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LitFinder & Transparent Languages Online Update

Thursday, July 26, 2018

The Department of Public Instruction is signing contracts for BadgerLink resources selected through the Request for Bid (RFB) led by the Department of Administration. DPI is eager to update and enhance BadgerLink resources, and plans to release them as soon as possible, and hopefully within weeks.

However, because of the cost of the selected resources is greater than the current BadgerLink budget, DPI will not be able to sign contracts for all the Collections included in the RFB (read more about the Collections in the BadgerLink Procurement Update dated 7/3/2018). Decisions about which Collections will be purchased are still being made. They are being based on feedback from the library community, usage patterns and the availability of other resources that generally meet the same needs.

At this time, the Department of Public Instruction has determined that it will not be licensing the Cengage LitFinder database, which has been a part of BadgerLink since 2008 and Transparent Languages Online from Recorded Books, which represented a new content area, vendor and product.  The previous LitFinder contract ended 6/30/2017 and therefore this resource is no longer available. 

The RFB Cooperative Purchasing clause allows municipally funded library (including public libraries, the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium, the CESA Support Network and libraries represented by the System and Resource Library Administrator’s Association of Wisconsin) to contract with selected vendors for the selected resources at the same rates vendors agreed to in the RFB process. Any library organization interested in exploring that option can contact Martha.Berninger@dpi.wi.gov for more information. Please bear in mind that DPI is not able to share any information about unsuccessful bids submitted by vendors not selected.

Thank you for your interest in the future of BadgerLink and your support. DPI will share regular updates on the process.

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For questions about this information, contact Ben Miller (608) 224-6168

Access to Genealogy & Historic Newspapers Will Continue in BadgerLink

Friday, July 20, 2018

We’ve heard from a number of libraries and genealogists who are concerned they may be losing access to resources they value and want to reassure Wisconsin libraries and patrons that BadgerLink will continue to provide access to historic newspapers and genealogy content from Wisconsin and beyond.

While the contract for Access NewspaperARCHIVE will not be continued, the Department is contracting with ProQuest to provide historic newspapers via Newspapers.com Library Edition World Collection. Access NewspaperARCHIVE is no longer provided through BadgerLink, and Newspapers.com Library Edition World Collection will be available as soon as possible. We are confident the Newspapers.com interface and ProQuest customer support will be a step forward for BadgerLink users. The collection contains newspapers from around the world, not just Wisconsin. Once a contract is signed, DPI will share the full title list.

Our current vendor of genealogy/local history resources, HeritageQuest Online, will continue to be our genealogy collection provider.  Access to their resources will continue without interruption.

The contracts should be finalized in the next few weeks and we will continue to provide updates about our resources on the Badger Bulletin as well as the Wisconsin Libraries for Everyone Blog.  We are working to restore access to historic newspapers as quickly as possible and apologize for any inconvenience.

To receive email notifications about our updates, sign up at https://badgerlink.dpi.wi.gov/subscribe.  Contact us at https://badgerlink.dpi.wi.gov/contact-us with any questions.

Written by:  BadgerLink Team, Resources for Libraries & Lifelong Learning

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For questions about this information, contact Ben Miller (608) 224-6168

The Importance of Meaningful School Library Data

Friday, June 8, 2018

As the school year closes and the hallways become quiet, library media specialists assume the task of creating year end reports. With each passing year the presence of data in education grows, and effective gathering and use of data continues to be a meaningful way to illustrate the value of library programming to administrators. This data can be utilized to support many facets of the Future Ready Librarian Framework by providing information about the use of space, the creation of instructional partnerships, curation of resources, professional development needs, equity in access to resources, and budgeting strategies. In order to accomplish this, it is critical to think about how the different components of data can work together to illustrate impacts on student learning, rather than isolating each element.

Circulation data, some of the oldest and most commonly collected pieces of library information, might be disregarded by administration if not connected with other data points. Circulation data illustrates access to resources, and, when combined with other student or class information, may be an indicator for providing equity of access. Consider analyzing not only the print collection, but statistics showing access to databases, too. There are resources on the BadgerLink website to show you how to collect this information. Additionally, you might examine how your collaboration or other curriculum projects impact circulation at different times of the year.

Comparing collaboration data with circulation numbers is a way to give the latter a stronger connection to student learning. Collaboration data can also provide a unique insight into instructional partnerships and professional development needs. In addition to keeping accurate numbers of instances or time spent collaborating, coaching, and mentoring, document other pertinent items, such as subject area, curriculum units, and strategies used. Another helpful tool is surveying staff for feedback regarding experiences, student impact, and professional development needs.

Collaboration can also be connected to your collection data. Explore how collaborations impact use of your print and digital collections in order to better curate your collection and budget for resources. Being able to discuss collection data in terms of how the collection is impacting students is another great talking point to illuminate for administration why and how curation of resources can improve student learning.

As library spaces steadily evolve and continue to promote inquiry, creativity, collaboration, and community, data about the space itself continues to be of value, too. Again, the data must go beyond just numbers of visitors; it should document purposes of visits, size of groups, and popular attractions. This information can drive decisions about maker areas, furniture, future space design and availability. It may also be used to contribute to conversations regarding how library programming supports the social emotional growth goals in your school or district since the library is naturally an environment that encourages diversity, equity, and awareness of voice.

There are an abundance of ways to turn stale year end statistics into data used for growth and transformation. Dedicate yourself to showcasing your report to administration as an insightful tool to improve student learning. And, as you look at what you have collected, reflect on the questions you truly want answered and begin planning for changes you will make for next year.

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For questions about this information, contact Monica Treptow (608) 575-6065

BadgerLink is hiring - deadline to apply June 13!

Thursday, June 7, 2018

The Department of Public Instruction has an opening for a full-time BadgerLink Technical Support and Training Specialist.

The BadgerLink Technical Support and Training Specialist will provide system administration and technical support for BadgerLink, implement new BadgerLink resources, manages the statewide authentication system for BadgerLink and other resources managed by the DPI, and develop innovative strategies and tools to raise public awareness of programs and services provided to libraries and residents statewide.

See the job announcement on wisc.jobs for full details and how to apply: BadgerLink Technical Support & Training Specialist announcement

Written by: Elizabeth Neuman, Resources for Libraries & Lifelong Learning

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For questions about this information, contact Ben Miller (608) 224-6168

Update on the BadgerLink Procurement Process

Friday, May 18, 2018

BadgerLink Logo

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is currently working with the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) to complete a Request for Bid process designed to license Collections in all of these content areas, to be provided through BadgerLink. All BadgerLink resources will be updated as of July 1, 2018, according to the awards resulting from the procurement process. Vendors for more than half of the Collections have been selected. Six Collections are being rebid, with a June 1, 2018 response deadline.

Contracts for collections will be executed in the order shown below. If the total cost of the best qualified, lowest cost bids for all selected Collections exceeds the BadgerLink budget, the Collections can be licensed for use by all Wisconsin public libraries and schools by another qualified public entity, and bidders are obligated to honor the pricing they included in their bid.

Collections in purchase order priority with status and/or selected vendor:

Collection

Status and/or Vendor
Collection #1: Educational resources for K-12, Post-Secondary and Lifelong Learners BEING REBID
Collection #2: Current newspapers published in Wisconsin communities and U.S. cities BEING REBID
Collection #3: Current newspapers published in Wisconsin communities Wisconsin Newspaper Association
Collection #4: Historic newspapers BEING REBID
Collection #5: Medicine and health (including traditional and alternative treatments) EBSCO Information Services
Collection #6: Genealogy and local history resources BEING REBID
Collection #7: Encyclopedias in English and Spanish Encyclopedia Britannica
Collection #8: Job skills and test preparation training resources BEING REBID
Collection #9: Multimedia Collections of children's literature and children's books TeachingBooks.net
Collection #10: Business resources EBSCO Information Services
Collection #11: Full-Text Works of Literature Cengage Learning (Gale)
Collection #12: Language learning resources Recorded Books, Inc.
Collection #13: Auto repair resources BEING REBID

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For questions about this information, contact Ben Miller (608) 224-6168

Playing and Making in May

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Recently, I have had a number of opportunities to expand my knowledge base in using library spaces for exploration, innovation, and creation. These are not new concepts to school librarians, but they have been recently showcased differently under the term makerspace. Rather than focus on this term, which may be ephemeral, I shall take a moment to illustrate how these ideas are a foundation of library programming and hopefully provide some inspiration to take some time with students and teachers, in this month when testing is concluding but the school year is not, to try out ideas and start planning for next year.

We can find justification for why exploration, innovation, and creation should be part of library programming in the AASL National School Library Standards and the Future Ready Librarian Framework. Although infused throughout AASL, the Shared Foundation called Explore exemplifies these themes in its Learner and School Library Standards. For example, “Learners construct new knowledge by persisting through self-directed pursuits by tinkering and making,” and, “The school library facilitates construction of new knowledge by establishing and maintaining a learning environment conducive to independent and collaborative exploration and problem solving,” are, respectively, a competency and alignment found in the Create domain. The Future Ready Librarian principle of Use of Space and Time is defined by, “Provides flexible spaces that promote inquiry, creativity, collaboration, and community.” Both of these national level resources message that our libraries are no longer places to merely find information, but places where synthesis happens with new knowledge as a product.

In order to figure out what this synthesis looks like in your library space, find out what your school community needs and desires. Maybe that is a selection of robots and drones and coding tools. Possibly it is materials to build circuits or architectural wonders. There may be a need for yarn, fabric, and a sewing machine. Even coloring patterns, folding paper, and markers may make your list. The important thing is to find out what fits your space best, and that happens through exploring options. Set up a station or two each week for students, teachers, and other visitors to try. Take a seat at the table yourself and truly experience the design process, including the frustrations and the successes.

While you are exploring, be creative with finding resources. If you don’t have any robots or drones, see if you can borrow one from your public library or a neighboring district. This is a fabulous way to make connections for future collaborations. Try reaching out to parents and community members to see if they would be interested in showcasing a craft or skill. Maybe you can even find vendors willing to let you take a test-drive with a new item.

As your library vibrates with new experiences and learning, make sure to document the activities. Look at each station and ask why it is valuable, how much it costs, and what time and space requirements it needs. Survey user experiences and gather feedback through photos and videos, too. All these things will be valuable data points as you plan for future library purchases and programming. Have fun exploring!

 

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For questions about this information, contact Monica Treptow (608) 575-6065

Updates to the EBSCO Personalization Features

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

In an effort to protect the security and privacy of users, EBSCO is actively implementing a program to ensure full compliance with the enhanced European Union data protection legislation, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).  Upgrades include:

  • Implementing tools to enforce the use of strong passwords
  • Transitioning all platforms to HTTPS for secure data transfer
  • Providing privacy controls for end users

This last bullet will begin on or after May 15, 2018.  Users of MyEBSCOhost folders will be asked to review and accept EBSCO's Privacy Policy in order to continue using the service.  Once the Privacy Policy has been accepted, users will have the ability to view the data associated with their account and the option to remove the account at any time.  

For additional information on these changes, see EBSCO's Upcoming Privacy and Security Enhancements and don't hesitate to Contact BadgerLink!

Written by: Elizabeth Neuman, Resources for Libraries & Lifelong Learning

 

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For questions about this information, contact Elizabeth Neuman (608) 224-5389

Host an Author/Illustrator Visit for FREE? Sign Me Up!

Monday, April 2, 2018

Do you want to bring a culturally relevant author/illustrator to your library? Have you ever wished that you could put a copy of the same amazing book in the hands of every family? This is your chance!

Figure wishing for grant moneyThe deadline has been extended until Friday, April 6, 2018 for the “Students as Community Members: Connecting through Books, Collections, and Perspective Sharing” workshop at Hotel Marshfield on Tuesday, May 8, 2018. This workshop is one of two "Connect and Create Workshops for Public and School Librarians" hosted by The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Registration is FREE and includes lunch. Register online here: https://goo.gl/forms/QAgh5pKRwf4Qunw32

The phrase “students as community members” reflects that idea that youth need to see themselves and others in our global community in the books that they read. This workshop will be tailored to the needs of the attendees, and conversations and activities will emphasize concrete aspects of collection development, as well as bigger topics like social justice. Speakers will include Nick Glass (keynote) and Martha Kaempffer, Rita Platt, Susan Plewa (school and public library practitioner panel). Caitlin Schaffer and Jenny Barreau will lead challenge activities using BreakoutEDU. Grant opportunities for this workshop will emphasize program development and hosting for an author/illustrator visit to school and public library environments.

A descriptive PDF with additional information about the workshops, registration, and grants can be found at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i5aXIPp3w6ZoOc3Pb4mF4Wmn3DRzsSi6/view?usp=sharing

A blog post with registration and FAQs for the “Connect and Create Workshops for Public and School Librarians” can be found at: https://dpi.wi.gov/wilibrariesforeveryone/registration-and-faqs-connect-and-create-workshops-public-and-school

Following the workshop, attendees who complete the workshop training will be eligible to apply for a joint school and public library project grant, which could be used to bring a culturally relevant author or illustrator to your community. Projects must have a dual public library and school library audience; therefore, grant applications must be submitted by committed pairs, one of whom must have completed the workshop training.

Details about the grants will be shared at the workshop, along with sample application materials. Grant proposals are due Friday, June 8, 2018; recipients will be notified mid-June. Projects must be completed by September 30, 2018, including encumbrance of funds, though project activities might take place anytime between July and December 2018.

Written by:
Tessa Michaelson Schmidt
Public Library Development Team

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For questions about this information, contact Monica Treptow (608) 575-6065

School Library Work Group

Thursday, March 29, 2018

What?

A dedicated team that guides decision making on school library topics, develops strategies for creating a stronger field of school library professionals, and provides tangible evidence for how robust school library programs improve student achievement in Wisconsin schools.

Who?

We are looking for eight stakeholders with a strong vision for school libraries who value equity and represent the diversity of our state.

How?

This group will meet three times per year; two of those days will be face to face with reimbursement for travel and meals. Selected members will be asked to commit for two years.

When?

Applications are being accepted through April 15, 2018. An online informational question and answer session will be held on April 10, 2018, from 4:00PM to 4:30PM.

Want to know more?

Check out this informational flyer or contact Monica Treptow, School Library Education Consultant.

 

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For questions about this information, contact Monica Treptow (608) 575-6065

Registration and FAQs for the “Connect and Create Workshops for Public and School Librarians”

Monday, March 19, 2018

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is hosting "Connect and Create Workshops for Public and School Librarians" at Hotel Marshfield on Monday, May 7 and Tuesday, May 8, 2018. The theme for the Monday, May 7th workshop is, “Students as Creators: Connecting through STEM, Maker, Coding, and Hands-On Learning.” The theme for the Tuesday, May 8th workshop is, “Students as Community Members: Connecting through Books, Collections, and Perspective Sharing.”

Wisconsin public library and public school library staff are encouraged to apply for a spot in one of the workshops. Following the workshops, grant applications will be accepted for joint school and public library projects related to one of the workshop topics. The workshops and grant are funded in part with a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services which administers the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). A descriptive PDF with additional information about the workshops, registration, and grants can be found at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i5aXIPp3w6ZoOc3Pb4mF4Wmn3DRzsSi6/view?usp=sharing

The remainder of this blog post answers some frequently asked questions about the workshops.

What will the workshop schedules look like?

9:00 Registration and refreshments
9:30 Welcome
10:00 Keynote
11:45 Lunch with practitioner panel
1:00 Small group challenge activities
2:00 Time for collaboration, questions, and grant proposal work
2:45 Closing
3:00 Departure

What will the “Students as Creators: Connecting through STEM, Maker, Coding, and Hands-On Learning” workshop cover?

The phrase “students as creators” reflects that idea that youth learn through building and making, with their hands and with each other. This workshop will be tailored to the needs of the attendees, and conversations and activities will emphasize concrete aspects of STEM/Maker/Coding, including instruction pertaining to gadgets and materials. Speakers will include Kevin Jarrett (keynote) and Sue Abrahamson, Rebecca Millerjohn and Teresa Voss (school and public library practitioner panel). Grant opportunities for this workshop will emphasize program development and resource curation for youth in school and public library environments.

What will the “Students as Community Members: Connecting through Books, Collections, and Perspective Sharing”?

The phrase “students as community members” reflects that idea that youth need to see themselves and others in our global community in the books that they read. This workshop will be tailored to the needs of the attendees, and conversations and activities will emphasize concrete aspects of collection development, as well as bigger topics like social justice. Speakers will include Nick Glass (keynote) and Martha Kaempffer, Rita Platt, Susan Plewa (school and public library practitioner panel). Caitlin Schaffer and Jenny Barreau will lead challenge activities using BreakoutEDU. Grant opportunities for this workshop will emphasize program development and hosting for an author/illustrator visit to school and public library environments.

How Does Registration Work?

Link for May 7 https://goo.gl/forms/bx09ERnwdqjUPZjF3
Link for May 8 https://goo.gl/forms/QAgh5pKRwf4Qunw32

Completing the registration form does not guarantee the applicant a spot in either workshop. A maximum of 50 spots are available per workshop, ideally representing an even mix of public library staff and school librarians from around the state. Colleagues who are currently collaborating OR who are interested in collaborating with school/public library counterparts are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to apply. Both participants must register individually.

Registration is open from March 5 through March 30, 2018. Following the registration window, selected applicants will be offered a spot in a workshop and be required to accept/decline during the week of April 2, 2018. All applicants will be notified of their registration status via email during the week of April 9, 2018. A waiting list will be maintained in case of a cancellation.

What About the Grants?

Following the workshops, attendees who complete the workshop training will be eligible to apply for a joint school and public library project grant based on the workshop topic. Projects must have a dual public library and school library audience; therefore, grant applications must be submitted by committed pairs, at least one of whom must have completed workshop training. Some attendees will come to the workshop as pre-matched pairs, others will come solo and use the workshop to identify fellow collaborators (who may or may not be in attendance).

Details about the grants will be shared at the workshop, along with sample application materials. Grant proposals are due Friday, June 8, 2018; recipients will be notified mid-June. Project fund encumbrance must be completed by September 30, 2018; however, project activities might take place anytime between July and December 2018.

What Are the Expectations of Collaboration?

The focus of this LSTA project is two-fold: 1) Explore the two distinct, relevant topics for libraries serving youth and 2) Collaborate with school and public library staff. Collaboration will occur as part of workshop activities on site with the idea that attendees will establish or enhance connections back in their communities.

As noted, colleagues who are currently collaborating OR who are interested in collaborating with school/public library counterparts are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to simultaneously register for the workshop. In addition, attendees will be eligible for a grant related to the workshop. Projects must have a dual public library and school library audience; therefore, grant applications must be submitted by committed pairs, at least one of whom must have completed the workshop training. Some attendees will come to the workshop as pre-matched pairs, others will come solo and use the workshop to identify fellow collaborators who may or may not be in attendance.

Who are the workshop hosts?

Tessa Michaelson Schmidt
Public Library Consultant
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
tessa.schmidt@dpi.wi.gov

Monica Treptow
School Library Education Consultant
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
monica.treptow@dpi.wi.gov

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For questions about this information, contact Monica Treptow (608) 575-6065

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