1. Legislative actions on library items
2. BadgerLink offers resources for summer reading
3. IMLS releases grant guidelines for learning labs in libraries and museums
4. New library study: demand up for technology, budget cuts limit access
5. Website of the Week - Solar Decathlon
6. Calendar
=================================================
1. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS ON LIBRARY ITEMS
Both houses of the Wisconsin Legislature have approved a biennial budget bill that includes the following:
The budget bill funds Wisconsin's public library systems at $15,013,100 for each year of the upcoming biennium (a 10% cut). Current fiscal year funding (2010-2011) for the public library systems is $16,681,200.
The budget bill funds the four statewide library service contracts (Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library, WiLS, Milwaukee Public Library, and Cooperative Children's Books Center) at a total of $1,144,500 for each year of the upcoming biennium, providing funding for the Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library at the same funding level as the current fiscal year, and a 10% cut in funding for the other three contracts. Current fiscal year state funding (2010-2011) for the four statewide library service contracts totals $1,169,800.
The budget bill funds the statewide databases (BadgerLink) and Newsline for the Blind items at $2,560,000 for each year of the upcoming biennium. Current fiscal year state funding (2010-2011) for BadgerLink and Newsline for the Blind is $2,560,000.
The budget bill also includes the following provisions related to WiscNet:
-- The UW can continue with its federal broadband grant.
-- WiscNet can continue operating until July 1, 2013.
-- The Legislative Audit Bureau will conduct an audit of the UW's use of broadband services and its relationship with WiscNet.
The budget bill also eliminates the maintenance of effort requirement for library and county participation in a library system.
The budget bill now goes to the Governor for review and possible partial veto.
2. BADGERLINK OFFERS RESOURCES FOR SUMMER READING
It's officially summer! That means sunburns, mosquitoes, lemonade, and your library's Summer Reading Program!
Not sure what to read next? Can't find a book your reluctant reader wants to read? BadgerLink (http://www.badgerlink.net) has online resources that will help you find books that you will love to read! If you aren't sure about how to use the BadgerLink resources to find the perfect summer read, join us Thursdays in July at noon for BadgerLunch (short, live, webinars, about searching BadgerLink.)
July 14: TeachingBooks - Explore thousands of resources about fiction and nonfiction books used in the K-12 environment to encourage the integration of multimedia author and book materials into reading activities.
July 21: NoveList K-8 - Learn about this fiction database designed with a bright, appealing layout especially for elementary and middle school age students.
July 28: NoveList - Focus on readers' advisory service! NoveList provides access to information on fiction titles as well as feature content including author read-alikes, book discussion guides, reading lists and more.
All sessions are open to everyone. Topics include a description of the information/learning resource, searching techniques, and helpful features. For a flyer with complete schedule and links to the webinars, visit the BadgerLink home page at http://www.badgerlink.net/ and click on the BadgerLunch Webinar Series Announcement link.
The archive of previous sessions is found at http://www.badgerlink.net/training.html.
3. IMLS RELEASES GRANT GUIDELINES FOR LEARNING LABS IN LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has announced the availability of application guidelines for the "Learning Labs in Libraries and Museums" project, funded jointly by IMLS and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. This funding initiative is part of President Obama's "Educate to Innovate" campaign, a nationwide effort to bring American students to the forefront in science and math, to provide the workers of tomorrow with the skills they need today, and to re-envision learning in the 21st century.
The program, in partnership with the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) and the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC), will support the planning and design of up to 30 Learning Labs in libraries and museums that are based on current research on how young people learn through new media. The program will also build a community of practice among the grantee institutions.
"America's libraries and museums will become even more powerful innovation hubs for our young people," said IMLS Director Susan Hildreth. "This exciting national collaboration will engage young people in learning that is interest-based, youth-centered, flexible, and collaborative using innovations already taking place in science and technology centers, art museums, libraries, and other cultural institutions."
This partnership underscores the critical role the nation's libraries and museums play in helping citizens build and develop skills in areas such as information, communications and technology literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, civic literacy, and global awareness.
The program announcement is available on the IMLS Web site at http://www.imls.gov/about/macarthur.shtm and through http://www.grants.gov, Funding Opportunity Number LLP-FY11. Proposals must be submitted through http://www.grants.gov no later than August 15, 2011. Awards will be announced in November 2011. Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about the Learning Labs Project.
4. NEW LIBRARY STUDY: DEMAND UP FOR TECHNOLOGY, BUDGET CUTS LIMIT ACCESS
A new national report shows that U.S. public libraries continue to expand as technology centers for communities, providing essential resources for job-seekers and support for critical e-government services. In addition, as the demand for e-books increases, libraries are the starting place for free downloads. However, budget cuts have forced libraries across the country to scale back drastically on operating hours and access to services, just when resources are most needed.
The 2011 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study reports that virtually all public libraries (99 percent) provide public access to computers and the Internet. More than 87 percent of libraries provide technology training, and more than two-thirds (67 percent) of libraries offer access to e-books, up 12 percent from two years ago.
Yet a pervasive "new normal" of increased demand for library technology resources, paired with decreased funding at state and local levels, is impacting service to millions of Americans, according to the report released by the American Library Association (ALA).
"We've seen our libraries and communities struggle throughout this uneven economic recovery. Since the recession began, libraries have grappled with budget cuts and decreased hours, while users wait in lines before doors open, eager to use library computers or access Wi-Fi, get expert assistance for job search, and learn how to download e-books," said ALA President Roberta Stevens. "We want patrons -and policymakers- to understand the dynamic resources available at today's library and keep those resources funded. Let's make sure that our investment in libraries yields its full potential."
While 70 percent of libraries report increased use of public computers, and more than half of libraries report an increase in use of electronic resources, 55 percent of urban libraries report operating budget decreases during the current fiscal year, followed by suburban (36 percent) and rural (26 percent) libraries. At the same time, 16 percent of libraries report decreased operating hours, a jump from 4.5 percent just two years ago. For the third year, the greatest impact was experienced by those living in urban communities; nearly 32 percent of urban libraries report reduction of open hours, up from 23.7 percent last year.
Not surprisingly, libraries report again that services for job-seekers rate as the most important public Internet service provided to the community.
More than 74 percent of libraries offer software and other resources to help patrons create resumes and employment materials, and 72 percent of libraries report that staff helped patrons complete online job applications. Yet, 56 percent of libraries report they do not have enough staff to effectively assist job-seekers.
Increasingly, as government agencies eliminate print forms and close satellite offices, public libraries are the front lines, connecting people with essential e-government resources.
Nearly 68 percent of libraries report that staff provided assistance in completing government forms, and one-quarter of all libraries partnered with government agencies and non-profit organizations to provide e-government services. An Oklahoma library director reports that a major employer no longer distributes printed W-2s to employees. Since only a small percentage of residents have Internet access at home, employees had to depend on library computers and printers to retrieve the forms.
The proliferation of e-books marks a milestone in public libraries; the number of libraries that offer e-books has increased almost 30 percent since 2007.
The study, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the ALA, can be found online at http://www.ala.org/plinternetfunding.
5. WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Solar Decathlon -- http://www.solardecathlon.org/ -- The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges 20 collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.
6. CALENDAR
July 8, 2011 - Council on Library and Network Development meeting, Green Bay
September 9, 2011 - Council on Library and Network Development meeting, Madison
November 1-4, 2011 - Wisconsin Library Association annual conference, Milwaukee
November 11, 2011 - Council on Library and Network Development, Milwaukee
==================================================
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
2. BadgerLink offers resources for summer reading
3. IMLS releases grant guidelines for learning labs in libraries and museums
4. New library study: demand up for technology, budget cuts limit access
5. Website of the Week - Solar Decathlon
6. Calendar
=================================================
1. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS ON LIBRARY ITEMS
Both houses of the Wisconsin Legislature have approved a biennial budget bill that includes the following:
The budget bill funds Wisconsin's public library systems at $15,013,100 for each year of the upcoming biennium (a 10% cut). Current fiscal year funding (2010-2011) for the public library systems is $16,681,200.
The budget bill funds the four statewide library service contracts (Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library, WiLS, Milwaukee Public Library, and Cooperative Children's Books Center) at a total of $1,144,500 for each year of the upcoming biennium, providing funding for the Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library at the same funding level as the current fiscal year, and a 10% cut in funding for the other three contracts. Current fiscal year state funding (2010-2011) for the four statewide library service contracts totals $1,169,800.
The budget bill funds the statewide databases (BadgerLink) and Newsline for the Blind items at $2,560,000 for each year of the upcoming biennium. Current fiscal year state funding (2010-2011) for BadgerLink and Newsline for the Blind is $2,560,000.
The budget bill also includes the following provisions related to WiscNet:
-- The UW can continue with its federal broadband grant.
-- WiscNet can continue operating until July 1, 2013.
-- The Legislative Audit Bureau will conduct an audit of the UW's use of broadband services and its relationship with WiscNet.
The budget bill also eliminates the maintenance of effort requirement for library and county participation in a library system.
The budget bill now goes to the Governor for review and possible partial veto.
2. BADGERLINK OFFERS RESOURCES FOR SUMMER READING
It's officially summer! That means sunburns, mosquitoes, lemonade, and your library's Summer Reading Program!
Not sure what to read next? Can't find a book your reluctant reader wants to read? BadgerLink (http://www.badgerlink.net) has online resources that will help you find books that you will love to read! If you aren't sure about how to use the BadgerLink resources to find the perfect summer read, join us Thursdays in July at noon for BadgerLunch (short, live, webinars, about searching BadgerLink.)
July 14: TeachingBooks - Explore thousands of resources about fiction and nonfiction books used in the K-12 environment to encourage the integration of multimedia author and book materials into reading activities.
July 21: NoveList K-8 - Learn about this fiction database designed with a bright, appealing layout especially for elementary and middle school age students.
July 28: NoveList - Focus on readers' advisory service! NoveList provides access to information on fiction titles as well as feature content including author read-alikes, book discussion guides, reading lists and more.
All sessions are open to everyone. Topics include a description of the information/learning resource, searching techniques, and helpful features. For a flyer with complete schedule and links to the webinars, visit the BadgerLink home page at http://www.badgerlink.net/ and click on the BadgerLunch Webinar Series Announcement link.
The archive of previous sessions is found at http://www.badgerlink.net/training.html.
3. IMLS RELEASES GRANT GUIDELINES FOR LEARNING LABS IN LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has announced the availability of application guidelines for the "Learning Labs in Libraries and Museums" project, funded jointly by IMLS and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. This funding initiative is part of President Obama's "Educate to Innovate" campaign, a nationwide effort to bring American students to the forefront in science and math, to provide the workers of tomorrow with the skills they need today, and to re-envision learning in the 21st century.
The program, in partnership with the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) and the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC), will support the planning and design of up to 30 Learning Labs in libraries and museums that are based on current research on how young people learn through new media. The program will also build a community of practice among the grantee institutions.
"America's libraries and museums will become even more powerful innovation hubs for our young people," said IMLS Director Susan Hildreth. "This exciting national collaboration will engage young people in learning that is interest-based, youth-centered, flexible, and collaborative using innovations already taking place in science and technology centers, art museums, libraries, and other cultural institutions."
This partnership underscores the critical role the nation's libraries and museums play in helping citizens build and develop skills in areas such as information, communications and technology literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, civic literacy, and global awareness.
The program announcement is available on the IMLS Web site at http://www.imls.gov/about/macarthur.shtm and through http://www.grants.gov, Funding Opportunity Number LLP-FY11. Proposals must be submitted through http://www.grants.gov no later than August 15, 2011. Awards will be announced in November 2011. Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about the Learning Labs Project.
4. NEW LIBRARY STUDY: DEMAND UP FOR TECHNOLOGY, BUDGET CUTS LIMIT ACCESS
A new national report shows that U.S. public libraries continue to expand as technology centers for communities, providing essential resources for job-seekers and support for critical e-government services. In addition, as the demand for e-books increases, libraries are the starting place for free downloads. However, budget cuts have forced libraries across the country to scale back drastically on operating hours and access to services, just when resources are most needed.
The 2011 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study reports that virtually all public libraries (99 percent) provide public access to computers and the Internet. More than 87 percent of libraries provide technology training, and more than two-thirds (67 percent) of libraries offer access to e-books, up 12 percent from two years ago.
Yet a pervasive "new normal" of increased demand for library technology resources, paired with decreased funding at state and local levels, is impacting service to millions of Americans, according to the report released by the American Library Association (ALA).
"We've seen our libraries and communities struggle throughout this uneven economic recovery. Since the recession began, libraries have grappled with budget cuts and decreased hours, while users wait in lines before doors open, eager to use library computers or access Wi-Fi, get expert assistance for job search, and learn how to download e-books," said ALA President Roberta Stevens. "We want patrons -and policymakers- to understand the dynamic resources available at today's library and keep those resources funded. Let's make sure that our investment in libraries yields its full potential."
While 70 percent of libraries report increased use of public computers, and more than half of libraries report an increase in use of electronic resources, 55 percent of urban libraries report operating budget decreases during the current fiscal year, followed by suburban (36 percent) and rural (26 percent) libraries. At the same time, 16 percent of libraries report decreased operating hours, a jump from 4.5 percent just two years ago. For the third year, the greatest impact was experienced by those living in urban communities; nearly 32 percent of urban libraries report reduction of open hours, up from 23.7 percent last year.
Not surprisingly, libraries report again that services for job-seekers rate as the most important public Internet service provided to the community.
More than 74 percent of libraries offer software and other resources to help patrons create resumes and employment materials, and 72 percent of libraries report that staff helped patrons complete online job applications. Yet, 56 percent of libraries report they do not have enough staff to effectively assist job-seekers.
Increasingly, as government agencies eliminate print forms and close satellite offices, public libraries are the front lines, connecting people with essential e-government resources.
Nearly 68 percent of libraries report that staff provided assistance in completing government forms, and one-quarter of all libraries partnered with government agencies and non-profit organizations to provide e-government services. An Oklahoma library director reports that a major employer no longer distributes printed W-2s to employees. Since only a small percentage of residents have Internet access at home, employees had to depend on library computers and printers to retrieve the forms.
The proliferation of e-books marks a milestone in public libraries; the number of libraries that offer e-books has increased almost 30 percent since 2007.
The study, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the ALA, can be found online at http://www.ala.org/plinternetfunding.
5. WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Solar Decathlon -- http://www.solardecathlon.org/ -- The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon challenges 20 collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.
6. CALENDAR
July 8, 2011 - Council on Library and Network Development meeting, Green Bay
September 9, 2011 - Council on Library and Network Development meeting, Madison
November 1-4, 2011 - Wisconsin Library Association annual conference, Milwaukee
November 11, 2011 - Council on Library and Network Development, Milwaukee
==================================================
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