Digital Lites Blog
Communicate with School Librarians & Teachers
School librarians, teachers, and public librarians are all BUSY. How can we communicate and work with each other while respecting each other’s time? I have collected a few notes from two school librarians and have them listed below. Do you have suggestions or tips? Am...
Electronic Databases Worth Knowing
Computers in Libraries, v.37 iss. 5, June 2017 Twenty Critical, Authoritative, and FREE Electronic Databases by Jeffrey Meyer Online searching provides opportunities and challenges. How reliable is an online source? Where can I find authoritative information amid the...
WPLC Annual Meeting Update
The WPLC Annual Meeting was held on May 2nd at the WAPL conference. Minutes from meeting and WPLC Board meeting which followed. Wonderful visual slide show. Charts, graphs, definitions, and more. Major discussion topics breakdown: Digital Library Cards Should WPLC...
WAPL Conference Recap: Show Me the Money
WVLS staff who attended the WAPL Conference in Pewaukee on May 2-4 will highlight conference recaps. Session Title and Description: Show Me the Money! The funding of public libraries in Wisconsin is generally derived from various sources. This program will feature a...
WAPL Conference Recap: Everybody Does Security
WVLS staff who attended the WAPL Conference in Pewaukee on May 2-4 will highlight conference recaps. Session Title and Description: From upset customers, to rowdy teens, to downright dangerous individuals, how confident are you in your ability to handle tough...
Keeping Libraries and Staff Members Safe
Dealing with Substance-Abusing Patrons in the Library: From Meth to Marijuana, Opiates to Alcohol (webinar) Thursday, June 7; 10 am Presented by: Dr. Steve Albrecht 1 CE Credit Patrons who visit your library under the influence of drugs or alcohol (or worse, both) can...
Calling Authors of All Ages
Have you looked into the Wisconsin Author Project? Interested in serving on the committee to select the winner? Read on! Wisconsin libraries are helping local authors get the recognition they deserve for writing great books. This year's contest kicks off on April 1,...
C is For Collaboration
The AASL/ALSC/YALSA Interdivisional Committee on School/Public Library Cooperation (SPLC) is pleased to announce the publication of the Public Library & School Library Collaboration Toolkit. This toolkit is the result of a three-year collaborative effort with...
Creating Teen Spaces in Your Library
You can create a teen space with the resources you have out of a single book shelf, wall, row, or entire room! All libraries, big and tiniest of tiny, need a teen space of some kind. Let’s face it. There are too many options for and demands on a teenager’s time....
Feeling Innovative?
The Wisconsin Valley Library Service (WVLS) is offering a competitive grant to a member library to develop and implement a service for their community that is both innovative and collaborative. The relevant aspects of the grant and, ultimately, of the new service...
Monday Mentions Coming April 16
Do you receive more emails than you can keep up with? Starting Monday, April 16, we launch "Monday Mentions." One email, sent on Monday afternoon, with concise information of things you might want to know about in the upcoming week. There is a lot of information out...
New Tools Available for “Talk Sing Read Play”
Talk, Read, Sing and Play with children every day. Each of these activities plays an important part in early brain development. The U.S. Department of Education states: “However, many families lack access to the types of resources that can help them make the most of...
History, Content and More About Manga
At my library, comics are a super-popular component of the YA section, accounting for the majority of circulation, and manga are a very popular type of comics. Manga fans are very dedicated and will often get huge stacks of comics to read out all at once. If you...
Jason Reynolds calls School Libraries ‘Places of Recognition for Young People’
Now Available! A downloadable video PSA from Jason on the impact of school libraries and librarians. School library month resources including four weeks of programming ideas and activities. “…school libraries for many, many students are places of refuge. The school...
STEAM Workshop Postponed to April 24
Ohhhh, you pesky Wisconsin weather. Due to inclement weather for Tuesday, April 3, the STEAM in Youth Services Workshop is postponed until Tuesday, April 24. The times and activities remain the same. We apologize for the inconvenience. Our top priority is keeping...
The Great American Read: Grant Opportunities from ALA & PBS
A grant opportunity for public libraries is now available from ALA and PBS. Applications are due by April 17, and up to 50 libraries will be selected. Apply now for a cash grant and resources to support library programming around "The Great American Read," the...
Merchandising Webinar on April 26
Show It Off: The Power of Merchandising (webinar) Thursday, April 26; 1 pm Presented by: Rebecca Budinger-Mulhearn, Director Avon Free Library; Avon, NY 1 CE Credit Looking to increase your library’s circulation and highlight your collection? Take your displays from...
Creative Aging Toolkit for Public Libraries
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...
WLA & ARSL Conference Scholarships Available
WVLS just announced scholarship opportunities to attend a WLA-sponsored conference (WAPL or WLA) or the ARSL Conference. Both deadlines are in April. In 2018, the Wisconsin Valley Library Service will offer three scholarships for WVLS member library support staff, or...
National Library Week Coming Soon
Thank your partners, spread the good word about libraries, have fun and inclusive activities, and use your social media and local news resources. First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association...