DPI Bureau of Libraries Presenting at WLA Conference

Visit members of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Bureau of Libraries at the 2025 Wisconsin Library Association Annual Conference, October 28-31. Make sure to stop by the Bureau of Libraries’ Booth #35:

• Learn about the DPI’s reorganization as well as meet State Librarian and Bureau of Libraries Director Ben Miller
• Ask questions of the Bureau of Libraries staff attending the conference
• Pick up statewide information including BadgerLink posters and bookmarks

Check out a couple of poster sessions on display starting Wednesday, October 29. The DPI’s Public Library Consultant Jeni Schomber will be on hand for questions from 10:45-11:45 a.m. in the Greenway Room to talk about the two different programs implemented by the Bureau of Libraries.

• 2026 Teen Internship program – learn how your library can apply for funding to hire a teen intern for the summer.
• 2026 Building Community Based Summers cohort – learn about the application process for those libraries interested in participating in this community-focused initiative. 

Additionally, David Gagnon, Director & Founder of Field Day Learning Games, will be presenting a poster session focused on an in-process, comprehensive literature review being completed as part of the National Games & Libraries Project. The NGLP is a 3-year (2024-2027), 3-phase FY 2024 IMLS National Leadership Grant for Libraries initiative being led by the DPI and the Washington State Library Agency. David is the project’s lead researcher, and the poster will examine how historical and contemporary publications/literature investigate Games-based Library Services.

During the four-day conference, the Bureau of Libraries staff will be presenting on multiple topics including developing sustainable games collections and programming, an interactive discussion on Public Library Standards, compassion and resilience techniques, using Policy of the Month Club to strengthen your library’s foundation, working with ever-changing government information, and understanding the legal landscape as it pertains to libraries.

All programs are located at the Madison Marriott West in Middleton, WI.

Registration for the WLA Annual Conference 2025 is required for attendance. The Bureau of Libraries’ session details are as follows:

Wednesday, Oct. 29

Games are not Optional: Addressing the Priority (and Gaps) of Games-Based Library Services
11 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Room: Salon F

The economic and social impacts of games (board, video, TTRPGs, card games, and more) are hard to overestimate, with the video game industry alone accounting for more revenue than music and film combined. Despite such cultural impact and popularity, games-based library services are, unfortunately, rarely prioritized within professional library training programs (like MLIS’s and MLS’s) or professional development opportunities. The bottom line? Games are essential components of modern library services — not “optional extras.” This session aims to help librarians bridge that gap.

Participants (gamers and non-gamers alike) will leave with practical examples and strategies for developing sustainable games collections and programming. All things considered, Wisconsin is uniquely well positioned to lead national work in the games + libraries space, allowing Wisconsin librarians to tap into both statewide and national resource networks. Join us to "Be the Change" by transforming how the field understands and supports this crucial aspect of modern librarianship.

Speakers:

Chris Baker, Public Library Consultant/Games & Learning Consultant, DPI

David McHugh, UW-Madison Information School

Embracing Change: Rethinking Public Library Standards for the Future
1:15 – 2:15 p.m.
Room: Salon F

At the 2025 WAPL conference, a DPI-hosted session reviewed the current Public Library Standards and reflected on how they fit into the changing ways libraries evaluate their services. Recognizing the standards may not fit every library’s needs, the DPI is undertaking a process to update the current standards and integrate modern data and planning tools. Join the Bureau of Libraries’ staff in this interactive discussion to discover how you can play a vital role in helping address what is missing from the standards, including youth and inclusive services, and develop additional resources that support libraries as they plan for the future.

Speakers:

Teresa Schmidt, Public Library Administrative Consultant, DPI

Jeni Schomber, Public Library Consultant, DPI

Thursday, October 30

Policy of the Month Club
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Room: Salon D

Keeping library policies updated is important for ensuring equitable and effective service—but with everything on a director’s plate, it’s easy for policy revisions to fall behind. The Policy of the Month Club offers a structured, accessible way for library directors and policy writers to maintain strong, modernized policies without feeling overwhelmed.

Each month, participants receive a focused email covering a key policy topic, including background information, review tips, and practical guidance for revisions. A shared discussion platform allows library professionals to exchange examples, insights, and best practices, ensuring policies remain relevant and aligned with evolving library needs.

Join this session to learn how Policy of the Month Club can simplify policy maintenance and strengthen your library’s foundation—one month at a time. Let’s make policy updates approachable, efficient, and impactful!

Speakers:

Chris Baker, Public Library Consultant/Games & Learning Consultant, DPI

Kristie Hauer, Nicolet Federated Library System

Emily Rogers, Wisconsin Valley Library Service

Teresa Schmidt, Public Library Administrative Consultant, DPI

Clairellyn Sommersmith, Winnefox Library System Director

Rally the Resilience! Compassion Resilience for Wisconsin Libraries
10:45 -11:45 a.m.
Room: Salon E

What is Compassion Resilience and why is it so important for librarians and the communities they serve during times of uncertainty or distress? Compassion Resilience is the ability to maintain emotional, mental, and physical well-being while compassionately supporting others through the challenges of daily life. This interactive session will give an overview of the Compassion Resilience toolkit and provide resources for leadership and staff to understand, recognize, and minimize the experience of compassion fatigue. Increasing your compassion resilience builds joy and sustainability for the work of librarianship.

Speakers:

Jeni Schomber, Public Library Consultant, DPI

Tracey Vreeke, Nicolet Federated Library System

Navigating the Legal Landscape: Records Retention, Open Records, and Open Meetings Laws
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Room: Salon E

Understanding and adhering to records retention, open records requests, and open meetings laws are essential for library governance and transparency. This session will provide an overview of these legal requirements and offer practical guidance on how libraries can manage records effectively, respond to open records requests, and comply with open meetings laws. Whether you're a library director, staff member, or trustee, you'll gain the tools to ensure your library stays in compliance while promoting public trust and accountability.

Speakers:

Teresa Schmidt, Public Library Administrative Consultant, DPI

Bradley Shipps, Outagamie Waupaca Library System Director

Friday, October 31

Government Information in 2025
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Room: D

Librarians who work with government information are accustomed to constant change and a certain amount of uncertainty in our work. But since FDLP’s rapid changeover to a digital first depository, the rate of change has accelerated, and the new presidential administration has created even broader and more rapid changes to the ways government information is delivered and the amount of information available. Changes at the federal level have an impact on state government information, as well. We don’t know what the government information landscape will look like in October, but we know that librarians who work with government information will need a forum to talk about the changes and learn from other librarians. Our panel of seasoned government information experts will answer questions and provide a forum for guided discussion.

Speakers:

Elizabeth Harper, UW-Madison Memorial Library

Carol Hassler, Wisconsin State Law Library

Eileen Snyder, Wisconsin Historical Society

Abby Swanton, Wisconsin Digital Archive Technical Coordinator