Channel Weekly, Vol. 17, No. 8, October 23, 2014

1. Reminder: Participate in the National Digital Inclusion Survey
2. How to Verbally Reference Wisconsin Statutes
3. BadgerLink Resource of the Week: Training Resources
4. Website of the Week: Safercar.gov
5. Calendar
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1. REMINDER: PARTICIPATE IN THE NATIONAL DIGITAL INCLUSION SURVEY

The national Digital Inclusion Survey is looking for more Wisconsin libraries to participate. Participation in the survey helps libraries identify the impact of public computer and Internet access on their communities, and support efforts to inform stakeholders, policymakers, foundations, elected officials, trustees, and the media about the value of libraries in building digitally inclusive communities.

To participate in the survey, go to http://digitalinclusion.umd.edu/ and follow the Take Survey Now button. The survey is open until November 23, 2014.

More information on the survey was published in last week's issue of Channel Weekly: http://channel.dpi.wi.gov/chn_chwk1707.

Questions about the survey should be emailed to ipac@umd.edu.


2. HOW TO VERBALLY REFERENCE WISCONSIN STATUTES

When talking with most members of the public library community—board members, library directors, consultants at the Department of Public Instructions, etc.—some part of the Wisconsin state statutes are probably relevant. Being familiar with the statutes is certainly important, but comfortably and consistently identifying the statutes in conversation can help establish your position in the discussion. Here is an abbreviated explanation of statute numbering and an example of how to verbally cite the definition of "Community Foundation" within the section about library board duties.

The principal unit of the Wisconsin statutes is the statute section. Related statute sections are organized into numbered chapters. The statute sections that pertain specifically to public libraries and public library systems are contained in Chapter 43. Each statute section has a mixed-decimal section number consisting of a whole number that is the chapter number and a decimal number that indicates the section's location within the chapter. The section of Chapter 43 about the powers and duties of the library board is 43.58.

Statute sections may be subdivided into subsections, which may be further subdivided. Subsections are indicated by numbers in parentheses; e.g., (1), (2), and (3). Subsections are subdivided into paragraphs, which are indicated by letters within parentheses; e.g., (a), (b), and (c). Subdivisions of paragraphs are indicated by digits without parentheses followed by a period. The subdivision that defines "community foundation" for public libraries is 43.58 (7) (b) 1.

Altogether, Wis. Stats. 43.58 (7) (b) 1. can be read aloud as "Wisconsin statutes section forty-three point fifty-eight, subsection seven, paragraph b, subdivision one" but using a verbal shorthand is usually more practical. In this example, saying "wis stats forty-three fifty-eight, subdivision seven b one" is just as specific a reference.

For more information, see http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/help/statutes.


3. BADGERLINK RESOURCE OF THE WEEK

Not sure how to start your research? Check out the BadgerLink Training Page: http://www.badgerlink.net/training.html. There are short tutorials, archived webinars, and training materials available from BadgerLink and BadgerLink vendors.


4. Website of the Week

Safercar.gov – http://www.safercar.gov – This site from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) features an online search tool for recall information on vehicles as well as on child safety seats and tires. (Website reference courtesy of refdesk.com)


5. CALENDAR

November 4-7, 2014 – Wisconsin Library Association annual conference, Wisconsin Dells

November 14, 2014 – Council on Library and Network Development (COLAND) meeting, to be confirmed

November 19, 2014 – Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Advisory Committee Meeting, DeForest

January 9, 2015 – Council on Library and Network Development (COLAND) meeting, web conference

January 30—February 3, 2015 – American Library Association Mid-Winter Meeting, Chicago

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To access previous issues of Channel Weekly, or to subscribe or unsubscribe,
go to: http://channel.dpi.wi.gov/
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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

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