Happy Birthday to the Special Projects Library Action Team! This summer marks the sixth year that the Idaho Commission for Libraries-sponsored group has been working throughout the Idaho library community. This group — an output of the 2020 Futures Conference held in 2005 — was charged to serve in a crow’s nest capacity to search for innovation, propose experiments, lead pilot projects, and discover new opportunities for the Idaho Commission for Libraries and the Idaho library community.

As a result SPLAT members during the past six years have provided change leadership and used technology to enhance Idaho libraries’ capacity to better serve their clientele. Outcomes have included the following:

• The SPLAT couch at Idaho Library Association meetings, where one can learn tips and tricks in using technology, share information with colleagues, and connect with others throughout Idaho.
• SPLAT 101 provided a blended learning opportunity for the community to begin their journey in learning about new technology. Over 300 members of the Idaho library community participated in this effort, and SPLAT 101 remains available as an online resource at http://libraries.idaho.gov/splat101
• Members of SPLAT reached out beyond the borders of Idaho to gain additional insight by attending conferences such as Pegusas, Internet Librarian, Handheld Librarian, ALA, PLA, Computers in Libraries, Reference Renaissance, and others. They have returned to Idaho brimming with ideas and tools to share with their colleagues.

The Idaho Commission for Libraries very much appreciates the contributions made by everyone who has been a member of the SPLAT team and would like to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude. The remaining three original SPLAT members, Memo Cordova (BSU), Ruth Funabiki (UI Law Library), and Heather Redding (EITC) will finish their terms during the coming months, providing mentoring and corporate knowledge as they pass the torch to the new SPLAT members.

It is with great excitement that I announce the 2012 SPLAT:

Ø Gena Marker from Centennial High School Library

Ø Kate Baker from Meridian Public Library – Silverstone Branch

Ø Nick Madsen from Community Library Network – Hayden Branch

Ø Jennifer Hills from Twin Falls Public Library

Ø Nick Grove from Meridian Public Library

Ø George Williams from Latah County District Library

Ø Jennifer Redford from Boise Public Library!

Ø Heidi Lewis from Boise Public Library!

Ø Jennifer Cromer from Lewis Clark State College

Ø Jezmynne Dene from Portneuf District Library

Make it a point to get acquainted with these folks – they have lots to share and would love to also learn from you so they can spread the word about new trends and technology. Be on the lookout for the SPLAT members at the spring region ILA conferences – as well as subscribe to the SPLAT blog at https://splat.lili.org
to keep up with what’s new in library land both in Idaho and beyond!