Channel Weekly, Vol. 13, No. 8, October 28, 2010

1. DLTCL programs at WLA conference
2. Wisconsin Public Library Standards, Fifth Edition, now available
3. Wisconsin Prison Literacy Project
4. A little BadgerLink with your coffee?
5. Website of the Week - USFlag.org
6. Calendar
=================================================
**********************************************************
NOTE - Due to the Wisconsin Library Association conference, Channel Weekly will not be published next week (November 4). The next issue of Channel Weekly will be the November 11 edition.
**********************************************************

1. DLTCL PROGRAMS AT WLA CONFERENCE

The Department of Public Instruction's (DPI) Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning (DLTCL) will sponsor or co-sponsor the following programs at the Wisconsin Library Association's (WLA) conference on November 2-5, 2010:

Wednesday, November 3, 2010
2:00 p.m.- 3:15 p.m.
BadgerLink: Striving to Evolve and Better Meet the Needs of Our Community
David Sleasman, Team Leader for Resource Sharing Technology, Resources for Libraries and Lifelong Learning, DLTCL
BadgerLink continues to grow -- expanding content and extending the program's reach. In recent months, staff has conducted trainings throughout Wisconsin, revised posters and other materials, created the BadgerLunch webinar series, and aired radio ads. But, BadgerLink continually strives to be more accessible to all Wisconsin residents. One way to access their resources is through the BadgerLink Web site. Participants have the opportunity to help BadgerLink continue to evolve by sharing their thoughts and insights on how to improve the web site. Ideas gleaned through this community discussion will have an immediate and profound effect.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010
2:00 p.m.-3:15 p.m.
Building the Future: Libraries and the BadgerNet Fiber Grant
Bob Bocher, Library Technology Consultant, DLTCL
Due to a $28.7 million federal stimulus grant, eighty percent (80%) of Wisconsin public libraries will receive fiber broadband connectivity. The grant, submitted by the state's Department of Administration with assistance from the DPI's library division, will bring fiber to the libraries on the BadgerNet network still operating with limited, copper circuits. This program will review details of the grant, describe the benefits of a fiber upgrade, and delineate the process for fiber installation.

Thursday, November 4, 2010
8:45 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
WISCAT 2010: A Year of Significant Change
David Sleasman, Team Leader for Resource Sharing Technology, Resources for Libraries and Lifelong Learning, DLTCL
DPI Resources for Libraries & Lifelong Learning (RL&LL) staff have implemented major changes in WISCAT resource sharing in an effort to improve service and efficiency. These changes included expanding out-of-state interlibrary loan trading partners, improving ISO connections, streamlining union/virtual catalogs interaction, updating software, and automating workflow. This session will update the community on the progress being made. The presenter will appreciate receiving input, comments, and ideas for continued improvement from those attending this session.

Thursday, November 4, 2010
4:00 p.m.-5:15 p.m.
Low-Hanging Fruit or Sour Grapes: How to Get the Most Out of the Public Library Annual Report Data
John DeBacher, Public Library Administration Consultant, DLTCL
Carl Thompson, President, Counting Opinions
Library directors and staff spend hours collecting and reporting their annual report data to the Department of Public Instruction. Previously, the compiled data was available only in large Excel-formatted tables or the more static Service Data publication. Now, since DPI has contracted with Counting Opinions for annual report data collection, libraries can access reports and graphs showing trends, peer rankings, and comparisons. A representative of Counting Opinions will demonstrate the pre-formatted reports that have been prepared for Wisconsin libraries and will answer any questions which may arise. John DeBacher will also be on hand to answer questions and solicit feedback on this new system.

Thursday, November 4, 2010
4:00 p.m.-5:15 p.m.
Making the Connection: Online, Email and IM Reference Services in Wisconsin Public and Academic Libraries
Jeanne Anderson, South Central Library System; Mark Beatty, WiLS; Martha Farley Berninger and Allison Coshenet, Resources for Libraries & Lifelong Learning, DLTCL; Sara Davister, West Bend Public Library, and Matt Rosendahl, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
A panel of librarians from public, academic and state agency libraries share their experience providing virtual reference service to their patrons. The South Central Library System, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, the West Bend Public Library and the Reference and Loan Library will discuss the variety of virtual tools they use to connect with their users. They will also discuss catering to patron preferences, handling staffing, meeting staff and patron training requirements, and determining the most effective placement of links to virtual reference services.

Thursday, November 4, 2010
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Awards Banquet
Bob Bocher, Library Technology Consultant, DLTCL, will receive the WLA Special Services Award.

Friday, November 5, 2010
10:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Resource Sharing Among Wisconsin Public Libraries
Christine Barth and Martha Farley Berninger, Resources for Libraries & Lifelong Learning, DLTCL; Charles Clemence, Winding Rivers Library System; Bob Shaw, WiLS, and Maureen Welch, Indianhead Federated Library System
This session offers a panel discussion of resource sharing practices and patterns among Wisconsin's public libraries. Representatives of the Reference and Loan Library, WiLS, and systems will share their viewpoints on the best practices in resource sharing. The panel will describe some of the functional and procedural models currently in place and discuss the workflow and customer service ramifications of those models. Attendees are encouraged to share their experiences and their feedback on the efficacy of the resource sharing practices now in place in the state.


2. WISCONSIN PUBLIC LIBRARY STANDARDS, FIFTH EDITION, NOW AVAILABLE

The fifth edition of the Wisconsin Public Library Standards is now available. The document has evolved gradually since the first edition was published in 1974. While many of the standards have not changed from the previous edition, others have been updated to accommodate changes in technology. Standards are provided for a broad range of factors and criteria to determine library service quality, including governance and administration (Chapter 3), staffing (Chapter 4), collection and resources (Chapter 5), services (Chapter 6), and access and facilities (Chapter 7). The quantitative tables in the appendixes have also been updated to reflect current collections and activities of libraries, based on the 2009 Public Library Annual Report. In addition, a new quantitative standard, Public Use Internet Computers per 1,000 Population, is now available.

The latest edition of the Standards offers a comprehensive means to evaluate the services, resources, and other requirements for basic public library service that should be available to all Wisconsin residents. In that regard, the Standards serve as a useful tool for library administrators and library boards to use in planning and development of local library services, including services to those who face physical or other barriers to their use of public libraries. The standards are entirely voluntary, but every library is encouraged to develop and offer all local residents the highest level of service possible.

The 2010 Wisconsin Public Library Standards, Fifth Edition is available on the web at http://pld.dpi.wi.gov/pld_standard. Individual chapters can be printed and used at library board or planning committee meetings for review and consideration of the checklists. Print copies will be sent to public libraries and systems later this year. If you have questions or comments, contact John DeBacher in Public Library Development at (608)266-7270 or john.debacher@dpi.wi.gov.


3. WISCONSIN PRISON LITERACY PROJECT

Correctional libraries face unique challenges that other libraries may not, but they still strive to promote a lifelong love of learning and reading. These libraries, located in state prisons and county jails, are in serious need of materials and would greatly appreciate donations from other libraries, publishers, the public, and other sources to help build and maintain diverse and timely collections. Recognizing the importance of literacy skills for successful re-entry by Wisconsin prisoners, the Wisconsin Council on Library and Network Development (COLAND), in partnership with the Department of Corrections and the Department of Public Instruction, has created a sub-committee on prisons to assist correctional libraries by collecting and distributing books for inmates in our state facilities.

Books must be in good condition and match the subject areas identified by the Department of Corrections librarians. Public, private and academic libraries and other sources are encouraged to donate books to support this project.

COLAND really needs your help in enhancing these collections for the inmates to further their ability to read and improve their quality of life. For further information including requested subject areas and delivery instructions, please see http://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/coland/pdf/prison_donations_letter.pdf. More information on COLAND can be found at http://dpi.wi.gov/coland.


4. A LITTLE BADGERLINK WITH YOUR COFFEE?

On October 22, 2010, Kris Neiman, Head of Administrative Services, Kenosha Public Library, appeared on the television station TMJ4's Morning Blend program. She talked about how public libraries have resources to help students with their homework. BadgerLink is the database resource provided to all Wisconsin residents through the Department of Public Instruction. Kris briefly walked viewers through the resources and services.

To see this segment, visit http://www.themorningblend.com/videos/105059274.html.


5. WEBSITE OF THE WEEK

USFLAG.ORG -- http://www.usflag.org/index.html -- a website dedicated to the Flag of the United States of American. The site has links to the history of the American Flag, historic and current Flags of America, a salute to those who have served our country, and other related information.


6. CALENDAR

November 1, 2010 - Instructional Media and Technology (IMT) Team Regional Meeting, Rice Lake

November 2-5, 2010 - Wisconsin Library Association annual conference, Wisconsin Dells

November 12, 2010 - Council on Library and Network Development (COLAND) meeting, Madison

November 13, 2010 - American Library Association (ALA) National Gaming Day

November 15, 2010 - Instructional Media and Technology (IMT) Team Regional Meeting, Wisconsin Dells

November 16-17, 2010 - Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Advisory Committee meeting, Madison

November 17, 2010 - Instructional Media and Technology (IMT) Team Regional Meeting, Green Bay

February 22, 2011 - WEMTA/WLA Library Legislative Day, Madison

March 20-22, 2011 - Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association (WEMTA) conference, Madison

==================================================
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: (608) 267-9207

For questions about this information, contact Roslyn Wise (608) 266-6439