We are hiring!

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The Southeast Library System, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on consulting and training for library staff and boards in the southeast corner of Nebraska, is looking for a part-time administrative assistant.  This position is for 12.5 hours weekly and the schedule for this position is flexible during our usual business hours (9:00 am – 5:00 pm).

Primary Duties of this position:

  • Customer Service Contact
    During their shifts, the Administrative Assistant is the primary contact for incoming phone calls and greeting people coming into the office. When the Executive Director & Assistant Director are both away from the office, this position is expected to be able to answer basic questions.
  • System Bookkeeper
    This position will pay bills as approved by Executive Director, prepare payroll, request quarterly funding from Nebraska Library Commission, prepare bank deposits, monitor budget statements, work with system accountant and auditor, prepare materials for year-end audit, work with Executive Director and Executive Committee to prepare annual budget for approval by board, file appropriate federal and state tax forms.
  • Provide circulation services to member libraries
    This position is the primary contact for the SELS book kit program for member libraries. They will place reservations for kits, maintain records on circulation, check out and mail books to requesting libraries, check in returned kits, maintain notification lists for journal article request service, distribute table of contents to those interested, fulfill article requests.
  • General Clerical Duties
    Maintain office supplies, tidy office suite, and other such tasks.

We are looking for candidates with the following preferred attributes:

  • Professional, pleasant, & courteous communication style.
  • Basic computer literacy skills, especially email, Microsoft Excel, document scanning, and QuickBooks.
  • Experience with libraries and/or non-profit organizations.

Beginning wage: $10 per hour

To apply, provide resume to scott.childers.sels@gmail.com . Consideration begins Nov 26.

Summer Reading Workshop on November 30th!

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SELS will hold its yearly Summer Reading Workshop at the Walt Branch Library in Lincoln on November 30th, 10 am to 3:15 pm. The workshop will be designed to help you prepare for the 2019 theme of space, with the slogan “A Universe of Stories.”
Hear about summer reading book picks, participate in demonstrations of crafts and activities, and learn about event opportunities! A special highlight will be an author Skype visit from Lauren Baratz-Logsted, who wrote the book for middle graders titled I Love You Michael Collins, set in the time of the Apollo moon landing. The cost for the workshop is only $10 and will include morning refreshments. (Lunch will be on your own.)
Register at http://bit.ly/SRP2019!

Youth Services Retreat

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The 24th Joint Annual Youth Services Retreat will be held at Camp Carol Joy Holling (Ashland) September 6 and 7th. 11 CE are available for attendance at both days.

The workshop topics will be:

  • Great Books for Teens and Tweens
  • Virtual Programs: Prehistoric Creatures and more
  • “Booktalk” your favorite websites, resources, and solutions
  • Mental Illness and Youth Services
  • Reommended Books for Children 2017/2018
  • Escape Rooms and Table Top Conundrums
  • Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Early Childhood Programming
  • Tips on Graphic Novel Collection and Programming
  • How to Improve Your Chances of Obtaining a Youth Services Grant

While this retreat is designed especially for those who plan to stay overnight and attend both days, the following options are available:

  • Both days with overnight, double occupancy, includes all meals ($130)
  • Both days with overnight, single occupancy, includes all meals ($160)
  • Both days with lunch ($105)
  • Thursday only, includes lunch ($55)
  • Friday only, includes lunch ($50)

Registration was open until August 22nd.

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Free Workshop on Information Security and Collection Development

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On August 16, Southeast Library System and UNO’s Undergraduate Library Science Programs will be sponsoring a special workshop at Seward Memorial Library. Attendance will be worth 4 CE and will include a free lunch.

Two topics will be covered:

10 am – 12 pm Information Security

This two hour workshop will include information on the following:

  • Privacy and Security
  • Safe Practices for Public Computers
  • Ways to Protect Both Personal and Institutional Information

12 pm – 1 pm Lunch and Information about UNO’s Library Science Programs

1 pm – 3 pm Collection Development Tips and Tricks

Finding the best works for your library doesn’t have to involve expensive subscriptions to book review journals.  This presentation will focus on strategies to hunt and find quality works without breaking the bank or monopolizing your time.

To register for this free workshop, go to https://goo.gl/forms/kQbheFb9jFV4Fj8n2

School Librarians in the Digital Age

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Southeast Library System and the Nebraska School Librarians Association will again be sponsoring “School Librarians in the Digital Age” on
June 8th, from 8:45 to 12:00. The workshopwill cover three separate and current topics. The location will be Conference Room C, Lincoln Public Schools District Office, 5905 O Street, Lincoln, NE 68510. To register, visit http://bit.ly/2018SchoolLib

For information about each session, Continue reading →

Registration Open for 2018 SELS Training Extravaganza!

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We have an exciting event planned for you on May 11th at Seward Memorial Library! Our keynote speaker is Joyce Neujahr, Director of Patron Services at UNO’s Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library. She will address the topic Feedback: Everybody needs it, Nobody wants it. The registration fee of $25 remains the same again this year (no inflation there!) and includes a catered meal. You may register at http://bit.ly/Extra2018

Details about the day’s workshops: Continue reading →

Pay it Forward: Looking at Succession Planning

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A SELS Workshop with Bonnie McKewon at Ashland Public Library

March 22, 10-3

Like any other organization, libraries need to plan for staffing transitions. Pay It Forward suggests practical approaches that help pave the way for new personnel.  Attendees will discuss succession planning questions. What are the library’s annual routines? Budget prep…policy review…job evaluations…where are those documents found?  What vendors does the library use for print purchases? For digital subscriptions? Is there an instruction manual for the ILS system…for the public computers?

Answering these questions helps light the path for incoming staff.  Staffing changes can be expected or surprising—workshop participants are sure to have “new hire” stories to share.  Plus, library boards should work on their own brand of succession planning—Pay It Forward talks about that, too!

Register at

http://bit.ly/Pay4ward1

This program is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Nebraska Library Commission.

SELS 2 in 1 Workshop

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Seward Memorial Library, February 22, 9:45-3:00

Reader’s Advisory, 10-12

How do you best go about recommending books to library patrons? Becky will go over the Reader’s Advisory interview, talk about advance preparation, and cover “elements of appeal.” Activities and scenarios  will be part of this interactive workshop, including a discussion of resources that are free and easily available to help with the process of Reader’s Advisory.

Free Lunch for those attending both workshops, 12-1

Weeding, 1-3

Do you find it hard to make time for weeding? Becky will make it clear just how important weeding is, and the workshop will include a skit and some great discussion questions to keep you from nodding off in the afternoon.

Presenter: Becky Heil (Iowa State Library)

On the registration form you can choose both workshops, or you can select one of the two. Going to both means you also get free lunch!

Register at http://bit.ly/TwoinOne for this free workshop!

This program is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the Nebraska Library Commission.