Online Update

Index

Please update directory information
Buttons, decals available for ‘I Love Libraries & I Vote” campaign
Posters sought for System Celebration
Member/Staff News
CE grants for May 2004
Verona Public Library seeks new director
New Feature: Question of the Week
New IMLS grant application deadlines, award announcements
Upcoming CEs

 

Please update directory information

It's been several months since SCLS produced the printed version of its Public LIbrary Directory, and since then there have undoubtedly been numerous staff and schedule changes at member libraries.

Libraries are asked to review their online information at psw.scls.lib.wi.us/pro/directory.html and then make the appropriate changes by visiting psw.scls.lib.wi.us/directories/directoryform.html (there is a link to this form near the top of the main directory page).

If there are no changes in your library's information, it's still important that you complete the form so we know all information has been checked. If there are no changes for your library, please enter your library name, enter "No Changes" in the street address field, and submit the form.

 

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Buttons, decals available for ‘I Love Libraries & I Vote” campaign

The Wisconsin Library Association this spring began the election-year campaign "I Love Libraries and I Vote," designed to encourage library users to vote and remind those running for public office that many voters care deeply about libraries of all kinds.

WLA selected the theme for its campaign after a survey sponsored by the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium showed that library users are more likely to vote than non-library users. The scientific survey, funded in part by the WLA Foundation, determined that 80% of library users voted in the 2002 gubernatorial election compared with 65% of nonusers. The survey, "Wisconsin Library Users (and Non-Users): Outcomes of a Statewide Survey,” conducted by consultant Josh Morrill of Morrill Solutions, had an error rate of +/- 4 percent.

According to Nancy McClements, president of the Wisconsin Library Association, these results are meaningful, but not surprising. "One of the responsibilities of a democratic society is to be well informed about candidates and issues and to vote," McClements said. "WLA's campaign underscores that the freedom to read and the freedom to vote are intertwined. America's libraries are integral to both."

As part of the campaign, WLA has available low-cost buttons and decals with the campaign slogan for distribution to library supporters. The buttons, which are 2-1/4" round, are available for $.25 each, with a minimum order of 10. The static cling vinyl window stickers measure 3”x9” and cost $.25 each, with a minimum order of 10. Both buttons and decals must be ordered in increments of 10. An order form for buttons and decals is available at http://www.wla.lib.wi.us/legis/lovelibs/index.htm.

In conjunction with the WLA campaign, the South Central Library System will be working with public libraries to plan a series of listening sessions about library issues with legislators. These sessions will be held later this summer, but prior to the Sept. 14 primary election.

 

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Posters sought for System Celebration

In March the System Celebration Committee decided to make the offer for member libraries to present posters at the Sept. 9, 2004, System Celebration at the Dorf Haus restaurant in Roxbury (near Sauk City). As the September celebration nears and event planning is underway, this is a final request that anyone interested in presenting a poster at the annual event contact Mark Ibach, SCLS marketing and publications relations coordinator, before July 12.

Posters can be about a new library, expansion or renovation, about a program your library offered during the past year, or some other facet of library service in your community. This is an opportunity to share with peers the good things that happen in our libraries on a daily basis, and to get programming ideas you can take home to your own community.

If you have any questions about the requirements, or just want to sign up to present a poster, contact Mark Ibach at (608) 246-5612 or by email.

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Member/Staff News

At Columbus Public Library, Kristen Ankeny replaces Pat Powers, who retired after 25 years.

Harlan Baumgartner, chair of the Columbia County Library Board and a member of the Columbia County Board of Supervisors, has been elected vice chair/chair elect of the Columbia County Board of Supervisors.

Jennifer Endres is the new Library Director of Prairie du Sac Library, effective July 1. She began working as a shelver there in 1997, and for the past five years has also worked in the circulation division at Madison Public Library. Jennifer earned her Master's degree from UW-Madison in December 2003.

 

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CE grants for May 2004

A Total of $954 was awarded in May for continuing education grants. They went to:

• Roslyn Thony, Rio Community Library, Collection Development Summer Camp; and
• Wendy Haas, Arpin Public Library, Collection Development Correspondence Course.

 

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Verona Public Library seeks new director

The Verona Public Library is accepting applications for a new director. Requirements for the position include a Master's degree in library science, Grade 1 State Certification or eligibility for the certification, and a minimum of three years of progressively responsible public library experience. A complete position description is available on the city's Web site at http://www.ci.verona.wi.us.

Applicants should send a letter of interest, a resume, and references to: Library Director Search Committee, Verona Public Library, 130 N. Franklin Street, Verona, WI 53593. The deadline for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. on July 15.

 

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New Feature: Question of the Week

In an effort to gain greater insight into the types of reference issues librarians address on a regular basis, we’re implementing this new feature in Online Update. Responses to the questions appearing here may be used to help guide development of library marketing and public relations tools, or to develop other program or training materials.

Your involvement will help us better meet your needs, so we encourage your regular participation. It may also be necessary for us to follow-up with you, so please include your full name, library name, and phone number.

This week’s question is: “What was the most interesting reference question you received in the past two weeks and how did you handle it?”

Please send responses to Mark Ibach.

 

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New IMLS grant application deadlines, award announcements

The Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) recently announced new grant application deadlines and an upcoming grant award announcement.

Several of the application deadlines for IMLS library grant programs will change in fiscal year 2005. By changing the deadlines, IMLS states they will be better able to serve grant applicants. IMLS said it hopes this advance notice of the new deadlines will help applicants plan. Among the first upcoming grant application deadlines is the Librarians for the 21st Century program, which is due Dec. 15. For details, please see the IMLS press release at http://www.imls.gov/whatsnew/current/042604-2.htm.

For all FY 2005 IMLS grant and award program applications deadlines visit http://www.imls.gov/grants/dedln/FY2005deadlines.htm.

IMLS also reported that on July 13 it would announce the recipients of its second round of fiscal year 2004 grants in the following library categories: National Leadership Grants for Libraries (Continuing Education, Curriculum Development, and Training), Native American Library Basic and Professional Assistance Grants, and Recruiting and Educating Librarians for the 21st Century.

For more information, visit the IMLS home page (http://www.imls.gov/index.htm) after 10 a.m. on July 13 for links to the lists of grant recipients.

 

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Continuing Education --