Busy and Burning Out

Image by mcmurryjulie from Pixabay

Recently, Jennifer Sullivan who blogs at Adventures in Storytime (and Beyond) blog put out a survey to see how youth librarians were faring. In July, she published the results.

Jennifer writes: "A few months ago when I was feeling particularly stressed, overworked, unappreciated, and frustrated in my position as a solo children's librarian being expected to do all the things and be everything for everybody, I put together a survey to see how many others were in the same boat. I posted a link to the survey on my page as well as in two Facebook groups for youth services and summer reading, and collected 228 responses over one week. It's taken me a while, but I've finally finished going through the results. To be clear, this is a casual opinion survey, and not proper research."

You can read the full post with survey results here. Jennifer will be publishing a post soon with the second part of this survey: "What Youth Services Staff Wish Directors Knew" [And the Survey Says...We Are Busy and Burning Out!  Sullivan, Jennifer. Adventures in Storytime and Beyond blog. July 14, 2024.

UW Madison iSchool Fall Youth Library CE Courses

There are some great online courses coming up this fall with great instructors. These courses are taught asynchronously which means you pick the time each week to access the course and discussions that best fits your schedule!

Registering at least two weeks before the courses begin gets you a 10% discount.  Click on the course title to get the details.

Roll with It...Gaming in Libraries        

    August 5 - Sept 1         Dusty Karls               $165         (4 weeks)

Makerspace Magic - Plan and Design Your Library's Makerspace

August 5 - Sept 1           Sarah  French             $165         (4 weeks)

Services to Homeschoolers

Sept 16 - Oct 13            Adrienne Pettinelli     $165         (4 weeks)

Youth Services 101        

Oct 7 - Dec 1                Brooke Newberry        $360     (8 weeks)

What's New in Children's Books

Nov 11 - Dec 8                Katelyn Martens-Rodriguez      $165      (4 weeks)

Plus there are many great additional courses. Stop here to see the full schedule of fall online courses for library staff.

IDEA Team BIPOC Unconference Advisory Committee Call for Applicants

 

Hello IDEA Team Allies and Advisory Committee Alum!!

We are looking ahead to the next iteration of the Libraries Talk about Race Project for 2025. We are calling for your expertise, insights, and in-the-field/lived experiences to make this next year a success! Drawing on input provided by the Libraries Talk about Race Facilitated Discussion Leaders; the IDEA Team Advisory Committee; and feedback from the Wisconsin Library Community at-large we are planning a gathering that centers BIPOC library staff voices.

We’re reaching out to invite you to apply to serve on an BIPOC library staff unconference advisory committee. The event will take place Spring 2025, but we’re looking for help in the early planning phase in the fall of 2024. What, exactly is an “unconference”? An “unconference” is a learning, sharing, and networking opportunity similar to a conference, but, importantly, does not have a set schedule or the ‘sage on a stage’ format of a traditional conference. It is highly participatory and networking focused. However, it is not without its planning. This is where we could use your help.

Would you be interested in being part of a compensated advisory committee? Diversity is a cornerstone of our work on the IDEA Team. While we are dedicated to providing this unconference for BIPOC library staff, we are significantly lacking in racial diversity. Without the input from the voices of our colleagues of color, we would only be working through the perspective of the perceived wants, needs, and lived experiences of our colleagues. Critical voices would be missing. This committee would be instrumental in helping to plan the topical suggestions for participants, activities at the event, and other logistical matters.You will not be asked to define the budget, run the event (we hope you’ll join us as participants), nor work on the details.

Does this interest you?

Complete the following form https://forms.gle/GLFrBzKNKeyFmWcN8 and tell us why you are interested in participating on the committee; how you can contribute to it; and how this opportunity can help you professionally as well. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, August 6th at 5 PM. Applicants will be informed of their participation on Friday, August 16th.

Have Questions? Please contact Project Leader, Sherry Anderson. Thank you for all your time, energy, and your insights!

Apply Here

This project was made possible thanks to the Wisconsin Department of Instruction (DPI) Public Library Development Team, with funding support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. 

Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!

Once or twice a month on weekends, YSS posts round-ups of ads that are sent to us or that we come across. If you have a position opening up and would like to see it on the YSS blog, please forward the job ad link/descriptions to the YSS blog at the email address listed in the header above the day's blog post.

Here is another July listing:

Friday Memorial (New Richmond) Library         Youth Services Assistant (part-time)

The Friday Memorial Library is accepting applicants for a Youth Services Assistant. We are seeking applicants who are passionate about customer service; knowledgeable about materials and programs that appeal to children, teens and families; and able to work individually as well as part of a team. 

This part-time position is responsible for assisting the Youth Services Librarian with the daily operations of the Youth Services Department. They will assist children, teens, families and caregivers in the use of library services, facilities and equipment. 

Candidates must have the ability to work enthusiastically and effectively with children, teenagers, and adults in the library and community. The ideal applicant will have knowledge of current trends and developments in the library profession and youth services, as well as the ability to develop and implement programs and services for library patrons of all ages. 

A minimum requirement of completion of an Associate's degree in a related field plus one (1) year library experience with a focus on youth and families; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. 

A range of daytime and evening hours with rotating weekend hours is required of this position. The position will work 20 hours per week, anticipating hiring wage range is $17.21-19.67, depending upon experience. 

To be considered, please submit a cover letter, resume, and completed City Application by 11:00 am on Friday, August 2 to Sarah Reese at sreese@newrichmondwi.gov.

Two Great Youth Resources

 Thanks to Kristie Hauer at WVLS' Youth Information Exchange for these two tips

Summer Learning Tips to Go! English/Spanish Text Messaging Service from Start With a Book

They write on their website:
"Sign up now for our 2024 summer learning tips, in English or Spanish. A fresh season of mobile tips is here! You'll receive three messages per week, featuring hands-on activities to keep kids reading, creating, exploring — and learning — all summer long! See examples of our summer tips below.

Text (855) 773-1019 toll-free with the words "READING' for tips in English and 'LECTURA' for tips in Spanish Messaging rates may apply.

Here are examples of the kinds of tips and activity ideas you'll receive though our text messaging service:
Alphabet city
On a walk together, look for the shapes of letters in the buildings all around you. More ideas: Builders and Buildings

Mapmaker
After reading a favorite book, have your child draw a map of the book's setting. More ideas: Map Making

Be a reading role model!
Make sure your kids see you reading and writing, whether it's reading the morning newspaper or making a shopping list. More ideas: Be a Reading Role Model

Nature scavenger hunt
Make a list of things to find outside (such as an acorn, stone, or feather). Give your child the list and let the hunt begin! More ideas: Outdoor Explorations"

Free Talk with Me Toolkits from the Smithsonian

"Talk with Me Toolkits provide caregivers chances to talk with their children to improve thinking, vocabulary, and language development. Talking with your child is great—and research shows that the quality of words children hear matters more than how much you talk. The Toolkits give caregivers ideas to begin conversations that are organized around a theme, and feature videos, photographs, paintings, and artworks along with questions to talk about with your child. At the end of each toolkit there are more activities to do and books to read together. Go through each toolkit with your child and see how many things there are to talk about!"

Kits include:

• Air and Space: Can It Fly
• Art: Colors, Shapes, Lines
• Art: Light and Shadow
• Me and My World: My Neighborhood
• Music: Animal Tracks
• Nature: Who Lives in the Soil

This project is developed by the Smithsonian Office of Educational Technology, Goodling Institute for Research in Family Literacy at Pennsylvania State University, and Middle Country Public Library. It adapts an original set of toolkits, developed by the Smithsonian Office of Educational Technology, for a grant with the Institute for Museum and Library Services.

Advocating without Jargon

In an ALSC post this past spring, ALA's ALSC Public Awareness and Advocacy Committee wrote a very practical piece on how we can be more effective advocates with our legislators. From communicating in a jargon-free way to knowing what committees your legislators serve on, this post has some really important things to think about to make you a great advocate for your programs and services.

Click here to read the post [When it Comes to Advocacy, Language Matters. ALSC Public Awareness and Advocacy Committee. ALSC blog. April 25, 2024.]

Bioblitz in the Library

 Thanks to NFLS's Nic News Weekly, July 12, 2024 for this timely information!

2024 Wisconsin Science Fest: Bioblitz in the library October 14-20   The 14th annual Wisconsin Science Festival (WSF) is fast approaching (October 14-20), and your library is invited to participate as an event host. This year the Wisconsin Water Library at UW Madison is assisting the WSF in support of libraries’ participation in the WiSciFest Bioblitz – a community science event that collects data on biodiversity in Wisconsin. Libraries are a perfect fit for hosting a mini bioblitz and the Water Library is here to help. A bioblitz gives community members the opportunity to explore and record the surrounding flora and fauna and can run for one hour, one day or for the whole week of the science festival. Hosting a bioblitz is easy and the Wisconsin Water Library (co-hosts a Great Lakes Bioblitz in the spring) have put together some resources for you. A bioblitz resource guide contains important information you need to host your own bioblitz. A free, one-hour informational webinar will be held on Thursday, September 19 at 11:30. This is an opportunity to learn the basics of community science and how you might participate. The webinar is designed for both new and experienced bioblitzers. Register for the webinar here.

Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!

Once or twice a month on weekends, YSS posts round-ups of ads that are sent to us or that we come across. If you have a position opening up and would like to see it on the YSS blog, please forward the job ad link/descriptions to the YSS blog at the email address listed in the header above the day's blog post.

Here is a mid-July listing:

Menomonie Public Library      Youth Services Librarian (part-time) 

The Menomonie Public Library is seeking a self-directed individual with a passion to provide quality library programming and services to the City of Menomonie and surrounding area. The ideal candidate should possess excellent customer service and communication skills, experience with technology, and the ability to work with children.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

1. Develops and conducts all weekly preschool programming, including age-appropriate story times.
2. Plans, organizes and conducts monthly programs for families.
3. Conducts outreach efforts to daycares and other agencies serving children and their caregivers/parents.
4. Assists patrons with reference and reader’s advisory questions.
5. Provides tours for groups who request.
6. Attends workshops and classes to improve skills.
7. Creates special interest displays including book displays and bulletin boards.
8. Prepares bibliographies and parent resources.
9. Maintains records of Youth Services activities.
10. Performs light housekeeping, including laundering puppets.
11. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Required: Associate’s degree and a minimum of six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• The ideal candidate will have:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Children’s Literature, Early Childhood Education, Human Development, or related fields
  • Library coursework or equivalent experience/training in programming and youth services

This part-time position starts at $22 per hour, with paid time off. Some evening and rotating weekend hours are required.

A background check is required for this position. A valid driver’s license is required.

View the full job description. To apply, please email your cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Joleen Sterk, Library Director, sterkj@menomonielibrary.org by Friday, July 26th at 6 p.m. Menomonie Public Library is an EOE.

Taylor Swift Party

Every so often as I go back through my efiles, I find a forgotten post that I meant to share earlier (oops). High time for this one to see the light of day. Marge

A Taylor Swift Party for kids? Yes, please. In this ALSC blog post swiftie and ALSC blogger Amy Steinbauer breaks down her wildly successful "Shake It Off" themed Taylor Swift karaoke party held at the library.

Amy writes: "In celebration of her new album, I threw a Swiftie karaoke program at the library! In the past, the Swift events have been more geared towards teenagers and that has left a lot of younger patrons out of the fun, so I wanted to correct that. I opened it up to all ages, and it was super popular with the under nine year old patrons and teens."

Please click here to read the details she provides. ["Shake It Off" Taylor Swift-themed Karaoke at the Library. Steinbauer, Amy. ALSC blog. May 2, 2024.]

ALA Travel Grant Opportunity

This tip seen in Nicolet Federated Library System’s Nic News Weekly, June 28, 2024 

Jason Reynolds/Simon & Schuster Travel Grant

Jason Reynolds/Simon & Schuster Travel Grants will be awarded annually to five black/African American youth/teen services public or school librarians to attend the ALA Annual conference.

The grants provide up to $3000 (and not less than $1500) to cover actual expenses for five black/African American librarians selected by ALA for travel, housing, registration, and cost of ticket to the Coretta Scott King (CSK) Awards Breakfast.

• Application opens September 1, 2024
• Application deadline is December 1, 2024