1. LSTA application deadline and form for 2008 projects
2. Hearing held on library video surveillance bill (SB 214)
3. Library Journal construction questionnaires
4. Job Announcement -- Wisconsin LSTA Coordinator & Certification Consultant
5. Gates grant to pay for WebJunction courses
6. Website of the Week: What's That Stuff?
7. Calendar
1. LSTA APPLICATION DEADLINE AND FORM FOR 2008 PROJECTS
The online version of the LSTA grant application form and instructions for using the form are now available at http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/lstaapp.html. The application deadline is 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 12, 2007. Additional information is below.
IMPORTANT: As with last year's form, the LSTA application form has a limit of 4000 characters per question. Depending on how the text is typed in, there can appear to be extra space at the bottom of the page even if the character count limit has been reached. If the character count is reached, grant writers have to condense the contents so it fits, or continue responses to questions on page 8 of the form which has space for additional content. We strongly suggest that applicants use a word processing program, such as Word, to create the narrative for their applications and then cut and paste from the word processing program into the online application form. A character count can be done in Word, for example, by checking File/Properties/Statistics. It is very important to "save" content in the online form after each question and, if the writer is close to the 4000 character limit, after each paragraph.
Application Deadline
Applications for federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds for projects to take place January through December 2008 must be submitted online by 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 12. Print copies of the signature page from the application (page 9 only, not the entire application) must be submitted to DLTCL and postmarked by September 12. Letters of support for an application, if any, should be submitted along with the signature page. The application deadline is the same for both noncompetitive and competitive grant categories. Information on the grant categories available for funding is included in the LSTA Information and Guidelines for 2008 at http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/pdf/guide08.pdf.
If you have any questions about the form or need assistance, contact Mike Cross at (608) 267-9225 (michael.cross@dpi.state.wi.us) or Al Zimmerman
(608) 266-3939 (alan.zimmerman@dpi.state.wi.us).
2. HEARING HELD ON LIBRARY VIDEO SURVEILLANCE BILL (SB 214)
On August 15, the Senate Committee on Public Health, Senior Issues, Long Term Care and Privacy held a hearing on SB 214, a bill sponsored by Senator Ellis and Representative Kaufert regarding the disclosure of library video surveillance recordings to law enforcement officials. The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) testified for information and distributed a bill drafted at the request of the DPI that represents a more comprehensive approach to library records issues.
The DPI bill addresses three issues of concern to Wisconsin libraries:
1. The bill would make it permissible for a library to disclose library video surveillance recordings to law enforcement officials in situations in which illegal activity may have been committed in or around the library or when an individual may otherwise have violated library regulations. Library video surveillance recording may be helpful to the police in curbing illegal behavior such as theft or damage to library property, or the theft of personal property in the library or outside the library in the parking lot or other areas covered by library surveillance cameras.
2. The bill would make it explicit that a library may release records to "protect against an imminent threat to the life or safety of an individual." According to the Attorney General opinion, disclosure of library records for this type of serious emergency purpose is allowable under current law. However, we believe it may be desirable to make this explicit in the statutes in order to help prevent possible confusion about the legality of the release of records in an emergency situation such as the abduction of a child in the library.
3. The bill would make it permissible for a library to disclose library records to law enforcement officials and/or a private collection agency to help seek the return of overdue materials or seek compensation for the value of non-returned materials. According to the Attorney General opinion, under current law this type of disclosure of library records is only legal if a court order approves the specific disclosure.
3. LIBRARY JOURNAL CONSTRUCTION QUESTIONNAIRES
Library Journal (LJ) has asked for the assistance of the Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning in distributing questionnaires to obtain information about recent public library building projects, remodeling projects, and public library referenda. The construction information they collect will be used in the next Library Journal Architectural Issue (December 2007). All projects will also be included on LJ's web site, including photos that are submitted online.
LJ would like information from public libraries that have completed new construction or remodeling projects between July 1, 2006, and June 30, 2007. The deadline for submitting library construction questionnaires is October 9, 2007. A PDF version of the questionnaire may also be obtained at the address below. The survey can be completed online at: http://www.libraryjournal.com/PublicArch2007.
LJ would also like information from any public library that will have held a referendum between the dates of December 1, 2006, and November 30, 2007 to finance future capital projects for a public library building. The deadline for the REFERENDA forms is January 8, 2008. REFERENDA survey may be completed online at http://tinyurl.com/2ehwfq or you can request a copy of the referendum survey form from George W. Hall at george.hall@dpi.state.wi.us or at (608) 267-9222.
4. JOB ANNOUNCEMENT - WISCONSIN LSTA COORDINATOR AND CERTIFICATION CONSULTANT
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning, is currently seeking a Library Consultant. This position is located at 125 South Webster Street, Madison. This position is in pay schedule 13, range 04, with a starting salary of $54,008 per year plus excellent benefits. A six month probationary period is required.
Job Duties
This position functions as the Library Services and Technology Act Coordinator and Certification Consultant. This position provides leadership for and coordinates the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) program of the State of Wisconsin, in consultation and coordination with other division staff; provides oversight and coordination of the state program of public librarian certification; coordinates a state level program for continuing education for public librarians and public library trustees; provides leadership for planning and evaluating and successfully implementing these programs throughout the state; and participates in activities to upgrade professional skills and to carry out DPI, division and public library development team planning and management assignments.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of the Library Services and Technology Act programs, regulations, and grant process; Wisconsin public librarian certification regulations and procedures; issues involved in the provision of public library services in Wisconsin; public library operations, practices, and techniques; state, regional and local level library organizations and how they relate; the planning process and its use with state level groups; program evaluation techniques; small group dynamics and facilitation techniques; the consulting process and skill in practicing it; continuing education techniques and practices; and current continuing education needs of Wisconsin public library staff and trustees. Skill in speaking effectively before large groups and in leading and participating in small group discussions and in preparing accurate and concise written reports and documents. Ability to develop long-term goals and objectives; effectively organize and implement complex service programs in cooperation with others; and plan and evaluate programs.
Application materials must be received by September 18, 2007. Full information on the application process for this position is available at: http://www.dpi.wi.gov/hr/libraryconsult.html.
5. GATES GRANT TO PAY FOR WEBJUNCTION COURSES
NOTE: The following is an advanced notice that courses offered through WebJunction will be available to many public library staff in early September at no cost. Because courses must be completed by December 15, 2007, we want to alert you to this opportunity now.
The Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning will use some remaining funds from the Gates Foundation's Rural Library Sustainability grant to make online courses offered through WebJunction available to librarians from smaller public libraries in the state. Almost three hundred courses are available on a wide variety of technology topics. The complete course listing is on the WebJunction Course Catalog site at http://webjunction.org/do/Navigation?category=442.
The division is in the process of establishing a deposit account with WebJunction for the course offerings. To take advantage of this opportunity staff must be in a library that serves a community of less than 25,000 population. Most courses are eligible for CE credits. A follow-up announcement with more details will be made when the program becomes operational in about 2-3 weeks.
Staff from eligible libraries are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. If you have any questions, contact Bob Bocher at 608-266-2127 (robert.bocher@dpi.state.wi.us) or John DeBacher at 608-2667270 (john.debacher@dpi.state.wi.us).
6. WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
What's That Stuff? -- http://pubs.acs.org/cen/whatstuff/stuff.html -- This site by Chemical and Engineering News presents a collection of articles that gives you a look at the chemistry behind a wide variety of everyday products such as hair coloring, Silly Putty, Cheese Wiz, and catnip (to name just a few).
7. CALENDAR
September 7, 2007 - Public Library System Annual Meeting, Madison
September 14, 2007 - Council on Library and Network Development meeting, Hayward
September 25, 2007 - Instructional Media and Technology regional meeting, Rice Lake
October 2, 2007 - Instructional Media and Technology regional meeting, Appleton
October 5, 2007 - System Youth Services Liaisons annual meeting, Monona
October 9, 2007 - Instructional Media and Technology regional meeting, Waukesha
October 12, 2007 - Instructional Media and Technology regional meeting, Wisconsin Dells
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
November 14-15, 2007 - Library Services and Technology Act Advisory Committee meeting, Madison
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 9/6/2007 10:32:16 AM
Home
Contact Us