Beth-Ann Ryan from the Delaware Division of Libraries Receives Prestigious “Mover and Shaker” Award from Library Journal

RyanBethAnnSqBeth-Ann Ryan of the Delaware Division of Libraries has been named a “Mover and Shaker” in the library industry by the national publication, Library Journal.

In its March 15, 2016 issue, Library Journal named 54 outstanding professionals committed to providing excellent service and shaping the future of libraries. Beth-Ann was selected because of her commitment to the profession and her work on maximizing the statewide technology infrastructure (the Delaware Library Catalog), applying a library assessment logic model (Dewey Delaware), and creating the Inspiration Spaces in Delaware Libraries.

Beth-Ann currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Delaware Division of Libraries. She has presented nationally on the power of training, technology, data and collaboration to drive success.

Library Journal honored Beth-Ann because of her work in harnessing technology to maximize strategic partnerships.

“This year’s class of 54 joins a group of talented professionals who are committed, passionate, and invigorated—each alone and all together transforming the library world and the communities it impacts for the better,” said Rebecca T. Miller, Editorial Director of Library Journal and School Library Journal.

“Using her technology savvy, Beth-Ann fast-tracked implementation of numerous technologies among libraries statewide. Delaware is the First State, and thanks to Beth-Ann we can be proud of being the first state to maximize a robust statewide library technology platform,” said State Librarian, Dr. Annie Norman.

Beth-Ann has been with the Delaware Division of Libraries since 2008, and has served as Deputy Director since 2011. She received a BA in Sociology and English from the University of Connecticut in 2000, an MLS from the University of Maryland in 2005 and Certification in Social Media Strategy from the University of Delaware in 2013.

The 2016 Movers & Shakers were selected by the editors of Library Journal, the profession’s leading trade magazine. Each of the Movers & Shakers will be prominently featured in the March 15th issue of Library Journal and celebrated at a special reception in June during the American Library Association’s annual conference in Orlando, FL. The print feature’s companion website is sponsored by OCLC and available at www.libraryjournal.com/movers2016.

ABOUT THE LIBRARY
The Delaware Division of Libraries, a state agency dedicated to unleashing the potential in all Delawareans in partnership with Delaware Libraries, offers free access to the online catalog (delawarelibraries.org); Wi-Fi; computers/internet; eBooks, programs/classes, community partnerships, and more.

ABOUT LIBRARY JOURNAL
Founded in 1876, Library Journal is one of the oldest and most respected publications covering the library field. Over 75,000 library directors, administrators, and staff in public, academic, and special libraries read LJ. Library Journal reviews over 8000 books, audiobooks, videos, databases, and web sites annually, and provides coverage of technology, management, policy, and other professional concerns. For more information, visit www.libraryjournal.com. Library Journal is a publication of Media Source Inc., which also owns School Library Journal, The Horn Book publications, and Junior Library Guild.


Delaware Libraries Celebrate 1 Million eMedia Checkouts!

eMediaCircChart2016-CT2If you’ve clicked “download” on eBooks or eAudiobooks from a Delaware library, you are one of the thousands of Delawareans who have collectively checked out more than 1 million eMedia titles in just 4 years, since the service began in December 2011!

Interest in eMedia remains strong and continues to grow with annual checkouts increasing 30% over the previous year, and on December 28, 2015, 1,384 eBooks were downloaded in a single day – a new record! There are now over 30,000 titles in the digital collection, and on average, 34,000 eMedia titles are checked out from Delaware Libraries each month.

“Delaware Libraries are successfully supporting the creation of a culture of innovation,” said Governor Markell. “As we embrace new ways to read and gain knowledge, we have the opportunity to provide all Delawareans with the ability to become innovators themselves by giving them access to more information and in a variety of formats.”

Delaware Libraries annually receive over 6 million visits in person and online, and invest in resources, both print and digital, to serve all Delawareans. “Providing eBooks, eMagazines, and streaming video available for loan demonstrates our commitment to supporting library collections in all formats as they evolve,” said Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock. Patrons new to the service can find their first eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and streaming video by selecting “eMedia” from http://delawarelibraries.org. Help is available online or in person at local libraries.

“Delaware libraries offer an unbeatable value: free checkout of eBooks and eAudiobooks through the statewide online Delaware Library Catalog,” said State Librarian Dr. Annie Norman. “We encourage all Delawareans to try out the latest collections, and help us reach our new goal of one million downloads per year!”

Library Friends groups throughout the state are supporting the eMedia collection. Library patrons may also invest in the purchase of additional eBooks by joining their local Friends groups and/or by making tax-deductible contributions to the Delaware Libraries eBook account at the Delaware Community Foundation, https://delcf.org/fund/delaware-division-of-libraries-e-book-fund

About:
The Delaware Division of Libraries, a state agency dedicated to unleashing the potential in all Delawareans in partnership with Delaware Libraries, offers free access to the online catalog (delawarelibraries.org); Wi-Fi; computers/internet; eBooks, programs/classes, community partnerships, and more.

Contact:
Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian
302-257-3001
Annie.norman@delaware.gov


Give the Gift of Free eBooks This Holiday Season!

Holiday eBook imageGifting a new smartphone, tablet, or eReader this year? Delaware Libraries have the collections needed to make the most of the latest digital devices!

Our eMedia collection contains more than 30,000 eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and streaming videos, available for free with a Delaware Library Card.

New this year — holiday “gift cards” are available to print and slip into greeting cards to let recipients know about the libraries’ eMedia collections! To download one to print, just visit: (delawarelibraries.org/eHoliday)

Browse the collections at delawarelibraries.org/eMedia. Borrowed titles are automatically returned at the end of the lending period (with never any late fees!).

“Delaware Libraries offer an unbeatable value with free checkout of eMedia through the statewide Delaware Library Catalog” said State Librarian Dr. Annie Norman, “And we wish everyone Happy Holidays!”

About:
The Delaware Division of Libraries, a state agency dedicated to unleashing the potential in all Delawareans in partnership with Delaware Libraries, offers free access to the online catalog (delawarelibraries.org); Wi-Fi; computers/internet; eBooks, programs/classes, community partnerships, and more.

Contact:
Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian
302-257-3001
Annie.norman@delaware.gov


Delaware Libraries receive Innovation Award for Community Group of the Year

DELibrariesPhotoThe Delaware Division of Libraries (DDL) is pleased to announce that Delaware Libraries were voted Community Group of the Year in Technical.ly Delaware’s first annual Delaware Innovation Awards. These awards celebrate the innovators that make Delaware great. Delaware Libraries were recognized for their expansion of 3D printing and STEM literacy to many libraries throughout the state.

Technical.ly Delaware, a statewide online technology news network, announced the award winners at the closing reception celebrating Delaware Innovation Week (Nov. 13-21).

“This is a real testament to the Division’s efforts to ensure universal access to technology resources and leveraging that technology to inspire their patrons,” said Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock.

DDL has encouraged innovation statewide through the ever evolving Inspiration Space – mini-makerspaces in libraries where people can learn about and experiment with technology, entrepreneurship, and DIY activities. DDL has provided libraries with 3D printers, green screens, video cameras, software, and training for the public to use or attend. Libraries have also partnered with several organizations to present classes on computer coding, 3D modeling, and more.

“Libraries are making experiences come alive, off the page, for our communities,” said Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian. “Libraries are a linchpin for discovery in all subject areas, and we are working with partners and experts to make available a greater array of experiences for our communities.  So Delawareans have the opportunity they might not have otherwise to discover a passion, to develop an expertise, and to make connections to support invention and innovation.”

Emerging Technologies Librarian Sarena Fletcher said, “We’re thrilled to be recognized as a leading contributor to Delaware’s innovative growth. We provide Delawareans opportunities to explore emerging technologies while working together to create a thriving community.”

Contact:
Beth-Ann Ryan, Deputy Director
Beth-ann.ryan@delaware.gov
302-257-3002

The Delaware Division of Libraries, a state agency dedicated to unleashing the potential in all Delawareans in partnership with Delaware Libraries, offers free access to the online catalog (delawarelibraries.org); Wi-Fi; computers/internet; eBooks, programs/classes, community partnerships, and more.

AwardPhoto


October is Meet the Blind Month

DDL AccsServLogo Final 1-15-09

 

 

 

Libraries offer partnerships, services, and programs to support the blind and visually impaired

WHAT: The Delaware Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and Delaware Library Access Services (DLAS) are kicking off the national Meet the Blind Month Saturday, October 3, 2015, from 11am – 1pm at the Dover Public Library.

WHO: The event will be emceed by NFB Delaware Chapter President, Debbie Briddell.  The event will also feature remarks by Senator Brian Bushweller and a proclamation by Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen.  This event is free and open to the public.

WHEN: Saturday, October 3, 2015, from 11am – 1pm

WHERE: The Dover Public Library, 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, DE 19901

WHY: Meet the Blind Month is a nationwide campaign to increase awareness of, and support for, the blind and visually impaired. During this month, NFB members spread this message by conducting a variety of outreach activities that will create opportunities for people to meet the blind of their communities. Delaware Library Access Services provides books in Braille and audiobooks in accessible formats for the blind and physically handicapped residents of Delaware. DLAS is the Delaware regional branch of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) of the Library of Congress.

CONTACT: Sonja Brown, Delaware Library Access Services, 302-257-3000, sonja.brown@delaware.gov

About:
The Delaware Division of Libraries, a state agency dedicated to unleashing the potential in all Delawareans in partnership with Delaware Libraries, offers free access to the online catalog (delawarelibraries.org), Wi-Fi, computers/internet, eBooks, programs/classes, community partnerships, and more.