Winter break activities

Schoolchildren have been released for winter break. Is your library hosting holiday programs for kids?

Here are a few examples from Wisconsin public libraries:

• Oconomowoc Public Library hosted a Teen Snow Day on Dec. 21 and has set up a Holiday Photo Booth this month.
• Horicon Public Library is conducting crafting workshops for ages 8 and older on Dec. 26 and Dec. 30.
• Madison Public Library launched the 9 Days of Winter Break today, featuring games, quilting and a luau.

Public relations award

The American Library Association is offering the John Cotton Dana Award for outstanding library public relations. Eight winners will receive $10,000 each.

The application deadline is Feb. 14. Read full details here:

https://johncottondana.nonprofitcms.org/awards

Updated Webpage

Outreach Services Roundtable has updated its page on the WLA website. We hope the new information clarifies the group's purpose and encourages membership.

The webpage also reflects the roundtable's expansion beyond traditional outreach services such as bookmobiles and home delivery. The roundtable now encompasses accessibility, promotion, and advocacy for all types of libraries and patrons.

Let us know what you think. Better yet, join us!

Finals stress relievers

Final exams quickly are approaching at Wisconsin universities. College libraries likely will experience heavy foot traffic as students cram for tests.

Many university libraries are offering stress relievers during finals. Here are some examples we found on Facebook:

• McIntyre Library at UW-Eau Claire will welcome therapy dogs four nights in a row.

• College Library at UW-Madison is hosting a Retro Photo Booth, inviting students to pose in front of archival photographs.

Is your library offering stress relievers? Share ideas here.

OSRT Meeting Minutes 10-2013

Wisconsin Library Association
Outreach Services Round Table
Meeting Minutes
October 24, 2013

Blogger
Yes, keep using the blog.
Investigate adding a blog counter.
Is it sustainable? Is there any interaction? Run blog series?

Next Meeting Times
Carve out a new time for OSRT meeting where we'll not have such a big competition for membership. Perhaps lunchtime?
WLA Leadership Conference: December 2013
WAPL Annual Conference: May 7-9, 2014 (Sheboygan)
WLA Annual Conference: Nov 4-7, 2014 (WI Dells)
Add a presence at WAAL: April 2014

Budget
Contact WLA for monies we can divide between WAPL & WLA meetings
OSRT stickers for name tags
OSRT handouts for programs/conference sessions (announce mtg time & other sessions)

Reaching OSRT Members
Re-branding OSRT with the possible tag lines:
Clearing House of Resources
Make the Library Accessible to ALL
 Run blog series
Possible topics include social media, book mobile, special libraries or collections
Contact new WLA director Plumer about low attendance: what can we do to bolster OSRT?
Add a calendar to the OSRT.EMIERT blog (awareness/special events)

WLA Annual Conference is This Week!

We're looking forward to seeing you at WLA in Green Bay this week! There are great events planned all day and into the evening on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Mark your calendars for the roundtable meetings on Thursday morning from 7:45am-8:30am. Even if you aren't able to attend the entire conference, the roundtable meetings are free to attend and we'd love to have you join us!

WLA Annual Conference is Next Week!

The WLA Conference is less than a week away! We hope you are able to attend this fantastic get together in Green Bay. If you haven't registered,  there is still time! Please take a moment this afternoon and sign up, follow this
link to register: http://wla.wisconsinlibraries.org/events-conferences/annual-conference/registration-hotel

Here are some Conference FAQs: http://flic.kr/p/gHkMh2

We're looking forward to seeing you at #WLA13!