Sarah Jessica Parker Talks Book Clubs P

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June 2017

THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION Sarah Jessica Parker Talks Book Clubs p. 68

Annual Conference Preview and Dining Guide p. 64

Mindful Librarianship p. 44

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American Libraries | Volume 48 #6 | ISSN 0002-9769

FEATURES 64 2017 ALA Annual Conference Preview Chicago | June 22–27, 2017 EDITED BY Greg Landgraf 74 Windy City Eats Exploring Chicago one bite at a time BY Kate Silver 82 Offbeat Chicago A Windy City summer guide from the staff of American Libraries BY Anne Ford

32 Desegregating Libraries in the American South Forgotten heroes in civil rights history BY Wayne A. Wiegand 38 New Trends in Library Security From religious rights issues to vaping to Pull-Out ransomware, how to address emerging Poster safety concerns at your facility 48 BY Steve Albrecht 44 Mindful Librarianship Awareness of each moment helps librarians stay serene under stress BY Ellyn Ruhlmann 48 The Library of Things More than ever, libraries are offering nontraditional items for checkout 68 ILLUSTRATION BY Brian Mead, EDITED BY Terra Dankowski 58 52 Libraries Transform Second year of campaign puts the spotlight on librarians BY Jeff Julian 58 What Do You Want to Do? Setting goals to renew your career BY Catherine Hakala-Ausperk

32 52 44 28 20

UP FRONT TRENDS PROFESSIONAL 4 From the 20 If These Books Could Talk DEVELOPMENT Publisher Patrons check out people IN PRACTICE Finding Value at Human Libraries 86 Beautiful Music Together BY Laurie D. Borman BY Liz Granger BY Meredith Farkas

10 From Our 22 Archiving Against the Clock DISPATCHES Readers Libraries and universities join forces 87 From Theory to Practice to save government data BY Melissa Goertzen BY Timothy Inklebarger ALA YOUTH MATTERS 24 Library Websites for All 6 From the 88 Inclusive Storytimes Improving the experience for BY Megan Roberts President patrons with visual impairments At the Heart BY Marcus Banks JOBLIST of Our Work 89 Career Leads BY Julie B. Todaro SPOTLIGHT 26 Coming Home, Building Community LIBRARIAN’S LIBRARY 8 From the Aiding elders on a Native 90 Know Thyself Executive American reservation BY Karen Muller Director BY Anne Ford and Cynthia Hughes My ALA Journey SOLUTIONS BY Keith Michael Fiels NEWSMAKER 28 Nikki Giovanni 92 Extend Your Space 12 Update Sharing her thoughts on poetry, Flexible shelving, modular designs, What’s happening politics, and outer space and lighting for your library at ALA PLUS PEOPLE 21 By the Numbers 94 Announcements 27 Global Reach 29 Noted & Quoted THE BOOKEND OPINION 96 Philatelic Relics ANOTHER STORY 96 30 Facts through Fresh Eyes BY Joseph Janes

ON MY MIND 31 Audiobooks and Engagement BY Francisca Goldsmith

The greatest breakthroughs happen when knowledge is shared, giving thinkers and dreamers a clear view of each other’s ideas. When OCLC member libraries share their collective resources, ground-breaking ideas aren’t merely possible—they’re inevitable.

Because what is known must be shared.®

Congratulations to OCLC members around the world for 50 years of library collaboration, innovation and breakthroughs.

Learn more at booth #1824 oclc.org from the PUBLISHER

THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

Address: 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611 Finding Value Website: americanlibrariesmagazine.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-545-2433 plus extension hen it comes to your career, “timing isn’t Career Ads: JobLIST.ala.org everything; action is,” writes Catherine PUBLISHER Hakala-Ausperk in her ALA Editions book Laurie D. Borman Renew Yourself: A Six-Step Plan for More What would [email protected] | x4213 W be your book ACTING EDITOR Meaningful Work, which is excerpted in this issue on In the Shadow of club pick? Sanhita SinhaRoy page 58. Even in failure, we move forward and learn the Banyan by [email protected] | x4219 Vaddey Ratner what brings us closer to our values, she says. Wise words SENIOR EDITORS to consider on our career path, whether we’re at the Amy Carlton beginning or somewhere along the continuum. Clothes, Clothes, [email protected] | x5105 Clothes. Music, George M. Eberhart Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about values and how [email protected] | x4212 Laurie D. Borman Music, Music. they drive my daily life, from how often I check email Boys, Boys, Boys. ASSOCIATE EDITORS to how often I find time to meet with others or take a by Viv Albertine Terra Dankowski [email protected] | x5282 break. You may recall the late Stephen Covey’s time- Phil Morehart The Little Prince management grid. In it, he diagrammed four quadrants [email protected] | x4218 by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry organized by urgency and importance (important, The Plot Against EDITOR-AT-LARGE America by Anne Ford urgent, not urgent, and not important) to help people Philip Roth [email protected] | x2157 manage priorities—a useful matrix tool in today’s EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ASSISTANT smartphone-obsessed world in which many things feel Carrie Smith urgent but are often not important. (A 2016 Dscout [email protected] | x4216 ART DIRECTOR The Goldfinch research study revealed the average person touches his Rebecca Lomax by Donna Tartt or her phone 2,617 times a day.) [email protected] | x4217 In “Mindful Librarianship” by Ellyn Ruhlmann on ADVERTISING page 44, several librarians share their secrets to a more Michael Stack [email protected] | 847-367-7120 Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement. serene day, whether it is through meditation or other ALA reserves the right to refuse advertising. mindfulness practices. Learn about these techniques PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT and how to make your day—and life—less stressful. Bill Ott, Acting Associate Executive Director Mary Jo Bolduc, Rights, Permissions, Reprints | x5416 Worrying about your facility’s security might be MEMBERSHIP another stressor. One way to address this is to prepare. Ron Jankowski, Director In “New Trends in Library Security” on page 38, library ADVISORY COMMITTEE security expert Steve Albrecht identifies emerging con- Joseph M. Eagan (Chair), Helen Ruth Adams, Ernie J. Cox, Lee A. Cummings, Christine Korytnyk Dulaney, Tina Franks, cerns and how to handle them simply and effectively. Jasmina Jusic. Interns: Tom Bober, Lucy Kelly Succeed or We hope you’re planning to come to Chicago for the Editorial policy: ALA Policy Manual, section A.8.2 ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition this month. It’s INDEXED fail, taking Available full text from ProQuest, EBSCO Publishing, guaranteed to offer wonderful programs and speakers H. W. Wilson, LexisNexis, Information Access, JSTOR. action can who will inspire you and enrich your professional life, as SUBSCRIBE well as opportunities to network (see our preview, p. 64). Libraries and other institutions: $70/year, 6 issues, US, Canada, help us ﬁnd Because Chicago is our hometown, we also provide a and Mexico; foreign: $80. Subscription price for individuals included in ALA membership dues. 800-545-2433 x5108, email guide to good eats on page 74, as well as some offbeat [email protected], or visit ala.org. Claim missing issues: value in our places to visit while you’re in town (p. 82). Even a local ALA Member and Customer Service. Allow six weeks. may not have experienced some of the places we’ve out- PUBLISHED everyday American Libraries (ISSN 0002-9769) is published 6 times lined for you, so get out and explore while you’re here. yearly with occasional supplements by the American Library lives. As Hakala-Ausperk says, action is everything. Association (ALA). Printed in USA. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, Illinois, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Personal members: Send address changes to American Librar- ies, c/o Membership Records, ALA, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. ©2017 American Library Association. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without written permission from the publisher.

4 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org

from the PRESIDENT

At the Heart of Our Work Tools, resources, and opportunities to further our mission

he past year has been—to say the Experts and expertise least—the most interesting of my Saturday’s “Library and Information Experts career. And I can say both humorously Succeeding in the 21st Century” program will and truthfully that I did not know how identify roles and responsibilities for current and hard it would be to be president. next-gen library professionals. These presenters TI continue to be honored to represent our pro- will build on their March webinar, which had fession in our ongoing and successful challenge 3,600 registrants from more than 90 countries: to federal funding issues. And we continue to ■ Eileen Abels, dean, Simmons School of communicate and educate stakeholders about Library and Information Science in Boston our work, its value, and the very need for our ■ John Bertot, professor and codirector, Informa- Julie B. Todaro existence. Many libraries face similar challenges tion Policy and Access Center at the College of more regularly, and I have a newfound apprecia- Information Studies at University of Maryland tion and respect for what you do every day. ■ Valerie Gross, president and CEO, Howard What is humbling is being reminded of our County (Md.) Library System incredible relationships: coalitions and partners from related professions and supporting busi- Unique engagement nesses; the advocacy of constituents, patrons, At the heart of our work is often a love of the writ- and users; and elected and appointed officials ten word. Organized discussions—frequently in who champion us with votes. the form of book clubs—can be found in all sizes I am honored by my steering committee’s and types of libraries, where we support reading work on my expertise initiative, launching this initiatives for children, teens, and adults. What’s summer. I am also pleased to provide a wrap-up most important is that our patrons are reading. of my presidential initiatives at the upcoming I am delighted to announce the official launch Annual Conference in Chicago. Here are a few of ALA Book Club Central in support of readers programs I’d like to highlight: everywhere. I’m also especially pleased to invite you to the President’s Program on June 24, where Compelling communication Book Club Central’s honorary chair, Sarah Jessica At “Making the Case: Influencing Your Funding Parker, will unveil her first title selection. Parker, Future” on Saturday, June 24, experts will share a lifelong reader, library supporter, and member information about how to persuade lawmakers to of book clubs, is uniquely positioned to lead this fund libraries. Moderated by former ALA Presi- initiative, which was created in partnership with dent Courtney Young, the panelists include: Booklist, Penguin Random House, and United for ■ Shailagh Murray, former advisor to President Libraries. Please join us at Annual for the kickoff, What’s Barack Obama, former deputy chief of staff where we will reveal our new online platform, most to Vice President Joe Biden, and former Wall featuring an online book club, reading resources, Street Journal and Washington Post journalist club activity recommendations, expert book lists, important ■ Sharon Páez, partner at D.C.-based Hilltop and other tools for book clubs and their readers. Public Solutions and consultant and producer I am looking forward to seeing all of you in is that our of Spanish-language radio and TV advertising Chicago! patrons are ■ Jenny Backus, D.C.-based consultant and board member of D.C. Public Library JULIE B. TODARO is dean of library services at reading. Foundation Austin (Tex.) Community College.

6 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Digital Primary Sources for the humanities and social sciences

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My ALA Journey Working together, we can change the world

hen I first came to the your thinking, and serve as a support network American Library Association throughout your career. (ALA) 15 years ago, people I also discovered that going to an ALA or divi- thought I was—to put it sion conference is the best way to refresh not only mildly—demented. your spirit but also your creativity. If you attend WHere’s an organization with: an ALA conference and can’t come back with ■ 57,000 members, representing an incredibly three ideas that help you provide better service wide range of backgrounds, communities back home (and make you look like a genius), served, types of libraries, and interests you are definitely spending too much time in the ■ a new president every year cocktail lounge! Keith Michael Fiels ■ an Executive Board There’s always a lot of discussion about the ■ a 185-member Council cost of dues, conference registration, and hotel ■ 11 divisions (each with its own board) rooms. Until I became ALA executive director, ■ 20 round tables I paid much of the cost of attending conference ■ 56 state and regional chapters out of pocket. What I discovered over the years ■ membership in 96 countries is that, like any business, you need to invest in ■ 1,266 online communities yourself. If you do, you’ll find—as I did—that ■ 1,272 discussion lists the money invested in ALA membership and ■ 2,210 active committees including … a com- conference attendance directly results in profes- mittee on committees! sional advancement, promotion, and increased And did I mention that if you gather 100 mem- earnings that will more than repay the money bers in a room, you are going to have 200 opinions? you spend. That’s a fact. Today, This is my last column as executive director.… My journey with ALA began 40 years ago, Changing the world much of when I climbed into a beat-up Chevy Vega and When we talk about ALA membership, we talk drove to Chicago for my first ALA conference. about “supporting you—and changing the what we As any new conferencegoer knows, it was world.” So now let’s talk now about that “chang- stand for overwhelming. I found the job I’d come looking ing the world” part: for, and in the process, I also discovered the From my international work, I know the is under difference between a job and a career. In the respect with which ALA and our system of librar- years that followed, the people I met through ies are held throughout the world. Our libraries, attack. But ALA mentored me, challenged me, and helped free and open to all, are something that others get me through tough times—while teaching everywhere aspire to. Our positions on intellec- we are not me how I, in turn, could mentor, challenge, and tual freedom, privacy, and access to information victims of support others. The projects I worked on helped for all are inspirations to the rest of the world. me understand leadership and teamwork in new These are not platitudes; they are values and the future— ways and stretched my horizons. realities we live every day. I always say that ALA is not 57,000 mem- Here in the US, the ALA Washington Office has we can and bers; it’s the dozen or so people you discover led a determined and growing group of advocates must shape out there who share your particular brand of who have helped create federal library legislation insanity. They are the colleagues who share your and increase federal funding through the Library the future. passions and aspirations, continuously sharpen Services Act, Library Services and Construction

8 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Act, and today’s Library Services and Technology Act. They helped create the Institute of Museum and Library Services, federal E-Rate funding, and helped include school libraries in the Every Student Succeeds Act and libraries of all types in labor, agriculture, and other federal programs. We have made this happen. Our work to protect reader privacy and the freedom to read freely is so widely known that ALA is virtually synonymous with freedom of expression and libraries are virtually synonymous with democracy. Our support of literacy and lifelong learning has helped make the library one of the most respected, trusted, and beloved institutions. Our contributions as ALA members make this possible, ensuring that our children—and their children—will have access to libraries in the future. It also ensures that these libraries will be as good as they can be in a changing world and rapidly evolving information landscape.

Overcoming challenges It’s true that because the organization has grown from the ground up by members coming together to share interests and goals and forming hundreds of communities of practice, ALA’s structure can be a challenge. Sure, the organization can be maddeningly slow at times. There are always strong opinions and many people who need to be engaged in making decisions. Say what you will believe that people and communities will need Clockwise from top: With then–First about the process, the record of policy positions libraries, and that libraries will need an ALA as Lady Laura Bush and we have established as an Association over the much in 100 years as they did 100 years ago. then–ALA President years is something we can all be proud of. But this depends on us. We are not victims of the Carla Hayden in 2003; During my years at ALA, I have been honored future, after all; we can and must shape the future. speaking at Library Advocacy Day in to work with a succession of great leaders to Today, with much of what we believe in and Washington, D.C., in create the Office for Library Advocacy; grow our have worked so hard to build now under attack, 2010; with then–US scholarship programs; transform our publish- we need to stand together more than ever. We Sen. Barack Obama ing program; create a new division for trustees, cannot passively wait for others to do the job. at the 2005 Annual Conference in Chicago; Friends, and foundations; establish a new Center Despite all our many differences as individual reading a Dr. Seuss for the Future of Libraries; launch the Libraries members, we have shown time and time again book to children at Transform public awareness campaign; and that if we work together we can accomplish truly the Rainbow/PUSH build a strong planned-giving program to help great things. Coalition headquarters in Chicago during guarantee a vibrant future. In the process, we So, here’s to greatness ahead. National Library Week have weathered the worst recession since the Here’s to us. in 2009. Great Depression, one that many associations did not survive. KEITH MICHAEL FIELS is executive director of the I’m optimistic about the future of libraries, and American Library Association, headquartered in Chi- I’m optimistic about the future of ALA. I firmly cago. He will be retiring July 31.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 9 from our READERS

“Information literacy comprises Wine in the Midwest Thanks for this wonderful article not just skills but (“Preserving the Vintage,” Mar./ also dispositions Apr., p. 48)! When I was work- and habits of ing at the Janice B. Longone Culinary Archive at the William mind.” Great read L. Clements Library at the Uni- by @librarianmer! versity of Michigan (now located @MOHAMEDBERRAY at its Harlan Hatcher Graduate in response to “Infor- Library), we had a great exhibit mation Literacy Tool- and lecture from Jan’s husband, kits” (May, p. 54) Dan, called “500 Years of Ameri- can Grapes and Wines: The Liter- ature of a Remarkable Journey.” Fortunately for us, it’s still online

Genius library (bit.ly/2oWd7D9). marketing idea. The exhibit included more behalf of school libraries and all back to Iowa again sometime This would be than just California wines, and librarians. I have emailed and in her retirement. All the best excellent in it was rewarding to work on. If called her with the craziest ques- wishes to her! anyone wants to research the tions, yet she has always treated Alison Ames Galstad tandem with history of oenology or anything me with dignity. Iowa City, Iowa transit hub else we consume or grow, the I will miss Emily so much. I outreach. Longones still own and run the hope she enjoys her time away Researching Yellowstone Food and Wine Library, an anti- from the rat race. I used the Curt Teich Postcard @RAAMATUID in quarian culinary bookshop, out of Diane Chen Archives (“Greetings from the response to “Digital their home in Ann Arbor. Nashville, Tennessee Newberry Library,” May, p. 48) in Wallpapers Open Doors” Dejah Rubel preparing a book about Yellow- (Mar./Apr., p. 26) Big Rapids, Michigan Emily Sheketoff will be dearly stone National Park postcards missed! I’ve been a part of the published by the Haynes compa- Sheketoff’s Retirement Iowa contingent at National nies. Curt Teich was their largest During my experiences on the Library Legislative Day for a domestic printer. I’m headed to American Association of School number of years, and it is inspir- Chicago in about a month and Librarians’ Legislation Commit- ing to see her in action. She’s will certainly stop by Newberry tee, Washington Office Exec- managed to find pathways to Library to visit some old friends. utive Director Emily Sheketoff progress for libraries despite Richard Saunders (“A Tribute to Emily Sheketoff,” political gridlock and obstruc- Cedar City, Utah The Scoop, Apr. 12) was always tionism. She has provided a gracious, calm leader and invaluable expertise to the library CORRECTION passionate advocate for school community and our advocates. In our From Our Readers section libraries. I remember sitting with Emily’s keynote address to (May, p. 7), we misspelled a con- her in San Antonio and talking the Iowa Library Association in tributor’s name. The “Funding Is about grassroots advocacy. She 2013 stands out as one of the for Everyone” letter came from has accomplished so much on best, and I hope we can lure her Kathleen de la Peña McCook.

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.

10 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org

Garcia-Febo Wins 2018–2019 ALA Presidency oida Garcia-Febo, access to underserved populations. Garcia-Febo holds a BA international library in business education and an MLS from the University of Lconsultant and pres- Puerto Rico. ident of Information New Garcia-Febo has served on ALA Council since 2011 and was Wave in Brooklyn, New elected to the ALA Executive Board for 2015–2018. She has York, has been elected held numerous appointments on ALA committees including president-elect of the the Committee on Diversity, Intellectual Freedom Committee, American Library Associ- and Nominating Committee. She has chaired the Intellectual ation (ALA). She defeated Freedom Round Table, the International Relations Commit- Scott Walter, university tee, and the Committee on Membership Meetings and is librarian at DePaul Univer- chair-elect of the International Relations Round Table. sity, and Terri Grief, school She is also active in the International Federation of Library librarian at McCracken Associations and Institutions (IFLA), on whose governing County (Ky.) High School. Loida Garcia-Febo board she currently sits, and the National Association to “I am honored to serve as president-elect of the Amer- Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and ican Library Association,” Garcia-Febo said upon learning the Spanish-Speaking (better known as Reforma), where the election outcome. “Together with ALA members we she served on the executive board 2008–2011, including as will bring change to impact public policy and benefit our president 2009–2010. profession and our communities. ALA will be the lead- Garcia-Febo received 3,278 votes out of 9,123 votes ing voice advocating for libraries and library users while cast for president, while Walter received 3,209 votes, and maintaining our core values, will have a place and a voice Grief received 2,636 votes. Garcia-Febo at the decision makers’ table—particularly for those will serve as president-elect for one in our communities with no voice—and will amplify GARCIA-FEBO year before stepping into her role as their concerns to Congress, at the president at the close of the 2018 ALA state house, in city councils, and 3,278 Annual Conference and Exhibition in school boards.” She emphasized the WALTER VOTES New Orleans. importance of coalition-building with like-minded partners, joint 3,209 Councilors elected work among ALA units to promote VOTES Thirty-three ALA members have been diversity and equity within the elected as councilors-at-large on ALA profession and the Association, GRIEF Council for a three-year term. The and professional development. She term begins at the close of the 2017 pledged “to lead, serve, and empower 2,636 ALA Annual Conference and extends our libraries, patrons, and communities,” VOTES through the end of the 2020 ALA and advance ALA’s strategic initiatives: Annual Conference in Chicago. One advocacy, information policy, professional TOTAL VOTES CAST member was elected to complete a and leadership development, and equity, FOR PRESIDENT one-year term beginning at the close diversity, and inclusion.” of the 2017 Annual Conference and An ALA member for 15 years, Garcia- 9,123 extending through the 2018 Annual Febo has served the library profession Conference. For full election results, both domestically and internationally. BALLOTS including those for divisions and SENT Her nonprofit organization, Information 47,525 round tables, visit ala.org/aboutala/ New Wave, seeks to bring information BALLOTS governance/alaelection. • RETURNED 9,748

12 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org JUNE National GLBT Book Month ALA Defends Copyright ala.org/glbtbookmonth JUNE 22–27 and Net Neutrality ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition | Chicago n an April 26 statement in response to Federal Communications Commis- 2017.alaannual.org sion Chairman Ajit Pai’s plan to roll back net neutrality, ALA President Julie AUG. 9–13 IB. Todaro said, “ALA and the Association of College and Research Libraries National Conference of African (ACRL) firmly believe that preserving an open internet is essential to all Ameri- American Librarians | Atlanta cans’ freedom of speech, educational achievement, and economic growth. Now bit.ly/ncaal17 that the internet has become one of the primary mechanisms for delivering AUG. 19–25 information, services, and applications to the general public, and the primary IFLA World Library and means of collaboration and doing business, it is especially important that com- Information Congress mercial internet service providers not be able to unilaterally control or manipu- Wrocław, Poland late the content of these communications.” 2017.ifla.org Todaro concluded, “ALA and ACRL will continue to fight aggressively against SEPT. internet discrimination and will spare no effort to preserve equitable access to Library Card Sign-Up Month internet services for all of our millions of library users.” ala.org/librarycardsignup On the same day, in response to the House of Representatives’ adoption SEPT. 6–9 of the “Register of Copyrights Selection and Accountability Act of 2017” Association for Rural and (H.R. 1695), which would make the position of the register of copyrights subject Small Libraries Conference to presidential appointment and Senate confirmation, ALA President-Elect Jim St. George, Utah Neal released a statement explaining ALA’s opposition. “The Senate overwhelm- arsl.info/2017-conference ingly confirmed the Librarian of Congress just nine months ago because she is SEPT. 24–30 an expert in modernizing complex information systems in libraries and a proven Banned Books Week manager of them: exactly what the Copyright Office needs,” he said. “ALA urges ala.org/bbooks the Senate to let Carla Hayden build her own team, including the register of SEPT. 27 copyrights, to accomplish that mission without further delay.” • Banned Websites Awareness Day ala.org/aasl/advocacy/bwad

OCT. 8–14 School Library Disaster total unmet need. Grant funds can be Teen Read Week Recovery Grant Announced used to replace or supplement books, teenreadweek.ning.com

The American Association of School media, and library equipment. A jury will OCT. 15–21 Librarians (AASL) has announced the determine the final amount. The grant is National Friends of Inspire Disaster Recovery Grant, a funded through a donation from Marina Libraries Week grant to support public, middle, and “Marney” Welmers, a retired middle bit.ly/alafolweek high school libraries that have incurred school librarian and AASL member. NOV. damage or hardship because of a natural Find criteria, eligibility, and applica- Picture Book Month disaster, fire, or an act recognized by the tion requirements at ala.org/aasl/awards. picturebookmonth.com federal government as terrorism. The NOV. 3–5 grant also provides funding to schools Libraries Ready to Code Brief YALSA Young Adult Services affected by an increase in enrollment The ALA Office for Information Tech- Symposium | Louisville, Kentucky because of displaced or evacuee students. nology Policy (OITP) has released a new ala.org/yalsa/yasymposium A total of $30,000 will be available policy brief, Careers for America’s Youth NOV. 9–11 each year. Grant amounts will depend in the Digital Age: , which details the ideal posi- and Exhibition | Phoenix applicants, geographic distribution, and tion of libraries in preparing more bit.ly/aasl17phoenix

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 13 UPDATE

Taking the Fight for Libraries to Washington

ore than 500 librarians and federal funding to state library agencies library supporters from every and other grant programs. Librarians Mstate gathered in Washington, are urging legislators to fund libraries D.C., on May 1–2 for the 43rd National through the Library Services and Tech- Library Legislative Day (NLLD) to advo- nology Act (LSTA) and the Innovative cate for federal library funding and Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program. policy issues, including surveillance, NLLD participants celebrated an open government, copyright, and net early victory on May 1, when Congress neutrality. An additional 1,000 library announced a bipartisan agreement advocates signed up to participate in over the 2017 budget, which includ- Virtual Library Legislative Day to con- ed $231 million for IMLS—a $1 million nect with legislators via email, phone, increase from its 2016 budget. Focused and social media. lobbying efforts in March led to about Above: Emily Sheketoff, recently retired exec- The number of attendees was the one-third of the House of Representa- utive director of ALA’s Washington Office, highest in 10 years, spurred by the tives signing Dear Appropriator letters and Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.). Below left: the Trump administration’s proposed 2018 in support of these two programs, an Wisconsin delegation outside of Rep. Paul Ryan’s (R-Wis.) D.C. office. Below right: budget that would eliminate the Insti- 18% increase in support for IAL and a Dianne Carty, director of the Massachusetts tute of Museum and Library Services 64% increase for LSTA. Similar efforts Libraries Board of Commissioners, shakes (IMLS), the agency that distributes targeting senators continued in May. • hands with Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.).

of America’s youth for computing intellectual skills behind coding—and are demonstrated their winning apps from jobs, which represent the largest poised to do much more. the 2016 Congressional App Challenge, source of new jobs and are among the Perspectives from industry leaders sponsored in part by ALA. highest-paying. such as Michael Petricone of the Con- This brief is available in full at bit.ly/ The brief discusses how libraries stim- sumer Technology Association (and a librariesreadytocode. It is the sixth in ulate youth awareness in coding, serve member of ALA’s Public Policy Advisory a series targeted to national decision as innovation labs to develop coding Council) and Mo-Yun Lei Fong of Google makers and influencers. Additional briefs skills, and leverage their national reach are included in the brief. will be released in the coming months. to encourage youth engagement from The brief was released in conjunction groups that are underrepresented in tech with the #HouseofCode demo, panel, Free Online Adult Literacy careers. Libraries are found to increas- and reception event on Capitol Hill April Training Course Launched ingly offer programs in coding and 3–4, where nearly 100 students from ALA and ProLiteracy have launched a computational thinking—the broader more than 50 congressional districts free online course to help libraries across Photos: Andrew Propp; Dana Rene Bowler (Sheketoff) Bowler Dana Rene Propp; Andrew Photos:

14 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org UPDATE

the country address the need for adult Registration and additional infor- and weaknesses, and preparing school literacy services in their communities. mation for the Adult Literacy through librarians for the next step in Ohio’s Every The Adult Literacy through Libraries Libraries course is available at proliteracy Student Succeeds Act roll out. course consists of 10 modules designed .csod.com. After implementation, OELMA will to provide librarians with the training make resources and materials available and knowledge to help adults with low Ohio Association Receives through its website to affiliate organiza- literacy pursue their educational, work, AASL Leadership Grant tions that wish to replicate the academy. and life goals. The Ohio Educational Library Media The AASL award winners will be hon- After finishing the introduction and Association (OELMA) will receive the ored at the 2017 ALA Annual Conference community needs assessment modules, 2017 AASL ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant. and Exhibition in Chicago. library staffers choose additional modules Sponsored by ABC-CLIO, the $1,750 to take based on their library’s needs. grant is given to AASL-affiliated school New Grant for Workers They include information about building library associations for planning and Underrepresented in Metadata and promoting a collection of print and implementing leadership programs at the The Cataloging and Metadata Man- digital materials that meets the readability local, regional, or state levels. agement Section of the Association for needs, goals, and interests of adults with OELMA will use the funds from the Library Collections and Technical Services limited literacy. The goal is to increase grant to present the “Make Leadership (ALCTS) has announced a new award to access to technology to better serve adults Your Superpower” leadership academy provide librarians and paraprofessionals with limited literacy or English language in March 2018. The program’s objec- from underrepresented groups who are skills and includes recommendations on tives include examining what leadership new to the metadata field with the oppor- how libraries can form collaborations and looks like in a highly effective school tunity to attend a professional conference. strategic partnerships to support adult library program, assessing and reflect- The Lois Mai Chan Professional literacy in their communities. ing upon personal leadership strengths Development Grant honors the career

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 15 UPDATE

and influence of Lois Mai Chan, a Margaret Mann Citation and the 2006 meets community needs. It is recom- leader, author, and mentor in the field recipient of the Beta Phi Mu Award. mended for public library staff directly of metadata creation and standards. The The first grant will be awarded in involved in the creation and implemen- grant consists of a citation, $1,000 in 2018, with an application process to open tation of the library’s strategic plan, cash, and registration for the ALA Annual in fall 2017. The grant will be presented including but not exclusive to: directors, Conference and Exhibition, donated by during the ALA Annual Conference at the managers, supervisors, and department cataloger Netanel Ganin. The grant is ALCTS awards ceremony and member- heads. This preconference is for those applicable toward airfare, lodging, and ship meeting. who don’t have the time or staff to other ticketed events related to confer- devote to a large-scale planning effort. ence attendance. Small and Rural Library The goal is to teach participants to: Chan was instrumental in the devel- Planning Institute Announced ■ organize, design, and implement opment of standards and best practices, The Public Library Association (PLA) dynamic strategic planning in a library writing more than 60 scholarly arti- announced a one-day workshop on environment while creating a living cles and textbooks on cataloging and strategic planning for small and rural and actionable plan classification. She was an ALA member libraries. The PLA Dynamic Planning ■ incorporate current methodologies for for many years and served on numerous Institute will take place on September 6 assessing and engaging community committees, including the Subject Anal- as a preconference session at the Associa- and staff, establishing priorities, and ysis Committee, International Relations tion for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) assessing and managing risk Committee, and the Executive Commit- Conference in St. George, Utah. ■ use key time-saving principles, includ- tee of the Cataloging and Classification The institute will provide an overview ing using existing data, quick methods Section (now known as the Cataloging of best practices in strategic planning for for getting input and buy-in from staff and Metadata Management Section). small and rural libraries, with a focus Chan was the 1989 recipient of the on simple, quick, low-cost planning that Continued on page 18

TULSA CITY-COUNTY CENTRAL LIBRARY Oklahoma Renovation and expansion to create a 21st-Century library

16 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org UPDATE

Teen Titans to Promote Library Card Sign-Ups

his September, crimefighting DC Comics superheroes the Teen Titans will team up with ALA to promote the value of a Tlibrary card as Library Card Sign-Up Month Honorary Chairs. The Teen Titans will appear in Library Card Sign-Up Month print and digital public service announcements. The free PSAs will be available for libraries to use in print materials and online. Sample media tools will also be offered to highlight resources the public can get for free with a library card. Tools will include a sample press release, proclamation, radio PSA scripts, and tweets. Addi- tionally, free Teen Titans artwork for library cards will be provided by DC Comics. Teen Titans posters and bookmarks are available for purchase through the ALA Store at alastore.ala.org. Posters and bookmarks featuring other DC superheroes, including Supergirl, Batman, the Justice League, and Wonder Woman, will also make their debut in the new ALA Graphics summer catalog. •

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americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 17 UPDATE

Continued from page 16 recipient is the Colorado State Library Johnston, University of West Georgia; for its project “Where There Is Art, There Rachel Magee, University of Illinois at and stakeholders, and incorporating Is Hope: Graphic Novels and Literacy Urbana-Champaign; Jennifer Moore, existing community plans at the Sterling Correctional Facilities Texas Woman’s University; Joe Sanchez, ■ apply best practices in dynamic library Libraries.” The project will allow a new City University of New York; and Natalie planning using the most updated teacher to travel to Sterling, Colorado, Taylor, University of South Florida. methods and tools for communicating to enrich his or her Literacy Education RtC fellows will collaborate in re- plans and achieving continual results in Adult Detention (LEAD) with Comics designing select media and technology The cost is $100, and ARSL Con- curriculum at the Sterling Correctional courses from their respective institutions ference registration is not required. Facility Libraries. to embed RtC concepts. After teaching Registration is available through the The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innova- the redesigned courses in fall 2017, RtC ARSL Conference portal at bit.ly/ tion Grant provides support to a library fellows will share their revised syllabi ARSL17registration. for the initiation of a graphic novel and course models with colleagues across service, program, or initiative and will the LIS community and serve as ambas- Libraries Receive Will Eisner be presented to the Institute of American sadors to encourage other LIS faculty to Graphic Novel Grants Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The embed RtC concepts in their curricula. Two libraries have been selected to institute’s project “Giving Voice to Our The project will be evaluated for impact receive Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants Stories: Fostering the Growth of Future and effectiveness, and findings will be for Libraries. Indigenous Graphic Novelists” aims to broadly disseminated. The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth support the growth of future indigenous The RtC faculty fellows will join Ready Grant provides support to a library that graphic novel artists and further diversify to Code Phase II team members Mega would like to expand its existing graphic the voices represented in visual narrative Subramaniam, coprincipal investigator; novel services and programs. The 2017 through development. Marijke Visser, coprincipal investigator Each grant consists of a $2,000 and associate director, OITP; Linda Braun, voucher to purchase graphic novels, learning consultant, LEO: Librarians Well-Rounded $1,000 to host a graphic novel–themed and Educators Online; Caitlin K. Martin, event, and a $1,000 travel stipend to learning research consultant; Alan S. Scanners and Services attend the 2017 ALA Annual Conference Inouye, director, OITP; and Christopher and Exhibition in Chicago. Winners will Harris, OITP youth and technology fellow. also receive a graphic novel collection of Eisner’s work and biographies about Librarian for the Blind to Be him, and copies of all titles nominated Honored with Service Award for this year’s Will Eisner Awards. William “Will” R. Reed, manager of the The grants are funded by the Will Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically and Ann Eisner Family Foundation and Disabled at Cleveland Public Library, has Microform Reader-Printers are administered by ALA’s Games and been selected for the Gaming Round Table and the Graphic 2017 Cathleen Bourdon Hosting Novels and Comics in Libraries Member Service Award, admin- Initiative Group. istered by the Associa- tion of Specialized and New Libraries Ready to Code Cooperative Library Faculty Fellows Named Will Reed Agencies (ASCLA). Book Scanners Library and information science faculty, Reed will be honored at the ALA selected by ALA and Google to participate Annual Conference in Chicago for his in Phase II of the Libraries Ready to Code work as an advocate for information Since 1980, Crowley has delivered premier (RtC) project, will develop graduate-level access and reading opportunities to indi- patron and back-oﬃce scanners and course models that equip MLIS students viduals with print disabilities, as shown conversion services solutions to deliver coding programs through in his work with the Library Services for public and school libraries. People with Visual and Physical Disabil- BOOTH 2438 The ALA–Google Ready to Code ities Forum as well as his role as a work- or call (240) 215-0224 faculty fellows are Colette Drouillard, ing team member to revise the Standards www.thecrowleycompany.com Valdosta (Ga.) State University; Melissa and Guidelines of Service for the Library

18 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org HELP STUDENTS CITE ANY SOURCE EASILY. of Congress Network of Libraries for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Colleagues highlighted Reed’s expertise, approachability, and influence with 146 pp. the use of adaptive technology. Reed Paper 978-1-60329-262-7 developed a model of service delivery List price: $15.00 for libraries serving people with print disabilities. This model is used at the D.C. Large-print edition Public Library, where it helped the system Paper 978-1-60329-263-4 build its JAWS curriculum into a powerful List price: $20.00 force for adaptive technology training, employment, and entrepreneurship. Also available in e-book formats. Li to Receive Equality Award Haipeng Li, the university librarian at University of California, Merced, is the 2017 recipient of the ALA Equality Award. He previously served as university librarian at Hong “ This is the most succinct and sensible revision to Kong Baptist University, associate director and MLA documentation style in my long career.” acting head of access —Andrea A. Lunsford, Stanford University services at the John Cotton Dana Library at Haipeng Li Rutgers University, and Teach Students Discover Free as reference librarian at Oberlin College How to Master Teaching Resources in Ohio, University of Arizona, and Ari- zona State University. MLA Style. Online The award jury noted that, throughout MLA Handbook his career, Li has championed equality , 8th ed. style.mla.org within the profession, to library users, Shorter and redesigned The only authorized Web and on a global level. They commended for writers at all levels, this site on MLA style, the new his leadership in the area of equality, groundbreaking new edition MLA Style Center is the free highlighting his work as cochair of the of the MLA Handbook MLA second National Joint Conference of online companion to the Librarians of Color and as past president recommends one universal Handbook. No registration or and executive director of the Chinese set of guidelines, which site license is required. writers can apply to any type American Librarians Association (CALA), Guidelines on formatting of source. and in playing a leadership role in a research papers variety of global initiatives, including the The new MLA Handbook US–China library collaboration program Ask the MLA contains “Think Globally, Act Globally,” which Sample research papers was funded by the Institute of Museum Visual aids Writing tips and Library Services and the Ministry of Lots of examples Lesson plans Culture in China. Expert tips The annual award—$1,000 and a framed citation of achievement—is given Classroom tools to an individual or group for outstanding contributions toward promoting equality in the library profession. Li will be presented with the award at the ALA Annual style.mla.org ● www.mla.org Conference in Chicago.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 19 A “book” who identifies as Pales tinian converses with two “readers” at a Human Library event hosted by Williams College Libraries in Williams town, Massachusetts.

Denmark-based nongovernmental organization in 2007 and trademarked the term human library in America in 2010. That’s right: trademarked. In order for an event to call itself a Human Library, its organizers must apply for permission from Abergel and the Human Library organization. There is an online application and a $59 fee (with scholarships available). And once an organizer is approved to host, he or she receives If These Books Could Talk an eight-page licensing agreement and training materials that explain Patrons check out people at Human Libraries how to assemble a proper gathering. “It’s not a storytelling event,” Abergel says. “It’s about having BY Liz Granger hristine Ménard, head of Williams College became one of the difficult conversations with people research services and library first institutions in the US to host a who experience prejudice. We’re C outreach at Williams College Human Library. not talking about our garden or our in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Globally, Human Libraries have stamp collection. We like to talk first read about Human Libraries taken off in a big way. More than about the things that hurt, the things in a French newspaper about seven 2,000 Human Library events have that people are afraid to talk about.” years ago. At a Human Library been hosted in 84 countries since event, patrons check out people— the project started 17 years ago, Conceiving a not books—to “read” through con- according to Ronni Abergel, founder Human Library versation. Someone might “read” of the international Human Library For library staffers who want to an alcoholic, an immigrant, or an network (humanlibrary.org), who launch Human Library events obese person by asking them direct cohosted the first Human Library at their institutions, organizers questions in an intimate setting. in Copenhagen. Once the four-day recommend starting early. “You The goal is to confront prejudice gathering ended, Abergel says he need a good several months just for and stereotypes. couldn’t let go of the vital conversa- ‘collection development’ because “That’s cool,” Ménard thought, tions that arose between his living good ‘books’ can be hard to find,” though she couldn’t imagine the ini- “books” and “readers,” especially says Erwin Magbanua, adult tiative taking hold at her academic one between a police officer and a programming and special events library. But that summer, another group of antifascist youth, a pairing coordinator at San Diego Public Williams professor also learned whose relationship grew from Library, which hosted its first about Human Libraries while in antagonistic to productive within Human Library in March. Europe, and he later approached an hour. Megan Gilpin, outreach coordi- Ménard about collaborating on a “That’s almighty and power- nator for library learning services campus event. That’s how, in 2012, ful,” Abergel says. He founded his at Penn State University, helped Photos: Williams College Communications Office Communications College Williams Photos:

20 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org coordinate the school’s first Human but who are willing to put them- Library in February. Penn State did selves out there and talk to strang- about two months of work before ers,” says Abby Kasowitz-Scheer, even applying to be an official learning commons librarian at Human Library site, and Gilpin’s Syracuse (N.Y.) University Librar- team started meeting biweekly in ies, which recently ran its fourth July 2016 for its February event. Human Library event. Kasowitz- It took a while to plan, she says, Scheer emphasizes the importance because they were starting the of personal narrative to her recruits. project from scratch. “We’re an academic institution, but For those who don’t want to begin [the Human Library isn’t] focusing from square one, Human Library is on your research or third-person developing Book Depots, local- stance on an issue,” she tells them. Literary Chicago ized collections of vetted, trained “It’s about personal stories.” “books” for loan. Borrowing from a 9th nearby depot will save organizers Breaking stereotypes Floor of Chicago Public Library’s (CPL) main the trouble of recruiting, selecting, Ménard stays close to the Human building, the Harold Washington Library Center, packaging, and coaching their Library mission of breaking stereo- where you’ll find the Winter Garden, a meet “titles.” Abergel currently offers a types. “A few years ago,” Ménard ing space featuring an atrium, marble floors, depot in Chicago, with sites planned says, “we wanted to expand our and a 52foot glasspaneled dome. The Winter for Goffstown, New Hampshire; books. We went broader—gemol- Garden will be the location of the International Indianapolis; San Diego; Tucson, ogist, diner owner—and it became Librarian’s Reception during the American Arizona; and Wichita, Kansas. very much like a career fair.” Library Association’s (ALA) 2017 Annual Confer But for libraries that want to Abergel imagines human books ence and Exhibition (see p. 64). “lend” their own human books— as representatives of stigmatized or those not located near a depot— communities. A bulimic “book,” finding the right personality is for instance, stands in for all 55 key. “When you’re seeking human bulimic people. For this reason, Number of “Chicago poems” books, you need people who not published in Carl Sandburg’s only have interesting backgrounds Continued on page 23 Chicago Poems in 1916. Poem titles include “Halsted Street Car,” “Clark Street Bridge,” and “A Teamster’s Farewell.” 311 Number of people who showed up at the ALA Annual Conference in 1893— the first one held in Chicago. 2000 Year that the Friends of Libraries USA and Illinois Center for the Book designated CPL’s Hall branch on Chicago’s South Side as a literary landmark in recognition of its promotion of AfricanAmerican authors and literary culture. The library was a meeting place for writers including Gwendolyn Williams College used a “wall catalog” to highlight its “books.” Each book was repre Brooks, Lorraine Hansberry, Langston Hughes,

Photo: Chris Smith (Winter Garden) Chris Smith (Winter Photo: sented by a poster that included a title, keywords, and suggested conversation starters. and Zora Neale Hurston. •

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 21 TRENDS

Justin Schell (standing, top right), director of Shapiro Design Lab at the University of Michigan’s Shapiro Undergraduate Library, was an organizer of a data rescue event at the library in January.

The data undergoes a thorough review process to ensure the integrity of the information collected, she says. The data sets are then downloaded to a repository at datarefuge.org, where the information is publicly available. Justin Schell, director of Shapiro Design Lab at the University of Michigan’s Shapiro Undergraduate Library and organizer of a data rescue event, says he first learned of the guerrilla archiving events Archiving Against the Clock after reading about the University Libraries and universities join forces to save government data of Toronto’s hackathon in Decem- ber. He says he’s been working on the project every day since. BY Timothy t’s been more than four months It can happen here, too, says Schell says collecting the data Inklebarger since Donald Trump was inau- Dawn Walker, a PhD student at the is only part of the challenge in I gurated as the 45th president Faculty of Information at University preserving it. Verifying its validity of the United States, and librarians of Toronto, who has helped orga- and organizing, describing, and and data scientists are hard at work nize data recovery events at various ensuring that the information is to preserve government research universities. in an accessible format are just as they fear could be lost or removed Data scientists are using two vital, he says. by his administration. methods to gather the publicly Those tasks entail, in many The effort began at University of available data from government cases, contacting government Toronto and Van Pelt Library at the websites. Web crawlers scan officials, scientists, academics, and University of Pennsylvania prior to websites and collect information others who are knowledgeable Trump’s inauguration and has since and vital data sets for storage. But about climate data. That includes spread to as many as two dozen uni- the more complex data sets require cross-referencing data with studies versities and libraries across the US computer-savvy individuals— available at data repositories like and Canada. some of whom call themselves The fear that government research “baggers”—to write custom com- “This has been a and information—particularly that puter code to collect the informa- produced by the Environmental tion. Many of those scripts can be way for people Protection Agency, NASA, and the used on different pages, according National Oceanic and Atmospheric to Walker. She notes that the Envi- with expertise in a Administration—could be lost is not ronmental Data and Governance unfounded. It happened under the Initiative—a network of academics variety of areas to administration of former Canadian and nonprofits working to preserve come together.” Prime Minister Stephen Harper, government data—has created an DAWN WALKER, PhD student who according to news reports extension that can be added to the at the Faculty of Information allowed fishery and oceanographic Google Chrome web browser that at University of Toronto data to be destroyed after taking allows users to nominate data sets office in 2006. for archiving. Photo: Christina Czuhajewski Christina Photo:

22 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org TRENDS

the Interuniversity Consortium for “We’re trying to better under- “It’s really exciting to see how Political and Social Research, one of stand what’s in these data sets to this has been a way for people with the largest in the world, Schell says. make sure we’re not just getting expertise in a variety of areas to It’s not uncommon for those part of the picture,” he says, come together [on the issue],” she collecting research and scientific adding that effort takes “a lot of says. “Now there’s a public interest data to end up with multiple and networking.” in [archiving the data], and a lot differing copies of the same infor- Walker says librarians also have of people are looking for ways to mation, Schell says. He says that been instrumental in the “bagging” continue that momentum.” leaves archivists and librarians to process, leading the conversation answer the question: “Which one about best practices in archiving TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER is a writer is verifiable?” and preserving the material. living in Chicago.

Continued from page 21 8 Tips for Hosting a Successful he prefers simple, one-word titles like “bipolar” or “polyamorous.” Human Library But Ménard, Kasowitz-Scheer, and Gilpin take a different approach, Contextualize. The Prepare. Consider Buffer. Include extra allowing “books” to submit their 1 themes of your living 4 organizing a prereg- 6 time within your check own title information—which often “books” should suit your istration for checkouts in out schedule. community. order to ease the day-of means lengthy biographical stories. Gather. Offer a room— rush. “People tend to have titles with sub- Amplify. Promote your 7 or “shelf”—where idle titles and colons and exclamation 2 event to the public. Style. Identify your “books” can socialize. marks,” Ménard says. “We do a lot “books” with T-shirts or Meet. Hold face-to- 5 Anticipate. Have of work shortening [them].” lanyards, or by position face interviews to get a backup plan for Good hosts coach their tomes. 3 ing them noticeably 8 to know each of your “books” who haven’t been “Prior to the library event, we across the room. offered to meet one on one with “books” in advance of checked out or who unex our books to help them clarify their the event. pectedly need a break story and practice talking in front during the event. • of people,” Gilpin says. It’s also important to be sure that “books” are mentally sound and that they have an option to take breaks during library events, which can be emotionally taxing. The basic format of a Human Library differs between institu- audience members would get upset in more than 100 readers, and he tions. Kasowitz-Scheer and Ménard by heavy conversations about has already received three requests both prefer one-on-one checkout topics such as abuse. “But it wasn’t from other groups that want to sessions that last 20 minutes, with like that at all,” Kasowitz-Scheer organize their own libraries. 10 minutes of transition time in says. “People were inspired by the “The event continues to rever- between. In contrast, Gilpin offers strength of survivors and by peo- berate almost a month after- 45-minute checkouts for group ple’s ability to go on after difficult ward,” Magbanua says. “I’m still audiences. “For me, logistically, life experiences.” getting feedback from different the group format was easier. I also Though Magbanua has hosted people about how they were thought it would be less intimidat- many events in his career, he’s moved by it.” ing for our readers,” Gilpin says. “never felt such satisfaction and cer-

Kasowitz-Scheer felt nervous tainty” that a Human Library was LIZ GRANGER is a Chicago-based before running her first Human “the absolute right program to do at nonfiction writer. Find her work at Library because she thought that the right time.” His event brought lizgranger.com.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 23 T ENDS

Screen reader software synthesizes web content into speech for people with visual impairments.

This provision was core to the NFB lawsuit, as the Free Library receives federal assistance. In addition, Section 508 ensures that federal agencies provide the same level of access to online information to all people, regardless of disability. Neither the ADA nor the Reha- bilitation Act explicitly addresses how entities should provide equal access to their websites, but other organizations have stepped up. The World Wide Web Consortium’s Library Websites for All (W3C) Web Content Accessibil- ity Guidelines 2.0 (w3.org/TR/ Improving the experience for patrons WCAG20) is the leading document with visual impairments that informs organizations of the relevant standards for making websites compliant. Although these BY Marcus ibrarians take pride in unable to use noncompliant Nook guidelines don’t have the power Banks assisting all users who come e-readers provided by the library of law, attorneys and judges have L through their doors, even as (bit.ly/2ld4XJa). To settle that referred to them during legal pro- these “doors” have become increas- suit, the library agreed to purchase ceedings (bit.ly/2mLzJFv). ingly virtual. Although many people 10 new accessible e-readers and to In 2009 the American Library still visit libraries in person, it is now ensure that all its e-readers were Association (ALA) Council passed commonplace for users to access accessible within four years. a resolution entitled “Purchasing of databases and ebooks through In recent years, legal challenges Accessible Electronic Resources.” a library’s website or through have expanded to include websites. It encourages librarians to require e-readers. Some of those patrons Several retailers and banks have that their vendors provide accessi- have visual impairments and require faced class-action suits (on.wsj.com/ ble products, specifically those that specific support to make full use of a 2lcXs54) because their websites meet the standards of Section 508 as library’s online resources. were not fully accessible to indi- well as the Web Content Accessibil- Providing this support in user- viduals with visual disabilities, ity Guidelines. ALA’s Association of centered and responsive ways ful- thus violating the Americans with Specialized and Cooperative Library fills the librarian’s obligation to offer Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA, Agencies offers a toolkit of questions service to all users. However, paying signed in 1990 and significantly that librarians can ask their vendors attention to accessibility for visually amended in 2010, is the main US regarding their compliance with impaired patrons is not just the right law that seeks to grant equal treat- these standards (bit.ly/2mtXuFN). thing to do. It may also protect your ment of Americans with disabilities library from legal trouble. in all aspects of their lives. Best practices in The NFB lawsuit also claimed website design Legal precedents violations of the Rehabilitation As more librarians design their for access Act of 1973, another federal law. library’s sites with off-the-shelf In 2012 the National Federation Section 504 of the act prevents any content management systems, they of the Blind (NFB) sued the Free organization that receives fed- can take several straightforward Library of Philadelphia on behalf eral funding from discriminating steps to improve accessibility, such of four blind patrons who were against people with disabilities. as including text that describes the Photo: © anyaberkut/Adobe Stock © anyaberkut/Adobe Photo:

24 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org TRENDS content of all images, avoiding tiny As more librarians about how the disability offices fonts, using simple and economical can work with their libraries language, and developing scripts design their libraries’ and spurred several service that describe the contents of videos. sites with off-the-shelf improvements at UALR, such as Many more tips are available from establishing a library liaison to the University of Washington’s content management the disability office and improv- Alliance for Access to Computing ing options for visually impaired Careers (bit.ly/2lHUfXp). Per the systems, they can students who want to read ALA resolution, librarians should take several steps to ebooks. At one point, hard copy also advocate that any products books were transmitted to disk provided by vendors have the same improve accessibility. for these students, which was a level of functionality as any materi- time-consuming process. Today als produced by the library itself. convenient and usable e-readers Given the importance of provid- are readily available. ing accessibility to library resources Rock (UALR) Ottenheimer Library, One common thread between for all patrons, as well as the avail- has developed a strong protocol for SFPL and UALR’s experience is ability of best practices, it is not using screen readers to evaluate the connection to like-minded surprising to find that librarians are the usability of the library’s own groups—a local nonprofit for SFPL, meeting this challenge. website as well as the sites of all a professional association for UALR. Joan Lefkowitz, web services library-subscribed databases. Libraries looking to improve their manager for San Francisco Public These tests occur in partnership support for patrons with visual Library (SFPL), emphasizes that with UALR’s Disability Resource impairments might find allies her library strives to “meet the Center. Russ and her colleagues and experts to collaborate with. A current version of the W3C Web regularly urge database vendors wealth of information is available Content Accessibility Guidelines.” to adopt best practices for serving about simple steps libraries can This means that, among other patrons who are visually impaired, take that will have a positive impact things, users should be able to such as those proposed by the and keep your online resources easily navigate the SFPL site using Alliance for Access to Computing accessible to all. San Francisco Public Library various screen readers, that is, Careers. Russ often gets database conducts software specifically designed to vendors to fix any issues by the MARCUS BANKS is a journalist with keyboard-only provide web content to people with next release, in no small part prior experience as an academic testing of its web- library administrator. visual disabilities. Videos should because she says she puts up site for usability. be sufficiently captioned, she “a strong fight” to prevent says, and “a user should be able to the library from licensing any navigate our site using a keyboard product that does not offer and no mouse.” SFPL works toward equivalent functionality to compliance with these standards visually impaired patrons. using screen reader and keyboard- As a complement to her only testing with both sighted and efforts, Russ has joined the visually impaired staff members. Association on Higher Educa- The library also contracts with local tion and Disability (AHEAD) nonprofit Center for Accessible and encourages other Technology to conduct additional librarians to do the same. usability testing and provide a road One direct and immediate map for maintaining accessible benefit of joining AHEAD is resources over time. Lefkowitz access to online webinars, notes that SFPL staffers push ven- including those on improving dors to meet these same standards. support for students with Over the course of 20 years, visual impairments. Karen Russ, the research and Russ says her partici- community engagement librarian pation in AHEAD led to at University of Arkansas at Little interesting discussions

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 25 TRENDS

was originally funded by an Insti- tute of Museum and Library Ser- Coming Home, vices Enhancement Grant. These grants offer $10,000–$150,000 to Building Community enhance existing library services or implement new library services Aiding elders on a Native American reservation among Indian tribes, Alaska native villages, regional corporations, and village corporations. In light he Winnebago Reservation in northeastern Nebraska lies about 20 miles from the of the position’s success, the Little nearest drugstore. Long on farmland and short on commercial services, this rural Priest Tribal College stepped in to Tarea is a place where it’s easy for people who are elderly, homebound, or both supply funding after the grant ran to become isolated. Seven years ago, though, the local community college and public out in 2012. library created the position of tribal aide to elders. And the woman who fills it does her A typical day for Bridge might best to keep the community connected. begin by checking to see if any patrons are in danger of incurring fees for overdue materials and BY Anne Ford udi Bridge’s hometown didn’t as an aide to senior citizens of the asking those patrons if they’d like and Cynthia feel entirely like home anymore. Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. (The to renew. “I can do that [renewal] Hughes J After several decades of life village is located within the tribal so that they don’t accumulate a elsewhere, she had returned to the reservation.) But after so much time fine, because a lot of them are on village of Winnebago, Nebraska away, she didn’t feel completely a budget,” she says. She might also (population 787) in 2009, search- embraced by the community. suggest certain books or DVDs to ing for a quieter, more rural life- That is, until a library patron particular patrons, based on her style. She’d even gotten a job at the suggested that when you’re trying knowledge of their interests. local Little Priest Tribal College and to find your place in any small, Next she might sit down with a Winnebago Public Library, working close-knit settlement, a useful senior for a tutorial in basic com- strategy is to tell people who your puter skills. “There was a gentle- parents and grandparents are. It man who came from 20 miles away worked like a charm. “They’ll [now] twice a week,” she marvels. “He say, ‘Oh, okay, okay,’ and then they just wanted to learn as much as he accept me,” Bridge says. could and as much as I could teach Good thing, as Bridge’s job him.” The remainder of the day entails constant connection. As might see her making home visits tribal aide to elders (her official to drop off or pick up materials, title), she delivers library books, leading a book club discussion, gives rides to and from the library, attending a funeral, or stopping by teaches basic computer skills, the local senior center to refresh the facilitates a book club, provides items she leaves on a library cart accessibility devices, and does there for checkout. She’s noticed, whatever else she can to make sure by the way, that many seniors that the senior and disabled citizens initially visit the cart only, but then of the Winnebago Reservation get get curious about what other items the most out of their library. are available and start going to the Bridge is the first to hold the library as well. tribal aide to elders position, which Bridge also oversees the library’s accessibility devices, which include handheld video magnifiers. “One In her position as tribal aide to elders, lady said she wanted to use it to Judi Bridge helps the senior citizens of read her Bible all the way through,” Winnebago, Nebraska, make the most she says. “Another lady was a baker, of the library. and she’d use it for recipes. I just

26 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org TRENDS

reassure them that these devices are there for them.” The library also has large-print books, CD players, and portable DVD players for loan. Additionally, it’s not unusual for Bridge to go above and beyond for a patron, as when she recently helped one resident who has a physical disability research home internet service providers, accessible vehi- cles, and suitable wheelchairs. To librarians in other Native Kindai American communities, Bridge University’s recommends building on tribal Biblio Theater oral traditions by expanding the Library selection of audiovisual materials available. At her library, the DVD Manga Library Opens collection, about 20% of which is made up of titles of Native interest, in Japanese University now accounts for more than half of all circulated materials. JAPAN Kindai University in Higashiōsaka opened a new two- Another suggestion: encouraging story library in April that features a special collection of some 21,000 intergenerational interaction. As manga titles. The graphic novels are shelved alongside texts on relat- younger patrons see more older ed subjects in order to attract students to more academic material. adults read for pleasure as well as For example, the Naniwa Kin’yudo manga series, which deals with information, they learn the value loan sharks in Osaka, sits adjacent to books on the Japanese econo- of reading themselves. And having my and the 2008 financial crisis. The new Biblio Theater Library has elders present storytelling programs a café and study rooms that are open 24 hours.—Japan Times, Mar. 26. during children’s summer reading programs, as Bridge’s library does, IRAQ When Islamic State militants occupied Mosul University in helps strengthen a sense of inter- June 2014, they set about destroying its collection of manuscripts in generational community. a show of contempt for culture and higher education. A campaign is Given that nearly 13% of the now underway to restore libraries in the city. The project is led by an reservation’s residents are over age anonymous blogger who describes himself as an independent his 55, one-third of those over 55 are torian. Some 400 books had been received by April, with thousands homebound, and there is no public more waiting in collection centers.—BBC News, Apr. 12. transportation, Bridge’s efforts are sorely needed. TAJIKISTAN The culture ministry announced that no books “There are a lot of diabetic people will be allowed in or out of the country without written permission here, and some are at home, and as part of an effort to prevent smugglers from selling valuable some can’t get out unless they’re in manuscripts abroad. Some speculate that the ban is also intended a wheelchair,” she says. “They sure to stop extremist religious material from coming into the country, appreciate someone coming to see because books written in Farsi and Arabic are especially treated them. I believe there’s a great need with suspicion.—Radio Free Europe, Apr. 17. for this.” And a great result from it: In the first two years of her service, IRAN For the first time in its 80year history, the National Library circulation to older adults went has appointed a woman as director. Ashraf Boroujerdi, a faculty from nearly zero to 27%. member of the Iranian Institute of Human Sciences, began her duties at an April 10 ceremony in Tehran, which also honored outgoing ANNE FORD is American Libraries director Reza Salehi Amiri. Boroujerdi was chosen for her research in editor-at-large. CYNTHIA HUGHES is assistant librarian at the University of Islamic social sciences and her role as the first director general at the department for women’s affairs.—Financial Tribune (Tehran), Apr. 12. Photo: Kindai University Photo: Wyoming’s Coe Library in Laramie. •

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 27 TRENDS

Nikki Giovanni Sharing her thoughts on poetry, politics, and outer space

ikki Giovanni, who has written or edited more than 40 books, is one of the most widely Nread African-American poets in the world. Since the 1960s, her lyrical yet down-to-earth explo- rations of themes such as civil rights, racial pride, and family life have revealed a spirit both grounded in reality and passionate about possibility. As part of the 2017 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference and Exhibition in Chicago, Giovanni headlines a June 23 reception to benefit ALA’s Cultural Committee Fund. Her latest work, A Good Cry (HarperCollins), will be published in October.

When you were growing up, what Your poem “Allowables,” which I had a seizure. My doctor says was your relationship to libraries discusses your experience of kill- I had it because I had high blood like? We went to the Carnegie ing a spider, has popped up a lot pressure, and I say it’s because library that Andrew Carnegie on social media in the past year. I never learned to cry. Crying is a had built for black Americans— People seem especially moved skill, and I think that we ought to Knoxville, Tennessee, was still by the last few lines: “I don’t be encouraging people to let it out, segregated—and my librarian was think / I’m allowed / To kill some- and that’s how I came to do the Mrs. Long. I remember her getting thing / Because I am / Frightened.” book. I’m learning to cry. I’m not books for me: “Well, Nikki, would Why do you think that is? embarrassed. I’m not trying to be you like to read this?” Some of the I don’t do social media. I don’t brave anymore. books I asked for, the Carnegie know how Trump does that thing, library didn’t have, and she had to Twit. I don’t know where he gets One of your big interests is outer go up to the white library to ask the time. But I have been amazed space. Would you go to Mars if for them. that this poem has been embraced you had the chance? I would, but I the way that it has. know I can’t. I talked about it with You published your first book of You don’t have the right to Charles Bolden, who until recently poetry, Black Feeling, Black Talk, kill something because it might was the administrator of NASA. in 1968. Why did you decide to frighten you. All of us are hurting He said, “Nikki, I can send you up, self-publish it? I just didn’t think people we shouldn’t. I’m living in but I can’t bring you back.” I had that anybody would be inter- Appalachia, and a lot of people lung cancer and had my left lung ested in publishing me. Like a lot are upset with the coyotes. Well, removed. So if I came back into of people, I dislike rejection, so you’re not allowed to shoot the gravity without that lung there, I thought, “The way to avoid it is coyotes just because you think my organs would move around, not to ask.” I asked a printer, “If that they might eat your sheep. and that would kill me. I tried to I printed 100 books, how much They can’t get a driver’s license make a deal: “I’m 73 years old. would that cost me?” He said, and go to McDonald’s; they have Maybe in the next 10 years, you’ll “A hundred dollars.” I thought, “If to eat something. allow me to go into space. I’m I can sell ’em for a dollar apiece, going to die anyway; that’s not I can break even.” I wasn’t trying You share many memories in your something that frightens me. So to earn a living. I was just trying to forthcoming book, A Good Cry. when I do die, just open the hatch

get the books out. What prompted you to write it? and let me out.” Feingold Deborah Photo:

28 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org TRENDS

“[Ray] Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 envisions a society where books are burned and mass media reign supreme. The people in this near- future dystopia are comfortably numb in their state of uneducated existence, screens serving as opiates from thinking any kind of big and important thoughts. “So here we are in 2017, 64 years after the book’s publication. Who needs to douse kerosene on a stack of books and light a match when it’s so much easier to devalue our school libraries and lay off our librarians?” SAM WELLER, “Without School Librarians, We’re on a Dystopian Path,” Chicago Tribune, March 29.

“Mrs. Carter was the very ﬁrst black librarian I had “The school library is like a supplementary ever encountered. The peculiarity of seeing so classroom, one that not only provides few librarians of color (especially black librarians) technologies not found in the classroom but intrigued me. This made a lasting impression on employs people who are experts in teaching my life, my studies, and my career aspirations. That these technologies to students. School said, as you complete your graduate studies, please librarians provide a baseline knowledge of be mindful of the seemingly minute details of life information gathering and research that because they can lead to the monumental. Pay students can build upon as they enter attention to the people, places, and pastimes that college. Need an MLA expert in high school? energize you because those could be the very things More often than not, your librarian was the that propel you into your ideal profession. one to provide that education, if not the “After meeting Mrs. Carter, I (a little black girl resources that your teachers used in class.” from the rural South) began to believe that I could do and become anything—an architect, a banker, EDITORIAL BOARD, “Editorial: Support Our K–12 School Librarians,” Iowa State Daily, April 6. a chef, a doctor … or even an unapologetic, gifted black librarian. I did.”

REGINA SIERRA CARTER, “Librarians: Do Any Look Like Me?” “We have struggled to define ourselves Inside Higher Ed, March 29. as a profession in relationship/ response to all historical social change “THE LIBRARY IS ALWAYS THERE. movements. We have to face that struggle THE CON YOU GO TO FOR A now. And [#Libraries4BlackLives] is WEEKEND, AND IT’S GONE. BUT THE a clear clarion call that we should not LIBRARY WILL ALWAYS BE THERE.” sit this one out under the cover of neutrality and community comfort.” NAOMI BELL, librarian at Lacey (Wash.) Timberland Library, quoted in “How Libraries Are Making Comic Conventions JESSICA BRATT, “The Myth of the Neutral Library: Why Social

Photo: Ian D. Merritt Ian D. Photo: Accessible,” Vice, March 21. Activism Is Integral to Librarianship,” Hack Library School, March 8.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 29 OPINION

Facts through Fresh Eyes Gaining a new perspective on information

his winter, I taught a large turning off her phone’s GPS, but when I introductory undergraduate suggested just leaving it at home, she was class, Intellectual Foundations shocked and seemed never to have even of Informatics, for the first another considered the trade-offs of these devices. time. Many of the topics we story Other students asked why information Tcovered will feel familiar to library folks: BY Joseph Janes products are often poorly designed, information behavior, database design, or why people believe things that are information architecture and search, pri- patently untrue and unsubstantiated. vacy, and intellectual property. for other settings. I was wrong. The search That last point has been on lots of The course also covers things you’re demo I planned—to use PsycINFO, which minds lately. My own perspective here is less likely to find in Libraryland on a reg- works beautifully with MLIS students— that people believe what they are ready ular basis: design thinking, user experi- landed with a dull thud. to believe; see the list of aforementioned ence, interface design, accessibility, data I can’t say why for sure. My instinct “authorities.” If something comes from science, visualization techniques, infor- is that it came across as disconnected the right kind of authority—be it a friend, mation assurance, and cybersecurity. from or irrelevant to their interests and a news source, the Encyclopedia Britan- As an exercise, I gave students several backgrounds. On the other hand, sending nica, Google, the president, Facebook, excerpts from the World Almanac, rang- them out to scour the campus for half an you name it—that ground has to be ing from birthstones to home-run leaders hour to look for examples of information prepared and fertilized for a long time to statistics on homeschooled students behavior was quite successful (including before it can reap a harvest of trust and and genocide. For each, they had to seek the student who came back and reported confidence. And it would likely necessi- other sources to corroborate the alma- seeing “people looking for examples of tate an even longer period of undoing. nac. This led to a class discussion on the information behavior”—which I could I was pleasantly surprised at students’ nature of “facts”—this was in late Janu- very much see myself doing somehow). open-mindedness, receptivity to the ary; timing is everything—and moreover Lights went on every week. Students information perspective, and interest in on how knowledge and authority are came to office hours to ask thoughtful the multiple aspects of our field. More constructed, individually and collectively. questions: One young woman asked about than one came to office hours saying that I was quite pleased with the list of protecting her online privacy. I suggested “everybody should be required to take a types of authority they generated in class like this,” proving once more there’s brainstorming, based on institutions, no zealot like a convert. consensus, social position, expertise, and If something comes The deeper question for all of us is this: direct observation. They included things I from the right kind of Why don’t more of these bright, talented, didn’t expect, such as “reach” (number of information-interested students see followers), wealth, track record, age, and authority, that ground themselves and their future career paths the degree to which something was cool in libraries? There would be great oppor- or interesting. has to be prepared tunities for them, and for us, so we all The students were indeed facile and have some work to do to make that more comfortable with technologies, though not and fertilized for a obvious … but that’s another story. always with information. One of our most long time before it difficult sessions was on vocabulary con- JOSEPH JANES is associate professor at trol and bibliographic database searching; can reap a harvest of the Information School of the University of I assumed they’d be receptive and see the Washington in Seattle and creator of the opportunity to improve their own abilities trust and conﬁdence. Documents That Changed the World podcast.

30 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org OPINION

Audiobooks and Engagement Eliminating barriers to developing listening skills leads to civic participation

udiobook sales have sky- community members who own mobile rocketed over the past two devices or computers with sufficient decades, and access grows on my broadband for downloading. increasingly simple for How might we make audiobook access connected listeners. Have mind truly available across a digital divide in Aa smartphone, tablet, or broadband- BY Francisca Goldsmith which hardware and data remain signif- connected computer? Many options are icant needs? Libraries could stop locking available, via two or three clicks, for audio- down equipment and give the power books that engage, educate, and expand personal concerns, audiobooks provide a of selection to those who are doing the our awareness of voices beyond our own. platform for us to advance and exercise listening instead of the loaning. Or per- The traditional dilemma about the critical listening skills we need to be haps libraries can budget for inexpensive whether listening equals reading becomes successfully engaged in our communities. loaner hardware, like the $35 SanDisk increasingly relegated to the same bin Experience with what is said, how it can digital audio player or $50 iPod Shuffle, of disproved anxieties as our ancestors’ be said most effectively, and why aural cues that can be loaded by users based on their certainty that radio would kill thought- impart essential details is delivered through own choices. ful reading. As technology advances audiobooks. Yes, we can build our empathy Some libraries loan mobile hotspots. our access points to—and interest in— muscles by listening to those who do not What if a library allowed visitors to down- information and literature, the world of sound like us; beyond empathy, however, load their preferred titles from the library’s social and political possibilities blossoms. skillful listening requires us to pause our audiobook collection onto devices the pro- Where audiobooks were once limited interior monologues and take heed of spective listener might own, but not have to oral reading that eschewed any sort of others, whether they are like or unlike us. broadband connectivity for at home? dramatic performance, targeting listeners But what of community members who There are, of course, the issues of a who were vision-impaired and believed lack the hardware or resources that make library’s budget and equipment policies. to need only the use of another’s eyes to audiobook listening readily available Let’s admit that these obstacles are as convert print to sound, contemporary to many? Public and academic libraries much habit on our parts as they are true audiobooks often combine the efforts of loan tablets, often for onsite use only. barriers in the sense of physical impracti- voice actors, directors, and engineers to School and some public libraries circu- cality. We must not ignore that developing produce compelling, professional, aural late preloaded Playaway products that listening skills builds linguistic awareness interpretation. I think of this as akin to the contain digital titles using that compa- that, in turn, opens new possibilities for American Sign Language interpreter who ny’s hardware. These are sidesteps from civic inclusion and participation. conveys another’s words meaningfully, audiobooks on disc or tape, and do not Civic inclusion for all strengthens all. rather than through finger spelling. match the access to a deeper and broader Let’s bridge the divide so that skillful Access to authentic voices leads to digital audiobook catalog afforded to listening isn’t reserved for those who own greater cultural awareness, better- the best hardware and easiest access. nourished aspirations, and the develop- Access to authentic ment of humans who can engage with FRANCISCA GOLDSMITH is a library and others in discussion. We live in a trans- voices leads to media consultant who has worked with media literacy age where news, health audiobooks for 20 years. She is a contributing editor to AudioFile Magazine and provides and safety information, and exposure to greater cultural outreach for the annual AudiobookSYNC ideas and opinions require us to be skillful awareness and better- program. She has published several profes- listeners and viewers as well as capable sional books and teaches staff development text readers. In addition to supporting nourished aspirations. courses, including those with ALA Editions.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 31 32 June 2017 Janice Jackson, JamesBradford, andMeredith AndingJr. The Tougaloo Nine: | americanlibrariesmagazine.org (From top left)JosephJackson Jr., AlbertLassiter, Alfred Cook, Ethel Sawyer, Geraldine Edwards, Evelyn Pierce,

Photos: Mississippi Department of Archives and History Desegregating Libraries in the American South FORGOTTEN HEROES IN CIVIL RIGHTS

HISTORYBY Wayne A. Wiegand

ver the past six decades, the media, local and state governments, professional associations, and civic organizations of all kinds have apologized for doing little Oor nothing while black people were beaten, jailed, and sometimes killed for standing up for their civil rights. The numerous confrontations over integrating public libraries in the South, however, have largely gone unrecognized. It’s long past time that library organizations and individual libraries do something to recognize the black kids—many of them still alive, such as Joan Mattison Daniel (see sidebar on p. 34)—who risked their lives at this critical time. Here are some of their stories.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 33 THE TOUGALOO NINE At 11 a.m. on March 27, 1961, nine students from the historically black Tou- The Greenville Eight galoo College walked into the all-white Jackson (Miss.) Public Library. Joseph Jackson Jr., their leader, approached the circulation desk. With heart thumping, THE SIT-IN THAT INTEGRATED he stammered a message he had mem- orized: “Ma’am, I want to know if you THE GREENVILLE LIBRARY have this philosophy book. I need it for a research project.” BY George M. Eberhart “You know you don’t belong here!” the library assistant yelled, proceeding to call the library director. n the afternoon of July 16, 1960, eight African-American “May I help you?” the latter asked, students bravely filed into the whites-only Greenville coming out of her office. O County (S.C.) Public Library and sat down in the reading “We’re doing research,” the students room to look at newspapers and books. One of those students was responded. a young Jesse Jackson—later to become famous as a civil rights “There’s a colored library on Mill activist and minister—who was home in Greenville on summer Street,” she said. “You are welcome there.” break from the University of Illinois. Almost immediately, Jackson later Another of the students was Joan Mattison Daniel, a then- reported, police entered the building and 18-year-old student at Morris Brown College in Atlanta, who recent- told the students to get out of the library. ly told American Libraries that “Jesse Jackson was responsible No one moved. The chief of police then for our getting together to stage the sit-in. He had come home in told them that they were under arrest. January and needed a book to write a paper. The book was not at Six officers placed the students into the colored branch library, a small, one-room house on East McBee squad cars and at the station charged Avenue.” Librarian Jeanette Smith told him it would take another them with breach of the peace because six days to get the book he wanted, which would have been too they failed to leave the library when late. “So Jackson went to the main library to look for it,” Daniel ordered. They were booked into the local says. “He was told he could not use that library, and that was the jail, where each was held on $500 bond. beginning of it.” He vowed to come back in the summer. In jail that evening, the students The students had been to the library once before in the morning worried. “Reflecting back on Emmett of July 16, but they had left when police arrived and told them Till [murdered in 1955] and the history to leave or they would be locked up. The Greenville Eight, as of lynching connected with Mississippi,” Jackson later recalled, “the later it got that night, I was in fear of my life.” He began rehearsing what he would say if the Ku Klux Klan came for them: “Please, Mr. Klansman, don’t hang me. I have a wife and two little children in Memphis, and if you release me this night, I promise you I will never, ever come back here to Jackson and violate your Jim Crow laws.” His colleagues laughed at his naiveté. “You know what the Klansman would say?” one said. “‘Nigger, you should have thought of that before you entered our segregated public library!’” Several days later, the students were taken to the courthouse to be tried. Sev- eral blocks away, hundreds of whites were marching through city streets under a huge Confederate flag. At the courthouse, however, some 100 black supporters had

34 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org they were called (Jackson, Dorris Wright, Hattie Smith library board argued Wright, Elaine Means, Willie Joe Wright, Benjamin Downs, that the litigation was Margaree Seawright Crosby, and Daniel) had been moot because the library counseled by the Rev. James S. Hall Jr., vice president of was closed. Wyche was the South Carolina NAACP. They returned to Hall’s church, forced to agree, saying, “I but he instructed them to go back, get a book, and sit cannot make them open down, Daniel recalls. “They would probably arrest us but, it, and I cannot make them he said, don’t fear, we would be released.” close it.” However, he This time, they were determined to stay and face did rule that if the library arrest. “Some of us got a book, and others browsed the reopened and was again shelves,” Daniel says. A handful of white patrons were segregated, it would be in the library, but they soon left. The librarian, Charles E. liable to further discrimi- Stow, asked them to leave, but they stayed and remained nation lawsuits. silent. Within a few minutes the police arrived and arrest- Cass received “several Joan Mattison Daniel ed all eight for disorderly conduct. Daniel says they were calls and letters” about the in jail about 15 minutes before African-American attorney closed libraries and “almost all were in favor of reopening,” Donald J. Sampson and Hall arrived. The court released he claimed. This public pressure prompted him to reopen each of them on $30 bond. both Greenville libraries on September 19. Although he In August, blacks in Greenville staged sit-ins at the would not admit that the library was now integrated, the whites-only lunch counters at the Woolworth’s, H. L. mayor’s statement implied as much: “The city libraries will Green, Grant’s, and S. H. Kress stores—all patterned be operated for the benefit of any citizen having a legit- after the demonstrations that took place in Greensboro, imate need for the libraries and their facilities. They will North Carolina, on February 1. Daniel also took part in the not be used for demonstrations, purposeless assembly, or Woolworth’s sit-in. “We sat at the counter,” she says, “and propaganda purposes.” courtesy of the Greenville (S.C.) County Library System Library County (S.C.) of the Greenville courtesy one of the waitresses told us, ‘We don’t serve niggers.’ We Although Greenville was not the first library system to said, ‘We didn’t order any.’” integrate in South Carolina (Columbia and Spartanburg On July 28, Sampson filed a lawsuit in US District Court had already done so without any controversy), it was the

The Piedmont, Piedmont, The for the Western District of South Carolina in an attempt to first to do so as a result of public demonstrations by the

and force the Greenville library system to desegregate its facili- black community. Charges against the Greenville Eight ties. At the request of the mayor and city council, the library were eventually dropped. closed both its white and black branches on September 2 “This was an experience that I shall always remember,” rather than risk court-ordered integration. Mayor J. Kenneth Daniel told AL. “I am glad that I helped bring about desegre- Cass released a statement: “The efforts being made by a gation. I feel that each generation is responsible for making The Greenville News News Greenville The few Negroes to use the White library will now deprive all their communities and surroundings a better place.” • White and Negro citizens of the benefit of a library.” GEORGE M. EBERHART is senior editor of American Libraries. District Court Judge Charles Cecil Wyche held a hearing Information for this story was compiled from statements by Joan

Clippings from Clippings from in Spartanburg on the lawsuit on September 13. The city Mattison Daniel and numerous articles in the Greenville News.

A young Jesse Jackson was one of the Greenville Eight.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 35 Civil Rights Protests in Public Libraries “I ALWAYS WILL REFUSE”

BY Anne Ford

ay “civil rights sit-in,” and the mind automatically flashes to the famous peaceful protests Sthat took place in 1960 at a Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. But many other antisegregation demonstrations happened before and after those protests, and many were in libraries.

August 21, 1939 Five African-American men—William “Buddy” Evans, Edward Gaddis, Morris L. Murray, Clarence “Buck” Strange, and Otis Lee Tucker—walk into the whites-only Alexandria (Va.) Library (now the Barrett branch library). Strange’s younger brother Bobby, 14, serves as lookout and courier. The men, who range in age from 18 to 22, ask for library cards and are refused. They then sit down in the library and read quietly, ignoring requests to leave, while about 300 spectators gather outside. The men are arrested and charged with disorderly con- January 9, 1962 Several black teenagers An officer escorts five duct, but their case never comes to trial. The following enter the Carnegie Library in Albany, Georgia, and men from year, the city builds a library branch for the sole use are refused library cards. The same thing happens the the Carnegie of “colored people” and fills it with castoff books and next day. Later that year, the city closes the library Library in used furniture. Lawyer Samuel W. Tucker, who orga- rather than allow it to be integrated. Anniston, Alabama. nized the sit-in, is furious with this approach. Invited They were to apply for a library card at the new branch, he September 15, 1963 In Anniston, Alabama, arrested and responds in a letter: “I refuse and always will refuse.” two African-American pastors, Nimrod Quintus charged with Reynolds and Bob McClain, ask for library cards at disorderly March 1, 1960 In Green- the town’s Carnegie Library. conduct. ville, South Carolina, a group of They are viciously beaten by African-American students enters a white mob but manage to System Library County (S.C.) of the Greenville courtesy the whites-only library around escape. The next day, members 4:45 p.m. They read quietly at of the library board accompa-

tables for about 45 minutes ny McClain and another black Piedmont, The before library trustees declare minister, George Smitherman the library closed, more than (Reynolds was recovering from three hours before closing time. his injuries), as they go to the On March 16, seven students library and apply for library again enter the library and are cards, this time successfully. • soon arrested by city police. (For the later protest on July 16, ANNE FORD is American Libraries see the sidebar on p. 34.) editor-at-large. Photo: Alexandria (Va.) Library; Clipping from Clipping from Library; (Va.) Alexandria Photo:

36 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org gathered to cheer what were now referred to as the “Tougaloo Nine.” Fourteen police THE LIBRARIAN SAW THEM COMING, officers and two German shepherds lined the courthouse stairs. RECOGNIZED WHAT WAS HAPPENING, When the crowd began to applaud the nine students as they arrived, the police IMMEDIATELY LOCKED THE DOOR, AND chief yelled, “That’s it! Move ’em out! Get ’em!” Police set upon the crowd with POSTED CLOSED SIGNS IN THE WINDOW. nightsticks and dogs. During the melee, Medgar Evers (secretary of the Mississippi chapter of the National Association for the than approach as a foursome. As two protesters by asking if they knew their Advancement of Colored People [NAACP], walked in front of the drugstore across sons were trying to use the library. who would be assassinated two years the street, the pharmacist came out and later) and several women and children said, “I’m sorry, boys, but you are too late. REMEMBRANCE were pistol-whipped, two black ministers Come back tomorrow and you may have These are but two of the many ultimately were bitten by the dogs, and an 81-year- better luck.” As they left, however, he successful protests that resulted in the old man who went to the courthouse only added: “I wish you ———– niggers would integration of public libraries in the Jim to hear the case suffered a broken arm come to my place.” Crow South. Hundreds of young public when police beat him with a club. When the pair crossed the street to library protesters have gone largely unrec- The brutality exercised on black meet the other two, who were approach- ognized for their acts of courage. people supporting the library protesters ing the library from a different direction, When I mentioned to some librarian in Jackson, Evers later argued, set in they learned it was again locked against colleagues in the South that I was looking motion broader desegregation activities them. They decided instead to walk to the into the history of public library desegre- in Mississippi. “This act on the part of the courthouse, where, without incident, they gation, one asked, “You mean Southern police officials brought on greater unity in drank from the “white” water fountain. public libraries were segregated at one the Negro community and projected the When they walked back past the drug- time?” Another suggested I lecture to his NAACP in a position of being the accepted store, the pharmacist came out the door. class on the heroic defense he assumed spokesman for the Negro people,” he “I am tired of fooling with you ———– that public librarians put up against seg- wrote in his autobiography. niggers,” he shouted, then rushed to his regated services. Both had assumed that car and pulled out a .32-caliber automatic librarianship’s 21st-century core values of THE ST. HELENA FOUR pistol. “Git away from here, and I don’t defending intellectual freedom and serv- On March 7, 1964, four black teenagers— mean maybe.” The youths fled. ing all members of the community equally including Alton Crier, Sterling Hall, On a fourth attempt three days later, had always existed. and David Howard (the fourth’s name the group once again found the library This blind spot in our history is long was never entered into the record)— closed. This time they walked to the overdue for a reexamination. Public approached the St. Helena branch of the courthouse, where they again drank librarians can consult old local newspa- Audubon Regional Library in Greensburg, from the “white” water fountain. Quickly, pers to find the names of protesters Louisiana. The librarian saw them coming, however, a white janitor grabbed one who participated in this unsung saga, recognized what was happening, immedi- of the teens and shouted, “There’s a check to see if they are still alive, and give ately locked the door, and posted CLOSED fountain over there for the niggers, and them the thanks that they deserve. signs in the window. The four left. if you ———– niggers can’t drink from “The street was crowded with Negroes that fountain, get out of here, and don’t WAYNE A. WIEGAND is and whites,” noted an observer for the be caught back in here no more.” He then F. William Summers profes- Congress of Racial Equality (the activist called for help from a friend upstairs. sor of library and information organization that had helped plan the “Come down here and help me get these studies emeritus at Florida sit-in), while most of the town’s white ———– niggers out of here.” State University. He has also written “ ‘Any Ideas?’ The American Library merchants were standing on the sidewalk When the group walked to the court- Association and the Desegregation of Public talking with spectators. Four days later, house front steps, the janitor grabbed a Libraries in the American South,” pages 1–22, the youths returned and met the same lead pipe, saying, “If you ———– niggers Libraries: Culture, History, and Society (spring response. Through the window, they saw come back here again, I will kill every one 2017). He is coauthor, with Shirley Wiegand, the librarian make a phone call as they of you.” At that point he struck one of the of The Desegregation of Public Libraries in the Jim Crow South: Civil Rights and Local approached. Moments later she unlocked boys with the pipe. The boy was taken to a Activism (Louisiana State University Press, the door, came out, relocked it, and left. local hospital, treated, and released. spring 2018). To obtain a list of public library On March 13, the four teenagers made Days later, several white merchants protesters covered in the book, contact him at a third attempt, deciding to pair off rather tried to intimidate the parents of the [email protected].

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 37 New Trends in LIBRARY

38 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org irst, the good news: Many libraries are flourishing, with new programs, new facilities, and new patrons coming in the doors. The bad news: With these positive changes, new security problems are emerging. Library directors and staffers in all parts of the Fcountry and in all types of libraries continue to be concerned about challenging patrons who sometimes adversely affect library services, including people who are homeless, have a mental illness, or abuse substances. But what follows are real experiences seen firsthand or recounted by library employees—security concerns that either are emerging threats or look like new versions of common problems. While it’s difficult to confront patrons who are hurting “RELIGIOUS” PANHANDLERS the library experience for others, threatening other patrons or staff, or otherwise creating discomfort or chaos, there These folks often stand inside are possible solutions to try, which are offered after each or outside the library, holding example. Some of these solutions may require new thinking, a bucket for religious contributions. Their clothing may look different approaches, and more assertive partnerships with religious—priest collars, white such outside groups as law enforcement, social services, suits, or nun-like habits—and they mental health and substance abuse counselors, city attorneys, have hand-printed signs that ask county counsels, and even your human resources department. for money. They’re usually polite As always, check local and state laws for information and to and not interested in confrontation. ensure proper compliance. Patrons give money, thinking they Regardless of the situation, one thing is clear: How library are making a real charitable dona- staffers respond to these new and ongoing security issues will tion; more likely, they are giving require courage. money to creative panhandlers. SOLUTION: Ask them to move from the front door or leave the library. Although you’re running a public pipes to smoke legal weed at business, you have the right to VAPING AND MARIJUANA the library or in its restrooms. ask them to go. If they refuse, ask The country’s marijuana laws SOLUTION: If you see or smell the police to give them a trespass continue to evolve. Although no people using marijuana in your warning. People don’t have the right state laws allow for public pot library, tell them it’s against the to solicit money on your property, use, that doesn’t stop creative fire code and ask them to leave. whether or not they are there under

Photos: Adobe Stock Adobe Photos: inhalers from using tobacco vape If they refuse, call the police. false pretenses. RY SECURITY From religious rights issues to vaping to ransomware, how to address emerging safety concerns at your facility

BY Steve Albrecht

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 39 Service animal vs. emotional comfort animal ere’s an old safety issue couched in a new privacy premise: If we ask people why they have an emotional comfort animal, will we Hviolate their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)? It used to be that service dogs were easily identifiable by their vests. Now, any dog owner who wants to bring their dog into the grocery store, on a plane, or into the movie theater can buy a vest online, along with a certificate that RELIGIOUS-CENTERED says his or her pooch is either a service animal or an emotional support CONFRONTATIONS animal. So where do we draw the line? Library staffers have recounted tales of patrons bringing in snakes, rats, mice, A woman came into an upstate ferrets, and guinea pigs and claiming that they New York library, unrolled her are emotional comfort animals. Can you ask prayer rug, kneeled on the floor these visitors to leave? directly in front of the entrance SOLUTION: Yes and no. Check local and state laws first to the children’s library room and since the issue of balancing patrons’ medical privacy began praying. Because she was rights has been made more complex by the courts blocking the door, patrons and their and lawmakers. One simple statement you could try children couldn’t get into the room. with those who bring in animals: “Welcome to our Staff members were confused: library. Can you fully control your service or emo- Could they ask the woman to move tional comfort animal so that it doesn’t bite anyone and not violate her religious rights? or get away from you? If so, fine. If not, you’ll have SOLUTION: Yes. Ask her to move to to leave with it.” (For more suggestions, read another part of the library where “Library Waggin’ Train,” American she is not blocking access. This Libraries, Mar./Apr., p. 24–25.) • woman may have been trying to bring attention to a religious freedom issue, but the larger point is that she can’t disrupt the safe use of overdose and literally brings the the library by others. near-dead back to life. With the sky- rocketing rates of opioid addictions in the country, chances are very real that library staffers may come across an opiate user in withdrawal or “on the nod” (opiate narcosis). SOLUTION: Denver Public Library has UNSATISFIABLE TAX already used Narcan six times as ADVICE SEEKERS of early May and has ordered more HEROIN OVERDOSES kits. And Luis Herrera, city librarian This ongoing issue has worsened at San Francisco Public Library, has following the results of the recent AND NARCAN TRAINING said staff training to treat overdoses presidential election. Lots of The recent overdose deaths of opioid may soon become voluntary. If your angry people now want to sue the users at Denver Public Library and library considers this approach, it government or make a tax protest, San Francisco Civic Center library would be wise to train staffers to asking library staffers for advice have started the discussion about identify signs of opiate narcosis and that could violate the law. But whether to give library staff training have them ready to call paramedics. If when they don’t receive the help or in the use of naloxone, known by the staff members or patrons find heroin- advice they seek, they get angry. brand name Narcan. This drug— related paraphernalia such as needles SOLUTION: Post more explicit signs typically administered by a nasal and burnt spoons in restrooms, call that indicate the library cannot give spray or leg injection—reverses the the police and have them impound tax or legal advice, adding that “in effects of a heroin (or other opioid) this hazardous material. some cases, it’s against the law for

40 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org us to do so. Please don’t ask our staff 700 computers at all 17 locations of vary. For example, some states may for tax or legal advice. Seek profes- Saint Louis Public Library (SLPL). not allow firearms in courthouses sional, licensed guidance.” (Hackers demanded $35,000, which and elected officials’ offices but will the library did not pay.) permit them in libraries. Train staff SOLUTION: Some IT security experts members to approach gun carriers advise clients to simply pay the (many of whom don’t want their ransom, but there are much better guns to intentionally show) and solutions. Your IT department quietly ask them to cover their fire- should be backing up mission- arm from public view. If you have critical modules nightly, as well as concerns that the person with the internet and intranet systems, so any gun is not stable or law-abiding, call ENTITLED PATRONS cyberattack will not paralyze your the police from a safe place. facility. That’s what SLPL’s tech- Their chorus may sound familiar: nicians did. Enforce your library’s “I pay your salary.” “I know the internet use policy when it comes mayor.” “Don’t you know who I to patrons who want to use thumb am?” “The head of the library board drives on your systems, and report is my neighbor.” In many cases these all suspicions of internal or external statements are true. Some of our hacking to your IT department. oddest patrons have lots of money, nice homes, cars, and (likely weary) OUTDATED families. They aren’t dangerous; CODES OF CONDUCT they’re tedious. They just like to complain and make staffers feel The best code of conduct is one that insignificant in the process. shifts with the times, adjusting to SOLUTION: Let them vent, let them be new reasonable uses of the facility heard (to a point), validate their con- by patrons and new security concerns, and offer them a maximum of LEGAL CONCEALED cerns related to the workplace. three solutions to their specific issue. SOLUTION: Changes and updates to WEAPONS Be patient, but use your right to say, your code of conduct as they relate “I have to help other patrons.” More states and counties are issuing to safety and security improvements “carrying a concealed weapon” should be an all-staff discussion. permits than ever before. In fact, Spend staff meeting time talking there are more than 14.5 million about what needs to be added or concealed handgun permits alone, what language should be adjusted. according to the nonprofit Crime Get feedback from patrons, using Prevention Research Center—a formal surveys or staff conversations. 215% increase since 2007. At least Your reward for being vigilant nine states—including Colorado, about safety and security for your RANSOMWARE ATTACKS Kansas, and Texas—allow college library today is this: You get to do it students to bring guns on campus. all again tomorrow. Ransomware—malicious software All this can lead to confusion and that encrypts content on a device anxiety when patrons or library STEVE ALBRECHT is so hackers can demand a ransom to staffers see a gun sticking out of a security consultant decrypt it—has become a serious someone’s waistband as he bends to with nearly 20 years threat. Hackers have locked down get a book off the shelf. of teaching library security workshops. the IT servers of cities, counties, and SOLUTION: While it may seem like a He is author of Library Security: Better even hospitals. Payroll systems seem good idea to post no guns allowed Communication, Safer Facilities (ALA to be a favorite target. In January, signs on exterior doors, you will Editions, 2015) and can be reached at ransomware infected more than first need legal advice. State laws [email protected].

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 41

Mindful Librarianship Awareness of each moment helps librarians stay serene under stress American Libraries American

BY Ellyn Ruhlmann Illustration: Lauren Ehle/ Lauren Illustration:

44 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org n tiny Luck, Wisconsin, the public library doesn’t officially open on weekdays till 11 a.m. But on Fridays, patrons begin to drift in just after 10. They’re coming for the weekly mindfulness hour, hosted by staff member Colleen Allen.

Participants sit in comfortable chairs arranged in a circle, with the aid of books such as Mindfulness for Beginners and Allen sounds a low bell to begin. Overhead, sunlight (Sounds True, 2016) by Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of the sifts through the double windows as the meditators silently Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindfulness in listen to the sounds of the bell and their own in-breaths and Medicine, Health Care, and Society at the University of out-breaths. Then, while a recording of a meditation by Zen Massachusetts Medical School. Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh plays, the group spends Regardless of the method, mindfulness’s benefits are real. the next half hour practicing peaceful awareness of the One recent study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic present moment. Research (bit.ly/2o8gxWI) found that among people with Allen has come to rely on mindfulness practice to stay generalized anxiety disorder, participation in mindfulness focused and calm throughout her workday. Even in this meditation was associated with a significant decrease in quiet little community, her inner peace can be challenged days of work missed as well as fewer visits to mental-health daily by a barrage of interruptions, such as unsupervised professionals. Another, from the French psychiatry journal children, computer glitches, and impatient patrons. L’Encéphale (bit.ly/2nB2Oqr), found that mindfulness prac- By practicing mindful breathing as she works, “I am less tice helped reduce chronic insomnia among patients 18–75. reactive and agitated and better able to respond with clarity and kindness,” says Allen, who began meditating 20 years STRESS IN THE LIBRARY ago. She says the practice helps her feel more in control of Think of stressful occupations most likely to benefit her circumstances: “Being able to stay focused on one par- from mindfulness practice, and you might think of “air- ticular thing [such as your breathing] when you’re dealing traffic controller,” “taxi driver,” or “floor trader.” But as with 10 other things can help you attend to each of them librarians well know, they too can experience significant without getting anxious or stressing about deadlines.” job-related tension. As Kathleen Clauson writes in Job Stress and the Librarian: MINDFULNESS DEFINED Coping Strategies from the Professionals (McFarland, 2013), Across the country, mindfulness is helping workers relieve people typically think of libraries as low-key, stress-free on-the-job stress and improve workplace relationships. But places—but that image doesn’t reflect the “behind-the- what is mindfulness, and what are its benefits for librarians? scenes drama” that can, at its worst, include gossiping, bully- The American Psychological Association defines mind- ing, backstabbing, favoritism, “punishing the creative,” and fulness as “moment-to-moment awareness of one’s expe- “promoting the incompetent.” rience without judgment.” Mindfulness practitioners use Last year, a study reported in the December 2016 issue meditation and breathing exercises to pay attention to the of College & Research Libraries News (bit.ly/2pGgGip) present moment, without letting distractions, worries, and showed that overall workload was the highest-ranking opinions creep in. The idea is that by learning to neither stressor for the 629 academic, public, and school librarians dwell on the past nor fret about the future, your mind can who responded. Comments centered around a theme: find peace. “Not enough time; not enough staff.” Other stressful work One common mindfulness exercise entails holding an factors included difficult coworkers, instructional overload, everyday object such as a raisin or coin in your hand and and rude patrons. spending several minutes examining it in detail. This dedi- Exposure to stressors such as these can contribute cated focus can help train the brain to tune out distractions. not only to job dissatisfaction but also to serious health In another exercise, meditators sit quietly and concentrate problems, particularly heart disease. For example, a 2015 on their breathing, noticing each inhale and exhale and review (bit.ly/2mQ4CwW) of 27 studies involving more letting awareness of everything else fall away. than 600,000 participants in Europe, the United States, Some mindfulness practitioners take part in medita- and Japan found that people exposed to stressors such as tion groups similar to Allen’s. Others practice solo, often job strain and long working hours were 10%–40% more

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 45 likely to experience coronary heart disease and stroke. The what I couldn’t,” she says. That focus helped her set pro- review, published in the journal Current Cardiology Reports, fessional goals for herself, which led to a promotion to her found an additional association between work stressors and current job. She enjoys more support now and credits her type II diabetes. mindfulness practice for her improved circumstances and There’s no such thing as a stress-free job, of course. But professional growth. “I’m much more calm, self-confident, mindfulness can help by giving librarians the ability to and focused now,” she says. handle stressful situations better through enhanced focus and improved relationship skills. INCREASING EMPATHY Mindfulness can also reduce workplace stress in a different THE FOCUS FACTOR way: by helping practitioners improve their relationships Many librarians feel that they are spread increasingly thin through greater empathy. on the job, yet their performance often depends on their Kenley Neufeld, dean of the Luria Library at Santa Bar- ability to maintain focus amid a flurry of responsibilities. bara (Calif.) City College, attributes much of his profes- That’s something with which mindfulness can help. sional success to mindfulness, which he began practicing One 2011 study (bit.ly/2nvVGKd) published in the more than 20 years ago. Brain Research Bulletin demonstrated, for example, that “Over the years, I believe that my mindfulness prac- mindful meditation helps practitioners focus their attention tice has transformed the way that I work and made me and tune out distractions. After the study’s participants a better manager, more aware of my students,” says completed eight weeks of meditation training, Neufeld. “It has allowed me to move through the they tested significantly better than non- ranks of our campus because I’ve been meditators at regulating a brain wave able to cultivate a deeper ability to crucial to screening out unwanted listen and communicate.” information. There is scientific evidence Lisa Moniz is coauthor pointing to a link between of The Mindful Librarian: mindfulness practice and Connecting the Prac- increased empathy. For tice of Mindfulness to example, one 2011 Librarianship (Chandos, study (bit.ly/2nhkXGh) 2015) and a school published in Psychiatry library media specialist Research: Neuroimaging at Union County (N.C.) found that eight weeks Public Schools. Mind- of mindfulness training fulness practice, she increased the density says, helped her through of gray matter in the “the most stressful work brain region associated situation I had ever encoun- with empathy. tered,” namely, serving as Neufeld uses his ability to media coordinator for 550 stu- listen and empathize to help dents in a high-poverty school defuse difficult interactions. When district. As if her position wasn’t he’s involved in a confrontation, he demanding enough, the district then laid practices mindful breathing to stay calm. off her assistant. “The other person doesn’t know I’m doing that,” “I was used to running a dynamic media program, he says. “When we communicate, we’re often not fully including staff development for the teachers,” she says. present; we’re thinking about how to respond—how that “And when you lose a full-time support person, you’re person is wrong. Rather than focusing on those things, I going to have to make some adjustments. I was in a con- can use my breath to really listen at that moment.” stant state of frustration.” Practicing mindfulness “didn’t relieve all my stress, but MINDFULNESS AND REFLECTION it helped me cope by giving me a new awareness of my It’s important to note that, while mindfulness can help you situation, so I could objectively see what I could change and cope in stressful situations, it won’t necessarily alleviate the

46 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org circumstances that caused the stress. To do that, Neufeld Mindfulness recommends following up with a period of reflection. “Say I’ve been angry with a colleague, and I say some- Meditation 101 thing inappropriate. In a work setting, we can ignore it, or we can acknowledge it and work to reconcile with the or beginners, guided meditations are often person,” says Neufeld. He uses mindful breathing to exam- F an attractive starting point; plenty are avail- ine the experience later and look at it in a calmer way. able online or through apps. But during the Michelle Reale, author of Becoming a Reflective workday, it’s often more convenient to take a few Librarian and Teacher (ALA Editions, 2017), also views moments and do this simple breathing exercise. mindfulness and reflection as “two practices cut from the Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit. That same cloth.” Reale serves as associate professor, access might be on a cushion or at your desk. Either way, services and outreach librarian at Arcadia University in try to maintain an upright but not rigid posture, Glenside, Pennsylvania. and rather than close your eyes, just let your gaze “In the academic arena, one of the huge stressors is fall downward. Rest the palms of your hands on working with faculty who do not respect your time or your legs. expertise,” she says. She recalls one incident when a col- Observe your breath without trying to change league wanted her to take over his class for three periods it in any way. How does it feel when the air moves to teach information literacy, but he had no assignment to through your nose or mouth? What about when help guide her lesson plans and instruction. Reale listened your belly or chest rises and falls? calmly and politely said no, worried she’d be wasting the Inevitably, your mind will wander away from the students’ time. breath. Do not feel upset; it happens to everyone, Later, reflecting on how she might have handled the sit- over and over. When you realize your mind has uation differently, Reale realized she could have proposed strayed, simply bring it back to your breath. The her own assignment to the professor, asking the students to idea is to have no judgment and no expectation, compile an annotated bibliography. The experience allowed just observation. her to develop a productive solution for responding to When you’re ready, gently raise your gaze. How future requests. does your body feel right now? What thoughts and emotions are you experiencing? • GETTING STARTED Those interested in learning more about mindfulness meditation can explore a variety of resources. Titles to look For Allen, one of the most appealing aspects of the practice for include Calming Your Anxious Mind by Jeffrey Brantley is its portability. She doesn’t need any equipment, and she (New Harbinger, 2003); The Miracle of Mindfulness, by can practice any time, any place, because her breath is always Thich Nhat Hanh (Beacon Press, 1999); and Mindfulness: with her. “I don’t even need a pillow, just myself. That is An Eight-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World, by something I can manage not to forget,” she says with a smile. Mark Williams and Danny Penman (Rodale, 2012). Among Author Moniz also meditates spontaneously, some- the mindfulness-related apps available are Headspace; times using the Calm app on her phone. As with other Calm; buddhify; and Stop, Breathe & Think, all available activities, the benefits of mindfulness accrue with prac- for iOS or Android. tice, she says. But unlike an exercise class, there’s no guilt Online resources are available, too. The Center for if you miss a day. In fact, guilt is not allowed in mindful Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical meditation. Whenever any worry or criticism enters your School (umassmed.edu/cfm) offers an eight-week course thoughts, whether it’s about yourself or someone else, via video conference, while the UCLA Mindful Awareness Moniz says to simply acknowledge it the way a neutral Research Center offers a six-week, self-paced, prerecorded observer would: “Oh, there’s another one.” Then let it go. course with optional live chats (marc.ucla.edu/online- “It gets easier,” she says. classes). Those looking for a lower-commitment option might try one of the many guided meditations offered ELLYN RUHLMANN is a freelance writer and an on YouTube, such as those led by meditation teachers adjunct English instructor at the College of Lake Tara Brach or Kim Eng. There’s also a “Mindfulness for County in Grayslake, Illinois. Librarians” Facebook group.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 47 1

2 10 5

3 8

4 ibraries loaning “stuff” isn’t a new concept. Framed paintings were avail- L able for checkout at the Newark (N.J.) Public Library back in 1904. “Libraries were sharing before sharing was cool,” says Miguel Figueroa, director of the American Library Association’s Center for the Future of Libraries. As the sharing economy continues to swell, nontraditional collections become more per- vasive, community-specific, and imaginative. Here are some of our favorite unusual items circulating at libraries in North America. 15

B 1 American Girl 10 Fishing equip- 16 dolls Port Townsend ment Grand Rapids (Wash.) Public Library (Minn.) Area Library 18 17 2 Bubble machines 11 Bird-watching 13 Hillsboro (Oreg.) kits Shirley M. Public Library Wright Memorial Library in Trempea- C 3 Sewing machines Sacramento (Calif.) leau, Wisconsin Public Library 12 Santa suits 4 Mounted animals Bolivar County (Miss.) Alaska Resources Library System Library and Infor- 13 Microscopes mation Services, Ann Arbor (Mich.) University of Alaska District Library Anchorage 14 Fondue set 5 Floppy drives Temple Terrace (Fla.) Montana State Public Library University Library 15 Snowshoes in Bozeman McArthur Public 12 6 Dog activity kit Library in Bidde- Wilkinson Public ford, Maine Library in Tellu- 16 Roomba vacuum- ride, Colorado ing robot Reading 7 Croquet sets Mesa (Mass.) Public Library (Ariz.) Public Library 17 Apple picker Island 8 Video projector Free Library in Block Denver Public Library Island, Rhode Island 14 9 Science exper- 18 Umbrellas Yale iment kits Denton Law Library in New (Tex.) Public Library Haven, Connecticut

Recently featured in American Libraries A Canning equipment South Sioux City (Neb.) Public Library (AL, Nov./Dec. 2016, p. 18) B Musical instruments Parkdale branch of the Toronto Public Library (AL, June 2016, p. 6) ILLUSTRATION BY Brian Mead C Bicycles Stark County District Library in EDITED BY Terra Dankowski Canton, Ohio (The Scoop, Sept. 8, 2016) LIBRARY CHAMPIONS - Comics s h are U MAKE IT ,

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TLCdelivers.com Second year of campaign puts the spotlight on librarians

BY Jeff Julian

he American Library Association’s (ALA) Libraries Trans- form campaign is in its second year, and libraries across the country are using its succinct messages, vibrant graphics, and powerful tools to increase public awareness of the value, impact, and services that librarians Tand library workers provide. More than 6,900 libraries and library advocates have joined the campaign since it launched in October 2015. From legislative advocacy meetings to social media campaigns, many libraries are using the tools to demonstrate the power of speaking in one distinct, energetic voice for the library profession.

In year two, the campaign continues to focus on libraries 3. Librarians are passionate advocates turning outward and engaging their communities. But it for lifelong learning is also turning inward by emphasizing the “expert in the 4. Libraries are a smart investment library,” ALA President Julie B. Todaro’s initiative aimed Central to illustrating these messages are “Because” at getting librarians to shine a light on the transformative statements—short, clever messages supported by research work they do daily. and best practices about issues related to libraries. The “I want librarians to build on the campaign, highlight campaign messaging has been updated to reflect the the expertise in their library, and think broadly about what new emphasis on librarian expertise with statements like makes an expert in the kind of environments that we’re “Because the expert in the library is you” and “Because the in,” Todaro says. best search engine in the library is the librarian.” The ALA She says it is important for people to understand that Store has customizable expert badges (bit.ly/2qx50RS) librarians—not just libraries—transform communities. that allow librarians to showcase their areas of expertise. “What is transformative is not only the location or the Librarians at Marshall Public Library (MPL) in Pocatello, destination but the person who connects you to resources,” Idaho, recently used these badges to identify their exper- she says. tise in such topics as local hiking and biking trails. “While libraries are a great resource to the community, THE LIBRARIAN: THE BEST the library’s greatest resource is its people,” Eric Suess, SEARCH ENGINE director of MPL, says. “I wanted to make sure that we Libraries Transform is built around four key messages. could let our patrons and our community know about the 1. Libraries transform lives significant talents, interests, and abilities that our employ- 2. Libraries transform communities ees have.”

52 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org BECAUSE THE BECAUSE FAKE NEWS EXPERT IN THE CAN HAVE REAL-WORLD LIBRARY IS YOU CONSEQUENCES

When school librarian Kristina Holzweiss dis- Timeliness and flexibility have been strong points covered the Libraries Transform i’m an expert for the campaign. When fake news became a hot in badges, her first thought was, “How can I use topic, ALA was ready to promote the skills and these in my school library?” Holzweiss decided expertise of librarians in digital literacy and evalu- to try them out with her student “techspert” ating the accuracy of information. With “Because team at Bay Shore (N.Y.) Middle School. The fake news can have real-world consequences,” the techspert students help her in the library with campaign had one everything from wrangling robots to creating of its most popular websites and organizing the makerspace. social media posts, The badges give the students the opportu- spotlighting the nity to showcase their expertise in the library important work to other students as well as to the school’s of librarians in staff. Since the badges are reusable, they allow information students to be an expert in math one day and in literacy and Legos the next. resources like “For the students, the badges have been really the CRAAP empowering,” Holzweiss says. “They have taken (currency, rele- ownership of their expertise. And they have vance, author- realized that the library is theirs too. The badges ity, accuracy, have helped the kids see that the library is not a purpose) me-versus-you kind of environment, that we’re test (bit.ly/ all in this together to learn and grow.” 2nC9Mct).

The student “techsperts” at Bay Shore (N.Y.) Middle School with their Libraries Transform I’M AN EXPERT IN badges. Photo: Bay Shore (N.Y.) Middle School (N.Y.) Shore Bay Photo:

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 53 BECAUSE YOUR VOICE BECAUSE SUPPORT IS IMPORTANT IS KEY TO SUCCESS

Key to the campaign is feedback from its users. Libraries Transform continues to receive wide support from Each month, the Libraries Transform newsletter state chapters and associations. The Massachusetts Board features how libraries are using the campaign. Those of Library Commissioners, Indiana Library Federation, and success stories are turned into best practices that are Ohio Library Council (OLC) are using Libraries Transform incorporated into the campaign toolkit. At a session in their legislative activities. Organizations like the New during the 2017 Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits in Mexico Library Association and West Virginia Library Atlanta, one participant suggested customizable Association have used Libraries Transform as a conference table tents that could be used in libraries and distrib- theme or featured presentations on the campaign as part of uted to community partners. Shortly after, templates their activities. The National Network of Libraries of Med- for table tents appeared in the toolkit; they are icine (NNLM) has sponsored a webinar and is developing already being used by libraries. aspects of the campaign for its libraries to use. In early 2017, ALA conducted a survey of Lydia N. Collins, consumer health coordinator with Libraries Transform participants, asking them about NNLM, Middle Atlantic Region, incorporates relevant their satisfaction with the campaign and support “Because” statements such as “Because librarians know materials, how they are using the campaign, and information is the best medicine for health care questions” what other materials they would like to see created in her professional development classes. She says they for it. Of the 165 respondents, work well for emphasizing the importance of educating communities on how to evaluate health information. MORE THAN MORE THAN MORE THAN “What I appreciate most about the campaign is that it contains all of the materials that a library needs to promote the good work that it does,” she says. “Although my 75% 80% 80% focus is generally around health outreach, the campaign agree that agree that agree that works for all types of activities that libraries offer for their the campaign the campaign they would broad range of users.” is useful in tools provide recommend OLC used Libraries Transform to speak to state legisla- their public value the campaign tors in 2016 in an effort to showcase Ohio libraries’ return awareness to other on investment. It adopted the theme “Ohio Libraries and advocacy libraries Transform” for last year’s OLC Legislative Day. efforts “Ohio’s public libraries are changing people’s lives—or at the very least, have the resources available to do so,”

1 2 3 4 5 Tweet about your Download and Include Libraries Download Invite your Top 10 most innovative print “Because” Transform the Libraries community and effective posters and post messaging and Transform web members to Ways to services using the them around graphics in your banners (bit.ly/ share their stories #librariestransform your community. community LTtoolkit) and of how libraries Engage hashtag. Think about newsletters, embed them on transform on putting them e-newsletter, your website. your social media in unexpected or regular platforms— places, such email blasts to Facebook, as your local stakeholders. YouTube, coffee shop Instagram, etc. or community center.

54 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Doug Evans (second from left), executive director of OLC, with Ohio says Doug Evans, executive director of OLC. “They are an library directors (from left) Jessica Hermiller, Amanda Bennett, and Eliza- essential part of every community throughout the state. beth Muether at OLC’s 2017 Legislative Day. Our advocacy goal is to show legislators how the investment they’ve made in our public libraries has transformed the lives OLC will use the Libraries Transform theme for its 2017 of people in their own communities.” advocacy efforts. A key component of OLC’s efforts involved linking “The response from legislators to the message was very “Because” statements with specific examples from Ohio. One positive,” Evans says. “They were eager to incorporate the statement, “Because more than a quarter of US households message into their social media posts, had their pictures don’t have a computer with an internet connection,” was taken with our enlarged “Because” statement posters, and matched with talking points that explained, “The digital proudly wore our custom-made ohio libraries transform divide is real. Twenty-eight percent of Ohio households do not lapel pins. It’s a direct, easy-to-understand, and versatile have broadband. Libraries play an essential role in bridging message that works well with our statewide advocacy the divide and not just through access. According to Pew campaign, and many of our libraries also have adopted the Research Center, 63% of newcomers feel they need some campaign so that legislators see a consistent message back

Photo: Angie Jacobsen Photo: assistance in learning how to use the internet.” home.”

6 7 8 9 10 Host an event to Use the Libraries Include Libraries Conduct your own creative Download and print build community Transform brand Transform guerrilla marketing stunt “Because” postcards awareness of on fliers and messaging to delight and surprise and send them to your a new creative brochures to in your press your community. For stakeholders with messages service at your promote special releases, print inspiration, check out the about new, innovative library (such as a programs and and radio PSAs, Outside the Lines initiative programs and services at makerspace, services at op-eds, and (getoutsidethelines.org) to your library. Send them to collaborative your library. letters to see how some libraries have donors with a handwritten work space, the editor. creatively connected with thank-you note, or use them or a digital their community. to invite lapsed cardholders collection). to revisit the library. • Bonus Encourage stakeholders to create their own “Because” statements and share them on americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 55 social media. BECAUSE YOU CAN PASS A REFERENDUM

“Because” statements played a part in Missoula (Mont.) Public Library’s push for a new building and its successful $30 million referendum. As one “Because” statement informed the public, “Because one in four Missoulians doesn’t have access to a utility called the internet.” During the referendum campaign, the library used the Libraries Transform campaign for educational pieces that appeared on posters, including one pointing out that only 38 people can sit and use resources in the adult section of the library. The new building will triple the library’s capacity for internet connectivity and computer use. Library Director Honore Bray says the Libraries Transform campaign is a perfect fit for her library— the clean format of the banners and posters “make Book Club Central things very clear and concise” for patrons. n its second year, the Libraries Transform campaign, under ALA President Julie B. Todaro, is Icalling attention to the “expert in the library.” One way the initiative plans to highlight experts is by launching Book Club Central, an online platform of the best reading resources. Book Club Central’s purpose is to connect the public with the expertise of librarians through recommendations, book lists, and other content for book clubs and their readers. Libraries and librarians have always been champions of reading and fostering love of books. Book Club Central expands on what they are Honorary chair Sarah Jessica Parker already providing library users, whether it’s early literacy programs for children, one-on-one tutoring, or community-wide reading initiatives. Award-winning television and film actor, producer, designer, library supporter, and avid reader Sarah Jessica Parker is lending her support to Book Club Central by serving as honorary chair (read a Q&A with Parker on p. 68). Throughout the year, she will provide a selection of her own recommended titles. Parker will be on hand for the official launch of Book JEFF JULIAN is director of ALA's Public Awareness Office. Heather Cho Club Central at the ALA Annual Conference and and Steve Zalusky contributed to this Exhibition in Chicago on June 24, where she will story. unveil her inaugural pick. • Photo: Jem Mitchell (Parker) Jem Mitchell Photo:

56 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org

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BY Catherine Hakala-Ausperk

f you’re not thrilled with your current job, the answer isn’t necessarily to look for a new job. It might be to find another way to share your values—and find your meaning.

Consider this example: A library may consider increas- That’s your strategic plan. Next consider what you need to ing circulation to be its mission, so gathering statistics to do to achieve that strategy. That’s your mission. And you heighten that arbitrary success is a goal for that library. can achieve it by looking first at what you’ve done, then at Across the street is a library whose mission is to enhance what you’re doing now, and finally at what you can do. the lives of its patrons. That library’s success will be Values are important too, because they represent your achieved by actions that affect others—offering a larger passion. There’s a direct correlation between your passion and more widely circulated collection or programs on job and what you should be doing with your life. Finding this searching and civic responsibility. Imagine the motivation intersection will make your mission evident and suggest to achieve, sense of accomplishment, and joy that comes what to do next in your career and life. from the latter’s, rather than the former’s, success. WHAT DID YOU DO? DEFINE YOUR MISSION When asked to describe ourselves, most of us answer with If the word “mission” makes this renewal concept sound facts, figures, titles, and generalities. For example, I am a like a strategic plan, that’s not too far from the truth. A middle-aged former librarian with a husband, children, big-picture look at what you really hope to do with your life grandchildren, and friends. I love to teach and write. can help create a future that will matter both at work and Descriptions like these can shape our lives. They are our at home. Start by thinking about who you really are and how experiences, histories, roles, relationships, and skills.

you want to matter through your most significant values. Some of them are choices. Some are compromises. Some Stock © aboikis/Adobe Illustrations:

58 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org are accidents. None of them are our identities. WHAT DO YOU DO NOW? A better list, which could help form a mission Fast-forward to today. Are you doing any- statement for the future, would include what we thing that you love? If so, what? And if not, do with energy and joy—things we love to do. why? Through this examination of how you Start at the beginning: Make a list of every are currently spending your energy, talent, job you’ve ever had. Don’t worry about formal and days, it will be easier to recognize what titles or organization names; just list what to focus on and what to discard as you move you’ve done and be as complete as possible. My forward. In the course of an average week, list would look something like this: babysitter, list everything you do both inside and outside ice-cream vendor at the beach, drugstore clerk, of your job. fiberglass punch press operator, waitress, Now comes the hard part. Of everything on newspaper delivery person, waitress, librarian, that list, what parts do you love? Can you look library administrator, teacher, public speaker, at that list of jobs and pick ones that matter This is an excerpt event planner, and writer. the most? According to Marcus Buckingham, from Renew Yourself: What about you? What did you do? coauthor of Now, Discover Your Strengths A Six-Step Plan for Next, it’s time to get not just nostalgic but a (Gallup Press, 2001), we can use the follow- More Meaningful bit more reflective. Look at your list. Of all the ing questions to look for honest answers. Look Work by Catherine things you’ve done, what did you love to do? As a at each task or activity and ask yourself: Hakala-Ausperk (ALA further example, my reflection would include: I ■ Do I look forward to doing it? Editions, 2017). loved writing, anywhere for any purpose. I loved ■ When I’m doing it, does time stand still? to teach because it helped others to grow and ■ After I’m finished, do I feel great? succeed. I loved to organize and lead events and Based on your answers, what do you love to to create and develop new ideas. do? Now think about your dreams, hopes, and Of everything that you’ve done, what have future plans. You will use all of these things to you loved? chart a new course that truly matters.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 59 IT’S EASIER TO FALL BACKWARD “Why do you work?” Then I ask them, “Why do you work THAN FORWARD hard?” The difference in motivators is amazing. Be careful as you begin your journey. Sometimes reality To find and clarify whether you’re in a place that fully sup- can get in the way of your dreams, and it’s easy to return to ports the future you desire, ask yourself: Am I just working, comfortable, recognized patterns—even if they’re in uncom- or am I working hard? A clear sign of dedication to your work fortable and uninspiring surroundings. It’s common to find is giving 110% to what you do. But how can you tell if that’s people stuck in jobs that make them physically sick because really what you’re doing or if you’re just on cruise control? that option is easier than searching, reaching, and changing Let’s use some questions from performance strategist Laura to try something new. Put very simply: It’s easier to fall back- Garnett to clarify what working hard might mean to you and ward than forward. to your future. But “easy” isn’t renewal; “easy” is often a rut. When you ■ No matter where you are, do you feel energized when think about your life in terms of your now-clarified values you think about your work? Garnett says this means and mission, you can see there’s room for excitement and you wake up excited, thinking about what you’re doing challenge. You can even grow right where you are. This is at work. This is what I’ve always called the Sunday Night because it’s not where you are but where you’ve been and Test. I’ve seen people who absolutely hate their jobs and, where you’re going that signify success. In other words, it’s as a result, they hate Sunday nights. By contrast, some of not the standing still but the constant growth that helps our us wish the weekend would hurry up and end so we can lives continually develop and unfold. get back to work. How does your job make you feel, even on Sundays? STAY IN MOTION ■ Are you a little nervous and challenged by all you have In today’s job market, you often have to reinvent yourself to to do? If your to-do list is overwhelming but not terrify- stay competitive. Instead of starting all over again, you can ing, then you are one of the lucky ones to be motivated by start by building on what you already know. challenges. In a workshop I teach about motivation and career direc- ■ Do you spend more time daydreaming about someone tions, I ask attendees to list 10 responses to the question, else’s job or what you want to do next? People in this

60 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org category are always scanning job postings, waiting for FOLLOW THE SIGNS the weekend, waiting for their summer vacation, or wait- Considering, studying, contemplating, and finally under- ing for retirement. Some people truly hate their job that standing what energizes or deflates you is critical to your much. It’s time for that group to move on. renewal process. To determine how to recognize your ■ Does everything just feel right—that you’re doing strengths and skills, you must follow the SIGNs: something valuable and making an impact? In this case, you can actually see that what you are doing UCCESS: You feel successful when you do certain matters, and it feels good. My example comes from the S things. You feel in control and effective, like you have years I spent as a reading tutor for two illiterate adults. accomplished something good. Which parts of the work you While I’ve had the privilege of doing a lot of wonderful, love make you feel that way? meaningful things in my life, absolutely nothing has felt as good as that did. NSTINCT: We know when we’re about to have fun or be ■ Do you feel like you’re no longer on your way, but I happy. We can just tell. We anticipate the opportunity with you’re there? Do you feel successful? You don’t com- excitement. That’s our instinct. Which parts of the work you pare yourself with others. Rather, you measure your love make you feel that way? intent, actions, and impact against your own personal and professional values—and you’re happy with the result. ROWTH: When we grow our skills and our energies, we Garnett summarizes what these five realities can tell G often don’t recognize the passage of time. Which parts us: “While it’s not realistic to spend every waking moment of the work you love affect you that way? What do you do at high-octane performance, it is realistic and possible to at work that, when you notice that the day is almost over, tap into your talents and purpose. When you experience makes you wish it wasn’t? the above, you know how exhilarating work and life can be. If you are not, then it may be a wake-up call to know EEDS: Our physical need to take a break and rest comes that there is more you could be getting out of your profes- N after we’ve finished something that’s truly fulfilling. sional life.” What work wipes you out in a good way?

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americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 61 IT’S NOT THE STANDING STILL BUT THE CONSTANT GROWTH THAT HELPS OUR LIVES CONTINUALLY DEVELOP AND UNFOLD.

Read your SIGNs carefully and identify a common theme. Consider it in relation to your mission. Now you know who you are, and you have a big-picture idea of what you want to do. So when is the right time to move forward? That’s a hard question to answer. KNOWING WHEN IT’S TIME Think back to when you made your first life or career decision: Was it the right time to do so? How about the 10th one you made? Here’s the deal: There’s no such thing as the right or wrong time. There’s simply the decision you make. You can weigh the pros and cons for eons. You can miss shining opportunities because you were paralyzed by a fear of making the wrong choice. You can stay exactly where you are forever because you’re afraid of getting it wrong, or you can move forward. When you move forward isn’t half as important as that you move forward. Even on the winding paths that are our careers, we can all reflect on the brass rings we missed or the wrong ones we grabbed, or we can focus on the now—and why today is the right time to try again. Even in failure, we’ve moved forward and grown. Timing isn’t everything. Action is. Most of us will bounce throughout our lives from one job—chosen for the right or wrong reasons—to the next. That career shuffle should not be disconcerting. We can still move closer to our real purpose by finding ways to stay focused on our values throughout our journey. We’re heading in the right direction if we feel some element of growth and meaning—no matter how small—in everything we do. So every time is the right time. You may have been putting off some work or art or contribution that is truly important to you. Pursue it. Don’t worry about how you’ll fit it in. For now, just commit to putting your dreams and values back on the front burner.

CATHERINE HAKALA-AUSPERK is a library planner, speaker, consultant, and trainer. She is author of ALA Editions titles Be a Great Boss: One Year to Success (2011) and Build a Great Team: One Year to Success (2013). She is an adjunct faculty member at Kent (Ohio) State University’s School of Library and Information Science, and also teaches for the American Library Association’s Certified Public Library Administrator program and Infopeople.

62 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org GREAT RESOURCES AVAILABLE from ALSC and ALA Editions!

Becoming a Media Mentor: The Newbery and Popular Picks A Guide for Working Caldeco Awards: for Young Readers with Children and Families A Guide to the Medal and Edited by Diane Foote for ALSC Claudia Haines, Cen Campbell, Honor Books, 2017 Edition ISBN: 978-0-8389-3605-4 and the Association for Library Association for Library Service to Service to Children (ALSC) Spotlighting more than Children (ALSC) ISBN: 978-0-8389-1463-2 500 recent titles, and with ISBN: 978-0-8389-1567-7 Drawing on detailed case selections geared towards Librarians and teachers studies from a wide variety every child's interest and everywhere rely on this of libraries and community reading level, this guide will guidebook for quick reference partnerships to showcase help librarians, teachers, and collection development inspiring media mentorship in caregivers and others connect and also as a resource for action with ages 0-14, this book young readers to books they're curriculum links and readers’ empowers youth services staﬀ sure to love. advisory. Updated with the to conﬁ dently assist families 2017 award and honor books! and caregivers as they navigate the digital world.

Editions Neal-Schuman alastore.ala.org TechSource 2017

Conference Preview Chicago | June 22–27, 2017

EDITED BY Greg Landgraf

hile the World Series championship comes to the Chicago Cubs only once every 108 years, the American Library Association’s (ALA) WAnnual Conference and Exhibition is a far more common Windy City event, if not more exciting. Returning to McCormick Place—and ALA’s hometown— after four years, 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 other activities. This preview offers a small sample of what to expect. For a complete listing of events, visit alaannual.org.

64 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

RESHMA SAUJANI, founder and Awards Banquet—a celebration to CEO of Girls Who Code, will kick honor the authors and illustrators off the conference as the Open- of the Newbery, Caldecott, and ing General Session speaker on Wilder medal–winning and honor Friday, June 23, 4–5:15 p.m. Girls books—takes place Sunday, June Who Code is a nonprofit that aims 25, 6–11 p.m. Preregistration is to help close the gender gap in required and tickets are $94. Reshma Saujani technology. Saujani’s forthcoming The 48th Annual Coretta Scott book, Girls Who Code: Learn to Code King Book Awards Breakfast, and Change the World, shows girls presented by the Ethnic and Mul- how coding skills are relevant to ticultural Information Exchange their lives. Round Table, will be held Sunday, ALA President Julie B. Todaro June 25, 7–9:30 a.m. The break- welcomes actor, producer, designer, fast honors the winners and honor library supporter, and avid reader recipients of the 2017 Coretta Scott SARAH JESSICA PARKER as her King Book Awards, which recognize ALA President’s Program speaker the best African-American authors Saturday, June 24, 3:30–4:30 and illustrators of books for chil- p.m. Parker will serve as honorary dren and youth. Tickets are $65 in chair of ALA’s Book Club Central, an advance, $75 onsite. online platform of reading resources Environmentalist, activist, and Sarah Jessica Parker created in partnership with Booklist author BILL MCKIBBEN will and United for Libraries. The speak at “Imagining a World That President’s Program will serve as Works—In Time to Prevent a World Book Club Central’s official launch, That Doesn’t” on Saturday, June and Parker will unveil her first book 24, 1–2:30 p.m., a special session selection for the program. (Read cosponsored by the Social Respon- our interview with Parker on p. 68.) sibilities and Sustainability round Bestselling author and 2015 tables, the Asian/Pacific American National Humanities Medal recip- Librarians Association, and the ient RON CHERNOW will speak American Indian Library Association. at the ALA Awards and Keynote The Closing General Session on Address on Sunday, June 25, Tuesday, June 27, 10–11:30 a.m., 3–4:30 p.m. Chernow’s book, Alex- brings a highly anticipated speaker Ron Chernow ander Hamilton, was described by to Annual, to be announced. The The New York Times as “by far the Inaugural Celebration immedi- best biography ever written about ately follows the Closing General the man.” His newest biography, Session at 11:45 a.m.–2 p.m. after Grant, will be published in the fall. Todaro passes the gavel to 2017– The Association for Library 2018 ALA President Jim Neal and Service to Children’s (ALSC) includes food and entertainment. Newbery-Caldecott-Wilder Tickets are $50. Photos: City of Chicago (skyline); Adrian Kinloch (Saujani); Jem Mitchell (Parker); Nina Subin (Chernow); Nancie Battaglia (McKibben) Nancie Battaglia Nina Subin (Chernow); (Parker); Kinloch (Saujani); Jem Mitchell Adrian of Chicago (skyline); City Photos:

Bill McKibben

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 65 FEATURED SPEAKERS Monday, June 26 8:30–10 a.m. The Auditorium Speaker Series, sponsored by publish- Presented jointly as the United ers, brings accomplished authors, compelling celebri- for Libraries president’s pro- ties, and exciting experts to the conference. This year’s gram, Susan Schmidt welcomes lineup includes: ANDY WEIR, “lifelong space nerd” and author of the bestsell- Saturday, June 24 ing debut novel The Martian, for 8:30–9:30 a.m. a talk and signing. Teacher, cartoonist, author, Andy Weir National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, 2016 National Library Week Hon- orary Chair, and MacArthur Fellow GENE LUEN YANG is the creator of many graphic novels and short stories that Gene Luen Yang explore present-day and historical events through a contemporary Chinese-American lens. His “Reading Without Walls” program encourages kids and teens to read books about characters who don’t Bill Nye Gregory Mone look or live like them or topics they don’t know much about, or in a format they don’t usually choose. Monday, June 26, 2–3 p.m. Science educator and mechanical engineer BILL NYE has Saturday, June 24 championed scientific literacy, challenged opponents of 10:30–11:30 a.m. evidence-based education and policy, and served as CEO In her memoir How Dare the Sun of The Planetary Society, which advocates for our future Rise: Memoirs of a War Child, in space. Nye will be joined by GREGORY MONE, his co- SANDRA UWIRINGIYIMANA author of the middle-grade series Jack and the Geniuses. tells the story of how she survived the Gatumba refugee camp massacre in Burundi when DIVISION PRESIDENTS’ PROGRAMS she was 10 years old. Since resettling to the US through ALA’s division presidents host inspiring thought leaders Sandra Uwiringiyimana a United Nations program, in their presidents’ programs at every Annual Conference. Uwiringiyimana has worked to raise awareness and call This year’s slate includes: for justice for the massacre and other human rights abuses in the region. Her presentation will share the story of her Saturday, June 24, 9 a.m.–noon survival and how she found her place in a new country. SCOTT BECK, head principal at Norman (Okla.) High School, will speak about how 21st-century school Sunday, June 25 librarians contribute to student outcomes at American 8:30–9:30 a.m. Association of School Librarians (AASL) President Audrey BRENÉ BROWN has spent Church’s program. Beck’s talk will immediately follow the 15 years studying courage, vul- AASL Awards Ceremony, which highlights best practices nerability, shame, and empathy. in school librarianship through collaboration, leadership, As founder of COURAGEworks, innovative programming, national involvement, and an online learning platform upholding the principles of the profession. offering classes on braver living and loving, and Brave Saturday, June 24, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Leaders Inc., an organization Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Brené Brown that provides courage-building President Irene Herold and Public Library Associa- programs for leaders, Brown will deliver a presentation to tion (PLA) President Felton Thomas Jr. will welcome inspire and provide actionable change strategies. BERNARD BANKS, associate dean for leadership Photos: Dustin Cohen (Uwiringiyimana); Felix Sanchez (Brown); Jesse DeFlorio (Nye); Louis Abate (Mone) Abate Louis DeFlorio (Nye); Jesse (Brown); Sanchez (Uwiringiyimana); Felix Cohen Dustin Photos:

66 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Exhibits AT THE CONFERENCE

ith more than 900 exhibiting organizations, @ ALA Demonstration Stage, and the new Chapter One multiple pavilions and stages, and popular Stage. Check alaannual.org/general-exhibits-info for a list Wauthors, the exhibit floor is integral to your of stage schedules. learning, professional development, and networking at New this year: The Playground @ ALA features hands- Annual Conference. on learning with future-focused technologies such as The official opening ceremony and virtual and augmented reality, coding, drone ribbon cutting immediately follow the piloting, 3D printing, and robotics. At The Opening General Session on Friday, EXHIBIT HOURS Park @ ALA, attendees can sit under tran- June 23, at 5:30 p.m., and feature a brief Friday, June 23, quility domes, borrow a bike from a tricycle welcome by ALA leadership and Chicago 5:30–7 p.m. bookmobile, build a Little Free Library, or dignitaries. The Opening Reception donate to the blood drive. Saturday, June 24, includes food, drink, and entertainment. Specialty Pavilions will again include 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Individual publishers will host author showcase areas for DVD and video, gaming and illustrator events throughout the con- Sunday, June 25, and graphic novels, government information, ference, including programs at the Book 9 a.m.–5 p.m. library school and instruction, mobile apps, Buzz Theater, Graphic Novel/Gaming Monday, June 26, small presses and products, university press- Stage, PopTop Stage, What’s Cooking 9 a.m.–2 p.m. es, zines, and more. •

development and clinical professor of management at (ASCLA) President Michael Golrick. Discover techniques Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Manage- for teaching older adults to use computers and find health ment, as presenter of a joint program offering leadership information online, ideas for planning library programs development guidance for all levels of academic, research, on senior health topics, sources of health materials for and public librarians. Banks will discuss how organiza- distribution to older adults, and techniques for making a tional challenges can be understood through a variety of website senior-friendly. frames, giving attendees a thorough approach to developing effective solutions. Saturday, June 24, 4:30–5:30 p.m. R. DAVID LANKES, author and director of the University Saturday, June 24, 1–2:30 p.m. of South Carolina’s School of Library and Information Sci- LYDIA COLLINS, consumer health coordinator, and ence, will keynote Reference and User Services Association CHRISTIAN MINTER, outreach and education coordina- (RUSA) President Alesia M. McManus’s program, “Forget tor at the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, will the Future: Our Time Is Now.” Lankes will explore how present “Healthy Aging @ Your Library: Connecting Older reference and user services can not only remain relevant Adults to Health Information,” the program of Associ- but also mobilize to address community challenges like ation of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies nationalism, xenophobia, racism, and extreme politics. Photo: Cognotes Photo:

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 67 INTERVIEW Sarah Jessica Parker On never leaving the house without a book, and other tips from a fashionable and fervent reader

s Sex and the City’s style queen Carrie Bradshaw, Sarah Jessica Parker inspired A a million fashionistas. Now, as the founder of the SJP for Hogarth book imprint—and the honorary chair of ALA’s Book Club Central, a new online platform of resources for book clubs— the busy actor hopes to inspire others to share her love of reading as well. Parker will recommend various titles for Book Club Central over the coming months; she plans to reveal the first during the June 24 Presi- dent’s Program at the ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Chicago. She recently spoke with American Libraries about being a lifelong bookworm.

Where does your love of reading come from? My mother is a devoted reader. She drove carpools for many years, and she always had an open book in her lap, so at traffic lights she could read. And

there was a rule in our house that you Kimberly Butler Photo:

68 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org never left the house without a book, authors. And I’ve found that Sunday, June even if you couldn’t read yet. To this although social media has a lot 25, 3–4 p.m. day, I would never leave the house of landmines, the one area where Library and without something to read. I’ve there is nothing controversial is Information been running late for things and run books. Those conversations are Technology back just to get a book. always so much more civilized than Associa- political conversations these days. tion (LITA) You’re currently an executive pro- President ducer and star of HBO’s Divorce, Are you in a book club? Yes. Aimee Fifarek Kameron Hurley and you’re a mom of three. When It grew out of something that will welcome do you find time to read? And do happened a few years ago, when I Hugo Award, Kitschy Award, and you prefer e-readers or physical met Molly Stern, who is senior vice Sydney J. Bounds Award–winning books? I just read whenever I can. president and publisher at Crown, writer KAMERON HURLEY, author I love the subway in New York City Hogarth, Broadway, Crown Arche- of The Geek Feminist Revolution. for that reason, and until recently, type, and Three Rivers Press. She Hurley will speak to how curated we didn’t have Wi-Fi underground sent me a wonderful, big, huge, content shapes the stories we tell in the city, so reading was fantas- juicy pile of books, and among about ourselves and the realities in tic, because you could really stop them was a yet-to-be-published which we live, and how librarians and the emails and phone calls. I still book called A Constellation of Vital information professionals can help consider the subway in some ways Phenomena, by Anthony Marra. I shape these narratives. the best place to get reading done; I was so completely taken with the resent a shorter trip on a subway for work that I called Molly and said, Monday, June 26, 10:30 a.m.–noon that very reason. “I’m just wondering how you’re DORRI MCWHORTER, CEO of Also, an actor’s life on a set going to market a book about a the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, involves a nice amount of wait- small village in Chechnya. Is there will speak at “The Business of Social ing, so I read in between takes. anything I can do to be helpful?” Impact: Creating a World Where I’ve tucked books inside costumes From that grew this book club. Everyone Has Value,” a shared on my person. I’ve found ways of I always describe it as this little program hosted by Association for folding The New York Times and vacation that exists once every two Library Collections and Technical The New Yorker beneath corsets, so months. It’s like the library, a little Services (ALCTS) President Vicki Sipe when someone yells “Cut!,” I can bit—time stands still when we’re and Library Leadership and Manage- pull them out and read. I spent six talking about reading. People have ment Association (LLAMA) President months in a flying harness for Hocus such varied and strong opinions, and John Spears. McWhorter will address Pocus, and I always had a book, it’s always surprising to find out who how organizations can create social even in the air. ended up liking or not liking a writer. impact as for-profit and nonprofit I’m so accustomed to the cum- business models converge. bersome nature of a big book that Tell us about your new imprint, I always make room for it, even SJP for Hogarth, launching in 2018. Monday, June 26, 10:30 a.m.–noon if I have to carry it outside of my The imprint is dedicated to literary Young Adult Library Services Associa- bag. But when we’re traveling for fiction—often very character-driven tion (YALSA) President Sarah Hill pres- a long time, primarily for family stories, global voices, bold points ents an interactive session to conclude holidays, I’ve learned to try to get of view. The more unfamiliar the her yearlong “Real Teens, Real Ready” everything on a Kindle. It’s not my territory they are writing about, initiative, which focuses on the need for first choice, but I’m grateful for the the more interested I am. We’ve not libraries to evolve to effectively serve convenience of it. found our first manuscript yet. I’ve today’s young adults. Many teens feel read tons and tons of manuscripts, underprepared for their future, but the What led you to start making book and that first choice is so important, library can be an instrument for career, recommendations on Instagram? so we’ve not found the right one to college, and workforce readiness. This It felt like a nice opportunity to land on as our debut. But it sure is a session will share innovative strategies create awareness about new thrill to read this much. you can apply in your own library.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 69 Monday, June 26, 1–2:30 p.m. The ALSC Charlemae Rollins President’s Program, “Plugging into the Digital Age: Libraries Engaging and Supporting Families with Today’s Literacy,” will feature CHIP DONOHUE from the Erikson Institute and SARAH R. LYTLE from the Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences presenting the latest research on digital- age technology and its relationship to childhood development and literacy. LISA REGALLA from the Center for Childhood Creativity at the Bay Area Discovery Museum Rakesh Satyal Eileen Myles will discuss practical ways to implement the information in libraries and services. Saturday, June 24, 10:30–11:30 a.m. United for Libraries’ Out and Proud: LGBTQ Litera- ture session, cosponsored by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, BOOKS AND AUTHORS and Transgender Round Table (GLBTRT), will include JOSEPH CASSARA, EILEEN MYLES, RAKESH Opportunities to hear from and meet writers and illus- SATYAL, and SOPHIE YANOW discussing their latest trators are among the most anticipated events at Annual. books, with a signing to follow. Some of this year’s offerings include: Sunday, June 25, 8–10 a.m. Friday, June 23, 8–10 p.m. RUSA’s Literary Tastes: Celebrating the Best Reading The Michael L. Printz Program and Reception, of the Year will feature several authors whose works cosponsored by YALSA and Booklist, features 2017 win- won RUSA book awards or were included on its best-of ners US REP. JOHN LEWIS, ANDREW AYDIN, and lists for adults. Light refreshments are included, and book NATE POWELL, as well as honor book authors Julie signings will follow the event. Among the speakers are Berry, Louise O’Neill, Neal Shusterman, and Nicola Yoon. authors GREGG HURWITZ and JULIA QUINN and audiobook narrator DION GRAHAM.

Sunday, June 25, 9–10 a.m. YALSA’s YA Author Coffee Klatch is a speed dating– PLACEMENT style event that features 40 YA authors who have JobLIST CENTER appeared on one of YALSA’s selected book lists or received one of its literary awards. Attendees sit at a table, and LA’s JobLIST Placement and Career Development every few minutes a new author arrives to talk about their Center is open Saturday, June 24, and Sunday, upcoming book. Tickets are $25. A June 25, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with an orientation Sat- urday at 8:30 a.m. Conference registration is not required Sunday, June 25, 2–4 p.m. to go to the Placement Center, use its services, or attend Booklist will host a panel of seven superstar YA authors as any workshop. part of its celebration of 50 years of the modern young- Employers will be on hand to talk to conference attend- adult book, an era commonly considered to have begun ees at the free Open House and Job Fair on Sunday, with the 1967 publishing of S. E. Hinton’s The Outsiders. June 25, 10:30 a.m.–noon. The panel will include KRISTIN CASHORE, BRANDY Career Counseling with a professional career coach is COLBERT, DEBORAH HEILIGMAN, DANIEL JOSÉ available in free, confidential 20-minute one-on-one ses- OLDER, NEAL SHUSTERMAN, MEGAN WHALEN sions when the Placement Center is open. Preregistration is TURNER, and NICOLA YOON. The #50YearsofYA cel- suggested. ACRL’s University Libraries Section will provide ebration also includes free copies of the Top 50 YA Books On-the-Fly Mentoring, in which an experienced librarian of All Time poster, cake during Friday night exhibit hours, will be available to talk about any aspects of your career, and author signings in the Booklist booth. Saturday, June 24, 9 a.m.–noon and Sunday, June 25, 1–4 p.m. Mentoring is available by appointment or on a Sunday, June 25, 3–4 p.m. drop-in basis. At United for Libraries’ First Author, First Book, debut For a complete list of workshops and services, visit ala.org/ authors MORGAN BABST, EMIL FERRIS, GREG- educationcareers/employment/placement/workshops. ORY SCOTT KATSOULIS, C. DEVIN MURPHY, and

• Opie (Myles) Catherine Photo:

70 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org SARAH SHOEMAKER will speak about their books and writing experiences in this popular annual panel. Carnegie Medals FOR EXCELLENCE IN Sunday, June 25, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Wine and cheese will be served at United for Libraries’ FICTION AND NONFICTION The Laugh’s on Us, headlined by comedian and UFL spokesperson PAULA POUNDSTONE. The event will Saturday, June 24, 8–10 p.m. also feature JAMES BREAKWELL, DAVID LITT, LISA SARA PARETSKY, author of the SCOTTOLINE, and FRANCESCA SERRITELLA, V. I. Warshawski mystery series, with a book signing to follow. Tickets are $60 in advance will be the featured speaker at ($55 United for Libraries personal members) or $65 onsite. this celebratory event, cosponsored by Booklist and RUSA. Monday, June 26, 8–10:30 a.m. This year honors COLSON Honor the best in children’s literature and media at WHITEHEAD, winner of the the annual presentation of the Batchelder, Carnegie, 2017 Andrew Carnegie Medal Geisel, and Sibert awards during the ALSC Awards for Excellence in Fiction for The Sara Paretsky Presentation. Attendees will have the opportunity to talk Underground Railroad, and to award-winning authors and illustrators, and a conti- MATTHEW DESMOND, winner of the 2017 Andrew nental breakfast will be provided. Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction for Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City. Monday, June 26, 10 a.m.–noon Selection committee chair Donna Seaman will host Celebrate the 2017 winners of the Stonewall Book the program, which will feature remarks from the authors Awards, recognizing the best in gay, lesbian, bisexual, and be followed and transgender writing in fiction, nonfiction, children’s, by a dessert-and- and young adult categories. Sponsored by GLBTRT, this drinks reception for event also recognizes winners of the Newlen-Symons attendees, authors, Award for Excellence in Serving the GLBT Community. editors, and ALA leaders. Tickets are Monday, June 26, 2–4 p.m. $40 ($30 for RUSA Enjoy tea, finger sandwiches, and sweet treats at members). • United for Libraries’ Gala Author Tea. Featured authors A. J. FINN, JONATHAN SAFRAN FOER, ELLY GRIFFITHS, ALLISON PATAKI, and BRIANNA WOLFSON will discuss their forthcoming books, and signings will follow. Tickets are $60 in advance ($55 United communities. This year’s theme is “Inclusive Outreach: for Libraries personal members) or $65 onsite. Providing Services to the Underserved and Marginalized.” The fair includes a poster session in the exhibit hall.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION Saturday, June 24, 4:30–6 p.m. More than 100,000 unaccompanied minors have arrived Equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to the resil- in the US as refugees from Central America since 2014. ience of libraries. A few offerings at Annual include: At “The Other (Invisible) Refugees: Supporting Central American Children in Crisis,” YALSA, the International Saturday, June 24, 3–4 p.m. Board of Books for Young People, and Reforma will screen In “Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice in Technical a film and speak about the Children in Crisis Project, Services,” speakers from libraries and cultural heritage which seeks to raise awareness of these youth and the institutions will share the ways in which archives, tech- resources they need while awaiting a chance to plead their nical services, preservation, and collections strategy staff cases for asylum. Donations will be accepted. have promoted diversity, inclusion, and social justice. Sunday, June 25, 1–2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 24, 3–5 p.m. More than 50 years after the Tougaloo Nine staged a The annual Diversity and Outreach Fair will highlight sit-in at a whites-only library (see our story on p. 32), library services to underserved and underrepresented participant GERALDINE EDWARDS HOLLIS will share Photo: Steven E. Gross Steven Photo:

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 71 Business AND Saturday, June 24, 1–2:30 p.m. Learn techniques to build and leverage strong mentor– mentee relationships to become a leader in your orga- Financial MEETINGS nization and librarianship as a whole in “How to Be an Influential Librarian—Leading and Mentoring from Friday, June 23 Wherever You Are,” sponsored by ALCTS with LLAMA and ■ ALA Executive Board Meeting I, 8:30 a.m.–noon the New Members Round Table. ■ ALA-APA Board of Directors, 4–4:30 p.m. ■ ALA Finance and Audit/Budget Analysis and Review Saturday, June 24, 1–2:30 p.m. Joint Committee Meeting, noon–3 p.m. At the LITA Imagineering Interest Group session “Generation Gap: Science Fiction and Fantasy Authors Saturday, June 24 Look at Youth and Technology,” SUSAN DENNARD, ■ Council/Executive Board/Membership Information CORY DOCTOROW, ANNALEE NEWITZ, and Session, 3–4:30 p.m. V. E. SCHWAB will explore how science fiction and ■ ALA Membership Meeting, 4:30–5:30 p.m. fantasy literature can serve as a method for examining Sunday, June 25 conflicting generational expectations about technology ■ ALA Council I, 8:30–11 a.m. and privacy. ■ ALA Planning and Budget Assembly, 1–2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 24, 1–2:30 p.m. Monday, June 26 ALA President Julie B. Todaro will facilitate “Library and ■ ALA Council II, 8:30–11:30 a.m. Information Experts Succeeding in the 21st Century,” a ■ ALA Executive Board Meeting II, 1–4:30 p.m. town hall dialogue on competencies, careers, and success- Tuesday, June 27 ful practice guided by thought leaders EILEEN ABELS ■ ALA Council III, 7:45–9:45 a.m. (dean of the School of Library and Information Science at Simmons College), JOHN BERTOT (professor at the ■ ALA Executive Board Meeting III, 1:30–4:30 p.m. University of Maryland College of Information Studies), and VALERIE GROSS (president and CEO of Howard County [Md.] Library System).

the story of her protest, struggle, and love of reading at Sunday, June 25 “Desegregating Public Libraries: The Tougaloo Nine.” PR Sunday Spotlight features four events that showcase innovative outreach and engagement tactics. “Librar- Sunday, June 25, 4–6 p.m. ies Transform: New Tools and Best Practices” (10:30– Librarian of Congress CARLA HAYDEN will headline 11:30 a.m.); LLAMA’s PR Xchange and Awards Ceremony “Spectrum at 20: A Celebration of Community,” a cocktail (11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.); the PR Forum featuring BEN hour celebrating and supporting the ALA Spectrum BIZZLE, founder and CEO of Library Market (3–4 p.m.); Scholarship Program at the 19 East Event Gallery, 19 East and the John Cotton Dana Awards and Reception 21st St. Tickets are $20 and include hors d’oeuvres. (4–6:30 p.m.) each offers strategies you can replicate.

Monday, June 26, 10:30–11:30 a.m. HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMS ASCLA will host KATE MCILVAIN and MARA O’BRIEN of SitStayRead, speaking about how the Friday, June 23, 7–10 p.m. nonprofit literacy organization connects children with Poet, activist, and educator NIKKI GIOVANNI (see interview on p. 28) will headline a special offsite reception ACCESSIBILITY benefitting the ALA Cultural Communities Fund at the new ALA works to make sure the conference expe- American Writers Museum, rience is pleasant and accessible for all. For 180 N. Michigan Ave. Tickets information on mobility assistance, interpreter are $75 for ALA members and services, and other accommodations, visit Nikki Giovanni $90 for nonmembers. alaannual .org/accessibility. •

72 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org trained literacy volunteers and certified reading assis- GET Connected, STAY Informed tance dogs in a curriculum that develops literacy and social-emotional skills. Use the Annual Conference Scheduler (alaannual.org/ scheduler) and mobile app to browse sessions, add and Monday, June 26, 6–8 p.m. update events, create a private or shareable calendar, and The International Relations Round Table invites all to keep track of appointments. celebrate with librarians from more than 70 countries at Visit alaannual.org Track #alaac17 the International Librarians Reception, held offsite at on Twitter the Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St. This unique opportunity to network with colleagues from Join the Facebook See what’s happening abroad includes regional cuisine and an open bar, and Event (bit.ly/ on Pinterest (pinterest 2jWO2Gp) recipients of the ALA Presidential Citation for Innova- .com/alaannual) tive International Projects will be announced. Advance Keep up on Tumblr Follow #alaac17 on registration is required. Tickets are $40; international (americanlibrary Instagram (instagram librarians receive one complimentary admission. assoc.tumblr.com) .com/americanlibrary association) In addition to highlighted programs, be sure to check out informal and peer-to-peer learning opportunities such as five-minute Ignite Sessions, 45-minute Conversation Starters, the Now Showing @ ALA Film Program, collection development, genealogy, user experience, more than 200 loosely organized Discussion Groups, and more. Register for these and other ticketed events at and the Networking Uncommons. alaannual.org/ticketed-events. Additionally, Preconferences (June 22–23) offer inspiring professional development and ideas you can For an up-to-date list of dates and times, see the Annual Con- implement at home. This year’s topics include digital ference Scheduler at alaannual.org/scheduler.

KNOWLEDGE EMPOWERED

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americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 73 Steam buns at Yusho

rom the flaming cheese of Greektown F(it’s called saganaki, and it was invented in Windy City Chicago) to the dumplings of Chinatown to the intercontinental flavors of the Loop, food is serious business in Chicago. A few years ago, I was given one of the best assignments a writer could hope for: to eat my way around Chicago and share the best restau- Exploring Chicago rants in the Frommer’s EasyGuide to Chicago. one bite at a time American Libraries asked me to take some of my favorites and create a guide just for you, ensuring BY Kate Silver that you’re well fed during the 2017 ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition. Here are my top picks, organized by neighborhood, all within a quick walk, train ride, or cab from McCormick Place.

74 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org HYDE PARK delicious, and the atmosphere Gracie’s is celebratory. L, D (M–Sat) $$ apple pie A10 at Medici 1462 E. 53rd St. on 57th CHINATOWN 773-288-1010 a10hydepark.com Hing Kee Chef Alec Sherman strives 2140 S. Archer Ave. to use food that comes 312-808-9538 from nearby (within 200 Talk about a novel-length miles), and, to take it one menu. As you page through, step further, a staff farmer know that you can’t go wrong helps acquire seasonal fruits, with anything in the noodle veggies, meat, and dairy for section (there’s a pasta maker the fresh pastas, salads, and on staff who pulls noodles entrées. The campanelle with right before your eyes). The braised goat ($20), roasted hot Italian meatball, sausage, ribs ($12), barbecue chicken shrimp and barbecue pork broccoli salad ($11), and and beef sandwiches (all $5). ($7), pork roast ($6), and Singapore-style noodles hearth-fired salmon ($24) L, D daily $ other classics, with a hearty ($8.50), in particular, are are all tops. Also on tap: fun sense of community. Menu excellent. L, D daily $–$$ cocktails and lots of Midwest- Medici on 57th changes daily. B, L, D daily $ ern craft beers. D (Tue–Sun) Lao Sze Chuan $$–$$$ 1327 E. 57th St. 773-667-7394 Yusho of Hyde Park 2172 S. Archer Ave. 1301 E. 53rd St. 312-326-3888 Italian Fiesta Pizzeria medici57.com An inventive and diverse 773-643-1652 laoszechuanchicago 1400 E. 47th St. restaurant.com menu covers all meals, yushohydepark.com 773-684-2222 Again, the menu reads like with inspired breakfast and Chef Matthias Merges plays italianfiestapizzeria.com a book. Branch out and try brunch creations, deli sand- with Japanese street food Ready for some presidential some of the more daring wiches, burgers, pizzas, here, doling out addictive pizza? The Obamas—who items such as twice-fried items, like the sour pickle lived in Hyde Park—were soups, salads, and some of chicken ($11.50), shrimp and squid soup ($8) or stick regulars here. There are the best apple pie ever. It udon noodles ($14), spicy with the revered—and spicy— actually five locations, and started as a coffeehouse in garlic ramen ($13), and buns Tony’s Chicken with Three this particular one is a bare- 1962, and its inexpensive loaded with cod, pork belly, Chili ($14). Either way, you’ll bones takeout joint and menu has grown over the eggplant, and more. Come be happy. L, D daily $–$$ not suitable for dining in. I years, offering bakery items with friends, because the suggest calling for carry-out. and entrées in a sunny, wel- plates are small and share- Chef’s special dry-chili Or if the weather’s nice, you coming setting. Did I mention able, the draft cocktails are chicken at Lao Sze Chuan could pick up a pie and head how good the pie is? Brunch to the lakefront for a picnic. (Sat, Sun), B, L, D daily $–$$ They also have a selection of Valois Restaurant 1518 E. 53rd St. 773-667-0647 valoisrestaurant.com Price Guide A Chicago classic (and Average price per President Obama’s person for entrée top breakfast spot in without appetizers, the city), Valois is as drinks, tax, and tip. no-frills as it gets. The $: under $14 neighborhood land- $$: $15–$24 mark is an old-school $$$: $25–$50 cafeteria, serving up $$$$: $51 and up

Photos: Gino Williams (Medici); Paul Goyette (Lao Sze Chuan); Yusho (Lao Sze Goyette (Medici); Paul Gino Williams Photos: inexpensive steak ($14),

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 75 Phoenix 2131 S. Archer Ave. 312-328-0848 chinatownphoenix.com The casual but elegant Phoe- nix has plenty of room with big tables for family and friends to enjoy the Canton- ese (and some Szechuan) cuisine. A good sign: The place attracts lots of China- town locals. It’s especially popular for dim sum brunch, so come early to avoid the wait. L, D daily $–$$ Flo’s polish pizza at Flo and Santos Joy Yee Noodle 2139 S. China Pl. 312-328-0001 smoothies, if you just want to People flock to Athena when serve Greek small plates joyyee.com grab a snack and explore the the weather is nice for the (mezethes) such as spana- You’ll know it by the intrigu- area. L, D daily $–$$ gorgeous patio and for a kopita ($7), feta and olives ing colorful fake food dis- taste of Greek classics, such ($7), hummus ($7), and gyros as moussaka ($14), gyros played in the windows. The GREEKTOWN ($9), so you can try a bit of enormous menu treks across ($13), and pastitsio ($13). everything. The owners here Asia and includes tastes of L, D daily $–$$ also own Artopolis, a nearby Athena China, Japan, Korea, Thai- bakery, so the bread is fresh 212 S. Halsted St. land, Vietnam, and beyond. Greek Islands and heavenly. L, D (Tue–Sun) 312-655-0000 200 S. Halsted St. The Japanese beef dumplings $–$$ ($6) and sesame chicken athenarestaurantchicago.com 312-782-9855 ($11.50) are especially The Greek design here, first greekislands.net SOUTH LOOP AND popular, and I’m a big fan of all, is over-the-top in the Opa! This Greek favorite also NEAR SOUTHSIDE of the enormous bowls of best possible way. Picture dishes up Greek favorites, soup. An outdoor walk-up Greek-inspired columns, such as spinach cheese pie window serves boba tea and fountains, and a fireplace. ($7); avgolemono, an addic- Flo and Santos tive chicken soup with lemon 1310 S. Wabash Ave. and eggs (cup $3, bowl $4); 312-566-9817 Athenian salad ($6); gyros floandsantos.com Curried chicken at ($14); and dolmades ($13) as The pizza at Flo and Santos Mr. Brown’s Lounge well as the Chicago-born clas- may not always make the sic saganaki ($6.50), which “best of” lists, but its regulars you just have to try. know that helps keep it their L, D daily $–$$ own “best of” secret. With cozy red leather booths, Pegasus exposed brick walls, and 130 S. Halsted St. addictive thin-crust, square- 312-226-3377 pegasus cut tavern-style pizza, you chicago.com couldn’t ask for a better local The rooftop pizza joint. The menu also transports has an impressive array of you to a Greek salads ($9–$13), sandwiches paradise, and ($10–$13), and pierogi ($10).

after 4 p.m. they L, D daily $ Lounge Brown’s Mr. Flo and Santos; Photos:

76 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org The Florentine 151 W. Adams St. Dozens of Bites, One Roof 312-660-8866 the-florentine.net hicago isn’t exempt from the food hall craze sweeping the nation. We have three Tucked inside the opulent JW new(ish) venues that bring a dozen or so options—along with wine, beer, and Marriott (an early 19th-century Ccocktails—under one roof. bank designed by renowned Exhibit No. 1: REVIVAL FOOD HALL, 125 S. Clark St., 773-999-9411, revivalfoodhall.com. Chicago architect Daniel Burn- Here, more than a dozen local restaurants have set up an outpost, offering fast-casual ham), the Florentine shakes bites in the heart of the Loop. A sampling of options: desserts from James Beard Award– up the “bland hotel restau- winning pastry chef Mindy Segal at Hot Chocolate Bakery; Nashville hot fried chicken rant” notion and is a magnet at the Budlong; healthy, Hawaiian-style poke bowls at Aloha Poke Co.; trendy tacos at for nearby financial district Antique Taco Chiquito; gourmet sandwiches at the Fat Shallot and more. suits. The Italian restaurant At LATINICITY, 108 N. State St., 312-795-4444, latinicity.com, two celebrity chefs— specializes in simple, authen- Richard Sandoval and Jose Garces—combined forces to design a Latin-themed eatery. tic fare (pastas, pizzas, steak, Each counter (there are 10) at this Loop hub serves food inspired by Latin America, Spain, seafood, chicken), and every- and Portugal, with sandwiches (tortas and cocas), ceviche, Peruvian-style stir-fry, tacos, thing is made in-house, from soups, and salads, while an onsite sit-down restaurant, Pata Negra, serves Spanish tapas, the pasta to the gelato. An and the bar pours a mean margarita. extensive wine list and excel- And then there’s Mario Batali’s EATALY, lent cocktails complete the 43 E. Ohio St., 312-521-8700, eataly.com, meal. Brunch (Sat, Sun), B, L, D a temple to Italian cuisine in River daily $$$ North, where you can eat and drink your way around Gino’s East the 20-plus different 521 S. Dearborn St. restaurants and bars, 312-939-1818 feasting on fresh ginoseast.com pasta, pizza, Splurging on calories is an seafood, cheese, understatement when eating gelato, coffee, a deep-dish slice at Gino’s beer, and wine East, but you’ve got to do it. galore. • Thick, golden-crusted, drown- ing in cheese, and smothered in tomatoes (which are on top of the cheese), this casserole- style dish, served in a hefty, cast-iron pan, is as Chicago as it gets. Gino’s East has been Aloha Poke Co.’s P.Y.O.B. (Pack Your engorging bellies since 1966, Own Bowl) at Revival Food Hall and there are four locations around Chicago (and more in the suburbs). L, D daily $–$$ Malnati’s the best deep-dish Opart Thai House with meat dishes as well as Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria pizza in Chicago (and one of 1906 S. State St. vegetarian-friendly entrées. 805 S. State St. the most visible with 47 area 312-567-9898 L, D daily $ 312-786-1000 locations). Once you see the opartthai.com loumalnatis.com thick, golden crust, brushed Massaman curry ($10), tom Yolk If you’ve never tried Chicago with cornmeal and laden ka kai soup ($9), and curry 1120 S. Michigan Ave. deep dish, go to Lou Malnati’s. with scads of gooey cheese fried rice ($8) are comfort 312-789-9655 If you’ve only tried Chicago and thick sauce, your mouth food to the masses in Chi- eatyolk.com deep dish from other places, will want more, but your cago at Opart Thai House. For breakfast seekers, Yolk go to Lou Malnati’s. I’m stretched stomach will say no. This small Thai restaurant does a little of everything

Photo: Alain Milotti Photo: going to risk a war by calling L, D daily $ has an extensive menu filled and does it well, from

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 77 offal options—such as beef Get Your Goat heart tartare ($18) and chicken liver pâté ($13). IRL AND THE GOAT, 809 W. Randolph St., 312-492-6262, girlandthegoat.com, is While there is a solid wine list, the brainchild of celebrity chef Stephanie Izard (Top Chef winner in 2008), who’s beer is clearly the beverage Gas talented at creating exotic dishes like wood oven–roasted pig face ($16) or of choice, with an emphasis duck tongues ($16) as she is at more staid fare, such as hamachi crudo ($16), sautéed on German, Belgian, and green beans ($9), and a delectable bread selection. And, of course, there are a number of Austrian brews. Reservations goat options: goat liver mousse ($14), goat carpaccio ($13), and goat empanadas ($16). recommended. Brunch (Sat, If you don’t have a reservation, plan on having a couple of drinks at the bar as you Sun), D daily $$–$$$ wait for a table. For a more casual approach to goat (and other food), head across the street to LITTLE GOAT DINER, 820 W. Randolph, 312-888-3455, littlegoatchicago.com, Sepia Izard’s modern diner concept, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Entrées 123 N. Jefferson St. range from innovative upscale comfort—a sloppy joe made with goat ($13); waffles 312-441-1920 with peanut-butter butter, banana, and bacon-maple syrup ($13); nachos on home- sepiachicago.com made chips ($15)—to eyebrow-raising, such as the delectable french toast made with Sophisticated but without sweet onion brioche ($16). airs, Sepia sits in a former And to try Izard’s finesse with Asian fare, walk two blocks west to DUCK DUCK GOAT, 1890s print shop, and its vin- 857 W. Fulton Market, 312-902-DUCK (3825), duckduckgoatchicago.com, tage photos and glamorous a new hot spot that’s drawing crowds and praise. You can’t go chandeliers perfectly mix old wrong with anything here—the soup dumplings and fried rice with new. The seasonal menu are stellar, and there are plenty of brings together Mediterra- daring signature Izard options, nean, French, and American like wood-fired duck hearts influences, but regardless ($12) and ham sui gok— of what you choose, expect glutenous rice dumplings simple, fresh flavors to be the with goat filling ($10). The lowest common denomina- restaurant serves dinner tor. Tip: To save money, visit daily and dim sum at lunchtime. The menu has on Sunday from quite a bit of overlap with the 11 a.m. to dinner menu, but for far less. 4:30 p.m. • L (M–F), D daily $$–$$$

THE LOOP

Atwood 1 W. Washington St. Pork belly 312-368-1900 pancake at Little Goat atwoodrestaurant.com Diner Power lunchers know it’s best to make a reservation, even for lunch, when coming to Atwood. Situated in the the traditional (smoked WEST LOOP right at home here. Modeled lobby of the historic Reliance salmon platter, $14) to the AND NEAR WEST after a European beer hall, Building (a precursor to the froufrou (Nutella crepes, the Publican is a big, open modern skyscraper), this $12.50). Not up for break- The Publican room with a series of long is a comfort food favorite fast? Choose from soups, 837 W. Fulton Market St. wooden communal tables with a gourmet twist. Try salads, sandwiches, wraps, 312-733-9555 interspersed with individual the braised pork belly ($26), and burgers, with plenty of thepublicanrestaurant.com tables. The farm-to-table smoked trout dip ($10), and vegetarian-friendly options. Carnivores, pescetarians, menu is swine- and fish- chicken liver toast ($13).

B, L daily $ and beer lovers will feel centric, with a number of Thanks to the floor-to-ceiling Galdones Photography Photo:

78 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org windows looking out on State Mr. Brown’s Lounge and pairs well with a Red and a turkey chorizo burger Street, you can enjoy a side of 81 E. Wacker Pl. Stripe beer or a rum punch. ($14)—and seafood, steak, people watching with a craft 312-334-6760 Brunch (Sat, Sun), L (M–F), and chicken entreés that rival cocktail or two. Brunch (Sat, mrbrownslounge.com/ D daily $–$$ nearby upscale eateries. Grab Sun), B, L (M–F), D daily, $–$$ locations/the-loop a seat at the outdoor plaza This Jamaican restaurant has Park Grill and you can bask in the sun, The Berghoff spiced up downtown’s offer- 11 N. Michigan Ave. listen to live music, and ogle 17 W. Adams St. ings, with its craveable down- 312-521-PARK (7275) the hordes of visitors who 312-427-3170 home Caribbean fare, like parkgrillchicago.com flock to Millennium Park, aka theberghoff.com coco bread ($3), jerk chicken Since it sits in the heart of Chicago’s front yard. Brunch, This institution is renowned ($16), chicken stew ($15), Millennium Park, you’d think L, D daily $–$$$ for its hearty German fare, oxtail ($24), curried goat Park Grill would be a tourist like Wiener schnitzel ($22), ($19), burgers, sandwiches, trap that serves overpriced, Pastoral sauerbraten, ($18.50), and and more. Entrée portions mediocre food. Surprise! The 53 E. Lake St. encased meats galore, along are enormous, so you might food is fresh, honest, and 312-658-1250 with its own Berghoff beers want to share. Located on the varied, with inventive sand- pastoralartisan.com and root beer. For those less ground floor of the Hard Rock wiches and burgers—try the For a quick, on-the-go meal, inclined towards heavy Teu- Hotel, the setting is laid back lobster club sandwich ($22) you won’t do much better tonic food, salads, soups, and sandwiches are also available. Bedecked in intricate wood- work and stained glass, the turn-of-the-century décor is a throwback to the Chicago of yesterday. L, D (M–Sat) $–$$$

The Gage 24 S. Michigan Ave. 312-372-4243 thegagechicago.com This gastropub with a rollick- ing bar and quieter dining area is refined without feeling buttoned down. The Gage makes one of the best burgers in town, along with Afternoon tea a good mix of creative com- in the Pavilion at the Langham fort food like house-crafted sausages ($17), Thai coconut curry ($19), and fish and A Spot of Tea chips ($19); more daring f you’re shopping on the Magnificent Mile and feel like having an elegant afternoon offerings like the Scotch tea complete with finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries, the stately PALM COURT egg ($9) and spicy buffalo IAT THE DRAKE HOTEL, 140 E. Walton Pl., 312-787-2200, thedrakehotel.com, and the ribs ($18); and the requisite sophisticated beauty of the Lobby at the PENINSULA hotel, 108 E. Superior St., 312-573- but still delicious soups and 6695, peninsula.com, are a walk back in time to a more elegant age. For a modern tea salads. It’s popular for pre- or experience, surrounded by fine art, visit the Pavilion on the second floor of the LANGHAM, post-dinner drinks, with a 330 N. Wabash Ave., 312-923-9988, chicago.langhamhotels.com. long beer list that pays special For a more casual affair, the comfy LOBBY LOUNGE AT JW MARRIOTT, 151 W. Adams St., attention to local brews. As 312-660-8200, bit.ly/2p1Bfs5, serves high tea daily 2–4 p.m. (reservations required), and, you tipple, admire the elegant in a fun twist, all of the delectable snacks are served in tea boxes. And the appropriately tin ceiling, dark woods, and named RUSSIAN TEA TIME, 77 E. Adams St., 312-360-0000, russianteatime.com, serves debonair décor. Brunch (Sat, Russian snacks and tea options 2:30–4:30 p.m. daily in a setting that feels just a little bit

Photo: Derek Richmond Derek Photo: Sun), L (M–F), D daily $$–$$$ like The Shining. •

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 79 Let Them Eat Steak

hicago and steakhouses go hand in hand. Sure, Open for more than two decades, GIBSONS BAR there’s the meat-and-potatoes reputation of the AND STEAKHOUSE, 1028 N. Rush St., 312-266-8999, CMidwest, but there’s also that classic, leather-booth, gibsonssteakhouse.com, is still a see-and-be-seen scene in no-nonsense sensibility that comes to mind when thinking River North, delighting its trendy crowd with huge portions of the quintessential steakhouse—and the old days of Chi- of melt-in-your-mouth steaks, chops, and seafood, and cago. The biggest challenge: choosing just one. dangerously large martinis. First, the classics. Legendary Chicago restaurateur Arnie The belle-of-the-bovine-ball is CHICAGO CUT STEAK- Morton no longer prowls the dining room, but MORTON’S, HOUSE, 300 N. LaSalle St., 312-329-1800, chicagocut 1050 N. State St. (the original), 312-266-4820; or in the steakhouse.com, where, looking out on the Chicago River, Loop at 65 E. Wacker Place, 312-201-0410, mortons.com, gussied-up diners enjoy a creative take on the classic remains the king of the city’s old-guard steakhouses, serv- steakhouse menu: innovative sauces and glazes, an impres- ing up gargantuan wet-aged steaks and baked potatoes. sive seafood list, truffle scalloped potatoes ($16), and GENE & GEORGETTI, 500 N. Franklin St., 312-527-3718, decadent lobster mac and cheese ($22). geneandgeorgetti.com, is another blast from the past: a And hotel guests regularly choose to stay at the James longtime hangout for the city’s movers and shakers that’s because of the steakhouse attached: PRIMEHOUSE, 616 barely changed since it opened in 1941—and that’s exactly N. Rush St., 312-660-6000; jameshotel.com/chicago/ why the regulars like it. primehouse, where guests can enjoy wet- or dry-aged steaks in the leather-decked restaurant or have them Bone-in ribeye delivered via room service. Pro tip: Ask to see the aging at Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse room after your meal, and they’ll gladly accommodate. HARRY CARAY’S ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE, 33 W. Kinzie St., harrycarays.com, 312-828-0966, is a walk through the baseball diamond of yesteryear, brim- ming with relics from the collection of the famous Cubs announcer. You’ll find wet- and dry-aged steaks here, along with Italian classics like chicken parmigiana ($19) and chicken Vesuvio ($22)— another Chicago original. •

than Pastoral. This neighbor- a quick bite between meet- deviled eggs ($8). Made with seafood and other proteins. hood specialty shop peddles ings or for packing a picnic bacon, chives, and “mustard Cocktails, like the mezcal old wine, artisanal cheese, bread, and heading to the beach or seed caviar,” they’re nothing fashioned, are playful and and sandwiches and is a secret Millennium Park. L, D daily $ short of magical—a great delicious. Brunch (Sat, Sun), among in-the-know Chicago- start to any meal. The menu B, L (M–F), D daily $–$$$ ans who have embraced the South Water Kitchen here is loaded with comfort European-style, fresh-baked, 225 N. Wabash Ave. food favorites, like short ribs KATE SILVER made-to-order, handheld 312-236-9300 ($28), burgers ($20), and is a freelance writer living in meal. Quick and affordable, southwaterkitchen.com mac and cheese ($7). The Chicago.

Pastoral is an easy stop for Whatever you do, order the chef also works wonders with Italian Steakhouse Harry Caray’s Photo:

80 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Banned Books Week September 24–30, 2017

Spotlight censorship and highlight the power of words with these striking banned book products. Banned Books Week encourages readers to learn about modern censorship and celebrate their First Amendment right to read freely. By uniting literary communities across the world with local programs and displays, this annual event emphasizes the joys of unrestricted reading and the harms of removing books from communal shelves. Ignite conversations and support literary liberties with these vivid graphics during Banned Books Week—and every other day of the year. For more information about Banned Books Week, please visit www.ala.org/bbooks.

Words Have Power Bookmark

Words Have Power Poster

I Read Banned Books Tote

Words Have Power Buttons

Words Have Power Stickers Banned Books: Defending Field Report 2016: Our Freedom to Read Banned and Challenged Books

Shop for these items and more at alastore.ala.org/bbw Offbeat

A Windy City illis Tower, Navy Pier, the Art Institute— Wthey’re all well worth a visit, but surely summer guide you don’t need us to direct you there. Instead, the American Libraries staff offers a bevy of off- from the staff of the-beaten-path ideas for enjoying your time in American Libraries the Windy City. Each lies within a reasonable public transit or taxi/ridesharing trip from

BY Anne Ford McCormick Place.

82 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org In downtown’s Millennium Park, the Frank Gehry– 1 designed JAY PRITZKER PAVILION offers free outdoor concerts. On the evening of June 23 or 24, bring a picnic and enjoy the strains of Stravinsky’s The Firebird, performed by renowned American pianist Conrad Tao (grantparkmusicfestival.com). Not a classical-music fan? June 22 brings a concert by folk group Hurray for the Riff Raff and folk-rocker Matthew Santos; June 26 sees performances by jazz band Jaga Jazzist and electro-African group AfrotroniX.

In the Loop? The CHICAGO CULTURAL 2 CENTER (chicagoculturalcenter.org) is well worth a pop inside. This enormous, stunning 19th-century landmark once housed the city’s main library; now it’s an arts and culture center that offers free exhibitions as well as music, dance, and theater performances. You’ll definitely want to wander into its Preston Bradley Hall, home of the largest Tiffany dome in the world. For the serious historical and architectural scoop, there are free tours on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 1:15 p.m.

As you might guess from its name, THE WICKER 3 PARK SECRET AGENT SUPPLY CO. (secretagent supply.com) is a quirky boutique full of spy-themed gag gifts, such as a bottle opener shaped like In the Lower West Side neighborhood of The Legacy a shoe, earbuds that make the wearer Pilsen, the NATIONAL MUSEUM OF of Manifest 5 Destiny by look like a Secret Service agent, and MEXICAN ART (nationalmuseum Marcos Raya an “emergency bow tie” (for those of mexican art.org) holds a last-minute disguises). But this trove of gorgeous secret-agent shop has a secret and fascinating of its own: Every item sold sup- works from both ports 826CHI, a nonprofit that helps sides of the US– students age 6–18 develop their Mexico border and from writing skills. many time periods. In the folk art collection, the Día de los Muer- Think you know what Chicago- tos (Day of the Dead) items are a special 4 style pizza is like? Think again. favorite. Admission is free. Afterward, on nice days, Tavern-style pizza, which features a thin, crunchy it’s fun to take the 25-minute walk to DÍA DE LOS crust and square slices, is a lesser-known favorite of TAMALES (diadelostamales.com), a tiny storefront

´ the City That Works. Find it at FOX'S RESTAURANT restaurant specializing in tamales both innovative (buf- AND PUB (foxsrestaurant.com) in Beverly, where falo chicken with blue cheese) and traditional (spicy

Photos: Dia De Los Tamales (tamale); Marcos Raya (painting); Christopher Neseman (concert) Christopher (painting); Raya Marcos (tamale); Tamales Dia De Los Photos: each pie comes with pleasingly crispy edges. black bean and corn).

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 83 In the historic Bronzeville neighborhood, 6 GALLERY GUICHARD (galleryguichard.com) showcases art from the African diaspora. Housed in a former Borden’s dairy, the gallery features works from painters, sculptors, and other artists from all over the world. Just down the street, PEACH’S ON 47TH (peachson47th.com) is famous for comfort-food breakfasts and lunches, like shrimp and cheese grits or peach-bourbon french toast.

At the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven of the 7 PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM (bit.ly/butterflyhaven), more than 1,000 exotic Hidden in the South Side’s Jackson Park butterflies representing 40-some species flutter their 9 lies THE GARDEN OF THE PHOENIX gorgeous wings, occasionally landing on visitors’ heads (gardenofthephoenix.org), a small Japanese garden or shoulders for a spell. Scattered benches make it easy originally built to house a temple that served as the to sit and soak up the tropical ambience. Japanese Pavilion at the 1893 Columbian Exposition (the world’s fair featured in Erik Larson’s The Devil in CHINATOWN is a destination in itself, great the White City). The temple is long gone, but visitors 8 for buying gifts, candy, bubble tea, and K-pop can still enjoy strolling among cherry trees, alongside albums. The best dim sum (in our staffer’s peaceful waterways, and across a beautiful curved opinion, at least) is found at PHOENIX bridge. Note that the garden is easily reached from RESTAURANT (chinatownphoenix.com); the public parking lot of the MUSEUM OF SCIENCE on weekends, those in the know arrive AND INDUSTRY (msichicago.org). early to avoid lines. On nice days, a ride on a CHICAGO WATER TAXI It’s well worth it to call ahead for a tour of (chicagowatertaxi.com) from China- 10 WILLIE DIXON’S BLUES HEAVEN FOUN- town to the Magnificent Mile DATION (bluesheaven.com), a nonprofit housed makes for a cheap ($5 one in the former studio of Chess Records—the seminal way), scenic adventure. blues, soul, gospel, and rock ’n roll label that recorded everyone from Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf to Etta James and Chuck Berry. See original recording equipment and memorabilia while you bask in the music- soaked ambience.

If you’re visiting Willis Tower, consider combin- 11 ing it with a stop to nearby LOU MITCHELL’S (loumitchellsrestaurant.com), a diner that was founded in 1923 and has shown no signs of stopping since. Expect silver-dollar pancakes, Denver omelets, patty melts, and other classics. And don’t be surprised to be welcomed with a few Milk Duds—it’s a sweet tradition that started with “Uncle Lou” many decades ago. The restaurant’s location near the beginning of US

Route 66 is a bonus for history buffs. (garden) H. Christensen (taxi); Dan Perry Marvin (Chinatown); David Photos:

84 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Those fascinated by the excesses of the Gilded Located in the historic Water Tower Water Works 12 Age will love the RICHARD H. DRIEHAUS 14 on the Magnificent Mile, LOOKINGGLASS MUSEUM (driehausmuseum.org), housed in an THEATRE COMPANY (lookingglasstheatre.org) is 1883 mansion once home to an exceedingly wealthy known for ambitious, visually spectacular performances. Chicago banker. Located just two blocks off the From June 7 to September 3, it’s featuring Moby Dick, a Magnificent Mile (and around the corner from the reimagined and compelling rendition of Herman Mel- headquarters of the American Library Association), ville’s epic tale. the museum holds a vast collection of sumptuous furnishings and artworks, including a silver Tiffany & Just south of McCormick Place, at 2400 S. Co. punch bowl first exhibited at the 1893 Colum- 15 Lake Shore Drive, sits the MCCORMICK bian Exposition. BIRD SANCTUARY (bit.ly/chibirds), a haven for wildflowers, migrating birds, and the people who North of downtown sits the INTERNATIONAL love them. The best way to get there: by foot on the 13 MUSEUM OF SURGICAL SCIENCE (imss.org), Chicago Lakefront Trail. It’s hard to believe that the only museum in North America dedicated to the these six lovely acres sit on top of one of McCormick history of surgery. Okay, it might not be for visitors Place’s own parking garages. who get queasy easily—but for the rest of us, it’s a

Photos: Alexander Vertikoff (Driehaus); Laura C. Gooch (bird) Laura (Driehaus); Vertikoff Alexander Photos: fascinating look at medicine through the ages. ANNE FORD is American Libraries editor-at-large.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 85 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Beautiful Music Together Libraries preserving and promoting local music

ost libraries have collected movement, some libraries have built music for decades. When I recording studios that allow patrons to was a teenager with limited record professional-quality audio. The funds, the public library in Crossroads Studio at the Texas Tech offered me the opportunity practice Libraries has a professional recording Mto explore genres and artists I probably BY Meredith Farkas studio with a sound engineer to ensure a would never have taken the risk to buy polished product (bit.ly/2ob38Nc). at a store. While the formats in which Libraries even circulate musical instru- libraries collect music have evolved over downloads of any local album in its col- ments. Richmond (Va.) Public Library time, many libraries are still focused on lection to library patrons (music.icpl.org). and Girls Rock! RVA partnered to offer providing a diverse music selection similar They simply select the album they want, kids ages 8–18 the opportunity to check to what you’d get at a music retailer. log in with their library card number and out a variety of musical instruments from I live in Portland, Oregon, which has password, and download a file with all their Free Richmond Instrument Lend- a thriving music scene with many artists the songs on it. Compared to other library ing Library (girlsrockrva.org/frill). For achieving national recognition. Local digital media services, the transaction is children who might not yet know what music has great value to the cultural fabric easy, and the files do not expire or contain instrument they want to pursue, the of a city or town, and libraries can play an digital rights management. opportunity to try out different instru- important role in collecting, supporting, Madison (Wis.) Public Library’s local ments can be invaluable. and promoting it. music collection, Yahara Music Library In addition to offering keyboards, gui- The D.C. Public Library’s D.C. Punk (yahara music.org), offers a slick inter- tars, and amplifiers for checkout, the Ann Archive (dclibrary.org/punk) not only pre- face where cardholders can both stream Arbor (Mich.) District Library circulates serves artifacts and music from the area’s and download local music. In addition musical tools like drum machines, distor- longstanding punk scene, it also offers pro- to opening the source code from the tion pedals, and sequencers (aadl.org/ gramming featuring lectures and concerts project (github.com/therabble/yahara), musictools). These offer local musicians the by local artists (see “Punk at the Library,” the developers host the local platform ability to test out tools and even use them May, p. 16). At the University of Louisville MUSICat (musicat.co) for public libraries for performances. The Hillsboro (Oreg.) in Kentucky, the Louisville Underground in Edmonton, Alberta; Nashville, Tennes- Public Library even circulates a theremin, Music Archive (library.louisville.edu/ see; and Seattle. among other more common and analog archives/luma) collects music and materi- Another way libraries can support instruments (bit.ly/alhblot), as part of its als related to the rock scene in the city since local music is by helping their patrons Library of Things collection (see p. 48). the 1970s. These libraries are preserving make music. As part of the makerspace Libraries are often the cultural hubs of valuable parts of their cities’ cultures and our communities, so supporting and shar- are also building archival collections that Some libraries ing local music feels like a natural fit. It will engage future generations. also might engage and attract new mem- Libraries can also play a role in dissemi- have built recording bers of the community who value music nating local music to their patrons. Plenty over other forms of cultural expression. of libraries collect CDs by local artists to studios that allow circulate to patrons. In recent years, some MEREDITH FARKAS is a faculty librarian at patrons to record Portland (Oreg.) Community College and libraries have taken it a step further by a lecturer at San José (Calif.) State Uni- licensing music from local musicians and professional- versity School of Information. She blogs offering it to patrons for digital download. at Information Wants to Be Free. Email: The Iowa City Public Library offers free quality audio. [email protected]

86 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

From Theory to Practice A quantitative approach to collection evaluation

n the current digital landscape, library of titles in the subscription, and the users require access to electronic degree of title overlap. content for learning, teaching, and Effectiveness indicators. Evaluate research purposes. Information needs the cost of a product against its value to often surpass available resources, dispatches users. One example is calculating the cost Iand librarians must provide evidence to BY Melissa Goertzen per use of an e-journal subscription by justify purchases or requests for budget comparing the total cost against usage increases. By using quantitative methods and turnaway statistics (instances of users like cost analysis to document collection Quantitative analysis begins with being denied access to a resource). use and impact, managers can demon- informed questions about collections or Domain measures. Examine the strate how collection development ini- services. Build a foundation of knowledge community a library serves. Examples tiatives align with patron needs and the about the library system to bring focus include the size and demographics of the overarching goals of library administrators and relevance to the study. Consider the user community, attributes (for example, or funding agencies. following categories of information: the number of undergraduate vs. graduate The term “quantitative analysis” can ■ the mission and identity of the library students), and information needs. seem daunting. But like many other ■ available resources Finally, create a research road map that professionals, I developed research skills ■ the characteristics of stakeholders tracks the moving pieces of a quantitative on the job and jumped at any opportu- ■ available facilities and equipment investigation. Points to include are the nity to learn about quantitative methods. ■ descriptions of relevant services project goal (what you hope to learn) One of the challenges I faced was how to Next, locate data sources that provide and objective (the steps you will take to make sense of data sources and use them the necessary ingredients for a quanti- achieve your goal), a timeline, data col- in ways that support effective decision tative investigation. For example, many lection and analysis methods, and a list of making. Over a period of four years, I local and external data sources can be project deliverables. experimented with many research tools classified according to performance Quantitative data sets can be examined and how they can help evaluate electronic measures that answer the what or how of from a variety of perspectives. Frame collections. I learned that quantitative a quantitative research question. emerging trends into a story that can be analysis doesn’t have to be intimidating. Collection input and output mea- shared with stakeholders. Background In the most basic terms, quantitative sures. Examine the cost of collection knowledge of the patron community methods are concerned with collecting materials and the quantity of items and library system serves as a compass; data that is structured, represented received. An example is recording the cost use this insight to analyze results and numerically, and answers the what or how of an e-journal subscription, the number strengthen local collections. All data of a given situation. Research questions collected through quantitative inves- are direct, quantifiable, and often contain Quantitative tigation provides a baseline for future phrases such as: What percentage? To evaluation—each project provides a what extent? How many? How much? analysis begins deeper understanding of collections and Measurements like counts, proportions, their value to patrons. and relationships provide the means to with informed quantify variables, such as the number MELISSA GOERTZEN is collection devel- of patrons who use a service or product. questions about opment analysis and support librarian at Columbia University Libraries. Adapted from The results can help examine attitudes collections or “Applying Quantitative Methods to Ebook and behaviors, document trends, or verify Collections,” Library Technology Reports anecdotal information. services. vol. 53, no. 4 (May/June).

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 87 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Inclusive Storytimes Create a space that welcomes all families

hen kids in LGBTQ who have written about their LGBTQ fam- families read stories ilies, growing up as a transgender kid, and that reflect their expe- being adopted. Author-themed programs riences, it helps them youth have also been well attended at our center, create connections matters like the storytime where we read a few Wwith literature and develop positive self- BY Megan Roberts of Parr’s books and then had kids create esteem. In addition, children who hear brightly colored family portraits to take stories about people who are different home. An added bonus is that you might from them—those who have two mom- continue to omit them if you are putting on attract people who are fans of the featured mies or are from another part of the a puppet show with these two characters. author but don’t regularly use your library. world, for example—develop empathy Suggested books for storytime can be If planning an event for June seems too and an understanding about themselves found on ALA’s Rainbow Book List (bit.ly/ immediate, Banned Books Week (Septem- and others. 1DCeNHp), but don’t overlook other ber 24–30) is another fitting opportunity The month of June, which is both Pride books in your collection. For instance, to host an LGBTQ storytime, as many of Month and the American Library Asso- books with ambiguous animal families, the picture books that make the Office for ciation’s (ALA) GLBT Book Month, is a like Emma Dodd’s Love You Books series, Intellectual Freedom’s annual list of top perfect time to celebrate the voices and are a great way to include stories about 10 most challenged books contain LGBTQ experiences of the LGBTQ community. how much a child is loved without exclud- characters or themes (bit.ly/1g8sxbH). If I founded Family Storytime at the ing same-sex parents, single parents, or Banned Books Week is already a big pro- LGBT Center of Raleigh (N.C.) Library grandparents raising grandchildren. gram at your library, adding storytimes with Director Erin Iannacchione in 2012, If you are ready to host an LGBTQ for titles such as And Tango Makes Three by after noticing there were few opportuni- family storytime this month, you could Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell can ties for LGBTQ families and allies in our read the pride-parade picture book This build on the success of something your community to get together in a safe and Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman and Kris- library already does. supportive environment. While offering tyna Litten, or invite a drag queen to come If you are able to offer an LGBTQ a program at an LGBT center is a unique read stories. If you are unsure how to story time or to have a presence at your experience, many things we do can be book a drag queen for your event, ask for local pride parade, by all means do. But if replicated in any library, whether the only suggestions from an LGBTQ organization that is not a reality for your library, don’t LGBTQ picture book in your collection in your community or a local nightclub. assume you can’t do anything. Pick one is Todd Parr’s The Family Book or your Some of our most popular events at the inclusive measure to incorporate at your library hosts drag queen storytimes. LGBT Center are visits from local authors library. We all start somewhere, and we Using inclusive language is an easy way can all be welcoming to all families. to make a library program more welcom- Using gender-neutral ing to everyone. Changing out names in MEGAN ROBERTS is a founder of Family Sto- rhymes, puppet shows, or flannel stories names and replacing rytime at the LGBT Center of Raleigh Library for gender-neutral names and replacing and a youth services manager at Wake pronouns with proper names are exam- pronouns with proper County Public Libraries in North Carolina. ples of little things that can make a big Tips in this article were taken from a session that Roberts presented with Jamie Campbell difference for a parent or child in the names are little Naidoo, associate professor at University of audience. Think about Mo Willems’s Ele- things that can make Alabama’s School of Library and Information phant and Piggie series: There are almost Studies, at the 2017 ALA Midwinter Meeting & no pronouns in these books, and you can a big difference. Exhibits in Atlanta.

88 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org joblist.ala.org Your #1 source for job openings in Library and Information Science and Technology

LIBRARY DIRECTOR/MEDIA SPECIALIST— THE ONLINE DATABASE FOR LANGUAGE, Delbarton School, a 7–12 all-boys, Catholic LITERATURE, LINGUISTICS, AND MORE independent school (www.delbarton.org) in Morristown, New Jersey, seeks a library director/media specialist to develop a dynamic research and information program. The librarian/director of library and information services is responsible for all aspects What You Get from the Free Tutorial Videos at of the school’s library programs and facil- MLA International www.mla.org/bibtutorials ities, supervises library staff, and endeav- Bibliography Concise tutorial videos that ors to ensure that the library’s academic focus on specific features and technology resources complement, • global coverage of print and help researchers at all levels enhance, and extend Delbarton’s educa- e-books, journals, scholarly make the most of their library tional program. Essential duties include Web sites, translations, and curating resources, developing information more subscriptions. literacy curriculum, assisting teachers and • full-text retrieval through link Suggest a tutorial topic students in individual and group settings, resolvers, DOIs, and other by contacting us at and advancing the school’s technology direct links [email protected]. program. Bachelor’s degree required. Mas- ter’s degree in Library Science, Information • indexing by subject experts Coming soon: Studies, or a similar field strongly preferred. free teaching tools! Additional degree in Education a plus. • access to bibliography Ability to substantially contribute to the metadata to support school’s co-curricular program also a plus. institutional repositories Subscribe Today! Contact Anne Leckie, Dean of Faculty, at Ask about special pricing • free access to the MLA [email protected] with cover letter, for institutions where Directory of Periodicals résumé, and recommendations. English is not the principal language of instruction. CONTACT [email protected]; 800-545-2433; EBSCO Publishing Carrie Smith, ext. 4216. Career Leads, Did you know? Your users 800 653-2726 American Libraries, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, can use the bibliography to www.ebscohost.com IL 60611; fax 312-280-2520. enhance their ORCID profile at biblink.mla.org ProQuest 800 521-0600 www.proquest.com The most accurate and compre- Gale Cengage Learning hensive database in the humanities. 800 877-4253 The award-winning source for jobs in Library and Information Science and Technology Brought to you by the Modern www.gale.cengage.com Language Association (MLA). joblist.ala.org

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 89 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Know Thyself Tools to help you make a change

here are several moments in “Mindfulness” is a hot word the year when many of us feel right now. In Becoming a Reflec- an urge to reflect on personal tive Librarian and Teacher: goals, assess skills, and make librarian’s Strategies for Mindful Academic resolutions toward personal and library Practice, Michelle Reale main- Tprofessional growth. The obvious times BY Karen Muller tains that mindfulness goes with intention are the new years: calendar, fiscal, school, to produce reflection. (See our feature on cultural. Another is an employment anni- mindfulness, p. 44.) She defines reflection versary date. For me, the ALA Annual and taking on an appointment in an inter- as a deliberate and intentional thought Conference has always been among my national library. The result is something process that leads to an assessment of how restarting points. Presentations are inspir- of an instruction manual for Americans one works. Once there is honest reflection, ing. New products shine in the exhibit working outside the US. The authors it is possible to forge new ways forward. hall, and conversations with colleagues begin with tips on finding available jobs The chapters move through the process of spark ideas for new ways to address old and how to complete the application pro- becoming reflective and incorporating the challenges back at the shop. Here, then, cess. They cover the basics of the job offer, practice into one’s daily work, beginning are some recent titles to encourage profes- visa requirements, and moving prepara- with ways to get started, exhortations to sional reassessment. tions. Chapters on living abroad provide be consistent, and the usefulness of jour- pointers on how to negotiate mail, money, naling. Reale explores what seems to be an This first book grew out of a schools, social life, health care, and cul- inherent conflict between reflection and 2014 ALA Annual Conference ture shock, using anecdotes and tips from the pressure to be results-oriented, but she presentation. Taking Your MLIS a lengthy roster of other expat library maintains that reflection is an important Abroad: Getting and Succeeding workers. Finally, they address ending the part of the evaluation cycle. New actions in an International Library international engagement and returning will emerge because of reflection, result- Job, by Lara Seven Phillips and Katherine home, which again can result in culture ing in positive changes that benefit the G. Holvoet, both of whom have worked shock. Libraries Unlimited, 2016. 250 P. $50. PBK. work team or classroom. ALA Editions, 2017. overseas, explains the process of landing 978-1-4408-5021-9. (Also available as an ebook.) 144 P. $57. PBK. 978-0-8389-1529-5.

THE BESTSELLERS LIST

TOP 3 IN PRINT 1 | The Makerspace 2 | Fundamentals of 3 | Stories, Songs, and Librarian’s Sourcebook Electronic Resources Stretches! Creating edited by Ellyssa Kroski Management by Alana Playful Storytimes with Packed with instruction and Verminski and Kelly Marie Yoga and Movement advice from the field’s most Blanchat by Katie Scherrer tech-savvy innovators, this hands-on This guide to ERM fundamentals is A complete guide for those who serve sourcebook includes everything libraries invaluable, both as a primer for those young children, this book from accom- need to know about the major topics, preparing to enter the field and as a plished library trainer Katie Scherrer tools, and technologies relevant to ready reference for current practitioners. shows how to use yoga and movement to maker spaces today. create fun, active storytimes.

90 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Have you perhaps reached a agents working within an organization). discovery with deep roots in the concepts “leadership crisis point”? Alan We work with the results of the librarian of service, access, and freedom to pursue Willett, author of Leading the entrepreneurs every day, often in their interests of all kinds.” In short chapters Unleadable: How to Manage evolved form: MARC, Reader’s Guide to grouped around themes of skills, environ- Mavericks, Cynics, Divas, and Periodical Literature, and Dewey Decimal mental scanning, curriculum, commu- Other Difficult People, defines it as the Classification, to name a few. Librarian nities of practice, and library learning, point at which being in charge is a trudge, intrapreneurs seek to expand services in Stephens touches on some of the same not an opportunity for continued personal innovative ways, such as a scalable local issues as our other writers. He explores growth. Leadership involves bringing history digitization project at McCracken reflective practice, encourages keeping up people along a path, whether they are County (Ky.) Public Library. The authors with change, supports taking the initiative individuals, teams, shareholders, or review intrapreneurial qualities from to lead change, and aggressively pro- funders. The initial chapters detail how several perspectives, from characteristics motes continuous learning—the process to change one’s mind-set from discour- defined in general management litera- of gleaning information from all sources, agement to one that projects exceptional ture (the five Ps: passion, perseverance, whether formal or grassroots. ALA Editions, leadership. They are followed by tips on promotion, planning, and professional- 2016. 176 P. $48. PBK. 978-0-8389-1454-0. (Also identifying what issues might be impeding ization) to lists of successful change-agent available as an ebook.) your leadership abilities and how to work characteristics (enthusiasm; an ability through them to find opportunities for to collaborate well; and being a trouble- Sometimes, the strength to improvement, set expectations, balance shooter, proactive, and a communicator). forge ahead professionally competing forces, and remove those From this foundation, the authors discuss will be found in other ways. persons impeding your team’s mission. ways to create an intrapreneurial culture SereKNITy: Peaceful Projects American Management Association, 2016. 240 P. and make it successful through salesman- to Soothe and Inspire, by Nikki Van De Car, $17.95. PBK. 978-0-8144-3760-5 (Also available as ship, teambuilding, and solid implemen- is a delightful collection of knitting and an ebook.) tation. Libraries Unlimited, 2017. 153 P. $55. PBK. crocheting projects with inspiring names, 978-1-6106-9528-2. (Also available as an ebook.) such as “reclaim,” “simplicity,” and “lei- Intrapreneurship Handbook for sure.” The last is an important bit of work– Librarians: How to Be a Change In this collection of essays, The life balance. Visit your local public library Agent in Your Library, by Arne Heart of Librarianship: Atten- for other books to inspire your leisure! J. Almquist and Sharon G. tive, Positive, and Purposeful Running Press, 2017. 120 P. $20.99. PBK. 978-0-7624- Almquist, begins with a history Change, blogger and columnist 6191-2. (Also available as an ebook.) of librarians as both entrepreneurs (who Michael Stephens addresses work on a project outside established learning. He says that learning is “a cycli- KAREN MULLER is librarian and knowledge institutions) and intrapreneurs (change cal process of support, engagement, and management specialist for the ALA library.

The To p -Selling Books from ALA Publishing (Since April 1, 2017)

TOP 3 IN EBOOKS 1 | The Successful 2 | Intellectual 3 | The Weeding Library Trustee Hand- Freedom Manual, Handbook: A Shelf- book, 2nd edition 9th edition by Trina by-Shelf Guide by Mary Y. Moore Magi, editor, and Martin by Rebecca Vnuk This resource offers proven Garnar, assistant editor, Filled with field-tested, advice about what it takes to make for ALA’s Office for Intel- no-nonsense strategies to effectively everything from meetings to evaluations lectual Freedom weed any collection of any size, this run smoothly and addresses the critical An indispensable resource for day-to-day handbook will enable libraries to maintain questions every board member needs to guidance on maintaining free and equal a collection that users actually use. understand. access to information for all people.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 91 Spacesaver cantilever shelving units on casters at the Glendale branch of the Salt Lake City Public Library

mobile shelving has also been adapted for other types of library projects, such as the library store in Seattle’s Central Library, which closes into a self-contained box when not in use, conserving space and protecting merchandise. With recycled steel construction and end panels with recycled material options, Spacesaver shelving can also contribute to a building’s LEED credits. Powder coating is available in a range of colors, and end-panel materials and finishes are fully customizable. Spacesaver also gives free space assessments, addressing Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, Extend Your Space HVAC systems, fire codes, seismic regulations, and other concerns. Flexible shelving, modular designs, More information is available at and lighting for your library bit.ly/spacesavershelves.

Cocoon Media Lounge s libraries expand their with changing needs. It has a range The Cocoon Media Lounge from services and adjust of interchangeable accessories— BCI creates a room within a room. collections to current pull-out shelves, media hangers, Lounges provide a semi-enclosed demands, flexible and slat-wall add-ons—and can area where louder activities can and adaptable spaces also accommodate larger changes. take place without disturbing other Abecome increasingly important. You can mount its shelving onto library users, offering a place for While capacity and storage prob- casters to make it easily movable children to play or watch TV, for lems are most often addressed to create open spaces for events people to play videogames, or for during remodeling, there are ways or other library services. The new study groups to work. to distinguish your floor plan and A-frame cantilever display shelving The standard models include highlight your collections on a for media display units is a smaller, lounges for kids, computers, smaller scale. These products can modular version of the full-sized gaming, and work. The kid and help expand and diversify your shelving, and can be adapted to computer lounges are available usable space and improve the over- store a variety of media in a user- in large and extra large, with all feel of your library. friendly format or modified into a seating on one (large) or both book cart. (extra large) sides of the lounge. Spacesaver cantilever As your storage needs grow, you The gaming lounge includes a shelving can mount existing static shelving screen mount across from a bench Spacesaver’s cantilever library onto a compact mobile storage seating area and a box to store and shelving has the ability to evolve system. Spacesaver’s compact lock gaming devices. The working

92 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org SUBMISSIONS To have a new product considered, contact Carrie Smith at [email protected].

Vode Highlights Libbie Mill Library

How does your library use USERS: Jerry McKenna, Vode lighting? We use Vode library director, and Deb- in two ways. Vode’s WingRail orah Lammers, library Stack 117 provides direct manager; Libbie Mill lighting for materials through- Library, Henrico, Virginia out the library. It is integrated PRODUCT: Vode lighting into all the freestanding A-frame shelving located in DETAILS: Vode produces the adult and children’s areas modular and linear archi- of the building and attached tectural lighting for public to the wall directly above wall- and private buildings. lounge—available in two versions, Cocoon Media Lounge mounted shelving in the adult, premium and exclusive—includes teen, and periodicals areas. a center table and integrated In addition, Vode’s BoxRail Ceiling Cable 107 provides ambient indi- ceiling spots. The exclusive version also includes screen support, a rect lighting in large sections of the building. cable plug-in, and a back wall for How does Vode lighting serve your library’s needs? Vode lighting additional privacy. The smallest serves two important purposes for us. First, shelf-mounted light- lounge measures roughly seven ing is close to the materials, so it highlights the collection in a way feet tall, eight feet wide, and six that ceiling lights never could. This enables us to do more effective feet deep. Lounges can be custom- merchandising and face-out display of materials. Combined with ized for other functions, such as A-frame shelving, even materials on the bottom shelves are well-lit 3D printing. and easy for users to discover. We believe the improved lighting is Each lounge is built around a one of the reasons circulation increased more than 63%. basic modular design and made of Second, Vode lighting helps with energy conservation white melamine-coated particle for the building. This design allows the lighting to be board. Libraries can add custom closer to where it is needed. In addition, the lights are graphics to the outside to advertise motion- and daylight-sensitive; when there isn’t any the space. The sound-dampening wool-felt interior comes in three use, the lights automatically shut off. standard colors—purple, green, What are the main benefits? We have received many and gray—though other colors are compliments about the use of the integrated lighting available upon request. The inte- and shelving throughout the building. The suspended rior can also be customized with ambient lighting is gentle on the eyes. It creates a more upward lighting, various types of pleasant environment for library users and is appreciated IT equipment, and LED spots. by library staff who work in it for many hours a day. The lounges are designed to integrate with BCI’s Ratio shelving Vode lighting at the What would you like to see improved or added? Careful attention Libbie Mill Library and browser systems, allowing the must be paid to installation of the shelf-mounted lighting. When lounges to sit among and draw the library first opened, we received complaints from library users attention to collection materials. who felt it shined too directly into their eyes. The design architect Find more information on the noticed that the adjustable wings of the lights were not installed Cocoon Media Lounge at bit.ly/ at the correct angle. After adjusting the angle, we received no bcicocoon. Photo: Chris Cunningham Photography (Vode) Chris Cunningham Photography Photo: further complaints. •

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 93 ON THE MOVE PROMOTIONS

In March Laura Anthony joined San Fort Vancouver (Wash.) Regional Diego Public Library’s Rancho Bernardo In April Margie Library District promoted Susan Bar- branch as youth services librarian. Farmer, librarian rows to branch manager of La Center supervisor at Pima Community Library in April. March 1 Jason Casden was appointed County (Ariz.) Ilisaġvik College in Barrow, Alaska, head of software development at the Public Library’s ˙ promoted Christie Burke to director of University of North Carolina at Chapel Joel D. Valdez Tuzzy Consortium Library in February. Hill Library. Main Library, received the Presi- dential Citation from the League Northwest Regional Library in Corinth, Jessica Christian became manager of United Latin American Citizens Mississippi, promoted Dee Hare to of Aiken County (S.C.) Public Library for dedication to bettering the director in April. in March. lives of youth through community March 20 the Library of Congress pro- investment and education. Emily Correa joined Staunton River moted Grant Harris to chief of the Euro- Memorial Library in Altavista, Virginia, Kimber L. Fender, pean Division. as public services librarian in April. Eva Jane Romaine Beverly (Mass.) Public Library promoted Coombe Direc- Anna Langstaff to director in April. Shay Glass joined Ridgefield (Conn.) tor of the Public Library’s Lodewick Children’s Library in Library of Cincin- C. C. Mellor Memorial Library in Edge- March as children’s librarian. nati and Hamilton wood, Pennsylvania, promoted Erin County, received Ohio Library Pierce to director March 1. In March Melanie Goad became chil- Council’s A. Chapman Parsons dren’s librarian at Pope County (Ark.) Award March 29 in recognition of Randolph Township (N.J.) Free Public Library System. significant activity or accomplish- Library promoted Lore Reinhart to director February 27. Fort Vancouver (Wash.) Regional ment in government relations. • Library District appointed Jennifer Pinson (Ala.) Public Library promoted Hauan as branch manager of Woodland Allison Scanlan to director in March. Community Library in April. March 9 Frank Rees Greg Landgraf joined Greene County joined New York State RETIREMENTS (Ohio) Public Library as web content Library’s Division of specialist April 10. Library Development as April 1 Christina D. Baum a library development retired as director of April 10 Grant Lynch became chief specialist. libraries at Southern administrative officer at Columbus Connecticut State Uni- (Ohio) Metropolitan Library. Kimberly Shotick became assistant versity in New Haven. dean for user services and outreach In March Pat Cirone retired as director March 16 Pima (Ariz.) County Public at the Illinois Institute of Technology at Beverly (Mass.) Public Library. Library appointed Amber Mathewson Paul V. Galvin Library in Chicago library director. in February. Lynn Cline retired as head of collection development at Missouri State Univer- Clare Miller became director at Wash- Kristen Stevens became manager of sity’s Meyer Library in Springfield in ington (Mo.) Public Library April 17. San Bernardino County (Calif.) Library’s March. Highland branch March 8. Chelsea Ordner became director of Loretta Farley retired as senior branch Stonington (Conn.) Historical Society’s February 22 Della Yeager became manager at the Laguna Niguel branch Richard W. Woolworth Library and director of Choteau/Teton (Mont.) of Orange County (Calif.) Public Research Center in March. Public Library. Libraries March 16.

94 June 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org SUBMISSIONS Send notices and photographs to Amy Carlton, [email protected].

MORE ONLINE americanlibrariesmagazine.org/currents

Joe Gabriel retired as manager of the Monograph Acquisitions and Copy Cataloging Americas and Europe I unit at Harvard University Libraries in Cam- bridge, Massachusetts, March 31. Edwin S. Gleaves, 81, Tennessee state librarian and archivist from 1987 Pat Leaming, librarian at the Free until 2005, died March 7. He had previously served as head librarian and Library of Philadelphia’s Chestnut Hill assistant professor of English at Lipscomb University in Nashville, and branch, retired in May. English professor and director of the School of Library Science at Peabody College, also in Nashville. The Tennessee Library Association established a William McMullin retired as director of scholarship in his name in 2004. Northwest Regional Library in Corinth, Mississippi, in April. David R. Hoffman, 83, former acting Pennsylvania state librarian, died March 7. Hoffman started his career as a reference assistant at Dayton March 17 Tara O’Reilly retired as head (Ohio) Public Library. He also worked at the Wisconsin Free Library Com- librarian at Santa Barbara (Calif.) Public mission and as Montana’s state librarian. He served as head of technical Library’s Carpinteria branch. information in the American Library Association’s (ALA) Library Technology Amy Paget retired as Project and as assistant director of ALA’s International Relations Office. He assistant county librarian joined Pennsylvania State Library’s Library Development Bureau in 1975, at Tippecanoe County became director of the state library in 1981, and served as acting state (Ind.) Public Library librarian 1987–1988. April 12. Joseph Z. Nitecki, 94, director of libraries at the State Lee Pasackow retired as business University of New York, Albany, from 1980 until his 1988 librarian at Emory University’s Goizueta retirement, died January 27. Nitecki held professional Business Library March 2. and administrative positions in academic libraries at the Karen Sundheim retired as director of University of Chicago, Chicago City College, University of San Francisco Public Library’s James C. Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Temple University, and University Hormel LGBTQIA Center April 5. of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. He wrote or edited more than 100 LIS publications and six books, including the Directory of Library Reprographic Services and Metalibrarianship: A Model for Intellectual Foundations of Library Information AT ALA Science. He also wrote three monographs in support of the Center for Emi- grant Studies at Torun University in Poland. LaTasha Bryant joined the ALA Gover- nance Office as Executive Board secre- Richard H. Schimmelpfeng, 87, died March 16. He began his career as tariat March 6. She previously served in a cataloger at Washington University in St. Louis. He moved to University the finance department. of Connecticut Libraries in 1966 to work in the rare book and manuscript department, then served as head of the Special Collections Department until Russ Damian, operations manager for his 1992 retirement. Afterward, he volunteered as principal cataloger at the ALA Editions, left ALA April 14. library’s Archives and Special Collections Department until early 2017.

Susan Hornung retired as executive Doris Marion Seale, 80, children’s librarian and supervisor at Brookline director of the Association for Special- (Mass.) Public Library 1958–2003, died February 17. Seale received ALA’s ized and Cooperative Library Agencies and the Reference and User Services Equality Award in 2001, recognizing her leadership efforts toward over- Association in April. coming Native American stereotypes and giving Native Americans a visible presence in the library and beyond. She cofounded Oyate, an organization Mary Mackay becomes associate exec- working to ensure that Native American lives and histories are portrayed utive director for Publishing on June 5. with honesty and integrity, and coauthored the reference books A Broken She served as ALA’s marketing director Flute and Through Indian Eyes. Seale also wrote two books of poetry and beginning in 2011. contributed to several anthologies. • Emily Sheketoff retired as director of ALA’s Washington Office May 15.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | June 2017 95 the BOOKEND

Philatelic Relics he American Philatelic Research Library (APRL) is a postage-lover’s treasure. Located in Bellefonte, Pennsyl- Tvania, in the central part of the state, the library serves the needs of members of the American Philatelic Society (APS), the largest association of stamp collectors in the world. Overseeing the 85,000-volume facility since 2010, APRL Librarian Tara Murray says the “most frequently consulted book is probably the Scott Catalogue, a six-volume set listing the postage stamps of the world. We also keep The American Philatelist, the monthly journal of the APS, handy—and we’re just as likely to be looking for an article published in the 1950s as one published in 2017.” For the most part, APRL does not include stamps in its collection, “but they are occasionally included as collateral material. For example, the library owns two examples of the famous 1918 ‘Inverted Jenny’ error stamp, one of which was just recovered in June 2016 after being stolen from a stamp show in 1955. The first postage stamp wasn’t produced until 1840, but mail existed long before that, and the oldest item in our collection is a post route map of the American colonies from 1729.” Murray says that starting the library’s blog (blog.stamp library.org) was one of her first projects: “I use it to share news about philatelic literature and highlight the unusual items in our collection.” Stamp collecting is still popular, she says, and APRL has a well-used children’s area. “Even though most kids today aren’t regularly exposed to postage stamps, they’re still fascinated by them.”

Victorian-era stamp cases Stamps of the Duchy of Oldenburg from an 1863 album

THE BOOKEND showcases librarians, their work, and their work spaces.

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