1. Statewide survey of public library user trends
2. ALA files comments with FCC on net neutrality issue
3. Hazel Lehman inducted into National Library Service 10 Squared Club
4. Position vacancy for BadgerLink Coordinator
5. Website of the Week - How to Deal with Medical Emergencies
6. Calendar
1. STATEWIDE SURVEY OF PUBLIC LIBRARY USER TRENDS
A new report, "The Wisconsin Library User (and Non-User) II: Outcomes of a Statewide Survey (2003-2007 comparisons)," is now available at the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium web site, http://www.wplc.info/reports/. The report was written by Josh Morrill, based on the statewide survey he conducted earlier this year at the request of WPLC. The project was funded by WPLC and the WLA Foundation. The original report from 2003 is also available at the WPLC site. The current survey is the first extension of the earlier 2003 survey, with a goal of developing data to track changing trends in Wisconsin's public library use. Additionally, this statewide information will provide a point of comparison for individual libraries and library systems throughout the state. Both the current and the 2003 surveys are available at http://www.wplc.info/reports/.
Among the findings:
* 98.2% of library users are "very satisfied" or "somewhat satisfied" with their public library
* even 80.2% of library non-users are "very satisfied" or "somewhat satisfied" with their public library
* 51.8% of library users said Wisconsin public libraries should get more funding, and 0% of library users said libraries should get less funding
* to quote the report: "The truly amazing finding is that nearly 30% of library non-users think libraries deserve more funding."
2. ALA FILES COMMENTS WITH FCC ON NET NEUTRALITY ISSUE
In August 2005, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) deregulated the underlying telecommunication circuits that transport most Internet traffic. This raised concerns that the Internet may no longer be an open, "neutral" communications medium because the FCC's action allowed Internet providers and phone companies to discriminate against certain Websites and Internet content. In May 2007, the FCC issued a public notice requesting comments on this issue. Below are excerpts from comments filed by the American Library Association (ALA).
-- Library patrons have benefited enormously from an open Internet, free of discriminatory practices that could stifle the open exchange of information.
-- ALA endorses equitable access for all to the Internet.
-- ALA is concerned that a "closed" Internet will resemble the current cable TV environment, where consumers do not have the option to select the channels they want but must take whatever channels are offered by their cable company.
-- ALA encourages the FCC to adopt a principle to insure that the Internet remains an open network, free of practices that discriminate against user's access to legal content.
Bob Bocher, who chairs ALA's Office for Information Technology Policy's Telecommunications Subcommittee, co-authored the ALA's comments. The full comments are at http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_documen
t=6519529250.
3. HAZEL LEHMAN INDUCTED INTO NATIONAL LIBRARY SERVICE 10 SQUARED CLUB
Hazel Lehman is the second Wisconsin resident to be inducted into the 10 Squared Club by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Hazel, 104 years old and an avid reader, is a lifelong resident of Sauk County and during the last year checked out 30 books from the Wisconsin Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.
On behalf of the Department of Public Instruction, Sally Drew along with Meg Allen, Richard McDonald, and other members of the Baraboo community provided Hazel Lehman a certificate and a 10 Squared Club pin.
4. POSITION VACANCY FOR BADGERLINK COORDINATOR
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning, is currently seeking a BadgerLink Coordinator. This position is responsible for coordination of all BadgerLink services, and is responsible for maintaining, publicizing and promoting the vision of BadgerLink as a statewide portal to electronic information. More information and the full position description is available on the State of Wisconsin Wisc.Jobs site at https://wiscjobs.state.wi.us/public/job_view.asp?annoid=27217&jobid=26732.
5. WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
How to Deal with Medical Emergencies -- http://www.webmd.com/hw/trauma_first_aid/hw154539.asp -- This WebMD site offers advice on appropriate action when faced with a medical emergency or injury. Note: This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
6. CALENDAR
September 14, 2007 - Council on Library and Network Development meeting, Cable
October 12, 2007 - Library Information Technology Advisory Committee meeting, Madison
October 16-19, 2007 - Wisconsin Library Association Annual Conference, Green Bay
November 9, 2007 - Council on Library and Network Development meeting, location to be announcedt more if its computers didn't block information they needed (one-fifth cited this for public
libraries). Other suggestions to draw more youth into libraries included:
offering more activities and events (32 percent public, 22 percent schools); staying open for longer hours (31 percent public, 21 percent schools); and creating a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere (22 percent public, 21 percent schools).
A summary of data from the Harris Interactive poll is available for download as a PDF at http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/HarrisYouthPoll.pdf.
4. LAST CHANCE TO "STEP UP TO THE PLATE @ YOUR LIBRARY"
All entries for the Step Up to the Plate @ your library program are due September 1, giving children and young adults 9-18 years of age their final opportunity for a chance to win a grand prize trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y., by checking out a baseball book and writing about how their favorite character inspired them.
To help ensure mailed essays are sent by the deadline, libraries are encouraged to collect essays and send them in bulk. All entries must be postmarked by September 1, 2007, and sent to: Step Up to the Plate @ your library, PO Box 118070, Chicago, IL 60611. No express mail packages will be accepted (Fed Ex, UPS, etc.). All essays submitted through the Step Up to the Plate Web site at http://www.ala.org/baseball also must be submitted by September 1.
Since the program began in April 2007, nearly 1,500 libraries have registered for the program at http://www.ala.org/baseball to gain access to free tools to help promote the program locally.
5. WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition -- http://www.bls.gov/oco/ -- The Handbook, a service of the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, provides career information for hundreds of different types of jobs, and provides valuable assistance to individuals making decisions about their future work lives. The Handbook is updated every two years.
6. CALENDAR
September 7, 2007 - Public Library System Annual Meeting, Madison
September 14, 2007 - Council on Library and Network Development meeting, Cable
October 12, 2007 - Library Information Technology Advisory Committee meeting, Madison
October 16-19, 2007 - Wisconsin Library Association Annual Conference, Green Bay
November 9, 2007 - Council on Library and Network Development meeting, location to be announced
For more details about these and other meetings, see the WISDOM calendar at http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/wisdom.html and the BadgerLink and WISCAT training site at http://dpi.wi.gov/rll/wiscat/training.html.
Return to the Channel Weekly Home Page
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 8/7/2007 10:39:31 AM
Home
Contact Us