USA.gov: Health and Nutrition -- http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Health.shtml -- The U.S. government’s official web portal offering access to government resources on health care, insurance, diet, fitness, public health, and more.
Source: Channel Weekly, Vol. 12, Number 7---October 29, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Ordering Wisconsin Tax Forms
New Procedures for 2009
The department has implemented a new e-mail application for libraries to use in placing orders for 2009 Wisconsin tax forms. This new application is easier to use and offers a better process for monitoring library orders and tracking shipments. Although some libraries may have already placed their order for 2009 Wisconsin tax forms using the online ordering system, you must now resubmit your order using this e-mail application.
We Need Your Help!
Last year Wisconsin libraries ordered approximately 1.6 million tax forms and instructions (1 million forms + 600,000 instruction booklets). Based on the unique barcode assigned to forms provided to libraries, the department was able to determine that less than 75,000 of the 1 million forms were actually filed with the department. We know that some of the forms that were not submitted to the department are used for draft versions or kept as a copy, but certainly not all 925,000.
Help us reduce the number of forms that are being wasted. While we want to continue to provide forms to taxpayers who need them, we must reduce the waste associated with forms that are not being used. We urge you to order fewer forms this year!
More E-filing - Less Paper
More than 71% of Wisconsin taxpayers filed their income tax returns electronically. Last year the department introduced a new e-file application called Wisconsin e-file. This application is Free, Secure, and Accurate. Plus, refunds are available within 5 business days.
We encourage you to refer your customers to this free application. Wisconsin e-file is available from the department's web site at http://www.revenue.wi.gov/.
In addition, all Wisconsin tax forms are available online at http://www.revenue.wi.gov/html/formpub.html.
How to Order Forms
Step 1 Open the attachment below (Form P-744L, Library Tax Form Request) and fill in your name, address, and contact information.
Step 2 Fill in requested quantities.
Step 3 Save completed form to your computer.
Step 4 E-mail the completed request form (as an attachment) to DorLibraryFormsOrders@revenue.wi.gov
Please submit your order by November 13th.
We thank you for your time and effort in providing assistance to Wisconsin taxpayers. If you have any questions or need assistance with placing your order, feel free to contact Laurie Yahr at (608) 261-5106 or e-mail at laurie.yahr@revenue.wi.gov.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey W. Hanson
Staff Specialist
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
Mail Stop 6-40
PO Box 8933
Madison, WI 53708-8933
Phone (608) 266-8474
Fax (608) 261-6240
Source: email sent 10/29/2009
The department has implemented a new e-mail application for libraries to use in placing orders for 2009 Wisconsin tax forms. This new application is easier to use and offers a better process for monitoring library orders and tracking shipments. Although some libraries may have already placed their order for 2009 Wisconsin tax forms using the online ordering system, you must now resubmit your order using this e-mail application.
We Need Your Help!
Last year Wisconsin libraries ordered approximately 1.6 million tax forms and instructions (1 million forms + 600,000 instruction booklets). Based on the unique barcode assigned to forms provided to libraries, the department was able to determine that less than 75,000 of the 1 million forms were actually filed with the department. We know that some of the forms that were not submitted to the department are used for draft versions or kept as a copy, but certainly not all 925,000.
Help us reduce the number of forms that are being wasted. While we want to continue to provide forms to taxpayers who need them, we must reduce the waste associated with forms that are not being used. We urge you to order fewer forms this year!
More E-filing - Less Paper
More than 71% of Wisconsin taxpayers filed their income tax returns electronically. Last year the department introduced a new e-file application called Wisconsin e-file. This application is Free, Secure, and Accurate. Plus, refunds are available within 5 business days.
We encourage you to refer your customers to this free application. Wisconsin e-file is available from the department's web site at http://www.revenue.wi.gov/.
In addition, all Wisconsin tax forms are available online at http://www.revenue.wi.gov/html/formpub.html.
How to Order Forms
Step 1 Open the attachment below (Form P-744L, Library Tax Form Request) and fill in your name, address, and contact information.
Step 2 Fill in requested quantities.
Step 3 Save completed form to your computer.
Step 4 E-mail the completed request form (as an attachment) to DorLibraryFormsOrders@revenue.wi.gov
Please submit your order by November 13th.
We thank you for your time and effort in providing assistance to Wisconsin taxpayers. If you have any questions or need assistance with placing your order, feel free to contact Laurie Yahr at (608) 261-5106 or e-mail at laurie.yahr@revenue.wi.gov.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey W. Hanson
Staff Specialist
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
Mail Stop 6-40
PO Box 8933
Madison, WI 53708-8933
Phone (608) 266-8474
Fax (608) 261-6240
Source: email sent 10/29/2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Introducing ReadyWisconsin
ReadyWisconsin is a one-stop portal for information and resources related to any type of emergency that could threaten Wisconsin residents.
Free Outreach Materials
A unique feature of ReadyWisconsin is the wide array of free outreach materials that can be customized and branded for use by any governmental entity, volunteer organization or emergency preparedness stakeholder.
For instance, downloadable pre-produced television and radio messages addressing dozens of themed preparedness issues can be used and tagged by a sheriff, fire chief, county executive, school superintendent, civic leader or any individual or entity that chooses to deliver preparedness outreach messages to the public.
Other turn-key products include streaming video, children’s materials, brochures, posters, checklists and templates, and PowerPoint presentations. New materials are continually being developed.
Specialized Links
ReadyWisconsin aims to make it easier for the public to access disaster information by inviting them to a single site from which they can then be linked directly to the most comprehensive and up-to-date information at the state, national and international levels.
In the case of pandemic flu, for example, ReadyWisconsin is partnering with the Wisconsin Departments of Health Services and Public Instruction in the creation of outreach materials and in identifying links to essential information for the public.
For additional information, please go to http://ReadyWisconsin.wi.gov or contact Susan Burleigh at 608-242-3324 or susan.burleigh@wisconsin.gov.
Source: email 9/22/09
Free Outreach Materials
A unique feature of ReadyWisconsin is the wide array of free outreach materials that can be customized and branded for use by any governmental entity, volunteer organization or emergency preparedness stakeholder.
For instance, downloadable pre-produced television and radio messages addressing dozens of themed preparedness issues can be used and tagged by a sheriff, fire chief, county executive, school superintendent, civic leader or any individual or entity that chooses to deliver preparedness outreach messages to the public.
Other turn-key products include streaming video, children’s materials, brochures, posters, checklists and templates, and PowerPoint presentations. New materials are continually being developed.
Specialized Links
ReadyWisconsin aims to make it easier for the public to access disaster information by inviting them to a single site from which they can then be linked directly to the most comprehensive and up-to-date information at the state, national and international levels.
In the case of pandemic flu, for example, ReadyWisconsin is partnering with the Wisconsin Departments of Health Services and Public Instruction in the creation of outreach materials and in identifying links to essential information for the public.
For additional information, please go to http://ReadyWisconsin.wi.gov or contact Susan Burleigh at 608-242-3324 or susan.burleigh@wisconsin.gov.
Source: email 9/22/09
Friday, August 14, 2009
Here’s What We Know About Libraries...and What Your Local & County Officials Need to Know
Need some talking points for your 2010 budget development? Here are a few suggestions.
1. Libraries are essential to economic recovery.
Libraries provide valuable materials, programs, and services to get people back on their feet and skilled staff to help them find what they need.
· Resources to learn about resume writing, and how to complete job application forms
· Resources to learn financial management
· Resources to help create small businesses
· Resources to learn about health, nutrition and wellness activities
· Online databases that provide valuable information for businesses
· Computers and Internet access for applying for jobs online
· Computers and Internet access for virtual classes and training
· Computer training on email, searching, work processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint and more software programs
· Free email access to apply and receive correspondence about jobs
· Assistance in setting up free email accounts
· Resume writing software and assistance
· Referrals to agencies that provide loans, food, shelter and other essentials
· Meeting places for businesses to conduct interviews and group meetings
· Meeting places for tutors and students
· Staff to proctor exams for correspondence classes, virtual universities, and job qualification tests
· Practice tests, both print and online
2. Libraries are models of cost-efficient operations.
For years, libraries have set the standard for working together, sharing resources, and creating efficiencies – always with an eye to enhancing customer service and making the best use of taxpayers’ dollars. The examples are numerous:
· Shared pulic access computer systems
· Access to online databases
· Access to materials in digital formats
· Interlibrary loan: physical delivery of materials
· Interlibrary loan: document delivery
· Electronic reference services (Instant messaging/chat)
· Long-range planning (e.g., Council of Libraries and Network Development report on future of Wisconsin libraries)
· Continuing education
· Special needs (e.g., Regional Library for Blind & Physically Handicapped)
3. Libraries are experiencing increased demands for service.
The current economic climate has made libraries an even more vital part of their communities; they’re busier than ever. It’s a national phenomenon.
Key quote*: "Whenever you have tough economic times, public libraries are a place people go because they have no other alternatives or because they know they are going to get the kind of powerful information that will make a difference in their lives."
--Kristin McDonough, Director of the Science/Industry/Business Library of the New York Public Library.
“Frugal readers drive up library circulation 30%.” Chicago Sun-Times, 6/28/2009.
“Downturn Puts New Stresses on Libraries”. The New York Times, 4/1/2009.
“Libraries Stressed, Yet Needed More Than Ever.” The Denver Post, 3/22/2009.
*“Hard Economic Times a Boon for Libraries. CNN.com, 2/28/2009.
“In Slumping Economy, Library Use Shoots Up”. Greater Milwaukee Today, 2/10/2009.
"Libraries many benefits rediscovered in hard economic times". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1/22/2009.
"Folks Are Flocking to the Library, a Cozy Place to Look for a Job". Wall Street Journal, 1/15/2009.
"Library use up with economy drop." Racine Journal Times, 1/4/2009.
“Check it out: As the economy sags, library use is booming.” The Boston Globe, 1/4/2009.
"As economy goes down, traffic at the library goes up." Wisconsin State Journal, 1/1/2009.
Wisconsin Library Association 5250 East Terrace Drive, Suite A1 Madison, WI 53718Telephone: 608.245.3640 On the web at http://www.wla.lib.wi.us/
1. Libraries are essential to economic recovery.
Libraries provide valuable materials, programs, and services to get people back on their feet and skilled staff to help them find what they need.
· Resources to learn about resume writing, and how to complete job application forms
· Resources to learn financial management
· Resources to help create small businesses
· Resources to learn about health, nutrition and wellness activities
· Online databases that provide valuable information for businesses
· Computers and Internet access for applying for jobs online
· Computers and Internet access for virtual classes and training
· Computer training on email, searching, work processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint and more software programs
· Free email access to apply and receive correspondence about jobs
· Assistance in setting up free email accounts
· Resume writing software and assistance
· Referrals to agencies that provide loans, food, shelter and other essentials
· Meeting places for businesses to conduct interviews and group meetings
· Meeting places for tutors and students
· Staff to proctor exams for correspondence classes, virtual universities, and job qualification tests
· Practice tests, both print and online
2. Libraries are models of cost-efficient operations.
For years, libraries have set the standard for working together, sharing resources, and creating efficiencies – always with an eye to enhancing customer service and making the best use of taxpayers’ dollars. The examples are numerous:
· Shared pulic access computer systems
· Access to online databases
· Access to materials in digital formats
· Interlibrary loan: physical delivery of materials
· Interlibrary loan: document delivery
· Electronic reference services (Instant messaging/chat)
· Long-range planning (e.g., Council of Libraries and Network Development report on future of Wisconsin libraries)
· Continuing education
· Special needs (e.g., Regional Library for Blind & Physically Handicapped)
3. Libraries are experiencing increased demands for service.
The current economic climate has made libraries an even more vital part of their communities; they’re busier than ever. It’s a national phenomenon.
Key quote*: "Whenever you have tough economic times, public libraries are a place people go because they have no other alternatives or because they know they are going to get the kind of powerful information that will make a difference in their lives."
--Kristin McDonough, Director of the Science/Industry/Business Library of the New York Public Library.
“Frugal readers drive up library circulation 30%.” Chicago Sun-Times, 6/28/2009.
“Downturn Puts New Stresses on Libraries”. The New York Times, 4/1/2009.
“Libraries Stressed, Yet Needed More Than Ever.” The Denver Post, 3/22/2009.
*“Hard Economic Times a Boon for Libraries. CNN.com, 2/28/2009.
“In Slumping Economy, Library Use Shoots Up”. Greater Milwaukee Today, 2/10/2009.
"Libraries many benefits rediscovered in hard economic times". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1/22/2009.
"Folks Are Flocking to the Library, a Cozy Place to Look for a Job". Wall Street Journal, 1/15/2009.
"Library use up with economy drop." Racine Journal Times, 1/4/2009.
“Check it out: As the economy sags, library use is booming.” The Boston Globe, 1/4/2009.
"As economy goes down, traffic at the library goes up." Wisconsin State Journal, 1/1/2009.
Wisconsin Library Association 5250 East Terrace Drive, Suite A1 Madison, WI 53718Telephone: 608.245.3640 On the web at http://www.wla.lib.wi.us/
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Free DVDs and Electric Meter from Alliant Energy
Times are tough right now, and everyone is looking for ways to save money – including your library patrons. Give them the resources they need to help make it through with Alliant Energy’s PowerHouse TV series – the energy-saving, money-saving program that shows homeowners how to make the most of their energy usage and save money.
The complete set of 51 PowerHouse episodes on DVD is now available to libraries in the Alliant Energy service territory at no charge. Also available for free – a portable electric meter to help patrons find out how much electronic appliances and devices cost to operate.
For the last thirteen years, Alliant Energy’s PowerHouse television show has given homeowners practical advice on a wide variety of energy-related topics, including energy efficiency, conservation, safety and the environment. The show focuses on do-it-yourself projects, with demonstrations of simple improvements that any homeowner can tackle.
Once you sign up to receive your free PowerHouse DVDs, we will send you the entire collection of PowerHouse DVDs, with each DVD containing about six episodes. You will also receive the new episodes of PowerHouse as they become available. Again, there is no charge for this service.
If you choose to receive the free portable electric meter, we will send you the meter, along with a laminated instructional card. This easy-to-use device – which is a bit larger than a deck of cards – will be helpful to patrons, who can check it out for home use to help control electricity costs.
To receive your free PowerHouse DVD library and/or the free portable electric meter, simply fill out our online form. If you have questions about this free offer, please call 1-866-ALLIANT (1-866-255-4268).
The complete set of 51 PowerHouse episodes on DVD is now available to libraries in the Alliant Energy service territory at no charge. Also available for free – a portable electric meter to help patrons find out how much electronic appliances and devices cost to operate.
For the last thirteen years, Alliant Energy’s PowerHouse television show has given homeowners practical advice on a wide variety of energy-related topics, including energy efficiency, conservation, safety and the environment. The show focuses on do-it-yourself projects, with demonstrations of simple improvements that any homeowner can tackle.
Once you sign up to receive your free PowerHouse DVDs, we will send you the entire collection of PowerHouse DVDs, with each DVD containing about six episodes. You will also receive the new episodes of PowerHouse as they become available. Again, there is no charge for this service.
If you choose to receive the free portable electric meter, we will send you the meter, along with a laminated instructional card. This easy-to-use device – which is a bit larger than a deck of cards – will be helpful to patrons, who can check it out for home use to help control electricity costs.
To receive your free PowerHouse DVD library and/or the free portable electric meter, simply fill out our online form. If you have questions about this free offer, please call 1-866-ALLIANT (1-866-255-4268).
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
UW-Platteville Library looking for a library director
Follow this link: http://www.uwplatt.edu/pers/employ/Emp_Lib%20Dir.htm to learn more about this exciting opportunity!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
$300 Grants Available for Writers and Illustrators
Using grants awarded by the Wisconsin Center for the Book, communities can celebrate and explore the literature of Wisconsin with its authors and illustrators. The Wisconsin Center for the Book will award up to 4 grants of $300 each to qualifying organizations wishing to sponsor a Wisconsin author or illustrator at a public event. The event must be open to the public and free of charge. The grants are made possible through the cooperation of the Woodland Pattern Book Center and the generosity of donors.
Wisconsin nonprofit organizations interested in books and reading are eligible to apply. Collaboration among groups is preferred. Such groups may include, but are not limited to: libraries, public and private elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools, community organizations, and places of worship. Libraries are encouraged to look beyond their Friends groups for partnerships.
Applications will be judged on the basis of community outreach and collaboration, thoroughness of planning, and rationale for the choice of speaker.
Applications may be obtained at:
http://wisconsincenterforthebook.wordpress.com/wais/
Time line:
• July 1, 2009: Applications due; if mailed, they must be postmarked on or before this date.
• July 30, 2009: Winners will be notified by this date.
• September 1, 2009 – April 30, 2010: Programs must be scheduled between these dates. A final report must be submitted within 10 days of the event or the honorarium will be forfeited.
Definition of a Wisconsin author or illustrator: Any author or illustrator who has lived in Wisconsin for a significant period of time, including someone who may no longer be living in the state.
More information may be obtained by calling Sarah McGowan, WAIS 2009-10 Chair. Please contact her at 920-748-2784 or windsong@centurytel.net.
Wisconsin nonprofit organizations interested in books and reading are eligible to apply. Collaboration among groups is preferred. Such groups may include, but are not limited to: libraries, public and private elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools, community organizations, and places of worship. Libraries are encouraged to look beyond their Friends groups for partnerships.
Applications will be judged on the basis of community outreach and collaboration, thoroughness of planning, and rationale for the choice of speaker.
Applications may be obtained at:
http://wisconsincenterforthebook.wordpress.com/wais/
Time line:
• July 1, 2009: Applications due; if mailed, they must be postmarked on or before this date.
• July 30, 2009: Winners will be notified by this date.
• September 1, 2009 – April 30, 2010: Programs must be scheduled between these dates. A final report must be submitted within 10 days of the event or the honorarium will be forfeited.
Definition of a Wisconsin author or illustrator: Any author or illustrator who has lived in Wisconsin for a significant period of time, including someone who may no longer be living in the state.
More information may be obtained by calling Sarah McGowan, WAIS 2009-10 Chair. Please contact her at 920-748-2784 or windsong@centurytel.net.
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