Data Dashboard
As part of a statewide pilot, the Wisconsin Public Consortium (WPLC) Data Dashboard! provides insights about a variety of library and community metrics and will be freely available for use between September and December 2025. This dashboard will allow you to examine Wisconsin library data in a variety of ways, including “snapshot” data (e.g. one-time look at a specific number) as well as “trend” data (e.g. the same data point over time to highlight any movement or changes). Each page of the dashboard includes directions for how to use the data. Most pages include filters which allow you to examine data at different levels. You can save and download the pages of this dashboard by clicking the “Share” button in the top-right corner of the dashboard. In partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and WiLS, this dashboard pilot has been made possible with funding from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
For more information on using the dashboard, see the Training Materials Toolkit for Public Libraries
Historical Newspaper Resources
Digitizing and sharing historical local newspapers is a top priority for communities of all sizes around Wisconsin. Local newspapers are an important source of community history, provide information for researchers, and are a key resource for people working on genealogy and family history. The Historical and Local Digital Collections Committee connects WPLC member libraries to resources and support to plan for and complete the important work of digitizing and sharing their historical newspapers. Discover Resources here.
Statewide Delivery
Statewide delivery of public library materials falls under the governance of the WPLC and is responsible for all decisions relating to the day-to-day operations of delivery including:
- Coordinating communication and oversight of daily statewide service between systems, both within different regions and statewide
- Continuous service improvement efforts, including:
- Collecting delivery volume and cost data to be used for service analysis
- Exploring statewide hub connection route service improvement opportunities
- Developing intersystem bin tracking systems
- Developing a connection to Illinois like exists with Minitex
- Exploring innovation improvements such as automated materials handling at sorting hubs and electric vehicle options/uses
- Sharing best delivery practices, tools, and templates
- Cooperatively work with and purchase from vendors when feasible
- Ongoing statewide delivery service cost analysis, improved cost-sharing model development, and annual cooperative budget development.
Technology Backup Project
The Backup Collaboration Storage Platform aggregates infrastructure backups from any participating Wisconsin public library system into equipment hosted in two data centers (South Central Library System and LEAN, WI). The Systems are connected via BadgerNet. The purpose is to provide secure and redundant storage accessible by System IT staff.
Technology Digital Archives Backup Project
The Digital Archives Backup and Storage platform safely stores archival copies of digitized materials and metadata from public libraries from any participating Wisconsin public library system into equipment hosted in two data centers (South Central Library System and LEAN, WI). The purpose is to provide proper storage of digitized materials. This project is in partnership with Recollection Wisconsin.
Wisconsin’s Digital Library
Wisconsin’s Digital Library was established in 2001 and is a shared, state-wide collection of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines available for free to all valid Wisconsin public library card holders.
Wisconsin’s Digital Library is governed by the Digital Library Steering Committee and supported by the Selection Committee and the Collection Development Committee.
For more information about the usage of the collection, see the year-to-date statistics.
You can see the current checkouts and holds below or by visiting the Dashboard directly!