Channel Weekly
Vol. 8, No. 26, March 16, 2006

1. Task Force bills advance toward becoming law
2. Public Records Board approves retention schedule for public libraries and systems
3. EETT Title IID, NCLB guidance program held March 16
4. Public library statistics website receives national award
5. WAPL Salary Survey to Collect Compensation and Benefits Data Online
6. Correction to article about preliminary LSTA grant ideas for 2007
7. Anne-Imelda Radice named new IMLS director
8. IMLS sponsors study on future of the library workforce
9. Applications being accepted for Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants
10. List of children's performers working with animals
11. April is National Poetry Month
12. CCBC announces Charlotte Zolotow Award winner
13. Website of the Week - Famous Trials
14. Calendar

1. TASK FORCE BILLS ADVANCE TOWARD BECOMING LAW

SB 273 has passed both houses of the state legislature without amendment and will now go to the Governor. SB 272 has passed the Senate and has passed with amendment in the Assembly. It is expected that in April the Senate will consider concurrence with the Assembly amendments to SB 272.

SB 272 and SB 273 are based on the recommendations of the State Superintendent's Task Force on Public Library Legislation and Funding. The legislative history and copies of the bills and amendments are available at http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2005/data/SB272hst.html and http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2005/data/SB273hst.html. Representative Stephen Freese (R-Dodgeville) is the Assembly sponsor of these bills, and Senator Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan) is the Senate sponsor. Representative Freese served on the State Superintendent's Task Force on Public Library Legislation and Funding. More information on the work of the Task Force is available at http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/liblegis.html.

2. PUBLIC RECORDS BOARD APPROVES RETENTION SCHEDULE FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND SYSTEMS

On February 27, 2006, the Wisconsin Public Records Board approved a comprehensive records retention schedule that may be adopted and used by public libraries and public library systems in Wisconsin. The new general schedule provides the timeframe for the disposal of records that are no longer required for administrative, financial, or legal purposes. Adopting the schedule will also enable the library to dispose of designated records without prior approval by the Wisconsin Historical Society.

In order for a public library or library system to utilize the schedule and dispose of public records, the library or library system board must formally adopt the Records Retention Schedule and notify the State Historical Society and the Wisconsin Public Records Board. To facilitate this process, a Notification of Adoption form was developed and was also approved by the Public Records Board.

The final schedule, the adoption form, and information on the process are now available on the DPI web site at http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/retensch.html.

3. EETT TITLE IID, NCLB GUIDANCE PROGRAM HELD MARCH 16

School library media specialists, program administrators, and technology coordinators attended an Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) Grant Guidance Program on Thursday, March 16, 2006. The program originated from Room 312 of the Pyle Center in Madison. The purpose of this broadcast was to provide guidance on the FY 2006 EETT Competitive Grant Program.

Several interested applicants attended this broadcast via video streaming to their desktop computers. The video stream has been archived and is available through the Instructional Media and Technology Team webpage. Other participants chose to attend the informational meeting at the Pyle Center in Madison or at their local distance learning room in their school, CESA office, or public library.

Audience questions about the FY2006 EETT Competitive Grant were received via email during the broadcast. Answers to these questions were shared during the broadcast. Questions and answers will be posted on the EETT webpage at http://www.dpi.wi.gov/imt/index.html.

If you have questions about this event or the EETT FY2006 Competitive Grant Program, please contact Donna Steffan, IMTT Education Consultant, at 608-267-1282, or by email at donna.steffan@dpi.state.wi.us.

4. PUBLIC LIBRARY STATISTICS WEBSITE RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD

The Wisconsin Public Library Statistics website

(http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/dm-lib-stat.html) has received the 2005 Helen M. Eckard Award in honor of innovative and exemplary use of public library data. (See http://www.nclis.gov/statsurv/surveys/fscs/awardsFSCS/eckard.pdf

for background on the award.) The DLTCL's Public Library Development Team manages the statistics website, which was designed by Bob Bocher. Al Zimmerman manages the data collection from the state's public libraries. The library statistics, dating back to 1996, are available in Excel format, and data from 2003 and 2004 are also available in PDF.

Wisconsin's 387 public libraries submit reports annually to the Public Library Development Team. The statistics describe the collections, financing, staffing, and services provided by each library. Library staffs use these data for local planning purposes and for comparison with other libraries. Statewide, the data are essential in supporting biennial budget requests and in understanding and describing the impact of legislation effecting public libraries.

The Helen M. Eckard Award was accepted by the Division in recognition of the time and effort librarians throughout the state put into the public library annual report. The award would not have been possible without their commitment to collecting and reporting accurate library resource and service data.

If you have any questions on the award or on the information available on the library statistics website, contact Al Zimmerman at 608-266-3939 or alan.zimmerman@dpi.state.wi.us.

5. WAPL SALARY SURVEY TO COLLECT COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS DATA ONLINE

After a one year hiatus, the Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries/Personnel and Professional Concerns Committee (P2C2) has resumed its annual salary/benefits survey. The survey, designed to collect compensation levels and benefits offered at specific public libraries throughout the state, is then made available for comparisons in planning or negotiations,

In order to improve accuracy and speed production, survey data will be collected online through a web-based survey tool. In order to have results available for distribution at the WAPL meeting in May, libraries are asked to complete and submit the salary/benefits survey by March 24, 2006. Libraries that submit data receive a reduced price for the final report.

The survey, instructions, and forms are available at: http://www.wla.lib.wi.us/wapl/salarysurvey.htm.

The web page includes links to follow to download worksheets for both the salary and benefits sections. Library directors may find it easier to complete the worksheets first and then enter the information online. An order form is also available to reserve a copy of the final report.

6. CORRECTION TO ARTICLE ABOUT PRELIMINARY LSTA GRANT IDEAS FOR 2007

Last week's issue of Channel Weekly, dated March 9, 2006 (volume 8, number 25), contained an incorrect link in article # 1 - PRELIMINARY LSTA GRANT IDEAS FOR 2007. The correct link to the preliminary LSTA grant category ideas for 2007 is: http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/lstaprelim07.html.

7. ANNE-IMELDA RADICE NAMED NEW IMLS DIRECTOR

On March 13, 2006, the United States Senate confirmed Anne-Imelda Radice, Ph.D., administrator, art historian, and museum professional, to be Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Institute, an independent United States Government agency, is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 122,000 libraries and 15,000 museums.

"I am honored to have been appointed by President George Bush to serve as the third Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. It will be a great pleasure to work every day to serve the American people and with those in the museum and library fields to enhance all our citizens' intellectual and aesthetic development, which is essential to success in a knowledge society."

Dr. Radice was most recently Acting Assistant Chairman for Programs at the National Endowment for the Humanities. Before joining the National Endowment for the Humanities, Dr. Radice served as Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the United States Department of Education. In the early 1990s she served as the Acting Chairman and Senior Deputy Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. From 1989 to 1991 Dr. Radice was Chief of the Creative Arts Division of the United States Information Agency (USIA). And she was the first Director of the National Museum of Women in the Arts (1983-1989). Dr. Radice has also been Curator and Architectural Historian for the Architect of the Capitol and an Assistant Curator at the National Gallery of Art.

Anne-Imelda Radice has a Ph.D. in Art and Architectural History from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, an MBA from American University, and a BA in Art History from Wheaton College, Norton, Massachusetts. Dr. Radice also has an MA from the Villa Schifanoia in Florence, Italy.

Dr. Radice succeeds Dr. Robert S. Martin, a library professional, as Director of the Institute and will serve for a four-year term. The directorship of the Institute alternates between individuals from the museum and library communities. Click here to view Dr. Radice's photograph and

biography: http://www.imls.gov/news/2006/031406_bio.shtm.

8. IMLS SPONSORS STUDY ON FUTURE OF THE LIBRARY WORKFORCE

The Institute of Museum and Library Science (IMLS) is sponsoring a two-year study that will identify the nature of anticipated labor shortages in the library and information science (LIS) field over the next decade; assess the number and types of library and information science jobs that will become available in the U.S., either through retirement or new job creation; determine the skills that will be required to fill such vacancies; and recommend effective approaches to recruiting and retaining workers to fill them. The study will result in better tools for workforce planning and management, better match of demand and supply, and improved recruitment and retention of librarians. The study is led by Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, Dean of the School of Information and Library Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and includes researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, Syracuse University, the Special Libraries Association (SLA), the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), and the American Society for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T).

Opinion papers from the study thus far are available on the web at http://www.libraryworkforce.org/tiki-index.php. There is a link "Public Website" that gives access to the papers.

9. APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR NATIVE AMERICAN LIBRARY SERVICES ENHANCEMENT GRANTS

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is accepting applications for Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants. The postmark deadline for applications is May 1, 2006. Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages and corporations that have applied this year to the Institute's Native American Library Services Basic Grants are eligible to apply for Enhancement grants.

Enhancement grants help Native American communities increase computer literacy, establish tribal archives, advance their holdings and programming for youth, adults, and elders, and foster partnerships to expand service to remote locations. These grants support not only lifelong learning for community members but also help preserve native languages, culture, and history.

Applicants may apply for up to $150,000 for up to two years. Priority will be given to applications supporting projects and services that:

* Expand services for learning and access to information and educational resources

* Provide users with access to information through local, state, regional, and national electronic networks

* Provide electronic and other linkages between and among all types of libraries

* Develop public and private partnerships with other agencies and community organizations

* Target library services to individuals of diverse backgrounds and abilities

Application forms and more information about the Native American Enhancement Grant program are available on the Institute's Web site at http://www.imls.gov.

10. LIST OF CHILDREN'S PERFORMERS WORKING WITH ANIMALS

This summer many public libraries will be looking for performers who work with live animals to do programs for the "Paws, Claws, Scales, and Tales" pet theme for young children, and wild animal presenters for the teen theme, "Creature Feature." A list of performers who work with animals, from the Wisconsin Children's Performer Directory, is included here to help librarians with finding potential presenters. In addition, local 4-H Clubs, Humane Societies and other animal shelters, and wildlife rehabilitators may be a good source for presentations on animals.

Following is a list of performers and presenters who work with live animals. The contact information for these performers is included in the Wisconsin Children's Performer Directory at http://www.dpi.wi.gov/performers.html.

Camp, Bill - "America's Best Frisbee Dogs." Bill's Famous Flying Frisbee Dogs sail through the air in their effort to catch Frisbees. Bill brings 4-7 dogs with him. He can do his show indoors or outside.

DNR Wildlife Presenters - A list of DNR wildlife biologists and technologists who may be available to do free programs in public libraries this summer is available on the DLTCL web page at http://www.dpi.wi.gov/pld/slp-dnr.html. Some of them may bring wild animals with them.

Feuerstein, Stephanie - "Nature's Guide." Stephanie focuses on environmental education for children. Her programs follow the seasons, such as "Fur and Feathers: Coats for Winter." She often brings live animals and objects from nature as part of her presentation.

Gerholdt, James - "Remarkable Reptiles." James introduces children to the world of reptiles, and brings turtles, lizards, and snakes, including a boa constrictor, with him when he does his programs. Jim has been interested in reptiles, insects, and spiders since he was a child. He is also a nature photographer and his photos have appeared in numerous publications. Since the mid-1990s, Jim has written over twenty-four books for children about insects, reptiles, and birds.

James, Robert - "Animal Encounters." Robert travels with his exotic zoo to teach respect for and safety with animals. He is the co-author of two children's books, "Big Friend, Little Friend" and "Lies People Believe About Animals."

Jocham, Jay - Wildlife Painter. Jay doesn't bring wild animals with him, but he does demonstrate the airbrush techniques he uses when he illustrates wild animals. He has done work for many magazines and the Milwaukee Zoo.

Kessenich, Tom - "Snakes Alive." Tom presents a nature program with live snakes, covering a variety of topics including endangered species and rainforest animals. Tom's field work involves relocating animals, consulting, and animal tracking with home owners. He teaches people how to live with and around snakes and their habitats.

Korb, Randy - "Wisconsin Frogs and Butterflies." Children feed, hold, and compare live Wisconsin frogs (from tiny spring peepers to huge bullfrogs) and salamanders. Randy uses live eggs and tadpoles to explain the amphibian life cycle and short video clips to show the differences among Wisconsin's tree frogs, true frogs, and toads. Randy also has a program on butterflies.

Poter, Bill - Wildlife Trainer and Photographer. Bill is a wildlife photographer and animal handler, as well as a nationally known photographer and producer of wildlife videos. He has appeared on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno. In his programs he shares his knowledge and enthusiasm with audiences of all ages. Baby animals accompany him at some appearances.

Rothacker, Alex - "Popeye and Swee'Pea." Swee'Pea is a dog who can jump rope, walk a tightrope, and balance a glass of water on her head when she is walking.

Stone, Ed - "Wisconsin Reptile Show." Ed presents an interactive program with the reptiles he brings with him. He talks about their biology and history.

Tarr, Bryant - Falcons and Hawks. Bryant is the assistant curator at the Wisconsin Crane Foundation, but his hobby is falconry. He brings a hawk along to his presentations, and discusses the history of hunting with falcons, as well as providing information about hawk behaviors in the wild.

Tlachac, Dennis - "Nature's Niche." Dennis is an environmental educator and specializes in the ecology of rainforests. One of his most popular programs is called "Scales and Tales" and involves a presentation on reptiles. He also has a presentation that focuses on snakes.

11. APRIL IS NATIONAL POETRY MONTH

Make plans now to celebrate National Poetry Month in April! Young People's Poetry Week, April 10-16, is a great chance to work some poetry into your programming and displays. For suggestions on sharing poetry, new poetry titles, poetry starters, and tips for organizing a Bad Poetry Reading, see http://www.cbcbooks.org/yppw/celebrate/. And remember, you can use poetry in your library every month. Once you get started, you probably won't want to stop!

12. CCBC ANNOUNCES CHARLOTTE ZOLOTOV AWARD WINNER

The Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) has announced that Mary Ann Rodman, author of "My Best Friend," illustrated by E. B. Lewis and published by Viking/Penguin, is the winner of the 2006 Charlotte Zolotow Award for Outstanding Writing in a Picture Book. The award is given for outstanding writing in a picture book for children in the birth-through-seven age range. The award committee named two Honor Books: "Precious and the Boo Hag," written by Patricia C. McKissack and Onawumi Jean Moss, illustrated by Kyrsten Brooker, and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers; and "Zen Shorts," written and illustrated by Jon J. Muth and published by Scholastic Press.

For more information about the Charlotte Zolotow Award, and to see a list of Highly Commended books, visit http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/books/czlist.asp.

13. WEBSITE OF THE WEEK

Famous Trials -- http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/ftrials.htm -- This is an educational and non-commercial site maintained at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Law School. It is the Web's largest and most visited collection of materials relating to famous trials, from Socrates to Clinton. The site includes original essays, images, primary documents, maps, transcript excerpts, chronologies, video clips, court decisions, and other materials to aid readers in understanding the significance of historic trials.

14. CALENDAR

March 21-25, 2006 - Public Library Association National Conference, Boston

March 28-31, 2006 - Wisconsin Association of Academic Librarians conference, Stevens Point

April 11-12, 2006 - Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Advisory Committee spring meeting and public hearing, Madison

May 2, 2006 - National Library Legislative Day, Washington DC

May 3-5, 2006 - Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries meeting, Wisconsin Rapids

May 12, 2006 - Council on Library and Network Development, Platteville

June 22-28, 2006 - American Library Association Annual Conference, New Orleans

October 31-November 3, 2006 - Wisconsin Library Association, Wisconsin Dells

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For information about Channel Weekly or to submit article ideas, please contact:
Roslyn Wise, Editor, at (608) 266-6439

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

Last updated on 4/4/2006 1:32:25 PM