Index
- Free and Free-for-Now Resources to Support Upskilling
- Wyocena Seeks New Library Director
- CE Scholarship Recipients for the Fall WLA Conference
- SCLS Foundation Contributes to OverDrive Advantage
- Grant Resources Available to SCLS Member Libraries
- Member/Staff News
- New Titles Added to SCLS Professional Collection
- New Research Underscores Role Museums, Libraries Play to Create Healthier, More Equitable America
- Continuing Education Calendar
Free and Free-for-Now Resources to Support Upskilling
by Mark Jochem
SCLS Workforce Development Consultant
Careers are constantly changing with digital skills becoming ever more vital. Help your patrons stay current in their fields, or make a change in career entirely. The following resources are a sampling of available free - or free-for-now you can direct people to for retraining, job/career preparation, and lifelong learning. They cover a WIDE variety of skills from employability skills (soft skills) to technical skills (hard skills). Soft skills are the personal and interpersonal skills that enable people to solve a problem, work in a team, and meet the behavioral expectations of an employer. Hard skills are the technical expertise that enable people to use tools or techniques in a given field such as: using tools, programming, bi/multilingual communication abilities, and so on. Job seekers in all areas need a combination of soft and hard skills to get and retain work.
Free
Many options are available at no cost. The following options are available to all Wisconsin residents, and most options are open for everyone. They cover the gamut of skills useful in work and lifelong learning, from technology to life skills. The following are always free.
- LearningExpress Library—LearningExpress Library is available to Wisconsin residents through BadgerLink. It is a set of resources that covers a variety of foundational skills training, college and career preparation, and practice exams for occupational licenses. Learners can enroll in courses that they can take at their own pace, and keep track of progress through a login/registration feature. Some courses feature a certificate of completion, and all course progress can be downloaded as a .csv file for a spreadsheet. LearningExpress Library also contains dozens of freely downloadable articles, ebooks, and etextbooks
- GCFLearnFree—Created for the Goodwill Community Foundation and appropriate for young adult- and adult-learners, it is available for English, Spanish, and Portuguese language users. Certain training sessions are available in additional languages. The resource covers a wide range of digital skills, core skills (reading, writing, and math), life skills and work-related (employability) skills. It contains a combination of videos, text, and interactive features for its tutorials.
- DigitalLearn—Created by librarians for library and patron use by PLA (Public Library Association) it contains modules to facilitate technology training and independent learning. Find digital skills training (and training resources) for computer basics, operating systems, Microsoft Office, job skills, enrolling in health insurance, and assorted internet skills.
- Grow with Google - Applied Digital Skills—Applied Digital Skills from Grow with Google is an almost overwhelming array of digital and job-centric skills training modules. Arranged by audience, choose a path as a teacher, learner (job seeker, small business, etc), student, parent or guardian and find training modules to meet common needs. For instance, a teacher (or facilitator) will find guided tutorials to lead/facilitate a group of students. Job seekers looking to organize their job search, create a resume or cover letter using Google Docs, and become more confident using common web-based Google applications. Paid certificate options for advanced skills in IT Support, Project Management, UX Design, and Data Analytics are also available. Find Applied Digital Skills teacher guides from: GCFLearnFree: Teacher Guides: Applied Digital Skills
Free for Now
The following options were made in response to the pandemic, and will continue at least through the end of 2021. They cover a wide variety of skills from beginner to advanced.
- LinkedIn Learning - Learn Skills for In-Demand Jobs—Select courses (with completion certificates available) are available until Dec. 31, 2021 to help job seekers stay current or learn new skills for future employment. The courses cover topics including: software developer, sales representative, project manager, customer service specialist, etc. The certificates of completion are shareable on a LinkedIn profile, but are not accredited.
- Northstar Digital Literacy—Helpful for folks searching for basic/foundational computer skills like using a mouse, navigating a computer desktop, searching the internet, and checking email. Northstar Digital Literacy is providing access to Northstar Online Learning to everyone for the time being. These courses are designed for the very beginner and include: basic computer skills, email, Microsoft Word, career search skills.
The above were just a sampling of the job skills and lifelong training options available for free or free-for-now. They all have potential as resources to suggest to patrons, or even work into a digital literacy class or tutoring session. There are many others that are also great resources for one-off learning sessions or ongoing credential/certificate earning opportunities.
For additional resources, ideas to implement, or other workforce development and lifelong learning assistance, please contact Mark Jochem at 608-630-0270
—Image Credit: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Wyocena Seeks New Library Director
The Wyocena Library Board has an immediate opening for a library director who is a dedicated, enthusiastic, and organized leader.
The Wyocena Public Library serves Wyocena and the surrounding area, and tThis position has a flexible schedule of 10-12 hours a week, with a starting rate of $11-$11.75. The position requires Grade 3 library director certification in the state of Wisconsin, or the ability to earn this certification. Some in-library experience is preferred, but not required. There is no residency requirement.
Wyocena is a small village with a population of 768 (2010 census), located just 30 miles north of Madison and 9 miles southeast of Portage. Wyocena has village parks and a county park, creeks and a lake. Easy access is gained to the interstate to larger area cities. Several employers are in the village, but many residents commute into Madison or surrounding communities.
The Wyocena Public Library is housed in the Wyocena Community Center building. The library began as a gift bequeathed to the village by Olieve Huggett Hiller, and the well-equipped facilities are a beautiful gem. The Library staff provides many activities and services and a very active Friends of the Library group assists the library.
Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, resume, copy of college transcript, and references to:
Jason LeMay, Library Board President
c/o Pardeeville Area Schools
120 Oak Street
Pardeeville, WI 53954
Materials may also be emailed to lemaja@pasdwi.org. The position is open until filled. Initial interviews will be scheduled for the Week of Nov. 15.
The Village of Wyocena is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
CE Scholarship Recipients for the Fall WLA Conference
Congratulations to the first round of SCLS CE scholarship winners! The scholarships are for the fall WLA Conference being held in Green Bay from Nov. 16-19. As part of the scholarship, each recipient will complete a report on their conference attendance, and I'll share those reports here.
SCLS CE Scholarship recipients:
- Chris Baker, Adult Services Librarian at the Portage Public Library
- Courtney Cosgriff, Outreach Librarian at the Waunakee Public Library
- Andrea Halbersma, Director of the Lester Public Library of Vesper
- Lisa Thomas, Director of the Spring Green Community Library
The next round of scholarships is for the upcoming Public Library Association Conference in Portland (OR). The conference is scheduled for March 23-25, 2022. SCLS has two (2) scholarships available for the PLA Conference and you can apply here. The deadline for applying for the scholarship is Jan. 7, 2022.
The SCLS CE Scholarship program is funded in part with a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services which administers the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). Thank you!
—Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
SCLS Foundation Contributes to OverDrive Advantage
Each year the South Central Library System (SCLS) Foundation allocates a certain percentage of annual contributions to projects that benefit all member libraries. For 2021 the SCLS Foundation allocated $4,307.71 to be spent in support of projects that directly benefit SCLS member libraries, and the remaining unspent funds ($1,500) will be used to purchase additional OverDrive Advantage titles to enhance the system-wide digital collection and help reduce hold times for library patrons.
In addition to the OverDrive Advantage titles, this year the Foundation money was used for a variety of smaller projects. First, SCLS purchased public address (PA) equipment for two mobile kits that libraries can borrow for public programs indoors and outdoors. Each kit includes three different portable PA units.
- One in a wheeled case
- One in a shoulder bag
- One that features a belt clip
The second item of technology SCLS purchased for loan to libraries is a new Cricut digital cutting tool to complement the Cameo Silhouette kit that will be available soon for loan to libraries. Like the Cameo units, it can be used to cut paper, fabric, plastic and light wood for various craft programs and projects.
SCLS also purchased two new iPad Minis and tri-pod mounts, one each for use with the cooking and baking kits. SCLS had borrowed two iPad Minis from the Stop Motion Animation Kits, and these have been returned for their original purposes.
SCLS also put a portion of the funds toward the purchase of earbuds with microphones that library staff can use when participating in virtual meetings and training sessions.
Grant Resources Available to SCLS Member Libraries
Libraries are always looking for grants to supplement the financial support provided by municipalities and counties, and several excellent resources are available to help libraries in this ongoing quest.
At a recent meeting of the Library Innovation Subcommittee, members discussed a request to explore grant opportunities and identify available resources. One suggestion was an online tool called “Instrumentl,” and a cursory exploration indicated that the cost is $150 per month at the basic level, and only 501(c)(3) organizations with budgets in excess of $90,000 are eligible.
As an alternative, the following resources were identified and discussed:
- The Grants Information Collection (GIC) at UW-Madison's Memorial Library is a free resource.
- Within the GIC, Ellen Jacks, Grants & Public Services Librarian, is a useful contact. Jean Anderson shared that Ellen has done webinars in the past and could possibly do another webinar if there is enough interest.
- The leading database GIC offers for nonprofit grant seeking is the Foundation Directory Online, but it is only available on-site at Memorial Library.
- The Visualizing Funding for Libraries tool is a subset of the Foundation Directory, but can be accessed for free outside the library.
- More grant resources:
- SCLS subscribes to “Foundations in Wisconsin” and has the printed version and online access is available through the SCLS Pro webpage.
- Jody Hoesly also indicated that she has a list of grant resources she can share.
Libraries interested in more information about grant resources should reach out to Jean Anderson at 608-246-5613.
Jean Anderson (right), Continuing Education & Multitype Consultant, is looking forward to adding the Consulting Services Coordinator duties to her role starting Jan. 1, 2022. Jean has been with SCLS almost 15 years and was previously the Adult Services Librarian at the Sun Prairie Public Library. In her spare time, Jean enjoys reading (of course!), crocheting and cross stitching, hiking and walking with friends, baking (and watching the Great British Baking Show), and going on camping and canoeing adventures with her husband Craig.
Jody Hoesly (left), the SCLS Data Services Consultant, announced this week that she will retire effective Feb. 11, 2022. Jody said she brands herself as an “Information Engineer,” joining 10+ year of experience in the library profession with 10+ years as a mechanical engineer. “This combination took me on an interesting career path which included working as a K-12 library media specialist and Tech Ed teacher, engineering academic librarian, and the most fun job ever—Data Services Consultant at SCLS.” She has worked at SCLS for about 5 years and said it has “been a joy working with member libraires on their data journeys! I’ve loved using Tableau to wrangle library and community data that supports
library stories.” Jody has served 10 years as a trustee for the New Glarus Public Library and currently serves as a Green County Board Supervisor. In her retirement, Jody said she looks forward to helping her husband on their farm, running with her dog, learning woodworking, and visiting her four children and 5 grandchildren.
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.
- Cloud Services for Digital Repositories by Jarrod Bogucki
- Video Accessibility by Carli Spina
- Advancing a Culture of Creativity in Libraries: Programming & Engagement by Megan Lotts
- Books Under Fire: a Hit List of Banned and Challenged Children’s Book, 2nd By Pat R. Scales
- The Readers’ Advisory Guide to Horror 3rd By Becky Siegel Spratford
- Telling the Technical Services Story: Communicating Value edited by Kimberly A. Edwards and Tricia Mackenzie
- Launching Large Scale Library Initiatives: Innovation and Collaboration by Valerie Horton
- Fundamentals of Planning and Assessment for Libraries by Rachel A. Fleming-May and Regina Mays
- Creating Fundable Grant Proposals: Profiles of Innovative Partnerships by Bess G. de Farber
- Library Programming for Adults with Developmental Disabilities by Barbara Klipper and Carrie Scott Banks
- Intellectual Freedom Manual 7th Edited by Martin Garnar
New Research Underscores Role Museums, Libraries Play to Create Healthier, More Equitable America
IMLS Studies Connection Between Museums, Libraries, and Community Wellbeing
The Institute of Museum and Library Services, in partnership with Reinvestment Fund, have released a new study, Understanding the Social Wellbeing Impacts of the Nation’s Libraries and Museums, which examines the role of museums and libraries in promoting social wellbeing in communities across the United States.
The multi-year, multi-market study found the presence and usage of public libraries and museums to be positively associated with multiple dimensions of social wellbeing—in particular, community health, school effectiveness, institutional connection, and cultural opportunity.
"Libraries and museums, their patrons and communities, have always known they have a powerful impact for the good on their communities," said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “With the release of the Social Wellbeing Report from our partners at the Reinvestment Fund, we hope this exploratory effort begins a serious ongoing engagement at the direct impact of libraries and museums on health, education, and economic development in various measurements. The current and future focus of our nation on equity will reveal the importance of the historic cultural and social influence of our institutions and show pathways to a more equitable world."
The research, led by Reinvestment Fund, in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania’s Social Impact of the Arts Project (SIAP) and HR&A Advisors, uncovered findings about the similarities of library and museum impact in communities but also underscored the differences and related challenges that come with applying the same analytical approach to two different sectors.
“This study reveals the deeper, more significant roles that museums and libraries play in communities—that which go far beyond art hanging on walls and books lining shelves,” said Don Hinkle-Brown, President & CEO of Reinvestment Fund. “They are trusted institutions, safe spaces, and a place to access critical public health, social services, and technology resources. They are a reflection of what happens when inclusion and belonging are prioritized. Museums and libraries are indispensable connective tissue that keeps healthy communities together.”
Highlights from the study include:
- Libraries and museums are increasingly critical actors supporting social service provision in the communities they serve. In many places these institutions are stepping into gaps left by depleted, or absent, public sector supports for education, public health, and social services. The roles they are taking on to fill these gaps often stretch their organizational capacity and missions in an effort to address resident needs that have historically been served by the public sector.
- Libraries and museums are trusted institutions in their communities. They are places people go to get information they know is reliable. They are places people go to meet other people, learn new things, engage with the institutions’ collections, and to enjoy themselves and the company of others. These trusted community institutions function as a “third place” (or “third space”) where people congregate outside of home or work in informal ways that build community.
- Libraries and museums can be catalysts in their communities to promote racial equity and inclusion. The reality that these institutions are highly networked in their communities, widely perceived as trusted organizations, and hosts to diverse populations who circulate through their spaces make libraries and museums potential catalysts to advance racial equity and inclusion in their communities.
- It’s all about the networks. Libraries and museums are critical components of institutional and social networks. In smaller, more remote areas, they are often indispensable resources for local residents. The value these institutions provide flows from the connections they facilitate between individuals, groups, and other organizations. The vast majority of libraries and museums are not large employers and will never provide the muscle to significantly drive local economies, but they are indispensable connective tissue that keeps healthy communities together.
“There’s no question that museums and libraries promote social wellbeing and provide critical resources to the communities they serve,” said Sara S. Bachman, Dean of the School of Social Policy & Practice at the University of Pennsylvania. “As the School of Social Policy & Practice tackles some of society’s most challenging problems and advocates for vulnerable populations, we rely on research collaborations like this one with the Reinvestment Fund, IMLS, and HR&A Advisors to bring to light the invaluable role that these institutions play and to inform SP2’s commitment to evidence-based practice and innovative social policy in pursuit of social justice and racial equity.”
From this report, IMLS is interested in exploring further research opportunities about libraries and museums and the roles they play in their respective communities, such as:
- The broader networks of support for wellbeing that libraries and museums inhabit and the importance these institutions play within these networks in different types of communities;
- the neighborhood-level factors that come into play when examining how libraries and museums influence social wellbeing in their communities; and,
- the more detailed and unique different contributions of museums and libraries within their respective sectors.
While this particular study took a county-level, multivariate approach to assessing social wellbeing impact of libraries and museums, IMLS looks forward to using these initial learnings to engage the research community about other possible research approaches, particularly for comparisons.
This research is published in advance of the final community development tools and case studies and an evaluation that are part of the larger Community Catalyst Initiative (CCI). The CCI effort will conclude in Fall 2022, and updates can be found on the IMLS website.