Design Showcase New and Renovated Libraries by Phil Morehart

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September/October 2016

THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

2016 LIBRARY

DSHOWCASEESIGN p. 36

ALA Award Winners p. 26

Escape Room Challenges p. 14

PLUS: Jamie Lee Curtis, Tiebrary, and Meme Librarian This season, the most talked about style won’t be on the runway.

Introducing

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LEARN RESEARCH WRITE PUBLISH September/October 2016

American Libraries | Volume 47 #9/10 | ISSN 0002-9769

COVER STORY 36 2016 Library Design Showcase New and renovated libraries BY Phil Morehart

FEATURES 26 ALA Award Winners 2016 Honoring excellence and leadership in the library profession

44 ALA/IIDA Library Interior Design Awards

48 44 A Place of Their Own 48 Creating spaces where teens can thrive BY Jennifer Velásquez

ON THE COVER: Paris–Bourbon County (Ky.) Public Library, by Chris Phebus/Phebus Photography 14 64

UP FRONT TRENDS OPINION 4 From the Editor 14 Libraries on Lockdown ON MY MIND The Feng Shui of Escape rooms, a breakout trend 22 Creating Successful Spaces Library Design in youth programming BY Lee C. Van Orsdel BY Laurie D. Borman BY Katie O’Reilly ANOTHER STORY 8 From Our Readers 16 Recommended Reading 24 Knowledge for the Win How digitized readers’ advisory BY Joseph Janes stays personalized ALA BY Terra Dankowski PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 6 From the President SPOTLIGHT IN PRACTICE Lead with the 18 Community Ties 54 Accessibility Matters Value of You Philadelphia branch lends out BY Meredith Farkas BY Julie B. Todaro neckties to job seekers DISPATCHES 7 From the NEWSMAKER 55 Community Knowledge Bases Executive Director 20 Jamie Lee Curtis BY Kristen Wilson Advocacy School Actress and author on library in Session advocacy and legacy YOUTH MATTERS BY Keith Michael Fiels 56 Ready to Code PLUS BY Linda W. Braun 10 Update 15 By the Numbers What’s happening LIBRARIAN’S LIBRARY 19 Global Reach at ALA 58 All in the Family 21 Noted & Quoted BY Karen Muller

SOLUTIONS 60 Reading Remotely Comics move online

PEOPLE 62 Announcements

THE BOOKEND 64 I Can Has Meme Job? 16

Adam Matthew Cover 4 | American Psychological Association Cover 2 | CoLibri Systems 12 | GEICO 13 | Scannx 53 | Steelcase 3 | Telelift 52 American Library Association American Association of School Librarians Cover 3 | Booklist 23 | Conference Services 34–35 | Editions 5 | Graphics 25 | JobLIST 57 ©2015 Steelcase Inc. All rights reserved. Trademarks used herein are the property of Steelcase Inc. or of their respective owners. respective their of or Inc. Steelcase of property the are herein used Trademarks reserved. rights All Inc. ©2015 Steelcase

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Address: 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611 The Feng Shui of Library Design Website: americanlibrariesmagazine.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-545-2433 plus extension hile strolling through Chicago’s China- Career Ads: JobLIST.ala.org town after lunch several months ago, What’s a EDITOR AND PUBLISHER my family and I saw that the new Laurie D. Borman library branch was open. We’d been memorable feature [email protected] | x4213 View of the W you have seen MANAGING EDITOR canal from watching the 16,000-square-foot, two-story build- at a library? Sanhita SinhaRoy Copenhagen ing go up over the previous year and were fascinated [email protected] | x4219 Royal Library’s with the curvy, three-sided, glass-walled design. SENIOR EDITORS escalator The bright and beautiful “Universal Transverse Amy Carlton Immigration Proclamation,” a mural by C. J. Hunger- [email protected] | x5105 The typeset George M. Eberhart man, splashes across a wall on the second story, easily floors at [email protected] | x4212 The Thomas Laurie D. Borman visible from the airy atrium. The mural, created after Seattle’s ASSOCIATE EDITORS Hughes Free C e nt ra l L ib ra ry Library in conversations with local residents, represents the past, Terra Dankowski [email protected] | x5282 Rugby, Tenn., present, and future of Chinatown. Phil Morehart frozen in time Feng shui principles of harmony guided the design of [email protected] | x4218 in the 1880s the space, which features a children’s area and commu- EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Carrie Smith nity room on the ground floor, with private study rooms [email protected] | x4216 and adult and teen spaces on the second floor. All the The Winter EDITORIAL INTERN spaces were busy when we visited—kids playing with Garden at Megan Perrero computers and reading books, seniors playing mah-jongg, Chicago Public [email protected] | x2157 Library’s Harold ART DIRECTOR and students with tutors in the study rooms upstairs. Washington Rebecca Lomax Solar shading screens fitted into the glass curtain wall Library Center [email protected] | x4217 reduce heat gain yet let light in, and a green roof with ADVERTISING native grass can be seen from the nearby elevated train. Michael Stack [email protected] | 847-367-7120 Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement. The Chinatown branch is just one of many amazing ALA reserves the right to refuse advertising. Chicago’s new library designs and renovations featured in this PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT issue’s Library Design Showcase, beginning on page 36. Donald Chatham, Associate Executive Director Mary Jo Bolduc, Rights, Permissions, Reprints | x5416 Chinatown In addition, be sure to see the American Library MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT branch is just Association/International Interior Design Association Ron Jankowski, Director library interior design award winners on page 44. ADVISORY COMMITTEE one of many Also in this issue, we feature outstanding librarians Joseph M. Eagan (Chair), Helen Ruth Adams, Ernie J. Cox, Lee A. Cummings, Christine Korytnyk Dulaney, Tina Franks, amazing and authors who received ALA awards this year at the Jasmina Jusic. Interns: Tom Bober, Lucy Kelly ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Flor- Editorial policy: ALA Policy Manual, section A.8.2 new library ida. New for 2016 is the Ernest A. DiMattia Jr. Award for INDEXED Innovation and Service to Community and Profession, Available full text from ProQuest, EBSCO Publishing, designs and H. W. Wilson, LexisNexis, Information Access, JSTOR. presented by the DiMattia family in memory of our former SUBSCRIBE renovations Publishing Committee chair and president of Stamford, Libraries and other institutions: $70/year, 6 issues, US, Canada, Connecticut’s Ferguson Library. See the honorees for the and Mexico; foreign: $80. Subscription price for individuals in- featured in cluded in ALA membership dues. 800-545-2433 x5108, email DiMattia Award and others beginning on page 26. [email protected], or visit ala.org. Claim missing issues: this issue’s What is the coolest library job anywhere? Could it be ALA Member and Customer Service. Allow six weeks. meme librarian for Tumblr? Amanda Brennan thinks PUBLISHED Library Design American Libraries (ISSN 0002-9769) is published 6 times so, and that is her job. Learn more about Brennan on yearly with occasional supplements by the American Library Showcase. page 64. 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. ©2016 American Library Association. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without written permission from the publisher.

4 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org ALA purchases fund advocacy, awareness, and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide.

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n the previous issue of American Libraries, office space in another building but travel to the I outlined my ALA initiatives for the coming library for their reference shift. year, with a focus on ALA’s public awareness Some things have improved but often for Icampaign, Libraries Transform, which was unfortunate reasons. Public buildings have been launched last year. This year, we’re building recognized as environments needing increased on the momentum with an additional focus security and staffing levels to ensure constitu- for the initiative—Libraries Transform: The ent safety. While librarians typically have said Expert in the Library. In talking about this, they can’t stay open full hours with few or no I always envision myself looking a little like staff members, an increasing number of them Steve Martin in The Jerk, shouting proudly, are willing to say the library will close a certain Julie B. Todaro “I’m in print!” I think this feeling comes from number of hours until the technology assets my years of pushing people to step up and needed and people with expertise are funded. credential themselves to their decision makers The best messages we can communicate for and constituents. our libraries are those that include our value But the need to credential comes from years and—if you don’t already—include the value of hearing people say, “Do you have to have and expertise of your professionals as they training to do this job?” and “I’d love to have connect their constituents to the resources and your job—I would love to read all day!” My services they need. favorite request occurred while I was at the ref- Speak up. Credential yourself. Identify the erence desk, when a student walked up to me expertise that you have. When you give some- and asked, “Could you babysit my child while I one an answer or provide them with the perfect go to class?” Honestly, I find it hard to believe pathway to finding what they need and they say that any other person in a public position at any “Thanks so much!” your reply should not be, Credential desk gets those questions or comments, but they “Oh, that’s okay, it’s my job.” You should respond, yourself. just keep coming! for example, with, “Of course! It’s what I do, and Early in my career, many decision makers I have specific expertise in materials for children Identify the frighteningly rolled back taxes to a previous at that grade level.” Or, “Let me know what else expertise that decade that in some institutions caused cuts you need; health care content is my specialty.” in the high double digits. These same decision When you stand up in front of a group of you have. It makers suggested that we accomplish balancing people, give them your name and where you connects the our budgets with draconian cuts through staff work, but before you talk about your services salary savings. We could use volunteers or just and resources, start by saying, “Staffers in the value of the eliminate staff while keeping a high level of ser- library, including me, have unique training and institution vices, it was argued. education in organizing information, search- Amazingly, in previous organizations I had ing the millions of pieces of content out there, with the real been asked to cut deeply and not tell constitu- and assisting you in finding what you need.” value of the ents, and to make those changes invisible to the It’s simple to do, and it connects the value public so that decision makers would not have to of the institution with the real value of our profession— field complaints. profession—the expert in the library. the expert in Then there are the leaders who plan a new building and leave out space for staff, expecting JULIE B. TODARO is dean of library services at the library. librarians to sit at a public desk all day or have Austin (Tex.) Community College.

6 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Advocacy School in Session ALA helps you implement an advocacy plan for your hometown

he American Library Association’s new the Virginia Library Association Annual Con- strategic directions and new advocacy ference in October. Florida and Texas are tenta- plan chart a bold course to build support tively scheduled for 2017, and other camps are Tfor libraries of all types. under discussion. With a sustained national advocacy cam- Second, the American Association of School paign our first priority, the Libraries Transform Librarians (AASL), in collaboration with OLA public awareness program launched last year. and the ALA Washington Office, is offering a More than 3,000 libraries and supporters comprehensive workshop on the Every Student have already signed on to be part of the cam- Succeeds Act (ESSA) to each state association paign. Last year we saw 144,001 page views of affiliate. AASL leaders who are experts in school Keith Michael Fiels LibrariesTransform.org, 12,387 downloads of library services and the educational framework the library toolkit, 22,000 #LibrariesTransform within which they are provided will lead work- mentions on Twitter, 65,000 views of Libraries shops customized to fit the needs of each state. Transform videos, and a post reach of nearly Workshops will include both current and state- 4.2 million on Facebook! specific content on ESSA as well as small group Advocacy training joins Libraries Transform work and sharing of strategies. A peer-to-peer on center stage this fall. Our work will focus on network and support from AASL will help make two major initiatives. sure that school library advocates in each state First, the Office for Library Advocacy (OLA) have the support they need for what will be a and Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), in sustained effort over time. coordination with ALA’s Chapter Relations Office, The workshops build on the ESSA sessions are launching Advocacy Boot Camp, a preconfer- presented by AASL during the 2016 ALA Annual ence designed to teach advocacy and intellectual Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Florida, freedom principles, with a focus on implement- and (1) include the most current information ing an advocacy plan back at home and recruit- on developments at the federal level and work ing the next generation of library advocates. through the sections of ESSA that can be directly ALA’s OLA Director Marci Merola and OIF Director linked to the school librarian/library program, Advocacy Jamie LaRue promise that this won’t be generic (2) connect ESSA language to the school librari- advocacy training. The recent rash of anti- an’s role, and (3) discuss current state work with Boot Camp library trends, including the antitax movement, recommendations for opportunities at state and and AASL privatization, removal of independent library local levels to ensure the “effective school library boards, and deprofessionalization, all constitute program” language in ESSA. ESSA training a new challenge to our libraries. State by state, For more information on Advocacy Boot in small Advocacy Boot Camp will help library commu- Camp or AASL ESSA training, see ala.org/ nities advocate for libraries as fundamental advocacy/advocacy-bootcamp and ala.org/aasl/ groups focus building blocks of democracy, focusing on four advocacy/legislation/essa. For more informa- on effectively key messages: Libraries transform lives; libraries tion about ALA’s strategic directions and advo- transform communities; librarians are passion- cacy plan, see ala.org/aboutala. reaching ate advocates for lifelong learning; and libraries are a smart investment. The first Advocacy Boot your local KEITH MICHAEL FIELS is executive director of Camp is at the Minnesota Library Association the American Library Association, headquartered community. Annual Conference in September, followed by in Chicago.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | September/October 2016 7 This has to be the best EBSCO and Open Source This is the best written article name for a (“EBSCO Supports New Open podcast ever. Source Project,” AL Online, @JOELBERKOWITZ Apr. 22) I’ve seen on this topic. in response to our Kudos to Marshall Breeding! new Dewey Decibel Hu Wang Stony Brook, New York podcast

Calling all Unmentioned Milestones #podcast fans! “ALA’s Proudest Moments” (June, p. 32) was a fascinating read. I @amlibraries would like to add the name of has a brilliant one person who was very signifi- one up that’s cant: Frances Lander Spain. She was head of children’s Social Responsibilities Round of the Patriot Act in 2004, the dedicated to services at New York Public Table (SRRT). Council resolutions for the pro- #Preservation Library (NYPL), and in 1960 she Other notable events not men- tection of workplace speech and Week. was the first children’s librarian to tioned are the establishment of opposing the Iraq War in 2005, become president of the Amer- the Council’s Intellectual Freedom and of course the Council’s reso- @MSLIBRARYCOMM ican Library Association (ALA). Committee in 1940, the state- lution for restoring civil liberties in response to Dewey Decibel’s inaugural She was a major player in the ment prohibiting chapters from and opposing mass surveillance episode field of librarianship. excluding African Americans in in 2016. Some years back—I believe 1962, the establishment of SRRT I also want to commend Karen it was a short time after her in 1969, the creation of SRRT’s Muller (“Preserving Our Values,” death—I wrote a small piece Feminist Task Force in 1970, the June, p. 82) for her short review about her for the letters section Council resolutions against the of Elaine Harger’s excellent of American Libraries (December Vietnam War and in support of new book, Which Side Are You 1999, p. 35) as part of my inheri- publishing the Pentagon Papers On? Seven Social Responsibility tance as coordinator of children’s in 1971, divestment of the ALA Debates in American Librarian- services at NYPL. I hope you will Endowment Fund from stocks ship, 1990–2015. I disagree with recognize her contributions in with substantial investments in the editorial decision to describe some way in the magazine. South Africa in 1986, creation of one of Harger’s topics as “Israel Julie Cummins SRRT’s Task Force on the Envi- and disputed territories.” In her Canandaigua, New York ronment in 1989, the approval book, Harger uses the standard of the Poor People’s Policy in phrase “occupied territories,” I would like to commend the 1990, the inauguration of the as does the US State Depart- editors of AL for their arti- annual Martin Luther King Jr. ment website. Using the word cles on ALA history in the June Sunrise Celebration in 2000, “disputed” is caving in to the issue. They note the founding signing a cooperation agreement extreme right wing. We should of the Task Force on Gay Liber- between ALA and Cuba’s library not do that. ation in 1970, but they left out association in 2001, the Council Al Kagan that it was a task force of the resolution opposing Section 215 Champaign, Illinois

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8 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org local library network, or ideally The first Going Beyond HTTPS the cloud, is a better option. professional Marshall Breeding’s column Libraries can do a lot to (“Protecting Patron Privacy,” protect personal data, and librarian in 60 June, p. 78) focuses on one iso- a comprehensive plan is the place years? I should lated solution, HTTPS, but the to start. think ONLY reality is that security and privacy Dave Maxfield have to be treated systematically. Rockville, Maryland professional I put forth these additional steps librarians that libraries can take based on What is often more disturbing should hold best practices at the more than than the lack of HTTPS for cata- this position. 80 public libraries we manage at log search activity is the number Library Systems and Services: of libraries not even using HTTPS Finally! n Encrypt data both at rest for basic member login activity, PINs are being sent unencrypted SUSAN SPERANZA (in the database) and in transit particularly for public libraries and are easy enough to intercept in response to (including backups). in the UK. It’s important to pro- and view if on the same network. Carla Hayden being n Authenticate servers tect data such as user search That in turn could give someone approved as the 14th via security certificates, the details, but it should be assumed access to fines, loan history, Librarian of Congress encrypted codes provided by that passwords, logins, and per- names and addresses, email internet agencies assuring users sonal data would be encrypted. addresses, cloud storage, bank that the server is legitimate. Although they shouldn’t do so, details, and more. n Deploy well-regarded virus users often share passwords and Dave Rowe and spam protection, and fire- PINs between their accounts. A Somerset, United Kingdom walls to prevent suspicious activ- library can’t just think only about ity both at the library and on the the data it holds for a user. If it Love for Margaret server side. reveals a user’s PIN that the indi- I didn’t think I could love Marga- n Use Active Directory Authen- vidual also uses for his or her ret Atwood any more, but this tication to assign rights and privi- bank account, it is then as culpa- interview (“Newsmaker: Margaret leges, and to give IT the ability to ble for anything that happens to Atwood,” June, p. 26) has proved shut down or limit access when that account as well. me wrong. problems arise. Also disturbing is that the Linda Blake n Back up data incrementally, same is often true of the mobile Morgantown, West Virginia perform full data backups on apps for patrons built by major the weekends, and take routine library suppliers. Many of these CORRECTION snapshots at four-hour intervals suppliers don’t ensure that they A photo caption in the Wayne A. for key applications to minimize use HTTPS. The difference there Wiegand article “ALA’s Proud- the impact of a breach. is that, unlike using any major est Moments” (June, p. 32) incor- n Have a disaster recovery web browser, mobile operating rectly identified Mary Eileen plan approved by insurance systems don’t tell a user if an app Ahern and Minerva Waterman. providers. is using an encrypted connection Ahern is standing fourth from left n Beware of consumer-oriented or not. Users are none the wiser and Waterman is standing third wireless access points; use of a that their logins, passwords, or from left.

We should definitely be using Pokémon and any other tools at our fingertips to show our communities that we’re not just dusty old buildings with books. TRICIA SHAW in regard to Pokémon Go in libraries

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | September/October 2016 9 ALA Approves New Privacy Guidelines he American Library Association’s (ALA) Intellectual The guidelines include privacy best practices for public- Freedom Committee (IFC) has approved four new access computers and networks, library websites, online Tguidelines that outline strategies and best practices public-access catalogs, discovery services, library man- for protecting patron privacy in the digital environment. The agement systems, and data exchange between networked guidelines address online privacy and data security and are devices and services. intended to assist librarians, libraries, schools, and vendors “Librarians have a long history of fiercely defending the in developing policies and procedures that safeguard library privacy of library patrons,” said ALA President Julie B. Todaro users’ data. in an August 1 statement. “These guidelines The IFC Privacy Subcommittee developed “Librarians will assist librarians in developing new policies the documents with input from ALA commit- and best practices that will help ensure that tees, divisions, interest groups, and roundtables have a long emerging technologies and internet connec- with an interest in privacy. tivity do not weaken library users’ privacy.” “The guidelines are a good start for mapping history of Pam Klipsch, IFC chair and director of the out the areas where libraries need to work fiercely Jefferson County (Mo.) Public Library, praised with service providers and other partners to the subcommittee’s work. safeguard patron privacy in the digital age,” defending “The IFC Privacy Subcommittee has pro- said Michael Robinson, chair of the ALA–IFC vided much-needed practical advice to the Privacy Subcommittee and head of systems the privacy librarians and staff members we rely on to at the University of Alaska–Anchorage/Alaska of library program user privacy into our library sys- Pacific University Consortium Library at the tems,” she said in an August 1 statement. University of Alaska–Anchorage, in an August 1 patrons.” The new guidelines augment previously statement. “The next challenge will be to pro- released privacy guidelines for ebook lend- JULIE B. TODARO, vide resources and training to help libraries put ALA president ing, digital content vendors, and students in the principles outlined in these documents into K–12 schools. They are available at ala.org/ practice.” advocacy/privacyconfidentiality. •

Accreditation Actions from istration and financial support; and Candidacy status was maintained for 2016 ALA Annual Announced resources and facilities. the master of science in library and infor- ALA’s Committee on Accreditation (COA) Continued accreditation status was mation science program at Chicago State has announced accreditation actions granted to the following programs, with University, with the next comprehensive taken at the 2016 ALA Annual Confer- the next comprehensive review to take review to take place in spring 2019. ence and Exhibition in Orlando, Florida. place in spring 2023: A complete list of programs and ALA accreditation indicates that ■■ Master of science in library and infor- degrees accredited by ALA can be found the program has undergone a self- mation science at the Catholic Univer- at ala.org/accreditedprograms/directory. evaluation process, has been externally sity of America in Washington, D.C. reviewed, and meets the Standards for ■■ Master of arts in library and informa- Your Gifts Can Help Transform Accreditation of Master’s Programs in tion science at the University of Iowa Philanthropy at ALA Library and Information Studies estab- ■■ Master of arts in library and informa- In 2012, ALA initiated the 15 x 15 lished by COA and adopted by ALA tion science at the University of South campaign, its first major coordinated Council. COA evaluates each program Florida fundraising effort to encourage members for conformity to the standards, which ■■ Master of science in information and the community at large to make a address mission, goals, and objectives; sciences at the University of planned gift to the Association. Close curriculum; faculty; students; admin- Tennessee–Knoxville to 80 donors participated and desig-

10 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org SEPT. National Library Card Sign-Up Month Celebrate Banned Books Week ala.org/librarycardsignup anned Books Week, Septem- SEPT. 23–24 ber 25–October 1, celebrates Gaming As Meaningful Where Books Were Education | Rochester, New York the idea that the freedom to B ala.org/aasl/game read and access ideas can transform Challenged in 2015 lives, but when books are challenged SEPT. 25–OCT. 1 or banned, readers are blocked Banned Books Week ala.org/bbooks from seeing all viewpoints and 28% perspectives. School SEPT. 28 Curriculum and What’s the difference between a Banned Websites 45% Programming Awareness Day challenge and a ban? A challenge is an Public ala.org/aasl/bwad attempt to remove or restrict mate- Library rials based upon the objections of a OCT. 9–15 person or group. A ban is the removal 19% Teen Read Week teenreadweek.ning.com of those materials. Challenges do not School Library simply involve a person expressing OCT. 16–22 8% National Friends of a point of view; rather, they are an Other attempt to remove material from the Libraries Week bit.ly/Jnyt77 curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others. Due to the During Banned Books Week, thou- NOV. commitment of librarians, teachers, sands of libraries and bookstores will Picture Book Month picturebookmonth.com parents, students, and other con- focus on the harms of censorship and cerned citizens, most challenges are celebrate the right to choose reading NOV. 4–6 unsuccessful and most materials are materials without restriction. Young Adult Library Services retained in the school curriculum or For additional information, please Association Young Adult Services Symposium | Pittsburgh library collection. visit ala.org/bbooks. • bit.ly/1xOnfhU

NOV. 17–20 Library and Information Technology Association nated ALA as a beneficiary of their will, PLA Toolkit Earns ASAE Award Forum | Fort Worth, Texas life insurance, or retirement plan. The The Public Library Association (PLA) forum.lita.org number of planned gifts and pledges has has earned the 2016 American Society NOV. 19 grown each year, increasing from of Association Executives (ASAE) Power International Games Day $3 million in 2012 to just under $10 mil- of A Summit and Gold Awards for its co igd.ala.org lion as of July 31. The funds generated creation and implementation of Every are directed across the Association to Child Ready to Read (ECRR), a research- NOV. 30 I Love My Librarian Award support specific divisions, scholarship based program that helps public libraries ceremony | New York funds, and more. teach parents how to develop literacy ilovelibraries.org/lovemylibrarian In winter 2016, ALA will begin a new skills in children as well as advance JAN. 20–24 fundraising effort, inviting members to library staff training in that area. ALA Midwinter Meeting help transform the future by making a gift PLA worked with the Association for & Exhibits | Atlanta to support the Association’s work. Details Library Service to Children (ALSC) and bit.ly/1tYA7Ru will be available in American Libraries’ the National Institute of Child Health and JUNE 22–27 November/December 2016 issue. Human Development to develop ECRR. It ALA Annual Conference Learn more about supporting ALA at is estimated that 30% to 40% of the coun- and Exhibition | Chicago ala.org/offices/dev. try’s 16,700 individual public libraries bit.ly/1tYA7Ru

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | September/October 2016 11 have used the program in some capacity. Available in both English and Spanish, Snoopy Returns for 2016 ECRR includes research and presentation tools for six workshops—four for patrons Library Card Sign-Up Month and two for library staff. For more information, visit everychild eptember is Library Card Sign-Up Month. And who readytoread.org. better than Snoopy to remind parents and children Sthat a library card is the most important school ALSC Grant Sends School supply of all? Librarians to ALA Annual After a successful Library Card Sign-Up Month last year, ALSC and its Grants Adminis- Snoopy, the world-famous beagle from Charles Schulz’s tration Committee are accept- Peanuts comic, returns to serve as the honorary chair for ing applications for the 2017 2016. ALA has numerous Snoopy resources for your library Penguin Random House Young to use to promote Library Card Sign-Up Month, including Readers Group Awards. downloadable posters that can be customized with your This award, made possible by library’s name and digital PSAs of various sizes for web an annual gift from Penguin Young and social media use. ALA Graphics has Snoopy posters, Readers Group and Random bookmarks, and more for purchase as well. House Children’s Books, provides For more details, visit ala.org/conferencesevents/ a $600 stipend for up to four chil- celebrationweeks/card. • dren’s librarians to attend their first ALA Annual Conference and Exhibi-

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12 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org tion. It also includes an invitation to the serve on ALA, Council, and joint commit- Developed in collaboration with the Newbery-Caldecott-Wilder Banquet at tees for the 2017–2018 term. International City and County Managers the conference. Serving on a committee provides Association and supported by a grant Applicants will be judged on their members with leadership training, net- from the Institute of Museum and Library involvement in ALSC and any other working opportunities, and experience Services, “PLA Leadership Academy: professional or educational associ- in working on numerous specific Associ- Navigating Change, Building Commu- ations of which they are a member; ation topics. nity” will offer intensive leadership edu- new library programs and innovations The deadline for applications is cation for public librarians who want to started by the applicants at their November 4. Committee appointments increase their capacity to lead both in the library; and their overall experience in will be finalized at the 2017 ALA Mid- library and in their community. the profession. winter Meeting & Exhibits, and notifica- Registration fees for this program are Applicants must be members of ALSC tions will be sent in spring 2017. Terms waived, but participants will be required and ALA to apply. Deadline for submis- start on July 1. to cover travel costs and lodging. Appli- sions is October 1. For more information To volunteer, complete and submit the cants must be PLA members and MLS/ about eligibility requirements and to online committee volunteer form at ala MLIS librarians with at least five years of submit an online application, visit bit.ly/ .org/cfapps/volunteer/form.cfm. increasingly responsible experience in a 2aOH8mP. public library. PLA Accepting Applications for The application deadline is Septem- Volunteer to Serve on ALA Its 2017 Leadership Academy ber 19. Attendance is selective and will Committees for 2017–2018 PLA is accepting applications for a lead- be limited to 28 participants. For more ALA president-elect James G. “Jim” Neal ership academy to be held March 20–24 information and to apply, visit ala.org/ encourages members to volunteer to in Portland, Oregon. pla/education/leadershipacademy.

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americanlibrariesmagazine.org | September/October 2016 13 Shelver Kara Van Muyen (left) and librarian Karissa Alcox at the Kitch- ener (Ont.) Public Library escape room. Participants had 15 minutes to complete all puzzles.

“We built it around a library- themed story,” Alcox says. “Partic- ipants were studying in the library when they fell asleep at some tables strewn with books and papers. When they awoke, everyone was locked in, but they had an important exam starting in 15 minutes.” Play- ers’ first clue as to the whereabouts of the jumbo combination lock they’d need to open to get out was broadcast onto a whiteboard. Sub- Libraries on Lockdown sequent clues led them to uncover Escape rooms, a breakout trend in youth programming a blacklight flashlight, which they were to shine on a specific book and page number to make invisible ink ith a dash of the board Last November, Alcox planned visible, and reveal a code to open a BY Katie game Clue, an element such an event at the Kitchener treasure chest holding the key. O’Reilly W of theater, and a guaran- (Ont.) Public Library to coincide The first-come, first-served event teed adrenaline rush, escape rooms with the American Library Associa- attracted library users of all ages, have taken off in a big way. Accord- tion’s International Games Day. She including a large birthday party. ing to a July 2015 MarketWatch used a large room with a fire exit, Within three hours, 52 people article (on.mktw.net/1RJrnf3), at cordoned off “problem areas” such divided into groups of two or more least 2,800 have sprung up across as the surge closet, and brought in had managed to escape, after which the globe since 2010. As a team- pros from a popular local escape they posed for victory photos. building exercise that encourages room facility. To appeal to all ages, Whereas traditional escape rooms participants to flex their logic mus- the library team designed three usually grant players an hour to get cles, escape rooms are a hit with versions of the clues—easy, moder- free and boast that only, perhaps, corporate organizers. It’s also why ate, and difficult—and had players 25% of participants will find their youth librarians are getting into the select their level ahead of time. way out, Alcox wanted all partic- spirit of escapism. ipants to emerge successfully and “Anytime I experience something feel like “genius escape artist spies.” cool in my real life, I think, ‘How “It encourages She kept the event organized with could I bring this to the library?’” a registration table and board game says Karissa Alcox, escape room afi- critical-thinking skills café to occupy players awaiting their cionado and youth librarian at Fort 15-minute turn to escape. Other Erie (Ont.) Public Library. “It takes and participatory libraries, however, prefer to set up a place indoors, and you don’t need storytelling.” single, hourlong escape event that much aside from some locks and caters to all participants at once. KARISSA ALCOX, youth librarian props—a library can afford to do at Fort Erie (Ont.) Public Library, Andrea Elson, children’s it.” Alcox adds, “Plus, it encourages on escape rooms librarian at Radnor Memorial critical-thinking skills and partici- Library in Wayne, Pennsylvania, patory storytelling.” planned “Escape the Library!” as Photos: Gr8 Escape Photos:

14 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org a finale to the library’s 2015 Teen escape prowess at Radnor’s next Tech Week digital programming escape room event, which Elson is Library Architecture events last March. “I wanted to get excited to plan. “They can be devel- teens excited about a week of fun oped for any level of difficulty and and Design opportunities at the library and also to accommodate any space,” she give them a positive place to be on a says. “Youth librarians these days Friday night,” says Elson. are great about trying something 18 She advertised the event via stimulating and thinking, ‘Why not Number of terra-cotta the library’s social media channels make it accessible to youth?’” figures—academic and print fliers, and set up a table The fun of imbuing a grown-up heroes such as outside the lunchroom of the local trend with youthful bona fides is Plato, Benjamin middle school to promote Teen Tech exactly why Neal Schlein, youth Franklin, and Week. “I had a 3D printer to pique services librarian at Mahomet (Ill.) Galileo—guarding their interest and told them about Public Library, hosted a daylong escape rooms, escape event in the façade of the which many kids June. When groups Suzzallo Library had heard of and of two to six play- at the University were excited to ers, ages 10 and of Washington in try,” she says. older, arrived for Seattle. Though she their 15-minute tried to cap par- escape sessions, ticipation at 10, Schlein guided Elson ended up them into the $6.5 million with 12 players. community room, Cost to build the Thomas Jefferson Building of Participants had where they found the Library of Congress, which opened in 1897. Mahomet (Ill.) Public Library borrowed a full hour to find props, including this double-locking a countdown clock their way out of briefcase, from local commercial and a note, explain- Radnor’s large escape rooms. ing that a dastardly 1895 programming sorcerer had cast Year that Boston Public Library opened the space, half of which Elson sectioned a catastrophic curse on the library: Children’s Room, the first space in a public off, creating walls with cheap black “Every book in the library is slowly library specifically designated for children. tablecloths. “We hid small clues— being transformed by the curse, and think brainteaser-like puzzles—and if it is not stopped, all will become keys within extra furniture and Hello Kitty graphic novels!”

desks, and added decoy items like In order to break the spell, par- 26 old books, DVDs, and a fan.” ticipants needed to uncover clues Number of floors in the Elson says the kids spent “tons to locate the wand and passcode W. E. B. Du Bois Library at the of time” going through individual used to cast the spell. Weeks ahead University of Massachusetts books and devising theories about of time, Schlein placed holds on all Amherst, the tallest university how titles could translate to clues— of Mahomet’s Hello Kitty books, so library in the world. “all of which were completely as to create a shelf of them in the wrong,” which may have been why escape room with a laminated sign the kids didn’t quite escape on reading, “My favorite things!” A note time. “They were close, but in all also included guidelines about not 123,000 Square footage of the McAllen their excitement, they couldn’t get needing to move furniture, and how the final combination lock to work no clues were located in off-limits (Tex.) Public Library, built in a properly,” Elson says. places, such as the glass AV cabinet. former Walmart store and the This just meant players left the largest single-floor library in the experience eager to prove their

Photos: Neal Schlein (briefcase); Frank Fani (Suzzallo); Ktr101 (Du Bois) Ktr101 (Suzzallo); Fani Frank Neal Schlein (briefcase); Photos: Continued on page 17 United States.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | September/October 2016 15 Graybill explains that, reading- Recommended Reading wise, the library’s goal was to make the web page “visually appealing How digitized readers’ advisory stays personalized to guide you to the person who’s a match for you.” Borrowing an aes- thetic from the online dating world BY Terra efore Netflix’s streaming expert and Booklist staffer Joyce has proved successful; Multnomah Dankowski video service started pushing Saricks. It also represents one of received 990 RA requests in 2015, B “heartfelt,” “quirky,” and the tactics that libraries are using more than double the number “cerebral” selections, Williamsburg to build relationships and provide of requests the year prior to My (Va.) Regional Library was asking a tailored service while modern- Librarian’s launch. patrons seeking reading recommen- izing and digitizing the reach of “As much as you can, you need to dations to fill out an extensive online RA—many of which borrow from build an experience that’s intuitive form and identify the tone, style, what’s already available and viable for the user,” says Graybill, who says and mood of their perfect book, with in social media and start-up culture, that taking cues from existing apps adjectives like “disturbing,” “home- whether in spirit or practice. helps meet the users where they spun,” and “inspirational.” When Multnomah County are. To wit, one of the My Librarian “We were the first library to (Oreg.) Library created a team of contact methods that Graybill advo- explore this really structured form readers’ advisors called My Librarian cated for was video chat. for readers’ advisory,” says Special (multcolib.org/my-librarian) with a Multnomah has conducted fewer Projects Director Barry Trott of the grant from the Paul G. Allen Foun- than 10 RA-related video chats “Looking for a Good Book?” pro- dation to the Library Foundation in with patrons. “We knew going in gram that launched in 2003 and April 2014, the web page included that it wouldn’t be heavily used,” Polli Kenn, readers’ services now receives up to 15 requests per personality-driven photos, profiles, Graybill says. “[But] we wanted to coordinator, and month. “It makes us feel like [Netflix book lists, and five contact methods capture the imagination of folks Kimberly Lopez, is] on the right track,” he laughs. for each of the 16 participating as to what might be possible, what readers’ services The form, designed by Adult librarians. Jeremy Graybill, market- library service could look like in the assistant, of Lawrence (Kans.) Services Librarian Neil Hollands, ing and online engagement director, 21st century.” Public Library’s addresses the appeal factors long- says, “We joked when creating this Polli Kenn, readers’ services Book Squad. endorsed by readers’ advisory (RA) personalized service that it was like coordinator at Lawrence (Kans.) Match.com.” Public Library, heads an eight- person, fully roaming RA department called Book Squad (lawrence .lib.ks.us/books-more/book-squad) that she says was influenced by the program at Multnomah. The branding is similar in style, and the team participates in form-based RA, creating BiblioCommons lists, and generating blog content. Since launching in 2015, Kenn says, her librarians get recognized in the community. “People come up to us at Target, people come up to us at the bars,” she says. Book Squad has also borrowed from dating culture. At its Book Club Speed Dating event in April, the library partnered with a local bookstore and set up tables to “sell” readers on four different books

every five minutes. The 40 people Kearns Heather Photos:

16 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org who engaged in this fast-paced RA also had an opportunity to reserve certain titles before they were made available 4 Tips to Running an to all library users. That same exclusivity and curation Escape Room at Your Library is present in Bookfix, a form-based RA and online subscription service Consult with a commercial escape room. Alcox, Elson, and that Darien (Conn.) Library launched 1 Schlein all say partnering with local escape rooms is the way to in beta in August 2015. Mirroring go. They will often lend props or offer to help plan the event, free of start-ups such as Stitch Fix and Birch- charge, if they get to promote their escape rooms at the library event. box, Stephanie Anderson, assistant director for public services, explains Brief your participants before they enter the room. Elson that Darien Library wanted to revamp 2 met with teens in a separate room before the event to lay out its RA so it was “relationship-based, ground rules, describe what was off-limits, and encourage commu- respectful of staff time, and got books nication and teamwork. [into people’s] hands.” Map out your clues. Elson recommends creating a flow chart to 3 help organize how clues will lead to the final code or outcome. “You need to build an experience Consider making your program portable. Schlein says there that’s intuitive for the user.” 4 are kits that can be purchased, such as one offered by Break- JEREMY GRAYBILL, marketing and online engagement out EDU (breakoutedu.com), that would allow libraries to bring director, Multnomah County (Oreg.) Library escape room programming to schools, churches, and senior living facilities. •

Anderson says the library started by rewriting its form to be more fun. “We thought, ‘What if we changed our form-based RA survey to be more like BuzzFeed?’” she says. To increase checkouts, users request- ing titles wouldn’t just get an emailed Continued from page 15 ahead of time—a congratulatory list of books—they’d get a handpicked page deeming escapees official book automatically checked out to Like Alcox, Schlein sought help agents and instructing them to go them and held at the library for pickup from local commercial escape pick up victory stickers. every 12 weeks, with a personalized rooms that lent props, such as a As for those who emerged from note from a librarian explaining the double-locking briefcase and a big the room with one of the wrong reason behind the selection. fake lock—which meant no one had passcodes? “They received a mes- “If our patron really likes the picks, to hand over actual library keys. sage to go to this other website,” then they just start emailing with the Schlein also made use of projector Schlein says, where the message librarian individually,” says Anderson. slides, as well as a friend’s discarded Hello library ! was superimposed A core group of about 35 people use bookcase. “It was falling apart, so I over an image of Mahomet Public Bookfix, and Anderson says RA has secured it to the wall and split the Library—one that had been tiled in proven to be a good “gateway drug” back open to create a secret panel.” Hello Kitty—and an evil genius pro- for adults who don’t know about all of Once participants found their claiming, “Muahahaha! You lost!” the classes, databases, and services the way out, they were instructed to “The idea was to offer people modern library offers. take the passcode they’d uncov- a challenge, with a little bit of a Relationships are key to RA, Ander- ered to the main desk. If it was the laugh at the end,” says Schlein. son says. “The transactional nature is correct one, the on-duty librarian not what people want from us,” she would swap it for a web address KATIE O’REILLY is a freelance writer living in Oakland, California.

Photo: Andrea Elson Andrea Photo: says. “We’re realizing that now.” of a site that Schlein had created

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | September/October 2016 17 Library assistant Omelio Alexander stands next to the “tiebrary” collection at the Paschalville branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia.

immigration, and, in many cases, returning to the workforce following an incarceration. Niema Nelson, digital resource specialist, runs our Job Readiness Lab and coaches patrons through job searches. She and others provide extended computer sessions and individualized help with creating résumés and searching and applying for jobs. We provide a variety of programs and support for job seekers, including an annual job fair—the next of which is scheduled for October 7—and English as a second language classes. We are always on the lookout for services that support our patrons. So when Nate Eddy, a coordinator in the Free Library’s Strategic Initia- tives department, contacted us with the novel idea of lending neckties to patrons, we enthusiastically began working on the idea. We started off Community Ties with 12 ties and a tie rack, similar in style to the merchandising dis- Philadelphia branch lends out neckties to job seekers plays you see in department stores. As we began to process the ties and add them to the catalog, we reparing for a job interview can be nerve-racking. Looking your best often trans- quickly realized there would be lates into feeling your best. But if you live in southwest Philadelphia, one of the some issues around display and Pcity’s most economically depressed neighborhoods, where the poverty rate is circulation. For example, where a staggering 36% and unemployment is more than 16%—compared with national aver- should we place the barcode? ages of 14.5% and 5%, respectively—then your prospects may seem dim. That’s where It soon became apparent that if the Paschalville branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia has been filling a demand. we wanted to circulate them, then Since March, it has been offering patrons neckties for three-week checkouts. Dubbed a tie rack simply would not do. the “tiebrary,” the collection is located next to the library’s popular Job Readiness Lab. Omelio Alexander, a library assis- Branch Manager Jennifer Walker explains how the collection came to be. tant, knew that the best solution would involve a case, which would allow us to add item information, BY Jennifer he Paschalville branch serves while patiently waiting for doors including a barcode and accession Walker as a community hub and life- to open in the morning. The vast number as well as a security tag. Tline in a vibrant southwest majority of our patrons are job A case also mimics the shape of Philadelphia neighborhood. Patrons seekers, battling significant obsta- a book, fits nicely on a shelf, and line the steps of the Carnegie-style cles to employment, including holds potential for interesting dis-

building, connecting to our Wi-Fi poverty, low literacy rates, recent plays. Omelio recalled the old VHS of Philadelphia Library of the Free branch Paschalville Photo:

18 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org “Patrons seemed surprised and delighted that they could borrow a tie.” Library Made from JENNIFER WALKER, manager, Paschalville branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia Ice-Cream Containers

INDONESIA More than 2,000 plastic ice-cream containers were recy- security cases we had in storage, cled into the façade of the Taman Bima and with his characteristic creativ- Microlibrary in Bandung. Designed by ity, he set about repurposing them. the architects at SHAU Bandung, the Omelio lined them in bright 1,700-square-foot structure was built paper and secured the ties with above an existing stage, protecting the small binder clips. The colorful platform—used by the community for collection attracts quite a bit of gatherings and events—from rain and attention and enthusiasm. We have sun. The plastic-and-steel building was received several donations, and the designed to be an easily accessible collection has grown to more than space for reading and learning. 50 ties in a variety of styles and pat- —Curbed, July 14. terns. We ask only that donations The Taman Bima be new or gently used. Microlibrary ISRAEL The town of Lakiya, made up of one-story buildings and Initially, patrons seemed sur- narrow streets, is in the heart of the Negev region. Three times a prised and delighted that they week, volunteers working with the local Association for the Improve- could borrow a tie in the same way ment of Women’s Status load up a cargo truck with books in Arabic, they borrow books. But perhaps Hebrew, and English. The makeshift mobile library then visits out because of the newness of the con- lying rural areas that lack basic infrastructure and educational facili- cept, they were at first reluctant to ties.—Middle East Eye, June 30. check the ties out. Over the weeks we have pro- VATICAN CITY The Vatican Library has made available online moted the tiebrary with posters, the surviving fragments of an illuminated manuscript containing one fliers, and bookmarks. The collec- of the oldest versions of Virgil’s Aeneid, the epic poem that tells the tion has also piqued the interest story of the hero Aeneas’s voyage to Italy after the Trojan War. The of local media, with stories in the Vergilius Vaticanus manuscript dates from about 400 CE. The library press and broadcast news. With is more than halfway through its four-year project to digitize its man- the help of media exposure and uscript collections (digi.vatlib.it/mss).—Hyperallergic, July 13. in-house promotion, early adopters have begun to borrow ties. JAPAN Police in Nihonmatsu City have arrested a 34-year-old Patron Elfatir Muhammad man on suspicion of attempted murder after he injured four people recently returned a tie he wore to in the city library with a pocketknife on July 18. The suspect, Ryo an interview. With a broad smile, Hirano, a resident of Fukushima Prefecture and a self-described he told us it must be a lucky tie part-time employee, entered the library and became enraged after because he landed a job as a main- he was told by a library employee that he couldn’t borrow any books tenance worker that very day. He because he resided in a different city.—Japan Today, July 19. said it added the finishing touch and boosted his confidence: “The MYANMAR The e-Library Myanmar Project (eifl.net/eifl-in- little things mean so much.” action/elibrary-myanmar-project), administered by the European nonprofit organization Electronic Information for Libraries, supplies e-resources to students and faculty at seven universities in this JENNIFER WALKER is manager of the Paschalville branch of the Free Library emerging democracy. An academic library consortium formed in May

Photo: Sanrok Studio Sanrok Photo: of Philadelphia. aims to expand the program to more institutions.—OUPblog, July 23. •

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | September/October 2016 19 20 books at a time, go in with your Jamie Lee Curtis wagon and fill it, and we did that weekly. That was just a big part of Actress and author on library advocacy and legacy our life. I really believe there’s a lot of advocacy that can be done, and a lot of volunteerism that can be ward-winning actress and philanthropist Jamie Lee stimulated, simply if a library is not Curtis doesn’t tire of talking about literature and in a central part of a school or com- Alibraries. “I could do this all day,” says Curtis, New York munity’s life. Times bestselling author of 11 children’s books, including This Is Me: A Story of Who We Are and Where We Came From (Work- When American Libraries man Publishing, September). She sat down with American interviewed you eight years Libraries to discuss inspiration, gaming, and advocacy. ago, we asked if you had any plans to write adult books. Is the answer still no? When you Your new book, This Is Me: The cosplay photos of you get old and you think that you’re A Story of Who We Are and your son at the Warcraft going to die—which is a reality and Where We Came From, film premiere were amazing. that all of us hit at a different point explores themes of immigra- What role does gaming have in our lives—you start to think, tion and origin. Was there in your family? We ended up “Whoa, okay, what haven’t I done anything about the current with a kid who’s a gamer, and it’s and what do I need to do?” That’s climate in this country that been a challenge because there are something that’s very exciting and compelled you to cover these so many pejoratives with gaming. helpful for people. themes? This is not a political But at some point it was a thing of, I feel like I have something I’d book. Every person has an immi- “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em— like to say, [but] my guess is no. grant story in their family, and and beat ’em.” You can either hate I’m a reader. All I do is devour peo-

we’re losing that thread. it or you can get involved. That’s ple’s writing. Eccles Andrew Photo: [The suitcase in my book is] an what we’ve chosen to do. We’ve idea that has been around a long allowed him to explore that world time—I just encapsulated it for as much as he can. 1st-graders and kindergartners. It’s a book about adventure, and What role have libraries it’s an object lesson in how much played in transforming you or of us is our stuff, how much of us your family? When you go to any is our blood, and how much of us school around the country, the first is our experience. thing you want to know is “Do they have a library?” and it’s shocking Has your creative process how many don’t. It’s shocking how in writing for children many day-care centers don’t have changed any now that your little libraries. The import of a own kids are grown? It’s very library in a society is crucial, moving to hear that question, and it seems to be, just like because that’s not a question I music and art education are normally get asked. no longer a requirement The wacky thing is that I write in schools, libraries are an books very fast. I don’t really think old idea that we need to about it, and then it just pops into bring back. my head and comes out almost When my children fully formed. Often it’s because I’m were little, in the Los around young people and I have a Angeles Public Library very good ear. system you could take

20 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org “Teenagers are critically engaged and thoughtful readers. They do not read Looking for Alaska and think ‘I should go have some aggressively unerotic oral sex.’ And they don’t read The Outsiders and think ‘I should join a gang,’ or read Divergent and think ‘I should jump onto moving trains.’ So far as I can tell, that kind of narrowed, prescriptive reading only happens inside an office of school superintendents.”

JOHN GREEN, author, in “On the Banning of Looking for Alaska” on his Vlogbrothers YouTube channel, April 12. In honor of Banned Books Week (September 25–October 1), “I think what we’re we present quotes from “Please urge your children’s some of the authors of 2015’s learning is that the Top Ten Most Challenged schools to read inclusive country is more frightened Books, as compiled each books of all kinds. Despite year by ALA’s Office than we thought it was. for Intellectual what Liberty Counsel would Freedom. like you to believe, diversity We’re afraid of going is not something to fear, it is not forward. Life is changing, a subject of controversy, and it sure science is making changes, politics isn’t going away. Rather, teaching our are changing—everything’s changing. little ones to love instead of hate should And we can either choose to grow as be the least controversial lesson of all.” human beings or stay the same.” JESSICA HERTHEL, coauthor of I Am Jazz, in “Author Confronts School Who Banned Her Book,” Yahoo News, December 4, 2015. SUSAN KUKLIN, author of Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out, in “Books under Attack,” CBS This Morning, May 14. “The assumption is that I should be “YOU’RE NOT A LIBRARIAN morally affronted when this happens— TO KEEP BOOKS OUT OF THE and it has happened surprisingly HANDS OF CHILDREN, AND often—but the truth is that it always generates a really interesting debate I DON’T KNOW TEACHERS among school kids and librarians and WHO GET INTO TEACHING TO parents, not just about Curious, but about PREVENT KIDS FROM LEARNING literature and freedom and language, ABOUT WHO THEY ARE.” and this is an undeniably good thing.”

DAVID LEVITHAN, author of Two Boys Kissing, in “David Levithan MARK HADDON, author, in “Curious Incident of the Interview: The US Author on Leading the Way in LGBT Fiction Dog in the Night-Time Pulled from Children’s Reading for Young Adults,” The Independent (UK), March 16, 2015. List,” The Guardian (UK), August 12, 2015.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | September/October 2016 21 Creating Successful Spaces How to design a library for students and serendipitous learning

n 2013, when we opened the Mary consultant. We hope to have data in Idema Pew Library Learning and time that shows a positive correlation to Information Commons at Grand Valley on my retention and grades. State University in Allendale, Michi- ■■ Space, lighting, and furniture are gan, we aimed for nothing less than to mind designed to cue users on how to sort Ichange student behavior in the library. BY Lee C. Van Orsdel themselves into contemplative or collab- Specifically, we intended for students to orative spaces in the library. It is never see the Learning Commons as their space, that simple, however, so furniture is with the flexibility to accommodate a ever possible. Library staff work in the flexible enough to allow for expansion wide range of needs and preferences. We background, and liaison librarians work and contraction of designated areas. wanted to help students manage their own in their offices or out on the campus. Students capitalize on the fluidity learning and then have them model for To reinforce the message of student to construct their preferred micro each other what that looks like. We hoped ownership, we avoid posting signs as environments, and we reset the furni- to engage users in unexpected moments of much as possible. When we do, we use ture only at the end of each semester. discovery and delight while they were in peer-to-peer language. Students are ■■ Fixed and portable whiteboards are the the space. And we wanted to do all of this able to recognize the distinction and it most important accessories in the build- in a building that was beautiful, inspiring, empowers them. ing. Students use them to study but also and full of light. ■■ A peer consulting service lowers bar- to reduce distractions, create privacy Three years and 3.2 million visitors riers for students who want help with for competitive assignments, and mark later, we are astonished at our success. assignments involving research, writing, boundaries. As students fill up the Based on results from a major post- and oral presentation. Consultants are whiteboards with formulas, vocabu- occupancy study with Steelcase, data hired and trained by the writing center, lary, diagrams, and symbols, learning gathered regularly since we opened, and the speech lab, or the library, and all is made visible. Markers are supplied feedback from surveys and social media, work side-by-side in the library’s Knowl- every day for every whiteboard. we know students love the new library. edge Market. Consultants walk students ■■ The library is an expression of the uni- We also know how they are using its through conversations that model good versity’s commitment to developing spaces; the extent to which they are inter- scholarly practice, and these interac- the whole student. The building is full acting with content, peers, experts, or the tions are visible to the library commu- of video displays, exhibitions, artwork, building itself; and how often they work nity. Ninety-seven percent of students pop-up musical events, programs, alone or in groups—it’s about 50–50. We report higher confidence in completing teach-ins, and brand-new technologies. use this data to plan and adjust services, assignments after meeting with a peer All are designed to stimulate seren- furniture, and programs. dipitous learning, pique curiosity, and Much of what we did is replicable in We wanted to help expand awareness and understanding other libraries, even without the luxury of of the world beyond the university. a new building or a major expansion. Here students manage It doesn’t take a costly renovation or are some key factors and philosophies that construction to create a successful space. contributed to our success: their own learning It starts by embracing a radically user- ■■ Our students own the library—they centered library. are not guests in our space. Our service and then have them desk is staffed by student workers who model for each other LEE C. VAN ORSDEL is dean of university are trained in concierge-like skills to libraries at Grand Valley State University in see that visitors’ needs are met when- what that looks like. Allendale, Michigan.

22 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Tired of waiting on routed copies of Booklist and Book Links? Get your own subscription for 50% off at bit.ly/29BZcKB!

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booklistonline.com Knowledge for the Win Expanding the notion of library advocacy to help combat ignorance

erhaps you saw in a recent American Libraries piece celebrating ALA’s 140th anniversary a reproduction of a classic World War I poster. The Pdoughboy soldier, still in uniform, tin helmet and all, has laid down his rifle, pack, and canteen and is moving toward the staircase made of books labeled exactly a century on from the end of that FARMING, DRAFTING, CITIZENSHIP, horrible and pointless war, there is a BUILDING, BUSINESS, ENGINEERING, LAW, heck of a lot more knowledge around, and on and on, winding and twisting its and staggeringly unimaginable quanti- way up toward an ethereal city in the ties of it are available through billions distant clouds. of devices all over the world. And argu- The implication is clear: Those books ably, as much if not more ignorance, are his pathway to a better life after the fear, hate, terror, and loss. grime and gore and folly of the war. At Where does that leave libraries? experience and expertise and reason and the bottom we are reminded “Public In reflecting on this poster in all its facts beat the alternatives. library books are free,” and emblazoned Wilsonian-era naiveté, I was reminded of In a world that seems increasingly across the top, in a strong but inviting one of my favorite little bromides for my indifferent or even hostile to that mind- serif font, all in gold capital letters: students: “Stupid is forever. Ignorance set, we can’t flinch on that belief, and KNOWLEDGE WINS. can be cured, and we’re in the ignorance we can’t give up that fight. This expands It’s an arresting image, very much of business.” It usually gets a chuckle, as it’s the notion of “library advocacy” beyond its time, and pretty potent stuff, even intended, though I firmly believe it. We the traditional to incorporate a broader today. (It’s about $25 for a reproduction, all have to believe that our institutions and richer and more meaningful canvas, and I found an original for sale online for and collections and skills and efforts and to make the case (neither always easy more than $1,000.) blood and sweat and tears matter. That nor obvious) for knowledge, for actually It is also, admittedly, facile. Quotable, knowledge is better than ignorance, that knowing things, in a complicated and yes. Catchy, yes. Though if you spend a often scary world. Otherwise, ignorance moment with it, you’d have to say that wins, which would be a future too awful “knowledge” rarely wins anything, at to contemplate. least not in isolation. Knowledge that The poster, while In writing this, another proverb bored you can get at, that you can understand, its way into my consciousness, perhaps that you can use, in the right time and potent, is also as a cautionary caveat: A little knowl- situations, sure. But that makes a terri- admittedly facile. edge is a dangerous thing … but that’s ble slogan. Don’t get me wrong; I’m all another story. for a pithy poster. It’s hard to do much “Knowledge” rarely better than READ, which grabbed me at JOSEPH JANES is associate professor at a young age and never let go. wins anything, at the Information School of the University of So while I cop to splitting semantic Washington in Seattle and the creator of the hairs here, I have a purpose. Almost least not in isolation. Documents That Changed the World podcast.

24 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Add some character to your library walls!

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26 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org he American Library Association (ALA) recognizes the Honoring achievements of more than 200 individuals and institutions excellence T each year with a variety of awards. This year’s award winners, chosen by juries of their colleagues and peers, are distinguished by AL A AWAR D and leadership their leadership and vision, as well as their continued commitment to diversity, equality, and intellectual freedom. This selection represents in the library only a portion of those honored in 2016; see more award winners at WINNERS 2016 profession ala.org/awardsgrants.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | September/October 2016 27 Kelvin Watson

ERNEST A. DIMATTIA JR. Watson, chief innovation and technology officer of Queens AWARD FOR INNOVATION (N.Y.) Library, has brought many new services and ideas to AND SERVICE TO COMMU- both the library and the community that emphasize conve- NITY AND PROFESSION of nience for patrons and work to reduce the digital divide. He $5,000 recognizes a public leads the team that distributes and manages 2,500 mobile hot librarian who demonstrates spots and 5,000 tablets. Watson led the strategy and planned leadership in anticipating the execution of the Queens Virtual Library, which allows emerging trends in services, seamless access, discovery, and delivery of e-content. Addi- products, and technologies tionally, he supervised the library’s first hip-hop initiative, an that will enhance the library’s effort to archive and preserve the borough’s musical heritage. position in its community. Watson is president of the Black Caucus of ALA. He also serves DONOR: The DiMattia Family on the New York State Library’s Regents Advisory Council on Libraries and the Metropolitan New York Library Council board and is a lecturer at Queens College’s Graduate School of Library and Information Studies.

Maureen Sullivan

JOSEPH W. LIPPINCOTT Sullivan’s many accomplishments include service as president AWARD of $1,000 is pre- of ALA (2012–2013) and two of its divisions—the Library sented annually to a librarian Leadership and Management Association (1988–1989) and the for distinguished service to Association of College and Research Libraries (1998–1999). the profession of librarian- As ALA president, she focused on the training program for ship, such service to include community engagement, developed in partnership with the outstanding participation in Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, under the theme the activities of the profes- “The Promise of Libraries Transforming Communities.” Sulli- sional library association, van has also served as interim dean and professor of practice notable published profes- at the Simmons School of Library and Information Science; as sional writing, or other signif- founder of the Library Leaders in a Digital Age program at the icant activity on behalf of the Harvard Graduate School of Education; as a faculty member profession and its aims. of the annual Leadership Institute for Academic Librarians, DONOR: Joseph W. Lippincott III developed through ACRL’s partnership with the Harvard Grad- uate School of Education; and as facilitator of the TALL Texans Leadership Development Institute. She is program facilitator and cochair of the ALA Emerging Leaders program.

Robert R. Newlen

MELVIL DEWEY MEDAL Newlen joined the Library of Congress in 1975 and has served and $2,000 are awarded for in many roles, including positions at the Congressional creative professional achieve- Research Service, the Law Library of Congress, and his current ment in library management, appointment as chief of staff. He managed the Law Library’s training, cataloging and development and fundraising initiatives and oversaw its classification, or the tools and 2014 exhibition “Magna Carta: Muse and Mentor.” Newlen techniques of librarianship. served as a member of ALA Council and Executive Board and DONOR: OCLC as senior trustee of the ALA Endowment. He has also mentored new librarians through his book Résumé Writing and Interviewing Techniques That Work! A How-to-Do-It Manual for Librarians, his presentations, and his continuing role as an inspirational figure to new professionals.

28 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Melanie Townsend Diggs

LEMONY SNICKET PRIZE On April 27, 2015, unrest broke out in Baltimore following FOR NOBLE LIBRARIANS the death of Freddie Gray in police custody, resulting in FACED WITH ADVERSITY fires and overturned cars. Much of the damage occurred annually recognizes a just outside the doors of Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Pennsyl- librarian who has faced vania Avenue branch. Branch Manager Melanie Townsend adversity with integrity and Diggs helped at least 30 patrons and staff members exit the dignity intact. The honoree library safely that day; she and library CEO Carla Hayden receives $10,000 and an then decided to open the library as usual the next day. odd object from Daniel Patrons returned in the morning with flowers and pastries Handler’s private collection. for the staff, reporters covering the events stopped in to DONOR: Daniel Handler charge batteries, and one young man filled out a job appli- (Lemony Snicket) cation online—he came back the next day to say he got an interview. Townsend Diggs described it as a typical day for the library’s role as a light in the community, the pathway to resources, and access to a world of possibilities.

Indianapolis Public Library

ALA/INFORMATION The eBook Tinker Stations at Indianapolis Public Library TODAY, INC. LIBRARY OF (IndyPL) branches display different e-readers that patrons THE FUTURE AWARD of can test to find the right style for their needs and offer $1,500 honors a library, one-on-one support for patrons as they download items library consortium, group from the library’s collections of ebooks, e-audiobooks, and of librarians, or support streaming videos and music. IndyPL developed the Tinker organization for innovative Stations in response to an increased demand for ebooks in planning for, applications of, 2012. The stations were originally conceived with seniors as or development of patron the target audience but rapidly expanded to include users of training programs about various ages and cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. information technology in a The portable ebook stations regularly travel to 23 Indianap- library setting. olis branch libraries, in both urban and suburban areas. The Accepted by Chris Cairo (left), director of DONOR: Information Today, Inc. project has grown to attract a younger audience interested programming and project development, and Jackie Nytes, chief executive officer in greater usability and new applications.

R. David Lankes

KEN HAYCOCK AWARD FOR Lankes is author of The Atlas of New Librarianship (MIT Press, PROMOTING LIBRARIAN- 2011) and The New Librarianship Field Guide (MIT Press, SHIP of $1,000 honors an 2016). He is a curriculum developer and speaker for the individual for contributing ILEAD (Innovative Librarians Explore, Apply, and Discover) significantly to the public USA program, a continuing education initiative that expands recognition and apprecia- librarians’ leadership abilities and develops their technolog- tion of librarianship through ical skills. Lankes is professor and Dean’s Scholar for New professional performance, Librarianship at Syracuse University’s School of Information teaching, and/or writing. Studies and 2016–2017 Follett Chair in Library and Infor- DONOR: Ken Haycock mation Sciences at Dominican University Graduate School of Library and Information Science. He has also served as a visiting fellow at the National Library of Canada, an adjunct instructor for the OCLC Institute, and a visiting scholar at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He was the first ALA Office of Information Technology Policy fellow.

29 Rod Library | University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls

GALE CENGAGE LEARNING Rod Library developed a campaign on the University of North- FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT ern Iowa’s PAWprint crowdfunding platform, complete with a AWARD of $2,500 is presented tongue-in-cheek video, Northern Iowa Jones and the Quest for the to a library organization that Surface Hub. The library used a wide variety of electronic mar- exhibits meritorious achieve- keting techniques to bring its efforts to the attention of potential ment in creating new means donors and maintained ongoing updates to supporters about of funding for a public or its progress. The creative campaign helped Rod Library beat its academic library. financial goal by 14%, with contributions from 76% of the library DONOR: Gale Cengage, Inc. staff. The funds went toward the purchase of a Microsoft Surface Hub for the library’s Learning Commons. Committee members commended Rod Library for its clear explanation of its fund raising efforts, its use of viral PR, and its innovative use of crowdfunding as a vehicle. Library staffers enjoyed learning about this new platform as a fundraising tool despite its challenges. Accepted by Chris Cox, dean of library services

Michigan Technological University Library | Houghton

H. W. WILSON LIBRARY STAFF This grant will allow the staff at Michigan Technological Universi- DEVELOPMENT GRANT awards ty’s Van Pelt and Opie Library to develop a multifaceted workshop $3,500 to a library that demon- series, “Empowering Library Staff to Lead Confidently and Plan strates merit in a staff devel- Effectively,” that will promote professional learning and foster opment program that furthers leadership skills. Upon completion, staff will be fully empowered the goals and objectives of the to provide service and conduct their work with the highest level of library organization. confidence and knowledge. The program is designed to support its DONOR: H. W. Wilson Company commitment to embed lean thinking into library culture by giving staff the skills to be responsive, effective, and innovative within their roles, thus providing better customer service, job satisfaction, and improved experiences for patrons and colleagues. Because of the university’s isolated location in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, which makes professional development travel difficult, two local Accepted by Laurie Stark, libraries have also been invited to participate in the program. departmental coordinator

Nicole A. Cooke

EQUALITY AWARD of $1,000 Cooke is assistant professor at the Graduate School of Library honors an outstanding contri- and Information Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana- bution that promotes equality in Champaign (UIUC) and a faculty affiliate at the Center for Digital the library profession. Inclusion. She was one of the first 12 ALA Spectrum doctoral fel- DONOR: Scarecrow Press/ lows. Throughout her career, Cooke has been a passionate advocate Rowman and Littlefield for equity and has spearheaded diversity initiatives within the Asso- Publishing Group ciation for Library and Information Science Education and at UIUC. Cooke has published extensively and has a dedicated, social justice– oriented approach to her teaching, both of which indicate the far- reaching impact that her personal commitment to equality has on the rest of the profession as well as on future colleagues. Cooke has been a staunch champion for inclusion and has led the charge in changing the education of librarians to make them better able to serve underserved or unserved patrons, particularly people of color.

30 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Skokie (Ill.) Public Library

ALA EXCELLENCE IN LIBRARY The Skokie (Ill.) Public Library’s 2015 “Voices of Race” pro- PROGRAMMING AWARD of grams were part of its annual “Coming Together” series, which $5,000 recognizes a library highlights the diverse ethnic and racial communities in Skokie that demonstrates excellence and Niles Township. Skokie’s residents speak more than 90 in library programming by cre- languages, and its population is more than 40% foreign-born. ating a cultural/thematic pro- “Voices of Race” featured more than 70 events—including theat- gram type or program series rical performances, lectures, and book discussions—anchored by that engages the community in a traveling exhibit called “Race: Are We So Different?” hosted by planning, sponsorship, and/or the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. More than active participation, addresses 8,000 people from Skokie and the surrounding area attended an identified community need, programs in the “Voices of Race” series, and more than 60% and has measurable impact. said that this was their first time attending a “Coming Together” Accepted by Carolyn Anthony DONOR: ALA Cultural Communi- event. Nearly 75% of respondents indicated that the event they (left), retired director, and Amita ties Fund attended inspired them to take action or make a change. Lonial, learning experiences manager

Annabel K. Stephens

BETA PHI MU AWARD of Stephens, associate professor emerita of the School of Library $1,000 is for distinguished and Information Studies at the University of Alabama, has service to education for spent her career committed to public library service and equity librarianship. throughout the Southeast. Her devotion to teaching generations DONOR: Beta Phi Mu Interna- of librarians has made her a prominent leader in the field. She tional Library Science Honor- has published two books and has written and contributed to ary Society numerous articles and other publications focused on public library services and collections, particularly citizen and staff participation in planning, and the history and development of Alabama public libraries. In 2006, the Alabama Library Associ- ation gave Stephens its Eminent Librarian Award for her exceptional and enduring contribution to the development of library service within Alabama, and its Lifetime Achievement Award. Stephens was inducted into the 2015 University of Alabama Col- lege of Communication and Information Sciences Hall of Fame.

Sheila Umberger

SULLIVAN AWARD FOR Umberger joined Roanoke County (Va.) Public Library in 1982, PUBLIC LIBRARY ADMINIS- becoming library director in 2004. As director, she helped develop TRATORS SUPPORTING SER- innovative programs such as free book distribution and “Feed VICES TO CHILDREN is given and Read,” a summer meal program for low-income kids. Under to an individual who has shown her leadership, children’s programs have expanded to include exceptional understanding and STEM, art, and music activities, and the number of youth services support of public library service programs increased from 118 to 3,392 per year. She also oversaw to children while having general the expansion and enhancement of library spaces for children to management, supervisory, or include a play area, a programming mezzanine, and a two-story administrative responsibility slide. With Star City Reads, Roanoke’s part of the national Cam- that has included public service paign for Grade-Level Reading, the library collaborates with a for children in its scope. dozen partners, ranging from Virginia Tech to the Roanoke Police DONOR: Peggy Sullivan Department. In 2015 Star City Reads launched “Books on Buses,” a mobile lending library available on three city bus lines.

31 Ralph Peters

W. Y. BOYD LITERARY Valley of the Shadow by Ralph Peters details the military action AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN that took place in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley during the crit- MILITARY FICTION of $5,000 ical year of 1864, when the armies of the North and South met is given to the author of a in bitter conflict for control of the valley. The author’s retelling military novel that honors of this Civil War military campaign is rich in detail and exam- the service of American vet- ines the personalities of the major and minor characters who erans during a time of war. took part in it. The novel aptly describes military tactics, mili- DONOR: William Young Boyd II tary leadership, and battles fought, and Peters’s strongest trait is to bring the history and historical figures to life on the pages of his novels. Valley of the Shadow is a major contribution to writing about the Civil War. Peters is the first three-time winner of the W. Y. Boyd Literary Award.

Nancy Bolt

ELIZABETH FUTAS Bolt, president of Nancy Bolt and Associates and retired CATALYST FOR CHANGE Colorado state librarian, has been a thoughtful and effective AWARD of $1,000 is given leader whose work is infused with creativity, calculated risk- biennially to an individ- taking, and skilled strategic planning. Bolt cocreated the ual for making positive ALA-Allied Professional Association Library Support Staff changes in the profession of Certification Program and chaired the first ALA E-Rate Task librarianship. Force. As Colorado state librarian, Bolt reorganized and DONOR: Elizabeth Futas improved the regional library system in the face of signifi- Memorial Fund cant budget cuts. She also championed the Colorado Library Card, a collaboration among public, academic, and school libraries. She has held numerous leadership positions in state, national, and international organizations, including the Colorado Library Association, Public Library Associa- tion, and Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies. She served on the ALA Executive Board and ALA Council and held numerous roles in the International Feder- ation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), including as a member of the IFLA Governing Board.

Tracey Wong

SCHOLASTIC LIBRARY Wong is a school library media specialist for the Daniel PUBLISHING AWARD of $1,000 Webster Magnet School in New Rochelle, New York. honors a librarian whose unusual While new to librarianship, her efforts throughout her contribution to promoting access career have been directed toward supporting literacy to books and encouraging a love and encouraging reading by children and young people. of reading for lifelong learning In three years she obtained just under $1 million in exemplify outstanding achieve- program funding, resources, technology, and learning ment in the profession. opportunities for three different schools. She works to DONOR: Scholastic Library incorporate the interdisciplinary use of technology to Publishing promote transliteracy (the ability to understand and communicate or be literate across all communication platforms, including sign language, speech, reading, writing, mass media, and social media) to support and advance low-level readers and English-language learners. Wong was named a Micro- soft Innovative Educator Expert Regional Lead for 2015–2016. She has authored several articles and presented training programs on how to obtain grants.

32 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org From left: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Teresa Toten, Sean Qualls, and Laurie Ann Thompson

SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARDS of Laurie Ann Thompson and Sean Qualls $5,000 honor authors Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, written by Thompson and illustrated or illustrators for a book by Qualls, won the award for young children. Against almost insurmountable odds, Emmanuel Ofosu that embodies an artis- Yeboah, born with only one strong leg, sets out to ride his bike 400 miles across Ghana to raise aware- tic expression of the ness for people with disabilities. The stunning mixed-media art supports this uplifting and inspiring disability experience for story. children and adolescent audiences. Recipients are selected in three categories: young read- Lynda Mullaly Hunt and ers (ages 0–8), middle readers (ages 9–13), Kimberly Brubaker Bradley and teen readers (ages Mullaly Hunt’s Fish in a Tree and Brubaker Bradley’s The War That Saved My Life won the awards for best 14–18). middle-grade titles. In Fish in a Tree, Ally moves through multiple elementary schools without learn- DONOR: Katherine ing to read by using her strengths in math and art along with some behavior distractions. When a new Schneider teacher discovers Ally has dyslexia, he uses patience and sensitivity to build up her confidence as well as her ability to read. In The War That Saved My Life, set during World War II, Ada is a resourceful character who slowly and believably makes accommodations for her untreated club foot. Descriptions of her growth as a character, her acceptance by the villagers, and the home she and her brother make with Susan, their sponsor, are both heartfelt and powerful.

Teresa Toten The teen award winner is The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B, written by Toten. In Room 13B a support group for young adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder meets each week. Here an unlikely band of “super- heroes” led by their own “Batman,” Adam, works together to confront personal struggles and discover the inner strength to keep moving forward.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | September/October 2016 33 Get Ready Now! The conversation starts here... ALA MIDWINTER MEETING & EXHIBITS ATLANTA, JANUARY 20–24, 2017

very day, libraries transform lives, THE FUTURE Ecommunities, and the OF LIBRARIES— work we do—and the ALA symposium including Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits futuring and innovation bring together thousands techniques of library professionals to AWARD engage, network, and deepen Informal announcements our understanding of what learning, formal and celebrations it means to be a part of a LEARNING dynamic profession. FEATURED Attendees at Midwinter SPEAKERS— engage in the face-to- Thought leaders, face committee work that experts, and moves projects forward bestselling authors. New products, and builds on virtual technologies, and collaboration, as well as services with expert quality conversations with vendors in the exhibitors on a less crowded EXHIBITS exhibit floor. They will return to their libraries and other Innovation- institutions with the renewed spurring sense of energy generated DEEP DIVES, IGNITE by in-person events, as well preconferences, SESSIONS— as new tools and ideas for and institutes Your colleagues’ successful innovation and innovations improvements.

Need to show how YOU’LL BE MORE VALUABLE to your institution after attending ALA 34 Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits? Use the Making Your Case to Attend resources at alamidwinter.org. A new way to save money when you REGISTER FOR BOTH the 2017 Midwinter Meeting Unlimited and Annual Conference. CONNECTIONS with colleagues from all types of libraries, doing all kinds of library jobs, at all levels The new system rewards more attendees who register for both the Midwinter Meeting and the Annual Conference & Exhibition. • Registrants for the 2017 Midwinter Meeting will receive a personalized discount code after the event, applicable to Annual Conference registration. (The discount will be Books, media, and equivalent to the past Bundle registration savings.) 100s OF AUTHORS • Midwinter Meeting registrants will have access to Annual Conference registration and housing on February 1 at noon (Central), 24 hours before those open to others, with advance notice of their priority registration date and time. AWARD The usual blocks of housing will be reserved. announcements To read more about the change in Bundle registration, visit and celebrations ALA.ORG/CONFERENCESEVENTS/BUNDLE

Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits Annual Conference & “NEWS YOU registration and housing Exhibition registration CAN USE,” open at noon (Central) on and housing open at noon updates, policy September 7, 2016. (Central) on February 2, 2017. priorities, strategies for engaging decision- makers and influencers

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35 2016 LIBRARY

DSHOWCASEESIGN

Welcome to the 2016 Library Design Showcase, American Libraries’ annual celebration of new and renovated libraries. These are shining examples of innovative architectural feats that address user needs in unique, interesting, and effective ways. New construction dominated this year’s submissions, but renovated and repurposed spaces were a close second, showing how today’s libraries are both conserving existing resources and adapting to economic realities.

36 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org HIGHER LEARNING

Fenwick Library at George University Library, University Mason University | Fairfax, Virginia of California, Santa Barbara The focal point of Fenwick Library's redesign is a The University of California, Santa Barbara updated new research commons that provides ample open and expanded its library to include a spacious, space to accommodate easy access to technol- open three-story addition with large windows that ogy, specialized librarians, special collections, and flood the space with light. The first two floors serve tutoring services. Sustainable strategies include as a 24/7 information commons with group study external shading devices, a rooftop garden, and a spaces, interactive rooms, and a café, while the naturally irrigated rain garden onsite. third houses special collections. PROJECT: Renovation and expansion PROJECT: Renovation and expansion ARCHITECT: Shepley Bulfinch ARCHITECT: Pfeiffer Partners SIZE: 257,289 square feet SIZE: 320,000 square feet COST: $60 million COST: $76 million PHOTO: Anton Grassl/Esto PHOTO: Steve Lerum

Tune in to the August episode of American Libraries Dewey Decibel podcast for conversations about library architecture and design. Listen at bit.ly/deweydecibel or find us on iTunes.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | September/October 2016 37 REIMAGINED SPACES

Do Space | Omaha, Nebraska The Do Space is a community technology library housed in a former big-box bookstore space. The first floor of the sleek, renovated facility features a computer lab, a makerspace with a 3D printer and laser cutter, an area for children and teens, and a meeting room for public use. Metropolitan Community College offers classes on the floor above. PROJECT: Renovation SCHOOLS WITH A VIEW ARCHITECT: HDR, Inc. SIZE: 27,794 square feet Las Cruces (N.Mex.) Public High School COST: $18 million PHOTO: Dan Schwalm/HDR, Inc. The library is the crown jewel of the new Las Cruces (N.Mex.) High School. Located on the school’s second floor, it includes two wired classrooms, a makerspace, a café, two conference rooms, and large windows that provide impressive, panoramic views of the Organ Mountains to the south and east. PROJECT: New construction ARCHITECT: AKS Architecture SIZE: 12,500 square feet COST: $82 million (for entire school) PHOTO: Patrick Coulie

38 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org A PRESIDENTIAL VIEW

Grant’s View Branch, St. Louis County Library Grant’s View library takes advantage of its surroundings. Patrons can use the quiet reading spaces, computers, and community meeting spaces while enjoying views through a two-story glass atrium of historic Grant’s Farm. The 281-acre ancestral home of the Busch family was named for Presi- dent Ulysses S. Grant, who originally worked a portion of the land. PROJECT: New construction ARCHITECT: Christner Inc. SIZE: 35,340 square feet COST: $16.4 million PHOTO: Alise O’Brien Photography

STANDING OUT IN A CROWD

Southwest Regional Library, Louisville (Ky.) Free Public Library Wedged among homes, a railroad, big-box stores, strip malls, and other commercial developments on the Dixie Highway, the new Southwest Regional Library was designed to pop out from its surroundings. Behind the striking geometric façade lies an interactive learning center with 100 public computers. It also houses the largest children’s library in the Louisville Free Public Library system. PROJECT: New construction ARCHITECT: MSR Design SIZE: 40,000 square feet COST: $12 million PHOTO: Lara Swimmer

39 LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

Earl Gregg Swem Library at College of William and Mary | Williamsburg, Virginia The Reeder Media Center in the renovated Earl Gregg Swem Library allows students to flex their creative muscles. The redesign transformed an outdated, confined space into a state-of-the-art multimedia suite complete with audio and video production capabilites. FOR THE KIDS PROJECT: Renovation ARCHITECT: McKinney and Company SIZE: 265,000 square feet Chinatown Branch, Chicago Public Library COST: $1.8 million Chicago Public Library's new Chinatown branch serves as a hub for its community, PHOTO: Pratyush Dubey providing a technology-driven space for public gathering. The south-facing entrance, softened triangular shape, and interior circulation draw on feng shui design principles, especially in the children’s section. Sinuous low shelving mimics movement, creating active spaces for young minds and imaginations. PROJECT: New construction ARCHITECT: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, LLP SIZE: 16,000 square feet COST: $19.1 million PHOTO: Jon Miller/Hedrich Blessing

40 EMBRACING LOCAL HISTORY

Haymarket Gainesville (Va.) Community Library, Prince William Public Library System Nestled in the rolling hills of western Prince Montclair (Va.) Community Library, William County, Virginia, the new Haymarket Prince William Public Library System Gainesville Community The open and airy Montclair Commu- Library features warm nity Library serves a bustling subur- tones and bright spaces, ban community. Its large windows particularly in a massive provide views of a stone terrace used community room with for outdoor performances, as well as a vibrant, multicolored, Bushy Park historic house of the Barnes House, a home built in domed ceiling. The sur- the 18th century and owned by freed rounding grounds are home to the restored Bushy Park slaves. Moved from its original loca- historic house, a frontier structure dating to the late 18th tion to protect it from encroaching century that was moved from its former site to the new highway development, the restored Barnes House library, where it will serve as a reading room and com- Barnes House is now a reading room munity space. and backdrop for local history presentations. PROJECT: New construction PROJECT: New construction ARCHITECT: The Lukmire Partnership ARCHITECT: The Lukmire Partnership SIZE: 21,711 square feet SIZE: 56,618 square feet COST: $7.4 million COST: $10.4 million PHOTOS: Melanie Beus PHOTOS: Melanie Beus

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | September/October 2016 41 IMPRESSIVE UPGRADES

James Branch Cabell Library at Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond The James Branch Cabell Library was transformed from an insular, midcentury building into an expansive facility with 93,000 square feet of new space that allowed for the addition of a multimedia production suite, a makerspace, an expanded coffeeshop, and 25 study rooms with 274 seats—double the seating capacity of the original building. PROJECT: Renovation and expansion ARCHITECT: Shepley Bulfinch SIZE: 333,000 square feet COST: $50.8 million PHOTO: Robert Benson Photography

Lawrence (Kans.) Public Library Gould Evans turned a 1970s-era concrete library into a 21st-century civic institution, renovating the existing building and wrapping its perimeter with a continuous reading room, emphasizing places for gathering and learning. The addition also provides a thermal envelope engineered to harvest daylight and reduce energy usage. An impressive park plaza was added outside with a stepped amphitheater, space for outdoor events, and support for an ice-skating rink. PROJECT: Renovation and expansion ARCHITECT: Gould Evans SIZE: 70,000 square feet COST: $19 million PHOTO: Tim Griffith

Charles E. Shain Library, Connecticut College | New London Schwartz/Silver Architects renovated a mid- 1970s building to create a thoroughly modern academic library. A glassy new exterior with large windows replaces an imposing façade, creating an inviting entrance that allows more light to enter the library. The renovation also added a new research commons and a digital scholarship and curriculum center. PROJECT: Renovation and expansion ARCHITECT: Schwartz/Silver Architects SIZE: 100,000 square feet COST: $9.9 million PHOTO: Paul Burk

42 OUTDOOR SPACES SAVING A CARNEGIE

Northeast Dade–Aventura Branch, Paris–Bourbon County Miami-Dade (Fla.) Public Library (Ky.) Public Library This new, single-story library maximizes its exterior spaces. EOP Architects restored a 1904 Carnegie library to its former Patrons can enjoy its two courtyards, covered terrace, and glory, adding an expansion that looked to the future while retention pond full of indigenous aquatic plants, while a har- embracing its past. Reclaimed wood, handcrafted metal- vesting tank collects rainwater for irrigation. Large windows work, and limestone hewn from the site were used through- bring the outdoors inside, providing views and an abun- out the new construction. The expansion’s windows also dance of natural light. allow more natural light to flow into the original building. PROJECT: New construction PROJECT: Renovation and expansion ARCHITECT: Miami-Dade County Internal Services Department ARCHITECT: EOP Architects SIZE: 26,482 square feet SIZE: 17,500 square feet COST: $15 million COST: $5 million PHOTO: Miami-Dade County PHOTO: Chris Phebus/Phebus Photography

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | September/October 2016 43 2016 LIBRARY

DSHOWCASEESIGN

ALA/IIDA Library Interior Design Awards

The following libraries are winners of the 2016 Library Interior Design Awards, sponsored by ALA and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). The biennial competition honors international library interior design. Winners demonstrate excellence in aesthetics, design, creativity, function, and satisfaction of the client’s objectives. The competition is managed by the Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA) Buildings and Equipment Section’s Interior Design Awards Committee. Winners and their clients were honored at the 2016 ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Florida.

44 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org ACADEMIC LIBRARIES SPECIAL LIBRARIES

More than 30,000 square feet More than 30,000 square feet Jen Library, Savannah David M. Rubenstein Rare Book and Manuscript (Ga.) College of Library, Duke University | Durham, North Carolina

Art and Design FIRM: Shepley Bulfinch FIRM: Savannah College of Art PHOTO: Robert Benson Photography and Design PHOTO: Chia Chong 30,000 square feet and smaller Southern Study in Shenzhen Library, China

FIRM: BenGuo Design PHOTO: Courtesy of IIDA

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | September/October 2016 45 OUTSTANDING HISTORIC RENOVATION PROJECT SINGLE SPACE DESIGN

Charles E. Shain Library, Station Culture Train Station Connecticut College | New London Adaptation | Rumia, Poland

FIRM: Schwartz/Silver Architects FIRM: Sikora (Interiors) Wnętrza PHOTO: Paul Burk PHOTO: Tom Kurek Photography

46 PUBLIC LIBRARIES

More than 30,000 square feet Madison (Wis.) Central Library

FIRM: MSR Design PHOTO: Lara Swimmer

30,000 square feet and smaller Chinatown Branch, Chicago Public Library

FIRM: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP PHOTO: Jon Miller/Hedrich Blessing Mill Woods Library, Seniors’ Centre and Multicultural Facility | Edmonton, Alberta

FIRM: HCMA Architecture + Design/Dub Architects Ltd. PHOTO: Joshua Peter Esterhuizen

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | September/October 2016 47 A PLACE OF THEIR OWN Creating spaces where teens can thrive

BY Jennifer Velásquez

48 ultivating a space in the library that teens can or equipment labs without context, the result may be activate and own sends teens a strong signal teen library space that is not sufficiently welcoming, they are valued and welcome. Teens (defined or that discourages engagement, participation, and here as those ages 13–18) teen ownership. C are usually scrutinized closely because of expectations that Teen participation they will cause trouble. They are A cornerstone of teen library services often held to different behavioral is the principle that teens must be expectations than other patrons—a actively involved in decisions about group of toddlers or genealogists their library experience. The Young will be greeted with smiles and Adult Library Services Association’s nods, but a group of exuberant (YALSA) Teen Space Guidelines sug- teens is likely to get thrown out. gest that teens be included in planning On an instinctive level, teen and be given decision-making roles in services librarians know that it is the development of their space. The important to provide teens with active participation of teens ensures dedicated space in the library. that their evolving needs and interests As their advocates, teen services are being addressed and that they will librarians must be able to: This is an excerpt from play a key role in attracting peers to ■■ articulate why a dedicated teen Real-World Teen Services the library. space is important by Jennifer Velásquez Teens who are enthusiastically (ALA Editions, 2015). ■■ make a case for teen space to engaged in planning and decision managers, coworkers, and com- making are likely to develop a sense munity members of ownership of the library that will ■■ express how space is a link to effective and efficient enhance the quality of their experience. This begins services, programming, and overall service equality with the space intended for teens in the library. Teen services librarians should not focus on the YALSA’s guidelines for the development of teen physical features of a teen space but rather on the library spaces suggest libraries should: service reasons behind the library's decision to offer ■■ create a space that meets the needs of teens in the dedicated space to teens. community by asking teens to play a role in the planning process The meaning of space ■■ solicit teen feedback in the design of the space Space is power. The allotment of space in public and its use to allow teens to develop a sense of buildings clearly illustrates which groups matter and ownership which groups do not. In Transforming Young Adult ■■ solicit teen feedback in the development of policies Services (ALA-Neal Schuman, 2013), Anthony Bernier to ensure the space is representative of teen needs notes that although many library systems recognize Encouraging and cultivating teen participation in the need for dedicated space for teens, there is very the development process begins by involving teens little research on young adult (YA) spaces in public in focus groups and asking them what they want. libraries, despite growing interest in the topic over the Although teens are allowed to use public spaces like past dozen years. Attention has focused on how teen city parks, they are generally not allowed to direct spaces look and the features they include. However, their design, decoration, or use or to ultimately deter- without adequate grounding in research, the construc- mine how the space is experienced. A teen library tion of new spaces and remodels of existing spaces space can be a public space developed in partnership often do not take into account the unique needs of with the intended users. Providing a participatory teens and the way they desire to actively and naturally space for teens offers them a tangible venue to begin use space. to take ownership of the library—teens can plant their Designing teen spaces isn’t about tables, chairs, flags and mark territory within the public space—and and trendy lounge seating; it’s about intention and to customize it in a way that is different from other usefulness. Because there are no best practices, prac- public venue experiences and opportunities and that is titioners must rely on convention. If there is no clear uniquely theirs. Ultimately, it allows teens to achieve a

Photos: Shutterstock Photos: vision for the space beyond warehousing YA fiction more empowered conception of citizenship.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | September/October 2016 49 The analog display wall Big-picture models: In recent years, the idea of teen participa- affinity spaces tion has primarily been associated with An affinity space is a place where people the use of technology and the web, but affiliate with others based primarily on this participation can manifest through shared activities, interests, and goals. The low-tech, low-cost means. Something library can function as an affinity space many libraries are doing is displaying where formal and informal activities are teen-created art in a teen space. Examin- based on the interests teens bring to the ing this practice through the lens of user library. These activities occur in a peer-to- participation can help teen librarians peer manner, with teens functioning as understand and apply a participatory innovators and experts in their areas of context to such activities. interest, and library staff functioning in the An analog display wall is a low-tech role of facilitators. Libraries that cultivate method that encourages teen participa- teen affinity spaces create venues focusing tion. It is a wall in a teen space where any on the relationships teens have with infor- teen can display his or her artwork. There mation and one another, and on the cre- are supplies readily available for teens to ation of content, artifacts, and knowledge. create drawings, and they can choose to Teen services librarians should look draw and then to display their artwork on at library spaces for teens in a new way. the wall. Many times, the teen services portion of This type of display differs from a wall the physical library is first to manifest where only sanctioned or adult-selected changes in service delivery models and art is permanently installed, or one on advances in public-facing technology for which a group of teens have created a a given clientele group, as in Charlotte mural, which becomes static once com- Mecklenburg (N.C.) Library’s ImaginOn pleted and which may give any teens who and Chicago Public Library’s YOUmedia activities that teens automatically engage were not involved in the project a sense spaces. These groundbreaking spaces in like socializing; working together in that they are visiting someone else’s space. anticipated the shift in use of library groups sharing ideas, resources, and con- If teens are constantly creating and spaces and functions that are only now tent; group play; peer mentorship; and changing what is on the wall, will it look beginning to manifest in adult, family, and creating things like artwork and digital as an adult would like it to look? Probably all-ages spaces in the form of content cre- content. The teen space is a place where not. But it will always reflect the users’ ation labs, makerspaces, and fab labs. teens bring their interests to explore, tastes, interests, and desires. This isn’t What teen services should strive for rather than having sanctioned interests about adult aesthetics but about teen is not a fab lab but a fab library. The key imposed upon them. participation. When libraries set up teen to a successful library teen space is not This affinity space creates avenues to spaces that look too perfect or pristine, features, but experiences. This shift in the teen participation in the development and they eliminate possible avenues for teens physical space offered to teens mirrors the implementation of teen programming for to explore, create, and participate in imme- way teens naturally use space. The affinity themselves and their peers. In this way, diate, spontaneous, and unexpected ways. space should accommodate and foster the physical space helps in the development of teen programming and activities.

Teens-only space Teen services librarians may find that an When libraries set up teen spaces existing teen space does not function well because it is not reserved for use by its that look too perfect or pristine, intended clientele. Ideally, teen services space should be dedicated for use by they eliminate possible avenues teens. Teen services librarians may experience resistance when proposing that for teens to explore, create, the library provide a space that is “teens only,” or that it change policy to reserve and participate in immediate, an existing teen space exclusively for teens. The desire to avoid confrontation spontaneous, and unexpected ways. may lead libraries to not designate a space “teens only” because they don’t want to have the inevitable conversations about

50 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org A teens-only area sends the message that the library values teens by why the library provides a space for this reserving a space in the library target age group. YALSA’s guidelines are a good starting where they can take ownership. point that can begin a discussion about, and evaluation of, a public library’s success in providing physical space dedi- ship. The library can further cultivate teen schedule will not succeed if there are cated to teens. YALSA’s space guidelines participation if it develops the space and no procedures in place, or existing rules describe the benefits of reserving a space allows it to evolve. are not enforced to ensure that adults or where teens are the primary occupants children aren’t occupying the area during and where they are buffered from threat- Teens-only time the time periods reserved for teens only. ening adult-initiated interactions. Use of The realities of square footage keep many If teens arrive and the space is filled with the teen-only space should be limited to libraries from reserving an area solely adults and children, they will be unlikely adults browsing materials for a controlled for use by teen patrons. The solution to to use the space. period of time not to exceed 15 minutes, offering a teen space might be to allow tutors currently working with teen stu- adults and children to use the teen space Pitfalls and bad habits: dents, and library staff. Or a teen library for a portion of the day. This way, during teen space, not tween space space can allow adults to access the YA the times when teens are in school the Older children ages 9–12 (sometimes collection that is housed there. area can be used for other purposes. called tweens) are aspirational teens, and Although YALSA guidelines suggest This might be a solution for small library they often want to emulate teen culture that adults accompanied by a teen should locations where the teen space is carved and engage in teen activities. Although be allowed in the area, this suggestion out of a general space—allow for general older children may not feel at home in the is problematic. The presence of parents, public use of the space during school children’s area, allowing them to congre- for example, can significantly change the hours and create signage and policy gate in the teen area is a disservice to the dynamic of the space. Parents should be that define teens-only times in the space teens for whom the space is intended. A advised that the area is for teens only, but (usually after-school hours and weekends sign that reads “teens” or “teens only” may they are welcome to drop in periodically during the school year and most days serve to attract older children and indicate to check on their teenaged children. during the summer). to them and their parents that the space Beyond what is suggested by YALSA, a This solution works only if staff mem- may be intended for their use. teens-only area sends the message that the bers manage the transition from “every- If older children are permitted to con- library values teens by reserving a space one’s space” to teens-only space at the gregate in the designated teen space, in the library where they can take owner- designated time. A designated teens-only the library has, in effect, developed two

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | September/October 2016 51 Even the most humble teen It is not uncommon for the library to build a teen space but not allocate funds space can function if there are to staff the space with teen services librarians and paraprofessionals. The staffers present to foster teen most well-appointed teen space will turn into a wasteland if there aren’t appropri- participation and engagement. ate staff members to activate it through programming or consistent engagement with teen users, but even the most humble teen space can function if there are staffers present to foster teen participation children’s spaces: one for younger chil- them that when they turn 13 the space and engagement. dren and one for older children—with will be theirs. teens being marginalized. Just as teens Don’t segregate the teens will avoid a designated teens-only space if A space without staff A dedicated teen space is not an oppor- it is filled with adults, they will not use the A library doesn’t truly have a teen space if tunity to enforce what Bernier refers to space if it is filled with older children. it does not have a teen services librarian. as “age apartheid.” It is not a license for The same steps used to keep adults out Creating a space merely for the sake of staff to segregate the teen population or to of a teen space should be employed by having a space is not an end unto itself. keep them away from adults who may find staff to keep the space free of older chil- It is what happens in the space that is their presence distasteful. dren. Inform older children and their par- important. Experience trumps the fancy Providing a dedicated space for teens ents that the area is a teens-only space and stuff. Staffers are there to facilitate the in the library setting may be viewed as kindly but firmly ask them to respect that experience regardless of any bells, gizmos, a means to solve the perceived problem the space is reserved for teens. Remind and whistles. of teens being present in the library by

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52 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org relegating teens to a single area. So while real obstacle to teens who can’t seek or get teens wanted to use it immediately instead the result is a teen space, the motivation parental buy-in for their use of the library. of waiting up to one week to go through a for its creation may be a negative one—to When library administration paints all scheduled orientation. The library realized segregate teens. A dedicated teen space teens as troublemakers and threatens to that teens were eager to begin experiment- shouldn’t be considered a way to segre- deny them access to library services, it is ing and tinkering with the equipment. gate teens from the general population a clear case of discrimination. Subjecting Those teens who had more than a casual but as a place to showcase teens’ achieve- teens to a higher standard in order to interest were likely to return to attend ments and recognize their contributions. access services or participate in activities— advanced classes. Today’s discourse about There are situations where libraries if they must attend an orientation, provide library service to teens emphasizes self- have shut their doors during after-school identification, register, or are otherwise directed out-of-school learning, which hours because of teens or require teens to subject to restrictions that do not apply requires dropping old attitudes about be registered by parents and to sign in and to other population groups—constitutes restricting resources to certain times or to out of the library during each visit, sign a form of age-based discrimination. It is an initiated few. The library must promote in and out of a dedicated teen space, or necessary to deal with individual cases of a teen services culture of yes. attend mandatory orientation with their disruptive behavior. However, the library parents before accessing specific features must examine whether its policies and JENNIFER VELÁSQUEZ of a teen space. procedures contribute to a situation where is a lecturer at San José In addition to real privacy issues, these restricting access to an entire age group State University School of types of registration requirements serve as seems to be a reasonable remedy. Information and coordina- barriers to teen access to the public library Shortly after opening, Chicago Public tor of teen services for San or portions of the public library. If teens Library’s YOUmedia space dropped its Antonio Public Library. She is the recipient of the 2005 New York Times must attend a library orientation with a original requirement that teens attend an Librarian Award and holds a master’s degree parent to gain access to a portion of the orientation before using sound-recording from Rutgers University School of Communi- public library building, that becomes a equipment, because they realized that cation and Information.

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americanlibrariesmagazine.org | September/October 2016 53 Accessibility Matters Ensuring a good online library experience for all our patrons

y library works with our as adding alternative text descriptions for college’s Disability Services images and making sure the title attributes office to test any web-based of links are clearly described. This list has platform we are considering more great tips: bit.ly/2ar8XQ0. for compliance with the Libraries are creating not only web MAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA). pages but also video content. When we When I recently advocated for us to sub- create video tutorials, we should always scribe to a new database, I was invited to caption them. YouTube makes it easy to meet with a visually impaired Disability technologies that were inaccessible. In upload a transcript, and it automatically Services employee to test the platform. 2012, the federation filed suit against the sets the timing along with the narration. I’d been aware of screen readers, which Free Library of Philadelphia for its circu- If you don’t have a script, you can easily read what is on a computer screen to a lating Nook e-reader program because go through and edit YouTube’s flawed visually impaired user, but this was the the devices were not ADA-compliant. automatic captioning. I have seen so many first time I’d actually seen one in action. Not doing our homework to investigate terrific information literacy video tutorials While the platform we were testing was accessibility when designing our web created by other libraries that I’ve wanted deemed accessible because it was com- services, subscribing to a new database, to incorporate into my teaching and patible with screen readers and its videos or adopting a new technology can be a research guides, but I’ve been stopped by contained closed captions, multiple design costly mistake. their lack of captioning. features made the platform far less con- A decade ago, most of a library’s online When we consider how much of our venient for a visually impaired person to content was controlled by a small number web content comes from outside vendors, use. The long, exploded-by-default menus of people, most of whom had training in we may feel like we don’t have much meant that visually impaired students had web design, including standard practices control over our users’ experience. That to listen to the computer read each naviga- for accessibility. The growth of content is simply not true. My library has chosen tion option to them before they got to the management systems and tools like not to subscribe to certain platforms content they wanted. Search boxes, too, LibGuides have led to more distributed because they were not ADA-accessible and were often buried beneath navigational responsibility for the development and the vendor had no plans to change that. elements, which cost time for the user. maintenance of library web content. Many The problem is that vendors will not be This experience got me thinking a lot librarians who are creating web content are motivated to make their content acces- more about how users with disabilities unaware of simple things they could do to sible unless more libraries follow suit. In encounter our web content and how we make their content more accessible, such the end, it is not the vendor who will be can not only make it accessible, but also sued if content isn’t accessible; it’s our make it more usable for them. Universal organizations. By using our buying power design combines accessibility and usabil- Many librarians who to pressure vendors to make their content ity practices to create a positive online and platforms accessible, we protect our experience for every user. It supports the are creating web parent institutions from risk and ensure a idea of adaptability in design to meet good experience for all of our users. users’ unique needs. content are unaware Accessibility isn’t just a nice thing to MEREDITH FARKAS is a faculty librarian at do—it’s a legal requirement. Several of simple things they Portland (Oreg.) Community College and a lecturer at San José State University School colleges have been subject to lawsuits could be doing to make of Library and Information Science. She from the National Federation of the Blind blogs at Information Wants to Be Free. Email: in recent years for requiring the use of it more accessible. [email protected]

54 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Community Knowledge Bases Establishing open and collaborative database management

he idea of an open, central, implementing open knowledge bases. and collaboratively managed Purveyors of commercial products view knowledge base is as old as the quality of their knowledge bases as a the concept of organized mass sales differentiator and would be rightly information storage itself. The cautious in abandoning their propri- Tfirst project of this type was the Jointly BY KRISTEN WILSON etary systems for a communal approach. Administered Knowledge Environment Librarians, often stretched thin, may (jake), which began at Yale University in believe that a vendor with paid staff could 1999. Though jake shut down for good emerged in countries where there already simply do better work. Any change to the in 2007, it helped set the stage for future is a high level of collaboration, including current situation will likely be a long and efforts to develop open, community-run France, Germany, Japan, and the UK. gradual one. knowledge bases. Knowledge Base+, based at Jisc Collections Still, it’s possible to see in the interplay In 2007, James Culling proposed as an in the UK, has improved the supply chain among open, commercial, and national alternative a single knowledge base that by making data about national consortial knowledge bases and their users how the would use web services to provide its data deals freely available for reuse under a Cre- vision for community knowledge base freely to anyone who wished to use it. ative Commons license. Currently, OCLC, management might eventually play out. In a 2008 article in Journal of Electronic ProQuest/Ex Libris, and EBSCO use this Participants in each type of knowledge Resources Librarianship, Ross Singer took service to enhance their knowledge bases. base can contribute work that is mean- the idea a step further by pointing to The Electronic Resources Database– ingful to their circumstances within the collaborative projects like Wikipedia and Japan and the BAse de COnnaissance larger community. Commercial and global the Internet Archive as inspiration for a Nationale in France have focused on services would likely collect the data with decentralized approach. Picking up where curating data describing publications that the broadest application; national and these early experimenters left off, recent originate in the home nations—data that regional groups would have an incentive projects have demonstrated that the is often not widely available—and sharing to supplement it with specialized collec- desire remains strong to improve data and it with publishers and vendors. GOKb has tions; and users across the board could ease its flow across the supply chain. contacted these projects to discuss incor- contribute individual enhancements and For the past two years, I have served as porating their data into its global knowl- corrections related to the titles that are principal investigator for a project closely edge base. most important to them. aligned with the grand vision for knowl- Enormous political and structural Together, these groups are already per- edge base collaboration, the Global Open challenges stand in the way of fully forming much of the work that is needed Knowledgebase (GOKb). The project to support more centralized knowledge aims to provide a fully open, community- base management across the industry. managed dataset that describes electronic Enormous political While achieving this vision will be no journals and books and their relation- easy feat, the potential for great strides ships. The three major ambitions for the and structural exists, and the first steps have already GOKb project are improving data quality been taken. and workflows, enhancing the knowledge challenges stand base by tracking new types of metadata KRISTEN WILSON is associate head of acqui- and changes over time, and encouraging in the way of fully sitions and discovery at North Carolina State University Libraries in Raleigh. Adapted from interoperability between systems. implementing open “The Knowledge Base at the Center of the Similar goals have been championed Universe,” Library Technology Reports vol. 52, by national knowledge bases that have knowledge bases. no. 7 (October).

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | September/October 2016 55 Ready to Code Insights from an ALA–Google initiative

outh services librarians and 5. There is a great deal of opportunity for staff members are integrating developing community partnerships. coding into their makerspaces Connecting with higher education com- and fab labs. They are using puter labs, parks and recreation depart- software such as Scratch ments, Boys and Girls Clubs, and local Y(scratch.mit.edu), hardware such as makerspaces is a great way for library Arduino (arduino.cc), and websites such staff to get support for training and as Hour of Code (hourofcode.com) to put teaching new skills. These partnerships activities together. With so much going on also provide an opportunity to locate in this area, the American Library Associ- different age groups are built on one volunteers who can help develop library ation’s (ALA) Office of Information Tech- another. For example, children who coding programs as well as act as men- nology Policy (OITP) has partnered with attend an introductory coding series tors to youth involved in the programs. Google for Education to learn about the have the chance to expand their skills in 6. Library schools and professional orga- world of coding as it intersects with public a subsequent, more advanced series. nizations have a role to play in helping and school libraries. 3. Many library staff members are becom- librarians to develop strategies for sup- The OITP–Google project, Libraries ing comfortable with learning as they porting connected learning, facilitate Ready to Code, launched in April and will go. One focus group participant stated, learning experiences, and engage in continue through the fall of this year. The “When I [code] with kids, I say, ‘Let’s all colearning, so that they may in turn team working on the project hosted focus do this together as an adventure.’” provide high-quality coding programs. groups and one-on-one interviews and 4. These library activities may use coding 7. In order for staff to have the substantial conducted site observations in order to as the objective, but there is much more time needed to engage in these activ- learn what’s going on across the country. than coding going on. “We are seeing ities and learning opportunities, it is As project researcher for this initiative, a lot of peer leadership and peer men- crucial to have administrative support. I wanted to share a few things the project torship coming out of the program,” At the end of the Libraries Ready to team has learned so far: was how one staff member described Code project, the team will publish a set 1. As with any initiative, there is no her library’s coding activities. Another of findings and recommendations for one-size-fits-all way to manage a coding stated that her library sees the coding next steps. These may lead to a variety program in a library. In some instances, sessions as a chance for youth to “exper- of initiatives, including: expanding the a staff member with a passion for iment and fail and try again,” which selection of resources in The Connectory coding may start a program. Volunteers provides a framework to help these (theconnectory.org), a website geared to have stepped forward in some commu- young people succeed in the future. helping people find STEM resources and nities. And, unsurprisingly, teens are community locations for STEM learning; able to facilitate coding sessions and support for developing coding curricula, libraries are taking advantage of their training, and partnerships; and working at digital literacy. Unsurprisingly, teens are the local, state, and federal levels to help 2. Libraries are experimenting with ensure libraries have the funds they need different forms and formats for these able to facilitate coding to build and sustain these types of pro- activities. Some libraries find that one- grams. Stay tuned. off programs and open labs work best, sessions and libraries others are successful with a series, and are taking advantage LINDA W. BRAUN is a Seattle-based con- still others work within a scaffolding sultant and a past president of ALA’s Young framework in which programs for of their digital literacy. Adult Library Services Association.

56 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org The award-winning source for jobs in Library and Information Science and Technology WHERE JOB SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS GET RESULTS

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HRDR joblist.ala.org All in the Family Helping patrons explore their history

ctober is Family History effective reference interview, developing Month. With websites offer- collaborative relationships with other ing a range of suggestions on repositories, and understanding how to how to observe this month, mine resources, many of which are online from exploring your family or in databases. Libraries Unlimited, 2016. 269 P. Otree to starting a personal genealogy $55. PBK. 978-1-61069-541-1. website, libraries are sure to be listed as a stop for information gathering—even The portfolio of competencies that might if only to grab a book on the country notes, on how to establish a family history be employed by a library emphasizing Great-Grandfather emigrated from. In this service within the framework of existing family history services ranges from the the- issue we have a guide full of tips to sup- programming and outreach. The authors oretical to practical implementation tips. port library users hoping to explore their assert that providing family history What the following titles have in common family history, plus several books to assist resources is more about offering guidance is that each holds a piece of that portfolio. with the larger issues of planning or the and how-to knowledge than being a vast more detailed issues of technical support. storehouse of sources. Even if a library Adding Value to already has a robust genealogical research Libraries, Archives, and Fostering Family collection, having a ready list of local Museums: Harnessing History Services: A appraisers to help place a value on family the Force That Drives Guide for Librarians, collectibles, offering programming in dig- Your Organization’s Archivists, and Vol- ital scrapbooking, or mounting an exhibit Future, by Joseph R. unteers, by Rhonda of photographs to encourage local history Matthews, explores L. Clark and Nicole research will enhance the service and how a cultural organi- Wedemeyer Miller, bring in new community members. Topics zation adds value to its community and offers practical advice, covered include preserving documents, what can be done to add more value. with bibliographical encouraging oral histories, conducting an Libraries have typically added value by

THE BESTSELLERS LIST

1 | Once Upon a Cuento: 2 | Adults Just Wanna 3 | The Librarian’s Bilingual Storytimes in Have Fun: Programs Guide to Book Programs English and Spanish for Emerging Adults and Author Events by Jamie Campbell Naidoo by Audrey Barbakoff by Brad Hooper and Katie Scherrer Named one of Flavorwire’s Using this guide, libraries This resource—written by two specialists “10 coolest librarians alive,” Barbakoff can connect book lovers who understand the nuances of library shows how to draw emerging adults to who are eager to learn about recent and services, collections, and outreach to the library using a mixture of play and noteworthy books to authors and fellow English and Spanish speakers—shows engagement and then keep them coming book lovers. how to offer bilingual storytimes. back for more.

58 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org making content available efficiently. But Methods: Incorporating before undertaking a digitization project, we no longer hold a monopoly on infor- Spatial Perspectives, including the pros and cons of certain mation delivery and may need to leverage by Sheila Lakshmi types of collections, such as photographs content, context, connections, collabo- Steinberg and Steven or local school yearbooks. The authors ration, and community to move to a new J. Steinberg. This is cover copyright issues, funding, staffing business model. The expansion of a local not a manual for using limitations, digital preservation, getting history collection from a dusty corner into GIS software but the community involved, and marketing a multifaceted family history service could rather a treatise on applying geospatial the new collection. ALA Editions, 2016. 176 P. be a test case for the managerial principles information to research, such as creating $55. PBK. 978-0-8389-1383-3. Matthews outlines. Libraries Unlimited, 2016. interactive maps that help tell a story. The 271 P. $70. PBK. 978-1-4408-4288-7. authors address research design, types of Digital Library Pro- data, sources of digital data, special anal- grams for Libraries and The tips and techniques ysis, and linking the results of research Archives: Developing, in Digital Photo Magic: to policy and action. This is advanced, Managing, and Sus- Easy Image Retouching but consider what students might learn taining Unique Digital and Restoration for about local history by using GIS research Collections, by Aaron D. Librarians, Archivists, techniques to track municipality devel- Purcell, also offers guid- and Teachers, by Ernest opment. Esri Press, 2015. 432 P. $79.99. PBK. ance for building digital Perez, won’t be for 978-1-5894-8378-1. collections. Purcell begins with essays on everyone. But the tricks Perez offers for how digital libraries developed and the cropping photos for better effect, editing Getting materials out challenges they face. The main portion of out extraneous elements, or colorizing of the back room and the book is a step-by-step guide to digital might be useful to the digital scrapbooker onto a website may library planning, including daily opera- or for presenting historic images attrac- be another avenue of tions, selecting digital collections, techni- tively on a website. The author addresses family history services cal standards, and identifying resources important copyright and authenticity to explore. Digitizing and partnerships for creating the digital issues, but most of the book is dedicated Your Collection: Public library. Purcell outlines outreach and pro- to editing examples. Information Today, 2016. Library Success Stories, motion to let the user community know 200 P. $49.50. PBK. 978-1-5738-7513-4. by Susanne Caro with the resource is available. ALA Neal-Schuman, contributions from Sam Meister, Tammy 2016. 256 P. $85. PBK. 978-0-8389-1450-2. Also technical in nature, but with compo- Ravas, and Wendy Walker, explains why nents that might be useful for expanding a library might digitize parts of its col- KAREN MULLER is librarian and knowledge family history services, is GIS Research lection. It also presents what to consider management specialist for the ALA Library.

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

1 | The Weeding Hand- 2 | FRBR, Before and 3 | Being Indispensable: book: A Shelf-by-Shelf After: A Look at Our A School Librarian’s Guide by Rebecca Vnuk Bibliographic Models Guide to Becoming an This handbook takes the by Karen Coyle Invaluable Leader by Ruth guesswork out of a delicate Coyle’s articulate treatment Toor and Hilda K. Weisburg but necessary process, of the issues at hand helps Making the case for the vital role school giving public and school library staff the bridge the divide between traditional librarians play in learning, this book knowledge and confidence to effectively cataloging practice and the algorithmic gives readers the strategies they need to weed any collection, of any size. metadata approach. become the kind of leader their school can’t do without.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | September/October 2016 59 Mobile Comics Plus: Library Edition from Recorded Books

by genre, publisher, title, popu- larity, or keyword. A subscription to Comics Plus comes with patron support as well as staff training. For more information on Comics Plus: Library Edition, visit bit.ly/ 2a6ST4C.

Boopsie apps connect the community Smartphone usage has increased more than 30% in just the past five years, and 68% of adults in urban areas own smartphones. To help libraries provide their patrons with this access point, mobile-platform-as-a-service pro- vider Boopsie has created an app that is easy to launch and maintain. At the tap of a button, Boopsie’s Reading Remotely mobile app can connect to Over- Comics move online Drive, OneClickdigital, Axis 360, Flipster, hoopla digital, Zinio, Comics Plus: funnies, and manga for more than and Comics Library Edition 25,000 titles. Popular titles include Plus: Library Independent audiobook and ebook Archie, Peanuts, Sabrina the Teenage Edition. Their publisher Recorded Books and Witch, Doonesbury, and several native library- comics distributor iVerse Media has Dark Horse comics. branded apps partnered with IDW Publishing to Recently, IDW Publishing exclu- provide 24/7 update its Comics Plus: Library Edi- sive digital comics were made year-round tion service. available on Comics Plus: Library access to a Comics Plus: Library Edition sup- Edition, adding several new titles library, giving plies libraries with digital graphic such as Transformers, Teenage patrons the abil- novels and comics that can be Mutant Ninja Turtles, My Little ity to connect accessed by patrons from any web- Pony, Dexter’s Laboratory, Star Trek, with their library based device. Patrons can check Godzilla, and others. Offered as on a device of out as many titles as they want at a single-issue comics, IDW Publishing their choosing time and then stream them to their titles are available on Comics Plus anywhere in the devices either online or via an app 90 days after their release. world. for offline reading. Designed for Designed for mobile use, Comics Key features all ages, Comics Plus offers comics Plus: Library Edition is available to allow users to: in a range of genres, including fic- users 24 hours a day, seven days a ■■ access a calen- tion, nonfiction, fantasy, thrillers, week. Users have access to all Comics dar of events, romance, indie comics, Sunday Plus content. Patrons can browse classes, hours of

60 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org SUBMISSIONS To have a new product considered, contact [email protected].

operation, contact information, and library schedules ■■ search the library catalog for Koios Plug-In books, DVDs, and other materials ■■ access digital resources such as Empowers Readers ebooks and e -audiobooks How do you use Koios? ■■ reserve or cancel holdings Jennifer Oliver, Koios is a browser exten- USER: ■■ renew borrowed materials public information officer, sion that brings access ■■ manage fees and perform other Washoe County (Nev.) to library books through actions Library System everyday searches on ■■ locate the nearest library within Amazon and Google. PRODUCT: Koios plug-in a district using GPS-aware technology How does Koios serve DETAILS: Koios is a plug-in for Firefox, ■■ update social media, including your library’s needs? Google Chrome, and Safari that allows Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube Our mission is to connect users to access materials directly from ■■ use a digital library card, elimi- people with information, Amazon or Google. Books, ebooks, nating the need to carry around ideas, and experiences to audiobooks, music, movies, and online a physical card support an enriched and courses available at the library can now The Boopsie native mobile app is engaged community, one be found when doing a basic search. available on Android, iOS, Kindle person at a time. This is Fire, and Blackberry platforms. For accomplished through more information or for a demo, the use of Koios—we are connecting people with what they are visit boopsie.com. looking for while offering an alternative to purchasing. Making that connection for people is key. Not only are we bringing access to the user, but it also is an example of how the role of a library can easily be integrated into our daily lives, which complements the standard brick-and-mortar library experience.

What are the main benefits? I would say the main benefit is convenience! As someone shops, he or she will be able to quickly see if the library has a particular book. From there a person will click Koios interacts with Amazon. into our library catalog, where they can place a hold on the item for checkout. Another major benefit is the time saved.

What would you like to see improved or added to their service? We look forward to mobile options as well as an expansion to include audiovisual materials and database content. These two huge addi- tions are already in the works. This opens up even more opportuni- Boopsie’s mobile ties for people to see what the library has to offer and how a library app integrates into their everyday lives. •

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | September/October 2016 61 Olivia Masser became director of Milton ON THE MOVE (Pa.) Public Library June 6.

Panhandle Public Library The University of Massachusetts Cooperative System Amanda Izenstark, reference and Amherst has named Simon J. Neame in Marianna, Florida, instructional design librarian at the dean of libraries, effective August 1. appointed Mary Balint University of Rhode Island, received administrator on April 12. Mississippi University for Women in the Rhode Island Library Associa- Columbus appointed Amanda Clay Jessica Bergin joined Portage (Wis.) tion’s Outstanding Librarian Award Powers dean of library services, effec- Public Library as director July 11. May 26. tive July 18. Mary C. MacDonald, information In June Laurie Buckley became director May 1 Ashley Salazar became manager of Dover Plains Library in Wingdale, literacy librarian at the University of of the Old Fort branch of McDowell New York. Rhode Island, received the Rhode County (N.C.) Public Library. Island Library Association’s Distin- July 1 Catherine Cardwell became dean guished Service Award May 26. Abby Seymour joined Menomonie of Nelson Poynter Memorial Library at (Wis.) Public Library as teen librarian the University of South Florida in St. United Way of in June. Petersburg. Northeast Flor- ida has awarded July 25 Camas (Wash.) Public Library Robert Carter joined Goodnow Library its Sherwood H. appointed Connie Urquhart as director. in Sudbury, Massachusetts, as teen Smith Children’s librarian in May. August 18 Gavin Woltjer became direc- Champion Award tor of Billings (Mont.) Public Library. Mark Christensen joined Okanagan for Advocacy to Susan Mankowski, Regional Library in Kelowna, British early childhood specialist at Jack- June 7 Christian Zabriskie became Columbia, in April as head librarian of sonville (Fla.) Public Library. administrator of Yonkers (N.Y.) Public the Vernon branch. Library’s Grinton I. Will branch. Lewis and Clark Elementary School Kristin Craver joined Drake Public in Liberty, Missouri, has been Library in Centerville, Iowa, as children’s named a Model School by the Inter- PROMOTIONS librarian in July. national Center for Leadership in recognition of a transformation in Drake Public Library in Centerville, Iowa, Geri Diorio was named assistant direc- its teaching and learning sparked by promoted JeNel Allen Barth to director tor at Stratford (Conn.) Library in July. in July. school librarian Angela Rosheim’s April 1 Nancy C. Giddens became creation of a school makerspace. • July 4 Surinder Bhogal was promoted county librarian for Calaveras County to chief librarian at Surrey (B.C.) (Calif.) Library System. Libraries. Alexandra Klaus became children’s In May, Kasey Gressler became inter- librarian at Durham (Conn.) Public In August Mary Pat Fallon was pro- library loan and young adult librarian at moted to associate professor at Domin- Library in May. DuBois (Pa.) Public Library. ican University Graduate School of In June Sarah Loudenslager joined Library and Information Science in River April 21 Valerie Hotchkiss was named Forest, Illinois. Simsbury (Conn.) Public Library as busi- university librarian at Vanderbilt Univer- ness resource coordinator. sity in Nashville, Tennessee. Don Hamerly was promoted to associate professor at Dominican University Nandita S. Mani became June 13 Annie Jansen became assistant Graduate School of Library and Infor- associate university librarian at Penn State Brandywine in mation Science in River Forest, Illinois, librarian for health sci- Media, Pennsylvania. in August. ences and director of In June, Jocelyn Kennedy became exec- the University of North Skokie (Ill.) Public Library promoted utive director of the Harvard Law School Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Deputy Director Richard Kong to direc- Library in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Health Sciences Library July 1. tor, effective July 16.

62 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org SUBMISSIONS Send notices and photographs to Amy Carlton, [email protected].

MORE ONLINE americanlibrariesmagazine.org/currents

Ewa Barczyk retired as associate pro- vost and director of libraries at the Uni- versity of Wisconsin–Milwaukee in June.

Robert Leroy Jones Jr., 38, public library statistics cooperative state data coordi- Myra Book retired in June as librarian nator and youth services consultant at the Illinois State Library, died July 2. Jones at St. Joseph Elementary School in was a 2007 American Library Association (ALA) Spectrum Scholar and 2011 ALA Conway, Arkansas. Emerging Leader. In 2010 he was selected as one of 35 national field recruiters in ALA’s Discovering Librarianship project, later known as the Knowledge Alliance, Linda Caravaggio retired in June after which enlisted early career librarians of color to serve as ambassadors and pro- 28 years as bookmobile librarian at Bev- vide support to individuals entering the profession. In this role, he helped to orga- erly (Mass.) Public Library. nize workshops, exhibited at college fairs, and mentored students. August 1 Bill Cochran retired as director Norma McCallan, 83, who managed the bookmobile and the books-by-mail pro- of Billings (Mont.) Public Library. gram at the New Mexico State Library for 24 years, died June 27. McCallan also worked for libraries in Florida, Washington, California, and Arizona, and was cochair Karen Swisher Duree retired July 30 as assistant director of Jefferson County of the Northern New Mexico Group of the Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club. (Mo.) Library and manager of its Wind- John Shuler, 59, associate professor and government information and docu- sor branch. ments librarian at the University of Illinois at Chicago library for 23 years, died June 29. Shuler was an associate editor for Government Information Quarterly and Jane A. Larson retired as director of a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Academic Librarianship, a nation- Edith B. Siegrist Vermillion (S. Dak.) ally known speaker on government information issues, and a teacher of govern- Public Library. ment information courses at many library schools. Marian Ossman retired as children’s Margaret Yesso Watson, 72, principal librarian for Alameda County (Calif.) reference librarian at Wellesley (Mass.) Library for 12 years, died June 26. Watson’s career in libraries spanned 50 years, Free Library in July. including work as a public health and medical librarian for Santa Clara County, Robert J. Stack retired California; Technicon Data Systems, and public health agencies in London and as director of Portage Sydney. She also worked as a regional manager for a library placement agency in County (Wis.) Public California and as a public librarian for Oakland (Calif.) Public Library. Watson Library July 29. frequently spoke at library schools and meetings, and she regularly mentored new librarians and library paraprofessionals. • Laine Stambaugh, human resources librarian at the University of Oregon Libraries in Eugene, retired on August 1 after nearly 29 years of service. Dominican University Graduate School of uate School of Library and Information Library and Information Science in River Science in River Forest, Illinois, in August. Forest, Illinois, promoted Stacy T. Kowal- czyk to associate professor in August. In August Dominican University Graduate AT ALA School of Library and Information Science In June Hilary L. Robbeloth was pro- in River Forest, Illinois, promoted Christo- Marianne Braverman, marketing and moted to systems/discovery librarian at pher Stewart to associate professor. program manager for the Association the University of Puget Sound’s Collins of Specialized and Cooperative Library Library in Tacoma, Washington. August 1 Jefferson County (Mo.) Library Agencies (ASCLA) and the Reference promoted Adam Tucker to manager of and User Services Association (RUSA), In August Cecilia Salvatore was promoted the Windsor branch. left ALA July 7. to professor at Dominican University Graduate School of Library and Informa- Jennifer Cross started as web services tion Science in River Forest, Illinois. RETIREMENTS specialist for ASCLA and RUSA July 18.

Karen Snow was promoted to associate Carolyn Anthony retired as director of In July Shawnda Hines joined the ALA professor at Dominican University Grad- Skokie (Ill.) Public Library July 15. Washington Office as press officer.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | September/October 2016 63 Meme Librarian Amanda Brennan has a none-pizza-with-left-beef party with some of her favorite memes (from left): LOL Wut Pear, The Signs as Fat Chefs in My Mom’s Kitchen, Little Grey Cat, and Pepe the Frog. Photo: Todd Boebel; Illustrations: Ursula Vernon (pear); Shutterstock (chef, cat); Matt Furie (frog) Furie Matt cat); (chef, (pear); Shutterstock Vernon Ursula Boebel; Illustrations: Todd Photo:

I Can Has Meme Job?

manda Brennan is the commu- Your Meme] and I thought, ‘Wait, I can company’s social media team; and edu- nity and content associate for apply information science skills to this.’” cates coworkers looking to leverage Amicroblogging and social net- Much of Brennan’s job requires her trend information in their own roles. working site Tumblr, but to colleagues to know what the Tumblr community is “Archiving doesn’t have to happen she’s affectionately known as the talking about, and a major part of that in a physical archive,” Brennan says meme librarian. is memes—pieces of content that travel of internet librarianship. “My dream is “I knew that I didn’t want to work from person to person and change to someday work on a version of the in a traditional library,” says Brennan, along the way. Combining the ten- Dewey Decimal system just for meme who previously interned at Know dencies of a curator, data analyst, and culture. I have a huge interest in build- Your Meme and MTV Networks’ tape anthropologist, Brennan says, “I think ing taxonomies from scratch.” library while earning her MLIS. Of her of myself as the reference desk.” She THE BOOKEND showcases librarians, their career path, she says, “It just kind of researches and applies metadata to work, and their work spaces. For con- clicked—I was up at 2 a.m. researching viral photos, reaction GIFs, audio files, sideration, please send press material to some weird internet thing [on Know and Vine videos; works closely with her [email protected].

64 September/October 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org AASL is celebrating 65 years of service to the school librarians with a giving campaign to help ensure the future of the school library profession. Campaign funds will support scholarships to student members and the development of an AASL Induction Program.

The Student Bridge Scholarship Fund will support As our thank you for your those new to the profession as they transition to generous support all donors regular membership during the first three years of giving $65 or more will receive their school library career by “bridging” the cost the 65th anniversary lapel pin increase in dues. This fund will ensure our newest with a simulated blue sapphire members receive support at a time when they gemstone. Donors at the $650 need their professional association the most. level and above will receive the simulated diamond donors pin. The AASL Induction Program, scheduled to launch at the 2017 AASL National Conference, Help AASL Transform the will offer a comprehensive program to ensure Future with a gift at any level. that members are prepared to actively shape the Donate today! future of the K-12 education landscape as leaders within their schools and the association. www.ala.org/aasl/65th mail, fax, or e-mail YOUR donation to:

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