WAPL Conference 2009
Conference Program

Wednesday May 6

4 – 6 p.m. WAPL Board Meeting
5 – 8 p.m. Registration
7 – 10 p.m. Cocktail dessert reception

Thursday, May 7

7:30 - 9 a.m. Glacier Canyon Breakfast Buffet
7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Registration

9 – 10 a.m. Keynote Address, Emily Sheketoff - Executive Director of the ALA office in Washington, DC.

10 – 10:30 a.m. Break

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m First Concurrent Sessions

SOS! My patron has a legal question
 Amy Witt Crowder, Wisconsin State Law Library
Carol Hassler, Wisconsin State Law Library

Do you struggle with legal questions at your reference desk?   Wisconsin State Law Library staff will provide a basic overview of the legal resources available on their newly redesigned website, as well as practical advice on how to handle legal information requests.  Participants are encouraged to bring legal questions from their own reference desks for Q&A.

SPONSOR: AWSL

Notable Genre Book Discussion
 Desiree Bongers
Vicki Lenz
Rhonda Puntney
Cecilia Wiltzius

Panelists will discuss award winners and other great titles in a variety of categories, including Vampire Fiction, Wisconsin and Upper Peninsula Authors, Historical Fiction, and Memoirs.

SPONSOR: READ

WISCAT Update
Vickie Long, Reference and Loan Library

WISCAT empowers libraries…  In this session we explore statewide resource sharing, patron-initiated requesting, customizable Splash Page, federating searching the BadgerLink databases, K12 reading-level searching, building your own bibliographies, and more. For current WISCAT libraries and anyone interested in learning more about this invaluable tool for libraries.  For current WISCAT libraries and anyone interested in learning more about this great value. Come see new and improved features demonstrated.  …and don’t forget your questions and comments!

SPONSOR: DLTCL

Casting @ OWLS
Beth Carpenter, OWLS

In 2008, OWLS was awarded an LSTA grant to purchase equipment and software to enable the system and its member libraries to create podcasts, screencasts, and vodcasts. Come and learn about ‘casting, what worked & what didn’t in the grant plan, view some of the resulting projects, and take a look at the equipment that was purchased.

SPONSOR: MATS

Tweaking the Tween Scene
Penny Johnson, Baraboo Public Library

Your preschool programs enjoy high attendance.  Your teen advisory board is going strong.  But what about your "tween" patrons?   Could you use some inspiration on how to program for 8-to-12  years olds?  Or do you have some successes to share with others?  This will be a "swap session" where you can gather and share practical ideas that will help you tweak your library's tween scene.

SPONSOR: YSS

Old Farm: A history featuring author Jerry Apps

One of the Midwest’s best-loved authors tells the story of his land, from the last great glacier that dug out its valleys and formed its hills, to his own family’s forty-year relationship with the beloved farm they call Roshara. Author Jerry Apps recounts the family’s efforts to restore an old granary into a living space, develop a productive vegetable garden, manage the woodlots, reestablish a prairie, and enjoy nature’s sounds and silences.

SPONSOR: WAPL

Spring Bird migration in Wisconsin
John Bates, author

John Bates is an author of seven books on nature and the change of seasons in Wisconsin. John has a guides service where he escorts individuals and groups on canoe trips and other nature related excursions. He is a frequent speaker at libraries, service clubs, Trees for Tomororw and other locations in the North Woods.

SPONSOR: WLFT

What’s New under the Dome?
Rick Grobschmidt, Assistant State Superintendent, DLTCL
Paul E. Nelson, Retired Director, Middleton Public Library, WLA Library Development & Legislation Committee Chair (LD&L)

Take this opportunity to be briefed on Wisconsin legislation and its impact on the WLA legislative agenda.  Speakers will provide an update on the state’s 2009-2011 biennial budget.

SPONSOR: DLTCL

12 noon – 1:30 p.m. Luncheon & Program:

Wisconsin: A story of restoration and renewal
Lisa Kivirist, author
John Ivanko, author

SInce arriving in WIsconsin over a decade ago, authors Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko have shared Wisconsin's stories of restoration, renewal, and revitalization. Living their story, the couple launched their own enterprise, Inn Serendipity, completely powered by the wind and sun. Whether serving as lead writers for Renewing the Countryside: WISCONSIN or capturing the transformative changes underway in their acclaimed books Rural Renaissance and ECOpreneuring, this duo will reveal how WIsconsin is at the forefront of our nation's emerging restoration ECOnomy.

SPONSOR: WAPL

2 – 3 p.m. Second Concurrent Sessions

 Read ‘Em Their Writes
Gary Warren Niebuhr, Greendale Public Library

A PowerPoint program for anyone interested in learning book discussion leadership skills based on the techniques covered in Gary’s book, Read ‘Em Their Writes. Books for sale and signing.

SPONSOR: READ

KIDS!@your library Campaign
 Rhonda Puntney, 2008-09 Chair of the ALSC Public Awareness Committee

KIDS! @ your library® is a public awareness initiatitve of the Association for Library service to Children, a division of the American Library Association.  Started in 2005, the KIDS! Campaign is a comprehensive set of free online materials that will enhance the visibility of public libraries of all sizes.  Learn what the toolkit contains, see examples of how the material has been used, and become inspired to use the campaign materials at your own library.

SPONSOR: WAPL

BadgerLink: Moving into the Second Decade
Lisa Reale, Reference and Loan Library

The BadgerLink program is a dynamic part of the information services that libraries provide to our communities.  Since July 1998, BadgerLink resources have been available through http://www.badgerlink.net and through links on library web pages. The program continues to evolve as administered by the Reference and Loan Library.  Join us for a discussion of the recent changes, tool and tips, and new features as we move into our second decade.   …and don’t forget your questions!

SPONSOR: DLTCL

Wisconsin information network for school success – WINSS Database
Steve Sanders, DPI

WINSS is a "school report card" and much more. It is a valuable information resource for educators, parents, and the general public and assists school communities in educating the hearts and minds of all Wisconsin children. WINSS provides information on what children should know and be able to do as well as how students are doing in these areas. Also included are processes for improving the educational community and descriptions of best practices for improvement.

SPONSOR: GIRT

Googlicious
Beth Carpenter, OWLS
Stef Morrill, SCLS

Remember when Google was just a search engine?   Times have changed, and Google has a plethora of services that are helpful for all public libraries.  Beth & Stef will present introductions to various Google services, along with tips and tricks for using them.  Audience members will be encouraged to share their favorite Googlicious tips, too!

SPONSOR: MATS

Gone to Soldiers: Research your Civil War ancestor
 Dee Grimsrud, Wisconsin Historical Society

Dee Grimsrud, Archivist and genealogist at the Wisconsin Historical Society, will provide insights and information on Civil War resources and repositories. She will focus on resources at WHS and researching soldiers with a Wisconsin connection, either those who served in a Wisconsin regiment or those who served for another state and later lived in Wisconsin. But she will also give hints for tracking CW soldiers in other states and describe basic records in the National Archives collections. Both online and “off-line” resources will be covered, with handouts provided.  Your library users with be impressed at how quickly you can find information for them or teach them how to search themselves.  Civil War genealogy research in no longer a mystery!

SPONSOR: WIGHLR

It’s just walking 2176 miles, or 5,000,000 footsteps on the Appalachian Trail
Vicki Reuling

Vicki Reuling is a WVLS Board Member who will speak on her 2008 solo hike of the entire Appalachian Trail. At 57, she is the oldest known woman to accomplish this feat.

SPONSOR: WLTF

3 – 3:15 p.m. Break

3:15 – 4:30 p.m. Third Concurrent Sessions

Developing Online Local History Resources for your Library
Sharon Schwartz, Digital Librarian, Oshkosh Public Library

Public librarians will discuss ways for your library to develop and promote online local history resources.  There are low-cost opportunities for your library to create new resources and enhance traffic on your web site.  Ideas include a wikki, blog and digital photo gallery, which was funded by LSTA 2008 grant.  Your area historical society might be a source of volunteer support.

SPONSOR: WIGLHR

 Locked in the Library:  Late Night & All-Night Programs for Kids and Teens
Stacey Burkart , Verona Public Library
Tiffany Thiede, Verona Public Library
Lisa Wegner, Waunakee Public Library

This entertaining program will get you from thinking “What? Are you crazy?” to “Wow! That sounds like fun!” Two libraries share their successful experiences hosting sleep-overs and lock-ins for kids and teens and offer practical advice on planning an unforgettable event for your teens, or young patrons and their families.

SPONSOR: WISLR

Video Online 2.0, What We’ve Done, Why Not You?
Gerard Saylor, L.D. Fargo Public Library

Sick of hearing about Library 2.0?  Why not just join the bandwagon?  LD Fargo Library staff started recording and posting online video content in May, 2008 with a focus on promoting new Library materials and book reviews.  Response has been positive and staff time has been minimal.

But, why do it?  Is your effort rewarded? Are you making local contacts and increasing interest?  What should your library focus on?  What rules should you impose and follow? 

SPONSOR: WAPL

Evaluating your Library Director
Krista Ross, Southwest Wisconsin Library System

Ross will explain why evaluate the director, who should carry out the review, when it should be done, and the basis for the review.

SPONSOR: WLTF

In service to Wisconsin: The Reference and Loan Library
Martha Farley Berninger, Reference and Loan Library
David J. Sleasman, Reference and Loan Library
Lita Haddal, Child Care Information Center

Reference and Loan Library (RLL) provides valuable resources to Wisconsin’s libraries including BadgerLink, Wisconsin documents and digital archives, virtual reference, resource sharing through WISCAT, and Child Care Information Center. Come learn about these evolving programs. Each will help empower library staff and community. RLL staff--the Interlibrary Loan and Resource Sharing Team within the Department of Public Instruction--engage in planning, coordination, and services to assure that residents have equitable access to information through libraries.

SPONSOR: DLTCL

Storytime Swap
 Ellen Jepson, Appleton Public Library
Kristie Wilson, Shawano City-County Library
Debbie Olguin, Franklin Public Library

Tired of the same old storytime ideas?  Looking for fresh ideas? Join the Storytime Swap co-presented by: Appleton Public Library, Shawano City-County Library, and Franklin Public Library.  In this informal session, browse tables full of great ideas and talk with their creators behind the fun activities!  Better yet, bring your own ideas to swap (and 50 copies of your activity).  Gain new ideas and mingle with others in children’s librarianship!

SPONSOR: YSS

Gates Foundation’s PC Grant Program:  Online Opportunity

Bob Bocher and John DeBacher will review the process of obtaining PCs via the foundation’s Online Opportunity hardware grant program.  This program is for libraries that have already been selected to apply for the grants.  Staffs of library systems assisting in implementation of the grant program for their member libraries are also invited.

Bob Bocher, DPI
John DeBacher, DPI

4:45 – 6 p.m. Business Meetings: OSRT, READ, WISLR, WLTF, YSS

Dinner on your own – enjoy the wonderful restaurants in the Wisconsin Dells.

Friday, May 8

7:30 – 9 a.m. Deluxe Continental Breakfast with Bagel Bar
7:30 – 10 a.m. Registration

9 – 10:15 a.m. First Concurrent Sessions

Space needs for Public Libraries in the 21st Century
Anders Dahlgren, President, Library Planning Associates

It has been 10 years since the Wisconsin Public Library Development Team updated its publication entitled "Public Library Space Needs: A Planning Outline" written by Anders Dahlgren. A revision of the publication will soon be completed. Anders will review changes to the process to help evaluate a facility or plan as part of a library building program.

SPONSOR: DLTCL

Audio books – Who listens, how to understand, doing Audio book advisory interviews
Jessica E. Moyer, M.S., C.A.S., Doctoral Student, Literacy Education, Coordinator and Teaching Assistant, College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Audiobooks are increasingly popular with library patrons as commute times increase.  Jessica will present an overview of audiobooks in libraries, including the many possible formats, the key differences between listening to a book and reading a book, and major publishers, distributors and narration will be reviewed.  Learn the basics of providing advisory for listeners including one way to get to know your audio collection, "How to Listen to an Audiobook in 15 Minutes."

SPONSOR: READ

 Get Creative with Puppets @ Your Library
Cassie Payne, Hands 2 Grow Puppet Productions LLC
Mickey Miller, Hands 2 Grow Puppet Productions LLC

Children love puppets and so do adults! Discover how you can incorporate puppetry into a variety of settings.  This hands-on workshop will demonstrate easy puppets to build and manipulate for a variety of ages.  The workshop is presented by Hands 2 Grow Puppet Productions, a multi-talented troupe sharing character-building messages with the community.  Bring life to your library in a whole new way!

SPONSOR: YSS

Tracking Down Problem Requests
Bob Shaw, WiLS
Michelle Rosenberg, Winnefox Library System
Martha Berninger, Wisconsin Reference & Loan Library

You can find it even if Sherlock Holmes couldn’t!  At your reference desk or interlibrary loan office, do your patrons sometimes give you requests for material that is hard to find or do they give you problem citations?  Three experts will provide tips and resources that they have utilized over the years in tracking down these difficult requests.  They will also provide advice on how to get these items in the most timely and cost effective manner.

SPONSOR:  RSRT

Opening the window onto the world for young readers
John Ivanko, author

In these times of change, global awareness based on understanding, respecting and celebrating diversity is essential to successfully sharing our common home, Earth. Since 1996, the Global Fund for Children (GFFC) has created books and resource guides for young readers that help expand their appreciation of the multicultural world in which they live; sales of these books support the grant-making work of GFFC. For example, Ser Vecinos, the Spanish version of GFFC Books' award-winning book Be My Neighbor that includes words of wisdom by Fred Rogers, celebrates the many different ways children live in a community with others. Kirkus Review described it as "a visually enticing tribute to diversity and the number of bonds that unite us in a common humanity". In 2008 alone, the GFFC has disbursed 541 grants worth $3.16 million to grassroots children's programs around the world. Join co-author John Ivanko as he shares how libraries can showcase cultural diversity and build bridges to far away places based on his work with GFFC.

SPONSOR: WAPL

Fuelish thoughts: Lessons learned from the lowly gas station
Jim Draeger, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, Wisconsin Historical Society

Wonder why anyone would be interested in commonplace, ordinary gas stations? You will be surprised by what Jim Draeger, author of “Fill ‘er Up: The Glory Days of Wisconsin Gas Stations” has to say about the history of gas stations and what their architecture and evolution has to say about us. Unlock the meaning of old gas stations and see examples that have been preserved and adapted to new uses.

SPONSOR: WAPL

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
John Debacher
Krista Ross
James Backus

This is a program for Trustees, Friends and LIbrarians to help them prepare and conduct a productive and organized meeting. This program is set to help the board members avoid the pitalls and common mistakes that crop up at meetings. It will also give you tips on how to handles some bad situations.

SPONSOR: WLTF

10:15 – 10:30 Break

10:30 – 11:45 Second Concurrent Sessions

What I wish I knew about Librarianship: A discussion
John DeBacher, DPI
Jim Trojanowski, Northern Waters Library System
Matt Rosendahl, Milltown Public Library
Cheri Sanderson, Boulder Junction, WI

Every seasoned librarian has advice to share with people coming into the profession.  As we mature professionally in librarianship, there are things we wish we had known early in our careers.  Come join this discussion for tips and thoughtful advice on what to expect while you are in the field, and how to start, or maintain, a successful library career.

SPONSOR: NMRT

Enhancing your library’s teen services: a community effort
Linda Bendix, Frank L. Weyenberg Library
Suzanne Zellmann, Mequon/Thiensville School District
Jen Gerber, Frank L. Weyenberg Library

Identify the need for enhancing teen services through statistical information and community need, the process of creating a teen space, and obtaining financial contributions from the Library’s Board and community donors.  Examine how schools can contribute and enrich the services of the public library in ways that are beneficial for teens; and discuss how to effectively implement an active Teen Advisory Board, enrich teen services through collection development, and create successful programming and events. 

SPONSOR: WAPL

Library Services for Older Adults:  Mind The Gap
Nancy Fletcher, Waukesha County Federated Library System

Mind the Gap? What gap! Older adults have a wide range of interests, abilities, and charm.  Library services for this group vary from programs on new technology to providing home delivery. Ageism, planning, marketing, adaptive equipment, and the library environment will be discussed.  We will also talk about Wii gaming for older adults and taking Wii “on the road” to promote libraries

SPONSOR: OSRT

EXCELlent!!!: Top Five Lists of Ways to Create Great Youth Services at Your Library
Paul Nelson, retired, Middleton Public Library
Kris Adams Wendt, retired, Rhinelander District Library
Mary Dunn, Tomahawk Public Library
Kelly Krieg-Sigman, La Crosse Public Library

How do you create and support EXCELlent youth services at your library?  Is it money, personalities; funding genius; outreach; collaboration or all and/or none of the above? Does it happen overnight by magic or is there a secret that can be unveiled that shows how to build and encourage that excellence?  Join us at this energy-filled program as a panel of current and former directors share their “Top Five” list of to-do’s that encourage outstanding youth services in their libraries.

SPONSORS: YSS and WAPL

Tales from the front: Customer service at the Reference Desk
Catherine Hansen, UW-Milwaukee

You'll laugh, you'll cry when you hear these tales of staff and patron interactions. Drawn from papers submitted to the online class "Introduction to Reference Services adn Resources" you'll hear real life examples of reference transactions (face2face and online) that follow RUSA guidelines, and those that go terribly wrong.

SPONSOR: WISLR

12:00 – 1:45 p.m. Luncheon & Program: The Flavor of Wisconsin: History and Culture through recipes, Terese Allen

To understand our past, we’ve got to “follow the food.” That’s particularly true in Wisconsin, whose culinary traditions reflect the richness of an ethnically and agriculturally diverse region. Author Terese Allen shares the stories behind--and recipes for--such varied foodways as cream puffs, Hmong egg rolls and the Friday night fish fry. From Ojibwe wild rice to arugula pesto, she tracks the amazing cornucopia of what Wisconsinites have gathered, grown, produced, cooked, and eaten.

SPONSOR: WAPL