Download of What Is in Store and Then Attend the RDA Tech Forum to Share Your Thoughts, Ideas, and Concerns

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

Midwinter PREVIEW + ATLANTA DINING GUIDE NEWSMAKER: Neil Patrick p. 56 Harris p. 28 Referenda Roundup p. 36 Resources for Former Inmates p. 50

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American Libraries | Volume 48 #1/2 | ISSN 0002-9769

COVER STORY 56 Midwinter Preview The conversation starts here... BY Terra Dankowski

64 Eating in the ATL Where to dine during Midwinter BY Creative Loaﬁng Atlanta and Phil Morehart

50 FEATURES 32 2016: Year in Review A look back on the stories that affected libraries BY The Editors 36 Referenda Roundup How states performed on library measures BY Kathy Rosa and Kelsey Henke 64 44 Embed with Business Taking your library into the business world BY Barbara A. Alvarez 50 Keeping Inmates on the Outside Libraries offer services and support to ease prisoner reentry BY Megan Cottrell 32 ON THE COVER: Photo © Nickolay Khoroshkov/Adobe Stock 18 29 24

UP FRONT TRENDS OPINION 4 From the Editor 18 Library Cats Leave Some ANOTHER STORY Looking Out for Sneezing, Others Feline Fine 30 Revisiting an Old Friend Communities Libraries face hard choices as BY Joseph Janes BY Laurie D. Borman resident kitties grow scarcer ON MY MIND BY Anne Ford 10 From Our Readers 31 Best of Both Worlds 22 The Future of Library Cards BY Michael Oden ALA Technology makes library resources more accessible PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 6 From the BY Kaitlin Throgmorton President IN PRACTICE Moving Forward 24 Bringing Assistive 70 Never Neutral Together Technology to Patrons BY Meredith Farkas BY Julie B. Todaro Libraries and state agencies team up to offer technology training for DISPATCHES 8 From the Treasurer patrons with visual impairments 71 Social Media Optimization A Look at ALA’s BY Alison Marcotte BY Doralyn Rossmann and Scott W. H. Young Finances BY Susan H. Hildreth SPOTLIGHT YOUTH MATTERS 12 Update 26 ‘How Would I Respond?’ 72 Partnerships Beyond Four Walls BY Ashley J. Cooksey What’s happening A school librarian helps middle schoolers learn the lessons of the Holocaust at ALA LIBRARIAN’S LIBRARY BY Anne Ford 74 Developing New Skills NEWSMAKER BY Karen Muller 28 Neil Patrick Harris On reading, writing, and SOLUTIONS why he owes librarians a lot 76 Improving Library Websites PLUS Products to enhance your online presence 19 By the Numbers 27 Global Reach PEOPLE 29 Noted & Quoted 78 Announcements

THE BOOKEND 80 A Librarian with Spirit(s) 80

The RDA Toolkit Restructure and Redesign Project will be a major focus of discussion at the ALA Midwinter Meeting. The project aims to signiﬁca ntly improve the functionality and utility of RDA Toolkit and will include revisions to RDA based on the IFLA Library Reference Model.

Attend the RDA Forum for a full download of what is in store and then attend the RDA Tech Forum to share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns.

RDA RDA FORUM TECH FORUM

DATE January 21 DATE January 23 TIME 10:30-11:30am TIME 1:00-2:30pm ROOM GWCC-B407 ROOM GWCC-B405

LEARN MORE AT RDATOOLKIT.ORG/BLOG/3RPROJECT from the EDITOR

THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

Address: 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611 Looking Out for Communities Website: americanlibrariesmagazine.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-545-2433 plus extension ast year was a banner year for the library world Career Ads: JobLIST.ala.org as well as for American Libraries. In October, EDITOR AND PUBLISHER everyone cheered as Carla Hayden was con- Laurie D. Borman firmed as Librarian of Congress. We were privi- What do [email protected] | x4213 L MANAGING EDITOR leged to interview her in our last issue. We introduced you like Sanhita SinhaRoy Dewey Decibel, our new podcast, in April. If you haven’t best about Center for Atlanta? [email protected] | x4219 Civil and checked it out, you need to download it and listen SENIOR EDITORS Hu man Rights soon! We’ve also increased our online content—such Amy Carlton as our Latest Library Links feature, updated several [email protected] | x5105 George M. Eberhart times daily—so you can get more information about [email protected] | x4212 Laurie D. Borman The Atlanta library happenings sooner. Be sure to see our year- ASSOCIATE EDITORS Botanical The Junkman’s in-review feature for other library world highlights, Ga rd e n Terra Dankowski [email protected] | x5282 Daughter, beginning on page 32. Phil Morehart Atlanta’s How did libraries fare in the 2016 election? Director [email protected] | x4218 alternative su perstore of the Office for Research and Statistics (ORS) Kathy EDITOR-AT-LARGE Anne Ford Rosa and ORS program officer Kelsey Henke found a [email protected] | x2157 lot of community support for libraries, and they share EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ASSISTANT the news in Referenda Roundup on page 36. Carrie Smith Of course, there were some low moments. Post- [email protected] | x4216 The Buckhead ART DIRECTOR election, there was much unrest, and from my new neighborhood Rebecca Lomax home in Indiana, I saw a lot of it up close and personal: [email protected] | x4217 swastikas painted on bike trails behind a Habitat for ADVERTISING Humanity neighborhood as well as on an Episcopal Michael Stack [email protected] | 847-367-7120 Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement. church. But libraries and librarians can counter the ALA reserves the right to refuse advertising. messages of hate. The school librarian who helps kids PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT to learn what a fake news site is, the libraries that Bill Ott, Acting Associate Executive Director Mary Jo Bolduc, Rights, Permissions, Reprints | x5416 add diverse books to their collections, the ones that MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT offer a safe haven lift us all. Libraries are places for Ron Jankowski, Director community gathering and conversation and can be the ADVISORY COMMITTEE neutral space for diverse views and people. ALA offers a Joseph M. Eagan (Chair), Helen Ruth Adams, Ernie J. Cox, Lee A. Cummings, Christine Korytnyk Dulaney, Tina Franks, resource page on how you can help: ala.org/advocacy/ Jasmina Jusic. Interns: Tom Bober, Lucy Kelly Are library diversity/libraries-respond/2016election. Editorial policy: ALA Policy Manual, section A.8.2 One other way libraries are bridging communities is INDEXED Available full text from ProQuest, EBSCO Publishing, cats on the through assisting prisoners with resources as they pre- H. W. Wilson, LexisNexis, Information Access, JSTOR. pare to reenter society. Megan Cottrell’s story of these decline? SUBSCRIBE librarians and their efforts begins on page 50. Libraries and other institutions: $70/year, 6 issues, US, Canada, If you’re attending Midwinter, don’t miss our Midwin- and Mexico; foreign: $80. Subscription price for individuals in- Learn more cluded in ALA membership dues. 800-545-2433 x5108, email ter Preview, with selected event highlights, including [email protected], or visit ala.org. Claim missing issues: about this the new Symposium on the Future of Libraries, speakers ALA Member and Customer Service. Allow six weeks. W. Kamau Bell and Neil Patrick Harris, and great tips on PUBLISHED trend on American Libraries (ISSN 0002-9769) is published 6 times where to eat in our dining guide to Atlanta’s restaurants. yearly with occasional supplements by the American Library page 18. It all begins on page 56. Association (ALA). Printed in USA. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, Illinois, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Personal members: Send address changes to American Librar- ies, c/o Membership Records, ALA, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. ©2017 American Library Association. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without written permission from the publisher.

4 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Trustee United for Libraries Has Your Ticket to Success: Training Turn library support groups into powerful allies!

Successful Short Takes for Trustees: a series of ten short videos to share with library Boards to stimulate Fundraising discussion about roles and responsibilities. Strategies Webcast on how to merge Friends and Foundations, and whether it’s the best step for your library.

Trustee Academy: newly updated in-depth webinars to help Board members increase their proﬁciency on behalf of the library - taught by professionals in the ﬁeld. Bi-monthly newsletter chock full of great ideas for library Trustees, Advocacy Friends groups, and Foundations. Training for Get on the right track with United for Libraries Library State and region-wide discounted pricing is available along with stand-alone Supporters purchase of Short Takes for Trustees, Trustee Academy, and membership for individuals, groups, boards, and libraries. Contact United for Libraries for pricing at (800) 545-2433, ext. 2161, [email protected], or www.ala.org/united.

We are excited to provide Texas public libraries access to the rich resources of United for Libraries that help Trustees, Friends, and advocates create strong libraries.” “ Mark Smith Professional Director and Librarian | Texas State Library and Archives Commission Guidance Nebraska library Trustees, Friends, Foundation members, and librarians value the from information, ideas, and guidance available from United for Libraries’ many resources Experienced “and services, which are essential to the operation of a 21st century library.” Rod Wagner Staff Director | Nebraska Library Commission

Many of these resources are currently available through state libraries in AR, DE, ID, IL, KS, MI, MO, NE, NJ, NV, OK, SC, SD, TX, UT, VT, and WI – contact United for Libraries to gain access. If your state is not listed, Idea contact your state library to request that your state make them available. Sharing

More information online at www.ala.org/united/get-on-track, And so call (800) 545-2433, ext. 2161, much more! or email [email protected]. from the PRESIDENT

Moving Forward Together Standing up and speaking out on our vision and values is key

he American Library Association constituents, protect privacy, commit to diver- (ALA) represents not only thousands sity, and strive to ensure that we help build and of professionals but also hundreds of sustain a literate constituency. thousands of constituents in more than 120,000 academic, public, school, and Support through difficult times Tspecial libraries. Our professionals strive every Though these difficult times are unprecedented, day—in often challenging circumstances—to they are not insurmountable. We need to rethink build community and help transform the lives of how we illustrate what we do and the incredible those in our community. impact we have. This means identifying exper- Being all things to all people, however, is tise in our practices and processes and divvying Julie B. Todaro impossible. This is why the Association steps in, to responsibilities. We should commit to support- set the vision and tone for professionals to follow ing those who research and identify; those who throughout their working days, though it is not create; and those who deliver. When I deliver, always easy. In the past months I have experi- and when all of us deliver, we must reaffirm and enced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, illustrate that every single message is founded on and I have at times felt helpless during one of the our longstanding principles. most sustained, vitriolic election seasons in our We have much to offer in the years ahead, creat- nation’s history, watching as policy issues affect ing, for instance, pathfinders to crisis toolkits that our communities and our very institutions. ensure equity and diversity; materials and resources Because of this, I released a statement in late that celebrate our differences; links to guidelines November, stating, “ALA believes that the strug- for managing harassment and bullying; statements gle against racism, prejudice, stereotyping, and affirming our beliefs; and a wide range of other discrimination is central to our mission. We will resources. In addition, we have unique expertise continue to support efforts to abolish intolerance and leadership in our ALA offices and divisions, and cultural invisibility, stand up for all the mem- providing mission statements, goals, and initiatives, bers of the communities we serve, and promote not to mention tireless support for us. We also As a understanding and inclusion through our work.” have unique expertise in our member groups—via I meant it. committees, task forces, and other working groups profession, As a profession, we have remained consistent that advance both general organizational roles and in our beliefs, no matter the difficulty or chal- specific projects. And we have unique expertise we have lenge, and we must continue to do so. and commitment from our membership, including remained Some have chided me for saying we must move librarians, library workers, and stakeholders. forward, because they think it means acqui- My hope is that decision makers will focus on consistent escing in our vision and values. To me, moving working together to improve the lives of all Amer- in our forward means carefully planning for how we icans, including the most vulnerable. We will take our next steps. We can’t ignore where we are continue to work together to aggressively defend beliefs, no now, but we must educate others as to what our what we do and who we are, and we will advance ideals are and what our values mean. We must our agenda in our communities and transform the matter the continue to be inclusive beacons for meaningful lives of our constituents. difficulty or and equitable public discourse, push for social justice, champion intellectual freedom, fight for JULIE B. TODARO is dean of library services at Austin challenge. equitable access to resources and services for our (Tex.) Community College.

6 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org A shortcut is only a shortcut if it saves you time

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Visit us at ALA MW in Atlanta, booth #1126 from the TREASURER

A Look at ALA’s Finances The Association’s budgets reviewed and approved

his is my first column as ALA treasurer, investments that will help grow publishing rev- and my goal during my term in office enue in the future. Also included in the budget is to make sure our membership has a is the increased support for investments in clear understanding of where ALA is technology, with major systems such as the new financially and that we strategically ALA e-commerce and e-learning site scheduled to Tuse the Association’s resources to support pro- roll out this year. As treasurer, I will be working grammatic priorities. closely with the ALA executive director, the chief For fiscal year 2016, which just closed, I am financial officer, and the finance staff to monitor glad that ALA came very close to its budget, with our revenue and expenses over the coming year. operating revenues of $50,815,693 and operating For this reason, one of the most important Susan H. Hildreth expenses of $51,259,221. It was a rather challeng- things that informed members know is that ing year. We include a number of activities for our for every dollar ALA collects in member dues, revenue: publishing ($11,705,837), Annual and another $5 is generated through publishing, con- Midwinter meetings ($5,564,072 and $2,785,904, ferences, grants, and endowment support. This respectively), membership ($5,515,846), division means ALA is much stronger than it could ever be activities ($15,810,609), grants ($6,329,463), if it were solely dependent on member dues, and round table activities ($434,927), and invest- it makes our advocacy, information policy, and ment income from the endowment and short- professional leadership development programs term cash investments ($936,052). much, much stronger. Every one of those ALA Within this overall budget, revenue sources dollars works very hard for us as members, for varied somewhat from original projections. ALA libraries, and for the public we serve. publishing revenue was $1,193,513 (or approx- Overall, ALA continues to maintain a healthy imately 9%) lower than original projections, balance of assets—including the endowment— as were the Annual and Midwinter conference and liabilities. This financial soundness and the revenue variances of $720,403 and $220,646 ALA endowment are important for the long-term (11% and 7%, respectively). Within the general stability and sustainability of the Association. We fund, these lower-than-projected revenues were expect to be around for many years to come as we partially offset by $1,164,139 lower expenses face a future that continues to be full of opportu- than budgeted. Grants were $1,468,200 higher nities and challenges for libraries. We are in it for than projected, as was revenue generated by the long run. Overall, the divisions ($155,413 greater than budget). I look forward to reporting back to the mem- ALA Division expenses were also $1,400,738 lower bership on a regular basis about financial issues than budget. that affect the Association, and I invite you to continues Given the final revenue results for publish- visit the treasurer’s page at ala.org/aboutala/ to maintain ing, ALA management took a close look at treasurerspage for more detailed information the initial projections for the 2017 fiscal year, on the 2016 results, the 2017 budget, and other a healthy which began September 1. Ultimately, the ALA financial information. Executive Board approved a final 2017 budget balance of that included a $500,000 decrease of publish- SUSAN H. HILDRETH is ALA treasurer and professor assets and ing revenue projections that were matched by of practice at the Information School of the Univer- expense reductions in publishing and the other sity of Washington in Seattle. She is former director liabilities. ALA offices. This revised budget also included of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

8 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org THE WORLD’S #1 Library Event

Registration and housing open at noon (Central) on February 2, 2017 at alaannual.org JOIN US TO learn, share, AND participate IN THE TRANSFORMATION OF LIBRARIES. from our READERS

Finally got Trump himself (“A Message to around to Snapchat Engagement Members,” The Scoop, Nov. 21). We have a Snapchat account set The lobbying arm of the Amer- listening to up for our library, Anne Arundel ican Library Association (ALA) @jaslar on County Public Library in Mary- works hard to protect the Insti- @DeweyDecibel. land, and tend to use the “Stories” tute of Museum and Library Ser- feature (“Snapchat in the Library,” vices (IMLS) from budget cuts, Inspiring and Nov./Dec., p. 22). Though if a for example, which in turn pro- informative patron sends us a message, we tects state libraries, which in turn conversation. try to respond to keep the conver- protects all the others. Someone Feeling sation going—or at least let them in the new administration may know we are not just robots. think IMLS cuts should be made, reinvigorated! We’ve had some great readers’ especially if ALA offends them. #LibraryLife advisory moments and fun ALA put out a reasonable @CARDIGANHUNTER reactions from customers, like public relations message that in response to the when we posted a picture of the highlighted what libraries are Dewey Decibel episode, new Doctor Who book and asked Books for Inmates already doing that aligns with “It Could Happen to library users to tell us which of I appreciate the work that these the new administration’s plans You: Banned Books” the doctors is their favorite! books-to-prisoners groups do and explained how they can Samantha Zline (“The Freedom of Reading,” AL expand the capacity of those Pasadena, Maryland Online, Oct. 31)! I volunteer with programs with support from one in Canada. the new administration. No core One thing I will say, howev- principles were betrayed. There 3D Printing Hazards er, is that volunteer programs is no justification for ALA to There is a somewhat newer study are no match for a reasonably take an offensive stance. If and that really helps clear the air, so funded institutional library or a when a problem arises, ALA will to speak, about 3D printers, fila- partnership with a regional or defend our core principles as it ments, and what they emit (“The municipal public library. Edmon- always does. Health Effects of 3D Printing,” AL ton (Alberta) Public Library Elsa Kramer Online, Oct. 11). Researchers at provides a breadth of materials Indianapolis the Illinois Institute of Technology for one correctional institution published a comprehensive study that we could never match as a My primary concern is that in 2016, which you can read in its grassroots volunteer organiza- the Association—including the entirety in Environmental Science tion. I’d like to see more public staff in Chicago and Washing- & Technology (bit.ly/2g4813X). libraries implementing services ton, D.C., the Executive Board, You can also read a slimmed for citizens who are incarcerated. and the ALA president—are all down translation at Hackaday Allison Sivak acting on the same principles (bit.ly/2fAYUvv). Edmonton, Alberta and rowing in the same direc- Essentially, acrylonitrile- tion on position statements and butadiene-styrene filaments are political action. I understand bad, and polylactic-acid filaments Response to ALA the penchant to take a midline are not bad—for now, at least. President’s Message approach, keeping in mind the Christina Keasler The monster to avoid antagoniz- diversity of the members of ALA Glen Ellyn, Illinois ing is the new administration, not and the communities that we

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

10 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org serve. But I think we all need to the unfortunately released press on my behalf, I am dismayed by Some acknowledge that we are oper- release and am ashamed that my its apparent willingness to effec- interesting ating in a political environment professional organization and tively disavow the organization’s that most of us have not experi- its president chose to normalize strong record of activism for ideas on an enced yet in our lifetimes. Trump’s America. social justice, in what appears to aspect of 3D Our Association and profes- Jane Cothron be an effort to appease the new printing most sional values are clearly stated Newport, Oregon president and Congress. in Julie B. Todaro’s message. I As an ALA member of nearly of us are not ask that we keep those values in I support the original message, 40 years, and as coordinator thinking about! mind when any aspect of ALA is which was in no way opposed of the Social Responsibilities #SafetyFirst making decisions. to ALA core principles. Rather, Round Table Feminist Task Force, @CMLELIBS in Sarah Houghton it opened the possibility of dia- I ask that ALA President Julie response to “The Health San Rafael, California logue, which is sorely needed. B. Todaro and the Executive Effects of 3D Printing” Tim McFadden Board act quickly to provide the (AL Online, Oct. 11) Library patrons are affected Edgecomb, Maine membership with evidence that by racism, homophobia, they will ensure that all Washing- Islamophobia—the unholy trinity Not only do I feel betrayed by the ton Office activities are strictly that elected Trump. Social justice Washington Office making prom- aligned with ALA core values. is a library value, and I expect ises of support for the adminis- Sherre Harrington ALA to stand up for that. I read tration of President-Elect Trump Rome, Georgia

UPCOMING EPISODES

JANUARY 20 Library Marketing

FEBRUARY 16 Makerspaces

American Libraries knows how MARCH 17 essential it is to stay up to date How to Design Your Own Library on new developments in our READ Poster ﬁ eld. American Libraries Live APRIL 13 is a free webinar that you can Taking on New Job view from your home, library, Responsibilities or favorite Wi-Fi spot. MAY 19 Social Media: Watch episodes about library What’s Next? issues and trends and interact JUNE 16 Mindfulness for with hosts via a live chat, Librarians gaining immediate answers to JULY 7 all of your pressing questions. The ALA Annual Tech Wrap-Up

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 11 ALA Awarded IMLS Grant for Training he American Library Association (ALA) Public Pro- “Libraries Transform: Community Engagement Models grams Office has been awarded $243,922 by the Insti- for Change” is based on the idea that libraries have a unique Ttute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura capacity to support healthy, sustainable communities. ALA Bush 21st Century Librarian Program for a two-year profes- is partnering with several change-making leaders—such as sional development project that will train library professionals the National Coalition on Dialogue and Deliberation, Every- in community leadership techniques like coalition-building day Democracy, National Issues Forums, and World Café—to and dialogue facilitation. develop and lead the trainings. Courses are intended to Through “Libraries Transform: Community Engagement meet the needs of various library types and sizes: small, Models for Change,” ALA will offer a series of web-based medium-sized, and rural public libraries; large public library and in-person workshops designed for public and academic systems; and academic libraries. Library professionals serv- libraries, all free of charge for participants. ing small and rural communities will be invited to apply for “In today’s changing library landscape, it is increasingly clear 25 scholarships to defray the cost of travel and lodging for that skills like facilitation and consensus building are vital com- in-person workshops. petencies for library professionals,” said ALA President Julie B. Through a partnership with ALA’s Center for the Future Todaro in a September 9 statement. “ALA has been a champion of Libraries, all participants will receive digital badges in of community engagement work for years, and we’re excited recognition of their participation. An introductory webinar that this IMLS support will provide libraries and librarians even will be held February 9 for interested participants. For more more resources to aid them in this important work.” information, visit ala.org/LTC. •

ALA Executive Director ensure a smooth transition and expect the the Association of College and Research Announces Retirement selection process for the next executive Libraries (ACRL). Between 2013–2016, ALA Executive Director Keith Michael director to last through summer 2017. he served as editor in chief of the ACRL Fiels will retire in July 2017. Fiels has led In announcing his retirement to ALA journal College and Research Libraries. ALA since 2002, making him one of the staff, Fiels said, “It has been an incredi- Ballot mailing for the 2017 ALA longest-serving executive directors in the ble honor to have served my colleagues, election will begin on March 13 and Association’s history. libraries, and the public in this position will run through April 5. Individuals Under Fiels’s leadership, the Asso- for going on 15 years, during which must be members in good standing as of ciation launched several initiatives, we have made significant strides—and January 31 in order to vote in the 2017 including the Office for Library Advo- weathered a few storms. The staff and ALA election. cacy and the Center for the Future of membership of ALA are the most amaz- Libraries; expanded its publishing divi- ing group of individuals that anyone Learn How to Respond to a sion; increased community engage- could ever ask to work with.” Library Security Incident ment; and expanded its professional ALA Editions is conducting a workshop development programs. Scott Walter Announces on library security on January 19. Before he came to ALA, Fiels was Candidacy for ALA Presidency In “How to Respond to a Security Inci- director of the Massachusetts Board of Scott Walter, university librarian at dent in Your Library,” author, security Library Commissioners for 10 years. DePaul University in Chicago, has filed as expert, and former police officer Steve He also served as president of the Chief a petition candidate for the 2018–2019 Albrecht will show workshop attendees Officers of State Library Agencies and ALA presidency. how to respond effectively to security as staff consultant for the New York and An ALA member for 20 years, Walter incidents in their library. New Jersey State Libraries. served on ALA Council 2013–2016, on Albrecht will take the top 10 security, ALA President Julie B. Todaro and ALA the ALA Publishing Committee 2014– behavior, crime, or emergency-related officers have been working with Fiels to 2016, and numerous committees within incidents that occur in libraries and

12 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org JAN. 20–24 ALA Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits | Atlanta Briefs Show Libraries’ Impact 2017.alamidwinter.org

he ALA Office for Information Community Connection explains how MAR. 5–11 Teen Tech Week Technology Policy released a California veteran received medical teentechweek.ning.com Tthree briefs in November that benefits and back pay he was unaware use snapshots of library programs of thanks to a library referral. MAR. 16 Freedom of Information Day across the country to illustrate librar- America’s Libraries: Powering bit.ly/1GTd9lw ies’ impact on communities, specifi- Broadband Access, Adoption, and Use cally in the areas of entrepreneurship, shows how families in public housing MAR. 20–24 services to veterans, and broadband with school-aged children receive Public Library Association Leadership Academy adoption and use. digital literacy training and access to Portland, Oregon One Small Business at a Time: online homework resources and other bit.ly/2dVk7Mm Building Entrepreneurial Opportunity digital services at libraries. APR. in America’s Communities details how The briefs’ releases coincided with a School Library Month a Maryland ice cream entrepreneur November 17 event in Washington, D.C., ala.org/aasl/slm used library resources to write an hosted by ALA and the Internet Asso- APR. 9–15 award-winning business plan that led ciation, that focused on how to harness National Library Week to $50,000 in seed money and the the internet and US libraries to increase bit.ly/1gUe48B launch of her shop. economic opportunity. The briefs are APR. 11 Libraries Help and Honor Our available in the November 18 edition of National Library Workers Day Veterans: Employment, Education, and AL Direct at bit.ly/2fyDaQQ. • ala-apa.org/nlwd

APR. 12 National Bookmobile Day bit.ly/1gUe488 describe the issues, concerns, and in New York City; and the home of Frank APR. 22–29 responses surrounding them. Many of Sullivan in Saratoga Springs. Money Smart Week the scenarios will involve challenging or ESCB, the New York State affiliate for bit.ly/1DDf2N3 problem-inducing patrons, and others the Library of Congress Center for the will discuss responses to events that Book, works with United for Libraries to APR. 23–29 Preservation Week staff might not always know how to deal dedicate sites that have significant rela- bit.ly/1OYbtqx with properly. tionships to an author, book, or literary The workshop will last 90 minutes. activity. The center has been the lead in APR. 30 El día de los niños/ For more information and to sign up, the designation of the Cathedral of Saint El día de los libros visit bit.ly/2fHQ8GW. John the Divine in honor of Madeleine dia.ala.org L’Engle, author of A Wrinkle in Time, and MAY 1–2 Three Literary Landmarks the windmill at the Southampton campus National Library Legislative Day Dedicated in New York of SUNY Stony Brook, where Tennessee ala.org/advocacy/advleg/nlld United for Libraries, in partnership with Williams resided for a summer. MAY 1–7 Empire State Center for the Book (ESCB), More than 150 Literary Landmarks Choose Privacy Week dedicated three Literary Landmarks in across the United States have been chooseprivacyweek.org October and November to commemorate dedicated since the Literary Landmark JUNE the literary heritage of New York. This program began in 1986. Any library or National GLBT Book Month will bring the number of literary land- group may apply for a Literary Land- ala.org/glbtbookmonth marks up to 22 in the state. mark through United for Libraries. For JUNE 22–27 The new landmarks are Steepletop, the more information about the program, ALA Annual Conference home of writer Edna St. Vincent Millay, visit ala.org/united/products_services/ and Exhibition | Chicago in Austerlitz; the Society of Illustrators literarylandmarks. 2017.alaannual.org

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 13 UPDATE

Transform Your Library into a Bookapalooza The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and the Grants Admin- istration Committee are accepting online applications for the 2017 Bookapalooza Program. Bookapalooza offers libraries a collection of materials that can be used to creatively enhance services to children and families. The materials are primarily SIBF/ALA Library Confer- for children up to age 14 and include ence attendees gather in newly published books, videos, audio- the Librarian’s Lounge at the Expo Centre Sharjah. books, and recordings from children’s trade publishers. Applicants will be judged on: ALA Heads Back to Sharjah ■ The degree of need in the community and in the library where the materials ibrarians from across the Persian Gulf, Middle East, and North Africa will be used (MENA) gathered at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) in the ■ How the materials will improve service LUnited Arab Emirates (UAE) November 8–10 for the third annual SIBF/ to children American Library Association (ALA) Library Conference. The international pro- ■ The extent to which the plan for using fessional development event supports ALA’s global theme, “Partnering to build the materials is creative and innovative stronger libraries worldwide.” ■ The clarity and effectiveness of the Approximately 350 librarians took part in three days of programs, training, plan to make the materials available and networking in both Arabic and English, with translation provided. The con- ■ The library’s statement of need ference allowed participants to learn from international experts from the MENA Applicants must be personal members region as well as from the US. of ALSC, as well as ALA members, to The 2016 conference offered more interactivity and focused on specific apply. The deadline for submissions is topics, including in-depth facilitated discussion sections on how to build stron- February 1. ger library associations in the MENA region; the importance of research impact For more information about the award and writing for librarians; and successes, struggles, and challenges in school requirements and to submit an online libraries and with reading initiatives. application, visit bit.ly/2g4J23y. ALA President Julie B. Todaro opened the conference with an update on ALA’s Libraries Transform campaign, addressing library transformation as ALCTS to Hold Its First essential to the communities we serve. Todaro, whose ALA presidential initiative Online Forum includes training and highlighting “the expert in the library,” also led a session In May, the Association for Library Col- on how to integrate continuous learning with work. Miguel Figueroa, director of lections and Technical Services (ALCTS) the ALA Center for the Future of Libraries, provided the second day’s keynote will hold its first fully online event. on the importance of exploring trends and signals, and how they point to prefer- Part of ALCTS’s 60th anniversary, able futures for our work. the ALCTS Exchange will celebrate the The 11-day run of the 35th SIBF drew 2.3 million visitors to review and buy intersections of libraries, collection man- books and other materials from 1,681 publishing houses offering approximately agement, acquisitions, metadata and 1.5 million titles and representing 60 countries. cataloging, preservation, and technology “SIBF’s overwhelming success in attracting such huge audiences each and with four days of interactive learning every day is a testament to the incredible efforts made by Sharjah in the cultural opportunities. and literary sphere over the past 35 years,” said Ahmed Al Ameri, SIBF director The event will employ a range of and chair of the Sharjah Book Authority. presentation formats, including virtual For more about SIBF, visit sharjah bookfair.com. • poster sessions and lightning rounds. Presenters will host sessions on changes MARY MACKAY is ALA marketing director. in existing workflows, creative problem

solving, developing connections that Book Fair Sharjah International Photo:

14 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org UPDATE

impact the experiences of library users, Challenge. A total of three first-place Public Library; Oscar Gittemeier from and building skills in preparation for winners and one honorable mention Atlanta-Fulton (Ga.) Public Library library leadership and management were selected. System; and Devera Chandler from Winder roles. Live session polling, pre-event The challenge took place at YALSA’s (Ga.) Public Library (honorable mention). assignments, and discussion boards that 2016 YA Services Symposium Novem- Winners received $1,500, and the facilitate conversations between pre- ber 4–6 in Pittsburgh, via a Shark Tank– honorable mention recipient received senters and attendees will also be used like scenario where attendees pitched $500. Winning programs will be throughout the event. ideas to a panel of judges. included on YALSA’s programming site. Registration for the ALCTS Exchange Seventeen programs were proposed in Funding for the challenge was provided is now open. Early-bird registration is which each program had to: through a grant from the Dollar General $249 for ALCTS individual members, ■ Relate to the symposium’s theme, Literacy Foundation. $319 for ALA individual members, $359 “Empowering Teens to Increase Your To learn more about the Teen Pro- for nonmembers, $99 for ALA student Library’s Impact” gramming HQ and how to contribute, members, and $595 for groups. Registra- ■ Include something learned or expe- visit hq.yalsa.net. tion rates will increase after March 1. rienced in one of the symposium For details and additional information, sessions Nomination Window for the visit bit.ly/2gBLzT2. ■ Closely align with YALSA’s Futures ALA Trustee Citation Still Open Report, Organizational Plan, and Teen United for Libraries is accepting appli- YALSA Selects Winners of Its Programming Guidelines cations for the ALA Trustee Citation Programming Challenge The winners and honorable mention through January 9. The Young Adult Library Services recipient were Gabbie Barnes and Tricia Established in 1941 to recognize Association (YALSA) has selected the George from Hartford (Conn.) Public public library trustees for distinguished winners of its Symposium Programming Library; Gail Bruce from Laurel (Del.) service to library development, the

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 15 UPDATE Potter Posters citation symbolizes and honors the best for Your Library contributions and efforts of the estimated izarding world Magizoologist Newt 60,000 Americans who serve on library Scamander knows where to find boards. Trustee service may have been Wsomething fantastic—the library. performed on the local, state, regional, Celebrate the release of Warner Bros. or national level or at a combination of Pictures’ new feature film Fantastic Beasts levels. Equal consideration is given to and Where to Find Them, with posters and trustees of libraries of all sizes. bookmarks featuring Oscar winner Eddie The citation will be presented at the Redmayne as Scamander, the latest character 2017 ALA Annual Conference and Exhi- to spring from J. K. Rowling’s magical realm bition in Chicago. To nominate a trustee of Harry Potter. Use these posters and book- for the award, visit bit.ly/2fE0riZ. marks to encourage patrons of all ages to discover something new and extraordinary at the library. Find the posters, along with a slew of additional Choice Launches Newsletter new products, at alastore.ala.org/detail.aspx?ID=11907. • for the Publishing World On November 11, Choice, a publishing unit of ACRL, launched Academic acquisitions to research reports, major (YA) novel throughout 2017. (The novel Publishing Weekly, a weekly newsletter product launches, and “people on the commonly considered the first proper YA created specifically for the academic move” items—in a convenient, single- novel, S. E. Hinton’s The Outsiders, was publisher market. source format that is emailed to opt-in published in 1967.) Curated by Choice editors, the subscribers. Celebrations in the magazine will newsletter aggregates updates from To subscribe to Academic Publishing include special features and spotlights around the industry—from mergers and Weekly, visit conta.cc/2fpnJ9z. such as Booklist’s “Top 50 YA Novels Ever”; monthly guest appearances by YA Explore YALSA’s Teen authors to share insights and favorite Tech Week Website titles; a decade-by-decade retrospective On Demand. YALSA’s Teen Tech Week 2017 website is with Michael Cart in his Cart Blanche now live. column; love letters to YA from librarians Meets Demands. Teen Tech Week 2017 will take place and publishers; a librarians’ top 50 list; March 5–11, with the theme “Be the a fresh look at past YA reviews and fea- Easy-to-use Patron Scanners and Source of Change.” The theme encour- tures; and best YA audiobook coverage. Workhorse Back Office Scanners ages teens to take advantage of the The June 2017 double issue of the maga- for All Digitization Needs digital resources offered through the zine will focus on YA books. library to make a positive change in their Online content related to YA and the life and community. anniversary will be posted regularly on Library staff, after-school providers, the Booklist Reader, and Booklist will and educators interested in learning host a free “50 Years of YA” webinar. more about Teen Tech Week and how Other interactive opportunities will be they can participate can register for free announced throughout the year. Live on the site to access resources, materials, celebrations at the ALA 2017 Midwinter and themed artwork. Meeting & Exhibits in Atlanta and the Teen Tech Week is supported in part Annual Conference and Exhibition in by Best Buy, which will cohost YALSA Chicago will include presentations and digital literacy events in communities a panel discussion, giveaways, author across the nation. For more information, interviews, contests, and more. visit the 2017 Teen Tech Week site at For information about the celebra- teentechweek.ning.com. tions, visit bit.ly/2g6YXML.

BOOTH #834 Booklist Celebrates 50 Years LIS Students Encouraged to thecrowleycompany.com of Young Adult Novels Apply for LITA Writing Award 240.215.0224 Booklist magazine will be celebrating The Library and Information Technology the 50th anniversary of the young adult Association (LITA) is offering an award

16 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org UPDATE

for the best unpublished manuscript sub- Program during the 2017 ALA Annual register to be a part of the initiative. The mitted by a student or students enrolled Conference and Exhibition in Chicago. Project Outcome system aggregated over in a graduate program. The deadline for manuscript submis- 40,000 patron surveys, and found that Sponsored by LITA and Ex Libris, sion is February 28. Applicants must be nearly 80% of surveyed library users the award recognizes superior student enrolled in an ALA-accredited program reported that library programs and writing and enhances the professional in library and information studies at the services have had some kind of positive development of students. The manu- masters or PhD level when the unpub- impact on their lives in the past year. script can be written on any aspect of lished manuscript is submitted. According to the surveys, people come libraries and information technology. For more information on submission to the library not just for books but for Examples include, but are not limited guidelines and to fill out an application programs that will help them learn a new to, digital libraries, metadata, authori- form, visit bit.ly/2eJsSv8. skill or make a specific life change. zation and authentication, electronic The Project Outcome Annual Report journals and electronic publishing, open Examine PLA’s First Project allows libraries to use this data and to source software, distributed systems and Outcome Annual Report conduct their own surveys. Librarians networks, computer security, intellectual The Public Library Association has can use the toolkit to analyze survey property rights, technical standards, launched the first Project Outcome Annual results, learn what patrons benefited desktop applications, online catalogs and Report, a free toolkit designed to help from most, and see what Project Out- bibliographic systems, universal access to public libraries understand and share the come and participating libraries did in technology, and library consortia. impact of library services and programs. the first year to make it a success. Project The award consists of $1,000, publica- Since launching in June 2015, Project Outcome also provides resources and tion in LITA’s journal, Information Tech- Outcome has had more than 2,000 par- training support. nology and Libraries, and a certificate. It ticipants representing more than 1,000 To learn more and register for free, will be presented at the LITA President’s public libraries across the US and Canada visit projectoutcome.org.

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americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 17 Browser, the live-in cat of White Settlement (Tex.) Public Library, survived a city council vote to remove him.

a count of 39 library cats across the country. One of those cats is Pages, a black-and-white female who began her tenure at the Valley Center (Kans.) Public Library six years ago after being found as a kitten under a bush outside. Pages has access to the entire library but prefers to hang out in the foyer; when she gets tired of being petted by her fans, she retreats to a book cart for some downtime. “The board has been supportive, and for the most part, people have been very agreeable,” says Library Director Janice Sharp. “She’s created excellent goodwill. Patrons obviously like her.” Library Cats Leave Some In an attempt to minimize the allergens present on library materials, staff members swipe each book Sneezing, Others Feline Fine with a Clorox wipe. Still, Sharp Libraries face hard choices as resident kitties grow scarcer knows patron allergies are an ever- present concern. “From time to time we do hear

BY Anne Ford hen Browser, the live-in Though everything turned out all complaints,” she says. “We tell cat of White Settlement right for the lucky kitty, the incident them that we’re sorry they’re W (Tex.) Public Library, illustrated just how contentious affected, and if people cannot come nearly got furloughed last year, having a cat in a library can be, in the library [because of the cat], public outcry was tremendous. even when the cat is popular with we offer to select books for them The city council voted to remove patrons. Perhaps that’s why the and take them out to their car.” the popular kitty—who had number of library cats in the United Allergies have not been much of lived in the library for nearly six States has declined drastically in a problem at Litchfield (Ill.) Public years—after council members cited recent decades. Library, home of Stacks the cat, potential allergy issues. The story About 20 years ago, filmmaker says Library Director Sara Zum- was picked up by ABC News, the Gary Roma researched library cats walt. Stacks is thought to be the Huffington Post, and the Associated all over the world for his docu- only library cat in the state allowed Press; support poured in from as mentary Puss in Books: Adventures access to patron areas. “She goes far away as Australia; and more of the Library Cat. At that time, he wherever she wants and sits wher- than 5,000 people signed a petition counted 201 cats living in Amer- ever she wants,” Zumwalt says. to let Browser stay. In the end, the ican libraries. In autumn 2016, “She likes to greet people when council turned tail, and Browser got inquiries made through the heads they come in, and she likes to ride

to keep his job. of each ALA state chapter yielded the elevators.” Public Library (Tex.) Settlement White Photo:

18 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Before adopting Stacks in 2009, its former resident cat, Jasper. Zumwalt consulted local veteri- “Everybody loved Jasper,” says Atlanta, Host narians about allergies. “They said Library Director Julie Censke. “He that as long as we kept the hair was always on a lap or busy getting of Midwinter vacuumed, we really shouldn’t have petted. But we had a family who any problems,” she says. “We have caused a big fuss because a family 501 a good janitor, and our building has member was allergic. I wrote them Auburn Avenue address hot-water heating and cooling, so a letter and offered to bring them of Martin Luther King Jr.’s we don’t have any air that recircu- their books, birth home. If you’ll be lates and blows the hair around. We See more and we got a in Atlanta for the 2017 really haven’t had a lot of allergy photos of high-powered Midwinter Meeting & complaints. I have more people who library cats air filtration Exhibits, be sure to take a guided tour (bit.ly/ say, ‘I’m allergic to the cat—but I from across system, but they love her, and I have to hold her.’ ” didn’t want to 2gOXeOQ) or attend the Like most library cats, Stacks the country entertain those Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Observance and generates tremendous press for her Visit american ideas. Eventually Sunrise Celebration (p. 58) at the conference. librariesmagazine surroundings. She’s appeared in they contacted .org after Jan. 3 Cat Fancy and the Chicago Tribune, the Michigan and more than once, Zumwalt has Department 4 introduced herself at a library con- of Civil Rights. Number of names the city went through— ference, only to hear: “Oh, you’re The board didn’t have the money Terminus, Thrasherville, Marthasville, Atlantica- the library with the cat!” to handle lawyer fees, so they sent Pacifica—before being incorporated as Atlanta “I think everybody thinks of Jasper away. He’s been at my house in 1847. her as their cat,” Zumwalt says. ever since.” “I think people enjoy having that Some libraries compromise connection.” That said, “we’ve by having resident cats who are 2 Rank of Gone with the Wind, the been very lucky that we haven’t allowed in staff areas only. At 1937 Pulitzer Prize–winning novel had anyone who’s said, ‘You can’t LaGrange County (Ind.) Public by Atlantan Margaret Mitchell, have her here.’ ” Library, for example, Emma the on the list of America’s favorite The Colon Township (Mich.) books. The book ranks below the Library wasn’t so fortunate with Continued on page 20 Bible—and right above the Harry Potter series—according to a 2014 Harris poll. 1959 Year that Irene Dobbs Jackson, an African- American professor at Spelman College, peti- tioned Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System’s Central Library for a library card and the same borrowing privileges as whites. Considered a milestone in desegregating the library system, the board voted in favor of Jackson’s request. 500 At Centre County (Pa.) Library and Historical Museum, librarian Lisa Shaffer posts pic- Number of puppets and artifacts donated by tures of her cats to the library's Facebook and Twitter accounts for “Saturday Caturday.” Jim Henson’s family to the Worlds of Puppetry

Photos: Lisa Shaffer (cats); National Park Service (house) Service Park National (cats); Lisa Shaffer Photos: Here, Marmie and Horatio celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday. Museum at the Center for Puppetry Arts. •

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 19 TRENDS

Continued from page 19 2017 LIBRARY calico enjoys free rein of the staff DESIGN offices. “That gives her plenty of SHOWCASE room. We don’t put her out in the public area; there are lots of people with allergies,” says Library Director Richard Kuster. “Giving her the run of the library was not anything that anybody was going to permit, given the potential public backlash.” This way the staff, at least, can enjoy the calming effects of Emma’s presence (when she’s not walking across one of their computer keyboards). Other cat-loving libraries are skirting the allergy issue by finding alternate ways to include kitties in their PR efforts. The Centre County (Pa.) Library and Historical Museum doesn’t have a cat on its premises at all; instead, librarian Lisa Shaffer includes photos of her Chinatown branch, Chicago Public Library, from the 2016 Library Design Showcase. five cats in the library’s Saturday Twitter and Facebook posts. Each “Saturday Caturday” post features Wow Us with Your one or more of her cats posing with a book and often wearing an accompanying costume. One post New Library celebrating Shakespeare’s birthday, merican Libraries is now accepting submissions for the 2017 for example, saw orange tabbies Library Design Showcase, our annual feature celebrating new Marmie and Horatio flanking a Aand newly renovated or expanded libraries of all types. The copy of Will in the World: How showcase will appear in the September/October 2017 issue. Shakespeare Became Shakespeare We are looking for libraries that are shining examples of innovative while sporting fetching Elizabethan architecture and that address patrons’ needs in unique, interesting, ruffs fashioned from coffee filters. and effective ways. Previous submissions have ranged from beautiful Frannie Shue, Centre County restorations of historic buildings to vacant structures that have been library director, is a big fan of repurposed into libraries to colorful kids’ sections and high-tech facili- “Saturday Caturday,” saying, “It’s ties with audio and video production studios. a nice alternative for libraries that If your library is on the cutting edge, we want our readers to know do not have cats—but love cats as Stacks the about it. To be eligible, projects must have been completed between much as books.” cat lounges May 1, 2016, and April 30, 2017. The submission deadline is May 31, 2017. at the To have your library considered, send a completed submission Litchfield ANNE FORD is a writer based in Evan- form (bit.ly/2gd0mVo), along with at least five high-resolution digital (Ill.) Public ston, Illinois, and editor-at-large for American Libraries. images with photographer credits, to American Libraries, Attn: Library Library. Design Showcase, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. Submissions can also be sent via Dropbox to [email protected]. Unfortunately, not all submissions can be featured. View last year’s showcase at bit.ly/2cDhv8Q. For more information, email [email protected]. • Photos: Jon Miller/Hedrich Blessing (library); Litchfield (Ill.) Public Library (cat) (Ill.) Public Library Litchfield (library); Blessing Jon Miller/Hedrich Photos:

20 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org row ALA and support the future of libraries! 1876 CLUB Join the 1876 Club to leave a legacy of your CHARTER MEMBERS G values and vision to ALA, through naming u u u ALA or one of its divisions, offices, round tables, or Peter Daniel Coyl programs as a beneficiary of your will, retirement plan, Edward Andrew Garcia life insurance policy, or other planned giving vehicle. Loida Garcia-Febo Peter Hepburn WHO CAN JOIN? Sheila O’Donnell Members of the 1876 Club: Andrew Pace Gina Persichini • Are age 50 or under when joining the Club – but once Courtney L. Young you’re in, you’re in, no matter what your age;

• Name the American Library Association or one of its divisions, offices, round tables, or programs as a beneficiary of your will, retirement plan, life insurance policy, or other planned giving vehicle.

The future of ALA is in your hands! As a member of the 1876 Club, you can help fund the growth of ALA into the next generation – and beyond. Contact the Development Office to learn more about ways you can make a planned gift to ALA.

Interested in leaving a legacy to ALA, but the 1876 Club isn’t the right fit for you? Please consider joining the ALA Legacy Society. Contact the ALA Development Office to learn more: Development Office, American Library Association 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611-2795 (312) 280-3259 • [email protected] www.ala.org/plannedgiving T ENDS

North Carolina, introduced a digital card to increase access. “We were motivated by generating more access to our online resources, which are all free, and trying to make it easier for students to access LIBRARY those resources. And for patrons who come into the library with their own devices, we wanted to make it easier for them to access our resources,” says Melissa Oleen, library services manager. In addition to the digital card, which is available via an online borrower registration form and provides same-day access to online resources, RPL introduced The Future of Library Cards the Rowan One card last June. Technology makes library resources more accessible Rowan One gives any student in the Rowan-Salisbury school system access to the library’s digital BY Kaitlin f libraries are the door to about 4% of HCPL’s total patrons, collections, as well as the ability to Throgmorton knowledge, library cards are hold an iKnow card. check out up to three physical items I the key. Once a mere slip of “It’s a very sparse, spread-out at a time. The Rowan One library paper bearing a patron’s name, the county. We have people in rural card number is the same as the library card is evolving into a tech- areas, maybe in isolated areas, student’s school ID number, which nologically sophisticated tool that who don’t have access to a physical makes the exchange of information can help patrons access informa- library,” says Melton. “We needed to between the schools and the library tion more quickly and easily than provide access for those who might simpler—and makes it easy for ever before. not be able to get to our physical students to remember. At many libraries, digital space.” The digital card offers other When Rowan One launched this “cards”—which usually consist benefits as well. Users never have to summer, “it really enhanced our simply of numbers that patrons worry about late fees since digital outreach to very remote areas,” says use to access digital items—have items are returned automatically— Oleen. In a program called Books become standard. The Harris County a perk for parents whose children and Bites, the library’s bookmobile (Tex.) Public Library (HCPL) intro- might not be ready to manage the teamed with a mobile meal service duced its version, the iKnow Digital responsibility of returning physical to provide free lunches and offer Access Card, as a way to “reduce items. And for library staff, iKnow books to children at sites outside as many barriers as possible,” says setup requires “zero staff interven- walking distance of a library. “With- Library Director Edward Melton. tion,” says Ty Beauchamp, HCPL out the Rowan One card, it wouldn’t IKnow card holders can access systems administrator. have been as successful,” Oleen the library’s digital collections— HCPL’s iKnow card also fosters says, since children could use their including ebooks, streaming video community connections. The school ID number as their library and audio, magazines, and research library hopes to issue one to every card number in order to check out databases—within minutes. Acquir- student in Harris County as part books from the bookmobile. ing an iKnow card is as simple as of the White House’s and Institute As for the future of library cards registering via an online form, of Museum and Library Services’ in a digital world, Miguel Figueroa, which is viewable only within the ConnectED Library Challenge, a director of the American Library state of Texas, and which accepts program that aims to ensure every Association’s Center for the Future only registrants who have ZIP codes schoolchild has a library card. of Libraries, believes that physical in or adjacent to Harris County. Much like HCPL, the Rowan library cards will persist. “It’s really Currently, nearly 50,000 people, or Public Library (RPL) in Salisbury, one of those things that I don’t Stock ©Julia Tim/Adobe Illustration:

22 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org BECAUSE OUR think is going to go away any time “We needed DIVIDED soon,” he says. “It’s like a shopping bag; it’s just a very effective tool for to provide managing what we want.” NATION NEEDS Regarding physical library access for cards, Figueroa notes the shift to CONVERSATION keychain cards—simple but more those who convenient alternatives to larger might not be cards. Figueroa is also tracking the MORE THAN EVER. trend of libraries teaming up with able to get to other organizations to offer more services, much as HCPL and RPL are our physical doing. “More communities are look- space.” ing to integrate the public library card into larger systems,” he says. EDWARD MELTON, director, Harris County With digital library cards, “we’re (Tex.) Public Library starting to see libraries use an app,” MODELS FOR CHANGE says Figueroa. Randy Maxey, director of sales at Boopsie, a company that builds mobile apps for libraries, says library cards are “certainly becoming more and more digitized.” A free learning series from Apps store library card barcodes, ALA and the National Coalition enabling faster physical checkout or even self-checkout. Maxey for Dialogue & Deliberation envisions apps as the ultimate key to the library. “We’ll see continual • Webinars, customized for public and digitization, not just of the elec- academic libraries of all sizes, will explore tronic collection but of the physical various dialogue and deliberation methods collection,” he says, citing a possi- • In-person trainings will be offered at ble future in which an app can find, ALA conferences (with travel scholarships scan, and check out a book within a available for public libraries serving rural library, all from a patron’s phone. communities) “With the library card, the goal isn’t to ditch the card but [find out] • Sessions will be led by experts in the how to make it more accessible—to community engagement/facilitation space get it on their keychain or on their mobile device. It’s a minor adjust- ment to existing services, rather Join us for an introductory webinar to than ‘let’s drop everything and try learn more. All library types welcome! this trend,’ ” says Figueroa. This commitment to analyzing Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017 trends and then teasing out how 2 p.m. EST / 1 p.m. CST they can enhance existing library Register online: www.ala.org/LTC services is what makes libraries so successful and what will guide future library card innovations, he says, adding, “It’s exactly how we’ve arrived where we are now.”

KAITLIN THROGMORTON is a freelance writer based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 23 T ENDS

Assistive Technology Specialist Lolly Cheatham, left, trains a patron on the iPad through a New Jersey State Library program for veterans.

prevalence of these diseases is expected to double in the next three decades, according to National Eye Institute data. For example, macular degeneration, which currently affects just over 2 million US residents, is projected to affect more than 5 million by 2050. NJSL’s Library Equal Access Pro- gram (LEAP) provides free computer and iPad training classes at assistive technology learning centers in seven locations. Training includes begin- ner and advanced-level instruction on using reading magnification and speech software to read websites, emails, and other documents, as well as an introduction to the Bringing Assistive assistive technology features now available on iPads. This program Technology to Patrons is sponsored by CBVI and targets adults 55 years of age and older. Libraries and state agencies team up to offer Mary Kearns-Kaplan, adult out- training for patrons with visual impairments reach services coordinator at TBBC, says that what is unique about LEAP is that the New Jersey commission BY Alison ruce Groendyke, a severely “Public libraries are learning has purchased equipment, such as Marcotte nearsighted Army vet from centers for new technology,” says computers, software, iPads, and B Hightstown, New Jersey, Adam Szczepaniak, deputy state closed-circuit television magnifying says he’s a “technical dinosaur.” librarian and director of TBBC. machines for each library. It has also But as one of many veterans who “These initiatives help boost that provided funding for free training. attended a recent class held by New level of learning to include not only Classes are limited to four partici- Jersey State Library’s (NJSL) Talking assistive software for those with pants to maximize individual atten- Book and Braille Center (TBBC), vision impairments but training as tion from trainers. LEAP launched he learned how to use the assistive well, which is in high demand by in November 2015, and to date has technology features on an iPad. those who need assistance learning trained more than 100 people. NJSL and other libraries nation- how to use an iPad, or who need Classes for veterans like Groen- wide have been joining forces with help browsing the internet because dyke came about thanks to a grant state agencies to improve their their vision is changing.” from Disability Rights New Jersey. patrons’ access to assistive technol- Most of these services are geared Virginia Lucas, an Air Force ogy. Through a partnership with toward New Jersey’s aging popu- flight nurse during the Vietnam New Jersey Commission for the lation. As the US Administration War, took the course because she Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI), on Aging reports, the population “thought it was about time I got up TBBC has partnered with seven 65 and older is expected to double to date electronically.” public libraries to provide acces- by 2060. The leading causes of Marvin Horowitz, an Army sibility programs for patrons with vision impairment in the US are veteran from Cherry Hill, was

visual impairments. age-related eye diseases, and the preparing for the future. “The Library State Jersey New Photo:

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macular degeneration is making it someone to learn assistive technol- more and more difficult to see on “Public libraries are ogy or Braille. my devices and PC,” he says. “These learning centers for “We have one patron who’s not classes were highly beneficial. They technically visually impaired, but exceeded my expectations and will new technology.” she experiences severe migraines enable me to keep up with what’s that make it hard for her to read,” ADAM SZCZEPANIAK, New Jersey happening in the world.” deputy state librarian and director of says Fleet. “We also support sighted Instruction for both NJSL pro- the Talking Book and Braille Center family members and professionals grams is provided by the nonprofit who want to learn more to support Advancing Opportunities and someone in their life.” includes one-on-one help from an The library is the regional library assistive technology specialist. Creating awareness of the NLS, which means it provides New York Public Library’s Andrew Braille and talking books through State Library of Ohio Heiskell Braille and Talking Book postage-free mail to patrons. Talking Book Program Library works with city and state Rothstein says that members of Cleveland Public Library’s (CPL) agencies to help spread awareness the library’s technology depart- Ohio Library for the Blind and and information about its services. ment are native users, meaning Physically Disabled (OLBPD) Chief Librarian Jill Rothstein says they use the assistive technologies partnered with the State Library staffers are always learning about themselves and then teach those of Ohio Talking Book Program, people who are eligible for services skills to patrons. which coordinates programs of the but didn’t know they existed. While Andrew Heiskell Library National Library Service for the The library had its third annual does depend on its partnerships Blind and Physically Handicapped Accessible Community, Culture, for some services, Rothstein adds (NLS). The NLS program provides and Technology Fair in 2016, with that libraries don’t necessarily need free recorded and Braille books to creative workshops, speakers, grants to do assistive tech training. eligible adults and children. OLBPD and activities, such as accessi- “Much of the basic tech is available provides approximately 12,800 ble videogaming and accessible free or very cheap or on devices Ohioans with reading materials origami. The fair featured city already owned by the library.” produced by NLS or locally. and state agencies, community She says libraries just need to OLBPD receives just under organizations, cultural institutions, decide to serve people with disabili- Ken Redd uses a $1.3 million in state funds and and accessible recreation groups. ties and train staff, and they can get screen magnifica- $234,000 in federal Library Ser- Attendance grew to 280 from 175 a head start by hiring native assis- tion program on an adaptive computer vices and Technology Act funds the previous year. tive technology users who can share workstation at

each year to support the statewide Rothstein says one patron their knowledge with patrons. the Ohio Library program, according to Missy Lodge, described the fair as “life changing.” for the Blind associate state librarian for library “All these things that she thought ALISON MARCOTTE is a freelance and Physically development. This funding pays she could never do again, she’s like, writer for American Libraries. Disabled. for staffing, facilities, and operat- ‘Ha, maybe I can code again.’ ” ing expenses. CPL is also able to The New York State Commission provide adaptive workstations at for the Blind has donated a refresh- 10 library branches throughout able Braille display, which is used Cleveland from a combination of for individual coaching. The com- discretionary funds from the State mission will also donate a tactile Library of Ohio, endowment funds, graphics embosser to make tactile and donations to OLBPD. maps or diagrams for education. “Whether they have a question Heiskell Library teaches a on how to use an iPad, a screen variety of skills, such as how to use reader, OCR [optical character VoiceOver software, MAGic screen reader] text-to-speech software, we magnification software, and iPads. make those all available here at the Chancey Fleet, assistant tech- library,” says Will Reed, regional nology coordinator, says staffers

Photo: Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled the Blind and Physically for Ohio Library Photo: librarian for OLBPD. are surprised at what motivates

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 25 TRENDS

Holocaust survivor Severin Fayerman, who died in 2015, shows his Auschwitz tattoo to students at Southern Middle School in Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania.

For the last several years, Yawor- nitsky, the librarian at Southern Middle School in Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania, has partnered with teacher colleagues Jennifer Sarnes and Melissa Zawaski to help 6th-graders ask themselves the same questions through a project called “Children of the Holocaust/ Holocaust Hall of Memories.” The project functions as both a reading and a research unit. Stu- dents read books such as Prisoner B-3087 (a novel based on the experiences of Holocaust survivor Jack Gruener), while Yawornitsky provides additional context via a visual presentation of the many Holocaust sites she has visited. Students are also treated to a visit by a Holocaust ‘How Would I Respond?’ survivor who presents a program to the entire 6th grade, then meets A school librarian helps middle schoolers with smaller student groups in the learn the lessons of the Holocaust library to answer questions. Afterward, each student is given a card bearing the picture and he eponymous heroine of Roald Dahl’s Matilda is widely known in kid-lit circles as name of a child who suffered in one plucky, justice-loving little girl. What’s less often acknowledged is that Matilda the Holocaust. The students then Thas a lot of help from her teacher, Miss Honey—an educator as devoted to social come to the library for several justice as she is to reading, writing, and arithmetic. The American Association of School days of research, using books that Librarians honors Miss Honey’s example with the Roald Dahl Miss Honey Social Justice Yawornitsky has selected as well Award, which recognizes collaboration between school librarians and teachers in teach- as a specialized website (Fayerman) Lifetouch Photo: ing social justice using school library resources. The 2016 award went to Ann Yawor- she has created that nitsky, Jennifer Sarnes, and Melissa Zawaski of Southern Middle School in Sinking Spring, contains links to age- Pennsylvania. Here is the story of how a school librarian teamed up with two teachers to appropriate sites, such help 6th-graders understand the lessons of the Holocaust. as that of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. BY Anne Ford nn Yawornitsky first happen?,’ ” Yawornitsky says. “Then “We also use heard of the Holocaust in I read the diary of Anne Frank, and this as a time to A 9th-grade world cultures that started a lifelong interest in the talk about not class. She found the news so shock- Holocaust for me. Who would I be if just googling ing that at first, she had a hard time I was a person who was persecuted? the Holocaust believing it. How would I feel? What would I because of “I remember going home to my do? And what would I do if I was mom and saying, ‘Is my teacher one of the ones who wasn’t perse- making this up, or did this really cuted? How would I respond?” Ann Yawornitsky

26 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org TRENDS

the danger of seeing pictures that you can never unsee,” Yawornitsky says. “We also talk about the possibility of coming upon a hate group or Holocaust-denier site.” Thus the unit functions as a lesson in the hazards of the internet as well.

“Who would I be if I was a person who was persecuted? How would The award-winning Geelong Library and Heritage Centre. I feel? What would I do? And what would I do if I was one of the Australian Library Wins ones who wasn’t persecuted?” Top Architecture Award ANN YAWORNITSKY, librarian, Southern Middle School in Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania AUSTRALIA The ultra-modern Geelong Library and Heritage Centre in Geelong, Victoria, took top honors at the National Archi- tecture Awards for its “vertical village” design. Some of the nation’s best architects described the public center as a “significant new Each student creates a poem, a landmark” at the awards ceremony in Sydney on November 3. The journal, a PowerPoint presentation, Melbourne-based architectural firm Ashton Raggatt McDougall won and a poster to convey the experi- the Sir Zelman Cowen Award, recognizing the best blueprint for a ences and fate of the child to whom public building.—Geelong Advertiser, Nov. 3. he or she has been assigned. For one evening, the posters are displayed CANADA Eberhard and Jane Zeidler have announced a major as a “Holocaust Hall of Memories,” donation for a new library at One Spadina Crescent, the future home open to the public. Students stand of the Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design at the by their posters and give short talks University of Toronto. The new Eberhard Zeidler Library, scheduled on their assigned children, speaking to open in 2017, will occupy a space 1.5 times larger than its current as if they were those children. location and will provide students, researchers, and design pro- One of Yawornitsky’s favorite fessionals with unrivaled collections in art, architecture, landscape parts of the unit? Explaining just architecture, and urban design.—University of Toronto, Nov. 7. how important it is to remember the victims of the Holocaust. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Government employees are “We talk about going to visit to be given “dedicated time to read” during work hours following grandparents’ graves—how you put a new law intended to “make reading a daily habit.” Described flowers on them, and you mention as the first of its kind, the new “national law of reading” was their names and people tell you announced by President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in early things about them,” she says. “But November. It will allow staff to read at work, although they must for [many of] those who perished focus on professional and personal development within the con- in the Holocaust, there’s no place text of the workplace.—The Guardian (UK), Nov. 2.

Photo: John Gollings (Geelong Library) John Gollings (Geelong Photo: where their names are engraved. Sometimes their whole family was ITALY The 19th-century manuscripts of one of Italy’s greatest wiped out, and you’re the only poets and intellects, Giacomo Leopardi, are being transferred to person saying their name. You need Bologna after two big earthquakes wreaked havoc on the small, to honor that.” central Italian town that houses the materials, after fears were raised that they would be damaged. The manuscripts have been kept in ANNE FORD is a writer based in Evan- a museum in the Palazzo dei Governatori in Visso, a town that sus- ston, Illinois, and editor-at-large for tained substantial damage in the earthquakes on October 26. American Libraries. —Agenzia DIRE, Nov. 2. •

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 27 TRENDS

Are your children familiar with the Neil Patrick Harris books it’s based on? If so, how do they feel about you playing On reading, writing, and why he owes librarians a lot the villain? I’m on book 10 right now! I’m absolutely loving them. [Author] Daniel Handler did ony Award—winning actor Neil Patrick Harris made his writing debut three something quite remarkable—he years ago with the publication of his memoir, Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your created books that simultaneously TOwn Autobiography. Now the energetic Harris is trying his hand at fiction with a and unwittingly lure children into a middle-grade series, The Magic Misfits; the first book in the series comes out in Septem- dark, foreboding, cynical world of ber. Harris spoke with American Libraries about his new work, how his literary and magi- sorrow and despair, yet that teach cal tastes overlap, and what his children think when he plays a villain. these children a wicked sense of humor and a love for vocabulary. Oh wait, you asked about Harper Why did you want to write your behind all of the ending options— and Gideon. Sorry. They’ve seen memoir in a Choose-Your-Own- admittedly much less fascinated the first two episodes and laughed Adventure format, and how diffi- after learning just how difficult it their heads off. Reading the book cult was it to convince your agent became. Also, my professional life was a bit more challenging. They and publishing house that it could has consisted of many random and were slightly unnerved when Olaf be done? I’m a big fan of unique disparate chapters. I’ve been really backhanded Klaus across the face. I structures. I love puzzles, locked- fortunate to play in many different may wait a year or two for them to room mysteries, cryptics, codes, sandboxes. The unique format delve much deeper. and the like, so a Choose-Your- seemed like a proper fit. Own-Adventure book was right What role have libraries and up my alley. I was fascinated with You’re a magician—largely self- librarians played in your life? how they were crafted, the process taught. Have you learned much I grew up in a very rural, small New of your magic from books? How Mexico town, well before the inter- was magic an inspiration for net, so access to the outside world your upcoming series, The Magic was quite limited. The library was Misfits? One of the greatest things my singular escape into all kinds about magic as a hobby is that the of worlds: geographical, historical, more interested you become, the fantastical. The respectful and ded- more there is to learn. It’s a very icated librarians taught me skills dense hobby, historically, and since beyond reading—math, problem most secrets are hard to discover, solving, sharing, organization, it takes a keen mind to seek them patience. I owe librarians a lot. out. I so fondly remember sitting in my local library at 8 or 9 years old, As you may know, there’s quite tracking down magical explana- a bit of fan fiction out there for tions like I was a kid detective or various movies and shows you’ve sorcerer’s apprentice, dusty books appeared in, including How I Met filled with hidden treasures—a Your Mother, Glee, and Dr. Horri- concept that still makes me quiver ble’s Sing-Along Blog. What are with excitement. I hope that The your thoughts about fan fiction in Magic Misfits elicits that excitement general? Has there been? I honestly while also helping kids embrace the haven’t really followed fan fiction, uniqueness within them. not sure what to make of it. I sup- pose if it’s respectful and creative, You’re about to appear in Netflix’s I’m all for it. If it’s crass and base adaptation of A Series of Unfortu- and lewd, well … I guess that could nate Events, playing Count Olaf. be fun, too.

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“All of the books went to storage as a formality at our space under Bryant Park. We were so delighted to watch them come back. It was lonely to be in that space without the books.” BILL KELLY, New York Public Library’s director of research libraries, on the reopening of the Rose Main Reading Room in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. The reading room was closed for two years for renovation after one of its plaster rosettes fell 52 feet from the ceiling (“The $12 Million Facelift That’s Returned a New York ‘Rose’ to Its Former Glory,” CNN Style, October 5, 2016).

“For late-blooming recreational readers like me, the public “When you’re a child, if your library is a godsend. A four-minute walk from my desk, and I’m home is perhaps unhappy or face-to-face with thousands of books, from the ones I loved else just cramped or dull, and in school and want to revisit to the ones I never got around to you are too poor for the mall cracking, the buzzy new ones I’ve heard of to the many more to hold any appeal for you, I’ve never heard of at all. It’s a place where it’s safe—encouraged there is a third, magical space even—to literally judge a book by its cover, where I can get you can go to on a rainy day: sucked in by an arresting illustration or an engaging back-cover the library. A place where you summary and only have to swipe my bright orange card for the can go without a penny in your right to lose myself in another world. It’s a place where taking pocket and be given a room full chances is encouraged, where your worst gamble can only of worlds. For each book is a last a few weeks at the most before you drop it into a deposit doorway you can walk through box by the due date and move on to the next adventure.” into another land. There are a KIMBERLY ALTERS, “Public Libraries Are a Treasure,” The Week, September 14, 2016. million people from across the world and through time, who are “A confession: I am in awe of librarians. They are the sitting on those shelves, dying most curious, agile, techno-savvy people around. They to tell their stories and become have figured out how to go beyond offering books and your friend…. Most important, now provide anything else you can imagine: concerts it’s a place where you can just sit and community reading programs, museum passes on a chair and read all the rude and meeting rooms, teen lounges and lectures. Even bits from Judy Blume books. And we invented these facilities! more amazing is the fact that our librarians—along with We made them happen. How the help of involved volunteers—have figured out how cool is that? This is humanity’s to pay for all of these resources and services, despite greatest achievement.” constant budgetary battles over scant public funding.” CAITLIN MORAN, “5 Reasons the World Is Still a

Photo: Max Touhey Photography Touhey Max Photo: HOLLY ROBINSON, “In Praise of Libraries,” Huffington Post, October 20, 2016. Wonderful Place,” Real Simple, November 2016.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 29 OPINION

Revisiting an Old Friend Libraries and their social context

ecently, I had the chance to Wayne A. Wiegand has written eloquently re-re-read one of my intellec- on how that faith calcified into tunnel tual heroes, Jesse Shera. He’s vision (see “Tunnel Vision and Blind probably most closely associ- another Spots: What the Past Tells Us about the ated with the origins of social story Present; Reflections on the 20th Century Repistemology, the study of what a society BY Joseph Janes History of American Librarianship,” knows and how that knowledge is con- The Library Quarterly vol. 69, no. 1). The structed, an idea I first ran across in grad- modern verse of this gospel goes some- uate school and which has stayed with me of the movement for public libraries were thing like, “Let’s give computers to poor ever since. If that sounds abstruse, conwell aware that they were implementing people/students/developing countries sider for a moment the many differences one of the greatest organizational changes and that will solve the digital divide and between Wikipedia and the Encyclopedia in the human adventure—the attempt to improve learning,” and so on. Britannica, how they came about, and qualify an entire population to participate The other, somewhat subtler point what their implications have been. Both in the control of the political and eco- Shera makes is that you can’t remove are attempts to capture what we know, nomic system in which they lived.” libraries from their social context (he’s though of course with diametrically In other words, democracy. Here we writing about public libraries, but opposite approaches. Not to mention they find, in somewhat circumlocutory prose, you can say the same for any type); as represent different engagements with the library-as-bulwark-of-democracy argu- societies have moved on, the aims and both the “we” and the “know,” which lead ment in its purest form, with the bonus goals of and for libraries have shifted, to different outcomes, demonstrating yet of connecting the dots and couching it in too, but they remain instrumentalities. again that how knowledge—or society—is somewhat more elaborate thinking. Not just good ideas, not just nice to have, constructed matters greatly and some- This is the gospel according to Dewey but means to ends, and as those societies times can be quite untidy. and Carnegie and Green and Jewett and evolve, so might the goals and means. Anyway, in the chapter on the library Winsor. If you’re paying close attention, Food for thought. and society from Shera’s 1976 textbook those are all men of some means who I continue to marvel at the breadth and Introduction to Library Science, he writes felt, supported in large part by the then- depth of Shera’s writing and thinking, and in the first paragraph: “It is axiomatic … current societal mindset, that providing while there are some bits that can sound that the library as a social instrumentality, worthy and elevating books to the lower odd to modern ears, by and large he often is, as it has always been, conditioned and classes would make them better people. provides insight or at least another way shaped by the social milieu within which Dewey called this the “library faith,” and of thinking about stuff. And as for the it functions” (emphasis mine). whole “democracy” thing, this is not an Well. We’ve all heard libraries called altogether terrible goal—as we have all lots of things, but “social instrumental- We’ve all heard recently been vividly reminded, democ- ity” comes along fairly infrequently. An racy is often a messy and unattractive “instrumentality” is a way of doing things, libraries called lots business, and it’s so much better when a tool, a device. A means to an end. Thus, everybody playing is better informed … a “social instrumentality” is a way for a of things, but “social but that’s another story. society to achieve something, a means to a societal end. instrumentality” JOSEPH JANES is associate professor at Fair enough. If Shera is right, what is comes along fairly the Information School of the University of the societal end for which the library is a Washington in Seattle and creator of the Doc- means? “The mid–19th century leaders infrequently. uments That Changed the World podcast.

30 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org OPINION

Best of Both Worlds The advantages of a dual-library internship

y the time I reached the final Still, the positives outweigh any draw- year of my MLIS program, I backs, and I came to believe that dual- had never worked in a library on my library internships are something all library before. I knew that I wanted to schools should consider. They may not be get as much experience in the mind logistically possible for every school, per- Bfield as possible to help with my job search BY Michael Oden haps because of funding or lack of available but I wasn’t sure how. positions, but administrators should at least Most library internships allow for explore partnerships with public and other experience in one area. Choosing between and patron computer and printer usage. academic libraries; school libraries that a public library and an academic library I taught a series of computer and technol- serve K–12 students; and even museums, meant I would learn practices and policies ogy classes that I codesigned, and I took archives, and special libraries, including unique to that particular type of institu- a role in collection development by using law, medical, military, or church libraries. tion. Thankfully I did not have to make bibliographies to select materials for the Coordinating work schedules and proj- that decision. I came across an opportunity reference and nonfiction sections. ects for interns may be difficult, so strong for a dual-library internship, applied, and Some of the experiences overlapped, communication is necessary, as is some was selected. but systems and user populations were type of resource-sharing. For example, The internship, based in Douglas, so different at these two libraries that the I was provided low-cost housing by being Georgia, allowed me to split my time jobs really required two separate skill sets. able stay in the dorms at South Georgia between the Satilla Regional Library The circulation software and cataloging State College. System and the William S. Smith Library classifications were different, as was The point of an internship is to gain at South Georgia State College. My 30 teaching digital-native college students experience, not proficiency; to give aspir- weekly hours were split evenly between compared with older adults from a rural ing professionals a foundation that, along locations: Mondays and Tuesdays at the community, some of whom were not famil- with a strong education, can be built on academic library, Thursdays and Fridays iar with how to use a computer mouse. during a career. My internship opened up at the public library, and Wednesdays That’s not to say there aren’t challenges more options for me careerwise, and I now were divided down the middle. This that come with a dual-library internship. feel confident in applying to both aca- schedule allowed me to get a good deal Getting half the time at each location, I demic and public library positions. done at one job before switching over to learned only the basics. Students who take Though, if you’re wondering, academic the other without feeling like I was jug- on dual internships should be prepared to libraries interest me a bit more— I enjoyed gling responsibilities. manage shifts wisely and deal with multi- providing instruction to undergrads and The advantages of my internship were ple assignments at once. making them aware of the immense obvious; I absorbed a variety of skills at databases, archives, and special collec- two distinct workplaces. At the academic Strong tions available to enrich their educations. library, I learned how to catalog, create More library students should have this online content with LibGuides, assist communication opportunity to get a well-rounded view of students with reference inquiries, and librarianship and find out what about the perform duties at the circulation desk. I is necessary profession truly interests them. helped create an online library instruction guide and helped teach and assess an for dual-library MICHAEL ODEN is a recent MLIS graduate information literacy class. At the public internships, as is of the School of Library and Information Sci- library, I learned procedures for circula- ence at the University of Southern Mississippi tion, shelving books, interlibrary loan, resource-sharing. in Hattiesburg.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 31 YEAR IN REVIEW

HAYDEN ESSA SHOWS ALA’S GRASSROOTS BECOMES 14TH ADVOCACY POWER LIBRARIAN With more than 10,580 emails sent and 15,552 new advocates registered in ALA’s online grassroots network, the OF CONGRESS Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was ALA’s most Carla Hayden, 2003– high-profile action alert of 2015. In 2016, ALA’s Washington 2004 American Office and Office for Library Advocacy teamed up with the Library Association American Association of School Librarians to train state (ALA) president association members in how to make the most of the law’s and former director provisions, with more workshops to follow this year. of Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, made history by becoming the first African American and the first woman to head the Library of Con- gress. She was sworn in September 14.

ELECTION 2016 In the wake of a contentious presidential election, America’s public, academic, school, and special libraries reaffirmed their commitment to serve as safe places for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. As a body representing libraries and librarians, ALA called for continued efforts to abolish intolerance and cultural insensitivity and to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion. Photo: Shawn Miller (Hayden); © vichie81/Adobe Stock (Statue of Liberty) (Statue Stock © vichie81/Adobe Miller (Hayden); Shawn Photo:

32 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org SHAKESPEARE’S FIRST FOLIO GOES ON TOUR Multiple copies of Shakespeare’s 1623 First Folio toured libraries and museums in all 50 WEST VIRGINIA LIBRARIES DAMAGED states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Several libraries in West Virginia were severely damaged after flood- Rico. The events marked the 400th anniver- waters rose to record levels June 23–24. The Rainelle Public Library took sary of Shakespeare’s death. on five feet of water, destroying its entire collection.

NET NEUTRALITY UPHELD On June 14, an appeals court upheld the net neutrality ruling of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), confirming that internet service providers cannot engage in “paid prior- itization.” The ruling ensures that libraries and library patrons can send and receive information over the internet without having to pay additional fees or suffer degradation or blocking.

ALA RESPONDS TO ORLANDO TRAGEDY In response to the Pulse nightclub killings two weeks before the Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, ALA worked with member groups and local organizations to plan support activities around the city, including a memorial event featuring civil rights leader US Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) and speakers from Reforma and the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Round Table. Photos: Folger Shakespeare Library (folio); Rainelle Public Library (flood); Cognotes (memorial) (flood); Cognotes Rainelle Public Library (folio); Library Shakespeare Folger Photos:

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 33 IN-PERSON LIBRARY USAGE FLUCTUATES A Pew Research Center survey conducted in spring found that 48% of adults visited a library or bookmobile in the past year. This represented a slight uptick from the 44% of Americans who, in late 2015, said they used 48% a physical library facility in a given year. Young adults (ages 18–29) are more likely to have visited a library than those ages 65 and older.

SUMMER OF PIKACHU As the augmented reality mobile game Pokémon Go swept the nation, libraries across the country lever- aged the app’s GPS capabilities to offer com- plementary programming to engage youth.

LIBRARIES STILL TRANSFORMING Less than a year after it was introduced at the 2016 Midwinter Meeting, ALA’s multiyear public awareness campaign Libraries Transform has marshalled teams from all sectors of the library world to focus on advocacy. The Association’s new focus, the Expert in the Library, highlights librarians as information specialists and community leaders.

ALSC CANCELS CONFERENCE Transform) (Libraries In reaction to North Carolina’s HB2 law, which repealed all LGBT-inclusive non- discrimination ordinances across the state, the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) canceled its 2016 National Institute in Charlotte. “We have Libraries American heard loud and clear from our members that this new law … is not compatible with ALSC’s core values, particularly those of inclusiveness and respect,” said ALSC President Andrew Medlar. Photo: Rebecca Lomax/ Rebecca Photo:

34 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org ALA JOHN GREEN LEADS TURNS 140 MOST- CHALLENGED ALA celebrated its BOOKS LIST 140th anniversary with Looking for Alaska by yearlong festivities, John Green, YA author including historical and former Booklist surveys and features staffer, topped the in American Libraries’ Office for Intellectual print and online edi- Freedom’s list of most tions, social media challenged books. campaigns, and an Green offered a biting observance at the response on his Vlog- ALA Annual Confer- brothers YouTube ence and Exhibition channel, criticizing in Orlando. reactionary school administrators. 1891 ALA Conference

PRIVACY ISSUES PREVAIL ALA’s new guidelines for patron data and K–12 reader privacy, House passage of the Email Privacy Act, and the FBI–Apple encryption dispute pointed to privacy as a continuing information policy concern.

DEWEY DECIBEL Podcasting took the library world by storm as more librarians took to the cyber airwaves to produce their own programs. Ameri- can Libraries got into the act with the April 2016 premiere of the Dewey Decibel podcast (bit.ly/ dewey decibel).

IFLA 2016 Library professionals from more than 120 countries convened in Columbus, Ohio, in August for the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) World Library and Information Congress. Photo: ALA Archives (conference) Archives ALA Photo:

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 35 ReferendaROUNDUP HOW STATES PERFORMED ON LIBRARY MEASURES

BY Kathy Rosa and Kelsey Henke

uring the 2016 election year, the American Library Association’s Office for Research and Statistics tracked 150 library referenda across 22 states. More than 81% of the measures passed, with 122 wins and only 28 losses. Big winners include Michigan (73 measures passed), Ohio (12 measures Dpassed), and Washington (14 measures passed). Issues at stake included continued operating funds and facility renovations. Residents in Winter Park, Florida; Lombard, Illinois; Jasper, Indiana; Sea Bright, New Jersey; and Narragansett, Rhode Island, passed measures for the construction of new library buildings. This year we took a closer look at the population inadequate broadband access (bit.ly/2g07JdL). At the density of the communities that placed library refer- same time, rural libraries provide invaluable informal enda before the voters. The Institute of Museum and training and may be one of the few places left to offer Library Services groups the nation’s 17,566 library the use of computers and internet without fees. outlets into four geographic locales: cities, suburbs, While nearly half of all public libraries are rural, towns, and rural areas. While all public libraries strive the percentage of rural public libraries in a given state to transform communities through innovative pro- varies from 3.6% to 83.3% (bit.ly/2g0gCFC). Mich- grams and quality collections, the locale often defines igan is close to the national average with 84 (13%) unique needs. Libraries in more populated areas may urban, 156 (24%) suburban, 114 (18%) town, and have longer wait times for computer use. Libraries in 288 (45%) rural public libraries (bit.ly/2g06jA3). less populated areas, including many rural areas, pro- We compared the population densities of Michigan’s vide less access to technology and less formal digital public libraries with the geographic distribution of the literacy training because of fewer staff members and state’s referenda.

36 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org M ICHIGAN The most successful referenda in Michigan were renewed and new levies in support of library operations. Libraries and Referenda by Locale in Michigan Herrick District Library in Holland is classed as a city locale and serves a population of 102,423 across the 13% CITY 4% counties of Allegan and Ottawa. Voters were asked to 24% SUBURB 24% restore a levy of 1.5 mills for 14 years (2017–2030). The 18% TOWN 40% tax will provide about $5.2 million in revenue each year. 45% RURAL 31% Homeowners will pay about $112 annually on a home valued at $150,000. The levy passed by a wide margin LIBRARIES REFERENDA* of 86%, with 14,557 votes for and 2,388 votes against.

Herrick could have been forced to close within a year *Does not equal 100% due to rounding without the levy. The Muskegon Area District Library (MADL), a The Holly Township Library, a town locale, is in suburban locale, encompasses 10 community libraries northern Oakland County and has a total service area of and one Library for the Blind and Physically Handi- 36.6 square miles, which includes 23,088 people in the capped. MADL serves about 119,450 people across most village of Holly, Groveland Township, and Rose Town- of Muskegon County. Voters were asked to support a ship. Voters approved a renewal of 1 mill for five years. 0.5-mill increase in the current tax, from 0.75 to 1.25 The measure passed with 1,005 (78%) yes votes and mills, for 10 years through 2026. Property owners will 290 (22%) no votes. The library holds 44,461 volumes pay $64.50 a year on a $100,000 home compared to and circulates 75,102 items per year. the previous $37.45 per year. The levy passed with 54% Montmorency County, a rural locale, has a popula- of the 18,256 voters saying yes. The library had earlier tion of 9,765 within 563 square miles. Montmorency conducted a survey showing that the highest-valued County Public Libraries has three branches in Lewiston, services include early childhood programs, the Library Hillman, and Atlanta. Voters approved an increase of for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, and lifelong- 0.6 mill to replace a millage that expired. The results learning services. These programs will be favored in included 2,176 (63%) yes votes and 1,260 (37%) no years to come. votes. The tax will bring in $388,190 annually.

ARKANSAS 4,875. The second, which expects collections, develop public programs, to raise $1.12 million to renovate and maintain the library’s branches. Fayetteville voters passed two referenda to increase the library three library branches, passed by a Citizens of Oakley fell short portion of personal property taxes 5,380 to 4,957 vote. of the number of votes needed to from 1 mill to 3.7 mills. The first, approve a parcel tax that would CALIFORNIA passed by 58.6%, approved 1.5 mills cover the planning and construction for the library’s maintenance and In San Rafael, voters approved costs for a new library. The current library branch occupies a tempo- operations. The second, passed by Measure D, a special partial rary space on the campus of 55.8%, approved 1.2 mills to help tax for nine years to add to the a local high school. fund construction to double the revenue from the city’s general facility’s existing size. fund that supports the city’s two In Pine Bluff, residents approved library branches. Voting results two millage increases to area were 12,879 (69.1%) for and libraries. The first measure, which 5,758 (30.9%) against the tax. will allocate $14 million to construct The money will be used to a new library, passed by 9,710 to extend regular hours, update

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 37 Residents of Bakersfield voted By passing Ballot Issue 5F, voters ILLINOIS against a referendum question that in Larimer County reaffirmed that Brookfield residents voted would have raised the sales tax by the Poudre River Public Library Dis- 4,808–4,303 against a $10 million one-eighth of a cent in order to fund trict can keep all revenues from the bond that would have funded con- extended hours, more library mate- property tax levy approved in 2006. struction of a new library facility. rials, and additional space. In North Riverside, residents Sacramento voters approved CONNECTICUT voted against a measure that would a measure to renew a parcel tax The town council in Bloomfield have raised the library district’s adopted in 2004 that supports rejected a proposal to renovate tax limiting rate by 29%. The such additional library services as and expand Prosser Public Library, library had anticipated using the “programs for children, teens, and the larger of the two public library additional $270,000 per year in seniors; homework support for stu- buildings in the area, by a 6–3 vote. property taxes to fund repairs and dents; regular open hours; books; This vote marks the third time in improvements to the library’s roof, and technology.” 10 years that a proposal to update sidewalks, and heating and air A $68 million bond and parcel the library has failed to make it to conditioning systems. tax measure designed to fund the referendum ballot. With a 4,009 (63%) to 2,394 improvements to Santa Cruz Public FLORIDA (37%) vote, residents of Bartonville Libraries’ 10 facilities passed. Pro- passed an $800,000 bond that will posed improvements include repair- Winter Park voters passed a fund renovations to the Alpha Park ing roofs and bathrooms, rewiring measure allocating $30 million to Public Library building. Some of the electrical systems, and expanding replace the city’s 35-year-old library projects the library hopes to com- current facilities. building with a new facility that plete include replacing and rewiring Other wins in California include will also house an events center and the structure’s fire protection system, approved sales tax measures in parking garage. resealing two parking lots, and Loomis (Measure G), Pleasant Hill repairing the roof and sidewalks. GEORGIA (Measure K), Stockton (Measure Crystal Lake residents voted M), and Sonoma (Measure Y). In a 4–1 vote, the Stockbridge against a $30.1 million referendum A temporary appropriation limit city council allocated $10,080 from that would have funded construc- increase measure was approved by the general fund to Cochran Public tion of a new library building. voters in Ventura County. Library in order to fund Saturday Supporters argued that the current Proposals for the construction of hours. Though the county library facility is too small to accommodate new libraries in El Cerrito (Mea- branch does not usually receive community needs and existing col- sure B) and San Mateo County funding from the city budget, coun- lection materials, and requires major (Measure N) were defeated. cil approved the expense because updates to the building’s HVAC current capital resources have not system, wireless internet resources, COLORADO allowed nearly any of the county and accessibility options. Of 19,032 Voters approved six library- libraries to accommodate any week- total voters, 56% voted against and related referenda, including levies end hours. 44% voted for the referendum. to support the library’s yearly oper- A $3.2 million bond that would ating budget in Mancos, the con- IDAHO have funded renovation of the struction of new library facilities in In Meridian, a referendum Fox River Valley Public Library Norwood, extended library hours to approve $12 million for the in Dundee, as well as construction in La Veta, and library facilities and construction of two new library for a second library branch, was services in Grand County. branches was defeated. defeated by a 14,920 (66%) to

38 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org O HIO 75% For Ada Public Library 25% Against Renewal of a 1-mill, 5-year levy 2,381 Total votes

Grandview Heights Public Library 74% For Renewal of a 2.5-mill, 5-year 26% Against levy, plus a 2-mill addition 4,795 Total votes 7,520 (34%) vote. The two facilities would have included better safety Guernsey County District 63% For features, computer training labs, Public Library 37% Against Renewal of a 1-mill, 5-year levy 15,221 Total votes expansions to meeting spaces and children’s areas, a designated area Herrick Memorial Library 39% For for teens, and a maker lab. Renewal of a 1.25-mill levy, plus 61% Against Lombard voters authorized a new 0.48-mill increase for 5 years 168 Total votes 0.22-mill tax increase to support a 20-year, $22.5 million loan for the 52% For Mount Gilead Public Library 48% Against construction of a new Helen Plum New 1-mill, 5-year levy Library. The proposed facility will 4,028 Total votes offer more meeting space and study 64% For rooms. A similar measure appeared Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library 36% Against on the 2004 ballot but was defeated. New 0.4-mill, 5-year levy 5,201 Total votes In Plainfield, residents voted against two referenda that would 61% For Mount Sterling Public Library have funded the construction and 39% Against New 0.4-mill, 5-year levy operating costs for a new library. 1,233 Total votes The first question, which asked for 48% For $39 million in building bonds, was Pataskala Public Library 52% Against defeated by 9,089–7,232. A second Renewal of a 0.5-mill, 5-year levy 744 Total votes question, requesting to remove the tax cap for one year and increase 73% For the limiting property tax rate, was Swanton Public Library 27% Against Renewal of a 1-mill, 5-year levy defeated by 11,241–4,907. 3,238 Total votes In Will County, voters opposed two referenda that aimed to fund Toledo–Lucas County 65% For Public Library 35% Against outreach services to older adult Renewal of a 2.9-mill levy, plus patrons, a new digital media lab, an 0.8-mill increase for 5 years 174,777 Total votes and extended library hours at the 76% For White Oak Library District’s three Upper Arlington Public Library 24% Against branches. The first referendum, Renewal of a 2-mill, 6-year levy 21,298 Total votes put before voters in March, failed by a 9,032 (66%) to 4,717 (34%) 77% For Wadsworth Public Library vote. The second, on the ballot in 23% Against Renewal of a 1-mill, 5-year levy November, failed by a 12,189 (59%) 13,882 Total votes to 8,407 (41%) vote. 74% For In Cook County, a petition to Wickliffe Public Library 26% Against create a new library taxing dis- Renewal of a 1.7-mill levy 6,039 Total votes trict in Elk Grove Township that would have allowed some 12,000 54% For additional residents to apply for Williams County Public Library 46% Against New 1-mill, 5-year levy library cards was withdrawn by its 14,740 Total votes chief sponsor.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 39 INDIANA In Cambridge, residents voted Potsdam voters approved against a referendum to approve an Jasper voters passed a referen- a measure to add an additional $8 million bond for the construction dum to fund construction of a new $8,000 to the existing library budget of a new public library and library library and cultural center. The to fund the acquisition of new lap- headquarters. The bond would have new building will be financed by a tops. The vote tally was 183–79. been supported by a 0.5% local- 15-year bond for an amount up to A tax levy that would have added option sales tax. $6.5 million. This approval comes $850,000 to the James Prendergast after an unsuccessful 2011 refer- NEW JERSEY Library budget in Jamestown was endum and more than 15 years of defeated by a 1,306–856 vote. By 240–149, residents of Long- community discussion. Voters overwhelmingly approved port elected to leave the Atlantic a measure for an additional $22,700 KANSAS County Library System. The town to the Shelter Island Public Library intends to look into options for In Natoma, 133 voters approved budget. The added resources will be establishing its own library or a measure to establish and main- spent on updating collections, sup- joining with another independent tain a local library. The measure porting community programming, library. A similar referendum received 12 votes against. and funding staff salaries. The final appeared on the 2011 Longport vote was 129 in favor and 31 against. LOUISIANA ballot, but was defeated by 7 votes. Residents of the Town of Residents voted to renew the Voters in Sea Bright approved Rhinebeck approved a tax levy Lafayette Public Library System two referenda questions that allo- that will add $30,000 to the Morton millage by 58% to 42%. The millage, cated $1.4 million and $3.6 million Memorial Library’s annual budget. first approved by voters in 2006 and respectively to fund the construc- The added funds will be used to scheduled to expire after 10 years, tion of a new community center, maintain library operations. The funds library operations. which will house a new library. The measure received 2,110 yes votes town’s earlier library was destroyed and 1,120 no votes. MAINE by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. By nine votes, residents of Residents voted to increase the Rockport defeated a measure to NEW MEXICO town’s contribution to the Pat- allocate $2 million for the con- In Bernalillo County, voters terson Library from $135,931 to struction of a new library. The final passed a measure to issue a $873,583 annually. The added vote tally was 1,151 votes in favor $1.5 million bond to upgrade its funds will be used to extend evening and 1,160 against. library; 192,162 (74.5%) residents hours, maintain regular operations, voted in favor of the library bonds, and meet the cost of New York MINNESOTA and 65,925 (25.5%) voted against. State–mandated wage increases. Voters approved a measure By a narrow 4,619 (50.7%) that will allow the library to col- NEW YORK to 4,485 (49.3%) vote, residents lect $6.8 million through a local In June, residents voted against a approved a tax levy that increased option sales-and-use tax to expand $15.8 million bond referendum that the annual library budget of Onon- and remodel the Fergus Falls would have financed the demolition daga County Public Libraries from Public Library. The proposed new and reconstruction of the Hampton $475,000 to $700,000. The added facility will feature an expanded Bays Public Library facility and resources will allow the library to children’s area, improved acces- added approximately 100 additional increase full-time staffing, finance sibility, new meeting rooms, and parking spaces. It was defeated by a building improvements, and main- more seating. 719–507 vote. tain regular library operations.

40 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org NORTH CAROLINA SOUTH CAROLINA WEST VIRGINIA Durham County voters passed Residents of Dorchester County A tax levy that would have gener- a referendum in support of a authorized the issuance of $30 mil- ated an estimated $46,548 annually $43.3 million bond that will fund lion in bonds for the design and for the Upshur County Public remodeling and expansion costs for construction of two new library Library in Buckhannon failed by a the main library and correspond- facilities in Summerville and 4,500 (51%) to 4,276 (49%) vote. ing parking lot. It was approved North Charleston. The proposal The library is currently struggling by a 117,956 (80.6%) to 28,422 passed 26,346–17,021. to maintain regular operations after (19.4%) vote. facing local and state budget cuts. VIRGINIA OREGON In Falls Church, residents WISCONSIN Measure 10-145, a proposal to approved $8.7 million in revenue Evansville voters passed two establish a special funding district bonds to renovate and expand the measures to expand the Eager Free in Douglas County, was defeated Mary Riley Styles Public Library. Public Library. A 10-year levy of by a 55% to 44% vote in November. The final count was 4,902 (66%) in $1 per $1,000 of assessed property Creating the district would have favor and 2,578 (34%) against. value received 1,523 yes votes and added funds to support regular Voters in Henrico County 1,184 no votes. A 20-year levy of operating expenses for branch approved a $419.8 million bond ref- 60 cents per $1,000 of assessed libraries in 10 towns, many of erendum that will fund 26 capital property won with 54% of the votes. which have had to limit their oper- projects, including $24 million for In Three Lakes, residents voted ating hours. the construction of a new Fairfield in favor of an advisory referendum Area Library. Voting results were to approve $900,000 for the expan- PENNSYLVANIA 33,061 in favor and 9,235 against. sion of Demmer Memorial Library Voters in Allentown struck down by an 817 to 718 vote. A second a special library tax that would WASHINGTON referendum, which would have have allocated $14 million for the By a vote of 26–5, voters allocated funds to build a complex construction of a new Parkland approved annexing the city of that would hold the new library as Community Library in South White- Kahlotus into the Mid-Columbia well as the police department and hall Township. The new facility Library District. Residents will pay historical society, was defeated by would have quintupled the current 37 cents per $1,000 assessed valua- 12 votes (773–761). library’s size, adding a community tion, shifting the financial obliga- room, children’s area, young adult tion from the city’s general fund to KATHY ROSA is direc- sections, group study areas, rooms the library district. tor of ALA’s Office for tutoring, a garden, a local Orcas Island residents for Research and Sta- history room, and a café. A similar approved a measure to increase tistics (ORS), which proposal appeared on a 2013 ballot the town’s levy limit in order to provides leadership and was also defeated. fund an expansion of the Orcas and expert advice to In Jeannette, residents Library. Expansion plans include ALA staff, members, and the public on all approved a tax levy that will add creating more space for children and teens; adding additional quiet matters related to approximately $65,000 annually to research and sta- spaces, meeting rooms, computer the public library’s regular operat- tistics about areas, and patios; and supporting ing budget. The final results were libraries and librarians. 52% in favor and 47% against. wireless internet access. KELSEY HENKE is a In Point Roberts, a measure to program officer RHODE ISLAND allocate $300,000 for the construc- in ORS. Narragansett voters approved tion of a new library was defeated a bond of up to $5.8 million to by a slim margin. The referendum, finance the acquisition and con- which required 60% approval, struction of a new Maury Loontjens received 406 (55.2%) yes Memorial Library. The bond ques- votes and 329 (44.8%) tion passed by 4,513 to 2,173. no votes.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 41 LIBRARY CHAMPIONS MAKE IT POSSIBLE… …to increase awareness and advocate the importance of libraries across the country and around the world.

Library Champions are among the greatest proponents of America’s libraries. Their gifts help every child, teen, student, and adult who walks through the doors of their library or links to online resources. Contributions from Library Champions support the Libraries Transform Campaign, ALA’s agencywide advocacy and public awareness campaign. By supporting the Libraries Transform Campaign, Library Champions help provide resources and materials to promote the importance of libraries, as well as support national initiatives such as National Library Week and Library Card Sign-Up Month. These special initiatives have been designed to increase public awareness, library use, and literacy to all people, no matter their age, income level, location, ethnicity, or physical ability. ALA thanks the following corporate and foundation sponsors for their support of the Libraries Transform Campaign.

ALA LIBRARY CHAMPION SUSTAINERS $25,000 AND ABOVE

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NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK 2017

BECAUSE OF YOU, The theme for National Library Week, April 9–15, 2017 is once again “Libraries Transform.” It is LIBRARIES a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library TRANSFORM. use and support. All types of libraries—school, public, academic, and special—participate. Visit the ALA Store at alastore.ala.org/nlw to purchase National Library Week products. Celebrate Thanks to support from ALA’s Library Champions, free promotional tools, including a variety of National

free web graphics and customizable print and electronic public service announcements, will be Library Week LIBRARIESTRANSFORM.ORG available at ala.org/nlw. April 9 –15, 2017

BY Barbara A. Alvarez

hat exactly is an embedded business librarian? An embedded business librarian is a library professional who is rooted in the business community; a librarian who is part of the business community instead of Wseparate from it, who strives to be an equal partner and have an equal voice. Small business owners, professionals, and job seekers see the embedded business librarian as a peer, colleague, and fellow business community member instead of an outsider who solely represents the library. The ultimate goal of the embedded business librarian is to become integrated in the business community as much as possible, and not be viewed strictly as “the library” or

“the librarian.” This attitude and relationship will guide how librarians function in this This is an excerpt from position and will affect the activities they participate in, the committees that they join, Embedded Business the projects that they work on, and the way that they and others see librarians and the Librarianship for the Public Librarian by library. Ultimately, this will impact the role and services that the library provides to the Barbara A. Alvarez business community. (ALA Editions, 2016).

Outreach vs. embedded librarianship Embedded business librarianship is not Being an embedded business librarian is sig- necessarily about promotion, although the nificantly different from performing outreach. library is certainly promoted when a librarian Everybody defines outreach differently, but often becomes a part of the business community. This it can be thought of as a library professional step- could entail leaving the library and going into ping away from the reference desk and into the the community several times a week. Instead community—for example, setting up a booth at of going to community functions to give sound a local farmer’s market, doing a presentation at bites about the library and why people should the high school before the summer reading club support it, or presuming to know how it can begins, or speaking to the public about a library support them, an embedded librarian will initiative. In each of these instances, the purpose attend meetings, join committees, and network is typically to remind or inform people about in ways that emphasize the library’s desire to their local library and to promote the library. learn and understand the business community This is perhaps the greatest difference between as a peer. This will certainly be a mental shift for

Photos: Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock; julief514/Adobe Stock (top left) (top Stock julief514/Adobe Stock; Rawpixel.com/Adobe Photos: embedded librarianship and outreach. many libraries and may involve a conversation

45 with library management about the functions and expecta- few friendly emails to local business owners and hope that tions of the role. they’ll stop by? Should our library create some programs, Both outreach and embedded librarianship are laudable promote them on social media and in the library newsletter, efforts. Any time a public library makes efforts outside its own and feel that we did enough? Hardly. In fact, the data shows walls is a success. Depending on the staff size, outreach may that it is the perfect climate to go outside the library and seem more accessible than an embedded business librarian into the community to meet the business owners, profes- role. However, embedded philosophy can be implemented in sionals, and job seekers where they are and build relation- an outreach model. The core concept is to make a concerted ships with them. It is important not to seize this moment as effort to be genuinely integrated in the business community. just an opportunity to boost program attendance and door count numbers, but instead to put energy into forming and Having an impact sustaining meaningful connections. The data above is just For those of you who are uncertain, you may be wondering a small fraction of evidence that shows how receptive the why we even need public librarians to be embedded in the business community can be to the library becoming a part of business community. After all, shouldn’t business owners, the business community. professionals, and job seekers be coming into the library— Take a moment to consider how much of your library’s not the reverse? You may be wondering, “Do we have enough community is affected by job growth, small business staff to properly cover the desk in addition to sending them success, and employment. When a small business owner out into the community?” Make no mistake: Embedded busi- makes progress with help from the library, when a profes- ness librarianship is an important role for the public library. sional receives the information he or she needs from the According to the US Small Business Administration’s library for an important company presentation, and when Office of Advocacy, 27.9 million small business owners a job seeker learns at the library how to tailor his or her job accounted for 64% of the net new jobs created between search, their own well-being and the well-being of their 1993 and 2011, in addition to the 17.7 million independent friends, family, colleagues, neighbors, and surroundings are workers detailed in MBO Partners’ Third Annual Independent greatly impacted. Workforce Report. And as noted in a 2015 Pew Research Moreover, the feeling of genuine support and champi- Center survey, the Great Recession proved to critics that onship that the business community has because of the libraries are needed more than ever—just ask the 36% of library’s embedded involvement could be the push it needs patrons who used the library in 2012 for job search assis- to move forward with a new initiative or project. In essence, tance. This number has gone down to 23% (which is a good when the library invests in building relationships with the thing), but there is still strong support for the public library to business community, it is investing in the livelihood and provide business resources and workshops. In fact, 52% of all future of all of its citizens. As public library professionals, Americans age 16 and older say libraries should “definitely” this should not be optional but a core mission for us. create programs for local businesses and entrepreneurs. While statistics may point to the value of libraries in Clearly data expresses the national business community’s the business community, they certainly do not capture the need for library services. So what does this mean? Since entirety of its relationship with the public library. Some some job seekers already come to the library, do we not still view their local public library as outdated and obso- need to reach out to them? Since there is a clear interest in lete. There may be great reverence for the library because business workshops at the library, should we just send out a people respect what it represents—education, literacy, and opportunity—but many people do not know how the library fits into their lives, particularly their professional lives. When members of the business community are informed about the resources, workshops, technology, or other When the library invests in ongoing engagement projects at the library, they are often amazed, intrigued, and prompted to learn more. This building relationships with appreciation grows when librarians develop meaningful relationships and work with business people on committees the business community, it and socialize with them in networking groups. This appreciation can become mutual advocacy. The library no longer has to tout its own accomplishments and is investing in the livelihood worth because others will advocate for it. It is much more valuable to have peers vouch for an organization than to and future of all of its citizens.

46 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org have the organization vouch for itself. To use a business As you increase your interactions and engagement, analogy, people often tell job seekers that they should not you will undoubtedly discover that the business commu- necessarily ask others for interviews and job leads when nity may very well be the same people who serve on local networking, but rather they should be asking others how charitable committees and school boards and in local they can be of service. In turn, when someone does learn of government. You may find that you already see them in the a job opening or promotional opportunity, they are happy library as community members, not as business members. to return the favor to the job seeker. This holds true for how Essentially, when you develop relationships with the busi- the library will integrate itself into the business community: ness community, you are developing relationships with the We will demonstrate how the library is relevant by support- entire community. ing our members, who in turn will support and understand the library on a deeper level. Planning for success Before getting started, you must have a clear conversation Becoming an equal partner with the management team at your library about the expec- Every community and library has specific goals for how to tations for this role. If your library expects deliverables from improve connections with local businesses. And through the every event, workshop, demonstration, or speaking engage- embedded business model, relationships will indeed change ment, this discussion will be especially important. Support and new opportunities will be created or discovered. That from colleagues and management is crucial, especially in being said, the overall goal for this position is a consistent the beginning when much of this is experimental. You need focus on learning and understanding the business community to see where your library fits in the equation. on a meaningful level as well as positioning the library as an When you are embedded in the business community, organization that is part of it. As library professionals, we your outcomes will not always be consistent, especially in tend to assume that because we view the library as a relevant the beginning. You may attend functions where you feel and integral part of the community, others must share those that you did not make an impact or a connection, and your views. The truth is many people view the library as irrelevant. library needs to support your role with an understanding However, embedded business librarianship is not self- that it is not intended to boost programming statistics, refer- serving. It comes from a true and honest attempt to under- ence questions, or door counts. stand, learn, and be an equal partner. This means stepping Many marks of success are going to be aspects that you back and listening—not just telling the business community cannot put onto paper but you will notice regardless. An what you think they want to or should hear. It also means example of an improvement that you cannot necessarily demonstrating the library’s case, not just saying it. Embed- quantify is when people in the community start referring ded business librarianship recognizes that you do not know you to others and speaking positively about your role and or have to know all the answers to the issues or struggles that the library’s opportunities. the business community may face. You are going to work That being said, depending on your library’s management

Photo: Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock Rawpixel.com/Adobe Photo: with them toward a solution, not try to be the solution. and board philosophy, you may need to come up with ways

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 47 to quantify this new role without impeding its progress. you can add value to people’s lives will keep you driven, Some examples: focused, and motivated. ■ How many events did you attend each month? As you continue in the embedded business librarian ■ If you speak at an event, how many people have you role, you will go from an outsider who has to be clued reached? into the community’s goings-on to someone who is ■ Report news, trends, and data that you are learning aware of the latest developments, trends, and events. in this new role and how these relate to the larger Instead of hosting a table at a community event, you may community and the library. be on the committee for organizing the event. Instead If you need to speak to the board about this new role, of attending a business “lunch and learn,” you may be emphasize what you are learning and how the relation- invited to present at one. Instead of going to a local ships you are developing can complement any of the speaking engagement, you may have been one of the above statistics. people to help select the speaker. Instead of introducing You may feel you need to be a business expert to get yourself at village merchant meetings, you will be able to started in this role. That is not true. Having a business update everyone on trends at the library and stay abreast background can certainly be helpful, but an interest, of trends in the community. You will also learn how the curiosity, and desire to learn more about business are library can host ongoing projects, events, and platforms the most essential assets. The most important aspect is that directly serve the business community. your knowledge of your library and your own eagerness The bottom line is that you can expect relationships and desire to make a difference. If a library professional with the business community to transform from trans- possesses these qualities, there is no reason that he or actional to interactional. she cannot be an embedded business librarian. Don’t be afraid to get started How relationships will transform You might feel pressured to do everything at once, but Depending on how often your library has already posi- don’t be afraid to start small. This is a process that will tioned itself in the community, you may be treading on take time. Even if you feel that you are not making brand-new territory. Regardless if you already have a progress, you have not failed—and will not fail— solid business relationship foundation or your library is because you are serving your community to the best of a complete novice, you will no doubt feel awkward and your ability. Have patience with yourself and with the out of place in the beginning as an embedded librarian. community. Encourage yourself to learn new technol- There may be times where you will feel tongue-tied, ogy, trends, relationship interactions, and everything confused, or like you do not belong. Over time, you will else that comes with your role. absolutely develop confidence and a sense of who you are and how the library fits into the conversation with BARBARA A. ALVAREZ is corporate business members. communications specialist at Kohler Company. She formerly served as busi- In moments of doubt, it helps to reflect on why you ness liaison librarian for Barrington (Ill.) are the embedded business librarian. Focusing on Area Library. She was awarded the Public building relationships from a genuine belief that you Librarian Support Award from the Busi- want what is best for your library’s community and that ness Reference and Services Section/Morningstar in 2015. Photo: Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock Rawpixel.com/Adobe Photo:

48 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org ALA purchases fund advocacy, awareness, and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide.

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Don’t delay! Oﬀ er expires 3/1/17. Keeping Inmates on the OUTSIDE Libraries offer services and support to ease prisoner reentry

BY Megan Cottrell

50 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org ike any librarian, Dan Marcou gets to know his patrons. He knows about their families, what they like to read, and where they’re from. He often puts aside special books he knows that they’ll enjoy. But unlike most librarians, he ultimately hopes he’ll never see them again. Marcou is a corrections librarian with Hennepin County (Minn.) Library, and his Lpatrons are the residents of Hennepin County Jail. He remembers the first time he saw one of his favorite patrons back in jail after being released just a few weeks earlier. “It was this very eyeopening moment,” says Marcou. “I thought, ‘I enjoy talking with you. You’re a nice person. I’m happy to see you, but not inside the facility.’ ” Marcou began to realize his job was more complex than just serving the needs of the inmates inside the jail. He needed to do more to make sure they didn’t come back. As a kid, the local library had been a respite from the institution he hated: school. What if the library could provide his patrons with a safe haven to learn and get the resources they needed to keep from coming back?

The complexity of reentry demonstrates these contradictions of what people have and recidivism to face.” According to the National Institute of Justice (bit.ly/ After some investigation, Marcou realized there 1e0c5jL), within the first three years of being released were local organizations and programs to help folks from a criminal justice facility, two-thirds of former reentering society, but most people about to be inmates are rearrested. Within five years of release, released didn’t know what resources were available. three-quarters are rearrested. The library’s first step was creating a newsletter, which Why is staying on the outside so difficult? The pro- eventually transitioned into a pocket guide called cess of leaving prison and returning to society, often Going Home, with information on how local institu- referred to as reentry, can be complicated and fraught tions, including the library, could help with housing, with problems. Housing, employment, transportation, jobs, education, and more. An area map delineating mental and physical health, and relationships are just Hennepin County Library’s 41 locations, and hotlines some of the issues Marcou says his patrons face upon and websites for shelters, legal American Libraries American leaving the jail. resources, and addiction and “Many reentry issues piggyback off one another,” self-care support, are included. he says. “A person with a job is three times less likely Going Home is just one to reoffend. But without a place to live or transpor- aspect of Freedom Ticket tation, it’s pretty difficult to get a job, even without a (hclib.org/about/outreach/ criminal record.” freedom-ticket), Hennepin In addition to the practical problems of housing County Library’s reentry and work, reentry can feel lonely and stressful. When program. To highlight what Marcou asks his patrons why they’re back, he often the library can offer former gets a similar answer. offenders, staff members “One resident said when they’re inside, they’re sur- created a 12-minute rounded by positiveness. Jail was better than real life, video introducing current because they had the support, a roof over their head, inmates to the library’s food,” he says. “Someone told me, ‘I don’t want to do many services and began the things that I do, but when I walk out these doors, showing it to inmates

Photos: © eurobanks/Adobe Stock; photo illustration: Rebecca Lomax/ Rebecca illustration: photo Stock; © eurobanks/Adobe Photos: I have nothing.’ That doesn’t justify his actions, but it about to be released.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 51 Brooklyn (N.Y.) Public Library’s TeleStory program provides space to videochat at the library, letting families connect with their incarcerated loved ones, reading books and singing songs together.

“Our goal wasn’t to create a lot of new things but others, which they feel proud of,” he says. “And it helps to promote things that already exist,” says Marcou. “If our community to better understand the complexity of I had a quarter every time I heard, ‘I didn’t know the the lives that lead to incarcerations.” library offered that,’ I’d be a rich man.” In addition, Marcou began offering job resource How the library can help workshops, connecting residents to specific industries reconnect families and occupations they may be interested in, as well as One of the most complex issues the formerly incarcer- offering programs to inspire and motivate inmates to ated face is creating positive relationships with friends make a change, like creative writing workshops and and family, especially their children. Even a single visit author visits. by a family member in a five-year sentence reduced “If people look at the narrative of their lives, espe- recidivism rates by 13–25%, according to a 2011 study cially writing things down, they gain a new perspec- by the Minnesota Department of Corrections. Creating

tive. They’re able to put it on the page and share it with and maintaining those connections while a person is Public Library (N.Y.) Richards/Brooklyn Gregg Photo:

Educate yourself. Connect with institutions and organi- How to Get Two titles that Brooklyn zations. What criminal justice facilities (N.Y.) Public Library exist within your community? What Started Helping Corrections Librarian resources exist for those experiencing Ex-Offenders Nick Higgins suggests are reentry? Connect with elected officials, Michelle Alexander’s The New police departments, judges, nonprof- at Your Library Jim Crow and Angela Davis’s its, and faith-based organizations that Are Prisons Obsolete? Part of learning are already working inside the system. about incarceration means also learning about “Invite yourself to meetings where they racial bias within the system, says Higgins, are and start to carve a seat out at the and “getting comfortable in accepting the fact table,” says Higgins. “These folks are that the justice system adversely affects some often gatekeepers to the facilities where people more than others.” you’d like to set up your library services.”

52 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org still incarcerated seems critical to successful reentry, interested in the video visitation, but the library itself says Brooklyn (N.Y.) Public Library (BPL) Corrections made a big impact. Librarian Nick Higgins. “That day also happened to be our summer reading “A lot of people say that reentry starts the moment program kickoff,” says Higgins. “We had library card people enter jail,” says Higgins. “Engaging with the signups and book giveaways and games. It was his first library and promoting family reunification—those are time experiencing what the library had to offer, and it all part of the reentry model.” really created a relationship with this family beyond Higgins and his staff serve 800 to 1,000 prisoners per just incarceration.” month in five of the 10 jails on New York’s Rikers Island. Through a grant from the Knight Foundation, In addition to providing mobile and standing library ser- TeleStory will expand to 12 libraries across New York vice, the staff has worked hard to create programs that State, making it easier for families to connect with connect their patrons with their families. Once a month, loved ones and giving the incarcerated a better chance they run a program called Daddy and Me/Mommy and at a successful reentry when the time comes. Me, which teaches parents about the impact of early literacy and lets them record themselves reading chil- Meeting needs without creating stigma dren’s books for their young ones at home. Just the experience of going to the library and While Daddy and Me/Mommy and Me allows interacting with friendly, helpful librarians can be an inmates to connect with their families, library staff incredibly important step for former inmates who have found they had a hard time keeping in contact with experienced a lot of isolation, says Marcou. those families. So in 2014 BPL started an innovative “A community can feel like a very strange place if program called TeleStory, a virtual visitation space you’re locked away for a long time,” he says. “To be at the library where families can videochat with their able to go into an environment where [inmates are] incarcerated loved ones, reading books and singing welcomed and encouraged, where they don’t have to songs together. worry about money—that’s unbelievably positive.” TeleStory aims to facilitate a family connection, but But creating a positive space for reentry can also the visits also help connect these vulnerable families mean anticipating the unique needs of some former to what the library has to offer, says Higgins. A mother inmates. That’s what Melanie Colletti, librarian at who recently visited BPL with her 9-year-old son and Denver Public Library (DPL), discovered when the toddler daughter seemed a little tentative and unsure library started its Free to Learn program in 2010 for of what to expect. The 9-year-old wasn’t particularly the formerly incarcerated.

“A lot of people say that reentry starts the moment people enter jail. Engaging with the library and promoting family reunification— those are all part of the reentry model.” NICK HIGGINS, Brooklyn (N.Y.) Public Library

Create space for dialogue. Even if Train your staff. Helping your staff mem- Start small. Many librarians you’re not ready to start helping bers understand the complex issues new to corrections start ex-offenders specifically, you can use surrounding incarceration will help them out with a vision of creat- your library as a place to talk about better serve your patrons. Marcou’s ing massive change, but issues in the criminal justice system. library did a training with a playwright because of the complexities “Create space for the public to discuss who gathered stories from women at of incarceration, Marcou this system together in a forum, public a local correctional facility and turned says the reality can feel program, film series, or art exhibit,” them into a play to perform at the train- very different. “I don’t try says Higgins. “Don’t be afraid to enter ing. The training was overwhelmingly to reach everyone,” he says. into the conversation about how to successful, and it opened staff members’ “If I can help one person out grapple with a system that deeply and eyes to both the statistics and realities of of 100, I’m happy. If people negatively affects so many of our com- incarceration as well as the stories behind just take one step forward, munity members and their families.” the numbers. it’s a start.” •

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 53 An inmate reads to The vast majority of women in the criminal justice welcoming environment. Colletti says the women got his son (left) and a family poses at the system are survivors of domestic abuse, both physical assistance in finding jobs and housing, reconnecting Daddy and Me pro- and sexual, according to the Correctional Association with family via Facebook, and learning how to down- gram’s family day of New York. When DPL staffers discovered most of load books and music. event, facilitated at the people using the computers in the Community “More importantly, they shared their personal expe- a jail by Brooklyn (N.Y.) Public Library. Technology Center were men, they realized how diffi- riences at the library with the women they knew at cult it might be for female ex-offenders to participate halfway houses and at programs they attended at other in the program. agencies,” says Colletti. “This is how we became better In response, Colletti helped create Women’s Open known as a safe space that welcomes all.” Lab, where female ex-offenders can come in to use Through operating the Women’s Open Lab and

the computers and get help from library staff in a safe, educating staff on the needs of ex-offenders, the Public Library (N.Y.) Brooklyn Photos:

54 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org library discovered that a separate reentry program United States is roughly the same as those who have wasn’t really necessary. So while Free to Learn doesn’t college degrees. formally exist anymore, the library still maintains a “The criminal justice system affects so many database of community resources for people going people—not just those who are incarcerated, but their though reentry, and it trains staffers to know that they families who have nothing to do with their crimes can help former offenders in small ways, like signing or the system,” says Higgins. “It’s a fairly destructive a sheet to verify for their parole officer or release pro- system, and we’re here to help all members of our com- gram that they attended a class. munity no matter where they happen to be.” Additionally, DPL staff members now regularly But Higgins also stresses the joy that can come from visit local correctional institutions to talk to prisoners seeing the formerly incarcerated create new lives for nearing their release dates about what the library can themselves and use the library to do it. offer them. But Colletti stresses that a participant’s A few months ago, he heard someone calling his affirming testimonial can do more for a program than name on the street. He turned around to see a man any promotional materials. who he had gotten to know well in a literature class he “The better marketing tool is word of mouth,” she says. taught in Brooklyn’s federal prison. “He was riding his “And because of our initial connections with community bicycle. It was his mother’s birthday, and he was getting reentry and other organizations, the word is still out a cake for her,” says Higgins. “To see somebody who is there that the public library is a good place to be.” outside of the four walls of that facility, not wearing his green uniform, but riding a bicycle in Brooklyn—it was An essential library mission so good to see. It’s a very meaningful thing.” BPL’s Higgins says helping ex-offenders is part of a library’s central mission: to serve and welcome all MEGAN COTTRELL is a writer, blogger, people. And with the rise in the prison population, and reporter in Michigan. the numbers of ex-offenders are growing rapidly. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, the number of people with criminal records in the

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americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 55 MIDWINTER PREVIEW The conversation starts here...

56 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org BY Terra Dankowski OPENING SESSION Friday, January 20, 4–5:15 p.m. tlanta is a city of many nicknames Acclaimed sociopolitical comedian, radio and pod- and identities. You might know cast host, ACLU ambas- it as ATL, the Big Peach, Dog- sador, and author W. A Kamau Bell will bring wood City, Hotlanta, the Hollywood of to Midwinter his brand of the South. You might be acquainted “intersectional progressivism,” W. Kamau as coined by The New Yorker. Bell with its bustling airport or its ties to Bell has performed at colleges Coca-Cola, Gone with the Wind, and the across the country, appeared on various Comedy Central programs, and has 1996 Summer Olympic Games. But per- been published at Salon, MSNBC.com, haps none of its associations are more and BuzzFeed. His forthcoming memoir, The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau meaningful—or resonant to librarian Bell: Tales of a 6'4", African American, Heterosexual, Cisgender, Left-Leaning, values—than the city’s place at the center Asthmatic, Black and Proud Blerd, of the civil rights movement and protest Mama’s Boy, Dad, and Stand-Up Come- dian (Penguin Random House, May activity of the mid-20th century. 2017) is a humorous, well-informed take on issues such as race relations, We know that equity, diversity, and inclusion are instru- fatherhood, law enforcement, superhe- mental to the success of libraries. As the American roes, and politics. Library Association (ALA) gears up for its 2017 Midwin- ter Meeting & Exhibits (January 20–24) in Atlanta, it’s important to reflect on a variety of recent events—from ARTHUR CURLEY MEMORIAL LECTURE the unrest after the presidential election to the Pulse nightclub shooting to the Dakota Access Pipeline to Saturday, January 21, 4–5 p.m. Black Lives Matter demonstrations—in deciding how Join Ryan Gravel—urban visionary, planner, designer, and author of Where our libraries can continue to invite knowledge into mar- We Want to Live: Reclaiming Infra- ginalized communities, create brave spaces, further structure for a New Generation a dialogue around complicated issues, and provide of Cities (St. Martin’s Press, better access for everyone. 2016)—for an exciting pitch on how to make cities Programs, speakers, research, and continuing edu- better by remodeling cation at Midwinter will focus greatly on diversity, them with infrastructure inclusion, and advocacy strategies, case studies, and to reconnect neighborhoods calls to action. Sessions will also look to the uncer- Ryan and people. Gravel is a found- Gravel tain and exciting future of librarianship, in tandem ing principal at Sixpitch and the with this year’s Symposium on the Future of Libraries. award-winning creator of the Atlanta BeltLine, a 22-mile transit greenway of And of course, Midwinter showcases the Youth Media development that will ultimately con- Awards and the Reference and User Services Associa- nect 40 diverse Atlanta neighborhoods tion (RUSA) Book and Media Awards, plus the authors, to city schools, shopping districts, and exhibits, professional development, and networking public parks. His work on site design, you’ve come to love and expect. infrastructure, concept development, and public policy, with consideration to However you may know Atlanta, draw some inspiration the cultural side of infrastructure, has from its important place in our history, for the import- been covered in The New York Times,

abbagetown mural, Centennial Centennial mural, abbagetown © Gene Phillips (C Street); building, Peachtree (Coca-Cola C. Rose © Kevin and day); night at Park Piedmont flame, (eternal © James Duckworth & AtlantaPhotos.com: of ACVB Courtesy page) (facing Photos (Gravel) (Bell); John Meister Reserved. All Rights Company. Warner Inc. A Time Network, Cable News John Novak/© (this page): Photos skyline). (snowy Jordan © Jay BeltLine); © Jenni Gartman (Atlanta fountain); Olympic Park ant work that your libraries do. Wall Street Journal, and CityLab.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 57 News You Can Use PRESIDENT’S PROGRAM Sunday, January 22, 3:30–5:30 p.m. ALA President Julie B. Todaro wel- et the latest updates on policy, comes Kwame Alexander— research, statistics, and technology, poet, educator, and Gbased on surveys, reports, legislation award-winning, best- and regulation, projects, beta trials, selling author of 24 focus groups, and other data. Presenters books for children, include ALA divisions and offices, ALA’s including the 2015 New- Digital Content Working Group, and other bery Medal–winning The Kwame organizations. For a full list of News You Crossover and the forthcom- Alexander Can Use sessions, check the ALA Midwinter ing photo-illustrated book, Scheduler at alamidwinter.org/scheduler. Animal Ark: Celebrating Our Wild World in Poetry and Pictures (with Joel Sar- Libraries Transforming tore, National Geographic Children’s Communities: Models for Change Books, February 2017). Alexander’s Saturday, January 21, 8:30–10 a.m. work is inspired by his belief that Starting this month, public and academic poetry can change the world. A regular libraries across the country will be invited to speaker at schools and conferences, learn community engagement techniques, such Alexander cofounded an international as coalition building and dialogue facilitation, literacy program that leads an annual through a series of free web-based and delegation of writers, educators, and in-person trainings offered by ALA’s Public Programs Office, with support from activists to Ghana. the Institute for Museum and Library Services and built on the success of the Association’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative. Attend this session CLOSING SESSION to learn more about the rollout, including information on training schedules, applications, and special travel stipends available to small and rural libraries. Monday, January 23, 2–3 p.m. Actor, producer, director, Adult Literacy through Libraries host, author, and magician Saturday, January 21, 1–2:30 p.m. Neil Patrick Harris will ALA’s Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services and ProLiteracy be the Closing Session partner to deliver an action agenda to spur conversation, ideas, and speaker. A Tony Award recommendations to further adult literacy. The session identifies seven key winner, five-time Emmy Neil Patrick priority areas on which public libraries and library-related groups might Harris Award winner, and memoir- choose to focus: collection development, technology and digital literacy, ist, Harris recently made his collaboration and strategic partnerships, professional development and middle-grade book debut with The graduate education, community planning and program evaluation, raising Magic Misfits (Little, Brown Books for awareness and influencing policy, and sustainability. Young Readers, fall 2017), a series that combines his passion as a magic enthu- Library Information Technology siast with his more recent experiences Association (LITA) Top Tech Trends as a parent. Harris will next be seen Sunday, January 22, 1–2:30 p.m. starring as Count Olaf in the Netflix Expert panelists describe advances in technology that are having an impact original, Lemony Snicket’s A Series of on the library world and what libraries can do to take advantage of these Unfortunate Events. Be sure to read our developments. Moderated by Ken Varnum, senior program manager for interview with Harris on page 28. discovery, delivery, and learning analytics at the University of Michigan, the LITA round table features Bill Jones (creative technologist, IDS Project), Meredith MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. Powers (senior reference librarian, Brooklyn [N.Y.] Public Library), Kelvin Watson SUNRISE CELEBRATION (chief operating officer and senior vice president, Queens [N.Y.] Library), Cynthia Hart (emerging technologies librarian, Virginia Beach [Va.] Public Library), and Monday, January 23, 6:30–7:30 a.m. Gena Marker (teacher-librarian, Centennial High School Library in Boise, Idaho). Acclaimed historian and professor Daina Ramey Berry will deliver the

keynote address, themed “Freedom (Alexander) BrianLaRossa Photos:

58 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Ain’t Never Been Free,” at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Obser- vance and Sunrise Celebration, which In the Exhibit Hall commemorates King’s legacy and recognizes the connection between his life’s work and the library world. A specialist in the history of gender and slavery in the United States, Berry’s forthcoming book, The Price for Their Pound of Flesh: The Value of the Enslaved, from the Womb to the Grave, in the Building of a Nation Daina (Beacon Press, January Ramey Berry 2017), offers a groundbreaking look at slaves as commod- ities through every phase of life in early America. Berry will be joined by Cynthia P. Lewis, director of archives at King Library and Archives in Atlanta, and call-to-action speaker Patricia “Patty” Wong, county librarian of the Yolo County (Calif.) Library System. Fea- tured readings will include passages ith more than 400 exhibitors offering the Exhibit Hall Hours from the collected work and speeches latest in products, titles, and services for Friday, January 20 of King. Coffee, tea, and light refresh- Wevery type of library, pavilions dedicated 5:30–7 p.m. ments will be served. to niche areas, and stages featuring the hottest Saturday, January 21 names in publishing, the exhibit hall at Midwinter is 9 a.m.–5 p.m. essential to learning and networking. AUDITORIUM Sunday, January 22 SPEAKER SERIES Stop by the Book Buzz Theater for buzz on the 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, January 21, 10–11 a.m. newest titles; watch chefs, restaurant owners, and Monday, January 23 Award-winning debut author Susan food personalities whip up their favorite recipes at 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Tan and bestselling author and illustra- the What’s Cooking @ ALA Demonstration Stage; tor LeUyen Pham promise and catch readings, discussions, presentations, a thought-provoking and signings at the PopTop Stage. For a full list of conversation, moder- exhibitors, visit exhibitors.ala.org. ated by Booklist Books for Youth Editor Daniel Kraus. Tan’s book Cilla The Bear Who Wasn’t There, and is the Blessed of the Patriarchs”: Lee-Jenkins: Future Author Susan illustrator of many other picture books, Thomas Jefferson and Tan Extraordinaire (Macmillan, including The Princess in Black series the Empire of the March 2017) is a middle- and The Boy Who Loved Math. Imagination (with grade novel about a Peter S. Onuf, Liveright

biracial Asian-American Sunday, January 22, 10–11 a.m. Publishing, 2016), her Annette girl who dreams of Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and persistent investigation Gordon-Reed becoming a famous author law professor Annette Gordon-Reed has dramatically changed but first has to deal with LeUyen brings to Midwinter her authentic the course of Jeffersonian scholarship. the arrival of a new sibling and Pham portrayal of our colonial past. Author Gordon-Reed is a Guggenheim fellow, the differences between the of several books, including The MacArthur fellow, and recipient of two sides of her family. Pham wrote and Hemingses of Monticello: An Ameri- the National Humanities Medal and

Photos: Shayne James (Berry); Tony Rinaldo (Gordon-Reed); Cognotes (exhibit hall) (exhibit Cognotes Rinaldo (Gordon-Reed); Tony James (Berry); Shayne Photos: illustrated Big Sister, Little Sister and can Family and most recently “Most National Book Award.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 59 Symposium on the Future of Libraries

Darlene Gillard Jones Isha Lee Marian Liou Stephen Harmon Jeffrey Martín

pecial to Midwinter is a three-day program of sessions, sponsored by the Center for the Future of Libraries, exploring the many futures for academic, Spublic, school, and special libraries. Included with full conference registration, this symposium offers plenary sessions with civic, social, and education innovators; insights for new services, spaces, collections, and partnerships; and discussions with experts and thinkers from allied professions and disciplines. Leaders will inspire attendees to consider ideas in light of their own work and values that they can bring back to their communities, campuses, and organizations. For more information, visit alamidwinter.org/symposium-on-future-libraries.

Plenary Sessions Saturday, January 21, 8:30–10 a.m. Sunday, January 22, 8:30–10 a.m. Monday, January 23, 8:30–10 a.m. Social innovation will be the focus, Kyle Kessler and Marian Liou will Stephen Harmon and Jeffrey Martín with speakers Darlene Gillard Jones tackle civic innovation with a look into will present a program on innovation in and Isha Lee. Jones is chief community the future of cities, communities, and K–12 and higher ed. Harmon is director officer of Digital Undivided and its BIG neighborhoods. Kessler is community of educational innovation at Georgia Innovation Center, the first and only program manager for Atlanta’s Center Institute of Technology’s Center for space and tech accelerator program for Civic Innovation, which helps 21st Century Universities, which tests dedicated to the training and support find and test new solutions to local techniques in actual classrooms to of Latina and black women founders challenges with tools ranging from develop tech-driven solutions that of high-growth tech companies. Lee open data to community dialogue. result in optimal student outcomes is chief network officer of Welcoming Liou is the founder of We Love BuHi, and institutional change. Martín is America, a national network for a community-based organization that founder and CEO of honorCode, a nonprofits and local governments combines arts, business, design, and nonprofit that provides curricula and interested in developing plans, play to catalyze and support Atlanta’s training to schools to bring more web programs, and policies that embrace Buford Highway corridor. development into the K–12 classroom. immigrants, foster opportunity for all, and transform communities.

Saturday, January 21, 12:30–1:30 p.m. Sunday, January 22, 12:30–1:30 p.m. ALA MASTERS SERIES Talk with Catherine Murray-Rust, Join Kelvin Watson, COO and SVP Hear experts from across different dean of libraries at Georgia Tech, about of Queens Library, to discuss wide- library specialties describe their latest recent projects, including the Library ranging developments that are trans- in-house innovations in these fast- Service Center, a joint venture with forming his library, including a new paced, 45-minute sessions. Emory University. virtual library system.

60 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Morris and Nonfiction Award TOWN HALL DIALOGUE Program and Presentation Library and Information Monday, January 23, 10:30 a.m.–noon Business and Experts Succeeding in Join the Young Adult Library the 21st Century Services Association to celebrate Financial Saturday, January 21, 1–3 p.m. the 2017 honorees and winners for What competencies will be necessary the Morris Award and the YA Meetings for all types and sizes of libraries to Nonfiction Award. Enjoy coffee, tea, thrive in a future society? How can and refreshments and hear final- library schools and development ists speak about their distinguished Friday, January 20 programs prepare librarians to be titles. After the speeches, mingle with 8:30–10:45 a.m., ALA Executive successful? This critical discussion authors and pick up free copies of their Board Meeting I on the role of library professionals books. Tickets: $19. A limited number Noon–1:30 p.m., Budget Analysis as experts will be facilitated by ALA of tickets will be available at the door. and Review Committee (BARC) President Julie B. Todaro and guided Meeting by thought leaders Eileen Abels United for Libraries (dean of the School of Library and Gala Author Tea Saturday, January 21 Information Science at Simmons Monday, January 23, 2–4 p.m. Noon–1:30 p.m., BARC Meeting College), Valerie Gross (president Authors Mary Kay Andrews, Pam 3–4:30 p.m., ALA Council/ and CEO of Howard County [Md.] Jenoff, Kathy Hepinstall, and Executive Board/Membership Library), and John Bertot (professor Emily Fridlund will discuss Information Session at University of Maryland’s College their writing lives and 4:30–5:30 p.m., ALA Presidential of Information Studies). forthcoming books at Candidates’ Forum this event. Enjoy a light offering of tea, finger sand- Sunday, January 22 BOOKS AND AWARDS wiches, and sweets, followed Pam Jenoff 8:30–10:30 a.m., ALA Council I RUSA Book and Media Awards by book signings. Winners 10:30–11 a.m., ALA-APA Council Sunday, January 22, 5–7 p.m. of the 2016 National Session Don’t miss the RUSA advisory com- Friends of Libraries mittees’ Notable Books, Reading List, Week Awards will be Monday, January 23 and Listen List selections, as well as recognized during the 10 a.m.–noon, ALA Council II announcements for the winners of program. Tickets: $65 2–4 p.m., ALA Executive Board the Andrew Carnegie Medals for onsite, $60 in advance for Kathy Meeting II Hepinstall Excellence in Fiction and Nonfic- ALA members, $55 in advance tion. The winners of the Dartmouth for United for Libraries members. Tuesday, January 24 Medal, Sophie Brody Medal for 9:30–11:30 a.m., ALA Council III Jewish literature, Zora Neale Hur- 1–4:30 p.m., ALA Executive Board ADVOCACY PROGRAMMING ston Award for achievement in pro- Meeting III moting African-American literature, Library Professionals Lead: and Louis Shores Award for book Influencing the Agenda reviewing will also be revealed. of the 45th President and the 115th Congress how library advocates can engage with Youth Media Awards Saturday, January 21, elected officials to affect decisions. Monday, January 23, 8–9 a.m. 10:30–11:30 a.m. Committees of librarians and media Join ALA President Julie B. Todaro Improving Federal and State experts select the winners of the Youth for a briefing on the 45-115 ALA Policy to Support Family Media Awards, which honor books, Federal Initiative for libraries, library Engagement in Libraries videos, and other outstanding materi- professionals, and stakeholders to Saturday, January 21, als for children and teens. Winners of influence the agendas of the president 10:30–11:30 a.m. the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, New- and Congress. A panel, moderated by Policymakers need to recognize bery, and Printz are among the awards 2014–2015 ALA President Courtney libraries as critical partners in and medals to be announced. Follow Young, will share ALA’s strategy for advancing learning opportunities the results via live webcast or by follow- policy priorities, plans for the first 100 and family engagement. Join the

Photos: Mindy Schwartz (Jenoff); Kelly Beck-Byrnes (Hepinstall) Beck-Byrnes (Jenoff); Kelly Mindy Schwartz Photos: ing #alayma. days of the new administration, and Office for Information Technology

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 61 Policy and the Public Library Associa- Association for Library Service the library’s nationally recognized tion (PLA) to examine opportunities to Children (ALSC) Mini Institute Civil Rights Room and Collection, for federal and state policymakers Friday, January 20, 7 a.m.–4 p.m. uses Nashville’s groundbreaking civil to better support inclusion of public Join fellow children’s librarians rights training partnership with law and other libraries as part of a holis- and educators for an intensive enforcement agencies as an example tic approach to children’s healthy daylong learning opportunity of to help libraries and professionals development and education. programming, keynote author and align with what their communities illustrator events, networking, dis- value most, heighten visibility and Are You a Proactive or cussion forums, and more. Designed stature, and develop strategies for Reactive Advocate? Best for front-line youth library staff, immediate integration into their Practices from Academic and children’s literature experts, and work. Tickets: $295 for ALA mem- Public Library Supporters education and library school faculty bers, $245 for PLA members. Monday, January 23, members, it is one of the only work- 10:30–11:30 a.m. shops devoted solely to children’s Activate, Collaborate, and United for Libraries and RUSA part- librarianship, literature, and technol- Engage: Transforming Your ner for an engaging dialogue on best ogy. Advance tickets: $170 for ALA Community through Health practices for library advocacy and members, $150 for ALSC members. Outreach at Your Library outreach—even in times of a budget Friday, January 20, 8 a.m.–noon crisis—and what academic and public Partnering with Law Get an introduction to how libraries libraries can learn from each other. Enforcement to Advance Social can strengthen their roles within the Discussion leaders include Dustin Justice: A Train-the-Trainer communities they serve through health Fife, director of library services for Event for Public Libraries outreach using ALA’s Libraries Trans- Western State Colorado University, Friday, January 20, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. forming Communities initiative. Learn and Donna McDonald, director of the This interactive institute from PLA about free and reliable health informa- Arkansas River Valley Regional Library will offer concrete strategies for tion resources and ready-to-use materi- in Dardanelle. how public libraries can use history als, how to proactively create a culture as a gateway to discussing today’s of health users, and how to start health complex community dynamics, in an outreach implementation at your TICKETED EVENTS environment that encourages open library, in this session cosponsored Midwinter offers a series of precon- conversation and greater under- by the Association of Specialized and ference institutes and professional standing. Andrea Blackman, division Cooperative Library Agencies’ (ASCLA) development opportunities for all areas manager for the Special Collections Consumer Health Information Librari- of librarianship. For more information, Division of the Nashville (Tenn.) ans Interest Group. Tickets: $135 in visit alamidwinter.org/ticketed-events. Public Library and coordinator of advance to ASCLA and ALA members. ALA Store

ocated near the onsite registration area, the ALA Store will extend its Lhours this year. Browse and shop a wide range of bestselling promotional, continuing education, professional development, and gift items.

Store Hours Friday, Sunday, January 20 January 22 Noon–5:30 p.m. 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, Monday, January 21 January 23 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Photo: Cognotes Photo:

62 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Want to Discover Atlanta? STAY

Center for Puppetry Arts Connected Visit alamidwinter.org

Track #alamw17 and follow @alamw

Join the Facebook event at bit.ly/FBMW17

Follow the Pinterest boards at pinterest.com/alamidwinter

Follow along on Tumblr at americanlibraryassoc .tumblr.com

Keep up on Instagram with #alamw17 and at bit.ly/ALAinstagram

Visit alamidwinter.org/ isit the informational website created for ALA by the city of Atlanta—which scheduler or download the Vincludes a list of attractions and special offers—at attend.atlanta.net/ala. mobile app

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: of collection development, Georgia Returning for their third year, Ignite Creating a New Future for Southern University), Emily Drabinski Sessions offer a unique format: five- Library Collections (coordinator of library instruction, Long minute presentations, accompanied by Friday, January 20, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Island University), Ann Marie Willer 20 slides that advance automatically This full-day symposium from the (preservation librarian, MIT), and Mark every 15 seconds. Association for Library Collections and Puente (director of diversity and leader- Make connections at the Networking Technical Services (ALCTS) examines ship programs, Association of Research Uncommons space, a Wi-Fi-equipped the critical roles of equity, diversity, and Libraries). Tickets: $269 for ALA mem- area where you can gather in small inclusion in today’s libraries and high- bers, $219 for ALCTS members, $99 for groups to have a quick meeting, hold lights the work occurring in metadata, student members. impromptu sessions, polish your pre- open source, and preserving diverse sentation, or just recharge. Sign up for a voices. Presenters will discuss equitable time slot or just show up. access, diversity and visibility in collec- PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER The growing, participant-guided tion development and management, and Midwinter goes beyond the speakers, Unconference takes place on Friday, inclusion and advocacy in cataloging. awards, and business meetings. The con- January 20, 9 a.m.–noon, and brings Speakers include 2014–2015 ALA Presi- ference offers informal opportunities to the unstructured conversations people dent Courtney Young, Hannah Buckland ask questions, make recommendations, often have between sessions into the (director of library services, Leech Lake explore ideas, and reflect on the impli- conference itself. Tribal College), Charlotte Roh (scholarly cations of updates, conversations, and ALA’s JobLIST Placement and communications librarian, University what you’ve learned. Career Development Center offers of San Francisco), Harrison Inefuku There are more than 200 Discussion free workshops, career counseling, and (digital scholarship and initiatives Groups, loosely organized sessions on résumé review. Stop by the Open House colead and publishing services librarian, broad and timely topics, each spon- on Sunday, January 22, 10:30 a.m.– Iowa State University), Paolo Gujilde sored by an ALA division, round table, noon, or visit the center Saturday and

Photo: Sara Hanna Photography Sara Photo: (assistant professor and coordinator or office. Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 63 Smoked chicken and brisket with crispy Brussels sprouts at Smoke Ring Eating in the Where to ATLdine during Midwinter

BY Creative Loaﬁng Atlanta and Phil Morehart

64 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org tlanta is experiencing a culinary renaissance. Fine-dining restaurants now Price sidle up next to traditional Southern joints serving fried chicken, barbeque, Guide Aand comfort food to create a vibrant food scene for the New South. The city’s down- Average price town, host to the American Library Association’s 2017 Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits, per person for entrée is home to a bevy of new restaurants and old favorites, providing a variety of dining without appe- options for meeting attendees. tizers, drinks, American Libraries teamed with Creative Loafing Atlanta, the city’s weekly indepen- tax, or tip. dent newspaper, to bring Midwinter guests a broad selection of restaurants to enjoy $ Under $10 $$ $11–$20 before and after their conference activities, all located within a reasonable distance $$$ $21–$30 from the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. $$$$ $31 and up

DOWNTOWN switches things up, offering a varied selection of Korean Der Biergarten’s tacos, including crispy fish, risenbretzel Alma Cocina beef short rib, calamari, with obatzda 404-968-9662 and chicken tacos (under alma-atlanta.com $3.25), as well as kimchi rice 191 Peachtree St. NE dishes (under $7.95), curries Alma Cocina serves high-end (under $8.25), and bibimbap Mexican fare, taking tradi- ($7.45–$7.95). L, D daily $ tional dishes and refining them just enough to allow Dantanna’s you to taste them afresh: 404-522-8873 braised heritage pork shank dantannas.com with roasted root veggies, One CNN Ctr., Suite 269 chicharrón crumble, and dried The only sports bar in Atlanta fig mole negro ($30); roasted with five-star restaurant chicken mole Oaxaca with quality, Dantanna’s strives mashed plantains, grilled for culinary excellence. The green beans, and sesame “Freuben,” a fish Reuben seeds ($21); fried avocado sandwich ($8), salmon BLT tacos with crispy queso Cotija, ($11), and crab cakes ($28) poblano pesto, and roasted are faves. L, D daily $$–$$$ tomatoes ($14). Don’t forget garden with family-style Ebrik Coffee Room the side of elotes, charred Der Biergarten seating. The fare is traditional 404-330-0119 corn on the cob with garlic 404-521-2728 German, such as schnitzel ebrikcoffeeroom.com aioli, ancho chile powder, derbiergarten.com ($24), bratwurst with sau- 16 Park Pl. SE queso Cotija, and epazote 300 Marietta St. NW erkraut ($9), rinderrouladen Perfect for an early morn- ($5). L (M–F), D daily $$–$$$ A true taste of German cul- (slow cooked beef roulades, ing and afternoon pick- ture in downtown Atlanta, onions, bacon, and German me-up, Ebrik (pronounced Blossom Tree Der Biergarten balances an pickles, served with gravy, “ay-breek”) Coffee Room 404-223-7500 elegant, white-tablecloth mashed potatoes, red cab- serves espresso drinks, pour- zomato.com/atlanta/ dining room with foosball bage, $21), and käsespätzle over coffee, an assortment blossom-tree-downtown and shuffleboard offerings (egg noodles, onions, and of teas, and baked goods 64 Peachtree St. NW in the back. And don’t forget Emmentaler cheese, $12). from local bakeries. B (M–F), This Korean fusion restaurant the indoor and outdoor beer L (Sat, Sun), D daily $–$$$ L, D daily $

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 65 bronzed tilapia ($21), and ($14), and fish and chips Scottish salmon ($33), and a ($15)—as well as truffled variety of plates suitable for mac and cheese ($11), burg- sharing, including seafood- ers, salads, and appetizers stuffed mushrooms ($13), like deviled eggs ($6) and steamed mussels ($14), and Reuben egg rolls ($10). coconut shrimp ($13). Steaks L, D daily $–$$ and grilled items round out the menu. Reservations Polaris Hamachi are encouraged. L (M–Sat), 404-460-6425 ceviche at D daily $$–$$$$ Alma Cocina polarisatlanta.com 265 Peachtree St. NE Meehan’s Public House Polaris sits atop the Hyatt 404-214-9821 Regency and rotates 360 meehansdowntown.com degrees every 45 minutes. McCormick and the Pacific Northwest and 200 Peachtree St. Executive Chef Thomas Schmick’s Seafood California coast. Despite the This Irish pub and restau- McKeown serves a menu Restaurant glass domes, privacy booths, rant in the landmark 180 influenced by Southern cui- 404-521-1236 snappy linens, heavy flat- Peachtree building, for- sine, ranging from bacon mccormickandschmicks.com ware, and list of 30–40 variet- merly a Macy’s department popcorn ($4) and colossal 190 Marietta St. NW ies of fresh seafood on offer store, offers a taste of true shrimp ($14) to fried duck First-class seafood in a vari- daily, prices are moderate at Irish charm. All the staples confit with hazelnut crust ety of styles, though with this big-volume fish house are here—shepherd’s pie ($28) and roasted venison an emphasis on those of serving fish and chips ($20), ($15.25), bangers and mash loin ($32). D (M–Sat) $$–$$$

Kick It at the CURB he Great Atlanta Fire Sweet Auburn Curb Market T of 1917 spawned 404-659-1665 the creation of the open- thecurbmarket.com air Municipal Market 209 Edgewood Ave. SE of Atlanta. However, B, L (M–Sat) $–$$ African-American vendors weren’t permitted to sell livestock or produce inside when its first permanent structure was constructed in 1924. Instead they were relegated to the curb outside, creating the Sweet Auburn Curb Market. The market maintains a monopoly on rich culinary tradi- tions, and a visit is a veritable field trip for all five senses. As soon as you step inside, the sweet nuttiness of Miss D’s New Orleans Pralines meets your nose. Butcher cases treat turkey tails, hog maws, fatback, chitlins, oxtails, pork belly, pigs feet, and red hot links like Southern delicacies. Fresh collards, turnips, mustards, and kale line the aisles of produce vendors. There are also plenty of mouth-watering places to dine, from soul food (Afrodish Restaurant, Metro Deli) to finger- lickin’ food (Arepa Mia, Bell Street Burritos, Grindhouse Killer Burgers, Sweet Auburn BBQ, YumDiggity). Far from your faux-artisanal food court, this is where the moms and pops set up shop. •

66 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Sidebar nachos ($13), and ribs ($13) 404-588-1850 to burgers ($12) and barbe- sidebaratlanta.com que sandwiches ($11). Pri- 79 Poplar St. NW vate rooms and several tables This downtown spot is a are stocked with Table Taps sturdy after-work or pre- that allow you to pour your game hangout. The agree- own brew while watching the able menu features such game. L, D daily $$ offerings as Cuban sandwiches ($8), beer-battered The Sun Dial onion rings ($8.50), burgers, Restaurant, Bar, Dantanna’s soups, salads, and more. and View “Freuben” L, D (M–F) $ 404-589-7506 sundialrestaurant.com Stats 210 Peachtree St. NE above Atlanta at the top of and grill’s name refers to 404-885-1472 Take in a 360-degree the Westin Peachtree Plaza its owner: media mogul statsatl.com revolving panoramic view hotel. Brunch (Sun), L, D and former Atlanta Braves 300 Marietta St. NW of Atlanta while eating farm- daily $$$–$$$$ owner Ted Turner. The fare With five bars, including one to-table food at this city is straightforward, hearty on the rooftop deck, Stats is landmark. Enjoy butternut Ted’s Montana Grill American: bison chili ($15), the ultimate sports bar. The squash ravioli ($34), pan- 404-521-9796 meatloaf sandwiches ($10), food runs the gamut from seared duck breast ($38), tedsmontanagrill.com bison short ribs ($18), burg- barroom faves like wings and wood-roasted salmon 133 Luckie St. NW ers ($10–$17), and steaks ($14), shrimp and crab ($40) from a perch 700 feet The “Ted” in this chain bar ($22–$32). L, D daily $$–$$$$

MARTA 8 1 Alma Cocina Streetcar 2 Blossom Tree NORTH AVE 3 Bottle Rocket I-75 4 Dantanna’s

PIEDMONT AVE 5 Der Biergarten I-85 13 6 Ebrik Coffee Room PINE ST 7 Elliott Street Deli and Pub 11 8 Mary Mac’s Tea Room R R. BLVD ALPH McGILL BL ALLEN J VD 9 McCormick and IVAN Schmick’s Seafood ST Restaurant 5 E BAKER ST Georgia 17 RE HT 12 20 10 Meehan’s World Public House

PEAC

Congress CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK DR CENTENNIAL 11 Mellow Mushroom Center OLYMPIC PARK WILLIAMS18 ST 1 12 Polaris 19 10 ELLIS ST 9 13 Poor Calvin’s 4 CNN MARIETTA ST 14 CENTER 14 Sidebar 15

AUBURN AVE 15 Slice 2 16 Smoke Ring MARTIN LU EDGEWOOD AVE TH ER KI SWEET AUBURN N 6 17 Stats G CURB MARKET J 7 R DR 18 The Sun Dial Restaurant, 16 PIEDMONT AVE Bar, and View DECATUR ST TED TURNER DR 19 Ted’s Montana Grill 3 20 Trader Vic’s WALKER ST

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 67 Ditch the MEAT ooking for vegetarian and vegan alternatives? There L are lots of healthy dining options for lunch and dinner in Atlanta and surrounding areas. For more ideas, visit connect.ala.org/node/256335.

Cafe Sunflower Green Sprout 404-352-8859 Vegetarian Cuisine The view from Polaris cafesunflower.com 404-874-7373 2140 Peachtree Rd. NW greensproutga.com Brunch (Sun), L, D (M–Sat) 1529 Piedmont Ave. NE L, D daily (closed W) Desta Ethiopian Kitchen Harmony Vegetarian Trader Vic’s Black Angus Bottle Rocket 404-929-0011 Chinese Restaurant 404-221-6339 burger ($12); the soft-shell destaethiopian 770-457–7288 tradervicsatl.com crab sandwich (tempura- kitchen.com harmonyvegetarian.com 255 Courtland St. NE fried soft-shell crab with 3086 Briarcliff Rd. NE 4897 Buford Hwy. NE, Feeling the need to escape to onion, avocado, and spicy L, D daily Chamblee a tropical island? Trader Vic’s, aioli, $14), and the JFC L, D daily located in the Hilton Down- (chicken karaage), a tradi- Dulce Vegan town Atlanta, is the next tional Japanese bar recipe of Bakery and Café Herban Fix best thing, with its intensely thinly sliced chicken, mari- 404-624-7417 Vegan Kitchen tropical décor of palm fronds, nated in a blend of herbs and dulcevegan.com 404-815-8787 tiki poles, and Polynesian spices, very lightly battered 1994 Hosea L. herbanfix.com longboats. Starters like the and fried, and served with Williams Dr. NE 565-A Peachtree St. NE flower-shaped crab Rangoon either Japanese mustard, B, L (W–Sun) L, D daily ($8.50) tease the eyes as well wasabi mayo, spicy aioli, or Go Vegetarian Soul Vegetarian as the tongue. And don’t miss Thai sweet chili, $13.50. 404-481-5923 Restaurant, No. 2 the fork-tender barbeque D daily $–$$ govegetarian 404-875-0145 spare ribs ($13.50), prepared restaurant.com soulvegetarian2.com from an original 1972 recipe, Elliott Street 2179 Lawrenceville Hwy., 652 North Highland Ave. and the Indonesian rack of Deli and Pub Decatur NE lamb ($37.75). The cocktails 404-523-2174 B, L, D (Tue–Sun) L, D (Tue–Sun) continue the experience with elliottstreet.com snazzy garnishes and special- Go Vinda’s Café Viva La Vegan 51 Elliott St. SW ized glasses. This tiny bar in a lovingly 404-907-4387 404-951-2737 D (Tue–Sat) $$–$$$$ renovated old building in govindascafeatl.com vivalaveganatlanta.com downtown’s Castleberry Hill 1146 A Euclid Ave. NE 1265 Lee St. SW boasts an authentic neigh- L, D daily L, D daily • CASTLEBERRY HILL borhood vibe with simple fare consisting of a wide Bottle Rocket variety of sandwiches—try 404-574-5680 the Dirty Bird in Blue ($7.75), bottlerocketatl.com mesquite wood-smoked 180 Walker St. SW turkey breast topped with Bottle Rocket offers an inter- swiss and bleu cheeses—and Seared pom pom esting combo of sushi, burg- salads. Downstairs hosts a mushroom steak ers, and comfort cocktails. variety of low-key jazz, open at Herban Fix On top of the makimono, mic jams, and experimental Vegan Kitchen nigiri, and sashimi offerings, music nights for the sonically house specialties include the adventurous. L, D (Tue–Sat) $ Photos: Phillip S. Vullo Sr. (Herban Fix); Hyatt Regency Atlanta (Polaris) Atlanta Regency Hyatt (Herban Fix); Sr. Phillip S. Vullo Photos:

68 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Slice ladder a few rungs. Heav- 404-917-1820 enly apps include barbeque sliceatlanta.com deviled eggs ($5), smoked 85 Poplar St. NW and grilled artichokes ($11), A surprisingly fashion- and smoked and fried gator able pizza bar, Slice offers tail with chipotle sauce quality pizza loaded down ($12). There are seven or so with delicious toppings at gussied-up sandwiches on relatively good prices, from the menu, sliders, and even a random burrito, but heap- $5.50–$6.75 for a slice to Fried chicken loaded baked potato (under ing plates of tasty meat are at Mary Mac’s $19.95) and Hawaiian barbe- king, from pulled pork ($13), Tea Room que (under $18.95) pizzas. brisket ($15), and pork belly The build-it-yourself calzones ($14) to half and full racks ($6.95) and sandwiches of ribs ($16–$27). L, D daily (under $8.75) aren’t bad, but $–$$$ go for the pizza pie with the chewy golden crust. L, D (M–Sat) $–$$ MIDTOWN

Smoke Ring Mary Mac’s Tea Room 404-228-6377 404-876-1800 smokeringatlanta.com marymacs.com 309 Nelson St. SW 224 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE If you’re a fan of good Atlanta’s best-known home barbeque in rustic décor, for soul food, Mary Mac’s this is a place you ought to delivers quality Southern Mellow Mushroom with roasted garlic and shal- know about: hardwoods favorites like fried chicken 404-577-1001 lots and finished with fresh everywhere, Edison bulbs, ($12.50–$14.50), chicken and mellowmushroom.com avocado, cheddar cheese, barstools, and chairs with a dumplings ($13.50), roast 400 W. Peachtree St. NW garlic aioli, romaine lettuce, steampunk hint, approach- pork ($13.50), slow-cooked Atlanta-based chain restau- sliced tomato, and onion. able craft cocktails in Mason beef pot roast ($16), collard rant Mellow Mushroom plays L, D daily $–$$ jars, and tasty grub that greens ($3.50), Hoppin’ up a hippie vibe, serving breaks the mold just enough John ($3.50), and fried okra pizzas, hoagies, and more, all Poor Calvin’s to please traditionalists while ($3.50). Fried food is the

(Mary Mac’s) aptly named with trippy mon- 404-254-4051 intriguing the foodies—all order of the day so people ikers. Try the Magical Mystery poorcalvins.com presented in a chill, artsy with an aversion to crunchy, Tour, a pizza with a pesto 510 Piedmont Ave. NE atmosphere. The menu is a crispy goodness probably base topped with button Poor Calvin’s offers a rare

Creative Loafing Creative love letter to Southern cui- should find other places to and portobello mushrooms, cuisine of Thai fusion with sine but taken up the culinary be. L, D daily $–$$

Photo: Photo: feta and mozzarella cheeses, Southern influences. Origi- spinach, and jalapeños on a nally from Vietnam but raised Smokehouse burger pesto-basted crust; the Mel- and classically trained in at Meehan’s lowterranean, a pizza with an Germany, chef-owner Calvin Public House olive oil and garlic base with Phan serves up an innovative all natural grilled chicken, blend of Eastern flavors and onions, roasted red peppers, Western presentations, using black olives, chives, feta and fresh and flavorful ingredi- mozzarella cheeses with ents to create pad thai tiger a side of tzatziki sauce; or shrimp ($24), pecan-crusted the signature veggie burger trout Thai curry ($24), lobster made from quinoa, kale, fried rice ($18), and more brown rice and roasted delicious selections. L (Tue– mushrooms. Seasoned Sun), D daily $$–$$$

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 69 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Never Neutral Critical librarianship and technology

have watched the growth of critical scientist Safiya Umoja Noble stud- librarianship into a mainstream ied Google search results to show the movement with excitement. Critical damage done to young black girls when librarianship supports the belief in the top results in a search for “black girls” that, in our work as librarians, we practice are highly sexualized (bit.ly/alsnoble). Ishould examine and fight attempts at BY Meredith Farkas When the internet tools we use provide social oppression. a partial or distorted view of the world, Over the past few years, critical they influence the attitudes, actions, and librarianship has become a force that per- of critical librarianship. It is tempting to self-esteem of the people we serve. vades every area of our work, from ref- believe that searching in our library dis- Librarians may not be able to change erence (radicalreference.info) to library covery systems is somehow more neutral Google or Facebook, but we can educate instruction (bit.ly/alelmborg), collection because results are ranked by relevance our patrons and support the development development (weneeddiversebooks.org), based on an algorithm. But that’s far from of the critical-thinking skills they need to cataloging (bit.ly/aldrabinski), and the case, as many researchers have sug- navigate an often-biased online world. We storytime (storytimeunder ground.org). gested that algorithms can reproduce and can empower our patrons when we help Biweekly #critlib Twitter chats (crit lib support the same negative stereotyping them critically evaluate information and .org) address topics across all areas of that occurs in society. Grand Valley State teach them about bias in search engines, librarianship. Many librarians are think- University librarian Matthew Reidsma social media, and publishing. Libraries ing about how they can fight for social published a fascinating analysis of bias in that have created research guides for justice in their work, which raises the library discovery systems and explored Black Lives Matter and other social justice question of whether that work reflects the some of the biased and offensive search topics are helping to curate information neutrality that has long been a value in results he found in his library’s discovery and points-of-view that might not be our profession. layer (bit.ly/alreidsma). traditionally published. One tenet of critical librarianship is Whether or not we improve library We are not doing our job if we remain that neutrality is not only unachievable, discovery systems, our patrons are still neutral when it comes to library technol- it is harmful to oppressed groups in our using online tools that have been shown ogies. Accepting many of the technologies society. In a world that is fundamentally to be biased. In his TED talk “Beware available to support our missions means unequal, neutrality upholds inequality Online Filter Bubbles” (bit.ly/alpariser), accepting technologies that are biased, and represents indifference to the mar- Eli Pariser showed how tools like Google not accessible, not protective of the ginalization of members of our commu- and Facebook personalize what users privacy of our users, and not easily usable nity. If the majority of what is published see and primarily show content that by some of our patrons. A commitment represents a white, male, Christian, het- agrees with their worldview. Information to social justice is a commitment to equal eronormative worldview, then we are not access, which is at the heart of our pro- supporting the interests of other members fessional values. We are not being neutral of our communities by primarily buying Neutrality is not when we advocate for our patrons, but we those works. If Library of Congress Sub- are being good librarians. ject Headings whitewash injustices like only unachievable, Japanese-American internment with terms MEREDITH FARKAS is a faculty librarian at like “Japanese Americans–Evacuation and it is harmful to Portland (Oreg.) Community College and a lecturer at San José State University School relocation,” then neutrality supports it. oppressed groups of Information. She blogs at Information Only recently have I begun to see Wants to Be Free. Email: librarysuccess@ critiques of technology through the lens in our society. gmail.com

70 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Social Media Optimization Five principles to guide your online activities

ocial media can be an effective useful way to promote library-related tool for building and engaging activities wherever they occur. Your community. By following the five library can geotag any photograph it principles of social media optimi- posts to Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. zation, your library can become This will offer many opportunities for San active voice in a thriving community. creativity by gamifying geolocations dispatches through treasure hunts or check-ins, or BY Doralyn Rossmann and Scott W. H. Young Create shareable content by asking users to share location-specific Creating meaningful web content for shar- pictures related to library promotions. ing on social media can lead to increased Pinterest developer sites for guidance in Anyone searching for this promoted website traffic and community growth. customizing these buttons. geotag will get a broad overview of Shareable web content is defined by two library activities, and the library can key characteristics: It’s published on the Reward engagement identify other posts in the same location web at a unique URL, and it’s relevant to Actively listen to your community on to reshare as appropriate. the community. Your library has probably social networks and recognize users who already published many forms of share- engage with your library. For example, Measure use, encourage reuse ready content, including items from your you can discover user-shared library You can apply web analytics along with digital collection, blog posts, institutional content through Twitter Analytics. This user feedback to evaluate your networking repository items, email newsletters, gives you the chance to like the post, activity, with success measured by com- videos, or staff directory pages. make a comment, and reshare with your munity growth, engagement, and connect- Look at major national libraries for inspi- Twitter followers. By regularly monitoring edness. Record how many members like or ration, as they often have robust digital analytics and responding to posts, you follow you on each social network at the content that is well-suited for sharing. For strengthen connections with users and beginning of each month, then use that example, New York Public Library’s Public show that your library is listening. data to calculate change over time. Focus Domain collection (nypl.org/collections/ groups and online surveys are a good way labs) features more than 180,000 digital Proactive sharing to evaluate connectedness, and analytics objects and is free to access, share, and Libraries can be the best promoters of available through Google, Facebook, and reuse through social networks. their own material and services by fol- Twitter measure engagement. lowing an intentional and well-planned Social media optimization offers a Make sharing easy approach to sharing. Geotagging is a flexible framework for creating and Add social media links on your web pages sharing content through social networks. in a way that users can easily share library By following these five principles, you can content with others. These links usually Add links on your build an engaged community of library consist of a small icon associated with users and connect those users with your the platform. When clicked, the plat- web pages in a collections, services, and staff. form opens with prepopulated content for the user to post. These shares should way that users DORALYN ROSSMANN is head of collection include your organization’s social network development, and SCOTT W. H. YOUNG is dig- account name, a title for the content, and can easily share ital initiatives librarian at Montana State Uni- versity, Bozeman. Adapted from “Social Media a simple URL. Each social network man- library content Optimization: Principles for Building and ages shared content in a different way. Engaging Community,” Library Technology You can look at the Facebook, Twitter, and with others. Reports vol. 52, no. 8 (November/December).

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 71 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Partnerships Beyond Four Walls How school–public library relationships create community

hen school librarians hear the strategically, a public librarian was word “collaboration,” their stationed with library card registration W minds may immediately drift forms. She was able to talk with every to a meeting room with a small group of youth person who visited the festival to ask if educators, calendars in hand, planning matters he or she had a library card, used the a multifaceted research project complete BY Ashley J. Cooksey library, and were aware of the services with product examples, presentation the library provided, such as ebooks, free dates, and ideas for a new Pinterest board. internet access, and author visits. But collaboration doesn’t always happen Library Card Sign-Up Month. The public Even for our small community, that way. library was already celebrating with its approximately 55 adults and 60 children Sometimes collaboration is acciden- own giveaways, but I was itching to get an visited the festival. Ten children signed tal. I’ve had lessons that just happened event started. We decided on a games- up for a library card, as well as two to coordinate with the curriculum. For themed celebration, “Fall for Books Fun adults. There were also 13 new registra- instance, our library at West Magnet Ele- Fest for Kids,” which was held in a small tions for ebook usage. The festival was mentary in Batesville, Arkansas, was able park across from the public library. scheduled for two hours on a Saturday to give students a “virtual field trip” via The concept was that children would morning to maximize attendance among live stream to see President Barack Obama receive a punch card upon arrival and get our audience. answering questions at DC Public Library’s punches for participating in five games: We were excited that the first outside- Anacostia branch. Our 4th graders were ring toss, a water gun game, ladderball, the-box collaboration was so successful, studying the branches of government washer toss, and bowling. After cards and we hope to continue and grow sim- and we were in the midst of celebrating were completed, kids would receive a ilar events in the following years. Many National Library Month—it just worked. goody bag. The public library provided attendees said they would like to see a And sometimes collaboration happens the punch cards, prizes, and a few items community event to kick off summer outside of our libraries. for the games. The school library provided reading. Students remarked that they Our district’s school librarians encour- the remaining items for games and a had seen us school librarians before “at age students and families to use Bates- Kindle Fire to raffle during the festival. that other library.” Parents and children ville’s public library, Independence County When children claimed their goody see the value of the public library in Library, for their reading needs during the bags, they had to visit a table where, establishing a reading community but school year and summer months. With are also making the connection between a new director recently installed at the school libraries and public libraries. public library, it seemed like a good time Partnerships aren’t restricted to the to increase our advocacy and explore a Using coordinated four walls of your school or library school–public partnership. We decided events and building. Using coordinated events and to meet as a group—all six of our dis- promotions to develop relationships with trict’s school librarians, the public library promotions to other libraries—even academic or special director, two public library employees, and libraries—can help you reach young read- one public library board member—during develop relationships ers and achieve common objectives. the summer to get to know one another, establish goals, and share ideas for how with other libraries ASHLEY J. COOKSEY is a library media we could copresent events. can help you reach specialist at Batesville (Ark.) School District. In September, the school library joined She blogs at AASL’s Knowledge Quest and forces with our public library for National young readers. A Ginger Librarian.

72 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org The award-winning source for jobs in Library and Information Science and Technology

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HRDR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Developing New Skills ALA titles help you improve service

ach year, the American Library rental, and recognizing a donor with Association (ALA) library gets a bookplate; naming rights; and spon- this question from a library sci- librarian’s sorships. ALA Editions, 2016. 248 P. $65. PBK. ence student: “I have an assign- 978-0-8389-1438-0. ment to research an association. library EWhat does ALA do?” After explaining BY Karen Muller A component of figuring our structure and noting the importance out the value of your library of advocacy for funding, good copyright is scrutinizing existing laws, and intellectual freedom, we also for Libraries and Nonprofits, by Edmund statistical reports to detail how Association members assist one A. Rossman III, lays the foundation for document positive another by developing best practices and specific discussions about outcomes. Statistical data offering both formal and informal con- sources. Rossman covers can also be used to target areas for tinuing education. Yes, the cocktail-hour why libraries might need improvement. In Library Improvement sharing of “war stories” can help improve more than what their through Data Analytics, Lesley S. J. service to patrons. Associations capture traditional funding bases Farmer and Alan M. Safer explain the and formalize these learnings through offer, which for public value of data-driven decision making, publications, and 36% of ALA’s revenue libraries is 85%–90% local, and how to specifically using the Six Sigma model. comes from publishing (ala.org/aboutala/ establish and leverage value to secure new They outline the steps of the model— treasurerspage). This column will round sources. He covers legal and governance defining the project, measuring the up some new books published by ALA issues, promotional methods (including current output, reviewing the process, Editions, ALA Neal-Schuman, or an ALA social media), and the importance of com- implementing a change in the process, division that can help you, the practitioner, munity partnerships. The rest of the book and controlling and extending the do your job better. contains minichapters broadly grouped process when improvement is docu- around revenue generation topics: mented. They conclude with case studies Let’s start with raising money. The first set advertising and underwriting; books and and a statistical primer. ALA Neal-Schuman, of chapters in 40+ New Revenue Sources materials, such as book sales, equipment 2016. 184 P. $75. PBK. 978-0-8389-1425-0.

THE BESTSELLERS LIST

TOP 3 IN PRINT 1 | Young Adult Litera- 2 | Reference and 3 | Foundations of ture: From Romance to Information Services: Library and Information Realism, 3rd edition An Introduction, 3rd Science, 4th edition by by Michael Cart edition by Kay Ann Cassell Richard E. Rubin, foreword by The perfect resource for and Uma Hiremath Joseph Janes YA librarians who want to sharpen their Designed to complement introductory Spanning all types of libraries, this book readers’ advisory skills, educators who library reference courses, this title is illuminates the major facets of library and work with youth, and anyone who wants ideal for students and librarians look- information science for aspiring profes- to understand where YA lit has been and ing to expand their personal reference sionals as well as those already practicing where it’s heading. knowledge. in the field.

74 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

This is all well and good, but extends the reference interview or readers’ all at the post-secondary level, the what about people? Marie L. advisory conversation into the broader principles included could benefit school– Radford and Gary P. Radford digital arena of online resources, audio public library partnerships for hands-on address just that in Library and textual media, games and computer instruction using artifacts from local Conversations: Reclaiming programs, and more. It broadens a history collections. Association of College and Interpersonal Communica- librarian’s expertise from just books into Research Libraries, 2016. 284 P. $60. PBK. tion Theory for Understanding Professional new ways of connecting children to 978-0-8389-8883-1. (Also available as an ebook.) Encounters. We have hundreds of interper- information or entertainment. In addition sonal communications in a day—on the to describing what media mentors do, the Are we finally to a book on phone, at the reference desk, in a meeting book covers the professional development books? Yes! Brad Hooper, with one’s boss, in the technical processing needed to hone the new skills and offers longtime adult books editor workroom. The quality of those interac- an array of sample programs. An appendix for Booklist, applies his tions affects the library’s overall service offers the ALSC white paper, Media decades of experience with delivery. The authors review why good Mentorship in Libraries Serving Youth. book talks, book discus- interchanges are strategically important ALA Editions, 2016. 176 P. $48. PBK. 978-0-8389- sions, and authors in The Librarian’s Guide and explore them in the context of several 1463-2. (Also available as an ebook.) to Book Programs and Author Events. communication theories, looking at what Hooper starts with public speaking, the is communicated and how it is communi- In Collaborating for Impact: foundation for doing an author talk or cated. The second part of the book applies Special Collections and moderating an author panel. He moves on the principles to face-to-face and chat Liaison Librarian Partner- to book clubs and reading groups, reference encounters. ALA Neal-Schuman, 2017. ships, editors Kristen covering their history, development, and 184 P. $75. PBK. 978-0-8389-1484-7. Totleben and Lori Birrell popularity in one chapter and best bring together a number of practices for ensuring good discussion in When Becoming a Media practitioner essays on the topic of using the next. Other chapters cover programs Mentor: A Guide for Working special collections held by colleges and that feature a single author, those with a with Children and Families universities for research and teaching. panel of authors, writers-in-residence hit my desk, I had to find out Following a discussion of the nature of programs, awards, and one city/one book what a “media mentor” is. special collections and institutional programs, which are also popular with According to authors repositories and the importance of churches, colleges, and conferences. ALA Claudia Haines, Cen Campbell, and the object-based pedagogy, particularly for Editions, 2016. 160 P. $55. PBK. 978-0-8389-1384-0. Association for Library Service to Children the humanities, the case studies are (Also available as an ebook.) (ALSC), a media mentor “supports the grouped around collection stewardship; literacy, information, and media needs of projects, research, and exhibitions; and KAREN MULLER is librarian and knowledge children, teens, and their families.” It instruction. Although the case studies are management specialist for the ALA library.

The Top-Selling Books from ALA Publishing (Since November 1, 2016)

TOP 3 IN EBOOK 1 | The Library’s Legal 2 | New on the Job: 3 | Reinventing Answers for Meeting A School Librarian’s Reference: How Rooms and Displays by Guide to Success, 2nd Libraries Deliver Value in Mary Minow, Tomas A. Lipinski, edition by Hilda K. Weis- the Age of Google edited and Gretchen McCord burg and Ruth Toor by Katie Elson Anderson and Providing reliable answers backed up New school librarians as well as those Vibiana Bowman Cvetkovic with case citations for your trustees and already in the profession can set the tone Placing these issues in historical and attorneys, this ebook will ensure you feel for a rewarding career with this one-stop, cultural context, this book offers practical confident serving your community while hands-on guide. solutions for new paradigms of reference staying within the law. service for all users.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 75 Syndetics Unbound book browsing widget

Syndetics Unbound can be integrated with many existing OPACs and discovery products, including Polaris, Library.Solution, Ever- green, and Koha. For libraries that already subscribe to either Syn- detic Solutions or LibraryThing for Libraries, upgrading to Syndetics Unbound requires no changes. The new admin tool provides statistics on which elements patrons are using and which are driving usage of resources. Individual elements can be enabled or disabled in the catalog, depending on the library’s needs and preferences. For more information on Improving Library Websites Syndetics Unbound, visit proquest Products to enhance your online presence .syndetics.com. SignUp ibrary websites are often the professional and user reviews, a SignUp, a new event calendar man- first point of contact for users, “look inside” feature, and others agement platform from Evanced, L which means it’s increasingly can be viewed on the item’s helps make scheduling and registra- important to provide the best user page in the online catalog. The tion for library events seamless for experience possible. Here are some package also offers features that patrons and librarians. It provides ways to increase the amount of re-create the in-person browsing an online calendar, email remind- information patrons can get from experience, like bookshelf widgets ers, and other features that help your online catalog, simplify partic- that display recommendations or increase awareness of and participa- ipation in events, and improve the themed selections, as well as a tion in library events. The platform overall website experience. shelf-browse feature that uses call recently updated to a mobile- numbers to display a virtual shelf friendly design and enhanced its Syndetics Unbound of available items. calendar and branding options. Syndetic Solutions and LibraryThing The updated catalog enhance- List and calendar widgets for Libraries were designed to ments include extensive crowd- can be integrated into the main make online library catalogs more sourced information from library website and ILS, showing informational and interactive. Pro- LibraryThing users, including a all upcoming events or events in Quest has now combined these two librarian-curated collection of a particular category in multiple services into Syndetics Unbound, 95 million tags that expand the way places, including self-checkout which provides 16 different catalog users can search for items. Patrons kiosks. Once on the calendar page, enrichment elements in one service. can also add their own reviews and patrons don’t need to leave the site Many of the features will be ratings to their library’s catalog, to register or to pay event fees, sim- familiar to those who are used which can then be showcased on plifying the process and eliminating to shopping for books online. the library’s homepage or social the need for additional platforms. Author information, related titles, media to increase engagement. When patrons register online, they

76 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org SUBMISSIONS To have a new product considered, contact Carrie Smith at [email protected].

can export the event information to their mobile calendars and also Custom Content opt in to receive email or text Management with Wagtail reminders, which are sent automat- How do you use Wagtail? USERS: Brad Busenius, ically prior to the Wagtail is the content man- web developer; John event. Buttons agement system (CMS) Jung, programmer and labels on behind our publicly accessi- analyst; and Kathy the event page, ble website and our intranet. Zadrozny, web devel- including icons oper and graphic design How does Wagtail serve and color-coding specialist; University of by event type, your library’s needs? We Chicago Library are designed redesigned our website this PRODUCT: Wagtail to be intuitive past summer. One of the so patrons can design goals was to make the DETAILS: Wagtail, orig- easily browse site easier to maintain. We inally developed by events. wanted our librarians to be Torchbox, is an open Event setup able to enter information in source content management system (CMS) that is completed one place and then display through a staff allows developers to custom-design that information in different dashboard, the CMS interface for their institution. ways in different places on which includes the site. Then we wanted options for patrons to be able to browse the content in different ways, but we creating recur- ring, public and wanted to present this all in a regular, neatly organized way. private, and paid What are the main benefits? While many systems can be installed events; limiting attendance; and SignUp, a and immediately used, the Wagtail CMS is something you hand-craft. fine-tuning waitlists. Event types calendar management Though it might seem like this would be more work, we found the and age group categories can be platform opposite to be true. Wagtail’s front end is completely customizable, tagged to events to aid in searching allowing us to create and implement our brand from the ground up. and are fully customizable based What we ended up with was something that met our needs exactly. on the library’s needs. For libraries Since Wagtail is driven by fielded content types, we were able to with a larger number of meeting spaces or frequent events, the have a large degree of control over the format- system will also give an alert when ting of text in different sections of our templates. there is a room conflict. Instead of having one large rich-text area where The staff dashboard includes web authors can enter whatever they want, we a news feed that shows new have different fields, each with the correct type for registrants, attendee cancella- their function. This gives us much more consistent tions, waitlist status, and changes formatting across the site. made to events by staff. Event and What would you like to see improved or added to patron reports allow staff members to analyze who is attending the service? The Wagtail development team has events in order to improve sched- been great. It’s an open source project, so we can uling and attendance. develop new features and submit them back to the More information about SignUp Wagtail CMS main development team. We would like to see a way to customize is available at evancedsolutions the admin interface so we can add our institution’s branding and .com/products/signup. change the color scheme to reflect it. •

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 77 Terry Manuel has been named Kentucky ON THE MOVE state librarian and commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Megan Bresnahan joined the Univer- Archives. sity of New Hampshire in Durham as Judy Cooper, coordinator of pro- Wayland (Mass.) Free Public Library life sciences and agriculture librarian grams and publications at Enoch appointed Dana Mastroianni director, in September. Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, effective October 31. received the Chic Dambach Award Vanessa Christman was appointed for Service to the Literary Arts Jennifer Mayer joined the University of county librarian at Humboldt County Northern Colorado Libraries in Greeley (Calif.) Library October 4. from Baltimore’s CityLit Project October 18. as head of the library research services department in August. September 6 Nancy Colyar became Southern Methodist University’s library director at Birmingham-Southern Susanne Mehrer joined Dartmouth Hamon Arts Library in Dallas College in Birmingham, Alabama. College in Hanover, New Hampshire, as has named Georgia Erger as the dean of libraries December 1. Christine Conwell became head 2016 Curatorial Fellow for its librarian at Moorpark (Calif.) City Library Hawn Gallery. Don Smith became director of More- in October. house Parish Library in Bastrop, Louisi- The College of William and ana, on July 1. St. John’s University in Queens, New Mary Libraries in Williamsburg, York, appointed Valeda F. Dent as dean Virginia, has named Professor of Rebecca Smyrl joined University of North Car- of University Libraries August 31. Hispanic Studies and Film and olina at Chapel Hill as Media Studies Ann Marie Stock Lorain (Ohio) Public Library System assistant conservator as its inaugural faculty scholar, a appointed Anastasia Diamond-Ortiz for special collections position in which she will partner director, effective October 31. November 1. with the library on initiatives such In November, Adam Strohm became September 30 Heidi Dolamore became as creating a digital archive to director of university archives and spe- director of Berkeley (Calif.) Public inventory Cuban film materials cial collections at Illinois Institute of Library. and make them accessible. Technology in Chicago.

Dayna Durbin joined Wayne A. Wiegand, F. William Jessica Venlet became University of North Car- Summers Professor Emeritus of assistant university olina at Chapel Hill as Library and Information Studies archivist for records man- undergraduate teaching and American Studies at Florida agement and electronic and learning librarian State University in Tallahassee, records at the University November 1. has been named a distinguished of North Carolina at visiting scholar at the John W. Chapel Hill Library September 1. Roswell Encina joined the Library of Kluge Center at the Library of Con- Congress as senior advisor September 6. In August Nicole Webber joined the gress January–May 2017. • Library Research Services Department September 1 Monica at the University of Northern Colorado Figueroa became music Libraries in Greeley as business librarian. cataloging librarian in Garren Hochstetler joined Valley (Neb.) Alice Whiteside the Resource Descrip- Public Library as children’s librarian in became head of the tion and Management November. University of North Department at the Carolina at Chapel Hill’s University of North Carolina at Chapel October 1 Anne Jarvis became uni- Joseph C. Sloane Art Hill Library. versity librarian at Princeton (N.J.) Library September 1. University. Rachel Frick left the Digital Public Edward L. “Ted” Widmer was Library of America in September to Loretta Lee became director and head appointed director of the John W. Kluge become executive director of the OCLC librarian of Tri-Valley Free Public Library Center at the Library of Congress, effec- Research Library Partnership. in Hegins, Pennsylvania, October 31. tive October 3.

78 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org SUBMISSIONS Send notices and photographs to Amy Carlton, [email protected].

MORE ONLINE americanlibrariesmagazine.org/currents

PROMOTIONS

Charlene Adkins has been promoted to col- Ashley Stang Esposito, 32, collections and development assessment librarian lection development at Shippensburg (Pa.) University’s Ezra Lehman Library, died October 4. manager at Jacksonville (Fla.) Public Library. Catherine Caliva Schweinsberg Rood, 66, who retired as library services director for Brevard County, Florida, in 2012, died September 29. Rood worked The Wyoming Depart- for Brevard County Library Services for 32 years and oversaw the library as it ment of Administration transitioned to new technology, including downloadable ebooks and growing and Information pro- internet use. moted Jamie Markus to state librarian Septem- Nettie Barcroft Taylor, 102, who was elected an ALA Honor- ber 15. ary Member in 2005, died October 21. Taylor’s career spanned nearly seven decades. She spent 40 years with the Maryland Atlantic City (N.J.) Free Public Library State Department of Education, where she worked to evolve promoted Robert P. Rynkiewicz to small community libraries into county public library systems, director November 1. strengthened resource sharing through the Maryland State Library Network, and led the formation of three regional libraries to provide Campbell University Libraries in Buies support services and collections for rural libraries. She was part of the planning Creek, North Carolina, promoted Sarah Steele to associate dean effective Octo- teams for the 1979 and 1991 White House Conferences on Library and Infor- ber 1. mation Services and served on the task forces to implement recommendations from both conferences. She lobbied for library funding on both the federal and state levels, working for the first national Library Services Act in 1956 and the RETIREMENTS Library Services and Construction Act in 1962, and lobbying the Maryland General Assembly to establish a per capita funding formula for public libraries. Joanne Eldridge retired as director of Taylor was a founding member of the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies, Lorain (Ohio) Public Library System founding member and president of ALA’s Continuing Library Education Network September 30. and Exchange Round Table, a president of ALA’s Association for Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies, and an ALA councilor. In addition to ALA October 31 Maureen Sherr Frank retired Honorary Membership, her honors include the Joseph W. Lippincott Award for as director of Atlantic City (N.J.) Free distinguished service to librarianship and the Maryland Library Association Library. Distinguished Service Award. • Barbara Immroth, professor at the University of Texas at Austin School of Information since 1980, retired in Karin Trainer retired as university Angela Gwizdala was promoted to direc- September. librarian at Princeton University Sep- tor of editing, design, and production for Bonnie Juergens retired as president tember 30. ALA Editions September 22. and chief executive officer of Amigos Library Services in Dallas January 13. October 4 Michael Ruzicka joined Booklist as office manager. AT ALA Ann Knight retired as director of Way- land (Mass.) Free Public Library Octo- October 17 Melissa Tracy joined the Asso- Don Chatham retired as associate ber 28. ciation of Specialized and Cooperative executive director of ALA Publishing Library Agencies (ASCLA) and Reference Marion “Midge” Services December 31. and User Services Association (RUSA) as Lusardi retired as marketing and programs specialist. director of Chester- Taylor Crossley joined the Young field (Mich.) Township Adult Library Services Association as Nan Weiss-Ham became ASCLA/RUSA Library in December. communications assistant October 31. office assistant October 18.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | January/February 2017 79 the BOOKEND

A Librarian with Spirit(s)

estled along the tree-lined Upper Cassadaga “Skidmore was a freethinker and a suffragette Clockwise from top Lake in western New York lies the Marion H. before she was a Spiritualist, and the early books right: Pen Pictures, Skidmore Library, run by its sole librarian, in the collections reflect the profundity of her a book of channeled N poetry by Robert Burns Amanda “Mandi” Shepp. Operated by the Lily Dale thinking.” published in Lily Dale Assembly, the library houses an extensive collection The library also houses some odd artifacts. Shepp in 1900; the signature of periodicals and newspapers that provide valuable says the “reading room contains a life-size spirit pink bookplate of Skid- information for anyone researching the history of painting of Kaiser Wilhelm II created in Lily Dale more’s original library, this Spiritualist community founded in 1879. in the 1890s during a séance by a pair of mediums the Cassadaga Lakes Freethought Associa- Shepp was hired in 2014 as the facility’s first known as the Campbell Brothers.” tion Library; memento professional librarian and has been busily catalog- Shepp found her current job through a news- mori hair bracelet found ing its more than 10,000 books, rearranging them paper ad. Before joining Skidmore Library, she was inside an 1882 chan- into 28 thematic collections and seeing that its rare a “paranormal librarian” at the secular-humanist neled Spiritualist text newspapers and pamphlets are digitized. Center for Inquiry Libraries in Amherst, New York. titled Oahspe; Amanda Shepp examines The “In addition to multiple collections that focus THE BOOKEND showcases librarians, their work, and Sunﬂower, a Spiritualist on aspects of Spiritualism, others cover the suf- their work spaces. For consideration, email american journal published in Lily

frage and freethought movements,” Shepp says. [email protected]. Dale, 1898–1909. Ford Brittany Photos:

80 January/February 2017 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org