New Test Prep Resource:
It's Mometrix, Coming In July
The State Library is pleased to announce a new test preparation resource coming in July: Mometrix eLibrary. (pronounced mo-MET-trix) The State Library has signed a contract with Mometrix as a new vendor, offering digital access to study materials for over 1,500 different standardized exams.
This new resource will be available to Iowa’s public and academic libraries. The study materials include comprehensive study guides, interactive flashcards and practice tests. One unique feature of Mometrix is the ability to upload MARC records for the test prep resources into your local library’s catalog. This allows these test prep resources to show up in the results list when a patron performs a related search; your patrons will be linked to Mometrix with a few clicks.
Note that this new contract replaces the previous one with Brainfuse JobNow / VetNow; that contract ends on June 30. Brainfuse JobNow / VetNow are funded through a separate state appropriation from Iowa Workforce Development.
We’re preparing webpages with more information, developing marketing materials to be ready by July 1, and scheduling training in the coming weeks. And heads up, public library directors: there's an email coming later today with more information about the switch to Mometrix, how your library can gain access, and upcoming training opportunities.
In the meantime, you’re encouraged to watch a video overview
of Mometrix eLibrary at the button below. Stay tuned 😊
Due This Friday June 20th
In addition to the Enrich Iowa Letter of Agreement needed from participating libraries, the State Library is also asking that all public libraries providing service to other towns via a contractual arrangement complete a brief questionnaire. A contracting city is one that is still incorporated but does not have its own city library; instead, these towns pay an annual fee for library service to a library in a nearby city.
We ask that you report all incorporated cities in Iowa that will contract with your library for service in FY26 (July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026) as well as the contracted amounts for each city. Do not include your own city or other governmental agencies like counties or townships. The contract should be written and include a monetary obligation.
If you do not contract with other cities, you do not need to fill out the questionnaire. However, if you have contracted in the past, but will not be doing so in FY26, it will be helpful if you can fill out your library name and answer "No."
Why Needed? This is important information used to help library staff determine whether an out-of-town patron is eligible for Open Access. Patrons checking out materials from your library—whose own city does not have a library but IS contracting for service—those patrons are considered eligible for Open Access. Those cities will be listed on the Open Access form and on the Contracting Cities list in the Iowa Library Directory.
The questionnaire should take less than 5 minutes to complete. Once you’ve completed it, be sure to click the "Submit" button at the bottom right side of the page. Deadline for this questionnaire is June 20th. Reach out to your District Consultant with questions about contracting for library service.
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A Library 2.0 Webinar
In addition to a paperwork deadline this Friday June 20th, there's also a free national webinar that day from the Library 2.0 organization. Titled Libraries and AI: Building a Framework for Evaluation and Integration, this 90-minute webinar is intended for library management and staff looking to explore the opportunities that AI presents.
From the program website “We will explore a foundational understanding of the key questions to ask and the range of possible answers when considering AI adoption. Rather than prescribing specific solutions, this event will equip attendees with the tools to develop their own AI integration tailored to their library’s unique needs…”
Libraries have long been champions of protecting patron confidentiality and defending intellectual freedom. So it’s no surprise that a Library Journal article this year cited that the 68% of libraries planning AI integration are all equally committed to prioritizing ethical uses. With these learning objectives in mind, attendees will look to
- Gain a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities AI presents for libraries
- Understand the specific key challenges AI poses for libraries and why proactive planning is essential
- Identify the critical questions to ask for key areas—ethical, technical, human, policy, and literacy-related—that shape AI adoption for library and information services
- Empower your library to lead in patron AI literacy, equipping communities to critically evaluate AI-generated information in an era of rapid technological change.
Last fall, the State Library’s Learning Circuit explored the possibilities and pitfalls of AI in library service. This Library2.0 webinar is a chance to further conversation and understanding of AI.
The date is this Friday June 20th from 1:00-2:30PM CST. Again, this program is free and will include any-time access to the recording, the presentation slides, the chat log, and a certificate of participation. But registration is required for all of that--tap below for program details and for registration.
Enrich Iowa Letter of Agreement
Due This Friday
The deadline to return your library’s FY26 Enrich Iowa Letter of Agreement is this Friday June 20. This year and moving forward, the Enrich Iowa Program will align with the close of the legislative session, meaning that Letters of Agreement will become accessible once the state budget is set and the Iowa Legislature adjourns (typically in May) This will ensure that the appropriation for Enrich Iowa is confirmed by the Legislature for the upcoming fiscal year. The rest of the program timeline will not be affected.
If you are new to your library, whether as a new director or trustee, and you believe you would benefit from further discussion about Enrich Iowa, you’re welcome to contact your District Consultant.
Before Friday, please return your library’s Enrich Iowa Agreement--
We thank you for seeing to this soon!
Contracting Cities Questionnaire Due This Friday
For all public libraries that provide service to other towns through a contractual agreement—the Contracting Cities Questionnaire is also due this Friday June 20. All of those details in the story above.
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All Iowa Reads Author Webinars
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This is the week for two-out-of-three webinars featuring the 2025 All Iowa Reads authors. Each author will share insights about their book, their writing process, and answer your questions. Tuesday and Wednesday this week, the third one follows next week on June 25th
These webinars are a classic reason to hold watch parties at your library. Why not hold 3, one for each author talk! It’s easy summer programming for all ages to enjoy. Schedule shows below, register inside WorkDay Learning.
- Tuesday June 17. 6:30-7:30PM. Distant Sons by Tim Johnston (adult title)
- Wednesday June 18. 1:00-2:00PM. Jawbreakerby Christina Wyman (kids title ages 8-12)
- Wednesday June 25. 3:00-4:00 PM. Rez Ball by Byron Graves (teen title ages 13-18)
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