DPI Library Services Team presents at WAPL 2025 Conference

Join the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Library Services team April 30 – May 2, 2025, at the 2025 Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries (WAPL) Annual Conference. The conference, being held at the Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront Hotel & Convention Center, brings the public library community together to share ideas and learn from each other through interactive breakout sessions and special events.

The Library Services’ team members will host presentations on a variety of topics including using BadgerLink for youth services, an examination on space and technology needs for libraries, applying state-wide public library standards, and working with Friends and Foundations.

Registration for the conference is required for attendance. The Library Services session details are as follows:

Thursday, May 1

Libraries Flexing for the Future: Examining the Growing Need for Spaces and Technology

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM, Lynch/Lefevre

Within two months of opening the Flexible Facilities Program (FFP), the state of Wisconsin received applications for over $297M for projects addressing inequities in access to infrastructure for work, education, and health monitoring in Wisconsin’s communities. Of the 100 applicants, eighty of them were for public library spaces.

What do these applications say about the space needs and increasing demand for meeting rooms, modernized equipment and infrastructure in Wisconsin’s libraries? What were the commonalities in successful FFP applications, and how can libraries be prepared for future funding opportunities? Let’s talk about the lessons learned from FFP and what they mean for the future.

Presenters:

Ben Miller, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Teresa Schmidt, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
John Thompson, IFLS Library System

Friday, May 2

Reflecting on Wisconsin's Public Library Standards: Reimagining a Stronger Future Together

8:45 AM - 9:45 AM, Henrietta

How do you assess library services in your community? Last revised in 2018, the Wisconsin Public Library Standards remain a useful tool for library planning and reflection. Yet we know that dramatic changes to how libraries serve their communities are driving a need for new conversations about how we demonstrate the value of our work and plan for the future. Join Wisconsin Library Services staff in an interactive discussion about the current standards, what’s missing from them, and how they should address youth and inclusive services. Let’s talk about how future revisions can help move our libraries forward.

Speakers:
Teresa Schmidt, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Jeni Schomber, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

From Frenemies to BFFs: How to Work with Friends and Foundations

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM, Lynch/Lefevres

Friends and library foundations can elevate your public library, provide financial support, and build a strong network of advocates. But there can be pitfalls, too. What happens when your Friends feel like frenemies, or your Foundation tries to direct your library instead of supporting it?

This panel discussion will share the joys and trials of working with library support organizations. We’ll discuss the differences between Friends and foundations; how they’re legally formed; how to establish roles and responsibilities; tips for getting your Friends and library board to play nicely; and how to sustain your Friends or foundation into the future.

Presenters:

Brandi Cummings, Kenosha Public Library and Kenosha Public Library System
Teresa Schmidt, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Clairellyn Sommersmith, Winnefox Library System
Amanda Wakeman, Columbus Public Library

BadgerLink Resources for Youth Services

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM, BF Carter

BadgerLink is Wisconsin's Online Library, providing a foundational collection serving all Wisconsin residents, including Wisconsin's librarians and staff that work with youth. Join this discussion highlighting the resources available in the BadgerLink collection that apply specifically to the development of youth programming and collections for young readers, as well as professional learning content to keep you up to date with the latest research in the field of youth services.

 Presenter:

Jennifer Champoux, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

We look forward to seeing you in Oshkosh!