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Renée Vaillancourt McGrath Feature Editor

Kathleen M. Hughes CONTENTS Managing Editor

November/December 2003 Vol. 42, No. 6

367 Intellectual Freedom in Belief and Practice Michael Harkovitch, Amanda Hirst, and Jenifer Loomis 375 The College Connection Using Academic Support to Conduct Public Library Surveys James Simon and Kurt Schlichting 379 Lifescapes A Reading and Writing Program for Senior Citizens Julie Machado and Stephen Tchudi 383 Putting the User First in Virtual Information Services Michele Pye and Sue Yates

IN EVERY ISSUE

342 Editor’s Note 362 Tech Talk Renée Vaillancourt McGrath Paula Wilson 343 From the President 388 News from PLA Luis Herrera Kathleen Hughes 350 Tales from the Front 389 On the Agenda Jennifer T. Ries-Taggart 390 By the Book 352 Perspectives Jennifer Schatz Hampton (Skip) Auld 394 New Product News 360 Internet Spotlight Vicki Nesting Andrea Mercado

PLUS . . .

338 Readers Respond 358 Book Talk 344 Verso Book Lust: An Interview with Better Recall of Work Titles in Nancy Pearl Online Catalogs Kathleen Hughes and Brendan Herbert H. Hoffman Dowling 347 Verso 364 Opportunities, Awards, and But I Only Want to Read Books Honors with Happy Endings: Strategies Rochelle Hartman for a Successful Library Adult 393 Index to Advertisers Book Discussion Group 396 Index to Volume 42 Sherry Evans

The Public Library Association is a division of the American Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; www.pla.org. Cover design by Jim Lange, Jim Lange Design, Chicago Interior design by Dianne M. Rooney, American Library Association, Chicago 42n6_final.qxd 10/23/2003 4:39 PM Page 338

EDITORIAL FEATURE EDITOR: Renée Vaillancourt McGrath MANAGING EDITOR: Kathleen M. Hughes CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Hampton (Skip) Auld, Steven Cohen, Rochelle Hartman, Nann Blaine Hilyard, Vicki Nesting, Jennifer Ries-Taggart, Paula Wilson, Natalie Ziarnik EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Brendan Dowling ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Isabel Dale Silver, Chair, Champaign, IL; Marilyn Boria, Elmhurst, IL; Nancy Charnee, New York, NY; Barbara Custon, Pasadena, CA; Nann Blaine Hilyard, Zion, IL; The Fragile Future of Public Libraries Marcia Schneider, San Francisco, CA; Luren E. Dickinson, Jackson, MI; Cindy Lombardo, Orrville, OH. Michael Sullivan covers a lot of ground in his article “The Fragile Future of Public EX OFFICIO: Jo Ann Pinder, Gwinnett County Public Libraries.” One subject discussed is the importance public libraries and librarians Library, 1001 Lawrenceville Hwy., Lawrenceville, GA place on reference and the amount of money we invest in reference materials. Yes, ref- 30045-4707; [email protected] erence work is important. However, public libraries that will survive for the next ten PLA PRESIDENT: Luis Herrera, Pasadena Public Library, 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena, CA 91101-1556; years need to reassess reference collections. Here at Carroll County (Md.) Public [email protected] Library, we have heavily weeded reference collections 20–30 percent in some branches PUBLIC LIBRARIES (ISSN 0163-5506) is published with no adverse effect. Why? Staff uses the Internet heavily, and so do patrons. Don’t bimonthly at 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. It is fight the Internet as a reference source. Save your taxpayers some money and use it!— the official publication of the Public Library Association, a division of the American Library Linda Mielke, Director, Carroll County (Md.) Public Library Association. Subscription price: to members of PLA, $25 a year, included in membership dues; to nonmem- Thank you for publishing Michael Sullivan’s timely and thought-provoking article. I bers: U.S. $50; Canada $60; all other countries $60. Single copies, $10. Periodicals postage paid at wholeheartedly agree with him, especially on the issue of reference service.—Bruce A. Chicago, IL, and at additional mailing offices. POST- Adams, Associate Director for Public Services, King County (Wash.) Library System MASTER: send address changes to Public Libraries, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. Thank you for Michael Sullivan’s “The Fragile Future of Public Libraries.” It SUBSCRIPTIONS reminded me of my own belief that, all too often, we public librarians have stood on Nonmember subscriptions, orders, changes of address, the sidelines bemoaning (to each other, of course) the fact that people do not under- and inquiries should be sent to Public Libraries, Sub- stand us and our value. A more effective approach would be to get in the game and scription Department, American Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; 800-545-2433, develop the skills to be real players who listen well, are nimble, and take appropriate press 5; fax: (312) 944-2641; e-mail: subscriptions@ action.—Jim Fish, Director, Baltimore County Public Library ala.org. ADVERTISING

In the longstanding debate of “give ’em what they want” versus “give ’em what they William N. Coffee, c/o Benson, Coffee & Associates, need,” Michael Sullivan firmly advocates the former as a survival strategy for the 1411 Peterson Ave., Park Ridge, IL 60068; (847) 692- modern public library. But survival at what cost? 4695; fax (847) 692-3877. Sullivan tells us to “Ask [our] customers what they want, early and often, and PRODUCTION actually give it to them . . . ask people to choose what they want to read. . . . Resist ALA PRODUCTION SERVICES: Troy D. Linker, Kevin the urge to buy books based on a reviewer’s recommendation.” While marketing of Heubusch; Ellie Barta-Moran, Angela Hanshaw, Kristen this kind should play a crucial role in today’s public library, one must ponder the end McKulski, and Karen Sheets. result of employing such a strategy indiscriminately: increased usage perhaps, but also MANUSCRIPTS a catering to fad, a collection of little permanent value, and quite possibly a dumbing- Unless otherwise noted, all submissions should be sent to down of the library in the long run. the feature editor, Renée Vaillancourt McGrath, 248A N. Higgins Ave. #145, Missoula, MT 59802; publiclibraries@ Effective collection development policies in public libraries allow for a wide vari- aol.com. See the January/February issue or www.pla.org ety of material in different formats. But Sullivan, listing the standard elements of such for submission instructions. policies, questions the costs of “a long and orderly process of choosing the books and INDEXING/ABSTRACTING other items that will go on the shelves” and librarians who “read reviews . . ., build Public Libraries is indexed in Library Literature and diverse collections, balance nonfiction and fiction, popular reading materials with Current Index to Journals in Education (CIJE), in addi- ‘quality’ reading . . . [and] make sure that the library has materials from all sides of tion to a number of online services. Contents are ab- important issues.” Aren’t these the worthwhile traits which make public libraries so stracted in Library and Information Science Abstracts. valuable and which separate us from most bookstores and Internet sites? Indeed, these MICROFILM COPIES qualities make public libraries even more important in today’s corporate-controlled Microfilm copies are available from University Micro- world, where the lowest-common denominator rules and only the biggest voices tend films, 300 N. Zeeb Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103. to be heard. Look again at the traits listed above: diversity, balance, the popular coex- The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of American National Standard for isting with quality. They’re the bedrock of a good public library, and the day they Information Sciences—Permanence of Paper for Printed cease to matter will be the day public libraries cease to matter.—Mike Boedicker, Library Materials, ANSI Z39.48-1992. ¥ ©2003 by the American Library Association continued on page 341 All materials in this journal are subject to copyright by the American Library Association and may be photo- copied for the noncommercial purpose of scientific or Public Libraries encourages letters to the editor. Letters are used on a space-available basis and educational advancement granted by Sections 107 and may be excerpted. Preference will be given to letters that address issues raised by the magazine. 108 of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976. For other reprinting, photocopying, or translating, address Acceptance is at the editor’s discretion. Send to Renée Vaillancourt McGrath, 248A N. Higgins requests to the ALA Office of Rights and Permissions, Ave. #145, Missoula, MT 59802; [email protected]. 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. 42n6_final.qxd 10/23/2003 4:39 PM Page 339

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READERS RESPOND

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Audiovisual Director and Webmaster, Danville (Ill.) Public vails.—Cameron A. Johnson, Everett (Wash.) Public Library Library I read Michael Sullivan’s article with great interest. However, I In “The Fragile Future of Public Libraries,” Michael Sullivan would like to offer one correction. The article states that eight concludes that if public libraries are to survive they will do so branch libraries closed in Multnomah County, Oregon, in only by adopting the role of community gathering place. But he 1997. What actually occurred was that eight libraries were offers next to nothing to substantiate this claim, and he fails to threatened with closure at that time following the passage of a develop or detail his vision. Instead he gets down to his real property tax limitation measure in late 1996. The closures were purpose: lambasting professional librarians. He informs us that avoided due a to the passage of a second measure that reduced all degreed reference librarians are strictly self-serving elitists the impact of the first one—and a temporary reduction in open who are incapable of recognizing or supplying what is popular hours at all libraries. In late 1997 voters passed an operating in their communities. He dismisses the importance of collection levy that not only restored lost hours but increased them by 16 quality and diversity, and of the need to supply quality refer- percent.—Penelope Hummel, Public Relations Manager, ence service—this he stigmatizes as “fundamentalist librarian- Multnomah County (Ore.) Library ship.” By contrast, he presents the community center idea as if this were a new, revolutionary role model for libraries—but this traditional emphasis has been around for decades and has The Author Responds indeed been adopted by some libraries. Further, most libraries already offer programs, classes, and events as time, staffing, I would like to thank those librarians, especially the reference and budgets allow. librarians, who responded positively to my recent article. It is Having conceded our priorities to bookstores and the important to see that my focus is not on “lambasting” reference Internet at-large, Sullivan scrambles for some other niche librarians or eliminating reference service, but on strengthening libraries might fill. But I say he is too quick in his dismissal. reference service and making it relevant for the next generation. Public libraries are the only place in a community that offer, to In this vein, it is worth asking what really is “fundamental” to all alike, readily accessible collections of quality books and library service? Are we really, by definition, “collections of information beyond the sole criteria of a bottom-line ability to books, periodicals, and other materials”? Or are we systems for maximize profit. And reference librarians are there to work delivering information service, using the most appropriate tools with people individually (people helping people) whenever they available? Are we about collecting books or encouraging read- are stumped or need more than a quick Internet look-up. ing? We need to be careful of focusing too much on what we do Beneath Sullivan’s “fundamentalist librarianship” lies the and forgetting why we do it. After all, I’m sure the last surviv- word fundamental: core, essential, crucial. Libraries, by defini- ing buggy whip manufacturer produced fine buggy whips right tion, are collections of books, periodicals, and other materials. up until the day the business folded. Library schools have been dropping the word library from their As for collection development, the debate is not really programs, and it seems that Sullivan is ready to have public between “give ’em what they want” and “give ’em what they libraries do the same. need,” but between “give ’em what they want” and “give ’em Sullivan sees libraries encountering a threat from within. what we think they need.” The traditional collection develop- So do I—library leaders unable to recognize or defend, funda- ment approach is based on the assumptions that collection mentally, what the public library is.—Scott Condon, Reference development will produce a diverse, quality collection that will Librarian, Everett (Wash.) Public Library be of use to the public and that customer-driven collections will produce a “catering to fad, a collection of little permanent Michael Sullivan says libraries are in peril and may not survive value, and quite possibly a dumbing-down of the library in the unless library pages and the man on the street select our books. long run.” [He maintains that] librarians’ selections based on reviews are While collection development librarians have built some wasteful and costly, and anyway rely on the opinion of just one wonderful collections, history has proved that these are not person. Sullivan further suggests reducing the reference collec- well used and are in fact becoming less well used as time passes. tion because citizens don’t want authoritative information. Does a well-built collection help anyone if it is itself collecting He puts all this forward as some kind of future vision, but dust? More importantly, this objection gives little credit to it’s not. It dates back at least to the ’60s, when Andy Warhol library users. Why do we presume that people who choose their painted—and called art—photorealistic Campbell’s Soup cans, own reading will all choose ephemeral trash? If there are good because Campbell’s is the people’s choice. Like Warhol’s, books out there to buy, it is because there is a market for them. Sullivan’s vision is a postmodern one, where no one idea is bet- And I would reject the notion of “popular coexisting with qual- ter than another, where all judgment is suspect, where “the ity.” Sometimes popular materials are of good quality, and street” knows best. Sullivan would drain the library—and our sometimes unpopular items are unpopular because they deserve culture—of authority and expertise. to be. In the years that I have practiced a Baltimore Model Sadly, the one interesting suggestion he makes—that approach, I have found that people have chosen books at least libraries should become community centers—he does not elab- as diverse and worthy as I would have, only they have chosen orate at all. The notion has merit: libraries as places for meet- books they would like to read, rather than what I or a reviewer ings, debates, and discussions. I would hope people in such a in Witchita would like to read. Library users are self-selected library community would have meaty discourse to leaven the conversation, although this is unlikely if Sullivan’s thinking pre- continued on page 349

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EDITOR’S NOTE

s the 2003 production year Learning from and “Perspectives” columns further rely on a winds to a close, I am com- cadre of volunteers to submit book reviews piling statistics and doing an the Past and essays on various topics. “New Product inventory of the types of sub- News,” “Tales from the Front,” and “Op- missions Public Libraries Renée Vaillancourt McGrath portunities, Awards, and Honors” compile receives and the types of arti- Feature Editor press releases from libraries, vendors, and Acles we select to print. Although the final fig- grant-funding sources. And “Internet ures aren’t yet in, my overall impression is Spotlight” and “Tech Talk” offer suggestions that feature submissions generally fall into about online resources and technology topics the following three categories. that relate to public libraries. Research articles: Often written by aca- PLA staff members compile “On the demics or library vendors, but sometimes Agenda” and “News from PLA,” as well as written by public librarians, these articles coordinate “From the President” and “Book recount formal research studies conducted in Talk,” which features interviews with or about public libraries and often include authors about their work and their relation- statistical tables, charts, and graphs. ship to public libraries. (“Intellectual Freedom in Belief and I am tremendously grateful to the team Practice” by Michael Harkovitch, Amanda of contributing editors that Public Libraries Hirst, and Jenifer Loomis and “Putting the relies on. These people spend hours and User First in Virtual Information Services” hours of their personal or work time each by Michele Pye and Sue Yates in this issue month to make sure that Public Libraries is would fall into this category). the best publication that it can be. The contributors to our Philosophical opinion articles: While usually backed by columns and authors of feature and “Verso” articles also are research, these articles focus primarily on the author’s opinion indispensible to the success of this publication. about various trends and issues in the library field. (“The Submissions to Public Libraries have been rising steadily in Fragile Future of Public Libraries” by Michael Sullivan and the four years that I have served as feature editor. While we are “Bridging the Value Gap: Getting Past Professional Values to thrilled to have a wider pool of manuscripts to select from, the Customer Value in the Public Library” by Gary Deane in the decision of which articles to publish has become increasingly September/October 2003 issue would fall into this category). difficult as the competition increases. Best practice articles: These articles generally describe a I am seeking reader feedback on the types of articles you program or event in or affecting a public library and include most enjoy reading in Public Libraries. What topics would you enough detail and assessment information for other libraries to like to see covered in this publication? What do you think we learn from the author’s experience. This type of article is often are doing well, and how can we improve? accompanied by photos, reproducible handouts, or tip sheets. Although we are limited in the amount of content that we (“The College Connection: Using Academic Support to can include in each issue, past issues of Public Libraries have Conduct Public Library Surveys” by James Simon and Kurt included three to five feature articles and one to two “Versos,” Schlichting and “Lifescapes: A Reading and Writing Program in addition to our ten regular columns. Is this too many? Too for Senior Citizens” by Julie Machado and Stephen Tchudi in few? Are the article topics sufficiently balanced and interesting? this issue would fall into this category.) What do you think of our regular columns? Are there other Since Public Libraries accepts feature articles in the order topics that you would like us to address on a regular basis? in which they were received, some issues contain more of one Topics we have considered for additional (or alternative) type of article than another, but we strive to maintain an over- columns include marketing, readers advisory, and humor. all balance between these three types of features. All features Each year, our January/February issue focuses on a particu- are reviewed by two peer referees as well as myself before any lar theme. We have covered public libraries’ roles in building sus- decision is made about publication. tainable communities (2001), international librarianship (2002), Each issue also contains one or two “Versos” pieces. and serving people with disabilities (2003). The 2004 theme issue “Versos” are shorter, often opinionated articles, but they some- currently in the works will focus on the topic of literacy. times are used to address topics that require less detailed infor- How do you like our annual theme issues? What other top- mation than that which is contained in a feature article. ics would you like to see covered in depth? Some ideas that we The occasional “InterViews” column spotlights unique are currently considering include diversity, poetry and literature people and institutions in the library world. It is often used as (about libraries), and small and rural library services (which a catch-all column for pieces that don’t fit neatly into other cat- will be the theme for our January/February 2005 issue). egories. Frequently, we have used this column for first-person Our cover art is created by Jim Lange of Jim Lange Design, essays that relate to librarianship (“Public to Academic: Chicago, and has been so popular that PLA is currently in the Reflections for Librarians Who Are Considering the Switch” by process of commissioning posters based on some Public Matthew L. Hall in the May/June 2003 issue is an example of Libraries cover images. These posters will be available for sale this). in the near future. All of the other columns in Public Libraries are written or edited by volunteer contributing editors. The “By the Book” continued on page 357

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

dvocacy and recognition are It’s Our Turn libraries are facing new challenges. These primary goals in PLA’s strate- perceptions, real or not, led to the Campaign gic plan. Our association’s for America’s libraries, a multiyear public stated vision is “to have pub- education initiative designed to showcase the lic libraries recognized as the Luis Herrera value of libraries and librarians. The first tar- destination for a wide variety get campaign focused on academic and Aof valuable service and to make funding a research libraries and was launched during community priority.” Specific objectives and the Association of College and Research strategies have been identified to accomplish Libraries (ACRL) national conference in this vision. Among them is the goal of Charlotte, North Carolina, in spring 2003. A increasing the number of libraries success- school library campaign, debuted at the fully promoting their value and services. American Association of School Libraries During this time of increased competi- (AASL) conference in October 2003, tion, funding cutbacks, and the evolving role addresses the needs and interests of school of libraries in the digital age, it is essential to library media specialists. raise awareness about libraries and to fill the Now it’s our turn. And the timing could- information gap about their value. Good n’t be better. In partnership with ALA’s Public news stories about libraries are hard to sell, Information Office, PLA has been working on and we will have to rely on good informa- the design of the @ your library campaign for tion and research on what Americans think public libraries with the goal of launching this about public libraries in order to raise the exciting initiative during the PLA National public awareness of their importance. National survey results Conference in Seattle in February 2004. from research underwritten by ALA (KRC Research and Jo Ann Pinder (immediate past-president of PLA) and I put Consulting for ALA, March 2002) revealed the high value together a stellar team under the leadership of chair Kathleen placed on public libraries. For instance: Reif from Wicomico County, Maryland, to spearhead this effort. The task force, which includes members from rural and n Close to two-thirds of adult Americans say they have a urban libraries, has been hard at work on an ambitious plan library card. with the following objectives: n Overwhelmingly, adults are satisfied with their public libraries. n To develop goals and objectives for a public library advo- n Overwhelmingly, adults surveyed believe public libraries cacy campaign will still be needed in the future despite all of the informa- n To identify target audiences for the campaign tion available on the Internet. n To develop talking points that emphasize what PLA wants n More than two-thirds of adults with children under eight- audiences to know about public libraries een say they visit libraries with their children. n To identify materials that need to be created

However, there are some disturbing trends. Less than one- PLA is building on the experience of our ACRL and AASL third of adults believe the benefits delivered by public libraries colleagues in their respective campaigns. The lessons learned are rank at the top of the list compared to other tax-supported serv- proving useful in building an effective project that focuses on the ice (down 10 points since 1998). And across every age group, the value of public libraries. We recognize that this effort comes at a crucial time for PLA and public libraries as we face many challenges related to funding, sustenance, and image. In our envisioned future, our members’ big audacious goal was to make the library card the most valued card in every wallet. The @ your library campaign offers PLA an excellent path to ranking of public libraries compared to other tax-supported serv- help make this vision a reality. Stay tuned for further updates on ices has declined. Even more disturbing are the negative views its progress and how you can help make it a success. n about libraries when ALA takes controversial stances regarding Internet filtering and privacy and confidentiality issues. Survey results support the perception that libraries are pop- Luis Herrera, Pasadena Public Library, 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena, ular but often taken for granted. Results also show that libraries CA 91101-1556; [email protected]. should be more visible. Further, the survey confirms the fact that

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Figure 1 presents an example of a search for the exact title “Metamorphosis,” a story by Franz Kafka, taken from the online catalog of a medium-sized public library. The catalog yielded three hits. The first two items are stand-alone works; the third is a collection. In their respective MARC records all three titles are found in field 245#a, and since the first search- able word in that field in all three cases is the title of the work in question, the exact-title search correctly retrieved all three manifestations. Those are not the only manifestations, however. The library owns three other collections that contain the same story. Better Recall of Their titles are Collected Stories [by Kafka], Selected Short Stories of Franz Kafka, and The Penal Colony: Stories and Short Pieces, respectively. In their MARC records, these three Exact Work Titles in items carry the work title “Metamorphosis” in a contents note, field 505#a. This field can only be searched through the key- Online Catalogs word index, which is why the exact-title search failed to retrieve these three items. In most cases this failure is not too serious. If the exact-title search retrieves three manifestations of the work sought and at Herbert H. Hoffman least one is not checked out, the patron has been adequately served. There is really no need to show the other three collec- any patrons come to the library in search of works about tions. Often, though, service suffers. The library may serve stu- Msomething, works on a certain subject. Some types of dents, for example, and many attending the same class may works, however, notably works of literature and music, are want to read the same work. It then becomes imperative that more likely to be searched for by their exact titles. Many, if not the catalog display the records of all copies and manifestions of most, online catalogs offer their patrons left-anchored or exact the desired work that the library has. In the interest of good title searches, but more often than not such exact title searches service, libraries should consider changes in their online catalog fail to achieve the expected recall. Analytic cataloguing based data so that the search for the exact title of a work will actually on separate component part records promises reliable recall of capture all of the available manifestations. The patron who works by exact title. knows that the title of the work he or she is looking for is “Metamorphosis” should be able to do an exact-title search and retrieve all versions of Kafka’s story that the library owns, Why Exact Title Searches Often Fail on the first try. Patrons should not be expected to be aware of the paradoxical situation most libraries find themselves in, Left-anchored or exact title searches in the OPAC often fail to namely, that there are titles on the shelves that cannot be retrieve works although the library does own them. The reason retrieved by a title search. for this lies in the structure of publications and of the MARC records that stand for the publications in the library’s online catalog database. Some works—such as novels, for example— Stop-Gap Solution: Work Titles in are frequently published as separate publications, one to a MARC Fields 505, 700, and 740 book. A MARC record for such a stand-alone work carries its title in field 245#a. That field is searched when the patron Some libraries circumvent this problem by offering a search requests an “exact title” search, and the record is retrieved. If option labeled “title,” which in effect is a keyword search. This all the library’s manifestations of the work in question were of introduces another problem—lack of precision. In the OPAC this structure, the catalog would, of course, retrieve all of them used for the example given above, a title keyword search for on the first try. “Metamorphosis” retrieved a total of six manifestations of But all manifestations are not alike. Many take the form of Kafka’s story, but it also pulled up thirty irrelevant titles such collections (books that contain several works by the same as Insect Metamorphosis from Egg to Adult and The Venetian author) or anthologies (books that contain several works by Wife: A Strangely Sensual Tale of a Renaissance Explorer, a different authors). To catalog collections and anthologies in Computer, and a Metamorphosis. such a way that the works contained in them become retriev- able, librarians must add work titles to the MARC records. Such work titles, however, are often placed into MARC fields ------that the software is not programmed to search when the patron 1. Metamorphosis Kafka, Franz requests an exact-title search, and that causes finding problems. 2. The Metamorphosis Kafka, Franz Patrons cannot be expected to be aware of this. That is why 3. The Metamorphosis, In the online catalogs often add instructions to their exact-title menu penal colony, and other stories Kafka, Franz option, such as “click on keywords if you are not sure of exact ------title.” This is helpful advice to the person who does not know Screen Displaying Result of an Exact Title Search the exact title. The person who is sure of the title is, of course, expected to ignore that advice. FIGURE 1

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In the case of collections, some libraries use a simple strat- obstacles to successful correct retrieval. First, subfield 505#r agem to achieve exact title retrieval: the addition of work titles may not be set up so that the program recognizes it as an in repeatable 740 fields that can be indexed left-anchored. Since author field. In that case an author and title search returns a the MARC record of a collection already contains the author’s “no hit” message because the computer’s logic will not find the name in field 100, this method ensures correct retrieval by author’s name. The second obstacle is the lack of linkages exact title and keywords as well as by Boolean author and title between subfields. The computer will find the title “Electra” in searches. The resulting display, though, showing the host item a subfield 505#t. If subfield 505#r is properly author indexed, title from field 245 rather than the desired work title, can be it will also find the name “Euripides” in a subfield 505#r, but quite confusing to less experienced patrons. will be unable to determine if the two subfields belong together. Another method to achieve the same result is the enhanced In this case the result will be a false drop. contents note in field 505#t. Figure 2 shows an example of such a record, taken from an academic library. If the library’s soft- ware is programmed to include subfield 505#t in the left- Better Solution: Work Titles in MARC Field 245 anchored index, this method works well. An exact title search for “Metamorphosis” will retrieve this manifestation, although Fortunately there is a reliable way to overcome these problems. the screen display will report that what was found was the title It consists of creating for each work a separate MARC record Selected Short Stories of Franz Kafka, leaving it to the reader to that shows the work title in field 245. In an analytic catalog of ascertain that the desired work is indeed included. this kind the contents of the collection Selected Short Stories of Works in anthologies can be handled in the same way if Franz Kafka, used as an example above, would have been fields 505#t, 700#t, and 740#a are made searchable by left- given, not as fifteen subfields 505#t but as fifteen separate anchored or exact title. It may be difficult, though, to link titles records with fields such as those shown in figure 4. to their authors. That can cause problems. When asked for the Records of this quality give catalog users access to works exact title “Electra,” the catalog may well respond by display- by exact title as well as by author and, in this case, genre. Tag ing the anthology titled Drama and Discussion. The MARC 773 was added to the MARC format a decade ago or so for the record for that anthology may have MARC fields like those express purpose of linking analytics, also called component shown in figure 3. parts, to their host items. If the library’s system is enabled to The character string “Electra” is indeed contained in a left- create an “In” note from field 773, this is an ideal way to pro- anchored title field. An exact-title search retrieves this book. If vide access to works in collections and anthologies. When sep- the patron wanted “Electra” by Euripides, however, he or she arate bibliographic records like this are created for all would be disappointed. The machine, obviously, does not component parts, library patrons are assured of absolutely “know” whose “Electra” was retrieved. accurate and complete work retrieval by exact title, on the first At first glance one may think a Boolean search for author try. Such records are simple to do. Most online cataloguing and title would be the better strategy. But there still are two software allows the cataloguer to duplicate an existing record. If a collection, for example, contains fifteen works, the cata- loguer creates one complete component part record for the first ------work. The other fourteen records are duplicated by the 100 #aKafka, Franz,#d1883-1924. machine. All the cataloguer needs to do is change the title fields. 245 #aSelected short stories of Franz Kafka / This procedure costs little more than the much less effective 505 #tJudgment --#tMetamorphosis --#tIn the penal method of specifying work titles in contents notes and added colony --#tGreat Wall of China --#tCountry doctor --#tCommon confusion --#tNew advocate entry headings. --#tOld manuscript --#tFratricide --#tReport A note about circulation status is in order. When the cata- to an academy --#tHunter Gracchus --#tHunger log retrieves a book, a physical entity, most online catalogs artist --#tInvestigations of a dog --#tBurrow nowadays inform the searcher of the circulation status—the --#tJosephine the singer, or The mouse folk. book is shown to be available or checked out. Separate compo------nent part records, on the other hand, not being physical entities Selected Fields from MARC Record of a Collection of but intellectual units without physical substance, cannot be Works by One Author checked out by themselves and thus have no circulation status. The reader must look at the host item record to determine if it FIGURE 2 is in or out. In the more elaborate OPAC systems it takes no more than one click of the mouse to switch from the component

------245 #aDrama and discussion / 505 #tLibation bearers /#rAeschylus --#tElectra ------/#rSophocles --#tHamlet /#rShakespeare -- 100 #aKafka, Franz,#d1883-1924 #tTrojan women /#rEuripides --#tTiger at the 245 #aMetamorphosis / gates /#rGiraudoux -- etc. 655 #aShort fiction 700 #aClayes, Stanley,#ecomp. 773 #tSelected short stories of Franz Kafka ------Selected Fields from the MARC Record of an Anthology Selected Fields from the MARC Record of a of Works by Different Authors Component Part

FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4

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part record to the host item record that does contain circulation ------and holdings data. In the absence of such a link, of course, The day of the swallows / Estela patrons find themselves transported back to the age of the card Portillo Trambley catalog, an instrument that was also unable to dispense circula- tion information. In this situation, obtaining the circulation sta- Location: Main Book Stacks tus information requires a separate search for the host item Call number: PS 153 M56 N48 1994 Author: Trambley, Estela Portillo, 1936- record. This may be inconvenient, but it is probably not a good Title: The day of the swallows / enough reason to abandon analytic cataloguing. The question Subject(s): Lesbianism--Drama would be what is more important: to determine the circulation Genre/Form: Plays status of a work or to determine if the library has the work in In: New worlds of literature the first place? One could say that the circulation status is a ------moot point if the exact title search returns a “no hit” message. Screen Display of a Component Part Record Libraries that would like to achieve this level of service but find that they cannot quite undertake such a drastic change all FIGURE 5 at once might begin with a pilot project of selected heavy- demand materials. Feedback from patrons and comments by from the title, by exact subject terms, by subject keywords, by reference librarians whose lives are thus made simpler may well genre, by general keyword from any field, or any Boolean com- help the library to justify more analytics. This is especially true bination of these. A catalog of such retrieval power should be if one considers the potential of adding subject and genre terms worth considering in all types of libraries. n to component part records. For an example, interested librari- ans may want to examine the record shown in figure 5, retrieved from the OPAC of Santa Ana College (http://sacli- brary.sac.edu). Herbert H. Hoffman is a Reference Librarian and former Cataloger In this OPAC, Trambley’s play will be retrieved no matter at Santa Ana College in California; [email protected]. how it was searched: by exact title, by author, by keyword(s)

Does Your Library Deserve an Award?

PLA awards and honors are designed to highlight the best in the needs of community public library service. Nominate yourself, your library, or a residents. coworker for one of our distinguished services awards. Award Demco Creative Merchandis- application are available on our Web site (www.pla.org) or by ing Grant, provides cash calling 1-800-545-2433, ext. 5752. The deadline for receipt of and supplies to a public all PLA award applications is December 1, 2003. library proposing a proj- PLA awards include: ect for the creative display Advancement of Literacy Award, honors a publisher, book- and merchandising of materials seller, hardware and/or software dealer, foundation, or either in the library or in the commu- similar group (i.e., not an individual) that has made a sig- nity. Sponsored by Demco, Inc. nificant contribution to the advancement of adult liter- Excellence in Small and/or Rural Public acy. Sponsored by Library Journal Library Service Award, honors a public library serving a Allie Beth Martin Award, honors a librarian who, in a public population of 10,000 or less that demonstrates excellence library setting, has demonstrated extraordinary range of service to its community as exemplified by an overall and depth of knowledge about books or other library service program or a special program of significant materials and has distinguished ability to share that accomplishment. Sponsored by EBSCO Subscription knowledge. Sponsored by Baker & Taylor Services Baker & Taylor Entertainment Audio Music/Video Product Highsmith Library Innovation Award, recognizes a public Award, designed to provide a public library the opportu- library’s innovative and creative service program to the nity to build or expand a collection of either or both for- community. (As part of the evaluation process with the mats in whatever proportion the library chooses. vendor, after three years the emphasis may change to Sponsored by Baker & Taylor reflect new trends and needs.) Sponsored by Highsmith, Charlie Robinson Award, honors a public library director Inc. who, over a period of seven (7) years, has been a risk New Leaders Travel Grant, designed to enhance the profes- taker, an innovator, or a change agent in a public library. sional development and improve the expertise of public The recipient should have been active in national and librarians new to the field by making possible their atten- other professional associations and be known for devel- dance at major professional development activities. oping and implementing programs that are responsive to Sponsored by PLA.

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astically asking for one! As you know, book groups are hugely popular all over the country, and Rye is no exception. Almost everyone in the library’s book group also belongs to another group, either private, book-store sponsored, or church-affili- ated. On average we have more than twenty participants attend each month. The discussion is held rain or shine, twelve months a year, on the third Tuesday of the month at 7 P.M. A core group of about ten members are extremely loyal, most having been in the first book discussion in 1999. All ages are welcome, but it is predominately a women’s group, with an average age of sixty. Men are beginning to attend—one or two each time. No But I Only Want to registration is required, hence the composition changes monthly. We sit in a circle, and each meeting begins with intro- ductions. Coffee and refreshments are available, and I try to Read Books with conclude by 8 P.M. If I am unable to lead the group, other members of the staff Happy Endings take over the role of discussion leader. Members enjoy librar- ian-led discussions because we keep the conversation on target, ask prepared questions, read reviews and author biographies, and provide a neutral location. In this controlled environment, Strategies for a Successful participants are free to relax and enjoy themselves and each other. Library Adult Book Rye Public Library adapted the following guidelines from Rachel Jacobsohn’s The Reading Group Handbook.1 I Discussion Group adhere closely to these guidelines and hand them out to all new attendees: Purpose: Sherry Evans n Continuing education, higher learning Just the knowledge that a good book is awaiting one at the n Being exposed to books that might not otherwise have end of a long day makes the day happier.—Kathleen been read Norris, Hands Full of Living: Talks with American Women n Opportunity to be a part of an accepting, validating, (1931) nonjudgmental group of people n Social interaction, a time to be with old friends and meet ften titles that are patron favorites do not make for a new people; to enjoy one another’s company Odynamic book discussion. Rye (N.H.) Public Library has n Increases critical reading and thinking skills developed guidelines for choosing appropriate titles for a n Personal growth and self-reflection library-sponsored, community adult book discussion group. n Learn about other cultures and history Developed over time through trial and error, these guidelines Guidelines: are adaptable to any public library that wants to begin or nur- n Please be on time and have read the book ture a successful adult book discussion. n Everyone who wishes to contribute has the opportunity What makes a book an ideal candidate for a book discus- to do so sion? How do you pick a book that is suitable for a library- n Listen attentively and carefully while another person is sponsored discussion? And why do books with “happy speaking; resist the urge to interrupt or talk to your endings” often result in a lackluster discussion? neighbor Regular library users expect that their librarians know n Nonjudgmental, noncritical atmosphere everything, and so it follows that we will know what books n Be ready to express an opinion they will like. I am happy to say that often we can confidently n No children; no smoking recommend a book for an individual, but choosing a book for n No pets; no phones a group discussion is an entirely different matter. Over the years, staff members of the Rye Public Library have developed some strategies that we use as guidelines for choosing appro- Uh-oh, This One Is a Dud priate book discussion books. What makes a book unsuitable for group discussion? The clas- sic example for our group is Zadie Smith’s White Teeth. The Background group still refers to this book when the subject of “books we don’t recommend” comes up. It has become an inside joke. The Rye Public Library Adult Book Discussion Group is in its Why didn’t it work? fourth year. We meet monthly in the library meeting room and have discussed nearly fifty books. When I started the group in 1. Too long. A dense 448 pages. (I put Jonathan Franzen’s the spring of 1999, I had never led a book discussion. As a new The Corrections in this category, also.) director of a recently expanded small public library, I only 2. Too new or popular at the time we were reading it. Unable knew there was a need. How did I know? People were enthusi- to get enough copies for our members.

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Availability. The library strives to supply group members Suggested Book Discussion Titles with a copy of the book. Titles are ordered through the state- sponsored interlibrary loan service at no charge. If at least Here is a selection of titles that produced some of the thirty libraries in the state own the book, then we have a good liveliest and most thought-provoking discussions in our chance of getting enough copies for our members. If, however, group: a book has a very recent publication date, no one will lend it to Affliction by Russell Banks (HarperCollins, 1989) us. And, conversely, a book may be too obscure. Many titles Midwives by Chris Bohjalian (Vintage, 1998) have been eliminated simply because they are out of print or The Tortilla Curtain by T. Coraghessan Boyle (Viking, owned by only a few libraries in the state. We have been caught 1995) short-handed a few times—if we can’t get the book into the House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus (W. W. Norton, hands of the group members, they can’t read it, and the quality 1999) of the discussion diminishes. If, despite all these considerations, Plainsong by Kent Haruf (Knopf, 1999) we still cannot get enough copies, I purchase a few in paper- Shooting the Boh: A Woman’s Voyage Down the Wildest back. For instance, we will probably read The Lovely Bones by River in Bornea by Tracy Johnston (Vintage Books, Alice Sebold, but not until next year when it is out in paperback 1992) and not so popular. Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver (Harper- Length of book. If a book is too long, more than 300 flamingo, 1999) pages, it is doubtful that everyone will have time to read it. Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie When the entire group has not read the book, the discussion (Knopf, 2001) suffers. Both The Pearl (118 pages) by John Steinbeck and Galileo’s Daughter by Dava Sobel (Walker, 1999) Balzac and the Little Seamstress (197 pages) by Dai Sijie The Pearl by John Steinbeck (Penguin, 2000; orig. pub. worked beautifully. 1947) Content. It could be said that a good read is in the eye of the beholder. For our purposes, though, there has to be a story interesting enough to generate a lively discussion, peopled with 3. Too many plot lines. Most attendees are very busy and characters who do interesting things. Often books with classic read the books over time. If the story is too convoluted, “happy endings” elicit the same emotions from everyone. Every they may become discouraged and not finish it. If they fin- member of the group is feeling happy, sad, or angry at the same ish it, they may forget much of it. time over the same actions by the same character. The best dis- 4. Too much swearing. It just distracts everyone from the cussions are generated when participants disagree. Characters story. Many attendees at our group are older than sixty must do things that not everyone will agree with. There must and find too much profanity offensive. be consequences for their actions. I expect good writing. The 5. Too young and hip. Although I believe in expanding every- setting must be either vividly described or contribute to the one’s horizons, I have to keep in mind the average age of actions of the characters and story that evolves. An ambiguous the attendees. For instance, I don’t think we would read ending is great for discussion (does the ending leave you won- The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola dering what the characters will do next?). Our stated purposes Kraus, which I believe appeals to a younger audience. are met with a consistent and satisfying ending rather than a happy one.

And the Winner Is . . . Step Three Many practical considerations determine which titles our book Once the twelve titles are chosen, we slot them into the months. group reads. We have formulated a three-step process utilizing The lightest titles get the summer months. The shortest length subjective and objective criteria. We recognize that no process gets December. The longest or meatiest books get January, is foolproof, but the following parameters assist us in reaching February, and March (we’re in New England). Then we try to our goal of creating the most lively discussions we can, while intersperse the fiction, nonfiction, and mystery titles. And adhering to our stated purposes. finally we try to coordinate the subject matter of the book with any speakers we may be having. For instance, this fall we read West of Kabul, East of New York: An Afghan American Story Step One by Tamim Ansary in conjunction with a speaker on the Middle We choose our titles by a vote from a list based on reader sug- East. gestions, journal reviews, and librarian favorites. Titles are cho- Leading the Adult Book Discussion at the Rye Public sen in June for the twelve-month period beginning in September. Library is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my position as Attendees vote for eight fiction titles, three nonfiction or biogra- library director. As book discussion leader, I am able to share phy titles, and one mystery title. Usually among the fiction titles my love of reading with other avid readers, utilize my research are several classics to choose from. This process has worked very and teaching skills, and most importantly, listen and learn from well and gives everyone ownership in the decision making. the group members. Although I am called the leader, I really only facilitate, nudge, and ask people to look at the book from different angles or share from their own life stories. Step Two Choosing the right book for each discussion is the first step Once the voting concludes, the librarians get to work. We use in fostering a stimulating and nurturing environment. The the following criteria to make a final determination as to a strategies outlined in this article have evolved over a four-year book’s suitability for our group. time period, based on the needs of the participants. Remaining

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it be geographical or of the heart. I love it when I hear people say, “I never thought of it that way” or “I’m going to read it It is my hope that each participant again because I missed that.” n learns something from every book we read; that every person takes Sherry Evans is the former Library Director at Rye (N.H.) Public Library. She is currently Head of Public Services at the Portsmouth a journey, whether it be (N.H.) Public Library; [email protected]. geographical or of the heart. Reference flexible and open to suggestions while adhering to our basic 1. Rachel W. Jacobsohn, The Reading Group Handbook: Every- rules keeps the Adult Book Discussion group vibrant, welcom- thing You Need to Know to Start Your Own Book Club, rev. ed. ing, and successful. (New York: Hyperion, 1998), 37–41. It is my hope that each participant learns something from every book we read; that each person takes a journey, whether

READERS RESPOND

continued from page 341

from the cream of the crop, and they may just drag the rest of P.S. My apologies on the Multnomah County misinformation; us up with them, instead of the other way around. Trust your I saw the early headline and missed the later one. I would love public.—Michael Sullivan, Director, Weeks Public Library, to see an exhaustive study on closures and the threat of closures Greenland, N.H. so we will really know what we are facing. n

Correction

The article, “What Goes Around: Telephone Reference Rotary Wheels” by Sharon McQueen and Douglas Zweizig in the September/October 2003 issue of Public Libraries erroneously listed the Toronto Public Library—Answerline as employing a telephone reference rotary wheel. That wheel is no longer in use. However, the following libraries, which were not included in the list, do use telephone reference rotary wheels:

Inglewood Public Library San Antonio Public Library Main Library Central Library 101 W. Manchester Blvd. 600 Soledad Inglewood CA 90301-1771 San Antonio TX 78205 (310) 412-5380 (210) 207-2500

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honor and medal winners as Associate director Brian they watched a series of lively Auger comments, “We already performances. The excited add value to using the Internet audience called out warnings through our growing collec- to the doomed fly during an tion of subscription databases. appearance of the spider and Now that they can be avail- the fly from the book illus- able to you on your own trated by Tony DiTerlizzi; equipment while you are in learned to tap dance along to the library adds even more the rhythm of Rap a Tap Tap value.” Those who are inter- Nashville PL and now Westbury, New York, has by Leo and Diane Dillon; and ested need to apply at the cen- Baptist Hospital its own awards celebration, listened as Newbery–award tral library for a free Wi-Fi the Westys! This year, the winner Avi gave advice for account, which takes approxi- Launch “Saying I Love Westbury Memorial Public aspiring writers via videotape. mately five working days to You through Reading” Library honored 2003 Cathleen A. Towey, director of activate. After receiving an Children’s Book Award win- the Westbury Public Library, account, customers can access The Nashville (Tenn.) Public ners in an awards ceremony noted, “Our mission here at the Internet from anywhere Library and Baptist Hospital complete with a master of cer- the Westbury Library is to cel- within the library and even introduced proud new parents emonies, red carpet, special ebrate the joy of reading. We just outside the building. at the hospital to a new way of performances of the nomi- want our children to be Howard County Library saying “I love you” to their nated titles, picture-hungry exposed to the best books that is the first Maryland library to newborns this past Valentine’s paparazzi, and the very glam- are available to kids today so offer Wi-Fi. Questions about Day. The two organizations orous Westbury librarians! they can continue to appreci- the service can be directed to launched a partnership pro- The only rule of the afternoon ate good books as they grow.” [email protected]. gram titled “Saying I Love required the children to dis- Children from the audi- You through Reading.” All card their indoor voices and ence played the role of award babies born at Baptist make some noise . . . a rule presenters, many getting the Shop for the Library Hospital now go home with they each followed with wild opportunity to open the enthusiasm! their first library cards as well envelopes and announce, And When the going gets tough, “The Westys is about get- as age-appropriate books the winner is . . . “The turn the tough turn to shopping. ting children from the West- donated by the hospital. out and tremendous feedback That’s the attitude of the bury community involved in The Nashville Public we received from parents and Woodland (Calif.) Public the prestige and excitement of Library has trained Baptist kids was more than we Library, which has opened an the children’s book awards,” Hospital volunteers to sign up expected! This is something Internet shopping mall to help explained children’s librarian new parents for library cards we want to make an annual offset budget cuts related to Nicole Sparling. During the cel- before they leave the hospital. event here in Westbury,” com- the statewide recession. The ebration, an audience of fifty During their hospital stay, new mented Sparling. venture, called Shop for the children and twenty parents parents also see a video on the For more information, Library (www.shopfortheli- learned the histories behind the importance of reading to very contact library director Cath- brary.net), features more than Caldecott, Newbery, Coretta young children. Baptist leen Towey at (516) 333- 200 merchants, including pop- Scott King, and Pura Belpré Hospital delivers seven thou- 0176. ular sites such as Amazon. Awards. Participants also sand babies a year. com, eBay, and Expedia. Every learned about the award selec- For more information, purchase initiated through the tion process and talked about Howard County contact Seth Alexander at site generates a commission what they believe makes a book (615) 862-5755 or write Library at for the Woodland Public distinguished. “I think when a [email protected]. Cutting Edge Library. picture makes you want to live “We have a clear choice in in the picture, that makes it spe- Howard County (Md.) this economy to cut back or Westbury PL Holds cial,” said ten-year-old Danicia, Library is offering an exciting fight back,” said Library the “Westys” a member of the audience. new wireless network service Director Marie Bryan. “We’re Throughout the after- at its central library. Wireless fighting. We got a grant to Los Angeles has the Oscars, noon, the children became Fidelity (Wi-Fi) allows elec- cover the costs of setting up New York has the Tonys, and very familiar with this year’s tronic connections without Shop for the Library, and now computer terminals or net- all proceeds we raise will go to work jacks. With this service, support services to the public.” “Tales from the Front” is a collection of news anyone who has a laptop or Shop for the Library items and innovative ideas from libraries nation- PDA enabled with Wi-Fi can works with online merchants wide. Send submissions to the contributing editor, have high-speed access to who agree to give the library a Jennifer T. Ries-Taggart, Librarian, MCLS Office, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, library and Internet resources percentage—between 2 and 115 South Ave., Rochester, NY 14604; jtaggart@ even if other customers are 55 percent—of all sales mcls.rochester.lib.ny.us. using all the high-speed work- referred from the site. “Folks stations. pay the same price whether

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provisions of the Library downtown. Mayor John Services and Technology Act, Russo presented the first decal administered in California by to Steve Pope, a 91-year-old the State Librarian. resident, who frequents both the library and town hall buildings. “This shows that Library Parking Is the mayor has real compas- sion for seniors and their “Golden” in problems,” commented Pope. Township’s Eyes The Golden Age Club Parking is in response to the In a time when libraries are township’s recognition of the finding themselves with dimin- valuable role the Ocean County ishing budgets, Dover Library plays in the lives of sen- Township, New Jersey, has ior citizens. “We have a very stepped up to the plate, show- large senior population in our ing its support for the Ocean area, and they love to use the County Library. On a beauti- library a lot,” explained Mayor ful day in the Dover Township, Russo. Parking Authority a group of local officials and Commissioner William C. citizens gathered to designate Clegg added, “We put the spots The Shop for the Library Web site prime parking spots for some closest to the places seniors of its most valuable citizens. want to be.” they go through Shop for the rural libraries, however, brick- Called the “Golden Age Club The decals are free and Library or directly to the mer- and-mortar gift shops are Parking,” three parking spots easily obtained by filling out a chant’s Web site,” said Bryan. impractical due to a variety of located closest to the Ocean simple application; seventy “So we’re hoping library sup- factors including lack of vol- County Library and Dover were given out in one week, porters will take an extra sec- unteer staffing, complexity of Township Municipality Build- and more had to be ordered. ond or two and use the Shop set-up and inventory manage- ing are now reserved for driv- Because of the program’s pop- for the Library portal.” ment, and shortage of avail- ers aged seventy-five-years and ularity, the township is consid- Bryan is particularly opti- able space in the library. “We older. The program, the first of ering increasing the number of mistic about the fund-raising could never find space for a its kind in the county, offers spots to five. All parking fees potential of the library’s own gift shop in our building, easy access for healthy seniors remain in effect for the spots. boutique on Shop for the much less offer items from who don’t qualify for handi- For more information, Library, which offers cards, two hundred merchants,” says capped parking. contact Nancy Dowd in the posters, and apparel items Bryan. “But we’ve got plenty The program is part of a Ocean County Library Public larger project to address park- Relations Department at (732) based on images from local of room on the Web.” n archives. “People love brows- The Shop for the Library ing needs in the township’s 349-6200. ing our Woodland history col- site and associated promo- lection, and now they can buy tional materials were designed greeting cards and T-shirts for easy adaptation by other with some of our most popu- public libraries, if the project lar images.” proves successful in Woodland’s collection was Woodland. “There’s no grant created through Zazzle.com, money right now to support an online venture that lets any expansion to other libraries,” organization or individual said Bryan. “But we’d be glad upload JPEG images (on which to provide advice and counsel, they own the copyright or along with access to our tools from the public domain) and and templates, for any use them to create gift items. libraries wanting to build their Other libraries selling mer- own version of Shop.” chandise through Zazzle Library supporters can include the California History find Shop for the Library at Collection of the California www.shopforthelibrary.net or State Library and UC via the Woodland Public Li- Berkeley’s Bancroft Library. brary’s home page at www. Shop for the Library is an cityofwoodland.org/library. online update of a fund-rais- Shop for the Library is sup- Mayor John Russo awards ninety-one-year-old Dover Township resident ing strategy long employed by ported in whole or in part by Steve Pope the first Golden Age Club Parking decal. Shown from left are larger urban libraries—the on- the U.S. Institute of Museum Nancy Dowd, Ocean County Library Public Relations; Steve Pope; Mayor site gift shop. For smaller and and Library Services under the John Russo, Jr.; William C. Clegg, Parking Authority Commissioner.

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Public Library: All Are Welcome A Personal Journey

Pam Harris Harris obtained her Master of Library and Information Science at the University of Western Ontario’s Faculty of Information and Media Studies in October 2003 and is cur- rently Children’s Librarian at the Kingston Frontenac Public Views from Library in Ontario; [email protected]

A little over a year ago, I caught myself in a dilemma. I was the Schools struggling over a decision as a low-income single parent: do I, should I, could I, uproot my two little girls (aged six and nine years at the time) and myself to undertake my Master of The Ideas, Concerns, and Library and Information Science degree in midlife? Dare I? I didn’t know if I had the courage. It would surely mean selling Perspectives of Library our home. It would mean leaving Newfoundland. It would likely mean not returning there, given the employment and Information prospects, yes, even for librarians. Was that too much to ask of my daughters? Tough decision. Hard choice. Science Students I decided to do it, for myself and as an investment for my children’s future. Making that decision and enrolling turned out to be the easy bit. Carrying the intensive course load, while also Hampton (Skip) Auld ensuring that my girls made an easy and happy transition to their new lives here in Ontario is the hard part! any library professionals complete their library or infor- Although my course work is far more interesting and lively Mmation science degree and never look back. In this col- than I ever anticipated, it’s also a tremendous workload. The umn we have a chance to listen to what’s on the minds of six challenge is finding the time in the day to be there for my chil- students who were nearing completion of their master’s pro- dren and get my homework done, while also getting some rest. grams in early 2003. My daughters’ lives and pastimes are guided by my school- The heartwarming story told by Pam Harris about her work. They often accompany me to our graduate resource cen- decision to uproot her family and move far from ter where I work as an assistant on a very part-time basis, as Newfoundland to study at the University of Western Ontario well as where I spend time completing my school assignments. leads off this series of perspectives. Harris deserves high praise In many ways, this small library embodies my children’s imag- and recognition! Adrienne Lattin of the University of Buffalo ination of where I am everyday and what is taking up so much asks us all, “Who Do You Serve?” and urges networking with of my time and energy. When they conjure up my school expe- community organizations to better understand and meet the rience, they picture me there. needs of the entire community. Lattin’s essay is very inspiring, Our lives have settled into a bustle, a harried routine, thought-provoking, and I think in some respects, controversial where, I am sad to divulge, I fall on the futon exhausted much (see my comments in the conclusion). of the time. Every picture that my youngest daughter has taken Edith Allweil says she is a foreigner and tells us of her pas- of me depicts me asleep somewhere! I am scarcely able to lift an sion for foreign-language collections and for working with eyelid to glance at my own children’s homework. They’ve patrons who speak English as a second language. Rebecca learned their independence in homework habits the hard way— Oberlander talks of her career change and her dismay with the by necessity! I feel guilty for never being fully there for my girls: perception by the general public of libraries, the mission of I worry that my grown-up journey is asking too much of them. libraries, and the profession itself. Susie Pitts discusses the ben- Our weekends are snatches of time grabbed between all the efits of her library-science program to her patrons and her fel- chores left undone throughout the week: the laundry, groceries, low staff members. She began working in a library just a few cleaning the apartment; but we do get speedy trips to the years ago and is completing her master’s degree as a pioneer in library, and this is where my story really begins. the University of Tennessee’s online distance education pro- One rainy Saturday, the girls and I decided to take a side gram. The last essay, by Michael McGrorty, is a reflection on trip to a different local library. While the girls explored, I spent the state of the library profession in these difficult economic my time browsing the shelves making our weekly reading selec- times. McGrorty is known to readers of Newlib-L (a discussion tions. I came across a book illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, and as list for new librarians) for his frequent “day in the life” posts. we have always enjoyed the books he illustrated, I pulled it out and put it in our pile. It was a book written by Patricia C. McKissack, titled Goin’ Someplace Special (Atheneum, 2001). Later that day, while my oldest daughter was out, I settled on the couch with my youngest daughter tucked under my arm and we commenced to read our stack of rainy day books. Goin’ Someplace Special starts with a young girl, ’Tricia Ann, begging to go by herself on a journey.

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We don’t know where she’s going, but wherever she is and a librarian told me that libraries cannot solve social ills. stepping out, it is clear, just as the title suggests, that it is some- Both comments separate libraries from the community. The place special. Not only is ’Tricia Ann very prettily dressed, she’s belief revealed in the man’s comment was that librarians deal also heading out on her own for the very first time. We’re primarily with books, not people. Embedded within the librar- caught up in ’Tricia Ann’s excitement as she blows her grand- ian’s words is the implication that it is not the library’s role to mother a goodbye kiss and heads to the bus stop. This is when address important issues faced by communities. we start to realize this is no ordinary journey. Goin’ Someplace Historically, these viewpoints are just plain wrong. The Special is based on the author’s life growing up in Nashville, first public libraries in London and Boston were established to Tennesse, during segregation, and ’Tricia Ann’s journey mirrors address a social problem: to keep the growing numbers of the experience of the author. Every phase of ’Tricia Ann’s jour- unemployed men off the streets and out of the taverns so that ney is marked by Jim Crow segregation signs, the signs reflect- they would have something to think about other than their lack ing laws that barred African Americans and black Americans of income. From the very beginning, public libraries have been from entering restaurants, churches, hotels, and parks; forcing social institutions. While libraries may not be able to solve soci- blacks to ride at the back of the bus, drink from separate water ety’s issues (they certainly didn’t solve the unemployment prob- fountains, sit in the last rows of the balcony, and attend sepa- lem), public libraries may act as a salve. Addressing the needs rate schools. ’Tricia Ann is trying to get to someplace special of a variety of groups is not only a part of our history; it is a without any of this bothering her. part of our responsibility—hence the name “public library.” But it is. Getting off the bus she continues to her destina- Time and again, statistics show that the “public” that tion trying to hold her head up, but it seems that every rest stop makes use of the library is largely middle class and college edu- and landmark serves as a painful reminder of the unfair cir- cated. Curiously enough, this is one group that really has little cumstances that rule her life. From not being able to enjoy rest- need of our services. These patrons have the financial and tech- ing on a park bench to finding herself unexpectantly drawn into nological resources to access the services of the hundreds of a forbidden hotel lobby to all the restaurants barred to her, businesses that can cater to their information needs far more ’Tricia Ann runs defeated to a quiet church garden where she efficiently than we can. Year in and year out, many public decides that even someplace special isn’t worth all this. She libraries supply a relatively extraneous service. wishes for her grandmother. Here ’Tricia Ann is helped by an This service, which reaches a narrow segment of the popu- older woman, the self-appointed church gardener, who encour- lation, is funded by tax dollars. Strangely, most public libraries ages ’Tricia Ann to listen carefully in the garden. In so doing, are not really made accountable to the community except ’Tricia Ann finds her inner strength by hearing her grand- through the budget. In many places, library board members are mother’s words sustaining her, loving her. Fortified and deter- an exclusive group the public never votes for. So, often com- mined, ’Tricia Ann plucks up her courage and continues her munities hear nary a peep out of their local library until some- journey. Rounding the corner, she sees a magnificent and proud one threatens to cut the budget. Appeals are then made about building; her grandmother always said it was a doorway to the importance of the library to the community (regardless of freedom. Before entering, ’Tricia Ann stops to read what’s chis- how much it is actually used). And then we wonder why there eled in stone across the front facing: Public Library: All Are are some in the community who begrudge the pittance of their Welcome. taxes that go to the public library. In the end, this public insti- McKissack writes in her author’s note that in the 1950s the tution, which is supposed to be at the center of the community, Nashville Public Library board of directors quietly voted to is a bit of an island, though it thinks itself an oasis. integrate all their facilities. The downtown branch became one Public libraries sound like the business sector when they of the few places where there were no Jim Crow signs. For talk about service in terms of user satisfaction. Considering that McKissack, the library was a place that was indeed special, a most librarians are middle class and college-educated, achieving place where she felt welcome. customer satisfaction among the majority of our users is hardly I closed the book. And my daughter and I sat silently while more challenging than putting books away. Public libraries are we each digested the import of this story, of ’Tricia Ann’s jour- not businesses. They are nonprofit organizations maintained by ney, what it cost her to get to that place where she felt some tax dollars. It is because of this status that we have the freedom respect. We were quiet together. And then my daughter sud- and responsibility to serve populations who are otherwise denly turned to me with recognition and genuine excitement, ignored within our communities. saying, “That’s where you work mummy!” In that single If we are to learn a lesson from the business sector, it moment, every doubt vanished; I knew it was all worthwhile. should be market research. For the public library, this means putting oneself in the community in a real way and not in name only. It means meeting with agencies, advocacy groups, busi- Who Do You Serve? nesses, churches, and community leaders. Granted, this is a lot of work that requires time and money. However, businesses don’t complain about the time and expense of market research, Adrienne Lattin because in the end it pays off. Lattin is a student at the School of Informatics, Library and Contact with other agencies in the community not only Information Studies Department, University at Buffalo, N.Y.; gives us an idea about what the real needs are, but it is an [email protected] opportunity to network and gain support. We can then provide materials that will be useful to these agencies and their clients. There is a popular misconception among both the general pub- Through these contacts, we will have “advertised” so that it is lic and librarians that public libraries are not social institutions. more probable they will use the library. Once more groups start Within a period of a few weeks, a man was astonished to dis- using public libraries, our statistics will go up, and we will be cover that I needed a master’s degree “just to put books away” able to justify why our budgets should be spared from cuts. We

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will have advocates in the community who will back us up, public libraries better serve their communities. It is also a model because we have made the effort to assist them. for integration and cooperation with different agencies. Active Networking within the community is also a wonderful way community involvement will make public libraries stronger. to find volunteers. The best way to gain your community’s sup- This must include the whole community as much as possible. If port is to get them involved. Ask them for their help. People public libraries refuse to see themselves as social institutions, like to feel useful, and in some ways this is more important than they have lost sight of their original mission and are failing to offering the right services. Commit yourself to the community, live up to their own stated ideals. They are also passing up and your pains will be repaid in full. If there is community sup- tremendous opportunities to strengthen their position and port and the library is providing a truly needed service, there enrich their communities. Public libraries are indeed social will be fewer worries about the money required for outreach institutions and should behave as such by networking within programs. their communities. Libraries that fail to reach out to the larger community miss incredible opportunities. Truly working within the com- munity gives the public library a better chance of living up to Foreign-Language Collections in its own stated ideals of informed citizens, democracy, and infor- mation literacy. Consider two groups present in most commu- the Public Library nities, yet largely disregarded by many public libraries: teenagers and the poor. The only groups in society that pay a great deal of atten- Edith Allweil tion to teenagers are the media and Madison Avenue. Stop for Allweil is a student in the Distance Education Program at a moment and think about the possibilities that are present Fullerton, San Jose State University School of Library and here. What would happen if libraries intervened and sought the Information Science; [email protected] attention of teenagers as diligently as Tommy Hilfiger and Playstation do? What if we welcomed them with open arms, There is a lot of talk about the need to encourage cultural diver- providing them their own space? What if we offered exciting sity. On the other hand, there are also those who preach for materials and programs to encourage them and give them the strengthening the weight of the English language among the opportunity to explore new ideas? Then we would be actively non-English-speaking population, meaning—the need to assim- doing our part to produce an informed citizenry of future tax- ilate. A 1998 report describes the situation of those I wish to payers who understand the importance of libraries. talk about: “Being a non-English speaker or reader is perhaps Virtually every conception of information literacy states the greatest barrier to library service, limiting access to hundreds that the first thing a person must know is his or her informa- of thousands of Californians. . . . Because of their linguistic iso- tion need. Information literacy is about the learner actively lation, these limited or non-English speaking individuals have seeking out the information that will successfully solve his or not enjoyed the same level of library access. . . .”1 I do not wish her problem. How is an essentially passive institution like the to get into this debate right now. However, from a strictly humanitarian point of view, I’d like to share with you my out- look as a person who has worked at a public library for the last nine years, as a library science student, and as a foreigner. Libraries that fail to reach out to the The public library where I currently work has four foreign- language collections, including one (Hebrew) that is the only one larger community miss incredible of its kind in the Southern California public library system. For opportunities. Truly working within the years I’ve been following with my eyes and my heart the foreign language section of the library that seemed to have a life of its community gives the public library a own. I followed every move, change, new addition, purchase, or donation. But most of all I had been watching the people. I’m better chance of living up to its own referring to the patrons who, in addition to being embarrassed stated ideals . . . for not knowing English so well (or at all), have come to the library for the first time, feeling the natural discomfort of being at a new place. Yet, these patrons have the desire to read, and thus, in broken English (or accompanied by a relative who trans- public library going to lead people to be active learners? Maybe lates for them) they ask for guidance to their language collection. the poor don’t come pouring through our doors because they Almost always I take them there personally, like a future do not have enough education to know what resources can help mother-in-law showing the groom the promised bride. Still them or how to access such resources. Of course, it is entirely remembering my first days in the United States, I welcome them possible that the library doesn’t have any relevant materials for warmly and introduce them to the foreign library collection as this group to begin with. This is a ready-made need that public pleasantly as possible. libraries are perfectly suited to address. Outreach to this popu- When we approach the foreign language section and they lation, as with every population, has the potential to encourage see the shelves loaded with material in their mother tongue, participation in the democratic process. Instead of basing their they seem to go through a metamorphosis—their faces light up worth on visitor and circulation statistics, maybe libraries like someone who just met a lost relative—and with a smile on should evaluate themselves using voter participation statistics. their faces they go through the books, pulling them off the There are those who will say this is very nice but not prac- shelf, and begin reading through the pages. ticable. Libraries for the Future (http://lff.org) is an organiza- Very few books, essays, or articles describe the satisfaction tion that researches best practices and offers programs that help involved in helping patrons find the information they need as a

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prime reason of choosing this line of work. I love helping peo- and libraries need to loudly and proudly get the word out about ple in the library and especially helping the non-English speak- the benefits of using a library. The public needs to understand: ers—which is the highlight of my day and the source of my greatest pleasure and satisfaction at work. n Librarians are information specialists. In our high-tech I have found out that “people who live in households in world, people think they can find everything on the which a language other than English is spoken tend to use pub- Internet without realizing how much more information lic libraries as much or more than others because fewer sources exists in online databases to which libraries subscribe. of information are otherwise available.”2 But beyond that, the Additionally, libraries own large collections of print love of books is universal. And if someone can do it only in his resources that serve as excellent reference material on all mother tongue while being in an English speaking country, so subjects. Books are still in style! be it, and we, as the “book people,” have to help them pursue n Libraries are a vital community agency. They offer pro- this love in any language. And who knows, maybe one day they grams geared toward the interests of people of all ages, will master the English language as well and discover the great economic backgrounds, and races. treasures of English literature. I wholeheartedly believe in the n Librarians are energetic, enthusiastic, erudite, and effica- importance of maintaining and enriching the foreign language cious professionals. Librarians long ago broke the stereo- collections in the public library system. type of being little old ladies who wear glasses and their hair in buns.

References How do we spread the word about how great libraries are? We need to approach it as though the library was a Fortune 500 1. Harmony in Diversity: Recommendations for Effective Library company touting a prized product. Launch an intense cam- Service to Asian Language Speakers, S. Keller, ed. (Sacramento, paign that targets every person in the library’s community. Calif.: California State Library, 1998), 6. Accessed June 22, 2003, www.library.ca.gov/assets/acrobat/ASIANTEX.PDF. Place ads in local newspapers and radio stations. Meet with 2. Institute for the Future, Entering the 21st Century: California’s community leaders to discover their needs for new services. Public Libraries Face the Future (Sacramento, Calif.: California Examine local census information to keep current with the State Library, 1996), 11. demographics of the community. Become actively involved with local schools to build awareness of the library, and design classes specifically for children and teens. Teaching Our Communities Other sources can assist with this massive public relations effort. Library schools need to aggressively recruit college stu- about Public Libraries dents into the profession by hosting campuswide events. Libraries should attend local job fairs as an employer to attract potential librarians. ALA and other professional organizations Rebecca Oberlander should use local members to hold fund-raisers that will spread Oberlander is a distance education student at the University awareness of the profession and use the funds to establish of Tennessee Knoxville School of Information Sciences; scholarships to help needy students. [email protected] As we know, librarians are smart and creative people. I am excited about the day when I graduate and become a member of After college graduation in 1994 with a BA in history, I entered this special group. With a little elbow grease, we can show our the workforce, not really knowing what career I wanted to pur- communities the countless benefits the library offers everyone. sue. I had recently moved to Nashville with some friends, and my main priority was earning enough to pay my rent. Fortunately, I landed an entry-level job in human resources, an Working while Going area in which I was totally unfamiliar. While I enjoyed my job for a few years, I did not feel a passion for it. I spent a lot of to School Online time thinking about my interests and realized that I needed and wanted to be a public librarian. Excited and happy about my decision, I applied and was Susie Pitts accepted to the University of Tennessee’s School of Information Pitts completed her Masters of Science in Information Sciences. Since I live about three hours from Knoxville, I Science at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in May became a part-time student in their online distance education 2003 and is currently Branch Manager at Mechanicsville program. Fearful of rejection, only my husband knew about my Branch, Pamunkey Regional Library in Virginia; application. However, once I was accepted I quickly spread the [email protected] news of my admission to my friends and family. I was elated about my acceptance to library school and I am currently completing a three-year online distance educa- assumed everyone else would be, too. What I didn’t expect were tion program at University of Tennessee at Knoxville (UTK) some of the reactions I received. Responses ranged from “You and have been a full-time public library branch manager don’t seem the librarian type” and “Aren’t you too young to be throughout the program. As a paraprofessional employee, I a librarian?” to “You have to get a master’s degree to shelve was hired into my position with very little previous library books?” and “Why do you want to push books all day?” experience but with an overwhelming enthusiasm for learning Sadly, I feel these sentiments are the norm. The general pub- the job well. I had been such a manager for three-and-a-half lic knows very little about the library, its mission, or the profes- years when I decided to take the plunge into the professional sion of librarianship. Library students, instructors, librarians, world of librarianship. I have absolutely no regrets.

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The experience of studying again after more than thirty son, the actual library seems safe and staid, even in this era of years (yes, I am in my fifties) was overwhelming and exciting. Internet and homeland security. When I began paying attention Learning so very much more about my career choice was truly to the library three decades ago, the burning issues of the day enjoyable and enriching. Not only did I learn a tremendous were pay equity and the question of whether librarianship amount, but the staff members that I supervise feel like they have could survive and prosper as a profession. A review of the lit- learned a lot by supporting me. They have shown their pride in erature suggests that the library has continued to digest these me, and I in turn feel extremely proud of them for all that we have accomplished together. I was fortunate enough to be able to use my library for reference skills, children’s programming prac- tice, collection development, readers advisory, and even to survey There is perhaps no group of persons the staff and public. I could apply my course work immediately exposed to as much speculation about as I learned it. I even was able to participate in two practicum experiences within my own regional library system (in other the future of the library as library departments). This increased my knowledge and also helped my library benefit even more from my education. students. Every term brings a new With the obvious future shortage of professional librarians, it barrage of ideas and concepts. is becoming more and more important for libraries to educate their paraprofessional staff. The Virginia Library Association has a tremendous paraprofessional forum that does a wonderful job presenting a two-day statewide educational program each spring issues like a snake consuming an egg. I sometimes thank in Richmond as well as a regional program each year. Programs Providence that Dewey was not a man to seek consensus, or like this and other continuing education programs need to be sup- each of our libraries might still be operating under separate ported financially by public library systems in order to maintain classification systems. standards of staff development. Continuing education is also nec- The library is both diverse and democratic. It suffers there- essary for professional librarians. Given the dwindling numbers of fore from a certain absence of the dynamism that characterizes colleges and universities that offer library or information science, an organization like the military. Anybody who has been in the online distance education becomes much more important. It is service will attest to the speed with which change occurs; one important for these institutions of higher education to offer con- moment the entire machinery is moving in one direction, and in tinuing education and to offer it in convenient formats. My pro- another it goes a different way. gram at UTK was entirely online and was designed for students There is much to be said for the ability to alter course when working full-time. Now that this sort of program has been insti- necessary. My only recurrent nightmare concerns the time when tuted, these colleges need to consider offering more courses for an aircraft carrier took a wrong turn and nearly cut in two the individuals who are already professionals and need to further destroyer on which I was serving. I say “nearly” because some- their professionalism or simply brush up on more current infor- body on the bridge had the sense to understand that something mation. If I could take a one- or two-credit-hour course, which had gone awry and the guts to break formation in order to save my library might pay for, I might be more inclined to continue my our hides. Even so, it was a close call. Some nights I wake up in education beyond the completion of the required credits. a sweat from watching, for the umpteenth time, 63,000 tons of At this point, as a recent graduate in information science, I the USS Coral Sea turn toward our little ship like a shark clos- have no idea what my future holds. I am currently in a great ing on a minnow; a few hundred yards away, the carrier’s deck library system with an enjoyable job in which I use my recent inclines as she swings across our path. A friend, standing next education each and every day. I hope I am able to impart some to me on the main deck, sighs, flips his cigarette into the water, of this knowledge to my peers and coworkers and to contribute and says, “Well, there goes my career.” to the profession I have chosen. I hope even more that I can Permit me, for the sake of my gray hairs, to recount another help the public, our wonderful patrons, find out where the nightmare. It is a year from today. The largest crop of library library is and what we have to offer and to count on it being students in the history of the field is about to purchase gradua- there for them for generations to come. tion gowns, and there are no public library jobs for them. I mean, practically, statistically, so little employment that the few openings don’t matter at all: hundreds of new graduates hitting A Message to the Bridge the pavement of a scary world where you can search the entire Internet under “library jobs” and not find a meaningful one. You can open your eyes now; welcome to our world. Only Michael McGrorty a few months after the newspapers and magazines were McGrorty is a 2002 Spectrum Scholar at San Jose State bemoaning the lack of librarians, the worm has turned with a University School of Library and Information Science. He vengeance. The economy is in the tank; tax revenues are far expects to graduate in June, 2004; [email protected] reduced, and the public libraries of the country are hunkered down to wait out a downturn that may take years to show [Contributing Editor’s Note: The bridge in this metaphorical improvement. reference is a nautical term referring to the place of the captain The public library can wait. For one thing, it has no alter- and the seat of absolute command.] native; for another, it weathers such storms with regularity, pulling in the belt a notch or two, waiting for the day when the There is perhaps no group of persons exposed to as much spec- tap flows again and the serials budget gets back on track or the ulation about the future of the library as library students. Every roof can be fixed for good. It isn’t an ideal setup, but, like mil- term brings a new barrage of ideas and concepts. By compari- itary food, it sustains life.

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The fate of the new librarian will likely be different. of why we chose the library. Wait it out with us; we couldn’t Expecting a job but finding none, he or she will find the decision ask for better company. made by the compulsion of need and will do something else with the degree. Something else, and very often it will be a job lead- ing away from the library, public and otherwise, forever. Conclusion The public library is the traditional training ground for librarians of all types. It is a place to test wings, to take chances, Thanks to all essayists who contributed to this column. I’d also the safest place to make the transition from clerk to profes- like to thank those students whose essays we could not publish. sional. Take away that haven, and a chain is broken whose Keep reflecting, writing, and submitting your essays and arti- links are not easily mended. cles for publication in Public Libraries or elsewhere. We are Like quite a few others in library school, I started out in the also interested in what readers feel are important issues to cover public library, working as an aide, then as a clerk, even now as an through columns or feature articles. intern under a program sponsored by my university. I am at home Adrienne Lattin’s essay encourages libraries to partner with here—not quite a librarian but feeling much closer to one after my community organizations in order to reach beyond the usual turns at the reference desk. When school is over for me in a few clientele who easily get to and use public libraries. She asserts in months, I will turn again to the public library for a place, along “Who Do You Serve?” that library service for the middle class is with many others. It appears there will be very few places for us. targeted to a narrow segment of the population that “really has What would help right now would be if the great appara- little need of our services. They have the financial and technolog- tus of the public library establishment would take it upon itself, ical resources to access the services of the hundreds of businesses in part and in whole, to address this situation in a manner that that can cater to their information needs far more efficiently than will not leave a generation of future librarians with a bitter we can. Year in and year out, many public libraries supply a rela- taste in their mouths. The great ship is churning about on a col- tively extraneous service.” I question how narrow this middle lision course with its own children, and it doesn’t matter how class is, when in so many communities so much of the population it happened: what we need is somebody, or a group of some- has and uses library cards. Furthermore, in most communities of bodies, to seize the helm and give it a hard turn. If not, quite a which I’m aware, library services are used much more than any few of us will be coming to the same conclusion as my friend other local governmental service. Finally, if users make decisions on the ship that day, and for the same reason. to use the library, aren’t they saying that’s the most efficient use of The most important and constructive thing public libraries their time and the most intrinsically important service? What do can do right now is maintain strong relationships with the you think? Send us a letter or your own essay. n library students whom they hope to be able to hire in the future. Now is the time for cake-and-coffee diplomacy; now is certainly not the time for chief librarians to shrug and say, “It’s The purpose of this column is to offer varied per- out of my hands.” Perhaps the best thing would be for public spectives on subjects of interest to the public library libraries to adopt a number of students and new graduates; profession. All correspondence should be directed to keep them in the loop, remind them that there will be light at the contributing editors. Hampton (Skip) Auld the end of the tunnel. Stay in touch with those who must take is Assistant Director, Chesterfield other work, reminding them there will be a place for them County Public Library, 9501 Lori someday. In other words, return the faith that we have shown Rd., Chesterfield, VA 23832-0297, (804) 748-1767; [email protected]. Nann Blaine Hilyard is in answering the call to the profession. We did not come into Director, Zion-Benton Public Library, 2400 Gabriel this work expecting anything but the chance to serve. Help us Ave., Zion, IL 60099; [email protected]. deal with the fact that our service may be delayed. Remind us

EDITOR’S NOTE

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The Public Libraries advisory committee of PLA provides send me your feedback, don’t forget to let me know what you ongoing feedback about the look and content of the magazine. think of the “Editor’s Notes!” n Members of this committee have been instrumental in making useful suggestions to improve the layout of the journal, in par- ticular. The Production Services staff at ALA has implemented these changes and works tirelessly to make sure that our i’s are dotted and our t’s are crossed. What do you think about the layout of our magazine? What can we do to make it look even better? Your letters to the editor provide much useful feedback about the content of each issue of Public Libraries. As we enter into a new publication year, I would love to get readers even Please share your impressions of Public Libraries and submit sug- more involved in helping us plan for the future. Although we gestions for improvement to Renée Vaillancourt McGrath at can’t guarantee that we will make all of the changes that are [email protected]. Written August 2003. Contact the feature suggested, you can rest assured that every suggestion will be editor at 248A N. Higgins Ave. #145, Missoula, MT 59802; read and carefully considered. And last, but not least, when you [email protected].

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Book Talk provides authors’ perspectives on libraries, books, technology, and information.

the librarians at my neighborhood in Detroit, the Parkman Branch Library on Oakman Boulevard. They ever so slowly weaned me away from just reading horse and dog books and introduced me to writers like Robert Heinlein, Rosemary Book Lust Sutcliff, and Esther Forbes, among many others. PL: In looking at the recommended reading lists from Book Lust now, are there any additions that you wish you had made? An Interview with Any new lists that you wish you could add? Nancy Pearl NP: Oh my gosh, I still wake up in a panic in the middle of the night and realize that I’ve left out someone that I should have included. I’m mortified that I left out Marge Piercy’s Vida (one of my all time favorite books), which should have gone into the Kathleen Hughes and Brendan Dowling “Pawns of History” list; I should have made Laurie Colwin a “Too Good to Miss” author; I should have emphasized how ancy Pearl is director of Youth Services and the Washington terrific the very early novels of Dick Francis were, especially NCenter for the Book at the Seattle Public Library. She Odds Against, Blood Sport, and Nerve. And then there are all received her library degree in 1967 from the University of the new books that came out since I turned the manuscript in— Michigan. Respected nationally for her book knowledge, she Leah Hager Cohen’s Heart, You Bully, You Punk, for example. received the Public Library Association’s 2001 Allie Beth Martin I should have included more books of poetry, and lots more Award, which “recognizes a public librarian demonstrating a about short stories. range and depth of knowledge about books and other library materials and the distinguished ability to share that knowledge.” PL: Conversely, are there any writers or subjects that you She is author of Book Lust: Recommended Reading for Every encourage readers to avoid? Mood, Moment, and Reason (Sasquatch Books, 2003), Now Read This: A Guide to Mainstream Fiction, 1978–1998 NP: There are some areas that I don’t enjoy very much, includ- (Libraries Unlimited, 1999), and Now Read This II: A Guide to ing true crime (it’s too scary for me to read), but I would never Mainstream Fiction, 1990–2001 (Libraries Unlimited, 2002). tell other people that they shouldn’t read whatever they want. She regularly reviews books for local and national publications My only advice would be that you should never feel that you and does weekly book reviews on the National Public Radio must finish every book you begin. No one will get any points in affiliate in Seattle. In 2003 Humanities Washington named her heaven for slogging through a book they’re not enjoying. Time recipient of the Washington Humanities Award, which honors is indeed short, and the library (any library, even the smallest) an individual or organization whose time and talents enlarge the is very large. Many years ago I came up with my Rule of 50: If meaning of the humanities in our lives and whose work reflects you’re fifty years of age or younger, give every book you pick the spirit and programs of Humanities Washington, formerly the up to read fifty pages before you give up on it; if you’re over Washington Commission for the Humanities. Among her other fifty (when time is demonstrably short, and the library is ever honors are the Totem Business and Professional Women’s 1998 growing), subtract your age from one hundred, and the result is Woman of Achievement award and the 1997 Open Book Award the number of pages you should read. Using that system has from the Pacific Northwest Writers Conference. Additionally, in always worked well for me. 1998, Library Journal named her Fiction Reviewer of the Year. She is also the model for the librarian action figure created by PL: You started the One City, One Book trend with If All of Accoutrements, Inc., and sold through Archie McPhee Seattle Read the Same Book. That program has been emulated (www.mcphee.com). in cities across the country. How do you feel about its evolution?

Public Libraries: Judging from your books, you read an incred- NP: I think it’s very exciting that other libraries and community ibly wide range of authors and subjects. Where did your love of groups thought the idea of community reads as compelling as reading come from and who has been its biggest influence? we did. It’s been wonderful to see the idea spread throughout the United States and abroad. What a wonderful tribute to the Nancy Pearl: I do read very widely, mainly because I am inter- power of literature! ested in so many different subjects. As I write in the introduc- tion to Book Lust, I probably was influenced by the fact that PL: What are the common traits to the books that you love? my parents were both readers (although my father only went to What do you find compelling in a book? school through the sixth grade—he got his GED when he was seventy). My mother read mostly poetry (she loved all the NP: The common traits among the books that I love are that depressed poets, especially), and my father was interested in they are all well written and have interesting characters. I am history. But the major influences on my reading as a child were always interested in people’s stories, and I like nothing better

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than being introduced to someone PL: You have joined the ranks of and hearing all about them. Beethoven, Rosie the Riveter, and Sometimes, though, people don’t Sigmund Freud as one of the toy like to talk about themselves (one company Accoutrement’s action young woman told me that she figures? How did this come couldn’t tell me her life story about? because she worked for the CIA), so books are clearly the way to go. NP: The librarian action figure In my first two books, Now Read came about as a result of a conver- This: A Guide to Mainstream sation at a dinner party. The Fiction and Now Read This II owner of Accoutrement, based in (both published by Libraries Seattle, was talking about the pop- Unlimited), I categorized more than ularity of the action figures he’s twenty years of books by their produced—including Rosie the appeal characteristics. Among my Riveter, Benjamin Franklin, and favorite books are The Clock Sigmund Freud—and someone Winder by Anne Tyler, The World said, “You should do a librarian According to Garp by John Irving, action figure.” And Mark Pahlow, Sword at Sunset by Rosemary Nancy Pearl the owner of the company, said, Sutcliff, The Prince of Tides by Pat “What a great idea. Nancy would Conroy, The Road to Sardis by you be the model?” I never Stephanie Plowman, and The Little Friend by Donna Tartt. thought there actually would be a librarian action figure.

PL: What trends, good and bad, have you noticed in main- PL: The action figure has met with divided response from the stream fiction in the last twenty years? library community because of a perceived reinforcement of the stereotypical “shushing” librarian. What is your response to NP: I think a really good trend is that we are seeing more col- librarians critical of the action figure? lections of short stories published by authors who haven’t already done a novel. I’m thinking of Jincy Willett, whose first NP: The shushing motion was always intended as a joke, and book was Jenny and the Jaws of Life, a collection of her stories, not even an especially original joke. It’s been used time and and then her first novel, Winner of the National Book Award: again as stereotypical librarian behavior—I loved reading about A Novel of Fame, Honor, and Really Bad Weather, was pub- one of the libraries in California that has a library drill team that lished about a year later. It used to be that a writer had to prove incorporates shushing as part of its routine. Part of the stereo- him or herself with a novel before a collection of stories could type surrounding our profession is that librarians are stern and be published. I’m glad to see that’s changed. I think a bad trend strict, so this was an opportunity to show that we do have a is that authors and publishers are generally buying into the sense of humor, don’t take ourselves too seriously, and can laugh (wrongly held) belief that bigger—longer—is better. Most nov- at ourselves. I’m certainly sorry that anyone was upset by it. els I read could easily be cut without losing anything of impor- And by the way, I don’t have a bun, and the clothes I was wear- tance—and would be better novels as a result of the cutting. ing were from Eileen Fisher—my absolute favorites. It’s too bad There’s just a lot of wasted verbiage included. Maybe that’s it didn’t come across at all as beautiful as it actually is. why I’m enjoying short stories so much these days. PL: On the Archie McPhee Web site (through which the action fig- PL: You’ve written short stories for Redbook. Do you have any ure is sold; see www.mcphee.com/laf) it says that you decided to interest in writing a novel? What is the next book that you’re become a librarian at age ten. How did you reach that decision? working on? NP: I was one of those kids who spent every waking hour at the NP: Ever since I was a little girl I’ve written—first it was poetry, library, and in the most important ways the librarians at the all through high school and college. Then one day the poetry Parkman Branch Library in Detroit saved my life. When I was simply stopped coming, and lines would come to me in what ten I knew that I wanted to be a children’s librarian just like was clearly prose, so I switched to short stories. I had a story Miss Frances Whitehead so that I could introduce other kids to published in Redbook in 1980. It was called “The Ride to worlds far different from the one they lived in. School.” (Two of the other fiction writers in that issue were Bobby Ann Mason and Nancy Thayer.) I continue to write sto- PL: If you weren’t a librarian, what would you be? ries, but very very slowly, and I haven’t submitted them any- where. I find that it’s close to impossible to work full time and NP: I can’t imagine not being a librarian (even throughout the then go home and write. It takes more self-discipline than I decade of being a bookseller I defined myself as a librarian). I actually seem to have right now. Currently, though, I am hap- believe that the public library is the most important public pily involved in thinking about the lives of two characters, resource of any community, the last democratic institution George and Lizzie Cooperstein, and I hope that will someday around, and that it is through free and open access to informa- turn into a novel. I am just trying to enjoy the process of get- tion, as well as reading and discussion, that we become better, ting to know George and Lizzie, without thinking about the more humane people and develop into a better society. final product. I want my next writing project to be as much fun as Book Lust was. continued on page 366

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Internet Spotlight explores Internet and Web topics relevant to librarians in the public library sector. Your input is welcome.

Buffalo.com (www.buffalo.com) for the local and national news headlines as well as traffic reports, or even figure out how to locate local business in the “Business & Finance” depart- ment. The combination of mainstream category links (you can Public Library find CNN under “News and Media” and Bartelby in the “Reference” section) and local links make this set of Internet Research Link resources customizable to patrons as well as useful for travelers visiting the area. What better authority on where to stay, what to see, and what the weather conditions will be than the public Collections library? The two resource collections examined have been very link-oriented. One of the beautiful aspects of an Internet resources page is that it can be about more than just the Web. Andrea Mercado A library can also use a portal to give patrons access to online library resources from the comfort of their home, and it can ublic libraries play many roles in a community since they help them figure out which databases they should be searching Pnot only serve as the knowledge and book center, but as a to find the desired information. The King County (Wash.) cultural center, community center, information center, visitor Library System “Selected Web Links” page (www.kcls.org/ center, research center, and computer center all at once. With findit/seeall.cfm) integrates the online databases available to the advent of the digital age, there is a misconception that patrons with Web links in simply styled categories. If a resource everything can be easily found on the Internet (librarians who list links to ALLDATA (www.alldata.com) without providing a have ever helped a patron wade through search-engine results description of its database contents, patrons have no way of know better). knowing that ALLDATA offers detailed information about the While the world insists on pitting the Internet against the inner workings of cars. However, the King County listing, with library as the enemy, or even as the library’s downfall, it can its description and information about how to best navigate the truly be an ally. Helping patrons find information sources database, is logically nested in the “Consumer Information” online entails digital collection development and reference page (www.kcls.org/findit/consume.cfm) under “Automobiles: work, where librarians build online bibliographies with their Buying, Selling, Repairing.” An excellent example of targeting own Internet search results, providing authoritative resources a large library user group is the “Sitios de Internet para to their patrons. Hispanohablantes/Spanish Language Internet Sites” page These Internet resource pages don’t need to be flashy to be (www.kcls.org/findit/spanish.cfm) in the “Language” section, effective. In this case, the simpler the better. One of the most sim- which provides a list of links to both English and Spanish Web ple yet most effective link collections can be found on the home sites and online databases, with descriptions in English and page of the Worcester (Mass.) Public Library (www.worcpub- Spanish. lib.org). The “Internet Resources” listing, much like a Yahoo! top- The more comprehensive the collection, the more of an asset ics directory, resides on the side of the page, providing tools such it is to users, but integration shouldn’t end with online resources. as search engines, general topics including history and genealogy, Looking at the Boston Public Library “Internet Resources by and information specific to the city of Worcester and the state of Subject” list (www.bpl.org/electronic/indexinternet.htm), it Massachusetts. Each category contains a basic list of links to Web appears to be similar to much of what has been examined thus sites; some links include descriptive blurbs. The “Computing and far. However, if you head to the “Books” category Web Designing” section includes a link to “Writing for the Web: (www.bpl.org/electronic/books.htm), you’ll find among the links A Primer for Librarians” (http://bones.med.ohio-state.edu/ some external sites such as Oprah’s Book Club and also bibli- eric/papers/primer/toc.html), a straightforward guide to getting ographies built by the Boston Public librarians. Some of these started in building a Web site for your library, and a wonderful lists (and this is the key bit) contain call numbers for the items in place to start if a librarian wants to build a simple Internet the library. This is how a portal becomes a hook, a source that resource portal. After all, simplicity is key in serving the wide can drive traffic to a library site as well as to a physical library patron base of a public library, from middle school students and building. If a patron wishes to speak with a librarian who spe- their parents to people learning English or learning to read. cializes in a given topic, many categories list the specialized ref- Another style of research link collection resource is the erence department or library branch where this specific librarian Buffalo and Erie County (N.Y.) Public Library “Reference can be found. Desk” (www.buffalolib.org/referencedesk). Accessible from the For an even more aggressive outreach approach, visit the library’s home page, this portion of the site is very locally ori- Chandler (Ariz.) Public Library “Internet Resources” site ented, with information that patrons might visit every day. (www.chandlerlibrary.org/internet_resources.htm). This site is From this page, a Western New York resident can check the more education-oriented, from the “Homework Helpers” links current weather conditions (with a link to Wunderground, at the top of the page to the tutorial-style links and listings www.wunderground.com, for a more detailed forecast), hit found within the topic areas. In the genealogy section there is a

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link to a handout from a “Researching Your Roots” class including movies playing at the library (with links to the video taught at the library, a great resource for patrons who could not and DVD circulating collection) and other online book and attend the class and an excellent way to illustrate how compre- movie resources. Ferguson strives both to offer quality online hensive the classes at the library can be. resources to its patrons and draw patrons into the library to use The “Teacher Information” section encourages local teach- the collection and participate in events. ers to work with the public library in planning and executing The link to the ask-a-librarian feature on the Las Vegas- curriculum, with such resources as the “Assignment Alert Clark County Library District Web Site says it best: librarians Form,” which allows the library to prepare resources and staff really are the ultimate search engines. They can find and com- for incoming questions from a given assignment, and informa- pile sources from the simplest to the most elaborate Web sites, tion on how to request a class tour and acquire library cards for offering the best search results to patrons and visitors and prov- a whole class of students. Other student and teacher helpers ing that, in the end, the Internet is a librarian’s friend. n include a section of links to research paper guides online and style guides to help with proper citations. A particularly inter- esting feature is the extensive set of links for homeschooling in Andrea Mercado is a student in the Simmons Graduate School of Library and Information Science MLIS program in Boston; [email protected]. The contributing editor of “Internet Spotlight” is Steven M. Cohen, Assistant Librarian at the law firm of Rivkin Radler, LLP; [email protected]. The Ferguson (Conn.) Library offers a simplified reference resource that Resources includes both online databases and print resources in most categories Boston Public Library “Internet Resources by Subject” of the portal. www.bpl.org/electronic/indexinternet.htm “Books” www.bpl.org/electronic/books.htm Buffalo and Erie County (N.Y.) Public Library the education section, which completes the educational package “Reference Desk” offered by this library site. www.buffalolib.org/referencedesk The research section of the Las Vegas-Clark County Chandler (Ariz.) Public Library Library District (www.lvccld.org/ref_info) takes a less instruc- “Internet Resources” tional but more traditional reference approach to online www.chandlerlibrary.org/internet_resources.htm resources, using a range of paths. The most useful tool on the Ferguson (Conn.) Library site is the simplest: “Ask a Librarian” (www.lvccld.org/ “Research” ref_info/ask_librarian). Here patrons complete an online form www.ferglib.org/ferg/research/research1b.htm in which they enter contact information, information request, “New Books @ Ferguson” and even the resources that they have already searched. A www.ferglib.org/ferg/our_collection/new_ferg/ response is received within forty-eight hours, either a specific new_ferg.html answer or a list of resources for broader inquiries. “Frequently King County (Wash.) Library System Asked Reference Questions” (www.lvccld.org/ref_info/ “Selected Web Links” reference_faq) are listed by topic. Most questions are specific to www.kcls.org/findit/seeall.cfm the locality, from gambling rules to local events such as the “Consumer Information” MGM Grand Fire (the listing explains that this famous Las www.kcls.org/findit/consume.cfm Vegas hotel caught fire in 1980, and it cites the journal article “Sitios de Internet para Hispanohablantes/Spanish with the full story). Language Internet Sites” Las Vegas-Clark County librarians even go offsite to bring www.kcls.org/findit/spanish.cfm local information to patrons. Librarians visit locations such as Las Vegas-Clark County Library District the Clark County Family Law Self-Help Center (www. “Research” lvccld.org/ref_info/virtual_tours/cc_familylaw) and the Family www.lvccld.org/ref_info History Center (www.lvccld.org/ref_info/virtual_tours/family_ “Ask a Librarian” history), take photos, and create a digital walk-through that www.lvccld.org/ref_info/ask_librarian patrons can view online in the “Virtual Tours” section “Frequently Asked Reference Questions” (www.lvccld.org/ref_info/virtual_tours). www.lvccld.org/ref_info/reference_faq The Ferguson (Conn.) Library (www.ferglib.org/ferg/ “Virtual Tours” research/research1b.htm) offers a simplified reference resource, www.lvccld.org/ref_info/virtual_tours but one with an essential feature: both online databases and Worcester (Mass.) Public Library print resources (with call numbers and links to the OPAC) are www.worcpublib.org included in most categories of the portal. The link “New Books “Writing for the Web: A Primer for Librarians” @ Ferguson” (www.ferglib.org/ferg/our_collection/new_ferg/ http://bones.med.ohio-state.edu/eric/papers/ new_ferg.html) points to a page with the covers and call num- primer/toc.html bers of new acquisitions and a listing of programs and services,

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Tech Talk explores issues that public librarians face when they offer electronic services and network content. It aims to create a bridge between the practical and theoretical issues related to technology.

November 2001 closing of PubScience, a retrieval tool for sci- Electronic ence information, due to private industry pressures.4 Renovation of the Department of Education’s Web site in 2002 also alarmed the American Library Association and other Documents groups including the National Education Association, the American Educational Research Association, and the National Knowledge Industry Association. Emily Sheketoff, executive to the People director of ALA’s Washington Office, said the groups had con- cerns about removing access to research, data, and other digests of information previously made publicly available, and she questioned whether the content was being preserved or Paula Wilson archived. Sheketoff emphasized the importance of including 5 hroughout the years, libraries have been a primary access librarians and researchers in decisions regarding public access. Tpoint for government information, and during the last In addition to the adherence to program requirements, several years the transition to electronic documents has accel- challenges to access, and the questionable permanence of gov- erated at a rapid pace. Approximately 1,300 libraries partici- ernment information, the depository program is also plagued pate in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP), a by a growing number of libraries withdrawing from the pro- program that provides current and permanent access to infor- gram, many of which are public libraries. Half of surveyed mation published by the United States government and whose libraries that dropped their depository status between 2000 and authority is defined in 44 U.S.C. Chapter 19. During the last 2002 cited the availability of documents on the Internet as the decade FDLP has transformed to accommodate electronic for- reason for their departure, according to a study by Griffin and 6 mats, but the program continues to suffer from cumbersome Ahrens. The study’s authors also note that the first CD-ROM procedures and requirements. However many complaints, was issued to all depository libraries in 1988, marking the there are still benefits to the program, including a rich and beginning of the electronic era, which began increased costs to varied collection that provides a valuable service to citizens of libraries, troubles resulting from lack of computer expertise local communities. and maintenance and preservation issues, and a rapid decrease Often overlooked and quite possibly the most important in the number of libraries participating in the program. Two part of the depository program is a very large and vocal group studies addressed the accessibility of government publications of librarians who maintain government document collections on the Internet, searching the Web for a random sample of titles 7 throughout the country. Not only do they select, acquire, from government documents shipping lists. In one case fewer process, and make these materials available, but they must do than half of the sample materials were available; in some so following the very rigid guidelines of the Government instances only part of the material was available or current Printing Office (GPO). These librarians also deselect, discard, issues had replaced back issues. Content differences in the elec- and supersede materials under those same rules and regula- tronic and print formats were noted, as were the availability of tions. Their importance is not only in the collections they main- past issues of some periodicals. tain, but in the responsibility of making the government In addition to the diminishing number of libraries housing accountable to the people by providing free and permanent government publications, access points to government infor- access to government information. mation decrease further as the nation’s GPO bookstores close A widely publicized challenge to this freedom arose in the their doors. According to the GPO Access Web site, by post–September 11 world when, in a letter to GPO, dated September 1, 2003, GPO will have closed all but one of its October 4, 2001, the U.S. Geological Survey requested that the bookstores, citing a decline in sales due to an increasing num- CD-ROM “Source Area Characteristics of Large Public ber of government publications available online and the shift- 8 Surface-Water Supplies in the Conterminous United States: An ing increase of online book sales from physical book stores. Information Resource for Source-Water Assessment, 1999” be Although one may think that the Internet has improved withdrawn from public access and destroyed.1 Clarification of access to government information, it is more likely that its per- procedures for withdrawing and destroying the CD appeared in manent access is in question now more than ever. To address a letter from Francis J. Buckley Jr., superintendent of docu- this concern the depository community has been working on ments, that was published both in Administrative Notes and on the Federal Depository Library Program Electronic Collection the GOVDOC-L electronic discussion group.2 In its 2001 (FDLP/EC) since February 1995 when, according to the GPO annual report, GPO stated that since FY1995, of the 230,019 Web site, Congress directed GPO to investigate ways to make tangible products distributed to depository libraries, it has the program entirely electronic. “Depository Library Public recalled 20 (16 to be destroyed, 3 returned to the agency, and 1 Service Guidelines for Government Information in Electronic removed from the shelf).3 Other recent challenges include the Formats,” adopted by the Depository Library Council in 1998,

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is a guiding document addressing issues such as library com- acts like a URL, but is more permanent since any changes to its mitment to accessibility including computer workstations, CD- location are registered with a resolution service that redirects ROM drives, Internet access, development of Web sites and visitors to the most recently registered URL associated with the bookmarks, and the ability to download and print materials document. Shown here is a customized brief record listing (fig- and offer temporary disk space for storage of materials. ure 1) and a full bibliographic record (figure 2) available by The FDLP/EC consists of four elements: (1) core legislative searching the catalog at the Las Vegas-Clark County Library and regulatory GPO Access products that reside permanently District at www.lvccld.org. on GPO servers; (2) other remotely accessible products main- Clearly FDLP is under transition, as is the entire GPO, led tained by GPO or other institutions with which GPO has estab- by the public printer of the United States, Bruce R. James, con- lished formal agreements; (3) remotely accessible electronic firmed by the Senate in late 2002. Speaking at the 2003 Spring government information products that GPO identifies, Depository Library Council meeting, James noted that 2003 describes, and links to but which remain under the control of marks the first year in which the majority of government doc- the originating agencies; and (4) tangible electronic government uments will be produced in digital format only; he expects that information products distributed to federal depository within five years just 5 percent of government documents will libraries.9 The server on which the information resides may be printed.11 very well be the determining factor to whether or not GPO can Document librarians not only have the responsibility to provide permanent access to documents that librarians are so provide current access to government information, but they urgently concerned about. must also ensure that this information remains accessible in a A very ambitious undertaking at the University of Arizona permanent state, preserving the record of America and ensuring proposes to “modify the library’s item selection profile so that the the library’s role in democracy. n electronic format replaces the tangible format, with the exception of some heavily used items (e.g., maps, Statistical Abstract of the U.S., etc.).”10 The documents community is eagerly awaiting the Paula Wilson is the Adult Services Coordinator at results of this project, which is slated for completion in the Maricopa County Library District in Arizona; September 2003. The team of Arizona librarians has created a [email protected]. The mention of sys- Web page to track the activities and milestones of the project at tems and vendors in this column does not consti- www.library.arizona.edu/library/teams/sst/gpo.htm. tute an evaluation or an endorsement of the In order to provide easier access, at least to current docu- products or services by the Public Library ments, many libraries have created Web pages that organize Association or the editors of this magazine. The links to frequently requested government publications. contributing editor of this column welcomes any comments or ques- Additionally, both depository and nondepository libraries can tions at the e-mail above. purchase MARC records for full-text online documents for inclusion in the library catalog. Patrons access full-text online government publications directly through the library catalog continued on page 366 when they click on the Persistent Uniform Resource Locator (PURL) that is displayed in the bibliographic record. A PURL

Library patrons can view listings of eDOCUMENTS by The full bibliographic display clearly lets researchers know clicking “view document.” how to access this document. FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2

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Opportunities, Awards, and Honors is an occasional column featuring library and librarian achievements, grants, bequests, and other funding announcements.

Native American and Native Hawaiian library services. This is oversimplification, but you can see that it covers a lot of terri- Primer on IMLS/LSTA tory and how it relates to CIPA.

CIPA and LSTA

Rochelle Hartman While much of the talk about CIPA has centered around E-rate, hile many librarians lob acronyms back and forth as if libraries who receive LSTA funds are also affected by the Wthey were badminton shuttlecocks, I’ve come to realize Supreme Court’s June ruling. On June 23, 2003, the Supreme that not everyone I’m serving to is holding a racket. For Court announced its decision to uphold CIPA, which will instance, last night when I was talking to a friend who works require all school and public libraries that receive federal com- in the largest library system in Florida, I asked her what her munications funds to install filters on all Internet-connected library was doing about CIPA. “Whata?” she replied. At first computers. At ALA Annual Conference in Toronto, where I thought she was joking—she’s a sharp public reference many of us were when the ruling was handed down, there was, librarian—but it became apparent that CIPA is not part of expectedly, a great deal of discussion characterized, largely, by her everyday, front-line vocabulary. There are those of us confusion. As of this writing, it is my informed understanding who, in addition to our regular, front-line duties, thrive on that the only LSTA funds affected by CIPA are those that are the acronym-laden happenings of the larger profession. My used to purchase computers that will be used to access the library world pals and colleagues know that they can come Internet, and funds used for connectivity. Given the above to me to discuss those larger issues or find out the latest scut- guidelines, there is great potential for any given LSTA-funded tlebutt. And I am thankful for their practical, in-house, program to be affected by CIPA guidelines. While ALA has pro- invaluable expertise as readers’ advisors, database specialists, vided guidance, your best bet when writing an LSTA grant is to and more. check with your state library agency. There may be a grant spe- My plan for this column was to talk about the Children’s cialist who can answer all of your questions. You can find Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and its effect on the Library more, in-depth information about the organization of IMLS, Services and Technology Act (LSTA), but since things are still the goals of LSTA, and a listing of specific grant programs at up in the air as of this writing, I’ve decided to offer a primer on www.imls.gov/grants/index.htm. the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and LSTA. These are acronyms that I used to hear pretty regularly without quite knowing what they were. I knew they had to do Honors and Awards with money, but beyond that, I could not have passed a pop Winchester Public Library Gets quiz to save my life. Top Honors for Web Site First off, IMLS is the federal agency that supports the nation’s museums and libraries. More specifically, and from The Winchester (Mass.) Public Library was honored for having their Web site (www.imls.gov), “The IMLS is an independent the best library Web site in Massachusetts, beating out the very Federal agency that fosters leadership, innovation, and a life- snazzy, high-bandwidth Boston Public Library Web site. time of learning by supporting the nation’s fifteen thousand Making the Web site an award winner are the Friends of the museums and 122,000 libraries.”1 They’re kind of like the library, who sponsor the site; the site manager, reference librar- mothership. Next, the LSTA is a piece of legislation passed in ian Marie Ariel; and web designer Martin Zombeck. The honor 1996 under the Museum and Library Services Act. It is through was bestowed by the Massachusetts Library Association at this act that IMLS funds fifty-nine state and U.S. territorial their annual conference in July. You can view the award-win- library agencies using a formula based on census data. Once ning site at www.winpublib.org. those funds are handed over to the states, the monies support statewide initiatives and are dispersed through cooperative agreements and competitive grants. There are two broad prior- Friends and Volunteers Honored ities established for LSTA funding: (1) activities using technol- Verna Cage was named Volunteer of the Year by the Northeast ogy for information sharing; (2) programs that help make Texas Library Systems for her sixteen years of service to the Van library resources more accessible to underserved areas and Alstyne (Tex.) Library. According to librarian Juanita Hazelton, those who have difficulty in accessing traditional library who nominated her, Cage has not only been generous with her resources. These grants to states probably account for the bulk time, but also with financial assistance that has enhanced sum- of grant-writing done by public libraries. There are other cate- mer reading programs. A dedicated community leader, Cage gories, including museum-library partnerships and grants for attends every city council meeting, and was named the Chamber

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of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1996. The library’s Web site is at www.vanalstynepl.lib.tx.us. Shirley Krull was posthumously honored for her volunteer involvement and advocacy at the White Pigeon (Mich.) Township Library with a mural in the children’s room. Krull, who died at the age of 60 in April 2003, was an avid reader and had served as a member, for- mer president, and secretary of the Friends of the Library. The mural was proposed by Krull’s sister-in-law and #HRISTINE'ENTRY Friends member Janice Jones, and com- -ESOZOIC-URDER missioned by the Jones and Krull fami-    (C lies. The library board chose a design h'ENTRYSAPPEALINGHEROINE WHOGETSAMPLEOPPORTUNITY submitted by artist Wanda J. Aikens who TODISPLAYHERRESOURCEFULNESSANDFORTITUDE AMIDTHE based her design on the work of twenti- INTRIGUINGMILIEUINWHICHSHEOPERATES SHOULDENSURE eth-century illustrator Maxfield Parrish. BOTHAWARMRECEPTIONANDASPEEDYENCOREv Featuring two children reading outdoors, ˆ0UBLISHERS7EEKLY Aikens said of her design, “the children are entering the doorway of the library to !NYONE READING -ESOZOIC -URDER WILL UNDERSTAND begin a life of knowledge and find so WHY SOME PEOPLE BECOME OBSESSED WITH FOSSILS AND many doorways open to them through DINOSAURSAS#HRISTINE'ENTRYMAKESTHEMCOMEALIVE reading.” The mural was dedicated in a FORTHEREADERv ˆ-IDWEST"OOK2EVIEW public ceremony in July. The White Pigeon Township Library Web site is at -ICHAEL0EARCE woodlands.lib.mi.us/wplibrary/ 4HE-INGRELIAN#ONSPIRACY!-AMUR:APT-YSTERY WPLibrary.html.    (C h!SEVER /WENISWORDLY WISE DROLL ANDEMINENTLYAT HOMEINHISADOPTEDCITYv Schaper Named 21st Century ˆ$ONNA,EON 3UNDAY4IMES Librarian of the Year h-R0EARCESlNEANDORIGINALSERIESISSTRONGONPLOT Louise Schaper, director of the BUTEVENMORECOMPELLINGONTHEATMOSPHEREONTHE Fayetteville (Ark.) Public Library, is the TEEMINGCITYv ˆ'EORGE$UTHIE 3COTSMAN recipient of the Third Annual 21st Century Librarian Award, which is spon- h-R0EARCEISAGIFTEDSTORYTELLERWHOMAKESTHEPAST sored by the students and faculty of COMEALIVEINTHEMINDSEYEv Syracuse University School of Infor- ˆ-IDWEST"OOK2EVIEW mation Studies. According to the award announcement, Schaper has consistently ,ARGE0RINT"OOKS.OW!VAILABLE “been on the forefront of information -ESOZOIC-URDERBY#HRISTINE'ENTRY     service delivery. . . . She has a solid track 3PIKEDBY-ARK!RSENAULT     record of transforming underperforming !3CANDALIN"ELGRAVIABY2OBERT"ARNARD    8 organizations into models of achieve- !-URDERIN-AYFAIRBY2OBERT"ARNARD     ment.”2 Nominees for the award demon- strate active adaptation of the established &ORACATALOGORTOCONTACTUS principles of librarianship to the chang- GF@JFE<;G

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Sparanese Futas Catalyst for Change Winner Moore and Sparanese is available at www.salon.com/books/ Ann Sparanese, head of Adult and Young Adult Services at feature/2002/01/07/moore. More information about the Futas Award is available at www.ala.org, by clicking the Englewood (N.J.) Public Library (EPL), was named ALA’s 2003 n Elizabeth J. Futas Catalyst for Change recipient in April. A cash “Scholarships and Awards” link. award and citation are given each year at ALA Annual Conference to a “librarian who invests time and talent to make positive changes in the profession of librarianship.” Sparanese The information provided in this column is has developed collections in African American, Hispanic and obtained from press releases from libraries, labor studies at EPL, and is a tireless community and world award and funding agencies, in addition to elec- tronic lists and blogs. Send announcements to the activist. Her activism thrust her into the spotlight in 2001 when contributing editor, Rochelle Hartman, 905 N. she heard Michael Moore speak about his publisher’s request to Madison, Bloomington, IL 61701; rochellesala@ make significant changes to his book, Stupid White Men: And yahoo.com. Other Excuses for the State of the Nation, which had already been printed and was ready for distribution. Sparanese spear- headed a successful grassroots e-mail campaign to decry the References censorship threatened by HarperCollins. Moore credits her with saving his book. The award acknowledges Sparanese as a 1. Institute for Museum and Library Services. Accessed July 14, 2003, www.imls.gov. “community activist, role model and mentor for new librarians, 2. 21st Century Librarian Award, Accessed July 12, 2003, and leader in the American Library Association . . .” who is http://21stcentury.syr.edu. helping shape the future of librarianship. An article about

BOOK TALK

continued from page 359

PL: Many librarians are drawn to the profession because of a teaching readers’ advisory—are important to both the long and love of books and serving the public, but they soon find their short range goals of the libraries where I’ve worked. n jobs focusing more on the administrative aspects of running a library and less on interacting with the public. Yet in your career, you have been able to keep your love of reading and reaching out to the public as the primary focus, while still hav- Kathleen Hughes and Brendan Dowling interviewed Nancy Pearl ing a high-ranking library position. How have you maintained via e-mail on August 18, 2003. Kathleen Hughes is Managing this balance? Editor of Public Libraries, and Brendan Dowling is the Editorial Assistant. Both can be reached at the Public Library Association, 50 E. Huron, Chicago, IL 60611; [email protected], [email protected]. NP: I have been extraordinarily fortunate that my supervisors If you have suggestions or are interested in volunteering to be an have always recognized that my strengths—outreach to groups author-interviewer, contact us at the above addresses. of readers, a wide knowledge of books and authors, doing and

TECH TALK

continued from page 363 References www.library.wwu.edu/services/docs/shipweb.html; Robert Lopresti, “Another Study: Is All the Material Sent to Depository Libraries 1. U.S. Government Printing Office, Annual Report FY 2001, 12. Available on the Web? Part 2,” accessed June 30, 2003, Accessed June 30, 2003, www.access.gpo.gov/aboutgpo/ www.library.wwu.edu/services/docs/SHIPWFS2.html. 01annrep/01artoc.html. 8. U.S. Government Printing Office, “U.S. Government 2. Francis J. Buckley Jr., “Policies and Procedures for Withdrawing Bookstores,” (June 13, 2003). Accessed June 30, 2003, Documents from the FDLP,”Administrative Notes (Nov. 15, http://bookstore.gpo.gov/locations. 2003). Accessed Sept. 16, 2003, www.gpo.gov/su_docs/fdlp/pubs/ 9. U.S. Government Printing Office, “Managing the FDLP adnotes/ad111501.html. Electronic Collection: A Policy and Planning Document” 3. U.S. Government Printing Office, Annual Report FY 2001, 13. (October 1, 1998). Accessed June 30, 2003, www.access.gpo. 4. Margaret M. Jobe, “Another Casualty,” Library Journal (May gov/su_docs/fdlp/pubs/ecplan.html. 15, 2003). Accessed June 30, 2003, www.libraryjournal.com. 10. University of Arizona Library, Social Sciences Team, “University 5. “ALA Questions Web Page Removals,” American Libraries 34 of Arizona/Government Printing Office (GPO) Pilot Project (Jan. 2003): 6. (Electronic Depository).” Accessed June 28, 2003, www. 6. Luke Griffin and Aric Ahrens, “Deposits and Withdrawals: A library.arizona.edu/library/teams/sst/gpo.htm. Survey of Depository Libraries That Have Recently Changed 11. Steve Tetreault, “Nevadan Quick to Make Imprint,” Las Vegas Status.” Accessed June 20, 2003, www.jsu.edu/depart/library/ Review-Journal (June 16, 2003). Accessed June 18, 2003, government/depositories. www.lvrj.com. 7. Robert Lopresti, “Is All the Material Sent to the Depository Libraries Available on the Web? accessed June 30, 2003,

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FEATURE

go against their personal beliefs, and Intellectual Freedom perhaps their instincts, conflicts arise. In this study, we explore the differ- ences between librarians’ personal con- in Belief and in victions and the professional code of ethics concerning intellectual freedom in the context of Internet pornography. Practice More specifically, we investigate how great those differences are and how librarians in our study feel about them. We then ask what librarians as individu- Michael Harkovitch, Amanda Hirst, and Jenifer Loomis als do to reconcile defending access to material that they might personally This study explores the differences between librarians’ oppose. One hundred forty-three librarians personal convictions and the professional code of ethics in the Seattle Public Library (SPL) sys- tem were invited to participate in an concerning intellectual freedom in the context of Internet online survey pertaining to these issues. pornography. A survey of librarians at Seattle Public Library An overwhelming majority of the 59 respondents indicated that they identify finds that such a difference does exist and explores how the with professional ethics of upholding the principles of intellectual freedom. respondents attempt to resolve conflicts between the However, the study found that 42 out of profession’s guiding principles (as well as their particular 59 of the librarians (71%) have at some time found themselves defending access library’s mission and policies) and their own personal feelings. to Internet pornography in the library While some librarians continually struggle with this issue, their even though they personally find pornography offensive. Relatively few attempts to reconcile the conflicts, or views about whether respondents reported they had devel- oped strategies for dealing with this con- satisfactory reconciliation is possible, are valuable data for flict, and the majority indicated that understanding the impact of these issues. training or other assistance in explaining the library’s Internet use policy and in dealing with ethical challenges in general elieving in intellectual freedom is easy; practicing it is not. Since libraries would be helpful. began providing Internet access, using it as a means to view pornographic The goals of this research project material in public libraries has been a center of controversy, eliciting the out- were twofold. The first goal was to rage of everyone from average citizens to United States congressmen. Often establish the degree to which a difference Blibrary patrons who innocently glance over the shoulder of someone who is surfing the exists between personal views and the Web inadvertently expose themselves to materials they find offensive. Shocked by professional code of ethics among librar- what they have seen, patrons will commonly complain to a librarian, their neighbor, ians in the SPL system regarding intellec- their elected officials, or all of the above. tual freedom as it pertains to Traditionally, the librarian’s role is to champion the cause of intellectual freedom, pornography on the Internet. The sec- especially with respect to controversial material. A central but understated function of ond goal was to describe how the librar- libraries is maintaining an environment where all people can hold and express diver- ians in our sample reconcile defending gent views. Like other professional fields, librarianship has a set of ethical principles access to material that they might per- that guide its mission. Principle II of the American Library Association (ALA) Code of sonally oppose. To guide our study, we Ethics states, “We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to defined several key concepts, as shown censor library resources.”1 in the sidebar on page 368. In practice, upholding the tenets of intellectual freedom can be challenging, This study aims to gain insight into though. Librarians, throughout the tumult of complaints from irate patrons and pres- how a sample of librarians attempts to sures from their professional organization must remain objective and respect all points resolve conflicts between their profes- of view. Suppose that the librarian, who so passionately defends library and ALA poli- sional code of ethics (as well as the mis- cies to patrons, personally disagrees with both. When human beings are required to sion and policies of the institution they work for) and their personal convictions regarding access to pornography via the Michael Harkovitch ([email protected]), Amanda Hirst ([email protected]. Internet in public libraries. We recognize edu), and Jenifer Loomis ([email protected]) are all recent MLIS graduates of the that some librarians continually struggle Information School at the University of Washington. with this and may not have reached a

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Definitions of Key Concepts

Pornography port that mission. This may include situations in which Definitions of the term pornography differ significantly library policy must be explained, thus verbally defended, from dictionary to dictionary, but most individuals recog- perhaps to people who are critical of that policy. In a nize pornography when they see it. The researchers recog- broader sense, to “defend access” also parallels phrases such as “ensure access” and “defend intellectual freedom” (the nize that the definition of pornography will vary with each e respondent. Therefore, we did not provide a definition to latter two phrases are used in the SPL Mission Statement). the study participants, electing instead to allow them to Both senses of the phrase defense of access apply to this apply their personal definitions while formulating their study. responses. Personal and Professional Convictions Intellectual Freedom The personal, as opposed to the professional, aspect of Within the library profession, ALA provides the primary librarians’ convictions also merits definition. Personal con- leadership for defending intellectual freedom. Because its victions arise from values held by a person as a private indi- materials on the subject are commonly used and referred to vidual. An individual’s personal values and opinions may or by library professionals, we have used ALA’s definition: may not be distinct from his or her professional values and “Intellectual freedom is the right of every individual to both opinions (as influenced or defined by professional associa- seek and receive information from all points of view with- tions and employers). The ALA Code of Ethics acknowl- out restriction. It provides for free access to all expressions edges the potential for contrasts or conflicts between of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, librarians’ personal and professional selves: “We distinguish cause, or movement may be explored. Intellectual freedom between our personal convictions and professional duties encompasses the freedom to hold, receive, and disseminate and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair ideas.” a representation of the aims of our institutions or the provi- sion of access to their information resources.”f

Professional Code of Ethics a. American Library Association, “Intellectual Freedom and Librarians’ professional ethics have been embodied in the Censorship Q & A,” Last modified Oct. 2, 2002. Accessed Jan. 24, 2003, www.ala.org/Content/NavigationMenu/ ALA Code of Ethics, supplemented by the missions and poli- Our_Association/Offices/Intellectual_Freedom3/Basics/ cies of individual libraries employing it, such as the SPL Intellectual_Freedom_and_Censorship_QandA.htm Mission Statement.b In our questionnaire, we specifically b. Seattle Public Library, “Seattle Public Library Mission focused on the code’s portions related to intellectual free- Statement,” Content modified Dec. 27, 2000. Accessed Jan. 24, 2003, www.spl.org/citylibrarian/mission.html. dom, asking respondents whether they agreed with one sen- c. American Library Association, “Code of Ethics of the tence in particular: “We uphold the principles of intellectual American Library Association,” Adopted June 28, 1995. freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.”c Accessed Jan. 24, 2003, www.ala.org/Content/ A similar question specific to SPL policy examined the NavigationMenu/Our_Association/Offices/Intellectual_ librarians’ agreement with a portion of the library’s “Public Freedom3/Statements_and_Policies/Code_of_Ethics/Code_ of_Ethics.htm. Use of the Internet” policy, which, by extension, also repre- d d. Seattle Public Library, “Public Use of the Internet,” Seattle sents the professional code of ethics. Public Library Policies. Adopted Jan. 22, 2002, content modified Feb. 22, 2002. Accessed Jan. 24, 2003, http://www.spl.org/policies/internetusepolicy.html. Defense of Access e. Seattle Public Library, “Seattle Public Library Mission Statement.” In libraries whose mission is to provide free and open access f. American Library Association, “Code of Ethics.” to information of all types, staff members must work to sup-

state that could be termed reconciliation; on the ethical challenges they face in referenced once, only in the notes of the nevertheless, their attempts to do so, or their work. Quite a bit has been written article.3 The books Ethics and the views about whether or not it is possible on the subject of professional ethics in Librarian by F. W. Lancaster and Ethical to satisfactorily reconcile such conflicts, librarianship and ethical challenges Dilemmas in Libraries by Herbert S. are useful data. Such information is librarians face, but it is framed differ- White, both of which were published in equally valuable as seeing how a librar- ently than this research study. Ethical the early 1990s, have no mention of the ian has achieved reconciliation. Challenges in Librarianship by Robert specific ethical challenges librarians face Hauptman addresses both pornography when confronted with issues and when and the Internet individually, but not their professional code of ethics is at Literature Review together, and the impact of these issues odds with their own beliefs regarding on librarians is not addressed.2 In library patrons accessing pornography The library and information science lit- Information Ethics for Librarians, via the Internet.4 An essay about the erature, while vast in scope, contains few edited by Mark Alfino and Linda Pierce, trends of library associations and ethics qualitative studies of librarians’ feelings the concept of Internet pornography is in the United States written by Wallace

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Koehler in the book The Ethics of patrons, while all staff computers are librarians. The librarians invited to par- Librarianship: An International Survey unfiltered. SPL’s “Public Use of the ticipate consisted of three basic groups, mentions evolving technology as one of Internet” policy states, “The Library each comprising roughly one-third of the several ethical challenges librarians have makes this service available as part of its total: 51 adult services librarians; 48 faced in recent years, but it does not mission to provide free and open access juvenile and young adult librarians; and elaborate further.5 to information of all types in a wide 44 managers. Because the survey was Anecdotal evidence indicates that range of formats for library users of all anonymous, the sample may be more or librarians who deal with the issue of ages and backgrounds . . . some sources less representative on a few counts. The Internet pornography in the library are may be offensive, disturbing, and/or ille- differing positions and job functions faced with many challenges. For exam- gal.”10 may have influenced responses and par- ple, librarians in Minnesota filed a com- With the permission and coopera- ticipation, as might age and gender. plaint with the U.S. Equal Employment tion of SPL and its human resources Also, experiences and community stan- Opportunity Commission (EEOC) department, the librarians were invited dards particular to neighborhoods and against the Minneapolis Public Library via the city’s e-mail system to voluntarily their branches might have an influence. System in May 2000 for experiencing and anonymously participate in a A final work factor influencing partici- third-party sexual harassment as a result twenty-six-question online survey. pation may have been personal acquain- of patrons accessing online pornography. Potential participants were informed tances with the individual researchers, Librarians were inadvertently exposed to first by Human Resources Director Lin the information school, or the course pornography while enforcing required Schnell, and then by the researchers, that instructor. Aside from these factors, time limits on Internet computers. The data would be collected and analyzed standard limitations of questionnaire patrons viewing this material were also independently of SPL, but that results research—particularly self-selection— verbally harassing library staff.6 Shortly would be shared with the library and also apply. thereafter, the Minneapolis Public possibly published at a later date. The Two survey questions provide fur- Library apologized publicly, expressing survey was open for ten days, from May ther description of the sample by asking regret to “anyone who saw images on 16 to May 26, 2002. the amount of time spent at a service library computers that they found offen- The questions solicited responses desk and the amount of time spent sive.”7 As of late March 2003, the library through the use of check boxes, radio assisting patrons with Internet-related is still suffering from the impact of this buttons, and text boxes. In order to questions. The majority of respondents unresolved complaint.8 attempt to expose the tension between the (62%) spent at least 4 hours per work- ALA, whose conferences in recent professional and personal views, we day at a service desk. All but 19% indi- years have discussed issues related to designed the survey questions to ask cated spending at least “some” of their pornography on the Internet, provides essentially the same thing in a variety of time on Internet-related questions, with the “Libraries and the Internet Toolkit” ways. The questions also provided the 29% spending at least half of their time to “assist librarians in managing the context for eliciting qualitative responses. doing so. (Note: results are rounded to Internet and educating their public The survey aimed to measure several the nearest integer percent in the narra- about how to use it effectively.”9 This variables: the degree to which librarians tive discussion of data provided here.) document is aimed at librarians as pro- identify with the professional code of The following sections present fessionals and, as such, their dealings ethics on both a professional and per- results from the survey questions. with the public. It does not, however, sonal level; the degree to which librarians Categorical data is discussed first, fol- make recommendations on how libraries regard pornography accessed on library lowed by the qualitative data from the as employers can ease the emotional toll Internet terminals as an issue of particu- four questions that elicited written com- of defending policies that staff might lar significance; and the degree to which ments. personally disagree with. librarians feel prepared to face the chal- lenges of enforcing a policy with which Summary of Quantitative Findings they may personally disagree. These Method types of questions were answered in The first two survey questions explored degrees (e.g., “strongly agree,” “agree,” the respondents’ degree of agreement This research study was conducted as “no opinion,” “somewhat disagree,” with two statements from the ALA Code part of an assignment for a research “strongly disagree”). Participants were of Ethics and “Intellectual Freedom and methods course at the University of also asked a variety of questions regard- Censorship Q & A,” respectively: “We Washington’s Information School. The ing how they reconcile possible differ- uphold the principles of intellectual free- population surveyed consists of librari- ences between their own values and those dom and resist all efforts to censor ans working for SPL, located in Seattle, of the profession. Finally, the survey library materials” and “It is the right of Washington, which serves a diverse explored the strategies librarians use to every individual to both seek and receive urban population. In addition to a cen- deal with conflicts between personal and information from all points of view tral library, SPL has twenty-two branch professional views. without restriction.”11 A third question libraries throughout the city. At the time did the same for a statement from SPL’s of our study, SPL employed 143 librari- “Public Use of the Internet” policy: ans, who have varying levels of contact Findings “[t]he library should ‘provide free and with the public and with patrons who open access to information of all types in use the Internet. Both filtered and unfil- The sample obtained consists of 59 a wide range of formats.’”12 In all three tered access to the Internet are offered to respondents, roughly 41% of the 143 cases, the majority of respondents indi-

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cated agreement. Responses to the first favor, 12% neither in favor nor opposed, exist between professional protocols and two questions were all either “somewhat 19% somewhat opposed, and 32% personal feelings of the respondents, two agree” or “strongly agree,” with more strongly opposed (see figure 2). questions asked point-blank about per- than 80% of the sample strongly agree- The second question asked respon- sonal perceptions. The first asked, “Do ing to both. Responses to the SPL policy dents if they agreed or disagreed “that you ever find yourself defending access to question were similar (76% strongly library policy should prohibit access to Internet pornography in the library even agreed), but 3 out of the 59 respondents pornographic content on the Internet.” though you find pornography personally indicated some degree of disagreement. Responses leaned more heavily toward offensive?” Seventy-one percent answered Figure 1 shows the combined results. disagreement (70%); 51% strongly dis- yes (see figure 3). On the other hand, only Personal feelings regarding the agreed. The remaining 30% was split 37% felt that their “personal views about offensiveness of pornography were evenly between agreement and no opin- pornography contradict professional mixed. The majority of respondents ion, although only 5% strongly agreed. views expressed by ALA regarding (60%) indicated that they generally find Following a series of questions patrons accessing pornography in the the concept of pornography “somewhat designed to determine whether differences library” (see figure 4). A lesser number, offensive,” and equal numbers (20% each) find it “extremely” and “not at all” offensive. As another approach to assessing 100 personal views, one question asked 86.4 90 84.7 whether librarians found it “difficult or Agreement with ALA’s Code of Ethics easy to defend SPL’s Internet use policy.” 80 76.3 Agreement with ALA’s Intellectual Freedom and Censorship Q&A. Responses were mixed: 3% “extremely 70 difficult,” 31% “somewhat difficult,” Agreement with SPL’s Internet use policy 29% “neither difficult nor easy,” 22% 60 “somewhat easy,” and 15% “extremely 50 easy.” In sum, one-third (34%) of the respondents found defending the policy 40

to be in some degree difficult, and % of Respondents 30 18.6 slightly more than one-third (37%) 15.3 13.6 found it to be in some degree easy. 20 To aid in assessing librarians’ feel- 10 3.4 ings about patrons’ access to Internet 000 00 001.7 pornography, one question asked 0 respondents to distinguish between Strongly Somewhat No Somewhat Strongly patrons having “unrestricted access to agree agree opinion disagree disagree the Internet, including sites containing controversial and divergent ideas,” as Agreement with the Profession opposed to pornographic sites. A second question examined whether they felt dif- FIGURE 1 ferently about adult patrons and minors. For adults, all respondents indicated agreement to providing unrestricted 100 Internet access, with 88% strongly agreeing. The respondents generally felt 90 that minors should have this same 80 access: 68% strongly agreed, 20% 70 agreed somewhat, 8% disagreed some- what, and 3% (which represents 2 60 respondents out of the total 59) strongly 50 disagreed. 40 Two more questions explored 32.2 30 librarians’ personal views by asking % of Respondents 23.7 18.6 20 about possible methods of limiting 13.6 11.9 library Internet access to exclude porno- 10 graphic material. We first asked rhetori- cally, “If the technology made it 0 possible, would you personally be in Strongly Somewhat Neither in Somewhat Strongly favor of restricting access to porno- in favor in favor favor nor opposed opposed graphic Web sites in the library?” opposed Roughly half of respondents were Responses to the question: “If the technology made it possible, would you person- opposed, with 37% in favor. Overall, ally be in favor of restricting acces to pornographic Web sites in the library? however, responses were mixed: 14% strongly in favor, 24% somewhat in FIGURE 2

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25%, indicated having at some time “does not apply” (64%), 13 people diction by knowing ALA’s policy is the found themselves “trying to reconcile this (22%) answered yes. Another question least distasteful choice between censor- contradiction.” asked them to describe these strategies, ship or porn.” The final survey questions were and 17 librarians responded. Many librarians wrote passionately geared toward making further recom- Responses for the most part dis- about the distinction between intellectual mendations to the library system. In cussed philosophical reconciliation and freedom as an ideal and how it plays out regards to SPL developing training or an focusing on how to think about the in libraries. One respondent articulated informational component around these issues relating to Internet pornography this distinction by stating, “I don’t think issues, the highest-ranking responses in the library. Several responses men- the library will ever be praised for allow- showed the following preferences: 46% tioned practical or active techniques ing porn, but if we are lucky, [we will be] of respondents favored an informal sem- beyond internal thought processes. The praised for not allowing censorship. We inar; 41%, a formal training program; other dominant theme in the responses can say we’re defending intellectual free- and 14%, a written policy (for these final was concern over civil liberties and a dom, but any observer can see that no questions, respondents could choose all desire to prevent censorship, including intellect is involved in viewing porn. No options that applied). When asked specif- the importance of putting aside or not great thought being advanced. For me, ically about their interest in attending a stating personal opinions in the profes- the gulf between this reality and the lofty formal training program addressing these sional role. Some respondents felt that ideals that allow it will never be filled, issues, 56% responded yes, 29% differences between their personal views only tenuously bridged.” responded no, and 14% were unsure. and professional obligations did not Other participants had strong Furthermore, when asked “What specific pose difficulties and that separating the responses against patrons viewing issues within the context of patrons personal from the professional was not a pornography in the library. The respon- accessing pornography on the Internet problem for them. Highlights from the dents, focusing on the library as a public would you like to see in a program or responses are provided below. space, articulated the inappropriateness instrument?” the most popular responses Examples of philosophical reconcili- of viewing pornography therein: “The were: “how to effectively explain the cur- ation included statements regarding the issue for me is that this is a public place. rent Internet use policy” (71%); “dealing distinction between professional identity It is not appropriate to view porn in a with ethical challenges” (59%); “dealing and personal identity. One librarian public place. I don’t care what someone with difficult patrons” (59%); and wrote, “What I do is not who I am. It’s does in a private space. [The library] is “stress management” (22%). okay that my professional obligations not private.” sometimes contradict my personal Librarians who viewed themselves beliefs. If it gets to a point that I cannot as defenders of intellectual freedom Summary of Qualitative Findings accept that compartmentalization, then often stated that they felt it was their To explore ways of dealing with contra- perhaps I need to consider a different duty to defend access against those who dictions between personal views and the type of work. . . .” Other respondents seek to limit it. One respondent wrote, professional code of ethics, one question took a “lesser of all evils” approach to “As a librarian, I feel a professional obli- asked respondents if they had developed reconciliation: “I reconcile the contra- gation to be a fool for intellectual free- any strategies for doing so. While the dom, to be willing to be just as radical in majority of responses were “no” or promoting people’s right to read and view any area of human knowledge that 100 strikes their fancy as some other mem- 90 bers of society are radical in attempting 100 80 to restrict those rights.” 90 Other responses indicate that while 80 70 respondents might dislike pornography 71.2 59. 3 70 60 being viewed in the library, they do not advocate limiting access institutionally. 60 50 These respondents seem to be reconciled 50 40 37. 3 to the disagreement between the per- 40 sonal and professional code of ethics. % of Respondents 30 30 One respondent wrote, “I see no contra- % of Respondents 23.7 20 diction between disliking something and 20 10 3.4 still supporting an institution in its abil- 10 5.1 0 ity to let everyone make their own deci- 0 sions about it. Basically, it’s an ‘I Yes No Unsure Yes No Unsure disagree with what you say, but I will Response to the question: “Do you defend to the death your right to say it’ Response to the question: “Do you feel that your personal views about kind of thing.” Other librarians men- ever find yourself defending access to pornography contradict professional tioned having learned to promote the Internet pornography in the library views expressed by ALA regarding policy despite their disagreement with it. even though you find pornography patrons accessing pornography in One respondent noted an impact of Internet pornography on researching a personally offensive? the library? question for a patron: “[T]he other day I FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 was looking for a picture of a pregnant

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teen for a girl’s report and just about all if their personal views conflict with their This study provides important food I could get was porn! Would have been professional views, 37% of respondents for thought. Librarians do make a distinc- nice to have a filter that would have agreed that a conflict exists. Further tion between their personal values and known the difference between porn and findings show that while 71% of respon- their professional identity. The study also stuff about teen mothers!” dents have had occasion to defend access underlines the fact that librarians are When asked if they had any practi- to pornography, human and thus do cal, active strategies for dealing with the 79% of them per- not think and contradiction between their professional sonally find respond mechani- code of ethics and their personal feel- pornography to be when asked outright if cally when carrying ings, respondents stated a variety of generally offensive their personal views out the principles of techniques. Responses included commis- to some degree. intellectual freedom erating with colleagues and reviewing This demonstrates conflict with their in practice, particu- ALA and SPL documents. that for the major- larly when the sub- Three questions gave the respon- ity of respondents, professional views, 37% ject is pornography. dents an opportunity to further articu- a tension (or at of respondents agreed The comments of late their needs for a training program or least a difference of some respondents instrument. Within the context of these some kind) exists, that a conflict exists. demonstrate the questions, respondents also elaborated in the context of emotional toll that their needs from SPL as an employer and patron access to can arise from cop- their view of ALA as a professional Internet pornogra- ing with this chal- organization that represents them. phy in the library, between their personal lenge. We feel that employers, in Respondents questioned ALA’s opinions and the profession’s mantra. recognizing both the strengths and limita- approach and the effectiveness of any Despite the high degree of identifica- tions of human beings, should pay close training programs. Many felt that train- tion with the professional code of ethics attention to the dilemmas facing their ing programs just repeat policy rather and a positive attitude toward providing employees and should work to acknowl- than offer helpful solutions to staff. One unrestricted Internet access to controver- edge and address those issues. n librarian highlighted the disconnect sial and divergent forms of expression to between ALA and people working in patrons of all ages, more than a third of libraries, writing, “The people running the respondents were personally in favor References ALA Intellectual Freedom Committees of limiting access to pornographic Web operate in a fog. They do not work in sites if technology were to make it possi- 1. American Library Association, “Code of public libraries, and they do not have a ble. Therefore, it is clear that when Ethics of the American Library Assoc- iation,” Adopted June 28, 1995. Accessed clue about the types of patrons we deal pornography was introduced to the mix of Jan. 24, 2003, www.ala.org/Content/ with.” The same respondent, however, “controversial and divergent forms of NavigationMenu/Our_Association/Office recognized the need for some type of expression,” respondents were more likely s/Intellectual_Freedom3/Statements_and_ training program: “Public service staff to support limited Web access. Policies/Code_of_Ethics/Code_of_Ethics. htm. suffers greatly from having to interact Because of the small sample size and 2. Robert Hauptman, Ethical Challenges in with demanding and threatening the narrowly defined population, gener- Librarianship (Phoenix, Ariz.: Oryx, patrons. Not enough has been done to alizations for the entire library profes- 1988). help us deal with these issues.” Others sion can only be speculative at this point. 3. Mark Alfino and Linda Pierce, eds., requested a training program to teach Further study involving other public Information Ethics for Librarians (Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland, 1997). them how to deal with difficult patrons, library systems, and encompassing wider 4. F. W. Lancaster, ed., Ethics and the such as confronting patrons who know- geographic samples, is recommended. Librarian (Champaign, Ill.: Univ. of ingly violate SPL’s current Internet use Also, due to its exploratory nature, this Illinois Pr., 1991); Herbert S. White, policy. Some respondents were con- study does not provide sufficient infor- Ethical Dilemmas in Libraries (New York: G. K. Hall, 1992). cerned that their careers might be jeop- mation for developing definitive solu- 5. Wallace Koehler, “Trends of Library ardized if they voiced disagreement with tions. Additional study using different Associations and Ethics in the US,” in ALA or SPL policies when deciding what research methods would be useful. Any The Ethics of Librarianship: An type of training program they would be research on this topic, however, may be International Survey, Robert W. Vaagan, in favor of. A librarian responded, “I difficult due to the sensitive nature of the ed. (Munich, Germany: International Federation of Library Associations and don’t think it would be ‘safe’ for me to subjects concerned: pornography, intel- Institutions, 2002), 325. discuss my disagreement with SPL’s and lectual freedom, and conflict between 6. Wendy Adamson, “Sex in the City— ALA’s policies. Given this fact, I would employee and employer. What Happened at the Minneapolis rather view a written policy.”

The authors would like to thank all of the librarians at Seattle Public Library who Analysis and Conclusions completed our survey, as well as Lin Schnell, Ryan Groce, and Deborah Jacobs of SPL for their invaluable assistance in helping us complete this study. Special Results from the survey demonstrate thanks goes to Dr. Matthew Saxton, who went all-out for us and whose encour- that the majority of respondents, as pro- agement and support kept us going. Although we have chosen to list our names fessionals, identify strongly with intellec- alphabetically, the three of us contributed equally to this project and have chosen tual freedom principles as stated by ALA to share equal responsibility for it. and SPL. However, when asked outright

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Public Library,” NewBreed Librarian 2, pornography on the Internet that has including sites containing controversial no. 2 (Apr. 2002). Accessed Jan. been accessed by a library patron? and divergent ideas? 24, 2003, www.newbreedlibrarian.org/
At least once a day
Strongly agree archives/02.02.apr2002/feature.html.

7. Norman Oder, “Minneapolis PL 2 to 3 times a week Somewhat agree Apologizes Publicly,” Library Journal
Once a week
Unsure or no opinion 125, no. 11 (June 15, 2000): 16.
2 to 3 times a month
Somewhat disagree 8. American Libraries Online, “Twelve
Once a month or less
Strongly disagree Staffers Sue Minneapolis PL over Hostile Workplace Environment,” News for Mar. 31, 2003. Accessed Apr. Question 4. How often are you asked by Question 10. Apart from pornography, 29, 2003, at www.ala.org/Content/ patrons for computer related assistance to what extent do you personally agree NavigationMenu/Products_and_ while they are accessing pornography? that all library patrons under the age of Publications/Periodicals/American_
At least once a day 18 should have unrestricted access to the Libraries/Current_news/News_archive/
2003/March_2003/Twelve_Staffers_ 2 to 3 times a week Internet, including sites containing con- Sue_Minneapolis_PL_over_Hostile_
Once a week troversial and divergent ideas? Workplace_Environment.htm.
2 to 3 times a month
Strongly agree 9. American Library Association, “Libraries
Once a month or less
Somewhat agree and the Internet Toolkit: Tips and
Guidance for Managing and Commun- Unsure or no opinion icating about the Internet,” June 1, 2001 Question 5. How often are you asked by
Somewhat disagree (updated Oct. 16, 2002): 2. Accessed June patrons for assistance in locating porno-
Strongly disagree 4, 2002, www.ala.org/Content/ graphic content on the Internet? NavigationMenu/Our_Association/
Never Question 11. Almost all people are likely Offices/Intellectual_Freedom3/Intellectual
_Freedom_Toolkits/Libraries_and_the_ 1 to 2 times a year to be offended by certain instances of Internet_Toolkit/Libraries_and_the_
Once a month or less pornographic content. However, in gen- Internet_Toolkit.htm.
2 to 3 times a month eral, to what extent do you personally find 10. Seattle Public Library, “Public Use of the
Once a week the concept of pornography offensive? Internet.”
11. American Library Association, “Code of Extremely offensive Ethics”; American Library Association, Question 6. How often do you have to
Somewhat offensive “Intellectual Freedom and Censorship Q explain Seattle Public Library’s Internet
Not at all offensive & A.” Use Policy to patrons who have observed
No opinion 12. Seattle Public Library, “Public Use of the Internet.” someone viewing pornography on the Internet? Question 12. If the technology made it
At least once a day possible, would you personally be in Appendix 1
2 to 3 times a week favor of restricting access to porno-
Once a week graphic websites in the library? The Survey
2 to 3 times a month
Strongly in favor Question 1. As a librarian, to what
Once a month or less
Somewhat in favor extent do you agree with the following
Neither in favor nor opposed statement by the ALA in its Code of Question 7. Do you personally agree
Somewhat opposed Ethics: “We uphold the principles of with the statement in Seattle Public
Strongly opposed intellectual freedom and resist all efforts Library’s Internet Use Policy that the to censor library materials”? library should “provide free and open Question 13. To what extent do you
Strongly agree access to information of all types in a agree or disagree that library policy
Somewhat agree wide range of formats”? should prohibit access to pornographic
Unsure or no opinion
Strongly agree content on the Internet?
Somewhat disagree
Somewhat agree
Strongly agree
Strongly disagree
Unsure or no opinion
Somewhat agree
Somewhat disagree
Unsure or no opinion Question 2. As a librarian, to what
Strongly disagree
Somewhat disagree extent do you agree with the following
Strongly disagree statement by the ALA on intellectual Question 8. Do you personally find it freedom: “It is the right of every individ- difficult or easy to defend the Seattle Question 14. Do you ever find yourself ual to both seek and receive information Public Library’s Internet Use Policy? defending access to Internet pornogra- from all points of view without restric-
Extremely difficult phy in the library even though you find tion”?
Somewhat difficult pornography personally offensive?
Strongly agree
Neither difficult nor easy
Yes
Somewhat agree
Somewhat easy
No
Unsure or no opinion
Extremely easy
Unsure
Somewhat disagree
Strongly disagree Question 9. Apart from pornography, to Question 15. Do you feel that your per- what extent do you personally agree that sonal views about pornography contra- Question 3. While working in the all adult library patrons should have dict professional views expressed by library, how often are you exposed to unrestricted access to the Internet, the ALA regarding patrons accessing

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pornography in the library?
Less than 2 hours ally protected material. The Library also
Yes
2 to 4 hours affirms the right and responsibility of
No
4 to 6 hours parents and legal guardians to determine
Unsure
More than 6 hours and monitor their own children’s use of library materials and resources. To assist Question 16. Do you ever find yourself Question 26. How much of your time at parents in their responsibility for their trying to reconcile this contradiction? the service desk is spent assisting patrons children’s use of the Internet, the Library
Yes with Internet related questions? provides the following services:
No
Very little of my time
Unsure
Some of my time n Specially designed web pages for
Does not apply
Half of my time children and young adults, with
Most of my time links to age-appropriate Internet Question 17. Have you developed any sites and to filtered search engines. strategies for dealing with this? n Computers with commercial filter-
Yes Appendix B ing software for public use in the
No Seattle Public Library Policy children’s area at each location in
Unsure the Seattle Public Library system.
Does not apply Subject: Public Use of the Internet This filtering software will block Seattle Public Library provides access to many specific sites that may be Question 18. If yes, please describe: a broad range of information resources offensive to some users, but may not including those available through the block all materials that may be Question 19. If the library were to Internet. The Library makes this service offensive to all users. Parents should develop a program or instrument to help available as part of its mission to provide inform their children of materials staff deal with the issues above, which free and open access to information of all they do not want them to use, and would you find helpful? Select all that types in a wide range of formats for may wish to supervise their chil- apply. library users of all ages and backgrounds. dren’s Internet sessions.
A formal training program
An informal seminar Choosing and Evaluating Sources Rules Governing Use
A written policy The Internet is a global electronic net- In order to make the Internet available
No opinion work of ideas, images, and commentary to as many people as possible and to
Other that may enhance resources already ensure that it is used in a manner consis- available in the Library. However, the tent with Library policies, the Library Question 20. If “other,” please describe: Library cannot control the information has adopted rules regarding Acceptable available over the Internet and is not Use of Electronic Resources. All users Question 21. Would you be interested in responsible for its content. Some sources are asked to respect the privacy of other attending a formal training program provide information that is inaccurate, users and not attempt to censor or com- addressing the issues discussed above? incomplete or dated; some sources may ment upon what others are viewing. The
Yes be offensive, disturbing, and/or illegal. Library’s Rules of Conduct and pertinent
No To assist our patrons in their searches, state, federal and local laws apply to all
Unsure staff have identified on the Library’s Library users. Selected Web Sites some links to selected Question 22. Additional comments: information sources. Library staff review Policy Subject to Revision links regularly but, due to the ever-chang- The Seattle Public Library affirms its Question 23. What specific issues within ing nature of the Internet, cannot guaran- commitment to help patrons use the the context of patrons accessing pornog- tee that these links will remain valid. Internet effectively. The Library will con- raphy on the Internet would you like to Similarly, the Library cannot be responsi- tinue to monitor changes and trends in see in such a program or instrument? ble for changes in the content of the Internet technology that could improve
How to effectively explain the cur- sources to which it links, or the content of our ability to provide electronic access rent Internet Use Policy sources accessed through secondary links. for library users, and will revise this pol-
Dealing with ethical challenges As with printed information, users are icy as necessary.
Stress management encouraged to evaluate the validity of
Dealing with difficult patrons information found electronically. Library Date Adopted: January 22, 2002
Other staff are available to provide assistance Supercedes Policy: Internet Use Policy and to help identify appropriate sites. The adopted adopted December 14, 1999 Question 24. If “other,” please describe: Library also provides beginning, advanced, and subject oriented-classes in Source: Seattle Public Library Web site: The following questions are optional: the use of the World Wide Web. www.spl.org/policies/internetusepolicy. html Question 25. How much time do you Access by Minors spend per workday assisting the public The Library upholds the right of each at the service desk? individual to have access to constitution-

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FEATURE

years before, decrying its lack of public access to the Internet. Simon, who grew The College up in Stratford and had recently moved back there, had helped found the Cactus State Poll at Arizona State University Connection and did survey research for a variety of clients. Bowles wondered if he would be willing to help launch a research project Using Academic Support designed to measure the strengths and weaknesses of the library. Bryant was aware of Kurt to Conduct Public Schlichting’s work, a professor of soci- ology at Fairfield, a veteran pollster, and Library Surveys a former business partner of Stan Greenberg, pollster for President Bill Clinton. Schlichting had conducted sur- veys for the New Canaan public James Simon and Kurt Schlichting schools, the New Canaan League of Women’s Voters, and the New Canaan Field Club. Two Connecticut public libraries contacted professors at a local This study focuses on the two differ- ent approaches taken by the libraries in university and asked for help in designing surveys of their library conducting survey research projects. users. This study contrasts two very different approaches used in One used volunteers and a telephone survey, while the other used $8,000 to the research projects: (1) relying on volunteers to conduct help defray the cost of a mail-out, mail- back survey. The two case studies also telephone surveys at virtually no out-of-pocket cost; and (2) highlight an underused resource: profes- using some professional help to conduct mail-out, mail-back sors at local colleges and universities who might consider conducting such surveys. The study invites library directors to look at an research—for free or at a reduced cost— underused resource: professors at local colleges who may want due to their professional needs or out of a sense of social responsibility. The study to conduct research—for free or at a reduced cost—due to their addresses questions faced by library directors who need information on professional needs or a sense of social responsibility. library users but often do nothing, fear- ing the cost and complexity of a full- blown survey. aren Bowles had just begun her position in 2000 as the new director of the Use of survey research by libraries is Stratford (Conn.) Library Association, the town’s public library, and was nothing new. Survey research has been looking for ways to build on its success. The library already had tens of used in recent decades to help measure thousands of cardholders and users. It had one of the most beautiful build- library performance and to better assess Kings in Stratford (population: 50,000) and a centralized location. But Bowles wanted and meet community needs.1 Library a better handle on when and why people used the library and whether more hours Research Service has compiled a detailed were needed. Additionally, she wanted a sense of how residents rated various library list of public opinion polls conducted by services. She was interested in using survey research to obtain some of the answers, individual libraries, plus a survey by the but due to budgetary constraints, she needed to do any such project in-house. Gallup Organization for the American About twenty miles away, David Bryant, director of the New Canaan (Conn.) Library Association on public attitudes Library, had similar needs. Bryant didn’t want to use his staff to help conduct a pub- toward libraries in general.2 Such survey lic opinion poll. He had $8,000 available—about one-third of what it would cost to research work is not limited to the hire a professional survey research company to complete the project in his town (pop- United States; the University of Sheffield ulation: 19,000). in Great Britain has a Centre for the Almost directly between the two towns was Fairfield University, an elite Jesuit Public Library in the Information school of about 4,000 students. Bowles remembered that James Simon, an associate Society that has conducted numerous professor of journalism, had written a scathing letter to the Stratford Library some studies into such issues as the impact of new library construction, how libraries James Simon is Associate Professor of English at Fairfield University in Connecticut and help the educationally disadvantaged, 3 Director of the school’s journalism program; [email protected]. The Stratford survey and the effect of library closures. form is available at his Web site, www.faculty.fairfield.edu/jsimon. Kurt Schlichting is Libraries have used many other meth- Professor of sociology at Fairfield University; [email protected]. ods, such as cost-benefit analysis to help

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the survey represented the views of all Tips from Library Administrators adults in Stratford with working tele- phone numbers, within a potential sam- The library directors involved in the surveys reported in this article offered the pling error of 4.7 percent. following tips for library administrators considering a survey project: It is much easier to interview library users, those people who take advantage Karen Bowles of the library’s many services. It is more Director, Stratford Library Association of a challenge to persuade people who do not use the library to give ten minutes 1. Surveys take a lot of time. Guidance from a consultant is essential. of their time to take part in a survey. But 2. You can do an in-house telephone survey, but you need trained and dedi- the interviewers, aided by a brief train- cated help. (We used staff and board volunteers.) ing session conducted by Simon, were up 3. Think hard about the questions you want answered, then make sure the to the task, and they completed hun- questionnaire will give you the information you seek. Pretest the survey dreds of interviews with both groups. first. The library was requesting additional 4. Think about demographics and variables you might want to combine to funding to open on Sundays, so part of elicit helpful information (e.g., age vs. location in town; when they use the the survey asked respondents if they library vs. education level). would use the library if it were open on 5. Carefully consider when you want to do a survey. Since this was an offer Sundays, additional nights, and year- we couldn’t refuse, we had to act. But if we had done it after our strategic round Saturdays. plan, the focus might have been different and the results may have been Simon presented the results to the even more useful. library board of directors, then testified before the town council on the survey David Bryant results. Director, New Canaan Library The New Canaan Approach 1. Begin with a commitment to turn survey results into specific changes or improvements. In fall 2000 Library Director Bryant met 2. Make the survey as short and inviting as possible with clear and concise with Schlichting, a full professor who questions. agreed to do the work for a small hono- 3. Focus less on the “report card” and more on public expectations for your rarium. Bryant and Schlichting consid- library ered various survey methods, including a 4. Address library deficiencies that surface through survey results ASAP. telephone survey versus a mail-out, mail- 5. Be prepared to get media coverage before, during, and after the survey. back survey. The mail-out survey offered Follow-up with press releases and public awareness of (hopefully) your public relations value since many house- good “report card,” as well as your plan for changes that will meet public holds in the town would receive a ques- expectations. tionnaire. The library maintained a list of all households in New Canaan, and this list provided the names and demonstrate their benefit to the local ple so that every adult in town would addresses for the mailing. community.4 have an equal chance of being selected. The New Canaan survey formed Even with Simon working for free, the one part of the library’s long-term plan- library did not have funding to hire a ning effort. Schlichting attended focus The Stratford Approach company that specializes in making hun- groups conducted by Library dreds of calls. So Bowles asked for vol- Development Solutions that preceded Bowles and Simon began meeting in fall unteers from her staff, who would make the survey, then read a report prepared 2000 to discuss how the library could do calls on their own time, and from her by the consultants. Insights from the a better job of serving its current clients twenty-two-member board. focus groups were incorporated into the and reaching out to town residents who Under Simon’s direction, the library questionnaire, and the library decided to do not use the library. Simon was apply- created a random-digit-dialing system use a mail-out, mail-back survey. ing to Fairfield University for promotion that could capture every working tele- The questionnaire was developed by to associate professor and tenure, and he phone number in Stratford. Working Schlichting, working with library direc- agreed to do the project pro bono from a master list of approximately tor Bryant, senior library staff, and because of his interest in libraries and 40,000 potential telephone numbers, the members of the library’s long-range because he felt it would help him in his library employees and volunteers inter- planning committee. The decision was promotion effort. viewed 438 adults during a two-week made to survey two populations: house- Bowles and Simon decided to focus period in February 2001. The method holds in New Canaan, and children in on adult users and nonusers of the allowed the library to reach people with the town’s public and private middle and library; no attempt was made to study unlisted telephone numbers, because all high schools. This approach required the many children and teens who use the numbers starting with conventional two questionnaires. facility. They decided to use a telephone Stratford prefixes had an equal chance Once the decision was made to pro- survey of adults, utilizing a random sam- of being called. Therefore, the results of ceed with a mail survey, planning turned

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to ways to increase the response rate. An “alert” postcard preceded the survey Tips on Getting Academic Help questionnaire. Each sampled household then received a survey package including Here are some tips on getting academic help with your research. a letter from Bryant, a questionnaire, and a stamped return envelope. A fol- n Contact the public relations office of any colleges or universities within low-up postcard, sent approximately approximately fifty miles of your library. Ask if the office knows of any five days after the questionnaire, encour- professors who do survey research or work with polling in their research. aged completion of the survey. Articles Contact those professors, outline your needs, and ask for help. in the local newspaper publicized the n Ask the college public relations office if it knows of any professors living in effort and accompanied the mailing of your town. Such professors may feel a bond with their municipal library the questionnaires. For the survey of and agree to help. middle and high school students, stu- n Contact the marketing and communication departments of local colleges. dents completed the questionnaires in a Ask professors if they would take on the library research as a class project sample of classes, chosen randomly. All in a research methods class, marketing class, communication plan, or sim- students present in the sampled classes ilar student-oriented project. You might get free student labor, and the pro- completed the survey. fessor can serve as a quality-control agent. Bryant used library volunteers to stuff envelopes and assist with the logis- tics of the survey; Schlichting hired a graduate student to input data. The total survey, 94% of the people contacted by users; few nonusers completed the ques- cost of the survey came to $8,000; if the phone agreed to take part. This was an tionnaire. Only 1% of respondents project were completed by a survey astonishing response rate at a time when reported they “never” used the library, research company, the cost would have many people are bombarded with tele- 14% only used the library a “few times been approximately $25,000. phone requests to take part in marketing a year,” and more than 80% percent of It is very difficult to conduct a mail surveys. New Canaan households who responded survey during the holiday season In addition, the first Stratford ques- use the library at least a few times a year. because of the high volume of mail that tion of the survey asked all respon- Some 32% of respondents used the arrives at home daily and the many com- dents—users and nonusers—for “top of library three to fives times a month; peting activities. Surveys were mailed mind” attitudes toward the library. The 22% visited five or more times a month. out at the end of February, giving the survey found better than a 25:1 ratio of The study revealed four major sub- pollsters five weeks for the question- positive comments to negative. groups of New Canaan Library users, in naires to be returned and the results to Respondents also were asked if they addition to the patrons who use the be data processed. The sample consisted agreed with the statement “A good pub- library primarily to borrow books. One of 2,500 households drawn at random lic library is essential to a town’s quality subgroup consisted of people who pri- from the library’s list of all households in of life.” Fifty-nine percent strongly marily used the library’s information New Canaan. A total of 687 question- agreed, 41% agreed, and less than 1 per- services such as online databases and the naires were returned for a response rate cent (0.45%) disagreed. reference librarians. Another subset of 27.5%. Data processing began as New Canaan residents also had a included active users of the library’s returned questionnaires arrived. very positive attitudes toward their computers. A third group of patrons Schlichting completed the statistical library. Positive evaluations extend to attended and were interested in events analysis of the survey data, wrote a com- the staff, collection, and the library’s such as public lectures and art exhibi- prehensive survey report, and presented public lecture and exhibit programs. On tions. The fourth group uses the library the findings to senior library staff and a 1 to 5 scale, with 5 being “excellent,” to borrow videos and audiobooks. the Long Range Planning Committee. library services such as collection pur- chases, book reservations, and telephone Improvements inquiries received ratings greater than Different Approaches, 4.4. Several Stratford questions focused on Similar Results possibly extending the library’s hours. The most intense interest was in opening Library Use: How Often and Why The two towns used different types of on Sunday. More than half of the survey research methods, yet the results The Stratford Public Library had a large respondents (51%) said they would def- were similar in many ways and reflected and active audience among adults in initely use the library if it were open on the strong support that these two town. Asked how often they had visited Sunday; another 21% said they might libraries enjoy in their communities. The the library in the last year, 59% of adults take advantage of such services. The results also illustrated the many impor- said one or more times, 13% said they combined 72% interest was the highest tant issues that survey research can had visited it (but not in the last year), of the various time periods tested. address for any library. and 28% said they had never visited it. The survey results have been used in Therefore, approximately three-quarters the Stratford Library’s strategic planning (72%) of the adults in town have used process, in getting funding for more Library Image the library. hours, in planning building changes, and The Stratford Public Library enjoyed a Respondents to the New Canaan to support budget requests. One find- very positive reputation in town. In this survey were almost all current library ing—that patrons wanted more copies of

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random-digit dialing strategy should be Why Professors Might Help employed. This involves calling a sample of all residents and then screening It may sound unlikely that college professors would help a public library with through to people who report that they a research project, but the rewards system in academic life encourages profes- do not use the library or use it infre- sors to participate in such projects. quently. Only nonusers would be inter- Most college teachers start as assistant professors; they have to demon- viewed. strate strength in teaching, research, and service before getting promoted to A survey can be an invaluable part associate professor or gaining tenure. They are looking for research projects in of any library’s long-range planning. which they can publish their results (as Simon and Schlichting are doing in this Patrons can be asked to indicate how article). And such projects also can be used as evidence of community service. important they think any contemplated After gaining such a promotion, associate professors have to show contin- changes are. Library professionals know ued attainment in teaching, research, and service before getting promoted to full that any major changes involve enor- professor, a step that usually occurs at least five years later. mous energy and generate significant costs; it makes sense to listen to the peo- ple who use the library and incorporate their views into the planning process. bestselling books and videos—led to Some 79% of current users said they There is a short-term public relations changes in library policy that con- knew the library offered computers and benefit when library users feel they are tributed to a 50% increase in library use Internet access to the public, and 23% being listened to. There can be a long- in the months following the survey. said they had accessed the library’s Web term benefit if the final results are In New Canaan, a section of ques- page. Seventy percent of current users announced as part of an action plan to tions asked residents to rank order a have Internet access at home or work. improve library services. The library is number of possible future improve- While New Canaan technology then seen as being even more responsive ments. Library users chose opening at 9 users (one of the library’s special con- to the needs of its community. n A.M. and expanded evening hours stituencies) rated the library’s technology Monday through Saturday as their top positively, many patrons don’t use the priorities. (The scores were over 4.0 on a technology or are unaware of the five-point scale with a 5 score rated as library’s technology. There was very lit- References “very desirable.”) Families in New tle interest in e-books. Almost all New 1. Ernest R. DeProspro, Ellen Altman, and Canaan with young children were most Canaan households have computers and Kenneth E. Beasley, Performance interested in improvements to the chil- high-speed Internet access at home. Measures for Public Libraries (Chicago: dren’s room. Public Library Assn., 1973); Louis P. Kreger, The Library in Transition: A Discussion and Conclusion Study of the Westport Public Library Library Staff with a Profile of the Community It Serves (Westport, Conn.: Westport The Stratford staff received high grades: With the assistance of college faculty Public Library, 1976); Booz, Allen, and 99% of adults said they found the staff who have training and experience in sur- Hamilton, A Research Design for to be knowledgeable, 98% found the veys, it is possible for libraries to con- Library Cooperative Planning and Action in the Washington D.C. staff friendly, 97% said the staff offers to duct high-quality research. This research Metropolitan Area (Washington, D.C.: help, and 95% reported no problem can be undertaken at a reasonable cost, George Washington Univ. Medical finding staff to help with problems. especially if the library can draw upon Center, Dept. of Medical and Public The New Canaan Library staff also its own resources and dedicated volun- Affairs, Biological Sciences Comm- unication Project, 1970). received very high ratings from all teers to provide much-needed assistance. 2. Library Research Service, “Public groups of library users. The reference Research is most effective if key Opinion Polls.” Accessed Jan. 22, 2003, staff, circulation staff, and children’s groups, including the library’s staff and www.lrs.org/html/topics&tools/pub- staff each received a score greater than board of directors, buy into the process. lic_opinion_polls.html. 4.5 on a five-point scale, where 1 was Active cooperation of senior library staff 3. University of Sheffield, Centre for the Public Library and Information in low and 5 was the highest grade. is essential if the survey is to address Society: Department of Information issues that are of paramount impor- Studies at the University of Sheffield. tance. Accessed Jan. 22, 2003, http:// Technology Issues One important methodological issue panizzi.shef.ac.uk/cplis/publication.htm. 4. St. Louis Public Library, “Public Library Current Stratford Library users were is whether the survey includes residents Benefits Valuation Study Methodology.” knowledgeable about the library’s com- who do not use the library. If the pur- Accessed Jan. 22, 2003, www.slpl.lib. puter facilities and online presence. pose of the survey is to study nonusers, a mo.us/using/valuationc.htm.

Virent Ova! Viret Perna! Latin scholars Jennifer and Terrence Tunberg have rendered original publication by Dr. Seuss, a Latin to English vocabulary another Dr. Seuss classic in Latin. This time, they’ve taken on Sam list, and the note “How to Read These Verses.” I Am and his favorite meal in Green Eggs and Ham. Previous Green Eggs and Ham in Latin, 72p. $22.95. ISBN 0-8651- Latin translations by the duo include How the Grinch Stole 6555-6). For more information, contact Bolchazy Carducci Christmas and The Cat in the Hat. The new book includes the Publishers, Wauconda, Ill., at (847) 526-4344.

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one is a writer. We use “interest invento- Lifescapes ries” to jog memories: by jotting down notes about people, places, schools, dares and adventures, good and bad A Writing and Reading times, and traditions, participants soon have myriad things to write about. On the first day of the program, leaders give Program for Senior Citizens participants blank, prestamped post- cards, and have them write postcards to friends or relatives with a reminiscence about a time shared. Postcards are Julie Machado and Stephen Tchudi mailed, and many participants receive replies shortly. Leaders emphasize that Lifescapes Senior Writing Program, designed for senior writing memoirs is not essentially more complicated than writing a postcard. citizens, incorporates book discussions and writing life stories. One story leads to another in Lifescapes; as one participant tells a The Washoe County Library System and the University of story, another one chimes in with a sim- Nevada, Reno English Department created the program for ilar experience. Participants often dis- cover themes in their stories—the stress the growing aged population in Reno, Nevada. of young motherhood, confrontations with children or with one’s own parents, religious or holiday experiences, food ouldn’t you love to have a program in your library where senior citizens and clothing, or important moments in come to write their life stories, discuss literature, meet new friends, and history. Encouraging participants to jot make headline news? Picture a group of seniors around a table reading down notes as they are reminded of stories they have written about their lives—laughing, joking, reminisc- them during the class, book discussions, Wing, sharing interests, reading literature they might never have chosen on their own, or daily events encourages the free flow and having the time of their lives. From September through May, Lifescapes Senior of ideas and allows them to hone in on Writing Program participants at the Washoe County (Nev.) Library System (WCLS) events that can later be developed into Northwest Reno Library, Sierra View Library, Sparks Library, and ElderCollege write stories for their own books. a wide range of stories about important times in their lives, read and discuss short and During a typical class, the leader longer fiction and nonfiction memoirs, and turn their writings into published booklets will either read a short story or intro- to share with family and friends. That’s what Lifescapes is all about. duce a book that was chosen for that Lifescapes was conceived in 2000 in response to the increase in Reno’s aging pop- date and then lead a discussion. ulation. Now in its third year, the program has grown from one to four library sites, Emphasis is first on content and with some eighty participants annually. Lifescapes is designed to stimulate minds and response to the experiences described by help keep the elderly an active and vital part of the community. Research suggests that the author. However, many more ele- language acquisition and growth are not stagnant after childhood, and that a lively ments come up during the discussion, mind is accompanied and catalyzed by an active linguistic life. Lifescapes allows sen- including analysis of writing styles and iors to keep their minds active by writing about their own life experiences and linking techniques that can be used by the par- that writing to an enhanced response to literature. ticipants. After the discussion, a half hour of “quiet time” for writing is encouraged, with participants generating Writing new stories in response to the reading or working on their previously written The heart of Lifescapes is the participants’ own writing. Although many seniors are, work. When everyone appears to be at first, reluctant or even nervous about exposing their ideas and experiences in writ- done writing, the leaders invite sharing ing, they quickly become comfortable with storytelling and eager to share life experi- and response to new writing; invariably ences. Moreover, participants also serve as good listeners and editors of one another’s participants have so much to share and work in a workshop setting. respond to that getting to discuss every- University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) professor of English and rhetoric Stephen one’s writing in a reasonable amount of Tchudi, WCLS librarian Julie Machado, and UNR professor of English Monica Grecu time proves to be a happy problem. lead the program. During the initial classes, Lifescapes leaders emphasize that every- It is important for leaders to set a few ground rules for response to participants’ Julie Machado is Programs Manager at the Northwest Reno Library in the Washoe County reading and writing of their own work. (Nev.) Library System; [email protected]. Stephen Tchudi is Professor of Often writers want to explain their writ- English and Rhetoric at the University of Nevada, Reno English Department; ing before reading it or to apologize, “This [email protected]. isn’t all that good but . . .” We ask the

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if they would like to add something or by How to Start Your Own Lifescapes Program pointing to someone who looks like they have something to say. Lifescapes is not a difficult program to implement in a library setting. Not everyone likes discussions of Everything needed is already available in most libraries. We’ve found that full-length books. It is important to supervision and administration of the project takes about two to five hours a remember that some participants will week, depending on how many participants you have. not read the books. They will, however, still get something out of the discussion. n Limit the size of groups; between five and twenty seems to be the ideal Reading short stories or essays aloud number in a group. You can, however, add groups if you get an exponen- during class is valuable because everyone tial amount of participants. The longer participants are in the group, the present can discuss the literature. The more comfortable they will feel leading a group. discussion acts as a catalyst for remem- n An ideal room set-up is a circle of tables with chairs on the outside. This bering life stories. We encourage partici- way all participants can face each other and have a comfortable writing pants to write down story ideas that surface in front of them so they can jot down notes as they become occur to them during the discussion. inspired. A table with coffee or hot water for tea is nice before the meeting Often these discussions lead to an idea starts and at the break. Some members will inevitably bring cookies or a that everyone can write about. treat. Name tags help people get to know each other. Participants focus on reading and n Prepare folders for the first session that include an inventory sheet of ideas writing from September through for group discussion, a postage-paid postcard, a class schedule, and a few December, with publishing taking place sheets of paper. Talk about writing styles, journaling, and writing from the from January through May. The heart. Consider doing a writing exercise in which participants imagine December holidays provide a natural walking through a childhood home using their five senses. Using the post- transition from writing to publishing card, have them write to a friend or relative about a shared memory with- and allow us time to launch the books in out letting them explain they are in a writing class. Afterwards, ask some the spring. We have held a summer ses- to read them aloud. Encourage participants to write every day and to bring sion for particularly eager writers, and something they have written to every class. we encourage all participants to write year round. The Lifescapes Handbook is available for purchase for $15. Send your requests to [email protected] or [email protected]. All proceeds go toward publishing Lifescapes books. Publishing

Each Lifescapes year ends with limited- scale publication of participants’ books, writers never to explain or apologize—to As noted, virtually every Lifescapes so we try to encourage participants to let their writing do its own work—with session includes some reading that leads think about their finished book early in the positive result that most writers to additional writing. Sometimes partici- the program. We ask them to begin receive far more enthusiastic reactions pants will read a whole book in advance thinking about some possible ways to than they had anticipated. When people of a session; at other times, workshop turn their memoirs into a book that has write from their heart, soul, and memory, leaders read short pieces to the group. focus and direction. Lifescapes leaders engaging writing is the result. We also ask Readings are followed by discussions encourage participants to look for clus- the audience to listen carefully, especially that emphasize participants’ responses— ters or patterns of ideas in what they for the strong parts, and to help the writer Did you like this? Did it work for you? have written, to seek out themes in their see what is evoked using images and or How does it remind you of your own lives, and to consider their audience. phrases that stand out. Helpful and con- life?—followed by low-key discussion of Which stories would their children, structive advice is linked to response. writing techniques: How did you like the grandchildren, friends, and relatives like Some phrases that help in offering sugges- use of dialogue here? What about the to read about? tions include “I would like to have heard writer’s style caught your eye or ear? Do With the help of library and univer- more about . . .” and “I kind of lost track you see some techniques here that you sity leaders, participants then convert of the piece when . . .” When writers can use in your own book? If you have their word-processed, typed, or even respond, they are not required to accept never led a book discussion, it might be handwritten manuscripts into desktop- suggestions; however, they should accept useful to read a book like The Reading published booklets, which include all comments as sincere. Group Handbook: Everything You Need scanned photographs. For the computer to Know to Start Your Own Book Club cautious, help is available. With funding by Rachel W. Jacobsohn (New York: support from the Nevada Humanities Reading Hyperion, 1998). Many of the discus- Committee, we are able to supply each sion elements apply. participant with ten free copies of the While a great deal of participants’ time When we start our discussions we booklet; additional copies are cataloged and energy goes into writing, Lifescapes often go around the room and have every- into the library system and placed in the emphasizes reading as essential, not only one say if they liked the book or not. This university archives. Copies of books are as a way of putting one’s life into per- gives everyone a chance to talk. Our lead- also uploaded to the Lifescapes Web site, spective, but as a means of seeing how ers try to avoid having one or two people www.lifescapesmemoirs.net, where they others have written about their lives. dominate the discussion by asking others can be read, downloaded, and printed.

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Some participants are more com- fortable doing what we call “one-of-a- Self-Publishing Tips kind” books, particularly books that use photo-album and scrapbook techniques. Publishing the participant’s writing is an important part of Lifescapes. There are This type of book can be taken to a copy several avenues to this end, and the logistics of publishing need to be consid- center and reproduced in color for good- ered carefully. quality, multiple copies. Lifescapes books range in length n Decide whether to just publish one anthology or to publish individual and complexity. Some participants pre- books for each member who is ready to complete a book. We’ve done both, fer to put a lot of effort into very elabo- publishing two annual anthologies of writing and more than fifty individ- rate books with lots of graphics, ual books. photographs, and cut-outs; others pro- n Provide help with computers to encourage participants to take the lead in duce books that are mostly text. Book- publishing. We offer elementary workshops on word processing and desk- art projects are incorporated into the top layout for those interested. classes to encourage participants to n Set schedules and deadlines for participants. We’ve found that we need to think of their own books as a form of art have participants complete most of their writing by midyear, allowing ade- when designing them. Five-stitch book- quate time for the participants to transform their writing into a book. binding, hand-bound cloth books, box n Use interns or volunteers to help with editing and writing as well as with books, and scrapbooks are some class- desktop publishing. Lifescapes can be a time-intensive project. project ideas to help the participants n Computers are a real boon to the program, although some senior writers make their books become treasured fam- abhor computers and should not be required to use them. For those who ily heirlooms. do not own computers, most libraries have public computers available, and Publishing costs are Lifescapes’ we encourage Lifescapes participants to use them. Of course, computers biggest expense. Once the books are in make editing much easier and save people the trouble of recopying their “camera ready” form they can be taken work. But computers can also transform manuscripts into “camera ready” to a reproduction center or copy center books, with columns, photographs, and drawings. Our motto in Lifescapes and printed in bulk. The books vary in is “Make your writing look as good as it reads.” cost with size; usually between $2 and n As an alternative to the computer-produced book, encourage participants $10 each. We ask the participants how to create personal books such as scrapbooks, art books, or handmade many copies they would like and after the books with their stories written in calligraphy. These are very fun to make first ten, charge them $3 a copy. Copies and valuable in the sense that the stories get told in a very personal way. are also made for the Washoe County The Lifescapes Handbook has a section on computer skills, desktop pub- Library System and the Getchell Library lishing, and Web pages if you choose to teach home publishing as part of at the University of Nevada, Reno. your Lifescapes classes. (The handbook is available for $15 by contacting [email protected] or [email protected]; all proceeds go toward publishing Lifescapes books.) Events n Publishing on the Web offers several advantages and its own complications. The information is easy to change and keep current. In addition, there is Lifescapes has captured the imagination little lead time between writing and distribution. Publishing on the Web is of our community and the attention of cheaper than creating printed documents, and in addition to printing copies the media. Twice each year Lifescapes whenever you want them, there is no practical limit on the number of view- members participate in public readings. ers who can read the book. A disadvantage is that a viewer must take The first is for members to share their action to find the site and read it, and in addition, not all authors want such writings with a public audience. The sec- a large and unscreened audience to have access to what they have written. ond is the final book launch, which may n Get experienced help with your Web site. Or, if you are doing it yourself, include a group anthology as well as the follow the software instructions carefully. A link to your library site or authors’ individual books. The authors organization is ideal. If you do not have a Web host, there are free services choose what they would like to share, that will host your site in exchange for placing advertising banners on your and the event is advertised through press page. You may link your site to the Lifescapes Web site if you contact us releases, flyers, and word of mouth. and get permission first. Lifescapes is online at www.lifescapesmemoirs.net. For the event, a microphone and lectern are set up with the audience arranged in auditorium seating. The leader introduces the Lifescapes authors as one gets a chance to meet relatives and funding came from the Nevada they come up to read their selections. The friends that they may have met vicariously Humanities Committee halfway through sound of an author’s voice reading his or through the class writings. the first year. Our funding is presently her own work is a unique experience and $3,000, and we are able to run three the magic and enchantment in the room is library sites plus a summer session. This palpable. Afterwards everyone gathers at Evaluation and Funding money is used principally to cover print- the back of the room to eat the treats the ing costs for individual volumes and for authors have brought to share. This is a When Lifescapes was started in 2000, the group anthology. wonderful time, where the authors can get materials came gratis from the library It would be possible to conduct a interviewed, contacts are made, and every- and the university systems. Fortunately, Lifescapes program without the use of

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meeting room and session time, about the Selected Readings for Discussion books chosen for discussion and the group size, about the writing and reading Choosing the books takes time. Here are a few selections of books, short sto- sessions, if they need more individual help ries, and essays that have worked well as writing catalysts. and if they have any helpful suggestions for us. Simple evaluation forms are best for any evaluation process, and we use a Books range of smiley-to-frowny faces for par- An American Childhood by Annie Dillard ticipants to record reactions, plus lots of Basque Hotel by Robert Laxalt white space for comments (see appendix). Having Our Say: The Delaney Sister’s First 100 Years by Sarah Delaney Riding the White Horse Home: A Wyoming Family Album by Theresa Jordan Way to Rainy Mountain by N. Scott Momaday Why Is Lifescapes Important?

“Lifescapes is a rare opportunity to Short Stories and Essays remember and share in an atmosphere of “Roommates” by Max Apple caring and knowledgeable assistance,” Selections from Birdseed Cookies: A Fractured Memoir by Janis Jaquith remarked Mary Aaronson, a Lifescapes “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant participant. Certainly the participants “A & P” by John Updike are having a great time. The writing is “Lying under the Apple Tree” by Alice Munro exquisite, very interesting, and entertain- ing. Very few members have dropped out, and almost every meeting has some- one new drop in. Everyone enjoys the outside funding simply by having partic- about cost. It is easy to apply for funding classes and the company. Friendships, ipants contribute a modest amount for to your local humanities committee, and whether young or old, are always to be materials and pay for their own printing. we encourage you to explore local valued. This is one way of meeting new However, the Nevada Humanities resources for funding—Lifescapes is not friends and sharing stories in a safe and Committee funding has been invaluable a very costly program. productive environment. to our program and has allowed us to Along with funding goes assessment, “This [program] gives me a reason quickly expand the range of our offer- and we poll our participants twice each to get up in the morning,” says ings, to create satellite sites, and to pub- year and have benefited from their Lifescapes participant Annetta James. lish good senior writing without worry insights. We ask participants about the And that’s why it’s important. n

Appendix Remembering, Reading, Writing Fall Evaluation

3. Are you satisfied with the books chosen by the group? Do NAME: ______you have any other book selections you would like to dis- 1. Do you enjoy Lifescapes? cuss in Lifescapes? 4. Would you like to have smaller discussion groups or writ- Don’t like it at all Love it! ten forms instead of or in addition to the large group dis- 2. Is the meeting place adequate? cussion? 5. Is the length of the book discussion (1–1.5 hours) too Don’t like it at all Love it! long or short? 3. Is the meeting time: Writing Too long? Too short? Just right! ______1. Do you get a chance to tell your story? Would you like Too early? Too late? Just right! ______more reading/discussion time? 4. Do you need more individual help? In what areas? 2. Do you like the large groups, the smaller groups, or a 5. Was the initial packet you received helpful (folder, dates variety? of meetings, ways to get started, bookmark, postcard, 3. Would additional supplies help (disks, writing supplies, nametags, etc.)? Would you add or change anything? intern help, folders, etc.)? Reading 4. Do you feel Lifescapes is a serious group? Is it what you 1. Do you enjoy the book discussion? expected? 5. Would you like to continue Lifescapes if it were offered Don’t like it at all Love it! again next year? 2. Have you enjoyed the books that were chosen so far? 6. What have you liked best about this experience so far? What else would you like to tell us? Don’t like it at all Love it!

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and numerous links to reliable Web- Putting the User based resources outside the library. Typically, libraries spend considerable resources in selecting credible and rele- First in Virtual vant resources for their public. Public libraries can also connect key knowledge resources, many still only available in Information Services print, to new virtual resources. The question becomes whether users use them. Do users know why they should use these resources? Michele Pye and Sue Yates Information literacy is critical to the user’s success. A flashy Web site with a The authors discuss virtual information services within the stunning array of virtual activities and links is still meaningless to users who context of a library’s strategic plan. The article proposes that lack the skills to navigate the site effec- tively. There are many cooperative users be put first, that a balance is needed between opportunities for schools, colleges, and technology and community needs, and that a teaching- public libraries to work together in this area for mutual benefit and the benefit learning environment for both patrons and staff must be of the community. VPL, like many pub- lic libraries, offers basic library research promoted. An appendix describes some of the virtual skills orientation to the public and ses- information services currently offered by selected public sions specifically targeted to school-aged children through in-person workshops libraries worldwide. and online tutorials.

n 2002 the Vancouver Public Library (VPL) was invited to present a paper at the Successful Implementation International Conference on Public Library Management in Taipei, Taiwan. The goal in choosing the paper’s topic was to better understand virtual information It’s not enough to have a good idea. services in public libraries. This article shares some of the findings and insights Crucial to the success of any service, vir- Ifrom the research, concluding that virtual information services must be considered in tual or not, is the combination of idea, the context of the users’ needs and the library’s strategic plan.1 momentum, and implementation. For our purposes, virtual information services are defined as any and all infor- When undertaking virtual informa- mation services and activities available to users by electronic access, including bor- tion service, the library’s service model rower services, programs of instruction, search guides, readers’ advisory, and reference must be considered. Traditional library interactions with librarians. It is service first, combined with the medium or technol- organizational models frequently separate ogy used to provide the service second. It is not “electronic resources” such as CD- the roles of information technology and ROMs or online databases themselves, but rather the remote access to them that a systems, public services, and technical library may provide. services. Effective virtual information service development and delivery requires a collegial and integrated approach, with The Relevance of Virtual Information an understanding and acceptance of user Systems for Public Libraries needs as the driving force. The ability to measure success is Public libraries, with their well-established role of providing information for the pub- naturally derived from clearly defined lic good, are strategically positioned to facilitate and support public access to quality and measurable goals and objectives. All virtual information resources. Not only do libraries have experience in the selection of of the library’s services should be an out- credible quality resources, but they also have experience in the optimal organization growth of a well-articulated strategic of information resources. Libraries can provide a context for the exponentially grow- plan, built into the core services and ing content available electronically. structure of the organization. Review Many public libraries have Web sites, providing gateways to subscription data- your options for virtual information bases, in-house developed Web content, online catalogs, pathfinders or study guides, services. Keep up with what other libraries are doing. Consult with other libraries—don’t just read about them. Michele Pye ([email protected] ) is the Coordinator of the Virtual Library and Sue Yates We can learn from each other’s successes ([email protected] ) is Director, Central Branch, at the Vancouver Public Library in British (and failures) and build upon them. This Columbia, Canada. requires internal motivation, expertise,

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and a learning environment. It is not necessarily. Consider the examples of vide reference is a powerful tool for enough to simply want to “go virtual.” innovative virtual information services libraries, particularly for users who Staff enthusiasm and expertise are provided in the appendix. Your library do not visit the library in person. crucial to a library’s virtual service may already offer some of those services n Next-generation online publishing because they encourage innovation and (and not consider them “virtual infor- (e.g., XML). It is crucial that for- risk-taking. Both Helsinki City Library mation”), or it may be well positioned to matting be separated from content (Helsinki, Finland) and Christchurch adapt some of the examples. in order to increase both flexibility City Libraries (Christchurch, New Technology makes virtual informa- and universality. Zealand) have received awards for their tion services possible; however, the n Information devices (e.g., personal staff programs. Other library Web sites impetus for implementing a new service digital assistants, e-books, cell highlight staff responsibilities or their must come from the library’s strategic phones). The true potential of these unusual and nonwork accomplishments. plan and goals and objectives. It would small, handheld devices will be real- be a dangerous temptation to let the lat- ized when they are multifunctional, est hi-tech developments on the horizon combining computing, telephone, Have You Asked the User? drive library service. Public libraries Internet, and networking capabili- must strike a balance between newer ties. Many European public libraries The public library’s stakeholders are a technologies and backward compatibil- are utilizing SMS (short messaging composite of many different individuals ity, so that the maximum number of service, or text messaging via cell and organizations, with both comple- users can access their services. Whatever phones) technology. The Helsinki mentary and conflicting goals and agen- balance is achieved must—again—arise City Library’s Information Gas das. The stakeholders include library from your community’s specific needs Station, a mobile kiosk equipped users, funding organizations, levels of and capabilities. For example, the with two information service desks, government, educational institutions, Wiener Stadt- und Landesbibliothek responds to virtual reference the staff, and state and national library (www.wstlb.at) in Austria offers access requests via text messaging, for institutions (to name a few). Feedback to their catalog via handheld wireless example. can be both formal and informal, devices (phones, pagers, PDAs). This is n Broadband services (e.g., high-speed obtained in a variety of ways, including based on Wireless Application Protocol, Internet). With broadband comes the library’s Web site, general feedback which supports device-independent faster connections and eventually forms, suggested purchase forms, bul- access to e-mail and text-based Web video on demand. letin boards, and newsletter submissions. pages. This makes sense for that city, in n Wireless networking and technology VPL recently conducted focus which such devices are becoming com- (e.g., Bluetooth). The benefits lie groups for both individuals and organi- monplace. It would be a meaningless (if both in infrastructure (users provide zations related to the library needs and glamorous) expense in a community in their own laptops and the library expectations of the Chinese-literate com- which only a modest percentage of the only supplies Internet access) and in munity in our city. Future focus-group population had access to equipment bringing the library to the commu- plans include the business community, with that technology. nity rather than waiting for them to seniors, First Peoples (Native/Aboriginal Integration of both technology and arrive. Of course the ultimate is groups), and low-income groups, results services is key. For example, we can offer broadband wireless communication, from which will provide opportunities integration between the library catalog, which is slowly becoming reality. for improvement and new virtual infor- the Web, and subscription databases. n Language and translation software mation service ideas. The debate shouldn’t be about where (e.g., voice recognition programs, In addition to targeting niche mar- best to locate specific resources. There is automatic language translators). kets, there are the user’s technical capa- no right answer to the choice of library Programs that translate spoken bilities to consider, both in terms of skills catalog or Web site. Users should be able words into machine-readable text or and equipment. Many virtual reference to access library resources from a start- that translate words and documents pundits are suggesting that Voice Over ing point of their choosing; where they from one language to another will Internet Protocol (VOIP), which enables begin should not determine the outcome. allow the user to fully benefit from an users to make phone calls over the Consolidated searching, with its ability increasingly non-English Internet.2 Internet, will advance virtual reference to simultaneously search the library cat- service. This may indeed be true—unless alog, databases, and library-specified These are just a few. New opportu- none of our users have microphones Internet resources, holds much promise. nities from evolving technology will attached to their computers. Service Libraries must also keep abreast of come from all sectors. Libraries simply based on a technology that outpaces a new and emerging technologies. The need to be aware of the possibilities and user population isn’t meaningful service. links between developments in the IT be ready to take advantage of them. Libraries must continually monitor the world and libraries are not always obvi- adoption of new technolgy by their users. ous, but new developments may have potential for public libraries. John Thinking Ahead Guscott mentions many in Library Technology . . . Technology Futures Quarterly, including: Virtual information services provide . . . Technology public libraries with powerful opportu- n Teleservice (e.g., remote library nities to validate and strengthen our role Creating a virtual information service service). The ability to use chat, as a community focus for information, does not mean starting from scratch, VOIP, or videoconferencing to pro- knowledge, and lifelong learning. Our

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“virtual” capacity also provides us with involving public libraries may be neces- Borrower Services new and creative opportunities to build sary for the positive development of vir- Web-based library catalogs, holds, and participate in networked informa- tual information services for the public renewals, library purchase suggestions, tion communities. Never have libraries good. National library associations may e-mail notification of holds and over- had such potential and extensive access also contribute to the realization of dues, and online ILL requests. Chia and to their communities. Are we able to stronger roles in society for public Garcia also mention the following capitalize on these unprecedented libraries, as with the American Library among their examples of use of personal opportunities? Association’s @ your library promo- portals in libraries: In order to achieve optimal success, tional campaign. Currently public public libraries need to possess: libraries are frequently excluded from n Personal portals and services such as national cultural, educational, and social My Yahoo have created an expecta- n Promotion and advocacy strategies initiatives, to which libraries have so tion on the part of users for personal- and skills much to offer. When this occurs, it is ized services and access. At n Understanding and ability to antici- usually due to lack of understanding of Charlotte-Mecklenburg County pate community demographic the role we have defined for ourselves, (N.C.) Public Library (www.plcmc. changes rather than any conscious choice to lib.nc.us), users can check the status n Commitment to develop and sustain exclude us. of their ILL requests via e-mail. partnerships and collaborative rela- The clear articulation of the role of n Singapore’s “borderless library” con- tionships with a strong focus on the public libraries and their objectives in nects all publicly funded libraries in community and its needs society and in the community is essential the country to overseas libraries and n Vision to identify opportunities to to realizing successful library services, information services and permits strengthen library services and the particularly virtual information services. users to create their own “personal- library’s position in the community Public libraries need to clearly define ized experience of having a library of n Ability to incorporate these strategies their role and to obtain community their own” via their eLibrary Hub into the library’s vision and role, as understanding and acceptance of that (www.elibraryhub.com).1 part of effective library planning role. Acknowledgement of our expertise and how it might contribute to key com- Online Finding Aids Needed are both skilled staff and an munity objectives is essential to achieving Booklists, research and study guides, organizational culture within the library this. Clarity of vision, mission, and val- specialized indexes for in-house material that supports staff in achieving the ues, based on the public library’s position library’s key objectives. Libraries must in the community, is central to the plan- n Vancouver Public Library, British create an environment that supports ning and the success of virtual informa- n Columbia, Canada (www.vpl.ca), team work, risk-taking, and innovation. tion services in public libraries. offers a consumer information index While technology is important, it can of product reviews and recommen- lead to the trap of “techno lust” where dations technology is adopted because it is the n Edmonton Public Library, Alberta, newest, not because it supports the The authors wish to acknowledge the contributions of Stephanie Canada (www.epl.ca), offers online library’s objectives. And, at the core of study guides (through ColdFusion), any service must be the user and the Kripps (research) and Linda Takata (general administrative support). based on assignment alerts submit- community. ted by teachers Overall, the library will require a sound strategic planning process to keep Online Instruction virtual initiatives on track and connected References to the library’s ongoing role and priori- Library literacy, e-mail, word processing ties. Central to this process is the com- 1. Sue Yates and Michele Pye, “Virtual and business applications, Internet, spe- Information Services in Public Libraries: cific subjects on the Web munity and its needs and expectations of User-Centered Models and n Vancouver Public Library (www. its library. Clear definition and under- Implementation.” Paper presented at the standing of the public library’s role in International Conference on Public vpl.ca) offers instruction on finding society today is a key challenge to our Library Management, Taipei, Taiwan, health information future. Public libraries are still fre- October 2002. n Baltimore County (Md.) Public 2. John Guscott, “These Emerging Library (www.bcplonline.org) and quently perceived as places that lend Technologies Will Change Public books and other materials rather than as Libraries,” Library Futures Quarterly Halifax Regional Library, Nova valued information service providers. (May 2001). Accessed Mar. 3, 2003, Scotia, Canada (www.halifax. Countries like the United Kingdom, www.libraryfutures.com/freereports/tec library.ns.ca) give links to informa- hnology.htm. where public libraries are well defined as tion on software classes offered by part of a national mandate, appear bet- local community colleges ter positioned to develop and support Appendix Gateway to Consumer and Local the virtual role for public libraries. A Innovative Examples of Virtual Government Information municipally funded library, such as Information Services Vancouver Public Library, must mostly Download tax forms, pay fees online unilaterally define and develop its own Following are representative highlights (e.g., pet license, water use), apply for role and presence. National or state-level of the many virtual services we found in state insurance policy, locate service commitment and a collegial approach our research. providers (e.g., health, legal)

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n In the United Kingdom, Sutton n Seattle Public Library (www.spl.org) Libraries (www.sutton.gov.uk) assist offers multimedia, curriculum- users with finding trades-people (reg- themed kits available to child-care istered plumbers, gas installation fit- providers and preschool teachers ters and builders and renovators) n Christchurch City Libraries through their twenty-four-hour refer- (http://library.christchurch.org.nz) ence service promote indigenous peoples’ tradi- n Taipei Municipal Library, Taiwan tions, languages, and needs (www2.tpml.edu.tw/en), offers study n Phoenix (Ariz.) Public Library abroad information for students (www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org) maintains a Spanish-language ver- Gateway to Cultural and sion of their site. Educational Centers n Queens Borough (N.Y.) Public Gateways to theaters, festivals, city Library (www.queenslibrary.org) parks, aquarium, museums, art galleries, New Americans Program provides colleges, and universities outreach (electronic and program- ming) to new immigrants n Seattle (Wash.) Public Library (www.spl.org) offers direct links to Self-Serve Knowledge Bases the Children’s Theatre productions FAQs, search engines, electronic re- and ticket sales sources, evaluated Web sites Local Identity and Heritage n The Sutton Libraries’ Holidays and Digitized historical photographs, histori- Travel Information service links users cal buildings, genealogical records, pre- directly to international railway served oral histories timetables, countrywide public tran- sit, worldwide airlines, OAG airline n Christchurch City Libraries, New timetables, etc. www.sutton.gov.uk Incecom Zealand (http://library.christchurch. org.nz), are preserving Maori oral Access to Librarians history and culture Questions by e-mail, Internet Relay Chat n Charlotte-Mecklenburg (N.C.) Public or chat, video or Voice over Internet bw 1/3 v Library (www.plcmc.lib.nc.us) sends Protocol, and personalized appointments out a genealogy newsletter by e-mail 386 n Cleveland Public Library’s site n Cleveland Public Library (www.cpl. (www.cpl.org) includes searchable org) and San José (Calif.) Public cemetery records and obituaries Library (www.sjpl.lib.ca.us) offer n Austin (Tex.) Public Library (www. Homework Now, which provides ci.austin.tx.us/library) offers the children and teens with access to online exhibit Austin Treasurers live help from librarians online n The Denver Public Library site n Charlotte-Mecklenburg County (www.denver.lib.co.us) features his- Public Library (www.plcmc.lib.nc.us) torical photographs of the West and Vancouver Public Library (www.vpl.ca) offer one-to-one ses- Readers’ Services sions with a librarian Book discussion groups, e-books, staff n The Helsinki (Finland) City Library book reviews, booklists by genre, age, (www.lib.hel.fi/english) Information topics, readers’ selection databases Gas Station is a street kiosk equipped with two information n Vancouver Public Library (www. service desks using the latest equip- vpl.ca) citywide book club discussion ment and software—essentially a group via bulletin board software high tech bookmobile providing n Cleveland Public Library (www.cpl. service in person, by phone, fax and org) new fiction notification service text messaging. Kanawha County (W.Va.) Public Library (http:// Target Group Services kanawha.lib.wv.us) operates a simi- (Niche Marketing) lar kiosk service. By ethnicity, language or cultural group, age, profession Access to Experts Chat session with guest speaker, links to n Vancouver Public Library speakers’ bureau service, partnerships (www.vpl.ca) provides seniors- for online access to specialized informa- focused Web pages and links tion providers

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n Halifax Regional Library, Nova n Charlotte-Mecklenberg Public n Boston Public Library (www.bpl. Scotia, Canada (www.halifax. Library (www.plcmc.lib.nc.us) posts com) promotes its cultural partner- library.ns.ca) featured local garden- its annual reports, strategic plans, ships, which include discount passes ing experts in live chat sessions organization charts, and budget to the aquarium, museums, art gal- moderated by a librarian information online leries, and the symphony n Cleveland Public Library (www.cpl. n San José Public Libraries and San org) provides medical information Public Involvement with Library José State University Library (Calif.) 24/7 from registered nurses online User feedback by e-mail, suggested pur- promote their unique partnership n Louisville (Ky.) Free Public Library chase forms, opportunities in decision (www.sjlibrary.org) (www.lfpl.org) offers access to making, online fund-raising programs n Seattle Public Library (www.spl.org) Tutor.com, an online tutoring service promotes and conducts its joint n When it required a new library project with public schools, the Children’s and Youth Services OPAC system in 2002, San 2003 Global Reading Challenge for Games and contests, online tutors, exam Francisco Public Library (www. fourth and fifth graders in the preparation, sample tests, college and sfpl.org) invited users to participate Seattle public schools university guides, career guides, book remotely in selection of their new clubs, interactive stories, and activities system. Once the selection had been Other Services made, patrons were invited to try an Reserve meeting rooms or computer n The Seattle Public Library (www.spl. online demonstration of the new time, and utilize television to both adver- org) Global Internet Reading system before it was launched. tise and deliver programs. Challenge promotes reading and n Donations to library Friends or online interaction between school Foundation programs can be made n Patrons can make books online for children thousands of miles apart and online at Boston Public Library the Vancouver Public Library (www. promotes partnership between public (www.bpl.org). Patrons may also vpl.ca) Square Conference Centre libraries and public schools join library support organizations n San Francisco Public Library n The American Library Association by registering online. (www.sfpl.org) produces TV shows (www.ala.org) summer Join the n Users can link to online volunteer- for a local cable network Major Leagues program encourages ing opportunities through many n Richmond Public Library, British children to download a research public library Web sites, such as Columbia, Canada (www. challenge about baseball, with a Clackamas County Library, Port- yourlibrary.ca) allows online reser- chance to win a trip to the World land, Oregon, (http://library.co. vations and registrations for library Series clackamas.or.us/lib) programs n Examples of virtual information Equalizing Access Promotion of the Value of Libraries services offered by public libraries Mobile units equipped with software Achievements and awards announce- can also be found in Hapel, Volker and Internet access, remote access to ments; staff expertise profiles; member- & Giappiconi, though their work is statewide collections and services ship acknowledgements; partnership focused somewhat differently from listings; emphasis of the library’s posi- that of the Vancouver Public 2 n The Cleveland Public Library tion as leader, guide, and global player in Library. (www.cpl.org) People’s University the information age on Wheels visits disadvantaged References neighborhoods n The Helsinki City Library (www. 1. Christopher Chia and June Garcia, The Personalization Challenge in Public n The Helsinki City Library (www. lib.hel.fi/english) announces receipt Libraries: Perspectives and Prospects lib.hel.fi/english) Information Gas of the Bill and Melinda Gates (Bertelsmann Foundation, 2002). Station is set up on the sidewalk. Foundation Access to Learning Accessed Sept. 16, 2003, www. n The Alberta Library, Canada (www. Award bertelsman-stiftung.de/documents/ thealbertalibrary.ab.ca), province- n Christchurch City Libraries (http:// Personalisation_engl.pdf. 2. Rolf Hapel, Volker Pirsich, and Thierry wide library card includes 232 aca- library.christchurch.org.nz) Giappiconi, Future-Oriented Internet- demic, government, special, and announces receipt of the Human Based Services in Public Libraries: A public libraries Resources Institute of New Zealand Survey with Examples (Bertelsmann Award for Leadership Development Foundation, 2001). Accessed Sept. 16, Communication and Marketing 2003, www.stiftung.bertelsman.de/ n The Alberta Library (www. documents/Future_oriented_Internet.pdf. Newsletters, mailing lists, descriptions of thealbertalibrary.ab.ca) promotes programs, events, services, library infor- the value of library and the multi- mation on the Web faceted expertise of librarians

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Registration Deadline special exhibits events, including an opening reception and cof- Approaches for PLA Conference fee breaks scheduled throughout the conference. Special author events are scheduled for the conference, Advance-registration forms for the including: PLA 2004 National Conference should be postmarked no later n Preconference luncheon (Tuesday, February 24 at noon), than January 23, 2004 (December featuring E. Ethelbert Miller 19, 2003 for Early Bird special n Opening general session (Wednesday, February 25 at 2:00 rate). Registration forms received P.M.), featuring Anna Quindlen after that date will be processed at n Children’s author luncheon (Thursday, February 26 at the higher onsite rate. After noon), featuring Linda K. Rath, Ed. D., and Christopher February 13, 2004, registrants will need to register onsite. Online Cerf, author, television producer, and cofounder of the registration and housing for the conference is available at educational television production company Sirius www.pla.org. You may call PLA at 1-800-545-2433, ext. 4028, to Thinking, with a special appearance by one of the stars of have the form faxed or mailed to you. the popular PBS program Between the Lions. More than 150 continuing education programs and talk n Adult author luncheon (Thursday, February 26 at noon), tables will be offered during the conference, which will be held with a speaker to be announced February 24–28, 2004, in Seattle, Washington. Utilizing PLA’s n Seattle Supper Social (Thursday, February 26 at 6:00 P.M.), educational track system, conference-goers will be able to build featuring novelists Jayne Ann Krentz and J. A. Jance and schedules tailored to their specific information needs. Program narrator Dick Hill tracks cover eleven areas of specialization: author/reader’s advi- n Author luncheons (Friday, February 27 at noon), featuring sory; buildings; collections and tech services; diversity; man- Harlan Coben and Nancy Farmer agement; marketing and customer service; partnerships; n Closing session (Saturday, February 28 at 11:45 A.M.), fea- staffing and staff development; technology; virtual service; and turing Sherman Alexie. youth services. Talk tables on myriad subjects also are planned for each time slot. Preconference programs on the following The conference also will feature social events, including a topics are scheduled to be held immediately preceding the con- new-member orientation and reception (Wedneday, February ference: intellectual freedom, customer service in a multicul- 25 at 6:00 P.M.) and a gala all-conference reception slated for tural community, reader’s advisory, technology, effective Friday evening of the conference. Local arrangements informa- fund-raising strategies, and emergent literacy. tion and continuously updated conference information is avail- In addition to continuing-education programs, the confer- able on the PLA Web page, www.pla.org. ence will feature nearly 800 exhibits booths and a number of PLA members receive a discount on registration. To become a member, be placed on the National Conference mail- ing list, or for more information, phone 1-800-545-2433, ext. 5752.

Support PLA: Use Official Conference Hotels

Planning on attending the PLA 2004 National Conference? We hope you’ll book your hotel through the PLA Housing Bureau at www.pla.org. Doing so ensures that you get the full value of being a PLA attendee. Please do not contact any of the hotels directly to make your reservation. By making your reservations through the PLA Housing Bureau, you are assured of being counted as a PLA conference attendee and increasing the proven value of PLA’s conference business. We encourage you to stay with our fabulous host hotels to ensure your stay in Seattle is the best it can be! All offi- cial PLA conference hotels are within convenient walking dis- Author Anna Quindlen will keynote the opening general session at PLA tance of the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. 2004. Thank you for your cooperation!

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PLA and Job Shadow Day n helping prepare the future workforce; n highlighting career possibilities in the library profession; and Join forces with ALA divisions and associations across n providing an opportunity to deepen understanding and America in support of Job Shadow Day! Volunteer to serve as appreciation for the work librarians do. a library coordinator or mentor. Each January, associations nationwide join forces in support of Job Shadow Day. PLA, A Job Shadow Day notebook is available in PDF at along with ALA divisions for school and academic libraries (the www.pla.org. Use the notebook to help you plan your event. American Association of School Librarians and the Association Print copies of the notebook also are available free from PLA; of College and Research Libraries) encourage librarians to par- e-mail [email protected] and provide quantity and mailing ticipate too! Each year, Job Shadow Day gives students across address. PLA is in the process of developing new products to America the chance to “shadow” a workplace mentor as he or complement job shadow day. More information will be avail- she goes through a day on the job. Young people nationwide able at www.pla.org closer to January. n will get an up-close look at how skills learned in school are put to use in the workplace. A 2004 Job Shadow Day kickoff is planned for January 2004. However, you can plan a job shadow day anytime of the year. Many public libraries have already successfully partici- pated! Read a few of their stories at www.pla.org. Have you already hosted a shadow day at your library? If so, tell your story on the PLA site. Write up a brief description of how it went and e-mail it to Barb Macikas, [email protected]. Selected stories will be featured on the site to share with other librarians considering holding job shadow events. By participating in the job shadow day program, PLA 2004 hopes public librarians will: January 9–14 ALA Midwinter Meeting n introduce junior and high school students to the profession of librarianship; San Diego, Calif. n help young people make the connection between academ- February 24–28 ics and careers and encourage partnerships between PLA 2004 National Conference libraries and young people; and Seattle n build an ongoing relationship with the library’s commu- June 24–30 nity. ALA Annual Conference Orlando, Fl. The program benefits young people and libraries by:

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ple rebooting to the more com- load and the stress it causes, and plicated tasks of clearing the suggesting ways to overcome cache and deleting cookies. Mc- that stress to achieve harmony Dermott also includes some and balance in our lives. helpful tips for cleaning a com- The Enduring Library is puter station. neither a fast-paced thriller The author’s conversation- pulling you along at break-neck al tone and understanding of the speed nor a ready reference issues of those who actually book offering quick answers to work the reference desk day in specific questions. It is a book The Librarian’s Internet Web sites, the majority of the and day out are refreshing. The that should be read slowly, the Survival Guide URLs in this collection are still book is well indexed and would ideas allowed to percolate. Like Strategies for the High-Tech accurate as of this writing. be of use not only to public li- his previous books, Future Li- Reference Desk Although the first section brarians at the reference desk braries (Chicago: ALA, 1995) of the book is informative, the but also to children’s and young and Our Enduring Values By Irene E. McDermott. Med- second section of the book is ac- adult librarians, especially those (Chicago: ALA, 2000), it is a ford, N.J.: Information Today, tually more valuable. McDer- planning to design or update the thoughtful examination of our 2002. 267p. paper, $29.50 mott covers a lot of ground in a children’s or teen’s pages for profession and the challenges (ISBN 1-57387-129-X) LC short number of pages, but the their libraries’ Web sites.—Julie facing it. Throughout, Gorman 2002-004697. information she provides on Elliott, Reference and Instruc- urges us to remember the funda- In The Librarian’s Internet these topics is a good place for tion Librarian/Coordinator of mental mission of libraries as Survival Guide, Irene E. McDer- someone to start, especially if Public Relations and Outreach, we struggle to adapt to the latest mott not only shares useful Web pressed for time. The chapter on Indiana University–South Bend technological changes. In doing sites but also provides tips on teaching the Internet to patrons so, he reminds us of our values how public librarians can assist is concise—a good refresher for The Enduring Library and why most of us became li- their patrons with other impor- those who have taken a biblio- Technology, Tradition, and the brarians. Recommended read- tant Internet issues such as Web- graphic instruction course but Quest for Balance ing for all public librarians. based e-mail, learning the could use a review. For those —Vicki Nesting, Regional Internet, and computer trou- who are looking for more assis- By Michael Gorman. Chicago: Branch Librarian, St. Charles bleshooting. tance than McDermott pro- ALA, 2003. 176p. $35, $31.50 Parish, East Regional Library, Stemming from a collection vides, she names several good ALA members (ISBN 0-8389- Destrehan, Louisiana of her columns from Searcher sites for further reference. For 0846-2) LC 2002-151679. magazine, The Librarian’s Inter- example, in the chapter on mak- In his latest book, Gorman Google Hacks takes a clear-eyed look at cur- net Survival Guide is broken ing the Web more user-friendly One Hundred Industrial- into two parts. McDermott uses to the disabled, McDermott rent issues in the field of librari- Strength Tips and Tools the first part of the book to refers the reader to several sites anship and guides readers to share some of the best sites she that help Web site authors cre- take a deep breath and look for By Tara Calishain and Rael has found on a number of top- ate more accessible pages. a balanced approach to manag- Dornfest. Sebastopol, Calif.: ics, such as search engines, peo- The best part, however, is ing technological change. The O’Reilly, 2003. 329p. $24.95 ple finders, news, homework the computer troubleshooting book is constructed around his (ISBN 0-596-00447-8) LC help, health, and shopping. Mc- section. What public reference fundamental beliefs that we are 2003-271658. Dermott’s annotations are brief librarians have not had to spend not living in extraordinary Most people have a fa- and to the point; a librarian their days dealing with frozen times; that “in order to under- vorite search engine, and for could scan a chapter at the ref- computers or listening to pa- stand the impact of technology many that search engine is erence desk while assisting a pa- trons complain that the comput- on society and libraries, we need Google (www.google.com). As tron if necessary. While the er is running too slowly? to have a clear view of the his- the authors of Google Hacks ever-changing nature of the In- McDermott shares some tricks tory and evolution of communi- note, there are so many fans of ternet could lead to some prob- for librarians trying to cope cations technology” (xiii); and Google that there are weblogs lems for a book about useful with these problems, from sim- that the latest technology does solely dedicated to the search not change the essence of li- engine, and games such as braries and librarianship. “Google whacking” have been If you are interested in reviewing or submitting Gorman begins with an created. With so many fans, it is materials for “By the Book,” contact the contribut- overview of libraries today, then not surprising that a book about ing editor, Jen Schatz, 213 Waterfield Library, reviews communication technol- the search engine has been writ- Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071; ogy from 1875 to the present. In ten. Google Hacks is a book of [email protected]. the chapters that follow, he ex- interest for two different “By the Book” reviews professional develop- amines issues such as literacy, groups—the first third of the ment materials of potential interest to public librar- the nature of the Web, and how book is more useful for the reg- ians, trustees, and others involved in library service. technology is affecting reference ular Web searcher—someone PLA policy dictates that publications of the Public Library and cataloging work. Finally, he who likes Google but has not Association not be reviewed in this column. Notice of new publica- tions from PLA will generally be found in the “News from PLA” sec- begins to tie all the strands to- done much more than a basic tion of Public Libraries. gether—looking at the chal- search. The rest of the book is A description of books written by the editors or contributing lenges of the future in libraries, for the more dedicated Google editors of Public Libraries may appear in this column but no evalu- noting areas where further re- fan and serious Web searcher, ative review will be included for these titles. search is needed, addressing the giving an introduction to the problem of information over- Google API program and pro-

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viding detailed examples of final two-thirds of the book Perl-based hacks for searches would not be useful to librari- Books in Brief and games on Google. ans doing searches at the refer- Annotations of Books Received But Not Reviewed The book is broken down ence desk, patrons who are into eight chapters, which range familiar with programming will Teaching and Learning about Computers: A Classroom from an overview of how be interested in it. The book is Guide for Teachers, Librarians, Media Specialists, Google works and the basics of reasonably priced, and consid- and Students. By Joanne R. Barrett. Lanham, Md.: using Google syntax to sections ering the popularity of Google on the games and pranks a read- among Internet users, is a good Scarecrow Pr., 2002. $45 (ISBN 0-81084-450-8) LC er can create on Google using purchase for public libraries 2002-008350. various hacks. Library webmas- with strong circulating technol- An introduction to basic classroom computer tech- ters may find the final chapter ogy collections.—Julie Elliott, niques and tasks, including creating charts and on practical advice for increas- Reference and Instructional Li- graphics, developing Web pages, and handling virus ing a site’s Google ranking use- brarian/Coordinator of Public ful, and general readers will find Relations and Outreach, Indi- and copyright issues. this chapter interesting if only to ana University–South Bend The Ultimate Digital Library: Where the New read the ideas behind how Information Players Meet. By Andrew K. Pace. Google’s PageRank Algorithm Merchandising Library Chicago: ALA, 2003. 176p. paper, $35, $31.50 ALA works, although the authors are Materials to Young members (ISBN 0-83890-844-6) LC 2002015527. careful to point out that it is Adults speculation, since Google has Comments on library Internet services from a librar- never made the entire formula By Mary Anne Nichols. Green- ian and former library technology vendor. available to the public. wood Village, Colo.: Libraries High-Level Subject Access Tools and Techniques in Most librarians will find Unlimited, 2002. 187p. $39.95 Internet Cataloging. Ed. by Judith R. Ahronheim. the early sections of the book— (ISBN 0-313-31382-2) LC Binghamton, N.Y.: Haworth, 2002. 115p. $39.95 which discuss Google syntaxes, 2001-054545. (ISBN 0-78902-024-6); paper, $29.95 (ISBN 0- special services, and collec- Fabulous teen collections tions—very helpful. For anyone and services are useless if no one 78902-025-4) LC 2002-151190. who has only used the basic knows about them. Although A collection of articles dealing with the subject clas- search feature in Google, this there are a lot of very specific, sification of library resources using metadata in tra- portion of the book is a real eye- expensive manuals on teen serv- ditional library catalog records. ices on the market right now, opener as to what Google of- The Image and Role of the Librarian. Ed. by Wendi Arant fers. The authors even give some Merchandising Library Materi- suggestions for where to go to als to Young Adults is a stand- and Candace R. Benefiel. Binghamton, N.Y.: find better search terms, for ex- out, with its straightforward Haworth, 2002. 186p. $39.95 (ISBN 0-78902-098- ample, providing the URLs to marketing principles and con- X); paper $24.95 (0-78902-099-8) LC 2002- online glossaries for medical crete examples of how to show- 155850. and legal information. case teen materials. Essays on librarians’ professional roles, popular and The final two-thirds of the Competition from retail cultural perceptions, and future trends. book are mostly dedicated to venues for teen attention is best Google API and the more diffi- met with business marketing MARC 21 for Everyone: A Practical Guide. By Deborah cult hacks. This portion of the tactics. Nichols’s BA in market- A. Fritz and Richard J. Fritz. Chicago: ALA, 2003. book will not be of use to some- ing becomes obvious in the 188p. paper, $48, $43.20 ALA members (ISBN 0- one who is unfamiliar with pro- practical steps and types of ad- 83890-842-X) LC 2002014138. vice she provides for each step, gramming languages, such as An introduction to the latest MARC record format Perl, since it is mostly examples from weeding the teen collec- of queries and results from the tion to making it relevant to fea- with numerous tables, examples, and quizzes. hacks written in Perl. Readers turing it visually and through Magic Search Words—Jobs: Strategies and Search Tactics knowledgeable with Perl, how- programming. to Discover the Best of the Internet. By Paul J. ever, will mostly likely appreci- A common-sense approach Krupin. Kennewick, Wash.: Direct Contact, 2002. ate the detailed instructions and in this book makes it accessible to 113p. paper, $12.95 (ISBN 1-88503-510-1) LC examples. I am unfamiliar with all library staff, including those Perl, and while Calishain and not specializing in young adult 2003-266074. Dornfest’s prose encouraged me services. Many tables and other Tips on searching the Internet for various subjects. to consider signing up for references from previous studies Other topics in this series include scholarships and Google API and trying some of are collected here to guide librar- health. these hacks, I know I will need ians, including an enlightening Cataloging Sheet Maps: The Basics. By Paige G. Andrew. to go back and read something one from Don Gallo titled Binghamton, N.Y.: Haworth, 2003. 256p. $39.95 like Perl for Dummies first. “Where Teens Turn for Reading Google Hacks would not Advice” (library displays is third (ISBN 0-78901-482-3); paper $24.95 (ISBN 0- be a good purchase for a small from the bottom!). 78901-483-1) LC 2002068769. professional collection, but ref- One of the most useful fea- A primer designed for the new or inexperienced maps erence librarians would benefit tures of this work is the collec- cataloguer, covering AACR2R, MARC 21, and ISBD tion of pictures of different types from reading the first third of standards. this book. While many of the of display furniture available for searches and games listed in the libraries. A list of vendors and

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contact information is also pro- A more fitting description and Nancy Austin, Random, with an independent consultant vided. Many familiar types of of the book may be that it is an 1985) and The One Minute and another with the director of display shelving are there for overview of what Massis Manager (Kenneth Blanchard member services at the Ameri- face-out shelving, but some learned in the course of technol- and Spencer Johnson, Morrow, can Association of Advertising more unusual equipment pieces ogy teaching and training for li- 1982), the list is lacking in newer Agencies. The interviewees offer are pictured, including tabletop brary staff. Seven of the eleven management titles. insight into the strategies they and rotating literature holders. brief chapters directly or indi- Overall, The Practical Li- employed to meet their most But it is not enough to have rectly focus on the impact of brary Manager is a slim volume challenging requests, which is a attractive displays for a teen col- technology on library staff. The that is short on substance. It boon to the public librarian, lection. Libraries must continu- remaining chapters provide cur- places heavy emphasis on tech- who may not be a business spe- ously strive to engage teens’ sory information on library con- nology training for library staff, cialist but receives such compli- attention interactively. Nichols sortia, library fund-raising and yet neglects detailed informa- cated requests from small addresses possible contests and development, and the interplay tion on budgets, working with companies or business owners. games libraries can use to pro- of virtual libraries and physical unions, and building effective It can also help the busy librari- mote materials. She also pro- library buildings. relationships with library gov- an find information about pop vides booktalking references A Practical Library Manag- erning bodies. Even novice li- culture, which may come from a and suggestions, as well as tips er is long on lists of Web sites brary managers would be better student or a businessperson. for tours for teens and adults (including URLs for the ALA served by reading the above- The people interviewed for this who work with teens. A review site prior to its revision) and noted management classics, as book deal heavily in pop cul- of excellent customer services short on relevant fresh ideas on well as Practical Help for New ture, the teen and tween mar- and readers’ advisory tech- how to run a library. While the Supervisors (Joan Giesecke, kets, and have dug out niques will be helpful to staff at verso of the title page includes a ALA, 1997). Not recommend- information in places most of us all stages in their careers. disclaimer from the publisher ed.—Lisa Powell Williams, Ref- probably never thought of. For Chapter 10 contains useful acknowledging that site ad- erence Librarian, Moline (Ill.) instance, one researcher went display ideas, from props to a dresses may not be accurate, the Public Library on the Internet auction site eBay detailed bibliography. For ex- book’s heavy reliance on such (www.ebay.com) for informa- ample, a display idea called “Go lists guarantees a short shelf life Super Searchers on tion on Americana items such as to Jail . . . Go Directly to Jail” of usefulness for library man- Madison Avenue a 1930s toy, movie memorabil- contains suggestions for props agers. At times, the book is ex- ia, and collectibles. Top Advertising and including handcuffs and police cessively detailed, as when in a There is a comprehensive Marketing Professionals Share caution tape. checklist of “subsidiary logis- Their Online Research index and a large appendix of While other young adult tics” for staff technology train- Strategies resources. This is a worthwhile manuals touch on display ideas, ing the question of whether purchase for the reference li- this work has the retail ap- there are coffee or soda ma- By Grace Avellana Villamora. brarian, and it might also have a proach, which may be more ef- chines nearby is presented. Medford, N.J.: CyberAge market among the small busi- fective in reaching teens. More than a third of the Books, 2003. 236p. $24.95 ness owner or sales or market- Merchandising Library Materi- book is devoted to appendixes (ISBN 0-910965-63-3) LC ing professionals.—M. Barbara als to Young Adults is an excel- and the index. Appendix A is 2002-152892. Mulrine, School Librarian, lent source for public libraries, simply a list of ALA-accredited li- This latest title in the Super Manatee School for the Arts, at every stage of developing brary schools. It is not clear why Searchers series is a handy edi- Plametto, Florida young adult services.—Amy this list is included, given that li- tion to the researcher’s library, Alessio, Teen Coordinator, brary managers can find this in- whether the researcher is a pub- Biblia’s Guide to Warrior Schaumburg Twp. (Ill.) District formation on the Internet should lic librarian, an independent Librarianship Library they need it. Appendix B is the consultant, or an advertising, Humor for Librarians Who sales, or marketing professional. Southeast Florida Information Refuse to be Classified The Practical Library Network Technology assessment The interviews offer a glimpse Manager questionnaire and evaluation into the way various depart- By Amanda Credaro. Illustra- form. While some of the ques- ments in ad agencies use infor- tions by Peter Lewis. Westport, By Bruce E. Massis. Bingham- tions are overly simplistic for mation to create those print and Conn.: Libraries Unlimited, ton, N.Y.: Haworth, 2003. twenty-first-century librarians broadcast ads that surround us. 2003. 166p. $25 (ISBN 1- 149p. $34.95 (ISBN 0-7890- (e.g., a technology checklist asks The meat of the book, however, 59158-002-1) LC 2003- 1765-2) LC 2002-068604. the participant to rate their expe- is found in the print and online 047523. The Practical Library Man- rience level with turning on a sources mentioned in the inter- Historically, librarians have ager by Bruce Massis, associate computer), it may serve as a views and listed in the appendix. been at the receiving end of director of the Southeast Florida model for managers creating out- In some ways this volume countless numbers of jokes, Library Information Network, is lines for in-house library training. intersects the world of Wall from the silly (“You have a mas- a brief book of insights into a few The book’s concluding Street and business researchers, ter’s degree in library science? facets of library management. chapter is an annotated bibliog- who are covered in other titles Did you take Shushing 101?”) In the introduction and raphy of what Massis has in this series, but its emphasis to the outrageous (“You’re a li- first chapter, Massis describes dubbed the “dynamic dozen” on marketing, demographics, brarian? But you’re so his focus on respectful relation- management works with which and pop culture sets it apart. young!”). Most of the time, this ships between managers and library managers should be fa- Most of the thirteen interviews type of humor is shrugged off staff, with the goal of providing miliar. While librarians would do are with people who work in and dismissed as ignorance on excellent customer service, not- well to read these seminal man- advertising or public relations behalf of the joke teller. Other ing that his work is for “library agement works, including A Pas- firms, mostly in information de- times, librarians find that they managers new to the field” (4). sion for Excellence (Tom Peters partments, but one interview is must educate these jokes tellers

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due to their lack of appreciation alisms and hilarious illustra- fact, I don’t suggest that at all. n And if all else fails, take a for the profession. It depends on tions that perfectly match the In order to get the most out of glance at the Swiss Library the type of librarian that is the content, the anecdotes clearly this book, I would read it at cer- Knife (118), the one tool receiver of the joke, as well as reflect our profession’s nuances, tain times of the day as follows: that every librarian needs the context in which it is told. issues, and low and high points. every day. I love library humor. On the There is no type of librarianship n In the morning, when you bulletin board in my office, I have that is left untouched, from get out of bed (and don’t This is the type of book posted numerous cartoons deal- those working in the public li- feel like reporting to work), that needs to be passed around ing with the library profession brary sector (a major portion of take a quick peek at “Yoga the reference desk, with each li- that I have collected over the the book) to the special librari- for Librarians” (96) and try brarian marking their favorite years. While many see my infatu- an. There is also a special sec- performing a few exercises section for others to read. Pages ation with library humor as a de- tion for school librarians. mentioned. should be photocopied and fense mechanism for my true Emily Saliers of the band n While driving to work, placed in the break room to give feelings about the jokes being the Indigo Girls once said, “You smile as you think about fellow staff members a chuckle. told (not true—I am not that have to laugh at yourself or you the different transportation I keep my copy behind our cir- deep), I see it as a break from the will cry your eyes out if you devices used by different culation desk, and whenever I jobs that we perform day in and don’t,” and after reading Bib- librarians (40–43). am in the need for a good laugh, day out. In other words, we need lia’s Guide to Warrior Librari- n If problem patrons are I open the book to a random not take ourselves so seriously. anship, I truly understood what really getting on your section, spend a few minutes Biblia’s Guide to Warrior she meant. This book was a joy nerves throughout the day, with it, and return to my desk Librarianship is unlike any to read. It is not the type of take some time off the floor with a smile.—Steven M. book that I have come across. book that needs to be read from to browse through “Self Cohen, Assistant Librarian, With sharp, witty colloqui- cover to cover in one sitting. In Defense for Librarians.” Rivkin Radler, LLP. n

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS

American Psychological Association ...... 333 Northern Micrographics ...... 349 Baker & Taylor ...... cover 2 OCLC ...... 399 Book Wholesalers Inc...... 336, cover 3 Poisoned Pen Press ...... 365 Dynix ...... cover 4 Public Library Association ...... 334 Inecom ...... 386 Reference USA ...... 340 Live Oak Public Library Foundation ...... 389 Sirsi ...... 335 Neal-Schuman ...... 397 TLC ...... 339

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT Public Libraries, Publication No. 724-990 is published bimonthly by the Public Library Association, American Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611-2795. Annual subscription price, $30.00. American Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611- 2795, owner; Public Library Association, American Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611-2795, publisher; Renée J. Vaillancourt McGrath, 248A N. Higgins Ave. #145, Missoula, MT 59802, editor. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, Illinois. Printed in U.S.A. As a nonprofit organization authorized to mail at special rates (Section 423-12, Domestic Mail Manual), the purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes have not changed during the preceding twelve months. EXTENT AND NATURE OF CIRCULATION (“Average” figures denote the average number of copies printed each issue during the preceding twelve months; “Actual” figures denote actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date—July/August 2003 issue.) Total number of copies printed: Average, 10,806; Actual, 10,182. Sales through dealers, carriers, street vendors and counter sales: none. Total paid and/or requested circulation: Average, 9,761; Actual, 9,195. Free distribution by mail, carrier, or other means, samples, complimentary, and other free copies: Average, 64; Actual, 62. Total distribution: Average, 10,061; Actual, 9,515. Copies not distributed: office use, leftover, unaccounted, spoiled after printing: Average, 745; Actual, 667. Total (previous three entries): Average, 10,806; Actual, 10,182.

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CybraryN and Dynix Forge articles about families, abstracts of local through a three-year, $9 million grant from Strategic Partnership records, and genealogical method. The the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The index will serve as a key database in foundation’s U.S. Library Program works CybraryN Solutions and Dynix have ProQuest’s HeritageQuest Online, a Web- in partnership with public libraries to pro- announced a new strategic partnership in based genealogical resource available to vide public access to computers, the which Dynix will exclusively offer public and academic libraries, historical Internet and digital information for patrons CybraryN Solutions as their public access and genealogical societies, and their in low-income communities in the United control solution to library customers. patrons. States. CybraryN Solutions provides system www.il.proquest.com WebJunction gives public librarians a administrators with state-of-the-art tools broad range of resources, including a to drastically reduce the maintenance of Tutor.com Acquires LSSI forum for sharing information on policies public access computers while preventing Reference Division and practices (e.g., Internet access for inexperienced or malicious users from minors), technical resources, advice for installing software, accessing restricted Tutor.com announced that it has acquired purchasing hardware and software, and files, or changing system settings. the Reference Division of LSSI. Included in community message/discussion boards that CybraryN includes reservation, time man- the acquisition are LSSI Virtual Reference cover both day-to-day support issues as agement, and security software. ToolKit, Web Reference Services, and LSSI well as broader management topics. Under the agreement, CybraryN Integrated Reference Management System “People have come to rely on public Solutions and Dynix will work together to with RefTracker. access computers in their public libraries, enable tight integration between CybraryN The merger of Tutor.com and LSSI and we must support libraries so this service and Dynix products so that they work as Reference brings together two organiza- can continue. The interactive WebJunction one. tions that have provided libraries with the Web site will be an invaluable tool for the www.CybraryN.com tools to help them meet the changing needs thousands of libraries working to sustain www.dynix.com and expectations of today’s information public access computing stations,” said consumer. The knowledge each of the com- Richard Akeroyd, Director of International Library Initiatives for the Bill & Melinda PERSI Joins HeritageQuest panies has gained about how libraries use one-to-one online services will help the Gates Foundation. “By providing free, on- Online Tutor.com Reference Division explore new line technical assistance, the site will help ProQuest Information and Learning ways to improve the experience of library libraries of all sizes maintain and even grow announced that it has acquired exclusive users who tap into these interactive services their public access workstations.” publishing rights to the PERiodical Source from the library, home, school, or work. www.Webjunction.org Index (PERSI). PERSI, the largest subject www.tutor.com index to genealogy and local history peri- The New Public Access odicals in the world, is created and main- WebJunction Launched to Help Management System Available tained by the Allen County Public Library Public Libraries Make the Most from 3M in Fort Wayne, Indiana. of Technology This comprehensive subject index cov- 3M introduced a “smart” library card to ers genealogy and local history periodicals Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) help manage public access systems in written in English since 1800. Article cov- launched a new Web-based service designed libraries. Public Access Management System erage ranges from the eighteenth century to to help public libraries and other institu- from 3M includes integrated hardware, soft- the present. The 2003 edition will contain tions that offer public access computing to ware and service. more than 1.9 million citations from more share knowledge and experience in provid- The Public Access Management than 6,000 periodicals published in the ing technology to patrons. The resource, System provides library patrons with a United States, Canada, and abroad. PERSI called WebJunction, was unveiled May smart library card that can be used to bor- will help researchers quickly locate helpful 12, 2003. WebJunction is being developed row materials, pay fines and fees, pay to print from a workstation, and schedule time on a library computer. The product The contributing editor of this column is Vicki Nesting, Regional Branch allows librarians to manage public access Librarian at the St. Charles Parish Library, Louisiana. Submissions may be resources in the library, including comput- sent to her at 21 River Park Dr., Hahnville, LA 70057; vnestin@ ers, printers, copiers, audiovisual equip- bellsouth.net. ment, and meeting rooms. The above are extracted from press releases and vendor announce- The Public Access Management ments and are intended for reader information only. The appearance of such System offers time management of public notices herein does not constitute an evaluation or an endorsement of the computers and management of printing at products or services by the Public Library Association or the editors of this magazine. public computers. The smart card assists patrons in choosing printing options and

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deducts the print cost directly from the n The patron picks up materials with knowledge on wildlife, paleontology, and patron’s card. Site control, filtering, and his/her PIN. Drop-offs, in turn, occur endangered plant and animal species. enhanced customization are personalized via a standard drop box. www.ebsco.com benefits for patrons. For example, parents can set up a library card that allows their The ideal placement is a corridor or Classical.com Joins Forces with children access to approved Internet sites vestibule where customer can have after- Byron Hoyt to Offer Libraries only. hours access to the Compu-Lok System. Enhanced Classical Music In addition, each card stores personal- However, due to its slim design and the ization features such as setting a homepage variety of compartment sizes available, Service at start-up, favorites, history files, virtual Compu-Lok can be placed virtually any- Classical.com, the new classical music lis- storage of saved files, and personal Web where. tening service for libraries, has joined bookmarks that are unique to each library The system is fully automated allow- forces with digital sheet music provider patron. All of the patron’s information ing for customer pick-up twenty-four- Byron Hoyt to provide an enhanced classi- disappears from the computer once the hours a day. A computerized audit trail cal music service for libraries. card is removed, allowing for customiza- confirms pick-up and unauthorized Libraries that purchase subscriptions tion and personalization with a high level attempts for full management control. to both Byron Hoyt’s digital sheet music of security. Compu-Lok records each and every trans- collection and Classical.com’s classical www.3M.com action by date, time, compartment number music listening service will be able to offer and PIN code. their patrons the ability to conveniently Brodart Offers GEMS to Public The management mode allows the sys- link between both. Libraries tem manager to perform numerous func- Classical.com is the first streaming tions including changing codes, opening all classical music service for libraries, Brodart has announced their new program, compartments at one time, and analyzing enabling patrons to listen to a complete GEMS—a newsletter devoted to small events log for record-keeping purposes. collection of more than 10,000 classical press offerings. It will be published quar- www.americanlocker.com/library.htm music recordings at library computers or terly and will be available in print and in from home, while they simultaneously expanded form on the Web at Marshall Cavendish Wildlife access thousands of program notes, biogra- www.gems.brodart.com. Reference Center Now Available phies, and images. The excellent efforts of many writers, on EBSCOhost Licensing ebrary’s technology, Byron editors, and publishers are lost in the huge Hoyt makes more than 7,000 classical number of books published every year. EBSCO Publishing has partnered with sheet music titles available digitally as part Brodart has committed itself to a regular Marshall Cavendish to create the Marshall of a library subscription. Links to the program of alerting librarians to discover- Cavendish Wildlife Reference Center. Classical.com music player will be embed- ies of such works. The newsletter will fea- Available on the EBSCOhost interface, this ded into each sheet music file so the user ture approximately 200-300 adult/juvenile new database is designed to help student can listen to the recording and access refer- and fiction/nonfiction titles. GEMS researchers of all abilities to learn useful, ence materials, as well as purchase the includes annotations and full-text reviews. interesting information on wildlife issues, recordings as downloads or Custom CDs. It will also feature editorial content such as animal profiles and behavior, endangered www.classical.com articles on publishers, authors, and collec- plants, and the intriguing world of tion development. It will be distributed free dinosaurs. to public libraries. The Marshall Cavendish Wildlife Kodak Plans to Discontinue www.gems.brodart.com Reference Center consists of three encyclo- Slide Projectors and Accessories pedias: in 2004 Compu-Lok: The 24-Hour Eastman Kodak Company has announced n Encyclopedia of Mammals (17 vol- Librarian that it plans to discontinue the manufac- umes) ture and sales of slide projection products With American Locker’s Compu-Lok sys- n Endangered Wildlife and Plants of the and accessories in June 2004. This tem, libraries can offer accessibility to World (12 volumes) includes Carousel, Ektagraphic, Ektalite, authorized users on a twenty-four-hour n Dinosaurs of the World (11 volumes) and Ektapro slide projectors and all Kodak basis: slide projector accessories. Each multivolume compilation con- Kodak anticipates that small quanti- n tains hundreds of informative articles of A customer e-mails, faxes or phones a ties of new slide projectors will be avail- interest to those with and without scientific selection to the library or speaks able through the end of 2004. In addition, backgrounds. The articles are well written directly to a librarian. Kodak’s distributor, Comm-Tec (in n and easy to understand. The goal of this Upon receipt of the request, the librar- Germany), plans to sell Ektapro projectors database is to be accessible to all levels of ian confirms the availability of the and accessories beyond 2004. student researchers; the concise, direct materials and gives the customer a Kodak will offer service and support writing makes it a valuable resource for personal identification number (PIN) for slide projectors until 2011. seasoned researchers who seek to broaden for retrieval of his/her materials. www.kodak.com n n The librarian places the requested their understanding of a topic and for stu- materials through a rear door panel. dents who are building their base of

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The page range of each issue is as follows: Eric Moon: The Life and Library Times, 42: (1) Jan./Feb., 42:1–64 323–24 (2) Mar./Apr., 42:65–132 Google Hacks, 42:390–91 (3) May/June, 42:133–204 PUBLIC Helping the Difficult Library Patron, 42:196–97 (4) July/Aug., 42:205–68 Information Professional’s Guide to Career De- (5) Sept./Oct., 42:269–332 LIBRARIES velopment Online, 42:56–57 (6) Nov./Dec., 42:333–404 Interior Design for Libraries, 42:197–98 Internet Power Searching, 42:324 A INDEX TO Introducing the Internet to Young Learners, 42:56 ACADEMIC LIBRARIES The Librarian’s Internet Survival Guide, 42:390 Our Friends in Academia (“Editor’s Note”), VOLUME 42 Libraries Designed for Users, 42:197–98 42:138, 142 Library Services to the Sandwich Generation and Public to Academic: Reflections for Librarians Who 2003 Serial Caregivers, 42:126 Are Considering the Switch (“InterViews”), Managing Library Volunteers, 42:126–27 42:154–56 Merchandising Library Materials to Young ACCESS TO INFORMATION PREPARED BY Adults, 42:391–92 Collections and Services for the Spanish-Speaking: JANET RUSSELL Music, Culture, and the Library, 42:58 Accessibility, 42:172–77 Neal-Schuman Electronic Classroom Handbook, ACCREDITATION 42:262 Library Commission Announces Accreditation for AUTHORS. See Book Talk (column) Neal-Schuman Library Technology Companion, Nebraska Public Libraries (“Tales”), 42:218 AWARDS. See also Opportunities, Awards, Honors 42:263, 266 ACQUISITIONS (column) New Directions for Library Service to Young Electronic Ordering: We Did It Our Way (“Per- Does Your Library Deserve an Award? 42:330, Adults, 42:127 spectives”), 42:150–52 346 An Ounce of Prevention: Integrated Disaster ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY PLA Awards and Honors, 42:122 Planning . . ., 42:324–25 What’s New @ Our Library: Adaptive Technology Westbury PL Holds the “Westys” (“Tales”), The Practical Library Manager, 42:392 (“Perspectives”), 42:15–16 42:350 Readers’ Advisor’s Companion, 42:57–58 ADVOCACY Running a Successful Library Card Campaign, It’s Our Turn (“From the President”), 42:343 B 42:266 Stories in the Workplace, 42:166–70 The Science Fiction and Fantasy Reader’s Adviso- ALA BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY ry, 42:198 Library Services for People with Disabilities Poli- TTY Information and Communication Access for Super Searchers on Madison Avenue, 42:392 cy [sidebar], 42:50 Libraries (“Tales”), 42:12 Teaching Technology, 42:262–63 ALA ANNUAL CONFERENCE Barban, Leslie Usability Testing for Library Web Sites, 42:198, One Conference/One Book Wrap-Up (“News”), More Than “May I Help You”: The Assertive 202 42:320–1 Children’s Librarian (“Verso”), 42:73–74 Web of Deception, 42:322 Albano, Jean Canosa Bartel, Julie Youth Development and Public Libraries, “You Want Us to Do What?” [sidebar], 42:44 The Salt Lake City Public Library Zine Collection, 42:322–23 Alcorn, Nancy 42:232–38 BOOK SALES What’s New @ Our Library: Adaptive Technology BERTRAM, JAMES Friends Book Sale Earns $128,000 (“Tales”), (“Perspectives”), 42:15–16 Saluting Secretaries with a Tribute to One of Their 42:76 Allwell, Edith Own (“Verso”), 42:213–14 Book Talk (column) Foreign-Language Collections in the Public Li- BLOOMINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY (Ill.) Book Lust: An Interview with Nancy Pearl, brary (“Perspectives”), 42:354–55 Bloomington (Ill.) Public Library Receives Illinois 42:358–59, 366 ALPHA PARK PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT (Ill.) First Grant (“Grants”), 42:94 Librarians Made My Education Possible: An In- Hard Times for These Times (“Perspectives”), BOHJALIAN, CHRIS terview with Brook Ellison, 42:22–23 42:285–86 Writing about the Peripheries: An Interview with A Man of Letters: An Interview with Frank De- AMES PUBLIC LIBRARY (Iowa) Chris Bohjalian (“Book Talk”), 42:290–93, Ford, 42:88–90 Two Thompsons Responsible for $500K Gifts to 299 Neat as a New Pin: An Interview with Mem Fox, Libraries (“Grants”), 42:299 BOHRER, CLARA NALLI 42:224–25 Andersen, Beth. See Cantú, Amy PLA President-Elect to Focus on Moving Associa- Stories That Have Heart: An Interview with James ANN ARBOR DISTRICT LIBRARY (Mich.) tion Forward (“News”), 42:320 Lee Burke, 42:157–58 It’s Not Easy Being Green, But It Sure Is Fun: Sus- BOOK GROUPS Writing about the Peripheries: An Interview with tainability Programming at the Ann Arbor Dis- But I Only Want to Read Books with Happy End- Chris Bohjalian, 42:290–93, 299 trict Library, 42:232–38 ings: Strategies for a Successful Library Adult BOOKMOBILES ASL ACCESS Book Discussion Group (“Verso”), 42:347–49 Kids Share Love of Reading as Neighborhood Signs of Success: ASL Access Opens the Door be- Lifescapes: A Writing and Reading Program for Book Buddies (“Tales”), 42:12–13 tween Deaf and Hearing (“Perspectives”), Senior Citizens, 42:379–82 BOOKS BY MAIL 42:17–19 BOOK REVIEW SOURCES Your Books Are in the Mail: Launching a Books Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Alternative Online Book Review Resources (“In- by Mail Program, 42:47–50 Agencies ternet Spotlight”), 42:226–27 BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY (Mass.) ASCLA Advocates for People with Disabilities BOOK REVIEWS, 42:56–57, 126–27, 196–98, BPL’s Biggest Donor to Be Honored (“Tales”), (“News”), 42:55 202, 262–63, 266, 322–25 42:76 AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS 101+ Teen Programs That Work, 42:262 College Access Programs and Services, 42:184–87 Multimedia on the Web (“Tech Talk”), 42:296–97 Biblia’s Guide to Warrior Librarianship, Bourdon, Cathleen Auld, Hampton 42:392–93 ASCLA Advocates for People with Disabilities Cutting-Edge Technologies and Services (“Per- Coaching in the Library, 42:56 (“News”), 42:55 spectives”), 42:148–53 Consumer Health Information for Public Librari- Briggs, Diane S. The Future of Public Libraries . . . Today! (“Per- ans, 42:196 Outreach Services in Fargo (“Perspectives”), spectives”), 42:78–81, 85 Developing a Compensation Plan for Your Li- 42:15 Views from the Schools: The Ideas, Concerns, and brary, 42:322 Brown, Charles M. Perspectives of Library and Information Sci- Digital Futures, 42:57 The Future of Public Libraries . . . Today! (“Per- ence Students (“Perspectives”), 42:352–57 The Enduring Library, 42:390 spectives”), 42:79–80

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BRYAN, ROBIN CLINTON-MACOMB PUBLIC LIBRARY (Mich.) Nothing about Me without Me: Planning for Li- Public Libraries Authors Feted during President’s The Responsibility of Library Trustees (“Perspec- brary Services for People with Disabilities, Reception (“News”), 42:320–21 tives”), 42:220–21 42:42–46 Bryan, Robin, Susan Herzog, and Bob Peaseley Cohen, Steven M. Outreach Services in Fargo (“Perspectives”), Embracing Technology at PLCMC (“Perspec- Alternative Online Book Review Resources (“In- 42:15 tives”), 42:152–53 ternet Spotlight”), 42:226–27 Training Rewards and Challenges of Serving Li- BUDGETING The Library of Congress Online: Part 1 (“Internet brary Users with Disabilities, 42:34–37 The Public Library Funding Crunch: A Decennial Spotlight”), 42:91–92 What’s So Special about Special Needs?, 42:50–54 Event? (“Perspectives”), 42:284–87 The Library of Congress Online: Part 2 (“Internet DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PUBLIC LIBRARY BURKE, JAMES LEE Spotlight”), 42:159–61 Ralph Nader’s D.C. Library Renaissance Project Stories That Have Heart: An Interview with James Library Web Page and Online Catalog Directories (“Grants”), 42:231 Lee Burke (“Book Talk”), 42:157–58 (“Internet Spotlight”), 42:294–95 DOUGLAS PUBLIC LIBRARY (Colo.) By the Book (column), 42:56–57, 126–27, 196–98, Locating Public Records: Not an Easy Task (“In- Library Lovers Unite on Valentine’s Day 202, 262–63, 266, 322–25, 390–93 ternet Spotlight”), 42:24–25 (“Tales”), 42:77 COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT Dowling, Brendan C Collections and Services for the Spanish-Speaking: Librarians Made My Education Possible: An In- Issues and Resources, 42:106–11 terview with Brook Ellison (“Book Talk”), CAGE, VERNA COLLEGE ACCESS PROGRAMS 42:22–23 Friends and Volunteers Honored (“Honors”), College Access Programs and Services, 42:184–87 Writing about the Peripheries: An Interview with 42:364–65 Collier, Gwen Chris Bohjalian (“Book Talk”), 42:290–93, CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY Deinstitutionalization of People with Mental Ill- 299 Low-Cost Training Program for Trustees (“Per- ness: Challenges and Solutions for Libraries DREAMS spectives”), 42:221–23 (“Verso”), 42:280–81 The Career of Our Dreams (“Editor’s Note”), Cantú, Amy, and Beth Andersen COMPUTERS, PUBLIC-USE 42:274, 276–77 It’s Not Easy Being Green, But It Sure Is Fun: Sus- Resource Management Systems (“Tech Talk”), Dyer, Karen tainability Programming at the Ann Arbor Dis- 42:162–63 Low-Cost Training Program for Trustees (“Per- trict Library, 42:232–38 CONFERENCES spectives”), 42:221–23 CAREER PLANNING Meet New People and Make Friends (“Editor’s Critical Librarian Shortage Leaves Thousands of Note”), 42:210 E Jobs Open across United States, 42:101 CONTENT MANAGEMENT CARNEGIE, ANDREW Content Management and Library Web Sites EAST BRUNSWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY (N.J.) Saluting Secretaries with a Tribute to One of Their (“Verso”), 42:278–79 Appetizers for the Brain (“Tales”), 42:146 Own (“Verso”), 42:213–14 CRONIN, ELIZABETH J. Editor’s Note (column) CERTIFICATION FOR LIBRARIANS Cronin Given S. S. Green Award (“Honors”), AccessAbilities, 42:6 Oklahoma’s Certification for Public Librarians 42:94 The Career of Our Dreams, 42:274, 276–77 Program and the Institute in Public Librarian- CUMBERLAND COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY From Greeting Cards to the Classics, 42:68, 70 ship, 42:245–51 (N.C.) Learning from the Past, 42:342, 357 CHARLOTTE AND MECKLENBERG COUNTY, Operation Home Front (“Tales”), 42:282 Meet New People and Make Friends, 42:210 PUBLIC LIBRARY OF (N.C.) CUSTOMER SERVICE Our Friends in Academia, 42:138, 142 Embracing Technology at PLCMC (“Perspec- Bridging the Value Gap: Getting Past Professional Eiselstein, June tives”), 42:152–53 Values to Customer Value in the Public Li- College Access Programs and Services, 42:184–87 Personalized Information Environments: Do Public brary, 42:315–19 ELECTRONIC REFERENCE SERVICES Libraries Want a Slice of the PIE? 42:178–82 Putting the User First in Virtual Information Ser- CHILDREN’S LITERATURE D vices, 42:383–87 Neat as a New Pin: An Interview with Mem Fox ELECTRONIC RESOURCES (“Book Talk”), 42:224–25 DAISY CONSORTIUM Managing Full-Text Electronic Serials (“Tech A Very Harry Potter Halloween (“Verso”), 42:75 The DAISY Consortium, 42:46 Talk”), 42:228–29 CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS Danley, Elizabeth ELKHART PUBLIC LIBRARY (Ind.) Kids Share Love of Reading as Neighborhood The Public Children’s Librarian as Educator, Electronic Ordering: We Did It Our Way (“Per- Book Buddies (“Tales”), 42:12–13 42:98–101 spectives”), 42:150–52 Starbucks Staff Storytellers Trained by Fort Worth D.C. LIBRARY RENAISSANCE PROJECT ELLISON, BROOKE PL Staff (“Tales”), 42:146 Ralph Nader’s D.C. Library Renaissance Project Librarians Made My Education Possible: An In- A Very Harry Potter Halloween (“Verso”), 42:75 (“Grants”), 42:231 terview with Brook Ellison (“Book Talk”), Westbury PL Holds the “Westys” (“Tales”), Deane, Gary 42:22–23 42:350 Bridging the Value Gap: Getting Past Professional ELSNER, EDWARD CHILDREN’S SERVICES Values to Customer Value in the Public Li- Public Libraries Authors Feted during President’s More Than “May I Help You”: The Assertive brary, 42:315–19 Reception (“News”), 42:320–21 Children’s Librarian (“Verso”), 42:73–74 DeFORD, FRANK EMMETT PUBLIC LIBRARY (Id.) The Public Children’s Librarian as Educator, A Man of Letters: An Interview with Frank De- Challenge Your Library to Serve Challenged Indi- 42:98–101 Ford (“Book Talk”), 42:88–90 viduals (“Perspectives”), 42:16–17 Clark, Joan Diamant-Cohen, Betsy, and Dina Sherman ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE The Future of Public Libraries . . . Today! (“Per- Hand in Hand: Museums and Libraries Working Foreign-Language Collections in the Public Li- spectives”), 42:81 Together, 42:102–5 brary (“Perspectives”), 42:354–55 Clay, Edwin S. DISABLED PATRONS A Passion for Cultural Understanding Makes Content Management and Library Web Sites AccessAbility @ Cleveland Public Library, “Let’s Talk English” a Success (“Verso”), (“Verso”), 42:278–79 42:28–31 42:144–45 CLEVELAND HEIGHTS-UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS ASCLA Advocates for People with Disabilities ENOCH PRATT FREE LIBRARY (Md.) PUBLIC LIBRARY (OH) (“News”), 42:55 CYC Programs Benefit from Foundation’s Gen- How Cleveland Serves the Deaf Community (“In- Disabilities in the Library (“Perspectives”), erosity (“Tales”), 42:219, 231 terViews”), 42:20–21 42:14–19 ENVIRONMENT CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY (OH) Librarians Made My Education Possible: An In- It’s Not Easy Being Green, But It Sure Is Fun: Sus- AccessAbility @ Cleveland Public Library, terview with Brook Ellison (“Book Talk”), tainability Programming at the Ann Arbor Dis- 42:28–31 42:22–23 trict Library, 42:232–38

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The Missoula Public Library Helps Build a Sus- FUND RAISING HEARING IMPAIRED PATRONS tainable Community, 42:242 Barnes and Noble Book Fairs Benefit North Car- How Cleveland Serves the Deaf Community (“In- EUGENE PUBLIC LIBRARY (Ore.) olina Public Library (“Tales”), 42:77 terViews”), 42:20–21 Eugene (Ore.) Public Library Receives Giehart Be- Magazine Sponsorships (“Tales”), 42:146 Huh? What? Interacting with Your Hard of Hear- quest (“Grants”), 42:95 Shop for the Library (“Tales”), 42:350–51 ing Patrons (“Verso”), 42:9–11 EVALUATION OF RESOURCES Solving the Mystery behind the Mystery Bottle Our Deaf Family Needs to Read, Too, 42:38–41 Web Site Awards As a Selection Tool for Librari- (“Tales”), 42:147 Signs of Success: ASL Access Opens the Door be- ans, 42:188–93 FURNISHINGS AND EQUIPMENT tween Deaf and Hearing (“Perspectives”), EVALUATION OF SERVICES What Goes Around: Telephone Reference Rotary 42:17–19 Really Looking at Customer Service (“From the Wheels, 42:309–14 Some Hearing Loss Organizations [sidebar], 42:9 President”), 42:69 TTY Information and Communication Access for Evans, Betty, and Ann Fuhrman G Libraries (“Tales”), 42:12 Saluting Secretaries with a Tribute to One of Their Henderson, Harriet Own (“Verso”), 42:213–14 Germain, Carol Anne. See Kessler, Jane The Future of Public Libraries . . . Today! (“Per- Evans, Sherry Gill, Diana. See Ferguson, Brent spectives”), 42:80 But I Only Want to Read Books with Happy End- GLENDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY (Ariz.) HERRERA, LUIS ings: Strategies for a Successful Library Adult Glendale (Ariz.) Public Library Awarded Grant Herrera Begins Term as President of PLA Book Discussion Group (“Verso”), 42:347–49 (“Grants”), 42:231 (“News”), 42:320 EXHIBITS GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS Herrera, Luis Celebrate RCPL and Maurice Sendak (“Tales”), Electric Documents to the People (“Tech Talk”), It’s Our Turn (“From the President”), 42:343 42:218–19 42:362–63, 366 Leading in Tough Times (“From the President”), Lewis and Clark Expedition Exhibit at the Library Locating Public Records: Not an Easy Task (“In- 42:211 of Congress (“Tales”), 42:282 ternet Spotlight”), 42:24–25 Making a Difference (“From the President”), GRANTS. See also Opportunities, Awards, Honors 42:275 F (column) Herzog, Susan. See Bryan, Robin BPL’s Biggest Donor to Be Honored (“Tales”), HIGHLANDS RANCH LIBRARY (Colo.) FAIR USE 42:76 Lions Donate Open Book Software (“Tales”), 42:13 Understanding and Protecting Fair Use (“Inter- How to Google a Grant (“Opportunities”), Hildreth, Susan Views”), 42:288–89 42:298 The Future of Public Libraries . . . Today! (“Per- FAIRFAX COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY (Va.) Some Suggested Sources for Library Grants, spectives”), 42:79 Fairfax County: Gateway to the “E” (“Perspec- 42:217 Hilyard, Nann Blaine tives”), 42:149 Surviving Your First Year As Library Director Disabilities in the Library (“Perspectives”), FARGO PUBLIC LIBRARY (N.D.) (“Verso”), 42:215–17, 223 42:14–19 Outreach Services in Fargo (“Perspectives”), “You Want Us to Do What?” 42:44 Our Trusty Trustees (“Perspectives”), 42:220–23 42:15 Green, Donald W. The Public Library Funding Crunch: A Decennial Farmer, Lesley The Responsibility of Library Trustees (“Perspec- Event? (“Perspectives”), 42:284–87 Teen Library Volunteers (“Verso”), 42:141–42 tives”), 42:220–21 Hirst, Amanda. See Harkovitch, Michael Farrelly, Michael Garrett HISTORY A Very Harry Potter Halloween (“Verso”), 42:75 H Kansas City Public Library’s New Digital Local Fender, Penny History Database (“Perspectives”), 42:152 Stories That Have Heart: An Interview with James Hage, Christine Lind Hoffman, Herbert H. Lee Burke (“Book Talk”), 42:157–58 The Future of Public Libraries . . . Today! (“Per- Better Recall of Exact Work Titles in Online Cat- Ferguson, Brent, and Diana Gill spectives”), 42:80 alogs (“Verso”), 42:344–46 Electronic Ordering: We Did It Our Way (“Per- Hale, Martha L. Hole, Wanda. See Holt, Cynthia spectives”), 42:150–52 Stories in the Workplace, 42:166–70 Holt, Cynthia, and Wanda Hole FICTION Hall, Matthew L. Training Rewards and Challenges of Serving Li- PUBLIB Best Books, 2002: Public Librarians Se- Public to Academic: Reflections for Librarians brary Users with Disabilities, 42:34–37 lect Their Favorite Fiction, 42:158, 202 Who Are Considering the Switch (“Inter- HOMEBOUND PATRONS FILTERING Views”), 42:154–56 Your Books Are in the Mail: Launching a Books Filters: A Checklist for Product Selection, 42:279 HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE by Mail Program, 42:47–50 FLORIDA, STATE LIBRARY OF Simmons, Hampshire Colleges Host Mass. Center Honors (column). See Opportunities, Awards, Hon- “My Florida” Web Portal (“Perspectives”), for the Book (“Tales”), 42:218 ors (column) 42:148–49 Harkovitch, Michael, Amanda Hirst, and Jennifer Howard, Dawn FOREIGN LANGUAGE MATERIALS Loomis From the Librarian’s Perspective (“Perspectives”), Foreign-Language Collections in the Public Li- Intellectual Freedom in Belief and Practice, 42:14 brary (“Perspectives”), 42:354–55 42:367–74 HOWARD COUNTY LIBRARY (Md.) FORT WORTH PUBLIC LIBRARY (Tex.) Harris, Pam Howard County Library at Technology’s Cutting Starbucks Staff Storytellers Trained by Fort Worth Public Library: All Are Welcome: A Personal Jour- Edge (“Tales”), 42:147, 350 PL Staff (“Tales”), 42:146 ney (“Perspectives”), 42:352–53 Hughes, Kathleen FOX, MEM HARRY POTTER SERIES Book Lust: An Interview with Nancy Pearl Neat as a New Pin: An Interview with Mem Fox A Very Harry Potter Halloween (“Verso”), 42:75 (“Book Talk”), 42:358–59, 366 (“Book Talk”), 42:224–25 HARTMAN, ROCHELLE The Hollywood Librarian: An Interview with Ann FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY Rochelle Hartman to Edit New Public Libraries M. Seidl (“InterViews”), 42:81 Friends Book Sale Earns $128,000 (“Tales”), column, 42:95 42:76 Hartman, Rochelle I From the President (column) How to Google a Grant (“Opportunities”), It’s Our Turn [Herrera], 42:343 42:298–99 IMAGE OF LIBRARIANS Leading in Tough Times [Herrera], 42:211 Opportunities, Awards, Honors (column), The Hollywood Librarian: An Interview with Ann Making a Difference [Herrera], 42:275 42:94–95, 230–31, 298–99, 364–66 M. Seidl (“InterViews”), 42:81–85 Read Anything Good Lately? [Pinder], 42:139 Primer on IMLS/LSTA (“Opportunities”), 42:364 Librarian Chic, 42:225 Really Looking at Customer Service [Pinder], 42:69 HAWAII STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Yesterday I Started a New Job [Pinder], 42:7 Friends Book Sale Earns $128,000 (“Tales”), Researchers Online Toolkit (“Tech Talk”), 42:93, Fuhrman, Ann. See Evans, Betty 42:76 121

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INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SER- Extra! Extra! Extra! Read All about It! Funda- of Congress (“Tales”), 42:282 VICES (IMLS) mentals of Good Press Releases, 42:300–2 The Library of Congress Online: Part 1 (“Internet Primer on IMLS/LSTA (“Opportunities”), 42:364 King, David Spotlight”), 42:91–92 Instructions to Authors, 42:62–63 Kansas City Public Library’s New Digital Local The Library of Congress Online: Part 2 (“Internet INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM History Database (“Perspectives”), 42:152 Spotlight”), 42:159–61 Intellectual Freedom in Belief and Practice, Taking the Wireless Plunge in Kansas City (“Per- LIBRARY RESEARCH 42:367–74 spectives”), 42:148 The College Connection: Using Academic Support INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY KING COUNTY LIBRARY (Wash.) to Conduct Public Library Surveys, 42:375–78 Understanding and Protecting Fair Use (“Inter- Information Brochures in Multiple Languages LIBRARY SCHOOLS Views”), 42:288–89 (“Tales”), 42:13 Views from the Schools: The Ideas, Concerns, and INTERLIBRARY COOPERATION Kirkpatrick, Lois M. Perspectives of Library and Information Sci- Southeast Michigan Libraries Go the Extra Mile Fairfax County: Gateway to the “E” (“Perspec- ence Students (“Perspectives”), 42:352–57 (“Tales”), 42:13 tives”), 42:149 LIBRARY SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY ACT INTERNET. See also Internet Spotlight (column) KRULL, SHIRLEY (LSTA) Internet Link for Laptops (“Tales”), 42:283 Friends and Volunteers Honored (“Honors”), Primer on IMLS/LSTA (“Opportunities”), 42:364 James Earl Jones Helps Library Unveil Informa- 42:364–65 LIBRARY TRUSTEES tion Station at Wal-Mart (“Tales”), 42:283 Surviving Your First Year As Library Director Multimedia on the Web (“Tech Talk”), 42:296–97 L (“Verso”), 42:215–17, 223 Web Site Awards As a Selection Tool for Librari- Yesterday I Started a New Job (“From the Presi- ans, 42:188–93 Lattin, Adrienne dent”), 42:7 Internet Spotlight (column) Who Do You Serve? (“Perspectives”), 42: LITERACY Alternative Online Book Review Resources, 353–54 Firstfind.info a great find (“Tales”), 42:282 42:226–27 LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY (Kans.) Our Deaf Family Needs to Read, Too, 42:38–41 The Library of Congress Online: Part 1, 42:91–92 Young Adult Advisory Board (“Tales”), 42:147 A Passion for Cultural Understanding Makes “Let’s The Library of Congress Online: Part 2, LEADERSHIP Talk English” a Success (“Verso”), 42:144–45 42:159–61 Leadership Institute Addresses Library Manage- Loomis, Jennifer. See Harkovitch, Michael Library Web Page and Online Catalog Directories, ment in a Technological Future (“Tales”), 42:294–95 42:76 M Locating Public Records: Not an Easy Task, Lester, June, and Connie Van Fleet 42:24–25 Oklahoma’s Certification for Public Librarians Machado, Julie, and Stephen Tchudi Public Library Research Link Collections, Program and the Institute in Public Librarian- Lifescapes: A Writing and Reading Program for 42:360–61 ship, 42:245–51 Senior Citizens, 42:379–82 InterViews (column) LEXINGTON PUBLIC LIBRARY (Ky.) MacMillan, Kathleen Kelly The Hollywood Librarian: An Interview with Ann James Earl Jones Helps Library Unveil Informa- Signs of Success: ASL Access Opens the Door be- M. Seidl, 42:81–85 tion Station at Wal-Mart (“Tales”), 42:283 tween Deaf and Hearing (“Perspectives”), How Cleveland Serves the Deaf Community, Lexington Public Library Given History Award 42:17–19 42:20–21 (“Honors”), 42:298 Mahaffey, Laurie Public to Academic: Reflections for Librarians Who Radio Eye Highlights New Lineup on Library Giving Someone a Chance (“Perspectives”), Are Considering the Switch, 42:154–56 Channel 20 (“Tales”), 42:13 42:14–15 Tax Deferred Retirement Investing for Public Li- World’s Largest Ceiling Clock Gives Library a MANAGEMENT brary Employees, 42:86–87 Face Lift (“Tales”), 42:219 Experiences of Early-Career Public Library Direc- Understanding and Protecting Fair Use, 42: LIBRARIANS WITH DISABILITIES tors, 42:252–54 288–89 Giving Someone a Chance (“Perspectives”), Libraries Sign Up for “Mutual Aid” (“Tales”), INVESTING 42:14–15 42:147 Tax Deferred Retirement Investing for Public Li- From the Librarian’s Perspective (“Perspectives”), Surviving Your First Year As Library Director brary Employees (“InterViews”), 42: 42:14 (“Verso”), 42:215–17, 223 86–87 LIBRARY BUILDINGS MANSFIELD/RICHLAND COUNTY PUBLIC LI- Challenge Your Library to Serve Challenged Indi- BRARY (Ohio) J viduals (“Perspectives”), 42:16–17 The View from Mansfield (“Perspectives”), World’s Largest Ceiling Clock Gives Library a 42:286–87 JACKSON-GEORGE REGIONAL LIBRARY SYS- Face Lift (“Tales”), 42:219 MARKETING TEM LIBRARY CARDS You Can Get There from Here!: A Marketing and Two Thompsons Responsible for $500K Gifts to Nashville PL and Baptist Hospital Launch “Say- Public Relations Program for Montana Li- Libraries (“Grants”), 42:299 ing I Love You through Reading” (“Tales”), braries, 42:117–21 JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY (Colo.) 42:350 Marquis, Solina Kasten Library’s Own Story Published (“Tales”), 42:231 LIBRARY CATALOGS Collections and Services for the Spanish-Speaking: Speakers Ready to Tell the Library Story Better Recall of Exact Work Titles in Online Cat- Accessibility, 42:172–77 (“Tales”), 42:146–47 alogs (“Verso”), 42:344–46 Collections and Services for the Spanish-Speaking: Jones, Patrick Library Web Page and Online Catalog Directories Issues and Resources, 42:106–11 A Man of Letters: An Interview with Frank De- (“Internet Spotlight”), 42:294–95 Mates, Barbara T. Ford (“Book Talk”), 42:88–90 LIBRARY HISTORY AccessAbility @ Cleveland Public Library, 42:28–31 Jordan, Mary Wilkins Library’s Own Story Published (“Tales”), 42:231 Mazin, Beth, and Eleanor Sathan Surviving Your First Year As Library Director Saluting Secretaries with a Tribute to One of Their MHL-Mail: E-mail Alert Newsletter (“Perspec- (“Verso”), 42:215–17, 223 Own (“Verso”), 42:213–14 tives”), 42:150 LIBRARY INSTRUCTION McCain, Mimi K The Public Children’s Librarian as Educator, What’s So Special about Special Needs? 42: 42:98–101 50–54 KANSAS CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY (Mo.) Teaching Library Skills through Technology McGrath, Renée Vaillancourt Kansas City Public Library’s New Digital Local (“Tech Talk”), 42:26–27 AccessAbilities (“Editor’s Note”), 42:6 History Database (“Perspectives”), 42:152 Training Rewards and Challenges of Serving Li- The Career of Our Dreams (“Editor’s Note”), Taking the Wireless Plunge in Kansas City (“Per- brary Users with Disabilities, 42:34–37 42:274, 276–77 spectives”), 42:148 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS From Greeting Cards to the Classics (“Editor’s Kessler, Jane, and Carol Anne Germain Lewis and Clark Expedition Exhibit at the Library Note”), 42:68, 70

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Learning from the Past (“Editor’s Note”), 42:342, Library Commission Announces Accreditation for Peaseley, Bob. See Bryan, Robin 357 Nebraska Public Libraries (“Tales”), PECK, RICHARD Meet New People and Make Friends (“Editor’s 42:218–19, 231 Author Peck Wins Anne V. Zarrow Award (“Hon- Note”), 42:210 Needham, George ors”), 42:94 Our Friends in Academia (“Editor’s Note), The Future of Public Libraries . . . Today! (“Per- Pergander, Mary 42:138, 142 spectives”), 42:78 Experiences of Early-Career Public Library Direc- McGrorty, Michael Nesting, Vicki tors, 42:252–54 A Message to the Bridge (“Perspectives”), New Product News (column), 42:60–61, 63, PERSONALIZED INFORMATION ENVIRON- 42:356–57 129–30, 200–1, 264–66, 327–30, 394–95 MENTS McKenna, Janet Nevill, Diane Personalized Information Environments: Do Pub- Huh? What? Interacting with Your Hard of Hear- A Passion for Cultural Understanding Makes lic Libraries Want a Slice of the PIE? ing Patrons (“Verso”), 42:9–11 “Let’s Talk English” a Success (“Verso”), 42:178–82 McKENZIE, JOE 42:144–45 Perspectives (column) McKenzie Award Support Staff Honor (“Hon- NEVINS MEMORIAL LIBRARY (Mass.) Cutting-Edge Technologies and Services, ors”), 42:298 A Trustee’s Perspective (“Perspectives”), 42:221 42:148–53 McQueen, Sharon, and Douglas L. Zweizig NEW JERSEY NIGHTLINE Disabilities in the Library, 42:14–19 What Goes Around: Telephone Reference Rotary Appetizers for the Brain (“Tales”), 42:146 The Future of Public Libraries . . . Today!, Wheels, 42:309–14 New Product News (column), 42:60–61, 63, 42:78–81, 85 MEMORIAL HALL LIBRARY (Andover, Mass.) 129–30, 200–1, 264–66, 327–30, 394–95 Our Trusty Trustees, 42:220–23 MHL-Mail: E-mail Alert Newsletter (“Perspec- NEW YORK LIBRARIES The Public Library Funding Crunch: A Decennial tives”), 42:150 New York Online Performer Database (“Tales”), Event? 42:284–87 MENTAL ILLNESS 42:282–83 Views from the Schools: The Ideas, Concerns, and Deinstitutionalization of People with Mental Ill- NEWBERG PUBLIC LIBRARY (Ore.) Perspectives of Library and Information Sci- ness: Challenges and Solutions for Libraries Magazine Sponsorships (“Tales”), 42:146 ence Students, 42:352–57 (“Verso”), 42:280–81 NEWBURYPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY (Mass.) PHOENIX PUBLIC LIBRARY (Ariz.) MENTORING What’s New @ Our Library: Adaptive Technology Training Rewards and Challenges of Serving Li- Libraries Sign Up for “Mutual Aid” (“Tales”), (“Perspectives”), 42:15–16 brary Users with Disabilities, 42:28–31 42:147 News from PLA (column), 42:55, 63, 122–24, 194, What’s So Special about Special Needs? 42:50–54 Mercado, Andrea 261, 320–21, 388–89 Pifner, Karen. See Steinberg, David Public Library Research Link Collections (“Inter- NEWSLETTERS Pinder, Jo Ann net Spotlight”), 42:360–61 MHL-Mail: E-mail Alert Newsletter (“Perspec- The Future of Public Libraries . . . Today! (“Per- MICHIGAN LIBRARY EXCHANGE tives”), 42:150 spectives”), 42:79 Southeast Michigan Libraries Go the Extra Mile Nogland, Abigail Read Anything Good Lately? (“From the Presi- (“Tales”), 42:13 How Cleveland Serves the Deaf Community (“In- dent”), 42:139 MILITARY FAMILIES terViews”), 42:20–21 Really Looking at Customer Service (“From the Operation Home Front (“Tales”), 42:282 NORTH CAROLINA PUBLIC LIBRARIES President”), 42:69 Miller, Ellen G. Barnes and Noble Book Fairs Benefit North Car- Yesterday I Started a New Job (“From the Presi- The Future of Public Libraries . . . Today! (“Per- olina Public Library (“Tales”), 42:77 dent”), 42:7 spectives”), 42:78–79 NORTHEAST TEXAS LIBRARY SYSTEMS Pittman-Hassett, Shedrick T. MISSOULA PUBLIC LIBRARY (Mont.) Friends and Volunteers Honored [Verna Cage] Web Site Awards As a Selection Tool for Librari- The Missoula Public Library Helps Build a Sus- (“Honors”), 42:364–65 ans, 42:188–93 tainable Community, 42:242 Pitts, Susie MOHAWK VALLEY LIBRARY SYSTEM (N.Y.) O Working while Going to School Online (“Perspec- Readers Wanted for BookTalk Web Site (“Tales”), tives”), 42:355–56 42:76 Oberlander, Rebecca PLA MONROE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM (N.Y.) Teaching Our Communities about Public Li- 2003 Spring Symposium Wrap-Up (“News”), Leadership Institute Addresses Library Manage- braries (“Perspectives”), 42:355 42:194 ment in a Technological Future (“Tales”), 42:76 O’Brien, Patrick Adoption of Proposed Bylaws (“News”), 42:261 MONTANA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION The Future of Public Libraries . . . Today! (“Per- PLA Election Results 2003 (“News”), 42:261 You Can Get There from Here!: A Marketing and spectives”), 42:79 PLA COMMITTEES Public Relations Program for Montana Li- OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY (N.J.) Making a Difference (“From the President”), braries, 42:117–21 Library Parking Is “Golden” in Township’s Eyes 42:275 Morning, Todd (“Tales”), 42:351 PLANNING Tax Deferred Retirement Investing for Public Li- OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARIES Nothing about Me without Me: Planning for Li- brary Employees (“InterViews”), 42:86–87 Oklahoma’s Certification for Public Librarians brary Services for People with Disabilities, MOTION PICTURES Program and the Institute in Public Librarian- 42:42–46 The Hollywood Librarian: An Interview with Ann ship, 42:245–51 POETRY M. Seidl (“InterViews”), 42:81–85 Oliver, Kent There’s Always Tomorrow: The Bad Day Poem, MULTIMEDIA. See Audiovisual Materials Planning Eases the Pain (“Perspectives”), 42:124 MUSEUMS 42:284–85 POLLY, JEAN ARMOUR Hand in Hand: Museums and Libraries Working Opportunities, Awards, Honors (column), Strong and Polly Win Twenty-First Century Li- Together, 42:102–5 42:94–95, 230–31, 298–99, 364–66 brarian Awards (“Honors”), 42:94 OUTREACH Prabha, Chandra, and Raymond D. Irwin N Information Brochures in Multiple Languages Public Libraries on the Web: An Assessment of (“Tales”), 42:13 Services, 42:255–60 NASHVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY (Tenn.) Outreach Services in Fargo (“Perspectives”), Proehlman, Ralph and Barbara Nashville PL and Baptist Hospital Launch “Saying I 42:15 A Trustee’s Perspective (“Perspectives”), 42:221 Love You through Reading” (“Tales”), 42:350 PROGRAMS. See also BOOK GROUPS NATIONAL LIBRARY SERVICE FOR THE P AccessAbility @ Cleveland Public Library, BLIND AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED 42:28–31 NLS Announces Two Telecommunications Initia- PEARL, NANCY But I Only Want to Read Books with Happy End- tives Available to the Blind (“Tales”), 42:12 Book Lust: An Interview with Nancy Pearl ings: Strategies for a Successful Library Adult NEBRASKA PUBLIC LIBRARIES (“Book Talk”), 42:358–59, 366 Book Discussion Group (“Verso”), 42:347–49

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It’s Not Easy Being Green, But It Sure Is Fun: Sus- College Access Programs and Services, 42:184–87 The Salt Lake City Public Library Zine Collection, tainability Programming at the Ann Arbor Dis- Intellectual Freedom in Belief and Practice, 42:232–38 trict Library, 42:232–8 42:367–74 SERIALS, ELECTRONIC Library Lovers Unite on Valentine’s Day What Goes Around: Telephone Reference Rotary Managing Full-Text Electronic Serials (“Tech (“Tales”), 42:77 Wheels, 42:309–14 Talk”), 42:228–29 The Missoula Public Library Helps Build a Sus- RETIREMENT SERVICE TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES tainable Community, 42:242 Tax Deferred Retirement Investing for Public Li- McGrath, Renée Vaillancourt New York Online Performer Database (“Tales”), brary Employees (“InterViews”), 42:86–87 AccessAbilities (“Editor’s Note”), 42:6 42:282–83 RICHLAND COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY (S.C.) SEWICKLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY (Pa.) A Passion for Cultural Understanding Makes Celebrate RCPL and Maurice Sendak (“Tales”), Internet Link for Laptops (“Tales”), 42:283 “Let’s Talk English” a Success (“Verso”), 42:218–19 Sherman, Dina. See Diamant-Cohen, Betsy 42:144–45 Richmond, John Simmons, Carol Simmons, Hampshire Colleges Host Mass. Center Hard Times for These Times (“Perspectives”), The Future of Public Libraries . . . Today! (“Per- for the Book (“Tales”), 42:218 42:285–86 spectives”), 42:80 PUBLIC LIBRARIES Ries-Taggart, Jennifer T. SIMMONS COLLEGE The Fragile Future of Public Libraries, 42:303–8 Tales from the Front (column), 42:12–13, 76–77, Simmons, Hampshire Colleges Host Mass. Center The Future of Public Libraries . . . Today! (“Per- 146–47, 218–19, 231, 282–83, 350–51 for the Book (“Tales”), 42:218 spectives”), 42:78–81, 85 Robinson, Charles W. Simon, James, and Kurt Schlichting Views from the Schools: The Ideas, Concerns, and The Future of Public Libraries . . . Today! (“Per- The College Connection: Using Academic Support Perspectives of Library and Information Sci- spectives”), 42:81 to Conduct Public Library Surveys, 42:375–78 ence Students (“Perspectives”), 42: Rodger, Eleanor Jo SPANISH-SPEAKING PATRONS 352–57 The Future of Public Libraries . . . Today! (“Per- Collections and Services for the Spanish-Speaking: PUBLIC LIBRARIES spectives”), 42:80–81 Accessibility, 42:172–77 Learning from the Past (“Editor’s Note”), 42:342, Rodriguez, Rosa, and Monica Reed Collections and Services for the Spanish-Speaking: 357 Our Deaf Family Needs to Read, Too, 42:38–41 Issues and Resources, 42:106–11 Public Libraries Authors Feted during President’s ROUND ROCK PUBLIC LIBRARY (Tex.) SPARANESE, ANN Reception (“News”), 42:320–21 Round Rock (Tex.) Public Library Receives Burel- Sparanese Futas Catalyst for Change Winner PUBLIC LIBRARY DATA SERVICE bach Bequest (“Grants”), 42:95 (“Honors”), 42:366 News, 42:261 Ruark, Jean SPRINGFIELD LIBRARY (Mass.) PUBLIC RELATIONS The View from Mansfield (“Perspectives”), “You Want Us to Do What?” 42:44 Extra! Extra! Extra! Read All about It! Funda- 42:286–87 STARK COUNTY DISTRICT LIBRARY (Ohio) mentals of Good Press Releases, 42:300–2 Ruschman, Paul Planning Eases the Pain (“Perspectives”), 42: Speakers Ready to Tell the Library Story There’s Always Tomorrow: The Bad Day Poem, 284–85 (“Tales”), 42:146–47 42:124 STAUNTON PUBLIC LIBRARY (Va.) Stories in the Workplace, 42:166–70 Russell, Carrie Wi-Fi Internet Access at the Staunton Public Li- Teaching Our Communities about Public Li- Understanding and Protecting Fair Use (“Inter- brary (“Perspectives”), 42:149–50 braries (“Perspectives”), 42:355 Views”), 42:288–89 Steinberg, David, and Karen Pifner You Can Get There from Here!: A Marketing and Wi-Fi Internet Access at the Staunton Public Li- Public Relations Program for Montana Li- S brary (“Perspectives”), 42:149–50 braries, 42:117–21 STORYTELLING Pye, Michele, and Sue Yates SAFETY HARBOR PUBLIC LIBRARY (Fla.) Starbucks Staff Storytellers Trained by Fort Worth Putting the User First in Virtual Information Ser- Our Deaf Family Needs to Read, Too, 42:38–41 PL Staff (“Tales”), 42:146 vices, 42:383–87 SALT LAKE CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY (Utah) Strauss, Karen The Salt Lake City Public Library Zine Collection, Your Books Are in the Mail: Launching a Books Q 42:232–38 by Mail Program, 42:47–50 SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY (Calif.) STRONG, GARY E. QUEENS BOROUGH PUBLIC LIBRARY (N.Y.) Your Books Are in the Mail: Launching a Books Strong and Polly Win Twenty-First Century Li- Firstfind.info a great find (“Tales”), 42:282 by Mail Program, 42:47–50 brarian Awards (“Honors”), 42:94 Quezada, Shelley Sathan, Eleanor. See Mazin, Beth Sullivan, Michael Nothing about Me without Me: Planning for Li- Saunders, Michelle The Fragile Future of Public Libraries, 42:303–8 brary Services for People with Disabilities, The Young Adult OutPost: A Library Just for SUMMER READING PROGRAMS 42:42–46 Teens, 42:113–16 37,640 Kids and Teens Flipped Over Summer SCHAPER, LOUISE Reading Program (“Tales”), 42:77 R Schaper Named 21st Century Librarian of the SURVEYS Year (“Honors”), 42:365 The College Connection: Using Academic Support READERS ADVISORY SERVICES SCHATZ, JEN to Conduct Public Library Surveys, 42:375–78 Readers Wanted for BookTalk Web Site (“Tales”), A Warm Welcome, 42:127 SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMMING 42:76 Schlichting, Kurt. See Simon, James It’s Not Easy Being Green, But It Sure Is Fun: Sus- READING Sears, Debra tainability Programming at the Ann Arbor Dis- From Greeting Cards to the Classics (“Editor’s “My Florida” Web Portal (“Perspectives”), trict Library, 42:232–38 Note”), 42:68, 70 42:148–49 The Missoula Public Library Helps Build a Sus- PUBLIB Best Books, 2002: Public Librarians Se- SEIDL, ANN M. tainable Community, 42:242 lect Their Favorite Fiction, 42:158, 202 The Hollywood Librarian: An Interview with Ann Read Anything Good Lately? (“From the Presi- M. Seidl (“InterViews”), 42:81–85 T dent”), 42:139 SENDAK, MAURICE RECRUITMENT Celebrate RCPL and Maurice Sendak (“Tales”), Tales from the Front (column), 42:12–13, 76–77, ALA Divisions AASL, ACRL, and PLA Announce 42:218–19 146–47, 218–19, 231, 282–83, 350–51 Cooperative Recruitment Effort (“News”), SENIOR CITIZENS Tchudi, Stephen. See Machado, Julie 42:55, 63 Library Parking Is “Golden” in Township’s Eyes Tech Talk (column) PLA and Job Shadow Day (“News”), 42:389 (“Tales”), 42:351 Managing Full-Text Electronic Serials, 42:228–29 Reed, Monica. See Rodriguez, Rosa Lifescapes: A Writing and Reading Program for Multimedia on the Web, 42:296–97 REFERENCE SERVICES Senior Citizens, 42:379–82 Researchers Online Toolkit (“Tech Talk”), 42:93, Appetizers for the Brain (“Tales”), 42:146 SERIALS 121

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Resource Management Systems, 42:162–63 We Survived Teen Mystery Night! (“Tales”), Wilson, Paula Teaching Library Skills through Technology, 42:76–77 Electric Documents to the People (“Tech Talk”), 42:26–27 VIRTUAL INFORMATION SERVICES. See 42:362–63, 366 TECHNOLOGY ELECTRONIC REFERENCE SERVICES Managing Full-Text Electronic Serials (“Tech Cutting-Edge Technologies and Services (“Per- VISUALLY IMPAIRED PATRONS Talk”), 42:228–29 spectives”), 42:148–53 The DAISY Consortium, 42:46 Multimedia on the Web (“Tech Talk”), 42:296–97 Resource Management Systems (“Tech Talk”), Lions Donate Open Book Software (“Tales”), Researchers Online Toolkit (“Tech Talk”), 42:93, 42:162–63 42:13 121 TETON COUNTY LIBRARY (Wyo.) NLS Announces Two Telecommunications Initia- Resource Management Systems (“Tech Talk”), Teens Look to the Library for Journaling Inspira- tives Available to the Blind (“Tales”), 42:12 42:162–63 tion (“Tales”), 42:218 Radio Eye Highlights New Lineup on Library Teaching Library Skills through Technology TOLEDO-LUCAS PUBLIC LIBRARY (Ohio) Channel 20 (“Tales”), 42:13 (“Tech Talk”), 42:26–27 Toledo-Lucas (Ohio) Public Library Receives Area VOLUNTEERS WINCHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY (Mass.) Office on Aging Grant (“Grants”), 42:95 Teen Library Volunteers (“Verso”), 42:141–42 Winchester Public Library Gets Top Honors for TRACY, SUE Web Site (“Honors”), 42:364 Activist Librarians Lauded (“Honors”), 42: W Wing, Betty 365 The Missoula Public Library Helps Build a Sus- TRENDS WADHAM, TIM tainable Community, 42:242 The Fragile Future of Public Libraries, 42:303–8 Wadham Invited to Serve on Foundation for WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY The Future of Public Libraries . . . Today! (“Per- America’s Libraries Advisory Committee Howard County Library at Technology’s Cutting spectives”), 42:78–81, 85 (“Honors”), 42:94 Edge (“Tales”), 42:147, 350 TULSA CITY-COUNTY LIBRARY (Okla.) WEB SITES Internet Link for Laptops (“Tales”), 42:283 37,640 Kids and Teens Flipped Over Summer Content Management and Library Web Sites Taking the Wireless Plunge in Kansas City (“Per- Reading Program (“Tales”), 42:77 (“Verso”), 42:278–79 spectives”), 42:148 Embracing Technology at PLCMC (“Perspec- Wi-Fi Internet Access at the Staunton Public Li- V tives”), 42:152–53 brary (“Perspectives”), 42:149–50 Fairfax County: Gateway to the “E” (“Perspec- WOODLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY (Calif.) Vaillancourt, Renée. See McGrath, Renée Vaillan- tives”), 42:149 Shop for the Library (“Tales”), 42:350–51 court Firstfind.info a great find (“Tales”), 42:282 Worcester, Lea VALUES Library Web Page and Online Catalog Directories Personalized Information Environments: Do Pub- Bridging the Value Gap: Getting Past Professional (“Internet Spotlight”), 42:294–95 lic Libraries Want a Slice of the PIE? Values to Customer Value in the Public Li- “My Florida” Web Portal (“Perspectives”), 42:178–82 brary, 42:315–19 42:148–49 Van Fleet, Connie. See Lester, June Personalized Information Environments: Do Public Y VERMONT PUBLIC LIBRARY Libraries Want a Slice of the PIE? 42:178–82 Libraries Sign Up for “Mutual Aid” (“Tales”), Public Libraries on the Web: An Assessment of YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMS 42:147 Services, 42:255–60 CYC Programs Benefit from Foundation’s Gen- Verso (column) Public Library Research Link Collections (“Inter- erosity (“Tales”), 42:219, 231 Better Recall of Exact Work Titles in Online Cat- net Spotlight”), 42:360–61 Teen Library Volunteers (“Verso”), 42:141–42 alogs, 42:344–46 Readers Wanted for BookTalk Web Site (“Tales”), Teens Look to the Library for Journaling Inspira- But I Only Want to Read Books with Happy End- 42:76 tion (“Tales”), 42:218 ings: Strategies for a Successful Library Adult Weissman, Sara We Survived Teen Mystery Night! (“Tales”), Book Discussion Group, 42:347–49 Filters: A Checklist for Product Selection, 42:279 42:76–77 Content Management and Library Web Sites, Werle, Marsha Young Adult Advisory Board (“Tales”), 42:147 42:278–79 Challenge Your Library to Serve Challenged Indi- YOUNG ADULT SERVICES Deinstitutionalization of People with Mental Ill- viduals (“Perspectives”), 42:16–17 The Young Adult OutPost: A Library Just for ness: Challenges and Solutions for Libraries, WESTBURY PUBLIC LIBRARY (N.Y.) Teens, 42:113–16 42:280–81 Westbury PL Holds the “Westys” (“Tales”), Huh? What? Interacting with Your Hard of Hear- 42:350 Z ing Patrons, 42:9–11 WHITE PIGEON TOWNSHIP LIBRARY (Mich.) More Than “May I Help You”: The Assertive Friends and Volunteers Honored [Shirley Krull] Zauha, Janelle M. Children’s Librarian, 42:73–74 (“Honors”), 42:364–65 You Can Get There from Here!: A Marketing and Saluting Secretaries with a Tribute to One of Their WILLIAMS, JERILYNN ADAMS Public Relations Program for Montana Li- Own, 42:213–14 Montgomery County (Tex.) Librarian Wins PEN braries, 42:117–21 Teen Library Volunteers, 42:141–42 First Amendment Award (“Honors”), ZIARNIK, NATALIE A Very Harry Potter Halloween, 42:75 42:298–99 A Fond Farewell, 42:58 VIDEOS WILLIAMSBURG REGIONAL LIBRARY (Va.) Ziarnik, Natalie Signs of Success: ASL Access Opens the Door be- Kids Share Love of Reading as Neighborhood By the Book (column), 42:56–57 tween Deaf and Hearing (“Perspectives”), Book Buddies (“Tales”), 42:12–13 Neat as a New Pin: An Interview with Mem Fox 42:17–19 Solving the Mystery behind the Mystery Bottle (“Book Talk”), 42:224–25 VIRGINIA BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY (“Tales”), 42:147 Zweizig, Douglas. See McQueen, Sharon

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