Important for all library and system staff!

From John: Hello Everyone–Please see the message below.  This is an important survey and anyone who uses data in some way is encouraged to complete this survey. They are seeking at least one response from every library and system in Wisconsin.   Here’s the original message and links from WiLS.

To better understand library and library system staff uses of/needs for data training and tools, the Southwest Wisconsin Library System and WiLS (funded through LSTA) are working on a staff-focused “data landscape” project. This will help us understand how library and library system staff use of and needs for data training and tools. This project will result in a findings and recommendations report that will be disseminated across the state. The overarching goal is to ensure public library and system staff voices are amplified and centered throughout the project to ensure that the findings and recommendations are based on real, demonstrable information.

To make that happen, we need you. This project is beginning with a survey that covers:

1. data competence (e.g. professional or academic training),
2. data confidence (e.g. how comfortable or confident a person feels engaging with/using data),
3. access to data-related resources,
4. time- and job-related demands, and
5.  general attitudes towards/trust in key data sources.

This survey is open to ALL public library and public library system staff. Our goal is to be as representative as possible. While we would like at least one response from each of the public libraries and each of the public library systems in the state, we welcome responses from as many staff members as possible.

The survey can be accessed by clicking  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HLYKS57 The survey should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and all information provided will remain confidential and only be reported in aggregated format. The survey will remain open until at least October 21.  The final report will be shared by late spring 2023.

Don’t miss these scholarship opportunities!

Thanks to a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, with funding from the Institute for Museum and Library Services, IFLS has funding for scholarships this fall! Even if you have received scholarships from IFLS in the past, you are welcome to apply.  This opportunity is for all public library directors and staff in the IFLS region. 

Wisconsin Library Association Annual Conference (Application Deadline September 30, 2022):

A full scholarship (up to $1400) to attend theWisconsin Library Association Conference, November 1-4 in Lake Geneva.  Keynote speaker is Jason Reynolds.

• Information sheet
• Scholarship Application (due September 30)

Justice at Work in Public Libraries (Application deadline September 30, 2022):

A full scholarship to participate in a 4-5 hour asynchronous (do it on your own schedule) course with video lessons, templates and resources, discussion forums, and support from the instructor, Mia Henry.

• Information Sheet
• Scholarship Application (due September 30, 2022)

Tips for Legal Reference Questions

Thanks to our neighbor Wisconsin Valley Library Service for coordinating short videos in their Digital Bytes series about Legal Research with Carol Hassler from the Wisconsin State Law Library!

• Discovering Legal Resources
  Time: 14:48
  In this Digital Byte Carol Hassler, from the Wisconsin State Law Library, talks about quick tips on legal research. This is part two of a five-part series. Watch
• Navigating the Legal Reference Interview
  Time: 14:55
  In this Digital Byte Carol Hassler, from the Wisconsin State Law Library, talks about handling legal reference questions. This is part one of a five-part series. Watch

Another survey with a prize attached

All U.S. public libraries are invited to complete the 2022 Public Libraries for Strong Communities Survey from the Public Library Association. The results will help the field better understand how public libraries are utilizing their unique programs, services, partnerships, and facilities in support of community needs. Your participation can help ensure all types of libraries across the country are well-represented. In addition, participants are eligible for discounted Benchmark subscriptions and will be entered to win a free PLA 2024 Conference registration!

WVLS has a bus reserved for the WLA Conference in Lake Geneva.