A Note From a
Continuing Education Coordinator
I am excited to share that I have recently overhauled our popular Health Literacy Kits with new devices. This new technology offers a fresh, streamlined experience for libraries that have previously borrowed the kits, as well as those reserving them for the first time. The new Digital Fitness kit includes: - Ultrahuman Ring AIR – A smart ring designed to accurately measure your sleep, HRV, movement, and temperature, with insights to help you improve your health every day.
-
Zenimal+ –Loaded with nine guided meditations and three sleep soundtracks, Zenimal+ is a super portable, screen-free way to develop a mindful meditation practice.
-
Etekcity HR Smart Fitness Scale – Break away from traditional fitness with the HR Smart Fitness Scale. Using BIA (bioelectrical impedance) technology, this scale provides a full body composition analysis in seconds.
-
And more! Click here for the full kit contents.
The new Home Health kit includes: -
WeatherFlow Tempest Weather Station – A complete weather system for your home, offering precise weather management, advanced forecasting at your fingertips, and unlimited weather data.
-
Airthings 2930 Wave Plus – Stay in control of your home’s air quality with Airthings Wave Plus, an app-enabled indoor air monitor that measures 6 aspects of air quality including radon, carbon dioxide (CO2), and more.
-
And more! Click here for the full kit contents.
We also offer Personal Wellness and Preventative Health kits to round out the Health Literacy collection. Looking for programming ideas? Here are a few upcoming national health observances:
To reserve a kit, email me at jeff.laser@neo-rls.org or utilize our Resource Reservations page. Be sure to visit our Circulating Technology and Wellness Kits webpage to learn more about our offerings.
Have a great day! Jeff |
| |
|
|
Wanted: Volunteers from Small and Medium Sized Libraries
The Continuing Education Advisory Committee will be meeting virtually on Monday, September 16th at 10:00 am. We would love to add some members from small to medium sized libraries. Please come and share your ideas and feedback. If you are interested please email Melissa Lattanzi by Friday, September 13th.
Rescheduled Webinar
We are pleased to announce that the webinar "We See You: Library Programming for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities" has been rescheduled for Thursday, October 24th at 10 AM. If you were registered for the original date, you do not need to take any action. You will receive a reminder email with the Zoom link prior to the webinar. If you have not yet registered, you can do so at this link.
Register Today for Next Week's In-Person Events
Public Speaking: Effective Skills for Libraries 9/19/2024 Beyond the Stamp - Your Role, Responsibilities, and Risks as an Ohio Notary Public-New Philadelphia
9/20/2024 |
|
|
|
Ohio LSTA Competitive Grant Application is Open
Ohio libraries continuously reassess and transform methods and resources used to support and enhance the lives of the residents and communities they serve. In recent years, libraries have launched innovative and creative solutions with an unwavering commitment to the values and principles of library service. The State Library of Ohio commends these initiatives and is dedicated to supporting Ohio libraries in further evolving and enriching their programs and services to address the needs of their communities. Ohio LSTA grants are an essential part of our service, and we encourage eligible Ohio libraries to submit proposals for the Ohio LSTA Competitive Grant. This grant initiative supports Ohio’s LSTA Five-Year Plan 2023-2027 and invites proposals that address at least one of the following three focus areas:
-
Library as Community Anchor – These project proposals would support the role libraries play in strengthening their communities and providing a destination for learning, engagement, social support, and expression. This can include areas of employment-related help, economic development support, civic engagement, gathering spaces, and support for the physical and mental well-being of the community served.
-
Literacy – These project proposals would support the library’s role in the development of learning experiences where literacy is defined as the ability to read, write, and interact across a range of platforms and tools. This could encompass early literacy, digital literacy, functional literacy, adult literacy, financial literacy, health literacy, and others.
-
Outreach and Engagement – These project proposals would assist libraries in providing new and innovative ways of offering services to users (and potential users) and in reaching individuals at a variety of locations and through a range of methods. Typically focused outside of the traditional library facility, proposals may include reaching populations not otherwise served by the library as well as the establishment of new or novel partnerships that would expand the library's reach.
“With these three overarching areas of focus, there is flexibility for any eligible Ohio library to be creative and thoughtful when putting together a grant application that best supports the community served, while also addressing the goals laid out in the 2023-2027 LSTA Five-Year Plan,” expressed Evan T. Struble, Associate State Librarian for Library Development. “I can’t wait to see what projects and initiatives are proposed from the library community and ultimately approved for funding by our Board.”
Eligible libraries of all types are welcome to apply. The application period begins September 4, 2024. Applicants may request up to $50,000 in federal funds and all projects must include a 25% local cash match of the total project cost. Applications must be filled out via online form, supplying required attachments, and must be received at the State Library by 11:59 p.m. November 3, 2024. Please note: applications must be completed in one sitting, so prepare accordingly. Information about the Ohio LSTA grant program can be found at: library.ohio.gov/libraries/grants. Complete information about the LSTA Competitive Grant is available at library.ohio.gov/competitive-grants.
Recommended applications will be presented to the State Library Board for funding in December 2024 and the implementation period is January 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025. Questions may be addressed to LSTA@library.ohio.gov. |
|
|
|
INFOhio, Ohio's PreK-12 Digital Library, invites you to join the INFOhio Integration Partner (IPartner) program for education-based agencies
The IPartner program strengthens and increases your agency’s toolkit with INFOhio’s quality digital content and web tools available at no cost to Ohio students, teachers, and families. The purpose of the IPartner program is to: -
Support INFOhio in increased outreach of INFOhio digital content and tools.
- Strengthen INFOhio’s outreach through IPartner agency/institution connections to deliver timely updates on INFOhio’s digital content and web tools.
-
Provide professional development and training opportunities using INFOhio’s training curriculum.
There are many benefits to becoming an IPartner: - Be certified and badged as an authorized INFOhio trainer after completion of required training that IPartners use to demonstrate professional learning growth.
- Receive first notification about INFOhio updates to tools and resources.
-
Connect to the online learning community of INFOhio trainers to share ideas and training resources.
Applicants will complete a free, online, self-paced training and will be required to share their knowledge with the audiences they serve using a variety of methods that fit the IPartner’s schedule.
You can apply for the program by completing this form. To learn more about this program, visit our IPartner page. If you have any questions, please let us know. We look forward to partnering with you!
|
|
|
|
| Funding Opportunities for Cybersecurity in Libraries
The FCC just announced that the Cybersecurity Pilot Program application window will open September 17 and close on November 1. More information about that pilot program can be found on the OPLIN website: https://www.oplin.ohio.gov/cybersecurity_pilot. This is a pilot program, with a competitive application process and a cap of $200 million for the program nationwide.
There is also a state Cybersecurity Software and Services Grant for local government entities through CyberOhio. Jessica shared details about this opportunity already, but it is worthwhile to note that the application period will close on September 16. There is a total of nearly $7 million dedicated to this program for Ohio local government entities, including public libraries.
For a comparison of these programs, please see the OPLIN website: https://www.oplin.ohio.gov/cybersecurity_funding.
Questions? As always, you can contact OPLIN: https://www.oplin.ohio.gov/contact.
|
|
|
|
