State Library of Iowa.Gov
Have you seen it? It’s really quite awesome! That being the State Library’s new website, launched last Tuesday on the official platform for all state agencies. Following a directive from Governor Reynolds regarding a state government realignment in 2023, the goal was for all state agencies to move to the official website platform. The photo above is the State Law Library now showing on our main landing page.
“This project has been in the works for some months now, and we are pleased to launch the new State Library website with some exciting enhancements for our users,” said Interim State Librarian Brenda Hall. “The new website still contains all of the important information that libraries and Iowans have come to expect from us. And it is now more apparent that we are part of state government.”
The State of Iowa contracted with a vendor to lead the process in updating and transitioning state agency websites to a consistent platform. The State Library follows about 60 other state agency websites that have already gone through the process, place us now on the official state government website platform for the first time.
The State Library’s new website platform is built on the Drupal platform and is designed with accessibility and readability in mind. NOTE: this switch does not affect public libraries’ PLOW websites, those will remain on the Concrete5 platform.
New Website Features Include
- Improved content for landing pages, locations, contacts, and “How Do I…” explanations for processes
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Quick Links to useful and popular content throughout the site
- More white space and larger fonts for accessibility
- Shorter paragraphs and sentences for readability
- Greater compatibility with mobile use, including Tables of Contents and “Back to Top” links on longer pages
- Improved navigation, showcasing more of the work the State Library does
- Prominent featured images that complement the text
Take some time to browse and bookmark the
State Library’s new website today!
Bridges Enrollment Time Just Ahead
For current Bridges member libraries and those not yet members, next month marks the annual enrollment period. Current members will need to complete a Bridges Letter of Agreement; libraries wishing to join Bridges for the first time this year will need to sign a Bridges New Member Enrollment Form. Both forms are now accessible on our website, both are due on March 31, 2025.
Note: In the first year of membership, there is a $400.00 start-up fee for first-time libraries, in addition to the annual subscription. Service will be activated for first-time libraries on July 1, 2025. Whether a current member or a soon-to-be member of the Bridges group, find your Bridges fees for FY2025 and FY2026 at this webpage https://silo.knack.com/directory#bridges-fees/
Bridges Quick Facts
There are currently 496 member libraries At the end of FY 2024 the consortia collection held 102,625 ebook copies 49,379 audiobook copies 5,436 magazines Circulation in FY 2023 was: 1,293,626 ebooks 1,462,016 audiobooks 283,628 magazines There were over 601,000 unique users from across the state!
About Bridges
This is an eBook and audiobook buying consortium for Iowa public libraries. The State Library facilitates this program and manages the contract on behalf of all participating libraries. OverDrive is the vendor; OverDrive is a leading digital distributor of eBooks, e-audiobooks, and e-magazines. Libraries that participate in Bridges pay an annual formula-based fee to the State Library that covers the materials budget, the purchase of MARC records, and a small packet of promotional materials for new members.
If you’re ready to roll—as a continuing Bridges member or as brand new member—the Letters of Agreement are ready for your on our website, accessed at the button below. Note again the sign-up deadline is March 31, 2025. You’ll want to print the agreement as you’re signing it so you have a copy for your records. Questions? Contact your District Consultant.
Nebraska's Online Conference February 28
Just two weeks ago, the State Library of Iowa sponsored our 18th annual ILOC Conference, an all-day online learning event. Just a few weeks from now, it’s Nebraska’s turn: their all-day online conference is titled Big Talk From Small Libraries and it’s scheduled for Friday February 28 ( 8:45AM—5:00PM CST )
From their website: “…This free one-day online conference is tailored for staff from small libraries—the smaller the better! All of our presenters are from libraries serving fewer than 10,000 people or are directly partnered with a small library and co-presenting with the library. Topics range from technology to programming to new roles for the library. Everyone is welcome to register and attend, regardless of how big or small your library. If your library serves a few hundred to a few thousand people, this is the day for you!
A handful of breakout sessions show here, find more on the Big Talk From Small Libraries site at the button below
- Mendocino County Library (CA) 2024 Winner of the Best Small Library in America Award
- Little Flyers Everywhere
- Are You There, Readers Advisory? It’s Me, Librarian!
- Getting to Know Your Community: Ideas for Your Board and Staff
Big Talk From Small Libraries is broadcast online using the GoTo Webinar web-conferencing platform. GoTo Webinar works on Windows, Mac, Google Chrome OS, Linux, iOS and Android devices.”
Login instructions will be emailed to registered attendees the day before the conference. Nebraska does plan on recording all Big Talk sessions, with recordings posted to their conference website. Just like our own ILOC conference, this event marks a great opportunity for watch parties and / or a staff training day. And just ILOC, Nebraska’s Big Talk Conference is a free, fun day of learning and all from the comfort of home.
One more bonus: Iowa library staff can earn CE Credit for attending this event. Visit our webpage Continuing Education webpage, scroll down to Quick Links, then click on Request for External CE Credit Form.
Summer Library Program Templates
Tap into Library Talk for this news: Youth Services Consultant Janeé Jackson-Doering announced Summer Library Program templates created in Canva are now available on our website
The templates have artwork using the Level Up at Your Library theme for this summer. And because they’re designed in Canva, you can edit and customize them to suit your needs. Available Templates: Reading Log Bookmarks, Bingo Sheets (based on the age group), calendar template, and prize drawing slips. And new this year: The Classroom Reading Challenge Sheet Template. This is to use with your daycares and summer school teachers. Also, the Gameboard Template for elementary ages has two different challenges for that as well.
Contact Janeé for more information janee.jackson-doering@iowa.gov
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