1. Summary of the 2013-2015 Biennial Budget
2. Preliminary 2012 Wisconsin public library data released
3. Nationwide public library data for 2011 released
4. Early literacy mini-grants for Wisconsin public libraries—deadline extension
5. Wisconsin public libraries and the Health Insurance Marketplace
6. Kenosha Public Library receives Big Read Grant from NEA
7. Call for Nominations: 2014 National Medal for Museum and Library Service
8. Pew Study: Younger Americans’ library habits
9. BadgerLink Resource of the Week: Magazine resources
10. Website of the Week: Howcast
11. Calendar
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1. SUMMARY OF THE 2013-2015 BIENNIAL BUDGET
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed 2013 Wisconsin Act 20, the 2013-15 biennial budget bill that includes the following items affecting Wisconsin public libraries:
- The bill funds Wisconsin's public library systems at the current level of $15,013,100 for each year of the biennium (that level was a 10% reduction from the 2011 system funding level). Based on projected public library total expenditures, the flat-funding will reduce the system funding to 6.8% of statewide library expenditures (the statutory target is 13%).
- Funds the four statewide library service contracts (Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library, InterLibrary Loan, Milwaukee Public Library, and Cooperative Children's Books Center) at a total of $1,167,200 for each year of the upcoming biennium, an increase of $22,700 (per year)
- Funds BadgerLink at $2,478,800 for FY 2014 and $2,485,000 for FY 2015 (an increase of $29,900 and $36,100 respectively)
- Funds Newsline for the Blind at $111,100 for FY 2014 and $111,500 for FY 2015 (an increase of $400 for FY 2015).
The Joint Committee on Finance also added an item to the Governor’s budget (included as item 35 in their omnibus motion number 538), changing the way that municipalities in joint public libraries may exempt from the county library tax: “Notwithstanding current law requirements, municipalities participating in a joint library are exempt from the county library levy, provided the municipal library levy is maintained at no less than the average of the last three years.”
For most municipalities in joint libraries, the three year average level of spending is far higher than what would be generated by the county library tax rate level, as this was formerly a maintenance of effort requirement for a library to participate in a public library system under s. 43.15(4)(c). That requirement was eliminated by 2011 Act 32 (the previous biennial budget bill). The Division for Libraries and Technology is concerned that, over time, increasing property values in joint library communities and the county could create a considerable disparity in library tax rates, with the county funding more of the library’s operations while municipalities in the joint library maintain a lower library tax rate. There would be a disincentive for the participants in the joint library agreement to increase funding for new services, since those increases would raise the three-year average for the municipalities, which could have a detrimental effect on library services in the county. State Superintendent Tony Evers requested that the item be vetoed in his memo to the Governor; however, the Governor approved the motion, which will be incorporated into Chapter 43 of the Wisconsin Statutes.
Another Joint Finance motion related to public library systems was vetoed by the Governor. That motion would have required the Department of Administration, in consultation with the Department of Public Instruction, to conduct a study of Wisconsin’s public library systems to identify the potential for savings by: consolidating systems; increasing the use of technology; reducing duplications and inefficiencies; utilizing LEAN production principles; and increasing the sharing of services between library systems. The DOA would have been required to submit a report on this study to the Joint Committee on Finance by July 1, 2014. The Governor, in his veto message, indicated that “I am vetoing this section because it is unnecessary. The Department of Public Instruction is the appropriate agency to conduct such a study and has the ability to do so, without a legislative directive, if it believes a study is warranted.”
Summary information on the state budget related to Elementary and Secondary education and other operations of the Department of Public Instruction is available from the Policy and Budget Team: http://pb.dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/pb/pdf/Act_20_final_summary_2013-15.pdf.
2. PRELIMINARY 2012 WISCONSIN PUBLIC LIBRARY DATA RELEASED
Preliminary 2012 Wisconsin public library statistics, arranged in a spreadsheet at the public library level, are now available at http://pld.dpi.wi.gov/pld_dm-lib-stat. These statistics are based on information submitted on the 2012 Public Library Annual Reports. For the first time, the statistics include Uses of Downloadable Content (total uses of downloadable e-books, e-audio, and e-video). Library directors are asked to review their library's data and report errors or corrections to libraryreport@dpi.wi.gov.
Final Wisconsin data will be made available after review and acceptance of Wisconsin's 2012 public library data submission by IMLS (probably late August); however, the preliminary data may be useful for planning and comparison purposes, as well as for preliminary budget preparation. Other preliminary spreadsheets with data compiled at the county, system, and state level, will be available later in July.
Links to previous years' data can also be found on the DPI website at pld.dpi.wi.gov/pld_dm-lib-stat.
3. NATIONWIDE PUBLIC LIBRARY DATA FOR 2011 RELEASED
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has announced the release of the 2011 Public Libraries Survey (PLS) data. It is available on the IMLS website at: imls.gov/research/pls_data_files.aspx. Every year, all 50 states and the District of Columbia participate in the Public Libraries Survey. The collection includes data on visitation, circulation, the availability and use of library computing resources, staffing, library collections and services, and fiscal information such as operating revenue and expenditures. The data files are available in csv, xls, flat (ascii), and SAS formats.
4. EARLY LITERACY MINI-GRANTS FOR WISCONSIN PUBLIC LIBRARIES – DEADLINE EXTENSION
The deadline for the Early Literacy Mini-Grants has been extended one week. The new deadline is Friday, July 19, at 4:00 p.m.
The Public Library Development Team at the Department of Public Instruction will award 40 mini-grants in the amount of $250 to Wisconsin public libraries to support early literacy efforts. This project is part of the larger Growing Wisconsin Readers early literacy initiative. Libraries may apply for grants to establish or enhance either an early literacy activity area or a “1000 Books Before Kindergarten” program. Priority will be given to libraries that serve a total municipal population of less than 10,000 and who serve children birth through age six with potentially limited exposure to early literacy experiences. Ideally, the grants will be awarded to libraries throughout the state’s 17 regional library systems.
The application process opened on Monday, June 17, 2013, at 9:00 a.m. and closes on Friday, July 19, 2013, at 4:00 p.m. For more information about the mini-grants, view http://pld.dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/pld/pdf/2013_GWR_Mini-grant_info.pdf. The information sheet and other documents related to Growing Wisconsin Readers are available at http://pld.dpi.wi.gov/pld_ys-sn under “Initiatives.”
5. WISCONSIN PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND THE HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), together with representatives from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and library representatives recently met to discuss the role libraries can play in providing information to help the public navigate new health insurance options in the Health Insurance Marketplace.
The Marketplace website HealthCare.gov will be the primary tool for delivering information to Americans about their health coverage options. As prominent providers of Internet access and digital literacy training for people who lack Internet connections at home, libraries may experience increased demand for computer services. The goal is to ensure that librarians have the information and connections needed to connect their patrons to information about the Health Insurance Marketplace when open enrollment begins October 1, 2013.
Simplified shopping and apples-to-apples comparison were two features of HealthCare.gov mentioned during the meeting. The goal is to offer enrollment assistance in a variety of formats and contexts including in person, online, mobile, written, and Spanish. Only one application is required no matter where the consumer lives.
At this point, no funding will be given directly to public libraries to assist with enrollment. However, there are things libraries can do to prepare such as create awareness among staff and patrons, review HealthCare.gov, and partner with local health organizations. IMLS has also awarded $286,104 to OCLC to support the effort through its flagship public library program WebJunction.org.
Read the full press release from IMLS: http://www.imls.gov/imls_and_centers_for_medicare_and_medicaid_services_to_partner_with_libraries.aspx.
6. KENOSHA PUBLIC LIBRARY RECEIVES BIG READ GRANT FROM NEA
Kenosha Public Library (KPL) has received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to host The Big Read Kenosha in 2013. The Big Read gives communities the opportunity to come together to read, discuss, and celebrate a great work of literature. The Big Read Kenosha 2013 will focus on Great Tales and Poems by Edgar Allan Poe. Activities will take place during the month of October 2013. Best known for his tales of mystery and the macabre as well as dark poetry, Poe’s works lend themselves well to reading events designed to draw in not only devoted readers, but also non-readers and non-traditional library users.
Beginning October 2013, 1200 paperback copies of the book along with support materials and 300 copies of the middle school grade title, "The Misadventures of Edgar & Allan Poe: The Tell-Tale Start" by Gordon McAlpine will be available for free at distribution sites. The adult book and support materials will be available in both English and Spanish editions.
Book discussions that bring alive the stories and explore their themes and issues will take place during the month of October 2013, at locations throughout Kenosha. Each book discussion will have a designated theme, exploring different aspects of Poe’s works.
Exciting community events, designed to draw readers into the world of Poe, are scheduled throughout Kenosha during The Big Read Kenosha 2013, and will include theatrical presentations, art exhibits, movie screenings, lectures, and family activities.
The keynote session will feature Helen McKenna, a Poe impersonator and interpretive Park Ranger at the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site in Philadelphia. She will give a presentation as Poe speaking about his life and work, and will mingle with the audience afterward to answer questions. The event is planned at the historic Kemper Center, which lends itself in atmosphere and design to creating a dark and mesmerizing look at Poe and his literature.
There are many ways to get involved in The Big Read. Businesses and organizations can host an event, community members can join a book discussion or activity, or families can attend the many scheduled events. Contact Tom Carson at (262) 564-6132 or by email at tcarson@kenosha.lib.wi.us for more information or to become involved.
The Big Read is a program of the NEA designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture. The Big Read brings together partners across the country to encourage citizens to read for pleasure and enlightenment. For more information about The Big Read please visit http://www.NEABigRead.org.
7. CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: 2014 NATIONAL MEDAL FOR MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICE
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is now accepting nominations for the 2014 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Museums and libraries that would like to be considered for the National Medal should complete the nomination form by October 15, 2013. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for exemplary service by these institutions.
The National Medal honors museums and libraries that make extraordinary civic, educational, economic, environmental, and social contributions. Public or private nonprofit museums, including art, history, science and technology, children’s, and natural history museums; historic houses, nature centers, zoos, and botanical gardens; and all types of nonprofit libraries, including public, school, academic, research, and archival, are eligible to receive this honor. The winners are honored at a National Medal award ceremony held in Washington, D.C.
For more information and to access the nomination form, please go to http://www.imls.gov/applicants/detail.aspx?GrantId=13. A complete application will include a five-page, single-spaced narrative; financial statements for the past two fiscal years; and up to three letters of support. These nominating materials are reviewed by members of the National Museum and Library Services Board, a presidentially appointed policy advisory board of IMLS. Based on their recommendations, the IMLS Director selects the final winners.
Complete applications must be postmarked by October 15, 2013, to this address (no faxes or emails will be accepted):
The National Medal for Museum and Library Service
Office of the Director
Institute of Museum and Library Services
1800 M St. NW 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20036-5802
Program Contact for Libraries: Michele Farrell, Senior Library Program Officer, 202-653-4656, mfarrell@imls.gov.
Program Contact for Museums: Katherine Maas, Museum Program Specialist, 202-653-4798, kmaas@imls.gov.
8. PEW STUDY: YOUNGER AMERICANS’ LIBRARY HABITS
Younger Americans (those ages 16–29) exhibit a fascinating mix of habits and preferences when it comes to reading, libraries, and technology. According to a June 25 Pew Research Center report, 75% of them say they have read at least one book in print in the past year, compared with 64% of adults ages 30 and older. Younger patrons are also significantly more likely than older library visitors to use the library as a space to sit and read, study, or consume media—some 60% of younger library patrons have done that in the past 12 months, compared with 45% of those ages 30 and older.
Summary of findings: http://libraries.pewinternet.org/2013/06/25/younger-americans-library-services/
9. BADGERLINK RESOURCE OF THE WEEK
Looking for something fun to read? BadgerLink provides full text access to magazines like Boys Life (http://ow.ly/jzBpQ) and New Moon Girls (http://ow.ly/jzC1l)
10. Website of the Week
Howcast -- http://www.howcast.com -- Howcast streams how-to videos and guides across its multi-platform distribution network. Approaching two million downloads across iPhone, iPad, Android, and BlackBerry phones, Howcast describes itself as “the number one mobile app for instructional content."
11. CALENDAR
July 12, 2013 – Council on Library and Network Development (COLAND) meeting, Black River Falls
September 25-28, 2013—Association for Rural & Small Libraries Annual Conference, Omaha, NE
October 3, 2013 – Public Library Youth Services Liaisons annual meeting, DeForest
October 4, 2013 – Continuing Education and Certification Consultants annual meeting, DeForest
October 22-25, 2013 – Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) annual conference, Green Bay
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Roslyn M. Wise
Editor, Channel Weekly
Department of Public Instruction
Division for Libraries and Technology
PO Box 7841
Madison, WI 53707-7841
Phone: (608) 266-6439
FAX: (608) 267-9207