The DPI Library Services Team's Upcoming WLA Conference Presentations

Visit with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Library Services Team at the 2024 Wisconsin Library Association Annual Conference, November 5-8. Make sure to stop by the Library Services Team’s Booth #14:

• Say hello to one of our newest team members Public Library Administrative Consultant Teresa Schmit
• Ask questions of the Library Services Team staff attending the conference
• Pick up statewide information including new BadgerLink posters and bookmarks
• Learn more about the Council on Library and Network Development and its role in Wisconsin’s libraries

During the four-day conference, the Library Services Team will be hosting several presentations including engaging Wisconsin teens in library leadership, learning about the power of play, implementing more equitable summer reading programs, and identifying and reflecting on state-wide data trends.

All programs are located at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay.

Registration for the WLA Annual Conference 2024 is required for attendance. The Library Services Team’s session details are as follows:

Thursday, November 7

Empowering Wisconsin Libraries and Their Communities by Building Equity Based Summers (BEBS)
1:15-2:15 p.m.
Room: Grand Ballroom G

Libraries are essential to their communities, but systemic barriers may be preventing marginalized groups from fully utilizing library services and resources.

Started by the California State Library and the California Library Association in 2020, and now implemented by nine other states, Building Equity Based Summers (BEBS) offers a transformative approach to addressing these challenges and empowering libraries to become inclusive spaces for all community members.

Kelly Wochinske and Jeni Schomber participated in BEBS learning sessions this past summer. They will provide an outline of those learning sessions and share information on how your library can participate in a new initiative to help libraries design more equitable summer reading programs.

Speakers:
Jeni Schomber, Public Library Consultant, DPI
Kelly Wochinske, Milwaukee Public Library
 

What Do the Numbers Say? Wisconsin Data Trends and Reflections
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Room: Riverview 2

The DPI collects data from public libraries every year. Members of the Library Services Team will identify and highlight statewide trends from annual report data and provide insight into ways public libraries in Wisconsin can use this data to improve their offerings and services to their local communities.

We will reflect on insights presented in 2023, explore eResources, and discuss the ongoing WPLC (Wisconsin Public Library Consortium) Data Dashboard Pilot.

Speakers:
Ben Miller, Library Services Team Director, DPI
Elizabeth Neuman, Digital Services Coordinator, DPI
Teresa Schmidt, Public Library Administrative Consultant, DPI
Melissa Aro, Data Analyst, DPI
 

Friday, November 8

Wisconsin Teens Engaged in Library Leadership: Teen Inclusive Internship Program
9:15-10:15 a.m.
Room: Riverview 2

In the summer of 2024, six Wisconsin public libraries participated in an LSTA grant-funded program offering reimbursement to recruit and hire paid teen interns that reflected the diversity of their communities. The teen interns brought their skills, interests, and experiences to the library by working on a community Connected Learning Project. Participating libraries enhanced their skills by learning how to further engage and support teens while also creating career pathways to increase diversity in the field of librarianship.

Panelists from the Summer 2024 participating libraries and Jeni Schomber, DPI Public Library Consultant, will be on hand to talk about their experiences with this PLA Inclusive Internship Initiative-inspired program and to share information on how your library can participate in the 2025 program.

Speakers:
Jeni Schomber, Public Library Consultant, DPI
Cathy Pescinske, Young Adult Librarian, Shawano County Library
 

Games, Learning, and Libraries: Harnessing the Power of Play in Wisconsin
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Room: Grand Ballroom H

If libraries hope to remain both relevant and forward-thinking in the eyes of our communities, it is crucial our institutions evolve, respond, and adapt to modern media interests and innovative learning pathways. Gaming (including video gaming, board gaming, TTRPGs, card gaming) continues to explode in popularity, demonstrating the unique value interactive media holds -- both as a recreation, and within the learning sciences.

This presentation will highlight the numerous games-based library initiatives occurring in our state, explore the extraordinary learning/literacy benefits unique to gaming, invite interested librarians to grow their knowledge within the space -- and get involved themselves. Attendees will also have the chance to win a games-related prize!

Speaker:
Chris Baker, Public Library Consultant, DPI