Index
- Around The System
- What ADA Update Means for Libraries
- National Good Neighbor Day
- Apply for Digital Literacy Funding from PLA
- WISL Continuing Education Scholarship Application Now Open
- Continuing Education Calendar
Around The System
Road Apple Contest in Pittsville
The Fourth of July in Pittsville, WI is a big deal! The parade draws a massive crowd and one of the staples is the Road Apple Contest sponsored by Pittsville Community Library. This longstanding fundraiser is a crowd favorite. Tickets are placed on the parade route in hopes that one of the horses, who bring the parade to a close, will deposit an “apple” on your ticket. We have both “direct hit” and “partial hit” winners determined by our esteemed judge and his trusty shovel. Tickets are only one dollar so everyone can get in on the fun!
August issue of WSLL @ Your Service
In this issue
Wisconsin Constitutional Amendments, August brings Wisconsin's fall primary and with it this year, an opportunity for voters to ratify or reject amendments to Wisconsin's constitution. Learn about the process of amending Wisconsin’s Constitution. Read more
New Jury Instructions Released, The July 2024 releases of the Children's, Civil, and Criminal jury instructions are now available online. The Wisconsin Jury Instructions are created and edited by the Wisconsin Jury Instructions Committees of the Wisconsin Judicial Conference. All three instruction sets feature new and updated instructions for July 2024. Read more
New Books, This month, we’re featuring new editions of Legal research in a nutshell, and Attorney’s Fees, in addition to our new book list. Read more
Women in Wisconsin Law: a Historical Timeline, Women make their mark on Wisconsin's legal landscape in many ways. In honor of Wisconsin Women Lawyers Day in June, the Wisconsin State Law Library created a timeline that chronicles the achievements, challenges, and pivotal moments of women who have shaped Wisconsin's legal landscape. Read more
Library News, Add September’s holiday closure to your calendar, and sign up for our fall classes in this month’s library updates. Read more
August Snapshot, This year's state fair is happening August 1 through August 11. Are you headed to the fair? Many Wisconsinites have fond memories of county fairs and all the attractions they provide. Contributing to successful fairs are the many legal protections operating under the surface, keeping Wisconsinites safe. Read more
Tech Days Wisconsin 2024
Tech Days is coming September 17-18. This free two-day series of webinars offers you the opportunity to hear from experts without needing to travel.
Register today!
From Basics to Breakthroughs: AI Strategies for Library Leaders, 10 a.m., September 17
Navigating Artificial Intelligence Through a Public Librarian’s Lense, 1 p.m., September 17
Empowering Lifelong Learning: AI Guidance for Enhancing K12 & Library Education, 3 p.m., September 17
Virtual Reality for Career Readiness, 10 a.m., September 18
Trends in Emerging Tech with Laura Solomon, 1 p.m., September 18
What ADA Update Means for Libraries
In April, the Department of Justice (DOJ) updated its regulations to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This act ensures “nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in state and local government services.” Many people with disabilities encounter barriers while trying to access information on state and local government websites, including public libraries, public schools, and public universities. For example, an inaccessible website may not enable keyboard navigation or the use of screen readers, limiting users from potential library resources or services.
The update ensures web content will be accessible for people with disabilities in libraries. According to the ADA Fact Sheet, “web content is defined as the information and experiences available on the web, like text, images, sound, videos, and documents.” Under this rule, all local and state governments will need to meet international accessibility standards for online services and online electronic documents (WCAG 2.1 level AA) by 2026. While this may be a lengthy but necessary undertaking for many libraries, there are several easy things you can start doing now to ensure your web content is accessible.
September 28th is National Good Neighbor Day! This National holiday is a great opportunity for neighborhoods to come together to celebrate.
Libraries are a hub of community life, and we’re inviting your community to join the movement to help make the world a better place, one neighborhood at a time.
Apply for Digital Literacy Funding from PLA
The Public Library Association (PLA) is pleased to announce expanded digital literacy funding opportunities and resources for public libraries, powered by a generous $2.7 million contribution from AT&T. Since 2022, the PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentives have helped nearly 400 public libraries conduct more than 3,800 workshops, training more than 19,000 learners across the country.
Applications are now open for this year's incentive opportunities:
- PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive, supported by AT&T—This program will award $10,000 to large public libraries and $5,000 to small public libraries, as well as provide the necessary training resources, to conduct workshops that teach basic digital literacy skills using PLA's DigitalLearn courses and training materials.
- PLA Digital Navigator Workshop Incentive, supported by AT&T—This new pilot program will award $4,000 to public libraries with digital navigators to utilize DigitalLearn materials and resources. Libraries must already have a digital navigator to apply.
Applications for both incentives will close Friday, October 18, 2024.
WISL Continuing Education Scholarship Application Now Open
Applications for the Wisconsin Small Libraries (WISL) Continuing Education scholarship to the Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) Conference are open starting today! Simply tell us about the benefits you see from conference attendance, share your professional goals, and tell WISL how you think attending the WLA conference would benefit your small library.
WISL will be awarding two $250 scholarships to WLA members to go towards conference registration and activities.
Applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Be employed by a library with aservice population of under 6,000 people or with fewer than 4 FTE.
- Be willing to share the knowledge you gain at the conference with others
- Be a WLA member and join the WISL section
- Attend the full WLA 2024 Conference
Application must include:
- Brief explanation of how attendance at previous conferences has impacted you/your library
- Brief explanation of how conference attendance this year will further professional goals and benefit your library
- Verification of supervisor/governing body approval for conference attendance
Applications are due on September 6, 2024. Find more details and apply here: https://www.wisconsinlibraries.org/wisl-scholarship
Please forward this email to anyone at a small library in Wisconsin that may be interested. Contact [email protected] or the WISL Scholarship Committee with questions about this scholarship or about joining WISL to learn about other opportunities for small libraries.