Index
- System Celebration registration underway
- Act 420 changes standards for public library systems
- ‘Speak Up for Your Library’ cards available
- Agreement creates joint library in Wisconsin Dells, Lake Delton
- Software and technology training available to library staff members
- Member/Staff News
- Youth Services continuing education programs
- Interest in Novelist warrants purchase for 2007
- New OverDrive FAQ available online
- Serving your low-vision patrons
- DLTCL collects information on economic impact of libraries
- UW-SLIS circulation conference
- Criticas redesigns website
- Continuing Education Calendar
System Celebration registration underway
System Celebration invitations will be mailed next week to libraries and trustees throughout the South Central Library System, and registrations should be returned or completed online by Sept. 7. To register online, visit www.scls.info/about/systemceleb/.
This year’s event will be held Thursday, Sept. 21, 2006, at the Wintergreen Resort & Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells. It is our annual thank you to the staff, trustees, and mayors/village presidents of SCLS member libraries for their support and efforts throughout the year.
The social hour will again offer the opportunity for attendees to view posters presented by member libraries and learn more about new projects or successful programs. Louise Robbins, a professor and director of the School of Library and Information Studies at the UW-Madison, is the featured speaker. Her presentation is titled "The Value of Libraries: What Research Tells Us."
To register, return the RSVP that is mailed with your invitation, or use the online RSVP form. Either way, be sure to indicate if you require a vegetarian meal. Payment for meals should be sent to the South Central Library System, 5250 E. Terrace Drive, Suite A-2, Madison, WI, 53718-8345, by Sept. 7, 2006. This year's meal cost is $15.95, but there is no charge for one local elected official, head librarians (or designee) of member libraries of all types, and current trustees of SCLS area library boards. You do have the option to pay for your meal if you believe there is an ethical conflict with SCLS paying for your meal.
For more information, or to register online, visit www.scls.info/about/systemceleb/.
Act 420 changes standards for public library systems
Editor’s Note: In the past four issues of Online Update we have looked at provisions of the new library legislation, Act 420. In this, the fifth installment, we will look at the final portions of Act 420.
Sections 3, 4 and 9 of Act 420 affect Wisconsin Statutes 43.15, which specifically deal with “Standards for public library systems.”
In Section 3, Act 420 specifies that if a public library system falls below three counties and 200,000 population because of withdrawal or realignment, it must merge within an existing system within two years.
Section 4 stipulates that the only requirement for approval of the merger of two systems is approval by the system boards and the county boards of participating counties. Previously, the approval of the boards of 51 percent of the participating libraries in the system also was required.
Section 9 of Act 420 provides that no new systems can be established, if it would result in a number of library systems that exceeds the number of library systems currently in existence.
Finally, Act 420 allows the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) more flexibility in recommending how state funding at the 13 percent index level may be requested.
In the next issue of Online Update we will look at the changes Act 226 makes to Chapter 43 of Wisconsin Statutes.
-- by Cheryl Becker, Public Library Consultant
‘Speak Up for Your Library’ cards available
Nearly 1,500 patrons have signed up for the South Central Library System’s “Speak Up for Your Library” campaign, demonstrating their willingness to support libraries through action. The impact of their involvement was significant during last year’s legislative session, but there is more that needs to be done.
Three other Wisconsin library systems have implemented the program at the encouragement of the Wisconsin Library Association, so this is a good time to again emphasize the initiative in our own libraries. We know that citizen input can help drive legislative decisions, and we also know that the state will begin a new budget cycle in 2007.
We ask that you prominently display the posters and cards, and contact us if you need more. Simply collect the cards at your library and return them to Mark Ibach at SCLS through Delivery.
If you have questions about this ongoing campaign, or need more printed materials, contact Mark Ibach at (608) 246-5612 (or by email).
Agreement creates joint library in Wisconsin Dells, Lake Delton
The Kilbourn Public Library has officially become the joint library of the City of Wisconsin Dells and the Village of Lake Delton.
The Village of Lake Delton is adjacent to Wisconsin Dells and as a result the Kilbourn Public Library has always been a community library for both municipalities. According to Library Director Cathy Borck, the communities pride themselves on working together to create a vital and thriving community and tourist destination.
“The creation of the joint library will serve as an opportunity for the library to grow in the areas of programming, services, staffing and collection development,” Borck said. “The Kilbourn Public Library board and staff look forward to new and exciting changes in the library and the opportunity to continue to serve the Wisconsin Dells/Lake Delton community.”
Software and technology training available to library staff members
SCLS will make online classes available to all members though the UW-Madison SLIS Ed2Go program. There are classes on Microsoft Office -- from beginner’s level to advanced -- plus basic computer literacy, web design, even computer troubleshooting. To see the list of available classes visit www.ed2go.com/ccom.html.
Unlike WebJunction’s self-paced tutorials some SCLS members have taken, these classes run over a six-week period, with a new section beginning each month. An instructor leads the class, and discussion boards allow you to communicate with the instructor and other students across the country. Quizzes and a final exam are included, and each class is good for 12 hours of continuing education toward recertification.
All library directors have received instructions about how to register for an Ed2Go class. Contact your director for more details, or contact Mary Wepking at (608) 246-5613 (or by email).
The Monona Public Library seeks a librarian responsible for coordinating public library services, providing reference service and programming, and assisting in collection development. Visit www.scls.lib.wi.us/moo/jobs.html for requirements and position description. The application deadline is Aug. 18, 2006.
The Portage County Public Library will be closed for staff inservice training Wednesday morning Aug. 16. Plover, Rosholt and Stevens Point locations will open at 1:00 p.m. Almond is regularly closed on Wednesdays.
Jon Pribbenow is the new assistant director of the Rio Community Library. A Rio High School alumnus, Jon brings with him knowledge of the community, previous library experience, years of working with young children and excellent computer skills. Jon recently graduated from Luther College with a BS in English and minor in Philosophy.
The August issue of WSLL @ Your Service is available at http://wsll.state.wi.us/newsletter/0608.html.
Youth Services continuing education programs
Sign up now for upcoming continuing education programs for youth services library staff. On Aug. 25, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Bev Schumacher will present “Beyond Coloring Sheets: Great Take Home Literacy Activities for Preschoolers” at South Central offices in Madison.
This hands-on crafts and activities workshop will provide you with literacy activities to compliment your Every Child Ready To Read programs. You’ll learn about great (and simple) early literacy activities and crafts that are a perfect fit for the preschool set.
On Sept. 21, author Kimberly Bolan will help you to create “Teen Spaces, Cool Places.” She’ll provide ideas for creating great teen spaces, whatever your size or budget. Kim also will address teen advisory boards and teen involvement in creating collections and spaces just for them.
And be sure to mark your calendar for the annual SLP Program for 2007, “Get a Clue @ Your Library,” which will be held at the Monona Public Library on Friday, Nov. 17. More details on this full-day event will be available soon.
Register for all of these youth services CE programs by visiting the SCLS events calendar at http://host.evanced.info/scls/evanced/eventcalendar.asp.
Interest in Novelist warrants purchase for 2007
After exploring the features of Novelist, SCLS member libraries have indicated enough interest in the database that SCLS will contract with EBSCO to have Novelist available to everyone in the system beginning in 2007. SCLS staff will meet in early August to discuss the implementation plan, including publicity and training. These plans will be shared with member libraries as soon as possible.
Also, a memo to each director that outlines their library's shared database costs for 2007 has been sent through Delivery. This is just an informational memo to let you know what your costs will be in 2007, not a bill. SCLS will bill you for these costs in 2007.
If you have questions about Novelist, or the database memo, contact Stef Morrill at (608) 245-5799 (or by email).
New OverDrive FAQ available online
A new OverDrive FAQ for patrons is now available online at http://overdrivefaq.pbworks.com. The site features topics like software and hardware requirements, borrowing, using holds, listening to books, using portable devices, burning to CD and information about the dbooks library.
If library staff or patrons have suggestions of topics to add, contact Stef Morrill at (608) 245-5799 (or by email).
Serving your low-vision patrons
An important workshop has been added to the continuing education calendar this fall. "Library Service to Low-Vision Patrons" will be conducted by staff from the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and will cover important considerations including signage and the latest technology to assist low-vision patrons in your library.
The workshop will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 27, in Madison and via live teleconference in Stevens Point. Register online through the SCLS events calendar at http://host.evanced.info/scls/evanced/eventcalendar.asp.
DLTCL collects information on economic impact of libraries
Information and links to various state and regional studies on the economic impact of public libraries is now available on the DLTCL website at www.dpi.wi.gov/pld/econimpact.html. The page includes additional information and resources on impact studies and how they may be compiled, as well as a link to a spreadsheet to determine the economic impact of a local library developed by the Massachusetts Library Association.
An economic impact study of Wisconsin's public libraries was given preliminary budget approval for LSTA funding for 2007. Final approval of the project will be made this Fall by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction after review and recommendation by the LSTA Advisory Committee.
-- from Channel Weekly, Volume 8, Number 45 -- August 3, 2006
UW-SLIS circulation conference
“Back in Circulation Again (Again)” is a conference for managers and staff working in Library Circulation. It will be held Sept. 8 and 9 at the Pyle Center in Madison. Attendance will give you the opportunity to meet circulation staff from around the country and to see circ work in the context of the whole library and its mission.
There is a $225 fee for the conference, but you may apply at www.scls.info/ce/grants/index.html for a Continuing Education Grant to help cover the costs. For more information, or to register, visit the UW-Madison SLIS CE website at www.slis.wisc.edu/continueed/circconf.html.
Criticas, the online review journal of Spanish books for English speakers, has a newly designed website at www.criticasmagazine.com/. The new website features an archive of past issues, past reviews, a comprehensive best sellers list and articles on publishing trends.
Criticas also offers a free monthly newsletter, which includes news and book reviews. Subscription information is available at www.criticasmagazine.com/subscribe.asp.