STAFF

Coeditors Cy Dillon Ferrum College Virginia P.O. Box 1000 Ferrum, Virginia 24088 (540) 365-4428 [email protected] Libraries C. A. Gardner Hampton Public Library April/May/June, 2006, Vol. 52, No. 2 4207 Victoria Blvd. Hampton, Virginia 23669 (757) 727-1218 (757) 727-1151 (fax) [email protected] COLUMNS

C. A. Gardner 2 Openers Editorial Board and Cy Dillon Lydia C. Williams Longwood University Library Ruth Arnold 3 President’s Column Farmville, Virginia 23909 (434) 395-2432 Sara B. Bearss, Ed. 51 Virginia Reviews [email protected]

Ed Lener College Librarian for the Sciences Virginia Tech University Libraries FEATURES P.O. Box 90001 Blacksburg, Virginia 24062-9001 Nancy Buck 4 Public Libraries and Immigrants — (540) 231-9249 Tradition! [email protected]

Karen Dillon Sacil Armstrong 7 Cultures Come Together at the Manager, Library Services Newport News Public Libraries Carilion Health System P.O. Box 13367 C. A. Gardner 10 History and the Work of Memory: Roanoke, Virginia 24033 An Interview with Luisa A. Igloria (540) 981-7258 (540) 981-8666 (fax) C. A. Gardner 21 Serving Your Filipino-American Community [email protected] Caroline Fitzpierce 23 Tower of Babel? Upstairs, Meeting Room 2 Douglas Perry and Denise Morgan Director Hampton Public Library Christopher K. Richardson 26 Needs Assessment for Undocumented 4207 Victoria Blvd. Individuals Hampton, Virginia 23669 (757) 727-1153 (extension 104) Ann Friedman 31 Defining Images: Rethinking Outreach (757) 727-1151 (fax) to New Americans [email protected] Otis D. Alexander 34 Library Services for the Unemployed Editor, Virginia Books and the Institute for Information Literacy Sara B. Bearss Senior Editor, Dictionary of Sara Swain 36 Sin Fronteras: How SOLINET Helps Libraries Virginia Biography Break Down Barriers The Library of Virginia 800 E. Broad Street Matt Ball and 41 Multicultural Programming Celebrates Richmond, VA 23219-8000 Leland Deeds Fifteen Years at the University of Virginia [email protected] Library

C. A. Gardner 45 Welcoming Our GLBT Patrons On the cover: Rethinking Outreach to New Americans, page 31. PAGE  VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

OPENERS Welcoming Everyone

by C. A. Gardner and Cy Dillon

his issue arose from a set of the GLBT community (p. 45) find VLA life members from our cen- fortuitous circumstances. a voice. Through all their variety, tennial keepsake edition (vol. 51, Last year, I attended several these articles provide strong exam- no. 3) — and apologize to Sarah Tof the multicultural programs at ples of how to take a more active Wallace, Florence Chandler, and the Newport News Public Library role in service to our communities. Catherine Vaughn Bland for fail- System (p. 7). There I had the good The news of late has proven just ing to list their library affilia- luck to connect with poet Luisa how apropos these subjects are. tions. Jon Marken, our remarkable A. Igloria, who not only agreed to Witness the recent Day without graphic designer, has been able an interview (p. 10), but provided Immigrants boycott on May 1, the to produce a corrected insert that helpful resources for exploring current debate over immigration will be mailed with this issue. This Filipino-American literature (p. in the U.S. Congress, or the on- four-page section can replace the 21). When Caroline Fitzpierce and going conflict over gay marriage, complete original gathering. Denise Morgan sent us an article with the concomitant questions it Speaking of updates for a new about conversation groups for raises about gay rights. With these era, according to the staff of Vir- immigrants (p. 23), I realized that and many similar events, it’s no ginia Tech’s Digital Library and Ar- all three items might fit together in surprise that the subject of mul- chive, the online version of Virginia an issue that would examine the ticulturalism in libraries strikes a Libraries was accessed 254,060 times many ways in which libraries can chord. And seeking to serve our in 2003, the last year for which sta- support the needs of a wide variety diverse patrons better is also to tistics are currently available. Since of groups, providing solutions for our own advantage. As Ann Fried- that time, acceptance into the Di- patrons whose experiences are not man points out (p. 31), this new rectory of Open Access Journals has covered by standard offerings for paradigm of service can help li- given Virginia Libraries an interna- white, mainstream America — those braries succeed both in the quest tional presence that is sure to result who might otherwise feel marginal- for continued funding and in the in even more use in the future. ized or excluded for reasons of race, effort to become more relevant to In keeping with our increased ethnicity, gender, sexual orienta- our changing communities in the visibility as well as changes in tion, religion, age, socioeconomic twenty-first century. technology, we’ve updated our status, or other factors. VLA’s Multicultural Forum is cur- contributor’s guidelines (p. 20) We hoped that the subject rently working on an initiative that and “About Virginia Libraries” (in- would spark much interest, and we dovetails perfectly with this issue. side back cover). We hope you will were not disappointed. Soon the Beverly Abdus-Sabur (babdussa@ review them and consider contrib- articles began pouring in, cover- richmond.k12.va.us) and Lena uting to your association’s journal. ing everything from collection Gonzalez Berrios ([email protected]) As always, we welcome your in- development to new training pro- are organizing a resource toolkit sights into current issues that face grams for patrons (p. 34) and staff that will be available in print and libraries in Virginia. Show us how (p. 36), community involvement on VLA’s website in January 2007. your library is expanding services, and collaboration (p. 4), needs as- They’re looking for submissions increasing access to collections, or sessments, special events and staff that document solutions, strategies, coping with new challenges! Pho- diversification (p. 41), and more. programming ideas, and resources tographs and illustrations are espe- Some articles celebrate successful for serving diverse populations. The cially welcome. achievements, providing details for deadline for contributions to the To encourage more contribu- duplication; others serve as a call toolkit is September 30, 2006. tions to the summer issue, we’ve to arms, documenting where our We’d like to take a moment to extended the deadline to June 30. service has failed. In these pages, thank to Gloria C. Harvell of the The deadline for the fall issue re- often-invisible patron groups such Virginia State University Library mains September 15. We’d love to as the undocumented (p. 26) and for detecting errors in the list of hear from you. VL APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN It’s All About Access

by Ruth Arnold

dvocacy. That’s been the The services that we provide — e-rate, copyright concerns, open theme this spring. Every the books, the story hours, the government information, or net- meeting I go to and every online databases, the extensive ref- neutrality, it was all about access. Alibrary periodical I read exhorts me erence and research assistance, the Not for the librarians, but for the to advocacy. To advocate, accord- community meeting rooms, the public, the voters, the taxpayers. ing to the dictionary, is to support back issues of newspapers, the fam- That was the main message we something, to defend a proposal or ily history materials, not to men- took to congress. even to plead the cause of another. tion the Internet computers — are So I guess I am an advocate, In this case, I am being asked to often not available to our patrons after all. We all are, if you get us plead the cause of libraries. It’s a going. We are always urging our worthy cause. Naturally, I believe patrons to read this book, come in libraries. After all, I have been a to this program, use this online library user all my life and a librar- … if we don’t let our database. Now we need to widen ian for half of it. But something government leaders the circle and ask our patrons to let about that call to advocacy makes their government officials — local, me uncomfortable. It smacks of know this, who will? state, and national — know the im- zealotry. Surely it should be enough portance of libraries in their lives, that I work in a library. I’m already for their work, for school, or just a public servant; I shouldn’t have from any other source, and cer- for fun. VL to be an advocate, too! tainly not at such low cost. Fed- But after attending the Ameri- eral funding, in the form of the can Library Association Legislative Library Services and Technology Day in May, I’m beginning to come Act (LSTA), the Improving Literacy around to another point of view. through School Libraries (LSL) Although I have participated in the program, and government docu- VLA Legislative Day for many years, ments from the GPO, to name just this was the first time I had gone to a few, is crucial to our operations. the ALA version. It was exciting to And if we don’t let our government walk around the Capitol district of leaders know this, who will? The Washington, D.C., and in the mar- publishers and the Internet provid- ble halls of government. It was also ers are not pleading our cause. It a little scary. Even after a full day ­really is up to us to “make the ask,” of briefing from ALA Washington as they say in the trade. Write the office staff, I still felt confused on letter, make the call, go to a town some of the issues when confronted meeting, schedule a visit. A few by my congressman. Nevertheless, I well-written letters can make all began to feel that it was important the difference. If we never tell our that we were there. It is our right legislators what we want them to as citizens, and furthermore, our know, how will they ever find out? message needs to be heard by those When I was organizing my notes aides and legislators. We are not after the ALA briefing in prepara- only representing ourselves and our tion for the Capitol Hill office visits profession, but we are also speaking the next day, I realized that every on behalf of all of our patrons who issue related to access. Whether it may never have that opportunity. was LSTA funding, preserving the PAGE  VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

Public Libraries and Immigrants — Tradition!

by Nancy Buck

ince its beginnings tain U.S. citizenship in circa 1901, the New order to keep his job. York Public Library When he contacted the Shas felt that immigrants library to find out where need to have access to to begin, he discovered learning materials and that we could pair him examples of literature in with a volunteer tutor English in order to become who would help him American. As described in study for the citizen- the library’s history (http:// ship exam. We learned www.nypl.org/pr/history. that young men who cfm), “Among its earliest seek citizenship are re- beneficiaries were recently quired to register for the arrived immigrants, for selective service, so our whom the Library pro- literacy manager helped vided contact with the lit- Avni register online and erature and history of their print out a confirmation new country as well as the notice. Avni then took heritage that these people these papers to INS so brought with them.” Libraries all that he could complete his citizen- over the United States continue in ship application. He is now a tax- this very traditional library role paying American citizen. He is also by helping all citizens, including continuing his education, working immigrants, to locate classes and We embrace our with a tutor to further improve his tutors to study for the GED or learn English. English; find INS offices; register community, and it has This spring, Roger (Bolivian) for the selective service online; use and his daughter Mariel were told public-access computers to remain embraced us. that classes for English wouldn’t in contact with family; study for start until September. Roger called citizenship exams; register for a the library and discovered that vol- library card; share stories with regional adult education program. unteer tutors at our semi-weekly their children; find jobs and com- Like your libraries, we have public- drop-in tutoring sessions could be munity services; and participate in access computers at each of our a starting point. Roger has a bach- town meetings, among other civic branches, including several work- elor’s degree from a university in duties and privileges. stations that have a Spanish key- Bolivia and is working as an elec- The Central Rappahannock board. We encourage everyone to trician. He is lucky; this is actually Regional Library is pleased to be use our reference services, whether his trade. (We’ve worked with doc- a participant in this traditional they are card-holders or not. Here library role. Our Alliance for Lit- are just a few examples of assis- eracy volunteer tutoring program tance we’ve provided or located for Nancy Buck is outreach services coor- provides one-to-one tutoring and our patrons. dinator for the Central Rappahannock drop-in tutoring sessions. We coor- Avni (Serbian) had a visa, but Regional Library. She can be reached at dinate our efforts with those of the his employer required him to at- [email protected] or (540) 372-1144. APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 

Left, voter registra- tion at Central Rappahannock Regional Library.

Right, no empty tables in the study area.

Below, the library table at the Hispanic Month festival.

to develop a twenty-three-minute DVD to provide educational back- ground material for each of the four referenda on transportation, libraries and parks, schools, and public safety. We also prepared print materials, which had to be vetted by the county attorney, and assisted the county in distributing these in the month before the No- vember elections. Citizens stopped in the libraries and other county buildings to view the DVD and make notes on the print brochure. All four referenda passed. Recently, we were awarded two We the People “Becoming American” Bookshelf grants from the National Endowment for the tors who can’t yet practice and are and the newspaper. As luck would Humanities in its partnership with flipping pizzas instead.) However, have it, one of the tutors works for ALA. Youth services staff will use Roger can’t be a master electrician the local newspaper and offered to the materials in book discussion until he improves his English so answer questions about articles as groups at the Rappahannock Ju- that he can pass the electrician’s well as construct writing exercises. venile Detention Center, the Boys licensing exam. His daughter We encourage everyone, includ- and Girls Club, and other youth graduated from high school in Bo- ing ourselves, to participate more groups meeting at the libraries. livia and wants to go to college and fully in the community. In 2005, Themes of citizenship, civic in- major in journalism. we were invited to work with Spot- volvement, and participation in In a small group class, we are sylvania County to prepare factual the democratic process will be ex- practicing conversational English materials for county bond referen- plored with adolescents from dif- and writing and reading in Eng- da. Working within strict legal con- ferent ethnic, economic, and racial lish, using electrician’s manuals straints, library staff used freeware backgrounds. PAGE  VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

cess? Among many other resourc- es, USCIS.gov offers a free booklet, “Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants,” which includes tips on accessing community information and re- sources as well as how to become a citizen. The guide is available in PDF or HTML (print copies can be purchased). Some of the languages included are English, Korean, Chi- nese, Arabic, French, Russian, Hai- tian, and Creole.

The Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center: http://www.valrc.org/ A tutoring session conducted by volunteers. Find the local adult education program in your area for classes about the GED, adult basic educa- We embrace our community, them are looking for citizenship tion, and English as a second lan- and it has embraced us. We find information, job skills training, guage. Look on the right side of more Spanish-speaking people at and English classes or tutors. the home page for a link to Local our neighborhood bookmobile The public library is uniquely Programs. stops, so our bookmobile sched- positioned to help people in the ule is bilingual. The bookmobile community access information. Virginia I and R System and 2-1-1 carries mostly English-language We have few eligibility require- Virginia: http://www.211virginia. materials, but there are a couple ments — if a patron wants a library org/ or http://www.vaiandr.com of shelves of materials for all ages card to check out materials, he or Don’t know where to find help in Spanish. We also give away she needs to disclose a local ad- with health care costs, utility cut- free English-Spanish dictionaries. dress. But even without a card, our offs, drug or alcohol abuse, safe At several branches, we have one resources are available for unlim- drinking water, prenatal care, Spanish-language public-access ited in-house use. Based on the fact services for the disabled, or other computer; they are quite popular that we are helping people access human problems? Use the search- for sending messages back home information that can help them able database (search by zip code, and keeping up with Spanish- become taxpayers and, ideally, li- keyword, and more) or call a local ­language news online. brary supporters, this seems like a I&R center at (800) 230-6977. This makes it sound as though good investment for everyone. there are only Spanish-speaking Virginia Employment Commission: immigrants in our area. We also http://www.vec.virginia.gov/vec A few resources to have at have communities of people who portal/ your fingertips: speak Serbian, Croatian, Greek, The VEC provides links to jobs Russian, French, Japanese, Thai, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration in the commonwealth to use along and Korean, and I’m certain I’m Services: http://uscis.gov/graphics/ with your local newspaper or other still leaving someone out. And like index.htm classifieds. Includes information in Avni, Roger, and Mariel, many of New to the immigration pro- Spanish. VL APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 

Cultures Come Together at the Newport News Public Libraries

by Sacil Armstrong

he Newport News Public Library System (NNPLS) in the Hampton Roads area A young dancer Tof Virginia serves about 180,000 shares her cul- residents as well as visitors from tural heritage. outside the city. Last year, more than 800,000 customers came through our doors and more than 14,000 people applied for new library cards. In recent years, the city has seen an increase in ethnic diversity, and the library system has recognized that many of these cultural populations have needs that require special assistance and services. vices. Author Samuel Caraballo of The Hispanic population is the Virginia Beach helped to celebrate fastest growing ethnic group in the the unveiling of the new collection City of Newport News. The Virgil I. by reading his latest work, Estrellita Grissom Library, which serves sixty percent of the city’s residents, has more Spanish-speaking customers than the other three branches in “The VFH gave us $5 the system. To welcome and en- more than we asked for, courage this cultural group to use library services, Grissom expanded just to show how much its Spanish and dual language col- lection in 2004, adding more than they supported what 350 Spanish language books for we were doing!” children from birth to age five, as well as materials for parents and childcare givers. Spanish language adult fiction was already available Says Goodbye to Her Island/Estrellita in the collection. Additionally, the se despide de su isla. library system had its general bro- In an effort to recognize other chure and application translated cultures within the city, the library into Spanish. The Newport News system planned a series of pro- Healthy Families Initiative provided grams for 2005, Explore Your Com- funding for the materials through munity Roots @ Your Library®. By Sacil Armstrong is programs and a grant from the Community- August 2004, twelve community information coordinator for the New- Based Family Resource and Support groups had agreed to participate port News Public Library System and Hispanic Outreach Program of the by sharing their cultures, immigra- can be reached at (757) 926-1350 or Virginia Department of Social Ser- tion stories, and recommendations [email protected]. PAGE  VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

Far left, filling out Spanish library card applications.

Left, a sign advertising Spanish services.

Below, teaching ikebana.

for book discussions. The featured cultures included Mennonite, Irish, Italian, Greek, Hispanic, Japanese, African-American, Korean, Afri- can, German, American Indian, and Jewish. Grant writer Judy Condra worked closely with this author to create a detailed write-up of the program and a proposal for fund- ing. The Virginia Foundation for the Humanities awarded more than $10,000 to support the program se- ries. As Condra pointed out, “The VFH gave us $5 more than we asked but a community coming together others. Input from the cultural for, just to show how much they at the library to learn from each groups, recommendations from the supported what we were doing!” other. scholars, and research by library Programs highlighting each cul- For each culture, NNPLS pre- staff all played key roles in which ture brought in diverse audiences. sented a discussion of a book by titles were ultimately selected. The People were inquisitive about their an author from that culture and a list included new and established neighbors and other ways of life. program that focused on the tra- authors, Oprah’s book club picks, The series provided a safe environ- ditions, customs, food, language, the currently popular “chick lit,” ment where it wasn’t rude to ask and music of the culture. Area classics, and many genres in be- about a custom or tradition, and university scholars who specialize tween. In addition to the featured questions were encouraged. And in foreign literature led the book titles, the library also assessed and since the people leading the cul- discussions. The professors them- updated the materials by and about tural programs came from those selves came from a wide range of the chosen cultures. This included respective backgrounds, the pro- backgrounds, including Filipino, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, movies, grams weren’t just history lessons, German, African-American, and and music. APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 

Displays help share cultures from the community.

Featured titles included Copper bers joined in an impromptu salsa tory of my neighborhood. I want Moons by local Mennonite author lesson!” Even the programs that to know it.” Susan Yoder Ackerman; Angela’s drew smaller audiences showed The program ended in Decem- Ashes by Frank McCourt; In Revere, strong diversity. For example, thir- ber 2005, but the partnerships that In Those Days by Roland Merullo; teen people participated in the were formed will last much longer. Zorba the Greek by Nick Kazantza- Cultural groups are looking for- kis; Caramelo by Sandra Cisneros; ward to more presentations; the Snow Country by Yasunari Kawaba- professors have all expressed inter- ta; The Known World by Edward P. “Reading about a est in working on other programs; Jones; In Full Bloom by new author community is one thing, and the community is already ask- Caroline Hwang; No Longer at Ease ing, “What’s next?” by Chinua Achebe; Stones from the but interacting with it Because of this intense program River by Ursula Hegi; Dancing the series and the publicity it gener- Dream by Jamie Sams; and Seven is far better.” ated, the library’s message reached Blessings by Ruchama King. In ad- new audiences. According to pro- dition to the grant-sponsored pro- gram surveys, thirty-one percent grams, NNPLS also featured local discussion of the Japanese novel of our participants had never at- poet and scholar Luisa Igloria. Her Snow Country by Yasunari Kawa- tended a library program before. presentation on Filipino literature bata. Those thirteen represented Participants also reported that was based on a collection that she East Indian, Italian, Irish, African- their experiences were overwhelm- edited, Not Home but Here: Writing American, and Japanese cultures. ingly positive, and that this made from the Filipino Diaspora. An anonymous patron wrote on them feel more comfortable in the “The turnout has been amaz- a program evaluation, “Reading library setting. ing,” said Library Director Izabela about a community is one thing, For more information on NNPLS Cieszynski. “More than seventy but interacting with it is far better. and its programs, call (757) 247- people attended the event present- Culture is important, but bring- 8875 or visit us on the web at www. ed by the Hispanic Chamber of ing culture and history together nngov.com/library. VL Commerce. Several audience mem- is very important. This is the his- PAGE 10 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

History and the Work of Memory: An Interview with Luisa A. Igloria

by C. A. Gardner

ublished widely in the might have been the result Philippines and the of being raised as an only United States, Luisa child. I didn’t learn until I PA. Igloria has won more than was twenty-eight that I have fifty literary awards, honors, a half-sister and two half- grants, fellowships, and prizes, brothers. My parents — the among them the Manila Crit- ones who raised me — were ics Circle National Book Award twenty years apart in age, (the National Book Award of so I felt there was a bit of the Philippines), the Don Car- formality in the way they los Palanca Memorial Award brought me up. My father for Literature (the Pulitzer Prize was a lawyer who went on to of the Philippines), the Stephen become a judge; my mother Dunn Award in Poetry, the went back to school when I George Kent Prize for Poetry, an was nearly done with college PHOTO BY INA CARIÑO Illinois Arts Council Award, a and got her Ph.D. ahead of Fulbright Fellowship, and the Charles at [email protected].) In me. Their value system very much Goodnow Endowed Award for Poetry. addition, Igloria has edited Turnings: involved paying attention to the Her book-length publications (some Writing on Women’s Transforma- written word, to reading, to books, appear under variations of the name tions (with Renée Olander; Norfolk, to the humanities in general. In Maria Luisa Aguilar-Cariño) include: Va.: Old Dominion University, Friends my father’s career as a public ser- Cordillera Tales (Quezon City: New of Women’s Studies, 2000) and Not vant, there were times when he Day Publishers, 1990, ISBN 971-10- Home, But Here: Writing from the could score free tickets to cultural 0379-1); Cartography: A Collection Filipino Diaspora (Metro Manila, events — so we’d get to see a con- of Poetry on Baguio (Metro Manila, Philippines: Anvil Publishing, 2003). cert by Van Cliburn or the stars of Philippines: Anvil Publishing, 1992, She holds a Ph.D. in English/Creative the Russian ballet. I remember my ISBN 971-27-0211-1); Encanto: Writing from the University of Illi- mother taking me to music halls New Poems (Metro Manila, Philip- nois at Chicago, an M.A. in Literature and my father taking me to spa- pines: Anvil Publishing, 1994, ISBN: from Ateneo de Manila University, ghetti westerns — they loved the 971-27-0388-6); In the Garden and a B.A. in Humanities from the whole arena of cultural offerings, of the Three Islands (Wakefield, University of the Philippines. She cur- even in a small place like Baguio, R.I.: Asphodel Press, 1995, ISBN 0- rently serves as associate professor in and felt I should be exposed to 55921-117-2); Blood Sacrifice (Uni- the M.F.A. creative writing program at versity of the Philippines Press, 1997, Old Dominion University. ISBN 971-542-157-1); Songs for the C. A. Gardner serves as catalog librarian Beginning of the Millennium (De How did you begin writing at Hampton Public Library. In addition La Salle University Press, 1997); and, VL poetry? What were some to coediting Virginia Libraries, she’s had her most recent work, Trill & Mor- of your biggest influences? Who 22 stories and 115 poems published or dent (Cincinnati, Ohio: WordTech encouraged you the most? accepted by venues like American Arts Editions, 2005, ISBN: 1-932339-94- I have an early memory Quarterly, The Doom of Camelot, The 9). (For any that are hard to locate, LAI of coming both to writ- Leading Edge, and Twisted Cat Tales. email Linda Maria Nietes of Philip- ing and to reading. I learned to Email [email protected] or visit pine Expressions Mail-Order Books read at the age of three, which www.gardnercastle.com. APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 11

these things. My father would nic with friends or a poor laundry tion. Here in Northern America, always bring home books and ask woman wishing that her life were most people don’t seem to know me whether there was anything different because she was being what to do with names like Maria new I wanted to read; I remember abused by her mistress. They were ­Luisa — Hispanic-sounding names. asking him to bring home books very simple stories about ordinary I didn’t like to be called just Maria, rather than toys. I don’t mean people, whose lives we don’t know leaving out the Luisa. It was either to portray myself as a complete until she uncovers them in the sto- both together, or don’t say it at all. square, but I really, really liked ries. I was just hooked. Whatever It’s a much more common thing reading, and I think this too is designs my mother may have had, in the Philippines for little girls to because of their influence on me. they worked. I feel so much more be given two names. Maria seems My love of writing, my love of fulfilled because I had that early to be an honorific; perhaps at one poetry, began in those kinds of gift. point it was a religious thing — the activities. I wrote my first story Philippines has the largest Roman in first grade. My parents signed I know you’ve written under Catholic population in Southeast me up for piano lessons at the VL different versions of your Asia. People understand that when age of three, hoping I might pur- name mostly due to changes in a girl is Maria Theresa or Maria sue a career in music (I am told I Carmencita, it’s the whole pack- was named after a Filipina concert age — she’s not just Maria. But at pianist, Maria Luisa Lopez Vito). I the same time, if her name is Maria took enough years of piano lessons Now that I think back Christina, it’s perfectly okay just to that I could have gone on to the on that story, I’m kind call her Christina. You also have conservatory. Their other hope was shortened versions, Filipino nick- that I’d be a lawyer, like my father. of stunned — what was names like Maricris. For a while But when I was a college fresh- when I was growing up they would man, I got hijacked by my English my mother thinking, call me Marilu or Malu. I didn’t teachers. They saw my potential giving me a book like really like it; it just didn’t feel like and convinced me that I might re- it was me. But Luisa was okay. ally grow in a career in literature. that at this age? So now it’s Luisa Igloria. I have They dragged me up to the faculty enough confidence in who I am to rooms, sat me down, and said, know that the name I was given at “Look, we really like your writing. birth is still going to be my name, We think that you have a gift as far your marital status, but there have no matter what appears on paper. as literature is concerned.” also been changes in your first And I find that people remember it When I was six or seven, my name and initials (Maria Luisa better; there might be some advan- mother gave me a book called Mag- B. Aguilar-Cariño, Ma. Luisa B. tage to having a compact name. nificence and Other Stories by one of Aguilar-Cariño, Maria Luisa A. the early Filipina fiction writers in Cariño, Luisa Igloria, Luisa A. Iglo- Did you have any trouble with English, Estrella Alfon. My mother ria). Is this a reflection of the poet’s VL people recognizing that you inscribed the book with her wish journey and changing identity? were the same person despite the that I would be a writer someday. Did your family call you Luisa, or different forms of your name? Now that I think back on that story, did that come about later? Have I don’t really stress out about I’m kind of stunned — what was my you had difficulty with audience LAI that much because I feel there mother thinking, giving me a book recognition? are enough other cross-references like that at this age? It’s something My name changes have cer- that will lead them to that infor- of an epiphany for me, because it LAI tainly been because of mar- mation. People have written to me, was a very grown-up book — not a riage. I was married for about fif- saying, “I didn’t know you were picture book at all, a very mature teen years, and then that fell apart. Luisa Cariño. I used to read her.” I choice of reading matter. It’s very When I got out of that relation- don’t think it’s my job to explain deftly handled fiction. Estrella ship, I was playing with the idea of all the time. Alfon writes about everyday life, reclaiming my maiden name, but but she captures the details in this the journey didn’t end there. When What differences are there dazzling, intense light. She could I remarried in 1999, I decided to VL between the literary scene in write about the ordinary and make change my name to Luisa Iglo- the Philippines and the one here? it extraordinary. She could write ria and drop the Maria, partly Before I came to the U.S., about a day on the farm or a pic- from some annoyance or frustra- LAI I already had a significant PAGE 12 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

publishing history. But that back- an issue that all writers face. Every- in this sense. I try to go every year ground wasn’t something I could body wants to be understood, to to the conferences of the Modern rest on. I felt I had to reestablish reach an audience. But writers Language Association and Associ- myself and build up credentials who are coming out of this set of ated Writing Programs. You can here. I guess every community, circumstances and cultural back- see how huge the field is when you every culture has its own form of grounds have additional burdens. go to these things — it’s like a five- ethnocentrism. And it’s a bigger Going back to the original ques- ring circus, so many activities. But pond here, with more fish swim- tion, I think both the Philippine as I’ve gone back year after year, ming in it. There are many more and U.S. literary scenes are lively, even if the numbers are swelling, writers here, and it didn’t necessar- but lively in different ways. I still it seems as if it’s also a very small ily mean anything that I had this get a sense of what people are group of people — certain groups background. doing back home in the Philip- keep coming back, and you see the pines. I have friends who are active same writers over and over again. I It should have. in writers’ circles there. With the wouldn’t say it’s completely inces- VL tuous, but it can also seem like a Yes, but I felt I had to prune closed culture. LAI myself away from that. My credentials — for instance, my …writers who are Was it like that in the Philip- National Book Awards in the Phil- coming out of this set VL pines? ippines — have been both a buoy Maybe because the com- and a bane sometimes. It can be a of circumstances and LAI munity is smaller, it feels really positive thing when people like there can be closer links over recognize what it means to have cultural backgrounds there. There are mentorship oppor- been given such an accolade; but have additional burdens. tunities, for instance, with younger at other times, people find a need writers or people who are trying to to query it more closely: “Is it the discover whether the writing path same as the American National is for them. Maybe they decide to Book Award? Would you please help of the Internet, writers have commit themselves to attending a explain further?” Sometimes I really been able to close distances workshop or seeking the tutelage wish that people would make the and collaborate despite geography. of older or more experienced writ- effort to look beyond their own For instance, when I edited Not ers. In a way, I feel that it can be a customary perceptions and admit Home But Here: Writing from the more generous community of writ- the existence of other things in the Filipino Diaspora, I’d say eighty-five ers. I don’t know why that’s so. world. It often feels that there is an percent of it was pulled together additional burden on me to keep through electronic means. Only It seems to me, since the explaining where I come from. after the book came together did VL United States is so big, that a There is this perhaps idealistic wish I meet some of the writers at liter- lot of organizations are somewhat among writers of color or people ary events. And it’s great — there faceless. There are so many of who might be coming out of a are ties that I keep and maintain them, so many people involved. third-world context, people who with writers through the Internet. Right — and that faceless- are labeled “ethnic” or “minority” I collaborate with a few writers in LAI ness, I suppose, speaks to a writers, that they didn’t have to the Philippines, and we do trans- lot of the ways in which creative be the medium of translation for lations of each other’s work. I still writing practices have become who or what they are perceived maintain ties with the Philippine more institutionalized. I didn’t to represent. Not that I see myself Literary Arts Council, and I’m hop- come out of a culture of creative necessarily as a representative of a ing to take part in an exhibit that writing programs; the first time I people or a collective experience, they’re planning for January 2007 set foot in a creative writing work- because first and foremost I write called Chromatext, combining vi- shop was when I came to the U.S. from a very personal standpoint. I sual art with text (installation art). for my Ph.D. In the Philippines, do like to write about subjects that There are all kinds of things going we would sit and chat with writer might have an interest for other on. friends, and exchange work in very people with the same background, Here, there’s a similar sense of informal settings. We’d certainly but I can’t claim to speak for them activity, of programs always going come together and have readings. or their experiences of the world. on, lots of readings, conferences — But here, you take specific classes, In a more general sense, I think it’s the U.S. literary scene is very alive you have genre concentrations, APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 13

you take a certain number of work- one of them. That’s partly because I was just wondering because shops, you do a thesis. I didn’t of the historical conditions, not VL some of the Filipino poets I’ve become aware of that until I got only of the Philippines as a for- been reading talk about how much here — so I’m sort of a late bloomer mer colony of the U.S., but also of language is a political issue. in respect to that aspect of creative Baguio, which was a hill station of No matter what language writing culture. the U.S. colonial government. A lot LAI you write in, you make I think it’s getting to be a little of people there grew up the same political statements. I can see how bit more like that now in the way, speaking English alongside it could represent more of a con- Philippines. There are writing Ilokano and Tagalog, which are the flict for people who have grown institutes — there’s the Silliman other languages I know. I would up here and didn’t get a chance to National Writers’ Workshop that like to think I can claim English as learn much of a Filipino language, the late Edilberto Tiempo and his a first language, too. experiencing it as something that’s wife Edith, both writers, started at in a sense torn away from them. Silliman University in 1962. They But I never felt like English was were products of the Iowa Writ- either forced on me or taken away ers’ Workshop, and when they … some of the people from me. I feel I can appropriate it returned to the Philippines, they in my Fulbright summer freely. I’m certainly aware of the started a similar version of an an- postcolonial issues surrounding nual national writers’ workshop, to orientation program the choice of language, but I feel which they invited leading writers that it’s an instrument that we in several genres — poetry, fiction, asked, upon finding out certainly should wield, because nonfiction, playwriting — to come I was a poet, “Why we have the facility to use it. It and teach budding writers. It is doesn’t necessarily make me more considered the leading national don’t you write in your or less Filipino. I don’t feel that I writer’s workshop. But even when I am betraying anything, any idea was in the Philippines, I never was own language?” of being Filipino, by using English. involved in it until after I returned And I feel that my writing is polit- from my Fulbright Program (I was ical — I write about history, and I invited as a panelist in 1997). am also very concerned about the As a writer based in Baguio, as I think it’s wonderful to be same issues that postcolonial writ- opposed to the writers in Manila VL able to learn so many lan- ers describe. That body of subject at that time, I felt like I was pretty guages when you’re young. I wish matter is something that continues much working in isolation, with everybody had that chance. to interest me. other local writers in the city. We’d We’re trying that with our talk informally and encourage LAI five-year-old. But it’s dif- Is there a community of writ- each other, but there was nothing ficult when we don’t have a sense VL ers in Virginia or the United organized. I had the sense that the of a linguistic community around States in general with whom you literary action, the center of pub- us (we don’t have extended family feel particularly at home? lishing, was really in Manila — the here). We’re trying to teach her, I belong to an electronic list- way you’d think of New York, get books, but it’s a different kind LAI serv of Filipino writers called or making it on Broadway. Since of immersion. I wonder when we FLIPS (http://www.uni.edu/gotera/ then, there is more of a spread in can give her that first-hand experi- flips/). The name that the group focus, and people are more aware ence. has adopted is also interesting, of the various regional centers of But it really wasn’t a conscious because it is a “So what? Let me tell literature. There’s more emphasis choice for me to write in English. you some things you don’t know” on cultivating the vernacular lan- I have always written in English. reappropriation of a word that has guages and making sure that writ- When I first arrived in the U.S. been used pejoratively or deroga- ers in regional centers don’t get in 1992, some of the people in tively to refer to Filipinos (I read overlooked. my Fulbright summer orientation somewhere that in this type of program asked, upon finding out I usage, it was supposed to stand for Did you make a conscious was a poet, “Why don’t you write “F ------Little Island People”). On VL choice to write in English? in your own language?” I looked FLIPS you learn a lot about what When I was growing up, at at them quizzically: “What do you people are writing, what people LAI home we spoke three lan- mean?” are reading, whether there’s any guages simultaneously. English was new stuff coming out and where. PAGE 14 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

Really good things have come out family and trying to establish my The Secret Language of it, like sharing strength in the professional roots in the area. I just I have learned your speech, community. Many of the people in picked it up again this past sum- Fair stranger; for you this writers’ group are aware of the mer, after ten years. I have oiled my hair problems confronted by writers of My parents signed me up for And coiled it tight color, and specifically, of problems art classes when I was little. There Into a braid as thick confronted by Filipino writers not was a painting teacher at my old And beautiful as the serpent just in Northern America but glob- elementary school who gave les- In your story of Eden. ally. For instance, the opportuni- sons every Saturday afternoon for ties that may or may not be avail- a minimal fee. It was so much fun, For you, I have covered able to us because publishers think and he was very patient. When My breasts and hidden, that we have no audience. It’s a I was in college, I took classes in Among the folds of my sort of catch-22 situation: “Why printmaking with Pandy Aviado surrendered should we publish you if you have and a workshop in traditional Japa- Inheritance, the beads no audience? And if you have an nese bookbinding with Nancy Po- I have worn since girlhood. audience, do they read?” We are banz. In the early years of my first told that blatantly time and time marriage, I fell in love with the art It is fifty years now again. So we get together on that form, and I still do a little bit every Since the day my father list and decide, “Well, if nobody’s now and then. Took me to the school in Bua, going to write our reviews and get I think the connection between A headman’s terrified them to the necessary places for poetry and art is that both are ex- Peace-gift. In the doorway, us to be given more of an audi- pressive mediums. Both art forms, The teacher stood, her hair ence, then we’ll write reviews for the visual and the poetic, have to The bleached color of corn, each other and try to get them in do with intangible things that you Watching with bird-eyes. the proper places.” That’s one way can’t quite put a finger on — that of sharing strength. We also try to sense of mystery that defines Now, I am Christina. get Filipino writers invited to vari- what’s art and what separates it I am told I can make lace ous cultural events, college lecture from, say, a newspaper or a bit of Fine enough to lay upon the series, or literary festivals. We call information. altar each other, create panels, and look Of a cathedral in Europe. for opportunities where all of us Have you ever thought about But this is a place can have a chance to both present VL illustrating more books? The That I will never see. our own work and see what we can illustrations in Cordillera Tales are do together. For instance, Reme excellent. I cook for tourists at an inn; Grefalda, editor of Our Own Voice, I haven’t done any pen and They praise my lemon pie just organized a symposium in the LAI inks in a long time. Maybe And my English, which they say Library of Congress on Carlos Bulo- I’ll write some children’s books in Is faultless. I smile san on April 28 as part of a series to the future. I want to collaborate And look past the window, celebrate the one hundredth year with my daughters, too. My oldest Imagining father’s and of Filipino immigration to Hawaii. daughter in the Philippines also grandfather’s cattle paints and writes; the two older Grazing by the smoke trees. You’re an artist as well as a girls who live with us here in Nor- But it is evening, and these VL poet — you created excellent folk also write and are into graphic Are ghosts. illustrations for both Cordillera Tales art. And my youngest describes and Cartography, and your website herself as “a real artist.” In the night, says you like to paint. Do you feel a When I am alone at last, connection between the two forms How did you collect the sto- I lie uncorseted of art? How far back does your art ries for Cordillera Tales? Are Upon the iron bed, VL date? Did you ever consider a par- they stories you grew up with? Composing my lost beads allel career as an artist? A lot of the stories came Over my chest, dreaming back I do like to paint. I don’t from research. I worked with Each flecked and opalescent LAI always have time to finish interview transcripts collected Color, crooning the names, LAI what I start. In fact, I abandoned by anthropologists in the area. Along with mine: painting for a number of years Because of what they were, they Binaay, Binaay. because I’m so busy here with weren’t in a form that privileged APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 15

the narrative. Most of them were on the subject. Robert W. Rydell’s went to Spain in the 1800s to collected by missionary scholars. All the World’s a Fair: Visions of study, to paint, to learn about art, I thought they were wonderful, Empire at American International to travel. Some of them were prod- and I wanted to work with them Expositions, 1876–1916 has some ucts of a mixed heritage, Spanish- to bring out the quality of story. I great photographic reproductions. Filipino, which may have allowed used a more contemporary idiom, The manuscript that I wrote, Bodies them a newfound mobility to see and many of them came out very Robed in Dusky Brown, has a section more of the world. It’s fascinating much like Aesop’s fables — teach- of poems on the Filipino exhibits to me how they encountered the ing stories or parables. I also tried at the fair. It’s my commentary on same set of problems that Filipino- to look for indigenous designs, for what we do when we look at and American writers today are strug- instance from local weaving or appropriate things. And the other gling with. I want to know what basketry, to use as elements in the parts of the collection have to do they found out. I want to see if I illustrations. with my reflections as a person can dialogue with them across this today looking back at this history, distance, and find out how they Your poems seem equally answered the same questions that I VL informed by your own history ask myself: “Who am I talking to? and that of others. Indeed, “his- Who am I making art for? Who am tory” plays a role in many of your They even sprang … I really addressing as my audience? poems, as you not only reflect on Geronimo from jail, What is my subject?” and provide a new perspective for One painter, Juan Luna, was historical events, but also write and made him whittle part of that group, including José from the fictionalized perspective Rizal, the national hero of the Phil- of people in the past. Would you miniature bows and ippines. They were all part of the speak about the importance of his- arrows that were sold for ilustrados, an educated class who tory and memoir in your work? used their talents for reform. Luna I really am very interested in a copper penny apiece. was very gifted, and his art teach- LAI history. After Trill & Mordent, ers in Manila sent him to study in I completed another manuscript Spain. Not long after he arrived, that I still haven’t found a publisher he joined an art competition in for. It’s been making the rounds for trying to make sense of it, trying to Barcelona, the annual exposition, the second year now. It’s based on use it to understand similar ques- and won a gold medal for a mural the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, tions that I have at the moment. called Spoliarium, depicting two Missouri — a large-scale exposition For instance, sometimes colleagues defeated gladiators being dragged to which 1,100 indigenous people have asked me things like, “Do away from the arena and into a were transported from the Philip- you know where I could get good chamber where their bodies were pines to be part of the exhibit, house help?” I’m wondering what to be stripped of arms and cloth- alongside indigenous individu- a question like that means. Am ing (and often burned afterwards). als from Japan and Egypt. They I being oversensitive, or is there It’s not a very elegant subject, but even sprang the Native American something underlying their abil- it’s painted in a high neoclassical Indian chief Geronimo from jail, ity to ask me a question like that in style, and is set in Rome. So here and made him whittle miniature the first place? was this Filipino painter, running bows and arrows that were sold for away with one of the gold med- a copper penny apiece. The whole I know what you’re saying. It’s als for a painting immersed in the World’s Fair centered on the idea VL very offensive. classical tradition. What does this of American progress and the supe- Yes. So it’s the World’s Fair mean? riority of the American lifestyle, as LAI all over again. And the whole I want to find out more about demonstrated through some arti- idea of being a democracy — it’s this era and this group of people ficial comparisons. Alongside the something we all want. But people who went to Europe and discov- new toaster model, new cars, new overlook the facts, the history. Peo- ered not only themselves and their lawnmowers, they would have the ple have short memories, in other talents, but also, it is said, helped to exhibits of indigenous people and words. give birth to the idea of revolution. reconstructions of their villages to History is also a big part of my Rizal wrote about Spanish abuse, show the progress from savagery to new book project. I’m obsessed the corruption of the Spanish co- civilization. It’s all very well docu- with this group of Filipino intel- lonial government. Luna’s paint- mented. There are excellent books lectuals, scholars, and artists who ing was quickly co-opted by other PAGE 16 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006 intellectuals and made to serve as my writing is the time after every- actually wanted to say about this a metaphor for Filipino nationalist thing else is done, then I’m going idea I’ve been so excited about. I try sentiments. They read ideas into it to take that time. to do something every day related that the painter himself may not I teach nights, so I usually come to writing — taking notes, reading. have meant or intended; but even home at 10:15, have a very late I read every day, whether it’s just a to this day he’s considered part dinner, then clean up and make passage or a whole chapter. That’s of the group of intellectuals who lunches for the next day — all my another way of developing ideas helped bring about the revolution nightly rituals. Then I can write. for whatever it is that eventually against Spain, which was success- By then it’s usually midnight. I gets born. It’s like allowing those ful in throwing out the Spanish wrote Trill & Mordent over a year, subterranean currents in the mind local government only to have this in spurts between midnight and or in memory to just keep mov- newfound freedom transferred to whenever. I would sit at my com- ing; I follow as best as I can, and another colonial power after the puter, and if nothing came, I’d go get very excited when the current Battle of Manila Bay. to bed after an hour and a half. But takes me somewhere that reveals when I was in the middle of some- what it is I wanted to write about So there you have both your thing and felt I was getting some- in the first place. VL history and art interests. That’s right. I’ve been gather- Your poetry collections seem LAI ing research material, writ- VL to be intricately involved with ing scholars abroad and in the It’s like allowing those theme. Trill & Mordent, for example, Philippines. Everything I’ve found subterranean currents in has several poems that deal explic- out has just increased my desire itly with formal musical motifs, to write more about this subject. I the mind or in memory to such as “The Goldberg Variations,” guess it’s partly because my poetry “Trill and Mordent,” and “Stair- is also very much about place. And just keep moving; I follow way to Heaven.” Tantalizing hints memory is definitely part of that, as best as I can… of music wind their way through because history is a work of mem- other poems, such as the aria in ory. But I don’t want this history to “Would You Give Up Your Life for be just facts in a book. I want it to Love?” In addition, the tonal shifts be meaningful to the future as well where, I would sometimes pull an and emotions in the poems fluctu- as the present. What can I learn all-nighter, or write till four and be ate up and down like the shape of from history? What can it tell me very bleary-eyed in the morning. these ornaments, dipping through about myself? I don’t have any Also, we have one car and share in grief and death and rising to life grand designs. But seeing a little ferrying duties, so I don’t have the and love. Do you consciously com- bit more might mean that the next luxury to stay in bed. That’s how pose poems to be included in a time around, things will be better. this book got written. particular volume? At what point If not for me, then for my daugh- I take whatever time I can, when- does the theme of a book resolve? ters’ generation. ever I can. And you’re always writ- Remember when that father ing, anyway — when you’re wash- LAI and son went on a shooting How long does it take you to ing the dishes, or driving between rampage in the Baltimore/West VL write a poem? home and daycare, your mind is Virginia area? The title poem of It depends. I revise a lot. But still working on ideas for poems, Trill & Mordent was actually trig- LAI the fact that I’m a full-time for revisions, or for things to work gered by that. When I look at the mom, full-time professional, full- on the next time. I bring a journal whole book now, I didn’t realize time faculty member, full-time in my purse to take down notes. until it came together how many everything makes me feel like I musical references there were. All can’t waste a single moment. There How much of a poem gets these associations became appar- was a time when I used to com- VL written before you have a ent only after the book was orga- plain about not having time to chance to set it down? nized. I didn’t know this when I write, and I’d get miserable. With Often a poem will start as an was writing the individual poems; Trill & Mordent, I got so sick of hear- LAI idea that’s not fully devel- but I guess they come from the ing myself complain and feeling oped; or really, it’s more like a same sensibility, and my musical overburdened by all the different sense of an idea, a kind of hunch or background must have been influ- demands on my time that I said, intuition. Sometimes I don’t really ential, too. I wrote the poems in okay, if the time I have left to do know until I start working what I that post 9/11 climate; and even if APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 17

the poem wasn’t specifically about 9/11, I think what I was trying to Trill and Mordent say in Trill & Mordent is that we are … we [are] wrong to think of beauty all affected by this climate of anxi- As those things we’ll never have. ety; we’re living in an age of terror. — Stephen Frech People are getting deployed; there’s the fear of avian flu, and those riots Accidentals are symbols that change the pitch in Paris. What do you do in the with just the slightest touch of dissonance face of anxiety? Do you go into a hole and shut yourself up in a safe in music — the flats, the sharps, the double place and not come out again? I’ve sharps’ spiked banners that appear sometimes once heard people say how hard it was for them to do the normal things on a page, sometimes in a series. Ascending or descending they enjoyed after 9/11, or after they become appoggiatura — trills or mordents. The trills those sniper shootings, or after every event tinged with tragedy or are as random birdsong strewn over a field. The mordents trauma. But you need to find a way slip down, enough to remind me of their root in morbid back to the experience of beauty and release, and I think that’s what things, in falling, in death. The French, too, remind us I was trying to say in this book. how even in pleasure the body dies a little: la petite mort.

Cartography is another book The furtive kiss on the earlobe, the flick of a tongue VL that focuses on a specific at the base of the throat — thin blade of a shudder that rises theme. In some ways, with its emphasis on preserving memories to the heart and nicks it like a wound, that attaches and reflecting on a place and its like a shadow. It takes so little to upset the mechanism influence on people, it seems to of everyday life, the rapid adjustment and tumbling of gears carry on some of the mission of Cor- from one set of teeth to another. As though the hand could choose dillera Tales, and provides a synthe- sis between past and present. You without error, the composer made these precise marks on sheets stated in the preface to Cartography, of music. They bristle like little reports, like explosions “Because there are so many stories to tell, so many depths to plumb, it from the snout of a rifle angled through the window of a van, is possible that this collection may aimed at any head smooth as the next one that steps never be quite finished.” Might In the Garden of the Three Islands be out on a veranda, out of a building; that stoops part of this continuation? momentarily to tie a shoelace, to fumble for car keys. In Cartography, I was preoc- LAI cupied with the history of Now the news every day is filled with how little Baguio as a colonial hill station and it takes to ignite the blunt wick of fear. how its history overlapped with indigenous communities’ histo- Late in the year, the body’s fat thickens like tallow. ries, with the intrusion of colonial Ungathered fruit redden and fall in the yard, forces. Since that’s where I grew up, I felt very close to this history, and the afternoons descend a little faster toward night. even if I’m not of indigenous blood Who can blame the one who becomes tired of the brooding (that is, I am not descended from the indigenous tribes that were the darkness, who wants to open the window and move original settlers in Baguio and the toward the leaves’ quick gesturings, to see what voice surrounding Cordillera region). repeats her name in a way she has not heard In the Garden of the Three Islands since childhood, to discover which room in her body is still part of the journey. I wrote it just after I came to the United houses the accidental sound of a tuning fork States. This was my Ph.D. thesis. struck and echoing in the middle of her life. In it I looked back at where I came PAGE 18 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

from, looked at my new landscapes A number of them had told me I was hired to help create in America, and found things that I was “ready.” I was scared, but LAI Filipino-American studies reminded me of the other con- they kind of forced me to turn in initiatives at ODU. To date, we tinent. My publisher wanted to my poems for consideration. They still don’t have a department that include some poems from Cartog- told me to just think of it as a way might house a Filipino-American raphy to introduce my voice to an to get more experience. So I did, Studies major or minor. There is no American audience. after much bullying. I didn’t really Ethnic Studies Department. There When we were preparing the believe what they were saying. It is the Institute for Race and Eth- galleys, someone asked whether was last-minute, too, because I was nicity; but as far as minors are con- the three islands was a reference very hard to persuade. So I nearly cerned, they only have the African- to the three island groups of the fainted when I got this phone American studies track. The Fili- Philippines. I said, “No, absolutely call saying that I was tied for first pino American community here not.” It hadn’t even occurred to place. It was my first attempt, and made a significant contribution me. The title poem actually re- I won first. There was a little bit of to the university — something like fers to the Japanese garden in the a sense of pressure after that. It felt $100,000 — to secure university ­Chicago Botanic Garden, “The for a while like I was the object of commitment to infusing curricu- Garden of the Three Islands.” The lar content with Filipino-American woman who asked me the ques- studies material. I was hired in the tion was reading diagrams into the fall of 1998 to help do this; but work that I hadn’t even considered It felt for a while since there was no ethnic stud- at that point. But that’s fine be- like I was the object ies base, I was housed in a home cause it leads to a more expansive department commensurate to my ­reading. of scrutiny; all these main field or background — the English Department. What started You speak several different people were now as a visiting appointment turned VL languages, both artistically looking at me…. into a tenure track appointment in and literally. You’ve also lived in 2000. I’m now doing the last stages two countries and had two mar- of my final tenure review. riages and two mothers. Has this The Tidewater area has been de- unforeseen multiplicity shaped scrutiny; all these people were now scribed to me as having the largest your poetry? looking at me, whereas before I population of Filipino-Americans The duality, the multiplicity, pretty much could go undetected. on the Eastern seaboard. A few LAI definitely affects my poetry. I sometimes get a similar sensation years ago, it was estimated that If you’re a writer, you do get pulled after I’ve written something that I there were maybe 700 or 800 toward that, attracted toward that feel is successful: it’s almost like a Filipino-American students at idea of duality, because it is what kind of death. Partly it is because ODU. But we’re still at an interim attracts you to language. The idea I feel that poetry is mystery, an stage, because the classes are not as of language as not just attentive to intangible magic that I approach large as what we’d like to see. There the surface matter of experience, again and again in the hopes that are a lot of well-attended programs but to the other things that might I might be able to learn some of its on the West coast; they have a lot lie underneath, is why we write. lessons well. When I do feel I have more time invested there, because managed to write a poem that suc- California has historically been Your list of awards and grants ceeds, I feel that it can’t have been very much part of the landscape VL is so impressive. How did you only because of me. I ask myself, of Filipino immigration in this win your first few awards? Do your “Will I ever be able to do this country. The interest in Filipino- awards have any impact on the again?” I’m so afraid that I can’t do ­American studies has had a much way you approach your work? it again. longer time to grow and take root. Well, my first-ever award It’s just starting here. So the num- LAI was the Palanca in 1984. I You’ve been teaching at ODU bers will probably come eventu- had just joined the faculty of the VL since 1998. What drew your ally. University of the Philippines at interest in coming to work for A semester after I arrived, they that time, and the other profes- ODU? What changes have you seen hired a director for the Filipino sors had some familiarity with in the program since you arrived? American Center at ODU, which my writing from having had me What part have you played in its helps to liaise with the community in their undergraduate classes. development? and students. What I try to do is APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 19

work with existing structures at the vernacular while we were at way to translate technical and sci- the same time that I look for op- school. So there’s your oppressive entific subjects into the vernacu- portunities to propose initiatives. colonial language. lar. Perhaps because of that I had For instance, I teach courses on a chance to be immersed in more women writers for the Women’s Did you get to study Filipino Filipino material as part of the Studies Department; so when I’m VL authors, or did you have to sensibility of trying to bring more given two sections of the same study mostly English literature? texts from regional authors to the course, I’ll turn one into a special I don’t think I read as many attention of kids in school. Never- focus course on Filipina writers. LAI Filipino authors until I went theless, English is not going to go In that way, I get to infuse Filipino to high school. My college litera- away as a universal language. culture. I also started an Asian- ture classes were really quick sur- Some of my poet friends in Ma- American literature class which veys. Primarily it was because of nila were telling me about projects is now about four years old, and I the difficulty in sourcing the text- that have been done to encourage make sure there is a significant unit books. We’d read excerpts of Moby awareness of traditional poetic on Filipino-American literature. Dick or Faulkner, not the whole forms. In order to help generate interest, they had this bright idea What was school like in the of sponsoring a poetry contest VL Philippines when you were using traditional poetic forms, but growing up? Was grade school I would try to make more having kids submit their poems taught in English, Tagalog, or through the cell phone texting regional languages? copies available, but the feature. Very innovative. Of course My elementary school was toner was watered down afterwards, the kids then know LAI run by Belgian nuns and better what tanagas, salawikain, or priests who were themselves away to stretch the ink further, other poetic forms are. I believe from home, in exile. It was a pri- they received a really enthusiastic vate Catholic school, but I don’t and the copies were very response, and afterwards collected think Catholic and private meant blurry, barely legible. the submissions into a little an- the same thing then in the Phil- thology. And the Textanaga/Dali- ippines as they do here. I was tex/Dionatex/Textsawikain is now classmates with both the janitor’s an annual contest. daughter and the mayor’s daughter. thing. There’d be forty of us in a I hear that they’re also bringing There may even have been some class, sharing one really faded pho- back the old poetic jousts, like the kind of socialized tuition scheme. I tocopy of articles in the library, balagtasan. These are traditional, in think the only differences between even when I was teaching. I would high Tagalog. They are extempora- that and the public school were try to make more copies available, neous verbal jousts, with one poet the kinds of resources that we had but the toner was watered down responding to another. It is like a and the fact that we had religious to stretch the ink further, and the poetic debate on a given subject. It education. I went to Holy Family copies were very blurry, barely leg- was very popular in the 1700s and Academy in Baguio for elementary ible. Forty people would be sharing 1800s, and now they’re bringing school, and I went to high school this, but nobody complained. them back. there for a year as well until my My parents’ generation may father decided he wanted me to have been weaned on more of the What advice would you give have some exposure to a more Western canonical tradition; but VL librarians seeking to build a liberal environment — by which when I was going to high school Filipino literature collection and he meant the University of the and college, it was after martial give it greater visibility, in addition Philippines, where he had gone to law, and people were debating the to the books you’ve recommended school. So I went to the University meaning of nationalism, and won- to me? [See the following article, of the Philippines for high school dering whether to turn the educa- “Serving Your Filipino-American and college. My M.A. was earned at tional system into a bilingual one. Community,” for these and other the Ateneo de Manila University, a There were many who felt very resources.] Jesuit university. strongly about the use of Tagalog or Build a library network with English was the medium of in- Filipino instead of English. People LAI links to existing Filipino da- struction. The nuns and priests in joked about whether they should tabases, Filipino-American litera- my grade school would fine us five file their taxes in the vernacular or ture, Filipino writers, and Filipino centavos for any word we spoke in in English, and pondered the best literature in general. There are some PAGE 20 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

good Filipino literature websites like the multicultural programs Libraries,” pages 7–9]. You can get that have some of the largest hits that were offered through the New- in touch with local communities worldwide. They are organized port News Public Library System and look for resources and people beautifully, and are very informa- to come in and give presentations. tive. There are articles, poems, And I wish this wouldn’t just plays, author bios, criticism, news happen during Asian Heritage on conferences and where people I wish this wouldn’t just Month or Filipino Heritage Month, are giving presentations. There are happen during Asian when it’s just one of those inter- also some really popular sites, like esting things that we only think the Filipino Golden Links (Tanika- Heritage Month or Filipino about once a year. There is so lang Ginto) website, that cover ev- much value to exploring cultural erything from cooking to books to Heritage Month…. heritage and encouraging people travel. There are also lots of orga- to think about it as an organic part nizations in the U.S. and globally. of their own lives and community That’s a great start. And then there last year [see “Cultures Come To- experience. VL are things you’re already doing, gether at the Newport News Public

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1. Virginia Libraries seeks to publish articles and 6. Illustrations are encouraged and should be sub- reviews of interest to the library community in mitted whenever appropriate to accompany Virginia. Articles reporting research, library pro- a manuscript. Hard copy illustrations will be grams and events, and opinion pieces are all con- returned if requested in advance. Digital im- sidered for publication. Queries are encouraged. ages should have a resolution of at least 300 Brief announcements and press releases should dpi. Authors are responsible for securing legal be directed to the VLA Newsletter. permission to publish photographs and other 2. Please submit manuscripts via email as attach- illustrations. ments in Microsoft Word, rich text, or plain text 7. Each contributor should provide a brief sketch of format. Articles should be double-spaced with professional accomplishments of no more than any bibliographic notes occurring at the end of fifty words that includes current title, affiliation, the article. Please avoid using the automatic note and email address. Unless specified otherwise, creation function provided by some word pro- this information will be shared with readers of cessing programs. Virginia Libraries. Physical addresses should also 3. Articles in Virginia Libraries conform to the lat- be provided for the mailing of contributor’s est edition of the Chicago Manual of Style and copies. Webster’s Third New International Dictionary, Un- 8. Articles should generally fall within the range of abridged. Accepted articles are subject to editing 750–3,000 words. Please query the editors before for style and clarity. Authors will be consulted on submitting any work of greater length. points of fact. 9. Email manuscripts and queries to Cy Dillon, 4. All articles submitted for consideration are re- [email protected], and C. A. Gardner, cgard- viewed by the editors and may be refereed by [email protected]. Please be sure to copy both the editorial board. Articles that are not selected editors. for publication will be returned within three 10. Virginia Libraries is published quarterly. The months. deadlines for submission are: December 15 for 5. VLA holds the copyright on all articles published Number 1, January/February/March; March 15 in Virginia Libraries. Contributors of articles re- for Number 2, April/May/June; June 15 for Num- ceive two copies of the issue in which their work ber 3, July/August/September; and September 15 appears. for Number 4, October/November/December. VL APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 21

Serving Your Filipino-American Community

by C. A. Gardner (with reading suggestions by Luisa A. Igloria)

he rich literary tradition For too long, Filipino contribu- Carbó, Nick, ed. Pinoy Poetics: of the Philippines encom- tions to literature in English have A Collection of Autobiographical passes a multiplicity of been overlooked amid the flood of and Critical Essays on Filipino and Tlanguages; Tagalog, Spanish, and publications available in the Unit- Filipino American Poetics. San Fran- English are but a few. Poets and ed States, despite the awards and cisco: Meritage Press, 2004. ISBN: writers in the Philippines have praise given to individual works. 0-9709179-3-7. made successive colonial languages Today, an increasing number of an- their own and have shared their thologies and bibliographies help Carbó, Nick, ed. Returning a Bor- talents with the world as part of to rectify this oversight, and librar- rowed Tongue: Poems by Filipino and the ongoing Filipino diaspora. ies can help as well. In addition to Filipino American Writers (cover Written Filipino literature stretches providing material that addresses subtitle: An Anthology of Filipino back to 1610 with the first book by the Filipino-American experience and Filipino American Poetry). Min- a native Filipino to be published in as nothing else can, a collection neapolis, Minn.: Coffee House the Philippines, Librong Pagaaralan of Filipino-American literature can Press, 1995. ISBN 1-56689-043-8. nang manga Tagalog nang uicang help to expand the literary hori- Castila by Tomas Pinpin. In 1880, zons of all your patrons. Carbó, Nick. Secret Asian Man. Chi- Pedro Alejandro Paterno’s Sampa- cago, Ill.: Tia Chucha Press, 2000. guitas y Otras Poesias Varias became ISBN 1-882688-24-4. Books the first book of poetry by a Fili- pino ever published in Europe; and The following offer a good founda- Carbó, Nick and Eileen Tabios, eds. in 1905, the first published Filipino tion for a collection of modern Fili- Babaylan: An Anthology of Filipina poems in English appeared in The pino fiction, poetry, and memoirs. and Filipina American Writers. San Filipino Students’ Magazine in Cali- These selections include some of Francisco, Calif.: Aunt Lute Books, fornia.1 Today, Filipino literature the most vibrant voices in modern 2000. ISBN 1-879960-59-1. in English is published at least as Filipino literature, including popu- frequently in the United States as lar and award-winning authors; Francia, Luis H. Eye of the Fish: A in the Philippines. but this list is by no means com- Personal Archipelago. New York: Kaya With an estimated 60,000 prehensive. Many other fine exam- Press, 2001. ISBN 1-885030-31-2. Filipino-Americans living in Vir- ples can be found in the bibliog- ginia alone2, many public libraries, raphies, recommended resources, Gamalinda, Eric. The Empire of especially in the coastal regions, and author biographies found in Memory. Metro Manila, Philippines: have a sizeable Filipino patron base. the following books, particularly Anvil Publishing, 1992. ISBN 971- The following resources provide a the edited collections. 27-0264-2. starting point for a collection that addresses the varied and unique Barot, Rick. The Darker Fall: Poems. Gamalinda, Eric. Zero Gravity: experiences faced by members of a Louisville, Ky.: Sarabande Books, Poems. Farmington, Maine: Alice cultural heritage that has survived 2002. ISBN 1-889330-73-6. James Books, 1999. ISBN 1-882295- invasion by Spain, the United 20-X. States, and Japan — a heritage that Carbó, Nick. Andalusian Dawn: continues to exert its own identity Poems. Cincinnati, Ohio: Cherry Hagedorn, Jessica. Dream Jungle. in the face of the lingering cultural Grove Collections, 2004. ISBN 1- New York: Viking, 2003. ISBN 0- dominance of the first two. 9323-3944-2. 670-88458-8. PAGE 22 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

Igloria, Luisa A., ed. Not Home, But National Commission for Culture Links Here: Writing from the Filipino Dias- and the Arts: Empowering the Fili- pora. Metro Manila, Philippines: The following are good places to pino Imagination Anvil Publishing, 2003. ISBN 971- start when creating a webpage or http://www.ncca.gov.ph/ 27-1358-X. resource guide. While a number of the links focus on Filipino lit- The Philippine Cultural Center of Melvin, Reine Arcache. A Normal erature, others, such as Tanikalang Virginia Life and Other Stories. Manila, Phil- Ginto: Golden Chains, cover a wide http://www.philippinecultural ippines: Ateneo de Manila Univer- range of subjects of interest to the centerofva.org/ sity Office of Research and Publica- Filipino-American community. tions, 1999. ISBN 971-550-251-2. Tanikalang Ginto: Golden Chains Cultural Center of the Philippines (Philippine-Related Sites) Nezhukumatathil, Aimee. Miracle http://www.culturalcenter.gov.ph/ http://www.filipinolinks.com/ Fruit: Poems. Dorset, Vermont: Tupelo Press, 2003. ISBN 0- Embassy of the Republic of the Your Portal to Philippine Literature 9710310-8-8. Philippines (Washington, D.C.) http://www.panitikan.com.ph/ http://www.philippineembassy- Roley, Brian Ascalon. American Son: usa.org/index.htm Notes A Novel. New York: Norton, 2001. Includes “Culture & Arts,” ISBN 0-393-32154-1. http://www.philippineembassy- 1 Nick Carbó, “A Literary Time- usa.org/about/culture.htm line,” in Pinoy Poetics: A Collection Rosal, Patrick. Uprock Headspin of Autobiographical and Critical Es- Scramble and Dive: Poems. New Filipino American Center, Old Do- says on Filipino and Filipino Ameri- York: Persea Books, 2003. ISBN 0- minion University can Poetics (San Francisco: Meritage 89255-293-X. http://al.odu.edu/filipino/ Press, 2004), xii-xiii. 2 “Little Manila: Virginia,” in Strobel, Leny Mendoza. Coming Full Filipino American National His- Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia [on- Circle: The Process of Decolonization torical Society line encyclopedia] 12 May 2006 among Post-1965 Filipino Americans. http://www.fanhs-national.org/ [cited 18 May 2006]; available Quezon City, Philippines: Giraffe from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Books, 2001. ISBN 971-8832-43-2. Filipino American Resources Little_Manila. VL http://www.seattleu.edu/lemlib/ Villanueva, Marianne. Mayor of the web_archives/Filipino/biog.html Roses: Stories. Oxford, Ohio: Miami University Press, 2005. ISBN 1- FLIPS, an E-mail Discussion List 881163-46-6. for Filipino Writers http://www.uni.edu/gotera/flips/ Villanueva, Marianne, and Vir- ginia Cerenio, eds. Going Home to Likhaan Online: The University a Landscape: Writings by Filipinas. of the Philippines Institute of Cre- Foreword by Rocio G. Davis. Cor- ative Writing vallis, Ore.: CALYX Books, 2003. http://www.upd.edu.ph/~icw/ ISBN 0-934971-84-6. index.htm APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 23

Tower of Babel? Upstairs, Meeting Room 2

by Caroline Fitzpierce and Denise Morgan

o experience teaches the their comfort sphere. Assimilation English conversation groups. These value of communication is hard for these individuals. Samu- groups are frequently led by volun- and the power of the el P. Huntington, in his book Who teers. While no particular training Nspoken word quite like visiting a Are We? The Challenges to America’s is required, this article will share country where one cannot speak National Identity, discusses both a some personal experiences for li- the language. Imagine, then, what brarians wishing to consider such challenges must face new Ameri- a program. cans who have immigrated with- out mastery of English, let alone Fairfax County … Conversation Leader command of the distinct Ameri- residents speak ninety- can version of the tongue. Data The best person for this job is some- since the 2000 census indicate that two languages…. one who understands how it feels immigrants account for twelve per- to live in another culture, speaking cent of our total population, the a new language. The person may highest percentage in eighty years.1 historical view and current trends have broad travel experience or Young children learn English in in assimilation in the United States have lived in non-English-speaking school and from their playmates, (see, in particular, pages 158–170). but adults often have a more diffi- Fairfax County, whose residents cult time learning the language. speak ninety-two languages, is the Caroline Fitzpierce is information assis- Employed adults may not have most linguistically diverse county tant at Reston Regional Library, Fair- opportunities on the job to prac- in Virginia, according to statistics fax County Public Library, and may be tice English skills or the time to published by the U.S. English Foun- reached at caroline.fitzpierce@fairfax meet English-speaking people out- dation.2 Seven branches of the Fair- county.gov. side their family and work groups. fax County Public Library (FCPL), Denise Morgan is branch manager Unemployed adults may be isolated as well as other libraries, large and of Lorton Library, Fairfax County Public by family responsibilities or have small, public and academic, have Library, and may be reached at denise. no particular need to reach beyond begun to offer assistance through [email protected].

Patrons gather to practice English. PAGE 24 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

situations. Ideally, the conversa- sure to put the members in contact Other Languages (ESOL) exper- tion leader may have some teach- with colleagues in nearby branches tise. In our case, Fairfax County ing experience or other experience if you can. residents wishing to improve their in managing groups of people. Vol- English in a more formal way have unteers who serve in this capacity several options. Some companies Training often indicate that they get more such as Hyatt Hotels and Wendy’s out of it than the students do! Someone who speaks fluent Eng- (in Northern Virginia) offer English Commitment to a regular sched- lish has met the most essential job as a second language to employees. ule is very important, so team requirement, though it is good to On the FCPL “Information for New teaching is strongly recommend- have a leader who does not have a Americans” webpage, our Living in ed to maintain continuity. Team strong regional accent. The leader’s the U.S. Customer Service team has leadership will permit one leader speech should be similar to others posted listings of classes in local to miss a session without disap- in the locale. schools and houses of worship as pointing students or imposing on A tour of the library where the well as audiovisual materials the library staff. Building rapport and group meets should be provided library owns that will help English reliability with the group is essen- for leaders. language learners (http://www. tial. Indeed, the group leaders may The location of basic English fairfaxcounty.gov/library/ell/). In be the only “Americans” to whom materials would be a priority stop addition, the Fairfax County Pub- students can bring a question or on the orientation. Other impor- lic Schools classes for adults are problem. tant areas would be books and au- listed at http://www.fcps.edu/DIS/ The best leader will listen care- diobooks that might be considered OACE/ESOL/schedule.html. fully and encourage the group to “easy reading.” Information about Both libraries and group leaders talk. Group-inclusive activities as library cards, as well as library and should build a network of contacts well as activities for pairs should community activities, should be with community social services. be part of each session. The group included. A staff librarian should Referrals for housing, healthcare, should not become a forum for the be designated as a point of contact childcare, and job search support leader, nor should an outspoken who can assist in getting materials, are very important. Perhaps the student monopolize the discus- scheduling rooms, and acting as a most important contacts for group sion. Indeed, the focus here is on guest presenter on certain topics leaders are with leaders of other culture and skill-building as well as (for example, the relevant page of groups to share ideas and tech- conversation. Even people who can your library website). niques. speak the language well might be Tom Mason, an experienced looking for help to see the humor conversation group leader, has pre- Materials in our comic strips or to make pared an online guide for conversa- sense of our idioms. For instance, tion teachers. He makes the point Most libraries have at least a small one of the authors had the experi- that the most important part of collection of ESOL materials for ence of explaining, in the context the teacher’s job is to make friends use by English language learners. of giving her medical history to a and to represent America. This is For libraries using the Dewey sys- young physician from India, that an important difference from the tem, check 640 for items on daily her status as an “English major” teacher who issues grades, enforces life in the United States, 428.3 for had nothing to do with the army classroom rules of attendance, and idiom materials, and 302 for con- of Great Britain. While the leader maintains a certain distance. Other versation activities and topics. is not expected to teach English resources listed in Mason’s bibliog- More advanced students might in the traditional sense, obvious raphy will help get the program enjoy the challenge of a book errors should be gently corrected. started in your library by provid- group. Some libraries have boxed A dictionary and basic grammar ing suggestions for activities.3 sets of easy-to-read books with book should always be available. Libraries sponsoring conversa- cassettes to listen to while reading Our experience has shown that tion groups are advised to inves- along. leaders may be recruited by appro- tigate local schools, government Easy English News, a monthly priate signage in the library that agencies, and community orga- newspaper, provides timely news hosts the conversation group. Signs nizations for training opportuni- articles and activities at about a should state the preferred qualifi- ties. Adult Education programs fourth-grade level. Students enjoy cations; then it is up to the library and community colleges may offer the crossword puzzles and idiom staff to be selective. Choose a team classes with professional teachers studies. that will work well together, and be who have English for Speakers of APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 25

newspapers or on a community our common language is one that Activities bulletin board will also be effec- libraries have the heart to address. Learning can occur in social tive. Most groups start small, but situations away from the regular the word seems to spread through- Notes meeting place. In one library, the out the community, attracting oth- group leader held a baby shower ers. As the group grows, classroom 1 Steven A. Camarota, “Economy for a group member in her home. management techniques become Slowed, But Immigration Didn’t,” Two library staff members also important. in Backgrounder [journal online] attended. The students learned November 2004 [cited 12 October vocabulary, some American tradi- 2005]; available from http://www. Benefits tions, and the concepts of paid staff cis.org/articles/2004/back1204. and volunteer staff. The attending The library benefits by attracting html. staff learned that “volunteering” new library cardholders and cus- 2 U.S. English Foundation, “Most is not always a familiar concept in tomers. Learning English makes Linguistically Diverse Counties,” other ethnic communities. for stronger families and commu- in Many Languages, One America Holidays provide wonderful nities by educating individuals and [report online] 2005 [cited 26 Oc- opportunities for learning his- preparing them for work. With tober 2005]; available from http:// tory and culture and for having luck, these new neighbors may www.usefoundation.org/founda- fun. The members of one conver- become new volunteers to help in tion/research/lia/. sation group were up to their el- the effort to reach out to others in 3 Tom Mason, The Online Conver- bows scraping out pumpkins and ways of which the staff is unaware. sation Leader Handbook [handbook listening to scary stories during a Huntington makes the point that online] 1 May 1999 [cited 12 Oc- Halloween party when the library it is the motivated individual who tober 2005]; available from http:// lights went out. That was really chooses to leave his homeland for www.afn.org/~afn49566/index.htm. scary! another country.4 While public 4 Samuel P. Huntington, Who Several websites have activities libraries might not have been tra- Are We? The Challenges to America’s for ESOL students that might be ditional in their countries of ori- National Identity (New York: Simon useful for conversation leaders, too. gin, this partnership of “student” and Schuster, 2004), 189–192. Over time, groups develop their and “teacher” provides another 5 Camarota. own personalities. Give them op- stepping stone to success for both portunities to report on newspaper parties. Additional Resources stories, put on skits, or share books Spanish is the language of three they have read and enjoyed. of the countries who send the most To see how large metropolitan immigrants to the United States libraries address these issues, visit: (Mexico, El Salvador, and Cuba).5 • Hennepin County, Minnesota, Meeting Space Perhaps someone in the English http://www.hclib.org/world A comfortable room compatible conversation group might have a links/ with the size of the group is essen- contact person who could assist • Queens Library, New York, http:// tial. A few people in a large room the library by offering a Spanish www.queenslibrary.org/ can be intimidating. A room with conversation group as well. a table in the center with chairs Other benefits are less predict- Other useful websites: drawn up around it is good. Ideally, able. One attractive au pair was • Dave’s ESL Café, http://www.esl the group should be kept small introduced to a library staff mem- cafe.com/ so that each person may have the ber from the same country. When • Easy English News, http://www. opportunity to speak. Provide a the au pair met the staffer’s son, a elizabethclaire.com/een/een chalkboard or whiteboard to write relationship developed that led to main.html words, draw pictures, sketch maps, a wedding. Who knows what can • Hello America, Inc., http://www. and otherwise illustrate ideas. happen at your library? hellousa.com/ For many of us, one of the attrac- • Interesting Things for ESL Students, tions of a career in public libraries http://www.manythings.org/ Publicity is the opportunity to perceive and • Life in the USA, http://www.lifein In our community, little publicity is address the needs of our communi- theusa.com/ needed. A sign announcing English ties. A look at your neighborhoods • U.S. English Foundation, Inc., conversation groups in the library will convince you that the need to http://www.usefoundation.org/ may be enough. A notice in local help our newest neighbors learn foundation/default.asp VL PAGE 26 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

Needs Assessment for Undocumented Individuals

by Christopher K. Richardson

he undocumented are not based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s the Arizona Republic, used the term a distinct or homogeneous March 2004 Current Popula- “undocumented immigrants,” ar- population, but a diverse tion Survey; but even this report guing that the proposed legislation Tand often amorphous set of indi- dealt only with “the population would prevent them from receiv- viduals who share a common prob- of foreign-born persons living in ing, among other things, library lem: they lack important docu- the United States without proper cards.5 Catholic bishops from Ari- ments. Perhaps they lack a driver’s authorization.”1 It also used the zona and New Mexico opposed the license because they do not speak term “undocumented migrants” proposal, citing “intense rhetoric” enough English (or Spanish, in interchangeably with “the undoc- and the possibility that “all kinds some cases) to pass a written exam- umented population.” The Associ- of public benefits would be denied ination. They may find it difficult ated Press, in its description of the undocumented workers.”6 Library to prove residency because they report, spoke of undocumented im- Journal published an article in late do not have homes, or difficult to migrants, stating that “the nation’s 2004 reporting not only that the establish credit because they do undocumented immigrant popu- legislation, now passed, made it not have jobs. They may not have lation surged to 10.3 million last a crime for public employees to bank accounts because they just year, spurred largely since 2000 by provide services to undocumented arrived from another country, or the arrivals of unauthorized Mexi- workers, but also that Arizona At- they may be hesitant to apply for cans in the United States” and add- torney General Terry Goddard had such because they have entered ing that “assuming the flow of un- stated that the law only applied or remained in a country without documented immigrants into the to welfare benefits.7 As legislative government permission. Some lack country hasn’t abated since March battles continue in Arizona and a work visa or permanent residency 2004, the population is likely near elsewhere, the line between termi- document. Some women live in 11 million now.”2 By referring to nology and rhetoric remains indis- temporary shelters for survivors of this group as “the undocumented tinct. domestic abuse and do not estab- population,” the Pew report ig- One unfortunate consequence lish permanent addresses or acquire nored undocumented individuals of contemporary political rhetoric documentation because they are in who are not foreign-born. is that debate tends to focus less danger of physical violence if their Besides indicating relative de- on the problems of undocumented location is discovered. grees of specificity, one’s choice individuals and more on the prob- It is possible to speak of the of terminology with regard to un- characteristic needs of undocu- documented individuals can also mented immigrants, migrants, reflect political bias. An article in Christopher K. Richardson is a full-time refugees, homeless individuals and the August 1, 2003, issue of Library M.L.I.S. student and graduate assistant families, and domestic abuse sur- Journal, for example, described a at UNC-Greensboro. He holds degrees vivors; but these categories often legislative initiative in Arizona from the College of William and Mary overlap, and they do not capture that would “require state and local and Union Theological Seminary-PSCE, the full range or complexity of in- government workers to check the where he completed his Ed.D. in 2001. dividual life scenarios. A report re- immigration status of everyone He will complete the M.L.I.S. this fall leased by the Pew Hispanic Center seeking public services.”3 The and hopes to find work in the areas of in March of 2005 titled Estimates group sponsoring the initiative, library instruction and academic refer- of the Size and Characteristics of the called Protect Arizona Now, spoke ence. Visit him on the web at www. Undocumented Population included of “illegal aliens,”4 while sources ckrichardson.com or email christopher over forty pages of statistical charts critical of the initiative, such as [email protected]. APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 27

lems that they are purported to passed an expansion of a driver’s explain that “the fotonovela flap cause for others. Most attention is license/personal ID provision seems to have grown out of CAIR’s given to the issue of public services “which would prohibit states from concern that DPL would attract for undocumented immigrants/mi- issuing driver’s licenses or IDs to il- undocumented Hispanic immi- grants. Initiatives in Kansas8 and legal aliens, potentially excluding grants if it implemented a proposal California9 aim to deny driver’s them from using publicly support- to create language and learning licenses to undocumented work- ed libraries.”12 Tracie D. Hall, direc- centers with bilingual staff in- ers in the name of discouraging tor of ALA’s Office for Diversity, side existing branches to expand illegal immigration. In 2004, Re- published an editorial in the May– Spanish­language collections and publican Congresswoman Dana June 2005 issue of Versed (bulletin ESL and GED classes.”15 There are Rohrabacher (CA) introduced the of ALA’s Office for Diversity) called other issues involved, including Undocumented Alien Medical As- “Toward a Curriculum of Readi- the fact that some fotonovelas de- sistance Amendments designed ness,” which described how, as pict nudity and violence, prompt- to diminish the cost of providing branch manager of an urban public ing a syndicated radio talk show emergency health care for undocu- library, she had “faced every kind host, standing outside of Denver’s mented immigrants/migrants. It of harsh social reality” and had central branch, to call for the res- would require hospitals “to deter- “come to know the interiors of so ignation of Denver City Librarian mine the citizenship, immigration, many lives — who was struggling Rick Ashton, exclaiming, “It’s out- and financial status of these indi- with heroin; who was living with rageous that we’ve got the library, viduals, as well as obtain employer of all places, peddling porn.”16 information and biometric identi- Ashton, however, “attributed the fiers such as fingerprints,” which, fotonovela controversy to ‘anti- according to the Mexican Ameri- “It’s outrageous that immigration sentiment,’” noting can Legal Defense and Education we’ve got the library, of that “as other public libraries re- Fund, “would then be sent to the fine their service plans to reflect Department of Homeland Security all places, peddling porn.” changing populations, ‘they will to initiate deportation proceed- experience some pushback from ings.”10 In such cases, undocu- people who would like it to be dif- mented status (combined with fear ferent than it is.’”17 In the end, DPL of deportation) could lead to de- domestic abuse; who was hiding cancelled four of its fourteen fo- nial or neglect of medical care in illiteracy; who was undocumented tonovela subscriptions “because of emergencies. and coping with exploitative work their consistent portrayal of sexu- Denial of library services may conditions to make ends meet.”13 ally explicit content.”18 not seem terribly serious when Concerns for equal access and In light of the possibility of legal compared to denial of medical effective advocacy are prominent, and/or PR-driven challenges, pub- services, but librarians take it seri- but librarians who work to meet lic librarians in particular need to ously, and their writings on the the needs of undocumented indi- base collection management deci- subject, while still few, reflect viduals can face political opposi- sions on solid community analysis. both a broader understanding of tion, especially when it comes to Political objections notwithstand- the term “undocumented” than collection management decisions. ing, though, the task of assessing is evidenced in general literature One example of such opposition the needs of undocumented indi- and a clearer focus on the needs of emerged recently in the case of viduals presents special difficul- undocumented individuals them- Denver Public Library’s collection ties. Standard practices of commu- selves. In November 2003, an ALA of fotonovelas. An article in the nity analysis and needs assessment Presidential Advisory Committee September 2005 issue of American were not designed with undocu- listed “undocumented individuals Libraries reported that “in reac- mented individuals in mind and and their advocates (immigrants, tion to complaints from the anti- may, if not adapted appropriately, domestic abuse victims, homeless, immigration group Colorado Al- leave them out entirely. Few, if etc.)” on a list of “major forces liance for Immigration Reform any, working models exist, but one affecting grassroots library advo- (CAIR), the Denver Public Library example of relevant scholarly re- cacy.”11 Patrice McDermott, deputy is reviewing the content of its col- search is Julia Hersberger’s Everyday director of ALA’s Office of Govern- lection of fotonovelas — Spanish- Information Needs and Information ment Relations, published a report language fiction serials that tell Sources of Homeless Parents: A Study on the USA PATRIOT Act in June stories through photos, drawings, of Poverty and Perseverance.19 Given 2005 warning that congress had and text.”14 The article goes on to that many undocumented indi- PAGE 28 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

viduals are also homeless, and that ed individuals, like the homeless, categories of information need: homeless individuals/families are are often regarded as problem pa- finance, child care/relationships, an especially neglected segment of trons, rather than as patrons with housing, health, employment, ed- “the undocumented population,” problems. Hersberger’s criteria of ucation, transportation, public as- Hersberger’s findings provide a specificity, complexity, intercon- sistance, shelter, crime/safety, mi- useful starting point. nectedness, and relative formality/ gration, law, housekeeping, family Hersberger describes the home- informality seem relevant given planning, recreation and culture, less as “a group of information users that undocumented individuals miscellaneous concerns, consumer ignored in the literature of Library face unique, complex sets of sur- concerns, discrimination concerns, and Information Science,” add- vival challenges. Methodologically, and veteran concerns. Sixteen of ing that “library literature on the Hersberger’s examples of extended Dervin’s categories of need (all homeless has focused on this group observation, first-person inter- but the last three) emerged in the as problem library patrons instead views, content analysis, and atten- course of Hersberger’s interviews. of information users.”20 Choosing tion to social networking present All seem relevant to the lives of to focus on the information needs alternatives to traditional methods undocumented individuals. and sources of homeless parents, of data collection such as surveys In terms of basic definitions and she employed extended periods of goals, needs assessment for un- participant observation to develop documented individuals needn’t an interview guide, later interview- be terribly different from needs as- ing twenty-eight residents from six Undocumented sessment for other individuals. In family shelters in Indianapolis, In- individuals, like the both cases, needs assessment could diana, concerning their “perceived be defined as “an attempt to gath- problems, needs, information needs, homeless, are often er, organize, and interpret infor- and information sources.”21 She mation on the community’s needs found, through content analysis of regarded as problem and interests.”25 One could argue, these interviews, that: patrons, rather than as in the case of undocumented indi- 1) Information needs ranged viduals, that it is difficult to speak from vague, process-based patrons with problems. of “the community” as a singular questions to the specific, and entity, and that one should focus this specificity is tied to prior more specifically on the needs and experience with homeless- interests of individuals. This is as ness. and community forums. true for members of the general 2) The complex nature of prob- Hersberger’s research, especially population, though, as it is for un- lems leads to interconnected her content analysis, makes use documented individuals. In other needs that must be dealt with of the work of Brenda Dervin in words, undocumented individuals in certain sequences in order The Everyday Information Needs of are part of “the community,” every for the primary problem to the Average Citizen: A Taxonomy member of which could rightly be resolved. for Analysis.23 Dervin’s general as- be regarded as an individual with 3) Homeless parents rely on in- sumptions and findings include distinctive information needs. formation networking rather these essential ideas: “individu- A general definition of needs as- than formal information sys- als want to control their own life sessment is adequate for use with tems.22 environments”; “in the modern, undocumented individuals, then, Because categories overlap, it is technological world, information especially if interpreted in light of difficult to compare the needs of is essential for asserting this con- G. Edward Evans’s three “laws” of undocumented individuals to the trol”; “average citizens have dif- collection development: needs of homeless individuals or to ficulty in assessing and meeting 1) As the size of the service com- speak of the two groups in relation their everyday information needs”; munity increases, the degree to each other. We could be speak- and, “by examining elements of of divergence in individual ing of the same individual or of an the average citizen’s information information needs increases. entirely different phenomenon, system and their linkages, a bet- 2) As the degree of divergence but several of Hersberger’s find- ter understanding of how ordinary in individual information ings seem applicable, in a general, citizens attempt to assert control needs increases, the need descriptive sense, to the broad task over these life environments will for cooperative programs of of needs assessment for undocu- be reached.”24 Dervin’s analyti- information materials shar- mented individuals. Undocument- cal taxonomy includes nineteen ing increases. APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 29

3) It will never be possible to by viewing it in relation to ington, D.C.: Pew Hispanic Center, completely satisfy all of the other needs; 2005), 1. information needs of any 4) To prioritize an undocu- 2 Associated Press, “Undocu- individual or class of clientele mented individual’s needs mented Immigrants Close to 11 in the service community.26 such that primary needs may Million,” in MSNBC U.S. News [on- Evans’s definition of “needs” is be resolved in an efficient line newspaper] 21 March 2005 also useful in grounding a prac- sequence; [cited 3 November 2005]; available tice of needs assessment for un- 5) To identify and evaluate from http://www.msnbc.msn.com documented individuals. Needs, information sources (formal /id/7255409. he writes, are “situations (com- and informal, individual and 3 “AZ Initiative Would Keep munity, institutional, or personal) social) currently used by an Undocumented Immigrants from that require solution,” though “it individual; and Services, Library Cards,” in Library does not always follow that a need 6) To identify and evaluate Journal [journal online] 1 August is something the group or person new, potential information 2003 [cited 3 November 2005]; wants.”27 “Interests” could be ei- sources relevant to an undoc- available from http://www.library ther needs or wants, depending on umented individual’s actual journal.com/article/CA313209. the situation. and/or perceived needs. html. Broadly speaking, then, needs Rather than suggesting that we 4 Protect Arizona Now [website] assessment for undocumented in- assess undocumented individuals 2004 [cited 3 November 2005]; dividuals should aim to discover in relation to broad and oversim- available from http://www.pan situations in the lives of undocu- plistic categories (i.e. immigrants, 2004.com. mented individuals that require migrants, refugees, homeless, 5 “AZ Initiative.” solution. The one need that all abuse survivors), these goals urge 6 Gill Donovan, “Arizona Bish- undocumented individuals share researchers to acknowledge the im- ops Oppose Immigrant Proposi- is a need for documentation, but portance of individual perception, tion,” in National Catholic Report- this conclusion is not very help- experience, context, complexity, er, The Independent Newsweekly: ful in and of itself. For one thing, and resourcefulness. NCRonline.org [newspaper online] undocumented individuals do not Hersberger’s research also models 29 October 2004 [cited 3 Novem- all need the same document(s), alternative, supplemental methods ber 2005]; available from http://nat and documents differ greatly in of data collection, organization, and cath.org/NCR_Online/ archives2/ terms of their requirements and interpretation, including extended 2004d/102904/102904j.htm. uses. Second, in addition to docu- observation, first-person interviews, 7 “Arizona Initiative Limiting ments themselves, undocumented content analysis, and social net- Benefits to Illegal Immigrants individuals may need information work mapping. Community forums Shouldn’t Affect Libraries,” in Li- concerning documentation, includ- and field surveys are not likely to brary Journal [journal online] 24 ing the fact that they need it, why produce usable results in the case November 2004 [cited 3 November they need it, and how to acquire it. of undocumented individuals, and 2005]; available from http://www. Third, need for documentation is social indicators are often skewed libraryjournal.com/article/CA rarely an isolated circumstance. It by researcher bias or vague termi- 481947.html. is usually part of a complex series nology. Interaction with key infor- 8 Hank Avila, Kansas Legisla- of interconnected situations. Based mants, however, by means of ex- tive Research Department, “Trans- on Hersberger’s research, then, six tended observation and first-person portation and Motor Vehicles,” more specific goals of needs assess- interviews, is a feasible approach to in Kansas Legislator Briefing Book ment for undocumented individu- data collection. Content analysis 2005 [briefs online] 2004 [cited 3 als could be: (including use of Dervin’s analyti- November 2005]; available from 1) To understand an undocu- cal taxonomy) and social network http://skyways.lib.ks.us/kansas/ mented individual’s own per- mapping may be especially effec- ksleg/KLRD/Publications/Briefs/ ception of need; tive techniques for the organization W-1DriversLicenses.pdf. 2) To assess an undocumented and interpretation of data. 9 Driver’s Licenses for Undocu- individual’s prior experience mented Aliens [website] September of need, and its relation to 2005 [cited 3 November 2005]; Notes current need/perception of available from http://www.igs. need; 1 Jeffrey S. Passel, Estimates of berkeley.edu/library/htImmigrant 3) To contextualize an individu­ the Size and Characteristics of the DriverLicenses.html. al’s need for documentation Undocumented Population (Wash- 10 Angela Hooton, “MALDEF PAGE 30 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

Opposes H.R. 3722, the Undocu- riculum of Readiness,” in Versed: 21 Ibid. mented Alien Emergency Medi- Bulletin of the Office for Diversity, 22 Ibid. cal Assistance Amendments of American Library Association [bulle- 23 Brenda Dervin, “The Everyday 2004,” in MALDEF: Mexican Ameri- tin online] May–June 2005 [cited 3 Information Needs of the Average can Legal Defense and Educational November 2005]; available http:// Citizen: A Taxonomy for Analysis,” Fund [website] 8 May 2004 [cited www.ala.org/ala/diversity/versed/ in Information for the Community, 3 November 2005]; available from versedbackissues/may2005abcd/ ed. M. Kochen and J.C. Donohue http://www.maldef.org/news/ press. curriculumofreadiness.htm. (Chicago: American Library Asso- cfm?ID=219&FromIndex=yes. 14 Beverly Goldberg, “Denver Re- ciation, 1976), 19–38. 11 Carol A. Brey-Casiano, “Work- considers Fotonovela Collection,” 24 Ibid. ing Draft: Our Advocacy Vision in American Libraries 36.8 (2005): 25 Beatrice Kovacs, “Advance Statement,” in Presidential Advisory 12–13. Study Outline for Needs Assess- Committee Retreat, November 7–8, 15 Ibid. ment” and “Framework for Col- 2003 [website] 7 March 2005 [cited 16 Ibid. lection Development: Needs As- 12 April 2006]; available from 17 Ibid. sessment,” in LIS 615: Collection http://www.carolbrey.com/presi 18 Ibid. Management (UNC-Greensboro, dentialplan.htm. 19 Julia A. Hersberger, “Everyday Fall 2005). 12 Patrice McDermott, “Privacy/ Information Needs and Informa- 26 G. Edward Evans, Develop- USA PATRIOT Act,” in ALA Office tion Sources of Homeless Parents: ing Library and Information Center of Government Relations [website] A Study of Poverty and Persever- Collections, 4th ed. (Greenwood June 2005 [cited 3 November ance” (Ph.D. diss., Indiana Univer- Village: Colorado: Libraries Unlim- 2005]; available from http://www. sity, 1998). ited, 2000), 22. ala.org/ala/washoff/washevents/ 20 Ibid, abstract in Disserta- 27 Ibid, 32. VL woannual/Privacy.pdf. tion Abstracts International 60.05A 13 Tracie D. Hall, “Toward a Cur- (1998): 1375.

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Defining Images: Rethinking Outreach to New Americans

by Ann Friedman

ibrary service to new Family Americans is a challenge programs in every community in with a cul- Lthe commonwealth. Though tural theme the service is widely supported have been in the library community, lim- universally ited resources make it difficult popular. to implement and sustain a broad program. However, one might ask if such outreach efforts, more narrowly focused, might provide an opportunity for public libraries as they seek a defining image that will drive additional state funding. As with most urban areas in Virginia, Arling- ton County has become in- creasingly diverse — from 4.3% of the population being foreign- born in 1960, to 28% in 2000. Only 27% of the foreign-born are ton have mirrored best practices guage barriers. There are reading naturalized citizens. The public across the country in quality and clubs in all middle schools, includ- schools work with sixty different scope, but not always in the quan- ing two in Spanish, and there is a languages in their classrooms. All tity needed to make a substantial reading club for adult new readers. of this is happening in a county of impact. The definition of outreach The library system also offers two twenty-six square miles with one has been very broad, similar to the computer labs, and there is library- of the highest population densi- classic ALA definition that calls developed newcomer information ties in the United States. Like most libraries to remove any and all on the county website. In addition densely populated urban areas, barriers to service. Three county to weekly cable programming in the county is experiencing the full outreach centers provide small col- Spanish, the library participates in range of urban challenges — from lections and services specifically community cultural festivals. And education to affordable housing to designed to help new Americans transportation issues to gang vio- and introduce the more compre- lence. The situation is made more hensive services and collections Ann Friedman served as director of complex because the county prides of the seven library branches. Pro- Arlington Public Libraries from 1995 itself on being “socially commit- grams and services in the library until 2006. She was president of the ted” but has increasingly limited and through thirty active partner- Virginia Public Library Director’s Asso- resources to make this commit- ships support early literacy. Bilin- ciation in 1998, cochair of VLA’s Leg- ment a reality. gual story times, including the lo- islative Committee from 2000–2004, During the past ten years, li- cally produced and broadcast series and honored with VLA’s George Mason brary outreach services in Arling- Cuentos y Más, attempt to cross lan- Award in 2004. PAGE 32 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

it is clear that the service will not • Broad cultural programs appear come close to matching the vision. to have as much impact as skill- In Arlington County, though directed programs. Family pro- the library staff was committed, grams with a cultural theme have and did good work both individu- been universally popular. How- ally and as a team, it became ap- ever, it is difficult to determine parent in the last six months that if program participation leads to it was time to step back and assess library use. our outreach services. What had • Programs, particularly in their we learned? initial phases, appear productive, • The vision is sound and its values but tend to lose energy and focus are strongly supported. As stated over time. in Arlington Public Libraries’ • Computer access is a primary con- New Americans’ Plan 2006, nector to the library. Many ques- “…information in its broad- tion whether it should be seen as est definition can make a dif- an end in itself. ference in one’s life. The Library

Celebrating the Chinese New Year.

Right, Arlington libraries serve a diverse population.

there is a jail library, maintained long after it was legally mandated. To make these services a real- ity, substantial attention has been paid to infrastructure. However, the challenges have frequently overwhelmed the best intentions. While all of the following are es- sential to an effective program, they require extensive and ongo- is committed to being Arlington’s • Staffing overall is, and will ing resource investment that is not gateway to information — for remain, limited. The library is always possible: recruitment and every Arlingtonian. New Ameri- staffed almost exclusively for in- retention of bilingual staff, includ- cans are a part of this vision: the library service, making outreach ing pay differential; collections in collections, programs and services frequently problematic. all formats reflecting most native must be made accessible to them • Recruitment and retention of languages, as well as support for as they experience new lives in bilingual staff in a highly com- learning English; public awareness the Arlington community.” petitive labor market is problem- campaigns, including branding, • Many services and programs are atic, thus creating a major barrier nontraditional publicity and pub- provided under many umbrel- to effective service. licity channels, and signage; com- las, but the impact of any par- • Not all staff embrace the concept prehensive staff training on multi- ticular service or program is often that service to new Americans is cultural awareness; and multiyear unclear or undocumented. Evalu- essential to the library’s mission, plans for finding and growing ation techniques and metrics are particularly given competing pri- partnerships. To accomplish these not clearly defined, understood, orities and the demands of more goals, dedicated time and staff are or, in many cases, available for vocal customers (the “I am a tax- essential. Without that investment, ready use. payer” syndrome). APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 33

• No brand or unifying concept is we could consider no other. No one macro level, public libraries in in place to describe the whole of was ready to narrow the library’s Virginia have struggled to find a outreach, making it difficult to focus. defining image that would say to grasp all that is covered. “Service Was anything achieved through the governor and the general as- to New Americans” does not seem this reexamination, given that the sembly, “This is who we are, and adequate. model of service did not change? this is what we contribute to build- • Collections in world languages We did target areas for further ing community across the com- and ESL materials are popular, work to strengthen the program. monwealth today and every day.” but it is impossible to include all These areas included metrics and Is library service to new Americans languages present in the commu- evaluation tools, signage and mar- that defining image? Would it en- nity. Marketing, merchandising, keting, clear definition of audi- courage new and consistent state and signage are essential to ensure ences, reevaluation of partnerships funding? Or, as I fear, is service use, yet they are often employed for value to the mission, and staff to new Americans tainted by con- on a hit-or-miss basis. training. But most important, the cerns in the larger political world • Success is all about relationships. program was refocused and reener- about the “undocumented”? If so, Personal contacts with partners; gized through this reexamination. is there a subset of this service, with the target audience, includ- a narrower focus, which might ing those not yet in the library; provide a universal image and a with schools; with children; and positive message? And would this with families are critical success “This is who we are, and image and message lead to in- factors, but difficult to build and this is what we contribute creased funding while still serving maintain on a large scale. the library’s broader focus? • Partnerships allow libraries to to building community Successful funding strategies are reach into the community at based on choosing a market niche places and times where people across the commonwealth with universal appeal, few nega- gather. However, the act of build- today and every day.” tives, and limited competitors or ing and maintaining the relation- strong partners, and then market- ships necessary for effective part- ing the initiative under a single nership is staff-intensive. brand across the state. And that • Volunteers are difficult to recruit It is clear that planning and peri- niche in 2006 may well be early lit- for outreach activities. odic reassessments will be required eracy in its broadest definition and • Many staff members feel that out- to keep energy high and the service application, such as seen in the reach services should focus exclu- focused for maximum impact. governor-supported early learning sively on providing connections A larger question emerges from initiative Smart Beginnings. Service to the library, where a full range this local examination. What the to new Americans would be fur- of services are available, rather Arlington Public Libraries are expe- thered by a well-funded early lit- than serving as an end in them- riencing is not unique. Everywhere eracy program. At the same time, selves. in the commonwealth, libraries are our local vision could continue to Given this assessment, two attempting to reach out into the drive the broader local activities models of service were developed. community to serve new Ameri- for new Americans of all ages and The first was a broad service model cans, particularly populations needs — always a work in progress focused on skill levels as well as without public library experience. and never enough. It is worth con- culture, with all staff expected to Though library missions almost sidering — and perhaps pursuing own the service and participate universally embrace service to the aggressively on a state level now. VL actively in implementation. The unserved and the elimination of second was a more limited and barriers, limited staffing and re- targeted service focused on skill- sources continue to lessen what level development, particularly can be done in most libraries. The preliteracy skills for children. Staff work is important, but resource re- felt that the second model had a alities drive choices every day. No greater chance of success because easy solutions are on the horizon; of its limited focus. However, the libraries may just have to struggle values expressed through the first with current resources and refocus model were so deeply embedded in and reenergize frequently. the library’s mission that we found To view the challenge on a PAGE 34 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

Library Services for the Unemployed and the Institute for Information Literacy

by Otis D. Alexander

ince it opened in November County, jumped from 7% in No- citizens’ consciousness about their 1910, the Danville Public vember 2004 to 8.6% in December local public libraries’ collections Library has remained true 2004 — at that time the highest and services. With the approval of Sto its primary mission to provide figure in the state of Virginia. In its parent city department, the De- the materials necessary to meet Danville proper, excluding Pittsyl- partment of Human Services, the the intellectual, cultural, social, vania County, the jobless rate rose library released information about and recreational needs of the Dan- to 11.2% in December 2004. Of the Institute for Information Lit- ville area community. The library course, much of the blame resides eracy to the local newspaper and is responsible for supporting the with seasonal tobacco furloughs television stations, with hopes that research endeavors of children, the news would reach the unem- teens, and adult members of the ployed. Other interested commu- community at large. To promote nity members were also accepted the infusion of knowledge, the After many workers were into the free program. library must acquire and main- laid off from jobs they The institute provides hands- tain materials and provide services on training and basic, functional that adequately support the needs had held for decades, knowledge of the Microsoft Office of the Danville population. From suite (particularly Microsoft Word modest beginnings in an office in they were left without and Excel). Instruction covers how the lobby of the Rison Park School, adequate skills to enter a to cut and paste; how to use the the library has matured with the Internet for searches and browsing, construction and renovation of the job pool now dominated including job hunting; and how main building and the addition of to use email to send attachments. the Clifton Street Branch in 1988. by high technology. Because interest in the program With these facilities in place, was very strong, the participants and in harmony with the library were selected on a “first come, first mission, the Institute for Infor- and some textile layoffs. However, served” basis. Participants would mation Literacy at the Danville in 2006, the economic conditions take part in a four-week session Library arose in response to the are still shaky. This is a clear indi- held in the main library for one information needs of an increas- cation that the unemployed need hour every Tuesday and Thursday ing number of unemployed per- immediate information and train- morning, with an additional half- sons who had once worked in the ing about new job possibilities. hour after class for feedback and tobacco industry and related fields Internet usage is rapidly in- some basic theory. To supplement in the Danville community. After creasing across all segments of the the hands-on activities, Reference many workers were laid off from population, and the digital divide jobs they had held for decades, between affluent and low-income they were left without adequate citizens is increasing by the hour. Otis D. Alexander, director of the Dan- skills to enter a job pool now dom- To compensate, Danville Pub- ville Public Library, studied at ACRL/ inated by high technology. The lic Library decided to offer basic Harvard Graduate School of Educa- unemployment rate for the Dan- computer skills classes, both to as- tion Leadership Institute for Academic ville area, including Pittsylvania sist the unemployed and to raise Librarians. APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 35

The Danville Public Library.

Below, patrons at work in the library.

tellers; Meeting Virginia Authors and Neighboring Writers; and the World Events Discussion Group for teens. Overall, the institute is a set of programs that can help connect the community and improve the ability of members to compete in a global society. It’s all about life- long learning. Of course, if libraries are going to assist with the further develop- ment of the cultural, social, and economic infrastructure that will attract people and jobs to commu- nities such as ours, then libraries are going to have to be equipped Information Specialist Lou Hen- advantage of new opportunities. with the best personnel and given dricks compiled a listing of search Other components of the In- appropriate funding. After all, the engines and websites geared espe- stitute for Information Literacy library already provides for those cially for job opportunities for the include literary activities for pre- who are interested in books, tech- unemployed. In the first institute, schoolers; storytelling; Movement nology, AV media, intellectual and seventeen students enrolled. All for Senior Citizens; outreach pro- cultural programs, and other ele- of the participants who completed grams such as reading and vi- ments of the human experience. the program gave the sessions ex- sual arts activities for the sick and It will now be challenged to pre- cellent evaluations and said that shut-in; Library Salon, a sharing pare its customers to participate their increased skills would allow platform for musicians, dancers, in the knowledge economy of the them to make every effort to take artists, photographers, and story- future. VL PAGE 36 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

Sin Fronteras: How SOLINET Helps Libraries Break Down Barriers

by Sara Swain

eing welcoming and acces- WEBSITE SOLINET THE FROM PHOTOGRAPHS ALL workshops/ws_details.cfm?doc_ sible — and above all, help- id=3617&WKSHPID=26KPC) is a ful — to the diverse com- must because of the huge influence Bmunities we serve is a challenge current fads have on young people librarians wholeheartedly accept. and the way teens approach infor- However, making this a reality mation, schoolwork, leisure time, calls for dedication, planning, and their lives. and a creative use of resources. Books are a powerful resource for The Southeastern Library Net- helping people overcome the chal- work (SOLINET) offers a number lenges and problems of life. “Help- of resources that support the mis- ing with Books: The Value of Biblio- sion of providing service to a wide therapy” (http://www.solinet.net/ variety of patron groups. In addi- workshops/ws_details.cfm?doc_ tion to offering classes that build id=3167&WKSHPID=26HWVB) on different professional skills, teaches how to use “book therapy” SOLINET keeps an eye open for the to help children, teens, adults, and best practices and approaches in the elderly cope with developmen- librarianship to meet the needs of tal issues. For example, the angst of a wide variety of populations. divorce and stepfamilies, bullying, For example, SOLINET of- the aging process, making choices, fers a number of sessions to help SOLINET Preservation Class and other fearsome life events can deepen and update those collec- all be alleviated using knowledge tions and services focusing on we’re not always sure what to gained with bibliotherapy. The African-American communities. do for them and how. “Serving Internet is also a rich source, but One such session is “Reference Re- the Underserved: Helping Li- other challenges can make Inter- sources for African-American Re- brary Staff Work with Teens” search” (http://www.solinet.net/ (http://www.solinet.net/work workshops/ws_details.cfm?doc_ shops/ws_details.cfm?doc_ Sara Swain is a veteran of the civil rights id=3301&WKSHPID=26RSAA), id=3324&WKSHPID=26SUS) uses and women’s liberation movements of which assists patrons in finding real-world examples to demonstrate the 1960s and 70s and was a writer/ and using primary and second- how to design better young adult editor for Womankind, a pioneering ary historical resources on the programming and build better national publication. She continues to Internet. “Employee Diversity” young adult collections. “Adoles- be an activist on behalf of communities (http://www.solinet.net/work cence 101” (http://www.solinet.net/ that experience oppression and dis- shops/ws_details.cfm?doc_ workshops/ws_details.cfm?doc_ crimination. She has been at SOLINET id=3615&WKSHPID=26ED), com- id=3039&WKSHPID=26A101) for more than seven years, where she ing to Virginia Commonwealth teaches what experts are saying serves as writer/editor. “It is my greatest University in June, covers all as- about teens, the issues and chal- pleasure to be employed by and work in pects of employee diversity and lenges they face, and the types of the service of librarians, a community of how to appreciate and handle dif- teen programs and services that re- men and women in the forefront of the ferences. siliency researchers say really make struggle to maintain our First Amend- Teens as a group can be a chal- a difference. “Keeping Up with Pop ment rights and to demonstrate diver- lenge to serve and, as librarians, Culture” (http://www.solinet.net/ sity and equality in practice.” APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 37

net access difficult or impossible cultures as a means of identifying some of its materials in Span- for some. “Web Accessibility: Ad- patron needs and developing poli- ish. SOLINET’s Preservation Ser- dressing Disabilities and Other cies that correctly guide collection vices has two such classes avail- Barriers” (http://www.solinet.net/ building, access, and maintenance. able. Libraries interested in these workshops/ws_details.cfm?doc_ “Spanish Language for Library classes may contact Preservation id= 3367&WKSHPID =26WAIW) Staff” (http://www.solinet.net/ Services Director Tina Mason at shows how librarians can evalu- [email protected] or call (800) ate their library’s existing website 999-8558 ext. 4894. “El Cuidado for accessibility; the course also de Sus Colecciónes: Una intro- teaches design techniques for cre- … the angst of divorce ducción a temas de preserva- ating webpages that can be readily and stepfamilies, ción” (http://www.solinet.net/ accessed by most users. workshops/ws_details.cfm?doc_ bullying, the aging id=3003&WKSHPID=12CFCP) promotes preservation practices Talking the Talk — en español process, making choices, to ensure the longevity of collec- “Services to the Hispanic Com- … can all be alleviated tions and circulating materials. munity” (http://www.solinet.net/ “Preparación para Prevenir De- workshops/ws_details.cfm?doc_ using knowledge gained sastres” (http://www.solinet.net/ id=3323&WKSHPID=26STHC), workshops/ws_details.cfm?doc_ “Collection Development for His- with bibliotherapy. id=3015&WKSHPID=12DPSP) is panic Populations” (http://www. the Spanish-language version of solinet.net/workshops/ws_ SOLINET’s critically acclaimed “Di- details.cfm?doc_id=3085& workshops/ws_details.cfm?doc_ saster Prevention” class, which pro- WKSHPID=26CDHP), and “Refer- id=3619&WKSHPID=26SLLS) motes general prevention practices ence Resources: Hispanic Materials” teaches culture and communi- but focuses primarily on measures, (http://www.solinet.net/work cation styles and provides basic plans, and resources for libraries shops/ws_details.cfm?doc_ library terminology to better serve and archives located in disaster- id=3302&WKSHPID=26RSHM) Spanish-speaking patrons. prone areas such as the hurricane are classes that assist in enriching In addition, SOLINET teaches corridors in the Southeast and the collections and meeting the infor- some of its classes and provides Caribbean. Many of the translated mation needs of Hispanic/Latino course materials are available for populations. These sessions free on the Preservation Services teach the importance of publications page (http://www. knowing Hispanic/Latino

HBCU library directors and deans at the 2002 Founding Conference of the HBCU Library Alliance. PAGE 38 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

solinet.net/preservation/preserva Alternative Press Index, ATLA Reli- photos, monographs, etc.) that tion_templ.cfm?doc_id=115). gion, Clase and Periódica, Con- might otherwise be hard to find One such available publica- temporary Women’s Issues, PAIS online so that anyone can access tion is the 2002 online Spanish- International, and Index to Legal them. There has been a lot of ­language edition of Michael Trin- Periodicals and Books. In addition interest in this among Histori- kley’s hurricane survival guide to providing materials of interest cally Black Colleges and Universi- (http://www.solinet.net/preserva to underserved populations, First- ties (HBCU) for putting black his- tion/huracan.cfm?doc_id=1007). Search makes it possible for librar- tory collections online. ¡Huracán! Como Sobrevivir la Gran ies to provide remote, full-text • WebJunction (http://www.oclc. Tormenta is a basic working docu- information to patrons who may org/webjunction/default.htm) ment for museum curators, librar- not otherwise be able to access it. gives librarians and library staff a ians, and archivists charged with OCLC also offers a number of way to keep in touch with issues in the task of preserving collections other valuable e-resources: which they may not have exper- in areas visited by hurricanes and • WorldCat Resource Sharing (ILL) tise. WebJunction helps librarians other violent storms. Its focus is allows libraries to obtain items serve a more diverse population on surviving a hurricane through from participating libraries by seeking advice and support on appropriate planning, with sec- these topics (mostly technology- tions on hurricane-resistant build- related) from peers worldwide. ing design, structural retrofits to All of the e-resources available improve survivability, necessary … the 2005 hurricane from SOLINET are categorized for supplies, and actions to take prior season certainly easy searching in the SOLINET to, during, and after a storm. Much database index (http://www. of SOLINET’s membership is in the demonstrated the value solinet.net/product_index/elec hurricane corridor, and the 2005 tronic_db_products-top.cfm). And hurricane season certainly demon- of such a working guide. SOLINET staff members are ready strated the value of such a working to assist with selection and support guide. at the member services help desk throughout the world, providing (email [email protected] or call access to unlimited resources for (800) 999-8558). Collection Development a very diverse population. Even Hard copy or digital? In the library though they could never pur- HBCU Library Alliance: or at home? Whatever the format chase materials to cover all pos- The SOLINET Connection or delivery method, library collec- sible peoples and cultures, librar- tions have to meet the needs and ies can still obtain them via ILL. In the interest of promoting, devel- interests of diverse communities. • OCLC Language Sets (http:// oping, and supporting the leader- SOLINET’s Program Management www.oclc.org/languagesets/ ship role of librarians within the & Development (PM&D) staff is default.htm) help libraries buy HBCU community and of pre- constantly assessing and reassess- collections in foreign languages serving and making accessible the ing new and established resources. even though no one on staff cultural heritage of the African- PM&D seeks out vendors of data- speaks those languages. The pur- American community, SOLINET bases and ebooks that focus on chase includes catalog records as provides financial and administra- diverse cultural offerings — among well, so that patrons can find the tive support to the HBCU Library them Alexander Street Press, the materials in the online catalog in Alliance (www.hbculibraries.org). Brown University Women Writ- their own languages. The founding conference in 2002 ers Project, and a LexisNexis • Open WorldCat (http://www. was an event of historic propor- series called “Primary Sources.” oclc.org/worldcat/open/default. tions, bringing together 100 of the SOLINET’s NetLibrary Shared Col- htm) makes the library known country’s 103 HBCU library direc- lections are another good source and available to folks who use tors. Six Virginia HBCU libraries for enhancing ebook collections. Google or Yahoo!, including are among the membership. The OCLC’s FirstSearch databases are those who would not have other- HBCU Library Alliance is con- also an excellent source of mate- wise thought to visit the library. ceived and led by SOLINET board rials about and for populations • CONTENTdm (http://www.oclc. members Loretta Parham, formerly that enjoy little notice or support org/contentdm/default.htm) pro- of Hampton University and now in the mainstream. Some of these vides libraries with a tool to put director and CEO of the Robert W. FirstSearch databases include media (historical documents, Woodruff Library at the Atlanta APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 39

University Center, and Janice Franklin, director of the Levi Wat- kins Learning Center of Alabama State University. In January 2005, SOLINET and the HBCU Library Alliance received a $500,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to provide professional development oppor- tunities for librarians in HBCUs. The focus of the two-year project is to create a culture of leadership within the library staff, strengthen that leadership within the HBCU library community, and integrate library services into campus pro- grams for teaching and learning. Lillian Lewis, based at SOLINET, is the HBCU library alliance program officer. Lewis is responsible for the operation of the alliance and for coordinating and conducting the Raymond Santiago and a guest at the National Diversity in Libraries Conference. HBCU Library Alliance Leadership Program. Elsie Stephens Weather- ington, dean of library and media net/resources/HBCUStats) and on 2004 National Diversity in Librar- services, and Tessa Perry, associ- the HBCU Library Alliance website ies Conference in Atlanta. Record- ate librarian of technical services, (http://www.hbculibraries.org/). breaking attendance and a broad both for Virginia State University, In February 2006, SOLINET, in spectrum of session topics resulted took part in the Pilot Institute in partnership with the HBCU Li- in an energetic, inspiring, and June 2005. Hampton University’s brary Alliance and the Association fruitful event. Sixteen librarians Library Director Gladys Bell and of Southeastern Research Librar- from nine different libraries in Vir- Peabody Librarian Sherin Hender- ies (ASERL), received a $20,000 ginia were among the nationwide son participated in Institute I of grant from the Andrew W. Mellon participants. the leadership program. Foundation to support a pilot test Raymond Santiago, director of In September 2005, SOLINET of an exchange program for librar- the Miami-Dade Public Library and the HBCU Library Alliance ians from HBCUs. The pilot will System in Florida (http://www. published an assessment of the place librarians from HBCUs at mdpls.org/), commented in his state of HBCU libraries. Produced five ASERL libraries for two weeks keynote speech on the three main with support from the Andrew during the summer of 2006. The conference tracks. He defined staff W. Mellon Foundation and the match between each librarian and diversity as the first recognition of National Commission on Librar- the institution is based upon the diverse user populations and col- ies and Information Science, The librarian’s strategic focus and the lection development as a balancing State of Libraries at Historically Black expertise of the ASERL institution act between Dewey and ethnicity. Colleges and Universities describes in that area. SOLINET continues With respect to access, Santiago levels of support for and services to play a supporting role, but the argued against the trend toward from HBCU libraries and compares HBCU Library Alliance has a proud regional concentrations and called it to that for other peer academic and significant life of its own. for reintroducing the small neigh- libraries in the U.S. It offers a base- borhood library. Closing speaker line for future comparison among Francine Henderson, administrator National Diversity in Libraries HBCUs and between HBCUs and of the Auburn Avenue Research Li- 2004 Conference in Atlanta non-HBCUs, as well as data that brary on African-American Culture can be used to strengthen librar- On another order of magnitude & History in Atlanta (http://www. ies at HBCUs individually and as was SOLINET’s role in cosponsor- af.public.lib.ga.us/aarl/), hailed a group. The report is available on ing, along with ASERL and the the connections librarians have SOLINET’s website (www.solinet. HBCU Library Alliance, the May today that were lacking in the PAGE 40 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

1970s. “What brings a person to uphold and promote diver- sity,” she said, “is not statistics. It is our discovery of other cultures — that there are other people out there, with all their vitality and dynamism. And how do we learn about these other cultures? By hanging out, by being in their midst.” Barbara Dewey, president of the Association of Southeast- ern Research Libraries and a longtime member of ARL’s Diversity Commit- tee, was very pleased with

Above, the African-American staff at SOLINET.

Left, SOLINET’s gay and lesbian staff and friends.

the results: “This was the first time of course, but also socially. To the mainstream and who deserve in this series of conferences that we celebrate Black History Month to be accepted as “us” rather than included librarians from all types each February, SOLINET’s African­ “them.” The observation includes and sizes of libraries — not just American staff put together a fes- weekly films devoted to gay issues ARL members — which contributed tive and informative month-long and intranet snapshots of known greatly to the sense that we can exhibition of the history and and unknown gays and lesbians achieve very real results through achievements of Americans of and their contributions in all collaboration with partners on African ancestry, culminating in a spheres. many levels. I think diversity is beautifully presented (and eagerly It is SOLINET’s ongoing mission important for all libraries, and I’m anticipated) feast of traditional and vision to participate with the very happy to see such widespread Southern/African-American fare, library community in upholding interest and support among my fondly known as the Soul-to-SOL and popularizing cultural diver- colleagues.” luncheon. sity. Libraries are the repositories Later in the year, SOLINET of the cultural and social histories staff dedicate Gay & Lesbian Pride and traditions of the peoples of the On the Home Front Month to promoting the human- world. Just as we seek to preserve SOLINET promotes and celebrates ity and dignity of the women and these cultures, so we support and diversity on the home front as men throughout history whose promote them. That is our goal. VL well — in hiring and promotion, sexuality has placed them outside APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 41

Multicultural Programming Celebrates Fifteen Years at the University of Virginia Library

by Matt Ball and Leland Deeds

reating an environment Though much of the commit- mixture that our student popula- in which people and ideas tee’s efforts have historically gone tion represents. As a vital piece are respected is one of the toward event programming, the of this process, the MIC hopes to Ccentral visions of the University of MIC is very fortunate to have suc- broaden its continued activity on Virginia Library. One expression cessfully become an important issues of retention. of that vision has been the Multi- part of several internal library pro- Related to the hiring and reten- cultural Issues Committee (MIC), cesses, including hiring and reten- tion subgroup, the MIC members which last year celebrated its fif- who make up the training and ori- teenth anniversary. Created in entation group assist the library’s 1990 to promote a single event, the staff education and development MIC now promotes or cosponsors a … In an effort to ensure program officer, who is also an ex- dozen or so events per year with a diversity in hiring, a officio member of the MIC. This volunteer membership numbering group strives to furnish training on around twenty. member of the MIC serves subjects such as managing across The MIC has had many permu- generational lines or performing tations throughout its history, be- on each search committee 360 degree performance reviews as ginning as a small group of library for faculty positions …. well as training on such issues as staff brought together to gener- cultural competencies in the work- ate programming or exhibits for place. On a lighter note, members African-American History Month. from this group coordinate the Since that time, the group has be- tion. In an effort to ensure diversi- New Employee Lunch Program. come a committee with a broader ty in hiring, a member of the MIC Members from the MIC welcome charge and a larger membership serves on each search committee all new employees of the library, while retaining its focus on mul- for faculty positions, and for most both staff and faculty, by taking ticultural issues. Committed to interviews candidates have an op- them to lunch with other staff promoting diversity early on, the portunity to meet with the entire members, ideally outside the new library was one of the first units committee. These primarily in- within the university to sponsor a formational sessions provide an group focused on advancing excel- excellent opportunity to inform Matt Ball is the outreach and commu- lence through diversity and creat- potential new library employees nications librarian for the humanities ing welcoming places to work and about the library’s commitment to and social sciences at the University study. cultural diversity and to ascertain of Virginia and chair-elect of the Mul- As a continuously evolving what kinds of diversity initiatives ticultural Issues Committee. He can be group, the MIC has altered its orga- the candidate’s previous employers reached at [email protected]. nization on several occasions. Most have undertaken. This visible role Leland Deeds is coordinator of access recently, the committee has subdi- in hiring highlights the library’s services for the Clemons and Alderman vided into four working groups: commitment to seriously address- libraries at the University of Virginia and hiring and retention, training and ing diversity in staffing as the chair of the Multicultural Issues Com- orientation, publicity, and events library strives to make its faculty mittee. He can be reached at lrd6m@ and cultural programming. and staff mirror the broad cultural virginia.edu. PAGE 42 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

kinds, including visiting lectur- ers, film festivals, student forums, storytelling, live music, and book signings. Many have observed just William B. Harvey how much this small group has accomplished in the past with a small budget but a great deal of commitment and energy. The committee has been fortunate enough to experience a substantial increase in funding over the past couple of years, however, which has al- lowed it to offer even more programming and cospon- sorships. Members of this subgroup, with help from the rest of the committee, are responsible for event planning from beginning to

employee’s normal working departments. This activity is not used as a recruiting tool for new MIC members — it is a friendly gesture to make sure that new employees feel welcome from the be- ginning and to add a few more friendly faces to their early work experiences. The publicity subgroup is responsible for the cre- ation and dissemination of printed material, such as bookmarks, flyers, and posters, that are intended to promote the MIC itself or a particular event that the committee is sponsoring. Last summer the MIC was fortunate enough to receive Storyteller Gregorio Pedroza some designs from an outgoing member who is a painter; these are other two are aimed more broadly end, including researching desired now being incorporated into new at all members of the university events, booking and scheduling, promotional material. Using one community, including students, making travel and accommodation of those designs, a new bookmark faculty, and the general public. arrangements, catering, coordinat- that promotes the MIC has recently This is especially true for the events ing with cosponsors, working with replaced the committee’s old bro- and cultural programming sub- the publicity subgroup, etc. Over chure. Two more bookmarks are in group, which draws on the lion’s the last couple of years, the MIC the works. share of the MIC’s resources and is has sponsored or cosponsored over While the first two subgroups what the committee is best known fifteen events. Some recent high- mainly focus on library staff, the for. The MIC sponsors events of all lights include: APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 43

• In his first public appearance the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. • In a program entitled “The Muslim since arriving at U.Va., William It featured several members of the Student Experience at U.Va.,” the B. Harvey, the newly-hired vice armed services who embody the MIC sponsored a panel discus- president and chief officer for reality of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” sion with several U.Va. graduate diversity and equity, gave a pre- in today’s armed forces. students who shared their experi- sentation entitled “Issues of Race • A delightful program from noted ences as Muslim students at U.Va. at Predominantly White Institu- bilingual storyteller Gregorio The panel was moderated by the tions.” The event filled the audi- Pedroza enchanted an audience library’s own Sajjad Yusuf and torium of the Harrison Institute/ of students, faculty, and staff drew a sizable crowd of students, Small Special Collections Library with several stories touching on faculty, and staff to the Rober- with a standing-room-only crowd aspects of Hispanic and Latino ston Media Center in Clemons that included students, staff, fac- cultures, many drawn from Library. ulty, the general public, and news Pedroza’s childhood. Pedroza • During African-American History carriers from across Virginia. delivered three sessions in both Month, the MIC sponsored pre- Harvey spoke very eloquently English and Spanish — two on sentations by Tony Burroughs, the about racial hiring discrepan- folklore and one on creative writ- international genealogist, author, cies at colleges and universities, and teacher recently featured on drawing on years of research the PBS special “African-American and quoting extensively from his Lives” with Louis Gates, Jr. Bur- many articles covering this topic. It featured several roughs presented two programs The lively Q & A after his formal members of the armed in the Harrison Institute/Small presentation gave members of Special Collections Library touch- the audience an opportunity services who embody ing on African-American geneal- to examine a little more deeply ogy. The first one, called “It Ain’t some of the particular issues that the reality of “Don’t Ask, All on the Web,” was a review of affect U.Va., as well as the broader Don’t Tell” in today’s the multitude of physical his- implications of racial diversity in torical records and genealogical higher education. armed forces. resources that are in archives and • With the vice provost for faculty courthouses across the country, advancement, the MIC cospon- many of which may never be on sored a presentation by Roberto ing. These events were cospon- the Internet. The other program, Ibarra, special assistant on diver- sored by several other U.Va. orga- entitled “Freedmen’s Bureau sity initiatives at the University nizations, including the Office Research,” was an exploration of New Mexico and author of of the Dean of Students/Student of the Freedmen Bureau records, Beyond Affirmative Action: Refram- Life and the Alianza Community a very valuable and important ing the Context of Higher Education. Leadership Council. resource for African-American In his presentation, “Diversity • Claudia J. Ford is an interna- history and genealogy. These for the 21st Century University: tional development expert who events were cosponsored by the Multicontextuality Theory and has lived and worked all over the Carter G. Woodson Institute for Practice,” Ibarra discussed his world. She is a senior lecturer at African-American and African theory of changing the paradigm the University of Witwatersrand Studies/Center for the Study of in higher education from one of and the founder and director of Local Knowledge and the Office reforming academic cultures to the Princess Trust, a charity that of Student Life/APA Programs reframing them by interweaving deals with issues of infant rape and Services. diversity initiatives into the con- and child sexual abuse. Ford lives • During the Virginia Film Festival text of the academic cultures. in Johannesburg, South Africa, of 2005, the MIC was proud to • The MIC was very pleased to be and was a visiting scholar last be a cosponsor for visiting direc- a cosponsor with the University year at U.Va. The MIC sponsored tor, producer, and writer Wil- of Virginia Lesbian, Gay, Bisex- a reading and book signing for liam Greaves. The event included ual, and Transgender (LGBT) Ford’s Why Do I Scream at God for screenings of three of Greaves’s Resource Center for the “Call to the Rape of Babies? Appearing in most influential films: Symbiopsy- Duty Tour.” The “Call to Duty Newcomb Hall, Ford captivated chotaxiplasm: Take One; Symbiopsy- Tour,” a panel discussion crossing students, faculty, and staff with chotaxiplasm: Take 2 ½; and Ralph the nation, offers a platform for stories from her book and a dis- Bunche: An American Odyssey, a renewed debate on the merits of cussion of the Princess Trust. documentary covering the life PAGE 44 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

of the United Nations diplomat cussion with Q & A. The event, high-energy Canadian folk band and 1950 Nobel Prize winner best held in the Harrison Institute/ that interprets Canadian culture known for his efforts to aid colo- Small Special Collections Library, through song, and cosponsor the nized nations in reinstating inde- was also broadcast on C-SPAN U.Va. Asian Film Festival. Also pendence and for facilitating four Book TV. planned for finals week, when armistice agreements between In addition to these events, the stress levels reach astronomical Israel and Arab neighbors. MIC has also sponsored or cospon- heights, the MIC will offer a tra- • The MIC was pleased to bring ditional Japanese tea ceremony to Steven G. Fullwood to U.Va. for sooth and calm the nerves. And, two programs addressing the pres- encouraged by its recent successes, ervation of the history of black les- … when stress levels reach the MIC is setting its sights on bian, gay, bisexual, transgender, astronomical heights, even higher-profile guests in com- same gender loving, queer, ques- ing years, including comedienne tioning, and in the life cultures the MIC will offer a Margaret Cho and actress and oral (LGBT/SGL/Q/Q/inthelife). Full- historian Anna Deavere Smith. wood, an accredited librarian and traditional Japanese tea Although budget constraints may writer who currently works at the ceremony to sooth and limit bringing in such luminaries, Schomburg Center for Research the MIC is willing to try. in Black Culture at the New York calm the nerves. Throughout its organization- Public Library, founded the Black al life, the MIC has grown and Gay and Lesbian Archive Project changed, and it’s certain to contin- in 2000 to aid in the preservation ue evolving as new challenges and of these increasingly rare materi- sored programs featuring Gelsy opportunities present themselves. als. Fullwood presented two pro- Verna, an associate professor of Through internal initiatives such grams, one aimed at librarians painting at the University of Wis- as hiring, training, and orienta- and archivists held in Clemons consin at Madison; Rolena Adorno, tion, the MIC strives to make the Library, and another one for stu- the Reuben Post Halleck Professor library a better place to work for dents, faculty, and staff held in of Spanish and director of graduate all of its employees. And through the Kaleidoscope Diversity Center studies at Yale University, whose a variety of programs and venues, in Newcomb Hall, U.Va.’s student areas of interest include colonial the MIC endeavors to promote the center. Spanish-American literature and notion that we are all, through our • Nicholas Patler, author of Jim history; Carlos Eire, winner of the various cultural backgrounds and Crow and the Wilson Administra- 2003 National Book Award for experiences, contributors to the tion, delved deeply into the his- Nonfiction for Waiting for Snow multiplicity that makes up a uni- toric protest movement which in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban versity. As the University of Virgin- questioned racial segregation Boy; and Dorothy Height, who dis- ia advances toward its goal of be- and discrimination at the federal cussed her memoir, Open Wide the coming the model for a world-class level and tested Woodrow Wilson Freedom Gates, and her experiences research and education institution, during the first two years of his as one of the leading figures in the the MIC will strive to play its part administration. The MIC was civil rights movement. in making the library, and the uni- proud to bring Patler to U.Va. for Still to come this academic year, versity, a welcoming environment a reading from his book and a dis- the MIC will present Tanglefoot, a for all. VL APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 45

Welcoming Our GLBT Patrons

by C. A. Gardner

ince 1948, and through still encounters violence and dis- ies, where the materials are often its revisions and amend- crimination on a daily basis, and the most needed — are lacking in ments in 1961 and 1980, has to cope with everything from key GLBT areas. Not only do many Sthe Library Bill of Rights adopted casual slurs to physical attacks collections fail with limited and by the Council of the American on persons and property and the outdated information, the collec- Library Association has served to threat of losing jobs or being alien- tion may suffer from ineffective or protect and support the rights of ated from family and friends.3 It’s misleading cataloging and the fail- patrons regardless of “origin, age, no wonder that many are not will- ure to provide visible solutions to background, or views.” Indeed, the ing to publicly discuss their sexual information needs with booklists, Library Bill of Rights specifically identity. It’s also no surprise that displays, or any of the other forms states, in its opening sentence, these individuals should view the of recognition usually accorded to “Books and other library resources minority groups and specific inter- should be provided for the interest, est areas. information, and enlightenment Forget the excuses. Virtually of all people of the community the … even those librarians every library in America has GLBT library serves,” and goes on to reaf- who strive for balanced patrons. Despite stereotypes, these firm that “Materials should not be patrons cannot always be recog- proscribed or removed because of collections may have nized on sight, and they come partisan or doctrinal disapproval.”1 from the widest variety of ethnic, Yet despite this promise, we know second thoughts about cultural, religious, and economic that this policy is not universally material that they fear backgrounds imaginable. An ad- enacted; even those librarians who equate means to measure the size strive for balanced collections may will be challenged …. of this population does not exist have second thoughts about mate- (due to fear, underreporting, the rial that they fear will be chal- problem of definitions, and many lenged, while others may deliber- other factors).6 Though we do ately avoid controversial subject library as a safe haven where they have the beginnings of an idea areas, often with the excuse that can explore their concerns without thanks to the 2000 census, even there really isn’t a call for those fear of condemnation.4 Yet all too this instrument shows its inherent materials in that particular com- often, GLBT patrons find that they bias, capturing figures for every munity, whose majority would are invisible within the library minority in the United States ex- object to the inclusion of such as well. Key works and award- cept non-heterosexuals. The clos- resources. Other libraries that do ­winning titles, not to mention up- est the census comes to reporting not have a known member of a to-date resources on vital health data for GLBT people is through particular minority group on staff topics, are absent from the shelves. the provision of “same-sex unmar- may simply overlook the needs The fact that, by their very nature, ried partner” data.7 This data only of some less vocal communities. GLBT materials are often deemed measures those who are currently While this exclusion may not be controversial highlights the prob- in an overtly homosexual relation- deliberate, it is just as harmful to lem faced by these patrons. While ship and living with the partner in the patrons who silently look to the library is busy expanding ser- question — and willing to report the library for help. vices to other minority groups, that relationship to a government One such group is the gay, les- there may not even be a strong instrument. Single people, bisexu- bian, bisexual, transgendered, and core collection for GLBT patrons. als, the transgendered or question- questioning (GLBT2) community. According to a number of studies5, ing, gay people in heterosexual Despite increasing visibility and many libraries in America — par- marriages, and those who prefer acceptance, the GLBT community ticularly public and school librar- to maintain separate dwellings all PAGE 46 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

continue to go uncounted; and of emphasis on gay men), lack of ment policy was strengthened to census-takers were instructed to practical information, and a collec- guard against censorship due to rule as invalid any same-sex mar- tion that focused on depressing or sexual orientation, Enterline felt ried partner data due to federal leg- negative viewpoints. While online that the negative message had al- islation regarding marriage.8 The resources have taken on a strong ready been sent.14 Facing the possi- census data thus only provides a role since then, print continues to bility of such confrontations with hint of a much larger community — play a vital role, with its ability to both parents and administrators, probably at least two-thirds larger provide greater depth and detail. many school librarians choose to than reported data. Yet even these GLBT magazines and newspapers avoid purchasing controversial partial statistics are revealing. The can be especially helpful in deal- materials; but this silence puts “Profile of General Demographic ing with current issues and infor- GLBT youth in danger. Not only Characteristics” for Virginia shows mation needs; however, few North are these young people subject to that in 2000, Virginia had 126,365 American libraries carry this mate- one of the most homophobic and unmarried-partner households,9 rial, and when they do, they fre- hostile environments — the school out of which 7,535 were comprised quently carry only the most well- atmosphere, in which “gay” is used of a “male householder and male known title, The Advocate.12 And as an insult, homophobic slurs will partner” and 7,735 of a “female while some library collections have be heard by each student an aver- householder and female partner.”10 age of five times an hour, and beat- This gives a figure of 15,270 gay ings of gay students occur with and lesbian couples in Virginia disturbing frequency — their iso- in 2000 — in other words, 30,540 … despite petitions, the lated position also places them at gays and lesbians in live-in, stable books were not returned greater risk for violence, abuse, and relationships who were willing to suicide.15 As Debra Lau Whelan re- report their status to the census. to the middle school. ports in School Library Journal, Studies have shown the im- Gay teens may stress the portance of libraries to the GLBT importance of identifying population, particularly during with characters in books, but the initial quest for identity. The improved, further studies have rep- when someone like Laurie library is seen as an impartial ref- licated those early findings, dem- Taylor, the Fayetteville, AR, uge, containing information one onstrating both the importance of parent who recently chal- might be castigated for seeking the library and its failings, and re- lenged 58 sexually explicit elsewhere.11 In the late 1980s, Janet sulting in two key suggestions for books in her local school Creelman and Roman Harris con- improvement: a more approach- library, gets national atten- ducted the first empirical studies of able and sensitive library staff and tion, the spines of many the information needs of the GLBT better quality collections.13 librarians and administrators population, particularly lesbians in School libraries often face the suddenly go limp. What’s the coming-out stage. These stud- most rigorous challenges in pro- the risk? Michael Glatze, ies showed that, with the exception viding GLBT material, as librar- the editor-in-chief of YgA, a of consulting other lesbians, print ian Christine Enterline discovered bimonthly magazine with a sources (seventy-eight percent) when attempting to update her circulation of 10,000 that tar- were the chief source of informa- middle school’s biography collec- gets young gay America, says tion about issues such as coming to tion, stocking it with new works it best: “Librarians shouldn’t terms with one’s identity, dealing on all minorities, including a se- be in the business of deny- with coming out to others, learn- ries on famous GLBT people who ing information.” Without ing “the rules,” and finding com- might provide inspiration and en- vital books and resources, gay munity. Likewise, the library itself couragement to students. School kids can end up in high-risk was the first choice in the quest for administrators removed the books situations involving online knowledge of eighty-four percent before they even hit the shelves, predators or turn to drugs to of lesbian information seekers. ostensibly to review them for age- help them cope. “Confidence Nevertheless, a full fifty-three per- appropriateness; despite petitions, comes from information cent of respondents indicated that the books were not returned to the and knowing that you’re not the sources found in the library middle school. Though the books alone,” Glatze says.16 were inadequate for their needs were eventually relocated to a dis- Imaginative works that portray due to lack of current materials, trict high school and the middle realistic GLBT characters are ex- lack of relevancy (a preponderance school library’s collection develop- tremely important in building self- APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 47

esteem and providing a sense of film was actually very popular with ers Guild of America Award22 — and normalcy. In addition, such depic- the mainstream audience, grossing I’m probably leaving out a few. tions can help to increase under- $83,043,761 in the United States Surely these credentials would standing and reduce homophobia and achieving a worldwide gross be enough to withstand any pa- by broadening the minds of others. of $175,843,761; it was number tron challenge, even for a public However, the best — and most pop- one at the box office from January library with a conservative patron ular — GLBT imaginative works, in- 17 to 19, 2006, never left the top base — particularly if that library cluding poetry, fiction, and drama, ten through February 16, and was had a collection development are frequently nowhere to be found still hitting in the top ten through policy that upheld the acquisition in the library’s holdings.17 Some re- March 7.21 More to the point, Broke- of award-winning movies. As it searchers have actually performed back Mountain won three Academy stands, the deliberate lack of in- and published title-by-title checks Awards and was nominated for five clusion of such a noteworthy film of North American library catalogs others. In addition, not counting sends a somewhat sinister message. for works that are either cited in nominations, Brokeback Mountain A similar problem occurs with prominent review sources or recip- won three BAFTA Film awards, the misleading or inadequate catalog- ients of GLBT awards. While some David Lean Award for Direction, ing. Some well-meaning librarians titles are held, the distribution and may purchase GLBT materials, but coverage is spotty and unpredict- through fear of challenges, classify able.18 In addition, though other them in what might be deemed a minorities and subjects may have … the deliberate lack less controversial location (such as booklists or even monthly displays of inclusion of such cataloging works of fiction under a to help guide patrons to resources nonfiction number), or otherwise or enlighten them to the presence a noteworthy film make them less visible through of helpful materials, seldom if ever lessened subject access so that only are such provisions made for GLBT sends a somewhat the most dedicated searchers will 19 materials. sinister message. discover them. Segregating these Some librarians avoid the issue materials by relegating them to a of collecting for the GLBT popu- less prominent area of the library lation by pointing out that their serves neither the GLBT commu- library already upholds the ALA the Boston Society of Film Critics nity, who deserve to be able to Library Bill of Rights and Freedom Award, three Broadcast Film Crit- find their materials by browsing to Read statements, which prohibit ics Association awards, three Cen- like other patrons, nor the popu- discrimination.20 Yet discrimina- tral Ohio Film Critics awards, two lace at large, whose lives might be tion is occurring in the lack of Chicago Film Critics Association enriched by encountering these selections being made. Indeed, awards, four Dallas-Fort Worth works. One of the key tenets of self-censorship seems to be even Film Critics Association awards, a classification, it should be remem- more of a problem in libraries than Directors Guild of America Award, bered, is that works on a like sub- challenges. Here’s a case in point. four Florida Film Critics Circle ject shall be placed together on A quick search of the catalog of awards, a GLAAD Media Award, the shelf — even works that offer one public library system in a met- four Golden Globes, two Indepen- opposing or controversial view- ropolitan area of Virginia revealed dent Spirit awards, two London points. at least 183 distinct DVD and VHS Critics Circle Film awards, two Los One recent case of deliberate editions of movies that had won Angeles Film Critics Association miscataloging that has made the Academy Awards. Of these, twenty- awards, two National Board of Re- news involves the picture book six distinct titles, many of which view awards, three New York Film And Tango Makes Three by Justin were duplicated in DVD and VHS Critics Circle awards, two Online Richardson, Peter Parnell, and editions, held an R rating for sex- Film Critics Society awards, a PGA Henry Cole. Like many works of ual situations and/or violence. Yet Golden Laurel Award, five Phoenix fiction, this book is based on a true when one member of the collec- Film Critics Society awards, three story — in this case, the story of tion development committee tried San Francisco Film Critics Circle two male penguins who acted as to request that the library purchase awards, four Satellite awards, three a mated couple in raising a chick. Brokeback Mountain, the request Southeastern Film Critics Associa- Like many other children’s books was rejected for unspecified rea- tion awards, two Vancouver Film based on autobiographical or his- sons. Was it due to the fear of of- Critics Circle awards, a Golden Lion torical incidents, it is intended fending conservative patrons? The (Venice Film Festival), and a Writ- for an audience of fiction-readers. PAGE 48 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

In Missouri, librarians moved the and advice. Booklist and Library port of particular titles when faced book from children’s fiction to Journal provide information about with a challenge. nonfiction in response to the pro- current GLBT titles, while Baker Another important act is codify- test of two parents.23 This not only & Taylor offers the catalog Pride: ing a positive commitment to im- makes the book more difficult to Your Source for Gay and Lesbian proving collections for the GLBT find for those who have read posi- DVDs and Videos. There are also a community, rather than simply tive reviews and expect to find it number of book-length collection stating that no discrimination will with other picture books, but also development tools, such as Lesbian be allowed. As would be done for sends an offensive message — that and Gay Voices: An Annotated Bib- any other library constituency, a fictional works portraying gay liography and Guide to Literature for core group of GLBT titles in current characters are by their very nature Children and Young Adults by Fran- editions should be made available. too harmful to place in a section of ces Ann Day and Gay and Lesbian Consulting award lists and com- the library where any child might Library Service by Cal Gough and paring them to current holdings read them. Unfortunately, other li- Ellen Greenblatt. Many others can is a good start. Further collection brarians who have read about this be discovered through the resourc- development can be tailored to in- case have seen this as a viable solu- es at the end of this article. dividual audiences; public libraries tion, and some library systems in can learn about the specific needs Virginia have voluntarily chosen to and interests of their geographic class the book in nonfiction, with- areas by consulting local GLBT out waiting for protests to arise. Silence is one of the organizations, newspapers, and With a number of prominent most pernicious forms bookstores, while university and GLBT bookstores going out of special libraries should remember business due to changes in the of prejudice. to be aware of GLBT topics not only bookselling market,24 and the in the queer studies arena, but also concentration in chain bookstores where these issues intersect with on higher-selling titles from large other disciplines and fields. commercial presses,25 there’s even In seeking to improve library Silence is one of the most perni- more need for libraries to make an service to GLBT patrons, the most cious forms of prejudice. Don’t fail effort to close the information gap. important factor may be simple your GLBT patrons out of fear. Re- Librarians should be aware that awareness. Many librarians may member, the Library Bill of Rights many quality GLBT publications either unconsciously forget about doesn’t require us to agree with the arise or are kept in print primarily this constituency, or consciously viewpoints or lifestyles of our pa- through the small press. As a result, seek to avoid controversy. Staff trons. It requires us to respect them, these books might not be carried diversity training on GLBT issues to provide the resources they need, by large distribution groups such would certainly help, fostering and to uphold their right to service as Baker & Taylor. For the same more sensitive interactions with even in the face of challenges. reason, the broad range of GLBT the public, drawing awareness to titles are often underrepresented in collection development needs, and Resources for GLBT Collection review sources, in part due to the providing a more eloquent ability Development lower profile of the small press.26 to defend these materials. In addition, specific titles might be One of the most effective means Collection Development Policies overlooked because of the increas- of successfully standing against a • Collection Development Policies ing trend in modern publishing to challenge is to have a collection Related to GLBT Issues, http:// market GLBT works as literary fic- development policy that addresses www.cervone.com/html/glbt_ tion instead of openly appealing to such issues clearly in place. Biblio- collection_development.html GLBT audiences.27 For a truly accu- graphic notes in the catalog, such rate picture of the GLBT titles avail- as the 586 Awards Note, will pro- GLBT Literary Awards & Organi- able, more targeted sources such as vide a quick reference point for zations the Lambda Book Review ought to both patrons and librarians about • ALA’s Stonewall Book Awards, be consulted,28 in addition to spe- why the materials were chosen. http://www.ala.org/ala/glbtrt/ cial reports in mainstream publica- Keeping a file with recommended stonewall/stonewallbook.htm tions, such as the annual review of and award-winning titles can also • Gaylactic Spectrum Awards Foun- GLBT titles in Publishers Weekly or serve a dual purpose, providing dation, http://www.spectrum ALA’s quarterly GLBTRT Task Force collection development possibili- awards.org/ Newsletter, complete with reviews ties and offering evidence in sup- • Lambda Literary Foundation APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 49

(includes Lambda Literary Awards the Collections of the University of 4 Catherine J. Ritchie, “Collec- and the Lambda Book Report), Chicago Library by Frank Con- tion Development of Gay/Lesbian/ http://www.lambdaliterary.org/ away, Sebastian Hierl, and Sem Bisexual-Related Adult Non-Fiction • Prism Comics: Your LGBT Guide Sutter, http://www.lib.uchicago. in Medium-Sized Illinois Public to Comics, available in print edu/e/su/gaylesb/glguide.html Libraries.” Illinois Libraries 83.2 from http://www.prismcomics. • “Lesbian Resources on the Web” (2001): 39–70. org/index.php. (This comic- by Ellen Greenblatt, http:// 5 Steven L. Joyce, “Lesbian, Gay, style annual provides an ongo- www.library.wisc.edu/libraries/ and Bisexual Library Service: A ing review of GLBT characters WomensStudies/fc/fcwebgrn.htm Review of the Literature.” Public Li- appearing in mainstream comics • “LGBT/Queer Studies Library braries 39.5 (2002): 270–9. each year, as well as reviews of Research Guide: Diversity & Ritchie. GLBT-authored titles.) Ethnic Studies” by Susan A. Vega Alex Spence, “Gay Young Adult • The Publishing Triangle: The García, http://www.public.iastate. Fiction in the Public Library: A Association of Lesbians and Gay edu/~savega/lesbigay.htm Comparative Survey.” Public Librar- Men in Publishing, http://www. • Librarians’ Internet Index: Websites ies 38.4 (1999): 224–9. publishingtriangle.org/ You Can Trust, “Gay and Lesbian 6 “How Many Gay People Are • Saints and Sinners: An Alterna- Studies,” http://www.lii.org/pub/ There?,” in Avert.org [website] 26 tive Literary Festival for the GLBT subtopic/2017 July 2005 [cited 12 May 2006]; Community, Their Friends, and • “Out of the Closet?” by Jim Van Bus- available from http://www.avert. All Readers and Writers, http:// kirk, http://www.libraryjournal. org/hsexu1.htm. www.sasfest.org/ com/article/CA512184.html “What Percentage of the Popu- • Queertheory.com, “Libraries and lation Is Gay?,” in People like Us Additional Collection Develop- Archives,” http://www.queer [website] 19 August 2003 [cited 12 ment Resources theory.com/academics/queer_ May 2006]; available from http:// • American Library Association libraries_archives.htm www.plu.sg/main/facts_05.htm. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Trans- • “Recommended LGBT/Queer 7 Margie Mason, “Census Fig- gendered Round Table, http:// Studies Websites: Diversity & ures on Same-Sex Couples,” in www.ala.org/ala/glbtrt/welcome Ethnic Studies” by Susan A. Vega SpeakOut.com [website] 8 August glbtround.htm García, http://www.public.iastate. 2001 [cited 12 May 2006]; avail- • “Beyond Angst: What’s New edu/~savega/les_biga.htm able from http://speakout.com/ in Literature and Resources for activism/apstories/10044-1.html. GLBT Youth and Their Allies” by 8 U.S. Census Bureau, “Techni- Notes Evi Klett and Becker Parkhurst- cal Note on Same-Sex Unmarried Strout, http://webjunction.org/ 1 American Library Association, Partner Data from the 1990 and do/Navigation?category=12989 “Library Bill of Rights,” in Intellec- 2000 Censuses,” in United States • The Gay & Lesbian Atlas, by Gary tual Freedom: Statements and Policies Census 2000 [website] 31 July 2002 J. Gates and Jason Ost, 2004, [website] 23 January 1996 [cited [cited 12 May 2006]; available from ISBN 0-87766-721-7, Urban In- 24 May 2006]; available from http://www.census.gov/popula stitute Press, http://www.urban. http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/state tion/www/cen2000/samesex.html. org/pubs/gayatlas/ (With data mentspols/statementsif/library 9 U.S. Census Bureau, “DP-1. from the 2000 U.S. Census, this billrights.htm. Profile of General Demographic resource provides not only the 2 This acronym takes many Characteristics: 2000. Data Set: most accurate known statistics forms and includes many groups. Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF about local GLBT populations in Some of the more common vari- 1) 100-Percent Data. Geographic the U.S., but also offers data on ants include GLBT, LGBT, and ei- Area: Virginia,” in United States their age ranges and other social ther with a “Q” at the end. I have Census 2000 [website] 2000 [cited factors, allowing for a collection chosen “GLBT” purely for conve- 12 May 2006]; available from tailored to meet local needs.) nience, as it seems to be the older http://www.factfinder.census. • GLBTQ: An Encyclopedia of Gay, established acronym. gov/servlet/QTTable?_bm=y&- Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, & 3 Jim Van Buskirk, “Out of the geo_id=04000US51&-qr_ Queer Culture, “Literature,” http:// Closet?,” in Library Journal.com name=DEC_2000_SF1_U_DP1&- www.glbtq.com/subject/litera [journal online] 1 April 2005 [cited ds_name=DEC_2000_SF1_U&- ture_a-b.html 12 May 2006]; available from _lang=en&-redoLog=false&- • Guide to Gay and Lesbian Resources: http://www.libraryjournal.com/ _sse=on. A Classified Bibliography Based upon article/CA512184.html. 10 U.S. Census Bureau, “PCT21. PAGE 50 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

Unmarried-Partner Households line] 1 January 2006 [cited 12 May Kevin Howell, “Difficult Times by Sex of Partners [7] — Universe: 2006]; available from http://www. at a Different Light.” Publishers Households. Data Set: Census schoollibraryjournal.com/article/ Weekly 246.30 (1999): 21–2. 2000 Summary File 4 (SF 4) — CA6296527.html. 25 Michael Bronski, “After the Sample Data,” in United States Cen- 17 Joyce. ‘Boom.’” Publishers Weekly 246.18 sus 2000 [website] 2000 [cited 12 Ritchie. (1999): 38–42. May 2006]; available from http:// Spence. 26 Joyce. factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ 18 Spence. 27 Bronski. DTTable?_bm=y&-state=dt&- 19 Ritchie. 28 Ritchie. context=dt&-ds_name=DEC_ 20 Ibid. 2000_SF4_U&-mt_name=DEC_ 21 “Brokeback Mountain,” in The Additional Sources Consulted 2000_SF4_U_PCT021&-tree_ Numbers: Box Office Data, Movie id=404&-redoLog=true&-all_geo_ Stars, Idle Speculation [website] 2006 Archer, Michael S. “A Winning types=N&-_caller=geoselect&- [cited 12 May 2006]; available Partnership.” Publishers Weekly geo_id=04000US51&-search_ from http://www.the-numbers. 248.52 (2001): 20–1. results=01000US&-format=&- com/movies/2005/BRKMT.php. Boff, Colleen. “Book Review: Les- _lang=en. “Brokeback Mountain: Daily Break- bian and Gay Voices.” Reference Oddly enough, the total number down,” in Box Office Mojo [website] & User Services Quarterly 40.4 of unmarried partners listed in this 2006 [cited 12 May 2006]; available (2001): 389. table is different than that of the from http://www.boxofficemojo. “Challenging Homophobia in “Profile of General Demographic com/movies/?page=daily&id= Schools.” Teacher Librarian 28.4 Characteristics.” In “Unmarried- ­brokebackmountain.htm. (2001): 27–30. Partner Households by Sex of Part- “Brokeback Mountain: Summary,” High, J. A. “A New Dawn at a Dif- ners,” the total figure for Virginia in Box Office Mojo [website] 2006 ferent Light.” Publishers Weekly is listed as 120,466. [cited 12 May 2006]; available from 248.7 (2001): 91–2. 11 Ritchie. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/ Hix, Charles. “A New Generation 12 Ibid. movies/?id=brokebackmountain. Has Arrived.” Publishers Weekly 13 Joyce. htm. 248.17 (2001): 30–1. 14 Andrea Glick, “Disappearing Susanna Schrobsdorff, “Chick Hix, Charles, and Robert Dahlin. Books.” School Library Journal 47.2 Flick Cowboys: Brokeback Mountain “Selected Gay & Lesbian Titles (2001): 18–19. Has Stolen the Hearts of Women 2001.” Publishers Weekly 248.17 Rick Margolis, “Settlement in Middle America,” in Newsweek (2001): 35–41. Reached on Gay Books,” in SLJ.com [online magazine] 20 January Kawaguchi, Karen. “A Coming-Out [journal online] 1 May 2001 [cited 2006 [cited 12 May 2006]; avail- Party for InsightOut Books.” 12 May 2006]; available from able from http://www.msnbc.msn. Publishers Weekly 247.34 (2002): http://www.schoollibraryjournal. com/id/10930877/site/newsweek/. 32. com/article/CA73648.html. 22 “Awards for Brokeback Moun- Loverich, Patricia, and Darrah De- 15 C. J. Bott, “Fighting the Si- tain (2005),” in IMDb: Earth’s Big- gnan. “Out on the Shelves? Not lence: How to Support Your Gay gest Movie Database [website] 2006 Really.” Library Journal 124.11 and Straight Students.” Voice of [cited 12 May 2006]; available (1999): 55. Youth Advocates 23.1 (2000): 22, from http://www.imdb.com/title/ McCaslin, Michael. “A Brief History 24, 26. tt0388795/awards. of Gerber/Hart Library.” Illinois Sandra Hughes-Hassell and Alis- 23 “‘Gay’ Penguins Book Frozen Libraries 91.4 (1999): 228–31. sa Hinckley, “Reaching Out to Les- Out in Missouri Libraries,” in Chi- Oder, Norman. “Filter-Makers Sue, bian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgen- cago Sun-Times [newspaper online] Threaten Critics.” Library Journal der Youth.” Journal of Youth Services 5 March 2006 [cited 12 May 2006]; 125.7 (2000): 24. in Libraries 15.1 (2001): 39–41. available from http://www.sun Tan, Cecilia. “Pride & Persever- Dan Woog, “Friends, Families, times.com/output/news/cst-nws- ance.” Publishers Weekly 246.18 and the Importance of Straight Al- flap05.html. (1999): 43–6. lies.” Voice of Youth Advocates 23.1 24 Charlotte Abbott, “Battening Van Buskirk, Jim. “Passages of (2000): 23, 25–6. Down the Niche.” Publishers Weekly Pride.” Library Journal 123.8 16 Debra Lau Whelan, “Out and 248.17 (2001): 32–4. (1998): 120–1. VL Ignored: Why Are So Many School Kevin Howell, “Changes Hit Libraries Reluctant to Embrace Gay Gay/Lesbian Businesses.” Publishers Teens?,” in SLJ.com [journal on- Weekly 247.30 (2000): 12. APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 51

Virginia Reviews

Reviews prepared by staff members of the Library of Virginia Sara B. Bearss, Editor

Edward G. Lengel. Gen- al’s career. A specialist in military eral George Washington: A history, Lengel is intimately ac- Military Life. New York: quainted with the commander’s Random House, 2005. xlii wartime correspondence and other + 450 pp. ISBN 1-4000-6081-8. documents. These materials, which $29.95 (hardcover). comprise about two-thirds of the At the outset of this book, vast collection of papers that the Edward G. Lengel recounts the var- project has so far assembled, tran- ious perceptions of George Wash- Washington was, as an scribed, and published in fifty-two ington that biographers and his- volumes, provide the basis for Len- torians have manifested over time, earlier historian declared, gel’s book. beginning with the prevailing view “the indispensable man.” Lengel follows Washington’s of the former president at the time military career from its beginning of his death, after he had been LENGEL REVIEW in 1753, when the young major called out of retirement to oversee and adjutant of one of Virginia’s military operations as commander four militia districts was picked by in chief of the United States army ington, one not without personal Lieutenant Governor Robert Din- during an undeclared war with shortcomings as well as limitations widdie to deliver an ultimatum to France. To most Americans in as a commander. They argued for the French in the contested Ohio 1799, the chieftain who was bur- reassessment of both his character Valley. The grueling winter jour- ied with military honors at Mount and his abilities on the battlefield. ney resulted in a French refusal to Vernon was the country’s foremost Washington’s dimming reputation withdraw from the region. The sub- soldier first, and a man of peace was in time restored, buffed and sequent defeat of Washington by and politics afterward. “Light- brightened by writers who con- French forces the following sum- Horse Harry” Lee’s famed eulogy cerned themselves with his life as mer at Fort Necessity set the stage embodied the popular image of planter, politician, and president for the French and Indian War. A the heroic Washington leading his of the fledgling nation, whose year later, Washington was aide- small army through years of priva- statesmanship and unselfishness de-camp to Major General Edward tion and defeat in battle to final helped unite the young country. Braddock, commander of British triumph over the British. The biog- By the dawn of the twenty-first forces in North America, as that raphies that followed depicted him century, so far had historiography veteran officer led his red-jacketed in this light, beginning with Par- strayed from the original view of army against Fort Duquesne, the son Mason Locke Weems’s myth- Washington as warrior that no French outpost at the Forks of the making Life and Memorable Actions book focusing exclusively on his Ohio River. The ambush and near of George Washington, General and military career had been published destruction of Braddock’s army Commander of the Armies of America since 1899. (1800). Inevitably, Washington The need for a modern study of was compared to history’s great Washington’s wartime leadership Sara B. Bearss is senior editor of the commanders. has been admirably met by Lengel, Dictionary of Virginia Biography, Eventually the pendulum swung who, as an associate editor of The published by the Library of Virginia. the other way. Digging beneath Papers of George Washington at the Volume 3, covering surnames from the edifice of military glory, histo- University of Virginia, is perfectly Caperton through Daniels, has just rians uncovered a different Wash- situated to reevaluate the gener- been published. PAGE 52 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

and the British commander’s death can leader did, in full measure and an internal conflict between the were witnessed by Washington, faultless calibration, the unique trappings of his economic status, whose Virginians acquitted them- combination of overall qualities which depended on the mainte- selves well as the army disintegrat- that the circumstances demanded, nance of the social order, and his ed before the onslaught of French including those required by the desire to ally himself with dis- and Indians forces. Despite the de- battlefield. Washington was, as an senters and outsiders. Profligate in bacle near the Monongahela River, earlier historian declared, “the in- his youth, he failed to impress his Washington emerged unscathed dispensable man.” In this highly neighbors and was twice an unsuc- and something of a colonial hero. recommended book, Lengel rigor- cessful candidate for the House of From this disaster, Washington ously defends and reasserts that Burgesses during the 1750s, thus learned what not to do as a com- claim. missing an opportunity to serve in manding officer. When placed in — reviewed by Donald W. Gunter, the dynamic body that launched charge of the Virginia Regiment, Assistant Editor, Dictionary of Vir- the political careers of many of he schooled himself on how to as- ginia Biography the nation’s founders. Carter’s ap- semble, train, drill, discipline, pro- pointment to the council in 1758, vide for, and lead a military unit. secured through the influence of The regiment reflected his grow- Andrew Levy. The First his wife’s uncle, did not curtail his ing maturity and performed well Emancipator: The Forgotten eccentric interests, including his under his leadership during British Story of Robert Carter, the affinity for religious nonconform- Brigadier General John Forbes’s ex- Founding Father Who Freed ists and his growing misgivings pedition against the French in the His Slaves. New York: Random about the institution of slavery. Ohio Valley in 1758. House, 2005. xviii + 310 pp. ISBN Carter’s actions undermined the In the war’s aftermath, Wash- 0-375-50865-1. $25.95 (hardcover). slave economy in ways that went ington returned to private life and Neither the first emancipa- beyond the typical accommoda- focused on his responsibilities as tor nor a founding father, Robert tions masters often deemed ex- family man, planter, and involved Carter (1728–1804) was one of the pedient. He alienated his wife’s citizen, his romantic notions of wealthiest men in the United States relatives rather than liquidate their military glory swept away by the when he set in motion a carefully slave property, which he controlled grim reality of warfare. Later, when designed plan to manumit approx- after his father-in-law’s death; he selected to lead the American army imately 450 slaves in 1791. Andrew avoided separating slave families on the eve of the Revolution, he Levy’s insightful book endeavors on his own plantations, refused to expressed doubt about his creden- to answer two central questions: sell slaves to offset his increasing tials. Some observers charged that Why did this grandson of Robert tax liability, and despaired when his self-effacing protestations were “King” Carter, this heir to privilege his children sold slaves he had a ploy masking an overweening and power who sat on the colonial given them; and he sent his sons ambition, but Lengel credits the governor’s council and came of age to Northern schools to prevent veracity of the letters that reveal a alongside Virginia’s Revolution- them from growing dependent on man not only bound to duty and ary leaders, free his slaves while slavery. willing to sacrifice his life, fortune, his contemporaries did not? And Carter’s empathy for his slaves and even his closely guarded repu- why have Carter and his “Deed of intensified as he abandoned the tation in the colonies’ cause against Gift” vanished from the narrative deism of his youth and embarked imperial England, but also aware of American history? By examin- on a quest for spiritual fulfill- of his limited experience and, esti- ing this undeservedly obscure epi- ment. Captivated by the emotional mating the odds, unsure of his abil- sode, Levy challenges the notion preaching of dissenting ministers ity to lead his country to victory. that the founders’ equivocation on and profoundly impressed by the During the Revolutionary War, slavery was somehow an essential conversion experiences his slaves Washington did not display the component of the American expe- underwent, Carter in 1778 became gifts of an extraordinary com- rience and points to the possibility the most prominent Virginian to mander, and his impatience, stub- of an alternative path in which the cast his lot with the Baptists, a per- bornness, and other failings, all re- spirit of the Revolution might have secuted sect populated largely by corded by various writers, testify to liberated blacks as well as whites. the poor. At the Morattico church, his ordinary human fallibility. Yet, Though born into Virginia’s which he supported financially, he as Lengel makes clear, his essential elite ruling class, Carter marginal- worshiped alongside blacks and greatness remains intact because ized himself in a variety of ways. referred to them as “brothers” and he did possess, as no other Ameri- For decades he struggled to resolve “sisters.” Still, he did not immedi- APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 53

ately free his slaves, though a 1782 cisely why Levy has done students focus on Virginia topics. Phillip law legalized private manumission of Virginia and United States his- Hamilton’s thoughtful essay de- and though he supported eman- tory such a great service by retriev- scribes the experiences of gentry cipation proposals considered by ing Carter from the shadows and women and the transformation the House of Delegates. Later in by raising thought-provoking ques- of daily life in Jeffersonian and the 1780s he left the increasingly tions about our past and ourselves. antebellum Virginia. He addresses proslavery Baptist church and em- — reviewed by Jennifer R. Loux, the long-term effect of the Revolu- braced the teachings of Emanuel Research Associate, Dictionary of tionary War on Virginia women’s Swedenborg’s Church of the New Virginia Biography roles and concludes that the pro- Jerusalem, which held that the liferation of political offices after Apocalypse had already occurred American independence led to and that a period of tumultuous Angela Boswell and Judith an increased number of women social change was underway. This N. McArthur, eds. Women managing plantations and house- sense of upheaval convinced Cart- Shaping the South: Creating holds in their husbands’ absence. er — who, unlike the founding fa- and Confronting Change. After the war, “Virginia women thers, welcomed obscurity and had Southern Women Series. Columbia led very different lives,” Hamilton no political office to lose — that the and London: University of Missouri argues, “and became very different time to liberate his slaves had ar- Press, 2006. viii + 269 pp. ISBN 0- people,” especially when a drop in rived. 8262-1617-X. $44.95 (hardcover). tobacco prices forced agricultural Carter’s intriguing story gen- changes and prompted westward erated little publicity in his own migration. Women guided the day and is virtually unknown to …he worshiped rebuilding of community ties in students of American history, an newly settled areas. They fought oversight for which Levy offers alongside blacks and isolation, family strife, and physi- several explanations. Carter did cal hardships to create new lives not fit neatly into the narrative ad- referred to them as for themselves and their families. vanced by any particular group of “brothers” and “sisters.” Women likewise participated in chroniclers: Southerners ignored defining the memory and mean- him because they regarded him as LEVY REVIEW ing of the new nation. Jean B. Lee a traitor; Northerners were blind sheds light on the little-known to nuance within the South; histo- activities of Jane C. Washington, rians dismissed him as merely ec- Women were involved in many who worked to preserve Mount centric; and, not least, Carter ren- aspects of public life long before Vernon (which she inherited in dered himself invisible because he gaining the right to vote in 1920. 1832) and make it available to visi- did not try to communicate with In Virginia, women were influen- tors — unlike Bushrod Washington, posterity and wrote no eloquent tial leaders and diplomats in the who attempted to ban steamboat denunciation of slavery. Above all, Powhatan chiefdom. Their voices passengers from the property after Levy asserts, Carter remains mar- were heard even without the fran- a rowdy group danced and spread a ginalized because his Deed of Gift chise — in the seventeenth century, picnic on the mansion’s lawn. For forces modern Americans into the Frances Lady Berkeley made Green Jane Washington, who established uncomfortable realization that his Spring the headquarters for bur- what would later become basic pro- contemporaries, the architects of gesses and councillors who opposed tocol for visiting historic homes, American government, could have the Crown’s policies, while in the Mount Vernon held transcendent transcended their vacillation about eighteenth, Hannah Lee Corbin importance as a national treasure. slavery and created a nation based boldly proposed that women who Clayton McClure Brooks stud- on liberty for all. Levy’s final argu- paid taxes be allowed to vote. The ies Mary-Cooke Branch Munford, ment — that Americans have delib- pivotal role of women in shaping Janie Porter Barrett, and others in erately rejected Carter because our Southern history is the subject of examination of interracial coopera- attachment to political “incremen- the essays collected in Women Shap- tion and the making of segregation talism” is easier to justify when we ing the South, the latest in a series of in early twentieth-century Virginia. can point to a founding generation books developed from the Southern White and black women managed beset by “heroic ambivalence” — is Conference on Women’s History to create an arena in which they a bit overstated; no one has known sponsored by the Southern Associa- could work together to improve so- enough about Carter to issue such tion for Women Historians. cial services for African-Americans. a purposeful rejection. That is pre- Three of the book’s ten chapters Brooks delves into the records of PAGE 54 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

the State Board of Charities and tory and Southern history — from Southern culture. These property- Corrections to trace these cross- the eighteenth century to the less workers pushed for municipal racial reform efforts and describes twentieth — will find each chapter reform and challenged the en- how female reformers used the lim- in this book a satisfying read. trenched power of the Democratic ited space created by segregation to — reviewed by Jennifer Davis Mc- Party through membership in the publicize the needs for cooperation Daid, Deputy Coordinator, State His- Know Nothings (American Party) across the lines of race and gender. torical Records Advisory Board and the Republican Party. Brooks effectively demonstrates The Know Nothings in Baltimore that together these women created provided public works projects “a unique feminine space for public Frank Towers. The Urban for the working class and placed work and interracial dialogue.” South and the Coming of the party loyalists in party and gov- Other chapters in Women Shaping Civil War. Charlottesville ernment bureaucracies, including the South present new scholarship and London: University of the police department. Baltimore on topics in Georgia, Kentucky, Mis- Virginia Press, 2004. xi + 285 pp. Know Nothings supported worker- souri, and North Carolina. Women ISBN 0-8139-2297-6. $45.00 (hard- based strikes and openly worked to participated in, and created, change cover). push African-Americans and im- as energetic volunteers and able Slavery, secession, and the role migrants out of trades coveted by fund-raisers. They raised money of the planter elite in the coming white natives. The party also used for orphanages, sewed clothes for of the Civil War are subjects that its influence to squelch voter sup- the needy, and supported female historians have analyzed through port for the Democratic Party on missionaries. They petitioned seek- a microscope for the past one hun- Election Day. Eventually, members ing legislative action, financial aid, dred years. Frank Towers, an as- of Baltimore’s Reform Party were and divorce. As early as the 1840 sociate professor of history at the forced to align themselves with presidential election, they were ac- University of Calgary, addresses the Democratic Party to counter tive in political campaigns and par- these issues in The Urban South the Know Nothings’ influence. ticipated in debates on the most im- and the Coming of the Civil War, Across the South, slavehold- portant issues of the day — among but his scholarly approach differs ers, whose power was increasingly them slavery, the public debt, and from most other works concern- challenged by city workers, feared education. They wrote letters to ing Southern politics. The Urban that worker-dominated municipal governors requesting pardons, ap- South scrutinizes urban political governments would threaten the pointments to office, and assistance. development in three Southern cit- old political order and social sys- Throughout history, the efforts of ies in the decade leading up to the tem that slavery supported. The women in the public sphere have War Between the States: Baltimore, Republican Party, and many Know paved the way for change. Saint Louis, and New Orleans. It is Nothings, supported the free soil In her essay on Confederate a study in local and state politics, movement. In Baltimore, city women in wartime North Carolina, the working class’s developing dwellers opposed to the pro-Union Jacqueline Glass Campbell provides political clout, and the influence American Party embraced seces- a moving account of the destruc- these metropolises wielded in their sion with the Democratic Party tion of historical records. Soldiers states’ decisions to secede or re- as part of the political course. Be- raided courthouses, defaced ac- main in the Union. Urban growth cause members of the traditional count books, scattered papers, and in the South’s largest cities reflected Southern leadership believed it tossed records outside. Some pock- similar trends in other American was imperative to stop the grow- eted papers as souvenirs, and one municipalities across the nation. ing Northern influence in South- spread a family Bible over the back The book is not arranged in ern cities, secession became an of his horse in place of a saddle. As chronological fashion; it is a topi- increasingly valid response. In a result of this episode, readers of cal study. Towers introduces read- Saint Louis, the Republican Party Women Shaping the South can better ers to an analysis of James Henry became the workingman’s party. It appreciate the importance of the Hammond’s “mudsill” speech, was the anti-establishment parties region’s documentary heritage and which reflected attempts by seces- of two of the South’s largest cities its sometimes-fragmentary nature, sionists to link America’s grow- that kept Maryland and Missouri as well as the painstaking work of ing sectional conflict with urban in the Union. The Know Noth- the scholars represented in this growth. As later chapters show, ing presence in New Orleans was volume to piece together the story Southern cities increasingly be- not strong enough to counter the of the past from primary sources. came home to thousands of wage planter elite’s political influence. Those interested in women’s his- earners, a new phenomenon in The Urban South is divided into APRIL–JUNE, 2006 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 55

six chapters, with appendices water Virginia. Hatfield also writes the struggle to change laws that ex- and endnotes. Towers consulted a of the Maxwell family’s ties to the cluded women from juries. “A jury number of manuscript collections, area, of Edith Maxwell’s happy of her peers,” writes Hatfield, “the nineteenth-century newspapers, youth as a tomboy in Jenkins, Ken- birthright of every citizen, was and various secondary sources in tucky, and of her college experi- merely a hollow promise” for Max- compiling this historical study of ence, highly unusual for a young well. Clearly, there were reasonable the South’s largest cities. His end- woman of her circumstances. After doubts as to Maxwell’s guilt. Hat- notes provide interested scholars attending Radford State Teachers field also persuasively argues that with other books and articles to College (later Radford University), various groups from the NWP to peruse. Students of antebellum Maxwell reluctantly returned to Hollywood production companies America will find this book of in- Pound, where she associated with used the Maxwell case to advance terest and a necessary addition to the “bright young set,” tested the their own agendas. their American history library. boundaries of acceptable behavior, The strength of Hatfield’s work — reviewed by Cassandra Britt is the historical framework she cre- Farrell, Map Specialist and Senior Re- ates for the story and the insight search Archivist she provides on the colorful cast Was he bludgeoned by of characters involved in the Max- his daughter…? Or did well case, from “Cissy” Patterson, Sharon Hatfield.Never Seen owner of the Washington Times Her- the Moon: The Trials of Edith he have a freak fall…? ald, to Gail Laughlin, vice chair of Maxwell. Urbana and Chi- the National Woman’s Party. Never HATFIELD REVIEW cago: University of Illinois Seen the Moon includes several pho- Press, 2005. xvii + 286 pp. ISBN 0- tographs, endnotes, a thorough 252-03003-6. $21.95 (hardcover). bibliographic essay, and an index, In Never Seen the Moon, Sharon and became frustrated by the limi- always helpful to the historian Hatfield examines the murder tri- tations of small-town life. and researcher. Although the book als of “the Lonesome Pine Girl,” Using an array of primary and might be described as “true crime,” Edith Maxwell, accused of kill- secondary sources, including news- it reads less like a riveting narrative ing her father in 1935. The story, paper reports, court testimony, and more like a work of history. It which started with a mysterious letters, and interviews, Hatfield is an excellent addition to libraries death in Pound, Virginia, quickly provides a detailed narrative of with interest in Appalachian histo- spread across the nation, and by the mysterious events leading up ry and culture, twentieth-century the end of Maxwell’s ordeal, even to the death of Maxwell’s father, journalism, the progress of wom- Eleanor Roosevelt had loose ties Trigg Maxwell. Was he bludgeoned en’s rights in America, and law and to her case. Hatfield, writing from by his daughter in retaliation for politics in Virginia. a journalist’s perspective, exposes his abusive and alcohol-soaked in- — reviewed by Kelley Ewing, Lead how the young, attractive teacher quiries about her late-night where- Project Cataloger, Virginia Newspaper from a small Appalachian town abouts? Or did he have a freak fall Project came to represent a martyr of the against a meat block that caused woman’s rights movement, an icon head trauma during a heated of the press, and a threat to tradi- father-daughter spat? What fol- Joseph Blotner. An Unex- tional Appalachian values. lowed Trigg Maxwell’s death were pected Life. Baton Rouge: Hatfield begins by setting the Edith’s trials and a frenzy of na- Louisiana State Univer- scene of Southwest Virginia life tional media attention akin to the sity Press, 2005. xi + 295 during the 1920s and 1930s. She O. J. Simpson fiasco. Ultimately, pp. ISBN 0-8071-3039-7. $29.95 discusses the development and the story gained so much national (hardcover). history of the area, the draw of its attention that it inspired the War- This memoir hustles in about valuable natural resources, and the ner Brothers motion picture Moun- 300 pages through the life of a pioneers who settled it. As someone tain Justice (1937). man who was an airman, author, who is obviously sympathetic to Along with sensationalist news- scholar, and teacher. Joseph Blot- Appalachian life, Hatfield includes papers, which had found a perfect ner, who wrote biographies of Wil- a valuable explanation of the subject for exploitation in the liam Faulkner and Robert Penn region’s similarity to eastern Ten- young murder suspect, the Nation- Warren, jars readers in the first five nessee and Kentucky and its lack al Woman’s Party found in Edith pages with his initiation as a com- of connection to Central and Tide- Maxwell a compelling symbol for bat flyer aboard a B-17 Flying For- PAGE 56 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES APRIL–JUNE, 2006

tress over Europe in the autumn of home several times and even got oirs do not have to have them, the 1944. He had earned his navigator’s to meet people who had served as better parts of this one hold trea- wings just that summer. His sixth models for characters in Faulkner’s sures that would be more acces- mission that autumn ended with a books in places as mundane as the sible to researchers were they easy crash landing in Germany. grocery store. Blotner had sadder to find. An Unexpected Life is worth Blotner writes well of the joys interactions as well: He brought the toil, though. Future Faulkner of flight, the military life, and vi- Faulkner to a Richmond psychi- scholars had best read it. brant young men at risk of their atric hospital to recover from a — reviewed by G. W. Poindexter, lives. Details such as a sergeant’s drinking binge. Editorial Research Fellow, Dictionary pre-dawn statement of how much After Faulkner died, Blotner sat of Virginia Biography fuel was in the waiting airplane on the Mississippi porch with the as the klaxon heralded Blotner’s writer’s family, drink in hand, first combat mission illustrate the and talked about the writer and John Dinan. The Virginia matter-of-fact measurement of the family. This entrée formalized State Constitution: A Refer- life and death for young people at ence Guide. Reference Guide war. The gem of his war writing is to the State Constitutions the description of his months as a of the United States, Number 42. prisoner of war. Captured but not He brought Faulkner to Westport, Conn., and London: injured after the crash, Blotner was a Richmond psychiatric Praeger, 2006. xv + 256 pp. ISBN 0- sent to successive camps filled with 313-33208-8. $109.95 (hardcover). aviators. Hunger and activities to hospital to recover from Not since the publication in relieve boredom were interspersed 1974 of the two-volume Commen- with the realization that the end a drinking binge. taries on the Constitution of Virginia of war was near. When American by University of Virginia law pro- BLOTNER REVIEW forces bombed nearby Nuremberg, fessor A. E. Dick Howard has the the airmen were relieved to see red constitution of the commonwealth flares dropped by waves of bomb- been the subject of a comprehen- ers. The flares were signals to fol- a few months later into writing a sive reference work. One in a series lowing waves to avoid bombing two-volume biography, editing a of reference volumes on all of the the camp. volume of letters and a book of sto- state constitutions, Dinan’s work After his 1945 release and repa- ries, and lecturing extensively on on the Virginia constitutions dif- triation, Blotner earned a doctorate the author. Later Blotner wrote a fers from Howard’s chiefly in that in English, married, and became biography of Warren. it contains full accounts of all of a professor at several colleges. He This memoir has its drawbacks. the conventions and constitutions landed propitiously at the Uni- It is written less for readers of of Virginia — those of 1776, 1830, versity of Virginia in 1955. Two Faulkner than it is for scholars of 1851, 1864, 1868, 1902, and 1971, years later, he became one of two Faulkner, familiar not only with plus the aborted revision of 1861 faculty members who shepherded the books by Faulkner but also and the significant overhaul of the university’s first writer in resi- with the books about and criti- 1928. Howard’s volumes focused dence, William Faulkner, in his cism of the writer. Be prepared to on the Constitution of 1971 and years in Charlottesville. An assign- be slightly confused and to read the evolution of its provisions. ment blossomed into a friendship parts more than once. The refer- Dinan’s reference work contains so deep that Blotner served in 1962 ences to elements of Blotner’s aca- good descriptions of the circum- as one of the Nobel Prize winner’s demic career and Blotner’s round stances under which each of the pallbearers. of overseas teaching fellowships state’s constitutions was adopted The book glows with descrip- are interspersed with stories of and what its major provisions were. tions of Faulkner’s interactions his first wife, who had significant For that reason, the reference desk with people. Blotner, on first meet- health problems. These episodes of any public or academic library ing the Mississippian, was sur- are less interesting, although they that fields questions about Virgin- prised to be addressed with “Morn- do round out Blotner’s life and ia’s constitutional, legal, or politi- ing, Gin’ral.” The humorous story, provide background if readers are cal history may make good use of which would be a shame to reveal, curious about the life of a respect- this thorough, well-organized, and illustrates Faulkner’s comfort with ed and successful scholar in the well-researched volume. long silences. Blotner traveled to mid-twentieth century. Finally, the — reviewed by Brent Tarter, Editor, Mississippi to visit Faulkner at book has no index. Although mem- Dictionary of Virginia Biography VL