Advocacy

Campaign for Wisconsin Libraries is an ongoing, statewide effort that provides a collective voice for Wisconsin libraries of all types to promote a better understanding of how libraies contribute to the state's economic growth, education and lifelong learning, and the quality of life in Wisconsin.

Libraries Stack Up is a report comparing libraries to similar services in the U.S. Did you know that more people go libraries than all the professional and college basketball, football, baseball, and hockey games combined? This is worthwhile reading!

Library facts and statistics highlight the important role U.S. Libraries currently play.

Federal Advocacy Resources focuses on current federal issues that impact libraries and training webinars on advocacy for libraries.

Public Library Economic Impact Study A brochure of the social and economic benefits of Wisconsin Public Libraries from an economic impact research report produced by NorthStar Economics. For more information visit WisconsinLibraries.org.

Library Investment Calculator This economic indicator of NWLS member library services is based on per capita expenditures collected from Wisconsin's 2007 Public Library Statistics, compiled by the State Division for Libraries, Technology and Community Learning (DLTCL).

WLA Legislative Tips for Library Advocates General Tips for Working with Legislators ... In order to become an even stronger voice for Wisconsin libraries.

American Library Association Advocacy Clearinghouse - Numerous advocacy resources including reports, guides, and presentations.

management resources

The Administrative Essentials are in the process of being written and chapters are available in draft format. They will be an important resource for new and experienced directors alike.

Maintenance of Effort (MOE) Wisconsin Statutes 43.15 (4) (c) establishes several requirements that a municipal, county or joint public library must meet to participate in a public library system.

Wisconsin Library Legislation and Funding, Law, Standards, Policies and Planning are resources and links to information on library legislation and funding issues, including the state budget. This page also includes library law, standards, polices and planning.

• Act 150 calculation form and sample letters
• Act 150 and Act 420 formulas

Wisconsin Public Library Policy Resources links to a sample policy manual for small libraries and the policies of more than 20 public libraries across Wisconsin as well as other useful information.

The Wisconsin Public Library Standards are a helpful tool provided by the Department of Public Instruction for planning and evaluating library services including governance and administration (Chapter 3), staffing (Chapter 4), collection and resources (Chapter 5), services (Chapter 6), and access and facilities (Chapter 7).

The Wisconsin Public Library Directory is available in PDF and Excel formats. The PDF version contains a "Directory of Public Libraries and Their Branches" and system/resource library directory information. The Excel file provides a spreadsheet of the public libraries and of the library systems. This Excel file is useful as a merge source for mailing labels or form letters.

The Public Library Development team provides resources for library directors on topics such as LSTA, services, policies, planning, certification, annual reports, budget guidelines, and library technology.

USDA Rural Development Financial programs supporting library development fees (land, plans, construction, remodeling, legal, etc.) equipment, and furniture.

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1. Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) This law requires employers to grant up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave to employees under certain conditions found in the links below. Because the state and federal laws differ, care should be taken to learn about both.

• US Department of Labor This site provides a link to the federal FMLA and related regulations, along with a FAQ and compliance information.
  
• Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Provides basic information on Wisconsin FMLA, including a list of references to help answer questions for employers and employees.
  

2. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes minimum wage, overtime pay and child labor standards. Certain employees may be exempt from the law.

• US Department of Labor A good source for basic information on FLSA.
  

3. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) A portion of the ADA requires employers to provide equal opportunity to persons with disabilities.

• US Department of Justice ADA Home Page An extensive list of resources to help comply with ADA. A "Best Practices Toolkit" is available for state and local governments. The Tool Kit is designed to teach state and local government officials how to identify and fix problems that prevent people with disabilities from gaining equal access to state and local government programs, services, and activities.
  
• Great Lakes ADA and Accessible IT Center The website for the federally funded Disability and Technical Assistance Center serving Wisconsin. Offers a wealth of resources for all aspects of the ADA, including Title I, which covers employment. Staff of the center can also provide assistance via email, US mail and telephone.
  

4. Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development A list of laws administered by DWD. Includes links to brief information on each law.

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professional resources

Agencies and Associations

• American Library Association
• Wisconsin Library Association
• Division for Libraries, Technology and Community Learning: The website of Wisconsin’s state library agency

Electronic News and Discussion Groups

• Wispublib: Statewide public library discussion list
• Northern Waters Library Service discussion list: An email list discussion list available to staff of member libraries
• Northern Waters Library Service Discussion Board: A web discussion platform serving a variety of topics.
• Wisconsin Library Association E-mail List: Available only to members of the Association
• Channel Weekly: The weekly e-newsletter of the Division for Libraries, Technology and Community Learning
• Streams: The bi-monthly e-newsletter of the Northern Waters Library Service
• WebJunction: Find discounts, seek advice, take classes and more at this online library community. Begun with a three year grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

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Wisconsin Public Library Websites are maintained by the Division for Libraries, Technology and Community Learning. Includes public library system websites.