Index
- Public library systems attend training workshops for digitization kits
- Libraries urged to partner with National Voter Registration Day
- OverDrive ending support for Mac computers
- World War I: Lessons and Legacies for Libraries
- National Leadership, Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Programs proposals being solicited by the IMLS
- Continuing Education Calendar
Public library systems attend training workshops for digitization kits
In July, 22 staff from 12 regional public library systems around the state participated in training workshops presented by South Central Library System (SCLS) and Recollection Wisconsin. The workshops, held in Madison at SCLS headquarters and in Keshena at the College of Menominee Nation Library, introduced system staff to the mobile digitization kits that were distributed to public library systems this summer. The kits, which include a basic flatbed scanner and other equipment for digitizing photos and documents, were built with WISE funding from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
The goals of the workshops were to introduce the scanning kits, provide an overview of steps for systems to work with their member libraries to develop digital projects and contribute content to Recollection Wisconsin and the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA), and build networks across regional library systems to share information and expertise. Tamara Ramski, Digitization Specialist for SCLS, walked through the workflow she uses when partnering with libraries. Craig Ellefson of SCLS gave an overview of the equipment and support resources. Emily Pfotenhauer of Recollection Wisconsin discussed metadata requirements and copyright considerations for digital collections.
We look forward to supporting public library systems as they work with their member libraries to bring more local history content online! For more information on this ongoing project, visit https://recollectionwisconsin.org/kits or check out the slides from the workshops.
Libraries urged to partner with National Voter Registration Day
The American Library Association (ALA), a Premier Partner of National Voter Registration Day, encourages libraries to sign up to observe the unofficial holiday on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019. Libraries that sign up by Thursday, Sept. 12, will receive a toolkit of free promotional materials such as posters and stickers, and opportunities for training.
National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan, unofficial holiday celebrated on the fourth Tuesday of September. Across the country, libraries provide voter registration forms and information about voting, as well as offer computers, which citizens can use to register to vote, update their voter registration, or research information about voting. National Voter Registration Day will provide participating libraries with a toolkit of activities they can use on Sept. 24.
The deadline to receive free resources for National Voter Registration Day 2019 is Sept. 12, but libraries can register their participation in the event until Sept. 24.
Libraries can also get National Voter Registration Day support from EveryLibrary.org and on Sept. 16 there is the webinar “Practice Makes Perfect” where you can learn to talk to voters and train volunteers for National Voter Registration Day 2019. Talking to people about voting can feel scary, risky, or awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. In this webinar, they’ll cover how to approach people, conversation starters, what to avoid, and how to train the people handling registration forms. RSVP NOW
EveryLibrary.org also has a WEBINAR RECAP: Planning Your Event! In this archived webinar from Aug. 8, they covered a week-by-week planning schedule to make sure your event is a success. This recorded webinar outlines how to build a team, set goals, recruit volunteers, gather your supplies, and engage voters. Special thanks to our sponsors, Creative Artists Agency and Google, as well as ouguest speaker Mike Burns from Fair Elections Center (view the slides here).
Closer to home, the League of Women Voters of Dane County has many resources available on its website, including a quick chart for those helping voters with registration, a planning guide for voter outreach, and a Making it Clear pamphlet to help citizens navigate the requirements for registering and voting.
The League of Women Voters of the Northwoods also is sponsoring a Voter Education and Registration Program (VERAP) for public libraries. The primary goal of VERAP is to offer community members an additional location where they can self-register to vote and learn what else they need when they go to vote.
Resources from the League of Women Voters of the Northwoods include:
- VERAP Resource Notebook (revised 2019-08-15)
- VERAP Instructional Notebook, Online Voter Registration Instructions at MyVote.wi.gov (revised 2019-08-15)
- VERAP Simplified Instructional Notebook, How to Register to Vote on MyVote.wi.gov
- UPDATES:Revised Acceptable Photo IDs poster (now has the 2018 expiration dates) on page 23 of the Instructional Notebook, Online Voter Registration Instructions at MyVote.wi.gov AND on page 28 in the Resource Notebook. 2020 Elections in Wisconsin (replaces 2018 or 2019-2020 Elections in Wisconsin on pages 6, 40, 68 of the Resource Notebook, and page 6 in the Instructional Notebook,Online Voter Registration Instructions at MyVote.wi.gov)
- How to Register and Vote Brochure
- Citizen’s Guide to the Wisconsin State Legislature (handout May 14, 2019 meeting)
- Guide to WI State Legislature Website
Other online resources libraries can use to answer questions for library customers are:
- MyVote Wisconsin is your one-stop website for everything you need to know about when, where and how to register and vote. The site provides all Wisconsin residents -- registered and non-registered electors -- with information regarding the date of their next election, where they vote, what will appear on their ballot, voter registration, absentee voting, the ward and districts in which they live, who holds office in their area, and how to contact their municipal clerk.
- vote411.org is your access to the online voters’ guide sponsored by League of Women Voters and populated with information written by candidates who will appear on your ballot in the next election.
- bringit.wi.gov is the official website that tells you what photo ID you need to bring with you to vote on election day. On that site you can find out: (1) Which photo IDs you can use, (2) How to get a free photo ID if you need it, (3) What the exceptions are to the photo ID requirement.
OverDrive ending support for Mac computers
Due to upcoming macOS changes, and to simplify the user experience, OverDrive will soon end support for OverDrive for Mac computers.
EffectiveSept. 4, 2019, OverDrive for Mac will no longer be available for download and Mac users will no longer see the option to download audiobook titles at the OverDrive website. Instead, Mac users can enjoy audiobooks using OverDrive Listen from the digital library website, or try Libby (for public libraries) or Sora (for schools) on their smart phone or tablet.
Any users with audiobooks already downloaded to OverDrive for Mac will retain access to their downloads for the remainder of the lending period, provided they have not yet updated to macOS 10.15 (Catalina).
OverDrive said that while it anticipates minimal user impact, OverDrive Help will be updated to assist with user support. If you have any questions, please contact your Account Manager.
World War I: Lessons and Legacies for Libraries
Available exclusively to libraries of all types, World War I: Lessons and Legaciesexplores the history of the war and its lasting impact on American life. Sparked by the assassination of one man, the war eventually included the forces of the world's major industrial powers (over 18 countries in all) and ended with millions dead. But beyond the countries involved and the people affected, World War I gave rise to significant and enduring changes in America. Wartime technologies and medical advances resulted in new industries and novel ways to both fight disease and treat disability. The critical roles that women and minorities played in the war led to the right to vote for women and a raised consciousness of civil rights issues throughout society.
From the Great Migration to the 1918 flu pandemic and from the unionization movement to women's suffrage, World War I led to pivotal changes in America's culture, technology, economy, and role in the world. It redefined how we saw ourselves as Americans and its legacy continues today.
Libraries are invited to request this free poster exhibition, while supplies last.
Exhibition Contents:
- Eight printed posters (18" X 26")
- Educator’s Guide (digital)
- Poster Handbook and User Guide with display instructions and promotional resources (digital)
World War I: Lessons and Legaciesis organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the National Museum of American History, with funding from The United States World War I Centennial Commission and the Smithsonian Women’s Committee.
National Leadership, Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Programs proposals being solicited by the IMLS
Late last month, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced its next invitation for library grant proposals. The grants fall under two Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) programs, the National Leadership Grants for Libraries, and the Laura Bush 21st Century Leadership program (LB21).
IMLS held an informational webinar about the two programs on Aug. 7, and a recording of the webinar and a link to the slides used are archived here. Whereas the National Leadership Grants program is established to support projects that enhance the quality of library and archives services nationwide by advancing theory and practice, the LB21 program supports developing a diverse workforce of librarians to better meet the changing learning and information needs of the American public in three ways:
- enhancing the training and professional development of library and archives professionals,
- developing faculty and library leaders, and
- recruiting and educating the next generation of library and archives professionals.
Applications in either program must designate one of the following project categories:
- Lifelong Learning
- Community Catalysts
- National Digital Infrastructures and Initiatives
More information about the grant application process is available in WI Libraries for Everyone.