|
 |
|
|
|
September 2003 |
Wisconsin Residents Believe in the Value of Public Libraries
A statewide telephone survey was recently conducted by the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium, with partial funding provided by the WLA Foundation. The survey results show that an overwhelming majority of state residents (over 99% of library users and about 95% of non-users) consider their public library an essential part of their community.
In addition, the vast majority of library users (83%) strongly agree that their public library is personally important and an additional 17% somewhat agree that their public library is personally important. Surprisingly, even among those who do not use a public library, a significant majority (80%) strongly agree or somewhat agree that their public library is personally important.
The survey also found that library users vote in higher percentages than non-users.
The survey includes responses to many questions about the specific services provided by their local public library. The survey results are available at http://www.winnefox.org/wplc/current/survey2003
Public Libraries Increased Services to Citizens in 2002
Wisconsin citizens borrowed 53.3 million books, videos, magazines, and other library materials from the state’s 387 public libraries in 2002. The number represents an increase of 6.4% in library circulation from 2001 according to the annual data collected by the Division for Libraries, Technology and Community Learning’s Public Library Development Team.
Information from the annual report shows that library visits numbered 30.3 million and attendance at library programming, highest for children and young adults, totaled 1.4 million statewide in 2002. Interlibrary loan increased 16% from the previous year with 3.4 million items loaned by public libraries to other libraries. Reference questions, down 3.4% from 2001, were just over 5 million transactions.
The report provides more than 125 data elements, grouped by general categories, and covers library statistics from 1996-2002. Complete public library statistical information is posted on the DPI’s website.
Rep. Bernie Sanders Named Library Journal’s 2003
"Politician of the Year"
Rep. Bernie Sanders, the Independent Congressman from Vermont who marshaled a growing coalition in Congress against the USA PATRIOT Act, is featured on the cover of the September 15, 2003 Library Journal as the 2003 "Politician of the year." The award, which has been given annually since 1997, honors an elected official who has significantly promoted or advocated for libraries.
Nominated by librarians in his home state and around the country, Sanders was honored for his pioneering work to repeal Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act, which makes it much easier for government agents to search the records of libraries and bookstores. Sanders’s efforts, highlighted in the magazine, have been embraced by a broad spectrum of Congressional representatives, local city councils, and citizens. "We don’t want to see a slow but chilling impact on intellectual curiosity," Sanders declared. (ALA-WO:861)
Because of budget cuts, some libraries can no longer afford the postage to send interlibrary loan material via the U.S. mail. If you receive a request for an item that your library owns and in the request note field is a note that states "Courier Only," or "Courier Delivery Only," and your library does not have courier service, do not fill that request. Let it move on to the the next location that may have courier service. Also affected are requests that libraries submit for borrowing material. Libraries that can no longer afford the postage to mail material to a library that is not on the courier, should set the request to Non-Supply with the reason "Requested Delivery Service Not Supported."
If you are not part of the courier service and are interested in joining, please contact Juanita Thomas at 715/261-7250 or email her at jathomas@wvls.lib.wi.us If you have any questions regarding WISCAT and interlibrary loan, please contact Leora Young at 715/261-7255 or email her at lyoung2@wvls.lib.wi.us --Leora Young, WVLS Interloan Technician
Libraries on the Courier Take Note!
If your supply of routing slips used for South Central Library System courier items is running low, you can now print out additional slips on the WVLS web site at http://wvls.lib.wi.us/About/courier_forms.htm If you have suggestions for additional forms to be included on this page, please contact Juanita Thomas at 715/261-7250 or email jathomas@wvls.lib.wi.us –Juanita Thomas, WVLS Office Manager
Mailing The Lamplighter Will Cease in 2004
Beginning in January 2004, the WVLS newsletter, The Lamplighter, will no longer be printed and distributed to 550 library staff, trustees and legislators on the mailing list. Instead The Lamplighter, and its back issues, will be available electronically to anyone interested in reading it. It may be accessed in three different ways depending on the reader's preference:
Subscribe to the WISPUBLIB electronic mailing list. To subscribe to WISPUBLIB, send an email message to: wispublib@badger.state.wi.us In the body of the message (subject line is ignored) type: subscribe WISPUBLIB. Then send your email.
Get on the WVLS group email list to receive the electronic version directly. To be included on the WVLS newsletter group email list, contact Barbara Freimund at 715/261-7252, or email freimund@wvls.lib.wi.us
Visit the WVLS home page at http://wvls.lib.wi.us and click on The Lamplighter to read the current issue as well as past issues. Web links in past issues are not checked for currency and may no longer work.
If you have any questions about the electronic version of The Lamplighter, please contact Marla Sepnafski, newsletter editor, at 715/261-7252 or msepnafs@wvls.lib.wi.us
 |
|
CIPA and Common Sense (if that’s possible)
In this time of economic uncertainty,
why would a library willingly turn down federal funds rather than put filters on
its computers?
Recently the WVLS Library Advisory Committee (LAC) and the V-Cat Council members decided that they would turn down some federal dollars if it meant that they would have to filter all computers with Internet access in their libraries. The WVLS Board of Trustees endorsed this position at its August meeting.
For WVLS public libraries, this decision means that each library will pay approximately $325 per year to provide unfiltered Internet access. They are currently paying about $150 annually. This is a decision that makes sense economically because EVERY computer in every library that has access to the Internet (even computers in administrative areas that children never ever use) must be filtered under the recent United States Supreme Court’s decision on the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). The cost of filters varies and the number of computers that access the Internet is different in every library. Library personnel feel that they will have to spend more on filters than on the increase in Internet access costs via WiscNet. In addition, no filters really work so spending our limited tax dollars on faulty blocking devices just doesn’t make sense. Libraries in the WVLS area have Internet Access policies – most of which probably work better than any filters currently on the market. Filters do not block images – they only block words so, even with filters, patrons could still come upon (on purpose or otherwise) pornographic images…….. so…….. what’s the point? It doesn’t make economic sense to follow CIPA rulings.
Many libraries in the WVLS area already provide some level of filtering – that’s fine and they will probably continue to do so – that’s a local community decision which is far different than having our federal government tell its people what they can’t look at!
From my point of view (and that’s what this column is), the more important reason to turn down federal dollars is that of providing open access to information. That’s been my mission ever since I became a librarian. I’m very proud of the decisions made by the LAC, the V-Cat Council, and the WVLS Board of Trustees.
There are many good web sites to look at if anyone wants more information on exactly what the CIPA says and how libraries across the country are dealing with it. If you would like more info on those sites, let me know.
What Role Should a Departing Public Library
Director Play In Selecting A Successor?
Should a library board depend on its
departing director to help them hire the new director? Should the director who
is leaving have any influence on his/her replacement? In my on-going attempt to
deal with some sticky situations that library boards, directors, and staffs must
deal with, I went looking for some answers to these questions. There’s really
not much ‘out there’ so I’m offering my own reactions to these questions.
Most library board members are not very familiar with how to go about getting a new director. I encourage them to contact the WVLS office or DLTCL for help with this process. There are many good suggestions available.
I don’t think the departing director should be involved in the process at all except to help the board by providing information on the mechanics of ‘how to do it’, i.e., provide the board with the director’s current job description, suggest places to advertise, gather information on how to interview, provide names and contact information for people at the WVLS and DLTCL offices.
I don’t think that departing directors should be involved – in any way – in the interview process itself because they won’t be working with the new director. I checked with the DLTCL office to get an informal reading on their reaction to my opinion on this issue. And found that they agreed with my opinion.
If any of you have experience in this area and want to ‘say your piece’, let me know and I’ll incorporate your comments in a future Lamplighter discussion.
--Heather Eldred
You're Invited to the Marathon County Public Library's first ever..
 |
| Fairytale
Ball an enchanted evening for all ages |
The library will be transformed into an enchanted castle
Dressy attire or character costumes are encouraged
Dance to the music of the "Old Lager Orchestra"
A Royal Harpist will greet you at the door
Storybook Characters, Roving Storytellers & Children's Craft Activities
Castle Playhouse Raffle Drawing (valued at $10,000)
Saturday, October 11, 2003
Marathon County Public Library, Wausau
6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
A Benefit for the Marathon County Public Library Foundation
Tickets Price: Adults $25 , Child $12.50 (12
& under)
The ticket price includes: A basket of goodies for a light supper
Cash bar, Royal Portrait Studio, Rides on a horse-drawn Dray,Extras include:
Fairytale Ball & Castle Playhouse
Raffle Tickets can be purchased at:
Any Marathon County Public Library Location
or by calling 715-261-7200
Major sponsors:
Marathon Savings Bank
Wausau Homes
95.5 WIFC
Wausau Daily Herald
Krasowski Construction Co.
Robin Patrick Design
Kids Need to Actively Engage in Learning
Based on research conducted since 1958, Search Institute has identified 40 developmental assets that all young people need to grow up to be healthy, principled and caring adults. The more assets a young person has developed, the more likely they are to make positive choices. Conversely, the fewer assets a young person has developed, the more likely they are to become involved in risk-taking behaviors. It has been found nationwide that most students have fewer than half of these 40 assets.
The list of 40 developmental assets as well as tips for focusing on each one is too long to include in its entirety here, but may be requested from Beth Sillars at the WVLS office (715/261-7255 or sillars@wvls.lib.wi.us ) Following is the featured asset for September:
September Asset: #22 – School Engagement - Kids who have this asset are actively engaged in learning.
Talk with children every day about what they did in school, what they learned, what they liked and what they didn’t like. Stay in touch with their school experience. Parents, make sure they get enough sleep and eat a good breakfast every day to help them stay alert and achieve maximum learning. Help kids explore all the options available at their school by researching and understanding what’s offered. Some children readily explore new learning experiences, while others prefer to stand back and watch before tackling something new. Either way is fine – make plenty of opportunities to actively participate in learning available. Provide a positive learning atmosphere at home – monitor TV viewing, have books, magazines and newspapers available and talk about current events while you eat dinner as a family. Take it seriously when a child tells you he’s frustrated or bored at school, or that she doesn’t understand the new chapter in Math. Talk to the teacher right away to avoid serious problems later on. Model lifelong learning by taking classes, learning new skills and valuing ongoing education.
Looking for some help to start planning for a "Cat in the Hat" party to tie in to the movie coming out at Thanksgiving? Try these:
"Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat" – watch the new teaser trailer and get more info at: http://www.thecatinthehatmovie.com/
And of course, http://www.seussville.com/seussville/ (edited from Rhonda Putney's article in CEO, 9/5/03)
Also check out http://falcon.jmu.edu/~ramseyil/seuss.htm and http://www.auburn.wednet.edu/homepages/ilalko/Seuss.htm
Shop for Dr. Seuss items at: http://www.hatful-of-seuss.com/
The Mindset List for the Class of 2007
Most students entering college this fall were born in 1985. This generation, according to Tom McBride, co-editor of the Mindset List, is a "…generation which believes in technological innovations and solutions and where digital devices, PIN numbers and calling cards are an integral part of their lives. Despite the fears associated with AIDS and divorce, we should remember that this is a generation that has grown up in a largely prosperous society…I believe they are fascinated and vexed by the results of the world they have made."
Some observations in the current mindset list include:
For a complete copy of the Mindset List for the Class of 2007 and for past Mindset Lists go to http://www.beloit.edu/~pubaff/releases/mindset_2007.html
Libraries Asked to Help Recruit Literacy Tutors
Public libraries in Wisconsin have been asked by Wisconsin Literacy Inc. to join "900 Tutors in 90 Days," a campaign to help recruit literacy tutors. Bookmark masters have been sent to WVLS and libraries can request the master from Beth Sillars, WVLS Special Needs Consultant. To help raise awareness of the need for literacy tutors in Wisconsin, public libraries are asked to place these bookmarks in books as they are checked out.
Lisa Schubert, director of Wisconsin Literacy Inc., said from September through November the organization is hosting a statewide campaign to recruit 900 tutors in 90 days for local literacy programs. Distributing a bookmark at libraries is a great way to recruit new volunteers and help them find a literacy program in their area. The bookmark directs potential volunteers to http://www.wisconsinliteracy.org where they can find literacy programs in their area (use the "Events" pull-down menu).
This campaign, which coincides with a proclamation soon to be forthcoming from the Governor’s office declaring September "Adult Literacy Awareness Month," officially began on International Literacy Day, September 8. In Wisconsin, nearly 1 million adults could benefit from adult literacy or English language services. For more information about literacy programs, visit Wisconsin Literacy’s website at http://www.wisconsinliteracy.org (Channel Weekly)
Bibliography of 40 Recommended Spanish/English Bilingual Books
A bibliography of 40 recommended Spanish/English bilingual books is now available on the Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) website at: http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/bibs/40books/bilingual.htm
This is the eighth in a 12-month series of bibliographies to mark the 40th anniversary of the CCBC. For a complete list of previous bibliographies, go to: http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/bibs/40books/index.htm (Rhonda Putney’s CEO, 9/10/03)
The Plymouth Public Library received $1,000 from Wal-Mart for their summer reading program this year. The local store contacted the library to tell the director the funds were available and to encourage the library to apply. The library used the funds to sponsor several performers. The circulation in July for Plymouth was higher than any other month in at least three years. The library credits the Wal-Mart grant in part for the program’s success. Nationally Wal-Mart gave more than $1.4 million in donations to local non-profit or educational organizations for literacy initiatives. (From the July-August edition of The Library Connection, Eastern Shores Library System’s newsletter) For more information about Wal-Mart charities, go to: www.walmartfoundation.org Hit the button for community at the top of the page, then scroll down the page to Project Literacy. Check out other items on this page such as Community Matching Grants. (September 2003 System Youth Services Liaison Posting from Barb Huntington)
Apply NOW for PLA Conference Scholarships!
The Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries (WAPL) is pleased to offer two $500 scholarships to attend the Public Library Association’s 10th National Conference in Seattle, February 24-28, 2004.
This conference is packed with information to help in all areas of library work. Programs are set up in tracks so you could attend all programs dealing with management or buildings or partnerships or virtual reference or you may pick and choose among programs in all tracks. The conference program is listed at www.pla.org
You must be a current WAPL member to apply. If interested, apply by October 31st via email, phone or letter to: Rebecca N. Berger, WAPL Chair 2003; Door County Library; 107 S. Fourth Avenue; Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235; 920/746-7115; rberger@mail.nfls.lib.wi.us
According to Library Futures Quarterly (Fall 2003), libraries continue to innovate for money and support by:
‘Supplementing funding through retail: Some libraries are embracing retail options, such as online shopping malls to collect money (affiliate stores give the library a cut of online sales – one library has a network of 200 affiliate shops)…Boston Public Library now operates two ancillary restaurants to help pay bills – one historically-themed restaurant is located in a celebrated map room…More libraries are operating online gift shops – the most widely recognized model is New York Public Library’s The Library Shop at http://www.thelibraryshop.org/
‘Online book "wish lists": …libraries use online vendors’ "wish list" features to ask their patrons and other benefactors for gifts of needed books or other donations…At the time of this printing, nearly 400 public libraries were listed in the WishList section of Amazon…’
Have Anything for WLA Auction?
It’s not too late to contribute an item to the WLA Foundation Silent Auction. Expressions of your artistic talents (e.g., original paintings, weavings, and needle work), professional consulting services, spare theatre or concert tickets, weekend condo getaways, and collectibles are all welcomed! The market value of your contribution is tax-deductible; after the auction, you will be provided with a formal thank you indicating this. For more information, go to www.wla.lib.wi.us/wlaf/auction.html. If you have questions, please contact Bernie Bellin, Silent Auction committee chair, at bbellin@lakeshores.lib.wi.us. All proceeds from the auction help build the Foundation’s endowment, which has supported scholarships and awards, as well as the 2002 Intellectual Freedom Leadership Institute, and the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium’s survey of library users and non-users. (Newsflashes from IFLS, 9/10/03)
New! "@ Your Library" PSA Available
A new print public-service ad, "The future is @ your library…so make sure your library has a future," is available at http://www.ala.org/Content/NavigationMenu/
According to ALA PIO Director Mark Gould, the ad is designed to garner support for library funding and advocacy efforts. It is part of ALA’s Campaign for America’s Libraries. (American Libraries, August 2003)
2003 ALA Conference Audiocassettes Available
Audiocassettes of 39 sessions recorded at the American Library Association’s 122nd annual conference are now available for loan from the Reference and Loan Library (R&LL). The annual conference of ALA was held jointly with the annual conference of the Canadian Library Association in Toronto, June 19-25, 2003.
The recordings contain information on topics useful for professional development and enrichment, and may be helpful to public, school and academic librarians, library media specialists, staff and trustees. Topics include school libraries and school library media education; information literacy skills; the future of the library; best books; library policy writing; metadata; library advocacy; new technology; outreach; recruitment; intellectual freedom; copyright; partnerships; and teens and the library. A list of the titles of the 2003 conference tapes, along with lists of the conference tapes for several previous years, is on the R&LL website at www.dpi.state.wi.us/dpi/dltcl/rll/indav.html
Audiocassettes may be borrowed from R&LL through regular interlibrary loan channels. Since bibliographic records for the cassettes are not yet on OCLC or WISCAT, libraries on WISCAT ILL should indicate the ALA tape number and the title in the TITLE LINE of the request. Others not using WISCAT ILL may contact Willeen Tretheway at 888/552-5543, ext. 3; or willeen.tretheway@dpi.state.wi.us
Fall Foliage - Intellicast http://www.intellicast.com/FallFoliage/
The peak foliage map tells you the best time to explore each section of the country. Also explore by state, get a ten-day forecast for the national parks, or discover the science behind the fall colors. (Marylaine Block's Sept. 26 NeatNew and ExLibris)
Crazyfads.com http://www.crazyfads.com/
"From 1920-1990 we list all of the craziest fads that have come and gone." Includes unexplainable crazes like poodle skirts, telephone booth stuffing, tie-dye shirts, streaking, beanie babies, and lots more. (Marylaine Block’s NeatNew and ExLibris, 9/12/03)
Curriculum Resource Center http://www2.dpi.state.wi.us/sig/practices/high_2.asp
Available at the WINSS/DPI website, this new online center provides lesson plans and classroom resources aligned to state standards for Wisconsin’s K-12 teachers. (SEAchange Wisconsin Education News, 8/15/03)
How Everyday Things Are Made [Macromedia Flash Reader] http://manufacturing.stanford.edu/
It is difficult for many individuals to fathom the exacting and complex processes used to manufacture an airplane, car, or even candy. Stepping in to help explain how many everyday things are made is this fine Web site developed by the Alliance for Innovative Manufacturing at Stanford University and design 4x, a company that develops online courses on manufacturing topics. The site begins with a brief introductory video clip orienting new visitors to the materials available on the site, and on how best to navigate the site’s features. Dozens of products are covered here, including airplanes, motorcycles, cars, jelly beans, chocolate, glass bottles, crayons, and golf clubs. Additionally, the site also contains information on various careers in manufacturing, along with a list of books on the field of manufacturing. Another helpful aspect of the site is the Think About It feature, where visitors are asked to offer their comments on how they think a certain process works, along with reading the previous comments of other visitors. (The Scout Report-KMG)
Those Pesky Unwanted Messages!
Can sending e-mails be considered trespassing? That’s the question the California Supreme Court is considering in a suit brought by Intel against a former employee who sent 35,000 e-mails to Intel employees after his departure. Intel argued that the e-mails burdened its servers and distracted employees, and that if the employee had walked into the company’s building with 35,000 leaflets it would have been within its rights to have the unwanted visitor removed from the premises, and charged with trespassing. A state court agreed, and prohibited the employee from sending e-mails. An appeals court agreed and the former employee has appealed the decision, arguing unwanted phone calls aren’t considered trespassing, so why should unwanted electronic messages be different. A ruling in Intel’s favor would pave the way for a flood of similar lawsuits, and give anti-spammers legal leverage. ( www.business.com as seen in Chamber E-News, Wausau/Marathon County Chamber of Commerce, 9/2/03)
October – National Cookie Month
If you want to have some fun and draw people into your library or info center, what would work better than cookies? There are a number of fun opportunities for staff and local organizations alike to get involved in this one, but here’s one wacky idea on how to actually tie cookies to information services: Try to have a different type of cookie available once a week or every day, along with fun facts about it. For instance, serve cookies with macadamia nuts along with info on how and where the macadamia is grown. Peanut butter cookies might not have existed without George Washington Carver. Ask a couple of local bakeries to donate fancy confections and tell you how they’re made. If an employee makes a classic cookie that everyone favors, ask the person to bake a big batch and print out the recipe to give out. You could even go corporate by serving a famous brand like Oreos along with a short history of the company and its invention, or by focusing on an up-and-coming brand like Famous Amos and how it got started. Your library might even want to have a bake-off! (If your library ever plans this event, a number of WVLS staff would volunteer to judge the event!) (edited from Marketing Library Services, July/August 2003)
This month's Featured Kit
942P Christmas & Hanukkah & Kwanzaa Kit
For
more information visit the
WVLS AV & Programming Materials Page
October -
National Cookie Month - for recipes, visit:
1st Traveler’s Choice Internet Cookbook http://www.virtualcities.com/ons/0rec/03cookie.htm
Recipes for Candy, Cookies, and Bars http://www.dianaskitchen.com/page/cookies.htm
Southern U.S. Cuisine: Cookie Recipes http://southernfood.about.com/library/recipes/blpage3.htm and http://www.neils-cookie-recipes.com/
October 2 - WVLS V-Cat Council meeting - Frances L. Simek Memorial Library, Medford - 9:30 a.m.
October 8 - Naomi Shihab Nye will deliver the Sixth Annual Charlotte Zolotow Lecture - sponsored by the Cooperative Children's Book Center - Wisconsin Union Theater, UW-Madison Campus - 7:30 p.m. - http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/zolotow/czfaq.htm
October 10 - "Telling the Library Story: Advocacy and Publicity" - a WVLS workshop - Rhinelander District Library - see flyer included with this issue of the Lamplighter for agenda and registration information.
October 11 - "A Fairytale Ball" - sponsored by the Marathon County Public Library Foundation - Marathon County Public Library
October 11 - Jeff Weir, author of Winding River, will be presenting a book talk/discussion at the Tomahawk Public Library - 10:30-11:30 a.m. - for more information, contact Mary Dunn at dunn@wvls.lib.wi.us or 715/453-2455.
October 13 - "Creating Youth/Adult Partnerships, Designing and Decorating Library Teen Spaces, Filling Your Teen Space (collection development and technology), and Marketing and Customer Service to Teens" - an Indianhead Federated Library System workshop - presented by Kim Bolan Taney, author of Teen Spaces - 10:00 a.m.- 3:00p.m. - $6.00 for lunch - Give your name and check to Jo Petersen at petersen@ifls.lib.wi.us at IFLS, 1538 Truax Blvd, Eau Claire, WI 54703
October 19-25 - Teen Read Week - SLAMMIN' @ Your Library - celebrates the popularity of poetry with teen readers www.ala.org/teenread/
October 20 - "What's New in Children's Books?" - a 4- week web-based course running from October 20- November 14 (when it fits your schedule) - 1.4 CEU - $78 -refer questions to Linda Mundt at 608/263-4452, or LEMundt@facstaff.wisc.edu
October 20 - "Introduction to Metadata" - an online course running from October 20-November 30, when it fits your schedule - 2.0 CEU - $249 - contact Linda Mundt at LEMundt@facstaff.wisc.edu or 608/263-4452
October 22 - WVLS Executive Committee meeting - Marathon County Public Library - 4:00 p.m.
October 22-26 - The Wisconsin Book Festival - spon- sored by the Wisconsin Humanities Council - Down- town Madison - www.wisconsinbookfestival.org
October 28-31 - "Libraries @ the Heart" - 2003 WLA Conference - Milwaukee - for details, visit http://www.wla.lib.wi.us/conferences/2003/index.htm
November 3-5 - Internet Librarian 2003 - Monterey Conference Center, Monterey, California - www.infotoday.com
November 7-9 Friends of Marathon County Public Library Book Sale - Marathon County Public Library - for details, visit http://www.mcpl.lib.wi.us/friends_book_sale.html
November 15 - WVLS Board of Trustees meeting - Marathon County Public Library - 9:30 a.m.
December 4 - WVLS V-Cat Council meeting - Antigo Public Library - 9:30 a.m.
December 20 - WVLS Executive Committee meeting - Marathon County Public Library - 9:30 a.m.
Telling the Library Story
a
WVLS advocacy & publicity workshop
Friday, October 10th, Rhinelander
District Library meeting room
Sponsored by WVLS, the Oneida County Library Board and Rhinelander District Library, this workshop is intended for librarians, trustees, and local municipal officials throughout the seven-county WVLS area. Invitations will also be extended to neighboring libraries in the Northern Waters Library Service and Indianhead Federated Library System (these systems partner with WVLS to co-sponsor the annual Children’s Book Fest).
PROGRAM:
9:00-9:30 a.m. Registration, coffee and welcome
9:30-11:30 a.m. Grassroots and Grasstops Advocacy
Part One: Legislative advocacy training with Tony Driessen. Tony is a partner in the Madison and Milwaukee law firm of Quarles & Brady, LLP and coordinator for the firm's Governmental Relations Group. Tony concentrates his law practice in lobbying the Wisconsin legislature, the Governor's Office and various state agencies. His longstanding clients include the Wisconsin Library Association's 1,800 members.
Tony has over 20 years experience in lobbying. During that time, he has learned a lot about effective grassroots and grass-tops lobbying. This presentation will discuss what works and what does not when we are connecting with the legislators from our area. His approach combines a practical dose of reality with humor for an entertaining and informative session.
Part Two: Looking at advocacy from the other side of the legislative desk. Tony will moderate a panel discussion by members of the Wisconsin Legislature representing portions of the WVLS service area, including Senator Roger Breske, Senator Russ Decker, Representative Don Friske and Representative Dan Meyer. Rep. Meyer and Sen. Decker are members of the legislature’s Joint Finance Committee. Legislators receive thousands of contacts from constituents every year as they make decisions about funding priorities and introduce legislation to address a wide variety of issues. Hear what the advocacy process looks like from their point of view!
Lunch Break
1:00-2:30 p.m. Forging Partnerships with Local Journalists
Investigative reporter and columnist Richard Moore invites librarians to pause and reflect on the many ways in which their work makes a difference to individuals and communities. He offers practical advice for forging partnerships with local journalists, then using that alliance to broadcast library stories, change perspectives and build support at the local and state level.
Moore's reporting has focused on poverty, quality childcare, government accountability, equitable funding for education and affordable health care. He received the 1997 Media Award from the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association for a series of articles in the Lakeland Times on childcare trends in Wisconsin and is co-author of The Reform of State Legislatures (Univ. Press of America, 1992).
(Note: Moore’s luncheon address on the commonality of information issues facing both librarians and journalists at the spring WAPL conference was so well received that he was invited to present a follow-up session at the WLA fall conference in Milwaukee in October. This session will provide an opportunity for those unable to attend the fall conference to hear the presentation. For the text of Moore’s WAPL address, see http://www.wla.lib.wi.us/wapl/Mooreaddress2003.pdf)
It is essential that each library director invite members of his/her board of trustees and municipal officials to this meeting. Please don’t hesitate to begin talking up the event right now! In this case, the opportunity for positive public relations on a variety of levels, is as important as acquiring knowledge at the actual workshop!
ATTENTION: WESSLER SCHOLARSHIPS are available to cover some/all costs associated with attendance at reference and/or interlibrary loan continuing education events. If interested in becoming a Wessler Scholar, contact the WVLS office (715/261-7250) for more information. The application form and more information are available at http://wvls.lib.wi.us/About/wessler.htm
a
newsletter of the Wisconsin
Valley Library Service
300 N. First
Street / Wausau, WI 54403
Back issues are available
Please send address corrections and updates to Marla
Sepnafski at msepnafs@wvls.lib.wi.us
or call 715/261-7252.
| EDITOR: Marla Sepnafski Phone: 715/261-7252 FAX: 715/261-7259 |
Contributions are welcome!
News items should be submitted by the first of the month.
The Lamplighter is published monthly alternating between paper and electronic
issues.
WVLS serves Clark, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, and Taylor counties.
