Inclusive Services
What does it mean to be Inclusive?
Wisconsin public libraries are places where everyone should be safe, welcomed, and respected in experiences such as
(but not limited to):
- Arrival at the building (transportation, physical accessibility, signage, hours of service, greetings by library staff)
- Intersections with library policies (getting a library card, using a computer, paying a fine)
- Perusal, use, and request of library materials (navigating the aisles, accessing Wi-Fi, individual privacy, diversity
of collection)
Continue Reading this Statement from the Division of Libraries and Technology (May 25, 2017).
Inclusive Services Updates
Inclusive Services Assessment Guide
The Inclusive Services Assessment and Guide for Wisconsin Public Libraries was produced by the Public Library Development Team.
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.
A-Z Resources
- Diversity
- Diversify Me! 2017 WLA presentation
- Wisconsin First Nations
- This website provides authentic and accurate PK-12 resources that address
current academic standards and enhance your students understanding of
Wisconsin Native cultures and communities.
- This website provides authentic and accurate PK-12 resources that address
- Rural, Native, and Tribal Libraries of All Kinds
- Dyslexia: Guidelines for Library Services to Patrons with Dyslexia
- Events: Mental Health Matters
- Family Services Resources
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender People
- Incarcerated People and Ex-Offenders
- Older Adults
- The Wisconsin Senior Guide
- People with Disabilities
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Accessibility of Library Spaces and Services (WI DPI) Webinar
- Library Accessibility: What You Need To Know – ASCLA
- Best Practices for Serving Special Populations (WI DPI/DLT)
- Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
- Wisconsin Educational Services Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (WESP-DHH)
- Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL)
- Families with Young Children Experiencing or At Risk of Homelessness
- Free Lunch at the Library – Catherine Saint Louis, New York Times
- Libraries Support Students Experiencing Homelessness – WI Libraries for Everyone
- Outreach Services for Services to Poor and Homeless People – ALA
Highlighted Resources
Resources for the Blind
The Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library provides books and magazines in two formats: braille and audio recorded books. The library also lends audio-described DVDs and equipment.
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) also serve the blind, as well as those with impaired vision, physical limitations, and reading disabilities.
Trusted Health Resources
The National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM) and The American Library Association (ALA) have partnered through the Libraries Transform public awareness campaign to create a free toolkit to help library professionals raise awareness of how libraries provide trusted health information to their communities.
Dementia Resources
According to the Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services (DHS), Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are already straining Wisconsin’s long-term care system, and the number of people affected is expected to increase dramatically as the baby boom generation ages. DHS estimates that in 2015 there were 115,000 Wisconsin residents with dementia. Read more…
Programming for Aging Populations
The Creative Aging Toolkit for Public Libraries is a free, online resource for librarians. It offers access to information about aging and libraries, creative aging research, and best practices in the field. The toolkit contains insights, tips, tools and templates to be used when planning, implementing and sustaining successful programs.
Library Accessibility Toolkits
The American Library Association’s Division of Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) has made available 16 Library Accessibility Toolkits to help better serve patrons. These toolkits were developed to help library professionals understand the challenges and opportunities presented by issues of equitable access for library users. Issues include
- users with mental health issues
- users with learning and/or attention issues
- users with developmental disabilities
- users with sensory disabilities
- users with service animals
- users who need assistive technology and
- users with physical disabilities.
Public Library and School Library Collaboration Toolkit
The Public Library and School Library Collaboration Toolkit is itself an example of collaborative planning and effort. The Interdivisional Committee on School/Public Library Cooperation (SPLC) worked for three years to create a resource useful for all librarians and library staff working with children, students, and teens.
Download a PDF of the Public Library and School Library Collaboration Toolkit.
Wisconsin Valley Library Service
300 N 1st Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-7250