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Sign-Up By March 29
If you are not aware of the Foundation Directory, there’s no time like the present to learn more about this resource and how sign up for access. The Foundation Directory (FD) is a research tool designed to help libraries and nonprofits find the grant-makers most likely to fund their projects. This tool includes grant-maker profiles with a summary of their work, along with all the pertinent details that fundraisers need to find and approach prospective grant agencies.
The Foundation Directory is provided to all Iowa public libraries from the State Library at no cost. If your library has not yet signed up, please know that FD now allows new libraries access on a quarterly basis. You can submit your library’s IP information on a form linked on our webpage at the button below. FD will process all new submissions following a deadline each quarter. The next opportunity for new libraries to be gain Foundation Directory access in this fiscal year is March 29, followed by June 28.
Once libraries submit their IP information to the form linked below, FD will contact libraries to provide further instructions on setting up access. FD authenticates through the library’s IP address and because of that, it’s available for in-library use only.
Continuing Education Consultant Samantha Bouwers has provided the titles of a few webinars highlighting the Foundation Directory that we’ve sponsored in the past, they are linked below. These recordings are all available on the State Library’s Continuing Education YouTube Channel, as well as accessible inside IALearns.
Included in the Foundation Directory
The Foundation Directory can be used by library staff themselves and also offered as a resource to patrons and local nonprofits. Iowa’s public libraries have access to the “Essential Plan” which includes
- 100,000+ grant-maker profiles
- 500,000+ key decision makers and leaders
- Keyword search IRS 990-PF Forms
- Online workspace
Access to Foundation Directory is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library. Our agency posts Foundation Directory usage stats for all libraries; find those stats and more at the button below.
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Sponsored By The Iowa League Of Cities
Sponsored by the Iowa League of Cities, the All Star Community Awards program seeks to acknowledge excellence in local government by recognizing city officials and city staff for innovative projects. Moreover, the program provides a means for sharing Iowa’s best public service ideas, showcasing city workers as progressive, caring, and committed to their communities.
Communities of all sizes are encouraged to apply. So here's good timing--city library staff can confer with city hall staff to talk about this opportunity and plan your local application 😊
Eligible Projects
Each member city of the League may submit one entry that describe programs or projects successfully operating or completed between January 1 and December 31, 2023. Programs or projects eligible for an All-Star Community Award include, but are not limited to: city service improvements, quality of life enrichment, and local government partnerships. Potential entries could include
- Diversity appreciation
- Urban renewal
- Neighborhood or business development
- Historic preservation
- Sharing services or facilities
- Improving the quality, quantity, or efficiency of city services
Application Instructions
All applicants will be alerted by email of their application status by the end of May. The winners will receive star-shaped award suitable for displaying in city hall 😊 Plus, each winning project will be recognized at the League’s 2024 Annual Conference, as well as featured in Cityscape magazine, the League’s monthly publication. The League of Cities will share the winners with local media outlets and feature the winners on the League’s website.
Applications for the All Star Community Award and any accompanying photos must be submitted using the form linked below. All entries are due in the League office by Monday April 8. Please contact staff at the Iowa League of Cities with questions (515- 244-7282)
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Including The Goldfinch Award,
The Iowa Teen Award, And More
Every spring, the Iowa Association of School Librarians sponsors the Iowa Children’s Book Awards program, allowing children and teens the fun of voting for their favorite books. This program promotes literacy and learning by involving Iowa’s young readers themselves in voting for their favorite book across four age levels.
Iowa students read a number of books within a category and then vote for their overall favorite. The categories are
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The Goldfinch Award (grades K-3) Among the nominees are The Couch Potato, Mars, and Norman Didn’t Do It
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The Iowa Children’s Choice Award (grades 3-6) Among the nominees are Clarence the Brave, Better With Butter, and Dear Student
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The Iowa Teen Award (grades 6-9) Among the nominees are The Shape of Thunder, The Canyon’s Edge, and Barefoot Dreams
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The Iowa High School Book Award (grades 9-12) Among the nominees are The Last Thing He Told Me, We Are Not From Here, and The Firekeeper’s Daughter (also an All Iowa Reads title)
Youth services staff at public libraries can check in with local teachers and school librarians about this reading promo. You can promote these Iowa book awards by encouraging your young patrons to get out the vote 😊 Plus: this year’s nominees and previous years’ winners make good purchases for youth collections.
Student voting is open until April 19. Find all of this year’s nominees,
plus trailers for current nominees, voting information, lists of past winners,
and more resources all at the page linked below.
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Buy (Better) Books: A Collection Development Primer.
Part 1: Purchasing Fiction.
Online March 5. 11:00AM-12:00PM.
Tuesday March 5 marks the first installment of this series which will guide you through what to look for when expanding your Adult Fiction collection. What awards should you keep an eye on? How do you know what has the best chance of circulating in your community? What’s up with all the genres and subgenres? You’ll leave with lots of practical tips to make sure you’re watching the right sources and buying the best books.
Buy (Better) Books is a four-part series from the State Library designed to help you improve your collection development skills. We’ll dig into best practices for purchasing for all parts of the adult collection and then promoting your awesome finds. We’ll also hear tips and tricks from front-line, in-practice collection development professionals. Come to one part or all parts … each session will be recorded.
Bridges Renewal Due This Month
From the Bridges Team comes this reminder: In 4 weeks, your library’s Bridges Letter of Agreement for FY2025 is due. Agreements for both renewing and new members are due March 29, 2024. Both agreements can be found on the Bridges for Libraries webpage, along with your fee for next year and other consortia information. If you don’t intend to renew, please notify your District Consultant.
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