Online Update

Libraries asked to update directory information on SCLS website

As we move toward the end of 2005, it’s time to begin working on the 2006 South Central Library System Directory of Public Libraries. This printed resource is made available to member libraries each year, but we need your help.

To facilitate this annual project, and to try and get the directory printed and distributed before the beginning of 2006, we‚’re asking that you take some time before Nov. 1 to ensure that your library’s information is up to date.

If you’ve already updated your library’s information, thank you. If not, begin by visiting www.scls.info/pro/directory.html and selecting your library from the list, then review the information presented there. If anything is missing, or needs to be changed, you can update the information by using the online form at www.scls.info/directories/directoryform.html (there is also a link to the form at the top of the directory homepage).

If there are no changes to your information, we ask that you still submit the online form so we know that all libraries have reviewed their information and everything is current. Simply enter your library’s name and put “no changes” in the address field.

 

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Make plans now to attend Library Legislative Day 2006

The Wisconsin Library Association’s (WLA's) “Library Legislative Day 2006” will be held Jan. 31 in Madison, and librarians, trustees, and interested patrons are encouraged to begin making plans to attend this annual event.

Scheduled earlier than in past years, Library Legislative Day is an excellent opportunity to either initiate contacts with legislators, or strengthen existing relationships. A number of library-related items are currently wending their way through the legislative process, so it’s imperative that individuals step forward in support of their library, and libraries statewide. The impact of this input on legislative action can be significant, and building relationships with legislators is a key first step in the process.

Watch future issues of Online Update and the WLA website for registration information, but mark Jan. 31 on your calendar and plan to attend.

 

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Member/Staff News

Maria Olrick is the new assistant director at Rio, replacing Dawn Mason who resigned. Maria starts her new responsibilities Nov. 1.

The latest issue of Libraries@UW-Madison is now available online at www.library.wisc.edu/libraries/News/newsletter/44/index.shtml.

 

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MPL, College Library sponsor card drive for UW-Madison students

In an effort to give UW-Madison students better access to the materials they need, the College Library and Madison Public Library (MPL) several weeks ago sponsored a program to make it easier for students to get a public library card.

The program arose from the recognition at the reference desk that the books or videos UW-Madison students often need are at Madison Public Library. It was also recognized that it’s often more convenient for students to get the materials at MPL or one of its branches because they live close by.

MPL and College Library hosted a Madison Public Library card drive Oct. 5, 11 and 12 from 7-9 p.m. Students were required to show only a valid UW-Madison ID and fill out a card registration form.

During the three evenings, 55 UW-Madison students signed up for MPL library cards, and scores more took applications. Plans are being developed for return visits in February 2006.

 

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MPL, MID are in top 10 nationally in respective HAPLR population categories

Three Wisconsin libraries (two from the South Central Library System) rank in the top 10 of their respective population categories nationally in the 2005 Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings (HAPLR).

Madison Public Library was rated fifth nationally in 2005 among libraries serving communities from 250,000 to 500,000, while Middleton Public Library ranked fourth among libraries serving communities from 25,000-49,999. The other Wisconsin library in the national rankings was Brown Deer Public Library, which ranked fourth among libraries serving communities from 10,000-24,999. Wisconsin ranked sixth nationally.

The 2004 HAPLR library ratings are based on data filed by libraries in 2003 for 2002 activities. The Federal-State Cooperative System compiles into a single data set the annual reports from state library agencies for nearly 9,000 libraries nationwide.

For more information about the annual ranking, which is compiled by Thomas J. Hennen Jr., director of the Waukesha County Federated Library System, visit www.haplr-index.com.

 

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Neighboring systems offer valuable CE workshops

A number of great continuing education workshops are coming up in neighboring library systems, two of which are highlighted here.

• On Nov. 15, Winnefox Library System is offering "Planning for Success," a half-day workshop with John DeBacher. This event will be in Green Lake -- a short distance for some of you in Columbia county. You'll find a program announcement and registration information at www.scls.info/ce/documents/planning-debacher.pdf.
• Nancy Pearl (author, librarian, and action figure model) will be visiting Mid-Wisconsin Library System in Horicon and OWLS in Appleton in early December. On Dec. 7, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, she'll conduct a Reader's Advisory session in Horicon, and she'll be presenting all day on Dec. 8 at Appleton Public Library. To get information on the Appleton event, or to register, go to the OWLS CE page at www.owls.lib.wi.us/ce/. Registration for the Horicon event is not yet available.

Watch the SCLS Continuing Education web pages -- www.scls.info/ce/ -- for more opportunities scheduled throughout our system later this year and in 2006. The "Other CE Opportunities" link on this page has been expanded to include links to other systems, online classes and tutorials, archived webcasts, and many other CE choices.

For more information about CE programs, contact Mary Wepking at (608) 246-5613 (or by email).

 

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Entries sought for ‘Letters About Literature’ reading/writing contest

The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, in partnership with Target Stores and in cooperation with affiliate state centers for the book, invites readers in grades four through 12 to enter "Letters About Literature," a national reading and writing contest.

To enter, readers write a personal letter to an author, living or dead, from any genre -- fiction or nonfiction, contemporary or classic -- explaining how that author's work changed the student's way of thinking about the world or themselves. There are three competition levels.

• Level I for children in grades four through six
• Level II for grades seven and eight
• Level III for grades nine through 12

Winners receive cash awards at the national and state levels. Information on the contest and the entry form can be found on the Center for the Book website at www.loc.gov/loc/cfbook/lal-participation.html. Entries must be postmarked by Dec. 1, 2005.

 

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Applications available for new We the People Bookshelf Grant on “Becoming American”

The American Library Association (ALA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) are now accepting applications for the We The People Bookshelf on "Becoming American." Part of the NEH’s We the People initiative, the annual collection development grant project will award sets of 15 classic books for young readers, as well as three of these titles in Spanish, to 1,000 libraries across the country. Libraries interested in receiving the collection are required to develop and host a program to introduce the collection and its theme of "Becoming American" to students and/or patrons.

Guidelines and applications are available online at www.ala.org/wethepeople through Jan. 17, 2006. Unlike past We The People Bookshelves, there will be no second deadline for "Becoming American." All applications are due by Jan. 17, 2006.

To access a list of titles in the collection, visit www.ala.org/wethepeople. For more information about the program, send an email to publicprograms@ala.org.

 

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Criticas now available online

Having helped librarians select Spanish language books for the past four years, Criticas is now available online at www.Criticasmagazine.com.

The free monthly online magazine, which is supplemented by two print issues each year -- one published in June and one in November -- now offers more reviews, more often. The new site also features an archive of past issues (including reviews), a more comprehensive best sellers list, and insightful articles on publishing trends.

The new free monthly e-newsletter “Criticas Connection” was launched in August. To sign up, visit www.criticasmagazine.com/subscribe.asp.

 

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Continuing Education -- www.scls.info/ce/

Upcoming CEs

November 11 -- Reference USA Business, with Tana Elias, Madison Public Library, 9-11:00 a.m., SCLS Training Room E.

November 17 -- Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales: 2006 SLP Workshop, with Kathy Ross (keynote), Geri Ceci Cupery, Kim Ropson, and Karen Wendt, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Olbrich Gardens, Madison.

November 18 -- Libraries in a Google Universe, Soaring to Excellence Teleconference Series (DuPage), with Steven Bell, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., MATC Reedsburg and Truax, Marshfield Clinic, MSTC Wisconsin Rapids, Monona Public Library, UW-Stevens Point, and the Feb. Center at UW-Madison.

November 30 -- Badgerlink: Humanities, with Linda Miller, 9-11:30 a.m., Pinery Room, Portage County Public Library, Stevens Point.

November 30 -- Badgerlink: Resources for Kids, with Linda Miller, 1:30 to 4:00 p.m., Pinery Room, Portage County Public Library, Stevens Point

December 2 -- Badgerlink: Ethnic Information, with Linda Miller, 9-11:30 a.m., SCLS Training Room E.

February 3 -- Always a River, Sometimes a Library, with Rick Anderson, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., live teleconference from the College of DuPage. Sites: MATC Reedsburg & Truax, Marshfield Clinic, MSTC Wisconsin Rapids, Monona Public Library, UW-Stevens Point, and the Pyle Center at UW-Madison.

February 9 -- Paws, Claws, Scales, and Tales! SLP Crafts Program, with Patti Sinclair, 9 a.m. to noon, The Wintergreen Resort, Mt. Ranier Room, Wisconsin Dells.

February 23 -- Disaster Planning and Recovery with Miriam Kahn, 9 a.m. to noon, SCLS Administration & Portage County Public Library, Stevens Point (compressed video broadcast to Stevens Point).

March 3 -- Library Management Hot Topics: A Roundtable Discussion with Experienced Library Managers, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., lLive teleconference from the College of DuPage. Sites: MATC Reedsburg & Truax, Marshfield Clinic, MSTC Wisconsin Rapids, Monona Public Library, UW-Stevens Point, and the Pyle Center at UW-Madison.

 

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