Index
- Continuing Education Grants update
- Libraries at forefront of providing high-speed Internet access
- Database promotion resources available; committee working
- Member/Staff News
- New titles added to SCLS Professional Collection
- Time to order 2013 Wisconsin tax forms
- Grant opportunity for public libraries serving youth in need<
- Receive $1,000 with the MAE Award for Best Literature Program for Teens
- ALA accepting applications for Loleta D. Fyan grants
- Continuing Education Calendar
Continuing Education Grants update
As was reported recently, the 2013 Continuing Education (CE) Grant budget has been exhausted, which means we’ll be looking at possibly making some administrative changes in 2014 to try and stretch those dollars.
The 2014 CE Grant budget is the same as 2013 -- $20,000. From this fund we pay for CE grants to attend conferences, workshops and classes, pay up to $100 for library director memberships to the Wisconsin Library Association (WLA), and certification training for new directors.
As libraries look at their plans for 2014, it’s important to remember the maximum dollar figures for which each library is eligible is not a guaranteed payment. For this reason, in 2012 we put into place a stipulation that library staff members cannot request reimbursement for a specific conference or workshop until registration for that event opens. For example, you cannot yet request reimbursement for the WLA 2014 Fall Conference because registration doesn’t open until sometime next summer.
Because we will be reviewing our guidelines for 2014, please wait until early January 2014 to submit any grant applications. Any CE Grant applications sent before registration opens for the CE program in question will be held until registration opens.
More information about CE grants is available on the Continuing Education web page, or you can contact Jean Anderson.
Libraries at forefront of providing high-speed Internet access
Note: This is the fourth of eight library-related editorials written by the South Central Library System (SCLS) for use by its member libraries. Microsoft Word versions of these editorials are available at http://www.scls.info/pr/editorials/.
Computers and high-speed access to the Internet are required for job searching, investigating health options, interacting with banks and investment firms, and engaging with educational institutions and government agencies. In short, our lives require high-speed Internet access.
Libraries play an important role, as evidenced by the 2012 Pew Research Center’s “Younger Americans’ Library Habits and Expectations” survey. Data from this survey showed that 77% of Americans think it is “very important” for public libraries to provide free access to computers and the internet to the community, including 75% of Americans under age 30.
Free Internet access at the public library becomes even more important during times of financial hardship. Since public libraries are located in communities across the state, have more open hours than other kinds of community agencies, and are already familiar to most community residents, it is logical that people come here to access the content and resources of the Internet.
Maintaining free high-speed Internet access at public libraries is integral to ensuring that every Wisconsin citizen has the opportunity to improve his or her economic situation. Public libraries also provide free wireless (WiFi) computer access that supports the proliferation of portable devices like laptop computers, tablets, smart phones, and e-book readers.
In addition to providing Internet access and wireless service, the public library is often the only source for computer access for many families. Computers are used for school assignments, email, banking, research, job searches and employment applications, resume writing, etc. And for those who don’t know how to use the computer, the public library is often the first place people turn to learn. They may take computer and software classes, or they may just ask a librarian for assistance.
Public libraries have certainly changed with the times. Visit today and see what you’ve been missing.
Database promotion resources available; committee working
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A committee within the South Central Library System has begun work on new efforts to help libraries promote the many online databases that are available to residents. Until that committee has made more progress, remember that SCLS already has some tools for libraries to help get the word out about the resources available.
The web page your patrons see when looking for a database by subject -- www.scls.info/resources/ -- was designed to help direct users to the databases that may best meet their information needs. The page divides resources into the following categories -- Business, Consumers, Genealogy, Readers, Students and Teachers, and Wellness -- and gives examples of the kinds of questions that can be answered using the various databases.
To help you promote these database web pages, SCLS has promotional materials that are available to member libraries. The resources don’t teach people how to use specific databases, but instead are tools to tell people about the kinds of resources that are available.
The materials include website widgets (pictured above) PowerPoint presentations, posters, and shelf talkers, as well as subject specific fliers. Mark Ibach also will work with individual libraries to help develop library-specific and database-specific materials.
Rio Community Library was recently featured in the Poynette Press because it received a Growing Wisconsin Readers grant. “It’s always important to provide as many ways to lead children to reading as soon as possible,” said Erin Foley, Rio director. “This is a great way to help ensure success with schooling later on.”
SCLS Continuing Education Consultant Jean Anderson is featured this week at http://www.libraryreads.org. Check out the review of The Supreme Macaroni Company. You can learn more about LibraryReads in a TechBits post.
New titles added to SCLS Professional Collection
The following titles have been added to the SCLS Professional Collection, which is available to staff at member libraries.
- Beyond Book Sales: The Complete Guide to Raising Real Money for Your Library, edited by Susan Dowd
- Including Families of Children with Special Needs: a How-to-do-it Manual for Librarians, Revised edition by Carrie Scott Banks
- Teen Craft Projects 2 by Tina Coleman and Peggie Llanes
- Every Child Ready for School: Helping Adults Inspire Young Children to Learn by Dorothy Stoltz, Elaine M. Czarnecki, and Connie Wilson
- Adult Programs in the Library, 2nd edition, by Brett W. Lear
- Communicating Professionally, 3rd edition, by Catherine Sheldrick Ross and Kirsti Nilsen
- Storytimes for Everyone!: Developing Young Children’s Language and Literacy by Saroj Nadkarni Ghoting and Pamela Martin-Diaz
- Successful Social Networking in Public Libraries by Walt Crawford
- Library Management 101: a Practical Guide edited by Diane L. Velasquez
- Bringing the Arts into the Library edited by Carol Smallwood
- Say it With Data: a Concise Guide to Making Your Case and Getting Results by Priscille Dando
- The Librarian’s Guide to Micropublishing by Walt Crawford
- Technological Innovation: Perceptions & Definitions by Jason Vaughan
- The Library Mobile Experience: Practices and User Expectations by Boyhun Kim
Time to order 2013 Wisconsin tax forms
As the 2013 tax filing season approaches, libraries interested in providing tax forms to their patrons should be sure to place orders using the new forms order system no later than Dec. 13, 2013.
In an effort to help reduce the cost associated with unused paper tax forms, the Wisconisn Department of Revenue is asking that each library not order more forms than it distributed last year. Consider what you will need for the 2013 tax forms based on how many you really needed last year and reduce that number if you had forms left over.
If you have any questions or need assistance placing your order, please contact Kathleen Henry at (608) 261-7601. Please submit your order by Dec. 13.
Remember to sign up for the department's library electronic mailing list. Simply click the check box next to “Libraries” to receive important communications specifically relating to libraries.
Grant opportunity for public libraries serving youth in need
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is accepting applications for 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) grants. The 21st CCLC program supports high-quality academic support, recreation, youth development, and family programs during after school hours and summers.
Applicants must primarily serve students attending schools with 40 percent or more of enrolled students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch or equivalent economic need.
Public school districts, private schools, charter schools, and community-based organizations (such as public libraries) may apply, either individually or in a consortium including two or more.
Awards are made for five consecutive years, contingent upon satisfactory progress toward goals. This competition is for potential new centers and those that are currently in the fifth (last) year of any five-year cycle.
Applications are currently available and are due on or before Jan. 31, 2014. Visit http://sspw.dpi.wi.gov/sspw_clcgrant to download the application and guidance materials.
The DPI is offering three grant workshops to help with the application process:
- November 18: Madison, WI -- Crown Plaza
- November 20: Rothschild, WI -- Holiday Inn
- November 22: 90-minute web-based workshop
Visit http://sspw.dpi.wi.gov/sspw_dpiclctrng for more information regarding the workshops.
Please contact Gary Sumnicht at (608) 267-5078 or Alison Wineberg at (608) 267-3751 with questions about the program and competition, and for assistance with applications.
--from Channel Weekly (Vol. 16, No. 9 -- Nov. 7, 2013)
Receive $1,000 with the MAE Award for Best Literature Program for Teens
Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) members who have run an exceptional reading or literature program in the 12 months leading up to Dec. 1, 2013, are eligible to apply for the MAE Award for Best Literature Program for Teens, which recognizes an outstanding reading or literature program for young adults.
Do you run a spectacular teen book club that engages underserved audiences? Did your summer reading program or literature festival connect teens with literature in an innovative way? Have you connected teens to literature or helped them gain literacy skills via some other exciting means? If so, you could win $500 for yourself and an additional $500 for your library by applying for the award. Individual library branches may apply.
The MAE Award is sponsored by the Margaret A. Edwards Trust. Applications and additional information about the award are available online, and applications must be submitted online by Dec. 1, 2013. For questions about the award, please contact the jury chair, Laurie Amster-Burton. The winner will be announced the week of Feb. 9, 2014.
Not a member of YALSA yet? It's not too late to join so you can be eligible for this award. You can do so by contacting YALSA’s Membership Marketing Specialist, Letitia Smith at (800) 545-2433, ext. 4390. Recognize the great work you are doing to bring teens together with literature and apply today.
ALA accepting applications for Loleta D. Fyan grants
The American Library Association’s Office for Research and Statistics is now accepting applications for the Loleta D. Fyan Grant. Fyan, who was ALA President from 1951-52, believed that every individual, regardless of residence, is equally entitled to high-quality library service and that librarians must be adept in using the political process to acquire this "right of citizenship.”
The grant, up to $5,000, is to be used for the development and improvement of public libraries and the services they provide. The project(s) criteria:
- must result in the development and improvement of public libraries and the services they provide;
- must have the potential for broader impact and application beyond meeting a specific local need;
- should be designed to effect changes in public library services that are innovative and responsive to the future; and
- should be capable of completion within one year.
Applicants can include but are not limited to: local, regional or state libraries, associations or organizations, including units of the ALA; library schools; or individuals. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 20, 2013.
For more information about the grant, including how to submit proposals and requirements of the recipient(s), please visit the WLA website.