Index
- LearningExpress marketing materials available online
- Library value calculator now includes return on investment calculation
- Spam Assassin change coming
- Member/Staff News
- January Continuing Education opportunities
- 2008 MALC scholarships available
- Waunakee seeks new director
- R&LL announces BadgerLink Resource Hunt Cards
- ‘10 Ways to Make Your Library Great in 2008’ via Web 2.0
- IMLS Calls for 2008 Coming Up Taller Award Nominations
- Continuing Education
LearningExpress marketing materials available online
In preparation for the January launch of the online test preparation resource LearningExpress Library, we have posted various marketing and promotional materials on the South Central Library System website. You can begin ordering materials now.
Items like bookmarks, posters, and fliers will be printed in-house, so we can easily print more if you need. However, two items -- 3x3 inch sticky notes and 4.25x5.5 inch note pads -- will be printed off site and therefore must be ordered in larger volume. To get an idea of the interest, we’re asking that you look at the samples available at www.scls.info/pr/lel/, then place your order by sending an email to Mark Ibach. All of these materials are available at no cost to SCLS member libraries.
The available promotional and publicity materials include a press release, shorter newsletter article, FAQ, sample educator email, PSA scripts, a list of featured resources, posters, bookmarks, and an informational flier. In the near future we’ll also have a list of promotional ideas, a fact sheet, and a PowerPoint presentation you can use for group presentations. You also can download color and grayscale versions of the logo.
LearningExpress Library is a comprehensive, interactive online learning platform of practice tests and tutorial course series designed to help library users -- students and adult learners -- succeed on the academic or licensing tests they must pass. You'll get immediate scoring, complete answer explanations, and an individualized analysis of your results.
To help familiarize library staff with this new resource, we have one upcoming online training session scheduled Dec. 19 at 1:30 p.m. It will be conducted by LearningExpresss Library using a tool called WebEx, so those planning to attend this session should test their computer’s WebEx compatibility at www.learningexpressllc.com/webextest.cfm (this should be done as soon as possible). Click on the “Test Now” button near the bottom of the page, and when prompted to install the plug-in be sure to follow all on-screen directions. If you have problems on a LINK computer contact the Help Desk at (608) 266-6394. If you have problems on a non-LINK computer contact Kerri Hilbelink. To minimize potential issues, please use Internet Explorer for the WebEx sessions. Instructions for logging in to the December sessions will be sent via e-mail.
In addition to the December session, SCLS has scheduled a Jan. 18 OPAL session with Lisa Mettauer from Madison Public Library.
For the remainder of December, LearningExpress Library is available to library staff members for review. To obtain the necessary LearningExpress Library log-in directions, visit the “Resources For SCLS Public Libraries Only” page at www.scls.info/pro.
If you’ve forgotten your password for the SCLS professional page, or if you have questions about LearningExpress Library, contact Cheryl Becker, SCLS public library administration consultant.
Library value calculator now includes return on investment calculation
Your library’s patrons value the services and resources you provide, and helping them understand just how much those services and resources are worth may pay you significant dividends in the future? How much would they pay out-of-pocket if the library didn't exist, or if these services and resources were only available for a fee?
We encourage you to have your patrons reflect on their library use over the past month, then plug those numbers into the form at www.scls.info/pr/calculator/. This page will calculate a total value related to the items checked out and the services and resources used.
A new feature of the form is that it now calculates a "return on investment" that is based on the per capita library expenditures in your community, as reported on the 2006 Wisconsin Public Library Statistics compiled by the Division for Libraries, Technology and Community Learning (DLTCL). This new feature is made possible thanks to some nifty .html code created by the Library Research Service, a unit of the Colorado State Library and the Colorado Department of Education that is operated in partnership with the Library and Information Science (LIS) Program, Morgridge College of Education, University of Denver.
In essence, the more patrons use the library each month the higher their return on investment will be.
When your patrons have completed the form, encourage them to share some of their findings and impressions with us by submitting the online form. They also will have the opportunity to share some stories about their library use and why they believe the library is important to them and their family.
You can link to the calculator at www.scls.info/pr/calculator/.
Starting in mid January, any emails that come into the SCLS network, and have a Spam Assassin score of more than 20, will be deleted automatically. This way users won’t have to deal with those emails that are definitely spam.
Spam Assassin evaluates many aspects of each email and then assigns a numerical value to each email based on this evaluation. Emails with this value currently go into a Junk Folder (unless the user specifies they be deleted immediately). Now they will be automatically deleted.
To opt out of this implementation, contact Greg Barniskis before Jan. 7, 2008.
The new email address for Barbara Werth, director of Lettie W. Jensen Library in Amherst, is [email protected].
The November 2007 LINK Library Statistics Summary is posted on Automation's website at http://automation.scls.lib.wi.us/reports/circulation/circindex.html.
LINK News & Tips has been posted to the Automation website at http://automation.scls.lib.wi.us/announce.html.
Lynn Fry is a new Clerk at the Meadowridge Branch of Madison Public Library. She began her duties Dec. 10.
Tracy Jordan is a new Youth Services Specialist Librarian at the Hawthorne Branch of Madison Public Library. She begins work on Jan. 2, 2008.
Pittsville Community Library has a new e-mail address -- [email protected].
Aggie Steichen is retiring as the Waunakee Public Library’s Youth Services Librarian, a position she has held since 1974. In her honor, an open house will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Jan. 11, 2008. Aggie is the only person to serve in this capacity at the library, and her last day is Jan. 18.
Lisa Wegner is the new youth services librarian at Waunakee Public Library, effective Jan. 8, 2008. She comes to Waunakee from Pittsboro, IN, where she served as youth services librarian. While in Indiana she was involved in selection of the Young Hoosier Book Award, was a member of a Newbery Discussion group that suggests books for the award, was a presenter in the Sheltering Wings Program for young children at the local domestic violence center, and received training in using materials in the Every Child Ready to Read program.
The December issue of WSLL @ Your Service has been published at http://wsll.state.wi.us/newsletter/0712.html.
January Continuing Education opportunities
Here is a brief description of the January CE program being sponsored by SCLS.
- Database Demo: LearningExpress Library -- Friday, January 18, from noon to 1:00 p.m. in the SCLS OPAL Room, with Lisa Mettauer, Outreach Librarian, Madison Public Library -- Lisa will walk participants through the many features and resources included in LearningExpress Library. In addition to demonstrating the database and sharing her experiences from Madison Public Library, Lisa will talk about how and where the library promoted LearningExpress Library throughout the community.
- Filing your State Annual Report -- Friday, January 25 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the SCLS OPAL Room, with Cheryl Becker, Public Library Administration Consultant -- This session on filing the Wisconsin Public Library Annual Report online is designed especially for new directors or others completing the report for the first (or nearly first) time, or for anyone who has questions or recently experienced problems with the report. However, anyone who is working on the state annual report should find it a helpful review and is welcome to attend.
Library Security Training with The Black Belt Librarian -- Tuesday, January 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at South Central Library System Administration Offices, 5250 E. Terrace Drive, Suite A-2, Madison and Wednesday, January 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Marshfield Public Library, 211 E. Second Street, Marshfield, with Warren Graham, author of Black Belt Librarians: Every Librarian’s Real World Guide to a Safer Workplace -- Communities expect their public libraries to be safe and welcoming places. However, a brief review of the news in American Libraries reveals that many disturbing incidents take place in libraries. Funded in part with a 2008 LSTA Training Grant, this interactive workshop will teach library staff how to deal effectively and consistently with problem behavior and situations. The Madison workshop is cosponsored by Southwest Wisconsin Library System and the Marshfield workshop is cosponsored by Marshfield Public Library. Lunch at both sites is $5, with checks payable to SCLS.
Remember to save the dates April 23 & 24, 2008, when Jodi Pfarr returns to Madison with her popular “Bridges Out of Poverty” program at UW-Madison Pyle Center (cosponsored by SLIS).
For more information about these and other upcoming programs, visit the SCLS Continuing Education Calendar, or contact Jean Anderson.
2008 MALC scholarships available
MALC annually sponsors two scholarships that provide funds for non-public library staff to attend library-related educational programs and conferences. These awards can be used to pay expenses associated with meetings, workshops, courses, conferences or other activities that promote professional growth.
The scholarship application form and guidelines are available online at www.scls.info/malc/services.html#scholarships. The application deadline is Feb. 2, 2008, and applications should be submitted to Jean Anderson, Continuing Education Coordinator, South Central Library System, 5250 East Terrace Drive, Suite A-2, Madison, WI 53718-8345.
The Waunakee Public Library Board of Trustees is now accepting applications for the position of library director. Candidates must hold a Master’s Degree in library science from an accredited institution, possess Grade 1 Wisconsin Public Librarian Certification or eligibility for required certification, and must demonstrate maintenance of required certification through necessary coursework and/or qualifying continuing education.
For full consideration, submit a cover letter, resume, credentials and completed application with three professional references to: Search Committee, Waunakee Public Library, 710 South Street, Waunakee, WI 53597. A copy of the application, as well as a complete job description, can be found on the Village website at www.vil.waunakee.wi.us.
The application deadline is Jan. 15, 2008. The position starting date is March 24, 2008.
R&LL announces BadgerLink Resource Hunt Cards
The Reference and Loan Library (R&LL) has developed a BadgerLink Toolkit to provide public libraries with materials and support to help promote BadgerLink resources. One of the Toolkit components is a set of Resource Hunt cards that are designed to teach users how to use various BadgerLink resources. The cards have questions on one side and answers on other and provide valuable experiences in learning specific techniques for using BadgerLink resources. There is a set of cards for parents and a set for students.
The BadgerLink Resource Hunt cards are being distributed to each public library through the statewide delivery service as a boxed set that can be placed next to a public access terminal and used to train users in various aspects of searching BadgerLink resources. The distribution of the card sets is being made to public libraries due to the stipulation of the funding source.
A template for the cards is available on the BadgerLink Toolkit site and can be used by any Wisconsin library to print additional copies.
‘10 Ways to Make Your Library Great in 2008’ via Web 2.0
As you think about your resolutions for the New Year, why not resolve to make your library a great educational asset within your community? The Jan. 16 webinar will show you how to leverage social networking tools such as del.icio.us and Librarything to enable knowledge sharing and create collections of information around professional development. Ten key themes are presented to empower library staff as well as to increase a library's value within the community.
Presented by guest speaker Ed Rossman, adult services librarian at Shaker Heights Public Library and author of “Castles Against Ignorance: How to Make Libraries Great Educational Environments.”
To register, go to www.webjunction.org/do/Navigation?category=15543.
IMLS Calls for 2008 Coming Up Taller Award Nominations
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2008 Coming Up Taller awards that recognize and reward outstanding after-school, out-of-school, and summer arts and humanities programs for underserved children and youth. The program, in its 11th year, is sponsored by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. By honoring excellence in after-school, out-of-school, and summer arts and humanities programs, the Coming Up Taller awards promote a creative, engaged, skilled, and confident generation of young people. Eligible museums, libraries, performing arts organizations, universities, arts centers, community service organizations, schools, businesses, and eligible government entities are encouraged to participate.
Recipients of a Coming Up Taller award receive $10,000 at a special ceremony in Washington, D.C., an individualized plaque, and an expense-paid invitation to attend the annual Coming Up Taller Leadership Enhancement Conference. Nomination guidelines and an application are available online.