Annual Conference Preview + Dining Guide P

June 2018

THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION New Orleans Annual Conference Preview + Dining Guide p. 62

Librarians in the Newsroom p. 40 Dewey’s #MeToo Moment p. 48

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™ June 2018

American Libraries | Volume 49 #6 | ISSN 0002-9769

COVER STORY 62 2018 Annual Conference Preview New Orleans June 21–26, 2018 EDITED BY Greg Landgraf 70 Big Easy Eats Dining, New Orleans–style BY Diana K. Schwam

FEATURES 32 Are Libraries Neutral? Highlights from the Midwinter President’s Program 40 Our Vocation Is Information Exploring the ways librarianship and journalism can work together BY Marcus Banks

48 44 An Overdue Discussion Two takes on the library-fine debate 40 BY Jenny Paxson and Sarah Houghton 48 Bringing Harassment out of the History Books Addressing the troubling aspects of Melvil Dewey’s legacy BY Anne Ford 54 The Librarian’s Guide 54 to Homelessness 32 Advice for managers and leaders from the director of a shelter BY Ryan J. Dowd

ON THE COVER: Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews. Photo by Mathieu Bitton. 24 88 28 26

UP FRONT TRENDS PERSPECTIVES 4 From the 20 When Ransomware Attacks IN PRACTICE Editor How three libraries handled cyberextortion 78 Beyond Fake News Big Ideas in BY Greg Landgraf BY Meredith Farkas the Big Easy 22 Restricting Books behind Bars DISPATCHES BY Sanhita SinhaRoy Books-to-prisoners groups face roadblocks 79 Data Security 9 From Our BY Timothy Inklebarger BY Nicole Hennig Readers 24 Bringing Libraries to WIC YOUTH MATTERS Public libraries and the Women, Infants, 80 Organizational Barriers ALA and Children program partner on early BY Linda W. Braun literacy and health 6 From the BY Terra Dankowski ON MY MIND President 81 How Do We Respond 26 Getting Blunt about Medical Marijuana Value and Impact to #MeToo? Libraries help educate would-be BY Jim Neal BY Shannon M. Oltmann cannabis consumers 8 From the BY Anne Ford LIBRARIAN’S LIBRARY Executive 82 Information Access for All SPOTLIGHT Director BY Karen Muller Modernizing 28 Supporting Middle School Reading Using a data dashboard to create a Our Association SOLUTIONS BY Mary Ghikas community of readers BY Kelsey Cohen 84 Reaching Patrons on the Go 12 Update Connecting library patrons What’s NEWSMAKER with digital resources happening 30 Hasan Minhaj at ALA The breakout star talks libraries, PEOPLE influences, and bringing data visualization to comedy 86 Announcements

PLUS THE BOOKEND 21 By the Numbers 88 Conservator of Carnival 29 Global Reach 31 Noted & Quoted 30

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Address: 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611 Big Ideas in the Big Easy Website: americanlibrariesmagazine.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-545-2433 plus extension Career Ads: JobLIST.ala.org ew Orleans is celebrating its 300th anniversary this year, and ALA members will have a chance INTERIM EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Sanhita SinhaRoy to join the festivities at the Annual Conference [email protected] | x4219 First stop Hansen’s and Exhibition later this month. Our team SENIOR EDITORS Sno-Bliz N in New Amy Carlton highlights some of the speakers, programs, events, and Orleans? [email protected] | x5105 networking opportunities in our conference preview Cemetery George M. Eberhart tours (p. 62). And if you missed the big news: Former First [email protected] | x4212 Lady Michelle Obama will keynote on June 22. Octavia Books ASSOCIATE EDITORS Also attending will be actor Emilio Estevez, who will Terra Dankowski An [email protected] | x5282 oyster screen his new film The Public and hold several Q&A bar Sanhita SinhaRoy Voodoo Phil Morehart sessions moderated by Ryan J. Dowd, author of The Museum [email protected] | x4218 Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness (ALA Editions, 2018), EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ASSISTANT which we excerpt on page 54. Carrie Smith [email protected] | x4216 If you attend Annual, be sure to explore New Orleans’ EDITOR-AT-LARGE The nearest rich history, culture, and culinary traditions, many of Anne Ford bikeshare dock which you can sample with the help of our “Big Easy [email protected] | x2157 Eats” dining guide by Diana K. Schwam (p. 70). ART DIRECTOR Port of Call Rebecca Lomax Another conference plug: American Libraries is proud bu rg e rs [email protected] | x4217 to present “So You Want to Podcast…” on June 24, mod- ADVERTISING erated by Phil Morehart, host of our Dewey Decibel pod- Michael Stack [email protected] | 847-367-7120 Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement. cast. A panel of librarian podcasters will guide attendees ALA reserves the right to refuse advertising. on how to start and maintain their own successful shows. PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT As for Dewey the person, Anne Ford looks at the con- Mary Mackay, Associate Executive Director troversial legacy of Melvil in the #MeToo era (p. 48). Mary Jo Bolduc, Rights, Permissions, Reprints | x5416 The feature provides resources for library workers seek- MEMBERSHIP ing materials on all forms of harassment. Ron Jankowski, Director Librarians and journalists have long shared many ADVISORY COMMITTEE professional values: each is committed to disseminat- Joseph M. Eagan (Chair), Lee A. Cummings, Christine Korytnyk Dulaney, Mary L. Hastler, Ben Allen Hunter, Jasmina ing information and building civic knowledge in their Jusic, Susan H. Polos. Intern: Lisa Anne Romano Celebrate communities. Marcus Banks—who is both a librarian Editorial policy: ALA Policy Manual, section A.8.2 New Orleans’ and journalist—explores the crossover roles of these two INDEXED vocations and how they’re a perfect partnership (p. 40). Available full text from ProQuest, EBSCO Publishing, H. W. Wilson, LexisNexis, Information Access, JSTOR. rich history, Librarians also have an affinity with the city and people of New Orleans. ALA’s 2006 Annual Conference SUBSCRIBE culture, and Libraries and other institutions: $74/year, 6 issues, US, Canada, was the first major meeting after Hurricane Katrina and Mexico; foreign: $84. Subscription price for individuals culinary in the then-beleaguered city, and residents to this day included in ALA membership dues. 800-545-2433 x5108, email [email protected], or visit ala.org. Claim missing issues: traditions remain grateful to librarians. When we assigned Susan ALA Member and Customer Service. Allow six weeks. Single Poag to photograph The Bookend (p. 88), we received issues $7.50, with 30% discount for five or more; contact Carrie during this reply: “People here still appreciate how [ALA was] Smith, 800-545-2433 x4216 or [email protected] the first major convention to be held in New Orleans PUBLISHED the city’s American Libraries (ISSN 0002-9769) is published 6 times following Katrina, and it really gave the city a boost.” yearly with occasional supplements by the American Library tricentennial. Hope to see you in New Orleans. Association (ALA). Printed in USA. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, Illinois, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Personal members: Send address changes to American Libraries, c/o Membership Records, ALA, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. ©2018 American Library Association. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without written permission from the publisher.

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Value and Impact Making progress toward strengthening the future of ALA, libraries

y service as president of the Amer- In the financial sphere, the new business ican Library Association (ALA) will development process has been reactivated, a end at the close of the 2018 ALA study on the future of the Association facility in Annual Conference and Exhibi- Chicago and the improvement of staff work areas tion in New Orleans. It has been a is moving forward, and major new investments in Mchallenging, provocative, and rousing year. We information technology, fundraising, and advo- have made important progress in several areas cacy have been approved. critical to the future vitality of the Association Some key initiatives have been launched and and the success of libraries. will continue during 2018–2019: expanded Perhaps the most pressing arena has been fed- support for library disaster relief; advocacy for Jim Neal eral funding for libraries and a wide range of leg- school libraries; improving the recruitment and islative and legal battles in areas like intellectual retention of a diverse library workforce; stronger freedom, privacy, net neutrality, copyright, and working relationships with national libraries and government information. We implemented the other library associations; and more rigorous ALA Policy Corps: individuals who will develop library data collection and analysis. deep and sustained knowledge of key policy sec- The Libraries Transform campaign is our com- tors and will receive training in legislative work pelling and consistent message to communicate and media engagement. We are also building a and celebrate the value and impact of libraries national network of library advocates, with the and library workers in lives and communities. A goal of at least one individual in each of the 435 new focus to this message is “Libraries Lead,” as congressional districts. we provide influence, innovation, and solutions Another priority has been the recruitment and in our organizations, communities, profession, appointment of a new ALA executive director. nation, and world. The first round of the search was not successful. I hope to see many of you at the Annual Confer- In January, Mary Ghikas—who had been serving ence in New Orleans, where there will be valuable as interim executive director—agreed to serve as opportunities for learning, sharing, networking, We have executive director through the 2020 Midwinter and fun. There will be a wide range of profes- made Meeting, where the goal is to introduce the new sional development opportunities, and the always executive director. The search will resume early valuable interaction with publishers and vendors important in 2019 as the matter of the educational require- on the exhibit floor. Come listen to the keynote progress, ments continues to be resolved. speakers we have recruited: Viola Davis, Tracy K. The future financial and organizational Smith, Jose Antonio Vargas, and Michelle Obama. but the ﬁght health of the Association has also been a key I have enjoyed meeting so many colleagues at to advance focus. A comprehensive review of the gover- state conferences and library visits. And I thank nance and organization of ALA is advancing. the Council and Executive Board, a powerhouse our mission Consultants are working with ALA on a review advisory committee, and the outstanding division and to of membership models and engagement, and presidents for their guidance. And as ALA presi- on communication and marketing. At the 2018 dent, nothing is possible without the assistance strengthen Annual Conference in New Orleans, there will be and support of the remarkable ALA staff. ALA changes that will help streamline and enhance the experience for attendees. And work has JIM NEAL is university librarian emeritus at Columbia goes on. begun on rethinking Midwinter. University in New York.

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Modernizing Our Association Working together to create an agile, more effective ALA

en months ago, I stepped into the role relationships and developing a sense of commu- of interim executive director of the nity, we need more focus, and we need to con- American Library Association (ALA) tinue the conversations. They say members need and then into the executive director flexible ways to participate meaningfully and that role. Much of my focus during the past ALA should be a safe place to learn and grow. Tmonths has been on working with the Executive If we—ALA leadership, division leadership, Board, ALA members and staff, and professional round table leadership, and staff—worked colleagues in many areas to examine the Associa- on this together, members report they would tion and its mission during a period of significant be more likely to step forward to help. People change and challenge. are more likely to trust leaders who can work Mary Ghikas In the November/December issue of American collaboratively in stressful times. Overall, people Libraries, ALA President Jim Neal issued a call believe we are stronger together and have more to ALA members to consider the 21st-century in common than we realize, but they also want effectiveness and agility of an organization with their differences heard and acknowledged. governance documents dating back more than The 2018 Midwinter discussions also indicated 140 years. He called for a review of ALA’s organi- a need for ALA to be relevant to everyone who zational effectiveness with the aim of revitalizing works in libraries, does work related to libraries, the Association. and supports libraries. There was a clearly At the 2018 Midwinter Meeting, members expressed desire for stronger attention to the needs of ALA Council, members of the Planning and and interests of library workers, suggesting that a Budget Assembly, and others responded to three comprehensive look at ALA might involve a look questions: What does our ideal organization do? at the ALA–Allied Professional Association. Those What does our ideal organization look like? What 300 responses also pointed to a focus on advocacy are three ways we can get there? and education, consistent relationship develop- We received more than 300 responses, which ment, collaboration, and a reduction in complexity were reviewed by the Executive Board’s working and redundancy. At the same time, there is a clear As we group on governance and organizational effective- tension between reducing complexity and redun- reexamine ness, a group that includes me, Andrew K. Pace, dancy and providing a home for everyone. Lessa K. Pelayo-Lozada, and Patricia “Patty” Wong. At the upcoming ALA Annual Conference—and ALA and The Midwinter discussions largely confirmed— in a series of web-based conversations—there its mission, and extended in important ways—earlier findings will be opportunity to explore a range of “what if” from a series of “Kitchen Table Conversations” questions. Over the next 18 months, we will work we must held by ALA: People want a welcoming, inclusive, together to accomplish the difficult work of nego- build trust, engaged, relevant, and supportive organization. tiating a solution in a highly participative and mul- But they’re also concerned that ALA’s complex- tifaceted organization. This work is important. As welcome ity makes it difficult to navigate and that the Maggie Farrell, a member of the Budget Analysis new ideas, Association needs to be more welcoming to new and Review Committee, noted: We need “a modern members and new ideas. Association for a modern profession.” and create As people talk more about these concerns, See you in New Orleans—and online. a sense of they talk about silos, bureaucracy, having too many choices, and there being too much “noise.” MARY GHIKAS is executive director of the American community. They say we need to concentrate on building Library Association.

8 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org from our READERS

most satisfying and easiest-to- there was anything here for The School Library Advocacy understand patrons, limiting our them. We have to stop perpetu- conversation I was pleased to encounter Jim profession in such a way does ating this myth if we’re all going Neal’s call for action and advo- us all a great disservice. School to survive. on which this cacy of school libraries (“Fight libraries, in particular—as the rest If we are going to advocate thread is based for School Libraries,” Mar./Apr., of Neal’s column makes clear—do for each other, for our profession, sure sums up this p. 4). Our world is divided not merely administer to regular for what we do and provide, we enough; as librarians, wherever patrons, mini-librarians, quiet must cease to limit ourselves by entire conference we work, we owe it to our profes- bookworms, or voracious read- aligning merely with book lovers. for me; I’m so sion and all the people we serve ers. By summing up our service The stereotype is tired and thrown about to understand the work done population as people “who love harmful. Libraries and librarians how to ethically by our peers in different types to read” we are excluding every- are so much more than that, as of libraries and champion the one who doesn’t and effectively American Libraries successfully balance my beliefs importance of them. I’m inspired telling them the library is not for shows us in every issue. in intellectual to engage with the ongoing them—sometimes for life. Those Emily Vieyra freedom battle for school libraries. four little words do just the oppo- Milwaukee However, I was pretty annoyed site of what Neal is asking for. and social with Neal’s phrasing in what As a public librarian, I see Thank you for your advocacy responsibility. could have been a quotable clar- patrons who think they are and support of school libraries. #alamw18 ion call. In the first paragraph he wasting my time because they The teachers and pupils in @THEMOONACCEPTS refers to “our collective work for don’t love to read and I obviously my high school of 2,000 stu- in response to “Are students who love to read….” must. I see patrons who have dents understand the value Libraries Neutral?” In 2018, librarians know that discovered the library in older and importance of our school (The Scoop, Feb. 12) we do not work just for people age because they’ve never been library—and all it has to offer— who love to read. While for readers and so never thought with regard to having a cer- many of us those may be the tified professional librarian, space, support for learning, instructional technology, information literacy, and reading choice. Convincing district administration is often more difficult. Dana Kepler Kansas City, Missouri

Remembering Z “Blazing Trails” (Jan./Feb., p. 38) reminded me of many pioneering African- American librarians who are no longer with us, notably Clara Stanton Jones and E. J. Josey, past presidents of the

FOLLOW US: @amlibraries facebook.com/amlibraries pinterest.com/amlibraries WRITE US: The editors welcome comments about recent content, online stories, and matters of professional interest. Submissions should be limited to 300 words and are subject to editing for clarity, style, and length. Send to [email protected] or American Libraries, From Our Readers, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611-2795.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 9 This is American Library Association In 2018, Tougaloo’s collections. I soon awesome. (ALA). They faced unheard-of found that she had developed an obstacles in pursuit of excel- librarians know outstanding collection for a small @BOOKSANDSASS lence. Several of them were liberal arts college library on a in response to mentors and advisors to me in that we do not meager budget. The card catalog “Inked RA” my early career, especially when also had exceptional bibliograph- (Mar./Apr., p. 14) I became ALA executive direc- work just for ic integrity. tor. I would like to pay a special people who On my last visit, she allowed tribute to a librarian who is illus- me to meet with her staff and ask trative of all the unsung African- love to read. their opinions of what the library American librarians who paved EMILY VIEYRA, Milwaukee needed. Then she invited me into the way. her office for tea and suddenly L. Zenobia Coleman was head stunned me by saying that she librarian of Tougaloo (Miss.) thought all the visits by mostly College, a historically black white faculty and staff from up institution north of Jackson, and assist. As a young librarian at north was a communist conspir- a 1940s graduate of the School Brown, I joined the delegations in acy. She thought that as soon as of Library Service at Columbia 1968 and 1969. things were running smoothly, University in New York. In the “Z” (as her staff and I called another group would come 1960s, Brown University became her) was a tiny woman who had down to disrupt operations with a sister school to Tougaloo and bright, intelligent eyes and a strange ideas and leave turmoil sent a delegation of faculty and sly smile. On my first visit, she behind. I sat there not knowing staff to Mississippi each spring to had me assess the quality of what to say to her frustrations.

10 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org That night I made a note in my considerable clarification on how I like the journal that has always reminded Opposed to Regulation he reached these conclusions. diversity here me of that encounter. As one who was there and lis- The call for accountability The Tougaloo College Library, tened to Tim Wu at the 2018 should raise red flags for advo- represented in a now appropriately named the Public Library Association cates of intellectual freedom. field that is L. Zenobia Coleman Library, is Conference in Philadelphia (“A Stating that “these companies overwhelmingly Z’s legacy. Her reaction to the Free and Public-Serving Inter- must start operating with a true wrenching changes that were net,” The Scoop, Mar. 26), his sense of fiduciary and public white. occurring in the 1960s may closing comments as reported duty or face regulatory conse- #librarianship have been atypical, but it spoke are accurate and are a point of quences” is a call for judgment #pocinlibraries to her efforts to understand a concern. His example of “Wiki- by government regulators on #librarylife world over which she had limited pedia as an example of what what Facebook and other web control and that was falling happens when your company companies are doing. Consider- @CHICALIBRARIAN apart. Many African-American mission is to serve the public” ing how the focus of government in response to “Emerging Leaders” (May, p. 36) librarians paid a price for the fails to underscore its inaccu- administrations can rapidly progress the civil rights move- racies and potential for abuse. change, do you want to trust a ment brought about—some with His suggestion that Facebook local, state, or federal official to lost jobs, undesirable reassign- has become a “machine of mass make these calls for you? When ments, or psychological distress. surveillance, time-suckingness, he said, “I hope the librarians are Let us not forget the sacrifices and mass manipulation” is on the same side as me as this they made. a generalization—especially one,” I for one am not. Robert Wedgeworth regarding surveillance and Jimmie E. Epling Chicago manipulation—that needs Hartsville, South Carolina

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americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 11 Brown Wins 2019–2020 ALA Presidency anda Brown, director of library services at Achievement, and in 2013 she C. G. O’Kelly Library at Winston-Salem (N.C.) received the UNCG School of WState University, has been elected president-elect Education Outstanding Alumni of the American Library Association (ALA). She defeated Achievement Award. Peter Hepburn, head librarian at College of the Canyons in Brown holds a bachelor’s Santa Clarita, California. Brown received 6,066 votes out of degree in English with a minor the 10,132 cast for president, while Hepburn received 4,066. in psychology from Winston- “It is truly an honor to be elected as the next ALA presi- Salem State University and an dent,” Brown said upon learning the election results. “I thank MLS from UNCG. you for the opportunity to lead. I look forward to working Brown will serve as closely with the membership in advocating for libraries, president-elect for one year Wanda Brown fostering diversity and inclusion, and demonstrating our before stepping into her role as profession’s value.” president at the close of the 2019 Annual Conference and An ALA member for 30 years, Brown is an active member Exhibition in Washington, D.C. of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), the Association for Library Collections and Technical Ser- Councilors elected vices (ALCTS), and the Library Leadership and Management Thirty-four ALA members have been elected as councilors- Association (LLAMA). She has served in multiple leadership at-large on the ALA Council for a three-year term. The term roles in each. begins at the close of the 2018 Annual Conference and Brown is the current treasurer of the Black Caucus of Exhibition in New Orleans and extends through the end of the American Library Association (BCALA). Previously she the 2021 Annual Conference and Exhibition in Chicago. Two served as its president and as an executive board member. members were elected to complete two-year terms, which She was the 2011–2013 president of the North Carolina Library begin immediately and expire at the end of the 2020 Annual Association (NCLA) and Conference and Exhibition, also in Chicago. has held various other BROWN positions with NCLA, Ballot measure results including treasurer and The proposed amendment to ALA Policy A.4.1.1, which 6,066 chair of the finance would require ALA’s next executive director to hold an ALA- votes committee. accredited master’s degree, was not approved. A total of HEPBURN Brown received 10,405 members voted on the measure, representing 20.8% the 2015 Demco/ALA of eligible voters, short of the 25% participation required to 4,066 Black Caucus Award for move the amendment forward; 3,890 members voted for MLS votes Excellence, the 2013 BCALA preferred, while 6,515 voted for MLS required. Leadership Award, By a vote of 7,663 to 2,684, members passed a measure and the 2012 BCALA to increase personal member dues $1–$5, depending on Distinguished membership type, effective in September. In a separate mea- Service Award. In sure, by a vote of 7,420 to 2,862, ALA members approved VOTES CAST 10,132 FOR PRESIDENT 2009, she received a dues adjustment that will increase Association dues over the University of the next five years, not to exceed the percentage change in North Carolina at the national average Consumer Price Index, with the annual BALLOTS 50,039 SENT Greensboro (UNCG) review and approval of the ALA Executive Board. Kovacs Award for For full election results, including those for divisions and BALLOTS 11,037 RETURNED Outstanding Alumni round tables, visit ala.org/aboutala/governance/alaelection. •

12 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org JUNE GLBT Book Month Legislation to Broaden Library facebook.com/glbtbookmonth JUNE 21–26 Roles Advances in Congress ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition | New Orleans wo bills that could strengthen the national and international role of alaannual.org libraries were introduced in Congress in March and are being followed SEPT. Tclosely by library advocates. Library Card Sign-Up Month On March 15, the Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act (S. 2559) was intro- ala.org/librarycardsignup

duced in the Senate. The treaty provides a copyright exception for libraries—the SEPT. 23–29 first ever in an international treaty—as entities authorized to make copies of Banned Books Week entire articles and books accessible to people with print disabilities and to dis- ala.org/bbooks tribute those copies across borders. SEPT. 26 If the act is passed and signed by President Trump, the bill will increase access Banned Websites for English speakers with print disabilities, particularly in developing countries, Awareness Day where less than 1% of all published print content is available in accessible format. ala.org/aasl/advocacy/bwad It would also make available an additional 350,000 accessible books for people SEPT. 26–30 with print disabilities living in the US, according to Manisha Singh, assistant secre- Joint Conference of Librarians of tary of the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs at the US State Department. Color | Albuquerque, New Mexico The Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) Modernization Act jclcinc.org/conference/2018 (H.R. 5305) was introduced March 15 and approved by the Committee on SEPT. 27–29 House Administration April 12. The bill would allow more libraries to participate ALSC National Institute in the FDLP, making the program’s services more widely available to the public. Cincinnati In addition, the bill would improve public access to and preservation of govern- ala.org/alsc/confevents/institute ment information and increase transparency and program oversight. “Through their decades-long collaboration with the FDLP, libraries help the OCT. 7–13 Teen Read Week public find, use, and understand government information,” said ALA President teenreadweek.ning.com Jim Neal in an April 12 statement. “The FDLP Modernization Act will bolster that critical partnership and secure the public’s right to know.” OCT. 21–27 For legislative updates and to get involved in advocacy programs, visit bit.ly/ National Friends of Libraries Week ALAActionCenter. • bit.ly/alafolweek

OCT. 22–28 Open Access Week openaccessweek.org Senate Support for Library last year. That’s the highest number of Funding Holds Strong signatures ever generated for LSTA in the NOV. This year’s Dear Appropriator campaign Senate. Every senator who signed last Picture Book Month proved a success in the Senate, with an year signed again, and newly sworn-in facebook.com/picturebookmonth increased number of signatures on the Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.) signed for the NOV. 2–4 Library Services and Technology Act first time. The IAL letter, led by Reed YALSA Young Adult Services (LSTA) letter and sustained support for and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Symposium | Salt Lake City the Innovative Approaches to Literacy requested level funding for IAL at $27 ala.org/yalsa/yasymposium (IAL) letter. million. This year, 35 senators lent their NOV. 4–10 The bipartisan LSTA letter, led by Sens. support, one fewer than last year. International Games Week Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Susan Collins This follows the successful House cam- games.ala.org

(R-Maine), called for at least $189 million paign, which saw a near-record number NOV. 8–10 in funding for LSTA. Forty-six senators of representatives signing the LSTA letter LITA Forum | Minneapolis signed the letter this year, one more than and a strong showing on the IAL letter. forum.lita.org

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 13 UPDATE

National Library Week Heads to Congress

uring National Library Week (April 9–13), ALA’s Wash- ington Office hosted events on Capitol Hill to engage Dlawmakers with the important work of libraries. To invite members of Congress and their staffers into the world of library makerspaces, on April 11 the Washing- ton Office partnered with D.C. Public Library (DCPL) which brought its Fab Lab to an event hosted by Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.Mex.), a member of the Congressional Maker Caucus. Congressional staff and supporters of community maker centers were able to experience 3D printers and other technologies hands on and view photos of more than 50 public and academic library makerspaces. On April 12, the Washington Office hosted senior policy- makers, librarians, and telecommunications experts from across the nation at a panel luncheon to discuss broadband in tribal and rural libraries. The panel, moderated by National Museum of the American Indian Librarian Elayne Silversmith, focused on how broadband connectivity and telecommunications infrastructure in tribal and rural regions advances

education, provides economic opportunity, and can close the Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero and DCPL Adult Services digital divide. • Librarian Esti Brennan at the “Digital Fab!” event on April 11.

Libraries Selected for TRHT and to address the historic and contem- voter percep- Great Stories Club Pilot porary effects of racism. tions, use, and Twenty-five libraries have been selected The grantees represent 20 public attitudes toward to participate in the pilot phase of the libraries, two K–12 school libraries, public libraries, Truth, Racial Healing, and Transfor- one academic library, and two prison librarians, and mation (TRHT) Great Stories Club, a libraries. Some grantees will work in library funding. thematic reading and discussion program partnership with alternative schools, The 2018 series that will engage underserved teens youth detention centers, and other orga- survey was through literature-based library outreach nizations that serve youth. View a full conducted by Leo programs and racial healing work. list of grantee libraries and their partner Burnett USA. It repeated questions and An expansion of ALA’s longstanding organizations at bit.ly/TRHTGSCPilot. segmentation analysis from the original Great Stories Club program model, the study to allow for comparison with 2008 TRHT Great Stories Club will feature New Voter Perception results. Key findings include: books that explore coming-of-age expe- Study Released ■ A majority of US voters believe riences of young people in historically The Public Library Association (PLA) public libraries are essential to com- marginalized groups. The club is part of and ALA’s Office for Library Advocacy, munities and a source of civic pride. the Kellogg Foundation’s Truth, Racial in partnership with OCLC, released ■ Voters still highly value traditional Healing, and Transformation efforts, a From Awareness to Funding: Voter Per- library services, but also increasingly comprehensive national and community- ceptions and Support of Public Libraries value the library as a community hub. based process to plan for and bring about in 2018 March 21. The research updates ■ Although a majority of voters are

transformational and sustainable change, OCLC’s 2008 study, which explored likely to support library funding, Emily Wagner Photo:

14 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org fewer are committed to definite October. Its purpose is to encourage support than a decade ago. all teens to be regular readers and Zeta (A3) ■ A majority of voters are unaware library users. that the primary source of library Library staff, after-school provid- funding is local. ers, and educators can use this year’s ODS (A3+) UScan +HD The full report, infographics, and theme to encourage teens to think and additional resources can be found read outside the box and to seek out online at oc.lc/awareness2018. fantasy, science fiction, and other out- of-this-world reads. Short Story Dispensers Library staff are also encouraged to Come to Public Libraries join the free Teen Read Week resource On March 22, PLA announced a new site (teenreadweek.ning.com) for full partnership with community publisher access to a variety of resources to help Short Edition to promote reading plan their Teen Read Week activities, Fast Scans. Quality Images. Easy Saves. through public libraries in four US including forums, grants, planning n ILL-compatible communities. The joint project will and publicity tools, and webinars. n Low maintenance also encourage writers from diverse n Minimizes staﬀ time Booth 1943 backgrounds to share their work New Workshop: Make n Reduces wear on originals n High rate of return through Short Edition’s digital content Your Training Stick n Solutions for all budgets platform while promoting library ALA Publishing eLearning Solutions programs and services for readers and will offer a new 90-minute workshop, writers of all ages. “Make Your Training Stick: Facili- Call (240) 215-0224 Local libraries will determine place- tating Learning That Lasts,” with www.thecrowleycompany.com ment and partners for launch in the Andrew Sanderbeck on June 7. coming months. The following libraries Sanderbeck will draw on level three will receive story dispensers funded of Kirkpatrick’s four-level training by the John S. and James L. Knight evaluation model to show how to Foundation: construct sessions that emphasize ■ Akron–Summit County (Ohio) practical application and retention. Public Library Registration is available at alastore ■ Free Library of Philadelphia .ala.org. This workshop is licensed for ■ Richland (S.C.) Library use by staff or users of the purchasing ■ Wichita (Kans.) Public Library institution or library organization. The dispensers will let readers print one-, three-, or five-minute stories, 2018 Carnegie-Whitney based on estimated reading time, from Grants Awarded a range of genres by pressing a button. The ALA Publishing Committee The kiosks will be branded to each announced 12 winners of the 2018 library, letting them increase their Carnegie-Whitney grants. The win- reach and visibility and connect each ners’ proposed projects promote read- story to their collections and programs. ing or the use of library resources. The grants provide for the prepa- 2018 Teen Read Week: ration, in print or electronically, of It’s Written in the Stars popular or scholarly reading lists, The Young Adult Library Services webliographies, indexes, and other Association (YALSA) encourages guides to library resources that will libraries to connect with teens around be useful to patrons of all types of the theme “It’s Written in the Stars: libraries in the US. READ” during Teen Read Week Winners this year included October 7–13. Teen Read Week is a resources on women in STEM, the national adolescent literacies initiative 19th Amendment, disability represen- created by YALSA and held each tation, and positive reinforcement.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 15 UPDATE

For more information, visit bit.ly/ at numerous online peer-reviewed online journal, School CarnegieWhitney or contact Mary webinars and talks. Library Research (SLR), examines how Jo Bolduc, grant administrator, at Moulaison Sandy is race is depicted in graphic novels. [email protected]. an associate professor In their article “Drawing Diversity: Applications for the next cycle are at the School of Infor- Representations of Race in Graphic open and must be received by Novem- mation Science and Novels for Young Adults,” Robin ber 2. Recipients will be notified by the Heather Learning Technologies A. Moeller and Kim Becnel share the Moulaison Sandy end of February 2019. at the University of Mis- results of a textual analysis they con- souri in Columbia and works primarily ducted on a sample of books from Moulaison Sandy Wins 2018 at the intersection of the organization of YALSA’s 2015 “Great Graphic Novels for LITA/Library Hi Tech Award information and the online environment. Teens” recommendation list. Heather Moulaison Sandy won the Emerald Publishing and the Library Moeller and Becnel, both associate 2018 LITA/Library Hi Tech Award and Information Technology Association professors of library science at Appala- for Outstanding Communication in (LITA) sponsor the award, which recog- chian State University in Boone, North Library and Information Technology. nizes outstanding individuals or institu- Carolina, sought to answer the questions: Moulaison Sandy is recognized for her tions for their long-term contributions How many people of color are depicted contributions to ongoing professional in the area of library and information in the sample? Are the people of color the development across the discipline, science technology and its application. main characters, supporting characters, which include five books and more than or background characters? What are the 25 peer-reviewed journal articles. Her AASL Publishes New Research races of the authors and illustrators of work has been presented at more than on Diversity in Graphic Novels these graphic novels? 100 local, national, and international New research published in the American SLR promotes and publishes original venues in nearly 15 countries as well as Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) research concerning the management,

16 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org UPDATE

implementation, and evaluation of school library programs. Articles can be accessed for free at ala.org/aasl/slr. Color in This Library Book

ACRL Launches heck This Out! A Coloring Book for Research Project Library Lovers, the first coloring ACRL has selected the team of Rebecca C book published by ALA Editions, R. Kennison, principal at K|N Consul- caters to both children and adults with tants, and Nancy L. Maron, founder of more than 40 library-themed pages. BlueSky to BluePrint, to design, develop, Inside this book, readers will find a vari- and deliver a new report on effective ety of coloring pages arranged according and promising practices within the to Dewey Decimal numbers. Available research environment and scholarly through the ALA Store (alastore.ala.org), communication system and identify Check This Out! makes an excellent gift areas for further research. The research- for your favorite librarian, staff member, ers will aim to include the perspec- or bibliophile and a great all-ages tives of historically underrepresented activity for library events. Purchases communities in hopes of expanding support the mission of ALA by helping the profession’s understanding of these to fund advocacy, awareness, and environments and systems. accreditation programs for library The report will provide an overview professionals worldwide. • of trends, identify effective and promising practices, and delineate important

INSPIRING LEARNERS. PRODUCING LEADERS.

Advance your career at Dominican University • Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)—Chicago’s only ALA accredited program • MS in Information Management (MSIM) • School Library Media licensure or endorsement, and other specialized certiﬁ cates to complement an MLIS. • PhD with concentrations in Library Science and Information Management

Attending the ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans June 21–26? ischool.dom.edu Look for us at the ALISE booth.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 17 UPDATE

questions where deeper inquiry is needed to accelerate the transition to more open, inclusive, and equitable ALA Nominating Committee systems of scholarship. Their work began in late March and an Seeks Candidates for 2019 in-person open forum will be held at the 2018 Annual Conference and Exhibition he Nominating Committee for the 2019 ALA election is soliciting nom- on June 24. The final report will be pub- inees to run on the 2019 spring ballot for the offices of ALA president- licly released in early 2019. Telect, treasurer, and councilor-at-large. The committee will select two candidates for president-elect, two can- ALCTS Leads Preservation didates for treasurer, and no fewer than 50 candidates for the 33 at-large Project in New Orleans Council seats to be filled in the 2019 spring election. On June 22, the ALCTS Preservation and The president-elect will serve a three-year term: as president-elect in 2019– Reformatting Section will hold its third 2020, president in 2020–2021, and immediate past president in 2021–2022. Preservation in Action program at Preser- The treasurer and councilors-at-large will serve three-year terms (2019–2022). vation Hall in New Orleans. Designed to Members who wish to make nominations should submit the following promote understanding of the impor- information: nominee name, present position, institution, address, telephone, tance of preservation while engaging and email address. Self-nominations are encouraged. All potential nomi- with cultural heritage collections, this nees must complete the Potential Candidate Biographical Form at bit.ly/ program will provide a hands-on oppor- ALA2019nominations. tunity to help preserve the culture and Nominations may be sent to any member of the Nominating Committee, traditions of New Orleans. and forms must be received no later than July 11. • The daylong program includes preservation care and handling training and rehousing activities. Working with archi- val collections that center primarily on photographs by Grauman Marks from the nonfiction, and poetry that demonstrate 2018 Will Eisner Graphic 1950s and 1960s, participants will learn respect for young people’s intelligence Novel Grants Announced about the preservation needs of diverse and imagination, exhibit venturesome The 2018 Will Eisner Graphic Novel types of materials, appropriate storage, creativity, and reflect and encourage chil- Growth Grant, for a library that would and best practices. dren’s interests in exemplary ways. like to expand its graphic novel services, Preservation Hall was established Read the lists at bit.ly/ALSCnotables. has been awarded to the Kraemer Family in 1961 to preserve, perpetuate, and Library at the University of Colorado, protect traditional New Orleans jazz. 11 Schools Receive Colorado Springs for its project “Through Today the hall operates as a music venue, Inspire Grants the Eyes of Veterans: A Community Col- record label, and nonprofit organization, Eleven schools have been awarded AASL laboration.” The library will partner with and houses a touring band. Inspire Grants. The grant program, spon- the Colorado Springs Bemis School of For more information about the pro- sored by AASL member Marina “Marney” Art’s Military Artistic Healing for Active gram, visit ala.org/alcts/pia2018. Welmers, provides funds for public Duty and Veterans program on a series of middle or high school libraries to update creative workshops. ALSC Names Notable Books, their existing collections or plan a special The 2018 Will Eisner Graphic Novel Recordings, and Digital Media event to enhance student learning. Innovation Grant, for the initiation The Association for Library Service to The Inspire Collection Development of a graphic novel service, program, Children (ALSC) has selected its inaugu- Grant provides funds to extend, update, or initiative, has been presented to ral list of great digital media for children. and diversify a school’s collections. the Tuscarawas County (Ohio) Public The committee chose apps for this year’s The Inspire Special Event Grant pro- Library System. Its project “Illustrate- selections, but future lists will include vides funding to a school library that HER: Empowering Girls through Visual a wide array of digital media, including wants to engage students with school Storytelling and Multimodal Reading” websites and video streaming. library resources and promote reading, aims to motivate girls in grades 3–12 ALSC also announced its 2018 lists books, literacy, and authors. The full to enhance their media literacy skills, of notable children’s books and record- list of awardees is available at bit.ly/ develop their emotional intelligence, ings. The lists feature works of fiction, InspGrants2018. and discover new ways to engage with

18 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org literature while reading female-driven graphic novels. Each winning library will receive a $2,000 book voucher from Diamond Book Distributors, $1,000 to host a MLA with graphic novel–themed event, a travel International stipend to attend the 2018 Annual Conference and Exhibition in New Bibliography Full Text! Orleans, a collection of Will Eisner’s work and biographies about him, and copies of this year’s Will Eisner Award– nominated graphic novels. The grants, funded by the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation, are administered by ALA’s Games and Gaming Round Table and the Graphic Novels and Comics in Libraries Member Initiative Group.

YALSA Awarded Grant for “Transforming Teen Services” YALSA, in partnership with the Chief More than 1,000 Officers of State Library Agencies, will implement “Transforming Teen Ser- vices: A Train-the-Trainer Approach” from July 1, 2018, through June 30, full-text journals 2021. The three-year project has been funded by a $497,635 grant from IMLS. From the Modern Language Association (MLA) and EBSCO, The project will bring together this new database combines the definitive index for the study state library agency youth consultants of language, literature, linguistics, rhetoric and composition, and frontline library staff from US folklore, and film with full text for more than 1,000 journals, states and territories to help them including many of the most-used journals in the build connected learning, computer MLA International Bibliography. science, cultural competence, and other skills to better serve and meet the learning needs of youth in their communities. At ALA Annual, please visit the EBSCO Booth After a pilot session, the project will (#2531) or the MLA Booth (#1123) to learn more. train 55 state library agency staff and 55 frontline library staff members to deliver continuing education to other library staff in their state, who will in To set up a Free Trial, please contact turn provide programs and services Request a your EBSCO representative or visit: for youth, especially underrepre- Free Trial www.ebsco.com/promo2/mla-2018 sented youth. Various resources such as free webinars and e-courses will be made available to the library community, along with a report at the conclusion of the project. To learn more, visit ala.org/yalsa/ train-trainer-project.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 19 SCPL Coordinator of Systems Chris McSwain says the library had 23 servers that were encrypted to some extent, and many of its client computers were affected as well. The attackers did not capture any sensitive user data: Credit card information used to pay fines is kept by a third-party vendor and wasn’t encrypted, and the library doesn’t keep other sensitive data like Social Security or driver’s license numbers. The library refused to pay the ransom. “You have no guarantee that what you’re getting back is clean data or hasn’t been repli- cated,” Stephens explains.

Trouble elsewhere Brownsburg (Ind.) Public Library was similarly resourceful when it suffered a ransomware attack on June 26, 2017. Director Denise Robinson was attending the Amer- When Ransomware Attacks ican Library Association’s Annual How three libraries handled cyberextortion Conference when she received a call from staff members who couldn’t log in to their computers. BY Greg n the morning of January data to extort payment, is one of the “We think that when the server Landgraf 29, a library technician at fastest-growing computer security rebooted to do a Windows update, O Spartanburg County (S.C.) threats. In 2017, such attacks cost our SQL database got infected,” Public Library (SCPL) encountered businesses, individuals, and other Robinson says. The SQL database a notice on the library website organizations an estimated $5 bil- operates the library’s integrated announcing that its computers had lion, up from $325 million in 2015, system, so patrons couldn’t search been encrypted with ransomware. according to research firm Cyber- the catalog or check books out. The library immediately shut down security Ventures (bit.ly/2H3k56b). As a stop-gap solution, “we did all computer-related services to And while libraries haven’t been a lot of creative searching to find quarantine the malware. singled out as targets, libraries like books, like using Indianapolis County Librarian Todd Stephens SCPL can attest to the logistical Public Library’s catalog to deter- says that he and his colleagues headaches that can follow. Much of mine where a requested book suspect the attack came through the library’s day-to-day functioning would likely be,” and manually an infected email message opened was seriously affected. SCPL took circulated books, Robinson says. by a staff member, though the down its website, public catalog, After attempting to restore the exact mechanism is uncertain. The digital collections, and intranet. encrypted systems, the library anonymous attacker demanded 3.6 Circulation was interrupted, ultimately paid the attackers’ to 3.8 bitcoins in payment—then although staff began manually ransom demands—half a bitcoin, valued at about $36,000. checking out materials with hand- worth about $1,500 at the time. Ransomware, a form of computer written barcode numbers within a Robinson says the library’s decision

malware that encrypts a victim’s couple of days. to pay the attackers came about Stock ©Adobe Photo:

20 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org “Backup files There are, however, ways to defeat some attacks or mitigate New Orleans were two years old. their impact. “Have backups and test them fully—not just that you The librarians had can restore files,” McSwain advises. 16,964 to do their best to Keeping a virtual backup also Number of Annual attendees in 2006, the year works, he adds. ALA was the first national group to hold a con- update the missing SCPL is strengthening its pass- ference in New Orleans following Hurricane information.” word policies, limiting the use of Katrina and the convention center’s reopening. third-party apps by staff, and audit- LEVIN EDWARDS, ing its security systems, but it’s technology coordinator at Hardin County (Tenn.) Schools also addressing the human side of 1 the equation. “We’re working with Number of Katrina-damaged branches in the staff to be very thoughtful about NOPL system that have yet to reopen. The the emails that come in,” Stephens Seventh Ward’s Nora Navra location is currently because its most recent full backup says. The library intentionally sent under going reconstruction. was three months old. Fortunately, a phishing email to staff to learn the library received the unlock how they interact with potentially code only a few hours after it made dangerous messages. 1899 the payment. Systems were back In Brownsburg, Robinson says Year that Kate Chopin’s online within three weeks. that the library now has enhanced novel The Awakening was At Hardin County (Tenn.) the security precautions in place published. Criticized at the Schools, which suffered an attack and that “we do backups every time for its questioning of on its library computer network night now” with an offsite backup traditional female roles, the over the 2016–2017 winter break, every 30 days. “Our backups are book is set in New Orleans hackers demanded 1.5 bitcoins— encrypted as well,” she says, for an and on nearby Grand Isle. then worth $1,341—with an extra layer of security. The library increase to $1,788 if the demand also installed Cylance, an anti- wasn’t immediately met. “After virus package that identifies and 1014 much research, it was decided that prevents patterns of activity related Dumaine Street address of the town house once we would not pay the ransom,” to malware. owned by playwright Tennessee Williams. says Technology Coordinator Levin Robinson says patrons have been Edwards. Instead, the school was understanding and sympathetic, able to decrypt some backup files. thanks in part to the library’s trans- 181 That success was only partial, parency about the situation. “Shar- Years that The Times-Picayune, the oldest however, as the “backup files were ing as much information as we present-day newspaper in the Crescent City, has two years old. The librarians had to could really put people at ease,” she been in operation. do their best to update the missing says. In particular, the library con- information,” Edwards says. As a firmed that the only personal data result of the attack, students were it retained were patron names, 800 unable to check out books from the phone numbers, and Block of Canal Street where a life-size school library for about four weeks. addresses—no credit bronze statue of Ignatius J. Reilly, card or Social Security protagonist of John Kennedy Lessons learned information. And, Toole’s posthumously Pulitzer It’s likely not possible to prevent while the manual Prize–winning novel A Con- ransomware incidents completely. checkouts could have federacy of Dunces, stands in “The attacks are sophisticated provided an opening front of the former and will continue to morph,” D. H. Holmes depart- Stephens observes. Continued on page 23 ment store. •

June 2018 21 T ENDS

Packages of donated books from the NYC Books Through Bars collective are ready to be mailed to prisons.

efforts to block books-to-prisons groups is “enormously frustrating.” “This is not an attempt to get The Anarchist Cookbook to prisoners,” he says. “It’s largely people who want to learn a skill or trade.” Newspaper headlines and letters from attorneys threatening legal action often get results, but the challenge of getting reading material to prisoners is widespread Restricting Books and recurring—once one problem is fixed in one state, the issue often emerges in another. behind Bars Organizations in smaller states Books-to-prisoners groups face roadblocks often find little recourse when individual prisons and prison systems decide to shut them out. These BY Timothy acklash was swift when it took place in New Jersey a few days groups must rely instead on negoti- Inklebarger was publicized in January prior to Cuomo’s decision. The New ating with corrections departments. B that the New York State Jersey Department of Corrections American Libraries found Department of Corrections and had banned prisoners from reading books-to-prisoners organizations Community Supervision (DOCCS) Michelle Alexander’s 2010 book The in Arizona and Mississippi that had begun requiring that packages New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration also have recently dealt with to prisoners come from a handful of in the Age of Colorblindness, which policy changes at corrections state-approved vendors only. explores the US prison system departments that they say have While the package contents and the incarceration of African put restrictions on their programs. were not limited to books, the Americans. The decision to lift the And though the immediate battle proposed change hampered books- book ban came within hours of the in places like New York appears to-prisoners organizations in their American Civil Liberties Union of over, advocates there are waiting mission to provide reading material New Jersey sending a letter to the for the next move by DOCCS. to the incarcerated. A large part of department of corrections demand- They argue that prisoners who are the controversy stemmed from the ing it remove the restriction. allowed to read are less likely to initial five vendors’ limited selec- On May 3 the US Bureau of end up back behind bars (rand.org/ tion of fewer than 100 books, many Prisons made a similar move when pubs/research_reports/RR266

of which were coloring or puzzle it rescinded a policy that banned .html), and many are requesting Bars collective Through Books NYC Photo: books. Stories in The New York direct delivery of books from pub- Times and elsewhere exposed the lishers, book clubs, and bookstores decision, prompting Gov. Andrew to inmates in federal prisons. Cuomo to reverse the policy. Ben Schatz, a public defender in That rapid change in response to New York City who runs a program public scrutiny mirrored one that called Books Beyond Bars, says

A form sent to Books Beyond Bars from DOCCS describes why the group’s packages were not delivered.

22 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org TRENDS

reading materials—some commonly in Texas that included more than requested books are dictionaries 10,000 titles. Books like The Color and books on learning a trade and Purple, A Charlie Brown Christmas, how to start a business—to prepare and Freakonomics are on the list, themselves for life after release. but others, such as Hitler’s Mein Books-to-prisoners groups in Kampf and two titles by white New York lauded Cuomo’s deci- supremacist David Duke, are sion to reverse the recent DOCCS allowed, the newspaper reported. policy there, but Amy Peterson, of The Texas Department of Criminal the NYC Books Through Bars col- Justice reviewed the policy follow- lective, says her group is waiting ing media coverage of those lists. to see if the department revises the Exposure of policies blocking original policy. books-to-prisoners groups does not In a January 9, 2018, story in always work. In spring 2017, the The New Yorker, DOCCS Acting Arizona Department of Corrections Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci instituted a policy requiring books was quoted as saying that the policy intended for individual prisoners is an effort to reduce the amount to come from major publishers and After losing Continued from page 21 of contraband, such as drugs and retailers. Donated publications computer access weapons, smuggled into the state not from recognized institutions during a ransom- for unscrupulous patrons to steal prisons. But Peterson, whose would be “processed as contraband ware attack, library materials, an end-of-year group sends books upon request to or donated to an inmate library,” Brownsburg (Ind.) inventory found fewer than 2,000 Public Library prisoners in 40 states, believes such according to Arizona Department items unaccounted for—some of processed book policies are largely focused on the of Corrections Department Order checkouts and which had been weeded anyhow— bottom line. #914, enacted April 7, 2017. returns manually. out of a collection of 100,000. “Contraband is the easy excuse Matt Peters says his group, Read SCPL also put a priority on for those kinds of directives, but Between the Bars, did not learn of communications. The day of the it’s also a way to save money in the the policy until the prisons began attack, the library posted signs packaging room,” Peterson says. returning their packages. about the shutdown of computers The fewer the number of Peters says Read Between while it assessed the situation. The packages that come in from mul- the Bars, which was founded in next day, when it was clear what tiple sources, the easier and less 2007, has filed public information was happening, the library notified expensive it is to check them for requests with the state in search of trustees, the county council, media contraband, she says. In addition proof that contraband has been a outlets, and its social media follow- to saving money on the back end, problem with books programs. “If ers. Stephens also used the library’s some prisons can turn exclusive this is an issue with safety, why has emergency text notification to pro- vendor deals into a revenue stream, that not come up in 2007 or 2008 vide updates to staff at least once a Peterson adds. It’s not the case or 2009?” he asks. Peters says he day for the next week and a half. in New York, she says, but some would share their concern if people Library administration and IT systems will negotiate a contract were slipping drugs between the staff also need to be in regular with vendors and get a percentage pages of books, “but they’ve given communication, Stephens advises. of the sales. us nothing.” He and McSwain met three times Peterson says books-to-prisoners “[Prisoners] are humans. Their a day for three weeks during the groups are also frustrated by humanity is key to it as well,” Peters recovery. One additional piece of banned books lists, which are says. “If it is to help them pass the advice he offers for the long days frequently not made public. “They time, I think that’s a legitimate that IT staff will face bringing sys- have these lists, but they won’t reason. What we consider enter- tems back online: “Make sure you share them with anyone because tainment has cognitive value. There buy their lunch.” they don’t want anyone to raise are benefits down the road when GREG LANDGRAF is web content spe- their eyebrows,” she alleges. rejoining society.” cialist at Greene County (Ohio) Public In November 2017, The Dallas TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER is a writer Library and a regular contributor to

Photo: Brownsburg (Ind.) Public Library Brownsburg Photo: Morning News exposed such a list living in Chicago. American Libraries.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 23 T ENDS

Drew Alvey (in red shirt), manager of Houston Public Library's Stimley–Blue Ridge branch, models interactive play for families.

a health fair in May 2017, and as far as Mary Wagoner, senior manager of special projects, is aware, it is the first co-located library and WIC clinic in the country. Though the library and WIC keep their working spaces separate because of medical privacy concerns, partners share programming spaces, a meeting room, and a break room. “And most importantly, customers and aligned missions,” says Wagoner. Another area of convergence is a long hallway that serves as the WIC Bringing Libraries to WIC waiting room. While families wait for consultations, library person- Public libraries and the Women, Infants, and Children nel greet them, engage them with program partner on early literacy and health toys and lively activities, and point them to offerings of interest, such as bilingual storytimes, parenting BY Terra s it free?” Conner. “A WIC center seemed like a classes, after-school programs, com- Dankowski It’s a question that Marisa really logical place to go.” munity resources, literacy kits, and I Conner, manager of youth Libraries and WIC have a lot in free books from a vending machine. and family engagement at Balti- common: Both have tens of thou- “Because we value customers’ more County (Md.) Public Library sands of locations across the US, confidentiality so much, we tend to (BCPL), says her staffers are often are known for giving information [make referrals] assuming every- asked when doing outreach at referrals and upholding customer one could benefit,” says Alvey. Women, Infants, and Children privacy, and are considered lifelines “More than not, these parents start (WIC) centers. She explains: Many by underserved populations. Now engaging with us on early literacy.” WIC clients, particularly those orig- these entities are collaborating Stimley–Blue Ridge saw its share inally from other countries, aren’t to extend their reach, advance of detractors in the beginning— sure what a library is or costs. common goals, and team up on early those with negative stereotypes of But thanks to an increasing literacy and health initiatives—in, WIC—but Alvey says once those number of partnerships between near, and outside of the library. people saw a storytime in the new public libraries and WIC—the fed- library, many changed their minds erally funded, state-administered Shared spaces and became advocates. program that provides supple- “It all started with a directive from Alvey urges libraries that might mental food, nutrition counseling, the mayor to start pooling our not have the money or space to and social services screenings resources,” says Drew Alvey, man- replicate the Stimley–Blue Ridge to low-income and nutritionally ager of Houston Public Library’s model to “start bringing your at-risk mothers, pregnant women, (HPL) Stimley–Blue Ridge branch. library into the clinic.” He also and kids up to age 5—users of both The WIC center located in that cautions that interacting with WIC institutions are learning about the building is the result of a complete clients requires a lot of adaptabil- services the other has to offer. remodeling paid for by the City of ity, patience, and positivity from “How can we reach the people Houston Health Department. The your team. “You do have to like the

who don’t know about us?” asks space celebrated its reopening with sound of crying babies,” says Alvey. Public Library Houston Photo:

24 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org TRENDS

Partners by proximity library would provide, having the Trained librarians from BCPL’s Branch Manager Meg Lloyd Robert- WIC van parked out front,” says 19 branches host hour-long, high- son recalls what one WIC client said Elizabeth Atack, program manager trafficked storytimes in WIC waiting upon discovering Ramsey County of NPL’s Bringing Books to Life. rooms to model ECRR techniques on (Minn.) Library’s New Brighton “[And] the potential to cross- a rotating schedule. Like New Brigh- branch: “ ‘Wow, all these resources, promote programs.” ton, BCPL distributes bags of early and I’ve never been in. I live just The mobile WIC clinic uses literacy materials that include books, down the street.’ ” Robertson adds, meeting spaces within the libraries ECRR and technology tip sheets, “I’ve noticed an uptick of new for client appointments. In 2014, the fliers for library programs, and library immigrants who have never been program served 27 people; by 2017, card applications. Or if a staffer has in a library before. It’s a delight to that number had grown to 1,331. “It the mobile technology available, interact with those families.” definitely brings in families who are “we’ll often do a library card while When the branch opened in the the target audience for storytimes,” they’re there,” Conner says. New Brighton Community Center in says Atack. The partnership is popular among 2011, WIC was an existing tenant in NPL also conducts two monthly librarians, who have commented the building. Today the neighbors workshops in English and Spanish that they love watching babies light collaborate on early literacy. at brick-and-mortar WIC locations up at the board books, matching With help from the library’s that incorporate a wellness compo- clients to services, and chatting in Friends group, Robertson secured nent into Every Child Ready to Read Spanish with families. One staffer, a grant in 2014 to create give- (ECRR) activities. for example, was able to recommend away bags with early literacy toys, “This is a very good program a language stimulation program at brochures, and two preschool-level and I really love this class. I’m very BCPL to a family that was worried books—one or both themed around much looking forward to doing more their 2-year-old wasn’t yet speaking. nutritious food or physical activ- reading with my son and taking him What ultimately makes the pro- ity. The library devised a clever to the library,” one WIC client wrote gram successful, Conner says, is that approach to distribute the bags: on a comment card. WIC clients feel the experience is Baltimore Have WIC staff give bookmarks to “We’ve been invited to a lot of nonthreatening and relaxing. “It was County (Md.) clients after a visit that they could health fairs because of [the work- those personal relationships with the Public Library immediately use as vouchers. shops],” Atack says. “It’s a great librarian,” she says. “This has been staffers distribute bags of Though the books are a big draw, opportunity to get facetime with one of the best outreach programs early literacy “we consider the staff welcome to families.” we’ve ever done.” materials to the be the most important part of this families they program,” Robertson says. Library Outcomes from outreach TERRA DANKOWSKI is an associate serve at WIC clinics. staffers take time to explain the con- BCPL is among those that bring editor for American Libraries. tents of the bag, show families the the library to WIC. What started as children’s play area, and make new a single program has expanded to patrons feel comfortable. all seven WIC centers in Baltimore Thanks to the bookmarks and County and approximately 1,200 survey data, Robertson knows that families served in 2017. almost 500 families were referred Initially, BCPL caught pushback. in the first year and a half, and most “The big thing was how to get into made return visits. the waiting rooms, because they Location was an asset when Nash- don’t let other agencies in,” says ville, Tennessee’s mobile WIC pro- Conner. Though WIC’s priority was gram was scouting partner sites in client confidentiality, the director the northernmost parts of Davidson agreed to allow BCPL staffers into its County, where WIC didn’t have phys- Woodlawn location. ical offices. Nashville Public Library’s “It took the pilot for them to see (NPL) Goodlettsville and Madison what was happening, and they saw branches offered a solution. it was positive,” Conner says. “The “I think they were really excited engagement that we have with fami-

Photo: Baltimore County (Md.) Public Library County Baltimore Photo: about the visibility that being in a lies meets the high standards of WIC.”

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 25 T ENDS

advice: “Know your community and what its needs are. If you’re in a fairly conservative community and you make a huge display [of books on cannabis], chances are that’s probably not going to go so great for you.” But, she says, that doesn’t mean you need to ignore the subject: “Maybe you have a small collection with basic information available. It’s just like any other service we provide that can be a little sensitive.” In Oregon, cannabis was made legal for medical purposes in 1998. But it wasn’t until late 2016, when the state began issuing licenses to Getting Blunt about retailers of recreational marijuana, that Mary Hones (a librarian at the Ashland branch of Jackson County Medical Marijuana Library Services who has since Libraries help educate would-be cannabis consumers retired) started to see increased patron demand for information. To take just one example, “people BY Anne Ford needed to get their marijuana hen dispelling qualms “We tend to think of stereotypes workers’ permit, and that was about cannabis, Jennifer about what cannabis is—weed and done online, so you’d have farmer- W Hendzlik takes a highly stoners and 20-somethings eating looking people coming in using the hands-on approach. Doritos—but I’ve learned that a lot computers to fill out their paper- Hendzlik, a collection buyer of people are using marijuana for work,” she recalls. for Anythink Libraries in Adams medical purposes, and this [infor- In response, she helped develop County, Colorado, helped lead a mation] is a great help to them,” her branch’s cannabis resource presentation on medical marijuana Hendzlik says. “There are people collection and created an online and libraries at the 2016 Public who have moved to Colorado just guide that provides information on Library Association Conference in to try to get some relief from their marijuana laws, terminology, con- Denver. As part of the presentation, pain. As librarians, we should be ferences, websites, books, reports, Hendzlik handed out rolling papers talking about this and providing and studies (jcls.org/cannabis). It and oregano and taught attendees information.” has proven extremely popular. how to make their own joints—“just As part of that effort, Hendzlik “I’m very happy whenever I to take the fear out of it,” she says. has advised librarians around the look at the list of books—almost Not every librarian might feel country about how to build their all the time, everything is checked comfortable teaching patrons how collections of cannabis-related out, so that makes me feel good,” to roll a joint. Still, now that numer- resources, from the business of grow- Hones says. She’s happy, too, that ous states have legalized cannabis ing medical marijuana to cannabis the library’s public relations staff in at least some form for medical or cookbooks and more. “There’s even has helped publicize the guide: even recreational purposes, many a whole series for children called “Anything the library spends money libraries are stepping in to educate Stinky Steve, put out by the Michigan on, you should be willing to back it their communities about the condi- Cannabis Business Association, to up by letting people know, because tions it treats, who is eligible to use help kids know how to be safe with who’s it for? It’s not for you. It’s for it, how those patients can obtain it, marijuana in whatever situation they your patrons.” what the laws are in their area, and may come across it,” she says. As for pushback, she says she how interested parties can get into The primary thing Hendzlik hasn’t received any. To the contrary,

the business of growing or selling it. tells librarians who contact her for “there was a great deal of support,” Stock Kim/Adobe ©Peter Photo:

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she says. “It’s such a resource for a wide variety of people. If you don’t need this information yourself, you know somebody who could find it useful. So I just got tons of positive feedback about it.” Last September, the Charles County (Md.) Public Library (CCPL) prepared for the Decem- “It was all the questions you opposition to the library’s educa- A few books that ber 1 operationalization of the could possibly think of,” Salazar tional efforts. “There are going to were featured at Jennifer Hendzlik’s state’s medical marijuana program says. “The industry people who be some people who don’t under- presentation on by partnering with the Maryland were there were very forthcom- stand why you’re doing this,” she medical marijuana Economic Development Commis- ing about how it’s going to be says. “As long as you can say to and libraries at sion to hold a “community conver- very regulated, like a pharmacy, them, ‘This is part of our mission the 2016 Public Library Association sation” about the cannabis industry. and about the medical benefits and our strategic plan,’ most Conference in The program drew about 70 people, of using cannabis as opposed people are like, ‘Oh, okay.’” They Denver. many of whom, says CCPL Exec- to some other methods of pain understand, she says, that “we’re utive Director Janet Salazar, had control that are more addictive. not just books; we are a gathering questions such as: “How much is Everybody was very respectful place where you get information. this [medical marijuana] going to and very grateful for the opportu- We are a trusted source.” cost? How do I get the card that nity to ask questions.” says I need it? Is this going to lead Like Hones, Salazar has ANNE FORD is American Libraries to further drug use?” not encountered significant editor-at-large.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 27 TRENDS

Hommocks Middle School 6th-grader Avi Mehra shows off his current read in front of the data dashboard.

data wasn’t accurate. The form’s length also made it difficult for us to sort the data in the monster Google spreadsheet where the data came together. So we whittled it down to the essentials. Second, the students saw it as a thankless chore because they couldn’t access their digital logs to use the records themselves. This made it meaningless. Enter our instructional technology coach, Mike Sammartano, who declared, “Let’s make a data dashboard!” He went to work with Supporting Middle Google Data Studio and unveiled the hook for students, a collection School Reading of colorful graphs, charts, and lists that made the data come to life. Using a data dashboard to create a community of readers (See how he used Google Apps to put it all together in this video: bit.ly/2ILaoGx.) Students could see ommocks Middle School in Larchmont, New York, wanted to find out what its stu- the most popular books read that dents were reading independently. School Librarian Kelsey Cohen helped set up a month, how many books the entire Hsystem that encourages kids to log their reading choices and gives both students school read, and the genres that and teachers instant visual feedback on what books are popular. were most often selected. I started displaying it on a large monitor in the library. Kids ran up BY Kelsey ’ve met many voracious readers. readers, Assistant Principal Rob to it, sharing what they’ve read on Cohen They are at our library door with Andrews developed the idea of the top 10 list and watching the I their faces pressed against the replacing paper-based reading logs total number of books read vary glass each morning. They check with a Google form that students from week to week. Sammartano out multiple books at a time, have could complete after either finish- set up weekly emails to students a “to-read” list, and take risks with ing or abandoning a book. Logging that included their personal log. new genres, formats, and authors independent reading has been a Our students became engaged in a without hesitation. longstanding procedure, but this meaningful way. But in the last few years, my col- idea would link that data together This increase in student engage- leagues and I have committed our- so teachers, administrators, our Lit- ment led more teachers to buy into selves to reaching those who aren’t eracy Coach Lisa Ramos-Hillegers, the concept. Some started to use pressing their faces against the glass. and I could all use it. If students How do we know what or even weren’t reading, if they finished a whether they are reading? How do book but had no idea what to read The more we we get books they can—and most next, or if they abandoned multiple learn about our importantly, want to—read in their books in a row, we would know in hands? For an institution of 1,300 real time. It was a game-changer. readers, the more students like Hommocks Middle We learned a lot the first year. School, this is not an easy task. We were asking too much. Our ideas we generate. To launch our inquiry into how striving readers were not taking the

best to support these striving time to complete the forms, so the Cohen Kelsey Photo:

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the data during reading conferences. Sixth-grader Avi Mehra noticed that he was reading only science fiction when he reviewed his log with his teacher. “I decided to read Scar Island after that because it was realistic fiction,” he said. “The data monitor is a good way to keep [my teacher] up to date, and I like to see what I’ve read Qatar so far and what I’ve liked because I National will reread it if I like it a lot.” Library Ramos-Hillegers and I used in Doha the data to help students who were struggling get into a reading Doha Gets a New Library rhythm. We gave them first dibs on new book arrivals and created QATAR Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani officially opened personalized book bins for them the new National Library in Doha on April 17 and symbolically pre- to peruse in classrooms. We used sented its one-millionth acquisition, an 843-year-old manuscript book trends to develop robust copy of Sahih al-Bukhari, a collection of hadith (traditions) compiled library collections. We became by 9th-century Muslim scholar Muhammad al-Bukhari. The building responsive to our readers’ wants was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas’s firm, the Office and needs. for Metropolitan Architecture. The 42,000-square-meter facility, There are still challenges and conceived as a single room that houses both people and books, also improvements we would like to serves as a public library and university library. It had a soft launch in make. We are hoping to develop November 2017, welcoming more than 200,000 visitors in the past an app using WorldCat, our five months.—The Peninsula (Doha), Apr. 17; Designboom, Apr. 17. student information system, and the library catalog so students can CANADA On March 15, University of Toronto Libraries opened a log their reading more efficiently, family study space at Robarts Library, the first of its kind in the coun- access a copy of their next book try. Designed for current students, faculty members, visiting scholars, quickly, and see tailored recom- and staff with children 12 years and younger, the space is intended to mendations. Expanding the use of foster equity, diversity, and inclusion by addressing the unique needs the digital log within our district of student parents. The room has a capacity of up to 20 adults and will allow us to track a student’s children, offering a variety of toys for children and computers for stu- reading journey from kindergarten dents.—The Varsity, Apr. 2. to graduation. The more we learn about our readers, the more ideas FRANCE Research organizations and universities have canceled we generate. their subscriptions to Springer journals because of an impasse in fee This collaboration was a catalyst negotiations between the publisher and Couperin, a national consor- for me to rethink my role as a tium representing more than 250 academic institutions. After more school librarian. I stopped waiting than a year of discussions, Couperin and Springer Nature, which for the readers to walk through publishes more than 2,000 scholarly journals, have failed to reach an the door and started strategically agreement. The proposal includes an increase in journal prices, which reaching out to them. Here’s to the consortium says it will not accept.—The Scientist, Mar. 31. more and more students pressing their faces on the library door glass SOUTH AFRICA An outbreak of violence over land reform each morning! in the tourist town of Hermanus, Western Cape province, led to the Zwelihle Public Library being set on fire and ransacked for comput- KELSEY COHEN is librarian at Hom- ers and other equipment on March 26. Four days of unrest led to 67 mocks Middle School in Larchmont, arrests of residents who had been demanding affordable housing.

Photo: Delfino Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti © OMA Cappelletti and Marco Legnani Delfino Sisto Photo: New York. —The Times (Johannesburg), Mar. 27. •

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 29 TRENDS

Are there any books or authors that Hasan Minhaj have changed your way of thinking? Junot Díaz was one. When I read The The breakout star talks libraries, influences, Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, and bringing data visualization to comedy that was a book for me that was like, man, specificity is okay. People will follow you and go with you on that omedian, actor, host, writer, and self-described “fake journalist” Hasan Minhaj is journey. It also taught me that you about to get even busier. Known for his correspondence work on The Daily Show shouldn’t insult your audience. Don’t Cwith Trevor Noah and his Peabody Award–nominated comedy special Home- think that they won’t get it, because coming King, he’s currently developing his own talk show for Netflix. American Libraries they’re a lot smarter than you think. caught up with the multithreat Minhaj after his Closing Session speech at the Public Library Association Conference in Philadelphia in March. Congratulations on your new Netflix talk show. Could you tell us what the format might look like? You share some intensely per- When you hosted the White The model that we live in is: When sonal experiences in Homecoming House Correspondents Dinner you do monologue jokes, those King about being the child of an last year, you put consider- exist as a standing monologue. If immigrant. Was it hard deciding able emphasis on the First you do a deep dive, you have to what to codify into comedy? In a Amendment and holding do it at a desk. When you do an comedy special you have journalists accountable. Do you interview, you have to sit in two only 70 minutes, so a lot see librarians having a role in chairs across from each other. Most of times you’re working protecting speech and truth? late-night shows, it’s either all desk with coffee and you Librarians are such a great cat- or all Anthony Bourdain. What if it need to boil it down to alyst to [a person] learning and was all together? comedy espresso. I’m understanding the world. One of I really want a new visual lan- trying to explain what the things I love the most about guage and narrative tool. With data the immigrant experi- libraries is that they’re a place visualization, facts, or numbers, ence is. I need to pick the where information is free, which you kind of have to keep those out perfect touchstones that I I think is a fundamental human because it’s too boring or it’s too feel have shaped who I am right. Information should never TED talk-y. But to me, those things and have shaped have a paywall. matter. What if we could integrate a lot of people it in such a way that it works and it and what What role have libraries played in translates? It’s figuring out how to they’ve been your life? My parents brought me go information fracking, and then through. It there because they worked a lot. disseminating that information. How was really The library was a safe place where do I talk about these heavy issues, tough. they knew that I would be okay. like refugees or criminal justice It was a place where I was left to reform, that are nuanced and signifi- discover whatever I wanted. cantly deep? In a weird way, my experiences at the library are similar We’d be remiss if we didn’t ask on to what I’m trying to do with behalf of librarians: Do you have comedy. You’re in this informa- plans to write a book? It’s something tion universe, and you don’t real- I definitely want to do at some point ize you’re learning because it’s so in my career. There are two avenues fun. Maybe it adds something of of artistic expression that I want value to your life or adds a per- to get into: one is writing a book, spective that you didn’t consider and the other is film. Both of those before. That was something that things live on for a really, really long I hope continues to be around for time and can be revisited constantly. my children. That’s pretty powerful.

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“[Libraries were] my second home growing up when I was a kid. There was a library a mile and half from my house. We spent every day there, my sister and I. It was our babysitter—sorry, librarians, I know you don’t love that. But it was. I had my first kiss at that library. And one of the most important journeys of my life was when I was handed over from the children’s librarian to the adult librarian. And I remember her making the introduction for me and vouching for me that I should be allowed to go into those stacks now. And it was one of the most exciting moments of my life.” ELIZABETH GILBERT, speaking at the Public Library Association Conference in Philadelphia, March 22.

“I hope that you don’t feel this relationship “‘I WISH THERE WAS A NETFLIX is one-sided. I like to think that my OR SPOTIFY FOR BOOKS.’ incessant asks of you result in others seeing “LIBRARY. THE THING THAT YOU’RE your value and perhaps in you getting an LOOKING FOR IS A LIBRARY.” increase in visibility and funding. However, JENNA GUILLAUME, @JennaGuillaume, on Twitter, March 27. I also know that I don’t show you enough gratitude, so here it is. Thank you so, so “I always talk about reading on the subway because much for everything you have given to me it’s just a perfect place to read. I sort of pretend that Wi-Fi doesn’t exist and you can’t use a phone, and over the years. I firmly believe that without I just ﬁnd it enormously relaxing. But more people you, my reading life would be less rich and, recognize me on the subway and that takes some as such, my life in the ‘real world’ would eﬀort on my part, you know, to be alone in ways that be less vivid, imaginative, and fulfilling.” are gracious. But libraries, people have their heads DANIELLE BOURGON, “A Love Letter to the down. Nobody was interested in me. Everybody was Library Hold System,” Book Riot, April 2. far more interested in what they were reading. “It’s a wonderful place, I think, for everybody to “I loved stories about places that disappear. And also because it insists on boundaries. There’s almost no place I can think of, with the opened up into other worlds because exception of a church or a temple or a mosque, I thought, ‘I lived inside a library. I that demands that kind of solitude and quiet and could open a door at any moment respect for others. And librarians are so great. I just think they are a rare and wonderful bird.” and maybe step into another world.’” SARAH JESSICA PARKER, in “Sarah Jessica Parker SHARON WASHINGTON, in “Sharon Washington on ‘Feeding the on Her New Book Imprint, and Why She’s Not in It for

Photo: Laura Kinser Laura Photo: Dragon’ and Growing Up above the NYPL,” The Interval, April 3. the TV Rights,” Entertainment Weekly, March 22.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 31 Highlights from the Midwinter President’s Program Are Libraries Neutral?

t the 2018 Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits in Denver, American Library Association (ALA) President Jim Neal’s program provided a commentary and conversation on the question of libraries as neutral organizations and librarianship as a neutral profession. This popular session featured a debate withA two speakers in favor of neutrality, two speakers against neutrality, and a panel of four speakers reacting to the debaters. Their remarks have been edited here for clarity and space; their full remarks are linked when available. The full program video is at bit.ly/mw18-pres.

32 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org The moderator The speakers

James LaRue

Director, ALA Office for Jim Neal Intellectual Freedom and executive director, Freedom ALA President to Read Foundation

re libraries neutral? Have they ever been? argue that neutrality has a precise and essential Should they be? Can libraries be neutral as meaning: We do not deny access to library services part of societies and systems that are not neu- and resources. We do not seek to silence people on Atral? Are libraries, through their processes, Ithe basis of their backgrounds or beliefs. We do set their practices, their collections and technologies, able limits on behavior. People who start shouting at or to be neutral? punching other patrons get kicked out or arrested. But ALA has long advocated for certain principles, our courts have consistently held that speech, whether detailed in the Library Bill of Rights and its interpre- spoken, written, filmed, sung, or worn on a T-shirt, is tations, in which the library is presented as content- not the same thing as action. There has to be imminent neutral, open, and accessible to everybody. But some and immediate physical danger. have argued that libraries have never been, are not For librarians, neutrality has three dimensions. First now, and should not be neutral organizations. Rather, is service. The Library Bill of Rights, Article V, says “a we should be vigorously advocating for a distinct set person’s right to use a library should not be denied or of values. abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.” By policy we are not supposed to give preferential treatment to those who agree with us or discriminate against those who don’t. Recently a librarian asked me: “Suppose someone asks me for contact information for a hate group.

Emily Knox speaks at the Midwinter President’s Program.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 33 Do I have to give it?” And the answer is yes. Once government officials—that would be us—start deciding who is and is not a hate group and what general information should or should not be shared, we will cease to be trusted. And in that case, no one should trust us. Can librarians punch Nazis because of what they Chris Bourg believe? Then we deny them the common legacy of Director of libraries, humanity—the right to be really wrong in public. And Massachusetts Institute possibly to learn something. of Technology We also establish a principle that will turn on us. The second dimension is access to facilities, including programs and technology. Under a well-tested body erriam-Webster and the Oxford English of law, if the Democrats get to use the room, you can’t Dictionary both define neutrality as the state deny access to the Republicans. People should be able of not supporting or helping either side in a to investigate them both and make up their own minds. Mconflict, disagreement, or war. Neutrality, by The third dimension of neutrality is collections. definition, is not taking sides. Public scrutiny is the best defense against the spread The very notion that shared, consolidated commu- of poisonous ideology. Library collections, even if they nity resources ought to exist is not a neutral proposi- begin perfectly balanced on a topic, change because of tion. A library as an institution represents a decision three key factors: what the community wants more of, about how a community spends its resources, and those what we know about what’s published, and the ongoing decisions are not neutral. Decisions like how much consensus of the field. funding a library gets, who should have access to a Neutrality is about the refusal to deny people access library, and even where the library is located are not to a shared resource just because we don’t like the way neutral decisions. they think. That doesn’t mean that anyone is immune And I can’t talk about the lack of neutrality in the from criticism. In fact, they can expect it. But first they very notion of libraries as social institutions with- get to speak. Everyone gets a seat at the table. Neutral- out acknowledging the fact that the origin of public ity is essential to our role in public life. It is enshrined libraries in the US is inextricably tied to the fact that in our values, our laws, and our policies. We abandon the history of the United States is a history of settler it at our peril. colonialism, of slavery, of segregation, and of state- Full remarks at bit.ly/mw18-larue. sponsored discrimination. We are over 85% white as a profession, in a country where non-Hispanic whites make up only 63% of the population. I submit to you that a profession does not “Neutrality is essential become so disproportionately white by chance, and there’s nothing neutral about the fact that our profes- to our role in public sion and most of our organizations have remained stub- bornly white for decades, despite changing national life. It is enshrined in demographics and despite all of our rhetoric about how much we value diversity. our values, our laws, The idea that our collections should be inclusive of many points of view, even those points that members and our policies. We of our community find repellent, is not a neutral idea. According to a 2016 General Social Survey poll, 51% abandon it at our peril.” of people would favor removing a book by a Muslim clergyman who preaches hatred of the United States JAMES LARUE, director, ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom and from their public library, 35% favor removing a book executive director, Freedom to Read Foundation that argues that blacks are inferior, 25% favor removing

34 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org books by communists, and 17% favor removing books an endorsement of content or of the host group. We written by a man who admits to being a homosexual. must offer access to service to all people in the com- How does a library remain neutral on this issue? One munity and sometimes beyond. And as we do so, we side says keep the book, another side says remove it. must demonstrate respect for cultural expression and You can’t have and not have the book at the same time. understandings while we also offer new ideas and help None of us, I think, work in Schrödinger’s library. to explore new ways of thought. You can’t just include everything and claim neu- But here’s where things get complicated because trality because doing so means that you are taking the policies have to be written by people. And librarians side of those who say include them over those who say cannot check their opinions, priorities, and passions at remove those books. the door. It is in the writing of the policy that we have to I submit to you that allowing those who deny the be actively striving for neutrality. To write good policy, humanity and the basic dignity of others to co-opt the we must ensure that librarians are well trained and legitimacy of our libraries and our profession is not a attentive to the importance of open access to materials, neutral choice. space, and services; that there is diversity of opinion Full remarks at bit.ly/mw18-bourg. among those writing the policy; and that the policy is written in a work environment where differences of opinion can be freely expressed and where they will be able to impact positively on the final product. I am not suggesting that we do not have social goals. Em Claire I don’t think we should ever be indifferent to injustice. I Knowles can imagine that there is a middle ground, but I would err on the side of neutrality as the starting place for all Assistant dean for student and communities. I think an active, engaged, continually alumni affairs, Simmons School of Library and Information reaffirmed neutrality is just the first rung on the ladder Science in Boston to advocacy and social justice. Full remarks at bit.ly/mw18-knowles.

am strongly committed to the core value of intellectual freedom. I further believe that we can achieve intellectual freedom only by beginning with a Icommitment to neutrality. Too often neutrality is presented as what occurs when we don’t do or think anything. I would suggest quite the opposite. Neutral- R. David Lankes ity is a process to which libraries and librarians must Director, University of South actively commit, a goal that must be continually sought, Carolina School of Library an aspiration that must be regularly renewed and and Information Science reimagined so as to remain relevant to the institution and to the community it serves. So how do we become actively neutral? In libraries, he myth of neutrality prevents an engaged, when we select materials, we should strive for balanced professional conversation with our diverse and unbiased choices. A good starting point would be communities to define the aspirations of that with a plan or a collection development policy that Tcommunity. All communities, no matter how explains our process. It has been documented that a diverse, seek a better world for themselves. They rarely clearly stated, unbiased, and balanced collection policy do this with a single voice, and contradictory defini- may prevent challenges to library materials. tions of better lead to discord, strife, and inequity. And We also must make sure that our libraries are safe, if we as librarians do not seek to address those ineq- responsible spaces for diverging opinions. We must uities as well as shape the definitions, then we are not further acknowledge that our provision of access is not neutral; we are harmful and instruments of oppression.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 35 First, we are professionals engaging with our com- human quest—meaning. And to find meaning, they munity. We long ago rejected the notion that this means need professionals who are not neutral but advo- we treat all equally. A poor child needs a different level cates; are not unbiased but trusted; professionals who of service to meet our mission than college-educated unshackled the chains from books, who stock diverse adults in terms of literacy, for example. If you differen- fiction in the face of elitist outcry, and who stood tall tiate or prioritize service in any way to those you serve, against the Patriot Act in the shadow of 9/11. Let you are not neutral. us stop debating about how to be neutral and start Second, our profession is not a uniform set of profes- arguing about how to use our power as a profession to sionals with a single point of action. We are grounded shape a better society, a society that if we are going to in our communities, be those communities towns, claim can be better, can be improved, that we are going schools, hospitals, or law firms. We are designed that to be passionate advocates, not passionately neutral, way not for efficiency but because we believe that local then we must acknowledge that we have a point of knowledge of culture, of resources, of people makes us view, and we must work every day to be honest brokers more effective. of a better tomorrow. This will look different in different communities Full remarks at bit.ly/mw18-lankes. because our communities are not neutral. I’ve seen public libraries implement content filters to reduce police surveillance and thereby improve access and privacy. I have seen school librarians refuse to print out The panel Wikipedia pages, not because they are predetermin- ing the validity of the source but because they know a Wikipedia citation will result in a failing grade for the student. I have seen libraries organize brutal conversations on racism that have included the views of white supremacists, not to ensure neutrality, but to directly Emily counter hateful ideas. That is not neutral. That is being Drabinski part of improving the very unique community before us. Coordinator of library Libraries are not buildings or collections or poli- instruction, Long Island cies, but communities seeking the most fundamental University, Brooklyn

ibraries are spaces where we encounter real “Does not supporting things. Books sit on shelves next to other books, and each book occupies a space that is strictly its Black Lives Matter Lown. There are only so many computer terminals in our computer labs and only so many minutes in each make the library day to be parceled out to each seat. Libraries are material, just as library workers and library patrons are. neutral? No. It means The debate about neutrality asks us to imagine a world where those real things are infinitely fungible, you’ve made a decision. where we can buy and shelve all books and schedule every event. If we buy 45 copies of Fire and Fury, we And making a decision can’t also buy the run of books from Cave Canem. We have to make decisions about resources. is never neutral.” I don’t think neutral is a thing that can exist. We are always siding with someone or something or some idea EMILY KNOX, assistant professor, School of Information and against others. Those steeped in and rewarded by Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign dominant ways of seeing the world don’t have to know

36 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org how intensely political the ostensibly neutral position ARCHITECTURE / INTERIORS / PLANNING is. If the white supremacists booking your meeting creating together: space are not after you, you don’t have to know how meaningful architecture + dangerous they are. Books about reparative therapy for gay people can be simply another view if yours is client success not the body and mind those authors seek to destroy. Grimm + Parker Architects would like to send our heartfelt To imagine that neutrality could be something we congratulations to Prince George’s County Memorial could choose is an intensely privileged position. Library System + Laurel Branch Library on being the recipient of a 2018 AIA/ALA Library Building Award In focusing a conversation on an idealized notion of neutrality that none of us encounter in our real Client: Prince George’s County Memorial Library System – lives, I think we offer an alibi to those who have the Michael Gannon, COO and Prince George’s County Government Office of Central Services power to define themselves and their worldviews Contractor: Nardi Construction as normal, as neutral, as apolitical, and that’s not most of us. Full remarks at bit.ly/mw18-drabinski.

grimmandparker.com Emily Knox

Assistant professor, School of Information Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign FROM THE HOST OF DEWEY DECIBEL So You Want to Podcast... hould libraries support black people? Sure. What about Black Lives Matter? Let’s think Sunday, about this a bit. What does it mean to sup- Is your library interested June 24 port Black Lives Matter in your library? Does in producing a podcast? S 1 p.m. it mean to invite local leaders to speak, to have a Join Phil Morehart, American display, or some other programming? Does not sup- Room 209, Libraries associate editor and porting Black Lives Matter mean a library is neutral? Ernest N. Morial host of the magazine’s monthly Let me tell you why I am talking about Black Lives Convention Dewey Decibel podcast, in Matter. As we know, we have a very white profes- Center sion, and I always tell my students, Black Lives conversation with a panel of Matter is not controversial in my family at all. Right? librarian podcasters It is probably controversial in many of your families. at the ALA Annual There are probably many people out here whose Conference in families see Black Lives Matter as a hate group. New Orleans. What does it mean to support it in your libraries? Does not supporting Black Lives Matter make the library neutral? No. It means you’ve made a decision. And making a decision is never neutral. Is a decision to not support the movement less controversial? Does it protect your library? I would

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 37 say perhaps, but at what cost? And less controversial library. I’d rather use the library at my church.” And that for whom? made me start to think. We are not the only game in If you have a Black History Month display in your town. We need to realize that people will self-select out- library, then the library has already stated that black side of the library if we don’t make them comfortable. lives matter. Those historical figures being celebrated We can’t show them both sides if they don’t come in. were the Black Lives Matter of their time. Full remarks at bit.ly/mw18-mccook. It may seem like these kinds of choices don’t matter, but a so-called neutral choice is almost always a choice for the status quo, even the case that I gave, though it may seem like a choice to protect the library. The choice can give cover to those who say Black Lives Matter is, say, a terrorist organization, or that they’re “uneasy” with the movement. They may say, “Well, if it’s too controversial for the library, then my uneasiness makes sense.” But does it make sense to support people who feel that way? Kelvin Watson Full remarks at bit.ly/mw18-knox. Director, Broward County (Fla.) Libraries

y experience started in the book distribution arena, where we made virtually everything Kathleen available to cover every interest and walk de la Peña Mof life. I believe in the right of intellectual McCook freedom, so regardless of my point of view, I believe that there should never be a suppression of ideas. The Distinguished university professor, University library is, after all, the place where our citizens are sup- of South Florida posed to have access and discover differing views. Being afforded the right to information and resources on diversity and equity, for example, has either of my parents finished high school, so helped move marginal ideas from the fringes to the they were afraid to go into the public library. forefront. But this is where I diverge from the posture of My dad used to drop me off and say, “Go libraries and librarians on neutrality. Nin, they will be nice to you there. But they [University of Pretoria LIS Professor] Archie L. Dick wouldn’t want us in there.” I always remembered that, wrote, “In the neutral professional model, librarians are and I always think that sometimes issues of class are as seen as value-neutral, and objectivity is highly valued; important to keeping people out of the library as other this leaves a greater emphasis on the delivery of infor- issues that we sometimes think divide us. mation over the result, regardless of the morality of the A few months ago I had a problem in my house—I end product.” don’t know, something fell down or broke—and I still Across the board, neutrality gives the information had a lot of political signs up. The worker who came to professional, libraries, and librarians the ability to take my house to help me said, “You might not want me to a nonstance on important issues and avoid accountabil- come in. I am a deplorable.” And I said, “Why would ity by abdicating any ethical responsibility. Claiming you say that?” And he said, “Your kind of people”—I neutrality endangers us as an institution by resulting in guess I had Hillary things up still—“don’t like me, and I an unconscious adoption of the values of the dominant don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.” political model and framework. Simply put, colleagues: So we talked a little, and I asked him about the public We can’t be neutral on social and political issues that library. Did he and his family use it? He said [he] “didn’t impact our customers because, to be frank, these social think we are the kind of people that should be using the and political issues impact us as well.

38 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org TRANSFORM THE FUTURE Leave a Legacy

ALA LEGACY SOCIETY LA has left an indelible mark on society and our world. Since HONOR ROLL OF DONORS u u u A 1876, ALA has supported and nurtured library leaders, while Anonymous (4) William G. Asp** advocating for literacy; access to information; intellectual freedom; Susan D. & Roger Ballard** and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Robert E. Banks** (Co-Chair) Peggy Barber* Anne K. Beaubien** The ALA Legacy Society includes members who are committed to John W. & Alice M. Berry** Katharina Blackstead** leaving a legacy of their values and visions by including ALA in their Irene L. Briggs** will, retirement plan, life insurance policy, or other estate plan. The Francis J. Buckley, Jr. Michele V. Cloonan & Sidney E. Berger** 1876 Club is targeted to those under the age of 50 when they join Trevor A. Dawes** Carol Pitts Diedrichs** who are planning to include ALA in their will, retirement plan, life Lenore England Ellen Fader** insurance policy, or other estate plan. Janice Feye-Stukas** Carole & Stan Fiore* Through the Legacy Society and 1876 Club, ALA members are Shirley Fitzgibbons Barbara J. Ford* (Co-Chair) helping to transform the future of libraries. The Development Charles Garris Julia Gelfand & David Lang** Office staff is happy to work with you to design the right planned Carolyn Giambra** Lori Goetsch & Martin Courtois gift for you. Whether you are interested in an estate gift or naming William R. Gordon* Ellin Greene* ALA as a beneficiary of your life insurance or retirement plan, the Dr. Ken Haycock** Development Office can help you guide your planned gift. Nann Blaine Hilyard* Pam Spencer Holley Suellen Hoy Alexia Hudson-Ward** Richard L. Huffine** 1876 CLUB Dr. Em Claire Knowles** Nancy Kranich CHARTER MEMBERS Charles E. Kratz, Jr. & William Varady, Jr. John A. Lerner u u u Sarah Ann Long** Anonymous Shirley Loo* Geri Hansen Mann** Peter D. Coyl Mike Marlin Ann Dutton Ewbank Carse McDaniel* Maryanne Flynn Regina Minudri John N. Mitchell* John “Mack” Freeman Virginia B. Moore** Edward Andrew Garcia David Mowery** Loida Garcia-Febo Jim & Fran Neal** Robert Newlen 1876 CLUB Peter Hepburn Sylvia K. Norton Andrew Medlar Joyce L. Ogburn & Steven A. Eichner** Kimberly Patton** Grow the Future of ALA Sheila O’Donnell Mary Jane Petrowski** Andrew K. Pace Molly & Ted Raphael** Gina Persichini Jim & Monica Rettig Larry Romans & Mike Morgan** Courtney L. Young Frances R. Roscello Robert Rose April Roy Patricia Glass Schuman ALA Helen H. Spalding & Karl F. Johnson** David & Cindy Steinhoff Roberta & George Stevens** LEGACY Peggy Sullivan* Teri Switzer SOCIETY Ann & John Symons* Ruth & Jay Toor* CONTACT THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE TO LEARN MORE Betty Turock* William L. Turner, Jr.** ABOUT WAYS YOU CAN MAKE A PLANNED GIFT TO ALA: Beatriz Pascual Wallace** Patricia A. Wand** Development Office, American Library Association Marina Welmers** 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611-2795 J. Linda Williams** ( 312) 280-3259 • [email protected] • www.ala.org/plannedgiving *Charter Member **ALA Legacy Member/15x15 planned giving campaign OUR

VocationIS

InformationExploring the Ways librarianship journalism can work together

BY Marcus Banks

iting your source. Presenting information in a non- biased way, with just the facts. Letting people make up their own mind, not telling them what to think.” When longtime freelance journalist Alison Peters was pondering a career change, she says the appeal of working in a library lay in the ways that she could use skills similar Cto those she had honed in her 12 years as a reporter.

40 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Although the daily work of librarians and journalists differs, the vocations share many professional values. Brandy Although the daily Zadrozny, who worked as a librarian for a decade before becoming a reporter and researcher for the Daily Beast and work of librarians and a reporter for NBC News, and Alice Crites, an MLIS-trained research editor whose work has helped earn six Pulitzers journalists differs, for The Washington Post, offer high-profile examples of the congruence between the two fields. But many librarians meld aspects of journalistic practice into their work. the vocations share many Peters, who became an adult services librarian for Contra Costa County (Calif.) Library earlier this year, realized that professional value�. full-time librarianship would allow her to put journalistic values and practices into everyday use. And she’d still get opportunities to write. Indeed, as a library and information science student view, preparing the hubs at San José (Calif.) State University, Peters profiled librarian complements the library’s journalists for MediaShift (bit.ly/AL-Peters). In a similar vein, mission of building from her first day as a librarian she has used her writing skills to collections and offering inform patrons about the many services the library provides. reference services. And in the end, “it actually saves us time,” she says, rather than researching resources from scratch Reliable sources whenever another patron asks a similar question. Another commonality between librarians and journalists is a shared belief in rigorous research. Librarians in all settings Keeping it local provide guidance about how to identify and create reliable In Weare, New Hampshire, librarian Michael Sullivan is also sources of information. Journalists are adept at sifting through in the community-building business. Weare is a bedroom government records and other primary materials to tell accu- community of approximately 9,000 people, located near the rate and compelling stories. larger cities of Concord, Manchester, and Nashua. In 2016 the Samantha Slocum, digital and special collections librarian owners of Weare’s only newspaper, a quarterly publication that at Rapid City (S.Dak.) Public Library, serves as the library operated more like a magazine than as a source of breaking liaison and coordinator for the Black Hills Knowledge Network news, closed the paper due to lack of ad revenue. At the time (BHKN), an online resource launched in 2009 that connects Sullivan had just begun his job as director of Weare Public people to news and information in the Black Hills region in Library. A resident approached Sullivan and asked, “What are western South Dakota. BHKN’s original mission, Slocum says, you going to do about the paper?” was to provide resources for local leaders to make educated Sullivan responded by launching Weare in the World (bit.ly/ decisions, but that mission has now expanded to include build- weareitw) in 2017 as a “weekly production of the Weare Public ing community and enhancing civic knowledge for residents Library.” The four-page newsletter is available every Wednes- in the region. The site features a news blog (often written day and includes a calendar of events, library news and tips, by library staffers), databases of information about elected coverage of town politics and personalities, and the crossword officials and community resources, local history, community puzzle—the most popular feature, according to Sullivan. There profiles, and “issue hubs.” are no ads. The key criterion for inclusion is some connection BHKN’s issue hubs aggregate and synthesize information to Weare—either information about an event occurring within about topics important to the area, such as the history of the the town or something notable in which a Weare resident par- 1973 Wounded Knee Occupation (bit.ly/bhkn-wk), which ticipates. “The goal is to build a sense of community,” Sullivan occurred on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The hub says. Each issue costs $25 to produce and print, and Sullivan documents this critical moment in South Dakota’s history by delivers them to 10 drop points around town—including organizing previously scattered information from academic restaurants, a bank, and a beauty parlor—himself. Sullivan journals, reference books, online databases, and contem- says Weare in the World is for “people who do not use technol- porary news accounts. It contains two parts—a readable ogy but still want to know about their town.” That said, a PDF summary of the occupation, written similar to a news report, of each issue is available to download from the website. and numerous links to more resources, just as librarians have Now in its second year, the newsletter has already become prepared for decades. popular. The library prints 250 copies a week, a number likely Slocum notes that it could take up to two months to pre- to rise as demand continues to climb. (There are also about pare an issue hub, depending on the complexity of the topic, 50 online readers.) Sullivan serves as editor and assembles the number of sources to consult, and her other work. In her content produced by other people, such as the town’s police

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 41 reporters. He notes, though, that this would involve a “total reconceptualization” of the role of librarians.

Opportunities to learn Although the likelihood of many librarians becoming full- fledged newshounds is slim, there are some practices that all librarians could learn from journalists. Tom Huang, assistant managing editor for features and community engagement at The Dallas Morning News, points out that journalists are skilled at asking open-ended questions as well as being productively persistent if someone is not answering. While this may not be the best approach to a reference interview with a patron, librarians could use these techniques when speaking to skep- tical public officials to advocate for the value of the library.

A sample of Weare Public Library’s newsletter, Weare in the World. Another skill that journalists have, Huang notes, is the ability to dive deep into public records and unearth data that may not chief or the events coordinator for the Rotary Club. The library be readily apparent. Librarians who are not as adept at this has quickly become a clearinghouse for information about type of research could develop this expertise, and experienced Weare’s social and cultural life. However, the new role comes journalists could be useful guides and partners. with some trade-offs: Producing the paper on a weekly basis “Journalists could learn a lot from librarians too. It’s a two- takes 8–15 hours, so Sullivan has had to shift some collection way street,” notes Huang. Huang has worked with librarians responsibilities to other members of his staff, and he puts on extensively over the last few years through the Storytellers fewer programs at the library than he might have otherwise. without Borders program. This collaboration between the But he keeps in mind that “public libraries have a long tradi- Dallas Public Library (DPL) and The Dallas Morning News tion of community outreach.” From his perspective, Weare in trains local high school students to be reporters within their the World fits into that tradition perfectly. neighborhoods and also to conduct effective library research. Journalists provide the reporting training; librarians provide Limits of librarian journalism the research tips. Most of these activities occur at DPL. Such examples of librarian journalism—Peters’s enthusiasm Through this work, Huang has seen firsthand that librarians for promoting library services and her chronicling of librarian are in a position of great trust in their communities. According columnists, Slocum’s detailed and synthesized research about to a 2017 poll by the Knight Foundation and Gallup (kng.ht/ issues in her community, and Sullivan’s work on Weare in 2uDpjkf), only 33% of Americans have a positive view of the the World—have great merit. But none is focused on original news media. Contrast that with an August 2017 Pew Research reporting. Indeed, one of Sullivan’s goals for the newsletter is to hire a journalism student who can do the legwork that probes into the stories behind the submissions to the newsletter. The reason librarians cannot do much original reporting is obvious: They are working in the library and can’t just leave to attend a city council hearing or report from the scene of a natural disaster. This reality leads Tommy Thomason, director of the Texas Center for Community Journalism at Texas Christian Uni- versity in Fort Worth, to distinguish between what he calls the two levels of journalism. The first is curating and vet- ting content for accuracy and serving as a center for useful information; most librarians already do this step. The second, says Thomason, is “go out and cover this” reporting, often at a Dallas Morning News

moment’s notice. One of the biggest challenges news organi-

zations face right now, in Thomason’s view, is that consumers The are unable to easily distinguish accurate from inaccurate

news content in their social media feeds. Because librarians Dallas high school students participate in a Storytellers without Borders place such a high value on accuracy, Thomason says he would session in collaboration with The Dallas Morning News at the J. Erik welcome librarians who also wish to become ground-level Jonsson Central Library branch of Dallas Public Library. Photo: Tom Huang/ Tom Photo:

42 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org 78% of Americans

say that public Center study Like Sullivan, Saunders observes that librarians aim for (pewrsr.ch/ “community building at a local level.” One model that holds libraries help them 2GnmUeL) that promise for such community building, she says, are the showed that 78% nationwide People’s Supper (thepeoplessupper.org) events, of Americans say which are structured conversations with people from differ- find trustworthy, that public libraries ent ideological perspectives, shared over a meal, to encourage help them find respect and understanding. Saunders thinks that libraries reliable information. trustworthy, reli- would be a natural host for these suppers and that both able information. librarians and journalists could use their expertise to make To raise the the conversations a success. trust level for journalists, Huang On a nuts-and-bolts level, librarians are experts in digital thinks that journalists and newsrooms could be more open and tagging and organization. Saunders attended a recent Knight transparent about how they work. Just as the library is open Media Forum, where Raney Aronson-Rath, executive producer to everyone, newsrooms could become much more accessible of PBS’s Frontline documentaries, talked about how the show to a newspaper’s readers. Meanwhile, Huang appreciates that worked with a digital archivist to organize its voluminous librarians can serve as trusted brokers to bring the expertise of video files. This information expertise proved a boon to the journalists into the life of the library. efficiency of Frontline’s journalistic efforts and is an example Laura Saunders, associate professor at Simmons College of how librarians and archivists can support journalistic work School of Library and Information Science in Boston, also behind the scenes. recognizes the potential for collaboration between librarians In most cases, the daily work of librarians and journalists and journalists. She is one of the conveners of the April 2018 is likely to remain distinct. Even so, the values of librarians “Know News” symposium at Simmons. At this symposium, and journalists are fully in sync. As Peters observes, “Both journalists, librarians, and technologists developed strategies librarians and journalists are information professionals, aimed at increasing public support for valid news-gathering, first and foremost.” which includes awareness of how to identify inaccurate and misleading stories. Symposium participants plan to release a MARCUS BANKS is a journalist with prior experi- white paper later this year with suggested next steps for pro- ence as an academic library administrator. moting legitimate news. Photo: © sutichak/Adobe Stock © sutichak/Adobe Photo:

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 43 An POINT JENNY PAXSON, readers’ advisory librarian, Webster (N.Y.) Public Library Overdue Does your library charge fines? We do charge fines at Webster Public Library.

How are the collected funds used? We use the funds—$71,000 collected from Discussion fines annually—as part of our operating budget. Without them it would be difficult to run the library.

Two takes on the Do fines discourage patrons from using the library? I believe for some people library-ﬁne debate they do. Many of our patrons come in and are happy to pay their fines as they want to help support the library— hether to charge fines they understand that it’s part of their for overdue materials is responsibility as members. For those who are discouraged, I feel it impacts W mostly those with high fines. We forgive a hot-button topic. The fines for people who are experiencing issues are many: Some libraries have extenuating circumstances—a death in the family, financial hardship, a hospital halted the practice, citing concerns stay—and work to help them out by that fines keep patrons away, while eliminating the fines altogether or reducing them by half, depending on the situ- other libraries have kept them in place ation and whether we’ve helped them in the past. I think those who are discour- as vital revenue streams. Fines are also aged are probably those who don’t want used by some libraries as a method to to come to us and ask for help. teach personal responsibility, while other libraries consider that lesson outside the realm of librarianship. We spoke with a librarian on each side of the debate.

44 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org COUNTERPOINT

SARAH HOUGHTON, director, San Rafael (Calif.) Public Library

Do fines encourage personal responsi- Does your library charge fines? San Rafael Do fines encourage personal responsibility by making patrons return items Public Library charges overdue fines only bility by making patrons return items on time to avoid a fine? Should that for adult materials. Children’s and teen on time? Should that be the library’s be the library’s role? I think it does materials fees were eliminated about two role? We have found that people do not and it doesn’t. If people think there are years ago. keep youth materials out any longer consequences for not returning items on since we’ve eliminated fines. This has time, then they will return them when How are collected funds used? Fines col- been shown in library after library as they are due. Without consequences, lected on adult materials go back to the City they eliminate some or all overdue some people will hold onto items. For of San Rafael’s general fund bottom line. fines. So, no, I would not say that fines some people it doesn’t matter: They will encourage people to return items on willingly take late fees so they can finish Has your library been affected by the loss time. It is not the library’s role to teach a book or movie. It’s not our role to of revenue? In approving the elimination of responsibility to any age group. That teach responsibility, but I’d like to think youth fines, San Rafael City Council agreed lesson is best left to families and com- we encourage people to share materials that the loss of revenue (approximately munities to decide on themselves. The among themselves. $7,000 per year for our city of 60,000 resi- library’s role is to encourage lifelong dents) was an acceptable cost to encourage learning, exploration, and innovation. Have you considered eliminating fines? youth reading and library use. The library’s We have considered eliminating fines budget was not reduced in any way. Do you use any alternate methods to for children’s materials. We investigated encourage patrons to return materials this with our circulation supervisor and Do fines discourage patrons from using in a timely manner? Patrons receive an discovered that 40% of our fines were the library? Fines absolutely discourage email three days before an item is due, from kids’ cards. In the end, we decided people from using the library, especially another email one day after the item it would result in too big of a hit to our those in the community who could most was due, and a subsequent follow-up revenue, but we did decide to eliminate benefit from library services. What we see three weeks after the due date that fines for board books. • in our community is that people slowly states they need to return the item rack up overdue fines over time—hitting or pay for a replacement. Reminding the $10 maximum, after which point the people of due dates ahead of time seems account is locked until the amount owed the most effective way to encourage is brought under $10—and then simply timely returns. stop using the library. This happens across age groups, but predominantly in those Have you considered eliminating all neighborhoods that are socioeconomically fines? San Rafael Public Library would disadvantaged. This results in the people like to continue exploration of eliminat- with the least money in our community— ing fines on adult materials so that they the ones who need a library the most—not match children’s and teen materials. being able to use the library. The trick is convincing city council. •

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 45

BRINGING

OUT OF THE

Addressing the troubling aspects of Melvil Dewey’s legacy

BY Anne Ford

s stories of sexual misconduct continue to dominate the news, some alleged perpetrators bear household names (Kevin Spacey, Garrison Keillor, Harvey Weinstein, James Franco), and some don’t (Humane Society CEO Wayne Pacelle, NPR editor Michael Oreskes, Metropolitan Opera conductor James Levine). Though his moniker is absent from modern headlines, there’s one harasser whose name is known to librarians everywhere: Melvil Dewey. In the #MeToo era, how should the library profession handle Dewey’s legacy, tainted as it is by sexism and racism? Dewey—who was, of course, a founder of was ostracized by the ALA as a result of what the American Library Association (ALA) and one librarian of the period called his “out- the inventor of the widely used Dewey Decimal rages against decency.” Classification—made numerous inappropriate In addition, Dewey refused to admit physical advances toward women, including Jews, African Americans, or other minorities library colleagues and his own daughter-in-law, to the Lake Placid Club, the private Adiron- over a period of many years. Eventually, Dewey dacks resort in New York that he and his

Melvil Dewey

48 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Melvil Dewey with the wife owned and operated for many years. Booker “Obnoxious personal traits” 1888 class of the School T. Washington was disallowed from its dining Beginning in the 1880s, and continuing at least of Library rooms, Dewey bought up adjoining land for fear it until 1929, Dewey engaged in what biographer Economy at would otherwise be sold to Jews, and promotional Wayne A. Wiegand characterizes as “unwelcome Columbia literature made it clear that “no Jews or consump- hugging, unwelcome touching, certainly unwel- College, New York City. tives [were] allowed” on the property. (“Personally, come kissing” with female acquaintances. Wiegand many of my choicest friends are Jews,” Dewey is author of Irrepressible Reformer: A Biography of wrote in an evasive response to a membership Melvil Dewey (ALA Editions, 1996), the definitive request from one Albert Harris of New York City.) biography of Dewey. Yet 87 years after his death, Dewey remains “Was there an element of power in his behav- revered as the “father of modern librarianship,” ior?” Wiegand says. “There was. To my knowledge, “a pioneer in library education,” and “a pioneer in he never squeezed a woman who was his equal. It the creation of career opportunities for women,” was usually subordinates.” as the Library of Congress website calls him. On a post-conference cruise to Alaska in 1905, Indeed, the ALA itself bestows the Melvil Dewey the six-foot-tall Dewey made physical advances Medal, and American Libraries’ own Dewey Decibel toward several ALA members. On another occa- podcast bears his name (but has dropped his like- sion, his son and daughter-in-law, Godfrey and

Photos: ALA Archives ALA Photos: ness from its logo). Marjorie Dewey, moved out of the family home

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 49 Some ALA Awards to Receive Review

merican Library Association (ALA) members may after becoming uncomfortable with Dewey’s overly eventually see changes to the names of some of familiar behavior toward the latter. the awards and honors granted by the Association In still another example, Dewey settled out of court and its divisions. That’s because as cultural sensibilities in 1929 for $2,147 a lawsuit brought by a former ste- have changed, so too have ideas regarding how to most nographer, whom he had kissed and caressed in public appropriately exemplify the values those awards and the previous summer. (He had earlier sent a thank-you honors are meant to represent. note to an assistant who referred the woman: “I … For example, concerns regarding the depictions of wish I had bought her by the pound instead of the piece Native Americans and African Americans in the works of when the dainty little flapper got off the train.”) Laura Ingalls Wilder have led to the establishment of a Detailed, first-person accounts of Dewey’s disturbing task force to review the ALA award that bears her name. behavior are hard to come by, perhaps because in his Administered by the Asso- time, women who spoke openly about sexual harass- ciation for Library Service to ment were more likely to be disbelieved or punished Children (ALSC), a division of than they are now. What is common knowledge among ALA, the Laura Ingalls Wilder historians is an incident in which Dewey invited New Award has since 1954 honored York Public Library documents librarian Adelaide Hasse an author or illustrator whose to go for a long drive in the country, after which she books have made a substantial made a speedy departure—or, as Dewey later put it in and lasting contribution to litera- a letter to her, “ran away so suddenly.” He continued: ture for children. “But I am very glad that I know you better. Sometimes I The question of whether to think of you as [Shakespeare’s] Cordelia for your voice Laura Ingalls Wilder rename the award has been is hers. Sometimes as Brunhild fair blue eyed Saxon.” raised by many ALSC members and stakeholders, says “Such references to physical attributes were not ALSC President Nina Lindsay. normal epistolary style among turn-of-the-century “It is widely recognized that Wilder’s legacy is com- librarians,” writes Hasse’s biographer, Clare Beck (The plex,” Lindsay says. “At the same time that we value and New Woman as Librarian: The Career of Adelaide Hasse, uphold access to her work, we are critically reading and Scarecrow Press, 2006). Hasse declined to take any understanding our literary history and cultural history, action against Dewey, writing to library colleagues: “We and that examination has provoked the question: Is this are a professional body, the members of which, encoun- the appropriate way to honor a lifetime achievement for tering obnoxious personal traits in fellow members, authors or illustrators of children’s books today?” must content ourselves to employ those defenses which Among the facets of Wilder’s books that trouble many reason, training, and character dictate.” present-day readers are its treatment of Native American In general, Dewey himself did not deny his actions— characters as well as a scene in Little Town on the Prairie in only their impropriety. “I have which Pa Ingalls participates in a blackface minstrel show. been very unconventional … as The task force charged with reviewing the award will men [are] always who frankly bring its recommendations to the ALSC board at the show and speak of their liking

ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition in New Orleans for women,” he wrote. But, he (Hasse) Office Printing Government (Wilder); Library Presidential Herbert Hoover Photo: this month. After the decision on the Wilder Award has been made, ALSC will review its entire awards program. It may or may not recommend changes to the John Newbery Medal, Randolph Caldecott Medal, May Hill Arbuthnot Adelaide Hasse Honor Lecture Award, Mildred L. Batchelder Award, Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, and Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal. Any recommendations will be brought to the ALSC board at the 2019 ALA Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits in Seattle January 24–29. •

50 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org From left: Melvil Dewey (bottom left) on a 1905 post- conference cruise to Alaska; in 1918 with his wife Annie in New York.

insisted, it was not his fault if the targets of his “unconventional” actions took offense: “Pure women would understand my ways.” That’s not how many of his colleagues saw things. After the Alaska incident, several of them added their voices to a campaign to force him out of active ALA membership. (This just a year after Dewey had been forced to resign as New York State librarian, under pressure from those who objected to the racist and anti- Semitic policies at the Lake Placid Club.) They succeeded. After 1906, Dewey did not actively participate in ALA matters. “In exchange for a quiet departure, he was spared an ugly and public exposé of one of his major flaws,” Wiegand writes. “He was never again a power player in ALA politics.” He was, however, invited to be the guest of honor at ALA’s 50th anniversary meeting in 1926.

Time to talk minorities, except to say that “[Dewey’s] consciousness After Dewey’s death in 1931, the offensive aspects of of his own strength and freedom from evil purpose led his legacy took time to surface. The early biographies of to a serene indifference in his every-day public relations him bordered on hagiographic. “The purpose … of this with women.” volume is to indicate that Melvil Dewey was a genius,” Another biography, Fremont Rider’s Melvil Dewey wrote Grosvenor Dawe in Melvil Dewey: Seer, Inspirer, (ALA, 1944), calls its subject “a prophet pointing Doer (J. B. Lyon Co., 1932). That book makes almost forward to a glorious promised land” and shrugs off

Photos: ALA Archives ALA Photos: no mention of Dewey’s behavior toward women and the Lake Placid Club’s anti-Semitic policies by stating,

“In exchange for a quiet departure, he was spared an ugly and public exposé of one of his major ﬂaws.”

—WAYNE A. WIEGAND

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 51 Need Sexual Harassment Resources? new page on the American and survivors, a sexual harass- is brand new. “ALA has been very Library Association (ALA) ment model policy statement for careful about advising localities website provides a clear- libraries, articles related to sexual how to proceed when it comes to inghouse of materials for anyone harassment in libraries, and a link the law, because all 50 states have facing harassment, including sexual to ALA’s statement of appropriate different laws,” says Lorelle Swader, harassment, in the workplace conduct for conferences. associate executive director of (bit.ly/2HNTOXC). The page draws on material that ALA Offices and Member Relations The page, which was published has long been available from ALA and the ALA–Allied Professional in March, includes ALA’s definition in other formats, such as pam- Association. “Instead, our legal of sexual harassment, guidelines phlets, and that is now online for counsel has said: ‘Here’s what you for those who feel that they have the first time. The sexual harass- want to put into a [sexual harass- been subjected to it, links to ment model policy statement for ment] policy if you don’t have one.’ federal laws, resources for victims libraries (bit.ly/2Hfg6Ao), however, It gives people a starter.” •

“Dewey might—and did—point out that as a private structure of our profession,” Wiegand says. “You accept club, it had a perfect legal right to do this.” the warts with the halos.” By 1996, when Wiegand’s book was published, the Still, “I think there needs to be a more balanced world had changed. “Here I am, a child of the 1960s, awareness that he had human failings,” says Beck, so I brought a different set of questions to my research professor emerita at Halle Library, Eastern Michigan and didn’t fear bringing what I was finding into print,” University in Ypsilanti.“To have made him such a god- Wiegand says. “By the time I undertook that research, like figure—the great Melvil Dewey—now seems kind there wasn’t a whole lot of discussion about Dewey’s of ridiculous. He was revered as this man who brought behavior toward women. It reintroduced the discussion women into librarianship, but all these women he to the profession.” encouraged and worked with still had to be subordinate Still, more than 20 years after Dewey’s misconduct to him and were expected to look up to him as the great was laid bare in Irrepressible Reformer, public acknowl- male leader.” edgments of his racism and sexism remain rare. The Which brings her to another point: “Dewey, in web page of the Dewey Program at the Library of the bigger picture, is part of a whole pattern of the Congress makes no mention of them (bit.ly/2suMVGv). subordination of women and the power dynamics of Nor does Dewey’s Encyclopedia Britannica entry a profession in which for most of our history, men (bit.ly/2o0OtDo). got all the executive positions and the better pay,” “I think that it ought to be common knowledge,” says she says. (The AFL-CIO found that in 2014, women Sherre L. Harrington, director of the Memorial Library working as full-time librarians reported a median at Berry (Ga.) College and coordinator of ALA’s Social annual salary of $48,589, compared with $52,528 Responsibilities Round Table’s Feminist Task Force. for men [bit.ly/2Hq0NrM]. It also found in 2010 “But I don’t think it actually is.” (She emphasizes that that while only 17.2% of librarians were men, they she is speaking to American Libraries as a member of held 40% of library director positions in universities the library profession and not as an official represen- [bit.ly/2Ku2enX].) tative of the task force.) That said, she adds, “I feel a “So in a way, I don’t think we should just single out little complicit in that. I’ve been active in the Feminist Dewey,” Beck finishes. “There are many elements of Task Force for a really long time, and we haven’t done keeping women subordinate.” anything either.” To be clear, no one we spoke with is calling for ANNE FORD is editor-at-large of American Dewey to be wiped from the history books. Nor are they Libraries. suggesting that his accomplishments be disregarded. “Here is an imperfect individual who was crucial to the

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HRDR The Librarian’s Guide to HOMELESSNESS

Advice for managers and leaders from the director of a shelter

BY Ryan J. Dowd

t was 3 a.m. A woman struggling to carry her three children—a newborn and twin toddlers Iin car seats—shuffled along an urban bicycle trail during the first thunderstorm of the season. Her days-old C-section incision was infected. Every flash of lightning must have thrown ghastly shadows. Every thunderclap and gust of wind probably made her feel like even the elements were conspiring against her.

Can you imagine what this would largest homeless shelter in the state feel like? My imagination is unable to and the largest outside of Chicago. conjure such raw terror. I am executive director of Hesed Somehow, the police found her and House, but I wasn’t there. That her children and drove them to Hesed night—like every other night—there House in Aurora, Illinois—the second was only one staff person on duty.

54 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org He was responsible for 200–250 individuals scattered throughout the 45,000-square-foot building. It is likely that he would never have a five- minute period in his life when he had a greater opportunity to impact another person’s life. He immediately got the woman a warm meal even though the kitchen was closed. He prevented a dozen women on their way to work from taking a shower so she could bathe in peace. He left the building completely unattended while he rummaged through a trailer in the parking lot looking for dry clothes that would fit her. He put her in an empty dorm room in our transitional wing, a direct viola- tion of federal grant guidelines. Before the sun had risen the next morning, this staff member had broken at least a dozen organizational rules. I have never been more proud. PRACTICAL COMPASSION I have spent the entirety of my career learning—and teaching—the art of “practical compassion.” It is the key to changing the world. If we have compassion for the most vulnerable but are too afraid of them to have a conversation with them, our compassion isn’t worth much. The revolution is in the relationship. Sometimes, though, the relationship requires a little effort and understanding and a few practical skills. In the last two decades, I have met tens of thousands of homeless individuals. I have talked to individuals on the day they became homeless and the day they moved into their own apartments. I have laughed with some homeless individuals and cried with Ryan J. Dowd others. I have sat with women who in the men’s sleeping room

Photo: Robyn Sheldon Robyn Photo: had just returned to the shelter after of Hesed House.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 55 being raped. I have broken up The red and the blue. There are two types of rules: more fights than I can count and n rules that should never be broken under any circum- had a knife pulled on me (only stances (red rules) once, thankfully). Working with n rules that keep things running smoothly but should be difficult homeless individuals broken when common sense dictates (blue rules) is hard. Managing people who Some people view the red and blue rules concept as work with difficult homeless ludicrous. To them, a rule is a rule; if it is going to be individuals is harder. There ignored, it shouldn’t be a rule. The problem with this are two equally challenging thinking is that it is impossible to develop guidelines and problems: rules for every possible scenario. It is much more effective n staff members who are terri- to make a few hard-and-fast rules and then a bunch of fied of conflict and avoid This is an excerpt guidelines that work in most, but not all, situations. all confrontation by not from The Librarian’s For example, Hesed House has a rule that residents are enforcing any rules Guide to Homeless- not allowed to arrive later than 10 p.m. It is a blue rule. n staff members who think they ness: An Empathy- If someone shows up at 10:30 p.m. during a blizzard, I are Rambo, turning every mild Driven Approach to expect staffers to ignore the rule. If they don’t, someone conflict into World War III Solving Problems, could literally die. We have another rule that violence is It is easier to help a timid Preventing Conflict, not permitted. If one resident punches another resident, staff member become assertive and Serving Every- staffers do not have the authority to send the aggressor off than it is to help an aggressive one by Ryan J. Dowd to bed with a firm scolding. This is a red rule. The puncher staff member be polite. I am not (ALA Editions, 2018). is expelled. sure why this is, but hot-headed The problem for managers is that it is obvious to us employees usually cannot rein it which rules are red and which are blue. It is not obvious in for very long. They can get better for a little while, but to front-line employees (especially new ones). Make sure eventually emotions take over and they lose their cool. staffers know the difference. Timid staff, on the other hand, grow only more confident as they get experience. The anti–witch hunt. In February 1692, two children in There are some tactics that can make you more effective. Salem, Massachusetts, began to convulse on the ground. They described feeling poked by imaginary pins. Soon, The minimalist. Less is more when it comes to rules. If other young people in the village complained of the same you have four basic rules, it is easy for everyone (patrons, thing. The culprits were soon identified: Sarah Good, a staff, and management) to learn them and remember mentally disturbed homeless woman, and others accused them. If you have 106 rules that govern every specific of witchcraft. On July 19, 1692, Good was executed. behavior imaginable, patrons will have trouble remem- Before the panic had subsided, 25 people were dead. bering them and staffers will have trouble enforcing them It is no coincidence that the Salem witch trials began (which makes you look arbitrary). with a homeless woman. The most vulnerable among us At Hesed House we have four rules posted on a big are often scapegoated during periods of mass hysteria. The yellow metal sign outside of the shelter entrance: same thing happens today to immigrants, minorities, or— 1. No drugs or alcohol. as is often the case—homeless individuals. 2. No weapons. Guard against panic in your library. It is contagious. 3. No fighting. After something bad happens in your community (or in 4. If you leave for the night, you may not return the news), people become unreasonably fearful. Suddenly until tomorrow. they are terrified of something that has the same statistical Every staff member—and most residents—can recite likelihood as being eaten by a shark. them from memory. There is no ambiguity. Consider what Our irrational fears can sound so reasonable in the some of your fellow libraries are doing: moment. A registered sex offender just got a library n Dallas Public Library’s Central Library used to post card, so now all children will be kidnapped. A patron a lengthy list of rules. When staffers focused instead was overheard having a conversation with himself, so on only five, they found that compliance went up now Norman Bates is on the loose. A Wiccan group from substantially. the local college applied to use a conference room, and n Helen Plum Library in Lombard, Illinois, got rid of all now we are afraid that our pets will disappear for ritual its rules and replaced them with a single rule: No one sacrifices. A mosque opens in a nearby town, and we all is allowed to interfere with someone else’s use of the Google the word jihad. A coworker is mugged leaving a library. As long as a patron isn’t bothering anyone else, nearby restaurant, and we devise new ways to exclude they can do whatever they want. homeless patrons.

56 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Here is how you deal with mass hysteria and witch Dallas Public Library Youth Services Administrator Melissa Dease assists a homeless patron during the annual Winter Backpack hunts that seize hold of your staff: Challenge, part of the library’s Homeless Engagement and Lead- n Confront it directly. Call a meeting to discuss every- ership program. one’s concerns. This prevents people from accusing you of “not taking their safety seriously.” Make sure that you schedule it at a time when the calm and rational mem- Your first choice should always be the community- bers of your staff can be present. The worst thing you oriented policing (COP) officer assigned to your area. COP can do is call a meeting and discover that everyone in officers are trained to build relationships and proactively the room is paranoid. That just exacerbates it. solve problems through community engagement. Your n Stay calm. Demonstrate through your demeanor that local COP officer wants to know you. The type of people you are not afraid. If you get frustrated and angry with who are chosen to go into these units are usually very your colleagues, it is easier for them to dismiss you. friendly and enjoy working collaboratively. n Lead by example. Find a tangible way to demonstrate If your jurisdiction does not have a COP unit, then you’ll that you are not afraid. Work the circulation desk for a have to move to Plan B. Call the police commander who while. Make a point of approaching homeless patrons is responsible for your area and explicitly ask if there is a when your colleagues are watching. Hesed House had a good person who can be your contact within the police tuberculosis outbreak, and the staff panicked, accusing department. me of not taking the danger seriously enough because I The commander will know which of his or her offi- was safe in my office. That night I moved into the shelter cers would be a good fit and will usually assign someone for a few days, eating, showering, and sleeping alongside accordingly. Also, the officer will feel more pressure to residents. My actions showed better than my words that serve you well if he or she has been assigned by a boss. I believed we were doing everything in our power to con- This is a much better tactic than trying to simply befriend a tain the outbreak. random officer. One final tip about getting a police liaison: Unfortu- The Andy Taylor. Have you ever watched The Andy nately (for you), the best police officers get promoted Griffith Show? The main character is Sheriff Andy Taylor. quickly. If you find a good officer and he or she gets He is a great officer who doesn’t just run around arresting promoted, ask for an introduction from that person to people. He is a true problem solver, always working with someone else who can be your main contact. You are more people to make the community better. likely to get introduced to an equally good officer. Your library needs a Sheriff Andy Taylor. Put another way, your library needs a liaison within the police depart- The lawyer-repellent spray. It is important for libraries ment. It isn’t enough to just call 911 when you have an to protect everyone’s access to them. Sometimes when you

Photo: Dallas Public LIbrary Photo: issue. You also want an officer or two who looks out for you. fail, lawyers and courts intervene. Some examples include:

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 57 Kreimer v. Morristown (1991): It is easier to I won’t go in depth into the liability Richard Kreimer, a 42-year-old from homeless patrons, but I will share homeless man, was a problem help a timid staff an acronym (FEND) from lawyer- patron for the Morristown librarian Mary Minow for keeping (N.J) library. He was kicked member become lawyers away: out repeatedly for staring at n First Amendment: Libraries must patrons, following patrons assertive than it is to protect the right of free speech. around, speaking loudly and n Equal enforcement: Policies belligerently, and smelling help an aggressive staff must be applied consistently. very bad. n Notice: All policies should be He sued. member be polite. clearly posted or distributed. The library lost the case at the n Due process: A well-defined appeals trial court, with the judge saying, process must be available to patrons “If we wish to shield our eyes and who challenge policies. noses from the homeless, we should revoke their condition, not their library cards.” PREDICAMENT: A NONHOMELESS The appellate court overturned the trial court, ruling in PATRON IS COMPLAINING favor of the library—but not before the library’s insurance “This is ridiculous,” a man blurts out as he shuffles toward company had settled for $80,000. you. “I pay taxes, and I can’t even use the library. It is com- Armstrong v. District of Columbia Public Library (2001): pletely overrun with the homeless. You need to get them Richard Armstrong tried to enter Martin Luther King Jr. out of here. If you can’t fix this, I’m calling the mayor!” It Memorial Library in Washington, D.C., one February after- wasn’t a question, but he stares at you, waiting for an answer noon. A security guard stopped him, saying that he needed anyway. What do you do? to “clean up” before he could come in. Ultimately, the court Working at a large shelter for most of my career, I have held that the library’s policy against “objectionable appear- heard a lot of complaints about homeless individuals from ance” was unconstitutional because it was too vague. nonhomeless individuals. Sometimes the complaints are

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58 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org valid, and sometimes they are utterly ridiculous. I once had or elderly patron had a “bladder accident,” you wouldn’t a guy at a neighborhood meeting shout at me for 15 minutes share that news with a stranger who asked. Provide that it was unfair that he had to “see those people.” Some the same level of respect and dignity to your homeless individuals feel that they are entitled to never witness the patrons in the same situation. effects of poverty. My advice for dealing with such ornery n If a person is prying for details, hint that there is “more nonhomeless individuals is as follows: to the story” than is obvious (even if there isn’t), and Listen without agreeing or disagreeing. I quietly listen stop the conversation. until they get bored and move on. It is easier than fighting n My favorite phrase: “It would really not be appropriate and usually more effective. Most people eventually realize for me to talk about other patrons.” (without being told) that they are being ridiculous. When you challenge them, though, they dig into their position even IN THE END stronger. It might make you feel good to defend homeless It is hard to be a manager or leader on a good day. On a people, but it doesn’t actually change the person’s mind. bad day—when staffers are freaking out and the com- Here are a few phrases that work well: munity is making threats—leadership seems downright n “We take the needs of all of our patrons seriously, regard- impossible. To steal a line from the poem “If—” by Rud- less of their socioeconomic status.” yard Kipling: “If you can keep your head when all about n “Thank you for your concern. We have the situation under you / Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,” then you control.” just might be able to have a huge impact on the commu- n “We are keeping an eye on the situation.” nity. This world desperately needs your leadership. Teach Similarly, many individuals feel that homeless individuals your staff empathy. Teach your staff empathy-driven are not entitled to the same level of confidentiality as every- enforcement. Help the community to have a greater appre- one else. They will ask prying and inappropriate questions ciation for the most vulnerable members. about homeless individuals that they would never ask about RYAN J. DOWD is executive director of Hesed House in Aurora, someone else. My advice: Illinois. He trains organizations around the globe on how to use n Maintain as much confidentiality for homeless patrons as empathy-driven enforcement with homeless individuals. He is a you would for nonhomeless patrons. If a pregnant woman licensed attorney and has a master’s in public administration.

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AnnualConference Preview

EDITED BY Greg Landgraf

ew Orleans—jewel of the Mississippi River known for its colorful Carnival seasons, inimitable food, and confluence of cultures—celebrates its tricentennial in 2018 with a yearlong birthday party. But perhaps no celebration is more anticipated than the return of the American Library Association’s (ALA) Annual Conference and Exhibition to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Taking place June 21–26, Annual will offer a host of professional development opportunities, new ideas to help shape the future of libraries, a full slate of author programs and fascinating speakers, and a variety of special events and activities. This preview offers a small sample of what to expect. For a complete listing of events, visit 2018.alaannual.org.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama 62 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Photos: David Slijper (Obama); Rachel Eliza Griffiths (Smith); Gerry Salva Cruz (Vargas); David Alexanian (Estevez); Brian Bowen Smith (Davis) Vargas Jose Antonio Smith Tracy K. SHORTY” ANDREWS. honor books—takes place Newbery,the Caldecott, andWilder medal–winningand andillustrators of authors the honors that celebration will include the will includethe live indoesn’t consideryou oneofitsown. Theprogram what explores which memoir willdiscusshisupcoming American, nonprofit Define musician andCaldecott honoree from Grammy-nominated Newperformance Orleans earlyBe sure to arrive to get aseatandhearspecial highly White anticipated Houseinthis session. in the onsocialandpoliticalissueshertwo terms reflect as its welcomes First former Lady ALA CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS and author of the forthcoming memoir forthcoming ofthe and author Newbery-Caldecott-Wilder Awards Banquet to Children’s (ALSC) The Associationfor LibraryService Friday, June 22. number oftickets willbeavailable onsite untilnoon Preregistration isrequired andtickets are $94.Alimited p.m. New Orleans|June21–26,2018 on Opening General Session Friday, June22. Dear America: NotesDear America: ofanUndocumented Citizen, ALA Awards Presentation. home Sunday, June24, 6–11 p.m. means when the country you country meanswhenthe The lawyer, philanthropist, ANTONIO VARGAS K. SMITH Program founder of storytelling founder ofstorytelling onMars. Life winner 2012 PulitzerPrize ofpoetry,books including Light Ordinary acclaimedmemoir critically ofthe isauthor Smith Poet Laureate will welcome United States President JimNeal ALA as his June 24, 3:30–5p.m. and filmmaker and filmmaker TROY “TROMBONE MICHELLE OBAMA speaker, ALA President’s speakers and journalist andjournalist Becoming Vargas, 4–5:15 TRACY andfour JOSE Sunday, —a will

Estevez Emilio Homelessness will behosted on andQ&As police.Thefilm with a standoff cold snap,andhow anonviolent sit-inescalates into a Cincinnati andHamilton Countyatclosingtimeduring marginalized, whorefuse to leave PublicLibraryof the oflibrarypatrons, manystory homelessorotherwise winning actor will beheadlinedby award- Celebration The tainment. Ticketstainment. are $50. and includesfood andenter Broadway. The on Davis’s own experiences 1968 classic from DonFreeman’scharacters a Bow, book children’s upcoming ofthe Davis isauthor Tuesday, June26,10–11:30 a.m. The from and Tickets are $65. and youth. for children and illustrators ofbooks authors best African-American the honor recipients, recognizing commemorates Coretta 2018’s Scott and Kingwinners Session at follows ClosingGeneral the be held ClosingGeneral Session Sunday, June24 Coretta Scott KingBookAwards Breakfast 9 a.m.–noon which isinspired by which Sunday, June24, 7–9:30 a.m. 11:45 a.m.–2p.m. Corduroy immediately (see excerpt, p.54). VIOLA DAVIS Inaugural Corduroy Takes Saturday, June23 and and and from 2:30–5:30 p.m. 2:30–5:30 p.m. - Davis 1–4 p.m. Viola The Librarian’s Guideto session moderated by followedeach by aQ&A showingsthree ofhisfilm, Public, director, of andstar RYAN J. DOWD, EMILIO ESTEVEZ, on on

The movie tells the The movie tells the will be at Annual for will beatAnnualfor The breakfast author of of author The The writer, will

63 FEATURED SPEAKERS Stereotypes, Respectability, and Black Women in Reality TV, which addresses how reality television reinforces The Auditorium Speaker Series, sponsored by publish- stereotypes but also inspires a positive and nuanced ers, brings accomplished authors, compelling celebri- conversation about representation and its effects on the ties, and exciting experts to the conference. This year’s black community. The program will also include the lineup includes: AASL Awards Ceremony.

Saturday, June 23 Saturday, June 23, 9–10 a.m. 8:30–9:30 a.m. United for Libraries (UFL) President Steve Laird’s Historian and Pulitzer program “Engaging Elected Officials with Your Library” Prize–winning author offers tips from a panel of experts on how to make DORIS KEARNS advocates of local leaders. GOODWIN knew presidents at an early age, Saturday, June 23, 10:30 a.m.–noon Doris Kearns Goodwin becoming a White House Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Fellow at 24 and serving as an assistant to President President Cheryl A. Middleton’s program “Beyond Lyndon B. Johnson. Her upcoming book, Leadership in Resilience: Crafting a Caring Organization” will follow Turbulent Times, draws upon four presidents she has up an ACRL 2017 Conference program that challenged studied closely—Johnson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore academic librarians to think critically about “resilience” Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt—to show how and how it is used to shift responsibility for success and they first recognized their own leadership qualities. survival to individuals while silencing conversations about structural inequalities. Panelists will include Saturday, June 23 CHRIS BOURG (director, Massachusetts Institute 10:30–11:30 a.m. of Technology Libraries), KAREN G. SCHNEIDER Author ROBERT (dean, Sonoma State University Library), DERRICK W. FIESELER’S book JEFFERSON (communication librarian, American Tinderbox: The Untold University), FOBAZI M. ETTARH (student success Story of the Up Stairs librarian, California State University, Dominguez Hills), Lounge Fire and the Rise EAMON TEWELL Robert W. Fieseler and moderator (reference and of Gay Liberation tells the instruction librarian, Long Island University, Brooklyn). story of the 1973 arson at a New Orleans gay nightclub that devastated its community. Through survivor Saturday, June 23, 10:30 a.m.–noon stories and archives, Fieseler creates a portrait of a In Library Leadership and Management Association closeted, blue-collar gay world in a time when the President Pixey Mosley’s program “Addressing Con- crime received almost no media coverage. flict through Difficult and Uncomfortable Dialogues,” NANCY T. WATSON, president of the Center for For an up-to-date speaker list, visit 2018.alaannual Change and Conflict Resolution, will provide insights .org/featured-speakers. into how to better understand and manage conflict and passive-aggressive behaviors in our libraries, professional associations, and personal lives. DIVISION PRESIDENTS’ PROGRAMS

ALA’s division presidents host inspiring thought leaders in their presidents’ programs at every Annual Confer- Curating the Crescent City ence. This year’s slate includes: LA’s Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Saturday, June 23, 9 a.m.–noon AOutreach Services has put together a JERVETTE R. WARD, associate professor of English resource guide on the indigenous history of at the University of Alaska Anchorage, will speak on New Orleans and Louisiana (ala.org/aboutala/ equity, diversity, and inclusion at American Associ- offices/nola-tribes), as well as a mapped list ation of School Librarians (AASL) President Steven of diversely-owned businesses close to the

Yates’s program. Ward edited the anthology Real Sister: convention center (bit.ly/2r1rkCb). • (Fieseler) Leitner Ryan (Goodwin); Eric Levin Photos:

64 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Saturday, June 23, 1–2 p.m. Monday, June 25, 10:30 a.m.–noon Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Teens—particularly those who are marginalized because Agencies President Jeannette P. Smithee presents “Using of racism, sexism, or other forms of oppression—are Innovative, Music-Based Outreach Programs to Reach experts on the issues facing their communities. Young Vulnerable Populations of All Ages.” The program will Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) President feature health and aging research nurse and choral per- Sandra Hughes-Hassell’s program “Supporting Youth former JAN MAIER, who will lead a demonstration on Activism in Your Library” will highlight innovative, the effects of music on brains and bodies, and a panel of teen-centered programs that put social justice in the professionals involved in community music outreach. foreground and emphasize teen advocacy and community engagement. Saturday, June 23 4–5:30 p.m. Monday, June 25 Reference and User 1–2:30 p.m. Services Association ALSC President (RUSA) President Chris Nina Lindsay’s LeBeau’s program will program, “Consid-

Carla Hayden feature Librarian of ering All Children: Congress CARLA A New Ideal in Margarita Debbie Jason Ebony Engle Reese Reynolds Thomas HAYDEN in conversation with former ALA President Evaluating and COURTNEY YOUNG about forging roles for library Engaging around Books for Youth,” will feature a panel services in meeting the needs of today’s diverse of educators, activists, and book creators who will populations. LeBeau will also present the RUSA confront biases and consider what it would look like to Achievement Awards. truly consider all children in evaluating, recommend- ing, and awarding books. The panel will be moderated Sunday, June 24 by EDITH CAMPBELL, assistant education librarian 3 –4 p.m. at Indiana State University’s Cunningham Memorial Data informs human and Library, and will include National Young People’s Poet algorithmic decision Laureate MARGARITA ENGLE; DEBBIE REESE, making and funding, but editor of American Indians in Children’s Literature and what can be inferred when Native representation advocate; award-winning author

Kendra Albert there is no or limited data? and 2018 National School Library Month spokesper- In Library and Information son JASON REYNOLDS; and EBONY THOMAS, Technology Association (LITA) President Andromeda assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania Yelton’s program “The Silences of (Big) Data,” lawyer Graduate School of Education. and legal scholar KENDRA ALBERT will reflect on the reasons for data silence and what that means for For a complete list of the many chair programs sponsored data collection in libraries. by offices and round tables, visit 2018.alaannual.org.

Monday, June 25 10:30 a.m.–noon BOOKS AND AUTHORS MICHAEL W. TWITTY, author of The Cooking Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from and Gene, will discuss his meet dozens of bestselling authors and illustrators. journey to uncover the Some of this year’s highlights include:

Michael W. Twitty history of Southern food in his family at Association Friday, June 22, 8–10 p.m. for Library Collections and Technical Services President Come see the 2018 Printz Award winner NINA Mary Beth Thomson’s program, “Dining from a LACOUR and honor book authors DEBORAH Haunted Plate.” Twitty’s presentation will focus on his HEILIGMAN, JASON REYNOLDS, LAINI TAYLOR, research at libraries, archives, and plantations and his and ANGIE THOMAS speak about their writing at the efforts to trace his family roots through food from West Michael L. Printz Program and Reception, cospon-

Photos: Britta Gustafson (Albert); Bret Hartman (Twitty); Marshall W. Johnson (Engle) W. Marshall Hartman (Twitty); Bret (Albert); Gustafson Britta Photos: and Central Africa to the Old South. sored by YALSA and Booklist. Tickets are $34.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 65 Saturday, June 23, included on its best-of lists for adults. Panelists will 7:30–9 a.m. include illustrator THI BUI (The Best We Could Do) JOHN POPE, a member and prolific audiobook narrator SCOTT BRICK. Light of the The New Orleans refreshments are included and book signings will Times-Picayune reporting follow the panel. Registration is required. Tickets are team that won two $15, $10 for RUSA members. Pulitzer Prizes for John Pope coverage of Hurricane Sunday, June 24, 9–10 a.m. Katrina and its aftermath, will speak at the Intellectual YALSA’s YA Author Coffee Klatch is a speed dating- Freedom Round Table (IFRT) Awards Recognition style event featuring authors who have appeared on and Fundraising Breakfast. A book signing will one of YALSA’s selected book lists or received one of its follow the breakfast, and Pope’s book Getting Off at literary awards. Attendees will sit at a table, and every Elysian Fields: Obituaries from the The New Orleans few minutes new authors will arrive to talk about their Times-Picayune will be available for purchase. Tickets upcoming books. Tickets are $25. are $20, $10 for IFRT members. Sunday, June 24, 1–3 p.m. Saturday, June 23, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. ALSC and Reforma will host the Pura Belpré Award YALSA’s Margaret A. Edwards Brunch will feature Celebración, honoring the winners and honorees of poet and children’s author ANGELA JOHNSON, the Belpré Medal with acceptance speeches from the winner of the 2018 Edwards Award, which recognizes a winners, musical performances, and a book signing. significant and lasting contribution to writing for teens. Tickets are $39. Sunday, June 24, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Comedian and UFL spokesperson PAULA POUND- Saturday, June 23, 4–5 p.m. STONE will headline The Laugh’s on Us. The wine UFL’s First Author, First Book will feature a panel of and cheese event will feature humor authors CHRIS first-time authors, including BRYAN CAMP, MALCOLM ERSKINE, HARRISON SCOTT KEY, and TOM HANSEN, MESHA MAREN, and NOVUYO ROSA PAPA, and a book signing will follow. Tickets are $60, TSHUMA, speaking about their books and writing expe- $55 for UFL members, and $65 onsite if available. riences. Book signings will follow the program.

Saturday, June 23 8–10 p.m. JobLIST Placement Center Author and journalist SUE HALPERN will be LA’s JobLIST Placement and Career the featured speaker at Development Center is open Satur- the Andrew Carnegie Aday, June 23, and Sunday, June 24, Sue Jennifer Halpern Egan Medals for Excellence in 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with an orientation Saturday Fiction and Nonfiction at 8:30 a.m. Conference registration is not Ceremony, cosponsored by RUSA and Booklist. The required to use the Placement Center’s ser- event will be followed by a dessert and cash bar reception vices or attend its workshops. where attendees can mingle with JENNIFER EGAN, Employers will be on hand at the free Open winner of the 2018 Carnegie Fiction Medal for Manhat- House and Job Fair on Sunday, June 24, tan Beach. Tickets are $40, $30 for RUSA members. 10:30 a.m.–noon. Career counseling with a professional coach is available in free, Sunday, June 24 confidential sessions most hours when the 8–10 a.m. Placement Center is open. Preregistration is RUSA’s Literary Tastes: suggested. Celebrating the Best For a complete list of workshops and Reading of the Year will services offered—including interview prep, feature several authors résumé review, salary negotiations, and infor- Scott Thi Brick Bui of works that won RUSA mation on identifying workplace harassment, book awards or were visit ala.org/educationcareers/employment/ Photos: Chris Granger (Pope); Nancie Battaglia (Halpern); Pieter M. van Hattem (Egan); Gabe Clark (Bui) (Egan); Hattem M. van (Halpern); Pieter Nancie Battaglia (Pope); Chris Granger Photos: placement/workshops. • 66 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Get Connected and Stay Informed and LISA UNGER will discuss their forthcoming books Use the Annual Conference Scheduler and signings will follow. UFL will also recognize the (2018.alaannual.org/scheduler) and mobile winners of the Baker & Taylor Awards during this event. app to browse sessions, add and update Tickets are $60 in advance, $55 for UFL members, and events, create a private or shareable calendar, $65 onsite if available. and keep track of appointments.

Visit alaannual.org HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMS

Track #alaac18 on Twitter This is a small selection of the hundreds of programs and follow @alaannual that will be taking place at Annual. See the full list on the conference scheduler (2018.alaannual.org/ Join the Facebook Event scheduler) or find programs related to specific interests at bit.ly/2I9CStn (2018.alaannual.org/whats-happening/program- Check out the Pinterest boards interests) like critical librarianship, early career devel- at pinterest.com/alaannual opment, and services to refugees and immigrants.

Keep up on Tumblr at Friday, June 22 americanlibraryassoc.tumblr.com ALA’s Public Programs Office (PPO) and Office for Follow #alaac18 and instagram.com/ Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services (ODLOS) will americanlibraryassociation present “Beyond the Racial Stalemate.” Using a racial healing approach, facilitators will provide leaders with a tool used by organizations to help uproot the flawed belief in a racial hierarchy. Participants will engage in a Accessibility process that invites storytelling, vulnerability, and deep listening. Four 90-minute sessions will be held at 8 a.m., ALA works to make sure the conference expe- 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Sessions will be rience is pleasant and accessible for all. For identical, so register for only one. Tickets are $20. information on mobility assistance, interpreter services, and other accommodations, visit Friday, June 22, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. 2018.alaannual.org/general-information/ “Assessment in Action: Demonstrating and Communi- accessibility. cating Library Contributions to Student Learning and Success,” a preconference based on ACRL’s Assessment in Action curriculum, will teach attendees to identify ALA Store Hours institutional priorities and campus partners, design an assessment project grounded in action research, ■ Friday, June 22, 12:30–5:30 p.m. and prepare a plan for communicating project results. ■ Saturday, June 23, and Sunday, June 24, Tickets are $225 for ACRL members, $255 for ALA 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. members, $315 for nonmembers. ■ Monday, June 25, 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Friday, June 22, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. AvramCamp, cosponsored by LITA and the Public Monday, June 25, 8–10:30 a.m. Library Association, offers female-identifying tech- The ALSC Awards Ceremony will present the nology professionals the opportunity to network and Batchelder, Geisel, and Sibert Awards. A continental examine barriers to success in an AdaCamp-inspired breakfast with authors and illustrators will precede the unconference. Topics covered will include imposter syn- 8:30 a.m. awards presentation. drome, salary negotiation, and creating and maintain- ing inclusion. Tickets are $25. Monday, June 25, 2–4 p.m. Enjoy beverages and light snacks at UFL’s Gala Author Friday, June 22, noon–4 p.m. Toast. Bestselling authors LOU BERNEY, LEIF Librarians need training to effectively champion infor- ENGER, SUSAN ORLEAN, TAYLOR JENKINS REID, mation literacy in today’s environment of fake news.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 67 at the Exhibits Conference

ith more than 900 exhibiting organizations, multiple pavilions, and exciting stages, the exhibit floor is integral to your Wlearning, professional development, and networking at Annual Conference. The opening ceremony and ribbon cutting EXHIBIT immediately follow the Opening General HOURS Session on Friday, June 22 at 5:30 p.m. and Friday, June 22, feature a brief welcome by ALA leadership 5:30–7 p.m. and local dignitaries. The reception includes Saturday, June 23, food, drink, and entertainment. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Individual publishers will host author and Sunday, June 24, illustrator events throughout the confer- 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ence, including programs at the Book Buzz Monday, June 25, Theater, What’s Cooking @ ALA, PopTop 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Stage, and the Graphic Novel/Gaming Stage. Specialty Pavilions will again showcase areas such as DVD and video, gaming and graphic novels, government information, library schools and instruction, mobile apps, small presses and products, university presses, zines, and more. •

“It Takes a Village: Promoting Information Literacy Saturday, June 23, 1–2 p.m. Through Librarian-Led Grassroots Initiatives,” a pre- ALSC’s “Let’s Talk about Race with Kids” will provide conference sponsored by RUSA, will show librarians concrete ideas for library professionals presenting pro- how they can work together to spread information grams and activities that support parents, caregivers, literacy and metaliteracy to their communities. Tickets and educators in talking with young people about race. are $129 for RUSA members, $149 for ALA members, Hear from a panel of library and community practi- $199 for nonmembers. tioners who have presented such programs.

Saturday, June 23, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 23, 2–3:30 p.m. “Follow the Money: Making the Most of Federal Fund- PPO will host “Community Engagement Table Talks,” a ing for Your Library,” a program from ALA’s Washington session of facilitated small groups in which participants Office, will provide information about the millions in will discuss community engagement tools and models, grant money awarded to libraries of all types annually challenges faced in engaging communities, strate- by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and gies that have worked and that haven’t, and available other federal agencies. Attendees will learn about the resources. The program is part of Libraries Transform- scope and sources of available funding and how they ing Communities: Models for Change (ala.org/ltc). can find and apply for grants. Saturday, June 23, 4–5 p.m. Saturday, June 23, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Fake news may be inaccurate, dishonest, and even To effectively serve teens, librarians have to understand malicious, but is it illegal? In “Fake News or Free their unique needs. YALSA’s “Learning to Listen: Sup- Speech: Is There a Right to Be Misinformed?” a panel porting Youth Mental Health at Your Library” will share from IFRT moderated by OIF Director JAMES LARUE, strategies and programming ideas to help librarians experts from library, legal, and literacy backgrounds administer to adolescents. will discuss whether fake news—or suppression of fake

68 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org news—can undermine our democratic way of life and Sunday, June 24, 1–2 p.m. how librarians can respond. “American Dream Literacy Initiative: 10 Years Serving Adult English-Language Learners,” spon- Sunday, June 24, 9–10 a.m. sored by ODLOS, will share findings and recom- In ALSC’s “To Tech or Not to Tech: The Debate and the mendations from a multiyear evaluation study and Research around Technology, Young Children, and the highlight individual success stories from some of the Library,” attendees will receive tips and resources about 187 libraries that were awarded grants to support technology use for children and their caregivers. adult literacy services.

Sunday, June 24 Sunday, June 24, 1–2 p.m. The PR Xchange offers an opportunity to sample pro- PHIL MOREHART, associate editor of American motional materials from libraries across North America Libraries and host of the Dewey Decibel podcast, will (11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.). Directly following the program, moderate a panel of librarian podcasters in “So You the PR Xchange Awards Presentation will recognize Want to Podcast...”. This session will cover why or the best library public relations and marketing from the why not to start a podcast, how to make an admin- past year (1–2 p.m.). istrative case for one, necessary equipment, and choosing episode topics.

Sunday, June 24, 2:30–3:30 p.m. The Washington Office’s “Leap into Science: Culti- Business and vating a National Network for Informal Science and Literacy” explores the Leap into Science program Financial Meetings that integrates open-ended science activities with children’s books. Attendees will experience the Friday, June 22 hands-on activities taken to libraries, museums, and ■ ALA Executive Board Meeting I, after-school spaces and be able to offer advice and 8:30 a.m.–noon feedback for program designers. ■ ALA Finance and Audit/Budget Analysis and Review Committee Monday, June 25, 1–2 p.m. Joint Meeting, noon–3 p.m. STEM programs for teens don’t need to be scary, expensive, or time consuming. YALSA’s “Beyond Saturday, June 23 the Bots: Teen STEM Programs on the Cheap” ■ Council/Executive Board/ will demonstrate how to create, plan, and execute Membership Information Session, engaging and educational STEM programs using 3–4:30 p.m affordable materials you may already have. ■ ALA Membership Meeting, 4:30–5:30 p.m. Monday, June 25, 6–8 p.m. Open to all conference attendees, the International Sunday, June 24 Librarians Reception welcomes librarians from ■ ALA Council I, 8:30–11 a.m. more than 70 countries with an evening of cul- ■ ALA Planning and Budget Assembly, ture, ideas, and regional cuisine. Preregistration is 1–2 p.m. required. Tickets are $40.

Monday, June 25 In addition to highlighted programs, be sure to check ■ ALA Council II, 8:30–11:30 a.m. out informal and peer-to-peer learning opportunities ■ ALA Executive Board II, 1–4:30 p.m. such as the five-minute Ignite Sessions, 45-minute ■ ALA-APA Board of Directors Meeting, Conversation Starters, more than 200 loosely orga- 4:30–5 p.m. nized Discussion Groups, the Networking Uncom- mons, and more. Tuesday, June 26 ■ ALA Council III, 7:45–9:45 a.m. For an up-to-date list of dates and times, see the Annual ■ ALA Executive Board III, 2–5 p.m. Conference Scheduler at 2018.alaannual.org/scheduler.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 69 Big Easy Eats

Dining, New Orleans–style BY Diana K. Schwam

et’s be real: New Orleans’ reputation for good times, really good music, and really, really good food wasn’t exactly a deterrent when it came to booking your trip to the 2018 ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition. But where to start? Go for traditional Creole cuisine or opt for a modern take? Where best to splurge on an extravagant dinner or grab a healthy lunch near the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center? As author of numerous travel guides, including Frommer’s Easy Guide to New Orleans, I’m here to help. My customized dining guide lists a spectrum of selections, focusing on those in proximity to the convention center and some choice spots a short distance away. There’s something for everyone, so dive in with forks ablaze and laissez les bons temps rouler.

Shrimp and grits at Surrey’s

70 June 2018 Big Easy Eats

CONVENTION creamy, burnished mac and CENTER–CENTRIC cheese ($7). Wood-fired oysters bathed in chili garlic butter Auction House Market ($14) have a briny bite; chicken 801 Magazine St. livers with pepper jelly ($8) are 504-372-4321 astoundingly good. L, D daily auctionhousemarket.com $$–$$$ This stunning new food hall is ideal for solos, groups, the Cochon Butcher multipalated, and the inde- 930 Tchoupitoulas St. Cochon muffuletta cisive. Ten vendor options— 504-588-7675 at Cochon Butcher ranging from Indian to oysters cochonbutcher.com to empanadas to avocado As the name attests, they muffuletta ($14) may surpass Compère Lapin toast—surround a sleek marble butcher and cure onsite, Central Grocery’s; pork belly 535 Tchoupitoulas St. bar. Sushi, sandwiches, and turning house-smoked meaty with cucumber and mint ($10) (in Old No. 77 Hotel) coffee are also available; all goodness into small plates and is wondrous. Get the vine- 504-599-2119 are enjoyed by a lively mix of world-rocking sandwiches. gary Brussels sprouts ($6), comperelapin.com locals, conventioneers, and The boudin sausage ($6) is dreamy mac and cheese ($6), Top Chef alumna and Saint moms with strollers. Do check the best east of Lafayette; the and swoon-worthy caramel Lucia native Nina Compton out the bathroom décor. doberge cake ($5/slice), or blends Caribbean, French, B, L, D daily $–$$$ rue your bad decision. Casual, Italian, and Creole influences high-top tables open to the into winning dishes that are Cochon street via garage-style doors. just exotic enough: a deeply 930 Tchoupitoulas St. Price Bonus points for the Star Wars flavored, wonderfully tex- 504-588-2123 table. L daily, D (M–Sat) $$ tured curried goat with sweet cochonrestaurant.com Guide potato gnocchi ($28); per- At this much-lauded, Company Burger fectly jerked and crisped local Average price per amped-up Cajun swine shrine 611 O’Keefe Ave. drum with lush caramelized person for entrée (Cajun being the rustic, coun- 504-309-9422 sunchokes ($29); conch cro- without appetizers, try cousin to New Orleans’ thecompanyburger.com quettes with pickled pineapple drinks, tax, or tip. more citified Creole cooking), Sometimes you just need a tartar sauce ($6). At the we’re particularly fond of the $ under $10 good burger. Here’s where you commodious bar, munch on starters: the cracklins; boudin $$ $11–$20 can get one. Try its namesake pig’s ears with smoked aioli balls (crunchy outside, savory $$$ $21–$30 ($8.75) and a good beer to ($5) while sipping shimmery, $$$$ $31 and up Photos: Paul Broussard (Surrey’s); Chris Granger (Cochon Butcher) (Cochon Chris Granger (Surrey’s); Broussard Paul Photos: and porky inside); and the go with it. L, D daily $–$$ beautifully balanced drinks.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 71 cocktails and chocolate hazel- nut budino ($10). L, D daily Veggie and Vegan $$–$$$ (but not exclusively) Drago’s 2 Poydras St. Carmo Daily Beet and Middle Eastern– (in Hilton Riverside) 527 Julia St. 1000 Girod St. inspired cuisine served 504-584-3911 504-875-4132 504-605-4413 at raffish alleyway tables. dragosrestaurant.com cafecarmo.com thedailybeetnola.com L, D (W–Sun) $$ Thirteen reasons to go: a dozen Caribbean, South Amer- Fresh salads, grain-based charbroiled, buttery, garlicky, ican, and African flavors bowls, and cold-pressed Magasin Kitchen Parmesan-y oysters that Dra- and ingredients influence juices made to order or 611 O’Keefe Ave. go’s originated and perfected the tasty, eclectic menu. grab-and-go. B, L, D daily $ 504-571-5677 ($20). The 13th reason is the Nonveggie options, too. The cuisine of New convention center–adjacent B, L, D daily $–$$ Green Goddess Orleans’ huge Vietnam- location. (It’s in the lobby 307 Exchange Pl. ese population offers of the nearby Hilton Hotel.) Cleo’s 504-301-3347 delicate, refreshing fla- Bargain-priced Maine lobster 940 Canal St. greengoddess vors and good vegetarian 504-522-4504 restaurant.com options. L, D (M–Sat) $ • ($22) is also worthwhile. The facebook.com/CleosNOLA Imaginative, offbeat sprawling, low-key dining Surprisingly good Medi- Spanish, Indian, Hawaiian, Açai bowl and room can fill up, and they don’t avocado toast take reservations, so a wait is terranean food amid the at Daily Beet schlocky Canal Street possible. L, D daily $$$–$$$$ shops, open 24 hours. B, L, D daily $$ Emeril’s New Orleans 800 Tchoupitoulas St. 504-528-9393 emerilsrestaurants.com/ emerils-new-orleans He heads an empire and pio- neered New Orleans’ modern restaurant scene, but Emeril Lagasse’s flagship restaurant has never flagged. It’s still high-quality (and high- priced), interesting, exciting cuisine with dishes that build meaningfully on tradition. Massive grilled pork chops ($34), glazed with tamarind Stellar lighting helps update small bar, large crowd: They and tomatillo molé sauces, are the lively room’s weathered set the scene for perfectly perfectly done. Meyer lemon warehouse-y bones. B (Sat, bubble-edged Neapolitan crème elevates brandied Sun), L, D daily $$–$$$ pizzas, arguably the best lobster bucatini ($38). Order salami in the city, and wow- chocolate soufflé ($10) with Domenica factor veggies like the whole your entrée, but get banana 123 Baronne St. roasted cauliflower ($18). We cream pie ($8) too. The wine (in Roosevelt Hotel) rarely make it to the secondi list is intelligent and broad; 504-648-6020 after loading up on antipasti, service is professional, helpful, domenicarestaurant.com primi, and pizza—especially and unstuffy. Noise is well Bittersweet-chocolate walls, during half-price happy hour. managed in the buoyant room;

soaring ceilings, great art, Don't miss their notable open-kitchen bar seating is Broussard Paul Photo:

72 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org perfect for single diners. The are more than four parties Willa Jean standing at the bar, talking three-course lunch ($35) is a ahead of you, go elsewhere. 611 O’Keefe Ave. tourist trash with the shucker. great deal. L (M–F), D daily $$$$ The combo platter ($20) 504-509-7334 Or get stellar garlicky char- makes a decent introduction to willajean.com broiled oysters ($20/dozen), Maypop Creole cuisine. Best bet is any In this casual atmosphere, serviceable po’ boys ($10– 611 O’Keefe Ave. po’ boy with Mother’s signa- Southern-accented food is $17), and Creole standbys 504-518-6345 ture baked ham, like the top- done exceedingly well and (jambalaya, gumbo, red beans) maypoprestaurant.com selling Ferdi ($13.50). Guffaw with flair. Awesome breads at the campy checked-clothed Our hands-down favorite at the bread pudding ($6) with or pastries (good gluten-free tables. L, D daily $–$$ spot for Asian-Italian-Indian- its retro inclusion of canned options, too), Intelligentsia Southern cuisine (sometimes fruit cocktail, but it’s freakishly coffee, and biscuits with sau- Antoine’s good. Follow the line rules: no even all at once). The inventive, sage gravy rock ($9) breakfast. 713 St. Louis St. table-saving. B, L, D daily $$ flavor-packed cooking sur- For lunch, try the fried chicken 504-581-4422 prises rather than stuns, satis- on a house-made Hawaiian antoines.com fying both the serious foodie Pêche roll with serrano slaw ($13), Owned by the same family 800 Magazine St. and the food-shy (especially barbeque shrimp toast ($17), and serving generations of 504-522-1744 at the more affordable lunch). or the roasted beet, pistachio, locals since 1840, Antoine’s pecherestaurant.com Don’t skip the standard- and citrus salad ($12). Lunch is anything but modern. But There’s nary a dud on the sounding Bibb lettuce salad gets slammed—reservations the definitive New Orleans menu of wood-fired seafood ($10). You’ll do well with the are wise. Dinner is less inter- dining experience is worth it at this uber-popular mega- fried hot chicken vindaloo esting. B, L, D daily $–$$ (especially at $20.18 for the award winner. The raucous ($16) or hand-pulled pasta three-course weekday lunch). room works best for plate- ($19). L, D daily $$–$$$ Go for conviviality, classics, sharing parties, not dates FRENCH QUARTER drama, a $.25 cocktail, and Meril or deep convos. Start with Acme Oyster House oysters Rockefeller ($15), 424 Girod St. beer-battered fish sticks ($12); 724 Iberville St. which were invented here. Add 504-526-3745 hearty crawfish and jalapeño capellini ($14); and catfish 504-522-5973 buttery, crab-topped trout emerilsrestaurants.com/meril with pickled greens and chili acmeoyster.com Pontchartrain and puffy souf- Emeril Lagasse’s newest broth ($10). The whole grilled It’s the oldest oyster bar in flé potatoes ($40). Finishing restaurant is casual, spacious, fish (market price)—perhaps the French Quarter, and it with frivolous, flaming baked bustling, and reasonably buttery, fire-crusted redfish serves big, meaty Gulf oysters. Alaska ($19) and touring the priced. The focus is on inter- with salsa verde—is fab. The It’s busy but worth the wait. memorabilia-packed rooms nationally inspired small plates raw bar is equally fine and fun. (It’s speedy once inside, but and astounding wine alley are and creative cocktails. Hybrid Terrific craft beers and Euro- if you’re famished, hit Felix’s musts. Note: There is a dress tamales are made with boudin centric wines. Reserve well in across the street.) The bivalves code. Brunch (Sun), L, D (M–Sat) sausage and topped with advance. L, D daily $–$$$ are tastiest when you’re $$$–$$$$ roasted tomatillo sauce ($8); crispy turkey necks ($8) get spiked with local fave Crystal Asian fusion hot sauce. A good variety of cuisine at salads, sides, and flatbreads Maypop makes this a crowd pleaser. L, D daily $–$$.

Mother’s 401 Poydras St. 504-523-9656 mothersrestaurant.net Legendary Mother’s gets a “touristy” rap, but hey, Paris is touristy, too. Its worth is in pro- portion to line length: If there

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 73 Central Grocery 923 Decatur St. 504-523-1620 centralgrocery.com The iconic muffuletta sandwich ($20) consists of Italian cold cuts and cheeses piled high on round seeded bread, topped with olive salad. Those last two ingredients differentiate it from the standard Italian hero. Central Grocery, the originator, has a few tables, but it’s mostly take out. Lines move fast. B, L daily $–$$$

Galatoire’s 209 Bourbon St. Crème brûlée at Brennan’s picture-pretty brick courtyard. 504-525-2021 Commander’s Palace 417 Royal St. Salmon cakes ($10), goat galatoires.com 504-525-9711 cheese and beet salad ($11), New Orleans’ consummate old- brennansneworleans.com cochon de lait pork sandwich line Creole French restaurant is The glorious pink exterior, ($15), and blackened catfish a fine-dining classic beloved by elegant garden-party dining ($16) stand out. The relaxing generations of regulars (upon room, charming courtyard spot calls for a lemonade whom tuxedoed waiters lavish (with turtle pond), and atten- or mint julep and slice of jovial obsequiousness). Tennes- tive service scream old New doberge cake ($10). Offshoot see Williams, Stella, and Blanche Orleans, but there’s nothing Petite Amelie next door (900 all supped here. Line up early tired on the plate. Noted chef Royal St.) has tasty takeaway for a table in the main dining Slade Rushing twists Creole meals, soups, salads, cheeses, room, which oozes tradition and classics into updated, and pastries via counter ser- civilized frivolity; it’s a tad more Finding these polished awesomeness. vice. Brunch (Sat, Sun), L, D somber upstairs, where reser- restaurants is easy Breakfast here is an (W–Sun) $$ vations are accepted. No one automatic celebration, comes for spectacular gastron- with our interactive but any meal works—the Café du Monde omy, though Galatoire’s knows online map! two-course breakfast/ 800 Decatur St. or seafood and grills a mean steak. lunch menu ($29–$31) is 500 Port of New Orleans Pl. Go with crabmeat maison ($14) bit.ly/BigEasyEats a steal. Start with a frothy 504-525-4544 or fried eggplant ($7), and Ramos fizz, get Gulf fish cafedumonde.com whatever fish the waiter sug- amandine ($31) or rabbit rush- Since 1862, landmark Café du gests, à la meunière, add crab- ing ($28) and side of barbeque Monde on the edge of Jack- meat. Skip the heavy sauces and lobster ($19). Bananas Foster son Square has been offering meh desserts; do enjoy a port. ($10), born here in 1951, is a atmosphere, people-watching, Note: There is a dress code. L, D fun, flaming tableside finale. café au lait, and beignets— (Tue–Sun) $$$ B, L, D daily $$$–$$$$ tantalizing French doughnuts, fryer-fresh and heaped with GW Fins Café Amelie powdered sugar. Sacrifice 808 Bienville St. 912 Royal St. atmosphere for convenience 504-581-3467 504-412-8965 and speed (the original often gwfins.com cafeamelie.com has lines) at a location in the This impeccable, modern Expect café standards with Outlet Collection at Riverwalk. seafood shrine is one of the

something for everyone in a B, L, D daily $ city’s best restaurants, period. Krug Werner Photo:

74 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Ultra-fresh fish is served in classic blackened drum is fried-chicken sandwich ($14), an impressive extravagance. stylish preparations like the about $25 less at lunch than at or brightly delightful shaved- Copiously crusted pecan pie signature “scalibut,” thin-sliced dinner, albeit served in a po’ apple and Brussels sprout ($8) is also justifiably revered. scallop “scales” atop grilled boy and on a paper plate. salad ($11). Since the menu The wine list is limited but satis- halibut on lobster risotto ($38). L (Th–Sat), D (M–Sat) $$–$$$$ doesn’t skew light, share the fying. D (Tue–Sat) $$$ Order the pretzel-crusted chocolate pot de crème ($9). salty-malty ice cream pie Restaurant R’evolution Tables in the discreet back Commander’s Palace ($9), even if you only have 777 Bienville St. (in the alley are less boisterous. Brunch 1403 Washington Ave. room for a bite. The wine list Royal Sonesta Hotel) (F–Sun), D daily $$–$$$ 504-899-8221 thoughtfully complements the 504-553-2277 commanderspalace.com cuisine; the tiered dining room revolutionnola.com The grande dame of New UPTOWN AND is conversation-conducive. D This extravagant spot, helmed Orleans restaurants, Com- GARDEN DISTRICT daily $$$–$$$$ by food-world icons John mander’s Palace provides arguably the ultimate dining Folse and Rick Tramonto, keys Brigtsen’s Irene’s Cuisine the cuisine to New Orleans’ experience—here or anywhere. 723 Dante St. 529 Bienville St. globe-hopping cultural influ- There’s no resting on long-held 504-861-7610 504-529-8811 ences. Lead with Death by laurels here. They’ve instead brigtsens.com Consider Irene’s if you’re Gumbo ($18)—a rich con- established a foothold at the Frank Brigtsen was one of invariably enticed by the coction with roasted quail, top of the culinary game and the first to convert a beautiful scent of simmering garlic. andouille sausage, oysters, and mastered the art of pairing 19th-century house into an This friendly French Quarter filé rice—and gently crisped fine dining with frivolity, so upscale neighborhood restau- institution serves delecta- crab beignets ($16). Lustrous it’s formal, not stodgy. The rant. You’ll find forward-looking à la carte menu mixes their ble house-made pastas and duck-liver mousse ($11) and but homey Cajun-rooted dishes classics—spicy-sweet shrimp sauces and delicious, unfussy rugged country pâté terrines and amiable intimacy. Chef and tasso Henican ($11.50) French Provincial and Creole- are the best bang for your Brigtsen’s panéed sesame- and consistently perfect Italian dishes. There’s duck St. buck. Shrimp and grits ($28) crusted rabbit in tangy Creole pecan-crusted Gulf fish ($39)— Philip with raspberry-pancetta receive a chili-and-ginger mustard sauce ($28) and crispy, with innovative seasonal demi-glace ($25) and shrimp Asian kick; the voluminous veal moist roast duck ($34) are newbies. The elaborate chef’s and crab pappardelle ($26), chop ($65) bursts with flavor. beloved; the grand “Shell Beach tasting menu ($85) is most plus seemingly simple chicken A jewelry box of tiny cookies Diet” seafood platter ($36) is imaginative; multicourse lunch rosemary ($20)—marinated, makes a darling lagniappe, par-cooked, remarinated, and but get beignets with coffee roasted—that is nearly perfect. anyway. Brunch (Sun), L (F), D Plan for a wait, even with res- daily $$–$$$ ervations. D (daily) $$$ Sylvain K-Paul’s Louisiana 625 Chartres St. Kitchen 504-265-8123 416 Chartres St. sylvainnola.com 504-596-2530 The tradition-bound French kpauls.com Quarter is surprisingly devoid Paul “K-Paul” Prudhomme of coolness, save for a few started the Cajun cook- spots like gastropub Sylvain, ing craze in the 1980s and with its side-alley entrance, introduced “blackened” to resident ghost, Civil-War- our culinary vocabulary. His meets-Soho vibe, and liter- sauce-and-spice empire still ary heritage. Fortunately, thrives, and the restaurant it’s delicious, friendly, and remains a standard-bearer unexpectedly unpretentious. for American regional food. Try the absurdly tender beef Local catch The menu changes daily, cheeks ($26), the signature at GW Fins

Photo: Paul Broussard Paul Photo: but budget diners know the “Chick-Syl-Vain” buttermilk

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 75 deals are most affordable. local delights made with Dress code. Brunch (Sat, Sun), custom machines (invented L (M–F), D daily $$$$ here three generations ago) that shave the ice to a fine fluff. Coquette A revered cultural icon, Han- 2800 Magazine St. sen’s offers homemade syrups 504-265-0421 ranging from standard fare to coquettenola.com herbal exotica. The long lines Tin-ceilinged and chandeliered, snaking through the neigh- this chic bistro offers ingredi- borhood are a social scene. Casa Borrega ent perfectionism and chefs L (Tue–Sun) $ who are wells of culinary creativity, surprising even jaded High Hat Café foodies with unique creations 4500 Freret St. like scallion ash tagliatelle with highhatcafe.com Inclusive Eats lamb merguez, shrimp, and 504-754-1336 harissa ($13) and tempura This casual neighborhood he American Library Association’s (ALA) Office butternut squash over farro diner on bustling Freret Street for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services in a mild onion broth ($20). If is a no-fail, go-to spot for qual- Tand the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee possible, spring for the five- ity, unfussy, upgraded South- ALA student chapter have compiled a selection of course blind tasting ($70) at ern comfort food, starting with minority-, women-, and LGBTQ-owned restaurants this perennial favorite in the graceful oyster fennel soup in New Orleans, all within a roughly three-mile radius upper echelon of New Orleans’ ($8). Fork-tender, slow-roast of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (ENMCC). restaurants. Brunch (Sat, Sun), pork ($12.50) with sublime Selections include: D daily $$–$$$ braised greens and addictive mac and cheese compete Casa Borrega The Munch Factory Domilise’s Po’ with flat-top catfish ($13) 1719 Oretha Castle 1901 Sophie Wright Pl. Boys and Bar accompanied by tangy slaw Haley Blvd. 504-324-5372 5240 Annunciation St. and house-made tartar sauce. 504-427-0654 themunchfactory.net 504-899-9126 Oven-fresh pie or the insane casaborrega.com Brunch (Sun), domilisespoboys.com Grillswith, a grilled donut à Brunch (Sun), L, D (Tue–Sat) At this century-old, cluttered, la mode ($6), round out the L, D (Tue–Sat) lowdown po’ boy shop tucked meal. L, D daily $–$$ Pressed away in Uptown, your hands- El Gato Negro 919 St. Charles Ave. down order is the wet-dry, Pascal’s Manale 800 S. Peters St. 504-900-5466 battered-and-fried-to-order 1838 Napoleon Ave. 504-309-8864 pressednola.com shrimp, piled onto puffy po’ 504-895-4877 elgatonegronola.com B, L (M–F) boy loaves ($12–$15) by pascalsmanale.com L, D daily friendly fry-counter ladies. The fabulous neon signs and Maïs Arepas Peak lunchtime lines can welcoming conviviality at move slowly. Take a number. this century-old neighbor- 1200 Carondelet St. It closes at 6:30 p.m., hood joint are cherished; the 504-523-6247 so get there early. celebrity-level oyster shuckers facebook.com/ L, D (M–Sat) $–$$ more so. Hang with them maisarepas before being seated. Then L (Tue–Sat), D (Tue–Sun) Hansen’s Sno-Bliz strap on a bib and get the For a complete list of restaurants, other 4801 Tchoupitoulas St. colossal, buttery, peel-and- related businesses, and a map noting the dis- 504-891-9788 eat barbecued shrimp ($27) tance of each from ENMCC, visit sites.google snobliz.com for which Manale’s is famed .com/view/ala-nola-diverse-businesses. • Lucky you: You’re vis- (they have nothing to do with iting during sno-ball barbeque as you’ve known season—refreshing it), and some spaghetti and Photos: Casa Borrega; Hansen’s Sno-Bliz Hansen’s Casa Borrega; Photos:

76 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org meatballs ($18). Neighboring tables often converse here—a Golden fried oyster welcome intrusion. L (M–F), and shrimp po’ boy at Parkway Bakery D (M–Sat) $$–$$$ and Tavern Surrey’s 1418 Magazine St. 504-524-3828 surreysnola.com This straightforward, unfancy, really good breakfast and lunch cafe offers house-made everything and a fresh-juice bar. Try the outstanding corned-beef andouille hash ($12) or the no-fuss avocado and house-smoked turkey sandwich ($10). The felonious sugar- and rum-drenched French toast stuffed with dining room. It’s also popular luncheonette-style counter old-school banana pudding Bananas Foster ($10.50) and for traditional franco-faves like service with white linens, ($4). Walk it off along historic creamy crab melt ($14) are escargot ($8), hanger steak Southern hospitality, and witty Bayou St. John nearby. L, D divine. B, L daily $–$$ ($22), delicate roast quail banter dished out by white- (W–M) $ ($15), and hearty onion soup jacketed servers. Get a classic FURTHER AFIELD ($8.50). Brunch (Sat, Sun), grill-top burger ($4) or fluffy Willie Mae’s L (W–F), D (W–Sun) $$ omelette ($8) and a slice of Scotch House Angelo Brocato Ice chocolate pecan pie heated on 2401 St. Ann St. Cream & Confectionery Café Reconcile the grill ($4), and served à la (Faubourg Tremé) 214 N. Carrollton Ave. 1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. mode. Good prices, true char- 504-822-9503 (Mid-City) (Central City) acter. B, L, D daily $ williemaesnola.com 504-486-0078 504-568-1157 This once humble shack in the angelobrocatoicecream.com cafereconcile.org Parkway Bakery historic Tremé neighborhood This wonderfully throwback, Do good while eating well. This and Tavern exploded in 2005, when octo- family-owned ice cream parlor culinary training ground serves 538 Hagan Ave. genarian Willie Mae and her has spent more than 100 years sturdy meals like grilled or fried (Mid-City) secret recipes were honored serving delicious traditional catfish ($10), jerk chicken ($9), 504-482-3047 with the James Beard Award gelato, fresh-fruit Italian ices, and po’ boy sandwiches ($8– parkwaypoorboys.com for being “America’s Classic perfect cannoli, and other $11), while preparing young One of the city’s stalwart and Restaurant for the Southern pastries. Here's to 100 more. men and women for careers in best po’ boy shops began in Region.” Soon after, Mae's L, D (Tue–Sun) $ food service. There is no lack of 1911 as a corner bakery, was home and restaurant were quality in these tasty local spe- shuttered for years, and nearly under water. Today, her busi- Café Degas cialties, and the attractive café floated away during Hurricane ness thrives. Go before open- 3127 Esplanade Ave. is located in a newly burgeon- Katrina. Thanks to extensive ing or mid-afternoon and order (Mid-City) ing area. L (M–F) $–$$ travel media love—and a visit the chicken ($15) and creamy 504-945-5635 from the Obamas—people butterbeans ($7.50). It closes cafedegas.com Camellia Grill literally come by the busload at 5 p.m., so get there early. Every neighborhood should 626 S. Carrollton Ave. now (go off-peak if possible). L (M–Sat) $–$$ have a charming, casual French (Riverbend) The tender fried shrimp ($12) bistro that serves a perfect 504-309-2679 and ultra-juicy roast beef DIANA K. SCHWAM is salade niçoise ($16.50) and If you have the time, take the ($11) sandwiches are worth it. author of From- has a tree growing in the streetcar to white-columned, Round out with killer home- mer’s Easy Guide to New Orleans.

Photo: Brian Jarreau Brian Jarreau Photo: middle of the indoor/outdoor circa-1946 Camellia Grill for made potato salad ($4) and

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 77 PERSPECTIVES

Beyond Fake News Determining what sources to trust

hile social media and many blog posts (hapgood.us) aimed at search companies are helping educators and librarians develop changing their policies student fact-checking skills. and algorithms, fake in Another concern is that, in a world in news continues to prolif- practice which every source has some bias and Werate on the web. Librarians who work with BY Meredith Farkas nothing is perfect, making decisions about students know that the inability to identify what to trust has become more difficult. fake news speaks to a larger problem: the In one blog post (bit.ly/alfake5), Caul- inability to evaluate sources of any kind to This requires going beyond the About page field explains that true media literacy is determine what information to trust. of the source to see what others—such as about being able to “spend” your trust, A 2016 study of the web evaluation skills Wikipedia, media bias checkers, and other and he shows how refusing to believe any of middle school, high school, and college websites—say about that site, publication, media outlets is as dangerous as being too students by Stanford University’s History or organization. I have my students evalu- impressionable. He quotes philosopher Education Group found that young people ate three articles about the Deferred Action Hannah Arendt’s Origins of Totalitarian- are quite likely to be duped by misleading for Childhood Arrivals policy. One of the ism about how propaganda easily takes or false information (bit.ly/alfake1). Even most polished was written by a lawyer who hold when people can’t discern between Stanford’s own students, when evaluat- had worked for US Citizenship and Immi- slightly problematic and deeply coming articles from the American Academy gration Services and had the most citations promised sources: “In an ever-changing, of Pediatrics and the conservative fringe but was published by an organization the incomprehensible world, the masses had group American College of Pediatricians, Southern Poverty Law Center character- reached the point where they would, at didn’t bother to investigate the organiza- ized as a hate group. If students relied just the same time, believe everything and tions themselves and simply focused on a on the page in front of them, they might nothing, think that everything was possi- close reading of the source (bit.ly/alfake2). think it was the most credible of the three. ble and that nothing was true.” Historically, librarians have used check- Caulfield also recommends looking for The solution is not just helping people lists like the CRAAP Test (bit.ly/alfake3) stories from respected sources that corrob- develop simple, common-sense web and RADCAB (radcab.com) to help orate the information, trying to follow the evaluation habits. It’s also helping them students evaluate sources, but some have information back to the original source, determine what they are going to trust, questioned their utility (bit.ly/alfake4). and circling back to restart the evaluation since the vast majority of sources lie in the These checklists often contain so many process if you end up down a rabbit hole. gray area between unimpeachability and elements that few people would apply He has written a terrific open textbook, fake news. Being able to make sound deci- the criteria to every (or even any) website Web Literacy for Student Fact Checkers sions about information sources is both a they visit. The Stanford researchers also (webliteracy.pressbooks.com), as well as skill and a habit of mind, one that requires argue that checklists are not based on the practice to develop. Libraries can play a real-world source evaluation activities of vital role in building better communities librarians and other web fact-checkers. The majority of by supporting our patrons in becoming Michael Caulfield, director of blended savvy information consumers. and networked learning at Washington sources lie in the MEREDITH FARKAS is a faculty librarian at State University Vancouver, believes gray area between Portland (Oreg.) Community College and people should learn to read laterally, the a lecturer at San José (Calif.) State Uni- way fact-checkers do. Reading laterally unimpeachability versity School of Information. She blogs means looking into the publisher of the at Information Wants to Be Free. Email: source information to gauge its reliability. and fake news. [email protected]

78 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org PERSPECTIVES

Data Security Best practices to minimize your risk

ne of the most important down your computer. My favorite VPN ser- things you can do to protect vice is ExpressVPN. It’s available for many your data is to safely back platforms, uses very strong encryption, it up on a regular basis. If and doesn’t keep logs of the sites you visit. you’re like many people, dispatches Using the same password everywhere Oyou either don’t have backups at all, don’t BY Nicole Hennig (or in a few of the same places) is a bad have recent backups, or don’t have all of idea. Your password is only as secure as your devices and data backed up. Having the least secure site where you used it. If a both local backups and cloud backups will with free Wi-Fi, it’s possible for people to particular site gets breached and hackers protect against data loss. set up technology that grabs your traffic steal the usernames and passwords, the Some examples of cloud backup and analyzes it without your knowledge. first thing they will do is attempt to use services are Backblaze, IDrive, Carbonite, They often look for usernames and those same credentials on other sites, like and SpiderOak One. They are designed to passwords for services they could benefit banks, Amazon, PayPal, or other sites routinely back up all your computer files from accessing. where they can benefit financially. to an encrypted remote location, with Another useful tool that can help Using a password manager like 1Pass- easy ways to restore them in case your protect you is a browser extension called word by AgileBits can help. A password computer is lost, stolen, has a virus, or is HTTPS Everywhere. You can install it in manager is an encrypted database that otherwise destroyed. They usually provide Chrome, Firefox, and Opera browsers, securely stores all of your passwords. a way to “set it and forget it,” with an app and it will force the use of HTTPS on all You need to remember only one master that you set up once and that runs silently pages where it can be used. Websites must password to unlock the app. Your master in the background. These services usually enable that use, and not every website password is never transmitted over the have a reasonable monthly or annual fee. does, so this isn’t a complete solution. internet, so it’s unlikely to be compro- Even if you keep most of your impor- An even better solution is to use a VPN mised. Typically, password managers can tant files in a service like Dropbox, it’s still when on public Wi-Fi. VPN stands for “vir- generate secure, hard-to-crack passwords a good idea to have a dedicated backup tual private network.” It’s software that for you and provide browser plug-ins that service like Backblaze because it will encrypts the connection between your will autotype the password into login handle complete backups automatically computer and the internet, using some- pages so you never need to remember and make it easy to restore files quickly. thing called a “secure tunnel.” All of your them. There are quite a few options when Sync services like Dropbox or OneDrive traffic flows through that tunnel and can’t it comes to choosing a password manager. are excellent for keeping files in sync be accessed by eavesdroppers. It’s worth A recent review from Wirecutter (wrctr.co/ between mobile and desktop computers, using a paid VPN solution to get a quality 2v7Xpgh) recommends LastPass (a free but they don’t usually offer the option of product that works well and doesn’t slow option) as well as 1Password. a private encryption key for your most Taking these measures will make it sensitive files. In addition, they don’t keep more difficult for your data to be stolen previous versions of files, and they don’t Your password or hacked. back up everything—only files you put in a special location on your computer. is only as secure NICOLE HENNIG is an independent consul- One thing that most people don’t tant, helping librarians and educators to use as the least mobile technologies effectively. She runs the think about when they use public Wi-Fi website nicolehennig.com. Adapted from hotspots is how easy it is for their internet secure site where “Privacy and Security Online: Best Prac- traffic to be viewed by hackers. For exam- tices for Cybersecurity,” Library Technology ple, if you are in a coffee shop or airport you used it. Reports vol. 54, no. 3 (April).

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 79 PERSPECTIVES

Organizational Barriers Changing the teen services framework to get outside of the library

ou need to get out of the A first step in overcoming these library to build relationships barriers is to determine what impact and find out what teen inter- youth you and your stakeholders want teen ests are.” Workshop partici- services to have. You might write or pants frequently hear me say matters rewrite a statement specifying goals and Ythat, and the response to my statement BY Linda W. Braun objectives to clarify your mandate. Con- is almost always agreement. Yet I find, sulting resources such as YALSA’s staff over and over, that public library staffers competencies (bit.ly/2zUdqrv) and core prioritize getting teens into the building time with them when they are engaged values (bit.ly/1SZZmv2) can simplify over getting themselves out. in interest-based activities. For exam- this task. An overall mission might be: I’ve thought a lot about this discon- ple, if you can leave the library during “To support all teens in our community nect and realized that, at least in part, after-school hours, you might go to a in developing the skills they need to library staffers continue to stay inside Boys and Girls Club meeting and help succeed in life.” because of systemic barriers. What are with a STEM activity. This effort can If that’s the vision, think about how some of these barriers? be a good opportunity to have conver- you will achieve it. If you are going Job descriptions. Think about how sations with teens, learn who they are, to support all teens in the commu- your work is defined. Do your responsi- and foster connections. nity, then you need to know the bilities include regularly going outside Mission, vision, and strategic plan. needs and interests of a wide variety of the building to build relationships If you dig into these documents, it’s of adolescents—not just those who with teens and community partners? If likely you’ll notice that the emphasis is already come into the library or are not, your organization’s expectations on linking teens with learning opportu- aware of its resources. Talk directly with of what you need to do to be success- nities and library resources. Often, the teens and community members to find ful in your role are lacking. How can assumption is that this happens within out where teens spend time outside of administrators and colleagues support the library’s four walls, and there is school hours. Then work with adults outreach if leaving the library isn’t a little—if any—mention of achieving this who staff and administer these spaces recognized core component of your work out in the community. As a result, to implement activities and events at duties? Looking to the Young Adult expectations are too narrowly focused. which you can build rapport. Library Services Association’s (YALSA) After you assess your job descriptions, sample job description (bit.ly/2GS0EtL) schedules, and organizational docu- can help expand the scope of the teen Examine the amount ments, write up a set of talking points services librarian. that highlight why it’s important to Schedules. Examine the amount of time you spend at leave the library in order to fulfill your of time—and times of day—you are a service desk. Does mission. Use those ideas with admin- required to spend at a service desk, istrators and colleagues to bring about such as reference or circulation. Does staffing the library change. If you see that the only way you staffing the library end up marginalizing are going to make a difference in more relationships with teens and community end up marginalizing teen lives is by changing how your work partners? Maybe you do have time “off relationships with is framed, isn’t it time to get started? desk,” but is that time usually when teens are in school? teens and community LINDA W. BRAUN is a Seattle-based While reaching teens in school can be consultant and a past president of ALA’s valuable, it doesn’t really let you spend partners? Young Adult Library Services Association.

80 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org PERSPECTIVES

How Do We Respond to #MeToo? Libraries should consult collection policies in the face of the movement

eports of sexual misconduct by several awards. On the other hand, it’s authors of critically acclaimed, more than a decade old. Is it still circu- well-liked literature continue to on my lating? Is it still relevant and meaningful abound and be publicized. This to your patrons? Are there other books reckoning is good for our indus- mind that portray growing up as an American Rtry and our profession, and hopefully it is BY Shannon M. Oltmann Indian, in poverty, in less-than-ideal home empowering for survivors. conditions, or as a marginalized youth? Yet these revelations and incidents Are there less well-known authors you lead to troublesome, difficult questions: which they disagree—and sometimes that could amplify? Different libraries may What should we do about the books these disagreement is very strong. It’s a slippery have different answers to these questions. authors have written? Do we remove them slope to say that authors accused of sexual This quandary might also lead to from circulation or pledge to no longer misconduct do not belong on our shelves. thoughtful programming. Maybe patrons purchase them? Do we keep them on the What about authors who have committed would like to discuss the implications of shelves as if nothing has changed? Do other crimes? What about those whose the #MeToo movement and how it has we owe something to our patrons, our political or religious views are harmful to caused complications and ripples of pain colleagues, and ourselves? marginalized groups? The lines become that affect each of us in different ways. I want to state, emphatically, that I sup- impossible to draw. Maybe this dialogue could be the spark for port survivors and their allies. I abhor the Librarians should not be in the busi- a writing group in your library, to create perpetrators and the damage their actions ness of drawing lines regarding what to stories to replace the tarnished ones. have caused. But I believe the first place to exclude from their libraries. Instead, we It’s important to make one decision start is with our foundational principles. should commit to evaluating a work on its professionally and another personally. One of the core values of the American merits. This leads to the collection devel- You may see that removing these books Library Association (ALA) is intellectual opment policy, which every library should from the library is problematic but decide freedom: “We … resist all efforts to censor have. Do the materials in question meet you will no longer read or support these library resources.” In ALA’s Library Bill of the criteria of your policy? authors in your personal life. The trouble Rights, a precept states: “Materials should Let’s consider The Absolutely True Diary arises when someone tries to institute not be excluded because of the origin, of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. individually held preferences over all background, or views of those contrib- It’s beloved by many and has received library patrons. uting to their creation.” And turning to After all, isn’t this thinking at the root the Freedom to Read Statement: “It is of most library challenges? A patron finds contrary to the public interest for publish- a book objectionable and wants to stop ers or librarians to bar access to writings Librarians should everyone else from having access to it. on the basis of the personal history or not be in the Libraries often respond that individuals political affiliations of the author.” Taken can make their own choices but cannot together, these points indicate that we business of compel others to abide by those choices. should not remove the books of authors To respond otherwise would counter the who have committed sexual misconduct drawing lines very heart of our profession. or harassment. regarding what SHANNON M. OLTMANN is assistant profes- Many libraries contain items that indi- sor in the library science program at the Uni- vidual librarians (and patrons, of course) to exclude from versity of Kentucky in Lexington. Her writing take issue with. Nearly all librarians have has appeared in numerous library and infor- selected and put on shelves content with their libraries. mation science journals.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 81 PERSPECTIVES

Information Access for All How libraries break down barriers

s I was gathering books for analyzes what empathy is this column, I saw a title and why it is an effective that needed reshelving: The librarian’s place to anchor service Information-Poor in Amer- to homeless persons. He ica, by Thomas Childers library then reviews concepts of A(Scarecrow, 1975). Yes, it was written BY Karen Muller empathy-driven services a whole library career ago, but it shows that get people to follow how libraries continue to be the public rules without resorting to punishment. institution able to address the information 2011 standards. Key changes involve Following a discussion of tools to imple- needs of everyone. These selections offer moving from guidelines to standard ment empathy-driven services and behav- current practices and tools for librarians statements on staffing levels and physical iors to avoid, Dowd discusses how staff seeking to eliminate barriers to informa- space requirements; adjustments that help can develop these skills. He also presents tion access. administrators meet service-driven levels situations that library staffers may face of staffing; and the addition of tools to and empathy-driven enforcement meth- Let’s start with Revised help defend budget needs. A glossary and ods that they can employ. ALA Editions, 2018. Standards and Guidelines appendices with a listing of relevant 264 P. $57. PBK. 978-0-8389-1626-1. of Service for the Library federal laws and ALA policies is included. of Congress Network of ASCLA, 2017. 44 P. $45. PBK. 978-0-8389-8974-6. Understanding options for health care is a Libraries for the Blind challenge; being able to do so is the core of and Physically Handi- The Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness: health literacy. Promoting Individual and capped, 2017, from the An Empathy-Driven Approach to Solving Community Health at the Library, by Mary Association of Specialized and Coopera- Problems, Preventing Conflict, and Serving Grace Flaherty, details the shift from the tive Library Agencies (ASCLA), a division Everyone, by Ryan J. Dowd, begins by authoritative-provider model of the early of the American Library Association dispelling myths about homelessness (see part of the 20th century to our current (ALA). Developed by the Library of excerpt on p. 54). Dowd, who has worked patient–provider partnership and consumer Congress and ASCLA, these supersede the in homeless shelters since his teen years, health information model. It examines the

THE BESTSELLERS LIST

TOP 3 IN PRINT 1 | National School 2 | Fundamentals of 3 | The Librarian’s Library Standards Collection Develop- Guide to Homelessness: for Learners, School ment and Manage- An Empathy-Driven Librarians, and School ment, 4th edition Approach to Solving Libraries by American by Peggy Johnson Problems, Preventing Association of School Librarians Johnson’s book offers complete coverage Conﬂict, and Serving The revised Standards enables school of aspects of collection development and Everyone by Ryan J. Dowd librarians to influence, lead, and develop management, including suggestions for This one-of-a-kind guide empowers plans that meet today’s educational further reading and narrative case studies library staff to treat homeless individuals landscape. that explore the issues. with dignity (see excerpt, p. 54).

82 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org PERSPECTIVES

increase in provider and to shelving systems. Library Juice Press, 2018. education, including career choices insurance options and 276 P. $35. PBK. 978-1-63400-030-7. available as a result. Several more positive the delivery of health chapters investigate how online technolo- information in libraries, The LITA Guide to No- or gies better support the marginalized. On particularly public Low-Cost Technology Tools the whole, there is an effort to not look libraries. Flaherty reviews for Libraries, by Breanne A. at the gap but at opportunities that help standards of service for Kirsch, is a practical overcome barriers. Johns Hopkins University providing reliable, authoritative, and review of tech tools for Press, 2018. 232 P. $44.95. 978-1-4214-2435-4. trustworthy resources and offers options instruction, collaboration, for health information programming. outreach, and marketing. Textbooks can be a huge She addresses the importance of working Its relevance to this discussion is the “how.” part of students’ budgets, with government agencies, social services These tools will enable even small libraries and libraries have helped providers, shelters, and senior centers to to offer some key services to patrons. Better ease that burden for years expand health information delivery. ALA yet, the criteria for selection includes by offering reserve rooms Editions, 2018. 144 P. $50. PBK. 978-0-8389-1627-8. adherence to privacy and accessibility and other methods to issues. Rowman and Littlefield, 2018. 120 P. $35. PBK. access these books. Before addressing the 978-1-5381-0311-1. (Also available as an ebook.) Affordable Course Materials: Electronic information-access deficit, Textbooks and Open Educational Resources, let’s look at a philosophi- Diversifying Digital Learn- edited by Chris Diaz, is a collection of nine cal analysis of why we ing: Online Literacy and case studies from university libraries that need to—and how the Educational Opportunity, offer models for providing access to digital impetus to do so has edited by William G. collections for students, particularly in the become embedded in our Tierney, Zoë B. Corwin, face of mounting budgetary pressures on professional psyche. The Politics of Theory and Amanda Ochsner, campus and public awareness of the cost and the Practice of Critical Librarianship, expands how we think of a college degree. The authors explore edited by Karen P. Nicholson and Maura about digital equity across diverse educa- options offered through licensing, digital Seale, is a set of 14 essays on critical tional and socioeconomic contexts. The rights management–free materials, and librarianship that bridges the gap between public library may offer the only online ebooks, along with increased faculty practice and theory, challenging librarians access for some members of a commu- engagement. ALA Editions, 2017. 160 P. $65. PBK. to support progressive, socially just nity, including schoolchildren, at a time 978-0-8389-1580-6. service. These are not easy essays, but when there is increased reliance on online they can help practitioners understand instruction, digital homework submission, KAREN MULLER was librarian and knowledge how the status quo may exclude library and machine-based testing. This book management specialist for the ALA Library users in areas from instructional services examines inequities in computer-science until her retirement in December 2017.

The Top-Selling Books from ALA Publishing (Since April 1, 2018)

TOP 3 IN EBOOKS 1 | Intellectual 2 | The Black Belt 3 | The Librarian’s Freedom Manual, Librarian: Real-World Book of Lists by George 9th edition by Trina Magi Safety and Security M. Eberhart and Martin Garnar, editors by Warren Graham The mixture of serious An invaluable compendium Sharing expertise gleaned topics, tongue-in-cheek of guiding principles and policies as well from more than 20 years as a library items, and outright silliness provides as an indispensable resource for main- security manager, Graham demonstrates something to please everyone familiar taining free and equal access to informa- how libraries can maintain openness and with libraries, making a fun read and a tion for all. public access by creating an unobtrusive wonderful gift. yet effective security plan.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 83 Demco’s DiscoverMobile app offers seamless access to digital materials.

settings, the app can be helpful in outreach to minority communities and in promoting inclusive access to your library. Through partnerships with many of the most common digital content services, including OverDrive and Recorded Books, users can search for ebooks, audiobooks, and videos within the app and be seamlessly transferred to the relevant partner app to download materials. The app also syncs information from Demco’s calendar management and room reservation software. Patrons can register to be automatically notified about events on their library’s calendar they might be interested in, and Reaching Patrons on the Go can search for, preview, and reserve available meeting and study rooms. Connecting library patrons with digital resources Analytics tools enable assessment of app usage and down- loads, daily and monthly queries, any factors can keep a only their own content and brand- and unique users. The app also potential library patron ing. Libraries can add book recom- reports which features patrons Mfrom making it to a library mendation lists, social media feeds, use most, whether it’s the library location—work schedules, trans- and promotions for their events. catalog, events page, or social portation, ability to travel. Digital Compatible with major integrated media streams. offerings have helped libraries library systems (ILS), the app Pricing is based on population reach more people, but making sure allows users to search the catalog, served. For more information, visit they are aware of and easily able place holds, and pay fines. bit.ly/SolutionsDiscMobile. to access those resources remains a Families can store multiple library hurdle. Here are just a few ways to cards under one account in the app, BLUEcloud Mobile connect patrons to your resources, manage holds and fines for each by SirsiDynix wherever they are. account, and use the app as a library SirsiDynix began work on its card to check out materials. GPS BLUEcloud platform several years DiscoverMobile by Demco features help users find information ago to move its ILS and other soft- The recently launched Discover- on and directions to the closest ware onto a central, cloud-based Mobile app connects communities library branches. With multi lingual to everything their libraries have to functionality, ADA-compliant fea- offer. The app is available to all types tures, and built-in color and contrast of libraries and is designed to run on both Android and iOS devices. BLUEcloud Mobile integrates The app is hosted and main- geolocation services to tained by Demco—libraries manage customize patron results.

84 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org SUBMISSIONS To have a new product considered, contact Carrie Smith at [email protected].

platform. BLUEcloud Mobile, launched in January, builds on that Instant Digital Access platform to allow libraries to offer a mobile app that is fully integrated with in Sacramento its ILS and other BLUEcloud software. Libraries can customize the app How do you use OverDrive’s USER: Matt Hill, to match their branding and pro- Instant Digital Card? e-resources supervisor, mote services, materials, and events Sacramento Public Library Sacramento (Calif.) by adding content through a web- uses the Instant Digital Public Library based content management system, Card as an outreach tool at with the option of embedding social major events throughout the PRODUCT: OverDrive media streams in the app. region. It’s one of the most Instant Digital Card The app takes advantage of mobile efficient ways to engage device features to offer specialized with people and sign them DETAILS: OverDrive’s Instant Digital services. Geolocation services point up for a library card. We use Card service allows patrons to sign up patrons to nearby library branches bookmarks and quarter- for access to library digital resources in the system and allow them to sheet handouts that guide remotely using just their mobile filter search results to display only patrons through the steps, phone numbers. materials available at the nearest from downloading the app branch. Patrons can also use their to checking out a book. We often prefer to walk the patron through phone cameras to scan book barcodes the process in person to ensure their success, but at times patrons at to see whether they’re available at outreach events are in a hurry. the library and to scan and store their library card information. Push How does the Instant Digital Card serve your notifications, enabled by the library library’s needs? Signing future cardholders and controlled by the patron, send up for a full-access library card while at a alerts about overdue books, hold busy outreach event can prove to be difficult. arrivals, and events straight to the It’s often too time-consuming for the visitor user’s phone. Mobile beacon integra- and requires more hardware than we can set tion will be launched later in 2018, up in the space provided. allowing libraries to set location- The Instant Digital Card has given us specific push notifications to provide the ability to wow new patrons. They information on events or library download the app, put in their phone OverDrive’s materials both within the library and Instant Digital number, and check out a book they’ve been waiting to read. In less in other partner locations. Card grants than five minutes they’re on their way and thinking about what other Analytics reports for the app, immediate great things might be at the library. including element-level usage, are access to digital What are the main benefits? It gives patrons a no-risk look into the available through the BLUEcloud resources. many services that the library has to offer. New patrons often ask, Analytics platform. “What else can I do at the library if I get a full-access card?” We’ve Libraries are billed annually for had roughly 1,200 people sign up for instant digital cards in the first the service, and pricing is based on four months of the program, and about 100 later signed up for full library type and size. While the app access cards. is currently available only to libraries using one of SirsiDynix’s two ILS What would you like to see improved or added to the service? platforms, the company is developing I think the service is a great asset to public libraries, and OverDrive a version that will be compatible with has done a great job of listening to libraries about what they need other systems. or want in it. The company recently added an option to request an For more information and for a price email address when new patrons sign up, which makes it easier for quote visit bit.ly/SolutionsBCM. us to reach out to them. •

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 85 ON THE MOVE PROMOTIONS

Baraboo (Wis.) Public Library appointed Akron–Summit County Jessica Bergin as head librarian April 23. Mary Edwards, assistant univer- (Ohio) Public Library sity librarian at the University of promoted Pamela Katherine Brown was appointed col- Florida’s Health Science Center Hickson-Stevenson to lections analyst at the University of Libraries in Gainesville, received director, effective April 2. Colorado Denver’s Auraria Library on the Medical Library Association’s March 30. In March, Kaitlyn May was promoted Lucretia W. McClure Excellence in to access services librarian at Hood Kelly Cochran was appointed youth Education Award. College’s Beneficial-Hodson Library in services manager at Delaware County Alice Robinson, school librarian for Frederick, Maryland. (Ohio) District Library in April. the West Babylon (N.Y.) Union Free Ferguson Library in Stamford, Con- John P. Culshaw was named Jack B. King School District, was selected as 2018 necticut, promoted Elizabeth McKay University Librarian Chair at University of Western Suffolk Board of Cooper- to supervisor of the Youth Services Iowa Libraries in Iowa City in April. ative Educational Services School Department April 1. Librarian of the Year and received Montrose (Colo.) Regional Library Dis- the 2018 Follett Conference Library of Congress trict appointed Sara Davis as youth ser- Scholarship to attend the 2018 New promoted Laurie A. vices librarian in April. York Library Association Section of Neider to executive School Librarians Conference. • director of the Federal Kacee Eddinger joined Montrose (Colo.) Library and Information Regional Library District as youth ser- Network in March. vices librarian in April. John Pelletier became head of circu- February 26 Philip Gaddis became lation and outreach at Clark County interlibrary loan and acquisitions coor- (Ohio) Public Library in April. RETIREMENTS dinator at the University of Colorado Sally Angell, outreach librarian at Clear Denver’s Auraria Library. Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, Creek County (Idaho) Library District, Lorelle Gianelli was named serials and D.C., appointed Greg retired in April. Prickman as Eric Wein- stacks coordinator at the University Jurate Burns retired after 19 years as of Colorado Denver’s Auraria Library mann Librarian and director of collections in April. director of Destin (Fla.) Library in May. February 5. In March, Christine Dobson retired as Tim Rogers joined Jacksonville (Fla.) In February Celina (Tex.) Public Library Public Library as director in January. director of Irving (Tex.) Public Library. appointed Lauren Graves as youth ser- Nancy Ehas retired as director of Wil- vices librarian. In April Rachel Saunders joined Uni- versity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill mington (Ohio) Public Library in March. Brown Memorial Library in Lewisburg, Library as first-year instruction and David Jennings retired as director of Ohio, appointed Mary Ellen Lakes as social sciences librarian in research, out- Akron–Summit County (Ohio) Public director in March. reach, and instruction. Library in March.

John J. McNaughton was appointed April 9 Robin Westphal became state Bev Kiser, team leader at Adams librarian of Missouri. director of Grand Rapids (Mich.) Public County (Ohio) Public Library’s Peebles Library in April. Stefani Wiest became circulation ser- Library, retired March 31. vices specialist at the University of Colo- April 16 Erik T. Mitchell Bonnie MacEwan, rado Denver’s Auraria Library January 29. became Audrey Geisel dean of libraries at University Librarian at the Columbus (Ohio) Metropolitan Library Auburn (Ala.) Univer- University of California appointed Joe Yersavich as manager of sity Libraries, retired in San Diego. the Dublin branch March 12. April after 13 years.

86 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org SUBMISSIONS Send notices and photographs to Amy Carlton, [email protected].

MORE ONLINE americanlibrariesmagazine.org/currents

Charlie Matthews retired February 28 as director of George H. and Ella M. Rodgers Memorial Library in Hudson, New Hampshire. Herbert Biblo, 93, executive director of the Long Island (N.Y.) Library Connie Pottle retired as youth services Resources Council (LILRC) for 35 years until retiring last year, died in March. manager at Delaware County (Ohio) Biblo was American Library Association (ALA) Treasurer from 1980–1984 and District Library April 6. had been active in ALA’s Social Responsibilities Round Table since the 1970s. Caroline Ward retired as supervisor of Biblo led the creation of legislative breakfasts in Nassau County and Suffolk the Youth Services Department at Fer- County, and the LILRC Annual Conference on Libraries and the Future. He guson Library in Stamford, Connecticut, received the Distinguished Service Award from the Library Trustees Associ- in April. ation of New York State in 2010 and the Nassau and Suffolk County Library Associations’ LDA Award for Excellence in Library Achievement in 2000.

AT ALA Bernard Margolis, 69, New York State librarian and assistant commissioner Yumeka Brown joined the Office for for libraries since 2009, died April 14. Remembered as an advocate for state Intellectual Freedom as program officer and federal support for library programs and services, he had previously March 5. served as president of Boston Public Library from 1997–2008, director and CEO of Pikes Peak Library District in Colorado Springs, Colorado, from Kit Curl joined ALA Editions/Neal- 1988–1997, and director of Monroe County (Mich.) Library System from Schuman as operations manager on April 17. 1976–1988. Margolis had been an ALA councilor and a delegate to the White House Conference on Libraries, and he held leadership positions in the Associ- Willie Glispie, development coordinator ation of Research Libraries. He also contributed to several books and articles, and Governance Office senior adminis- and served on the editorial boards of the Journal of Library Administration and trative assistant, left ALA April 5. Bottom Line: The Magazine of Library Financial Management.

Sarah Grant, marketing associate for Elizabeth B. Miller, 71, a faculty member at the University of South Carolina Booklist, left ALA April 17. School of Library and Information Science for 18 years, died January 31. Jeff Julian, director of the Public Miller was the author of several editions of The Internet Resource Directory Awareness Office, left ALA April 6. for K–12 Teachers and Librarians and served as a member of the Association of Library Service to Children’s Carnegie Award Committee and Notable Conference Manager Amy McGuigan Children’s Videos Committee for many years. She received the South Carolina left ALA March 22. Association of School Librarians’ Distinguished Service Award in 2012.

Public Programming Office Junior Marjorie Murfin, 87, reference librarian and professor at Ohio State Univer- Developer and Data Applications Offi- sity in Columbus until her 2002 retirement, died February 26. cer Chris Miklius left ALA March 30. Doris Ann Norris, 77, director of Kaubsich Memorial Public Library in Fosto- Ninah Moore joined the Association of ria, Ohio, until her 2002 retirement, died March 8. Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies and the Reference and User Gail L. Rosenberg, 81, inaugural director of Infolink Regional Library Cooper- Services Association as training and ative, the first multitype regional cooperative in New Jersey, from 1985–1998, events coordinator in March. died August 12. She had previously served as director of Metuchen Public Development Associate Marie Library and as extension services librarian at Hunterdon County (N.J.) Library. Pospichal left ALA March 27. Deborah Whiteman, 66, former head of the Department of Rare Books Booklist promoted Briana Shemroske and Special Collections at Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, University of to marketing associate April 9. Toronto, died April 1. She previously worked as rare book cataloger and special collections librarian at UCLA from 2004–2009 and spent two years as a Lorelle Swader was promoted to asso- private librarian to Loren and Frances Rothschild, collectors of the works of ciate executive director, ALA Offices W. Somerset Maugham. • and Member Relations and ALA–Allied Professional Association March 26.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2018 87 the BOOKEND

Conservator of Carnival

very Carnival season brings with it some Bryant. Having the City Archives located in the type of party ephemera—admit cards, beads, same place also offers a civic view of festivi- Ecrowns, doubloons, duke badges—and New ties, through budgets, council records, mayoral Orleans Public Library is there to catalog it. papers, and ordinances. “The invitations are definitely one of the high- Viewings are often requested by the public, lights,” notes Christina Bryant, department head of researchers, and krewe members interested in the library’s Louisiana Division/City Archives and seeing their groups’ historic handiwork. “Our Special Collections. “They are each a miniature work location in the main library helps to make the of art and sometimes engineering,” she says of the archives feel more accessible,” she says. elaborately paneled and intricately drawn creations. “Carnival is an integral part of New Orleans,” Other standouts in the Carnival collection, dating says Bryant, who admits that even the depart- back to the 1860s, include costume and float designs ment mascot—a bust of Napoleon—dresses up. Clockwise from done in watercolor, ink, and pencil; favors such as “I believe that the preservation of these top: Christina Bryant beaded purses, cosmetic compacts, mirrors, pins, items, which would normally be con- holds an invitation from the Mistick and vases; and dance cards from different krewes sidered disposable after their season Krewe of Comus (social clubs that select themes and throw was over, is a reminder of this.” (1900); a costume parades or balls). Bryant describes the latter design from the as tiny booklets with attached pencils Léda Hincks Plauché THE BOOKEND showcases librarians, Collection; a dance that were used to reserve a rug-cutting. their work, and their work spaces. For card issued by the “Each of these items is just one piece consideration, please send press material Twelfth Night Revel- of the larger Carnival experience,” says to [email protected]. ers (1899). Photos: Susan Poag (Bryant, butterfly); New Orleans Public Library (costume) Orleans Public Library New butterfly); (Bryant, Susan Poag Photos:

88 June 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Knowledge builds bridges

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Visit the OCLC Next blog for insights and information about the work being done by and for libraries all over the world. oc.lc/next

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