Last Ever Random Act
12 years ago
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Reconsideration Recovery
Last week, the local newspaper ran a story about a reconsideration request at my library. The only problem with the article was that at least nine pertinent pieces of information were left out of the story. The result? At least a few citizens thought the library was "censoring" books and "banning" them from teens after my library board voted to recatalog a book that had previously been cataloged as "young adult fiction" to "adult nonfiction." No matter that the book, The Notebook Girls, had previously been miscataloged (the book is actually nonfiction) or that many libraries already have this title as adult nonfiction, or that the book has powerful information for adults, or that anyone with a library card can check out any materials from anywhere in my library.
The American Library Association picked up the story--linked it (with no explanation) on their weekly "American Libraries Direct" update. I contacted ALA, who was quite responsive and wrote a follow-up as this week's "Inside Scoop" story. Thank you, Beverly Goldberg!
See the link to ALA's "the rest of the story" at this link:
http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/inside-scoop/when-good-deed-meets-bad-press
The American Library Association picked up the story--linked it (with no explanation) on their weekly "American Libraries Direct" update. I contacted ALA, who was quite responsive and wrote a follow-up as this week's "Inside Scoop" story. Thank you, Beverly Goldberg!
See the link to ALA's "the rest of the story" at this link:
http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/inside-scoop/when-good-deed-meets-bad-press
Saturday, October 16, 2010
"The Rest of the Story"
I always liked Paul Harvey. He had a way of filling in the missing pieces of a topic everyone assumed they already knew. While I'm no Paul Harvey, I do want to share "the rest of the story" with anyone who may have recently seen an article that appeared in the Des Moines Register concerning a reconsideration (challenge) for The Notebook Girls at the Waukee Public Library.
The following facts were not included in the Register's report:
--The name of the complainant is obviously omitted from every Register report because the Waukee Public Library is vehemently committed to the protection of patron privacy;
--The complainant wanted the Library to completely remove the book from the collection (to censor it);
--The Library and the Board refused to succumb to the complainant’s request of censorship because the Library and the Board are committed to intellectual freedom and will deny any requests for censorship;
--This book was originally mis-cataloged as fiction when it is actually nonfiction;
--Many public libraries with this book in their holdings already have the title classified in the adult nonfiction section;
--Libraries routinely re-catalog materials when they realize errors or believe the book is more accessible to a wider audience by putting the item in a different area of the library;
--Library materials at the Waukee Public Library are available to any patron with a valid library card regardless of age of patron or classification of material (meaning, anyone can check out this book at any time);
--The adult and teen sections of the Waukee Public Library are located directly next to each other in an open floor plan;
----School Library Journal recommends this book for “adult/high school” audiences;
--This book was noted by VOYA (Voices of Youth Advocates) as an “adult-marketed” book recommended for teens;
--The book contains ample information that is useful for parents/educators;
--Teens will readily check out books in the adult section, whereas adults are often reluctant to check out materials from the teen section—and thus, the reclassification makes the book more accessible to more readers;
--OCLC recommends the book as nonfiction;
--The library now owns two copies of the book (thanks, in part, to this reconsideration request);
--Members of the reconsideration committee actually read and reviewed the book (unlike the Register's staff);
--Members of the reconsideration committee spent a combined total time of approximately one week reviewing the book and other documents pertaining to a reconsideration (such as the library’s policies and professional reviews).
The Waukee Public Library and its Board are obviously committed to intellectual freedom, freedom to access of information, and patron privacy based upon the library’s current policies regarding mission, purpose, collection development, and freedom to read. Once all the facts are known, it is obvious that the recent decision was not a form of censorship or book banning; it was a way to ensure that the book is accurately cataloged and in a location where it can be accessed by the most readers.
To see the Des Moines Register's story, go to this link:
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20101013/NEWS/10130367/-1/LIFE04/Waukee-library-board-votes-to-reclassify-teen-book
To see an article published by the American Observer that notes the fact that while libraries will re-catalog items, such an action is not censorship, go to this link:
http://inews6.americanobserver.net/articles/banned-books-week-shines-spotlight-censorship
The following facts were not included in the Register's report:
--The name of the complainant is obviously omitted from every Register report because the Waukee Public Library is vehemently committed to the protection of patron privacy;
--The complainant wanted the Library to completely remove the book from the collection (to censor it);
--The Library and the Board refused to succumb to the complainant’s request of censorship because the Library and the Board are committed to intellectual freedom and will deny any requests for censorship;
--This book was originally mis-cataloged as fiction when it is actually nonfiction;
--Many public libraries with this book in their holdings already have the title classified in the adult nonfiction section;
--Libraries routinely re-catalog materials when they realize errors or believe the book is more accessible to a wider audience by putting the item in a different area of the library;
--Library materials at the Waukee Public Library are available to any patron with a valid library card regardless of age of patron or classification of material (meaning, anyone can check out this book at any time);
--The adult and teen sections of the Waukee Public Library are located directly next to each other in an open floor plan;
----School Library Journal recommends this book for “adult/high school” audiences;
--This book was noted by VOYA (Voices of Youth Advocates) as an “adult-marketed” book recommended for teens;
--The book contains ample information that is useful for parents/educators;
--Teens will readily check out books in the adult section, whereas adults are often reluctant to check out materials from the teen section—and thus, the reclassification makes the book more accessible to more readers;
--OCLC recommends the book as nonfiction;
--The library now owns two copies of the book (thanks, in part, to this reconsideration request);
--Members of the reconsideration committee actually read and reviewed the book (unlike the Register's staff);
--Members of the reconsideration committee spent a combined total time of approximately one week reviewing the book and other documents pertaining to a reconsideration (such as the library’s policies and professional reviews).
The Waukee Public Library and its Board are obviously committed to intellectual freedom, freedom to access of information, and patron privacy based upon the library’s current policies regarding mission, purpose, collection development, and freedom to read. Once all the facts are known, it is obvious that the recent decision was not a form of censorship or book banning; it was a way to ensure that the book is accurately cataloged and in a location where it can be accessed by the most readers.
To see the Des Moines Register's story, go to this link:
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20101013/NEWS/10130367/-1/LIFE04/Waukee-library-board-votes-to-reclassify-teen-book
To see an article published by the American Observer that notes the fact that while libraries will re-catalog items, such an action is not censorship, go to this link:
http://inews6.americanobserver.net/articles/banned-books-week-shines-spotlight-censorship
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The Power of a Grandparent
This week I issued three library cards to a dad and his two daughters. This is not anything out of the ordinary. In fact, I’ve issued a lot of cards to parents and children this week. But what makes this set of cards special is the fact that this family may still not have library cards had it not been for the girls’ grandfather.
This grandfather lives out of state but was here visiting for a few weeks. He brought his granddaughters to the library. He told me he was surprised that his granddaughters didn’t have library cards and had not visited the library even though they live within walking distance of my library. The grandfather brought the girls here, introduced them to the library, and inquired what needed to be done to get cards for the girls. When he learned that a parent’s signature was required, this grandfather made a phone call and persuaded Dad (who was busy mowing grass) to come to the library right away to complete the necessary paperwork for the girls to get their own library cards (which Dad promptly did).
The grandfather later told me, “I enjoy reading, and I want to make sure all of my grandkids enjoy it, too.” What a wonderful gift this grandfather has given to his grandchildren—an influential nudge toward positive reading experiences!
This grandfather lives out of state but was here visiting for a few weeks. He brought his granddaughters to the library. He told me he was surprised that his granddaughters didn’t have library cards and had not visited the library even though they live within walking distance of my library. The grandfather brought the girls here, introduced them to the library, and inquired what needed to be done to get cards for the girls. When he learned that a parent’s signature was required, this grandfather made a phone call and persuaded Dad (who was busy mowing grass) to come to the library right away to complete the necessary paperwork for the girls to get their own library cards (which Dad promptly did).
The grandfather later told me, “I enjoy reading, and I want to make sure all of my grandkids enjoy it, too.” What a wonderful gift this grandfather has given to his grandchildren—an influential nudge toward positive reading experiences!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Learning the Alphabet—One Box at a Time
One of my grandsons, Luis, recently turned five years old. In spite of his bilingual capabilities and keen awareness for details, he has not quite caught onto learning the names and sounds of the alphabet. Living 10 hours away (by car) makes tutoring him practically impossible. So I came up with “Plan B.” Knowing how much Luis loves to receive mail, I decided I could help him learn his letters by mailing an alphabet box to him each week.
I decided to begin with the consonants, followed by the short vowel sounds, and rounding off the “classes” with long vowel sounds. For the first week, I sent Luis a large envelope with a letter indicating that Grandma was going to help him learn the alphabet and instructing him that each week he would receive a new package from me. The envelope included an alphabet flash card for the letter B, some “B” worksheets to color, and a Book—one from my childhood about a sheep. (Sheep, after all, say Baaaa!) I also wrote a list of other B words for him to find around the house (brother, ball, Banana, bread, etc.) While not the most exciting things to send, the package included enough stuff to get Luis excited about the alphabet. He asked his parents to read the book. He did activities during the week with a ball and a balloon, and he colored his large letter B. Thankfully, Luis did not think B is for boring!
Week two’s package was a bit more exciting. It was a box that included the C flashcard with a picture of a cat on it, some “C” worksheets to colors, a letter from me suggesting Luis find other C words at home (cup, cap, car, etc.), a package of cookie mix (just add water and an egg!) and some really fun cookie cutters.
By week four, Luis had received packages for D and F, and he had also visited the zoo. While there, he enthusiastically told his mother, “CAT! That sign says CAT!” when they neared the display for the bobcat. When his mom asked how he knew that, Luis replied, “I remember it from the C box!” He added, “I can read!”
Now Luis eagerly looks forward to his boxes and his "distance learning" alphabet classes. He tries to guess what might be in the box. (He thought donuts might be in the D box, and considered a tea cup could be in the F box until he rightly sounded out that “cup” starts with C.) My boxes cost approximately $3-$5 a week, depending on what I include in them and the size of the container necessary to ship them, but the benefit and joy of Luis learning the alphabet is MORE than worth the price! H is for Happy—as in a happy grandchild and an even happier grandmother.
I decided to begin with the consonants, followed by the short vowel sounds, and rounding off the “classes” with long vowel sounds. For the first week, I sent Luis a large envelope with a letter indicating that Grandma was going to help him learn the alphabet and instructing him that each week he would receive a new package from me. The envelope included an alphabet flash card for the letter B, some “B” worksheets to color, and a Book—one from my childhood about a sheep. (Sheep, after all, say Baaaa!) I also wrote a list of other B words for him to find around the house (brother, ball, Banana, bread, etc.) While not the most exciting things to send, the package included enough stuff to get Luis excited about the alphabet. He asked his parents to read the book. He did activities during the week with a ball and a balloon, and he colored his large letter B. Thankfully, Luis did not think B is for boring!
Week two’s package was a bit more exciting. It was a box that included the C flashcard with a picture of a cat on it, some “C” worksheets to colors, a letter from me suggesting Luis find other C words at home (cup, cap, car, etc.), a package of cookie mix (just add water and an egg!) and some really fun cookie cutters.
By week four, Luis had received packages for D and F, and he had also visited the zoo. While there, he enthusiastically told his mother, “CAT! That sign says CAT!” when they neared the display for the bobcat. When his mom asked how he knew that, Luis replied, “I remember it from the C box!” He added, “I can read!”
Now Luis eagerly looks forward to his boxes and his "distance learning" alphabet classes. He tries to guess what might be in the box. (He thought donuts might be in the D box, and considered a tea cup could be in the F box until he rightly sounded out that “cup” starts with C.) My boxes cost approximately $3-$5 a week, depending on what I include in them and the size of the container necessary to ship them, but the benefit and joy of Luis learning the alphabet is MORE than worth the price! H is for Happy—as in a happy grandchild and an even happier grandmother.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Check out this article from DailyFinance
Check out this article from DailyFinance
This article predicts the death of DVDs (and I can foresee the same thing), but I'm still attempting to clear the VHS collection from my library!
This article predicts the death of DVDs (and I can foresee the same thing), but I'm still attempting to clear the VHS collection from my library!
A Librarian in the Making
The other day I was working the front desk at my library. A very young girl was clickety-clacking on one of the OPACs. Her mother approached her and advised her to “stop playing with the computer.” The little girl answered, “But Mommy, I’m doing research!”
I was amazed that the child knew the word “research” and thought perhaps she must be older than she looked. When the mother approached my desk to check out her selections, I asked her how about the age of her daughter. (The daughter, meanwhile, had wandered off to a nearby public access computer and was again tapping on the keyboard.) It turns out that this kid was only five years old! When Mom advised the computer-loving child that it was time to leave, the girl again said, “But I’m researching! I’m researching penguins!” Sure enough, this kid had managed to find a penguin on the computer screen! Mom was impressed, as was I.
As the mother and daughter headed out the door, I heard the child say, “Sometimes you’ve gotta do some research.” I smiled. Surely THIS was a librarian in the making!
I was amazed that the child knew the word “research” and thought perhaps she must be older than she looked. When the mother approached my desk to check out her selections, I asked her how about the age of her daughter. (The daughter, meanwhile, had wandered off to a nearby public access computer and was again tapping on the keyboard.) It turns out that this kid was only five years old! When Mom advised the computer-loving child that it was time to leave, the girl again said, “But I’m researching! I’m researching penguins!” Sure enough, this kid had managed to find a penguin on the computer screen! Mom was impressed, as was I.
As the mother and daughter headed out the door, I heard the child say, “Sometimes you’ve gotta do some research.” I smiled. Surely THIS was a librarian in the making!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
SRP--A Governor's Proclamation
How cool is this? Chet Culver, Governor of Iowa, has signed a proclamation naming June 5 Summer Reading Kick-off Day at Your Library. To read the proclamation, click below.
http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/archive/10folder/ma10/10culproc
I especially like the second "whereas" which reads:
"More than any other public institution, the public library contributes to the intellectual growth of children during the summer..."
http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/archive/10folder/ma10/10culproc
I especially like the second "whereas" which reads:
"More than any other public institution, the public library contributes to the intellectual growth of children during the summer..."
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Time Magazine's Cover Story--Facebook and Privacy
What’s your definition of privacy? According to the recent issue of Time magazine (dated May 31, 2010), Facebook is “redefining privacy” for the rest of us. Facebook (FB) has previously faced accusations of violating privacy through its open sharing of user information. In fact, according to the Time article by Dan Fletcher, FB faces new accusations from the Electronic Privacy Information Center, which filed a complaint with the FCC earlier this month in regards to the mega-social networking site’s “frequent policy changes and tendency to design privacy controls that are, if not deceptive, less than intuitive” (p.34). FB’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg is quoted in the Time article as saying “What people want isn’t complete privacy…It’s that they want control over what they share and what they don’t.” Hmmm….It seems that if FB is defining privacy for us, then perhaps we’ve already lost part of our right to privacy.
So I’ll ask you again: What’s YOUR definition of privacy? How much do you share on FB or other social networking sites? How much is too much, and is privacy an objective or subjective aspect?
Fletcher, D. (2010). Facebook: Friends without borders. Time, 175(21), 32-38.
So I’ll ask you again: What’s YOUR definition of privacy? How much do you share on FB or other social networking sites? How much is too much, and is privacy an objective or subjective aspect?
Fletcher, D. (2010). Facebook: Friends without borders. Time, 175(21), 32-38.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
A Library Conference Without the Travel Hassles
' Want to attend a library conference but dread the transportation, hotel and assorted food expenses--not to mention lugging around heavy totebags and luggage? Try attending an online conference! The 4th annual "Your School Library" conference runs from May 25- June 10. With over two weeks planned, there are plenty of days for you to log "into" the conference and participate. And the topics aren't just for teacher or school librarians; there are ten "hot topics" that will feature a variety of speakers from all over the world. A few topics that should interest any librarian (particularly youth services librarians) are "Boys and Books," "Reading Research," and my favorite, "Promoting Reading Through Graphic Novels." (I happen to be presenting one of the sessions within this track. )
Keynote speaker is Stephen Krashen, author of (among other things) The Power of Reading. If you haven't already read this book, you definitely need to add it to your list of MUST READS.
For $130, the conference registration fee seems like a bargain--especially when you can sit back, relax, and attend the conference in your jamies if you like. Ahh, the advantages of online learning!
For more information about Your School Library's 4th annual conference, check out their website here: http://yourschoollibrary.org/
For additional information about Stephen Krashen, visit his website at http://www.sdkrashen.com/
And for information about the topic I'll be presenting at this conference, see the description at
http://yourschoollibrary.org/work/promoting-reading-through-graphic-novels/
Keynote speaker is Stephen Krashen, author of (among other things) The Power of Reading. If you haven't already read this book, you definitely need to add it to your list of MUST READS.
For $130, the conference registration fee seems like a bargain--especially when you can sit back, relax, and attend the conference in your jamies if you like. Ahh, the advantages of online learning!
For more information about Your School Library's 4th annual conference, check out their website here: http://yourschoollibrary.org/
For additional information about Stephen Krashen, visit his website at http://www.sdkrashen.com/
And for information about the topic I'll be presenting at this conference, see the description at
http://yourschoollibrary.org/work/promoting-reading-through-graphic-novels/
Monday, April 26, 2010
On Becoming a Librarian
While reading an un-related article on Library Journal’s website (although I suppose all the articles on LJ’s website are somewhat related—their site IS about libraries, after all)—anyway…I stumbled onto this article. The title intrigued me: “How to Become a Librarian—Updated.” Hmmm…I wondered if there was a NEW way to become a librarian, something short of getting the master’s degree in library science. I clicked. I read. (You can do likewise from the URL below.) The article talks about how everyone who loves books wants to work in a library. (I usually mark a big “X” next to a job applicant who begins a cover letter or interview with, “I just LOVE books!”) It goes on to talk about types of libraries, school and funding options, blah, blah, blah.
The thing that really caught my eye, though, was the center section with the subtitle “Before Making the Leap.” This section includes quotes from librarians about why they became librarians. Some of them are funny, like the person who said s/he didn’t like being in business and since s/he spent so much time in a library—well, why not become a librarian and get paid to be there! My favorite from the list is this one:
“What I love about library science is that no day is ever the same, and you learn new things every day. When doing reference, it’s all the fun of research without having to write the paper; when doing cataloging, it’s like being paid to do puzzles all day. The more I study, the more I learn about LIS, the more interesting I find it. There is no limit to the things I can learn.”
I would agree with that observation, and yes, doing research really IS fun. As I read through the comments in the article, I thought about why *I* became a librarian. My main reason? I love helping other people learn. Presenting programs, whether a storytime for young children or an adult program about resume’ writing, is a way for me to help people learn something new. Guiding people to information, introducing them to new search techniques or databases, leading them to new authors and titles…it’s all part of helping people learn, of helping them advance and getting their light bulbs of new ideas and knowledge to burn even brighter. Yeah, I love my job. I really do!
So what about you? If you’re a librarian, why did you make the leap into this field? And if you’re not a librarian, what’s holding you back?
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA605244.html
The thing that really caught my eye, though, was the center section with the subtitle “Before Making the Leap.” This section includes quotes from librarians about why they became librarians. Some of them are funny, like the person who said s/he didn’t like being in business and since s/he spent so much time in a library—well, why not become a librarian and get paid to be there! My favorite from the list is this one:
“What I love about library science is that no day is ever the same, and you learn new things every day. When doing reference, it’s all the fun of research without having to write the paper; when doing cataloging, it’s like being paid to do puzzles all day. The more I study, the more I learn about LIS, the more interesting I find it. There is no limit to the things I can learn.”
I would agree with that observation, and yes, doing research really IS fun. As I read through the comments in the article, I thought about why *I* became a librarian. My main reason? I love helping other people learn. Presenting programs, whether a storytime for young children or an adult program about resume’ writing, is a way for me to help people learn something new. Guiding people to information, introducing them to new search techniques or databases, leading them to new authors and titles…it’s all part of helping people learn, of helping them advance and getting their light bulbs of new ideas and knowledge to burn even brighter. Yeah, I love my job. I really do!
So what about you? If you’re a librarian, why did you make the leap into this field? And if you’re not a librarian, what’s holding you back?
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA605244.html
Friday, April 23, 2010
A "Reading" Song to Share
Somehow I had not yet heard about this video until today--a tribute to reading, and an obviously successful way to motivate middle-school students to realize that reading is a "cool" thing to do.
I learned about this one on PUBYAC. (By the way, if you are a youth services librarian of any type, you will want to subscribe to PUBYAC, the list serve that is a.k.a "the great brain.")
"Gotta Keep Reading"--Ocoee Middle School
http://www.schooltube.com/video/e9bd79d29b4d0e6a2345/Gotta-Keep-Reading--Ocoee-Middle-School/
Curious about the school, I located this news story via Google:
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010-03-05/news/os-oprah-ocoee-middle-video-030510-20100305_1_music-video-oprah-show-reading
Enjoy!
I learned about this one on PUBYAC. (By the way, if you are a youth services librarian of any type, you will want to subscribe to PUBYAC, the list serve that is a.k.a "the great brain.")
"Gotta Keep Reading"--Ocoee Middle School
http://www.schooltube.com/video/e9bd79d29b4d0e6a2345/Gotta-Keep-Reading--Ocoee-Middle-School/
Curious about the school, I located this news story via Google:
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010-03-05/news/os-oprah-ocoee-middle-video-030510-20100305_1_music-video-oprah-show-reading
Enjoy!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
The Effects of Library Ash
During the past week, I have been obsessively checking online news reports about the Icelandic volcano eruption which grounded planes in most of Europe. With my husband scheduled to conduct an orchestra concert in London in just a few weeks, we are wondering if he should create a “plan B” in case flights are again grounded due to continued activity with this volcano.
The bizarre thing about this volcano is the far-reaching impact its devastation has caused. I heard a story about how Kenyan farmers are being negatively affected because their produce cannot be shipped to Europe. The produce is withering away in storage, while the farmers’ bank accounts are suffering from lost deals. Weddings, funerals, sports events, concerts, international meetings, vacations, business conferences and more have been impacted by this lone volcano with the giant name that few people can pronounce. Who would have thought that this one incident could so dramatically and negatively affect most of the world? It’s a classic example of “trickle down effect” and a lesson on how we don’t live in isolation—a lesson about all of us suffering when bad things happen to other people in other places.
The volcano incident left me wondering about library ash. What is the trickle-down effect of the eruptions occurring within many local and state budgets where library services are getting cut? How is the rest of society affected when a library system has to cut its hours, reduce its collection or nix its programs? How many far-reaching negative consequences will occur because a small library in a little town located near my library in Iowa is facing a 39% budget cut? Will my library be able to handle the additional burdens of increased demands I may see for my own services, programs and materials now that the neighboring townsfolk have reduced library services? Will the residents of this town grow even more “digitally divided” when they don’t have access to public computers? Will the children not become as literate because they may miss out on books or storytimes? What kind of employees will those kids grow up to be?
I could go on. Bottom line: We don’t live in isolation. We should care when library budgets are cut and communities are left without many valuable resources.
Here’s the recent “State of America’s Libraries” report form ALA:
http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/mediapresscenter/americaslibraries/index.cfm
The bizarre thing about this volcano is the far-reaching impact its devastation has caused. I heard a story about how Kenyan farmers are being negatively affected because their produce cannot be shipped to Europe. The produce is withering away in storage, while the farmers’ bank accounts are suffering from lost deals. Weddings, funerals, sports events, concerts, international meetings, vacations, business conferences and more have been impacted by this lone volcano with the giant name that few people can pronounce. Who would have thought that this one incident could so dramatically and negatively affect most of the world? It’s a classic example of “trickle down effect” and a lesson on how we don’t live in isolation—a lesson about all of us suffering when bad things happen to other people in other places.
The volcano incident left me wondering about library ash. What is the trickle-down effect of the eruptions occurring within many local and state budgets where library services are getting cut? How is the rest of society affected when a library system has to cut its hours, reduce its collection or nix its programs? How many far-reaching negative consequences will occur because a small library in a little town located near my library in Iowa is facing a 39% budget cut? Will my library be able to handle the additional burdens of increased demands I may see for my own services, programs and materials now that the neighboring townsfolk have reduced library services? Will the residents of this town grow even more “digitally divided” when they don’t have access to public computers? Will the children not become as literate because they may miss out on books or storytimes? What kind of employees will those kids grow up to be?
I could go on. Bottom line: We don’t live in isolation. We should care when library budgets are cut and communities are left without many valuable resources.
Here’s the recent “State of America’s Libraries” report form ALA:
http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/mediapresscenter/americaslibraries/index.cfm
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Nice People--a Library Director
What other “nice people” are in the public library? Although I’ve never stepped foot in his building, the Tell City-Perry County Public Library in southwestern Indiana, Larry is a nice public library director. He’s someone I would want to meet at the library. I’ve only met him at library conferences, though, namely at district conferences of the Indiana Library Federation (ILF).
Larry made a positive first impression as one of those “passionate librarians”—one who is on fire about the importance of his work and the priority of the people he serves. And he smiled a lot, too. Smiling is always a good thing in a library setting!
Since that first meeting, Larry and I worked together (usually long-distance since our libraries were in neighboring yet different areas of the state) regarding other aspects of ILF, and Larry was always an encouragement not only to me, but to other people on the committees and to the organization as a whole. He has become even more of an encouragement now that I am a library director. In fact, I have officially appointed Larry as my library mentor! He has patiently advised me, listened to me, and cheered me on through a variety of aspects during my first year as a new director. Larry’s professionalism, friendliness and helpfulness are reasons he’s another one of the many “nice people” you’ll meet at your public library.
Larry made a positive first impression as one of those “passionate librarians”—one who is on fire about the importance of his work and the priority of the people he serves. And he smiled a lot, too. Smiling is always a good thing in a library setting!
Since that first meeting, Larry and I worked together (usually long-distance since our libraries were in neighboring yet different areas of the state) regarding other aspects of ILF, and Larry was always an encouragement not only to me, but to other people on the committees and to the organization as a whole. He has become even more of an encouragement now that I am a library director. In fact, I have officially appointed Larry as my library mentor! He has patiently advised me, listened to me, and cheered me on through a variety of aspects during my first year as a new director. Larry’s professionalism, friendliness and helpfulness are reasons he’s another one of the many “nice people” you’ll meet at your public library.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Nice People in the Library--Readers' Advisor
Keeping with this week’s theme about “nice people” in my community, I will write about another staff member of the public library: Joann.
Joann was a children’s library assistant when I first met her. She was employed at the library that I frequented as a kid, Oaklyn Branch Library in Evansville, Indiana. However, I didn’t know her back then. I didn’t meet her until I was taking my own children to that same library location. I took my children to the library every week. I was impressed by the fact that Joann could remember all of my children’s names. That was no small feat given the fact that I had six children! I was even more impressed by the fact that Joann not only knew their names, but she knew their individual interests. She knew that Carla loved horses, and one day when we arrived at the library Joann came up to Carla and said, “We just got this new book at the library, and I saved it back for you because I knew you would like it.” Needless to say, Carla liked the book. Carla also liked Joann, as did all of us in my family. We weren’t alone. Everyone loved Joann!
Joann had a servant’s heart, and her main heart’s desire was to please the library patrons she was serving. If anyone had a question or needed library materials for a project, Joann would labor away until she found the correct answer or provided her patrons with a stack of books on the topic. She wouldn’t just find one book for your project; it was always a stack of books! In other words, Joann went above and beyond her “call of duty.”
Joann later became a readers’ advisor at this same library location. I later became a co-worker with Joann when I started working at Oaklyn—the first step in my library career. I don’t recall a single day when Joann was ill-tempered or rude with anyone. And I soon realized that Joann didn’t just remember the names of my children; she seemed to know the names of everyone who walked into the library! I was amazed with her memory until I realized she likely made a conscious effort to remember people. The wonderful thing about Joann, though, was that it wasn’t EFFORT for her to remember people; it was a natural response and joy for her. Joann was niceness personified! Joann positively influenced my children during their “growing up” years by providing them with plenty of interesting reading material and a pleasant, welcoming environment at the library.
Lessons I learned from Joann and try to apply now that I’m a librarian: Be nice, address your patrons by their names, serve them with a pleasant attitude, and give them more than they ask for.
Joann still works at Oaklyn. If you visit that library and see her, please give her a hug for me!
Joann was a children’s library assistant when I first met her. She was employed at the library that I frequented as a kid, Oaklyn Branch Library in Evansville, Indiana. However, I didn’t know her back then. I didn’t meet her until I was taking my own children to that same library location. I took my children to the library every week. I was impressed by the fact that Joann could remember all of my children’s names. That was no small feat given the fact that I had six children! I was even more impressed by the fact that Joann not only knew their names, but she knew their individual interests. She knew that Carla loved horses, and one day when we arrived at the library Joann came up to Carla and said, “We just got this new book at the library, and I saved it back for you because I knew you would like it.” Needless to say, Carla liked the book. Carla also liked Joann, as did all of us in my family. We weren’t alone. Everyone loved Joann!
Joann had a servant’s heart, and her main heart’s desire was to please the library patrons she was serving. If anyone had a question or needed library materials for a project, Joann would labor away until she found the correct answer or provided her patrons with a stack of books on the topic. She wouldn’t just find one book for your project; it was always a stack of books! In other words, Joann went above and beyond her “call of duty.”
Joann later became a readers’ advisor at this same library location. I later became a co-worker with Joann when I started working at Oaklyn—the first step in my library career. I don’t recall a single day when Joann was ill-tempered or rude with anyone. And I soon realized that Joann didn’t just remember the names of my children; she seemed to know the names of everyone who walked into the library! I was amazed with her memory until I realized she likely made a conscious effort to remember people. The wonderful thing about Joann, though, was that it wasn’t EFFORT for her to remember people; it was a natural response and joy for her. Joann was niceness personified! Joann positively influenced my children during their “growing up” years by providing them with plenty of interesting reading material and a pleasant, welcoming environment at the library.
Lessons I learned from Joann and try to apply now that I’m a librarian: Be nice, address your patrons by their names, serve them with a pleasant attitude, and give them more than they ask for.
Joann still works at Oaklyn. If you visit that library and see her, please give her a hug for me!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Nice People--A Library Supervisor
Over the weekend, I was challenged to "blog about nice people" in my community. I declared in an earlier post that the public library staff are "nice people" (or they should be!). This week I'm going to write about some of the nice library staff that have positively affected my life. First up: Carol.
Carol was my supervisor when I worked in the children's department of the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library (EVPL) in Indiana. She had a lot of experience as a children's librarian, and most impressive was the way she could whip up the title of a book with scarcely a clue at all. Those patrons who come into the library and say, "I read this book three years ago, and it had a horse in it, and the cover was green" were no problem for Carol. I never had a "stumper" that she couldn't solve.
One of the neat things about having Carol as a supervisor was that she always supported her staff's ideas. When I proposed doing a baby lapsit program at EVPL's Central Library, other people commented, "We've never done that at this location" or "Parents won't drive all the way downtown with their baby." Carol said, "Let's give it a try." And when I further proposed that we conduct those baby programs on Friday mornings, Carol said, "Well, it's an odd time for programming, but let's give it a try." We did. And it worked. Carol believed in her staff and allowed them the opportunity to use their talents in a way to benefit the library and its users.
Another great thing about having Carol as a supervisor was that she would often surprise staff with little goody bags--especially at holidays. On October 31, you could guarantee you'd have a pumpkin-decorated gift bag sitting on your desk filled with an assortment of candies, a holiday pencil and a few other surprises--just for fun.
When I entered managerial positions within my library career, I tried to immitate Carol's positive management behaviors: : Know your stuff, believe in your staff, and show your employees you care about them. Thanks for being so nice, Carol!
Carol was my supervisor when I worked in the children's department of the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library (EVPL) in Indiana. She had a lot of experience as a children's librarian, and most impressive was the way she could whip up the title of a book with scarcely a clue at all. Those patrons who come into the library and say, "I read this book three years ago, and it had a horse in it, and the cover was green" were no problem for Carol. I never had a "stumper" that she couldn't solve.
One of the neat things about having Carol as a supervisor was that she always supported her staff's ideas. When I proposed doing a baby lapsit program at EVPL's Central Library, other people commented, "We've never done that at this location" or "Parents won't drive all the way downtown with their baby." Carol said, "Let's give it a try." And when I further proposed that we conduct those baby programs on Friday mornings, Carol said, "Well, it's an odd time for programming, but let's give it a try." We did. And it worked. Carol believed in her staff and allowed them the opportunity to use their talents in a way to benefit the library and its users.
Another great thing about having Carol as a supervisor was that she would often surprise staff with little goody bags--especially at holidays. On October 31, you could guarantee you'd have a pumpkin-decorated gift bag sitting on your desk filled with an assortment of candies, a holiday pencil and a few other surprises--just for fun.
When I entered managerial positions within my library career, I tried to immitate Carol's positive management behaviors: : Know your stuff, believe in your staff, and show your employees you care about them. Thanks for being so nice, Carol!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Blog about "Good People"
A friend referenced a recent challenge for today: Bloggers should write about "good people" in their communiities. My friend chose a particular family that is certainly in the top 10% of "good people." I'm choosing to write about a group of people that are in my community, your community, my grandkids' community, most every community across the U.S. I'm choosing to write about your local public librarian.
While not all employees in a public library are degreed librarians, they all get the privilege of the title because of the tasks they do (and because we don't usually make the employees wear a gold star if they do have the master's degree in library science). It doesn't really matter. The employees at your public library are good people doing good things--no, doing GREAT things! Whether it's the clerk at the front counter who remembers your kids' names or shows genuine concern about your health issues, the readers' advisor who leads you to discover a fantastic new author or book series, the reference librarian who helps you maneuver a new database where you can learn how to create (or re-create) your resume and search for jobs, or the youth services librarian who turns your kids on to reading or provides a "cool" activity that makes your teen WANT to hang out at the library, these are GOOD people doing GREAT things on a daily basis. Take a moment to thank them this week.
While not all employees in a public library are degreed librarians, they all get the privilege of the title because of the tasks they do (and because we don't usually make the employees wear a gold star if they do have the master's degree in library science). It doesn't really matter. The employees at your public library are good people doing good things--no, doing GREAT things! Whether it's the clerk at the front counter who remembers your kids' names or shows genuine concern about your health issues, the readers' advisor who leads you to discover a fantastic new author or book series, the reference librarian who helps you maneuver a new database where you can learn how to create (or re-create) your resume and search for jobs, or the youth services librarian who turns your kids on to reading or provides a "cool" activity that makes your teen WANT to hang out at the library, these are GOOD people doing GREAT things on a daily basis. Take a moment to thank them this week.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Librarians as "babysitters"
I stumbled onto this blog from the homepage of my AOL site. The teaser caught my attention--something about a mom who wanted to go upstairs and leave her kid with the librarian and the "response she got upset our writer." As I clicked on the link I thought, "Oh, brother. What kind of 'upsetting' response did this mother receive, and who's the nasty librarian that's giving a bum wrap to all the rest of us?" The story appeared. It seems that "Mom" was in the children's room with her 5-year-old. (Five years old, remember....) Mom wanted to dash upstairs to the adult department to get a book and informed the librarian of this fact. Mom subsequently asked the librarian to "watch" her child for about three minutes. As one commenter to the blog pointed out, it's highly doubtful that three minutes is all it would take this mom to find her book and check it out. Anyway, the librarian in the children's room reluctantly agreed to babysit the kid but warned the mother that a public place such as a library has the same dangers in it as any other public place. Now the mom and the blogger are accusing the librarian of not being helpful and being some kind of paranoid hatemonger.
Perhaps Blogger Lady and Irresponsible Mom should spend a week volunteering in a public library. I'm sure they'd quickly realize why the librarian in this story warned mom. Are Mom and Blogger really that naive that they aren't aware of who visits a public library? Public computers aren't all being utilized for homework. There are plenty of pervs who visit their local public libraries, and although those of us in the library try our best to make the environment safe, the fact remains that it only takes a split second for a pervert to do permanent damage. I love my public library, and I took my own children there--and take my grandchildren there now. But I would NEVER leave any child--especially not a five-year-old--unattended in a public library or anywhere else for that matter. Wake up people: NO place is safe! Be responsible for your child! We librarians will help, but don't put us in a position of being the responsible adult for YOUR child!
Here's the story: http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/30/can-a-mom-leave-her-kid-alone-at-the-library-for-three-minutes/7#c26709444
Perhaps Blogger Lady and Irresponsible Mom should spend a week volunteering in a public library. I'm sure they'd quickly realize why the librarian in this story warned mom. Are Mom and Blogger really that naive that they aren't aware of who visits a public library? Public computers aren't all being utilized for homework. There are plenty of pervs who visit their local public libraries, and although those of us in the library try our best to make the environment safe, the fact remains that it only takes a split second for a pervert to do permanent damage. I love my public library, and I took my own children there--and take my grandchildren there now. But I would NEVER leave any child--especially not a five-year-old--unattended in a public library or anywhere else for that matter. Wake up people: NO place is safe! Be responsible for your child! We librarians will help, but don't put us in a position of being the responsible adult for YOUR child!
Here's the story: http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/30/can-a-mom-leave-her-kid-alone-at-the-library-for-three-minutes/7#c26709444
YALSA blog mentions pregnant/parenting teens program
Thanks to Angie Manfredi, the presentation I gave at the recent Public Library Association conference was mentioned on the YALSA blog. Angie mentions that my presentation led her to think that collaborations between teen services and children's services library staff can be a great way to conduct library outreach programs to pregnant/parenting teen groups. Oh, to have had time to do the "all day" workshop I have available on this very topic! Angie, you are SO right, and I believe I did briefly mention this fact during the PLA presentation. I go into details about these collaborations a lot more during the all-day workshops I have previously presented elsewhere. Those all-day workshops also help teen services staff realize how to conduct baby storytime programs. So much information, so little time!
It was great meeting Angie at PLA and realizing that she has been challenged to think about "What does my library have available to help teen parents?" I hope the other audience members were equally challenged and inspired! Thanks, Angie!
http://yalsa.ala.org/blog/2010/03/30/public-library-association-conference/
It was great meeting Angie at PLA and realizing that she has been challenged to think about "What does my library have available to help teen parents?" I hope the other audience members were equally challenged and inspired! Thanks, Angie!
http://yalsa.ala.org/blog/2010/03/30/public-library-association-conference/
Saturday, March 27, 2010
PLA: Confessions of New Directors
Why reinvent the wheel? This PLA blog gives an overview of one of my favorite presentations that I had opportunity to hear at PLA in Portland (second only to my own presentation about serving pregnant/parenting teens, of course!).
http://www.matoumba.com/site360e7b8ea93eaf4e1cd829e05f177a7f_Serving_pregnant_or_parenting_teens.html
http://www.matoumba.com/site360e7b8ea93eaf4e1cd829e05f177a7f_Serving_pregnant_or_parenting_teens.html
Friday, March 26, 2010
PLA Conference: Confessions of New Directors
One of the sessions I attended at the recent Public Library Association conference (in Portland) was titled "Confessions of the New Director." I took comfort from the presentation when each of the four panelists admitted they don't have all the answers, they sometimes doubt their abilities, they realize they can't please everyone, and they struggle with the fact that "someone is watching" their every move. One of them summarized, "It's lonely at the top." Being a new library director myself, I was tempted to stand up in the crowded room and shout, "Amen, brother! Preach it!" At least one of the presenters admitted that he now wonders what on earth he was thinking when he applied for a position as a library director! These presenters (directors from systems MUCH larger than my lone library) were an encouragement for me, as well as a timely reminder that I don't have to be perfect and know all the answers; I just have to be a passionate librarian and be willing to learn. The presenters also reminded the audience of the importance of having a mentor. Don't I know it! How thankful I am for the colleagues in my life to whom I have turned (often repeatedly) for advice and encouragement. As the panelists at this PLA presentation showed me, asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of wisdom--admitting that you are wise enough to realize you don't have all the answers and you can't "go it alone."
PLA 2010 Conference in Portland
This morning I presented a session at the Public Library Association conference titled "Pregnant/Parenting Teens: Promoting Library Services Among the Underserved." Little did I know that someone from School Library Journal was in the audience blogging about my presention!
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6724273.html?desc=topstory
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6724273.html?desc=topstory
Friday, March 19, 2010
Getting Tough on Overdues
This week, ABC news had a story they posted online about a man in Colorado who was arrested for failing to return a DVD to the library from which he had borrowed it. (Well, actually he was arrested because he ignored a summons to appear in court. The summons was in regards to the overdue DVD.) While the story is certainly not a new one (in fact, I believe I've previously made a blog posting about this very topic a year or so ago), the "readers' comments" about the story were extremely passionate--either for or against the incident. It seems that most all of the library-related postings (likely made by library employees) believed the Colorado man deserved what he got. Other readers weren't so friendly toward the library and found it difficult to believe that the police should get involved with library materials that aren't returned.
One reader's comment particularly bothered me. This commenter (known as "mrandmrsrogers") indicated that libraries aren't needed. The writer noted that anyone can get wonderful books from Amazon or Barnes & Noble, and all other information is available online. Who needs libraries, anyway?
Am I the only one bothered by that reader's comments? I would like to believe that the reader is alone in those thoughts, but I fear there are more like him/her. Too many people think libraries are not an integral part of a community, that "the Internet" is the new know-all/tell-all service and that books are readily available to everyone just by "going online or to the store." Too many people have no clue about libraries and the vast services they offer. Libaries aren't just about books or computers any more. They're about transforming lives, about providing opportunities for education and advancement, about promoting literacy (including information literacy) among the community. I could go on. Sadly, many of people like "mrandmrsrogers" also serve on city councils, state boards, and other legislative bodies that oversee funding to libraries. That can be the only reason why some of my library colleagues (directors of other libraries in my area) are facing budget cuts as high as 39%.
If your library isn't already touting itself and its services in your community, there's no better time than now. Get the library value calculator posted to your website. Add up the figures for all to see! Let your community members know what you're doing. Tell them about the programs, services and resources you offer. Spread the word! Let the "mrandmrsrogers" folks in your community know what the library is REALLY all about.
View the ABC news story at this link:
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/arrested-cuffed-overdue-library-books/story?id=10062565
One reader's comment particularly bothered me. This commenter (known as "mrandmrsrogers") indicated that libraries aren't needed. The writer noted that anyone can get wonderful books from Amazon or Barnes & Noble, and all other information is available online. Who needs libraries, anyway?
Am I the only one bothered by that reader's comments? I would like to believe that the reader is alone in those thoughts, but I fear there are more like him/her. Too many people think libraries are not an integral part of a community, that "the Internet" is the new know-all/tell-all service and that books are readily available to everyone just by "going online or to the store." Too many people have no clue about libraries and the vast services they offer. Libaries aren't just about books or computers any more. They're about transforming lives, about providing opportunities for education and advancement, about promoting literacy (including information literacy) among the community. I could go on. Sadly, many of people like "mrandmrsrogers" also serve on city councils, state boards, and other legislative bodies that oversee funding to libraries. That can be the only reason why some of my library colleagues (directors of other libraries in my area) are facing budget cuts as high as 39%.
If your library isn't already touting itself and its services in your community, there's no better time than now. Get the library value calculator posted to your website. Add up the figures for all to see! Let your community members know what you're doing. Tell them about the programs, services and resources you offer. Spread the word! Let the "mrandmrsrogers" folks in your community know what the library is REALLY all about.
View the ABC news story at this link:
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/arrested-cuffed-overdue-library-books/story?id=10062565
Friday, March 12, 2010
"New" Study About TV and Babies
This week, researchers from Children's Hospital in Boston and Harvard Medical School released findings of their recent study regarding infants and television. According to the CNN article, authors of the study said, "we found no evidence of cognitive benefit from watching TV during the first two years of life."
My question about the article is this: Is anyone surprised? I know many librarians who have been expressing this same fact to their new-parent patrons. These librarians encourage reading and talking to babies as a better way to develop those little synapses in babies' brains. Yet most of our public libraries still have assorted "baby friendly" movies/DVDs in the collection, and items such as Baby Einstein DVDs still circulate well at most libraries. Past studies such as this recent one have shown that even these kinds of "educational" videos are not healthy for babies. Should libraries then continue to carry these kinds of materials? After all, if we realized that a particular puzzle in the children's room had repeated documented choking hazards, I'm guessing that most libraries would pull those puzzles out of the children's room.
I'm reminded of a comment a respected library colleague friend of mine once posted to her own blog. She questioned whether public libraries should purchase Kevin Trudeau's books. (Trudeau is author of books about natural cures.) With many of Trudeau's ideas being challenged by the federal government, cases of fraud being filed against Trudeau, and possibly even allegations that Trudeau is promoting dangerous and unhealthy ideas, my friend wondered if she (as a collection development librarian) had a responsibility to keep Trudeau's books away from unsuspecting patrons. Would this be akin to censorship, or would she be ensuring that patrons had access only to viable health information?
I am debating the same kinds of questions about the so-called educational baby videos. Should my library keep such items on the shelf as an effort to avoid censorship, or should I pull all of the Baby Einsteins (and other similar DVDs) from the shelves in an effort to protect children? We librarians walk a tight rope. For now, the DVDs will stay on my library's shelves. I may, however, post copies of the CNN article near those shelves where the kids' DVDs are located! I won't consider it a "disclaimer," but simply a "here's some information that may interest you" service to parents.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/03/03/babies.watch.TV/index.html?iref=allsearch
My question about the article is this: Is anyone surprised? I know many librarians who have been expressing this same fact to their new-parent patrons. These librarians encourage reading and talking to babies as a better way to develop those little synapses in babies' brains. Yet most of our public libraries still have assorted "baby friendly" movies/DVDs in the collection, and items such as Baby Einstein DVDs still circulate well at most libraries. Past studies such as this recent one have shown that even these kinds of "educational" videos are not healthy for babies. Should libraries then continue to carry these kinds of materials? After all, if we realized that a particular puzzle in the children's room had repeated documented choking hazards, I'm guessing that most libraries would pull those puzzles out of the children's room.
I'm reminded of a comment a respected library colleague friend of mine once posted to her own blog. She questioned whether public libraries should purchase Kevin Trudeau's books. (Trudeau is author of books about natural cures.) With many of Trudeau's ideas being challenged by the federal government, cases of fraud being filed against Trudeau, and possibly even allegations that Trudeau is promoting dangerous and unhealthy ideas, my friend wondered if she (as a collection development librarian) had a responsibility to keep Trudeau's books away from unsuspecting patrons. Would this be akin to censorship, or would she be ensuring that patrons had access only to viable health information?
I am debating the same kinds of questions about the so-called educational baby videos. Should my library keep such items on the shelf as an effort to avoid censorship, or should I pull all of the Baby Einsteins (and other similar DVDs) from the shelves in an effort to protect children? We librarians walk a tight rope. For now, the DVDs will stay on my library's shelves. I may, however, post copies of the CNN article near those shelves where the kids' DVDs are located! I won't consider it a "disclaimer," but simply a "here's some information that may interest you" service to parents.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/03/03/babies.watch.TV/index.html?iref=allsearch
Saturday, February 27, 2010
You're in management now!
The quickest way to determine if someone has advanced to a management position is to check how much time has passed since he/she last communicated publicly. My last blog posting here was dated May, 2009--not quite a year ago! I did not realize how much time had passed since I last posted anything, but suffice it to say I'm in upper management now and personal time is limited. Working 50+ hours per week in addition to keeping up with all of my other library- and music-related responsibilities can be a killer (at least to my blog). I do, however, hope to return to the land of the blogging! (More coming soon!!)
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