Member/Staff News
Welcome to Elizabeth Clauss, director at Monticello Public Library. Elizabeth has been working in libraries for almost a decade, most recently at the Waunakee Public Library. Monticello is her first director position. She has an undergraduate degree from UWL in European History and received her MLIS from UWM in 2018. Elizabeth grew up in New Glarus and is excited to be back in Green County. In her free time, Elizabeth loves running, doing NYT crossword puzzles, and camping with her family.
Welcome to Katherine Elchert, director at McMillan Memorial Library. In the library world, Katherine is focused on progressive and transparent library management, fine free for all, and works hard to ensure that libraries are as fun / accessible as possible. She's known for her (overly?) enthusiastic storytimes, focus on inclusive library services, and her devotion to her two incredibly goofy dogs. Katherine is looking forward to working with her new SCLS colleagues! Previously, she worked at the Rice Lake Public Library as the Children's Librarian and as the Library Director. Katherine graduated from UW-Madison SLIS in 2013. Go badgers!
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September is Workforce Development Month!
September is Workforce Development Month. Since it’s designation in 2005 by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals, the month of September recognizes the importance of providing job seekers and employers with the support they need to thrive in the global economy. Libraries support workforce development in numerous ways through: information services, programs, web and print resources, technology, spaces, and collaboration. Helping job seekers and employers does not need to be time intensive (or expensive). In fact, your library is probably already doing it. Supporting youth and adult literacy is workforce development. Providing opportunities for lifelong learning and personal growth is also workforce development.
Here is how you can support your job seekers and employers in your library:
- Provide access to technology resources – computers, printers, scanners, and the internet
- Utilize resources and information already available on the web and in-print
- Find your buddy in workforce development – community organizations, job centers, chambers of commerce, and others; AND, if possible, invite them to meet the people they serve in the library
- Promote workforce events happening in your local area through flyers, social media, and word-of-mouth suggestions
Looking for a deeper dive into workforce development?
Try these:
Providing support for workforce development doesn’t need to be time-consuming or expensive. There are several ways to integrate workforce development into the services you already provide. When you help your job seekers and employers thrive, you help your community thrive.
Reach out to Mark Jochem, Workforce Development Consultant, if you would any assistance with resources, program planning, and collaborations.
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SCLS Foundation Donation Page Update
It is now easier to donate online to the South Central Library System Foundation, which supports 65 libraries in the South Central Library System, or donate to one of the eligible libraries. The updated webpage now includes a list of eligible libraries. The new individual library donate buttons allow you to easily donate to a specific library without having to include a memo. It is that easy. Give it a try, today! If you are not sure about online donations, you can still donate by mail.
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ALA’s #GetLibraryCarded Promotion
It's the most powerful tool in your wallet - show it off! Share a photo of yourself with your library card for the chance to win $100!
Post to Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #GetLibraryCarded. Entries can also be submitted by posting as a comment or wall post on the I Love Libraries Facebook page. Be sure not to reveal any personal information on your library card and don't forget to tag your library! The creator of one randomly-selected post will receive a $100 Visa gift and a poster of choice from ALA Graphics. Three second-place winners will receive their poster of choice from ALA Graphics.
The #GetLibraryCarded promotion begins Thursday, September 1, at noon CT and ends Friday, September 23, at noon CT. All library lovers and librarians are encouraged to participate. The promotion is open to residents of the United States, Washington, D.C., and U.S. Territories. Employees of the American Library Association are not eligible to participate.
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PLA Staff & Diversity Survey Results and Webinar
The Public Library Association (PLA) has published the 2021 Public Library Staff and Diversity Survey Report! Read the report to learn about the latest nationwide trends in beginning librarian and library director salaries; traditional and emerging staff roles; staff diversity, recruitment, and retention efforts; and information about public library equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) goals and activities. The survey is the second in a rotating series of three national surveys exploring public library roles, services, and resources to provide actionable data for decision-making and advocacy.
Register for a free PLA webinar on October 4 at 1:00 p.m. Central to learn more about the survey results and what opportunities and challenges they present for the future of public libraries.
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Getyourlibrarycard.org
The Statewide Library Marketing Cohort has rolled out a new website to assist Wisconsin residents locate information about their local library and how to get a library card. Getyourlibrarycard.org guides users to the libraries located in their County and links to their websites. Stickers, advertising the new website, will be distributed to all SCLS member libraries the first week of September. We encourage you to use them as part of Library Card Sign-up Month. Information about purchasing additional stickers will be provided with the initial bundle.
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