Coming January 26, 2023

From the State Library’s Education Team, our thanks to everyone who submitted a proposal for the ILOC Conference in the new year.  We received a great batch of submissions, which leads to much excitement as we plan for the ILOC Conference coming in January, which marks the 16th year for this annual event.

The acronym stands for Iowa Libraries Online Conference and it’s scheduled for January 26, 2023—Save the Date!  The 2023 theme is “Productive Partnerships;” in fact, that will be the theme that carries us through the new year of education and training from the State Library.  ILOC is a day-long event with something for everyone, including an evening program for trustees.

While we focused on saying “yes” to opportunities last year, we do know that libraries cannot do all things.  So pursuing partnerships is one way to move the "yes" needle, helping to try new programs or subscribe to new products.  Continuing Education Consultant Samantha Bouwers sees it this way: "being purposeful in determining what ideas to pursue, and with whom to undertake those pursuits, will make partnerships more productive in the long run." 

The ILOC Conference 2023 will encourage attendees to implement partnerships that extend the library’s reach, build relationships with other groups and organizations, and make a difference in the lives of community members. 

Registration is now live--sign up at the link below and stay tuned for more information on all breakout sessions, keynote speakers, and more!

Register for ILOC 2023

Summer Library Program Webinars

Happening This Week and Next

With the Christmas holidays just weeks away, the summer of 2023 seem far away.  Yet planning for the summer library programs is underway this month, thanks to webinars led by Janeé Jackson-Doering, the new Youth Services Consultant at the State Library. 

Janeé will guide participants through best practices, activities, ideas, and resources for youth ages 0-18. Choose between two sessions: this Thursday December 8th from 10:00AM-12:00PM OR Tuesday December 13th from 2:00-4:00PM. Both virtual sessions will cover the same material, simply pick the date that works best for you.  

Come to get inspired, to share ideas with other youth librarians in breakout rooms, and to Find Your Voice--that's the theme for Summer Library Programs in 2023. The first part of the webinar will be a presentation from Janeé, the second part will be spent in breakout room conversations.

Watch State Library news channels in January for additional announcements about in-person workshops as well. And register in IALearns!

Register For SLP Webinars This Month

Be Part of the All Iowa Reads Program

Serve on an AIR Committee 

Last month, the State Library announced the titles chosen for the All Iowa Reads program in the new year.  This month: an opportunity to take part in the All Iowa Reads selection committee, the group charged with choosing the adult AIR title each year.

The committee that selects the annual AIR title for adults has two open spots to fill. If you’re a voracious reader of books with broad appeal, then read on to find out more about serving on this committee and how to apply.

Expectations for Committee Members

• Read alot! Members must be prepared to read intensively during the selection process
• Attend four in-person meetings during the selection process at the State Library building in Des Moines
• Commit to a two-year term, with optional renewals

Selection Process

1. At the initial committee meeting in March or April, members make recommendations of books they have read recently, titles they feel would work well in public library book discussions
2. The committee comes up with a list of approximately 20 recommendations which must meet the All Iowa Reads selection criteria.
3. During subsequent meetings, the list is narrowed to approximately six titles which are read by all committee members. Members provide their honest impressions independent of outside influence.
4. The official selection is made by consensus at the final meeting of the year, typically in September or October.

If you’re interested in serving on All Iowa Reads Adult Title Selection Committee, please contact Helen Dagley of the State Library or call 515-281-3063. 
And if you’re interested, be sure to email or call Helen Dagley
by Friday December 16 in order to be considered.

This Week ...

Now What? Caring for Self, Staff, and Community After a Disaster. 
December 7. 10:00-11:30AM. 

You and your staff have gone above and beyond to continue library services however possible. Your community has been through a shared trauma. The immediate crisis has passed, but what happens next? Bobbi Newman, Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist with the Network of the National Library of Medicine and Hope Decker, Researcher from the Rural Libraries and Social Well-Being Project, have practical suggestions to answer that question. After this webinar, attendees will feel more equipped to care for staff during and after difficult times and not lose sight of self-care as you help those around you.

2023 Summer Library Program Virtual Workshops  
December 8. 10:00AM-12:00PM. 
REPEATS December 13. 2:00-4:00PM  

See Dec 5th's second story for details ...

Braille and Tactile Production Through the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled. 
December 8. 1:00-2:00PM. 

In our ongoing partnership with the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, this webinar will demonstrate how braille and tactile production is done by inviting you behind the scenes of the Instructional Materials Center. Discover the different methods that are practiced, from start to finish, in creating a tactile braille book. In addition, learn 5 simple steps for making tactile signs and posters in your library.

Register For Classes Above in IALearns