July 17 NWLS Board of Trustees Meeting, NWLS, 10:00
August 25 Merlin Consortium Meeting, NWLS, 10:00
Common Questions about Library Board Membership
Do library trustees have to be residents of the municipality that sponsors the library?
According to Wisconsin Statute s.43.54(1)(a), up to two members of the library board may be residents of other municipalities. This does not include members of the library board appointed under Wisconsin Statute s.43.60(3), which permits counties to appoint additional members to the board if they provide a certain percentage of the library’s funding.
For joint libraries (libraries governed by more than one municipality), Wisconsin Statute s.43.54(1m) requires appointments to the board be apportioned based upon the population of each participating municipality.
Can we increase the size of the board?
Wisconsin Statute s.43.54(1)(a) permits towns, villages, and tribes to appoint up to two additional members to the board for a total of 7 members.
Wisconsin Statute s.43.60(3) permits counties to appoint additional members to the board if they provide a certain percentage of the library’s funding.
What officers must our library board have?
Wisconsin statute s.43.54(2) requires the library board to elect a president. It may also elect any other officers it deems necessary.
Who appoints the library board?
The library board is appointed by the mayor, village president, town chair, or tribal chair and approved by the municipal governing body in accordance with Wisconsin Statute s.43.54(1)(a) for municipal libraries or Wisconsin Statute s.43.54(1m) for joint libraries. Additional members appointed by counties under Wisconsin Statute s.43.60(3) are appointed by the county chair and approved by the county board.
Must a town board member be appointed to the library board?
Although the library board may find it desirable to have a member of the municipal governing body among its membership, there is no requirement that one be appointed. However, Wisconsin Statute s.43.54(1)(c) states that not more than one member of the municipal governing body may serve on the board at any one time.
The National Broadband Plan
Broadband high-speed Internet access is becoming the primary way we as Americans connect with one another, do business, educate ourselves and our children, receive health care information and services, and express our opinions. It is the new national infrastructure.
Congress last year directed the FCC to develop America’s first National Broadband Plan, delivered in March. The 360 page plan includes specific proposals that can benefit the library community. A key component of the plan addresses the federal E-rate program, which provides telecommunication discounts that benefit libraries. The plan calls for simplifying the application and disbursement processes, raising the funding cap, increasing the resources available for necessary internal modifications, and looking for other ways to increase the effectiveness of the program.
The plan also calls for the creation of a National Digital Literacy Program for community institutions working together to secure more broadband for less money. The plan would support The Institute of Museum and Library Services funding opportunities to improve broadband connectivity, including support for hardware and training.
In addition to specific proposals that can benefit the library community, the mission of the proposal is access for all. The plan was mandated by Congress in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and continues to gain momentum with congressional hearings, think tank panel sessios, and lobbying groups. The policy initiatives include:
• Extending broadband communications to all Americans by transforming the $9 billion Universal Service Fund from supporting legacy telephone service to supporting broadband communications service;
• Protecting consumers by providing greater transparency regarding the speeds, services, and prices consumers receive, and ensuring that consumers are treated honestly and fairly;
• Empowering consumers to take control of their personal information so that they can use broadband communications without unknowingly sacrificing their privacy;
• Lowering the costs of investment in order to accelerate and extend broadband deployment;
• Advancing the critical goals of protecting Americans against cyber-attacks, extending 911 coverage to broadband communications, and otherwise protecting the public’s safety; and
• Working to preserve the freedom and openness of the Internet through high-level rules of the road to safeguard consumers’ right to connect with whomever they want; speak freely online; access the lawful products and services of their choice; and safeguard the Internet’s boundless promise as a platform for innovation and communication to improve our education and health care, and help deliver a clean energy future.
Americans Rely on Valuable Library Resources
The library’s role as a technology resource has increased dramatically, and now millions of people rely on library technology to find work, apply for college, secure government benefits, learn about critical medical treatments, and connect with their communities.
Unfortunately libraries are struggling to maintain the technology necessary to keep pace with demand. Libraries nationwide report an increase in public use of online services, particularly to support job seeking and e-government transactions yet funding cuts at state and local levels are forcing libraries to cut back on services and reduce operating hours.
A national study of public library Internet services and how it affects millions of lives highlights what is at risk, particularly for low-income individuals who heavily rely on the public library for their technology, if future public and private investment in public libraries doesn’t keep pace with demand. The report: Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries reveals that the use of library technology had significant impact in areas of employment, education, health, and making commnity connections. The full report is available at http://tascha.washington.edu/usimpact/projects/us-public-library-study/. The study was conducted by the University of Washington Information School, with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
The report findings reinforce the results of a recent study ( Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study) released by The American Library Association highlighting technology access in public libraries. Eighty-eight percent of libraries provide free access to job databases and other job services, and sixty-seven percent provide support for completing online applications. Seventy-five percent provide access to civil service exam materials and sixty-nine percent provide software to help with resumes and other employment materials. For media coverage of library technology services visit ALA at http://www.ftrf.org/ala/research/initiatives/plftas/previousstudies/0809/media.cfm
The economic recession and the rise in online services has placed libraries at the forefront for people struggling to make ends meet. Today’s public libraries are vital community technology hubs that millions of Americans rely on for their first and often only choice for Internet access. Despite increased demand for library computers, however, libraries typically have not seen a corresponding increase in budgets and many are challenged to provide enough computers or fast-enough connection speeds to meet demand.
Frontline Advocacy
Frontline advocacy is an initiative for librariy staff and administrators of all types of libraries to work together to communicate the value of libraries, library staff, and library services with talking points, statistics and the relevance about what their library does. The initiative to promote the value of libraries becomes the core of communication between employee and community. Americal Libary Association has a Frontline Advocacy Toolkit for Public Libraries with tips and guides and ideas to help make advocacy part of everyday activities.
2011 LSTA Grants
The LSTA website (http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/lsta.html) now contains a link to the 2011 LSTA grant application forms:
(https://forms.dpi.wi.gov/se.ashx?s=56301B2D500EF8ED). The form is web-based and provides the opportunity to print a copy for your records. The LSTA online grant applications and postmarked signature pages are due by 4:30 pm, September 10, 2010.
Recorded webinars of the LSTA information sessions held in June are linked on the LSTA website in High Fidelity and Windows Media formats: (http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/lsta.html).
Listeners can skip the first 12 minutes of the webinar that addressed technical webinar advise and not the actual LSTA information. Contact Terrie Howe by email (Teresa.howe@dpi.wi.gov) OR phone (608-266-2413) if you have LSTA grant information questions.
Auto Repair Database Upgrade
Significant user interface, content, and functionality updates made to the BadgerLink Auto Repair Reference Center (ARRC) are scheduled for late this summer. Some of the ARRC upgrades are listed below:
• All repairs classified by OEMs, such as Ford, Honda, etc., on a given vehicle will be categorized and made available in the new ARRC user interface
• Thousands of repairs (as opposed to hundreds in print repair manuals) for each vehicle will provide the most comprehensive repair coverage available to the Do-it-Yourselfer
• Coverage will be provided for many more vehicles than Chilton, with historic repair information dating back to the 1940s
• Content indices will make finding repair information much easier, and will include wiring diagrams, specifications, maintenance intervals, TSBs, recalls and labor guide estimates
• A streamlined content update system will ensure currency superior to the manual methods used by other sources
• Researchers using the new interface will have more complete access to what they need, by being able to find content from PDFs, including graphics in the repair procedures
To view examples of the new, intuitive screens coming in the updated ARRC interface visit
http://support.epnet.com/uploads/kb/arrc_screen_shots.ppt .
The Badgerlink team has been revising the materials promoting the databases available to Wisconsin residents. The project’s goal is to provide access to quality online information resources for Wisconsin residents in cooperation with the state's libraries. The materials can be printed or posted on your library website. More materials will be added over the coming months. Revised Badgerlink promotional materials are currently available for:
- Consumer Health Complete posters, flyers, bookmarks, etc.
- Subject specific bookmarks, flyers and posters for History, Literature and Health
- Radio scripts and an MP3 radio ad recording
- Auto Repair Reference Center cut-out display
- Customizable versions of posters and bookmarks
BadgerLink is a project of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning.
Mobile device ownership is a major trend in America. A growing number of people rely on portable devices, such as mobile phones and lightweight laptops, to access critical data from anywhere. Everybody wants to be connected to everything everywhere, and with the help of cloud computing, data can be easily accessed by connecting to the vast memory of the Internet “cloud”.
Cloud computing allows the use of powerful shared computing resources which are accessed remotely, typically through a web browser over the Internet. Web-based services are rapidly being adopted on "smart" mobile phones with PC-functions, such as the Blackberry and the iPhone, as well as a new generation of handsets from companies such as Nokia and Palm Inc. Cloud computing is ideal for supporting low powered computing devices like mobile handsets for those who do not possess a Smartphone. Less computing horsepower and less storage is needed and performance improves as mobile network operators increase data speeds.
Cloud computing for mobile devices is surging alongside the rapid expansion of high-speed wireless networks and web-based services. From a vehicle you can find directions, weather reports, hotels, museums, and restaurants with devices such as mobile phones, "netbook" laptops connected to wireless air cards, and high-end navigation systems. The Internet cloud also offers storage for music, photos and documents, it supports social networks such as MySpace and Facebook, and provides free photo-editing such as Picnik.com.
Libraries can take advantage of the mainstreaming of mobile devices and applications by making key web services accessible from portable devices so patrons can search the catalog, place holds, select databases, check hours, access library email notices, and contact the library from their own mobile application whether they're in the library or at work. By mobilizing library resources and services, library services can become accessible to patrons wherever they are, from a device that fits in their pocket. This technology is an attractive alternative to the challenge of providing everyone with access to library computers.
With the mainstreaming of mobile devices, experts expect a heightened focus on cloud-based applications throughout next year. In 2009, one-third of all Americans accessed the web through a cell phone or smartphone and 4.1 billion text messages were sent daily. What percent of your patrons use mobile devices to access the web or send texts? What devices are most common? Once you understand the needs of the community, you can determine which content and services to mobilize to create the greatest impact for your users.
July 20 - Tips and tools for Technology Planning - TechSoup and WebJunction share tips, tools and tales to help you plan and write clear and manageable goals and objectives.
August 3 - Get Started with Techsoup - A free webinar, listed in the Outreach and Marketing section of the webinar archives, on learning about Techsoup's discount programs for low-cost, high-quality technology to help your library run smoother and meet your mission.
August 11 - Helping Job Seekers: Using Electronic Tools and Federal Resources - In this free 90-minute WebJunction webinar the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) will provide an overview of the public workforce system and the electronic tools and local Workforce System partners most helpful to library staff who assist unemployed workers. The presentation will also include an online tour of the O*NET System, CareerOneStop.org and America’s Service Locator and including Occupational Crosswalks, job search/resume preparation and State Job Banks and Labor Market Information.
Until August 23 - Microsoft Computer Training - 13,500 training vouchers for free E-Learning courses and Certification Exams are a available to Wisconsin residents with a valid email address who are registered on JobCenterOfWisconsin.com. Training and Exam vouchers are available for Office 2003 products, Office 2007 products, and IT Professional Standard and Extended Library. For more information visit Job Center of Wisconsin at https://jobcenterofwisconsin.com/ and click on Microsoft Elevate America.
Booklist webinars - Upcoming and archived webinars offering trends in genre and valuable recommendations in reading for all ages.
CareerOneStop - The U. S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration provides tools to help job seekers, students, businesses, and professionals. A service locator links to:
• Career centers
• Unemployment benefits
• Employment training
• Workforce contacts/partners
• State Services
URL: http://www.careeronestop.org/
ipl2: Information You Can Trust - The result of a merger of the Internet Public Library and the Librarians' Internet Index, providing a searchable, subject-categorized directory of authoritative websites for adults, teens and children.
URL: http://www.ipl.org/
Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation.
- Walter Cronkite
For subscription services
or to submit an article for streams contact Marsha at NWLS: (715)682-2365
or email msorensen@nwls.lib.wi.us.
NWLS 3200 E. Lake Shore Dr. • Ashland, WI 54806 • Phone: 682-2365
Serving libraries in Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Sawyer, Vilas
and Washburn Counties
In this issue:
• Common Questions about Library Board Membership
• The National Broadband Plan
• Americans Rely on Valuable Library Resources
• Frontline Advocacy
• 2011 LSTA Grants
• BadgerLink Updates
• Technology
• Training
• Links
• Reflection
Archived Newsletters: