Index
- SCLS adds online resources to help with hiring
- November ‘Talk of the Town’ available
- Member/Staff News
- PLSR service models feedback sought
- Three SCLS libraries named LJ Star Libraries
- LAV seeks new director
- SGR seeks new library director
- MOO seeks new director
- PLA releases first Project Outcome Annual Report
- How the internet is loosening our grip on the truth
- Big ideas come together: Two futures events have lessons for libraries
- Continuing Education Calendar
SCLS adds online resources to help with hiring
A new page on the SCLS website has been created to help libraries manage the often difficult tasks of writing and updating position descriptions, a process that is outlined on this page. There are also links to resources to help with drafting position descriptions.
The page includes tabs at the top that provide links to resources to help libraries plan and conduct recruitment for existing and new positions, links to sample position descriptions from many libraries within the South Central Library System, examples of library interview questions, and information about where to advertise library openings.
You can access this new resource directly at www.scls.info/management/jobs/.
This is a work in progress, so we’re interested in your ideas for other content. Also, if your library has position descriptions or interview questions you’d like included, contact Mark Ibach.
November ‘Talk of the Town’ available
The November edition of “Talk of the Town” is now available. It features Karen Wendt, Monona Public Library, who is talking about storytelling in the Family.
The December edition of “Talk of the Town” will feature Molly Warren, Madison Public Library, who will talk about books and music for gift ideas.
Kerrie Goeden, HR & Finance Coordinator at the South Central Library System, has successfully completed the requirements for the CNAP certification. The Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP) is designed to set a standard of accounting excellence in the not-for-profit sector through comprehensive qualification, training and examination. Developed by the Nonprofit CPAs Alliance and sponsored by Wegner CPAs, this certification program is designed specifically for any professional charged with the financial management of a not-for-profit organization, including non-CPAs. The curriculum of this intensive program includes basic and intermediate accounting, as well as in-depth training on more advanced topics such as internal controls, current tax issues, IRS audits, lobbying, technology, and budgeting.
The November issue of WSLL @ Your Service has been published at http://wilawlibrary.gov/newsletter/1611.html. In this issue: What's New: Renaming Event, K9 Visit, Library Closures | This Just In: New & updated library materials | Monthly list of new titles | Tech Tip: Hidden Gem on Legislature's Website | WSLL Recommends: Information for Consumers on Reverse Mortgage | Odds 'n' Endings: Flu Shots and the Law. As always, your comments are welcome. Please direct them to the editor at [email protected].
PLSR service models feedback sought
Below is a communication update about the public Library System Re-Design (PLSR) Project..
Things to know:
- Service Model Drafts Need Your Feedback
- Be Part of the PLSR Survey Panel
- Steering Committee Draft Minutes and Recording for 10/25/2016 Meeting
- Don’t Forget…Virtual Q and A session with Technology Workgroup is 11/18
Service Model Drafts Need Your Feedback
Last week was the first time workgroups shared drafts of their new approaches to collaborative services in Wisconsin. A HUGE thank you to the workgroups and steering committee for all of their hard work to get to WLA. And, thanks to all of you that chatted with the workgroups and offered valuable feedback. It was a big step forward.
The Consulting, Delivery, Electronic Resources, ILL, ILS / Resource Discovery, and Technology workgroups presented their ideas in poster form and the Continuing Education showed a video of their ideas. All of these presentations are now available on their PLSR Workgroup pages. Workgroups are also creating short explanations, either in text, video, or audio form, to help offer a full WLA experience. And, there’s a general overview poster that explains where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we are headed.
The workgroups truly need your questions and feedback! Both will help them decide what might need to be changed and what else they need to explain and explore in order to craft successful service models. You can use the Contact form to send feedback to a specific workgroup or share general feedback. Your feedback is always welcome, but to be the most help to the workgroups, we would appreciate your ideas for the service models by the end of December.
Be Part of the PLSR Survey Panel
Looking for a way to be part of the PLSR process? We are looking for volunteers to serve on a survey panel. As the workgroups continue to develop their models, they will need to gather opinions and thoughts from the library community in a systematic way. We'll be using the PLSR Survey Panel for this purpose. If you join the panel, you'll receive surveys from the workgroups and project managers. You can respond to all of them or only respond to some. It'll be up to you! It's a great way to be part of the process and the workgroups will appreciate your input. You can also unsubscribe from the panel at any time. Sign up with this simple form.
Steering Committee Draft Minutes and Recording for 10/25/2016 Meeting
The PLSR Steering Committee met in-person at the WLA annual conference. Draft minutes and a recording of the meeting are available for your review. The Steering Committee began to map out the next phase of the project during a facilitated process with the project managers and discussed other issues related to workgroup needs and implementation planning. Minutes are also available for the WLA session, “A Conversation with the PLSR Steering Committee.”
Don’t Forget…Virtual Q and A session
Each month, one or more workgroups will speak about how their work is progressing and will ask for community feedback. There will be ample time for questions from the community. And, no matter what workgroup is taking part in the discussion, your questions about any of the service areas are welcome.
The upcoming sessions are:
- November 18th, 9:30 a.m. -- Technology
- December 13th, noon -- CE/Consulting
- January 13th, 9:30 a.m. -- ILL/ILS – Discovery
- February 14th, noon -- Delivery/Electronic Resources
Here’s how you can connect to these meetings:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/903538181
Use your microphone and speakers (VoIP) – a headset is recommended.
Or, call in using your telephone.
Dial +1 (408) 650-3123
Access Code: 903-538-181
Audio PIN: Shown after joining the meeting
Meeting ID: 903-538-181
Three SCLS libraries named LJ Star Libraries
Three Wisconsin libraries have been named 2016 Library Journal Star Libraries, all of which are from the South Central Library System. The Star Library Index compares libraries against their spending peers on five measures: circulation, e-circulation (new in 2016), library visits, program attendance, and public Internet computer use.
This year’s honorees are: Madison Public Library ($10 million to $30 million in expenditures) with a score of 958; North Freedom Public Library ($10,000-$50,000 in expenditures) with a score of 1,754; and Lettie W. Jensen Public Library in Amherst ($10,000 to $50,000 in expenditures) with a score of 1,523.
More information about the 2016 Star Library Index is available on the Library Journal website.
LaValle public Library seeks a dynamic director for up to 20 hours per week. The library serves a village population of about 360 plus rural patrons. The library is a member of the South Central Library System, and LINKcat, a shared automation system.
The director will be responsible for all management tasks related to the operation of the library. These duties include, but are not limited to, personnel administration, facility and automation management, collection development, budgeting, planning, programming, policy implementation and library advocacy.
Applicants must be eligible for Wisconsin Grade III library certification, which requires a minimum of 54 semester credits, at least half of which must be in liberal arts and sciences, from an accredited college, university or technical college. Must be willing to take additional library courses and continuing education as required to maintain certification. The library coursework required for certification may be completed after hire. The director must also be a self-starter, thoroughly competent with computers and technology skills, and possess strong interpersonal skills and problem-solving abilities. Previous experience in a public library setting is preferred.
Salary starts at $13 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. Entry into the Wisconsin State Retirement System is available.
Applications may be picked up at the Library or Village Clerk’s office at 101 West Main Street, La Valle, or online (application & position description). Questions and applications may be mailed to [email protected].
Call the village clerk’s office from 8 a.m. to noon at (608) 985-8383, or the Library at (608) 985-7323 with questions. Library hours are Monday 2:30-6:30 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 3-7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.-noon.
Qualified applicants are invited to submit an application to:
La Valle Public Library Board
P.O. Box 7
La Valle, WI 53941
This position will remain open until filled.
SGR seeks new library director
Under the direction of the Library Board of Trustees, the full-time director develops, administers, supervises, and coordinates the work of the Library and staff, performs managerial duties related to personnel, budget, collection development, building maintenance, and library operations and services in conformity of the policies established by the Board of Trustees and the regulations of the State of Wisconsin.
The following skills are required of interested candidates:
- A Degree in Library Science from an accredited college or university plus three years of progressively responsible library administration experience is preferred
- Excellent communication skills and organizational skills
- Ability to administer the activities of a public library and to supervise the work of others
- Ability to develop short and long term development, plans, and objectives
- Maintains knowledge of standard library principles and practices, concepts of freedom of speech, copyrights, collection development, patron confidentiality, censorship, and other library ethical issues
- Proficiency with computers, popular library software, internet and digital communications
- Thorough ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, associates, officials of other agencies, and the general public
Specific duties of the director include:
- Plans, implements, and evaluates library services
- Develops, implements, and evaluates long- and short-term goals and objectives
- Develops and administers policies concerning library operations, budgets and programs
- Handles complaints in accordance with policy
- Provides supervision and delegates responsibilities to the library staff
- Recruits and recommends employment of library personnel, and recommends promotions, transfers, or termination of staff to library board
- Organizes, trains, assigns, and evaluates personnel and volunteers
- Conducts staff meetings
- Prepares the annual budget and presents and defends budget requests before the Library Board
- Attend Sauk County Library Board, Sauk County Librarian, South Central Library System (as appropriate) and Friends of the Spring Green Library meetings
- Directs and controls the expenditure of fund allocations within constraints of approved budgets
- Purchases new equipment and furnishings
- Accepts and acknowledges gifts of money and library materials
- Pursues and applies for grant money
- Prepares monthly and annual financial and statistical reports to Library Board and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (annual report)
- Attends monthly Board of Trustee meetings
- Writes a weekly library column in the Home News newspaper
- Supervises maintenance of library building equipment, and furnishings
- Oversees equipment of furnishings and book collection
- Evaluates collection for balance and comprehensiveness
- Schedules withdrawals and inventory of materials
- Selects materials
- Cooperates with community groups and town officials to implement library services
- Oversees and approves scheduled use of library by outside groups
- Keeps informed of current developments in library field by attending workshops, professional meetings, and reading current literature
- Maintains membership in professional organizations
- Provides reference and reader's advisory services to patrons as needed
- Performs other related responsibilities as necessary such as circulation
For more information visit the Spring Green Community Library website at http://www.springgreenlibrary.org/.
Apply by Nov. 25, 2016, with a resume and a Village of Spring Green job application, available online at www.vi.springgreen.wi.gov. Applications may be emailed to Linda Thering at [email protected] or mailed to:
Search Committee
Spring Green Community Library
230 E. Monroe St.
Spring Green, WI 53588
The City of Monona seeks a director responsible for all aspects of library administration. The library board, staff, and volunteers seek a partner in providing a treasured place for our community and its citizens. We believe that a core set of principles is essential to that goal:
- Service -- Our goal is engaged, personable, and proactive service that makes every patron feel welcome, respected, served, and eager to return.
- Programming -- We strive to provide an engaging mix of programs that bring entertainment and insight to a diverse range of children, families, and adults.
- Collections -- We secure public access to a world of human discovery through a fresh and dynamic resident collection and a growing network of global resources.
- Community Space -- We take pride in providing a safe, clean, and welcoming facility for library patrons and community users.
- Accountability -- We respect the public trust through effective financial management, responsive leadership, and efficient operations.
All applications must be submitted through the City of Monona's online job application at mymonona.com/jobs and must include the following attachments:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Transcripts
- A list of 3 professional references
Qualifications:
- Master's degree in library science from an institution accredited by the American Library Association
- Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible public library experience, including experience in an administrative position
- Eligibility for or possession of Grade 1 Library Certification from the State of Wisconsin
Knowledge & Abilities:
- Ability to provide leadership in strategic planning for the library
- Knowledge of library and information science, techniques, systems, and procedures
- Knowledge of modern methods of library organization and administration
- Knowledge of current library technologies and emerging trends
- Ability to supervise and motivate others; the ability to evaluate the work of others and to delegate responsibility
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department heads, employees, city administrative and elected officials, and the public
- Excellent oral and written skills; the ability to prepare clear and detailed reports
- Knowledge of library materials and the ability to acquire an extensive knowledge of the local library collection
- Knowledge of the community or the ability to acquire such knowledge; the ability to evaluate community needs and develop library services and programs to meet those needs
PLA releases first Project Outcome Annual Report
Note: Late in 2015 SLCS created a System Account for Project Outcome. If your library is interested in using the available survey tools in your community, please contact Jean Anderson for more information.
The Public Library Association (PLA) has launched the first Project Outcome Annual Report. Access the 2016 Annual Report to analyze survey results, learn what patrons benefited from most, and see what Project Outcome and participating libraries did in the first year to make Project Outcome a success.
PLA’s Project Outcome is a free toolkit designed to help public libraries understand and share the true impact of essential library services and programs by providing simple surveys and an easy-to-use process for measuring and analyzing outcomes. Project Outcome also provides libraries with the resources and training support needed to apply their results and confidently advocate for their library’s future, helping them turn better data into better libraries. To learn more about Project Outcome and to register for free, visit www.projectoutcome.org.
Since launching in June 2015, Project Outcome has had over 2,000 participants representing over 1,000 public libraries across the U.S. and Canada register to be a part of this initiative. The Project Outcome system has aggregated over 40,000 patron surveys and is just getting started.
Through Project Outcome, the library field is learning more than ever about the benefits that library patrons see in their own lives. Data collected from the first year of Project Outcome tell us unequivocally that library programs and services improve the lives of their patrons. People come to the library not just for books, but for programs that will help them learn a new skill or make a specific change in their lives. Within the first year, Project Outcome aggregated over 17,000 patron surveys. Nearly 80% of those library users surveyed report that library programs and services have had some kind of positive impact on their lives in the last year.
In addition, PLA learned that what patrons like most about the programs they’re attending is the educational aspect -- from doing a new activity, to learning a new skill, to the librarian or instructor’s style of teaching. And these patron benefits are in high demand. Across every program type, the most common suggestion for improvement was to offer new, more frequent, or more current classes and programs.
Project Outcome is just getting started. Like the hundreds of libraries that now have outcomes data to guide their strategy and support their advocacy, PLA is taking what they have learned to increase the impact of outcome measurement on libraries and communities everywhere. Project Outcome will continue to develop new and improved tools and resources to help libraries move from planning and implementing surveys to taking action using the results. Project Outcome will continue to work with libraries to build momentum and sustainability. From offering regional training and one-on-one library assistance, to building data-sharing partnerships, to expanding its work with state library staff and other types of libraries, Project Outcome will keep looking for opportunities to improve.
How the internet is loosening our grip on the truth
In a recent New York Times article by Farhad Manjoo, he explores questions about information access and truth with the recent presidential election as the backdrop. He writes:
“…What happens after that is anyone’s guess. Will the losing side believe the results? Will the bulk of Americans recognize the legitimacy of the new president? And will we all be able to clean up the piles of lies, hoaxes and other dung that have been hurled so freely in this hyper-charged, fact-free election?
“Much of that remains unclear, because the internet is distorting our collective grasp on the truth. Polls show that many of us have burrowed into our own echo chambers of information. In a recent Pew Research Center survey, 81 percent of respondents said that partisans not only differed about policies, but also about ‘basic facts.’
“For years, technologists and other utopians have argued that online news would be a boon to democracy. That has not been the case.” (read entire article)
Big ideas come together: Two futures events have lessons for libraries
by Miguel Figueroa, American Libraries
Today’s library professionals cover a lot of ground -- STEM education, workforce development, interdisciplinary research, play, community connection, and more -- bringing together a world of information and learning for users. Keeping track of our future means taking a broad look at changes across sectors and industries.
The American Library Association’s Center for the Future of Libraries’ work around futuring and foresight has helped reinforce the importance of looking outside our immediate context to help better understand and prepare for our futures. Two recent AtlanticLIVE events showed promising glimpses into the future: What’s Next and the Future of Work Summit. (read entire article)