Due July 31
Libraries that receive Enrich Iowa funds through the Open Access, Interlibrary Loan, or Direct State Aid programs must submit reports by July 31. Library directors will need to file Enrich Iowa Reports indicating your library’s Open Access and ILL transactions. In addition, directors need to report what was purchased with your library’s share of Direct State Aid funding.
Open Access enables eligible Iowans to check out physical materials at over 600 participating Iowa public and academic libraries. As a result, Iowans have greater access to more library resources, more choices in library service, and the convenience of using a library where they work, shop, or visit Open Access Report Form for FY23
Interlibrary Loan provides Iowans with equal access to library materials by supporting resource sharing among all types of libraries. Participating libraries agree to lend their materials to other libraries across the state; the lenders receive a subsidy per loan. More than 200,000 interlibrary loans are made annually through the program. Important Note: No report is necessary if all loans were made through the SILO ILL System or through OCLC Resource Sharing. Use the ILL Request for Reimbursement Online Form only if you have any ILL loans beyond those made through the SILO-ILL or OCLC-ILL to report.
Direct State Aid is the funding awarded to Iowa’s public libraries for meeting service standards. The standards program, outlined in the document In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards, is intended to achieve consistency in library service statewide and to uphold best practices. Direct State Aid Online Report Form FY23
The Open Access and Direct State Aid Reports require a user name and password. Hint: it’s the same user name and password assigned to your library for completing the Annual Survey. If you need help accessing this information, contact your District Office or Toni Blair at the State Library Des Moines Office.
|
This week is the 50th anniversary of RAGBRAI. And fittingly, the event kicked off in Sioux City this weekend to commemorate Sioux City as the site of the first RAGBRAI ride in Year #1. RAGBRAI stands for Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa: the oldest, largest, and longest recreational bicycle touring event in the world.
Local news coverage here in Sioux City has been great, highlighting facts, stats, and human interest stories from riders who love this chance to visit Iowa’s cities and towns, re-connecting with fellow bikers and making new friends along the way. Speaking of Iowa’s cities and towns, this week’s RAGBRAI route includes stops in Storm Lake, Carroll, Ames, Des Moines, Tama-Toledo, Coralville, and Davenport.
To spotlight the 50th anniversary and this year’s launch in Sioux City, the Sioux City Public Library staff created a local history display Fifty Years of RAGBRAI: 1973-2023. The display pictured above celebrates this milestone and its many starts in Siouxland. As SCPL staff say “this is a great chance to cruise through RAGBRAI's history, facts, photos, and fun from its start until now.”
Iowa libraries are quite acumstomed to rolling out the welcome mat for RAGBRAI riders each year. From offering refreshments, to WiFi, to family programs, sometimes camping on the library lawn, riders are sure to find Iowa’s libraries to be a relaxing and cool place to spend time this week—or any week!
Your Help Is Needed
There are some overdue updates needed for the Iowa Library Directory. This online database serves as the definitive resource that the State Library uses to track information about Iowa libraries, including open hours, phone numbers, current staff emails, current board information, and more. The Iowa Library Directory is also available to the general public as a tool to locate and connect with their local libraries.
Last week, public library directors can expect to receive an email from Library Resource Technician Toni Blair containing your library’s current Directory information. If any of the information is outdated or inaccurate, or if your board membership has changed, please follow the instructions in today’s email to log into the Directory with your library’s credentials and update your information.
The Iowa Library Directory is built on the Knack platform which features a robust search function and the ability to export data. Library staff are able to login with an account to edit and update the information about your own library. To make updates to your library’s Directory details, you must log in with a username and password unique to your library. If you are unsure of your library’s username or password, contact your District LRT. Once you have your username and password in hand, then you can proceed to login from the page linked below.
The Iowa Library Directory is an important statewide resource and with your help we can maintain the accuracy of the directory information. Click the button below for background information and for login instructions. Thank you for your assistance!
|
Picture Book Palooza July 27
As summer programming is winding down, this event will be a nice change of pace 😊 It’s convenient, it’s free, it’s School Library Journal’s Picture Book Palooza this Thursday July 27. From SLJ’s event website: “Picture Book Palooza is an all-day, free, virtual celebration of authors and artists dedicated to the extraordinary craft of picture books. Come for a day packed with keynotes, author panels, and illustrator spotlights with visionary creators. Visit the exhibit hall, chat with authors and publishing teams, download digital galleys & resources, and be prepared to be inspired to build up your picture book collection.”
State Library Survey In Progress ... Your Input Is Appreciated!
Last week’s Eye-Opener included news about a State Library survey open now through July 31. This survey asks for your satisfaction level with some of the programs, tools, and resources offered by the State Library of Iowa. Respondents are asked to rate satisfaction with programs, resources, and tools listed under various categories that will include:
- Online Resources: State Library & Contracted
- Collections & Sharing
- Library Tools & Utilities
- Communication Tools
Please note that some State Library programs—like continuing education, youth services, and subgrants—are not included in this survey as they already have built-in evaluations in their own processes. This survey should take about 15 minutes to complete and your response will be anonymous. It opens today and remains open through July 31. Find the link to the survey at the button below.
Save the Date—Learning Circuit 2023. September 28. 9:00AM-3:30PM @ Six Locations Around the State
Save the date for the 2023 Learning Circuit! We'll follow the same format as last year: keynote speakers via ZOOM, plus hands-on workshops in each District. The topic follows our 2023 continuing education theme "Productive Partnerships." Each participant will leave with actionable and practical insights to take home and apply in their library and community. We will announce the agenda and open registration early August; in the meantime, Save the Date and make plans to join us for Learning Circuits on September 28 at a location near you!
|
