WiLS

Feb 19

SPARC Releases OER State Policy Playbook

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

WiLS February 2018 Member Interview: Paul Waelchli, UW-Whitewater

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!

WiLS February 2018 Vendor Partner Interview: Matt Buser, Bloomsbury Digital Resources

At WiLS, we want to bring valuable information to our library partners, including information about the missions and big ideas of the vendors they may already do business with. Each month, WiLS interviews a vendor partner in order to bridge the gap and open the door to valuable collaborations. This month, we are delighted to share insights from Matt Buser, Account Manager for Bloomsbury Digital Resources

WiLS 2017 Annual Report

We are happy to share our 2017 Annual Report! Read all about what we’ve been up to in the last year, a bit of a retrospective on how each of WiLS’ four core service areas has evolved since our 2013 reorganization, and what the next year holds for us. Read more

Feb 13

Thank You for Attending the WiLS 2018 Membership Meeting

Thanks to those who attended the WiLS 2018 Membership Meeting on Tuesday, February 13th and a heartfelt thank you to our inspiring and thought-provoking speakers:

Jessica MacPhail, Director, Racine Public Library
Lisa Viezbicke, Director, Beloit College Library
Tasha Saecker, Assistant Director, Appleton Public Library
Raina Bloom, Public Services Librarian, College Library, UW-Madison

For our members who missed the webinar today or would like to revisit the material, you can watch the recording or just view the slides. If you would like to see how people responded to our prompts about barriers and overcoming them, you can see those as well:

If you have any questions or feedback about the meeting, let us know at .

Feb 6

WiLSWorld Shorts: Building Curiosity, Confidence, and Community Through Making

The first of the 2018 WiLSWorld Shorts, Building Curiosity, Confidence, and Community Through Making was held on Friday, was held on March 9th, 1:00 pm. Thank you if you were able to attend! If you weren’t, you can find the recording of the webinar here or view the slides here! Read more

Feb 6

SSCS Conference – Call for Proposals

Planning for the 2018 WLA Support Staff and Circulation Services (SSCS) One-Day Professional Development Conference is in full swing! The conference will be held Thursday, May 24th, 2018 on the picturesque campus of UW-Baraboo.

The conference planning committee is now accepting proposals and recommendations for presentations, panels and workshops. Suggested topics include but are not limited to: technology, managing difficult patrons, training student workers, bringing the library outside, community partnerships, bridging the generational divide, stress reducers, etc. What is it that makes your library shine? Successful presentations should be approximately 45 minutes, include 10-15 minutes of question and answer, showcase effective and innovative practices, and be applicable to many types of libraries.

Presenters should fill out the online registration form by Friday, April 6th, 2018. Presenters will be notified of acceptance by April 13th at the latest.

Feb 2

Two Great Open Ed Announcements in One Post!

First, did you know that there is a Special Interest Group in WLA called COW?

It’s the Community for Open Wisconsin, and, I am their WLA Board liaison! COW is a very new group and is hoping for more members from across the Wisconsin Library spectrum. If you want to learn more about COW and their goals for a more open Wisconsin, please contact Bob Butterfield of UW-Stout ().

Second, as the COW liaison, Kris Turner () is excited to invite you, on COW’s behalf, to attend the upcoming “E”ffordability Summit from March 26-27 at UW-Stout.

More information about the Summit can be found on their website: https://effordabilitysummit2018.jimdo.com/.

This Summit is a great opportunity to learn more about collaboration, sharing and creativity, all in the name of helping out our student patrons. And guess what: there is no cost to register!

Jan 29

WiLSWorld 2018 Keynote: Sarah T. Roberts

WiLS is thrilled to announce WiLSWorld 2018’s keynote speaker, Sarah T. Roberts! The WiLSWorld Conference will be held on Tuesday, July 24th followed by a day of hands-on workshops on Wednesday the 25th, both at the Pyle Center in Madison. We hope you’ll join us! Read more

Jan 25

Urgent Action Needed: Common School Funds in Jeopardy

Common School Funds, used to purchase library books and other instructional materials, are in jeopardy. Two bills – Senate Bill 713 and its companion bill Assembly Bill 857 – were introduced on Monday that would end the Common School Fund as we know it.

What can you do?