March/April 2020

THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

Your community SPECIAL counts REPORT | p. 22

50 Years of the Black Caucus p. 36 Family-Friendly Academic Libraries p. 18

PLUS: Robot Battles, Samantha Irby, Vaping Dangers Sace Plannin Reinventing our Library Space

Whether you're interested in rearranging existing furniture to increase circulation, making it easier for patrons to find programs or services, or designing a new library, this one-day training provides the concrete set of tools you need. Walk away with best practices in planning library space in the 21st century; methods for improving circulation using retail techniques; and tools for assessing and utilizing your library's current space.

2020 rainin Schedule March 30, lendale, CA April 2, Lawrence, S David Vinjamuri June 12, Portland, ME Facilitator July 9, Bloomfield Township, MI

Cost: $10 for PLA Members; $225 for Nonmembers Register at www.ala.org/pla/education/inperson/space

Social Justice and Public Libraries Equity Starts with Us

Libraries across the country are making stronger commitments to equitable library services for all. Be a part of this movement by attending this one-and-a-half-day symposium, where you'll build shared understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice (EDISJ) concepts; increase self-awareness; learn to address biases; gain regional connections; and utilize case studies and equity tools to create an action plan for strengthening EDISJ in your organization and community.

2020 Symposia Schedule May 18–19, Austin, TX May 20–21, Austin, TX August 24–25, Seattle, WA Mia Henry Facilitator More locations being added soon

Cost: $250 for PLA Members; $325 for Nonmembers Register at www.ala.org/pla/education/inperson/equity March/April 2020

American Libraries | Volume 51 #3/4 | ISSN 0002-9769

SPECIAL REPORT 28 State-by-State Snapshots State libraries and library associations are raising awareness of the 2020 Census

30 Fact Versus Fear Libraries help assuage census anxieties BY Meghan Murphy-Gill

32 Tips for Your 2020 Census Team How the work pays off for your community BY Denise Raleigh Your community counts | p. 22 34 After the Census How to use the “mother of open data sets” more than once a decade 24 Reaching the Hard to Count BY Emily Udell Libraries contract census specialists with the goal of improving self-response rates BY Terra Dankowski

26 Plug into the Census Leveraging tech tools and networks to support an inclusive count BY Taylor Hartz

FEATURES 36 Living the Dream At 50, the Black Caucus of the American Library Association looks toward the future BY Anne Ford

36 42 Building a Network of Support Maximize relationships to push your marketing plans BY Amanda L. Goodman

42 ON THE COVER: Illustration by Kristen Solecki 18 20

14

UP FRONT TRENDS PERSPECTIVES 3 From the Editor 14 Robots: Activate IN PRACTICE The Mission of How robotics programs can pack 46 Representation Beyond Books Inclusion a punch for STEM skills BY Meredith Farkas BY Sanhita SinhaRoy BY Diana Panuncial DISPATCHES 6 From Our Readers 16 Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire 47 Digital Rights Management Libraries respond to the BY Mirela Roncevic vaping health crisis ALA BY Mark Lawton YOUTH MATTERS 4 From the 48 Waste Not, Want Not SPOTLIGHT President BY Larissa Clotildes 18 Helping Parents in a Pinch Don’t Be An academic library becomes ON MY MIND Counted Out more family friendly 49 What Does Green Mean? BY Wanda Kay Brown BY Rachel Gammons and Kelsey Corlett-Rivera BY Kayla Kuni 5 From the LIBRARIAN’S LIBRARY Executive NEWSMAKER 20 50 Reenvisioning Work Director Samantha Irby Essayist returns with characteristically BY Araceli Méndez Hintermeister A Time for Change candid look at life and Thanks BY Amy Carlton SOLUTIONS BY Mary Ghikas 52 PLUS Cast and Release 8 Update Adding resources for podcasters 15 By the Numbers What’s happening BY Carrie Smith at ALA 17 Global Reach 21 Noted & Quoted 12 From the PEOPLE Candidates 54 Announcements Campaign statements from THE BOOKEND the candidates for 56 The Science of the Census 2021–2022 president BY Patricia “Patty” Wong and Steven Yates 16

Academy of American Poets Insert | Connectrac Cover 4 | University of Chicago Press 45 | University of Nebraska 41 | American Library Association American Libraries 19 | Graphics Cover 3 | JobLIST 40 | Public Library Association Cover 2 THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

Address: 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611-2795 Website: americanlibrariesmagazine.org The Mission of Inclusion Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-545-2433 plus extension Career Ads: JobLIST.ala.org he decennial census formally kicks off April 1, EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Sanhita SinhaRoy 80-HD marking the culmination of much civic effort Favorite [email protected] | x4219 robot? toward a fair, accurate, and inclusive count. MANAGING EDITOR Our special report “2020 Census: Your Commu- Terra Dankowski RoboCop T [email protected] | x5282 (1987) nity Counts” (cover story, p. 22) looks at how libraries SENIOR EDITORS are investing time, resources, and expertise to reach Bender Amy Carlton [email protected] | x5105 hard-to-count communities and help dispel anxiety George M. Eberhart Gort and misinformation—especially since the census could [email protected] | x4212 determine up to $1.5 trillion in federal funding for Bishop Phil Morehart communities as well as each state’s number of seats in (Aliens) [email protected] | x4218 Sanhita SinhaRoy ASSOCIATE EDITOR the electoral college. The report also offers ideas on how Sallyann Price WALL-E to use census data after the count. [email protected] | x4213 Also looking to the future: the Black Caucus of the EDITOR-AT-LARGE American Library Association. To mark the ALA affili- DJ Roomba Anne Ford [email protected] ate’s 50th anniversary, Anne Ford spoke with five black EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ASSOCIATE librarians who are advancing inclusion within the profes- Carrie Smith [email protected] | x4216 Marvin sion (“Living the Dream,” p. 36). Representation matters, Conky 2000 the Paranoid as library media specialist Cicely Lewis says in the story, ART DIRECTOR Android Rebecca Lomax adding: “That’s one barrier that can be broken down.” Rosie [email protected] | x4217 Helping break down other barriers to access is (The Jetsons) ADVERTISING Michael Stack [email protected] | 847-367-7120 University of Maryland (UMD) Libraries, which has Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement. made it easier for parents, caregivers, and children to ALA reserves the right to refuse advertising. visit (Spotlight, p. 18). It’s not just faculty and staff who PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT Mary Mackay have children to look after; many students do, too. In Associate Executive Director response, UMD Libraries has created a family study room R2-D2 Mary Jo Bolduc Rights, Permissions, Reprints | x5416 as well as “family kits” to ease the sometimes unavoid- able challenges of bringing young ones to the library. C-3PO MEMBERSHIP Melissa Kay Walling, Director As the authors write, welcoming families “demonstrates ADVISORY COMMITTEE compassion for the lived experiences of users.” Susan H. Polos (Chair), Helen Ruth Adams, Salvador Avila, Libraries are Crystal Chen, Sonja Eyler, Janie L. Hermann, Jasmina Jusic, With Earth Day around the corner, library workers Sigrid Kelsey. Committee associate: Rachel Beth Wykle investing time, have been striving to keep sustainability at the forefront Editorial policy: ALA Policy Manual, section A.8.2 resources, and of year-round action. In our Youth Matters column INDEXED (p. 48), library assistant Larissa Clotildes shares ideas Available full text from ProQuest, EBSCO Publishing, H. W. Wilson, expertise to LexisNexis, Information Access, JSTOR.­ for environmentally friendly children’s programming, SUBSCRIBE reach hard- ­writing: “As educators, we are in a position to help fam- Libraries and other institutions: $74/year, 6 issues, US, Canada, and ilies understand that they don’t have to choose between Mexico; foreign: $84. Subscription price for individuals included in to-count ALA membership dues. 800-545-2433 x5108, email membership@ fun, learning, and sustainability.” ala.org, or visit ala.org. Claim missing issues: ALA Member and communities ­Customer Service. Allow six weeks. Single issues $7.50, with 30% In the coming months, keep an eye out for our discount for five or more; contact Carrie Smith, 800-545-2433 x4216 second online Sustainability in Libraries series, a or [email protected] and dispel multipart look at the library profession’s relationship to PUBLISHED anxiety and American Libraries (ISSN 0002-9769) is published 6 times yearly sustainability. We hope it will engage—and sustain— with occasional supplements by the American Library Association misinformation. your interest. (ALA). Printed in USA. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, Illinois, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Personal members: Send address changes to American Libraries, c/o Membership Records, ALA, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611-2795. ©2020 American Library Association. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without written permission from the publisher.

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 3 from the PRESIDENT

Don’t Be Counted Out Libraries, ALA mobilize for the 2020 Census

s library workers, we know the vital include recent immigrants, people of color, importance of accurate and complete young children, and renters. data. That’s why our community is so As we know, these populations are the among Ainvested in achieving a complete count the most vulnerable members of our society. in this year’s US census (cover story, p. 22). Therefore, it’s our responsibility as practitioners Quite simply, representation matters. If who embed the values of equity, diversity, and people aren’t counted in, they will most likely inclusion into our professional practice to mobi- be counted out. lize our communities and make sure everyone is That’s because the census informs everything counted. As library advocates, too, the census is a from districting for federal, state, and local great opportunity to showcase our impact. Make Wanda Kay Brown offices to the allocation of as much as $1.5 tril- sure your elected officials know what your library lion in federal funding to states and localities. is doing to help achieve a complete count. The census intersects with the work of libraries To support our members in this work, ALA has in several ways. updated the Libraries’ Guide to the 2020 Census First, on a practical level, people are likely to (bit.ly/LibCensus20). It includes the most current head to their local public libraries to get accurate information available, including Census Bureau information and guidance. This year, the census contact information, downloadable resources, will be conducted primarily online for the first and updated FAQs so you have ready answers to time. This means that many people who don’t the questions we know are coming. Find updated have reliable access to a computer or internet information and resources at ala.org/census. connection will turn to libraries to complete their On another note, I want to take this oppor- census forms online—although options to respond tunity to welcome Tracie D. Hall, ALA’s new by phone and mail remain. The online form and executive director. Tracie begins work at ALA on phone assistance will be available in 13 languages. February 24, and she will work diligently beside Second, the census is an enormous logistical Mary Ghikas, who is supporting the leader- challenge, and it needs hundreds of thousands of ship transition through ALA Annual Confer- people working to ensure its success. In that way, ence this June. libraries are prime locations for people seeking We’ve been heartened to hear your cheers of to apply for one of the approximately 500,000 congratulations to Tracie on her new role. On temporary census jobs open across the country. Facebook, ALA member Dale McNeill celebrated The most Libraries are playing an important role connect- Tracie’s appointment by paying it forward and vulnerable ing job seekers to census employment. offering to purchase three new ALA memberships Lastly, and perhaps most crucially, approxi- for interested librarians. Thanks, Dale! members of mately $1 billion in federal funding for libraries It’s clear that there is a lot of goodwill and opti- our society will be allocated in the coming decade based mism around Tracie’s new role, and we’re thrilled will be the on the 2020 data. If our counts are accurate, we to have her on board. You will begin hearing from can make sure that money is distributed fairly her directly in the next issue when she takes over most reliant and equitably; if some communities are under- the executive director’s column from Mary. on the funds counted, their local libraries could lose out on available funding. the census WANDA KAY BROWN is director of library services It’s important to view this civic duty through at C. G. O’Kelly Library at Winston-Salem (N.C.) State helps allocate. the lens of social justice. Hard-to-count groups University.

4 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org from the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A Time for Change and Thanks As executive director role ends, fondness for ALA, members will persist

n February 24, Tracie D. Hall will step literacy for all ages, to the work of organizing into the position of ALA executive direc- and managing libraries of all types, to collabo- tor. I will step back and work at her direc- rations across multiple external organizations in Otion to assist during the initial months of the US and around the globe. her tenure as executive director. We have worked From the executive director perch you see together before when she was director of what is the amazing impact of libraries and the people now known as the Office for Diversity, Literacy, who give them life. It crosses your screen, your and Outreach Services, and I look forward to the desk every day—from the people who reach out opportunity to work with her again. At the end of to the Association and its members, from the the 2020 ALA Annual Conference, I will retire. stories passed along by staff and members, from Mary Ghikas It has been an honor to serve in this role. It has more invitations and opportunities than you been a time of necessary change and disruption. can manage. The story told by the daily flow Both staff and member leaders have accomplished of contacts and conversations is the story of work that has shifted the trajectory of the Asso- libraries and of all library people. Seeing it from ciation. In thinking back over the past few years, this viewpoint has been an incredible gift. the hard, collaborative work of many has created This story has been about the importance of the possibility of—and the potential for—ongoing persistence. I see it in our staff members who growth and development. answer the inquiries, edit another book, prepare What have I learned? My capacity to see another set of minutes, craft another event or nuances and detail has warred with the necessity conference­—over and over, with continuing to visualize simplicity in a complex environ- thought and creativity. ment. For me, the process of draft and redraft, of I see it in our members who patiently move talking it through with others, has been ongoing. an idea or program through the successive An introvert by nature, I have learned to pull stages, through committees, through the pro- vital energy from the intensity of meetings and cesses of a complex organization. From the conferences. I have learned that when I call for There will be time yet for many good-byes. I help, colleagues all across this Association—and will see many of you over the coming months: executive beyond—will respond. I have learned that even at the office, at various events, and finally at director when we differ on strategies, we may share intent Annual Conference. and objectives. Still, it’s hard not to think about what I’ll perch, I was What will I miss? Too many things to count. miss. Mostly, I will miss the people—the count- privileged to After 20-plus years of watching Council from the less quick greetings, the informal conversations gallery, it was a pleasure to serve as the Secretary (sometimes in odd places), the cat stories, the see the whole of Council and watch the action from the front—to knitting progress. It will be the moment when Association. see your faces rather than your backs. From the you realize the baby you remember has gradu- That view executive director spot, I was privileged to see the ated from college and has a full adult life. It will entire Association, each piece of a complex whole. be the countless “remember when” stories. has been a No matter how much anyone is able to observe At the end of the day, it isn’t about me. It’s unique—and in other capacities, this is a unique perspective, a you, it’s us. Thank you—and Tracie, welcome. vantage point that has been precious. precious— The scope is astounding—from the broad MARY GHIKAS is executive director of the American vantage point. range of public policy and advocacy, to books and Library Association.

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 5 from our READERS

BRAVO to p. 24) devoted these great Zines Fuel Outreach Rolling with much space to As a zine maker and writer, I the Punches civic engage- librarians and their was very excited to read about Thanks for Marshall ment but failed stories about how partnerships between libraries Breeding’s article to acknowledge they reach out to and zine festivals in “On the on the acquisition the challenges Zine Scene” (Jan./Feb., p. 22). of OverDrive by investment firm faced by certain make connections I vended at the San Anto Zine KKR (The Scoop, Dec. 31, 2019). members of the community in with their library Festival at San Antonio Public The author laid out the financial voting and engaging in political patrons. I am Library (SAPL) last fall. The expe- possibilities and implications of issues. inspired by each rience introduced me to SAPL’s this important development, and Too often, survivors of vast resources, including its I concur that there is no perfect domestic violence and stalking of their stories Latino Collection and Resource vendor or arrangement in a fluc- are excluded from discussions @LINDA_LIBRARIAN Center. SAPL Program Manager tuating market adapting to rap- of civic engagement because in response to “Meet Emma Hernández was delightfully idly changing consumer habits. of public record laws, which the the I Love My Librarian organized and contributed greatly The streaming and e-media library community tends to be Award Winners” (The to the success of the festival. universe will continue to revamp, ignorant of. Scoop, Dec. 10) Libraries are crucial resources change, and bend. So will bud- When voter registration for their communities and, in gets for public library collections. information is considered public, American my experience as a writer and At our public library in a Big survivors of domestic violence Libraries magazine zine maker, literary sanctuaries. Ten college town, checkouts of and stalking may risk their safety Libraries that introduce zines into audiobooks on CD declined 10.2% by casting a vote. has a nice succinct their collections have devel- in 2019, while e-audio use soared The article mentions a library roundup of how oped a new level of outreach, by 20.7%. The collection budget in Texas that routinely asks if states performed which provides opportunities for allocations seem clear but, mean- patrons are registered to vote creators to share their work with while, readers cling stubbornly to when they sign up for a library on library new audiences. I have been fortu- their favorite formats, including card. Is the library’s staff made measures. Lots nate to have my zines in various nearly 87,000 checkouts of DVDs aware of the complications of successes libraries, such as the Edendale from people who are “cutting the survivors face when voting and in Colorado, as branch of Los Angeles Public cable cord.” registering to vote? If not, they Library and multiple university I will sigh as we adjust our could be encouraging someone well as some libraries. Through these part- collection-building strategies, to put themselves in danger. work left to do! nerships, visitors are introduced and hope that [OverDrive CEO] Failure to educate our patrons @COSTATELIBRARY to new worlds outside of the Steve Potash will continue to about the public nature of voting in response to publishing industry, where art, advocate for libraries as publish- records is unacceptable, “Referenda Roundup” DIY ethics, and the written word ing partners who facilitate author especially when the results are (Jan./Feb., p. 32) meld. I wish to share my deepest awareness and sales and deserve so grave. If libraries are unaware gratitude to the librarians who competitive pricing. of how domestic violence and listen to their communities and Catherine Alloway stalking can affect voting in your respond by supporting local Port Matilda, Pennsylvania state, contact your local crisis creators and emerging writers center, which can educate you through zine collections. The Risks of Engagement and your staff on state-specific Yeiry Guevara The special report on “Democ- laws and programs available for Houston racy in Action” (Nov./Dec. 2019, survivors to help them participate

WRITE US: The editors welcome comments about recent content, online stories, FOLLOW US: and matters of professional interest. Submissions should be limited to 300 words and @amlibraries 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. facebook.com/amlibraries

6 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org on our WEBSITE

in voting without risking their p. 9). These concerns need to safety. You can learn more at be addressed, but the needs of What You’re Reading librariansforsurvivors.com. the patron should be addressed Free Speech—or Free-for-All? “First Miranda Dube as well. Amendment audits” can pit patrons’ New Hampshire How does a library protect a rights to film against the privacy of other patron’s privacy and the integ- 1 library users. bit.ly/AL-1A-Audits Staying Organized rity of their data when there is I’m at a loss for words after nobody present to protect physi- Know Your Rights—and Theirs Librarians reading Linda W. Braun’s column cal records? What happens when are preparing for possible US Immigration “Contract Concerns” (Nov./Dec. a patron forgets their library and Customs Enforcement activity. bit.ly/ 2019, p. 58). It’s disappointing card? What about more complex 2 AL-KnowRights to hear another librarian suggest transactions, like a block for dam- that union contracts prevent us aged or overdue materials? Even Your Library’s Story Take control of from reaching young people. corporate big-box stores have the narrative when documenting your In my years as a high school people available at all open hours library’s impact on the community. librarian and later as children’s to assist people. 3 bit.ly/AL-LibStory librarian in a public library, Another concern that wasn’t I’ve worked beyond the hours even mentioned in the article: A stipulated in my contract and library is (or should be) part of In Case You Missed It attended after-school programs what forms a community, a space and outside events to do out- to discuss common concerns. Meet ALA’s Next Executive reach, all with the knowledge and Who are our patrons going to Director Our Q&A with Tracie approval of my supervisors. turn to if there are no librarians D. Hall, who assumes her role At a time when libraries are present? An unstaffed library February 24. bit.ly/AL-TracieDHall facing cuts—to budgets, hours, may be great for administrators and more—unions protect and budget-cutters, but it’s not OverDrive’s New Owners: What It Means more than librarians, parapro- good for patrons. The concept Library technology expert Marshall Breeding fessionals, guards, and other needs to be thought through very explains the recent acquisition. bit.ly/AL-KKR-OverDrive employees. Unions also serve carefully before it is implemented to protect patrons’ interests. on a large scale. Is My Library Liable for Fake Without unions, who would fight Kathleen Stipek News? Our Letters of the Law for better budgets? Who would Gainesville, Florida column returns with questions fight to make sure we’re open about politics and free speech. on weekends and evenings? CORRECTIONS bit.ly/AL-LetterLaw2 Who would make sure that we’re In “Referenda Roundup” (Jan./ FCC Adopts ALA E-Rate Recommendations open at all? Feb., p. 32), the Union Gap mea- New federal order streamlines budget and appli- Unions play a key role in sure should have been included cation process. bit.ly/AL-ERate keeping libraries strong, and they in the tally for Washington, not deserve our loyalty. Oregon. Allegra D’Ambruoso In “Know Your Rights—and Philadelphia Theirs” (Jan./Feb., p. 46), a link to Coming Soon a presentation by members of the Check The Scoop for our coverage of the Public Libraries Need Humans Association for Library Service to Library Association 2020 Conference Multiple readers responded to Children was included in error. in Nashville, Tennessee, February 25–29, and “Automated for the People” The feature “2020 Midwinter National Library Week, April 19–25. (Sept./Oct. 2019, p. 48) with Preview” (Jan./Feb., p. 50) mis- concerns around security and identified the protagonists of the loss of paraprofessional jobs novel by Maia and Alex Shibutani (“From Our Readers,” Jan./Feb., as ice dancers instead of fans. AMERICANLIBRARIES.ORG

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 7 Tracie D. Hall Is ALA’s Executive Director n January 15, the American Library Association Library, New Haven (Conn.) (ALA) announced the appointment of Chicago civic Free Public Library, Queens O and cultural leader Tracie D. Hall as its new execu- (N.Y.) Public Library, and tive director, effective February 24. Following a nationwide Hartford (Conn.) Public search, Hall was selected to succeed Mary Ghikas, who has Library. She served as worked for ALA since 1995 and held the office since Jan- the director of ALA’s uary 2018. Hall, ALA’s 10th executive director, is the first Office for Diversity from female African-American executive director in the 143-year- 2003 to 2006. old association’s history. Most recently, Hall “We are thrilled to be welcoming Tracie back to the ALA directed the culture port- family,” said ALA President Wanda Kay Brown. “Her unique folio at the Chicago-based combination of philanthropy and library know-how position Joyce Foundation, devel- her to be the leader ALA needs today. She is optimistic, Tracie D. Hall oping new grant programs energizing, and innovative, qualities that will serve the designed to catalyze and scale neighborhood-based arts Association well as it continues its investments in advocacy, venues, cultural programming, and creative entrepreneur- development, and information technology.” ship. She was appointed to the City of Chicago’s Cultural In 1998 Hall was among the first cohort of ALA’s Spectrum Advisory Council this year. Hall has also served in multiple Scholars, a grant program intended to diversify librarianship, roles in academia, including as assistant dean of Dominican and she earned her MLIS from the Information School at University’s Graduate School of Library and Information University of Washington. She has worked at Seattle Public Science in River Forest, Illinois. •

Carnegie Medalists Announced crisis on the Southwest US border. Bishop, professor emerita at Ohio On January 26, at the Reference and Higginbotham’s account of the 1986 State University, has served on numer- User Services Association’s (RUSA) Book explosion at Chernobyl focuses on the ous book awards committees for ALA and Media Awards during the Midwin- people involved. and other organizations, and has been ter Meeting & Exhibits in Philadelphia, Carnegie Medal winners each receive recognized with prestigious awards for ALA announced the $5,000. All the finalists will be honored her work. Her research, writing, and selections for the 2020 during ALA’s 2020 Annual Conference teaching have informed and expanded Andrew Carnegie in Chicago. The awards, established conversations about representation of Medals for Excellence in in 2012, are made possible by a grant African Americans in children’s literature Fiction and Nonfiction: from the Carnegie Corporation of New and provided a critical framework for Lost Children Archive by York, and are cosponsored by Book- research and pedagogy. Valeria Luiselli won for list and RUSA. The lecturer, announced annually at fiction, and Midnight Midwinter, may be an author, illustra- in Chernobyl by Adam ALSC Names Children’s tor, editor, critic, librarian, historian, or Higginbotham for Literature Lecturer teacher of children’s literature, of any nonfiction. Literary scholar Rudine Sims Bishop will country, who will prepare a paper con- Luiselli’s novel tracks deliver the 2021 ALSC Children’s Litera- sidered to be a significant contribution a husband-and-wife ture Lecture, formerly known as the May to the field of children’s literature. The team of audio documen- Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture, the Asso- paper is delivered as a lecture each April tarians as they explore ciation for Library Service to Children or May, and is subsequently published both the painful history of the Apache (ALSC) announced at the Midwinter in Children and Libraries, the journal of people and the present immigration Meeting in Philadelphia on January 27. ALSC. Applications to host the lecture

8 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org MAR. 16 Freedom of Information Day Sale of ALA Headquarters ala.org/advocacy/foi-day APR. Buildings Announced School Library Month ala.org/aasl/slm LA President Wanda Kay Brown and then–Executive Director Mary Ghikas announced on December 6 that ALA has sold its headquarters buildings APR. 4–11 Money Smart Week at 40 and 50 E. Huron Street in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. A moneysmartweek.org Dedicated in 1963, the building at 50 E. Huron Street served ALA for nearly two decades before the Association built an extension in the parking lot it APR. 19–25 owned next door. Together, the connected buildings have housed ALA staff National Library Week ala.org/nlw since 1981. “We are thrilled that, after many years of study, research, and discussion, the APR. 21 transfer of a valuable real estate to ALA’s endowment fund is at last complete,” National Library Workers Day Brown said in the December 6 statement. “Of course, it is bittersweet to be ala-apa.org/nlwd

leaving our home of so many decades. But ALA is focused on the future and is APR. 22 optimistic about all that it holds.” National Bookmobile Day ALA will move its Chicago-based office functions to a suite at Michigan ala.org/aboutala/bookmobileday Plaza at 225 N. Michigan Avenue on April 27. Architecture firm Nelson is APR. 26–MAY 2 handling the buildout, with a focus on modernized workspaces and enhanced Preservation Week meeting space. ala.org/preservationweek “It’s a historic moment for ALA, and we look forward to celebrating with our APR. 30 members, partners, and friends when we welcome more than 20,000 library El día de los niños/ workers to Chicago for ALA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition in June,” El día de los libros Brown said. • dia.ala.org

MAY 1–7 Choose Privacy Week chooseprivacyeveryday.org will be available online at ala.org/alsc Meeting, and are asked to publish find- MAY 4–5 this spring. ings within one year of completion. National Library Legislative Proposals are due by midnight Day | Washington, D.C. Proposals Sought for Pacific time on April 15. Visit bit.ly/ ala.org/advocacy/nlld Diversity Grants DivResearch2020 for examples of past ALA’s Office for Diversity, Literacy, and projects and a complete list of criteria JUNE Outreach Services (ODLOS) seeks pro- and proposal instructions. GLBT Book Month ala.org/glbtbookmonth posals for its annual Diversity Research Grant program, a one-time award Leadership Institute JUNE 25–30 of $2,500 to fund original, one-year Applications Open ALA Annual Conference research projects on diversity-related Applications for the 2020 ALA Leader- and Exhibition | Chicago topics addressing critical gaps in the ship Institute, a four-day immersive pro- alaannual.org knowledge of diversity, equity, and out- gram for midcareer librarians, are now AUG. 15–21 reach issues within library and informa- open. The eighth annual institute will be IFLA World Library and tion science. held August 2–6 at the Hilton Chicago/ Information Congress | Dublin A jury of ALA members will evaluate Oak Brook Hills Resort and Conference 2020.ifla.org proposals and select up to three recipi- Center, with former ALA president Mau- OCT. 1–3 ents. Those recipients, to be announced reen Sullivan (2012–2013) and library ALSC National Institute before Annual, are invited to present and leadership consultant Kathryn Deiss Minneapolis interim findings at the 2021 Midwinter facilitating. Selected participants will ala.org/alsc/institute

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 9 UPDATE

gather to develop and implement leader- ship skills in areas critical to advancing libraries, exploring the theme “Leading Final FY2020 Library Budget to the Future.” Apply at bit.ly/ALALeadership2020 Includes Increases for LSTA by March 9. Applicants may nominate themselves or be nominated by their n late December, Congress passed the largest increase for the Institute of employer. Participation includes a Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and Library Services and Technology Act free one-year membership with the I(LSTA) funding in 12 years. The final House- and Senate-approved spending Library Leadership and Management bills included $252 million for IMLS, a $10 million increase. Association. Of the overall increase, $6.2 million was dedicated to the LSTA program, which includes $166.8 million for LSTA Grants to States, $5.3 million for LSTA Native ACRL Calls for Submissions American Library Services, $10 million for LSTA Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian The Association of College and Research Grants, and $13.4 million for LSTA National Leadership for Libraries. Libraries (ACRL) seeks proposal submis- In addition to IMLS increases, overall funding for the Department of Education sions for its 2021 conference, “Ascend- was increased by $1.3 billion, affecting library-eligible programs such as Inno- ing into an Open Future,” to be held vative Approaches to Literacy (initially proposed for elimination) and Striving April 14–17, 2021, in Seattle. Presenters Readers Comprehensive Literacy Grants. Other programs receiving increases from all types of libraries and back- include the Library of Congress, National Library of Medicine, Carl D. Perkins grounds are encouraged to apply. Career and Technical Education Act, National Endowment for the Arts, and ACRL 2021 will feature more than National Endowment for the Humanities. 500 conference programs selected and “ALA advocates’ tireless work to make the case for library funding has resulted presented by leaders in the profession, in the highest increase for IMLS in the last decade,” said ALA President Wanda formal and informal networking oppor- Kay Brown in a December 20 statement. “I am so proud of everyone who called, tunities, and exhibits from more than emailed, tweeted, and met with their members of Congress in D.C. and at home— 200 companies. The conference offers a this is your win!” • variety of options for participation and features nine session formats. Contrib- uted paper, panel session, preconference, and workshop proposals are due May 8. computers and mobile hotspots to workers; in-person training at the 2020 Lightning talk, digital poster session, expand access to the online response Annual Conference with follow-up roundtable discussion, TechConnect, and option; educating children and their coaching; and a step-by-step facili- virtual conference webcast proposals are parents and guardians on the historical tation guide. due October 9. Submit proposals online undercount of young children in the This initiative is a collaboration among at bit.ly/ACRLcall20. census; and equipping bookmobiles in PPO, the National Coalition for Dialogue geographically isolated communities and Deliberation, the Association for Funding Awarded for to facilitate educational events on the Small and Rural Libraries, and the Chief Census Activities census and offer access to the online Officers of State Library Agencies, with ALA awarded Library Census Equity Fund response option. support from an Institute of Museum and mini-grants of $2,000 to 59 libraries in Library Services grant. 34 states to bolster their service to hard- Libraries Transforming to-count communities and help achieve a Communities Initiative Edgar Allan Poe House Is complete count in the 2020 Census. More ALA’s Public Programs Office (PPO) Latest Literary Landmark than 500 libraries of all types submitted announced a new learning series and United for Libraries designated the Edgar applications, which were reviewed by suite of facilitation resources to be Allan Poe House and Museum in Balti- a selection committee established by released throughout the year, designed more a Literary Landmark in honor of the ALA’s 2020 Census Library Outreach and to help small and rural libraries ramp up poet’s 211th birthday on January 19. The Education Task Force. community engagement efforts. Poe House is the first Literary Landmark In response to the large number “Libraries Transforming Communi- in the state of Maryland. of applicants, ALA provided funding ties: Facilitation Skills for Small and The Edgar Allan Poe House was for 34 additional grants. Proposals Rural Libraries” includes a free five- established as a museum in 1949 and included purchasing additional portable part online course open to all library designated a National Historic Landmark

10 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org UPDATE

The adoption begins a two-year transition period during which programs 2020 Census to Shape may choose to use the 2010 standards or the 2019 standards in developing key Library Funding assessments.

n analysis released November 18, 2019, shows that more than $1 billion Nominations Open for Best in federal funding for libraries will be allocated to states based on the Graphic Novels for Adults A2020 Census. Authored by Andrew Reamer of the George Washington ALA’s Graphic Novels and Comics Round Institute of Public Policy at George Washington University, the study (available Table (GNCRT) has opened nominations at bit.ly/CensusLibFunding) pinpoints the financial impact the census will have for the new Best Graphic Novels for on libraries. Adults Reading List. The inaugural year “This study demonstrates why a complete count in the 2020 Census is so of the list will highlight the best graphic important to libraries,” said ALA President Wanda Kay Brown in a November 19 novels for adults published in late 2019 statement. “A fair, inclusive, and complete count in the 2020 Census means that and all of 2020, with the goal of increas- libraries in each state will receive their fair share of federal funding.” ing awareness of the medium and aiding The population count in the decennial census determines the level of funding library staff in collection development. allotted to each state through LSTA. The legislation’s Grants to States program The first list will be announced at the provides federal funding to state library agencies to support libraries in their Midwinter Meeting in January 2021. state. The program is one of more than 300 federal programs that allocate fund- All fiction and nonfiction titles pub- ing to local communities based on data derived from the census. lished or slated for publication Septem- For more information on ALA efforts to support a fair, inclusive, and com- ber 1, 2019–December 31, 2020, that plete count in the 2020 Census, visit ala.org/census. The site includes links to appeal to adults age 19 or older are eli- resources, webinars, and tip sheets on specific topics related to libraries’ role in gible. Nominations can be made by com- the census. To connect on Twitter, follow @ALALibrary, #CountOnLibraries, and mittee members, members of the wider #2020Census. • library and education community, and members of the public. Publishers and creators may not submit their own titles. Visit bit.ly/GNCRTnoms to access in 1971. It is the last remaining home positions under the new bylaws include the nomination form, open until in Baltimore where the author lived president, president-elect, immediate September 15. (1833–1835), and where he wrote some past president, secretary/treasurer, early stories. division councilor, affiliate assembly rep- Game On! Grants Announced The designation was the result of resentative, and three directors-at-large. A new grant program announced by a collaboration with Poe Baltimore, The AASL executive director will serve as GNCRT will help libraries bolster their Citizens for Maryland Librarians, the a 10th, ex officio, member. gaming programs and collections. Maryland Library Association, and Mary- View the new bylaws on the AASL The Game On! Grants will be awarded land Humanities. website at ala.org/aasl/bylaws. as one grant of $500 or two grants of $250 each. ALA members in good stand- AASL Adopts New Bylaws New Standards Approved ing in the United States or Canada are Through a special election, the mem- for School Librarians eligible to apply. Libraries will need to bership of the American Association At its August 2019 meeting, the Special- illustrate a plan for a sustainable gaming of School Librarians (AASL) voted in ized Professional Associations Stan- program created with the funds as well December to adopt new bylaws for dards committee of the Council for the as financial need and institutional sup- the division, with the goal of stream- Accreditation of Educator Preparation port for the proposed program. lining governance and deepening (CAEP) approved the ALA/AASL School The application period is currently member engagement. Librarian Preparation Standards (bit.ly/ open and will end March 1. The The adoption allows AASL to move CAEPstandards19). winner will be announced at GNCRT’s forward with structural changes to its Prepared by AASL’s CAEP coordinat- “ALA Play” event at this year’s Annual leadership. The new bylaws reduce the ing committee, the new standards fully Conference in Chicago. For infor- size of the AASL board of directors from align with AASL’s National School Library mation and application, visit bit.ly/ 19 elected members to nine. Elected Standards (standards.aasl.org). GameOnGrants.

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 11 from the CANDIDATES

Patricia “Patty” Wong City librarian, Santa Monica (Calif.) Public Library | votepattywong.com CANDIDATE FOR ALA PRESIDENT

olleagues: I am proud to be the know-how and commitment to make ALA strong. Above all, I am a librarian, where I make a ensure we accomplish our goals—and proud of my work in activating col- difference to my commu- manage change—for the benefit of lective impact and collaboration up, C nity every day. I accepted libraries, librarians, library workers, down, and across ALA. the nomination for president of the and library users. We must not let I believe everyone makes a differ- American Library Association (ALA) change simply happen to us. ence and everyone counts. I believe because I can make a difference at this I know how ALA works. With more in the value of volunteerism, in critical time, and because ALA impacts than three decades in leadership, I developing young member leaders, communities throughout this country. have developed relationships through- and contributing to the profession America’s libraries are the corner- out the organization and among staff. through activism and engagement. stones of social democracy. We face I have chaired or served on key ALA I actuate this philosophy in my daily many challenges as a nation: committees: the Budget Analysis and work, through my roles as Santa ■ changing demographics and how Review Committee, Conference Com- Monica (Calif.) Public Library direc- to provide equitable access and mittee, Council, and Executive Board. tor, adjunct faculty at San José State service to all I understand ALA finances and gover- University iSchool, and my work ■ differing views about public nance. I am a champion for state chap- with the California Library Asso- ­support for public services ters; equity, diversity, and inclusion; ciation and all ethnic professional ■ privatization and school and youth services. I foster librarian associations. ■ challenges to the freedom to read, advocacy for all, especially our rural As president, my commitment will write, and speak communities and the underserved. be to steer ALA successfully through ■ barriers to access I value the network of divisions, round this time of change; help grow our ■ shifting landscapes for publishing tables, committees, and offices that membership and resources; amplify and digital access our voice in defense of the freedom to We also face challenges and Together, ALA read; fight for increased funding for opportunities internally. ALA will libraries and policies that strengthen experience more change over the members are access; and become a more sustain- next five years than it has in the able and resilient organization. past 50: a new headquarters, a new more than 57,000 We face many exciting challenges executive director, a new model for voices strong. ahead. Together, let us renew our conferences, the need for new or commitments and leverage our influ- enhanced revenue streams, and per- We must not let ence and power for the public good. I haps a new governance structure. thank you for your consideration and Together, ALA members are more change simply I ask for your support and your vote. than 57,000 voices strong. The Together you and I can—and Association needs a president with happen to us. will—make a difference.

ALA ELECTION VOTE: March 9–April 1. More information at bit.ly/ALAelection20

12 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org from the CANDIDATES

Steven Yates Assistant director, University of Alabama School of Library and Information Studies | voteyatesala.com CANDIDATE FOR ALA PRESIDENT

embers of the library state representatives, and local and T: Training. Enhancing support to community—it is our time D.C. congressional offices. Let’s log develop our future leaders through to ACTT! Let’s harness the each interaction with our elected offi- the Spectrum Scholarship and Mpower of positive passion to cials to capture the resounding, daily Emerging Leaders programs is also meet our profession’s current needs impact of these relationships and see extremely important. Let’s strengthen while making sure that libraries and where to best focus future efforts. these platforms and provide addi- library workers sustain a daily com- C: Cultural competency. While tional development opportunities mitment to our shared core values. our Association has a longstanding that are not contingent on a mem- This year has already been historic commitment to social justice, we ber’s, or their employer’s, ability to for ALA. We have a new executive continue to struggle with equity, fund travel to conferences. director and soon a new home in Chi- diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within T: Transparency. The ALA Execu- cago. These changes, along with the our membership, at our conferences, tive Board works through hundreds, organizational review process, call for and in our communities. Cultural sometimes thousands, of pages of doc- all of us to lend a hand. As a dedicated competence must be integrated into uments at each meeting. While these volunteer with leadership experience, how we onboard and develop vol- are posted online, we can all benefit I would like to work alongside you as unteers across all ALA units. Library from leadership–membership inter- your 2021–2022 ALA president. workers should rely on ALA for actions outside of conferences and My vision for the Association is leadership, guidance, and learning documents. As your ALA president, I that we remain a world leader in in this area. Meaningful evidence of will host quarterly Zoom sessions to libraries while transforming the building competence in EDI must also answer member questions and pro- way we conduct business internally be more explicitly integrated into vide updates on Association business. to match the level of innovation we ALA’s accreditation standards. To see what these updates may provide every day in our commu- look like, please join me for a meet- nities. Library workers of all types Let’s harness the and-greet March 10 at 4 p.m. Eastern should have meaningful paths to ALA time at bit.ly/ZoomYates. To join by involvement. While we continue to power of positive phone, visit voteyatesala.com for info. do the work needed, I look forward to ALA has defined the profession our chance to ACTT: passion to meet that unites us for nearly 144 years. A: Advocacy. Our presence in our profession’s Let’s make sure we remain committed Washington, D.C., must remain robust. to the brightest future of our Associ- Developing and maintaining biparti- needs and ensure ation for the next 144 years by work- san coalitions on issues affecting our ing together to harness the power profession is critical. Library workers we stay committed of positive passion. I humbly ask for interact with city and county elected your vote to serve as ALA president. officials, board of education members, to our core values. #VoteYatesALA

ALA ELECTION VOTE: March 9–April 1. More information at bit.ly/ALAelection20

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 13 Fourth graders at Greensview Ele- mentary in Upper Arlington, Ohio, battle their custom Sphero robots.

by TV shows like BattleBots, these programs aim to cultivate a hands-on understanding of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills—one robot show- down at a time.

Choose your bots Merkle received a grant in 2017 through the school district’s Upper Arlington Education Foundation to purchase 12 Sphero SPRK+ robots—small, spherical robots that resemble the Star Wars droid BB-8. Using Spheros as a base, students built armored robot bodies using classroom supplies like cardboard, paper plates, pipe cleaners, and popsicle sticks to hold their bal- loons and pop their opponents’. When librarians at Anythink Libraries in Colorado hosted a Robots: Activate robot battle royale series at their How robotics programs can pack a punch for STEM skills Brighton (ABL) and Perl Mack (APML) branches last year, they used programmable DC motor kits BY Diana ll’s quiet on the gymnasium see the students rally and root for available on Amazon. Panuncial floor as students sit around one another.” “We’ve had some punching A a five-foot-long octagon Merkle and Kristen Pavlasek, robots, one that could sweep the made of PVC pipes. A robot, fes- who now teaches 3rd grade at legs off another robot,” says Jonah tooned with a bright pink balloon Greensview Elementary, teamed up Vallez, teen services librarian at bearing a menacing monster face in 2018 to create a year-end battle and the word roar, stands off bot competition for all 4th grad- against another balloon-bedecked ers at the school. The weeklong “It was fun to robot across the battleground. With program included design, trouble- see the students firm grips on iPad controllers, the shooting, and testing processes. students rev the robots toward each “We wanted to implement design rally and root for other until one balloon pops. The thinking with this project just crowd cheers. to emphasize critical skills that one another.” “As soon as you popped a bal- students will need for the future,” JILL MERKLE, library media specialist loon, it got everyone’s attention,” Merkle says. at Greensview Elementary in Upper Jill Merkle, library media specialist Greensview Elementary library is Arlington, Ohio at Greensview Elementary in Upper just one of many across the country

Arlington, Ohio, says. “It was fun to hosting similar clashes. Inspired Schools City (Ohio) Upper Arlington Photo:

14 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org ABL. “We pushed the kids to think and some as complex as ABL and of what they could do with the APML’s Fortnite-inspired battle Libraries and motor kits.” royale, which featured a shrink- Brittany Jacobs, youth services ing battlefield like the popular Sustainability librarian at APML, says beyond the online game. kits, most of the materials used The battlefield was a distinctly for the programs were already low-tech invention: Jacobs made 50 Number of years Earth Day—widely ­recognized in-house. Kids also brought in sup- three concentric rectangles with as launching the modern ­environmental plies from home they would have different colors of duct tape. The movement—has been observed. ALA’s otherwise recycled. “It not only robots were bound by the outer- ­Sustainability Round Table will promote encourages creativity and innova- most rectangle and, as players 50 actions libraries can take to celebrate the tion, but it also asks, ‘What does it knocked each other out, Jacobs Earth Day 2020 milestone. mean to upcycle?’” she says. removed the duct tape to shrink the boundaries. Team up Still, “it feels like Wrestle- 11.2 million tons At ABL, Vallez partnered with local mania,” Vallez says. Amount of textiles sent to landfills artist John Kelly, and the two met Sometimes, an in 2017, according to the US Envi- monthly to plan improvements and overall win isn’t the ronmental Protection Agency. twists on the program. Kelly even only goal. Vallez has his own robot, Catbot, which he says librarians build tinkers with to help work with kids. side by side with kids to 1,200 “The end result is usually a learn- challenge them. “There’s Number of items exchanged at ing experience and an improved this kid whose one goal Burlington (Iowa) Public Library’s design,” Vallez says. in life was to beat me,” he 2018 clothing swap. MaryAnn Burden, youth jokes. “Just to see him turn librarian at Chester (N.J.) Library, it around on his own and figure sought help from a local teacher, [it] out with the goal of, ‘I will 92.5% Dan Weissman, who runs STEM beat Jonah and come out on top,’ Percentage of cleaning products used at the programs through his business, was exciting.” Clinton Presidential Library that are environmen- Super Science Programs for Kids. And although the competition tally friendly. The Little Rock, Arkansas, library While Burden had experience is fierce, each contestant gets to has platinum-level LEED certification. When it running robotics programs, she says exercise STEM skills that they may opened in 2004, it became both the first LEED- she wasn’t an expert, and Weissman not have exposure to at school. A certified US presidential library and the first was able to offer a helping hand as 16-year-old girl who attends the LEED-certified building in the state. well as access to leftover parts like program at APML regularly “went motors and controllers from his from not knowing any of the lan- own programs. guage to being my right-hand lady,” 470 Says Burden: “Finding somebody Jacobs says. “She’s been able to Number of solar panels on the roof of McMillan in your area who has that equip- showcase her skills and hone them Memorial Library in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. ment and is good at doing these while teaching other kids, which is The panels produce enough electricity annually types of programs is half the battle.” a cool full circle.” to power 25 homes. • Vallez says the first step to start- Enter the ring ing a battle bots program is to try it So, what’s the rest of the battle? yourself. “If you’re curious, build a Competing with the other bots in robot,” he says. “It shows you how the main event, of course. Robots simple it can be.” can duke it out in many ways: some as simple as popping balloons or DIANA PANUNCIAL is a writer in Zion,

Photo: McMillan Memorial Library in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin (solar panels); ©sveta/Adobe Stock (clothing) Stock ©sveta/Adobe panels); (solar Rapids, Wisconsin in Wisconsin McMillan Memorial Library Photo: knocking other bots off tables, Illinois.

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 15 Speaking at Trexler Library, Chrysan Cronin, assistant professor and direc- tor of public health at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, discusses the dangers of vaping.

lead, volatile organic compounds, and cancer-causing agents, accord- ing to the CDC. In January, the Trump administration announced plans to bans sales of flavored e-cigarette cartridges, except tobacco and menthol flavors. NHML hosts STEM-themed programs once a month, usually in cooperation with nearby Yale University, so a vaping program already fit into the curriculum, says Library Director Susan Griffiths. The Where There’s library booked a speaker from the Tobacco Research in Youth team at Yale School of Medicine Smoke, There’s Fire soon after the 2018 incident and Libraries respond to the vaping health crisis made a point to reach out to the high school as part of its promo- tional efforts. BY Mark orth Haven (Conn.) Memo- Introduced in 2003 as a purport- A single e-cigarette comprises a Lawton rial Library (NHML) hosted edly safer, cleaner method of nic- battery, a reservoir for holding an N a program in October 2019 otine inhalation, e-cigarettes have (often flavored) solution that con- about health issues associated with not been approved by the Food and tains nicotine and other chemicals, e-cigarette use, but the library and Drug Administration as a smoking a heating element, and a mouth- community had become aware of cessation aid. E-cigarettes are the piece, but those elements can be the dangers much earlier. In fall most commonly used tobacco prod- housed in seemingly ordinary con- 2018, e-cigarettes almost took the uct among youth, having surpassed tainers. Teaching parents to identify life of a local student. conventional cigarettes in 2014, e-cigarettes is a component of some “A friend of mine is a [high according to a 2016 study from the libraries’ antivaping programs. school] teacher,” says NHML Office of the US Surgeon General. Darien (Conn.) Library offered Library Technical Assistant Melinda In 2018, more than 3.6 million US a multidisciplinary presentation Landino. “One of her students vaped middle and high school students for patrons and parents in October in the bathroom, [then] flatlined in used e-cigarettes, the CDC found. 2019, featuring a pulmonologist and class. They had to bring in EMTs.” E-cigarette manufacturers a pediatrician from Stamford Health NHML is one of many libraries market their products by pro- Medical Group and a detective with across the US addressing the moting different flavors—a 2018 the Darien Police Department. Mia vaping scare that gained momen- report estimated there are 7,764 Orobona, teen services librarian at tum in summer 2019. As of varieties—and employ the same Darien Library, says the detective December 27, 2,561 confirmed marketing tactics that have been brought several types of e-cigarettes and probable lung-injury cases used in the past to sell cigarettes to with him for the presentation. have been linked with the use of young people. While vapor from “Sometimes these [e-cigarettes] e-cigarettes—called vaping—as e-cigarettes generally contains can look pretty innocuous, like well as 55 deaths, according to the fewer toxic chemicals than tobacco flash drives or pens,” Orobona says. Centers for Disease Control and smoke, it is not harmless. It can “The parents were appreciative of

Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. contain nicotine, heavy metals like the visuals.” As a follow-up to the Pennsylvania in Allentown, College Pearson/Muhlenberg Paul Photo:

16 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org presentation, the library is considering creating a display of e-cigarettes. E-cigarette use has become a prob- lem in higher education as well. Out-of-This-World Archive “It is a pressing issue,” says Rachel Hamelers, teaching and learning CANADA Chris Rutkowski, a private collector and ufologist, librarian at Trexler Library at Muhlen- donated an astronomical number of UFO reports and documents berg College in Allentown, Pennsylva- to the University of Manitoba’s Archives and Special Collections in nia. “We had noticed, anecdotally, an November. The donation includes more than 20,000 UFO reports increase in vaping on campus. And the (including the Falcon Lake, Manitoba, library was a great place to discuss it.” incident of 1967 in which prospector Trexler Library, which takes an Stefan Michalak claims to have suf- interdisciplinary approach to its public fered burns on his abdomen from a health presentations, hosted instruc- landed UFO) logged and filed over tors in public health, psychology, and the past few decades, in addition to economics to discuss vaping in Febru- more than 10,000 UFO-related letters, ary 2019. The library was packed for memoranda, and other materials from the presentation, Hamelers recalls: the US and Canadian governments, “We had to bring in extra chairs.” and 1,000 books from Rutkowski’s Involving the community in vaping personal collection. Rutkowski began education is a key component of many investigating UFO sightings and col- libraries’ efforts. Ardis Missaukee lecting materials in 1975, and has since District Library in Lake City, Michigan, written 10 books on his research into decided to host its antivaping program Canadian cases.—UM Today, Oct. 31. in October 2019 after an area resident, The sketch who is a retired respiratory therapist drawn by Stefan ENGLAND A darker side to Peter Pan has been revealed with and certified tobacco treatment spe- Michalak of the publication in December of J. M. Barrie’s original manuscript of cialist offered to speak. “It was Vaping the UFO that his 1911 novel, Peter Pan and Wendy. Fans can read the previously he claims he 101,” says Library Director Laura unpublished version of the story in Barrie’s own handwriting and encountered Marion. The program offered infor- near Falcon see the amendments he made to his manuscript as he was writing it. mation on the health effects of vaping Lake, Manitoba, The new edition, printed in a limited run of 1,000 copies by publisher and how to handle a vaping habit in 1967. SP Books, demonstrates how Barrie toned down Peter Pan’s charac- (whether your own or someone else’s). ter by making him more likeable and less egotistical, defiant, and Shawnee (Okla.) Public Library callous.—The Guardian (UK), Dec. 15. hosted its antivaping presentation in November 2019 in advance of the NORWAY Leaders of a delegation of skiers from China wanted Great American Smokeout, an annual controversial Chinese books at the library in Meråker removed, but the American Cancer Society event held library has rejected the request. More than 40 Chinese cross-country the third Thursday of November that skiers were in town in December to train for the Beijing Olympics encourages people to stop smoking. in 2022. Among the books the delegation wanted removed is one “Oklahoma ranks very low in about the Falun Gong movement that has been banned in China some key health markers,” says since 1999. Library Manager Anne Marken said, “We have freedom of Lisa Lempges, information services speech in Norway, so that was completely out of the question.” manager at Shawnee Public Library. —Norway Today, Dec. 29. “In our community, the vape shops have increased. It’s a real crisis in NEW ZEALAND A 59-year-old dog owner named Andrew our schools. We wanted a way to Taylor of Kaiapoi has created a “stick library” and placed it in a park educate people about the dangers of so dogs can borrow a stick to play with. Taylor collected many sticks this and let them distinguish myth by trimming trees at the side of his house, sanded them to make from fact.” them smooth and clean for the dogs, then made a box to put the twigs in. He encourages people to return them once their dog is

Photo: University of Manitoba Archives and Special Collections Archives of Manitoba University Photo: MARK LAWTON is a writer in Chicago. done playing. Local dog owners love the idea.—Bored Panda, Dec. 16. •

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 17 “Family kits”—children’s back- packs filled withage -appropriate activities—are available for checkout at University of Maryland Libraries.

the removal of blinds on interior windows. However, other reno- vation projects elsewhere in the library edged us out for funding. In 2018, we proposed the project again, this time with a multilevel service model. In addition to the development of a family study space, we also suggested creating “family kits”—children’s back- packs filled with age-appropriate activities and made available for checkout. These kits would be affordable for us to assemble, easily integrated into current services, and functional with or without a family study room. Helping Parents in a Pinch We were delighted when the An academic library becomes more family friendly UMD Student Facilities Fund financed the entire project, includ- ing the development of the family hildren are present in many types of libraries—not just the public variety. The study space and family kits, as expense and difficulties of arranging childcare means that even academic library well as the creation of a separate Cpatrons often need to bring young ones along when studying or browsing the reflection space for meditation and stacks. Now, through the creation of a family study space and other amenities, University prayer, at $10,340. That funding of Maryland Libraries has made it easier for parents, caregivers, and children to visit. also covered the relocation of the existing lactation room to the same floor as the family study space for BY Rachel he University of Maryland’s Once obtained, that care can easily the convenience of caregivers; in Gammons (UMD) diverse campus cost $2,000 per month, per child, addition, changing tables were and Kelsey T community includes parents with very few part-time options. installed in all restrooms on that Corlett-Rivera and others who provide care to These barriers mean that students floor, as well as in a gender-neutral children. It’s not just faculty and are increasingly studying along- restroom on another floor. staff who have kids to look after; side their children in community Family kits are a creative, afford- many of our students do too. In spaces—such as UMD Libraries. able way for academic libraries 2018, 12% of our graduate students While you may not consider to support caregivers and their reported having children under 10, academic libraries child friendly, families. Our kits—targeted at while in 2019, 1.7% of our under- creating a welcoming space for age groups newborn–4, 4–8, and graduates indicated that they were families is easier and more cost- 8–12—feature developmentally parents or primary caregivers. That effective than you might think. appropriate materials such as number is much higher for our That said, it took us more than one books, crayons, puzzles, small toys, undergraduates who are military attempt. In 2016, we proposed the coloring books, and games. The kits veterans: 24%. creation of a family study room—a are available for checkout at our Here in the Washington, D.C., private room with two computer tech desk, which manages the loan metro area, finding childcare often workstations and desks, plus child- of other nontraditional items such means navigating waitlists that sized furniture, children’s books, as laptops, chargers, yoga balls,

are months—or even years—long. toys, and safety measures such as whiteboards, and hammocks. Each of Maryland University Photo:

18 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org kit can be checked out for up to four hours and is marked with a luggage Students are tag featuring a barcode and item- increasingly ized list of contents. The patterns on the backpacks correspond to the studying alongside Join American Libraries age groups: the youngest features dinosaurs, 4–8 zoo animals, and their children in Senior Editor Phil Morehart 8–12 rockets, which help staff community spaces. as he hosts conversations quickly identify the appropriate kit with librarians, authors, for each child. thinkers, and scholars about While we were fortunate to have topics from the the resources to create a family study room, the kits mean that Child Studies Consortium donated library world families can make use of the entire a portable play yard, diapers, and beyond. library. For example, parents may and baby wipes. Every item an Listen to need to use specialized equipment, external group donates is marked these recent such as book scanners or 3D print- with a sticker to acknowledge the episodes: ers, that is available only in certain group’s support. areas or attend meetings in group The family study room and study rooms. For libraries without family kits launched in fall 2019, EPISODE 45 the financial resources or space to and initial response has been Year-End create a dedicated family room, the positive. One graduate student, Conversations family kits offer an alternative way spotted trying to study in a general to support patrons with children. area with her two small children, EPISODE 44 For us, the family inclusion effort was visibly relieved when told Advocacy: also presented an opportunity to about the family study room (to Anyone Can Do It partner with internal stakeholders. which she and the kids immediately For instance, while developing the relocated). So far, the family study proposal for the family study room, room—which can be reserved for EPISODE 43 we involved access services staff two hours, with immediate renewal It’s a members, who would be the ones if no other patrons are waiting—has Mystery! responsible for enforcing policies been booked about 150 times, and and checking out the kits; public dozens of families have emailed services librarians with small grateful messages. EPISODE 42 children, who were able to provide If you see someone studying in Libraries of All input on the kits’ contents; and the library with children, there is Shapes and Sizes outreach and communications staff, generally a reason. Whether it is who helped develop promotional a childcare issue, finances, or a EPISODE 41 campaigns and create signage. partner who is ill, that patron is Beyond Our Staff and system resources were often facing some challenge. In that Borders necessary to enter the kits into moment, the last thing you want is our ILS so they were available for for the library to present another lending. We ensured that lending barrier. Having a family study EPISODE 40 policies matched policies for equip- room, family kits, or both demon- 50 Years of the ment loan and included standard strates compassion for the lived Coretta Scott King replacement values to reduce the experiences of users and, hopefully, Book Awards burden on frontline staff. makes their day a little easier. We also recruited partners out- RACHEL GAMMONS is head of teach- side the library. The UMD iSchool’s ing and learning services and KELSEY Listen at iDiversity student group gathered CORLETT-RIVERA is head of research and donated most of the materials commons at University of Maryland bit.ly/deweydecibel in the kits. The UMD Infant and Libraries.

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 19 it’s not an overnight thing. You don’t Samantha Irby just wake up one day, see a girl in a bikini, and go, “Yep, me too.” And Essayist returns with characteristically candid look at life also, selfishly, I was like, “I don’t know another time when someone is going to give me hundreds of riter and comedian Samantha Irby is author of the essay collections thousands of dollars to have Meaty (2013) and We Are Never Meeting in Real Life (2017) as well as fat girls in bikinis on TV.” Wthe long-running blog Bitches Gotta Eat. In 2019 she wrote the “Pool” I had no idea it was going episode of Hulu’s Shrill, which was so well received by critics and viewers alike to be as beautiful as it was. I that it has already spawned at least two oral-history articles and inspired more think in the script, I put that “fat babe pool party” events. As her new book, Wow, No Thank You (March, I wanted it to look like Candy Vintage) reveals, Irby continues her filter-free, all-caps approach to the world, Land, and they really did get it but now with a wife and two kids in Kalamazoo, Michigan, instead of Chicago. to this vibrant, beautiful thing. That was super cool.

BY Amy Carlton Tell us about your new book, Wow, chronic illness—is it easy for you What are you reading right now? No Thank You. It’s pretty much to write so honestly? Do you get When I’m writing my own thing, I in the same vein as my other two any backlash? You can’t say “good don’t read essays at all because they books, but I have exhausted writing morning” without someone being just make me feel like a fraud. But about my mom and dad, and all like, “uh no, it’s a bad morning,” I just started Long Bright River by my pets are still alive, so there are so I’m sure that it exists, but I don’t Liz Moore. And Queenie by Candice no sad essays. It’s mostly about look for it. I think my audience Carty-Williams, Your House Will Pay dealing with this aging body and knows what they’re getting. by Steph Cha, and Uncanny Valley still not feeling comfortable as a I feel like my work is kind of by Anna Wiener—those are my person on earth. provocative because, like, here’s most recent. Those are my next-to- my uterine lining and I’m going to the-bed books. Your work is known for its disarm- talk about it in lurid detail. So it’s ing frankness about serious topics provocative, but it’s not confron- What has been the role of libraries like race, sex, weight, poverty, tational. It’s never an attack on in your life? I was a library kid anyone other than myself, and so I because I grew up extremely poor. think people read it in a way that’s The library was the only way I read less like starting an argument and all the Sweet Valley High and Sweet more like, “Here’s a gross thing you Valley Twins that I wanted to read. might not otherwise read. I hope it I wanted to makes you laugh.” MORE ONLINE read all the For the extended Christopher The New York Times called the interview, visit Pike and “Pool” episode of Shrill one of the bit.ly/AL-Irby. Stephen King best episodes of TV of 2019. How books. I was did you get involved in writing always in the library as a kid, the for that series, and what was the Evanston (Ill.) Public Library. inspiration for that episode? Lindy My wife is a big reader, and she [West] and I are friends; we share belongs to the library. We get sent a TV agent. We were looking for so many books that she’s just going a way to have [Annie, the main to put me out because there’s not character] go through a trans- enough bookshelves at home. I formation that felt realistic. need a way to read what I want and I think, especially when also not get divorced. So the library you’re talking about a has come in handy for getting me very specific type of fat the books that I want and giving me

acceptance or positivity, a place to take them back to. Blue Eva Photo:

20 “Probably the saddest day of my childhood was watching the downtown library burn down. That was the moment I thought, I have to leave L.A.—I have nothing here. It was the only place that I could go. I didn’t even have money to go to a coffee shop. I was supposed to be in school.” BECK, on the 1986 Central Library Fire in Los Angeles when he was 15, in “Beck Is Home,” The New Yorker, November 25.

“I’M A MEMBER OF EVERY “Our kids feel invisible and erased, LIBRARY IN CALIFORNIA and in order to keep them safe, THAT ALLOWS ME TO BE and [make] them feel loved A MEMBER AS A RESIDENT and included, these books need OF THE STATE.” to be part of these classroom SARAH JACOBSSON PUREWAL, in “Ebooks at Libraries Are a libraries. I’m not personally Huge Hit, Leading to Long Waits, Reader Hacks, and Worried Publishers,” Washington Post, November 26. asking teachers to teach them but to have them on the shelf.”

“[Prime Minister Boris] Johnson appears SARAH DAVIS, parent, in “LGBTQ Issues Complicate Kalamazoo to suggest that the country can only afford [Mich.] Elementary Book Program,” WMUK-FM, December 17. libraries when there has been an economic recovery. As we have commented time and “If they have a late fee, they think they again, this is a fundamentally misguided can never go back. And these are kids policy. By investing in libraries, you create that are sucking up books but aren’t opportunities for education and skills using our library because they can’t pay across the country, which in turn creates the some piddly fine. I think we can take a conditions for future economic growth.” 1% hit if it gives us more users.” NICK POOLE, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, in “Britain Has Closed CORBY VARNESS, member of the Timberland Regional Library Almost 800 Libraries Since 2010, Figures Show,” The Guardian Board of Trustees, in “Timberland Libraries to End Late Fees Start-

Photo: Citizen Kane Wayne Kane Citizen Photo: (UK), December 5. ing in 2020,” The Daily Chronicle (Centralia, Wash.), December 23.

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 21 SPECIALCENSUS REPORT 2020

Your community counts

22 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org clearinghouse of2020 INFORMATION Census resources at Check outALA’s ala.org/census MORE

Illustration: Kristen Solecki

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oledo, Ohio—once a manufac- Toledo. “But there’s so much goodwill turing hub, now losing popu- with the public library that the conversa- Reaching T lation for lack of jobs—does tion sort of shifted,” she says. “We take not want to be undercounted in the stances on things, we believe in our mis- 2020 Census and miss out on critical sion … but we’re kind of nonpolitical.” the Hard resources. So in May 2019, the mayor Not to mention, Sewell points out, and Lucas County commissioners sent the library had the workspace, technol- area businesses and organizations a ogy, meeting rooms, and information to Count letter asking them to join a Complete resources for an outreach position to Count Committee (CCC). thrive. So TLCPL, through its founda- Libraries contract “I was sent one of those letters,” says tion, made the hire. Rhonda Sewell, manager of external TLCPL is one of a handful of libraries census specialists and governmental affairs for Toledo– that have brought on contractors to help with the goal of Lucas County Public Library (TLCPL). with census engagement. “What’s at stake [in Ohio] is over $1,800 In New York City, where the 2010 improving self- per person.” Census self-response rate was below Sewell and others who joined the 62% (the national average is 76%), response rates CCC decided that, to not lose federal Brooklyn Public Library, New York funds, Toledo and Lucas County needed Public Library (NYPL), and Queens to hire a census coordinator. Initially the Public Library are putting some of the BY Terra Dankowski CCC imagined the one-year, community city’s $1.4 million investment in library stakeholder–funded position would census efforts toward the Census Navi- be managed by United Way of Greater gators program. At NYPL, this 20-week effort brings six part-time employees with customer service skills and fluency in a non-English language—the job ad specifically recruited Bengali, Chinese, French, and Spanish speakers—to neighborhoods most in need of census education. “We have a wide reach,” says Jay Brandon, civic engagement and community partnerships manager at NYPL, who oversees the system’s Census Navigators. The library has 92 locations across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, and “based on that footprint, it allows us to serve in a capacity that not only supports other commu- nity organizations but allows us to work in tandem with them to ensure that New York has a complete count.” Photo: Waukegan (Ill.) Public Library Waukegan Photo:

Spanish-language census marketing materials used by Waukegan (Ill.) Public Library 13

24 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org 86% Building trust Percentage of Detroit’s activities, such as answering questions These census specialists aren’t and assisting with programming, once librarians—and that’s mostly by design. population that lives self-response kicks off in mid-March. In a city where 55% of residents identify in hard-to-count Why libraries? as Hispanic/Latinx—one of the hardest- neighborhoods, the to-count census demographics—it was The census coordinator position is one vital for Waukegan (Ill.) Public Library largest proportion of every library should consider, says Sewell. (WPL) to hire a native Spanish speaker any major US city. “It was essential for our system to take on to handle outreach and build trust with this role and to house Deborah here and target groups. manage her contract. Because our com- “I talked to a woman who was upset munity partners funded her role, [it’s] a with the government, and she said she January) as well as county leaders, faith- model that can be duplicated,” she says. thought [the census] would be something based communities, labor organizations, WPL received grants from the gov- to harm immigrants,” says Elizabeth disability advocates, homeless shelters, ernment agency Reaching Across Santana Andujar, census engagement spe- and other partners that may have access Illinois Library System and the nonprofit cialist at WPL, whose one-year contract to the 24% of the population in Lucas organization Forefront to aid its census started in June 2019. “She was so upset, County deemed hard to count. “I have awareness efforts, but Gomez-Beloz says but I had the opportunity to explain what recruited six to eight churches that have those monies weren’t enough to fully fund the benefits are to being counted. She committed to having Census Sundays” Andujar’s position—so she made the deci- changed her mind a little bit, and she during which talking points will be read, sion to tap into operational funds. “I felt said, ‘I’m going to talk with my husband she says, “and some of the churches … it was an important part of [the library’s] and my family to explain how this is bene- will have computers there for individuals work,” she says. She is benchmarking the ficial for us,’ so I see that my work works.” to complete their census online.” program’s success by “focusing on stan- Toledo–Lucas County 2020 Census Andujar’s work at WPL has been dard library metrics,” that is, the numbers Coordinator Deborah Barnett was hired similar: reaching out to religious groups, of people the library talks to, events it in part for her community connections tabling and marketing at city events, hosts, and people it motivates to act. and customer service experience as taking her message to the radio and At the end of Barnett’s tenure, she a consultant and former bank vice social media, planning a Census Kickoff will create a report for Toledo–Lucas president. “It’s about the messenger, Day, contacting potential collaborators, County’s CCC that details her outreach and I must say, I’m a good messenger,” and creating a census toolkit in English activities, best practices, and recom- says Barnett. “I’ve been involved in this and Spanish for other civic organizations mendations for the next count in 2030. community for over 30 years.” to use (bit.ly/WaukeganToolkit). “We’re looking at this being an ongoing Though these roles require much To that end, she—as well as her coun- thing,” says Sewell. allaying of misconceptions—for exam- terparts at TLCPL and NYPL—expects “If the library has the capacity for it, ple, Barnett says she regularly needs to that census specialists will have a hand I think this is a great place for this kind assure senior citizens and those lacking in helping patrons who want to fill out of work to sit because we see so many internet access that the census can also census forms on library computers. WPL different types of people every day,” says be completed by mail or phone, not just is designating classrooms for census Gomez-Beloz. “I would say that libraries online—much of it involves crafting a response, and Selina Gomez-Beloz, WPL have the benefit of being planners and broader message and cultivating partner- director and chair of Waukegan’s CCC, trusted persons within a community.” ships. Barnett meets with eight subcom- estimates that the library could end up mittees to coordinate activities (such as hosting more than 5,000 people during TERRA DANKOWSKI is creating branded fliers in four different the enumeration stage. NYPL anticipates managing editor of Ameri- can Libraries. languages or planning a census presence its Census Navigators will shift from at Toledo’s MLK Unity Day celebration in external outreach to more in-branch

Number of languages that online and phone responses can be completed 13 in, including Arabic, Haitian Creole, Russian, and Vietnamese.

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 25 2020 CENSUS

his year, as the census ques- challenge of ensuring these digital tionnaire moves online for the deserts are addressed, and that tech is Plug T first time in American history, brought into communities, hopefully public libraries across the country are permanently,” Davis says. The state incorporating technology into outreach grant will help procure technology that into the efforts in innovative ways. Here we look can be used to complete the census, at both urban and rural libraries facing including tablets, laptop and desktop challenges counting certain sectors of computers, and cellphones. The city has Census the population and the ways they are also focused on marketing and outreach using tech to capture demographic and at local events and meetings, where Leveraging tech economic data. BCCC members demonstrate how to use the online portal the committee has tools and networks Citywide collaboration created to house resources for residents to support an in Baltimore and job seekers. Baltimore received a $250,000 grant “To ensure libraries are equipped inclusive count from the state of Maryland to support for the increased demand, we will be census outreach efforts, led by the placing volunteers in library branches to Baltimore Complete Count Committee assist community members in accessing (BCCC). The committee has worked online or over-the-phone census materi- BY Taylor Hartz closely with local libraries to implement als,” Davis says. They will have dedi- a plan for “bringing the census to the cated computers, tablets, and meeting people,” says Austin C. Davis, census rooms for locals. During the enumer- project manager for the city’s plan- ation phase of the census, Baltimore ning department. will also rely heavily on the city’s fleet In Baltimore, where more than of mobile libraries to provide pop-up 30% of residents lack reliable (or any) census response stations. internet access, “we have the unique Los Angeles goes mobile City officials in Los Angeles have implemented plans to offer Census Action Kiosks— mobile stations that Illustration: Kristen Solecki Kristen Illustration:

26 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org $1.5 will provide access to computers and TRILLION of Newburgh Free Library (NFL). the internet. The kiosks will not be Estimated amount Nearly half of the city lacks internet freestanding but will be established in access at home, she says, but the locations with preexisting infrastruc- in federal funds to door-to-door count has its limitations ture, like libraries. support state and as well—namely, immigrant communi- According to the office of Los Angeles ties’ misgivings about interacting with Mayor Eric Garcetti, the city aims to local programs that the government. mobilize 197 public facilities to provide is determined by To encourage goodwill between census resources to historically under- immigrant communities and census counted populations. Uniform signage US census data. workers, the library is partnering with will identify computers citywide that the US Census Bureau to host job fairs can be used for the census and that will encouraging local citizens to apply to feature a direct, easily accessed link to work as enumerators. The idea is to the online census form. 2019 running on the outdated Win- recruit “so the faces knocking at the The Census Goodwill Ambassadors dows 7 operating system. door look like the faces opening the volunteer coalition is working to estab- “Much of our area suffers from door: neighbors, familiar faces, trusted lish the kiosks and provide residents broadband poverty, making our public- people,” Carolan says. with information about where to fill access computers necessary and in NFL is part of a complete count out their forms. The majority of the great demand,” says CCPLS Director committee that comprises 26 local kiosks, the mayor says, will be at public Sharon Townson. organizations. “The primary goal of our library branches. Broadband poverty in the county, committee is to be fully representative “Poor access to technology or a bad says Townson, means that either folks of our culturally and economically internet connection should never be cannot afford to pay for internet service diverse community and sensitive to the a barrier to participation in this vital or that the service is not available in needs, fears, and concerns of our large exercise in our democracy,” Garcetti said their area. This lack of access poses immigrant population in order to get a in a December 12 statement. “With our a distinct hardship for adults seeking complete count,” Carolan says. nation’s first-ever digital census around employment, children completing The library is one of several desig- the corner, public libraries will offer homework assignments, and families nated “communication hubs” established reliable and trusted places for Ange- who may be on the fence about partici- in familiar locations across the city lenos to get information, fill out their pating in the census. to help residents access and take the forms, and ensure a full and accurate In 2020, CCPLS branches will house census. Each hub will provide laptops count in 2020.” designated computers for completing and tablets, private spaces to complete the census, while a bookmobile will the survey, and staffers to help residents Alabama fights bring Wi-Fi hotspots and laptops to navigate the website. broadband poverty hard-to-reach areas. The bookmobile “The library is not only a trusted, In more rural areas like Cullman will travel to community centers, senior welcoming place, but it is also the sole County, Alabama, libraries are invest- centers, industrial parks, schools, sports source for internet access for many ing in technology upgrades that will fields, and churches. people in our hard-to-count commu- help them reach families in the broad nity,” says Carolan. “Setting up visible, territories they serve. Cullman County Where there’s trust, dedicated space to complete the survey Public Library System (CCPLS) this year New York adds tech is critical to success.” invested about $32,000 in grant funds, Newburgh, New York, a community on made available through the Library the Hudson River about two hours north TAYLOR HARTZ is a mul- Services and Technology Act, to update of New York City, had a response rate of timedia storyteller in New London, Connecticut. 30 public-access computers at libraries just 57% in the 2010 census, according throughout the county, which were until to Mary Lou Carolan, assistant director

Percentage of US households that mailed 74% back the 2010 Census questionnaire.

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 27 2020 CENSUS

State- Illinois By-State Funding from state: $29 million earmarked for regional outreach grants, $750,000 of which Snapshots California was awarded to the Reaching Funding from state: $26.5 million Across Illinois Library System State libraries and earmarked for counties for outreach, Illinois Secretary of State and State library associations are some of which may go to libraries Librarian Jesse White is chair of the A cohort of California librarians, in state’s Complete Count Commission. offering vital resources conjunction with the California State The State Library conducted a poster Library and the California Library contest for students and is encour- like online toolkits, Association (CLA), created an online aging libraries to make public access training, fliers, toolkit for libraries to help prepare computers available to all to fill out for the census. CLA also established the census, regardless of their library research, and reading an online portal of census-related card status. The Illinois Library Asso- information from the American ciation has devoted a section of its lists to help raise Library Association (ALA), the website to census information, from a California Complete Count Commit- US Census Bureau page that debunks awareness of the 2020 tee, and the US Census Bureau. rumors to ALA-created resources. Census—both with and without financial support from the state. American Libraries offers a glimpse at efforts in states that have and have not received funding as of press time. Arizona Alaska No state funding pledged No state funding pledged The Arizona State Library sponsored State Librarian Patience Frederiksen “Going Online with Census 2020,” and Alaska State Library Consul- a program that provided 21 public tant Daniel Cornwall are members library systems with laptops or of Alaska Counts, a group run by tablets to help their communi- the nonprofit Alaska Census Work- ties complete the census online. ing Group. Alaska State Library Libraries were preselected based has facilitated training webinars in on their proximity to hard-to-count conjunction with the US Census to tracts. The project was financed provide tips to libraries conducting using $47,110 from the Institute census-taker recruitment events. of Museum and Library Services.

28 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org New York Funding from state: $20 million earmarked for outreach, some of which may go to libraries Rhode Island State Librarian Lauren Moore serves Funding from state: $700,000 Montana on the state’s Complete Count Com- allocated to support the Com- Funding from state: $2,000 used mission. The New York State Library, plete Count Committee from Montana State Library’s budget New York Library Association, and Chief Library Officer Karen Mellor for marketing and promotion Southeastern NY Library Resources serves on the state’s Complete Count State Librarian Jennie Stapp serves Council have created online portals Committee. The State of Rhode on ALA’s 2020 Census Library Out- with information about census jobs, Island Office of Library and Infor- reach and Education Task Force and downloadable resources, and news. mation Services hosted two census the state’s Complete Count Com- The state’s Library Complete Count workshops for library staffers to mittee. The state library created a Committee received an $88,000 develop outreach plans. The RI Foun- census toolkit and conducted train- grant from the Charles H. Revson dation is offering two rounds of RI ing programs in late 2019 and early Foundation to fund training for Census 2020 Outreach Fund grants 2020 to introduce the toolkit and librarians and library IT staff in the ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 that prepare local libraries for the census. Empire State Library Network. libraries are eligible to apply for.

Ohio No state funding pledged Texas Florida Ohio Library Council Executive Direc- No state funding pledged No state funding pledged tor Michelle Francis sits on the Gov- The Texas State Library and Archives, The Panhandle Library Access Net- ernor’s Census 2020 Complete Count in conjunction with the US Census work (PLAN) offered two training Commission. The state created the Bureau, sent letters to each Texas programs at the PLAN Florida Mini Ohio Library 2020 Census Committee, library director informing them of the Conference in August 2019: one a group of library staffers that will help importance of the census, with links on the importance of the census public, school, academic, and spe- to fliers and other resources, and and how library staff members cial libraries prepare for the census. produced training webinars in Sep- can assist patrons in completing it, The state also offers resources on its tember 2019 and February 2020. The and one to raise awareness of the website, including marketing and pro- Texas Library Association presented types of products, tools, and apps motion materials, a census timeline, a program on libraries and the census available to access census data. myths, and partnership information. at its Annual Assembly in July 2019.

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 29 2020 CENSUS

overnment attempts to gather undocumented immigrant may worry citizen data are often met with that participating in the census will lead Fact G hostility—and this year’s census to the spouse’s deportation. By law, is no exception. however, census data cannot be shared The flames of any mistrust that might with the Department of Homeland Versus have already surrounded this census Security, US Immigration and Customs have been fanned at least twice: First, Enforcement, or any other government by the new option to complete the form agency or court. Fear online, which may be met with diffi- Where mistrust isn’t an issue, simple dence by the 52% of American adults confusion may be. For the more than Libraries help whom the Pew Research Center calls 15% of US adults who speak a language “relatively hesitant” about using digital other than English at home, the prospect assuage census tools, and which may also raise concerns of completing a lengthy census form anxieties around cybersecurity. may be daunting. (The Census Bureau And second, by the Trump adminis- does supply video and print guides in tration’s controversial and ultimately 60 languages as well as Braille and large failed attempt to add a citizenship print; questionnaire assistance and BY Meghan question. As Liz Vagani, who manages internet self-response in 12 non-English Murphy-Gill the El Cajon branch of San Diego County languages including Cantonese, Manda- (Calif.) Library (SDCL), says simply: rin, Spanish, and Tagalog; and a paper “There’s a lot of fear [around] provid- census form in Spanish.) ing information to the Then, too, “there’s a real misunder- government.” For example, standing of the nature of the census,” a person married to an says Vagani, whose branch lies in a neighborhood considered “hard to count,” thanks to its large populations of refugees, immigrants, people experi- encing homelessness, racial and ethnic minorities, and people with low pro- ficiency in English. “People think that voting is their civic duty, and they feel obligated to do it,” she says. “But they don’t realize that the census has just as much impact on their world as voting does.” Illustration: Kristen Solecki Kristen Illustration:

30 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org DISPELLING MYTHS

For example, census data directly inclusion and workforce readiness for “My information impacts congressional redistricting Queens (N.Y.) Public Library, is making efforts, as well the number of repre- similar efforts. “We’re working on staff will be shared or sentatives a state sends to Congress. training and development of public- “The census is one way the people of facing programs,” he says. used against me.” this country become more visible,” That staff training will address FACT: By law, the says Larra Clark, deputy director of the complicated questions. For example: US Census Bureau Public Library Association (PLA). “Here in Queens, we’ve got a number Nonetheless, the Census Bureau’s of households that might have been cannot share personal 2020 Census Barriers, Attitudes, and included in the master address file of data with any other Motivators Study found that only the Census Bureau, but the relation- government or law two-thirds of respondents marked ships of folks within those households themselves “extremely likely” or “very might be pretty dynamic or nontra- enforcement agency. likely” to complete a census form—the ditional,” Lambert says, referring to main barriers being concerns about off-lease and illegally sublet rooms. “A data privacy and confidentiality, fear single household may be on the file, “I can’t fill out the of repercussions, distrust in all levels of but will a landlord complete the census government, feeling that being counted form for the four folks living in a unit in census because doesn’t matter, and the belief that his basement or not?” I’m not a citizen.” completing the census might not benefit According to the Census Bureau, someone personally. they should: “If someone is staying in FACT: The census The good news: Libraries are well your home on April 1, and has no usual counts everyone placed to mitigate misconceptions home elsewhere, you should count them around the census and encourage par- in your response to the 2020 Census,” living in the US. ticipation in it, says San Antonio Public says the official census website. In Library Director and PLA President addition, the census form offers options Ramiro S. Salazar. for marking a household member as “I can’t complete “Libraries tend to be environments a “roommate or housemate” or “other the census that are nonthreatening and more nonrelative.” friendly,” he says. “Folks feel more com- Lambert stresses that “the most because I don’t fortable visiting libraries than a school important thing that libraries can do is or some other government agency.” come up with a safe and secure pathway have internet Here, librarians share their strate- to be a census response site for self- access.” gies and tactics for encouraging census response.” To that end, his library and participation—and allaying citizen many others are turning to the best IT FACT: The 2020 Census concerns around it. infrastructure practices recommended will be available online, by The New School’s Digital Equity ‘A safe and secure pathway’ Laboratory in its free online “Preparing by mail, and by phone. Vagani feels so strongly about the impor- for the Digital Decennial Census” report tance of the census that she helped (bit.ly/digitalequitylab). San Diego County receive $125,000 in Those recommendations include “I have to state funds, of which SDCL was allotted establishing a census kiosk or dedicated answer every $55,000 to increase census participa- terminal that can access only the official tion. Some of those funds will be used census website. “That way, if someone single question for dedicated computer terminals, so has a spoof or scam link from a [fake that patrons without home internet census] mailer that they received at on the census.” access can complete the census form at their house, they’re not going to be able FACT: Incomplete census the library. to access it,” Lambert says. questionnaires are still On the other side of the country, Jef- frey Lambert, assistant director of digital Continued on page 33 considered legal.

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 31 2020 CENSUS

n 2010, Gail Borden Public Library Our census partnership specialist, District in Elgin, Illinois, led an Theresa Le, is spot-on when she says the Tips for I effort to raise the local US Census census is simple, safe, and significant self-reporting rate from 70% in 2000 for people in your community. If your to 79%. We had much to learn. But library is participating in a census cam- Your 2020 the more we found out about how the paign this year, here are some tips. census count is closely tied to millions ■ Realize how trusted your library of dollars in federal funding for our staffers are. It is exactly that trust that Census community, the more we realized that makes libraries a fundamental com- this was one of the most important cam- ponent in getting people counted. paigns the library had ever taken on. ■ Refer to the American Library Associ- Team According to Dionne Roberts- ation’s resources on the 2020 Census: Emegha, US Census Bureau community Libraries’ Guide to the 2020 Census How the work pays off partnership coordinator for the Chicago (bit.ly/LibCensus20), the tip sheet region, March 12–20 the bureau will Preparing My Library for the 2020 for your community mail to most households an invitation Census (bit.ly/CensusSideTipSheet), to complete the 2020 Census online and How Can Libraries Help Count or by phone, with mailed reminders All Kids in the 2020 Census? (bit.ly/ sent through April. The invitation will BY Denise Raleigh CensusSideKids). include a code to identify the residence and help minimize duplicate responses. ■ Use the Response Outreach Area Areas that are considered less likely Mapper (bit.ly/CensusSideROAM) to respond online will receive a paper to help you recruit volunteers. This questionnaire along with the invitation. excellent tool uses data related to The online census portal and telephone poverty, language barriers, lack of center will open on March 26, according broadband access, and frequent resi- to Roberts-Emegha. dential moves to identify groups that could prove challenging to count. ■ Let library visitors know that they can complete the census online using their home addresses even if they have not brought in the invitation to respond that was sent to their resi- dence in March. ■ Make sure your volunteers are trained on how to assist people with filling out the census form. Our staffers and volunteers were trained by census personnel in February. ■ Your volunteers may assist individ- uals by typing their responses in the online portal or filling out the paper form, as long as they do not reinter- pret or modify the response. ■ Even if you do not have a lot of funding, you can make a difference through your staff and computer The 2020 “Get Counted” team for Gail Borden Public access. The Census Bureau website Library District in Elgin, Illinois (bit.ly/CensusSideFacts) offers fact Photo: Gail Borden Public Library District Public Library Gail Borden Photo:

32 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org 1 MILLION Continued from page 31 Approximate number

sheets, infographics, photos, The report also suggests that of children 5 years videos, and other free resources. libraries make these dedicated com- old and younger puters available to all members of the ■ Test your messaging. We short- who were ened and simplified our print public who wish to complete a census materials after trying them out form—not just those who hold library undercounted cards. In addition, it recommends that on a test group. They wound up in the 2010 much more reader friendly. these computers have their USB drives or other physical ports made inacces- ■ Use attention-grabbing graphics. Census. sible to prevent the installation of mal- This is especially important when ware, and that session management language barriers are a challenge. software be configured to remove any ■ Everyone living in a household user-created data. professor in the department of must be included on the same Latina/Latino studies at University form. Make sure your volunteers ‘Where’s my box?’ of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and users know that if someone is Say someone knows how important chair of the Census Bureau’s National accidentally left off, the form must the census is and has no issues with Advisory Committee, and author of be filled out again in its entirety. completing it—yet doesn’t see them- Mexican Americans and the Ques- ■ Don’t think you need to know selves represented in the census’s tion of Race (University of Texas everything about the census. racial, gender, or other categories. Press, 2014). When a question gets too com- The good news is that for the first She suggests that librarians advise plicated, turn it over to Census time, the census will allow respondents people who don’t see themselves Bureau personnel, either through in same-sex relationships to indicate represented in the options to the race a hotline or through your library that fact. The bad news is that many question to check the box for “some contact. other potential aspects of respondents’ other race” and then fill in their The relationships that you make identities will not be reflected. For answer by hand in the space provided. or strengthen during the census example, the census asks respondents “Not everyone feels empowered to do count will benefit your library’s to indicate their sex by checking that,” she says, so some reassurance efforts for years to come. This was either “male” or “female,” with no may be necessary. one of our most important takeaways other option such as “nonbinary” or What if someone decides not to from 2010. Our collaboration with “intersex.” (The National LGBTQ Task complete the census because they do many of our 2010 Census partners Force’s Guide to the 2020 Census not see themselves represented in has continued with ongoing immi- suggests that respondents “answer this the options? grant services, community literacy, question in whichever way feels best to “I would still encourage them to and many other projects over the you” [bit. ly/LGBTQtaskforce].) fill it out,” Dowling says. “The more past decade. As in years past, the census does people check ‘other,’ the more the Even though a requirement to not include “Hispanic” or “Latinx” need for other options will be seen. include a question on citizenship in as options to the question of race. I would also encourage people to fill the 2020 Census was overturned, we Instead, respondents are asked in a out the census because of what it will still be working in a challenging separate question to indicate whether means politically in terms of represen- environment. Many people will be they have “Hispanic, Latino, or Span- tation. When people are like, ‘I’m not suspicious about how the govern- ish origins.” So what is someone who going to participate,’ I’m like, ‘That’s ment will use the census data. This checks yes to that question supposed what the forces working against makes working on behalf of our com- to answer to the race question— you would like!’ You’re not getting munity more important than ever. bearing in mind that respondents are back at them.” instructed to answer every question? In addition, the race question does MEGHAN MURPHY-GILL DENISE RALEIGH is division is a writer in Chicago. not provide an option for indicating chief for public relations ANNE FORD, American and development at Gail Middle Eastern identity. Libraries’ editor-at-large, Borden Public Library Dis- “People are like, ‘Where’s my provided additional trict in Elgin, Illinois. box?’” says Julie Dowling, associate reporting.

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 33 2020 CENSUS

ibraries are long-trusted partners Center for Urban and Social Research. in helping the government collect He is a member of the Civic Switchboard After the L an accurate count every 10 years. project team, a collaborative effort sup- But a librarian’s role doesn’t have to ported by the Institute of Museum and end once all the forms are submitted. Library Services that aims to empower Census Around the country, libraries are using libraries to engage with civic data and census data to augment their program- establish partnerships with other civic How to use the ming, train staff members, connect with data entities in their communities. patrons, and collaborate with local orga- As part of its efforts, Civic Switch- “mother of open nizations. These unique experiments board created a guide for libraries and in data sets” more and projects offer opportunities to teach 2017 began offering grants for libraries skills and engage people with the larger to develop programming around open than once a decade community and the issues that affect it. civic data, including the census. “A lot of “Census data is the mother of all the work that’s happening in civic data open data sets,” says Jeffrey Lambert, is happening outside of the library,” assistant director of digital inclusion Gradeck says. “If people can find them- BY Emily Udell and workforce readiness at Queens selves or their communities in the data, (N.Y.) Public Library (QPL). “It’s a that’s a way to really engage them.” huge resource about people who live in the United States, and it’s accessi- Adult and teen data education ble to anyone.” Before applying for a Civic Switchboard Libraries have an important part to grant, Providence (R.I.) Public Library play in accessing that data, according (PPL) had already been offering two to Bob Gradeck, project manager of the data literacy programs focusing on Western Pennsylvania Regional Data data analytics and visualization for Center at the University of Pittsburgh adults and teens. “Oh my gosh, they are so popular,” says Karisa Tashjian, PPL’s education director, of the programs. “It’s a consis- tent and huge waitlist without us even promoting it.” Data literacy allows people to under- stand and analyze information and use it to learn about their communities, tell stories, and make arguments in profes- sional and public contexts for services and funding. It can be an important tool for professional development and civic engagement. Word of mouth attracts students to PPL’s courses, which are meant to approximate a community college offer- ing, where students develop projects to tell local stories. “The topics are so diverse but mostly

around social community issues,” Solecki Kristen Illustration:

34 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org 1790

Tashjian says. “It runs the entire gamut, Year the first decennial In February 2019, staff members from crime to health.” census was taken, from QPL branches that had been As part of the programs, students do identified as serving hard-to-count in-class exercises using census data and as mandated by the census tracts in Queens completed a learn how to create graphic representa- US Constitution. three-part training that introduced tions using the interactive data visual- them to the NYC OpenData portal and ization software Tableau, a program the census. Some of the topics that the Tashjian says is becoming increasingly in staffers explored included educational demand with employers. attainment, commute time to work, and “It’s like magic that happens in (compiled by the Baltimore Neighbor- employment statistics, Lambert says. these classes,” she says. “It’s a learning hood Indicators Alliance and the Jacob Survey feedback was positive, he community—they take risks, they laugh, France Institute), which include Com- adds. “Lots of people were interested in they cry. They are [looking at] sensitive munity Statistical Areas—neighborhood what the data had to say about the com- topics. They are very energized.” clusters organized around census tract munities they serve in terms of linguistic Using a grant from Civic Switch- boundaries. Students connected these demographics and how they might board, PPL partnered with the nonprofit statistics to archival materials like adapt. I saw lots of light bulbs going arts organization NEXMAP; Chibitron- photos from an image gallery from the off—‘we can do a program on X topic or ics, which makes electronic stickers; Model Urban Neighborhood Demonstra- Y topic.’” He says the training gave par- and STEM design studio Wonderful tion, which documented city neighbor- ticipants ways to explore their commu- Idea Company to add a paper circuitry hoods in the 1960s. nities that they didn’t have before. component to its teen workshop. This “Students synthesized information to QPL did versions of the same work- three-dimensional visualization method create a narrative about the neighbor- shop with the public and local nonprofit connected participants’ data work to hood,” says Kristin Conlin, reference and organizations that wanted to learn library makerspace resources, includ- instruction librarian. “What happened how to serve their constituents better. ing a 3D printer, laser cutters, and [in the past], and how did that impact The library partnered with the Mayor’s sewing machines. the community?” One student linked Office of Data Analytics, New York PPL also hosts a Data for Good project employment data to historic photos of Immigration Coalition, Center for the in which members of a regular Tableau a job fair, for example. Others explored Integration and Advancement of New support group consult with local non- issues surrounding water bills and aban- Americans, Cidadão Global, DSI Interna- profit organizations. The group answers doned city lots. tional Inc., Haitian Americans United for questions that involve delving into data “It helps create a greater connection Progress, and Polonians Organized to in order to help the nonprofits develop to the communities they live in, just Minister to Our Community. programming, get grant funding, or by knowing more about it,” she says. In total, QPL offered 40 workshops solve other problems. “It can [then] be used to help form the with 200 participants at 30 of its 66 creation of solutions to problems in their locations. Lambert’s advice to other Connecting with the past communities.” libraries aiming to get into data literacy At Robert L. Bogomolny Library at Uni- and using open data like the census: versity of Baltimore, students partici- Public engagement in data “Figure out what your role in the eco- pated in a multiweek research project in QPL used Civic Switchboard funding system is, what your assets are, and who which they learned how to sift through for a three-pronged data program that you can partner with to make this data census and other local data and link involved training staffers, training the accessible to your patrons.” their findings to archival and special public, and connecting with local non- collections materials. profits serving immigrant communities EMILY UDELL is a freelance As part of a larger introductory in the diverse borough of Queens. writer based in Indianapolis. information literacy class, students used “Data literacy is civic literacy,” data from the Vital Signs data reports says Lambert.

Number of area census offices the US Census Bureau 248 opened in 2019 to support a complete count.

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 35 At 50, the Black Caucus of the American Library Association looks toward Living the future the

DreamBY Anne Ford

t the American Library Association’s (ALA) Midwinter Meeting in 1970, then-councilor E. J. Josey challenged the A Association to better serve the needs of black library professionals. This spurred the formation of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA), which has worked for 50 years to advocate for the recruitment and professional development of African-American librarians and promote library services and resources in the African- American community. How has the situation of African Americans in the profession changed since BCALA’s founding? Well, “it hasn’t gotten any worse,” says Trevor Dawes, vice provost for libraries and museums and May Morris University Librarian at Univer- sity of Delaware, as well as past BCALA executive board member and BCALA liaison to ALA until last year. “We still have a lot of systemic oppression of people of color and certainly black people in the profession, and so an organization like BCALA is still necessary to advance the mission of inclusion.” Meet five black librarians doing just that.

ANNE FORD is editor-at-large of American Libraries.

36 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org ‘This is what a librarian can look like.’ Kirby McCurtis draws black people to the library

he first time Multnomah County (Oreg.) Library Branch Manager Kirby McCurtis went on an outreach visit to a Head Start classroom—which T happened to consist of all African-American students—even the teacher was surprised. “He was like, ‘You’re the librarian? All right!’” remembers McCurtis, who is president-elect of the Association for Library Service to Children. “Yes, this is what a librarian can look like. The kids were like, ‘This is awesome!’” Changing the perception of libraries as white spaces is a major goal of McCurtis, who started a Black Storytime group at the library in 2012 to affirm the experiences of African and African-American children and to help the black community feel welcome. “The community was really responsive, really excited,” she remembers. “It was a nice way to have conversations with people about their experiences and to make sure that people felt like the library was their space.” After a white mother asked whether she could bring her child to that sto- rytime to learn about race (answer: yes), McCurtis also realized the need to develop a curriculum to help parents from all backgrounds talk about the sub- ject with preschool-age children. Because if you don’t? Then “your kid’s going to say something horrible because they don’t have the language, they don’t have the tools.” She now frequently presents “Talking about Race with Preschool-Age Children” at con- ferences, and it’s also deliv- ered as a four-week course at the library. Other programs and webinars of hers Left, E. J. Josey speaks at the include “We Speak Your ALA Midwinter Meeting in 1970. Language: Strengthening Above, members of BCALA at Early Literacy for Diversity” ALA’s Annual Conference in 1977. and “Cuddle Up and Read: Storytimes for Pregnant and Parenting Teens.” “I always say the BCALA has become my family,” McCurtis adds. “Every conference, every Midwinter, I’ve got cousins and aunties and uncles looking out for me. There’s a shared language and a shared experience; there’s solidarity in numbers. Not everyone is on the Kirby McCurtis mission to change the world for black kids, but this group—that’s

Photos: ALA Archives; Busy Beaver Button Museum (top button); Arthur Plotnik (Annual); Kristin Beadle (McCurtis) Kristin Arthur Plotnik (Annual); button); Museum (top Button Beaver Busy Archives; ALA Photos: our path.” •

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 37 ‘It shouldn’t be something scary.’ Jessica Bratt talks to kids about race

hough kids at storytime may look like they’re busy enjoying the book (and wiggling around), they’re T also absorbing societal norms. That’s why Grand Rapids (Mich.) Public Library Youth Services Manager Jessica Bratt works to make it a place that celebrates differences—like race. “Society tells children that they need to be able to live alongside others, but we never give kids tools to do that,” Bratt says. “If we can get comfortable disrupting biases in an age-appropriate way, then when we transition into Jessica Bratt conversations around consent or police brutality, they already have the tools to lean into discomfort to help them process the world around them.” To that end, she developed a toolkit for storytime leaders called Let’s Talk about Race. Best practices include selecting books that depict a diverse range of

or feature a protagonist from an underrepresented or ‘They want to challenge oppressed group: The Hate U Give, I Am Not Your Perfect Mex- ican Daughter, The Librarian of Auschwitz, Girl Mans Up, and many more. Students who read at least four books from the everything now.’ list win a T-shirt, but even students who don’t win prizes are excited “just to have these conversations,” she says. “And I Cicely Lewis raises students’ feel like my students are little social justice warriors because social consciousness they want to challenge everything now.” The Young Adult Library Services Association awarded Lewis the 2019 Margaret A. Edwards Award for Best Liter- ature Program for Teens for Read Woke, and the program ’m up here talking about magical wizards, and my stu- has spread to other schools and libraries. Meanwhile, at dents are suffering.” Meadowcreek, Read Woke has expanded: There are plans for I That’s what Cicely Lewis, educator and library media a social justice–oriented field trip in the works—perhaps to specialist at Meadowcreek High School in Norcross, Georgia, Selma, Alabama, to visit the historic civil rights sites there— remembers thinking in 2017. Though her Harry Potter– as well as a potential initiative to distribute books from the focused reading program had been successful, she wanted to Read Woke list to local foster children. address topics like police violence, immigration restrictions, Being a librarian of color, Lewis adds, has helped and other injustices, particularly since her school has a large her show students that libraries are for them. “Not to population of students of color. Thus, Read Woke was born. say that a white librarian can’t be welcoming, but we Lewis curated a list of books that challenge a social do need more representation,” she says. “That’s one norm, provide information about a disenfranchised group, barrier that can be broken down.” •

38 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org characters and actively pointing out characters’ vary- ing skin tones and hair textures. “Having different skin ‘It’s a great colors is a normal thing. It shouldn’t be something scary,” she points out. Her goal: “Getting librarians to not just say, ‘We have outcome these books,’ but really supporting social-emotional intel- ligence around race and belonging.” Tips from the toolkit for everyone.’ include choosing books that refrain from stereotyping African Americans as entertainers or civil rights activists; Rudolph Clay makes emphasizing to parents and other caretakers that it’s okay to talk about race; and adopting a tone that indicates libraries more diverse comfort with the material. Bratt is also creator of the library’s Social Justice Book Club and cofounder of Librarians 4 Black Lives, a group of n a field that’s more than 85% white, Rudolph library-based advocates who support Black Lives Matter Clay, senior lecturer in African-American stud- (the latter group has since merged into the Public Library ies at Washington University in St. Louis and Association’s Task Force on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, I head of diversity initiatives and outreach services and Social Justice). at the univer- For her, BCALA membership has been a major source of sity’s libraries, support in an overwhelmingly white field. “I hope we can is making his continue being a voice for change within ALA,” she says. library and “You can find support and networking around a large con- librarianship in glomerate of other black librarians. And it’s intergenera- general more tional, so you don’t lose the history of how the profession inclusive. “We’re was made and shaped.” • dealing with a more diverse stu- dent population, and we want to have a wel- coming environ- Rudolph Clay ment,” he says, “so that when students enter the library, they see librarians and staff members that resemble their own back- ground, and they feel comfortable asking ques- tions and are more interested in exploring. When you have a diverse staff, it’s a great outcome for everyone.” Not only do he and his team make sure that library staff are equipped to address the needs of students of color, but they also invite those students to consider academic librarianship as a career via paid summer internships. “What we’re hoping to do is help them see many facets of librarianship that they might not have seen before, and help them see what the role of the academic library is in the larger commu- nity,” he says. A few years ago, for example, after police fatally shot Michael Brown in Ferguson,

Continued on page 41

Cicely Lewis americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 39 ‘What does it mean to be Black Diasporic?’ Ana Ndumu broadens perceptions

icaragua native Ana Ndumu, assistant professor of information studies at University of Maryland, NCollege Park, has spoken Spanish since birth—but that doesn’t stop people from asking where she learned the language. “There’s always been a lot of explaining,” says Ndumu. “I’ve always had to toggle between my Latinidad and my blackness.” Add to that her marriage to an African immigrant who grew up in London, and the scope of her insight into multiple facets of black identity becomes clear. Breaking down what she calls the US “homogenization of blackness” is a passion for Ndumu, who researches the obstacles black immigrants to the US face when accessing information. “There’s a specific template of an immigrant— Ana Ndumu non-English speaker, forcefully displaced,” she says. “Black immigrants don’t always come from that background. You may have refugees, but you may also have highly skilled

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40 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org immigrants. Seventy-five percent of black immigrants [to the US] speak English, and about 40% of them arrive degreed. Within libraries, they are grossly ignored.” Continued from page 39 In contrast to the perception that all immigrants suffer Missouri—a town only a few miles from from an information gap, Ndumu finds that black immi- campus—Clay helped create an online grants tend to instead be overwhelmed by the volume of archive of digital media captured by com- information. Those and other findings are reflected in the munity members around the incident. “The free online resource she has created, Toolkit for Library Ser- idea was to ask people who participated in vices to Black Immigrants (blackimmigrantsinlibraries.com). marches or protests if they would not mind In addition, her book Borders and Belonging: Critical Exam- uploading to our archive,” he recalls. “We inations of Library Approaches toward Immigrants is forth- thought this would be a useful resource, and coming (Library Juice Press, May). “I am trying to expand it’s freely available.” awareness of blackness,” she says. “What does it mean to A BCALA member for more than 30 years, be pan-African or Black Diasporic? Then there’s the hope to Clay currently sits on its executive board strengthen LIS curricula so we can have more tools and teach- and serves as exhibit chair for its confer- ing tactics that amplify the value of black librarians.” ence. He lauds the caucus for its mentoring Ndumu, a member of BCALA’s executive board and chair opportunities, which help encourage young of its professional development committee, says that the African Americans to think about becoming caucus’s 50th anniversary presents the perfect opportunity librarians. “Many times, they don’t really to broaden its priorities. “What are we missing?” she asks. know what librarians do, and I think they “We haven’t had the best coverage of immigrants. How don’t know the breadth of what we do,” he about LGBT issues? Anyone who has ideas on how to expand says. “We want people to think about the role issues of identity and social inclusion—this would be help- of librarians in their communities, especially ful. For people who want to disrupt norms and really get into communities that are struggling.” the work of addressing why there’s a lack of representation, • it’s a good time to get involved.” •

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americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 41 Building a Network of Support Maximize relationships to MAIN LIBRARY push your marketing plans A N N U A L R E P O R T

BY Amanda L. Goodman

hen I was charged with managing my If you’re in a similar situation and feel overwhelmed public library’s marketing needs, I balked by unexpected marketing work, don’t be afraid to turn to colleagues. They’ll prove invaluable as you transition to at first. I was a librarian, not a marketer. your new role. But before reaching out, get up to speed I had no idea where to start. I didn’t on who does what at the library and how coworkers can Wunderstand the size of the task. It was hidden by its scat- best help. You may already know exactly who to turn tered nature: When it came to marketing, each department to: It may be department heads or most likely those already doing marketing tasks. Look for creative types in my library did its own thing. Fortunately, I knew who who compose event notices for the library’s website, could help get the job done: my coworkers, whose different design bookmarks, and post on social media. They have skills and knowledge sets lightened my load and provided a wealth of knowledge to share. They can also support

fresh ideas and perspectives. your initiatives. Stock Apoev/Adobe ©Andrey Illustration:

42 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org If you have the time and budget, take key department heads out for coffee and ask how they work. You may uncover someone with a background in market- ing or a related field. If so, lucky you. This person is now your best friend. You should empower as many colleagues as possible to create their own marketing materials and designs. If they are competent, they can take a This is an excerpt great burden off you. The best people to from Marketing encourage are those willing to listen to Plans in Action: feedback. In an ideal situation, you will A Step-by-Step need only to spot-check their work and Guide for Libraries, provide input on how to improve. Archives, and Let go of having full control. Recog- Cultural Organiza- nize that others will not do things exactly tions by Amanda the way you would. If your library has L. Goodman (ALA established branding guidelines, those Editions, 2019). will define the creative canvas. For exam- ple, if your organization has decided against using 1990s clip art, that will help eliminate the worst designs from the outset. MAIN LIBRARY Working with groups. Periodically schedule meetings with other departments to educate each other on publicity needs. Likewise, if there are big, organization-wide status A N N U A L update meetings, try to attend one. Use it as an opportunity to refresh everyone on the major marketing pushes coming R E P O R T up, and ask if there’s anything you need to know. After group meetings, go over your notes, digest them, and take steps toward enacting them. Much can be learned by simply talking with coworkers. Email, instant messenging, and other faceless means of communication can often stifle the serendipitous discovery of ideas that happen only in a group dynamic. Meeting face-to- face lets you brainstorm without boundaries TOUCHING BASE Pace yourself. Attending to these relationships can take To get acquainted with the disparate marketing ideas and col- up a lot of time, but they are beneficial. They will be your first lateral at work in your library, meet face-to-face with cowork- line of support and backup if needed. Limit your meetings to ers to learn what they’re doing, how you can support them, 30 to 60 minutes. If you are part of a larger organization-wide and how they can support you. meeting, your speaking portion may be less than five minutes. Working with individuals. Schedule informal meetings Stick to highlights and need-to-know information. with creative coworkers to ask about their projects. Offer ways to assist. If possible, meet on a semiregular basis to stay aware KEEP STAFFERS INVOLVED of events throughout the organization. As you would with any Part of the art of marketing is making sure the right people relationship, try to pick up tidbits about them and be friendly. know the right thing at the right time—including colleagues. You want them to perceive you as an understanding person to They’re busy people, so do the legwork to keep them informed work with who appreciates their skills. and involved.

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 43 Share information. First thing, create opportunities for staff to learn new marketing trends, what other depart- If you feel ments are doing, and how they can be more collaborative in the organiza- overwhelmed tion’s outreach. Remind them to share information not only with you but also by unexpected with one another. Encourage photos. Have staffers take photos and save them in a shared marketing work, location. You can use these for annual reports, social media posts, and email don’t be afraid to ask marketing. If a photo policy isn’t in place, push for one, and make sure colleagues for help. everyone is aware of the rules. You may also need to arrange training to teach staffers how to take usable photos with proper lighting, a clear focus, and departments: Attend their staff meetings. It’ll give you an engaging subject matter. If your library has a semiformal staffer- opportunity to learn about problems that might not come up education process, use it to train multiple people at once. in conversation otherwise, and you’ll hear about projects they Cross departments. When reviewing publicity requests forgot to mention earlier. Go to quarterly meetings at which and upcoming programs and events, look for complementary several months of future programming will be planned. Note: programs and services being offered in different departments If you’re first on their agenda, it may prevent you from hearing at the same time that can be promoted together. Summer valuable, off-the-cuff ideas that are shared as upcoming work reading provides perfect examples of events whose marketing is discussed—especially if you are pushed out of the room after can be coordinated. saying your piece. If this happens, get a rundown of the agenda In public libraries, summer reading may be a library-wide ahead of time so you can ask specifically about items of interest. effort with programs for children, teens, and adults. Because it’s such a busy time, the departments may not be aware of TRAINING NOW AND IN THE FUTURE every program scheduled across the organization. You can To maximize your marketing impact, you need procedures to help by doing the following: train staffers now and in the future. ■ Before the start of the development process for next sum- Establish point people. To help meet some of the mer’s programs, contact each department. Ask about their demands and expectations placed on you, find a point person plans. What are their themes? in each department. This is ideally a colleague who has a ■ Look for opportunities to promote similar programming vested or personal interest in the organization’s marketing and themes together. branding. These colleagues truly care about how the commu- ■ Establish deadlines that allow plenty of time for everyone nity sees and interacts with the library. If they have marketing to publicize their events. chops, all the better. If not, work with them to ensure they ■ If the library contracts an outside designer, be the point know branding guidelines, basic design concepts, and informa- person to keep everything streamlined. To prevent confu- tion about the community that their department serves. sion, you want the designer hearing only from you. The point person’s job is to take pressure off you and hold ■ Create publicity plans for each department, and use their immediate colleagues accountable. Whenever new them for planning purposes. When scheduling a publicity publicity items (photos, fliers, emails, social media posts) are timeline for a cross-departmental program like summer created for public viewing, the point person should give them a reading, give each department time to be the solo star. quick review. For non–point people who are confident in their This helps prevent perceptions that one program is being medium—excellent writers, for example—the point person promoted more than another. may not need to carefully scrutinize everything they produce. Attend staff meetings. You’re a busy person. As such, But the point person is the one to look for typos and give feed- you may not get much face time with colleagues who don’t back. A point person will also ensure colleagues deliver items send publicity requests. One way to connect with entire to you on a timely basis.

44 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org Help the point person by providing templates and examples Keep your tone cheerful but firm, and remind them that you of what good publicity items look like, and encourage them can’t share their work with the public if you don’t know what to contact you if another pair of eyes is needed. Don’t forget: that work is. Without them, you will be responsible for reviewing every item created. You don’t have that kind of time. So always show SMOOTH SAILING gratitude for the point person’s help. Send them thank-you The late Carla Gray, former executive director of marketing for cards or give them a bar of their favorite chocolate every now adult books at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, would use a ship and then. They are doing you an enormous favor and should metaphor to describe her role in the workplace: “I’ve always feel appreciated. thought of the marketing role as the cruise director, involved in Quick feedback. Be available for quick review and feed- the whole book’s life and responsible for coordinating with all back sessions. Your designers and writers may get stuck on departments to ensure smooth sailing.” how to convey something, or they may run out of ideas. Create In that spirit, as cruise director of the library’s marketing a communication channel that lets them get a quick response efforts, you’re responsible for setting the course and reading from you between scheduled meetings. Most of the time, these the map as your library and its crew navigate the high seas of reviews will take only a couple minutes. marketing and publicity. With luck, it’ll be a successful trip Remove obstacles. As a manager, part of your job is to you’ll enjoy taking together over and over. Bon voyage. eliminate obstacles to your work. Keep in mind that a commu- nication gap may exist because someone who is responsible for AMANDA L. GOODMAN is publicity manager at giving you information doesn’t know they are the point person: Darien (Conn.) Library. Their supervisor may have forgotten to tell them. Likewise, colleagues may be away from the workplace unexpectedly.

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americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 45 PERSPECTIVES in practice

Libraries can invite organi- Representation Beyond Books zations and guest speakers to deliver programming that Welcoming everyone with inclusive celebrates culture through storytelling, discussions, food, programming, displays, and images BY Meredith Farkas arts and crafts, and more. Cul- turally relevant programming is recently read All You Can Ever Know by Nicole Chung, in which she not only valuable for members recounts growing up a Korean-American adoptee in a white com- of a particular culture—it munity. She describes how reading books was an escape but, she also provides cultural literacy Iwrites, “as much as I loved these spunky literary heroines, they too education for people outside were all white, and I couldn’t see how I would ever find my that group (bit. ly/ way into lives like theirs.” AL-CulturalLit). There are countless stories about the harm done when Diversity in The images MEREDITH people grow up not seeing themselves reflected in books libraries use on FARKAS is fac- and media. This is the impact whiteness can have on those staffing can their websites and ulty librarian at outside of the dominant group. Whiteness centers white promotional materi­ Portland (Oreg.) help create a Community faces, values, and experiences and is frequently invisi- als can affect how College. Follow ble to those in the dominant culture. Whiteness isn’t the library truly included patrons her on Twitter only dominant paradigm—patriarchy, heteronormativity, for all. from nondominant @librarianmer. ableism, and many other -isms also serve to erase or other groups feel. Stock the lives and experiences of people from nondominant photo collections groups and make them feel unwelcome in many institutions. that include images One powerful antidote to this exclusion is representation. When kids of people of color in professional see their identities reflected in media it can help to affirm their identity, settings (bit.ly/AL-Stock1), make them feel less alone, and discover role models who look like them trans and nonbinary individuals (bit.ly/AL-kidsbooks). When people see their identities represented and (bit.ly/AL-Stock2), plus-sized celebrated by their library, they are more likely to see the library as a people (bit.ly/AL-Stock3), space for them. and people with disabilities And although buying diverse books is critical, representation in (bit.ly/AL-Stock4) have been libraries means much more. Diversity in staffing can also help create specifically created to increase a library that is truly for all. In my city (Portland, Oregon), more than diversity in online and print 72% of the population identifies solely as white, but Multnomah County media. Displays are another way Library has committed to recruiting and retaining staffers who represent to promote diverse materials and the diverse neighborhoods in which they work. Approximately 30% of its foster an inclusive atmosphere. staff are people of color (bit.ly/AL-Multnomah). Visibly featuring books by and Employing staff members who look like and speak the languages of about black, indigenous, and their minority community members makes the library and staff more other people of color beyond approachable. Having Somali-speaking staffers at one Multnomah a specific history month helps County Library branch led to the creation of The Sewing Project, an inno- to normalize their every- vative mobile sewing lab created in response to an expressed need from day inclusion. members of that community (bit.ly/AL-SewingProject). Every library is designed to Libraries with a less diverse workforce can develop culturally relevant be a space where all members of programming that meets community needs and increases representation their community are welcome, by collaborating with organizations that serve immigrants and refugees, but not every library achieves racial minorities, people with disabilities, the queer community, and that goal. Libraries that focus other groups. on representation are creating Culturally relevant programming may meet unique community needs, spaces where everyone can feel like The Sewing Project, or celebrate a group’s culture and traditions. included and valued.

46 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org dispatches PERSPECTIVES

Some publishers are placing Digital Rights Management ebook embargoes on libraries, which gets in the way of equitable How libraries deal with access to information. Effective November 1, 2019, Macmillan publisher restrictions BY Mirela Roncevic imposed a restriction on library lending across all its imprints. ince the beginning of digital rights management (DRM) for Libraries offering digital access ebooks, library users have expressed frustration with reading to new Macmillan titles can buy and navigating digital files. Many have been vocal about how perpetual access to only a single SDRM has challenged their ability to access information online, copy within the first eight weeks pointing to the: of its release. After that, libraries ■ lack of interoperability and standards among dedicated ebook vendors can buy as many copies of the (because of proprietary DRM technologies) title as they want, but those MIRELA ■ confusion as to what users can and cannot do with digital files copies are subject to the two-year, is RONCEVIC ■ inability to use ebooks effectively for research, as limits are placed on 52-loan cap. a writer, editor, activities such as copying and printing Although faced with these journalist, con- tent developer, ■ absence of any guarantee of access to content in perpetuity challenges, libraries can and publishing For these and other reasons, users are dissatisfied with how publishers exert significant influence and library and content providers are making ebooks available. on the future of DRM. Some consultant. She Public and academic librarians are also vocal in their concerns. recommendations: is the coauthor Because of their challenging roles as go-betweens, librarians must figure ■ Protect privacy vehemently. of No Shelf ■ Required 3, out how to meet patron demands while complying with publisher restric- Educate users on how to dis- released in tions. Some key concerns: cover freely available research January by ■ DRM systems are not always affordable. materials in open access ALA Editions. ■ Control often remains in the hands of content suppliers, who track repositories. activities to ensure the library regularly renews its license. ■ Support open access actively. ■ The contract process is complex, as libraries sometimes need to nego- By providing financial support tiate rights for each publisher, in some cases on a title-by-title basis. for open access initiatives, ■ User experience is cumbersome—as more ebooks are libraries can make coded with DRM, the more difficult they are to use. more open content Led in part by the open access movement and libraries’ available and accel- willingness to fund it, academic publishers are starting Educate users on erate the sharing to pay attention to end-user feedback by embracing how to discover and advancement the idea of DRM-free content. Although most scholarly of knowledge ebooks continue to be distributed to libraries with DRM freely available and science. encryption, publishers such as Oxford University Press, research materials Perhaps the Cambridge University Press, SAGE, Springer Nature/ most logical way Palgrave Macmillan, Elsevier, and Wiley offer DRM-free in open access to proceed is to titles. Even aggregators like EBSCO, ProQuest, JSTOR, repositories. take cues from and Project MUSE now provide DRM-free titles on their lessons learned platforms, which offer access to large amounts of content thus far—lessons by many publishers. that point to less In public libraries, mainstream publishers have gone the opposite DRM and more user flexibility as direction, imposing more restrictions. Major trade publishers such as desired outcomes. Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Macmillan use DRM to Adapted from “Digital Rights enforce loan caps: After a library has loaned a title 52 times within a Management and Books,” Library two-year period, it cannot loan that title until it renews its license with Technology Reports vol. 56, no. 1 the publisher. (Jan. 2020).

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 47 PERSPECTIVES youth matters

of visible materials and refilling Waste Not, Want Not the box as needed. Activities that use bubbles or Ideas for environmentally friendly baking soda and vinegar leave behind containers that become children’s programming BY Larissa Clotildes recyclable waste. If materials are biodegradable, all the better; my rafts: the backbone of children’s events everywhere. There’s favorite summer reading program nothing quite like gluing pipe cleaners and pompoms, cutting activity was making binary-coded paper and coloring, wrapping and taping, painstakingly bird feeders out of cereal. Ccreating … and then throwing these masterpieces in the trash. Recycle. This is my last resort. I am not denying the educational value of crafts. They stimulate Recycling is still waste, even if creativity, develop fine motor skills, and engage multiple senses in a it enjoys a reputation as “good” learning experience. But I challenge myself to find activities that do not waste. Consider designating a LARISSA produce single-use waste, without sacrificing everything that makes recycling station where people CLOTILDES is crafts so great. I use the five Rs as my baseline: can leave their creations if library assis- Refuse. Reject programs and activities that produce waste as often as they do not want to bring them tant at Prince George (B.C.) you can. I don’t recommend this for every program, but I try to do one home. That way, pieces can be Public Library. zero-waste event per season. In the past I have organized a parachute reused or repurposed before party, a singing workshop with a local voice teacher, and a nature-walk being discarded. storytime. The storytime was a great way to immerse ourselves in the Avoid creating nonrecyclable natural world and appreciate the point of “going green” in the first place. waste. The biggie for me is slime, Reuse. Find programming materials that can be reused. Dig through essentially a lump of plastic. the storage room before you buy anything new. I think this is the best Substitute play dough or oobleck, option for making long-term programming sustainable and interesting both of which are biodegradable. because it’s easiest on the organizer. Finally, talk about waste when Set out chalkboards or whiteboards instead of coloring sheets. Pool you run a program. Confer with noodles can be turned into a game of “the floor is lava” by scattering coworkers about what you can them across the floor. Stock up on reusable decorations that suit a do as a group to produce less. variety of programs—such as colored tablecloths, twinkle lights, and Consult with supervisors about disco balls—instead of single-use streamers and balloons. getting reusable Beanbags, Hula-Hoops, and jump ropes are reliable replacements for offerings and tend to engage the more athletic kids, who single-use supplies sometimes don’t think the library is for them. Recycling is still and adequate Repurpose. This is my favorite R. I love finding new waste, even if it recycling bins. uses for old things, and Pinterest is a wonderful source of And be sure to inspiration. enjoys a reputation explain to kids and While cleaning, we found boxes of popsicle-stick and as “good” waste. their caretakers paper puppets from former programs that we doubted why you chose would get reused. Since it was the beginning of camp- certain activities, ing season, we handed them out as kindling instead of especially if they trashing them. ask. As educators, we are in a Another idea is to check with staffers who receive and process deliver- position to help families under- ies of new books to see if they have leftover bubble wrap. We lay it on the stand that they don’t have to floor, crank up some tunes, and throw a dance party for the kids. choose between fun, learning, Reduce. This is my final preferred option. Don’t feel guilty if you and sustainability. really want to do crafts—they are important and sometimes the most fit- Adapted from “Reducing Waste ting activity. Just take steps to reduce waste, such as conducting activities in Children’s Programming” with two or three materials (rather than dozens) or limiting the number (Jbrary, Dec. 4, 2019).

48 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org on my mind PERSPECTIVES

you could host a documentary What Does Green Mean? screening on a topic related to sustainability and invite viewers Support holistic sustainability through to share ideas and meet neighbors afterward. First steps: Inves- thoughtful programming BY Kayla Kuni tigate your library’s licensing rights and consider what topics s a librarian pursuing an MBA at the University of South Flor- and formats are appropriate for ida, I’ve been learning about approaches to organizational your community. sustainability that have shaped my library work. In business Alternatively, take the pro- Aschool, we’re taught that sustainability is like a stool with gram outdoors with a visit from three legs representing its environmental, financial, and social aspects. a professional gardener, who Without any one of these legs, the stool collapses. can teach patrons of all ages Sustainability initiatives often focus primarily on environmentalism, about sustainable gardening—a KAYLA KUNI that is, the importance of reducing the footprint we leave on our phys- topic that hits all three pillars of is librarian and ical spaces and habitats in order to preserve them over sustainability. instructor at time. Social and financial measures are just as important Small-business Pasco–Hernando State College in to the longevity of our work, and by incorporating these Sustainability is owners are another New Port Richey, principles into our programming, we can help different great audience Florida, and an sectors of our communities embrace a holistic approach to like a stool for sustainability- MBA candidate sustainable living. with three legs centric program- at University of Social sustainability refers to an organization’s cul- ming, as they seek South Florida. ALA’s Social ture and context. Libraries serve diverse communities; representing its to build companies Responsibilities socially sustainable libraries reflect this diversity in their environmental, that will last. Round Table has collections, programming, and staff. Financial sustain- Library staffers named her an ability requires us to consider the ongoing affordability financial, and may not have the Emerging Leader of our work. resources to host for 2020. social aspects. With the American Library Association (ALA) Council’s workshops on 2019 decision to adopt sustainability as a professional collecting rain- core value, libraries across the country may be taking water or the know- a closer look at their green initiatives. In my experience as a public how to audit a business plan for librarian, programming is one of the most effective avenues for edu- sustainability measures, but local cating communities, sharing our values, and getting new patrons in community organizations can the door. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day this April, help bring these skill sets into I challenge librarians to incorporate multiple facets of sustainability the library. into their programming. These activities do not have to be expensive or Ultimately, the capacity of a complex. In fact, they may present opportunities to partner with exter- community to thrive in the long nal organizations and enhance community bonds. term—environmentally, finan- For children and teens, the idea of a recycling-themed craft is appeal- cially, and socially—depends on ing and easy to pull off but somewhat narrowly focused on the environ- everyone: librarians and library mental aspect of sustainability. Challenge yourself to think creatively. workers, the patrons we serve, How might financial sustainability be relevant to this audience? One and the neighbors and com- idea: Invite a representative from a local college to discuss financial aid munity organizations we have opportunities, giving students (and perhaps their families and caregiv- yet to meet. ers) an idea of future options. Having a plan to fund one’s education is Librarians have a tremendous one of the most significant ways young people can pursue a financially opportunity to lead the way in sustainable future. teaching these concepts and For adult audiences, consider incorporating discussion-based building stronger, more sustain- activities to promote social sustainability and cohesion. For example, able communities.

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 49 PERSPECTIVES librarian’s library

Reenvisioning Work Connect yourself with your career

ARACELI MÉNDEZ HINTERMEISTER is knowledge manager at Uplift Education Nine Lies About Work: Hammer Head: The Library Leadership in Dallas. A Freethinking Leader’s Making of a Carpenter Your Way Guide to the Real World By Nina MacLaughlin By Jason Martin By Marcus Buckingham and After years of working for a What does a great leader Ashley Goodall Boston newspaper, MacLaugh- look like? Instead of focusing Culture, goals, leadership, lin quit her job and replied on what others think about feedback: These ideas are to a Craigslist employment leadership, Jason Martin takes ingrained in our work lives. ad that read, “Carpenter’s a DIY approach and chal- They shape the organizations Assistant: Women strongly lenges readers to create new we work for and our experi- encouraged to apply.” In definitions based on their own ences within them. But Buck- Hammer Head, MacLaughlin strengths and practices. Think ingham and Goodall argue describes the experience of of this book as a road map, that they are, in fact, lies that working outside her comfort filled with tools and activities distort our time and engage- zone as a novice carpenter, as that pave the way toward dis- ment at work. The authors well as the struggles she faced covering and understanding reveal nine workplace myths as a woman in a predomi- how one’s identity and vision and urge readers to focus nantly male industry. It’s an can fit into future leadership instead on core truths, like the inspiring story that challenges practice. By knowing which value of interpersonal rela- you to find your strengths models, habits, and traits tionships and individuality, to and use them, even if you’re best showcase your abilities, help make time at work more not planning a dramatic you will be equipped to add productive and meaningful. career change. W. W. Norton more value as a leader in your Harvard Business Review Press, 2019. and Company, 2015. 240 p. $24.95. library. ALA Editions, 2019. 88 p. 304 p. $30. 978-1-63369-630-3. (Also 978-0-393-23913-3. (Also available $44.99. PBK. 978-0-8389-1905-7. available as an ebook.) as an ebook.)

50 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org PERSPECTIVES

BY Araceli Méndez Hintermeister

Recipes for Renew Yourself: A Inspired Thinking: Big Mindfulness in Your Six-Step Plan for More Ideas to Enrich Yourself Library: Supporting Meaningful Work and Your Community Resilience and By Catherine Hakala-Ausperk By Dorothy Stoltz with Morgan Community Engagement Looking to find new meaning Miller, Lisa Picker, Joseph Thomp- son, and Carrie Wilson Edited by Madeleine Charney, in the workplace? Hakala- Jenny Colvin, and Richard Moniz Ausperk provides a plan to Philosophers, leaders, and This title looks at how to identify connections and great thinkers often use “big implement mindfulness gaps between you and your ideas” to cultivate inspira- into individual and patron- organization, allowing you tion, harness innovation, and facing work at the library. to strategically reach goals promote critical thinking. In The editors focus on mind- that are fulfilling. She writes Inspired Thinking, the authors fulness in four areas: as a that successful libraries are reveal how big ideas such as library foundation, through powered by successful people, helpfulness and awareness services, through personal and a reexamination of one’s can serve as at-the-ready practice, and in teaching and interests, desires, and goals resources to help librarians research. The essays not only is often necessary to achieve implement initiatives. They provide opportunities for success. Being engaged in explore these ideas through healthy and reflective habits your professional and per- four viewpoints: individual, at work but also suggestions sonal development allows you team, leader, and organiza- for extending those practices to find meaning for yourself tion. Readers will learn how to into the community. Topics and the work you create. empower themselves through include using work journals ALA Editions, 2017. 152 p. $50. PBK. inspired thinking, bridge for reflective writing, starting 978-0-8389-1499-1. (Also available the gap between themselves yoga and meditation groups as an ebook.) and big ideas, turn ideas at the library, creating Zen into resources, and bring zones for students, and using awareness and action to all mindfulness-based strategies staff members. ALA Editions, for leading library teams. 2020. 144 p. $54.99. PBK. 978-0- ALA Editions, 2019. 144 p. $49.99. 8389-4671-8. PBK. 978-0-8389-1783-1.

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 51 DeskMAX’s two stand-mounted panels absorb sound and prevent reverberations during recording.

for temporary studio use. The EditMAX and ProducerMAX kits include large, freestanding acoustic panels intended to line walls; stand-mounted bass traps (which control low-frequency sounds in a room); and monitor pads. The pieces in these discounted bundles can also be purchased individually. In addition to podcast record- ing, portable treatments are also useful for managing acoustics during presentations, webinars, or other recordings. Portable treat- ments can be disassembled for storage after use. Cast and Release Auralex acoustic treatments are Adding resources for podcasters available for purchase directly from Auralex or through its network of online and physical dealers. Desk- BY Carrie Smith odcasts have grown from a you can create a temporary record- MAX is $339.99, and MAX Kits start niche medium into an industry ing space for vocal work in an at $1,405.99 for EditMAX. For more Pthat reaches millions of listen- existing room without committing information, visit bit.ly/Sol-Auralex. ers, while retaining its do-it-yourself to permanent modifications. ethos. The easy point of entry The DeskMAX is a simple, stand- RØDECaster Pro means that libraries don’t have to alone solution for vocal recording. RØDE Microphones launched invest in a full recording studio to Two 24-inch, stand-mounted panels RØDECaster Pro, its fully integrated assist podcasters, whether they are can be positioned on a desk or podcast production console, in late beginners or seasoned producers. other flat surface to absorb sound 2018. Users can record, mix, and From all-in-one mixing boards and and prevent reverberations from save their podcast directly without editing and hosting apps to portable solid surfaces behind the record- a computer. A combination mixer acoustic treatments, there are many ing area. The panels are made ways libraries can contribute to the of acoustic foam with a hard podcast ecosystem. backing and come in three colors: charcoal, burgundy, and purple. Auralex Portable Launched in 2018, Auralex’s Acoustic Treatments MAX Kits bundle portable acous- Room acoustics are easy to over- tic treatments in order to more look, but the layout and shape of thoroughly adapt spaces, such as spaces noticeably affect the quality meeting and conference rooms, of audio recordings. Auralex offers a range of portable, lightweight, RØDECaster Pro is a fully inte- freestanding acoustic dampeners so grated podcast production console.

52 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org SUBMISSIONS To have a new product considered, contact Carrie Smith at [email protected].

and beat pad, the console lets users control eight audio sources. Its four Norman Weighs Anchor XLR microphone inputs and four How do you use Anchor? In Molly Dettmann, headphone outputs allow simulta- our library we use Anchor to USER: teacher librarian, neous recording by multiple guests. show learners how easy it is to Norman (Okla.) North For phone interviews—often diffi- record their own podcasts. We cult for podcasters to record without High School Library feature it as a creation tool on specialized equipment or software— our library website and include PRODUCT: Anchor

RØDECaster offers three different it in lessons where students phone inputs: a 3.5-millimeter TRRS DETAILS: Anchor offers free pod- are creating final projects for cast hosting and a suite of editing jack, a USB port, and Bluetooth research units, learning about and creation tools to simplify pod- connectivity. Finally, eight touch- digital storytelling, or creating cast creation. activated beat pads, which come personal passion projects. with preinstalled sound effects, allow users to add effects, prere- How does Anchor serve your library’s needs? We won a Young corded interviews, or commercials Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Digital Equipment Grant in real time. Users can also record this summer for new podcasting equipment. Our grant project directly to the pads or drag and drop had students record podcasts about some of the other audio using a companion app YALSA Teens’ Top Ten books they had read. For (which requires Windows 10 or that, we needed a hosting platform, and Anchor macOS 10.11). The pads store up to was the obvious choice because of its functionality eight separate banks of sounds, for a and ease of use. total of 64 sound menus. What are the main benefits? While some students RØDECaster saves recordings to use the mobile app, we mostly use the web version a micro SD card or records directly because each student has a MacBook and can to a computer via USB port. Begin- plug in our audio recording equipment. Everything ners can record their podcast as a about the site is easy to use and understand. The single stereo file, ready for upload design is simple, and Anchor’s editing options are to any podcasting platform. Those front and center once you log in. Anchor’s single who do more advanced editing can sign-on option—which allows users to log in with export recordings to their preferred a Google account instead of creating a new user- A student at digital audio workstation (DAW) name and password—made it easy to get started, since our learners as multitrack files, with each audio Norman (Okla.) North High all have school accounts. As for the editing capabilities, the back- source on its own track. RØDE School uses ground music option is one of my favorites because learners can pick offers downloadable walkthroughs Anchor to record audio to fit the mood of their podcast and preview several sound a podcast. for common DAWs, including clips before deciding. Then, with a click, the music is added. It auto- GarageBand and Pro Tools. matically starts off loud but then quiets when the actual podcast Using the console for multiple begins, giving it a professional feel. There are also transition noises podcasts is simplified by the “show” and sounds that can be added, and recordings can be split up. function, which saves a copy of Anchor publishes podcasts to multiple platforms, including Spotify. all settings, including recordings For our “North’s Teens’ Top Ten” podcast, almost half of our listeners on the pads. Settings can later be are on Spotify. restored to any RØDECaster Pro. The RØDECaster Pro is available What would you like to see improved or added to the platform? from online and physical dealers I would like to see an option allowing users to make multiple pod- for $599. Library discounts may be casts. At this point you can make one podcast with multiple episodes available through some retailers. and even break it up by season, but you cannot have multiple pod- For more information, visit bit.ly/ casts. It would be nice to see this option so learners could have a pod- Sol-RODECaster. cast relating to projects within school as well as personal podcasts. •

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 53 ON THE MOVE PROMOTIONS

October 7 Spencer Bevis was appointed Sarah Clevidence was promoted to project librarian for North Carolina His- Activist librarian Sanford Berman director of Findlay–Hancock County toric Newspapers at the University of received the Edina (Minn.) (Ohio) Public Library January 11. North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Human Rights and Relations Com- Kaley Costello was promoted to The University of North mission’s Tom Oye Award, which manager of the Lakewood/Smokey Carolina at Chapel Hill honors residents’ socially minded Point Library in Arlington, Washing- appointed Joanneke pursuits, in recognition of his work ton, in October. Elliott African studies to eliminate language that perpet- was promoted to and West European uates bias from library catalogs. Lindsay Hanson studies librarian, effec- manager of Lake Stevens (Wash.) tive November 4. East Baton Rouge Library in October. (La.) Parish Washington Library Association pro- Michelle J. Fernan- Library’s Children’s dez became senior moted Brianna Hoffman to executive Services presented librarian (bookmobile) director, effective January 1. at New York Public its Spaht Scholar Library, Bronx Network, Award to Pamela In December, Monica Jackson was December 23. Cambre Lakvold, librarian at promoted to manager of Arlington Westdale Heights Academic (Wash.) Library. Reaching Across Illinois Magnet School in Baton Rouge. Library System in Burr New Haven (Conn.) Free Public Library Ridge named Monica October 22 Simone Richardson, promoted John Jessen to city librarian December 23. Harris associate execu- a librarian at Akron–Summit tive director in January. County (Ohio) Public Library’s January 1 Fairfield (Conn.) Univer- Scott Kinney joined Evansville (Ind.) business and government division, sity promoted Christina S. McGowan Vanderburgh Public Library as CEO- received the Ohio Department to dean of the library and univer- director in January. of Rehabilitation and Correc- sity librarian. tion’s Impact Award for her work East Central Regional Library in Min- Kate Laughlin became executive direc- providing services to formerly tor for the Association for Rural and nesota promoted Kirsten Vaughan to incarcerated individuals. Small Libraries in Whitehall, Michigan, branch librarian at Cambridge Public in January. Cleveland Magazine named Library in December. Cleveland Public Library Exec- New Orleans Public Library appointed utive Director Felton Thomas Gabriel Morley executive director and RETIREMENTS city librarian November 12. Jr. its 2019 Community Leader of the Year. • Tom Adkins retired as director of Lauren Read became business, science, Garnet A. Wilson Public Library in and technology librarian at Enoch Pratt Waverly, Ohio, November 22. Free Library’s Central Library in Balti- more in September. Cynthia Carter, librarian for Wiscas- November 4 joined Christine Schonhart set (Maine) Elementary School and Suzanne Roberts became director of King County (Wash.) Library System as Wiscasset Middle High School, retired Highland County (Ohio) District Library deputy director for public services. December 20. December 4. The City of Torrance, California, October 11 Jeanne Drewes retired as Jose Rodriguez joined named Yolande Wilburn city librarian chief of the Binding and Collections Georgia State University December 5. Care Division of the Library of Congress. in Atlanta as outreach librarian and library Onondaga County (N.Y.) Public Libraries Carole Kowell, director of Medina liaison to the Honors named Christian Zabriskie executive County (Ohio) District Library, retired College in November. director, effective January 6. in December.

54 March/April 2020 | americanlibraries.org SUBMISSIONS Send notices and photographs to Amy Carlton, [email protected].

MORE ONLINE americanlibrariesmagazine.org/currents

November 15 Jane Plass retired as associate executive director of Reach- ing Across Illinois Library System in Burr Ridge. Nancy “Nan” Ellen Chase, 72, a librarian at West Bend (Wis.) Public Library Barbara J. Stites, interim dean of from 1997 until her 2012 retirement, died November 5. She had previously Wilson G. Bradshaw Library at Florida worked at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, retired December 24. Evelyn Daniel, 86, dean and professor emerita at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Information and Library Science (SILS), died Novem- Sandra Tauler retired as director of ber 24. During her five-year tenure as dean, the school added two degrees Camarena Memorial Library in Calexico, and increased the amount of funded research. She received the SILS Award California, September 26. for Teaching Excellence in 1999 and 2009, the Edward G. Holley for the Good of the Order Award in 2010, and the Association for Library and Information Jennifer West retired as director of Highland County (Ohio) District Library Science Education Service Award in 2000. in December. Gayatri Singh, 42, communication research librarian at University of Califor- nia San Diego (UCSD), died October 31. She had worked at UCSD since 2007 Jeff Winkle retired as director of Findlay–Hancock County (Ohio) Public after working at several libraries in Southern California. Singh held leadership Library January 10. roles on the library’s Diversity and Inclusion and Sustainability committees and served on committees in the Reference and User Services Association, the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association, the California Academic and AT ALA Research Libraries Association, and the Librarians Association of the Univer- sity of California. Katie Bane, marketing and sales man- ager for ALA Digital Reference, left ALA Harry R. Skallerup, 92, director of libraries at Florida Atlan- November 22. tic University (FAU) in Boca Raton for 15 years until retiring in 1992, died June 18. As director, he played a key role in the Colleen Barbus became ALA’s librarian planning and construction of FAU’s S. E. Wimberly Library. and archivist December 2. Skallerup wrote many articles and papers as well as Books Afloat and Ashore: A History of Books, Libraries, and Reading Erik Cameron, director for data applica- Among Seamen During the Age of Sail (Archon Books, 1974). He had previously tions in the Public Programs Office, left ALA November 15. worked as librarian at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, South- ern Illinois University in Carbondale, and the University of Iowa in Iowa City, The Communications and Marketing and as associate director at the US Naval Academy Library in Annapolis. Office (CMO) promoted Jan Carmichael to web content manager November 4. Michael E. Sullivan, 52, director of Weare (N.H.) Public Library, died Decem- ber 10. During his tenure, the library filled the void left when the town’s Jazzy Celindro joined the Public Policy only newspaper went out of business, creating Weare in the World, a weekly and Advocacy Office as program assis- newsletter of local events and information. Sullivan was the author of the ALA tant in December. Editions books Fundamentals of Children’s Services, second edition (2013), Connecting Boys with Books 2 (2009), and Serving Boys through Readers’ Advi- November 4 Emily Day joined Con- sory (2010). ference Services as conference • content manager.

Larry Deutsch, communications man- ager for the Public Library Association, Megan Kaiko was promoted to CMO promoted Lindsey Simon to con- left ALA January 15 conference planner in Conference tent strategy manager November 4. Services October 30. October 30 Conference Services pro- Susana Stoll became associate direc- moted Donna Hunter to conference ALA Editions/Neal-Schuman Publisher tor of the Office for Accreditation in marketing specialist. Chris Murphy retired January 3. December.

americanlibraries.org | March/April 2020 55 the BOOKEND

The Science of the Census n many ways, the US Census Bureau’s Census Library in demography, geography, computer tech- David Thibodeau Suitland, Maryland, is similar to any other research library. It nology, census histories, and international with a Statistical has a circulation desk, reference activities, programming, and census data. Atlas of the United I States from the 9th archives and special collections which hold maps, artifacts, and Every week Thibodeau fields requests Decennial Census more than 5,000 research papers generated by the bureau’s for census data and reports from internal (1870), published scientists over the years. and external researchers: publications like in 1874. “The census is a living document,” says David Thibodeau, The Economist and The Washington Post, head librarian and project manager, of the survey that has been corporations looking for neighborhood demographic data, and conducted every 10 years since 1790. “People find something all manner of libraries tracing reference requests to the source. in the 1980 Census and they want to find the exact same data While other bureau employees focus on the 2020 count, going back decades, but it doesn’t really work like that. In every Thibodeau is looking ahead to the interpretation stage, when manifestation, every decennial census, there are differences.” researchers convert raw numbers into trends and insights. The Census Library collects, preserves, and provides access “The census is about community, taking big government and to information related to the Census Bureau—whose motto translating it for communities,” he says. “That’s a wonderful is “measuring America’s people, places, and economy”—and place for libraries to play a role.” the surveys it administers (including the American Community

Survey, among others) in the core subject areas of statis- THE BOOKEND showcases librarians, their work, and their work

tics, survey methodology and sampling, population studies, spaces. For consideration, email [email protected]. Bureau Census Michele R. Freda/US Photo:

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