s Empowerment Zone will co-sponsor the Workforce Alliance mobile resource unit. The mobile unit, equipped with multiple workstations, will be strategically placed in the Delray Beach Public Library’s parking lot and will offer internet access computer stations, and staff professionals who are available to help job seekers prepare resumes, do on-line job searches, register on the employment website Employ Florida (www.employflorida.com), discuss career opportunities and provide current information on available jobs.
For further information on the many FREE programs and services offered to the community by the Delray Beach Public Library, contact the Director of Community Relations at 561-266-9490 and for further information on the Empowerment Zone please contact Brian Smith at 561-819-6405.
# # #
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Steal this Blog from Ask-A-Librarian
So you’ve just finished watching your favorite TV or news program, or listening to your favorite radio show. For the last hour, they touted the brilliance of someone’s latest novel or nonfiction read. The damage is done – your interest is piqued. All you’re thinking now is, “I’ve got to read this book.”
You… and maybe just a few other people. (Anyone remember Tickle-Me Elmo?) Well, the first step is to head straight to your library’s catalog – either in-person or online – and see if you’ve beaten the rest of those viewers or listeners to the punch. Your library may have anticipated the wave of heightened interest and ordered extra copies, so you may be able to stake your claim then and there. But if not – if your library’s copies are already checked out – make sure you place a hold on that title. Your library will put you on a waiting list just for that title. As the items are returned, they are set aside for those next on the waiting list. Your library will notify you as soon as your book is ready. And if for some reason your library doesn’t own a copy of the book, don’t despair - your library’s Interlibrary Loan service may be able to borrow the book from another library system.
Your library’s catalog lets you place holds – and sometimes even Interlibrary Loan requests – online from the convenience of your computer. If you need help finding a book, placing a hold, or just getting more information on how to place an Interlibrary Loan request through your library, visit Ask a Librarian today and get live help from a real Florida librarian. No matter what you’re looking for, we’ll help you find it.
What can we help you with today?
Ask a Librarian provides Florida residents with live chat services with a real Florida librarian from 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday (ET), and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday (ET). You can also send an e-mail your local library’s staff.
You… and maybe just a few other people. (Anyone remember Tickle-Me Elmo?) Well, the first step is to head straight to your library’s catalog – either in-person or online – and see if you’ve beaten the rest of those viewers or listeners to the punch. Your library may have anticipated the wave of heightened interest and ordered extra copies, so you may be able to stake your claim then and there. But if not – if your library’s copies are already checked out – make sure you place a hold on that title. Your library will put you on a waiting list just for that title. As the items are returned, they are set aside for those next on the waiting list. Your library will notify you as soon as your book is ready. And if for some reason your library doesn’t own a copy of the book, don’t despair - your library’s Interlibrary Loan service may be able to borrow the book from another library system.
Your library’s catalog lets you place holds – and sometimes even Interlibrary Loan requests – online from the convenience of your computer. If you need help finding a book, placing a hold, or just getting more information on how to place an Interlibrary Loan request through your library, visit Ask a Librarian today and get live help from a real Florida librarian. No matter what you’re looking for, we’ll help you find it.
What can we help you with today?
Ask a Librarian provides Florida residents with live chat services with a real Florida librarian from 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday (ET), and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday (ET). You can also send an e-mail your local library’s staff.
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