Reflective Practice Groups
Last week, Emily Bainter shared this news about the Social Work in Iowa Grant Project. From Emily’s bulletin on September 10: “First of all: this initiative will now be referred to as Trauma-Informed Library Practices to more accurately reflect the project’s objectives. We’ve also made progress on key recommendations from Dr. Beth Wahler based on the statewide needs assessment she conducted in 2022. And the State Library has hired Alyssa Caldbeck (MSW & LISW degrees) to facilitate six different online groups starting in September and October using a technique called reflective practice…”
These discussion groups will focus on creating a safe space to share and reflect on personal experiences at work, gain social support from others in similar roles, and continuously learn new perspectives and skills. Groups will meet via Zoom on a monthly basis, with two groups geared towards library administrators (one for urban/suburban and one for rural administrators) and four groups for non-administrative staff (two for urban/suburban and two for rural library staff)
These groups will be offered throughout the length of the grant until summer 2026. Continuing education credit will not be awarded for participating in the groups. Librarians interested in attending the groups should:
- Discuss with their supervisor the group’s meeting schedule to ensure necessary coverage for their regular duties.
- Have a private, confidential space to participate in the group via Zoom, including a computer with microphone, audio and video capabilities. If the needed technology is a barrier, reach out to via email to caldbeck@iowa.gov
Learn more about reflective practice and what you can expect in these groups, aided by an introductory video from Alyssa Caldbeck on the State Library’s Trauma Informed Library Practices webpage. Note the first discussion group starts on Sept. 24th, sign up now at the link below.
This project was made possible in part by the
Institute of Museum and Library Services Grant #RE-254904-OLS-23
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Sponsored annually by the American Library Association—and promoted annually by libraries across the country—Banned Books Week is coming right up: September 22-28. This year’s theme is “Freed Between the Lines.”
The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) tracks attempts to ban or restrict access to books across the United States and to inform the public about censorship efforts in school and public libraries. In 2023, OIF documented 1,269 attempts to censor books and other resources in U.S. libraries, the highest number of attempts since ALA began compiling this data 20 years ago.
4,240 unique book titles were targeted for censorship in 2023, a 65% increase compared to 2022 numbers. Note that a challenge is a formal effort to remove or restrict library materials, based upon the objections of an individual or groups. A ban is the actual removal of items from library collections.
Banned Books Week is noted for bringing together the national book community—from libraries to bookstores, publishers, journalists, teachers, Friends Groups, and patrons—all in the shared support of American’s right to read books of their own choosing, even if some of those books contain unorthodox or unpopular ideas.
BBW is an ideal time to call attention to this fundamental freedom to read. And for Iowa libraries, especially, a time to remind people that the Library Bill of Rights had its beginnings right here Iowa. Forest Spaulding, Director of the Des Moines Public Library in the 1930’s, is credited as the author of the Library Bill of Rights. Upon his death in 1965, Des Register editors wrote “[Forest Spaulding] went far beyond the role of librarian to help out in every cultural and intellectual phase of city activity. His interest ranged from purely city activities to foreign affairs. He made himself so much a part of the life of Des Moines that the thought of him is still warm and pleasant.” Find a biographical sketch of Spaulding the Iowa Heritage Digital Collection.
You have lots of artistic help to promote Banned Books Week
at your library by visiting ALA’s website for downloadable flyers,
posters, bookmarks, social media posts, and more. And lots of creative
help with BBW displays by sharing your photos on LibraryTalk 😊
Space Planning Workshops Coming In October
The State Library is offering another in-person workshop coming in October. This is a frequently asked-for topic, proven to be useful for libraries large and small. These are Space Planning workshops, offered in 3 locations next month from 10:00AM-3:00PM:
October 21 in Spencer
October 22 in Altoona
October 23 in Coralville
Join NYU professor David Vinjamuri (author of Library Space Planning: A PLA Guide), architect Joe Huberty (co-author of The Practical Handbook of Library Architecture), and Iowa Librarian Zach Row-Heyveld (Assistant Director at the Decorah Public Library) to learn how to maximize your library space so it serves you better, even on a limited budget.
Because this is a hands-on workshop, we ask that you bring a floorplan of your library space to use during exercises. The workshop is designed in several parts:
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Understanding Needs:How to know patrons’ needs; ideas of how to partner with municipalities and community service organizations to make this easier
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Collection Strategy:Create a collection that has breadth and diversity, but still leaves more room for patrons
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Merchandising and Optimizing:Increase circulation with better merchandising of collection materials
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Case Study:Learn how the Decorah Public Library achieved a 40% increase in adult collection circulation without renovating
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Analytics for Reorganizing Space:Ideas of how to analyze your space and make it work to better meet library and patron needs
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5 Secrets for Maintaining Your Library:How to maximize the life of your library building and reduce maintenance costs
The cost for registration is $20 and includes a buffet lunch.
Register by October 7 using the registration form linked below.
Together, let’s plan to do some Space Planning!
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Space Planning Workshops are made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of Iowa. |
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