2025-06-10 Library Innovation Subcommittee Minutes

Recorder: Tamara Ramski

SCLS staff present: Rose Ziech, Mark Jochem, Tracie Miller, Jean Anderson, Craig Ellefson, Shawn Brommer

1. Call to order time 9:01 am

a. Introduction of guests/visitors

i. Andrea Schmitz (BLV) is joining the committee.

b. Changes/Additions to the Agenda: None

c. Requests to address the Committee: None

2. Approval of previous meeting minutes: April 8, 2025

a. Changes or corrections: None

b. Approved by motion: Melissa, Leah Bauer, all approve

3. Action items: None

4. Reports

a. IDEA Team (Mark)

i. BIPOC Unconference, went well.

ii. Working on creating a statewide support network.

5. Discussion

a. Accessibility kits – Emily Whitmore (SPR): Emily’s LIS Form submission-From speaking with someone at the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired, I think we should talk about magnifiers at the meeting. [Video magnifiers link on meeting page.] Something to note is whether or not the item should/needs to be handheld and portable.

i. Emily was not able to attend the meeting to provide input on the topic.

ii. Mark-Heard from another library about the need for document magnifiers.

iii. Shawn-Many years ago SCLS had an accessibility kit created with grant funds. It did get used. The kit had adaptive mice, keyboards, magnifiers and ZoomText software. ZoomText was installed on a computer in all libraries.

iv. Craig-The Ergonomics Kit does not have anything magnifying in it.

v. Melissa-MTH has a magnifying lens, has had it since 1979. Jean and Tracie said it is like what crafters use.

vi. Shawn-Worked with Wisconsin Council for the Blind and Visually Impaired to get a deal to buy a bunch of magnifiers for libraries.

vii. Craig-Windows has built in accessibility tools. Need to make sure people know about them and how to use them.

viii. Rose is working on making the SCLS website more accessible. Plans on making the module being used for the SCLS website available for libraries to use on their websites too.

ix. Shawn-Basic, low-tech, tools can be useful.

x. Mark: Shared a link for a floor standing magnifier

xi. Andrea: Concurs with what group is saying. Cost is a consideration and tools need to be easy for staff and patrons to use.

xii. Follow-up:

1. Do a survey. Gather details on the scope of what libraries are using. Which libraries have equipment? Determine if this is a wider unmet need.

2. Offer a webinar with someone from the Wisconsin Council for the Blind and Visually Impaired, or another expert.

b. Discussion tabled until Steev Baker, SUN is able to attend a meeting.

i. LIS Form submission: Music collection – similar to Yahara Music catalog project from MPL

1. Describe your idea: Bring back the Yahara Music Catalog! The flagship product from local developers at Rabble and the template for all MUSICat digital catalogs, the Yahara Music Catalog was ahead of its time. New features of MUSICat, including streaming and playlist options, make NOW the perfect time to bring it back, but bigger and better than ever. Rather than just a Madison project, Yahara (or by another name, I suggest the Watershed Music Catalog), could become an SCLS-wide digital music space, with artists from every county curated by library staff and community members. As digital music becomes less friendly for artists, but more in demand by users, this is a great way to expand our local and digital collections. Physical music collections will continue to shrink throughout SCLS, but capturing the inspired and talented local scenes from rural Sauk County to Madison to Stevens Point, will help all libraries expand their digital music collections in ways that are meaningful, local, diverse, and community-building.

2. Do you have resources to share that may be helpful? [MUSICat link on meeting page.] - I have spoken with Rabble about this idea, really hoping for a state-wide music catalog. I know they prefer to work with individual cities, but with so many small communities and rural spaces in Wisconsin, I think we should push for a wider investment in a digital local music collection. If we can't have a state-wide collection, perhaps a system-wide collection would be possible? There are many possible partners in SCLS counties that could be brought into this project--local radio stations, historical societies, venues, independent magazines and blogs, arts groups, schools, etc.-- and maybe some Federal or State arts funding (if the badguys don't flush it all). IT'S WORTH LOOKING INTO.

c. Library visits/updates from libraries.

i. Melissa-Had to make a toilet flushing reminder sign. (Shawn: “Bathroom talk” could be program.)

ii. Melissa- Morgridge Institute did an awesome program at MTH about stem cells. Recommends it.

iii. Shawn-Marshfield-Is doing a book club on the topic of sustainability/environmentalism, including an anthology of women environmentalists. Shared a link with details.

iv. Rose-will share details about an online conference about innovation and libraries that is scheduled for August.

v. Rose-SCLS Staff will be contacting directors to schedule annual visits.

6. Items from clusters (for Committees only)

a. Melissa-Resumes. Can SCLS add a link to a free resume builder on all libraries’ desktops? Shared links and did a demonstration of examples.

i. Mark-Gotresumebuilder is included on the SCLS website.

ii. Melissa volunteered to write an Online Update article about it.

iii. Jean-It could be a topic for an adult services meeting.

iv. Craig-To put it on patron computer desktops, it has to go to through the Technology Committee. Recommends putting a link on libraries’ websites.

b. Jean-Will starting ordering escape room stuff. Will ask Melissa to help.

7. Plan for next meeting: August 12, 2025, Zoom

a. Reports

i. IDEA Team

ii. Kit updates (escape room)

b. Discussion:

i. Accessibility kits – Emily Whitmore (SPR)

1. Survey

2. Webinar

ii. Music collection, similar to Yahara Music catalog project from MPL-Steev Baker (SUN)

iii. Library visits/updates from libraries.

8. Adjournment: 9:49 am

For more information about the Library Innovation Subcommittee Committee, contact Rose Ziech.

SCLS staff are available to attend cluster meetings to share information and answer questions pertaining to this committee meeting and other departmental projects.

2025-06-10-lis-minutes.docx