Mar 8
This week “Dear Appropriator” letters have started to circulate in the House, asking Representatives to preserve at least $210 million in federal library funding. One letter asks members of the House Appropriations Committee to fully fund the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and the second does the same for the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program. Read more
Mar 6
Each year since 2011, ELI has surveyed those involved with teaching and learning in higher education to take the pulse of the group about what’s most exciting, pressing, consequential, and relevant. Looking at the ELI Key Issues over time shows which areas hold our attention and time year after year, and it shines a spotlight on issues that rise sharply on the list or fall down the ranking.
In January, they released an easy-to-read summary of the top seven issues that they identified in higher ed teaching and learning. We found the summary to be concise (two pages) and insightful. It’s definitely worth a read!
Mar 1
At February’s Membership Meeting, many of our members reported that they were removing barriers to their libraries by reducing or eliminating fines. WiLS wonders, are you reconsidering your approach to overdue materials? If so, what are you thinking about or doing? Tell us and read what others have said here!
Mar 1
Do you want to ensure that your library’s collections are Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive – and Well-Read? Do you want to become a more culturally literate librarian and a more effective advocate for your community? Read more
Mar 1
Indianhead Federated Library System (IFLS) has two workshops coming up–offered twice in different locations. All are welcome! Please register by March 30. Read more
Feb 24
WiLS vendor-partner SAGE is excited to offer a new product: Data-Planet.
Data-Planet, now part of the SAGE suite of statistical databases, is the largest single repository of harmonized and structured statistical data available to libraries. With this dynamic tool, users can scan and search the contents of billions of datasets, compare and contrast variables of interest, and create customized views in tables, maps, rankings, and charts. These vast amounts of data are easy to find through a single point of access and easy to analyze with robust search, visualization and analysis tools. Read more
Feb 23
WiLS vendor partner, Infobase is offering free trial access to a variety of products. Give them a try today and see how they’d fit into your collection!
Bloom’s
www.infobase.com/m1268a
Issues & Controversies
www.infobase.com/m1266a
Today’s Science
www.infobase.com/m1269a
Discount pricing is available for any of these resources! Just contact Jeff Brunner ().
Feb 19
Last week, the White House released its budget proposal for FY2019 with a proposed significant cut to federal library funding. The administration’s budget proposal eliminates the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and eliminates the $27 million Innovative Approaches to Literacy program administered by the Department of Education. Read more
Feb 19
In January, SPARC released the OER State Policy Playbook, a new resource to support state-level advocacy in the U.S. The Playbook provides policy recommendations for state legislators interested in tackling college affordability through Open Educational Resources (OER).
As academic libraries increasingly become the go-to OER experts on campus, librarians are well positioned to provide state lawmakers, government relations offices, and administrators with recommendations on OER state policy. This resource is intended to be given directly to legislators, state policy leaders, and university government relations officers. The recommendations can act as a framework for someone new to OER or be used to update legislation that has been filed in previous sessions. The Playbook also includes tips and other language to consider when writing OER policy.
We think this would be a great resource for anyone advocating for the state-wide adoption of OER (COW, we’re looking in your direction) or people going to Library Legislative Day this week. It’s short, succinct and full of great suggestions. Have a look today!
Feb 16
One of our greatest joys at WiLS is hearing our members tell the stories of the big and important work they are doing – interesting new projects or initiatives, or even interesting and new approaches to old projects. And, in addition to hearing about it, it makes us even happier when we can share those stories with other members. Each month, WiLS is proud to feature an interview with one of our library members. This month, we interview Paul Waelchli, Director of Andersen Library at UW-Whitewater and WiLS Board member!
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