Index
- It’s time to nominate your library for an SCLS Foundation award
- Make plans to attend Nov. 19 Cornerstone Award reception in Portage
- Save the date: Feb. 9 is WLA Legislative Day
- Member/Staff News
- Oregon Public Library seeks new director
- WiLS Regional Meetings to focus on electronic resources
- VSA Wisconsin traveling exhibit available
- ALA president responds to Pew Research Center study that highlights vital role of libraries in digital age
- Nowra (Australia) librarians promote library accomplishments on YouTube
- Continuing Education Calendar
It’s time to nominate your library for an SCLS Foundation award
Public libraries touch the lives of residents in untold ways, and in the process they do amazing things. In recognition of all you do, the South Central Library System (SCLS) Foundation is again presenting three library awards as part of the 2015 Cornerstone Award fundraising reception on Nov. 19 in Portage.
Library staff members, trustees, friends, or residents can nominate their library to recognize the amazing work public libraries do every day while serving their communities. To make an online nomination, click on the award name below. All nominations must be submitted by 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, 2015.
- Super Awesome Library Award -- For the library that was overall awesome in 2015. Maybe they handled a tough situation with grace. Or took a new approach. Or found a lot of money under a rock and did something really cool with it. Or got a lot of local support and kudos because they play well with others. Or are just plain super awesome every day.
- Program Wizard Award -- For a super creative, innovative and fun library program created by library staff. In the library or out. For babies or seniors or anyone in between. A one-off or a regular series. If Dumbledore thinks it's worthy of Wizard status, nominate it!
- Giddy Up Partner Award -- For those strong community partnerships that add value to the library and the community as a whole. It takes two, baby! Or three... or four. Nominate the library and its partner(s) and describe the amazing stuff they’re doing together.
Make plans to attend Nov. 19 Cornerstone Award reception in Portage
Each year the SCLS Foundation presents the Cornerstone Award to an individual or individuals who have had a significant and long-term impact on enhancing public libraries in South Central Wisconsin and represent the values and mission of the SCLS Foundation. This year’s fundraising award reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. at 205 Vino, 205 De Witt Street in Portage, immediately after the All Directors meeting at Portage Public Library. The reception is open to everyone, and will feature light snacks and a cash bar.
The 2015 award recipient is Pat Townsend, who moved to Adams County in 1979 after a busy professional life in nursing and began her involvement with public libraries. On Nov. 19, 2015, she will be recognized for her countless efforts as the recipient of the South Central Library System (SCLS) Foundation Cornerstone Award. You can make a contribution to honor Pat at www.sclsfoundation.org.
“This year marks the seventh award to honor an individual who has made significant contributions to the improvement of library service in their own communities, throughout the South Central Library System, and statewide,” said Cindy Fesemyer, foundation board president and director of the Columbus Public Library. “Pat is an excellent choice because of her selfless service since 1979.”
“Libraries have always been a part of my life, so naturally I became a patron when I moved to Adams County in 1979,” Pat said. “One of the first tings I did was help develop a “Friends of the Library” group that sponsored the first “Chocolate Affair” fundraiser.” That fundraiser continues today, and Pat said the Adams County Public Library Friends also promotes classic film shows, children’s programming, and many other events as needed. The group has also sponsored art shows of local artists and other local presentations of music and art.
After years of involvement, Pat said she was asked to serve on the community committee assigned to plan a new community center that would include a new library, senior center and space for UW-Extension. “It was so exciting because the new library would more than double the space of the previous building,” Pat said.
Pat continues to serve on the Adams County Library Board, a position she said she hopes to fill for many more years to come. She has also served as a member of the South Central Library System Board of Trustees, and continues to participate when needed.
According to Fesemyer, the seventh annual Cornerstone Award Reception continues a fundraising tradition that has raised more than $70,000 for the foundation in six years.
“The annual Cornerstone Award fundraising reception is an excellent opportunity to shine the spotlight on someone who has given so much of herself to public libraries,” Fesemyer said. “It’s also a great way to raise money for the Foundation, which in turn makes funds available for projects that benefit all member public libraries.” This year the Foundation made $5,000 available to purchase ebook titles for Wisconsin’s Digital Library (OverDrive collection), thereby reducing library costs, and about $3,900 for the purchase of 10 Lego Mindstorms robot kits.
Save the date: Feb. 9 is WLA Legislative Day
Please reserve Feb. 9, 2016, for Library Legislative Day at the Madison Concourse Hotel in Madison. The usual venue at the Inn on the Park will be undergoing renovation.
The 2016 Library Legislative Day Planning Committee chaired by Nick Dimassis (Director, Beloit Public Library) is working in partnership with the committee chaired by Paul Nelson planning events for the 125th anniversary of WLA.
This will be a one of a kind celebration of libraries with presentations in the Capitol rotunda by high level state dignitaries. Mark your calendar and plan to participate in a unique and enjoyable day that highlights the importance of all types of Wisconsin libraries.
Pearl Mosier, Circulation Manager at the Sun Prairie Library, will retire on Sept. 23, after 39 years of service to the community. Please celebrate Pearl and her remarkable career at an Open House Party at the Sun Prairie Public Library on Friday, Oct. 2, from 3-5 p.m.
Oregon Public Library seeks new director
Due to retirement, Oregon Public Library (Wisconsin) seeks a dynamic, community-minded Director with vision for the future. The successful candidate must be able to enhance the library and its role as an integral component of the community, and provide leadership of a potential building project.
Minimum qualifications: MLS from ALA-accredited institution, eligibility for Wisconsin Grade 1 Public Library Certification, 3-5 years library experience, and personnel and supervisory experience. Minimum salary is $62,059 plus a competitive benefit package.
The application deadline is 4 p.m. on Oct. 13, 2015. Please submit a Village of Oregon employment application form, cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Dr. Brian Busler, Oregon Public Library search committee, at [email protected]. A complete position description with a link to an application form can be found at: www.oregonpubliclibrary.org/employment. The Village of Oregon is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
WiLS Regional Meetings to focus on electronic resources
This year, the topic of the WiLS Regional Meetings is electronic resources: how to promote, grow, and evaluate the usage of the resources that your purchase for your user community so you get the most value out of them possible. You’ll have the opportunity learn tips and tricks for growing and assessing usage as well as hear how your colleagues are encouraging patrons to use their electronic resources and how they are making their decisions when it’s time to renew subscriptions.
We have locations in central and south central Wisconsin that we hope will work for you.
Locations and Dates
- Oct. 1, 1-4 p.m. –- Marshfield Public Library
- Oct. 8, 1-4 p.m. –- Fitchburg Public Library
- Oct. 9, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. –- Dodgeville Public Library (followed by SWAL lunch and meeting)
Register today to attend a free meeting near you.
VSA Wisconsin traveling exhibit available
VSA Wisconsin is reaching out to public libraries across the state to see which might be interested in hosting the organization’s Creative Power traveling exhibit.
The exhibit, which contains 30 pieces of award-winning work by Wisconsin artists with disabilities, continually travels throughout the state of Wisconsin and has been seen by approximately 180,000 people. Through this program, VSA hopes to increase public recognition and awareness of the creative power of persons with disabilities.
VSA Wisconsin annually calls for the artwork from Wisconsin artists with disabilities, and in May of 2015 received 235 submissions. Artists’ submissions are reviewed by a jury of arts professionals who look for creativity, originality, and craftsmanship. Every year, those jurors select 10 works of art to receive Purchase Awards that are then added to VSA Wisconsin’s Traveling Exhibition. Every year 10 works are retired and become part of VSA Wisconsin’s asset collection.
To learn more about VSA Wisconsin, visit www.vsawis.org. To view the current traveling exhibit visit www.vsawis.org/exhibitions_sales/traveling_exhibition/current_art_on_view/.
Available dates in the next two years are:
- 2016
- January 1
- February 28
- March 1
- April 30
- August 1
- September 30
- October 1
- November 16 & 17
- December 31
- 2017
- January 1
- February 28
- March 1
- April 30
- May 1
- June 30
- August 1
- September 30
- October 1
- November 16 & 17
- December 31
If you are interested and have the availability, there is a $150 fee to host the exhibit, and your library is also responsible for insuring the exhibit valued at $8,200. VSA Wisconsin will create press releases and send marketing materials. Accessibility guidelines for the traveling exhibit also are available.
ALA president responds to Pew Research Center study that highlights vital role of libraries in digital age
Libraries are transforming as society stands at a critical juncture with regard to the changing information landscape and the skills needed to thrive in our digital world. Libraries at the Crossroads, a survey released today by the Pew Research Center, affirms the evolving role of public libraries within their communities as vital resources that advance education and digital empowerment.
American Library Association (ALA) President Sari Feldman released the following statement regarding the survey’s findings:
“Public libraries are transforming beyond their traditional roles and providing more opportunities for community engagement and new services that connect closely with patrons’ needs,” said Feldman. “Today’s study shows that public libraries are far from being just ‘nice to have,’ but serve as a lifeline for their users, as the survey shows more than 65 percent of those surveyed felt that closing their local public library would have a major impact on their community.
“Libraries are not just about what we have for people, but what we do for and with people. Today’s survey found that three-quarters of the public say libraries have been effective at helping people learn how to use new technologies. This is buttressed by the ALA’s Digital Inclusion Survey, which finds that virtually all libraries provide free public access to computers and the Internet, wi-fi, technology training and robust digital content that supports education, employment, e-government access and more.
“Although the report affirms the value of public libraries, the ALA recognizes the need for greater public awareness of the transformation of library services, as the report shows library visits over the past three years have slightly decreased. In response, libraries of all types are preparing for the launch of a national public awareness campaign entitled ‘Libraries Transform.’
“Libraries from across the county will participate in the campaign and will work to change the perception that ‘libraries are just quiet places to do research, find a book, and read’ to ‘libraries are centers of their communities: places to learn, create and share, with the help of library staff and the resources they provide.
“This is an exciting time for libraries, as institutions transform to meet the digital and print needs of their users, and to continue to fulfill their role in leveling the playing field for all who seek information and access to technologies.”
Other interesting findings that point to the vital role of libraries in communities nationwide include:
- 65 percent maintain that libraries contribute to helping people decide what information they can trust.
- 75 percent say libraries have been effective at helping people learn how to use new technologies.
- 78 percent believe that libraries are effective at promoting literacy and love of reading.
The Pew Research Center 2015 libraries survey conducted telephone interviews, with a nationally representative probability sample of 2,004 people ages 16 and older living in the United States. The research was funded in part by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
For more information regarding the transformation of libraries and library professionals please visit LibrariesTransform.org.
Nowra (Australia) librarians promote library accomplishments on YouTube
There's little chance that the librarians of Nowra have ever growled, "Quiet please!"
"We have a lot of fun," says Robin Sharpe, the Nowra Library's digital resources manager.
When their masters at the Shoalhaven City Council asked the librarians to detail their achievements over the past 12 months, there was little chance that anyone was going to doze off during the presentation.
Read more, and watch the video, in the Illawarra Mercury, or watch below.