Libraries

Inclusive Services


Inclusive Services in Wisconsin Public Libraries

The Division of Libraries and Technology interprets Wis. Stat. sec. 43.24(2)(k) “Promotion and facilitation of library service to users with special needs” to encompass inclusive services. Inclusive library services are holistic, spanning library policies, collections, space, and services. Inclusive services reflect equity and accessibility for all members of the community.

Digital Accessibility in Libraries

This video, created and hosted by Lori Baumgart (Marketing, Communication, and CE Specialist at the Nicolet Federated Library System), addresses digital accessibility. More specifically, it goes over Web Accessibility Perspectives – with the goal of providing a very basic level of understanding of what web accessibility means to people of a wide range of abilities.​

Most of the information in this presentation comes from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), which develops its work through a consensus-based process, involving different stakeholders in web accessibility, such as: industry, disability organizations, government, accessibility research organizations, and more.​

LIFT Wisconsin & the Legal Tune Up Tool

At the Inclusive Services Workgroup meeting on October 1st, 2024, we hosted Erica Nelson (Executive Director) and Alberto Prado (Outreach Coordinator) from LIFT Wisconsin (Legal Interventions for Transforming Wisconsin) as they described the services that LIFT Wisconsin can provide, while also offering an overview of the unique and invaluable "Legal Tune Up" tool available on their website. 'Legal Tune Up seeks to address economic inequities by assisting folks in navigating through vast and overwhelming public databases that house publicly available information that result in barriers to housing, employment, and economic stability.

The Legal Tune Up tool searches and identifies issues related to driver’s license suspensions, evictions, convictions. Visit LIFT Wisconsin for more information.

Best Practices: Accessibility, Hiring, & More with Think Ability Wisconsin

In this Inclusive Services (IS) workgroup meeting (originally hosted on May 21st, 2024), we were joined by Kris Bobke (Think Ability Wisconsin Center Manager) and Rachel Reit (Director of Marketing & Development at the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin), as they presented about the history and current state of Think Ability Wisconsin, as well as best practices related to hiring, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and proper HR practices for neurodivergent and disabled staff.

Visit Think Ability Wisconsin for more information.

Best Practices: Workplace Accessibility Accommodations & IEPs with Independence First

In this Inclusive Services (IS) workgroup meeting (originally hosted on March 19th, 2024), we were joined by Gerald Hay (Director of Independent Living Services with Independence First) and Rebecca Rabatin (Community Access & Legislative Policy Analyst at Independence First), as they presented about best practices related to hiring, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and proper HR practices for neurodivergent and disabled staff.

Visit Independence First for more information.

Cover image for the Inclusive Services Assessment and Guide

Assessment and Guide

The Inclusive Services Assessment and Guide was designed by Wisconsin public library and public library system staff for Wisconsin public library directors, staff, and boards with the intent to foster inclusive library environments where everyone is safe, welcomed, and respected. This resource intentionally complements the Wisconsin Public Library Standards.

The IDEA Team & IDEA Projects

Wisconsin Libraries Talk About Race, a project funded through LSTA, was developed by a group of Wisconsin library system consultants collectively titled “The IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity in Action) Team.” The 2022 project culminated with the Wisconsin Libraries Talk About Race website containing numerous resources available for any Wisconsin public library staff member interested in devoting more time to learning about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and how to bring that learning to their libraries and communities.

Due to the incredible success and positive reception of the 2022 project, the IDEA Team has continued developing projects for each LSTA funding year, inviting rotating members of both system consultants and working librarians to contribute. The ongoing purpose of the team is to facilitate and organize statewide professional learning on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for Wisconsin library staff members. In 2021/2022, and 2022/2023, the primary focus for the team was race and racial equity; in 2023/2024, the group focused on allyship. In 2025 the group focused on developing a BIPOC librarian network/community of practice. The workgroup is planning its next steps for 2026-2027, but will continue to:

  • Promote and uplift deliberate DEI Practices that are adaptable for all Wisconsin libraries
  • Develop and sustain a statewide support network for BIPOC library staff
  • Identify (through surveys, focus groups, and more) additional topics or needs under the DEI umbrella to re-engage the larger library community

Please contact any IDEA Team member with questions, suggestions, or to request any accommodations:

 
Chris Baker