1. LSTA Advisory Committee nominations sought
2. AASL releases results of 2009 School Libraries Count survey
3. Budget cuts threaten public library services at time of increased demand
4. Website of the Week -- FedStats
5. Calendar
=================================================
1. LSTA ADVISORY COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS SOUGHT
Several members of the LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) Advisory Committee have completed their terms on the committee as of the end of 2009 and suggestions for new members to serve on the committee are sought. The LSTA Advisory Committee advises the State Superintendent of Public Instruction on matters pertaining to the administration of the LSTA program. Membership on the committee includes representatives from libraries and library systems of various types and sizes and from different geographic areas of the state. Members of the committee are appointed to serve staggered three-year terms and the committee usually meets twice a year, in the spring and in the fall.
The nomination form is located at: http://pld.dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/pld/pdf/lstadvfrm09.pdf. Please contact Terrie Howe, LSTA Program Coordinator, at teresa.howe@dpi.wi.gov or (608) 266-2413 if you have any questions. A list of the 2009 LSTA Advisory Committee members is available on the web at http://pld.dpi.wi.gov/pld_lstaadvcom.
2. AASL RELEASES RESULTS OF 2009 SCHOOL LIBRARIES COUNT SURVEY
As school library media centers increased their hours and collections, many school budgets failed to increase funding to support these trends, according to an updated report from the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). The "School Libraries Count! National Longitudinal Survey of School Library Media Programs" launched in January 2009, while many schools faced uncertainty due to the United States' tough economic climate. Results from 5,824 respondents consisted of both public and private schools varying in enrollment size, location, and school level. According to the results, many schools decreased expenditures, including reducing spending for information resources, compared to the previous year results. Results are available for download on AASL's Web site at http://www.ala.org/aasl/slcsurvey.
Collections in school library media centers rose in every category, with 29 percent accounted for in periodical subscriptions. However, an investment in technology rose only 7 percent, compared to a 20 increase in 2008. In contrast to the previous year, this year's respondents reported that schools' investment in networked computers with library access has slowed in the last year. Between 2007 and 2008, the number of computers located elsewhere in the school with access to the library rose 31.8 points, compared to a mere 10.1 points between 2008 and 2009.
Results from the questions on staffing and hours indicate that on average school library media centers increased their hours of operation by more than 1.5 hours. While staff indicated taking on more hours, schools with combined levels were the only subgroup with an increase in staffing. Respondents in metropolitan high schools with a student population of 2,000 or more indicated increases in unscheduled, flexible time compared to last year.
3. BUDGET CUTS THREATEN PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICES AT TIME OF INCREASED DEMAND
According to a new library survey, U.S. public libraries have expanded available job resources, and more people are turning to libraries for technology access and help in applying for jobs and government assistance online. The survey also found, however, that half of states have reduced funding to public libraries and to state library agencies, and close to one-quarter of urban libraries have reduced open hours. Adequate staffing is the leading challenge to aiding job seekers.
More than three-quarters of all public libraries reported increased use of their public Internet computers over the past year, and 71 percent reported increased wireless use, according to the survey conducted by the American Library Association (ALA) and the Center for Library and Information Innovation at the University of Maryland in fall 2009.
Two-thirds (67 percent) of all libraries reported that staff members help patrons complete online job applications and offer software or other resources (69 percent) to help patrons create resumes and other employment materials. The vast majority of libraries surveyed provide access to job databases and other online resources (88 percent) and civil service exam materials (75 percent). Forty-two percent of urban libraries report offering classes related to job seeking, and about 27 percent collaborate with outside agencies or individuals to help patrons complete online job applications.
But just when people need their public libraries the most, funding for this valued resource is decreasing, as governments cut library budgets as a way of addressing state and local deficits. More than half of responding state library agencies (52 percent or 24 states) reported cuts in state funding for public libraries between FY2009 and FY2010; and 11 of these states reported cuts were greater than 11 percent, double what was reported last year. In addition, nearly 75 percent of state library agencies also have received cuts resulting in fewer available staff, reduced funding for library materials and subscription databases, and continuing education for public library staff and trustees. Funding for Pennsylvania's Office for Commonwealth Libraries, for instance, was cut in half and reduced staff levels from 56 to 21.
Decreased funding has impacted staffing levels at many public libraries. The number one challenge affecting libraries' ability to help job seekers is a lack of adequate staff to effectively help patrons with their job-seeking needs. Almost 60 percent of libraries surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that the library does not have enough staff to help patrons with job-seeking needs. Forty-six percent agreed or strongly agreed that library staff does not have the necessary skills to meet patron demand; and about 36 percent agreed or strongly agreed the library has too few public computers to meet demand.
The number of libraries reporting a decrease in operating hours increased significantly. Nearly one-quarter of urban libraries and 14.5 percent of all libraries (up from 4.5 percent last year) report their operating hours have decreased since the previous fiscal year. Nationally, this translates to lost hours at more than 2,400 public library branches.
Thirteen state libraries (28 percent) reported they were aware of public library closures in the past 12 months. Twelve states reported closures of five or fewer libraries; and one state (Indiana) reported more than five closures in the past year.
For more information on the survey, please visit http://www.ala.org/ala/research/initiatives/plftas/issuesbriefs/issuesbrief-perfectstorm.pdf. The study is funded by the ALA and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
4. WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
FedStats -- http://www.fedstats.gov/ -- Since 1997, FedStats has provided to the public access to the full range of official statistical information produced by the Federal Government without having to know in advance which Federal agency produces which particular statistic. The site has searching and linking capabilities to more than 100 agencies that provide data and trend information on such topics as economic and population trends, crime, education, health care, aviation safety, energy use, farm production and more.
5. CALENDAR
February 16, 2010 - Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) and Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association (WEMTA) Library Legislative Day, Madison
March 17-19, 2010 - Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association (WEMTA) conference, Wisconsin Dells
March 26, 2010 - Council on Library and Network Development (COLAND) meeting, TBA
April 11-17, 2010 - National Library Week
April 20-23, 2010 - Wisconsin Association of Academic Librarians (WAAL) conference, Milwaukee
April 28-30, 2010 - Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries (WAPL) annual conference, Sheboygan
May 10-11, 2010 - WiscNet conference, Madison
June 24-29, 2010 - American Library Association conference, Washington, D.C.
==================================================
To access previous issues of Channel Weekly, or to subscribe or unsubscribe,
go to: http://channel.dpi.wi.gov/chn_chweekly
==================================================
Roslyn M. Wise
Editor, Channel Weekly
Department of Public Instruction
Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning
PO Box 7841
Madison, WI 53707-7841
Phone: (608) 266-6439
FAX: (609) 266-8770
2. AASL releases results of 2009 School Libraries Count survey
3. Budget cuts threaten public library services at time of increased demand
4. Website of the Week -- FedStats
5. Calendar
=================================================
1. LSTA ADVISORY COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS SOUGHT
Several members of the LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) Advisory Committee have completed their terms on the committee as of the end of 2009 and suggestions for new members to serve on the committee are sought. The LSTA Advisory Committee advises the State Superintendent of Public Instruction on matters pertaining to the administration of the LSTA program. Membership on the committee includes representatives from libraries and library systems of various types and sizes and from different geographic areas of the state. Members of the committee are appointed to serve staggered three-year terms and the committee usually meets twice a year, in the spring and in the fall.
The nomination form is located at: http://pld.dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/pld/pdf/lstadvfrm09.pdf. Please contact Terrie Howe, LSTA Program Coordinator, at teresa.howe@dpi.wi.gov or (608) 266-2413 if you have any questions. A list of the 2009 LSTA Advisory Committee members is available on the web at http://pld.dpi.wi.gov/pld_lstaadvcom.
2. AASL RELEASES RESULTS OF 2009 SCHOOL LIBRARIES COUNT SURVEY
As school library media centers increased their hours and collections, many school budgets failed to increase funding to support these trends, according to an updated report from the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). The "School Libraries Count! National Longitudinal Survey of School Library Media Programs" launched in January 2009, while many schools faced uncertainty due to the United States' tough economic climate. Results from 5,824 respondents consisted of both public and private schools varying in enrollment size, location, and school level. According to the results, many schools decreased expenditures, including reducing spending for information resources, compared to the previous year results. Results are available for download on AASL's Web site at http://www.ala.org/aasl/slcsurvey.
Collections in school library media centers rose in every category, with 29 percent accounted for in periodical subscriptions. However, an investment in technology rose only 7 percent, compared to a 20 increase in 2008. In contrast to the previous year, this year's respondents reported that schools' investment in networked computers with library access has slowed in the last year. Between 2007 and 2008, the number of computers located elsewhere in the school with access to the library rose 31.8 points, compared to a mere 10.1 points between 2008 and 2009.
Results from the questions on staffing and hours indicate that on average school library media centers increased their hours of operation by more than 1.5 hours. While staff indicated taking on more hours, schools with combined levels were the only subgroup with an increase in staffing. Respondents in metropolitan high schools with a student population of 2,000 or more indicated increases in unscheduled, flexible time compared to last year.
3. BUDGET CUTS THREATEN PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICES AT TIME OF INCREASED DEMAND
According to a new library survey, U.S. public libraries have expanded available job resources, and more people are turning to libraries for technology access and help in applying for jobs and government assistance online. The survey also found, however, that half of states have reduced funding to public libraries and to state library agencies, and close to one-quarter of urban libraries have reduced open hours. Adequate staffing is the leading challenge to aiding job seekers.
More than three-quarters of all public libraries reported increased use of their public Internet computers over the past year, and 71 percent reported increased wireless use, according to the survey conducted by the American Library Association (ALA) and the Center for Library and Information Innovation at the University of Maryland in fall 2009.
Two-thirds (67 percent) of all libraries reported that staff members help patrons complete online job applications and offer software or other resources (69 percent) to help patrons create resumes and other employment materials. The vast majority of libraries surveyed provide access to job databases and other online resources (88 percent) and civil service exam materials (75 percent). Forty-two percent of urban libraries report offering classes related to job seeking, and about 27 percent collaborate with outside agencies or individuals to help patrons complete online job applications.
But just when people need their public libraries the most, funding for this valued resource is decreasing, as governments cut library budgets as a way of addressing state and local deficits. More than half of responding state library agencies (52 percent or 24 states) reported cuts in state funding for public libraries between FY2009 and FY2010; and 11 of these states reported cuts were greater than 11 percent, double what was reported last year. In addition, nearly 75 percent of state library agencies also have received cuts resulting in fewer available staff, reduced funding for library materials and subscription databases, and continuing education for public library staff and trustees. Funding for Pennsylvania's Office for Commonwealth Libraries, for instance, was cut in half and reduced staff levels from 56 to 21.
Decreased funding has impacted staffing levels at many public libraries. The number one challenge affecting libraries' ability to help job seekers is a lack of adequate staff to effectively help patrons with their job-seeking needs. Almost 60 percent of libraries surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that the library does not have enough staff to help patrons with job-seeking needs. Forty-six percent agreed or strongly agreed that library staff does not have the necessary skills to meet patron demand; and about 36 percent agreed or strongly agreed the library has too few public computers to meet demand.
The number of libraries reporting a decrease in operating hours increased significantly. Nearly one-quarter of urban libraries and 14.5 percent of all libraries (up from 4.5 percent last year) report their operating hours have decreased since the previous fiscal year. Nationally, this translates to lost hours at more than 2,400 public library branches.
Thirteen state libraries (28 percent) reported they were aware of public library closures in the past 12 months. Twelve states reported closures of five or fewer libraries; and one state (Indiana) reported more than five closures in the past year.
For more information on the survey, please visit http://www.ala.org/ala/research/initiatives/plftas/issuesbriefs/issuesbrief-perfectstorm.pdf. The study is funded by the ALA and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
4. WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
FedStats -- http://www.fedstats.gov/ -- Since 1997, FedStats has provided to the public access to the full range of official statistical information produced by the Federal Government without having to know in advance which Federal agency produces which particular statistic. The site has searching and linking capabilities to more than 100 agencies that provide data and trend information on such topics as economic and population trends, crime, education, health care, aviation safety, energy use, farm production and more.
5. CALENDAR
February 16, 2010 - Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) and Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association (WEMTA) Library Legislative Day, Madison
March 17-19, 2010 - Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association (WEMTA) conference, Wisconsin Dells
March 26, 2010 - Council on Library and Network Development (COLAND) meeting, TBA
April 11-17, 2010 - National Library Week
April 20-23, 2010 - Wisconsin Association of Academic Librarians (WAAL) conference, Milwaukee
April 28-30, 2010 - Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries (WAPL) annual conference, Sheboygan
May 10-11, 2010 - WiscNet conference, Madison
June 24-29, 2010 - American Library Association conference, Washington, D.C.
==================================================
To access previous issues of Channel Weekly, or to subscribe or unsubscribe,
go to: http://channel.dpi.wi.gov/chn_chweekly
==================================================
Roslyn M. Wise
Editor, Channel Weekly
Department of Public Instruction
Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning
PO Box 7841
Madison, WI 53707-7841
Phone: (608) 266-6439
FAX: (609) 266-8770
For questions about this information, contact Roslyn Wise (608) 266-6439