Important ILL announcement
Important ILL news from Joy Pohlman, WISCAT Technical Coordinator: “It has come to our attention that a login is now required when searching in WorldCat.org to view editions, formats, and detailed information (e.g., an OCLC number) for a given item, if your library does not already have an OCLC account. There is a simple process for creating a free account, which can be found here.” We encourage our libraries to create a free account using a work email address. Please let Katie Shay ([email protected]) know if you have questions or difficulties creating a free account!
Reminder: group supply order
This order is for general library supplies such as book tape, label protectors, stickers, AV cases, book coverings, etc.
- Before you order new, consider these surplus or lightly used options that IFLS has on hand. Open the spreadsheet and if interested in anything, please add your library name and quantity to the extra columns at the right side. (Full details in Sarah’s 2/2 email.)
- Sarah updated the group order spreadsheet, and sent that updated version in a 2/4 email. Please carefully follow the instructions from Sarah. If you need her to resend the email and instructions, contact her at [email protected].
Teen Internship Application is Open!
The application period for the Teen Internship program is open and the deadline to submit an application is Friday, February 13, 2026 at 4 p.m. This is expected to be a competitive process, and not all applicants will be accepted into the program.
The 2026 Department of Public Instruction Bureau of Libraries Teen Internship program will provide LSTA funding up to $2500 for up to eight Wisconsin public libraries to allow them to offer a paid, mentored internship to high school-aged students representing the voices of their communities. One of the core components of the internship is for the interns to create and implement their own Connected Learning Project. For more information, visit the Public Libraries Youth Services page of the DPI website.
Note from Leah: Two libraries in our system have had teen interns, Eau Claire (a few years back) and Prescott (in 2025). If you have questions about what this project was like for Carissa ([email protected]) or Darien ([email protected]) at Prescott, they’d be happy to talk with you about it. Both agreed that though this took some time during a hectic time of year, it was also a great way to gain mentorship skills and get new perspectives for them, as well as an opportunity for a young person from their community to explore various facets of library work. The folks in Eau Claire had a similar experience!
Wisc-Online has a new home!
The Wisc-Online collection has moved to WisTech Open, a statewide platform that brings together open educational resources and tools to support learners across Wisconsin and beyond.
A curated set of Wisc-Online’s most popular learning activities is now available at https://www.wistechopen.org/wisc-online. These resources were reviewed for accessibility and current content, and the new platform is ad-free—making it easier for libraries to share trusted learning materials with their communities. We also encourage you to share our newly revised, free Basic Computer Skills course. Previous web addresses will remain functional and redirect to the updated platform (wisc-online.org and wisc-online.com).
To explore more free learning resources, visit wistechopen.org.
Calendar highlights
- Last minute registration: Making Summer Easier, Part 1, February 6, 11 am – 12 noon Summer Library Program season doesn’t have to mean stress and staff burnout. Join library peers from across the region for a practical webinar focused on rethinking summer programming through a different lens, one that saves staff time, reduces anxiety, and still delivers a fun, meaningful experience for patrons. You’ll hear real-world ideas and takeaways. Check the calendar for two more Making Summer Easier webinars coming up.
- Just added: IFLS/WVLS Adult Services Meet-up