Developing a Statewide eBook Collection for Schools

Background:DPI work Pre-2014 Nancy Anderson, DPI education consultant, led important groundwork. Convened a foundational work group that made important recommendations. Gathered input and concerns from the school library community around the state. Developed support for the concept of large- scale consortial purchasing of ebooks DPI retained WiLS to conduct surveys of the school community

Background: WiLS and DPI partnered. Workgroup representing regions and variety of schools. Surveyed library media specialists across state. Developed criteria to survey vendors based on media specialist’s feedback. Investigated other multi-district projects outside of Wisconsin. Developed list of key elements for multi-district or statewide projects.

Key elements of a multi-district project Participation Collection Single interface Understanding local technology Support & Training Regular evaluation of the project & collection Funding Management

Current project DPI, WiLS, and CESA Purchasing partnering Pieces of the project as proposed: – Develop & host a “Think Tank” to discuss the structure for a statewide school ebook consortium. – Create needed structure: governance structure, charges, fee structure, collection development policy, consortium values.

Think Tank Participants MemberSchool District Lori AmesMiddleton-Cross Plains School District Nancy AndersonDPI Martha BerningerDPI Peg BillingTomahawk School District Sara GoldWiLS Jesse HarnessCESA Statewide Network Cynthia HoltCESA Purchasing Vicki LyonsSchool District of La Crosse Christine O’ ReganKenosha Unified School District Jennifer PetersonMenasha Joint School District Bruce SmithWiLS Mary Jo ZieglerCESA 2

Supporting Documents School eBook Report Information about the WI Public Library Consortium (WPLC) Information about existing school ebook projects in other states survey/

Outcome of Think Tank: A draft structure Overall principles Collection Selection Platform Training & Support Funding Governance Project management survey/

Overall Principles It will be critical for the consortium to accommodate diverse needs of districts. Home access to broadband and devices will impact the ability of all students to use this collection to its fullest. The primary point of discovery for this content will be through the library catalog.

Outcome of Think Tank: A draft structure Overall principles Collection Selection Platform Training & Support Funding Project management Governance survey/

Two Governing Bodies Board: Develop policy, budgets, cost formulas Have fiscal responsibility for project Include: –Representative from DPI –Representative from the CESA Statewide Network –Representative from WEMTA – Representative from the Steering Committee Steering Committee: Makes decisions related to collection and platform Include 1-2 representatives from each participating CESA area, selected by districts participating from that area. Could include library media specialists, curriculum experts, or others with working knowledge that is desirable for the consortium. Ideally, representatives will come from a mix of rural, urban, and suburban districts. Additional individuals may be appointed to the Steering Committee by the Board if there are perceived gaps in representation or knowledge.

Next Steps By June…. 1. Gather feedback from media specialists, curriculum specialists and other practitioners with interest. 2. Revise structure based on feedback collected. 3. Gather additional feedback from a broader group. 4. Develop estimate for opening day collection. By December…. Develop enough information so that districts can make participation decisions for 2017/18.

Contact me for more information Stef Morrill,