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Below are a wide variety of resources for library directors and trustees regarding frequently asked questions and common issues.
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advocacy
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Attending Library Legislative Day
Connie Meyers gives an introduction to attending Library Legislative Day. Connie discusses what to expect, shares tips, and conducts a mock conversation with a legislator. |
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Library Legislative Day
Find more information on attending Library Legislative Day and advocating on behalf of your library here.
Find more information on attending Library Legislative Day and advocating on behalf of your library here.
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Communicating Core Values
This document provides alternative ways to express the core values of public libraries and includes responses to common questions. Its aim is to equip library staff with clear and consistent messaging that emphasizes the importance of public libraries in their communities. |
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Mental Health Resources
Mental Health Resources for Library Staff
WebJunction provides Staff Training and Support resources such as articles and training materials focus on issues that affect library staff and possible solutions.
WebJunction provides Staff Training and Support resources such as articles and training materials focus on issues that affect library staff and possible solutions.
Mental Health First Aid
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Professional Development
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Nicolet Lending Library
Nicolet has a variety of resources specifically to assist library directors or trustees in their roles. Contact Hannah Good Zima to borrow one of the items. |
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Intellectual freedom resources
Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) Handouts
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Wisconsin Library Association Intellectual Freedom Toolkit
The Intellectual Freedom Committee of the Wisconsin Library Association developed this toolkit as a way for community members, librarians and trustees to gain a deeper understanding of intellectual freedom as it relates to libraries in Wisconsin. The toolkit is intended to provide resources to help libraries and their communities navigate these issues while protecting the rights of individual readers.
The Intellectual Freedom Committee of the Wisconsin Library Association developed this toolkit as a way for community members, librarians and trustees to gain a deeper understanding of intellectual freedom as it relates to libraries in Wisconsin. The toolkit is intended to provide resources to help libraries and their communities navigate these issues while protecting the rights of individual readers.
literacy - Books, Digital and Informational
- Online digital literacy courses, created by PLA in collaboration with AT&T, are freely available to anyone through DigitalLearn.org. The DigitalLearn courses and training materials were developed with and for library staff and their patrons; are available in English and Spanish; and cover basic technology skills such as internet use, video conferencing, cybersecurity, mobile device basics, and ACP basics. More information can be found here.
- Free, short digital literacy courses developed through the INTERFACE project. https://www.wisc-online.com/courses/computerskills
Be MediaWise Tooklit
In collaboration with The American Library Association (ALA) Be MediaWise: The Misinformation Resilience Toolkit for Libraries has launched! This collection of Open Educational Resources will help library workers across the country teach media literacy to audiences of all ages in the communities they serve. The toolkit contains a range of videos, interactive activities and premade slide decks that you can customize to your liking or use right out of the box to bring high quality media literacy education to your library or teaching institution. As we approach election season, we hope you find these resources helpful in educating and empowering your patrons.
In collaboration with The American Library Association (ALA) Be MediaWise: The Misinformation Resilience Toolkit for Libraries has launched! This collection of Open Educational Resources will help library workers across the country teach media literacy to audiences of all ages in the communities they serve. The toolkit contains a range of videos, interactive activities and premade slide decks that you can customize to your liking or use right out of the box to bring high quality media literacy education to your library or teaching institution. As we approach election season, we hope you find these resources helpful in educating and empowering your patrons.
| MediaWise Toolkit Facilitators Guide |
Wisconsin first nations and Tribal Libraries
Collection Development ResourcesFrom the Tribal Libraries Program, New Mexico State Library. Resources to help you find materials as well as how to develop your collections: https://wakelet.com/wake/C0Btt4zVOyZ7MbgK90uk_.
From the Tribal Library, Archives, & Museums (TLAM) course series at UW-Madison, Robin Amado, Katelyn Martens, & Jenny McBurney developed these lists to use for Indigenous book purchasing of K-12 books by age group & made a tiered purchasing plan for libraries & classrooms.
K-12 Wisconsin First Nations booklists by grade level:
https://wisconsinfirstnations.org/tiered-purchasing-plan-supporting-wisconsin-act-31-classroom-library/
Tiered Purchasing Plan for libraries & classrooms in support of Act 31:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IemGoLBVNHIxdMycGI7C_pZUWd1dvNsJe9HZ-uxlA80/edit
Also there is a Facebook Group called “Wisconsin Librarians and Teachers Supporting Act 31” that Robin keeps updated & continues communications in this realm.
American Indians in Children's Literature
Established in 2006 by Dr. Debbie Reese of Nambé Pueblo, American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL) provides critical analysis of Indigenous peoples in children's and young adult books. Dr. Jean Mendoza joined AICL as a co-editor in 2016. AICL provides training materials, tips for teachers and librarians, book recommendations and much more.
Best Books: Are you looking for best books by or about American Indians? First Nations? Native Americans? Indigenous People? AICL provides info to help you find ones selected by Native people (me, and other Native people, including members of the American Indian Library Association)!
And did you know the American Indian Library Association has a book award? See what the book committee has selected for distinction: American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Award
One of the leading lights in Native children's and young adult literature is Muscogee (Creek) writer, Cynthia Leitich Smith. She's a mentor and a writer--and she maintains many resources at her website. Take a look at her page on Native American Authors and Illustrators in Children's and Young Adult Books.
Indigenous Reads Rising
Less than 2 percent of children’s books published in the United States depict characters from Native, First Nations, and Indigenous communities, according to the 2019 statistics compiled by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center at the University of Wisconsin. But the needle is moving. Every year, more stories are published by Native writers and illustrators, reflecting their cultures, Nations, and lived experiences, which is why we created Indigenous Reads Rising—to provide a resource where teachers, librarians, and readers can embrace these books.
While this site was founded with teachers and librarians in mind, every reader is welcome to explore our resources and book lists. Indigenous Reads Rising includes a variety of best practices articles and where to find more books by Native authors and illustrators, as well as extensive book lists organized by age category and topic. We also provide resources for Native writers and illustrators interested in honing their craft and applying for grants and mentorships.
Indigenous Reads Rising is managed by the nonprofit We Need Diverse Books.
From the Tribal Library, Archives, & Museums (TLAM) course series at UW-Madison, Robin Amado, Katelyn Martens, & Jenny McBurney developed these lists to use for Indigenous book purchasing of K-12 books by age group & made a tiered purchasing plan for libraries & classrooms.
K-12 Wisconsin First Nations booklists by grade level:
https://wisconsinfirstnations.org/tiered-purchasing-plan-supporting-wisconsin-act-31-classroom-library/
- Grades K-2 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jaM4_0civqlQFBlyJxLhSWVJ2EAeTHbichmzYUMxZ4o/edit
- Grades 3-5 https://docs.google.com/document/d/11U34a6or18ieCwD1O3Kpx8k5yJmAY5Suwv34zwH9NkM/edit
- Grades 6-8 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a0bM9uG2GkO0qigr78IxTQ9CWUS2ZWw7LF5Bbw0taaI/edit
- Grades 9-12 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TljbimvRIeCIBUwx8cXl69CrLJeCnuyJ8FnHoV05HCA/edit
Tiered Purchasing Plan for libraries & classrooms in support of Act 31:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IemGoLBVNHIxdMycGI7C_pZUWd1dvNsJe9HZ-uxlA80/edit
Also there is a Facebook Group called “Wisconsin Librarians and Teachers Supporting Act 31” that Robin keeps updated & continues communications in this realm.
American Indians in Children's Literature
Established in 2006 by Dr. Debbie Reese of Nambé Pueblo, American Indians in Children's Literature (AICL) provides critical analysis of Indigenous peoples in children's and young adult books. Dr. Jean Mendoza joined AICL as a co-editor in 2016. AICL provides training materials, tips for teachers and librarians, book recommendations and much more.
Best Books: Are you looking for best books by or about American Indians? First Nations? Native Americans? Indigenous People? AICL provides info to help you find ones selected by Native people (me, and other Native people, including members of the American Indian Library Association)!
And did you know the American Indian Library Association has a book award? See what the book committee has selected for distinction: American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Award
One of the leading lights in Native children's and young adult literature is Muscogee (Creek) writer, Cynthia Leitich Smith. She's a mentor and a writer--and she maintains many resources at her website. Take a look at her page on Native American Authors and Illustrators in Children's and Young Adult Books.
Indigenous Reads Rising
Less than 2 percent of children’s books published in the United States depict characters from Native, First Nations, and Indigenous communities, according to the 2019 statistics compiled by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center at the University of Wisconsin. But the needle is moving. Every year, more stories are published by Native writers and illustrators, reflecting their cultures, Nations, and lived experiences, which is why we created Indigenous Reads Rising—to provide a resource where teachers, librarians, and readers can embrace these books.
While this site was founded with teachers and librarians in mind, every reader is welcome to explore our resources and book lists. Indigenous Reads Rising includes a variety of best practices articles and where to find more books by Native authors and illustrators, as well as extensive book lists organized by age category and topic. We also provide resources for Native writers and illustrators interested in honing their craft and applying for grants and mentorships.
Indigenous Reads Rising is managed by the nonprofit We Need Diverse Books.
Wisconsin First Nations Education
Explore a rich collection of educational videos, teacher professional development resources, lesson plans for all grades, and learning tools for your classroom and library at https://wisconsinfirstnations.org/.
Explore a rich collection of educational videos, teacher professional development resources, lesson plans for all grades, and learning tools for your classroom and library at https://wisconsinfirstnations.org/.
California Indian Education for All (CIEFA)
CIEFA is a nonprofit that exists to help teachers and schools educate children and youth about the diverse histories, cultures and contributions of California Native peoples. CIEFA’s goals are to create culturally responsive resources that improve representations and classroom climates for teaching and learning about California's first people.
CIEFA is a nonprofit that exists to help teachers and schools educate children and youth about the diverse histories, cultures and contributions of California Native peoples. CIEFA’s goals are to create culturally responsive resources that improve representations and classroom climates for teaching and learning about California's first people.
- Classroom Resources
- Native Ways of Knowing Book List: Decolonizing and Indigenizing Classrooms and Libraries
- Native Ways of Knowing LIVE Book Club and Webinars: Supporting Literacy and Culturally Responsive Instruction for Native American Students
library building projects & facility management
Wisconsin Library Buildings & Spaces Project
A resource for Wisconsin public library directors, staff and trustees about library building and renovation projects. Find on-demand webinars and resources from professionals across the state, as well as a list of recently completed projects from Wisconsin libraries. Topics include renovation, space reconfiguration, new building projects, and more.
A resource for Wisconsin public library directors, staff and trustees about library building and renovation projects. Find on-demand webinars and resources from professionals across the state, as well as a list of recently completed projects from Wisconsin libraries. Topics include renovation, space reconfiguration, new building projects, and more.
Facility Management Resources
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library management
Library Resilience Toolkit
In 2021, eleven mid-size Wisconsin public libraries formed the City Library Collective (CLC) to address common issues and use collective knowledge and experience to improve their organizations and services to their communities. The group was awarded an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant in order to collaboratively explore the concept of Libraries as Centers for Community Resiliency. The grant project combined highly collaborative activities with individual library pilot projects to develop shared processes for community data gathering and analysis, staff training, and the implementation of incubator projects that position the library as a community resiliency partner. These processes also serve as models for other CLC partners and libraries statewide. The goal is to help libraries and the communities they serve anticipate, withstand, adapt to, and recover from adversity — to be resilient. Leaning heavily on concepts and techniques of Whole Person Librarianship, the CLC focused on skilling-up librarians to address the psychosocial needs of their community patrons.
One of the main outcomes of the work is the development of a Library Resilience Toolkit. Available to all, this Toolkit provides an overview of social work concepts in the library, data and assessment strategies for evaluating impact, and practical resources, including job descriptions, press releases, and communication templates. Additionally, the toolkit shares resources and lessons learned from the various local projects implemented at several of the CLC libraries.
In 2021, eleven mid-size Wisconsin public libraries formed the City Library Collective (CLC) to address common issues and use collective knowledge and experience to improve their organizations and services to their communities. The group was awarded an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant in order to collaboratively explore the concept of Libraries as Centers for Community Resiliency. The grant project combined highly collaborative activities with individual library pilot projects to develop shared processes for community data gathering and analysis, staff training, and the implementation of incubator projects that position the library as a community resiliency partner. These processes also serve as models for other CLC partners and libraries statewide. The goal is to help libraries and the communities they serve anticipate, withstand, adapt to, and recover from adversity — to be resilient. Leaning heavily on concepts and techniques of Whole Person Librarianship, the CLC focused on skilling-up librarians to address the psychosocial needs of their community patrons.
One of the main outcomes of the work is the development of a Library Resilience Toolkit. Available to all, this Toolkit provides an overview of social work concepts in the library, data and assessment strategies for evaluating impact, and practical resources, including job descriptions, press releases, and communication templates. Additionally, the toolkit shares resources and lessons learned from the various local projects implemented at several of the CLC libraries.
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Library Director's Playbook
Use the Playbook as a template to keep yourself, staff, and successor organized regarding daily operations of your library, planning for crises, and anticipating transitions in your library.
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Staff Onboarding
Creating a Plan for New Employee Success
Creating a Plan for New Employee Success
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marketing
Libraries Build Business Communications Toolkit
To help library workers communicate the value of and grow their small business services, the American Library Association’s Public Policy & Advocacy office (PPA), in partnership with Audrey Barbakoff from Co/lab Capacity, has created the Libraries Build Business Communications Toolkit. The toolkit offers advice and materials for library workers to promote their small business support services, engage with policymakers and government officials, and form and strengthen ties with local businesses and existing entrepreneur support structures.
To help library workers communicate the value of and grow their small business services, the American Library Association’s Public Policy & Advocacy office (PPA), in partnership with Audrey Barbakoff from Co/lab Capacity, has created the Libraries Build Business Communications Toolkit. The toolkit offers advice and materials for library workers to promote their small business support services, engage with policymakers and government officials, and form and strengthen ties with local businesses and existing entrepreneur support structures.
Library Security
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Library Security
Al Hughes, Security Officer with Brown County Library, discusses a wide-variety of library safety issues involving patrons, staff and facilities.
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Prohibiting Guns in the Library
Section 941.235 of the Wisconsin State Statutes prohibits any person from carrying a firearm in a public building, which includes state and local government buildings (libraries included.) However, 2011 Act 35 allows individuals to carry concealed weapons under certain conditions. But, state and local units of government and their subunits (including libraries) are allowed to post notice in their buildings prohibiting an individual from entering with a concealed weapon. Individuals violating the prohibition could be subject to a class B forfeiture (an amount up to $1,000).
Proper Notice: Signs notifying visitors of the weapons ban must be posted in a prominent place near all entrances to the building or parts of the building where the restriction applies. Signs must be at least 5 inches by 7 inches and must be posted so that individuals entering the building "can be reasonably expected to see the sign."
Section 941.235 of the Wisconsin State Statutes prohibits any person from carrying a firearm in a public building, which includes state and local government buildings (libraries included.) However, 2011 Act 35 allows individuals to carry concealed weapons under certain conditions. But, state and local units of government and their subunits (including libraries) are allowed to post notice in their buildings prohibiting an individual from entering with a concealed weapon. Individuals violating the prohibition could be subject to a class B forfeiture (an amount up to $1,000).
Proper Notice: Signs notifying visitors of the weapons ban must be posted in a prominent place near all entrances to the building or parts of the building where the restriction applies. Signs must be at least 5 inches by 7 inches and must be posted so that individuals entering the building "can be reasonably expected to see the sign."
Patrons
The Librarian's Guide to Homelessness
DPI has provided all libraries in Wisconsin with free access to Ryan Dowd's Homelessness Training for Librarians. Training modules also include topics such as Avoiding Burnout, De-escalation, Mental Illness, Policing in Libraries, responding to Prejudicial Comments, Service Animals, Sexual Harassment, and more.
Register for an account at https://my.nimy.nicheacademy.com/dpi-wi-staff. If you have trouble registering for an account, please contact Angela Schneider.
If you'd like to be added to Dowd's system to receive the webinar links directly to your inbox, sign up using this link: http://bit.ly/MonthlyWebinarSignup.
DPI has provided all libraries in Wisconsin with free access to Ryan Dowd's Homelessness Training for Librarians. Training modules also include topics such as Avoiding Burnout, De-escalation, Mental Illness, Policing in Libraries, responding to Prejudicial Comments, Service Animals, Sexual Harassment, and more.
Register for an account at https://my.nimy.nicheacademy.com/dpi-wi-staff. If you have trouble registering for an account, please contact Angela Schneider.
If you'd like to be added to Dowd's system to receive the webinar links directly to your inbox, sign up using this link: http://bit.ly/MonthlyWebinarSignup.
Library Policies
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Policy Development with the Library Board
The document provides library directors with the steps involved in identifying, drafting and adopting new policies. Sample policy templates are also included for use by Wisconsin libraries. |
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Libraries and Meeting Rooms
Publicly funded libraries are not obligated to provide meeting room space to the public. If libraries choose to do so, such spaces are considered designated public forums, and legal precedent holds that libraries may not exclude any group based on the subject matter to be discussed or the ideas for which the group advocates.
Publicly funded libraries are not obligated to provide meeting room space to the public. If libraries choose to do so, such spaces are considered designated public forums, and legal precedent holds that libraries may not exclude any group based on the subject matter to be discussed or the ideas for which the group advocates.
| Libraries & Meeting Rooms |
Vulnerable Adults Policy
| Vulnerable Adults Sample Policy (WORD) |
Library Friends Groups and Foundations
Tax-Free Donations FAQs
Donations to Libraries, Local Government Tax Status and 501(c)3 Organizations
Donations to Libraries, Local Government Tax Status and 501(c)3 Organizations
| 501c3_faq.pdf |
Library Foundation Guide
Provides information regarding the differences between Friends Groups and Foundations, the benefits of a Foundation, and guidance on how to establish a Foundation.
Provides information regarding the differences between Friends Groups and Foundations, the benefits of a Foundation, and guidance on how to establish a Foundation.
| library_foundation_guide_2024.pdf |
OWLSnet Staff Niche Academy
Under Staff Development, you will find resources related to Friends groups.
Under Staff Development, you will find resources related to Friends groups.
Resources:
Additional Suggested Reading:
- 9 Friends Group Best Practices - Article
- Everybody Needs a Friend: the Value of Friends Groups to Libraries - Presentation Slides
- Boost Your Biggest Supporters: Branding and Marketing Advice for Your Friends of the Library Group - Video
Additional Suggested Reading:
- The good, the great, and the unfriendly: A librarian's guide to working with Friend groups by Sally Gardner Reed
- All ages welcome : recruiting and retaining younger generations for library boards, friends groups, and foundations by Lisa Bertinello, Madeline Jarvis, Kathy Kosinski, and Tess Wilson
- Library Friends Zone - Website with resources and connections
- Friends and Foundations | IFLS Library System - Collection of general resources
- Friends of the Library: Tools and resources - Collection of resources and trainings
- United for Libraries Resources for Friends Groups - Collection of toolkits, ideas, and resources
External Grants
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Record Retention
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For more information regarding record retention and adoption of the records schedule, visit DPI's legal resources.
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technology
Hotspot Playbook
This resource was developed to help libraries establish and promote hotspot lending programs.
This resource was developed to help libraries establish and promote hotspot lending programs.
reentry resources
Individuals reentering the community from jail or prison may come to your library facing many unique challenges that impact their ability to make a smooth and effective transition into society. Below are online resources and programs you can point to that can help them navigate the reentry journey in areas that impact them the most: housing, employment, education, healthcare and legal barriers.
Reentry Resources Webinar, Slides & Handouts
1. Reentry Ready Resources (UW-Extension)
2. Legal Tune-up Tool (Lift Wisconsin)
3. Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)
Reentry Resources Webinar, Slides & Handouts
1. Reentry Ready Resources (UW-Extension)
2. Legal Tune-up Tool (Lift Wisconsin)
3. Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)
Libraries and law enforcement: Visits and Interactions
These resources may help libraries generally understand their rights and obligations in responding to requests from law enforcement. While it is recommended that libraries seek professional legal counsel on the matter, this knowledge can be important for library staff to have on hand should the situation arise.
Libraries and Law Enforcement: Visits and Interactions Guide
Law Enforcement Cheat Sheet
Libraries and Law Enforcement: Visits and Interactions Guide
Law Enforcement Cheat Sheet
Storywalk® Guidebook
"A StoryWalk® is an innovative concept that combines reading with outdoor activity. It was created in 2007 by Anne Ferguson in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier, Vermont. The idea involves displaying pages from a children's book along a walking path, allowing visitors to read a story while enjoying a stroll."
View the Nicolet Library System StoryWalk® Guidebook
View the Nicolet Library System StoryWalk® Guidebook
Animals in the Library
These resources can help libraries understand the law regarding service animals and how to distinguish between service animals and emotional support animals.
Resources:
ADA Requirements: Service Animals
Disability Rights Wisconsin: Service Animals
Wisconsin Legislative Council: Service and Support Animals
Resources:
ADA Requirements: Service Animals
Disability Rights Wisconsin: Service Animals
Wisconsin Legislative Council: Service and Support Animals
| action_steps_for_handling_emotional_support_animals.docx |
| bcl_safety-_improper_handling_or_behavior_of_service_animal.pdf |
| service_animals_and_wisconsin_state_law.docx |
| bcl_safety-_services_animals_in_the_library.pdf |
| info_sheet-_service_animals.pdf |
| the-library-and-service-animals.pdf |
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Nicolet Library System
1595 Allouez Avenue, Suite 4, Green Bay, WI 54311 Email: [email protected] Phone: 920-448-4410 Fax: 920-448-4420 Facebook: @NicoletLibrarySystem |
Staff hours of availability: Weekdays, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Office hours: 9:30 AM to 4 PM. Hours are flexible; please call to confirm. |
© Nicolet Federated Library System, DBA Nicolet Library System