The Hawaii State Public Library System, in partnership with the Microsoft Corporation, will become the first public library system in the world to provide Digital Literacy and Microsoft IT Academy Programs for technology training and preparation for certifications for all Hawaii's library patrons. The Microsoft IT Academy program is the first training program to launch under the HSPLS HI Tech Academy initiative and is expected to reach nearly one million people across the state of Hawaii.

"The program's digital literacy resources will equip Hawaii's library patrons with the technical skills needed to become more employable and successful in the 21st century workplace," said Microsoft Chief Officer for Research and Strategy Craig Mundie.

The Microsoft IT Academy provides access to e-learning, certification preparation, and official Microsoft course materials, which will help users to qualify for and acquire industry-recognized Microsoft Office Specialist, Microsoft Technology Associate or Microsoft Certified Professional certifications.

"IT certifications are increasingly recognized as valuable credentials that give young people expanded career opportunities," said Donald Horner, chairman of the Hawaii State Board of Education. "The Microsoft IT Academy ensures patrons equal access to IT training and certification through all libraries across the state regardless of location or economic status."

To access the Microsoft IT Academy, a list of the certification sites, and course curriculum, visit the library system's Web site. Library patrons with valid library cards can access the courses of their choice at any time in all public libraries, remotely and via mobile devices with authentication.

Don't forget to register for the 2011 HLA Conference! If you are paying by check, postmark deadline is Nov. 21. If you're paying by credit card, deadline is Nov. 27.

More information on this year's conference, "The Future of Reading," as well as the preliminary program is available on the HLA Web site.

Gale Cengage Learning is now seeking nominations for its Award for Excellence in Business Librarianship. The recipient receives a $3,000 cash award and a citation.

Applicants for this award will be evaluated based on their contribution to the field of business librarianship. These contributions may include, but are not limited to: authorship of a seminal book or articles in business librarianship; development of an imaginative and successful program centered around business within a library; teaching business librarianship in a particularly creative and substantive manner; and displaying strong leadership in a professional association geared to business librarianship.

To submit a nomination, click here for more information and the nomination form.

The award and citation will be presented at the RUSA Awards ceremony at the 2012 ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim.