In This Issue
- Big Opportunities for Small Libraries
- Digital Detox
- 2018 Best of Lists
- Inclusive Services Tool
- WLA Conference Reflections
- Upcoming Events
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Big Opportunities for Small Libraries
Washington, DC—The Institute of Museum and Library Services has launched a new special initiative, Accelerating Promising Practices for Small Libraries (APP), and is accepting grant applications now through February 25, 2019.
This new funding opportunity is designed specifically to strengthen the ability of small and rural libraries, archives, and related organizations to serve their communities, and awards sizes range from $10,000 to $50,000.
The initiative is in line with the IMLS Strategic Plan 2018-2022, Transforming Communities, which includes goals of lifelong learning, increasing public access, and building capacity. APP is a special initiative of National Leadership Grants for Libraries, which support projects that enhance the quality of library and archives services nationwide by advancing theory and practice.
“We’re pleased to support the work of small libraries and archives across our nation who are essential to their communities in so many ways,” said IMLS Deputy Director of Library Services Robin Dale. “These grants will provide opportunities for small libraries who provide such important programs and services at a local level to impact new, promising practices on a national scale.”
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Digital Detox
Reduce stress, focus more on social interaction in the physical world, and give yourself more time to focus on what you love by taking a break from your personal device in the New Year (or, better yet, starting right now). As your friendly, local media mentors, staff at the River Falls Public Library have a few simple tips for starting your digital detox:
- Delete, delete, delete. What’s the worst thing that could happen if you deleted the Facebook app from your phone, even for a few hours? The answer: Nothing! Delete ALL non-essential apps from your phone or tablet. Believe it or not, you might just forget to reload them later.
- Start with why. Are you using your phone as a security blanket? Instead of ignoring feelings of loneliness, frustration, or anxiety, put down your device and choose to be present in the moment (even for just a little while).
- Check out a good book. It’s our job to provide excellent readers’ advisory to you! Need to unplug and haven’t read or listened to a good book in a long time? Let us help you! (Or, as library folks reading this, follow your heart on this one—to what kind of media do you want to devote your time?)
Need a plan to reduce your screen time? Can’t stop checking your phone every five minutes? Join Kim Kiiskinen and Cole Zrostlik at the River Falls Public Library on Tuesday, January 8, at 6:30 pm for a one-hour digital detox crash course.
Recommended resources:
Find Out What Google and Facebook Know About You
The Data Detox Kit: An 8 Day Data Detox
Tactical Tech
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2018 Best of Lists
As 2018 winds down, the best of, worst of, and year-in-review lists are being published and the awards nominees/finalists are being announced. Plus the looking ahead to 2019 lists are appearing as well. These lists may create patron demand and could be a great resource for spending any remaining materials monies.
Check out Booklist 2018 Editors’ Choice Top of the List accompanied by lists of the year’s outstanding books and media for public library collections including Adult Books, Audio for Adult, Adult Books for Young Adults, Books for Youth, and Audio for Youth. Also, you can keep track of a variety of book award announcements at Booklist Reader Book Awards page. In October, it featured the 2019 Andrew Carnegie Medals Shortlist announcement.
Library Journal posted their Best Books 2018 as slide shows at the end of November and their best of audio & DVDs are coming in January 2019.
And as you are considering DVD selections & displays, check out the SAG (Screen Actors Guild) Award nominees as well as the Golden Globe nominees. And the Oscar nominations will be announced on January 22, 2019.
To find a wide variety of lists all in one place, look to Book Pulse, a daily newsletter from Library Journal written by Neal Wyatt. In the last few days, her featured links have included many best of and watch for lists. For example, here’s a snip from the Book Pulse 12/11/18 daily newsletter:
And on December 12, the column featured lists looking ahead to 2019 from Esquire and Book Riot:
For more upcoming titles, check out the Goodreads 2019 Release book lists.
Even if you have spent all your 2018 materials budget, consider using these lists as you plan to fill gaps in your library’s collection with your 2019 purchasing. Beyond selection, use these lists to have fun with displays. Would your patrons like to guess what books made the best and worst lists? Or place their own vote for award nominees? Market your collection and your interlibrary loan service with a display of lists and how they can obtain any of those titles.
Finally, enjoy the end of your 2018 by celebrating all the great materials you purchased for your patrons this year. Happy reading, watching, and listening!
Maureen Welch, IFLS Reference & ILL Coordinator
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Inclusive Services Tool—Feedback accepted till December 31!
Participants in the inaugural 2018 Inclusive Services Institute developed this self-assessment tool and guide so that libraries are better able to evaluate the inclusivity of their spaces, programming, services, and administrative operations. This resource was designed to be used by individuals and groups as an ongoing reflection tool. The checklist and supporting resources are meant to help libraries evaluate current services as well as plan for the future. The checklist is organized by areas of library service identified in the Wisconsin Public Library Standards.
The beta version of the tool is available at the “Inclusive Services” section at this link: https://dpi.wi.gov/pld/yss
This initial version, the first of its kind, was designed to have a period of response from the public library professional community. Input on every aspect of the document is welcome through December 31, 2018 and can be shared by individuals using this Google Form.
Leah Langby, Library Development and Youth Services Coordinator
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WLA Conference Reflections:
This is an excerpt from some reflections on the WLA Conference from Kevin Harris (LEPMPL), one of the IFLS Scholarship Recipients for the Wisconsin Library Association Conference.
It's no secret that libraries love their communities, but it's also true that some communities are better served by their library than others. I attended a few sessions at the WLA 2018 Annual Conference shared case studies suggesting how libraries could better support underserved groups. Meeting people where they are was a core idea that I hope to apply more. Instead of brainstorming ideas ourselves, each session emphasized working with both the target people and organizations already serving them to identify and realize opportunities. Both found success by providing services at already popular sites. Flexibility in expectations and approaches was also paramount to success. Meeting people where they are is something we do every day as we interact with the public.
These sessions were a great reminder that the same approach can be used to make our libraries more inclusive and better support our communities.
Leah Langby, Library Development and Youth Services Coordinator
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Upcoming Events
You are able to register for upcoming workshops and webinars by clicking on event. Information on continuing education opportunities is also available on the IFLS Website.
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