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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 5858 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:11:554:11:55 PMPM Renée Vaillancourt McGrath Features Editor
Kathleen M. Hughes CONTENTS Managing Editor
March/April 2005 Vol. 44, No. 2
89 The Promise of the Great American Wealth Transfer for Public Libraries Susan E. Randolph 95 Virtually Seamless Exploring the World of Virtual Public Librarians Janet Clapp and Angela Pfeil 101 Ask a Librarian Gives Florida Something to Chat about Matthew Loving, Dana Mervar, Steve Kronen, and Joyce Ward 105 CIPA Decisions, Implementation, and Impacts Paul T. Jaeger, Charles R. McClure, John Carlo Bertot, and Lesley A. Langa
IN EVERY ISSUE
62 Editor’s Note 82 Tech Talk Renée Vaillancourt McGrath A. Paula Wilson 63 From the President 84 Bringing in the Money Clara N. Bohrer John L. Pepper 67 Tales from the Front 110 News from PLA Jennifer T. Ries-Taggart Kathleen Hughes 69 Perspectives 111 On the Agenda Hampton (Skip) Auld 112 By the Book 77 Book Talk Jennifer Schatz Your Books Are Safe with Me: An 118 New Product News Interview with Anne Fadiman Vicki Nesting Brendan Dowling 80 Internet Spotlight Steven M. Cohen
PLUS . . .
60 Readers Respond 86 InterViews 65 Verso Making the World Safe for Reaching Out to Middle and High Librarians: Why Librarians Are School Students Needed Now More Than Ever Paul van Linden Tol, Susan Laurie L. Putnam Westover, Candace Grace 120 Index to Advertisers Vazquez, Donna Longobardi, and Tambe-Tyshe John
The Public Library Association is a division of the American Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; www.pla.org. Cover design by Jim Lange, Jim Lange Design, Chicago
444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 5959 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:11:584:11:58 PMPM EDITORIAL FEATURES EDITOR: Renée Vaillancourt McGrath MANAGING EDITOR: Kathleen M. Hughes CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Hampton (Skip) Auld, Steven Cohen, Nann Blaine Hilyard, Vicki Nesting, Jennifer Ries-Taggart, Jennifer Schatz, Paula Wilson EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Brendan Dowling ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Isabel Dale Silver, Chair, Champaign, IL; Marilyn Boria, Elmhurst, IL; Nancy Charnee, New York, NY; Barbara Custen, Pasadena, CA; Sally Decker-Smith, Wheeling, IL; Luren E. Dickinson, Jackson, MI; Nann Blaine Inspiring Issues Hilyard, Zion, IL; Marcia Schneider, San Francisco, CA; Bessie Condos Tichauer, Sacramento, CA. As a retiree from public employment, but an active trustee and continuing member of EX OFFICIO: Luis Herrera, Pasadena Public Library, ALA since 1947, I am heartened and inspired by the recent issues of Public Libraries. 285 E. Walnut St., Pasadena, CA 91101-1556; The November/December 2004 issue zoned in on some of the current crises and [email protected]. possibilities in keeping a solid base of professionalism and meaning in the current PLA PRESIDENT: Clara N. Bohrer, West Bloomfield Library, 4600 Walnut Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, MI work. The direct and specific contribution by Sunny Strong (Verso) and the carefully 48323-2557; [email protected]. transcribed interview with Joey Rodger (Perspectives) provide much needed material PUBLIC LIBRARIES (ISSN 0163-5506) is published for local board discussion and inspiration. Thank you for your good work. I will call bimonthly at 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. it to the attention of colleagues, community leaders, and library friends.—Barbara It is the official publication of the Public Library Association, a division of the American Library Davis Widem, Library Advisory Committee member, Kensington Park Library, Association. Subscription price: to members of PLA, Montgomery County, Md. $25 a year, included in membership dues; to non- members: U.S. $50; Canada $60; all other countries $60. Single copies, $10. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL, and at additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: send address changes to Public Libraries, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. David Sedaris to Keynote PLA President’s Program during ALA Annual Conference SUBSCRIPTIONS Nonmember subscriptions, orders, changes of address, and inquiries should be sent to Public Libraries, Sub- David Sedaris, essayist and public radio contributor, will keynote the PLA scription Department, American Library Association, President’s Program (part of the ALA Auditorium Speaker Series) on Monday, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; 800-545-2433, June 27, from 5–6:30 P.M., during the upcoming ALA Annual Conference. press 5; fax: (312) 944-2641; e-mail: subscriptions@ Sedaris first came to national attention recounting the strange-but-true ala.org. experiences of his job as a Macy’s elf, reading his “SantaLand Diaries” on ADVERTISING National Public Radio’s (NPR) Morning Edition. A frequent and popular con- William N. Coffee, c/o Benson, Coffee & Associates, 1411 Peterson Ave., Park Ridge, IL 60068; (847) 692- tributor to NPR, he is also the author of the best sellers Barrel Fever, Holidays 4695; fax (847) 692-3877. on Ice, Naked, and Me Talk Pretty One Day. His most recent book is Dress PRODUCTION Your Family in Corduroy and Denim (Little, Brown, June 2004). His essays also appear regularly in Esquire and The New Yorker. ALA PRODUCTION SERVICES: Troy D. Linker, Angela Hanshaw; Stephanie Kuenn, Kristen McKulski, Along with his sister, actress Amy Sedaris, he has cowritten several plays Karen Sheets, and Christine Velez. that have been produced at various theatres in New York. His original radio MANUSCRIPTS pieces often can be heard on “This American Life,” distributed nationally by Unless otherwise noted, all submissions should be sent to the Public Radio International and produced by WBEZ in Chicago. In 2001, Sedaris features editor, Renée Vaillancourt McGrath, 39 Stevi Cutoff became the third recipient of the Thurber Prize for American Humor. He was Rd. W., Ste. C, Stevensville, MT 59870; publiclibraries@ named Humorist of the Year in 2001 by Time. aol.com. See www.pla.org for submission instructions. The annual PLA Service Awards will be presented prior to the Sedaris INDEXING/ABSTRACTING appearance. Following these activities is a gala, music-filled reception. There Public Libraries is indexed in Library Literature and is no charge for attending this event, and preregistration is not required. David Current Index to Journals in Education (CIJE), in addition to a number of online services. Contents Sedaris appears by special arrangement with the Steven Barclay Agency, www. are abstracted in Library and Information Science barclayagency.com. Abstracts. In addition to this session, PLA will present more than twenty continuing MICROFILM COPIES
education programs and three preconference programs during the Conference. Microfilm copies are available from University Micro- For more information regarding PLA events at the ALA Annual Conference, films, 300 N. Zeeb Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103. visit www.pla.org or call 1-800-545-2433, ext. 5752. The paper used in this publication meets the mini- mum requirements of American National Standard for Information Sciences—Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI Z39.48-1992. ∞ ©2005 by the American Library Association All materials in this journal are subject to copyright by the American Library Association and may be pho- tocopied for the noncommercial purpose of scientific Public Libraries encourages letters to the editor. Letters are used on a space-available basis and or educational advancement granted by Sections 107 and 108 of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976. For may be excerpted. Preference will be given to letters that address issues raised by the magazine. other reprinting, photocopying, or translating, address Acceptance is at the editor’s discretion. Send to Renée Vaillancourt McGrath, 39 Stevi Cutoff requests to the ALA Office of Rights and Permissions, Rd. W., Ste. C, Stevensville, MT 59870; [email protected]. 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611.
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ave you seen What the pattern of behavior, but we have to struggle Bleep Do We Know!? If “What the Bleep against our own brain chemistry to create I’m hearing this question Do We Know!?” new neurological patterns. The good news is in Stevensville, Montana, that once these new patterns are established, chances are you’ll be hear- Renée Vaillancourt McGrath the new behavior will become easier than ing it where you are as Features Editor the old one. wellH (if you haven’t already). What the But this principle has implications far Bleep Do We Know!? is an independent beyond its effects on addiction and recovery. film that combines interviews with fourteen Synapses are formed in the brain for any scientists and mystics about the nature of habitual thoughts or behavior. This explains, reality with the fictional story of a woman in part, why we are who we are, and why who is plagued by existential questions and it is sometimes difficult to become who we the anxiety that accompanies them. “The want to be. An obvious example that comes protagonist, Amanda, played by Marlee to mind in libraries is the rampant fear of Matlin, finds herself in a fantastic Alice change that has come about with ever-evolv- in Wonderland experience when her daily, ing technologies. Any library manager or uninspired life literally begins to unravel, technology trainer knows that in addition revealing the uncertain world of the quan- to learning a new system or teaching it to tum field hidden behind what we consider staff and patrons, they will need to address to be our normal, waking reality.”1 the resistance of staff members who were Sound like hocus-pocus? Perhaps. But comfortable with the old system. This can I believe this film provides enough food for be frustrating, especially if the new system is thought to have applications in librarian- needed and will allow for greater functional- ship, as well as in other professions. ity. I believe we can take comfort in the fact that this resistance is at least in part biological, and that it will dissolve as the brains of staff and patrons evolve to accommodate this new How We Think Affects Who We Are piece of learning.
One of the notions that I found most compelling about this film was the fact that our thoughts and behaviors can literally How We Think Affects What We See change the shape of our brain. I am not a biologist, nor a quan- tum physicist, so I will be trying my best to understand and The protagonist in What the Bleep . . . , a photographer, is explain this from a lay perspective. But apparently, when we recovering from a failed marriage that ended because her hus- engage in repetitive behavior, it creates or strengthens synapses band was unfaithful. She is dismayed when she is assigned to in the brain that make it easier for us to perform that habitual shoot a wedding in the same church in which she was married. behavior in the future. This may partially explain why addic- At the reception, she thinks she sees the groom being intimate tions are so hard to break. Not only do we have to stop the continued on page 64
What Does This Have to Do with Librarianship?
Several years ago, there was a thread on the PubLib discussion Even if you do not buy any of this (my husband thinks it list about stupid or unanswerable reference questions. One is all a bunch of hoo-ha), the success of What the Bleep . . . librarian mentioned a patron who wanted information about should tell us that a lot of people (our patrons) are interested astral projection (an out-of-body experience in which a person in these kinds of questions. An independently produced film travels to another place, and can supposedly interact with other that was not picked up by any major studios, What the people), which may occur in a dream.1 Only one librarian on Bleep . . . was selling an average of $500,000 to $600,000 the list (Peter Bromberg, program development coordinator, in tickets each week as of November 5, 2004.2 South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative, Gibbsboro, N.J., and former head of erference services, Camden County Library, References Voorhees, N.J.) took this patron seriously and posted a webli- ography of astral projection and lucid dreaming resources, 1. Peter Bromberg, PubLib Archive: [PUBLIB] Dream Projections which has been recently updated at Outside of a Dog (http:// Bizarre? NOT!!, Tuesday, Mar. 23, 1999. Accessed Jan. 12, scils.rutgers.edu/~petebrom). (For more on librarians’ dreams, 2005, http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/PubLib/archive/9903/0340. see the September/October 2003 Editor’s Note, “Librarianship: html. 2. John Lippman, “How The ‘Bleep’ Did They Do It? Small The Career of Our Dreams”). Incidentally, What the Bleep . . . Film of Self-Discovery Eludes Studios, Hits Big: 400 Yogis in presents some evidence that it may be possible for an object to a Theater,” Wall Street Journal, Nov. 5, 2004, W4. Accessed be physically in two places at once. Dec. 16, 2004, www.whatthebleep.com/reviews/WSJ1.htm.
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ou have available a potent, friends, supporters, and other stakeholders. but often underutilized, form Listen to This! Everyone needs to get involved. of communication that can Many libraries are successfully using advance both your library’s word of mouth as part of PLA’s “The advocacy and promotional Smartest Card @ your library®” campaign efforts. Word of mouth is a Clara N. Bohrer to get out the word that the library card is powerfulY phenomenon that you can use to the most valuable card in your wallet. We all spread the word about your library. Using know why this campaign is important. It can word-of-mouth marketing can increase your be adapted to work in any community—even library’s perceived value, as well as library in communities where the library is well- usage and support. supported and used because securing better Malcom Gladwell, keynote speaker recognition, use, and support is something at ALA’s Midwinter Meeting last January, we must continually strive for. made a strong case for the powerful effects But I’d like you to pass along this word that are generated from word of mouth. to staff, trustees, and friends. No single In his bestselling book The Tipping Point, effort is going to be enough to ensure the Gladwell writes that “viral marketing,” as continued success of public libraries. We it is also known, can provoke big, dramatic need many ongoing initiatives—and we need changes in how people think and act. As the help of many supporters in our commu- people talk to each other about positive nities. Word of mouth has unlimited poten- experiences at your library, excitement and tial to create advocates for public libraries momentum build. People who have been who can have a long-term, positive impact merely thinking about supporting or using the library or a new on our viability. service are now motivated to actually try. Libraries can use this Imagine what it would be like if staff, trustees, and friends persuasive effect of word of mouth to great advantage. became as adept at word-of-mouth marketing as companies Most libraries don’t have large marketing or advertising like Saturn, Harley-Davidson, and Apple, all of which have budgets. We do, however, have large numbers of loyal users and used word of mouth to build their brand, increase sales, and talented staff members. This means we are ideally positioned to enhance their image. make use of and benefit from word-of-mouth marketing—if we We will be exploring what it would take to make that can harness its power. But how many times have we ever said to happen for public libraries at a PLA preconference scheduled a library user something as simple as, “Please tell your friends?” for Friday, June 24, during the ALA Annual Conference in We often fall short in seeing ways to deliberately use word-of- Chicago. Titled “Creating A Library Sales Force: It’s Easier mouth and integrate it into everyday library operations. Than You Think,” the preconference is designed for library Word-of-mouth marketing isn’t just one person talking staff, trustees, and friends. I encourage you to register a team to another. It is a strategic approach to delivering a specific from your library, region, or state. message in a conscious, consistent way. It is the result of the You will learn about the critical elements of a successful quality of each interaction we have with the public. It is about word-of-mouth marketing campaign, how to develop stories responsive customer service. It is about listening to and learn- and other messages that build word of mouth, how to make ing from our users, and about building relationships. It is about word-of-mouth library marketing a way of life for your staff, selling—not just telling. trustees, and friends, and how to plan and implement a success- Libraries that use word-of-mouth marketing effectively ful word-of-mouth marketing campaign. have a clear, consistent and compelling message that is concise It’s going to be a great preconference. Please tell your enough to be said at the checkout desk or in a grocery store friends and colleagues. ■ line. Every one of their frontline people understands the mes- sage, and can easily articulate it. Staff use testimonials to talk about the benefits of products and services. Staff collect and Clara N. Bohrer, West Bloomfield Library, 4600 Walnut Lake Rd., give feedback on what they hear—good and bad. Conscious West Bloomfield, MI 48323-2557; [email protected]. She is cur- word of mouth is part of a coherent promotion strategy. rently reading I Am Charlotte Simmons by Tom Wolfe, State of Fear by Michael Crichton, The Price of Government by David Osborne For word-of-mouth marketing to work, there must be and Peter Hutchinson, and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. a committed, passionate sales force of library staff, trustees,
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continued from page 62
with one of the bridesmaids. It turns out to be one of the You have to view these photographs to fully appreciate ushers (who is also dressed in a tuxedo), but Amanda’s brain the impact of various thoughts and intentions on the water filled in the blanks with a situation she was familiar with—a crystals. Examples are available on the What the Bleep . . . husband being unfaithful. Web site (www.whatthebleep.com) and on Emoto’s Web site We make interpretations about reality based on our own (www.masaru-emoto.net/english/entop.html). Emoto is also experience all the time, in our own lives. It might be worth the author of Messages from Water, vols. 1–3 (1999, 2001, examining what types of prejudices—in the true sense of pre- 2004) and The Hidden Messages in Water (2004) (Beyond judging—we bring to our encounters with our patrons. Words Publishing, www.beyondword.com/emoto-books-and- Some of the “experts” in this film suggest that we cannot products.html). really see what we are not accustomed to seeing (or at least Given that our bodies (and the earth itself) are made up of believing is possible). They recount a myth that states that water, it may be that our attitudes and thoughts also have direct when the first white settlers arrived in America, the native effect on our own well-being as well as the well-being of others. people who lived here saw the ripples on the water, caused This has obvious implications for staff and patron interactions by the ships, but couldn’t see the ships themselves because the in libraries. notion of a ship was so foreign to their prior experience. As the story goes, the chief of the tribe spent a lot of time gazing out at the ocean until he was finally able to perceive the shape of I Create My Library the ships on the horizon. He explained what he had seen to his people, and then they were able to see it, too. The most often referenced section of What the Bleep . . . is an At first I thought this story was a little far-fetched (after interview with Dr. Joe Dispenza, a chiropractor with an under- all, we see new things every day, don’t we?) but then I thought graduate degree in biochemistry, on creating his day. Dispenza about an experience that I had when I was in college. I was in claims that he wakes up every morning, and consciously creates the middle of a big fight with my boyfriend, and he invited me his day the way he wants it to happen: over to his dorm room, where he was visiting with several of And so, I live my life, in a sense, all day long, thinking his friends. I arrived in the room, took off my coat, and sat with about being a genius . . . . And as I do that, during parts of them for at least twenty minutes before all of a sudden jumping the day, I’ll have thoughts that are so amazing, they cause up and exclaiming loudly when I realized that they had piled a chill in my physical body, that have come from nowhere. all of the furniture in the room on top of his bed as a prank! But then, I remember that that thought has an associated It was not that I was not looking in that direction earlier. It energy that’s produced an effect in my physical body.4 was literally that I was so caught up in my emotion over our impending breakup that I did not see something that I did not While it can be argued that “thinking like a genius” is a expect to see in the room. subjective experience, a librarian friend recently shared with This has happened to many of us on a smaller scale, me a chapter from Scott Adams’ book, The Dilbert Future: when we are looking for our keys (which are in our hand, or Thriving on Stupidity in the 21st Century, 1st ed., which in the ignition of the car) or for our glasses (which are on our recounts Adams’ success using visualization and affirmations eyes, or on our heads). But if we are sometimes too preoccu- to accomplish things that go way beyond what is generally pied to see these small (or sometime large) things around us, accepted as “the power of positive thinking” (such as suc- what else might we be overlooking in the haste of our busy ceeding in the stock market) in spite of his initial scepticism.5 work days? I decided to test these principles on a process over which I believed I had no control. How We Think Affects Reality Every week for the past five months, I have been going to the same place for breakfast on Sunday morning. They have a dice-rolling game in which you can win a free drink if you roll Not only might our thoughts and emotions effect how we three-of-a-kind (out of four dice). Every week, I approached the perceive reality, but What the Bleep . . . posits that they may counter thinking, “I’ll never win. I never win anything . . . ” actually have the power to change the physical structure of And then proceeded to roll the dice, and not win. external things. (Stay with me, here, I know this is a big men- After seeing What the Bleep . . . and reading the chapter tal leap.) from Adams’ book, I decided to change my attitude about this Masuro Emoto, a doctor of alternative medicine, “devel- game. I approached the counter thinking, “Well, why not? I can oped a technique using a very powerful microscope in a very roll three-of-a-kind . . . ” and I did. But the amazing thing is cold room along with high-speed photography to photograph that I have continued to roll three-of-a-kind for five out of the newly formed crystals of frozen water samples.”2 past six weeks now (and the third week, when I failed, I con- Emoto discovered that crystals formed in frozen water sciously remember doubting that I could actually do it again). reveal changes when specific, concentrated thoughts are Anecdotal evidence, for sure. Luck, chance, perhaps. But directed towards them. He found that water from clear what if our attitudes and thoughts can actually influence the springs and water that has been exposed to loving words world around us? We have nothing to lose by visualizing a shows brilliant, complex, and colorful snowflake patterns. bigger library budget, or doing affirmations to encourage good In contrast, polluted water, or water exposed to negative thoughts, forms incomplete patterns with dull colors.3 continued on page 76
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 6464 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:184:12:18 PMPM Getting Started
BPL has sixty branches. These branches were recently orga- nized in clusters of four branches, each with its own manager of young adult (YA), juvenile, and adult services. The manager of library services–YA coordinates YA collections, program- ming, YA librarians, and YA-related outreach. This person is responsible for meeting with the school librarian in his or her cluster to offer the new collection and BPL librarian-led book talks. During the initial meeting the following points are discussed:
Reaching Out to ■ Mission and goals. The cluster started a deposit collection and book talks to aid teachers in the context of New York City’s new mandate of collections in the classroom. Middle and High ■ Book talks. Starting with a book talk frequency of two to four classes per school each month, a team of two or Schools three librarians will visit the school and address individual classes, usually in the school library. ■ Size of the new book collection. BPL will bring in about one book per student for each class (about twenty-eight). Paul van Linden Tol, Susan Westover, Although some students might not make use of this collec- Candace Grace Vasquez, Donna tion at all, others might read two or three books from their Longobardi, and Tambe-Tysha John class’s collection. ■ Collection management. A library card, classified as YA, is issued to the teacher; the teacher or the school librarian is n a particular cluster of the Brooklyn (N.Y.) Public Library responsible for tracking the books. I(BPL), youth services staff has developed a new pilot pro- gram to meet the needs of targeted public schools in Brooklyn, and to advance BPL’s goal of building future adult readers Selecting Books for the New Collection by inspiring middle and high school students to read more. This cluster provides schools with a collection of new books The classroom collections are chosen to appeal to a wide variety of interest to youth and offers monthly book talks with BPL of needs for young adults and an emphasis is on relatively new youth services librarians. books. We have brought in popular series, such as Gossip Girls by Cecily von Ziegesar, Cirque du Freak by Darren Shan, Alex Rider by Anthony Horowitz, and The Princess Diaries by Meg A Pilot Program to Inspire Reading Cabot. Other popular titles include Dunk by David Lubar, Fat in Middle and High Schools Kid Rules the World by K. L. Going, and ttyl (Talk to You Later) by Lauren Myracle. Authors popular with the students in the The new deposit collections on loan from BPL enhance school schools we work with include Sharon Draper, Janet McDonald, fiction collections, which are frequently stagnant and outdated and Walter Dean Myers. For high school seniors, we often offer due to limited funding. The new collections (about twenty-eight authors such as John Grisham, Walter Mosley, and E. Lynn books per class) invigorate the rather middle-of-the-road fic- Harris. Graphic novels by authors such as Christian Gossett, tion collections of titles and authors that have been accepted, Masahito Soda, Ozamu Tezuka, Carla Speed McNeil, Sean proven, and will not stir controversy in schools by including the Scofield, and Canale and Guarnido are popular among the boys. voices of new authors with edgy or unique books. The program We have discussed gender issues, using books like Rainbow High enables schools to offer students both more books to choose by Alex Sanchez, The Year They Banned the Book by Nancy from and a more diverse and better-balanced selection. Garden, and The Geography Club by Brent Hartinger. Each month, BPL librarians visit schools to lead book talks on approximately eight new fiction books from the deposit collection. These lively discussion groups provide a format Developing and Managing the New Collection that encourages youth to talk about the latest books with their friends and become more engaged in reading. The librarians’ The new book selections are drawn from BPL’s YA collection, presentations provide a structure and stimulate conversation. in our case from the cluster or district. The new BPL books BPL librarians get to know and work with school librarians, loaned to the schools are then entered on the library card of teachers, and students to identify relevant titles and tailor the each particular class. The card is under the teacher’s name, but collection to the interests and needs of each local school popu- has the address of the local library and the e-mail address of the lation. This ongoing relationship enables the librarians to get to BPL YA librarian in charge of the project. know the tastes and reading needs of specific students. Through When a class visit is postponed, the BPL librarian in charge the book talks, the visiting librarians often challenge students manages potential late fees by renewing books and deleting to stretch reading habits by trying titles that may not have been fines on BPL’s Millenium Computer System so that books on previously considered. loan to the teacher (class) do not become overdue. The BPL
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 6565 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:194:12:19 PMPM librarians also keep and maintain the teachers’ (class) library often elated to see the young adults come to the book display cards from the local library branch. During the first visit, in a media center or classroom, leaf through the pages of a new librarians provide applications for students to obtain cards in book, and “buzz” among themselves. For a moment, it feels as their own names as well. Those cards are issued to the students if we are in Barnes and Noble or a bohemian bookshop, rather for them to keep and use as they please. Amnesty is granted to than a school. Skeptical teachers and school librarians who students who have accumulated too many overdues. previously claimed that “these kids don’t read” or “they read below grade level” are surprised at the enthusiasm of the stu- dents. They suddenly discover that they have some real readers Before the First Class Visit
Book talks focus on about eight books per class chosen from the class deposit collection. The day before the first book talk, the By partnering with the local schools, collection is brought to the school. Each school decides where we as public librarians are reaching a to house the new collection and who will be responsible for it. In three schools, the school librarian provided shelf space; larger group. Through the book talks, in the other four, the teacher took responsibility. Although we we show the teens that there is a wide do not have time to do book talks for each of the twenty-eight books selected for a particular class, we want the teens to get variety of YA fiction literature that falls acquainted with as many books as possible in a short time. within their personal needs.
Introducing the Program to Students
We start out by explaining that the purposes of our presence is in their classes and that a good book that has been talked up to offer new books and to invite students to read and have fun. will generate both enthusiasm and pleasure. There’s no obligation to take out a book, but if students wish The project also inspired several teachers to adjust reading to borrow a book, all that is required is that they sign out the programs in which books from the new BPL collection become book from the school librarian (or teacher). We let them know part of school assignments. Teachers exposed to a wider variety that we offer amnesty for overdue or lost materials, and that of books in this program are often surprised by the assortment they can reapply for new library cards if they need to. We make of young adult literature available to their students. sure to mention the “Freedom to Read” and anti-censorship The project encourages students to go to the public library policy, and explain to teens that they are regarded as adults by on their own to seek out good books. It enables both the BPL and are responsible as such. schools and BPL to draw attention to what may be an under- utilized YA fiction collection and revitalize its image in the eyes of the teens. Book Talks By partnering with the local schools, we as public librar- ians are reaching a larger group. Through the book talks, we The best book talks are those in which more than one librarian show the teens that there is a wide variety of YA fiction litera- presents the books, and in which different cultural perspectives ture that falls within their personal needs. We bring in a diverse and ideas are shared. We prepare by reading reviews of the bibliography and expand the awareness of teachers and school books we’re discussing, and begin our talks by reading a few librarians about this new breadth in young adult fiction. paragraphs aloud from the beginning of the book. This way, we Through fiction, teens can be exposed to a broader range do the authors justice and let them sell themselves. of issues. It gives them a chance to discover that there are books The book talks are fun and add a welcome break for the written for them. They can take out books that are not tied to students by temporarily suspending the classroom setting and the curriculum and that require no parental permission. (If a providing an exciting atmosphere. To maintain an informal teacher requests a potentially controversial book, and the book atmosphere, we minimize the participation of teachers reading is owned or needs to be acquired by the school, some principals during a book talk session. Some students have asked to read to will request that the teacher send a note to parents warning their peers. We have encouraged this, with the result that in one them of the possibly offensive content of the book). school, the students have surpassed us in dramatic reading. The book talks are also a welcome break and a breath of After the book talk ends (approximately thirty minutes), fresh air in the school day for the students and teachers, some- we ask the students to come forward to pick a book from our what akin to entertainment—exactly what fiction ought to be, display table. An additional fifteen minutes is allocated for no? And, yes, it increases circulation too! book selection, questions, comments, and requests. Any books not taken out remain in the classroom or media center, and can be taken out during the three- to four-week period before the Postscript collection is replaced with a different set of books. One of the program’s tangible results was that by the end of the school year, YA fiction circulation dramatically increased in A Success Story the BPL cluster. With the exception of one school, the average loss rate was about 10 percent (approximately 255 books). A The results have been very exciting. At the end of a book talk session, the teachers, BPL librarians, and school librarians are continued on page 85
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 6666 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:194:12:19 PMPM supported by a federal Library Services and Technology Act grant awarded to the New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Youth Services Section of the New York Library Association will provide continued finan- cial support of the database Performer and dinators from around the after the grant period ends. The Pen Pal Club of New York Program Database state to plan, test, implement, For more information, and evaluate the new per- contact Becky Wright-Sedam, Goes Statewide former database. The New youth services specialist, at tion and admissions, as well York Three R’s Organization (518) 584-7300, ext. 210, or as for a portion of the cost A performer and program (NYTRO) is composed of write [email protected]. of the friendship bracelets database for New York nine Reference and Research created for the participants (http://performersandpro- Resources (3R) systems in and chaperones. Blanda, Lyell grams.com) has been created New York state. Each of the Pen Pal Club Program Branch head, used a mini- through a collaboration of regional coordinators repre- grant to supply refreshments, the public library systems in sents a 3R region in the state, Despite budget constraints, paper products, craft materi- New York state. which provides the frame- two library leaders, Tom als, and prizes. A resource of educational work for searchable regions. Blanda and Patricia Uttaro, The group was able to and entertaining programs, The regional coordinators and their children’s librarians, participate in many aspects the database brings together worked with youth consul- Kim Harris and Anne Strang, of Springdale Farm, includ- a substantial amount of per- tants in their region to develop decided to go ahead with an ing petting a long-feathered former- and programming- a mailing list of performers experimental program that rooster, holding a baby chick related information, which and program presenters for began as a dream to get city and baby goat, and petting a will support library services to their region, sent postcards and suburban kids together donkey, horses, and pigs. They youth. It is especially helpful to them, reviewed performer to foster an interest in dif- also experienced the pride and as a resource to promote sum- program records, helped trou- ferent lifestyles and just meet joy of the farm, a robotic mer reading and continued bleshoot problems, and col- new kids. milking barn where cows have literacy development over the lected evaluative data. They The Lyell Branch of computerized chips attached summer for youth in librar- also assisted in training youth the Rochester (N.Y.) Public to them and are able to go ies. The resources, both edu- consultants in their region in Library, located in downtown into a stall to milk and receive cational and entertaining in the usage and promotion of Rochester, and the Ogden a treat, when the chip allows. nature, are also useful for pro- the performer database. Farmers’ Library, located The cows are also treated to gramming needs year-round. Performers and program outside of Spencerport, New automatic back rubs any time A key feature is the ability to presenters will enter and York, coordinated efforts to they wish. locate descriptions and contact update their own data, helping put together a Pen Pal Club to The kids were respon- information about perform- to keep the information cur- enhance their usual summer sive, interested, and enthusi- ers and program presenters rent. Links to other resources reading program for children astic. They sang “B-I-N-G-O” in a particular region, nearby for programmers have been ages seven to twelve. Assisted and “Old MacDonald Had a regions, or from anywhere in added as well, making this by Mary Clare Scheg, chil- Farm” on the bus—all the way the state. a very valuable resource for dren’s librarian at the Monroe there and all the way back. Becky Wright-Sedam, library staff, programmers, Branch of the Rochester Public For more information, project director and regional and performers. Library, the program produced contact Tom Blanda, Lyell coordinator, worked with The statewide performer advertising flyers and Pen Branch of the Rochester web designer/project man- and program database was cre- Pal Club postcards and was Public Library, at (585) 428- ager Polly-Alida Farrington, ated through a grant received met with immediate interest. 8218, or Patricia Uttaro, at programmer Peter Kowalski, by the Southern Adirondack Children from both libraries Ogden Farmers’ Library, at and eight other regional coor- Library System. The project is thrived on writing and receiv- (585) 352-2141. ing notes from their pen pals. “Tales from the Front” is a collection of news They looked forward to the Innovative Library- items and innovative ideas from libraries nation- field trip to Springdale Farm, wide. Send submissions to the contributing edi- during which they had the Housing Project tor, Jennifer T. Ries-Taggart, Director, Seymour opportunity to meet their pen Breaks Ground Library, 161 East Avenue, Brockport, NY 14420; pals and spend a day of fun [email protected]. and learning together. Last fall, the Saint Paul (Minn.) Jennifer Ries-Taggart is currently reading The Uttaro, Ogden Farmers’ Public Library celebrated the Librarian by Larry Beinhart and Emma Brown, a Novel from the Unfinished Manuscript by Charlotte Bronte by library director, secured a groundbreaking for the new Clare Boylan. grant from Sam’s Club to Rondo Community Outreach cover the cost for transporta- Library/University and Dale
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 6767 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:23:104:23:10 PMPM Apartments. The project is standing through programs library and housing develop- reference materials. Shapiro one of few combined library- that advance and celebrate ment as a cornerstone for a commented, “I’d heard about housing projects in the nation. African American literature bright new era. “This is a OverDrive’s success in other A 32,000-square-foot library and writers. project which will stand the markets, such as Las Vegas will share a building with a Mark Campbell, a director test of time,” mayor Randy Public Library and Burlington 98-unit mixed-income hous- of Multifamily Housing for the Kelly said. “We will be bring- County Library, and when I ing complex. The library and U.S. Department of Housing ing our children and grand- gave them a call they were developers believe this is one and Urban Development, children by here and saying extremely responsive.” of only three such combined called the project a national we had a small part in making The library’s digital col- projects in the nation and the model. “These days it is this a reality.” lection includes best-sellers, first in the Midwest. almost impossible to construct For more information, classics, fiction, and nonfic- At the groundbreaking, affordable housing according contact Steve Nelson, Saint tion from popular authors Saint Paul Public Library to the old model, so we all had Paul Public Library, at (651) and such leading publishers as director Gina La Force lauded to adapt and become more 266-7029, or write steve. HarperCollins, McGraw-Hill, the partnership between the creative. This partnership [email protected] Zondervan, and John Wiley library system and the pri- will show others how it can and Sons. Patrons download vate sector developer, Legacy be done—a model to create free reader software and Management, as a perfect affordable housing and to cre- No Library? then use their Cherry Hill fit. “We hope that people ate educational opportunities No Problem library cards to check out find themselves at home in for our citizens.” and download eBooks. At the E-Books to the Rescue the library. In this case, the When it opens in the fall of end of the lending period, the library building will actually 2005, the Rondo Community How does a library continue eBooks automatically expire be home for many people . . Outreach Library will to provide books to more and return to the online col- . a place for open homes and replace the aging and often- than seventy thousand citizens lection. eBooks in Adobe PDF open minds.” crowded Lexington Outreach without librarians, administra- format and Mobipocket for- Archie Givens Jr., presi- Branch. The new library will tive staff, or even a building? mat are available. dent and CEO of Legacy be named after the Rondo That’s the problem Barbara “We’re excited to offer Management, told the ground- Community, a historically Shapiro, director of the Cherry this service to our patrons. breaking crowd that the part- multicultural neighborhood Hill (N.J.) Public Library, They can go to the down- nership was a natural one from that was decimated by the encountered as construction load center, browse the cata- his perspective. “When we construction of an interstate of a new 71,000-square-foot log, and check out eBooks at were first approached to talk highway through its heart. facility went underway in their convenience. We hope about a library by the mayor, The neighborhood continues August 2004. they find it useful to still be his staff, and Gina, there to be one of the most diverse The resourceful librar- able to enjoy popular materi- was no discussion required. areas of Saint Paul, with large ian teamed up with Digital als in their home or office as I love libraries and know the African-American, African, Library Reserve, a provider the construction of our new power and importance of the and Hmong populations. of library solutions for lend- facility continues this fall,” word and the importance of The anticipated library ing of popular digital materi- Shapiro added. reading and literacy. It was location once had local noto- als, and OverDrive, a digital For more information, really a dream opportunity for riety as the base of several content vendor, to develop the visit Cherry Hill Public Library us at Legacy,” Givens said. adult-oriented businesses that Cherry Hill eBook Catalog (http://cherryhill.lib.overdrive. Givens is also president of many viewed as neighbor- and Download Center, an com) to browse and check out the Givens Foundation, a non- hood blight. Both grassroots online Web site where patrons eBooks. ■ profit organization dedicated community members and the can browse, check out, and to enriching cultural under- mayor of Saint Paul hail the download popular fiction and
Coming up in the May/June 2005 issue of Public Libraries Teaching Computers to Seniors: What Not to Do Mary Kelly Lasting Lessons in Leadership: How a Former Book trade Rep and Holly Hibner from Toronto Took a Prairie Library from Good to Truly The Public Library: An Early Teen’s Perspective Sherry J. Great Gary Deane Cook, R. Stephen Parker, and Charles E. Pettijohn Public Library Impact Fees Thomas J. Hennen Jr.
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 6868 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:224:12:22 PMPM the issue of talking books. At Fistick’s suggestion, we contacted the presidents of the National Federation of the Blind and the American Council of the Blind to request contributions from their members. Each of them submitted valuable essays, which are included in this column. We also solicited additional perspectives through PubLib, the Association for Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) electronic discussion list (ASCLA-L), and ALA’s Member-Forum list. And we directly approached several of the leaders within ASCLA to find out whether they or any- “That All May one they knew would be interested in writing an essay describ- ing their experiences with the Talking Books Program and their hopes or concerns for its future. Read . . .” I hope you will value this information about the world of reading by the blind or sight-impaired population. With more than a million blind people throughout the United States, it’s Talking Books for the Blind likely that many of them are part of your own community and your library’s service area. You may even be among them, either and Physically Handicapped now or in your golden years.
Hampton (Skip) Auld The End of Talking Books?
n 1931, Congress established the Talking Book Program, Iwhich is administered by the National Library Service for the Jim Scheppke Blind and Physically Handicapped at the Library of Congress State Librarian, Oregon State Library, Salem; (NLS). Since then, audio and Braille books, magazines, and [email protected] other materials have been provided postage-free to eligible bor- rowers throughout the United States and to eligible American For seventy-three years, a network of state libraries, public citizens living abroad. This service has given enormous benefits libraries, and other agencies have partnered with NLS to bring to millions of Americans. public library service to blind and print-disabled Americans. As we approach the seventy-fifth anniversary of the pro- But today, participation in the program is falling because of gram, the community of those serving the blind and physically the outmoded audiobook technology that no longer appeals to handicapped is torn over efforts to provide digital talking many potential users of the service. books (DTBs) to its users. While NLS began planning for DTBs The United States is years behind the rest of the world in in 1996, deployment of the service isn’t expected until 2008. transitioning from antiquated cassette talking books to digital The genesis of this column was two unsolicited manuscripts talking books. As a result, it is becoming harder and harder to sent in early 2004 to Public Libraries features editor Renée sign up new patrons to use the cassette talking books. “Don’t Vaillancourt McGrath. Jim Scheppke, Oregon’s state librarian, you have books on CDs?” is the question my staff is asked sent a feature-length version of the essay included here as “The again and again. The answer, sad to say, is that NLS will not End of Talking Books?” As you will read below, Scheppke is provide us with digital talking books until 2008. highly critical of the NLS plan. He makes an impassioned plea to speed up deployment of digital talking books by adopting The Situation Elsewhere the model he says is being successfully used in other countries, including the Netherlands, Canada, and Japan. The situation in 2004 (when this article was submitted) was At approximately the same time, McGrath received a sepa- quite different in other industrialized countries. Blind readers in rate manuscript written by John M. Taylor and submitted by the Netherlands, for example, are served by a database of thirty Robert Fistick, head of the Publications and Media Section at thousand digital talking books, burned on DAISY-format- NLS. This article, “Serving Blind Readers in the Digital Age,” ted CDs that play in a state-of-the-art portable digital player. detailed the NLS plan. Regrettably, Fistick later withdrew his (DAISY is the Digital Accessible Information System standard submission of a revised version of that article. (An edited ver- that was developed by an international consortium of libraries sion of the original article was later published in the December for the blind beginning in 1996.) Using a DAISY-compatible 2004 issue of American Libraries as “Serving Blind Readers in player allows readers to navigate through books by page or by a Digital Age: LC’s National Library Service for the Blind and chapter and place bookmarks in the text. The digital technol- Physically Handicapped Moves Toward a Digital Future.”) ogy also enables readers to speed up the text to read faster in a NLS has posted its “Current Strategic Business Plan for the natural voice, something many blind readers prefer. The players Implementation of Digital Systems” at www.loc.gov/nls/ are light, portable, and are able to play commercial audiobooks businessplan2003.html. and music CDs. McGrath had initially proposed that these two articles In Canada, blind readers benefit from an advanced CD would make a good basis for a Perspectives column, and co- production and distribution system that was developed at editor Nann Blaine Hilyard and I agreed. In keeping with our the Canadian National Institute for the Blind with help from usual practice, we also wanted to include user perspectives on Microsoft Canada and IBM Canada. Blind children can order
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 6969 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:234:12:23 PMPM books from a Web site designed just for them, the Children’s increased over that time. In 1997, we estimate that we served Discovery Portal, and while there, can chat about books and about 18 percent of the eligible blind, low-vision, and print- other things with other blind children or even get homework disabled population in our state. According to the most recent help.1 In Sweden, Great Britain, and Japan, the story is much statistics we have, that number has dropped to somewhere the same. around 12 percent.5 But in the United States, blind readers will have to wait Our state is not alone. Most states are experiencing a simi- until 2008. In that year, NLS plans to have twenty thousand lar trend. Figure 1 shows the trend in six states in the West and titles in their digital collection and fifty thousand digital play- Midwest that we use when benchmarking our program. We are ers ready for initial distribution.2 A similar number of players all heading toward participation of only 10 percent or less of will be produced in subsequent years. There are currently more the eligible users in our states.6 than 400,000 users of talking books nationwide, so some users The national statistics compiled by NLS tell the same story. may have to wait until 2012 or longer to get a player and get In 1996 there were nearly 562,000 users registered for the pro- started with digital talking books.3 In the meantime, they must gram nationwide (talking books readers and Braille readers). be satisfied with the four-track audiocassette system first intro- By 2003 that number had dropped to 459,000. Alarmingly, the duced in 1971. number dropped by 9 percent just between 2001 and 2003.7
The Situation Here Why We Are Losing Why is the most technologically advanced country in the world What is happening here? I believe two things are happening. years behind the rest of the industrialized world in providing For one, our talking book libraries increasingly have competi- digital talking books to blind library users? This question baffles tion. This certainly wasn’t true when talking book libraries and frustrates me, as it does a lot of talking book users. I have began in the 1930s. For decades, we had a monopoly on the had a view of the situation from close up. As state librarian of business. But beginning in the 1990s, the audiobook industry Oregon, I direct our talking book and Braille Services, which has taken off, and audiobooks are a hot item in bookstores and currently serves about six thousand Oregonians. Anyone who public libraries. You can even download them now into an MP3 is blind or has a disability that prevents them from reading player from stores on the Web. I know of one public library in conventional books can qualify for the service. Users can select my state where audiobooks comprise 13 percent of total cir- books from printed or online catalogs, or have our advanced culation, a percentage higher than adult nonfiction books (12 circulation and catalog system select books for them based on percent) or any other category in the collection. Many potential a detailed profile of reading interests. Books are then mailed blind, low-vision, and disabled users of talking books can use a directly to users’ homes and can be sent back in return mail. We public library, or they can have a spouse or caregiver get books provide the labor, the facility, and the circulation and catalog for them. The public librarians I talk to plan to grow their system. NLS provides the cassette and Braille books and the cas- audiobook collections to meet the high demand. sette players. The United States Postal Service provides free post- The popularity of audiobooks has been held back by too age that allows us to mail the books and players to our users. many choices of content (abridged or unabridged) and for- We have been the regional library for Oregon since 1969. mat (cassette, CD, MP3 CD). But the Audiobook Publishers It has been a wonderful and much-needed service. About Association predicts that the industry will soon standardize half of our customers are more than seventy years old. Most on unabridged MP3 CDs and downloadable MP3 audiobooks have only recently lost their vision to age- related conditions like macular degenera- tion. They have been readers and library users all their lives, and they are desper- Percentage of Estimated Eligible Population Served by ate not to lose their access to books. Six Talking Book and Braille Libraries Many have mobility problems that make it impossible for them to easily use a pub- lic library. Talking books are their only option to continue to be active readers and library users. But I fear our program may not survive much beyond 2008. Due to the inability of NLS to deliver a digital talking book in the near future, we may be wit- ness to the end of talking book service.
Losing Customers The program is already losing custom- ers. In my state, we serve about sixty- three hundred customers. This is about two thousand fewer than we served just seven years ago.4 And the situation is even worse, because the number of blind people, in particular the elderly blind, has FIGURE 1
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 7070 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:234:12:23 PMPM within a year or two, when most new cars will come with 1.2 million talking books a year. Five customer service centers MP3-compatible CD players as standard equipment. When the throughout the country handle registration of new patrons, format and content confusion ends, look for the popularity of readers advisory service, and assistance with training and cus- audiobooks in public libraries to soar even higher. tomer support. There is no costly inventory of talking books. The second thing that is happening, I believe, is that The CDs are returned to the production center where they are potential users are turning away from what we have to offer. disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. The packaging The four-track cassette talking book that comes on two to four for the CDs is reused. By the middle of 2004, the Netherlands cassettes and is played on a heavy, bulky machine that looks had fifty-two thousand DAISY-format titles available for users like a thrift store relic from the ’70s is a turnoff for someone to borrow.8 who is newly blind. They will use it if they have no alternative, The NLS’s business plan for its digital Talking Book but they don’t like it. Many younger blind people turned away Program makes no mention of these groundbreaking develop- from cassette talking books a long time ago. I have heard sad ments in other countries.9 They are going in some entirely dif- stories from parents of blind children that their children were ferent directions, and they are not taking advantage of the fact embarrassed to have to use the old cassette machines at school that many other countries have already developed best prac- or in the presence of their peers. tices NLS could emulate, cutting years off their development Because most of our users are at the end of their lives, we time. Unlike libraries in the rest of the world, NLS plans to are losing them all the time. To have a healthy service that will contract for the manufacture of their own playback machines, continue to be supported by our funders (state legislatures, built to their exact specifications and employing a nonstandard local governments, private funders), we must replace the users and expensive flash memory medium for their digital books. who pass on with new users. Right now we are struggling to do A big part of the reason why talking book users in the U. S. that, and the struggle will only intensify in the next few years. must wait until 2008 for the start of the program is so that Imagine trying to convince anyone in 2007 that they should be the cost of flash memory will come down and be affordable (if content to listen to books on a 1970s cassette player. you have purchased flash memory for your digital camera, you know the problem). Besides the high cost of the flash memory medium (as The End of Talking Books? much as $10–$15 per book, as compared to less than $1 for Here is a plausible scenario for how talking books service in the the current cassette medium), there is another problem with United States could end. In the next few years we continue to this approach. Flash memory playback machines will not be fail to attract new patrons to replace the patrons we lose. Most able to play commercial audiobooks on CD. Today’s cassette people under age sixty or so are reluctant to even consider machine will play commercial cassette audiobooks, but in the cassette talking books. We become a service only for a small future our users will be limited to the flash memory books that segment of the elderly population with limited or no mobility. NLS produces. What happens when we are serving less than 10 percent of the In their business plan, NLS is harshly critical of the CD eligible population? That’s when sharp-penciled budget ana- technology the rest of the world has adopted, claiming that it lysts working for governors and state legislatures will say this is is “easily rendered unusable by handling” and that “the play- a dying program, and one that is no longer worth the expensive back machines would have low reliability because they contain labor, technology, and space that is devoted to it. “Let the pub- electro-mechanical parts built to fine tolerances and are very lic libraries do this” is what we will begin to hear. shock-sensitive.”10 My state library has purchased the Victor But of course public libraries are not all able to do what Classic DAISY book player manufactured by VisuAide, a we do. Most public libraries do not have the staff and budget Canadian company that provides machines used in Canada and to send audiobooks to patrons’ homes in the mail, particularly other countries. We have found it to have none of the problems when they would have to pay the postage costs both ways alleged by NLS. We can toss the player up the in air and catch (mailing commercial audiobooks doesn’t qualify as “free mat- it and we can’t even get it to skip. VisuAide tells us that their ter for the blind”). They will not be able to afford to loan free player is designed to be dropped repeatedly on the floor from audiobook players. They will not have the specialized circula- three feet and not be damaged. They do say that the long-term tion systems we have that allow us to select books to lend to durability of CDs is problematic (as most librarians with circu- patrons based on a profile of their reading preferences and to lating CD collections already know), but the Netherlands has keep track of what patrons have already read. Some public solved this problem by burning cheap CD-Rs that are dispos- libraries may be willing and able to do what it takes to replicate able. Canada may begin to do the same. the quality of service we have provided for decades, but most will not. So depending on where they happen to live, a blind Can’t Wait for 2008 person will either get decent library service or not. This would be a tragedy, but this may be where we are headed. Blind talking-book users in the United States can’t wait until 2008 for digital talking books. Our programs may not survive legislators who are hungry to “prioritize” programs and take How to Turn Things Around the axe to “nonessential” services. We need a great digital For us to avoid this outcome for users of talking books, what talking book product, and we need it now. We need it so that we need to do is simple. NLS needs to look to the rest of the instead of losing customers, we can begin to sign up the lead- world, where national libraries for the blind have already begun ing edge of the baby boomers, some of whom will need talking successful digital Talking Book Programs. The Netherlands is books. The future of talking books depends on our ability to already there, with all of its users using digital talking books get a new digital product to all of the users who will want it, produced in a sophisticated production facility that burns by the end of 2006 at the latest, so our programs can begin to CDs on demand and uses robotics to produce and distribute grow again.
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 7171 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:244:12:24 PMPM It is notable that the 2004 Francis Joseph Campbell to the basement speaker so that I could hear the recording. I Award awarded by ASCLA for outstanding library service to missed a few words at the beginning of each side of the record, people with visual or physical disabilities was awarded to the but I got the reading done anyway. This method of reading was Canadian National Institute for the Blind for their digital talk- a part of the development of my lifelong love of books, and the ing books program that was launched in 2003. On their Web love of books has helped me to succeed in school and beyond. site it is clear what their motivation has been to get their pro- By the end of the 1960s, the technology to produce cas- gram up and running. They state it very plainly: “The Library sette recordings had been developed. Talking books on cas- must convert to digital if it is to survive.” They are correct, and sette were much more portable. NLS sent me a survey to ask it is time we in the United States feel the same sense of urgency, me if I wanted my books on record or on cassette tape. I was and act on it. flattered that my government would want my opinion. I said I wanted cassettes. My mail carrier no longer brings the boxes with the twelve- NLS’s Talking Book Program: inch discs, but the talking books still come. Today they are recordings on four-track cassette tapes. I still look forward to Observations of a Lifetime Reader the little boxes that carry the cassettes that comprise the books that open the world of knowledge, adventure, and exploration to me. I keep a tape recorder in my briefcase, and I read wher- Marc Maurer ever I go. The stimulation of a good book is as much a pleasure President, National Federation of the Blind, Attorney, and for me today as it was at the school for the blind more than Executive, Baltimore, Md., [email protected] forty years ago, when I would sneak out of my room at night to go to the talking book listening room. I was not permitted I first learned about talking books in 1957 when I enrolled in to be out of bed, and sometimes I got caught, but the books first grade at the school for the blind in Iowa. I was not permit- were worth it. ted to touch them; first graders were thought not to have suf- Some people believe that NLS’s Talking Book Program will ficient judgment to handle such treasured items. Of course, this eventually disappear because it will no longer be needed. I don’t thought process was not unusual; I was frequently not permit- think this is likely, and I would certainly mourn the loss of the ted to touch the things adults thought might be breakable, but beautifully recorded books. New technology (we are sometimes I wanted very much to know about the books. Sometimes the told) will make literature available in alternate forms to any- teacher would play part of a talking book for us during class, body who wants it, including the blind. Some have even argued and I was fascinated with the stories. that compact discs should be adopted for talking books and By 1960, my parents signed me up for library service from that cassettes should be abandoned. The next generation of the the library for the blind that had just been established in Iowa. talking book is currently under discussion, and an enormous This meant that I could, with the help of my parents, select amount of planning is required to ensure that new technology books that I would like to read from the catalogs that arrived is incorporated into the program without losing the value that in the mail. Every so often our mail carrier would bring two or has always been a part of it. three boxes of records—big, flat, twelve-inch discs with a hole Digitized talking books will one day become available, and in the middle. I put these discs on our record player and gently I suspect they will arrive within the next few years. However, set the tone arm on the edge of the record. A needle mounted certain principles must be maintained if the Talking Book in the tone arm picked up the vibrations in the grooves of the Program is to continue providing the stimulation, education, record and transmitted them to the speaker. Our record player and pleasure that it has to this point. The books must be easy was in the living room of our house, and I was permitted to use to understand, easy to use, portable, readily available, and not it as long as my playing of the talking books did not interfere so expensive that the cost is a limitation on what we can read. with other activities of the family such as television watching. A good many blind people want to speed their listening, so The first book I received was titled White Falcon. It was about the Talking Book Program must make it practical for digitized a white child who had been kidnapped by Indians and raised books to be read at faster than the recorded rate. as one of them. He adopted Indian ways and eventually became A number of digitized book production systems use a com- one of their champions and even their chief. The book was a puter-generated voice rather than the human recorded voice. celebration of the culture of the American Indian, and I listened Although computer-generated voice systems are better than to it a dozen times. they used to be, they cannot compete with a book read com- Not everybody in my family was as interested in listening petently by a human reader. I do not want to lose the beauty to talking books as I was. Sometimes I wanted to read while and the comprehensibility of the recordings that are part of the other family members were watching television or pursuing Library of Congress program. other activities in the living room. However, my father had Undoubtedly, as computer systems become more effective rigged up a speaker in our basement so that he could listen to and as computer memory becomes more available, the digi- music being played on our record player while he was doing tized presentation of voice-recorded books will be more easily woodworking projects. The speakers in our basement and our adopted in the talking book system. However, until the charac- living room produced sound at the same volume. If other mem- teristics of the Talking Book Program that we presently know bers of my family were watching television, I was prohibited can be readily reproduced with the digitized recording system, from turning up the sound on the record player. So I adopted it should not be put into place. NLS has done an extraordinary the scheme of turning the record player to a very low volume. I job of making reading material available to the blind, and I would put one of the twelve-inch discs on the machine, set the urge it to keep on doing the work it has done so well. I do want tone arm on the edge of the record, race down to the basement, digitized books when the technology has developed sufficiently and stretch out on my father’s workbench with my ear next to make them readily producible. But above all, I want books
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 7272 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:244:12:24 PMPM that are of high quality, produced to the standard for which depends on television, where he can change the channel, turn it NLS is so well-known. off, or simply walk away, or on various companions who select articles to read to him from the paper or news magazines. In the past year, his use of talking books has diminished to the point where I doubt that he will fill a page with names of High Marks, but Changing Needs the books he has read. Part of the reason is a decrease in his memory and attention span, but part of the reason, I am sure, is technological. Our family is trying to get him interested in Susanne Bjorner and able to use a personal CD player instead. Music CDs keep Principal Consultant, Bjorner & Associates, Indianapolis; him interested and engaged for an hour at a time, but even a [email protected] small and simple machine can be confusing to someone who learns what it is only through feel, and whose history with digi- I interviewed my father, Robert Nicklet, on the occasion of tal technology never even included floppy disks. Since he can his eighty-fifth birthday. He has used the NLS Talking Book still distinguish strong colors, we have color-coded the loading Program since the summer of 1990, when he became legally latch and the on/off button, and we have taught him how to blind through chronic severe myopia and what was then diag- recognize the top and bottom of the CD, but the all-important nosed as wet macular degeneration. The first book he read in skip button, which could give him a little more control in non- the program was Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns, which sequential access, currently only gets in the way and confuses I (his daughter and a librarian) was reading in print form him if he hits it accidentally instead of the on/off. and recommended to him. He quickly went on to The French But even with a CD player, my father is not giving up on Lieutenant’s Woman by John Fowles, Jack London’s Call of talking books. When the cable TV remote goes haywire and the Wild, Gambit by Rex Stout, and Pierre de Beaumarchais’s he can’t find a channel, he goes back to his current book. In The Barber of Seville/Marriage of Figaro. Over the years, he an interview, he expressed deep gratitude for the thousands of had books delivered to his home in Florida and then in Ohio. hours he has spent over fifteen years with a wide variety of He also received door-to-door vacation coverage for extended literature, which would have been impossible without the pro- periods in Connecticut and New Hampshire. Some years ago, I gram. He has high regard for the individual librarians who have discovered he was keeping a running list of all the titles he read. selected and sent items to him, and who “never have pressured” That list now covers sixteen pages and more than four hundred him to get the books back within a certain period of time. titles. The first entries show only titles, but Kurt Vonnegut’s And what, for a gentleman who worked in accounting and God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater induced him to start adding tax preparation for much of his life, is the return on invest- comments, sometimes cryptic. In 1997 he began to routinely ment of tax dollars in this national program? “One hundred rate each title as one, one-minus, two, or one-plus, and in mid- percent—no doubt about that!” 1999 he switched to an A–B rating scale. Nothing ever got less than a B-minus. My father became a great advocate of the service. He car- Access ries his “book” with him whenever he goes on a car trip and may often be seen waiting patiently at a shopping mall with his earphones on and a smile on his face. When interviewed about Barry Levine his personal experience with NLS, he stressed his appreciation Co-owner of Functional Therapy and Rehabilitation, Homer for the system that enabled him to enrich his life with books Glen, Ill; Chair of the Illinois Talking Book and Braille Service despite severe loss of sight. He acknowledged that he some- Advisory Committee; and President of the Board of Library times has to wind the tape back and forward when he falls Users of America (an affiliate of the American Council of the asleep and misses something. Still, he is comfortable with the Blind); [email protected] mechanics and can usually correct any problems that come up in playing the tapes. I have no quarrel with NLS. It provides an extremely valu- As pleased and grateful as he is for the program, he has able service for tens of thousands of print-impaired people. I remarked that there are some drawbacks to the technology of have used it myself for more than twenty years. All the same, the tapes and player. Occasionally, the tapes are weak due to current NLS services are becoming less relevant for me. Once worn spots, they get tangled, or wind up in the wrong case. On upon a time, NLS was pretty much the only game in town for long trips, when he listens for hours on end and no charging recreational reading for this country’s print-impaired popula- device is handy, the machine may run out of power. Increasingly, tions. Obviously, this is no longer the case. With commercially the weight and bulk of the machine give him pause, so he says recorded analog books becoming more abundant and with “no” when we ask “Do you have your book?” digital book technologies such as Bookshare.org advancing, my But the foremost drawback is the lack of random access recreational reading desires are met through myriad sources. inherent in tape players. I term this “the inability to browse.” This is by no means meant to denigrate NLS or its regional Those with passable eyesight probably do not fully realize the libraries; it’s merely a statement of fact. amount of information we receive and discard by letting our I am quite aware that, as a relatively savvy blind com- eyes pass over the headlines and images in a newspaper, for puter user, I am one of a very small minority of print-impaired example. Nor do we think about how difficult it is to reproduce people. NLS must play to its chief demographic: those who can- that experience when we must let our ears do the browsing. My not currently access electronic books for recreational reading. father has never become an avid user of the National Federation That is actually the problem for NLS. We, the print-impaired, for the Blind telephone newspaper reading program—he says are not a homogenous group. We cut across all demographics, the menu options are too long and involved. For news, he sociographics, and psychographics.
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 7373 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:244:12:24 PMPM How is NLS going to serve such a diverse population? The tunity to plead with these programs. Please, please be certain short answer is that they cannot. NLS does not have the money that your graduates are trained in the true and robust meanings or the know-how to do so. Furthermore, they are a govern- of such concepts as diversity, access, inclusion, alienation, and ment bureaucracy. I do not mean that in a negative manner. It exclusion. What do these words mean? What do these things is what it is. There are those who have been slinging rocks at have to do with the management of our public libraries? How NLS administration for taking so long to turn the analog opera- do we implement programs and services for diverse populations tion into digital talking books, citing private vendors of digital (including blind and physically handicapped populations)? content as examples of what can and should be done. Well, a How do we get our MLSs to actually embrace the nebulous, little speedboat can turn 180 degrees in the water within feet or but very important, issue of true access? yards. A great ocean liner can require a couple of miles to do so. An attempt to make the turn faster might very well result in the drowning of a lot of people. Digital Talking Books from the No, my quarrel is not with NLS. My argument is with the concept and model. The mere existence of NLS sends the mes- Consumers’ Viewpoint sage to our public, school, academic, and special libraries that the library needs and desires of the blind are being taken care of. They’re being taken care of by someone else—somewhere Christopher Gray else. A print-impaired individual walking into his or her public President, American Council of the Blind, San Francisco; library is given the implicit (if not explicit) message that “you [email protected] don’t belong here.” “This was not built for you.” “If you’ll just sit down there for a moment, I’ll get you a phone number you I was five years old when I received my first talking book can call.” The libraries of this country, particularly the public from the Library of Congress. It came on several twelve-inch 1 libraries, have not stepped up to the task of serving a print- phonograph records, recorded at 33 /3 RPM. I was too young impaired population. In fact, the public library still remains a to have learned to read the Braille labeling on the discs, but hostile environment to blind people. Most public libraries and not so young that I could not enjoy the A. A. Milne poetry librarians are vaguely aware that something called access is an and Beatrix Potter stories contained on those records. Through issue. Most remain sadly unaware of exactly what that means. my childhood and adolescence, the Talking Book Program Someone spends a couple thousand dollars to install an acces- almost certainly had the most profound effect on my life of sible workstation, gets a feel-good story in the local newspaper, any single source of influence outside of my immediate family and walks away from that workstation feeling that the job is and upbringing. From Potter and Milne, I progressed through done, that access needs have been met. Well, access needs have Beverly Cleary’s Henry and Ramona, Oliver Butterworth’s The not been met. Not by a long shot. Furthermore, NLS is not Enormous Egg, Edward Eager’s Half Magic, and later to Mark going to meet many of those needs and desires. Twain, E. B. White, and Gordon Parks. Nowhere else could Again, this is not meant as a denigration of NLS, or its I have discovered the rich array of literary, educational, and regional libraries. I am from Illinois. This is a great library recreational reading material that would lead me to a minor state. Print-impaired library patrons in Illinois have some won- in English literature from the state university and a lifelong derful people working for them. This begins at the top, with involvement in literature with authors including William Jean Wilkins, director of the Illinois State Library. Jean looks Vollmann, Wallace Stegner, Spalding Gray, Richard Yates, and upon blind Illinois library patrons as just that—Illinois library so many more. patrons. This attitude is furthered by Sharon Ruda, director No less was my life shaped in the nonfiction arena, grow- of the Illinois Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS). The ing up with Bruce Catton’s Civil War, William Manchester’s leadership of these two women has allowed for such worker Presidents, and the insightful historic genius of Barbara bees as Lori Bell (Mid-Illinois TBBS) and Diana Sussman Tuchman, who, incidentally, became a beneficiary of the (Southern Illinois TBBS) to flourish in their creativity and mis- Talking Book Program herself later in life. The fact that what I sion of bringing robust library service to print-impaired people describe here might be similarly described, albeit with different in Illinois and beyond. But their work is being done, cloistered authors and different books, through the voices of approxi- from the mainstream—our public libraries. mately 500,000 other American citizens, pays a most eloquent For example, in this day and age of virtual reference, tribute to the NLS program, which is based on representative why should there be a special program for blind and visually literary, historical, and recreational excellence presented by impaired people? There needs to be a special program because professional readers. the engineers and vendors of virtual reference software have During these years of reading, the Library of Congress not made their products accessible by those who use alterna- has progressed through many transitions in its service delivery 1 tive screen access software. Those public libraries currently system. From those original 33 /3 records, readers transitioned 2 providing virtual reference services for their patrons have, in to 10-inch, 16 /3 RPM disks, and still later speeds decreased 1 a word, failed in their mission of access. What, if anything, is to 8 /3 RPM. Later still, disks changed from hard to a flexible anyone doing about this? I am willing to bet that most libraries plastic media. Additionally, in the early to late 1970s, the pro- involved in a virtual reference service are completely unaware gram made greater use of cassettes in order to deliver books of this problem, much less pursuing a solution. This is but one more portably and at less cost. The physically handicapped example. NLS is fine for recreational reading—for some peo- who could not read standard printed material joined the ranks ple. However, there is much more to the industry and concept of blind readers, adding strength and stability to the program of library than a book-on-tape or a book-on-flash. along with content and quality to the selection lists. My real argument is with the graduate programs in library The means of processing sound has also been improved over and information sciences in this country. I will take this oppor- the years. First, digital processing of speech on cassettes was
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 7474 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:244:12:24 PMPM introduced in order to allow readers to speed up or slow down believes strongly in enabling all blind people, regardless of their recorded speech with no change in the sound of the voice itself. particular ability in manual dexterity or their understanding of Today, a test group receives weekly and monthly magazines from the more complex media of today. There is general consensus NLS, sent digitally over the Internet, that can then be played on within the council that while waiting until 2008 is a frustration, a person’s local computer. As a participant in this pilot project, and while we wish a transition could move more quickly, it is I feel it is important to share that the many issues and questions far better to organize and execute an orderly transition that raised during this pilot have been surprising in their complexity, truly works within the whole community of blind and physi- and truly are paving the way to a functional and durable pro- cally handicapped readers than it is to rush toward a solution gram of magazine and book delivery in the future. that will be outmoded before it really arrives. These many transitions have come with attendant degrees We do not believe that a decrease in talking book reader- of concern and fear by and for future recipients. The transi- ship stems from the slowness of transition by the Library of tion from phonograph discs to cassettes was roundly criticized Congress to digital media. It is far more likely that the sheer by many as occurring too fast and as being unnecessary and degree of availability of reading material in bookstores and ill-conceived. A small group of consumers expressed concern through catalogs creates an environment in which people about the use of flexible discs, even though this newer technol- losing their vision do not so quickly gravitate to the Talking ogy represented a clear trade-off between durability and quality Book Program. as balanced against faster and less expensive delivery of more All of this is not to say that the American Council of the books into the hands of more readers. Blind has not taken issue or raised concerns regarding the tran- As with these previous changes, grave concern of a new sition to a digital medium or will not do so between now and sort is coming into focus as the Library of Congress endeavors 2008. We are concerned that ways be found to meet the needs to move toward the providing of recorded books in a digital of technically apt users along with the nontechnical. We are format. Many feel the transition is too slow, and that our library inclined to believe that the Library of Congress should consider system is being upstaged by other lesser services located else- a more aggressive offering of books to users who are willing, in where in the world. Others fear they are, or soon will be, less the short term, to supply their own digital reading equipment. able to receive as many books as the blind already receive in Some concerns have been raised already, and others certainly other countries where digital books exist. Many more fear they will be raised in the advisory structure that the Library of will be unable to use the newer technology, and that the digital Congress has set up to guide this vital transition from plans on transition will deprive them of the ability to read at all. Though paper to the placing of digital material in readers’ hands. seemingly contradictory, all of these concerns have merit, and The basic point in all of this is to create, foster, and finally each must be meaningfully considered and taken into account enhance the ability of people to read, who are otherwise not during a transition period. In a library program, comprising able to do so. In my view and in the view of the American roughly half a million patrons, this is only to be expected. Council of the Blind, this is precisely what NLS is doing. In addition to my personal experiences and observations, I Along with other organizations of and for the blind, and along currently have the honor of serving as president of a consumer with representatives from within the network of cooperating organization of blind people known as the American Council of libraries that serve blind and physically handicapped readers, the Blind. Through this organization, we are in direct contact we have been asked and enabled to participate meaningfully with tens of thousands of blind Americans, the vast majority of in the planning process that will make digital talking books a whom are recipients of talking book services. This is one of the reality in the United States. We look forward to that day with most-loved programs of service within the blind community, optimism and anticipation. We must cooperate to secure the and a frequent topic of conversation among our membership. financing and national support necessary to create this new The range of ability within our membership and through- program. By doing so and by taking into account the needs of out the Talking Book Program community is notable. Some all readers, the blind and visually impaired of the upcoming of us buy audio books at the store or from audible.com, own decades will best be served. I conclude by inviting the broader MP3 players, and participate as readers far beyond the scope community of librarians and other professionals in this field to of the NLS Talking Book Program. Other members have real join with us in making this a reality, and working to ensure that difficulty navigating the multitracked cassette tape or easily get all our population, disabled and non-disabled, have the great- lost or confused just moving back and forth within a cassette est opportunity possible to enjoy life and literacy through the tape. Diabetics and those who have had strokes or other brain printed word, undoubtedly one of life’s greatest gifts. malfunctions, such as Parkinson’s disease, often struggle with the task of inserting or removing a cassette from a machine. There’s nothing novel about this. How many of us have Conclusion been defeated trying to show an older relative how to run a VCR or DVD player? How many of us have had a particularly The world of the blind in America is separate and unequal. complex feature on one of these machines elude our mental One of my all-time favorite books is Of Such Small Differences grasp? LCD displays can be hard for anybody to read; they’re by Joanne Greenberg, a book about a deaf-blind man and his impossible for blind users. Small buttons that were annoying at struggles with loving and life. That book helped bridge my age twenty become difficult or impossible to use at eighty. It is understanding but could never bring about total empathy and for reasons such as these that specialized equipment is needed understanding. In preparing this column, I talked with some for the Talking Book Program. of the authors of these essays; these conversations led me to a Whatever solution is found in bringing digital talking somewhat deeper appreciation for diversity as well as the com- books to the blind and physically handicapped must be a solu- mon elements of our humanity. I venture to say that most pub- tion that can be applied across this broad range of user capac- lic librarians and public library trustees do not think often, if ity. The community within the American Council of the Blind ever, about the blind members of their community. I hope that
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 7575 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:254:12:25 PMPM the essays in this column will result in heightened awareness, EDITOR’S NOTE better communication, and better services. ■ continued from page 64
staff relations. Perhaps one day there will be irrefutable proof Hampton (Skip) Auld is Assistant Director, Chesterfield County Public Library, 9501 Lori that positive thought leads directly to positive change. (There Rd., Chesterfield VA 23832-0297, (804)748-1767; is already some preliminary data to suggest that meditation [email protected]. He is currently reading and prayer can affect the health of others or reduce crime in The Leader’s Companion: Insights on Leadership cities.) But even if we do not take these principles of quantum through the Ages edited by Thomas Wren and The physics seriously, we may be able to apply some of its theories Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. to make our jobs better and our lives happier. What the Bleep Nann Blaine Hilyard is Director, Zion-Benton Do We Know?! attempts to address the big questions . . . just Public Library, 2400 Gabriel Ave., Zion IL 60099; like librarians. ■ [email protected]. She is currently reading The Gothic Enterprise: A Guide to Understanding the Medieval Cathedral by Robert A. Scott and Inside the Victorian Home: A Portrait of Domestic Life in Victorian England by Judith Flanders.
References and Notes Written August 2004. Contact Renée Vaillancourt McGrath, Features 1. Canadian National Institute for the Blind, The CNIB Digital Li- brary Homepage. Accessed Feb. 18, 2005, http://webcluster.cnib. Editor, at 39 Stevi Cutoff Rd. W., Ste. C, Stevensville, MT 59870; ca/Public/home.aspx. [email protected]. Renée is currently reading Transitions: 2. National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Making Sense of Life’s Changes by William Bridges and Tails by Current Strategic Business Plan for the Implementation of Digital Matthew Van Fleet. Systems (Washington, D.C.: Library of Congress, 2003), 2. 3. National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handi- capped, Library Resources for the Blind and Physically Handi- capped 2004 (Washington D.C.: Library of Congress, 2004), 72. References 4. Ibid., 63. 5. Analysis by the author using annual individual readership statis- 1. Captured Light Industries Presents a Lord of the Wind film, What tics published annually by NLS in Library Resources for the Blind the Bleep Do We Know!?—The Movie, synopsis. Accessed Dec. and Physically Handicapped. Eligible populations is estimated 14, 2004, www.whatthebleep.com/synopsis. as 0.6 percent of age 0–19, 0.5 percent of 20–44, 1.6 percent of 2. Captured Light Industries Presents a Lord of the Wind film, What 45–64, and 5.5 percent of age 65 and older. the Bleep Do We Know!?—The Movie, water crystals. Accessed 6. NLS, Library Resources for the Blind. Dec. 16, 2004, http://whatthebleep.com/crystals. 7. Ibid. 3. Ibid. 8. Daisy Consortium, “FNB Launches Nationwide DAISY Ser- 4. Captured Light Industries Presents a Lord of the Wind film, What vices.” Accessed Feb. 18, 2005, www.daisy.org/news/news_detail. the Bleep Do We Know!?—The Movie, I Create My Day. Accessed asp?newsid=129 Jan. 12, 2005, http://whatthebleep.com/create. 9. NLS, Current Strategic Business Plan. 5. Adams, Scott The Dilbert Future: Thriving on Stupidity in the 10. Ibid., 9. 21st Century (New York: HarperCollins, 1997), 225–53.
Get Ready for the New ISBN! The new thirteen-digit ISBN has been approved and plans system function, not a user function. Whether library system are underway to transition to the new number industry-wide, databases convert the legacy ISBNs in their indexes to thir- worldwide by January 1, 2007. teen digits or not, to provide successful searching they will Data processing systems in the book distribution and have to be able to retrieve the ISBN using either its ten- or supply chain will convert to carry thirteen-digit ISBNs for all thirteen-digit format. items in their catalogs by 2007. Because customers, including To date, library vendors have not announced their plans libraries, will have books or bibliographic records that carry for meeting the 2007 conversion deadline for input, valida- only the original ten-digit ISBN, it is anticipated that for the tion, and searching on thirteen-digit ISBNs. In the meanwhile, foreseeable future these systems will need to accept queries records will be issued by the Library of Congress, and the with either ten- or thirteen-digit ISBNs for older materials. British Library with both thirteen-digit and ten-digit ISBNs Library systems will also face the problem of potentially in the 020 (ISBN) field, qualified respectively as ISBN-13 and having a database with ISBNs of different lengths. A librar- ISBN-10. ian with a book in hand with a ten-digit ISBN will not know For further information, visit the U.S. ISBN Agency Web if the database record has a ten- or thirteen-digit number. site at www.isbn.org and click on “Transition to 13-digit ISBN” Because the conversion of the ten-digit ISBN to thirteen dig- or visit the National Information Standards Organization at its requires a re-calculation of the check digit, this must be a www.niso.org and click on “Get Ready for the New ISBN.”
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 7676 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:254:12:25 PMPM Book Talk provides authors’ perspectives on libraries, books, technology, and information.
is, I was pretty good at sifting through a mountain of facts and choosing the interesting ones. I also enjoyed the perspective- enlargement that came from spending time with people unlike myself; it was a form of psychological travel. So during the ten years I spent as a staff writer at Life magazine, I wrote as much Your Books Are as I could about people whose lives differed from mine. The experience of reporting The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down began in that vein, though by the time I was finished I Safe with Me knew all the people in it so well that their “otherness” had long since evaporated. I became an essayist by default, too. When I was forty, I was An Interview with Anne Fadiman confined to bed during most of a problem pregnancy, and since my universe was the size of a double mattress and reportage had (temporarily) stopped, essays were the only option I could think of. Personal essays, since I couldn’t go to the library to Brendan Dowling do research, and my main subject had to be available around the clock. Those essays became Ex Libris, a collection of first- person pieces on book and language. The essayistic path, like nne Fadiman has long been a respected reporter and essay- my path toward nonfiction, turned out to be serendipitous. I Aist, with her work appearing in The New Yorker, Harper’s, discovered I loved the essay as a genre, and that love colored not and The New York Times. Her first book, The Spirit Catches only my writing but the kind of thing I chose to publish when I You and You Fall Down, detailed the medical care given to a became editor of The American Scholar a few years later. Hmong girl named Lia Lee, suffering from epilepsy. Her care- ful recounting of the subsequent cultural collision between the PL: You’ve written on a wide range of topics. How do you girl’s family and her American doctors garnered Fadiman a select subjects for your articles? National Book Critics Circle Award. Her most recent book, Ex- Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader, examined the facets AF: Sometimes I think they select me. The subject of The Spirit of her lifelong relationship with books. She was the editor of Catches You and You Fall Down came to me entirely by acci- The American Scholar for many years, and recently accepted a dent, for instance. I was talking on the phone with an old college position as The Francis Writer in Residence at Yale. friend who had become a doctor; he worked at a county hospital in Merced, California, that had recently had an influx of Hmong PL: What attracts you to nonfiction writing, specifically the patients, refugees from the Laos theater of the Vietnam War. I article and the essay? What made you want to become a thought that if I could find a case of crosscultural conflict at my reporter? friend’s hospital, it might make an interesting magazine article. I had no idea when I went out to Merced that it would become a AF: I became a nonfiction writer by default. When I was a book project on which I’d spend the next eight years. teenager, I considered poetry and fiction far more exalted; The essays I wrote for The American Scholar between 1998 nonfiction was an ignoble genre to which “true” writers—the and 2004 were simply on topics that I liked to think about and sort who lived in garrets in Paris and were visited by the most talk about and wanted to learn more about. I’ve always been superior sort of muse—never stooped. Unfortunately, I realized excessively fond of ice cream, so I thought it would be fun to by the time I graduated from high school, with any number of spend a few weeks reading about the history and chemistry of terrible sonnets behind me, that I was not destined to be a poet. ice cream. (Also, I got to eat an awful lot of Häagen-Dazs dur- Shortly after that, a couple of college fiction classes taught me ing that period and call it “research.”) Two of my favorite writ- that I had no talent whatsoever for making things up. I was ers are Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Charles Lamb, so I wrote stuck with reality. an essay on each of them: in similar fashion, I had an excuse to Fortunately, at about the time this sad realization was commune in a leisurely fashion with a couple of men I’d always hitting home, I was also realizing that my favorite genre to want to spend more time with and call it “work.” Sometimes read was nonfiction. I remember reading John McPhee’s an event in my own life becomes the germ of an essay. In 2000, “Encounters with the Archdruid” as it came out, part by part, after my family moved from New York City to rural western in The New Yorker during my freshman year at Harvard and Massachusetts, I wrote an essay on moving: our own move, and feeling absolutely glued to the page—more than glued, riveted. the theme of moving in literature. Packing 347 boxes (that’s Bolted. Soldered. Welded. You could no more have pried me the real number; I kept the moving company’s invoice) was so from David Brower’s raft trip down the Colorado River than miserable that I figured I might as well get something out of it, you could have pried me from The Lord of the Rings five years a sort of lemons-into-lemonade proposition. earlier, when fantasy still trumped reality. So I started out with reportage, and found that it suited PL: You have worked as both an author and an editor. Has me perfectly. I wasn’t inventive, but I was discriminating. That working in one field informed your work in the other?
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 7777 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:264:12:26 PMPM AF: Although most authors aren’t edi- The doctors’ motivation for help- tors and many editors aren’t authors, ing me with the book was the hope it’s hard for me to imagine doing that some good might come out of a one without the other. Editing other case that had ended horribly. Their people’s prose for The American altruism was so strong that they Scholar made me a better writer frequently pointed out actions they myself. Editing makes you minutely regretted having made, in the hope conscious of style; it also makes you that by writing about them I might impatient with wordiness and redun- encourage other doctors to deal bet- dancy. Conversely, I think that having ter with patients from other cultures. spent most of my professional life as They didn’t assess the book the way a writer made me a better editor. I reporters expect their subjects to—to could intuit more easily what writ- see if they came off well. Their cri- ers were trying to get at, even if they teria were: is it accurate? Is it likely hadn’t quite said it, and I found it to do some good? I was very happy easy to deal with them gently because that they felt the book succeeded on I knew, from the writer’s perspective, both those counts. Neil and Peggy how painful harsh editing could be. are remarkable people (as well as But there’s a third occupation that’s very good physicians). How many been equally important: reading. Even doctors do you know who would be though I’ve never been able to parlay Anne Fadiman so unselfish? reading into a paying job—that would It would have been impossible to be a neat trick—I’ve always felt that get feedback from the three members both my livelihoods, as writer and editor, depended directly on of the Lee family on whom the book primarily focused. Lia my identity as a reader. has been in a vegetative state since before I met her, and her parents, Nao Kao Lee (who died a year ago) and Foua Yang, PL: A big theme that runs through The Spirit Catches You and were unable to read the book since they spoke no English You Fall Down is that of “fish soup,” where you trace how a and couldn’t read. (Of course I gave them copies anyway, and seemingly unrelated event can affect a decision made in the Foua thanked me movingly for telling her daughter’s story present day. Was this a philosophy you subscribed to before to American readers.) Lia’s eight siblings, all of whom speak you met people from Merced’s Hmong community? English and have read the book, are individuals and don’t have a unanimous opinion (beyond considering me a sort of honor- AF: What a good question! No, not at all. I’d always been a ary family member who will always be in their lives). One of strictly linear thinker, Western and rational right down the them once told me that it was difficult to read the book because line; a splitter, not a lumper. But the kind of thinking I ran it brought up so many painful memories, but that she was glad into when I was reporting Spirit emphasized interconnections her sister’s story had been told so “truly”; another told me that rather than distinctions, and that was a revelation. I don’t she feels uncomfortable when people ask if she is Lia’s sister, think I changed essentially, but I became far more respectful and act as if they know or own aspects of her family (not of and interested in modes of problem-solving that I didn’t use negative ones, just intimate ones) that she feels are private. I myself, and I had to admit that in some situations they worked would likely feel the same if I were her. None of us could have better than my modes. predicted that the book would be widely read, and being thrust The fish soup concept—which I’d define as a style of sto- into the public eye has definite downsides. rytelling common in Hmong folktales, in which a seemingly heterogeneous mix of elements turns out to be connected by PL: You’ve just begun as the Francis Writer-in-Residence at common threads—also had a major influence on the structure Yale. What do you hope your students will come away with of Spirit (for instance, my decision to alternate chapters that after taking your class? Is there anything you will stress that followed the central plot line with chapters that provided his- you wish you had learned in college? torical and cultural background). AF: The class I’m currently teaching is called “Writing about PL: You present both sides of Lia Lee’s case very fairly, show- Oneself”; it’s on reading and writing first-person nonfiction. ing equally how each side succeeded and failed. Have you I hope my students will learn to read more sensitively, and to received any feedback, either from doctors or the Lee family, write with a bit less self-consciousness and a bit more skill. (By about how they were portrayed? “skill” I mean everything from designing a shapely structure for a personal essay to avoiding dangling modifiers.) They’re a AF: It wasn’t hard to be fair or balanced. I was very fortunate wonderful group of young writers, so I may not be able to help to have chosen a medical case in which the major figures on them much beyond fanning flames that others have already lit. both sides—the patient’s family and her primary physicians—- To answer your second question: my reading list includes both a were admirable, eloquent, intelligent, generous, and well- motley mix of works —old and new, literary and popular—and intentioned. Had I felt that anyone wasn’t well-intentioned, I thereby attempts to tear down some of the walls between bai- certainly would have said it. liwicks that existed in my own college English courses, which I’ve been lucky to remain close friends with both the were strictly segregated by country, period, genre, and topic. doctors (Neil Ernst and Peggy Philp and the Lee family. I see That makes me think of your earlier question about fish soup. them regularly and keep in touch by e-mail between visits. Maybe it affected my thinking more than I realized!
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 7878 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:264:12:26 PMPM PL: In your essay “Recommended Reading,” you lament the Today I use libraries for research, of course, though I buy lack of a “Books about Books” section in new bookstores. To my most important sources (usally secondhand) because I what do you attribute this absence? have a well-known predilection for marking things up. Library books are perfect in every way but one: you can’t write in them. AF: “Recommended Reading” isn’t really an essay; it’s a note And my pencil is hard to restrain. But librarians needn’t worry to readers at the end of Ex Libris in lieu of a bibliography that if they see me approaching their sacred precincts. I know my tells them where I found some of the information in the book manners, and your books are safe with me. ■ and what books they might, as bibliophiles, enjoy themselves. At that time, secondhand bookstores often had Books about Brendan Dowling interviewed Anne Fadiman by e-mail on Jan. 17, Books sections, but few new bookstores did. The reason 2005. If you have any suggestions of authors you would like to see was clear: more people wrote about books—reading them, featured in Book Talk, contact the contributing editors: Kathleen collecting them, organizing them—a half-century or century Hughes is Managing Editor of Public Libraries, and Brendan ago than they did in 1998, when Ex Libris came out, so it Dowling is the Editorial Assistant. Both can be reached at the was a rich subject for out-of-print books but one too thinly Public Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; represented by recently published books to warrant a section [email protected], [email protected]. Kathleen is currently read- of its own. ing USA Trilogy by John Dos Passos. Brendan is currently reading I’m happy to say that during the last seven years, that has Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem. changed quite a bit. A number of books about books have been published, and I’ve seen them grouped together in several new bookstores, usually next to the Writing section (the shelf with Strunk and White, and so on). I attribute this change mostly to the rise of book groups, which have brought many read- Yo, Fresno County Library Raps! ers—people who not only read books but are interested in the act of reading itself—out of the closet. Fresno County (Calif.) Public Library assistant Beverly Henson, who supervises the Piedra Branch, wrote this library PL: What are you currently working on? rap song in honor of a recent systemwide open house. The song was performed by a teen patron and an eighty-year-old AF: Speaking of books about books, I just finished editing singer from a local community band who provided musical Rereadings, a collection of essays by seventeen distinguished accompaniment. writers that originally ran in the “Rereading” department of The American Scholar. Each writer chose a book he or she had originally read before age 25 and reread it to see what had Library Open House Rap become of the old magic. In some cases the love affair was still Welcome all who came today, as hot as ever; in others, flaws that had been invisible in the We’ve got some things we’d like to say first, ecstatic reading were visible in the later, more reasoned Regarding our library and what is new, one. My introduction is about the act of rereading in general, So here we go, this is for you! and on my own particular experience rereading a C. S. Lewis We have books of ABCs and 123s, book to my eight-year-old son and realizing how racist and sex- Public PCs and cool CDs, ist it was, but realizing, too, that I still loved it. That collection New DVDs and books on tape, will come out next fall. Our library’s a place for a great escape. At the moment I’m devoting most of my time to my class, Come and let your mind flow free, and to my other highly enjoyable responsibilities at Yale, You can even search your family tree. though, of course, ideas for future writing are percolating We have books and tomes, there are all kinds, inside all the time. Just look around and follow the signs. There are reference books PL: You are an exhaustive reader and researcher. What role And books for cooks, has the library played in your life? Where to’s, when to’s, why to’s, and how’s, Even books on how to pamper your cows. AF: A huge one! Especially when I was young. The peak library We have large print books known here as “Big Eye” years were around the fifth grade. We lived in Los Angeles, books, and once a week my mother would take my brother and me Non-fiction books known as “Number” books. to the Santa Monica Public Library and (blessedly) let us take We have kiddie books and books for teens out anything we wanted. Nothing was too grownup, too outré, And several books on how to plant beans. too “inappropriate;” if it looked interesting, it was ours to take We have magazines and books of maps home. We could check out ten books. To this day I remember And comfy chairs in which to take naps. the feel of those wonderful library bindings, nubbly yet shiny; There are “Who Dunnit” books and “Lovely-Dovey’s” any book bound that way seemed more interesting than a book too, from a bookstore. I’d start reading in the car on the way home Just look around and see what’s new. and resume as soon as I walked inside from the garage. If it So come on by was summer vacation and I didn’t have to go to school, I’d And give us a look sometimes finish all ten in a three-day marathon and beg my Chances are mother to return to the library ahead of schedule so I could You’ll take home a book! grab another batch.
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 7979 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:274:12:27 PMPM Internet Spotlight explores Internet and Web topics relevant to librarians in the public library sector. Your input is welcome.
made herself more marketable for future career prospects. It is not too early to start to build up that resume—even while you are in library school. LISJobs is filled with resources that can assist the informa- Library Career tion professional looking for employment, as well as those who have jobs already and would like to improve on their work. Resources First, a professional development e-newsletter (www.lisjobs. com/newsletter/index.htm) is sent out every month filled with articles about topics relevant to practicing information profes- Even for Those Who sionals. While Gordon relays that it is intended for “practicing librarians,” I have always thought that the skills and advice Are Already Employed! given in these articles can also help information professionals who are not currently employed or who are, but are looking for other work. Each issue has a theme, and archives are available back to 2000 (www.lisjobs.com/newsletter/archives.htm). Steven M. Cohen In November 2003, Gordon started a weblog with Sarah Johnson titled Beyond the Job (http://librarycareers.blogspot. com) that provides articles, job-hunting advice, professional t happens at least three times per month. An e-mail or instant development opportunities, and other news and ideas on how Imessage pops up on my screen from a librarian (most of the to further your library career.2 Posts include upcoming confer- time, someone who I have not met before) asking my advice ences (ever-so-important for networking with potential employ- about obtaining employment in our profession. Some of them ers and colleagues), calls for articles for various publications, have recently been laid off from a position, while others are and scholarship updates. Regarding the blog, Gordon states: looking for a job after graduating from library school. Queries include: How do I make myself more marketable? What skills We both believe strongly in the importance of career devel- should I pick up to build into my resume? Should I put my blog opment for information professionals, and there are so in my resume? Are there any jobs out there? many opportunities which we miss if we don’t subscribe to The last question is the most popular. I have a difficult a particular mailing list or happen to see something listed time answering that question as I read numerous reports about on a particular blog. Having one centralized place to access libraries closing due to budget cuts and more librarians compet- these opportunities is, we hope, helpful. 3 ing for fewer available jobs. That said, I usually send librarians LISJobs also has a variety of useful resources for job post- to the Web for assistance. There are two different types of ings, such as a listing of different resources by state (www. resources to utilize when looking for employment—actual job lisjobs.com/states.htm). There is also a list of job postings that placement sites, and articles written by professional librarians is updated fairly regularly (www.lisjobs.com/jobs/index.htm). on the numerous aspects of the career. The jobs are listed in reverse chronological order, and they are The two sites to which I have always referred to fellow searchable. There is also a way to get updated with new posts librarians are www.lisjobs.com and www.liscareer.com. Both directly into aggregation software using the RSS feed on the site have grown exponentially since their inception, finding differ- (www.lisfeeds.com/rssify.php?url=http://www.lisjobs.com/jobs). ent methods of interacting with their audience as well as pro- The nationwide jobs section also features resources for job post- viding written advice for any librarian looking for assistance. ings, such as job banks at library schools and library journals. LISJobs (www.lisjobs.com) is the brain child of Rachel When asked about the most important selling points for Singer Gordon, a librarian from Illinois who is a freelance librarians looking for employment, Gordon replies: writer, speaker, and Web expert. She also works as a part-time librarian. Gordon recounts how she got started. “I started This depends on the type of library, the type of position Lisjobs.com while I was about to graduate library school in and the type of working environment. Some libraries that summer 1996 and was myself looking for a full-time position. are bureaucratic, traditional, or bound by union rules will In one of my courses, we had about three weeks of HTML and be looking for very specific skills sets and educational our final project was to create a page and demonstrate it to the requirements for each position and be unwilling or unable class,” she said. “I chose to create a page of links to job sites, to look outside of that list of qualifications. Others will and knew I had a useful resource when my classmates kept ask- give a higher precedence to a good “fit,” adaptability, or ing me for the list. So, I put it online in August 1996, and it’s technological expertise, especially if technological savvy just grown ever since!”1 and the ability to adapt to change are somewhat lacking in One of the suggestions that Gordon offers is that learning their current staff. The ability to sell ourselves in a variety new skills in order to make yourself more marketable is one of situations is therefore crucial, as is the ability to bring an of the keys to landing a job. Also, by creating a site in library enthusiasm, flexibility, and commitment to lifelong learn- school that she turned into a popular Web resource, she has ing to any position.4
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 8080 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:284:12:28 PMPM LISCareer (www.liscareer.com) was developed by Priscilla ucts well, often by using technological innovations like weblogs Shontz in 2001 as a companion to her book Jump Start Your and original publications. They also want to help librarians Career in Library and Information Science. But it has become, strive to do better in their current positions as well as help as Schontz points out, “a stand-alone online resource that offers those who need positions find employment. Their work should career advice to new librarians and students. It also offers librar- not only be complimented, but celebrated. As I have discussed ians an opportunity to publish.”5 This site is another example in previous columns, these are more examples of librarians of a well-conceived idea that started as one project that snow- helping librarians. What a wonderful profession! balled, and, over time, became something a bit different. In this As library jobs seem to become harder to find (I say this case, what was a site designed to provide resources for librar- based only on my conversations with librarians, not on any ians is now one of the leading sites on library careers. empirical research), librarians can utilize the sites mentioned in There are two parts to this site. First, every month, numer- this column to assist in locating resources for job openings as ous original articles are published on the LISCareer.com site. well as improving the skills needed to increase the chances of The articles are displayed by category, date, author, or country. getting hired. ■ The categories range from career planning (www.liscareer. com/careerplanning.htm) to networking (www.liscareer.com/ networking.htm). Steven M. Cohen is a Librarian with PubSub Concepts in New York. His is also the creator of The second part includes a weblog (http://liscareer.blogspot. librarystuff.net, a weblog dedicated to resources com) written by Shontz and Richard Murray. The weblog pro- for keeping current and professional development. vides “updates about new LIScareer.com articles and website You can reach him at [email protected] enhancements . . . [and] . . . occasional news about books and He is currently reading The Hidden Power other information relating to library and information science of Social Networks: Understanding How Work career management.”6 Posts include new articles added to Really Gets Done in Organizations, by Rob Cross and Andrew the LISCareers.com site, new articles appearing on other sites Parker (Harvard Busines Press, 2004), which details how social dealing with librarianship as a career, as well as initiatives by networks can bring out the best use and resource base of every national library organizations that fit into the career schema. employee within any organization. Like Gordon, Shontz is well versed in careers for librar- ians. When I asked her about the important selling points for librarians, she replied: References Librarians have a lot of transferable skills, such as the ability 1. Rachel Singer Gordon, e-mail correspondence with the author, to find and organize information that they can use in any Nov. 21, 2004 type of job—various types of libraries, non-library jobs, etc. 2. Beyond the Job. Accessed Nov. 24, 2004, http://librarycareers. Someone with good interpersonal and organizational skills blogspot.com. should be able to do well in any job. Librarians can use their 3. Rachel Singer Gordon, e-mail correspondence with the author, research skills to help them get jobs, even if they don’t have Nov. 21, 2004 4. Rachel Singer Gordon, e-mail correspondence with the author, a background in the specific area needed. For example, I Nov. 21, 2004 know many librarians who become subject specialists in 5. Priscilla Shontz, e-mail correspondence with the author, Nov. 22, areas they’ve never studied. Many librarians, like myself, 2004 have moved easily between public, academic, and special 6. LISCareer Weblog. Accessed Nov. 24, 2004, http://liscareer. blogspot.com. libraries; and many move between library and non-library 7. Priscilla Shontz, e-mail correspondence with the author, Nov. 22, jobs. Librarians also usually have technical (computer) skills 2004 that can help them work in any field. I think librarians may need slightly different skills for different types of positions, Resources but I don’t think the skills differ greatly between types of libraries (that is, reference skills would transfer from public LISJobs—www.lisjobs.com to academic to special libraries). Some key skills that anyone LISJobs Professional Development E-newsletter—www.lisjobs.com/ newsletter/index.htm needs to do well in any job include interpersonal skills, proj- LISJobs Professional Development E-Newsletter Archives—www. ect/time management skills, communication skills, initiative, lisjobs.com/newsletter/archives.htm trustworthiness or reliability.7 Beyond the Job—http://librarycareers.blogspot.com LISJobs resources by state—www.lisjobs.com/states.htm Another site of interest is Library Job Postings (LJP) LISJobs List of Job Postings—www.lisjobs.com/jobs/index.htm (www.libraryjobpostings.org), started by Sarah Johnson in RSS feed Job Postings—www.lisfeeds.com/rssify.php?url=http://www. 1995. LJP is a repository of library employment resources lisjobs.com/jobs LISCareer—www.liscareer.com collected in myriad categories, including academic (www. LISCareer career planning—www.liscareer.com/careerplanning.htm libraryjobpostings.org/academic.htm), federal libraries (www. LISCareer networking—www.liscareer.com/networking.htm libraryjobpostings.org/federal.htm), and school library media LISCareer Weblog—http://liscareer.blogspot.com (www.libraryjobpostings.org/libmedia.htm). Each resource is Library Job Postings—www.libraryjobpostings.org annotated with crucial information including scope, when the Library Job Postings Academic—www.libraryjobpostings.org/ academic.htm job listings are updated, instructions for use, and sponsor. Library Job Postings Federal Libraries—www.libraryjobpostings. Gordon, Shontz, and Johnson have found their niche in the org/federal.htm expansive world of librarianship and they market their prod- School Library Media—www.libraryjobpostings.org/libmedia.htm
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 8181 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:294:12:29 PMPM Tech Talk explores issues that public librarians face when they offer electronic services and content. It aims to create a bridge between the practical and theoretical issues related to technology.
searched for, the resulting screen offers you the option to “Find It in a WorldCat Library.” Open WorldCat Yahoo! has automated the “find in a library” syntax into their existing toolbar. First, users must download the Yahoo! Toolbar (http://companion.Yahoo.com). Once they have down- Earth’s Largest Library loaded the toolbar, users enter search terms and then select “Libraries” on the “Search Web” dropdown menu. The key- word search capabilities often produce unwieldy results; how- ever, Yahoo! has the right idea. Essentially libraries are now A. Paula Wilson accessible right from the user’s desktop regardless of where they are on the Web. ibraries still fall outside of the daily routine of many folks Lwho turn to their favorite search engine for information. OCLC is helping to change that by bringing millions of bib- Open WorldCat: Earth’s Largest Library? liographic records into the search results of two of the most popular search engines, Google and Yahoo! Many researchers At first, the pilot project seemed a bit lofty: bringing millions turning to Google and other search engines for information of bibliographic records into mainstream Internet channels. may end up right at their own local library. Web users now Would users want library books, or would we be clamoring have access to library materials through Open WorldCat. for their attention among the other results retrieved? What Initially begun as a pilot project in 2003, the project was would the records look like, and how would OCLC display my so successful that OCLC decided to make it a permanent library’s OPAC? More important, would the holdings informa- program. In September 2004, three million clicks took Web tion be current, and where would interlibrary loan fit into this, searchers from search engine partners to WorldCat records. or would it? Better yet, these Web researchers clicked two hundred thou- These questions reminded me of a similar concept that I had sand times from WorldCat records to library resources just read about almost five years ago, long before Open WorldCat in the month of August. Providing local data is currently the was conceived. Many of you may remember the very contro- trend for the Internet’s largest search engines, so having access versial (for its time) piece written by Steve Coffman, “Building to millions of bibliographic records that can be tied back to the Earth’s Largest Library [ELL]: Driving into the Future.”2 The local community is not just a big win for libraries—it’s a major concept was so interesting to librarians that it became its own home run for search engine companies.1 Yahoo!, Google, and track during the Internet Librarian conference in 1999. Ask Jeeves (www.askjeeves.com) now offer searches for busi- I had printed a copy of Coffman’s piece a while back and nesses and services on the Web. As search engines focus on tucked it away in a corner file. My current research on Open local content, offering access to local library holdings helps WorldCat failed to find a mention of Coffman’s article. A few them further secure the potential advertising revenue that may Google searches (“Open WorldCat,” “building earth’s largest exist in these markets. library”) retrieved a response to Coffman’s article written by Mike Dahn. He wrote, “So here we would be asking OCLC to open WorldCat to all libraries and the public (make it free How Does It Work? to access), and add Amazon.com-like features to it (review, etc.).”3 Perhaps Open WorldCat did have its roots in Coffman’s Actually, very easily. Take Google, for example. Among the piece. This remains unconfirmed. searches you can perform in Google—such as searches for Nonetheless, the announcement that Open WorldCat’s specific file formats, products, patent numbers, UPC codes, pilot project was transforming into an ongoing program FedEx tracking numbers, and flight numbers—researchers prompted me to review “Building Earth’s Largest Library” once who type “Find in a Library” in the search box can now again. The piece proved controversial when it was published; retrieve WorldCat holdings. A brief entry appears at the top of many librarians took time to make comments to either support the results set that links to a condensed bibliographic record (Mike Dahn’s “Earth’s Largest Library: One Librarian’s Plan requesting a postal code, state, province, or country. Once of Action”) or counter (Walt Crawford’s “Gutting America’s that information has been entered, a list of owning librar- Local Libraries”) the ideas presented in Coffman’s article.4 ies is produced. Researchers can click through to the owning Electronic discussion groups received many postings on this library’s catalog—very slick and simple. Holdings are also topic, which can be retrieved via archive searching. Responses available to searchers at Yahoo! as well as Internet bookstores and comments centered on the core components of Coffman’s such as Abebooks (www.abebooks.com), Alibris (www.alibris. article: collection, catalogs, circulation, and cooperation. com), and the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America Open WorldCat certainly raises many of the same ques- (http://abaa.org). If the bookstore does not hold the title you tions that arose with ELL. In using the product, I have encoun-
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 8282 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:304:12:30 PMPM tered a few issues of usability that will probably be addressed customers get the materials they request with the least amount in the future. These included: (1) the time-out feature, which of work required by staff. ■ timed me out with no clear way to repeat the search; (2) upon viewing a brief bibliographic display, there is no link back to Google to perform a second search; and (3) there is no way A. Paula Wilson is the author of Library Web Sites: for users to initiate an interlibrary loan from the given screens, Creating Online Collections and Services (ALA Editions, 2004) and 100 Ready-to-Use Pathfinders should an item not be owned by the user’s library. Of the four for the Web (Neal-Schuman, 2005). She is also areas listed in Coffman’s article (collection, catalogs, circula- the Web/Outreach Services Coordinator at the tion, and cooperation), circulation and cooperation—that is, Maricopa County Library District, 17811 N. 32nd interlibrary loan (ILL)—is a primary concern for several rea- St., Phoenix, AZ, 85032-1201; paulawilson@mcld. sons. Normally, ILL is initiated at the patron’s home library, maricopa.gov. Wilson is currently reading The which may or may not be offering ILL Direct Request through Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler. their own Web site. The mention of systems and vendors in this column does not Ideally, instead of initiating the request at the research- constitute an evaluation or an endorsement of the products or ers’ home library, users could simply select the materials, services by the Public Library Association or the editors of this choose their home library, and input their library card num- magazine. The contributing editor of this column welcomes any comments or questions at the e-mail above. ber while carrying over all of the bibliographic information. I suspect that if Open WorldCat is bringing library records into search engines, and customers are discovering their local public libraries once again, not only will circulation increase, References but the number of interlibrary loan requests will also rise. To function effectively, ILL must be paperless and unmediated. It 1. Jay Wrolstad, “Yahoo!, Ask Jeeves Focus on Location,” News- must be so easy to perform that it can be done by the same Factor Network, August 3, 2004. Accessed Nov. 1, 2004, www. library staff pulling local reserves off the shelf in the morning. newsfactor.com/perl/story/26145.html. The cost of ILL transactions also must come down, as out- 2 Steve Coffman, “Building Earth’s Largest Library: Driving into the Future,” Searcher 7, no. 3 (Mar. 1999). Accessed Nov. 1, lined in the ELL article. Last December, at approximately the 2004, www.infotoday.com/searcher/mar99/coffman.htm same time that OCLC announced that Open WorldCat would 3 Mike Dahn, “Earth’s Largest Library: One Librarian’s Plan of Ac- become a permanent fixture, it also finalized plans for a new tion,” Searcher 7, no. 7 (July/Aug. 1999). Accessed Nov. 1, 2004, ILL interface designed to reduce training time for staff and www.infotoday.com/searcher/jul99/dahn.htm 4. Walt Crawford, “Gutting America’s Local Libraries: Informal provide a resource for infrequent users. If the success of Open Comments on ‘Building Earth’s Largest Library,’” online post- WorldCat increases the number of ILL requests, it is my hope ing, Aug. 1999. Accessed Nov. 1, 2004, http://home.att.net/~wcc. that OCLC’s new interface and workflow will ensure that our libmedx/gutfull.htm.
2004 Sydney Taylor Book Awards Announced
The Sydney Taylor Book Awards are presented annually by the sage Rashi, who lived during the time of the Crusades Association of Jewish Libraries to the best children’s and teen (grades 5–7). literature with Jewish content. The award is named after Sydney ● Bobbie Rosenfeld, the Olympian Who Could Do Taylor, author of the classic All-of-a-Kind Family series. Everything by Anne Dublin, a highly readable biography The gold medal winner for 2004 is Real Time by Pnina of a Canadian woman athlete, with plenty of interesting Moed Kass. This is a fictional account of a bus bombing history about women in sports (grades 3–6). in Israel told from the diverse points of view of the people affected, including the bomber. It is a compelling story that One silver medalist was named in the Younger Readers helps readers connect to the human side of what they see on category in 2004. It was Daniel in the Lions’ Den by Jean the news and makes an excellent choice for book discussion Marzollo, one of a series of Bible stories retold by Marzollo in sessions. The book is recommended for grades 8–12. a jaunty, accessible style. These are the first books the author Five silver medalists were named in the Older Readers cat- has illustrated herself, and the freeform watercolors are bright egory in 2004. They are: and appealing. Many other books were named as Notables. The full list ● Daniel Half-Human and the Good Nazi by David can be viewed on the Association of Jewish Libraries Web Chotjewitz, a heartrending novel about the meaning of site at: www.jewishlibraries.org/ajlweb/publications/notables/ friendship (grades 8–12). 2004stba_list.pdf ● The Cats in Krasinski Square by Karen Hesse, a little- In addition to the citation of individual titles, the commit- known episode of resistance during WWII, in picture book tee has named a Sydney Taylor Body-of-Work Award winner format (grades 4–6). for 2004. The winner is Eric A. Kimmel, author of over fifty ● Wonders and Miracles, a Passover Companion by Eric A. books for children, including at least twenty books of Jewish Kimmel, a compilation of stories, poems, recipes, and his- content. tory about the holiday of Passover (grades 4 and up). For information on ordering book award seals, or any ● My Guardian Angel by Sylvie Weil, a historical novel further information about the award in general, contact Heidi about spirited Elvina, the granddaughter of the Jewish Estrin at [email protected].
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 8383 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:304:12:30 PMPM Bringing in the Money presents fundraising strategies for public libraries. Many librarians are turning to alternative funding sources to supplement shrinking budgets. Fundraising efforts not only boost finances, but also leverage community support and build collaborative strategies.
Minnesota Library in revenue from all tax sources, including property, sales, and income. Those reductions resulted in cuts in local government aid and homestead and agricultural credit aid that had a big System Breaks impact on library budgets throughout the state. The 2003 bud- get had already been supported by a withdrawal of $100,000 New Ground with from cash reserves, which meant the projected shortfall was estimated at $153,000. This led to a decision to plan for addi- tional closed days and to establish a fundraising team to avert Fundraising Efforts those closings if possible. Burnett wanted to learn from fundraising success achieved by another regional library system, but she wasn’t able to find John L. Pepper one doing the kind of fundraising she envisioned. She did visit with Peter Pearson of the St. Paul Public Library, who oversees a successful fund development office, but he warned her that This article was originally published in MLA Newsletter 31, it had taken ten years to get to the point where St. Paul could no. 4 (July/Aug. 2004): 6–7. Reprinted with permission of the raise more than $1 million annually from their direct-mail Minnesota Library Association. campaign. Still looking for ideas, Burnett completed a grant proposal with the Central Minnesota Initiative Foundation to ike many library systems, Great River Regional Library pay for a consultant to help in creating a fundraising plan. L(GRRL) has seen difficult times the past few years. Demand Meanwhile, the fundraising team began working on its has outstripped funding. In response, the library has taken steps own ideas. They began distributing fliers at library check-out to diversify its funding base so that increased demand can be counters that described the budget predicament. They placed met by increased services. cash donation jars at each library. In December 2002, Burnett In April 2004 Judy Miller was hired to begin full-time began a series of personal visits and did a direct-mail request work as GRRL fund development officer. Her focus is to for donations that was sent to approximately two hundred generate sustainable, ongoing funding sources by creating and individuals and vendors. She saw some success, but it was a implementing a strategic fund development plan. slow beginning. By mid-January 2003, donations from the Most of Miller’s experience has been in marketing, public mailing and personal visits totaled $5,648.48. Donations into relations, and development for both profit and nonprofit orga- the jars totaled $275.41. nizations. She is working to quickly embed processes learned When the grant funding came through, and it came time from her past experience into what is a traditional public service for the fundraising consultant to make her report, she recom- sector environment. A primary need is to reach people who are mended that the library hire a fund development officer. “It’s a loyal to their local branch library and expand awareness of the bad time to start doing fund development,” the consultant said, vital role GRRL plays in providing staff and materials. This will “but there will never be a better time.” require increased marketing and public relations efforts and The library also took a major step to increase public advocacy training; Miller has applied for a Minnesota Library awareness. Staff learned about Leaders’ Tours conducted by Association Foundation grant to help pay for these. She has met the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley (N.Y.) Community Library. The with all of the GRRL board of trustees to garner their support, tours create an opportunity for librarians to invite local com- and she is meeting with branch librarians and their local boards munity leaders into their library for a short meeting, a presen- and friends groups to build relationships. Successful fund devel- tation on services, and a tour of the facility. GRRL seized this opment, she says, is about building relationships and alliances. idea as something that could be used to reach key decision Miller has been given two years to develop a program makers and opinion shapers at relatively low cost. The Leaders’ that pays for itself. The challenges, she knows, are enormous. Tour concept was shared in detail with branch librarians at GRRL includes thirty-two public libraries in six counties of staff meetings, and support materials were created, including a central Minnesota. It’s a five-thousand-square-mile territory PowerPoint presentation. that includes two of the fastest growing counties in the state, In June 2003, the first Leaders’ Tour took place at the pub- as well as rural areas with declining populations. The system is lic library in Rockford, a town of about 3,500. The library has headquartered in St. Cloud, which is geographically central and a strong Friends group that provided assistance organizing the a regional medical and business center. mailing of invitations, keeping a record of who had been invited The need for fundraising surfaced in 2002. That August, and who had responded, moving the furniture, decorating the director Bescye P. Burnett learned there would be a significant library, preparing food, and greeting visitors. Approximately budget shortfall for 2003. The state faced significant reductions twenty guests attended, including past and present school prin-
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 8484 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:314:12:31 PMPM cipals, past and present mayors, business owners, and a state port the establishment and continuation of fund development legislator. It was exactly the audience Burnett wanted, as first activities. Shortly after, Miller was hired. she, then librarian Gale Bacon, explained how the regional sys- Her job, which Miller says she must share with all the tem benefited branch libraries and their patrons. library staff, various boards, friends, and other advocates for Despite these positive developments, a further reduced library service, is to convince individuals that libraries are a budget for 2004 led to a painful internal reorganization, staff vital resource, one that is worthy of their financial support. It reassignments, and a layoff. The good news was that the will require collaborative effort, but it promises rewards that go board of trustees approved establishing a fund development far beyond quarter jars at the desk. ■ position to be paid from cash reserves. Burnett also completed a proposal for funding to cover costs associated with fund- The contributing editor of Bringing in the Money raising, such as software, mailings, and staff assistance, and is Stephanie Gerding, EqualAccess Libraries presented it to the Otto Bremer Foundation (http://fdncenter. Manager at Arizona State Library, Archives org/grantmaker/bremer/home.htm). According to its Web site, and Public Records in Phoenix. Please direct the Otto Bremer Foundation “is committed to strengthening all correspondence about the column to her at the non-profit sector and helping ensure that the organiza- [email protected]. tions serving communities are healthy, strong, and focused John L. Pepper is Marketing Coordinator, Great River Regional Library, Minn.; johnp@grrl. on their mission.” It was a good fit. In January 2004, Burnett lib.mn.us. Pepper is currently reading the Key West mysteries by received formal confirmation that GRRL’s application for a Laurence Shames, the Charlie Resnick mysteries by John Harvey, grant to enable the fund development program was successful. and Blankets: An Illustrated Novel by Craig Thompson. The $45,000 grant could be used in a variety of ways to sup-
Contributing Editor Selected for New Bringing in the Money Column
Public Libraries is pleased to announce the appointment of Tennessee in 1996, where she was a cataloger. She of Stephanie Gerding as the contributing editor for its new has since worked for SIRSI, Federal Express, the Bill and Bringing in the Money column. Gerding is the EqualAccess Melinda Gates Foundation’s Library Program, and the Libraries Manager at Arizona State Library, Archives and New Mexico State Library. She has in-depth knowledge Public Records, in Phoenix. She teaches an online library and practical experience in fundraising, both from the research course for North Central University and has con- side of the grantor and the grantee, and is the author of ducted and coordinated training for librarians across the a forthcoming book on library grants, to be published by United States. Gerding received her MLIS at the University Neal-Schuman in 2005.
VERSO
continued from page 66
school in an underserved neighborhood had a loss rate of 90 Paul van Linden Tol is a Cluster Leader at the Brooklyn Public percent. Next year for this school, we plan to have students Library; [email protected] He is currently individually check out books on personal library cards with the reading Dunk by David Lubar and Fat Kid Rules the World by help of a laptop computer. Kelly Going. Susan Westover is a Media Specialist at the Brooklyn Start-up and outreach for the book talk/deposit collection School for Collaborative Studies; [email protected]. She is program began in September and October, with a finish date currently reading First Part Last by Angela Johnson and Heartbeat set between the middle of April and beginning of May. So far, by Sharon Creech. Candace Grace Vasquez is an Assistant Manager the cluster of four libraries has served four middle schools and of Library Services–YA at the Brooklyn Public Library; c.vasquez three high schools. Currently we have about twenty classes on @brooklynpubliclibrary.org. She is currently reading The Golden file. Teams have visited thirty classes one to four times each and Compass by Philip Pullman and Bad Boy Brawly Brown by had a total of about eighty-three class visits over eight months. Walter Mosley. Donna Longobardi is a Librarian Associate–YA at the Brooklyn Public Library; dlongobardi@brooklynpubliclibrary. Approximately 2,040 books were used for deposit collections org. She is currently reading the Gossip Girl series by Cecily von in individual classes. Young adult fiction (including paperback Ziegesar. Tambe-Tysha John is a Supervising Librarian–YA at the and mystery) circulation increased 50 percent last year in the Brooklyn Public Library; [email protected]. She is pilot project’s cluster. ■ currently reading The Gingerbread Man by Barbara Baumgartner and The Enormous Turnip by Shel Silverstein.
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 8585 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:314:12:31 PMPM InterViews is an occasional column highlighting unique perspectives, individuals, and institutions in the library world.
neighbors are right. Librarians and our skills are needed—now more than ever. Making the World Asking Questions Today we are living in a self-service world. We research our own diseases, and we do our own banking online. Without Safe for Questions leaving the comfort of your home, you can file your income tax, collect your refund, spend it, and pay your credit card bill. You can do a Google search on yourself to see what the world Why Librarians Are Needed is saying about you, or can do an ad hoc background check on a potential employer or your daughter’s new boyfriend. Now More Than Ever Likewise, government agencies and identity thieves can find out more about you than you really want them to know. There is more information available to us than ever Laurie L. Putnam before. Eight billion Web pages. That is more than one Web page for every two people on the planet. The Web is a crowded, cluttered place. There is a lot of useless information hat advice would you give a group of new librarians? We lying around out there—and sometimes the most useful infor- Wwork hard to recruit, train, and encourage new library mation is not online. professionals. We teach them to conduct reference interviews, For many people, it is overwhelming. How are they sup- find accurate answers, and build strong collections. Then we posed to know whether the best answers will be in a book or in cross our fingers and send them off to cope with low salaries, a database or on a Web site? How do they know if their answer meager budgets, Internet filters and privacy policies, govern- is out there and they just can’t find it under all that other stuff, ment politics, homeless visitors, and young users who Google or if they’re looking for answers in all the wrong places? How and blog, elbow-to-elbow with patrons who long for the days do they know if they can trust the content of a Web site, or if of card catalogs. that link rose to the top of their search results because a cor- How can we best inspire the next generation of librarians? porate sponsor paid to put it there? How do they know what “Just tell them they’re needed,” my neighbor told me. “The is true anymore? world needs librarians now more than ever. My daughter Emily That is where librarians come in. is in ninth grade, and every night she researches her homework A few years ago the Association of College and Research on the Web. I want Emily to learn how to question her sources. Libraries (ACRL), defined a set of information literacy skills. Right now she can’t tell if a Web site is credible or if it’s just According to ACRL: trying to sell her something. She can blog with the best of them, An information-literate individual is able to: but she still needs to learn basic library skills.” ■ Determine the extent of information needed For Emily, at fourteen, questions are just forming. Learning ■ Access the needed information effectively and efficiently now to ask a well-posed question could sharpen her view of the ■ Evaluate information and its sources critically . . . world for the rest of her life. ■ Understand the economic, legal, and social issues sur- “We do need librarians, now more than ever,” Emily’s rounding the use of information, and grandfather agreed. “I didn’t grow up with computers and ■ access and use information ethically and legally1 databases. When I go on the Internet to search for something, I get thousands of hits. I find different answers to the same ques- These are twenty-first-century survival skills, skills people tion. I hardly know where to begin or when to stop.” need now to make their way through a world where a lot For Emily’s grandfather, the answers are out there—but of their information is commercialized, and where they are too many answers. Answers alone are not enough. expected to do more and more for themselves. Some people can “We do need people who can make sense of informa- find their way through the masses of information on their own, tion,” another friend told me. “I work with people who think and others need a guide, like a librarian. all the answers they could ever want can be found online for These days, a librarian’s job is not always about helping free. They cut and paste text and images from other people’s people find answers. Sometimes it is about helping people learn Web sites, and it doesn’t even occur to them that they might to ask the right questions. Doctors strive to first do no harm; need permission. They pass along e-mail hoaxes without try- we strive to first clarify the question. Then we help look for an ing to find out if the rumors are true. They work with infor- answer. Then we question whether the answer is complete and mation all day long, but they don’t think carefully about how accurate and relevant, what we can learn from it, and how it they use it.” might become an even better answer. For those users, critical questions frequently are not asked. Better questions and better answers are needed, now more Often, good answers are accidental. I think my friends and than ever.
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 8686 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:324:12:32 PMPM Questioning Answers Inspiring New Questions
Today’s questions are hard to contain. For librarians, questions What inspiration can we offer our next generation of librari- push against the edges of intellectual freedom, personal privacy, ans? Simply this: that the things we do, the values we represent, and government regulation. Now, every day, we negotiate the and the skills we offer are critical in today’s complex world. We work in public libraries, schools, and colleges; busi- nesses and nonprofits; museums and government agencies. Every day we collect, assess, organize, and present information. . . . we create environments where But our work is really about nurturing knowledge, old and people are encouraged to ask questions new. Wherever we work, we create places where people can tap into existing knowledge and find facts. But more importantly, and to question answers, places we create environments where people are encouraged to ask where people are invited to explore questions and to question answers, places where people are invited to explore alternatives and find understanding, to seek alternatives and find understanding, answers that may lead to new questions and fresh ideas. That is what the pursuit of knowledge is all about. to seek answers that may lead to new In a complex world, we need people and places that pre- questions and fresh ideas. serve our ability to seek and find both questions and answers. We need people and places that can teach and inspire. Our world needs libraries and librarians, now more than ever. ■ politics of bond measures, PATRIOT Act clauses, and Internet filtering laws. Steadily we advocate for the democratic goals and values of libraries. Laurie L. Putnam is a communications consultant and an Adjunct Professor at the San Jose State University (SJSU) School of Library When I enrolled in library school, I became a card-carrying and Information Science; [email protected]. She is currently member of the American Library Association. With my mem- reading Servants of the Map and Ship Fever by Andrea Barrett and bership card came a copy of the ALA Code of Ethics: The Work of Writing by Elizabeth Rankin. This article is based on I. We provide the highest level of service to all library the author’s commencement address to the SJSU library school’s 2003 graduating class. users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests. References II. We uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and 1. ACRL, “Information Literacy Competency Standards for High- resist all efforts to censor library resources. er Education.” Accessed Jan. 10, 2005, www.ala.org/ala/acrl/ III. We protect each library user’s right to privacy and acrlstandards/informationliteracycompetency.htm. confidentiality with respect to information sought or 2. American Library Association, “Code of Ethics of the American received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired Library Association.” Accessed Jan. 10, 2005, www.ala.org/ala/ or transmitted. oif/statementspols/codeofethics/codeethics.htm. IV. We recognize and respect intellectual property rights. . . .2 Today’s world gives us an endless opportunity to debate, interpret, and defend that code of ethics. The issues are com- plex, and the debates are worth having. These are confusing times, times when virtual reference desks can make knowledge Features Editor accessible twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week—at the Renée Vaillancourt McGrath same time, Internet censors can block out information twenty- Has a New Mailing Address four hours a day, seven days a week. We have access to incred- ible collections—and the FBI can demand to know exactly Please address all correspondence to: which books we’ve checked out. Library patronage is up, and library budgets are down. Renée Vaillancourt McGrath Today we need people who can help us understand com- Features Editor plexities. We need critical thinkers, people who can see alterna- 39 Stevi Cutoff Road W., Ste. C tives and appreciate different viewpoints. We need people who Stevensville, MT 59870 will validate their sources and ask about relevance. We need [email protected] well-posed questions more than simple answers, because the answers aren’t simple anymore. Librarians can help make the world safe for questions. Our challenge, now, is to keep demonstrating our relevance, as vis- ibly, profoundly, and convincingly as we can.
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 8888 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:324:12:32 PMPM FEATURE
The Promise of the Phase One of the Great American Wealth Transfer
The Great American Wealth Transfer Great American will occur in three phases, according to Sharpe, and the first phase is occurring now.6 As illustrated in figure 1, individu- Wealth Transfer for als born between 1910 and 1925, who were between seventy-five and ninety years of age in 2000, are currently dispos- Public Libraries ing of their wealth. Because Americans are living longer, with many reaching the age of one hundred, this first phase will Susan E. Randolph probably not end until about 2025.7 Individuals in this phase are part of the government issue (GI) generation. An unprecedented intergenerational transfer of wealth is They are known to be frugal because of their experience with the stock market currently taking place in the United States and will continue crash and the Great Depression.8 Most of for about the next fifty years. Public libraries are well- the individuals in this phase of the wealth transfer are women, because they gener- positioned to benefit from the golden age of philanthropy ally live seven years longer than men.9 This situation bodes well for libraries. that will result, especially if, like the Fairfax County (Va.) Public Women make three times more dona- Library, they have planned giving programs. tions than men, and Sharpe observes that “most of the people who tend to leave assets to charity in the United States— esearchers at the Boston College Social Welfare Research Institute estimate most of the wealth transfer—is taking that between $41 trillion and $136 trillion of wealth will change hands by place from women who are making their 2052, in what fundraising consultant Robert F. Sharpe Jr. calls “the Great estate plans in their seventies.”10 American Wealth Transfer.”1 This unprecedented intergenerational transfer The volume of wealth these indi- Rof wealth promises to create a “golden age of philanthropy.”2 Planned giving—the viduals will transfer is indicated by the process of making gifts as bequests in wills or through more sophisticated life income fact that 53 percent of women older than instruments drawn up with the assistance of professional advisors during estate plan- the age of sixty-two who live alone own ning—is likely to be the primary vehicle for the Great American Wealth Transfer their own homes, and 77 percent of these because donors traditionally transfer the bulk of their wealth at the end of life. homes are mortgage-free.11 Many of the A golden age of philanthropy could be good news for public libraries, which are homes will have appreciated dramati- coping with what the American Library Association (ALA) calls the “deepest budget cally; the median price of a single-family cuts in history.”3 ALA reports that libraries are increasingly turning to fundraising home in the United States rose from not only to support programs, services, and long-term projects but also to fill gaps in $23,000 in 1970 to $89,300 in 1988 and operating funds.4 As public libraries explore various forms of fundraising to supple- was more than $92,000 by 2001.12 ment tax dollars, they should pay special attention to planned giving. Public libraries Bequests are the planned giving occasionally receive unsolicited bequests, in part because the important role they play instrument of choice in this phase. in the democratic process and their image of stability, permanence, and trustwor- Women prefer bequests because there thiness make them attractive to charitable donors.5 An understanding of the Great are few risks associated with trans- American Wealth Transfer and a focused planned giving program, however, are tools ferring wealth in this way.13 When that will enable public libraries to benefit fully from the golden age of philanthropy women choose a planned giving instru- currently unfolding. ment other than the bequest, they often choose the charitable gift annuity, because this instrument provides fixed, Susan E. Randolph has an MLS from the University of Maryland and a post-master’s certificate guaranteed payments.14 in library science from the Catholic University of America. She is currently a candidate for a master’s degree in public administration at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and has recently completed an internship in the development office of the Smithsonian Phase Two of the Great Institution Libraries; [email protected]. She is currently reading When Things Bite Back: Technology and the Revenge of Unintended Consequences by Edward Tenner. She also recom- American Wealth Transfer mends “The Transformation of Banking” by Dwight B. Crane and Zvi Bodie (Harvard Business Review, Mar./Apr. 1996) and “The Battle to Define the Future of the Book in the Digital World” Individuals born between 1926 and by Clifford Lynch (www.firstmonday.org/issues/issue6_6/lynch). 1936, who were between sixty-four and
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 8989 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:344:12:34 PMPM seventy-four years of age in 2000, will probably begin transferring their wealth The Wealth Transfer around 2009, as illustrated in figure 1. Phase two of the wealth transfer will probably end around 2036. Individuals in this phase are part of the Silent, or Swing, generation and are known for giving freely to nonprofits, in part because they generally do not need to worry about their children, many of whom have been able to achieve a comfortable standard of living on their own. 15 The overall volume of wealth trans- ferred in this phase could be expected to dip somewhat, reflecting the dip in births that occurred in the United States between 1926 and 1936, due to industrialization, urbanization, and the Depression. This dip in population size, however, will probably be coun- teracted by the fact that the wealth accumulated since 1984 by individuals in this age range makes them “perhaps the wealthiest generational cohort in American history.”16 As a result of years of fully funded pensions and dramatic appreciation in the value of homes, indi- viduals older than age sixty-five hold 40 percent of the nation’s personal financial assets.17 Writing in 2001, the demog- rapher Judith Nichols observed that “nearly half of all American millionaires are over age 65” and approximately one thousand of them “are expected to die within the next ten years.”18 Although individuals in this phase will almost certainly use bequests to transfer their wealth, their preferred planned giving instruments are likely to be the charitable gift annuity and the FIGURE 1 charitable trust. The fundraising con- sultant Kent Dove explains this pref- erence by noting that charitable gift Individuals in this phase have been cates that 29 percent of all United States annuity and trust donors “feel they are described as “the rebels of the ’60s and households will be headed by unmarried getting something in return when they ’70s, work force of the ’80s, and inves- women in 2010.23 Because of changes in receive the income these vehicles pro- tors of the ’90s.”20 Forty-eight percent family structure like this, brought about duce, thus keeping their lifestyles at the of them attended or graduated from by Baby Boomer “divorce, remarriage, accustomed level.”19 college, making them the most highly voluntary childlessness, and lack of com- educated generation in American his- mitment,” the number of planned gifts tory.21 They acquired their generational directed to libraries and other nonprof- Phase Three of the Great name—Baby Boomers—from the popu- its, rather than to families, is expected American Wealth Transfer lation explosion that occurred between to increase.24 1943 and 1960; their generation cur- In phase three of the Great American 2020 will mark the starting point of rently accounts for one-third of the Wealth Transfer, individuals will owe the third phase of the Great American population in the United States.22 their wealth in part to generous inheri- Wealth Transfer (see figure 1). This There are more unmarried and never- tances. Fifty-one percent of them can phase will be characterized by a long married women in the Baby Boomer expect an inheritance of $100,000 or steady rise in the transfer of wealth, generation than in any preceding genera- more.25 Sixty-nine percent will receive as individuals born between 1937 and tion. The number of women aged thirty- this inheritance in the form of a par- 1960, who were between forty and five to fifty-four who live alone increased ent’s highly appreciated, mortgage-free sixty-three years of age in 2000, begin to from 2.6 million in 1990 to 3.4 million home.26 The double income and plural transfer their wealth. in 2000, and Census Bureau data indi- pensions of two-earner households and
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 9090 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:344:12:34 PMPM the stock portfolios of the 1990s will is fixed, the donor who desires a stable college reunion.40 Individuals of any also swell the wealth of this generation. income often chooses this life income age who experience significant changes Many Baby Boomers are expected instrument. Donors who cannot give in their personal circumstances, such as to make planned gifts through donor- in amounts large enough to warrant a divorce, retirement, and birth or death advised funds and private foundations.27 separate trust also often give using the of a family member, are likely prospects Baby Boomers with elderly parents and charitable gift annuity.34 for a planned gift because these events children in college will be especially The charitable remainder trust is a often trigger estate planning. interested in planned giving instruments planned giving instrument that creates Giving behavior is a second impor- that help them achieve their charitable a trust to receive a donor’s assets. The tant indicator of the potential planned intent while addressing their college trust’s trustee—the donor, a family mem- gift donor. Donors of planned gifts are tuition and eldercare obligations.28 ber, a bank, or occasionally the non- likely to be, according to Sharpe, “cur- profit—manages the assets and makes rent and former givers who made small annual income payments to the donor regular gifts in the past.”41 The National Planned Giving in Brief or someone he or she designates. The Committee on Planned Giving reports annual payments from a unitrust—the that “more than two-thirds of those who Donors have many instruments from more common of the two types of chari- have made a planned gift have also made which to choose when they decide to table remainder trusts—are variable and a cash donation to a charity.”42 Indeed, make a planned gift.29 The instruments are determined annually as a percentage Sharpe believes that “the ideal deferred- they use most often, however, are the of the market value of the trust’s assets. giving prospects are unmarried women bequest, the charitable gift annuity, and The annual payments from the annuity over age seventy . . . who have been the charitable remainder trust.30 trust, on the other hand, are fixed and giving regular small amounts for some are determined at the time of the dona- time.”43 No matter the age, gender, or tion as a percentage of the market value giving behavior, however, all planned gift Bequests of the trust assets. donors have what the fundraising profes- Wills are the most widely used estate- Research conducted by the National sion calls ability, interest, and linkage. transfer document, and nonprofits Committee on Planned Giving indicates receive at least two-thirds of donated that nonprofits and legal or financial Potential Donors of Planned dollars in the form of bequests made advisors play a significant role in edu- Gifts to Public Libraries through wills.31 Donors can designate cating individuals about planned giving. a library or other nonprofit as the first, Fifty-five percent of bequest donors and Fundraising professionals define ability second, or last beneficiary of a will. 75 percent of charitable remainder trust as the financial capacity of the potential They can give a bequest that is a specific donors are introduced to planned giving donor to give a gift at the level needed amount, a percentage of the estate, or by a nonprofit’s published material or by by the nonprofit. The gift-giving ability what remains of the estate after specific a legal or financial advisor.35 of public library users—an important bequests, taxes, and costs have been While many donors are increas- pool of potential donors of planned paid. Nonprofits that are designated to ingly reluctant to give major gifts during gifts to public libraries—is indicated receive the residue of an estate often their lifetime, largely because of fear by a recent Urban Libraries Council receive a larger gift than if the donor left that they will outlive their savings or be survey. This survey reveals that “fifty- a bequest of a specific amount, accord- overwhelmed by ever-rising health care plus percent of library patrons . . . have ing to Sharpe.32 Bequests are revocable; costs, planned giving is on the increase.36 household incomes of over $50,000 per this might account for the fact that In 2001, the National Committee on year, compared to only 32.5 percent of two-thirds of donors do not inform the Planned Giving reported a 40 percent the general population.”44 The median nonprofit of their bequests.33 increase since 1992 in the number of income of charitable gift annuity donors donors making bequests to nonprofits.37 is $51,100.45 The median income of Despite a weakened economy, giving bequest and charitable remainder trust Charitable Gift Annuities and through bequests increased an addi- donors is higher—$60,400 for the Charitable Remainer Trusts tional 11 percent between 2001 and former, and $70,700 for the latter.46 The charitable gift annuity and the char- 2002, reaching an all-time high of $18.1 However, 36 percent of bequest donors itable remainder trust are known as life billion in 2002.38 and 33 percent of charitable remainder income, or split interest, instruments, trust donors earn less than $50,000 because the donor or someone he or she per year, perhaps because income is designates receives an income from the Profile of the Planned only a partial indicator of the ability to gift during life, while the remainder of Gift Donor give.47 Retirees in lower income catego- the gift goes to the nonprofit upon the ries often have considerable wealth in death of the donor or designated per- Age is the characteristic that most reli- assets, and planned gifts are generally son. Gifts made with these instruments ably identifies the potential donor of a funded with accumulated assets, rather are irrevocable. planned gift. Sharpe reports that “most than with income.48 The donor who makes a gift in the bequests that mature come from wills The education level of public library form of a charitable gift annuity receives made after age 70.”39 The average age of users—65 percent have some college a fixed annual payment of interest and a donor making his or her first charitable education, compared to 45 percent principal for life; the charity receives the bequest, however, is forty-nine, which is nationwide—reinforces their gift-giving remainder of the gift upon the death of also about the age when many college ability.49 Sharpe observes that “a high the donor. Because the annual payment graduates celebrate their twenty-fifth average education level is critical, as the
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 9191 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:364:12:36 PMPM propensity to make wills and engage grams link only 35 to 50 percent of the service corporation,” FCPL actively links in other planning correlates to a large population to the library, and traditional with and creates interest in a significant degree with educational background.”50 public relations campaigns only another number of potential donors in its com- A second important pool of poten- 5 to 15 percent. The two-way commu- munity.61 The result is an extension of tial planned gift donors is made up of nication of his library’s marketing plan FCPL’s “ability to reach its commu- the approximately 55 percent of librar- creates connection for an additional 5 nity without a concomitant increase in ians who will reach age sixty-five—the to 15 percent. To establish connection the budget.”62 Its initiatives to establish usual age of retirement and a typical with an additional 5 to 15 percent of the linkage have led to an enhancement of age for estate planning—in the next fif- population who he believes would never library programs that garnered FCPL teen years.51 These librarians—potential use his library’s programs or services, a 94 percent approval rating in a com- donors of unimpeachable interest in and he encourages library staff to become munity survey conducted by Goldhaber linkage to public libraries—are part of involved in community organizations. Research Associates, and account in part the affluent Baby Boomer generation. His goal is to communicate to these for the fact that 77 percent of Fairfax A majority of them are women, and the potential donors, who would normally County residents held library cards in estates of women account for 60 percent keep his library at arm’s length, “the FY 1999.63 Hennen’s American Public of bequests and other charitable gifts economic development impact of the Library Ratings, which attempts to iden- made at death.52 library—of a large, busy, cultural hub tify the best public libraries in America, Fundraising professionals measure functioning as an anchor store that will ranked FCPL tenth out of seventy-seven interest by the degree to which the poten- not go out of business.”55 public libraries serving a population tial donor cares about the programs Public libraries like Oregon’s larger than five hundred thousand in and services of the nonprofit. Almost Cornelius Public Library and Missouri’s 2004.64 FCPL’s linkage initiatives include all public libraries have programs and Webster County Library have created an active volunteer program, a grants services that directly serve the recently linkage by partnering with local orga- office, the FCPL Center for the Book, retired and elderly. Public library pro- nizations to offer programs, and Glen and a foundation that “while reinforc- grams and services that are directed at Holt, the retired director of the St. Louis ing the need for continued and increased other user populations are attractive to Public Library, has cultivated donors of public support for the Library, serves as older users as well. Examples include in-kind gifts as prospects for annual or a catalyst for attracting private fund- children’s programs, which attract major gifts.56 The traditional volunteer ing from individuals, businesses, orga- grandparents, and employment, career, program, however, is perhaps the most nizations, and foundations to enhance college, or continuing education pro- effective way that public libraries estab- library services for our community.”65 grams, which attract retirees exploring lish linkage. Sharpe observes that the FCPL’s volunteer program, which a second career. public library’s “volunteer constituency was established in 1993 on the premise Through these programs, pub- is the very one that other charities go that “any task is possible for a volun- lic libraries cultivate a prime pool of to great lengths to discover and culti- teer,” has grown to involve more than potential planned gift donors on a daily vate—a large number of women over 3,200 volunteers, and the organization basis. James Swan refers to this as pas- sixty-five, an unusually high percentage Volunteer Fairfax recently named FCPL sive fundraising, “encouraging people of single, childless persons, a high aver- director Edwin S. Clay III its 2004 to give money to your library without age education level . . . [and] virtually Community Champion.66 FCPL solic- overtly asking for it [by] letting what entirely local.”57 its the assistance of local corporations you do on a day-to-day basis speak for for its Volunteer Tech Force; skilled you.”53 And public libraries cast a wide corporate employees offer one-on-one net. According to a National Center for Fairfax County Public Library tutoring in computer skills and have Education Statistics survey on the use and Planned Giving assisted in the design of FCPL’s award- of public library services by households winning Web site. The Friends program in the United States, “about forty-four The Fairfax County Public Library at one of FCPL’s branch libraries raised percent of U.S. households included (FCPL), the largest free library system in $500,000 to endow the FCPL summer individuals who used public library ser- Virginia, has successfully supplemented reading program.67 vices in the month prior to the [survey] public tax dollars with private funds The FCPL Grants Office enlists vol- interview . . . and sixty-five percent of through its volunteer program and other unteers to find and apply for grants households used public library services initiatives designed to “integrate fund and partnership opportunities. The office in the past year.”54 development activities into every aspect has established partnerships with other Fundraising professionals define of the library’s operation.”58 Since the county agencies as well as local organiza- linkage as the way the potential donor creation of its New Century Library tions. Through a partnership with a local is connected to the nonprofit. Public Fund in 2000, it has raised over $1.5 mil- health organization, FCPL has improved libraries usually establish linkage by lion for FCPL resources and services.59 its medical resources. A partnership offering effective programs and services FCPL serves one of the wealthi- with the Fairfax County Department of and by inviting individuals to serve on est counties in the United States and Information Technology resulted in the the library’s board. has access to a concentration of finan- development of a system of kiosks in Some public libraries have imple- cially able charitable donors in the FCPL branches that enable residents to mented more ambitious plans to create Washington, D.C., area.60 The success of transact business with the county and linkage. James LaRue, director of the its fundraising efforts, however, is due to learn about county services.68 Douglas County (Colo.) Public Library, more than its proximity to donors with FCPL created its Center for the Book believes that excellent service and pro- ability. In recasting itself as a “public by affiliating with the Virginia Center
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 9292 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:364:12:36 PMPM for the Book and a national network of attorneys on behalf of clients consider- reminder that public funds also occa- similar organizations. The Center for ing planned gifts, according to Roberta sionally come with strings attached.80 the Book offers fee-based programs, the Longworth, the foundation’s executive The concern librarians seem to proceeds of which are used to fund free director.74 In addition to mailing the express most often is that raising private adult programming that had only been brochure to potential donors of planned funds will reduce public funding for available erratically before the center’s gifts, the foundation makes it available to libraries.81 FCPL, however, had the oppo- establishment in 1997.69 library users who attend estate planning site experience; it found that “increased FCPL established the Fairfax County workshops taught at the library branches awareness of community support for the Public Library Foundation in 1994, after by a volunteer who is a financial planner. library,” brought about in part by the a series of budget cuts resulted in the loss The foundation also offers information raising of private funds, induced county of about one hundred library positions about planned giving at its Web site at officials to restore public funds that and the closing of four mini-branches.70 www.fcplfoundation.org. they had previously cut.82 Studies by The foundation has obtained a number To date, three donors have left the Public Library Association and the of significant grants, including a $25,000 bequests to FCPL. One bequest was Urban Libraries Council indicate that Library Improvement Award from The given anonymously, and another has raising private funds does not undermine Washington Post, large donations from been promised by a local author who public funding.83 Coffman warns that local companies to develop FCPL’s had earlier donated copies of his books it is an impossible task to “convince resources on energy and the environment and $10,000 in appreciated stock to governments to give us tax monies they and to support children’s literature, and FCPL. The third bequest, $1 million to do not have” and that it is foolhardy to grants from a federal agency, a national be used for the purchase of audio books, “assume that a city with empty tax cof- organization, and a local university to was left by a library user who had not fers will take special pity on those who fund computers and instruction adapted been identified by the foundation as a have no other place to turn.”84 Swan for challenged residents of two senior cit- potential donor—an example of what observes that “a library that does not izen homes.71 Seven FCPL staff members passive fundraising can accomplish.75 give the people what they want cannot make annual contributions to the foun- expect the support it needs. A poorly dation, and other staff and community funded library cannot give the people members, including the husband of a vic- The Great American Wealth what they want.”85 tim of the September 11, 2001, terrorist Transfer and Public Libraries Escaping this bind is clearly one of attack on the Pentagon, have contributed the motivations for FCPL’s commitment through the foundation’s memorials and Will other public libraries seek their to the raising of private funds. A planned tributes program.72 share of the Great American Wealth gift program focused on bequests is a In a creative move to develop link- Transfer by embracing planned giving? relatively easy way for public libraries age through partnerships, the foundation In their article “Entrepreneurs in the with little fundraising experience to get began in 2002 to include a fundrais- Public Library,” Edwin Clay and Patricia their feet wet. And the Great American ing appeal in the inventories of per- Bangs report that “since 1993, fund- Wealth Transfer currently underway sonal property that the Fairfax County raising and development have become makes this the perfect time to jump into Department of Tax Administration peri- a mainstay in the budget mix of librar- the pool. ■ odically mails to county taxpayers. The ies.”76 Nonetheless, 91 percent of the result has been a dramatic increase in average public library’s operating budget the number of donations the founda- still comes from taxes, to the dismay References and Notes tion receives: in FY 2001, the founda- of advocates of plural funding such as tion received a total of 386 donations. Steve Coffman, who observes that “vir- 1. John J. Havens and Paul G. Schervish, Millionaires and the Millennium: New In March 2004 alone, the foundation tually every other cultural and educa- Estimates of the Forthcoming Wealth received 408 donations. The foundation tional institution [except libraries] have Transfer and the Prospects for a Golden has also established the Fairfax County long made [plural funding] their funding Age of Philanthropy, Summary Over- Public Library Foundation Advisory strategy of choice.”77 Why haven’t more view (Chestnut Hill, Mass.: Boston Col- Board in order to link with business public libraries capitalized on the assets lege Social Welfare Research Institute, 1999); Robert F. Sharpe Jr., “Charitable leaders who, because of other pressing that make them attractive to donors and Giving and the Great American Wealth commitments, are unable to serve on the wholeheartedly engaged in the raising of Transfer,” Charitable Giving, a special foundation’s board of directors.73 private funds? supplement to Trusts and Estates (June All of these linkage initiatives have Some librarians express concern 2001), 1. 2. Havens and Schervish, Millionaires and created a solid foundation for the planned about the reliability and stability of the Millennium, 1. giving program that the Fairfax County private funds.78 However, the experience 3. Steve Coffman, “Saving Ourselves: Plu- Public Library Foundation launched in of the 1980s and 1990s teaches that ral Funding for Public Libraries,” Ameri- 2003. The foundation initiated the pro- public funding can be as unreliable as can Libraries 35, no. 2 (Feb. 2004): 37. gram by mailing its brochure Reflecting private funds and that diversified fund- 4. American Library Association, “ALA’s Report on Library Funding in the United on Tomorrow: How to Leave a Lasting ing might provide the most financial States, 2003.” Accessed May 10, 2004, Legacy to the donors on its mailing stability. Others worry that donors of www.ala.org/libraryfunding. list. The brochure was purchased from private funds or in-kind products and 5. Robert F. Sharpe Jr., “Participating in Robert F. Sharpe and Company; Sharpe services will exercise undue influence the Coming Wealth Transfer—Surpris- 79 ing Advantages for the Nation’s Librar- customized it for the foundation. The over library programs and services. ies,” keynote address of the President’s brochure mailing has prompted tele- Coffman, however, cites the Children’s Program, annual meeting of the Li- phone calls from approximately ten Internet Protection Act (CIPA) as a brary Administration and Management
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 9393 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:364:12:36 PMPM Association/American Library Associa- Conducting a Successful Major Gifts County Public Library Foundation An- tion, San Francisco, June 17, 2001). and Planned Giving Program. nual Report, 2003 (Fairfax, Va.: Fairfax 6. Sharpe, “Coming Wealth Transfer.” 30. Barbara Yeager, ed., Planned Giving in County Government Center, 2004). 7. The Federal Interagency Forum on the United States 2000: A Survey of Do- 60. Nichols writes that Fairfax County has Aging-Related Statistics reports in Older nors (Indianapolis, Ind.: National Com- “an affluence level nearly six times that Americans 2000: Key Indicators of Well- mittee on Planned Giving in the United of the rest of the United States.” (Nichols, Being that the number of centenarians States 2000, 2001): 4. Pinpointing Affluence in the 21st Cen- is projected to grow from approximate- 31. Robert F. Sharpe Sr., Planned Giving tury, 29). “Of the twenty counties with ly 65,000 people in 2000 to 381,000 Simplified: The Gift, the Giver, and the the highest share of household income of by 2030 (www.agingstats.gov/chart- Gift Planner (New York: John Wiley, $50,000 or more . . . four . . . are in the book2000 under “Population: Indicator 1999): 27. Washington, D.C.–Baltimore area [and] 1”) and Census Bureau Statistics indi- 32. Ibid., 28. the most comfortable county is Fairfax, cate that forty percent of women who 33. Yeager, Planned Giving in the United Virginia” (Nichols, Pinpointing Afflu- reached the age of fifty in 2001 are likely States 2000, 15. ence in the 21st Century, 92). to live to the age of one hundred (Sharpe, 34. Sharpe, Planned Giving Simplified, 42. 61. Clay and Bangs, “Entrepreneurs in the “Charitable Giving,” 7). The average 35. Yeager, Planned Giving in the United Public Library,” 607. life expectancy in 2000, however, was States 2000, 13, 18. 62. Ibid., 610. eighty-three years (www.agingstats. 36. Nichols, Pinpointing Affluence in the 63. Ibid., 608. gov/chartbook2000 under “Highlights: 21st Century, 263. 64. Thomas J. Hennen, “Great American Health Status”). All sites accessed Mar. 37. Yeager, Planned Giving in the United Public Libraries: The 2004 HAPLR 20, 2004. States 2000, 6–8. Rankings,” American Libraries 35, no. 8. Judith E. Nichols, Pinpointing Affluence 38. Elaine Gumbert, “IRS Figures Reveal 9 (Oct. 2004): 54. in the 21st Century: Increasing Your Planned Giving Growth,” Give and 65. Fairfax County Public Library Foun- Share of Major Donor Dollars (Chicago: Take 36, no. 8 (Aug. 2003): 7. dation, “Mission Statement.” Accessed Bonus Books, 2001): 41. 39. Sharpe, Planned Giving Simplified, 52. Feb. 7, 2004, www.fcplfoundation.org/ 9. Sharpe, “Charitable Giving,” 2; Nich- 40. Yeager, Planned Giving in the United missionstatement.htm. ols, Pinpointing Affluence in the 21st States 2000, 6–7. 66. Clay and Bangs, “Entrepreneurs in the Century, 276. 41. Sharpe, Planned Giving Simplified, 49. Public Library,” 612; “County Awards 10. Nichols, Pinpointing Affluence in the 42. Yeager, Planned Giving in the United and Accomplishments for 2004—Of- 21st Century, 160; Sharpe, “Coming States 2000, 7. fice of Public Affairs—Fairfax County, Wealth Transfer.” 43. Sharpe, Planned Giving Simplified, 54. Virginia.” Accessed Jan. 10, 2005, www. 11. Nichols, Pinpointing Affluence in the 44. Coffman, “Saving Ourselves,” 38. co.fairfax.us/opa/awards04.htm. 21st Century, 270. 45. Yeager, Planned Giving in the United 67. Fairfax County Public Library Founda- 12. Ibid. States 2000, 31. tion, Annual Report, 2002. 13. Cindy Sterling, “Gender Differences in 46. Ibid., 29–30. 68. Clay and Bangs, “Entrepreneurs in the Planned Giving: The Way Women Give,” 47. Ibid., 17, 21. Public Library,” 612. Planned Giving Today (Dec. 2000). 48. Sharpe, Planned Giving Simplified, 7. 69. Ibid., 611. 14. Sterling, “Gender Differences,” 8; Kent 49. Coffman, “Saving Ourselves,” 38. 70. Ibid., 607. Dove, Alan M. Spears, and Thomas W. 50. Sharpe, “Coming Wealth Transfer.” 71. Fairfax County Public Library Founda- Herbert, Conducting a Successful Major 51. Mary Jo Lynch, “Reaching 65: Lots of tion, Annual Report, 2002. Gifts and Planned Giving Program: A Librarians Will Be There Soon,” Ameri- 72. Roberta A. Longworth, executive direc- Comprehensive Guide and Resource can Libraries 33, no. 3 (Mar. 2002): 56. tor, Fairfax County Public Library Foun- (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2002): 125. 52. Sharpe, “Charitable Giving,” 2. dation, interview by Susan E. Randolph, 15. Nichols, Pinpointing Affluence in the 53. James Swan, Fundraising for Libraries: Apr. 14, 2004, Fairfax County Govern- 21st Century, 43. 25 Proven Ways to Get More Money ment Center, Fairfax, Va. 16. Sharpe, “Charitable Giving,” 2. for Your Library (New York: Neal- 73. Ibid. 17. Nichols, Pinpointing Affluence in the Schuman, 2002): 113. 74. Ibid. 21st Century, 109. 54. Mary A. Collins and Kathryn Chan- 75. Ibid. 18. Ibid., 110. dler, Use of Public Library Services by 76. Clay and Bangs, “Entrepreneurs in the 19. Dove, Spears, and Herbert, Conducting Households in the United States: 1996 Public Library,” 606. a Successful Major Gifts and Planned (U.S. Department of Education, Nation- 77. Coffman, “Saving Ourselves,” 37; Ibid., Giving Program, 126. al Center for Education Statistics). Ac- 38. 20. Gooder Group, “Generation X-tra cessed Mar. 1, 2005, http://nces.ed.gov/ 78. Dwight F. Burlingame, “Public Libraries Large: Baby Boomers Are Moving On pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=97446. and Fundraising: Not-So-Strange Bedfel- and Up in Today’s Housing Market,” 55. James LaRue, “Finding the Path to Sus- lows,” Library Journal 115, no. 12 (July CHR 9, no. 4 (2004): 1. tainable Public Computing,” Interface 1, 1990), 52. 21. Nichols, Pinpointing Affluence in the 26, no. 1 (spring 2004): 6. 79. Clay and Bangs, “Entrepreneurs in the 21st Century, 30. 56. Scott Bradbury, “Partnerships and Out- Public Library,” 609. 22. Ibid., 264. reach,” Interface 26, no. 1 (spring 2004): 80. Coffman, “Saving Ourselves,” 39. 23. Ibid., 152, 273. 6–7; Glen E. Holt, letter in American Li- 81. Clay and Bangs, “Entrepreneurs in the 24. Ibid., 268. braries 35, no. 4 (Apr. 2004): 32. Public Library,” 614; Mary Anne Craft, 25. Ibid., 273. 57. Sharpe, “Coming Wealth Transfer.” “Private Funds Versus Public Funds— 26. Ibid.; 121, 270. 58. Fairfax County Public Library Founda- The Ball Is in the Library’s Court,” The 27. Dove, Spears, and Herbert, Conducting tion Annual Report, 2002. Accessed Feb. Bottom Line 8, no. 4 (1995): 5; Philip a Successful Major Gifts and Planned 7, 2004, www.fcplfoundation.org; Edwin A. Place, letter in American Libraries 35, Giving Program, 127. S. Clay III and Patricia C. Bangs, “Entre- no. 4 (Apr. 2004): 32. 28. Nichols, Pinpointing Affluence in the preneurs in the Public Library: Reinvent- 82. Clay and Bangs, “Entrepreneurs in the 21st Century, 280. ing an Institution,” Library Trends 48, Public Library,” 614. 29. Kent Dove, Alan Spears, and Thomas no. 3 (2000): 606. 83. Craft, “Private Funds,”5. Herbert describe planned giving instru- 59. Fairfax County Public Library Foun- 84. Coffman, “Saving Ourselves,” 38–39. ments comprehensively and in detail in dation Annual Report, 2002; Fairfax 85. Swan, Fundraising for Libraries, 123.
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 9494 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:374:12:37 PMPM FEATURE
this article, the term “virtual reference” is used to describe real-time, online, Virtually Seamless chat-based reference. The authors of this article use virtual reference software that utilizes chat for communication between Exploring the Role of librarian and user. It appears as a writ- ten conversation between librarian and Virtual Public Librarians patron, like instant messaging. Until the mid-1990s, librarians relied on the mail, the telephone, and the fax machine to help users who Janet Clapp and Angela Pfeil were unable to come into the library for reference assistance. As the gen- eral population used the Internet more Virtual library service is another branch of the public library, often, librarians began utilizing this new technology to deliver reference the branch that helps users where they are—online. services. There are varying levels of Virtual reference librarians adapt traditional reference digital or virtual reference service. The most basic technology uses only asyn- techniques to suit this new medium of exchange chronous interactions, where the user between patron and librarian. and librarian communicate in a delayed fashion, as opposed to a live one, such as in the case of e-mails sent back and he reference librarian in a public library expects and answers questions on a forth between user and librarian. More wide variety of topics but is rarely asked, “Are you a computer?” To some advanced technology uses synchronous, users, virtual librarians are not even human. This article focuses on virtual live, real-time interaction between the librarianship and the public library user, using the term “virtual librarian” librarian and the user. Some live systems Tto include any librarian doing virtual reference. Drawing on the experience of con- allow for user and librarian to send tract virtual librarians, this article will explore the advantages of virtual reference in short messages back and forth via chat a public library setting as well as describe virtual reference service and virtual users, software; other systems allow for the and look at the backgrounds of current virtual reference librarians. The authors have librarian to take control of the user’s worked as virtual reference librarians for two years with Tutor.com’s Librarians by browser as though the librarian and Request using the LSSI Virtual Reference Toolkit, and both have previous professional user were at a reference desk looking at experience in public libraries. a single computer monitor.1 Virtual librarians bring age- and department-specific levels of experience to work, Virtual reference is a growing ser- but unlike public librarians, they are unable to send a child to the children’s room for vice, and it is difficult to obtain exact help, or an adult to the circulation desk. Virtual librarians serve customers of all kinds, numbers. Many services are collabora- regardless of their previous expertise, through a relatively new medium that is becom- tive efforts. Bernie Sloan, senior library ing a common means of communication for people of all ages. They may offer reader’s information systems consultant at the advisory to a young teen one minute, and bibliographic instruction to a senior citizen University of Illinois Office for Planning the next. In a virtual setting they serve everyone and try to answer every question, no and Budgeting, maintains Digital matter how outlandish. Reference Services: A Bibliography (www.lis.uiuc.edu~b-sloan/digiref.html). It lists sixty-two collaborative virtual What Exactly Is Virtual Reference? reference services, meaning two or more libraries working together to offer the When virtual librarians tell people what they do for a living, even professionals in service.2 According to the Global Census the library field often respond, “So, what exactly do you do?” For the purpose of of Digital Reference survey by Joseph Janes, as of November 2003 there were 162 services, 42 of which are public libraries.3 Live Ref, a Registry of Real- Time Digital Reference Services lists Janet Clapp is a Virtual Reference Librarian with Tutor.com, and lives and works in Watkinsville, sixteen public libraries.4 Tutor.com’s Ga. She received the Samuel Swett Green Award for exemplary virtual reference in December 2003; [email protected]. Clapp is currently reading America’s “Failing” Schools: How Parents Spring 2004 Client List boasts more and Teachers Can Cope with No Child Left Behind by W. James Popham. Angela Pfeil is than one hundred public library clients, the Manager of the Pittman Cybrary in Henderson, Nev., and a Virtual Reference Librarian including statewide services, using one for Tutor.com’s Librarians by Request; [email protected]. Her book, Going Places with Youth or more of their services, including the Outreach: Smart Marketing Strategies for Your Library, will be published by ALA Editions in Virtual Reference Toolkit, Librarians spring 2005. She is currently reading Pirates! by Celia Rees, Empress of the World by Sara Ryan, by Request, Live Homework Help, and and Misconceptions by Naomi Wolf (for the second time). Bilingual Services.5
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 9595 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:394:12:39 PMPM How VR Technology Works the patron gets online assistance from a librarian. Major Virtual Reference Most of the major virtual reference ser- Service Providers vice providers do not require any client- Who Benefits from Virtual side downloads. This means that only OCLC’s QuestionPoint, the librarian is expected to meet certain Reference Service? www.questionpoint.org PC requirements. The requirements for 24/7 Reference, Tutor.com’s Virtual Reference Toolkit Virtual reference offers a number of ben- www.247ref.org include: efits to the patron. In addition to the fact that the librarian is at the user’s point of Docutek VRLPlus, www.docutek.com/products/ ■ administrative access to Windows need, non-native English speakers may vrlplus/index.html (Power User is not enough) find it easier and more effective to speak Tutor.com Virtual Reference ■ Pentium 200 MHz or higher with a virtual librarian. The accent is Toolkit, ■ 128 MB RAM lost in the written world, and they can www.tutor.com/products/ ■ Windows XP, Windows NT 4.0 with use a nearby dictionary to understand vrt.aspx Service Pack 5 or higher, Windows the librarian’s responses. Homebound 98, Windows 2000, or Windows people can ask questions and look at There are other e-commerce live ME resources, receiving help that is similar chat services to choose from, not ■ Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or to that received by those people who are specific to libraries. For a list higher able to enter the library physically. Since of real-time, chat-based services, ■ 56K or better Internet connection6 users can choose to remain anonymous when entering a session, either by using visit www.teachinglibrarian.org/ Upon meeting these requirements, a fake name or by typing “anonymous” chatsoftware.htm signing with a virtual reference pro- in the name field, the timid teen who vider, and training librarians in a new wants to know about depression or medium, libraries can deliver virtual pregnancy can ask a question without future. Finally, librarians are educated reference to their customers. A public embarrassment. (Library administrators and skilled in accessing and evaluating library may train its librarians to work may also choose to have all virtual refer- information for those who need it. If the virtual reference during open hours, and ence transactions remain anonymous.) patron is online looking for it, we should contract a virtual reference provider to When public libraries use virtual be there providing it. cover their virtual reference desk when librarians, the library can offer extended the library is closed. Some libraries use hours of library service without the num- only provider librarians to handle their ber of staff needed to keep the physical The Virtual User virtual reference desk. library open. The pool of skilled librar- The user connects to the virtual ians is no longer limited by geographical Due to privacy and anonymity issues, the librarian by clicking the designated icon boundaries. If a bilingual or specialist virtual librarian often has no statistics or or hyperlink on the subscribing library’s librarian does not work in the local area, profile to define the virtual user quan- Web site (although it is possible for any one might be available virtually. Perhaps titatively. There is a more amorphous agency to provide this service, currently the main reason public libraries offer vir- understanding of who the virtual user all of Tutor.com’s clients are library- tual reference is to serve patrons where is based solely on transactions. It seems based). The user then enters some form they want service—online. that young adults are the largest users, of identifying information, such as a Your future customers are online and homework-related queries form the library barcode or zip code, and begins today. While some public libraries lack major category of questions. Most vir- a session with either a remotely located young adult sections altogether, home- tual reference users seem comfortable in virtual librarian or a public librarian work questions comprise the majority of the online world. monitoring the queue, the virtual equiva- virtual librarians’ work. Librarians only There is no limit to the scope of lent of a librarian sitting at the reference need to see the huge dip in the num- questions asked online. Patrons who desk. The user is immediately connected ber of virtual reference sessions during walk into the physical library have a to a virtual librarian no matter where school vacation periods to realize the limited collection to peruse. Users at he or she is or what time of day it is. importance of the students. They are on an Internet terminal in the physical The virtual librarian can send informa- the Internet, not coming to the library. library often expect a librarian to start tion from the host library’s databases Because these patrons live in the virtual them on a search, but not to continue or catalog, or from the Internet to help world, the real public library may not until all possibilities are exhausted. In answer the customer’s question. In order be a significant place for them. Virtual contrast, virtual users consider virtual to respect licensing agreements, the vir- reference offers a double advantage librarians to be advanced search engines. tual librarian only uses the resources by reaching out to school-age patrons. Questions asked at the library are often available to patrons through their access First, virtual reference librarians can and library-related, such as “Where are your library. The users see the information do suggest actual books and physical books on taxidermy?” Online, ques- on their computer screens in the ses- resources to these users, thereby getting tions are more likely to extend beyond sion. While specific technologies may them in the library door. Second, today’s those related to libraries, books, and differ by vendor (see sidebar on this youth are tomorrow’s taxpayers, and research to the Internet in general, such page for major virtual reference service if the library was never a useful place as “How do I download a song?” Given providers), the end result is the same: to them, they will not support it in the the misperception that all information is
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 9696 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:404:12:40 PMPM available on the Internet, the virtual user information need. The librarian can only the comfort of their home, and monitor expects the virtual librarian to pluck ask so many questions before customers calls during their scheduled times.7 the answer she wants from the vastness feel as if they are being interrogated and Virtual librarians must be able to of cyberspace, with instantaneous effi- refuse to talk. In the public library, the multitask and be comfortable in an ciency. Because they have the seemingly librarian can bring patrons to an area to online environment. While they do not infinite Internet at their fingertips, rather browse on their own, and then suggest need to be computer experts, they do than the visibly limited resources of a that they return for further assistance, need to know how to search online, and library collection, virtual users expect if needed. Rather than lead customers have an understanding of chat commu- virtual librarians to have quick access to to a collection of books, virtual librar- nication. Different library systems have arcane or unusual information. ians must send a site or source that different online resources that librar- The expectations of virtual users seems the most useful, based only on ians can use for that library’s clients, so seem to be a bit higher than those their own understanding of the users’ virtual librarians must be familiar with of public library users. First, the lat- messages. Users may disconnect without numerous databases. Whether or not the ter often have enough past experiences indicating to the librarian whether the client library has customer authentica- with libraries to know what is pos- information answered their questions. tion software through the Web site in sible. Virtual reference is a new ser- Finally, because of anonymity, virtual order to use electronic resources, license vice, and virtual users do not always patrons may log back on and repeat the agreements and copyright rules are fol- equate it with libraries. They may not question, in hopes of finding a different lowed using client-driven guidelines. even be sure they are communicating librarian with a different response. Librarian training usually involves prac- with a human, never mind a librar- Because of the nature of the virtual tice sessions where the trainee acts as a ian. Second, they expect more at a world, most of the time the virtual user librarian to another librarian who plays quicker pace. The virtual patron sees and the virtual librarian do not share the part of the patron. At Tutor.com, nobody else competing for the librar- the same view. Only if certain versions trainees then shadow an experienced ian’s attention. When chatting online, of virtual reference software are used librarian, joining in calls to see how the user assumes that the librarian is can the librarian and the user see the the experienced librarian handles them. solely involved in that session and is not same search process (this still does Finally, the trainee takes calls while an helping anybody else. There is exclusiv- not require a download of software experienced librarian shadows and can ity to the nature of the virtual session, on the user’s part). The co-browsing offer assistance and answer questions as narrowed down to the computer screen. feature permits patron and librarian the trainee needs. Customers using virtual reference some- to move together through a catalog times expect the librarian to find the or database. The patron can see the specific statistic they need and evaluate exact work the librarian is doing as she The Virtual Reference it, write their book reports, edit their searches, and the librarian can see the Interview papers, or design their Web sites. The selections the patron makes. Whether virtual librarian must use the interview or not there is co-browsing, the librar- To many virtual librarians, public librar- to educate the user about what help ian must explain the procedure step- ians seem to be at an advantage when the librarian can and cannot provide. by-step for doing a search. serving customers because they can The anonymity factor adds another assess the person’s age, state of mind, dimension to the virtual reference trans- patience level, and often the purpose action, both for the librarian and the Who Are Virtual Librarians? for the information even before starting user. For the user, this anonymity leads the verbal reference interview. Library to a loss of the inhibition that usually A 2003 internal and informal survey of schools pride themselves on turning out restrains the public library user from virtual librarians working for Tutor.com’s librarians that understand the customer’s asking rude or irrational questions. The Librarians by Request service shows that physical signals. By beginning the ref- virtual user may be more comfortable 58 percent of respondents have experi- erence interview with nonverbal com- in the virtual world, and may never use ence working in public libraries. Sixty- munication, public librarians are able the physical library. The public library is seven percent have worked in academic to avoid many intrusive, personal ques- often a community center, and the physi- libraries, 8 percent in school libraries, 25 tions, such as “How old are you?” and cal public library user is often a return percent in special libraries, and 17 percent “What grade is this for?” visitor, a face familiar to the librarian. have experience in other capacities, such Virtual librarians are unable to see The virtual librarian, in comparison, as IT management. Eighty-three percent customers, and information is usually usually has no relationship with the of the respondents have been working as limited to their name (which may be patron, past or future. (Customers can virtual librarians for less than one year. fictitious), the library they use, and their provide a call history, which would indi- One-quarter of the respondents do vir- question. Depending on the system used, cate whether they are repeat customers. tual reference as their sole employment, even the information the patron provides Patrons will also sometimes refer to a while the remaining three-quarters work may not be verifiable. If the user logs on previous session in an interaction with a part-time in addition to other full-time anonymously, there is no information at virtual librarian.) or part-time employment. The majority all. As a result, the reference interview Constant communication is vital of the survey respondents (59 percent) conducted by virtual librarians starts between virtual librarian and user. If the work less than sixteen hours per week in with evaluating the question, as it is writ- virtual user does not answer reference a virtual librarian capacity. All of Tutor. ten on the screen, not through assessing interview questions, it can be difficult com’s Librarians by Request employees the actual patron. The virtual librarian to ascertain the scope of that patron’s hold MLS or MLIS degrees, work from can make no assumptions. What might
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 9797 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:404:12:40 PMPM be seen as intrusive questions in a physi- also return to the user, or simply look they want. Online, even if virtual staff cal setting must be asked online to deter- in the user’s direction, to see how the are available, public library Web sites mine the exact information needs, the user is progressing. The virtual librarian often lack the signage needed for custom- level of information required, and where must multitask by using the keyboard ers to feel empowered to search on their the person has already searched. for both searching and chatting with the own. Information that is important to The virtual librarian must be pre- user, while reading the user’s communi- customers must be clearly visible on the cise in speech, as the only methods cations and the search results. Because of library’s Web site. Virtual librarians are either the librarian or the user have for the limits of technology and the human often asked questions about the patron’s evaluating each other are language and mind, a librarian cannot leave open account, the library’s policies, and how speed of response. Because of the vir- numerous sessions while the virtual user to find articles. Answers to common tual user’s expectations of rapid results, browses online resources. If the user questions such as “How do I renew my the reference interview must be quick. does not communicate satisfaction or books?” “What is my PIN?” “How do One or two open questions will obtain lack thereof, the virtual librarian will be I place a hold?” “What are the fines information from the patron, but a uncertain of the user’s progress in under- for overdue books?” and “What can I series of closed questions will prove standing the information. borrow from the library?” need to be in frustrating for user and librarian alike. logical places and use nonlibrarian terms. If the librarian explains the reason for Librarians know to look in the “About” the interview, the user is less likely to be Finding Library Specific section of any library Web site, if there is offended. For example, the request, “In one, to find the policies and procedures order to find the source most helpful to Information for Your common to that district. Virtual users, you, please tell me what grade level you Customers on the other hand, do not know this and are in” is less abrupt than “What grade may come to your virtual reference area is this for?” Virtual reference librarians are expected to ask these questions. Others may be Virtual librarians might use pre- to know what resources are available reluctant to ask at all and therefore never scripted messages approved by the cli- through the library and how to use each get the information they want. ent library. These saved messages can resource to its fullest. At Tutor.com, all If a library’s Web site spells out its be accessed through a dropdown list, Librarians by Request staff monitor all procedures and policies clearly, patrons saving the librarian from typing com- clients and must be familiar with the are more empowered and less likely to monly used phrases. For example, mes- resources of each member library. Simply get frustrated with the library. Even if sages include “Where have you already by the nature of the job, virtual librar- they are baffled, a helpful site gives the looked?” and “Can you be more spe- ians are adept at searching electronic virtual librarian the information to help cific about what you need?” Without databases as well as scouring the Internet walk the patron through the process. any visible signs of age or comprehen- to find information, and often complete After all, it is the virtual librarians that sion level, it is necessary for the librar- many questions by simply using these are with the patron in the catalog when ian to ask sense-making questions. By resources. But there are times when they the library is closed. If the site offers knowing the purpose behind the ques- wish they could consult a book because help screens that spell out procedures tion, as well as the customer’s level of they know a print resource would more step by step, with screen-print graphics, competence, they can provide appropri- easily answer the question. Virtual librar- patrons might know how to help them- ate authoritative information. ians who work from home do not have selves next time. When a virtual librarian asks, access to a print reference collection in “Where have you already looked?” the order to aid the patron. Occasionally response is commonly the name of a we have to refer the patron back to the Building Your Virtual Library specific search engine the patron used. home library, which may be unwelcome Although using the virtual reference ser- news to the patron, who may simply not Through the authors’ experience work- vice, library users are frequently unaware have the time or inclination to wait. In ing in virtual reference for at least ten of the library’s electronic reference some cases, patrons visit the virtual refer- different public library clients, many sources, such as encyclopedias, that are ence librarian because of a disappointing library-related questions have been iden- available to them from their home com- experience at a physical library. tified that are common to all clients. puter. The virtual librarian may intro- Virtual librarians enter a library The library’s Web site is one of the pri- duce users to pertinent online resources, and see its collection in the same way mary places that virtual librarians get but there is a limit to the amount of the online user does, through its Web information to give to library custom- demonstration that can be done through presence. Therefore, the public library ers. The following list presents sugges- a chat medium. Bibliographic instruc- collection must include its Web site. In tions for improving library Web sites to tion requires detailed messages and con- choosing to offer online, real-time refer- enhance service. In addition see examples tinuous checking with patrons that they ence service, a library’s Web site must be of best practices for Cleveland Public understand the librarian’s explanation. organized in such a way that any new- Library (www.cpl.org/LinksLibrary.asp? While serving a public library comer can understand it. If librarians FormMode=DBNew), which uses simple patron, a librarian can find something have difficulty finding information on terminology in classifying their electronic to get them started, and often leave the library’s Web site, users are even less resources in order to provide easier them to browse those resources with likely to find the answers they want. access for their customers (figure 1); a statement such as “If you need more In a physical library, there are direc- Ann Arbor District Library (www.aadl. help, come see me. I will be right over tional signs, informational signs, and org/community), which has an entire sec- there.” The physical public librarian can staff to help direct customers to what tion of their Web site devoted to commu-
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 9898 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:414:12:41 PMPM nity information, including local history due, what their fines are for, what is pointing to the barcode if they need and genealogy research tools (figure 2); on hold, and how to renew items. it for any reason. Denver Public Library (www.denverli- Spell out how to find that informa- ■ Basics. Include hours, directions, brary.org/card/all.html), which answers tion, including where to look on phone numbers and extensions, and the most common customer questions in the screen. Explain nifty features contact information. Be specific their library card resources page (figure like being able to change the loca- about closed days and holidays. 3); and Hennepin County Library (www. tion pickup of a hold, if your sys- ■ Local history. What kind of local his- hclib.org/pub/info/library_services.cfm), tem offers this. Last, but not least, tory information does your library which clearly describes other services inform users how to get their per- provide? The virtual librarian can- available at the library (figure 4). sonal identification number (PIN), not guess what is available and if applicable. may be thousands of miles away. ■ Getting a card. Include how to get a This is also useful for the genealogy Information to Include card, how much it costs, where the researcher who is trying to decide card can be used, who can use their whether to visit you. Include local In the “About the Library” section, card at your library, and whether items like high school yearbooks, include the following information: items can be returned to your library especially if they are not listed in from other libraries. The more infor- your library catalog. ■ My card. If patrons are on your mation you provide the better so ■ How to . . . Outline step-by-step Web site, they probably want to patrons do not walk into your library procedures on how to renew items know how to get to their record. and leave dissatisfied because they and place holds, including informa- They want to know what items did not know to bring two forms tion on what may be renewed how they have checked out, when they’re of identification. Include a picture many times and for how long.
Cleveland Public Library Ann Arbor District Library
FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2
Denver Public Library Hennepin County Library
FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 9999 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:414:12:41 PMPM ■ Equipment and meeting rooms. acquisitions, define the time period helping users find computer games or List what equipment your library you are using. download music. He answers trivia, offers and what fees, if any, are ■ Explanation of terms. If you tell finds good books, and helps patrons charged. Include copiers (color or patrons to enter “borrower ID,” tell use their library. The virtual library is not), faxes, and especially computer them what it is and where they can another branch of the public library, the programs that are available on the find it. branch that helps users where they are computers for public use, as well as comfortable—at home. ■ information on reserving equipment In the “Research” section, include or rooms. the following items: ■ Calendar of events. What is happen- References ing at your library and when? ■ Summary of databases. “EBSCO- ■ Policies. If you do not want all host” does not mean “magazines” 1. Stephen Francoeur, “Digital Reference,” The Teaching Librarian. Accessed May your policies posted, at least include to a patron. Annotations and sug- 14, 2004, www.teachinglibrarian.org/di- anything that has to do with your gestions can help a patron choose gref.htm. collection and services. which resource to try. Clearly iden- 2. Bernie Sloan, “Collaborative Live Ref- ■ Donations. Do you want somebody tify which databases are accessible erence Services,” Bernie Sloan’s Digi- to drop their old Reader’s Digests in remotely. tal Reference Pages. Accessed May 14, 2004, www.lis.uiuc.edu/~b-sloan/collab. the book drop? ■ Local links. It is helpful to have a htm. link to your local town or county 3. Joseph Janes, “The Global Census of In the section related to “Finding a government, as well as the state Digital Reference,” Virtual Reference Book, Magazine, Video, or CD,” include government, the local newspaper, Desk 2003 Conference. Accessed May the following information: 14, 2004, www.vrd2003.org/proceed- and the local historical society. ings/presentation.cfm?PID=162. ■ Genealogy. List what resources are 4. Gerry McKiernan, “Public,” LifeRef(sm): ■ Catalog link. The catalog link should available, how they are obtained, A Registry of Real-Time Digital Reference be big and clear. Provide help, espe- and any fees involved in this pro- Services. Accessed May 14, 2004, www. cially if you recently migrated to a cess. public.iastate.edu/~CYBERSTACKS/ new system. LiveRef.htm#Public. 5. Tutor.com, “Tutor.com Client List Spring ■ Newspapers and magazines. List 2004.” Accessed May 21, 2004, www. your holdings on your Web site, or Conclusion tutor.com/company/clients.aspx. direct the customer to the online cat- 6. Tutor.com, “Virtual Reference Toolkit alog if these items are listed there. The virtual librarian is a law librar- Configuration Guide.” Accessed May ■ Booklists, new books, book clubs. ian for every state and municipality 14, 2004, www.vrtoolkit.net/vrsupport/ files/VRT_Configuration_Guide.pdf. Help your users find the books they in his or her jurisdiction. She is the 7. Tutor.com “Librarians By Request.” Ac- want. academic librarian helping college stu- cessed Nov. 16, 2004, www.tutor.com/ ■ Lists of new items. If you provide dents with research papers. The virtual products/lbr.aspx. lists on your Web site of recent librarian is also a computer expert,
Public Libraries Theme Issue on Librarian Recruitment and Retention The sixth annual Public Libraries theme issue, scheduled for See Public Libraries’ “Instructions to Authors” in the January/February 2006, will focus on librarian recruitment January/February 2005 issue (p. 56) or “Editorial Guidelines” and retention. This issue will explore topics such as getting at www.ala.org/ala/pla/plapubs/publiclibraries/editorialguide- started in the profession, salaries and status, succession plan- lines.htm for length, format, and submission information. ning, and generational issues. Manuscripts must be received by July 15, 2005 in order to be Librarians and researchers with experience in these areas considered for this special issue. are invited to submit manuscripts to be considered for the For more information contact Reneé Vaillancourt special issue. McGrath, Features Editor, at [email protected].
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Ask a Librarian Gives The Ask a Librarian Collaborative
Florida Libraries WPPL joined the Ask a Librarian Collaborative in its early stages, before the project went live. Started by the Something to College Center for Library Automation (CCLA) and the Tampa Bay Library Consortium (TBLC), Ask a Librarian is funded by a Library Services and Chat about Technology Act (LSTA) grant. It began operating in summer 2003. To introduce the idea to Florida librarians, project coordinators traveled throughout the Matthew Loving, Dana Mervar, state to present the service first-hand, explaining the software and demonstrat- Steve Kronen, and Joyce Ward ing how the collaborative would ben- efit libraries. They also took the time to Ask a Librarian, a statewide collaborative chat service, began explain their selection process and why they chose Docutek over other software in summer 2003 and has steadily grown, adding member vendors with whom they had worked. After choosing Docutek, Ask a Librarian libraries and expanding its service to patrons. Winter Park technical staff worked for more than a Public Library was one of the first public libraries in Florida year with the vendor to customize the software for the collaborative. Once we to offer electronic chat and was a member of Ask a Librarian had learned about the time and resources that CCLA and TBLC had put into the when it went live. Membership in the collaborative has offered project, it was clear that Ask a Librarian our library a chance to work with librarians and citizens across would become a great resource for both libraries and patrons. After weighing the the state while offering our own patrons expanded access to options, our librarians were willing to be part of the first wave of staff who would online information and reference resources. help launch the new service. A free online service to Florida’s 17 inter Park Public Library (WPPL) is a small municipal library serving million residents, Ask a Librarian goes a population of 27,000 residents in Winter Park, Florida. After two beyond the bricks-and-mortar library years of maintaining a chat service geared to local residents, we are to give patrons remote access to trained now answering reference questions from across the state. The Ask a information professionals. Though the WLibrarian Collaborative, which has been in service for more than a year, has given our collaborative service began with a mere staff a new and exciting way to respond to reference queries. Using the most current fifteen libraries, it has now grown to electronic chat technology, we can now guide patrons to information resources no more than eighty members, including matter their location. A treasure hunter looking for a map of shipwrecks, a genealogist academic, public, and special librar- seeking a death certificate, and a student seeking articles about stem cell research are ies scattered across every geographical only a few examples of the many patrons who are finding fast, online answers to their region of the state. In its first month of reference questions. From the Panhandle to the Keys, Florida’s libraries are joining operation (July 2003), Ask a Librarian together to create an expanding statewide chat service. handled just fewer than forty confirmed chat sessions. Powered by the addition of new member libraries, the service is now handling more than nine hundred sessions per month. It fielded 7,550 Matthew Loving is a former Reference Librarian at the Winter Park (Fla.) Public Library online reference queries in its first year. who is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in French; [email protected]. He is reading Sixty Million Frenchmen Can’t Be Wrong by Jean-Benoit Nadeau and Julie Boulow. Dana Mervar is a former Reference Librarian at the Winter Park (Fla.) Public Library; [email protected]. She is reading Digital Reference Services, edited by Bill Katz. Steve The Florida Electronic Library Kronen is a Reference Librarian at the Winter Park (Fla.) Public Library; [email protected]. He is currently reading E=mc2 by David Bodanis. Joyce Ward is the Head of Reference at the Winter The Ask a Librarian service is part of a Park (Fla.) Public Library; [email protected]. She is currently reading The Leadership Challenge larger state initiative called the Florida (third edition) by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner. Electronic Library. This state-funded plan
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 101101 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:424:12:42 PMPM contains several projects meant to increase to provide patrons with timely, accu- ate online resources. Wanting to offer citizens’ access to electronic information. rate, and useful information. Wanting to the ability to co-browse, we were let Through the Florida Electronic Library take advantage of the local community’s down by many of the newer versions Web portal (www.flelibrary.org), resi- high number of Internet-active residents, we tested, and began to wonder if dents can use their local public library we initiated our first chat service in co-browsing technology was practical. card to access a suite of sixteen Gale 2001. One of the first public libraries in Much of the functionality of previously databases that includes articles found in Florida to offer a live online reference tested software proved to be too clumsy general periodicals, health and business service, we have now accumulated more and unforgiving for delivering the kinds periodicals, and academic journals. In than three years of chat experience. Over of fast online answers patrons are seek- addition, there is a reader’s advisory ser- the years, we have had the opportunity ing. Wanting to find a stable co-browse vice and information geared specifically to test and use many different chat soft- system and looking for more collabora- to students in grades K–12. The infor- ware applications, getting a hands-on tive opportunities, we left QuestionPoint mation contained in these proprietary feel for what works and what does not. after one year to join Florida’s new Ask databases is not freely available on the Chat technology has come a long a Librarian Collaborative. Web. Chat librarians are able to use these way in the past three years. Earlier databases to respond to the wide variety versions of chat software only allowed of information needs they encounter. librarians to provide brief answers to New Opportunities, In the future, the portal will also patrons by typing them into a dia- New Advantages provide access to a metasearch engine logue box or pushing a page from a capable of simultaneously accessing Web site. Another drawback from those Joining Ask a Librarian allowed us to library holdings across the state, search- early days of chat was the inability discontinue our previous in-house chat ing the state archives, and retrieving to share proprietary databases with service. By making the switch, staff time relevant information that Google and patrons online. Taking these limitations dedicated to chat was reduced from other commercial sites cannot access. In into consideration and wanting to offer sixteen hours per week to three. While addition to these resources, Florida citi- more advanced features to patrons, decreasing the time needed to cover chat, zens will have access to a virtual library we decided in the summer of 2002 service hours for patrons increased, with card accepted in any public library in the to migrate to OCLC’s QuestionPoint. service now available from 10 A.M. to state. The idea of a statewide library card This transition seemed to be the best 10 P.M., Monday through Friday. The reinforces the philosophy that informa- way to further expand the collabora- guaranteed year of LSTA funding was tion needs should be met no matter the tive opportunities we had enjoyed as also a significant factor in the decision patron’s location. To make Floridians members of OCLC’s Global Knowledge to join Florida’s collaborative. From a aware of these new resources becoming Base. Although WPPL handled its budget perspective, the service would available, the state launched the Florida own in-house chat service, the Global be cost-free for participating member Electronic Library with a demonstration Knowledge Base gave the reference libraries to initiate and maintain for of its Ask a Librarian chat service. department the opportunity to forward the first two years, and possibly longer. For the official launch in December more in-depth questions on to other The incentives to join Ask a Librarian 2003, WPPL was chosen to help Florida’s institutions whose collections could bet- also extended beyond basic subscription secretary of state, Glenda Hood, unveil ter answer the question. This collabora- costs. Technical staff were already in the new service to the public. To dem- tive process also allowed our reference place to maintain the software, trouble- onstrate the power of the new collab- librarians to work on challenging refer- shoot problems, and answer questions. orative, Hood posed a question from ence questions from other institutions, After the frustration our library had a computer terminal on the west coast responding to Florida-specific questions experienced with the lack of technical of Florida, engaging in a real-time chat that could not be easily answered in support from past chat vendors, this was with one of our reference librarians other parts of the United States. an important point of consideration. located in central Florida. Because of As well as collaborative advan- With the budget cuts that public libraries the advanced technologies involved in tages, QuestionPoint’s new software have seen nationally and throughout the the launch, there was apprehension that introduced a number of chat features Florida, joining the collaborative would the slightest glitch could cause the chat that seemed interesting. However, after be the most cost-effective way to expand session to fail. To the relief of all, the testing the software, we realized that and improve electronic reference services demonstration was a success and helped we did not necessarily need all of the to patrons. generate positive public awareness for new bells and whistles. Options such Another benefit to becoming part the new service. As state officials and as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), of a large chat collaborative was that it journalists observed the launch from video, and application sharing were too gave WPPL’s reference staff the ability to overheads and computer monitors, Ask advanced or involved to be of practical reduce chat responsibilities so that librar- a Librarian proved its ability to trans- use. Many of these features require spe- ians could place more emphasis on other form and improve reference services for cialized equipment that many computer duties and projects. The department has Florida library patrons. owners may not have, such as micro- a limited number of professional librar- phones, speakers, and Web cams. Unlike ians to staff the reference desk. The these less practical features, the abil- previous chat service required librarians Background ity to co-browse (sharing one browser to monitor chat while simultaneously screen simultaneously with a patron) responding to patrons in person and by Like many other public libraries, WPPL stood out as an attractive tool for telephone. Covering chat four hours per is always seeking out innovative ways helping patrons find and use appropri- day and only receiving a handful of ses-
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 102102 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:424:12:42 PMPM sions per month did not make sense as Each library has one designated site coor- reference can be utilized to improve far as allocating valuable resources and dinator who receives additional training. information literacy because of its ideal staff time to the service. Reducing the Before librarians are allowed to staff environment in which to demonstrate hours also permits librarians to cover the collaborative desk, they must pass a database research tools and help inter- chat away from the public, where the competency test administered by the site pret results. It can also be used to help librarian can concentrate more easily coordinator. This test is used to verify patrons navigate through the sea of on responding to virtual patrons. By whether librarians are able to carry out information found on the Internet. With simply logging onto a centralized Web an effective chat reference interview, so many Web sites lacking substantial portal, librarians can cover their shifts guide patrons through proprietary data- content, authority, and accuracy, this is and handle basic administrative tasks, bases using co-browse technology, and the perfect opportunity to assist patrons such as responding to e-mail questions, quickly manage multiple windows to in locating quality information in a vir- reviewing chat transcripts, and monitor- obtain online resources. Each library’s tual environment. ing statistics. Practice sessions can also site coordinator is then responsible for After we had chatted for a month be carried out through the portal, allow- coordinating schedules and working with and became more comfortable with ing librarians to sharpen their chat skills technical staff in Tallahassee to solve any the Docutek software, our trepidations and learn new features. software problems that may arise. began to ease. With each new academic After being trained and learning the patron, staff became more comfortable basic skills, we began to think about the using other libraries’ resources, realizing How it Works possible complications of helping patrons that the students using chat were des- from other libraries in a collaborative perate for assistance and that any help A schedule containing assigned chat times setting. Using a different catalog con- that could be provided was welcome. In is set up each month by the virtual refer- figuration than our own, searching unfa- working with the academic librarians, ence coordinator and can be accessed miliar databases, or locating information it became clear that they were hesitant through the portal. The coordinator tries on a library’s Web site could make even when it came to helping patrons from a to staff the collaborative desk with at a simple request a challenge. Another public library. With academic and public least two information professionals and concern was that public and academic librarians scheduled to work together, attempts to pair academic and public library patrons would be using the ser- librarians in the collaborative are learn- librarians together. Librarians can com- vice. Using a new technology to answer ing to cooperate with their colleagues municate while staffing the virtual refer- reference questions seemed like enough and to trust one another’s work as infor- ence desk by instant messaging back and of an obstacle without adding questions mation professionals. When a librarian forth. This communication is important that could be beyond the scope of the cannot deliver the best response or feels because it allows librarians to manage library’s resources. Although the suite of that he or she cannot completely answer incoming chats and tell one another if databases provided by the state could be the question, the Docutek software pro- there are problems. As librarians accept used to provide answers, it seemed logi- vides the ability to transfer chat sessions patrons, they move from the queue and cal that the academic resources provided to other librarians online or to the home show up as an active patron. Once a by individual schools would best serve institution’s e-mail. librarian has accepted a patron, a small the students. number one appears next to their name in the chat interface. This tells other Challenges and librarians on duty who is in an active Collaboration Opportunities for Growth session. Librarians can accept more than one patron at a time, but only if the Our concerns stemmed from the need For the network of librarians who staff patron wait-time has been longer than for librarians to be able to quickly navi- the collaborative on a daily and weekly five minutes and if the librarian accept- gate unfamiliar resources during chat basis, this work requires a good deal of ing two patrons is comfortable juggling sessions. Chat librarians must rely on patience, and the ability to think and two chats at once. All librarians utilized strong research skills and a basic famil- react quickly. Typing back and forth to staff the collaborative desk must have iarity with online resources to assist in a text box takes time and patience completed a day-long training session patrons who may have little or no expe- for both the patron and the librarian. that is handled regionally. rience with such online tools. With all In reviewing transcripts, it is clear that Since the beginning of the proj- of the participating libraries providing the reference interview, based on the ect, Ask a Librarian staff have traveled online access to a wide range of elec- information requested and depth of throughout the state to train and certify tronic resources, librarians could not the response, takes longer than tradi- more than 580 library personnel. WPPL be expected to know how to navigate tional assistance. Another issue at hand staff were trained in conjunction with each one. In order to help patrons use is that the anonymity of online chat other librarians from our area in a day- other institutions’ resources, each mem- may facilitate inappropriate behavior. long session. During this meeting, train- ber library provides confidential access Unfortunately, librarians in the collab- ers covered the basic operation of the numbers and pins. These numbers are orative have been baited and verbally Docutek chat interface, troubleshooting never revealed to patrons but can be abused by patrons on several occasions. problems with the software, appropri- used by librarians during chat sessions to Even with these challenges, the payoff ate chat lingo, and standards of service. gain temporary access to databases. for stepping out from behind the physi- After an initial training session, monthly Docutek’s co-browse feature makes cal reference desk is that librarians are practice opportunities were made avail- it possible to instruct and guide patrons able to respond to information needs in able online to reinforce chat proficiency. through a shared browser screen. Virtual a new and exciting way.
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 103103 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:434:12:43 PMPM After its first year of service, the Successes praised the service for “excellence in Ask a Librarian collaborative appears program planning, implementation and to be providing Florida’s libraries with As public libraries look for ways to evaluation, with special emphasis on a viable solution to maintaining online incorporate chat technology into their outcome measurement.” Users of the chat. Within the collaborative, com- online reference services, large collab- service have also voiced their approval mittees have been formed to address oratives provide a trouble-free way to of Ask a Librarian. In a pop-up survey problems, operational issues, and goals. get on board. The Florida statewide immediately following chat sessions, 75 These committees help keep members collaborative has provided WPPL with percent of patrons felt their question connected and allow librarians to stay benefits we would not have had on our was either partially or totally answered. involved with the day-to-day aspects own. Unlike a large, multistate collab- Patrons using the service left the follow- of the service. The Quality Assurance orative, the smaller state collaborative is ing comments in the survey: Committee is a good example of how on a more personal, manageable scale. This is the best resource that I have members are working together to main- It allows us to interact with our col- used in a long time, I wish I had tain a level of excellence. By reviewing leagues and network with librarians we known about it earlier in my aca- transcripts each month, group mem- would otherwise only meet at annual demic career!! It is a priceless wealth bers are able to monitor and eval- conferences. This broad network has of information! uate the work of virtual librarians. strengthened Florida’s library commu- This process ensures that questions nity and allowed us to improve access It’s just great to know that this type are answered appropriately and helps to information for the state’s citizens. of service is available. Thanks. identify problem areas. Each month, The service’s average number of sessions I have been searching for something a “Best Transcript” area highlights a per month continues to steadily increase, all day, and “ask a librarian” was chat session that went particularly well and the success of the collaborative can finally able to help me. Thank you and exemplifies the goals of the Ask a be measured by the growing number of so much! Librarian service. The other committees participating libraries. (Policies and Procedures, Marketing, With renewed funding, Ask a Based on these statistics and and Knowledge Base) are still in the Librarian is one of Florida’s top initia- responses, it is clear that Ask a Librarian developmental stages but likewise tives. It was one of only three programs is making great strides in library services promise to play important roles in the statewide to receive Exemplary Project to Florida citizens. Now that’s some- operation of the collaborative. recognition. State librarian Judith Ring thing to chat about. ■
ARTstor Announces Availability of Digital Image Resource
ARTstor, a nonprofit initiative founded by The Andrew W. ■ The Illustrated Bartsch: A collection derived from the Mellon Foundation, announced that nonprofit educational art reference publication of the same name, containing and cultural institutions in the United States will be able to images and data related to more than fifty thousand access its digital library starting this summer. The library is old master European prints from the fifteenth to nine- comprised of digital images and related data, the tools to teenth centuries. make active use of those images, and an online environment ■ The Mellon International Dunhuang Archive: High-res- intended to balance the interests of users with those of con- olution images of wall paintings and sculpture from the tent providers. Buddhist cave shrines in Dunhuang, China, along with ARTstor’s Charter Collection will contain approximately related objects and art from the caves that are now in 300,000 digital images from different cultures and disciplines, museums and libraries in Europe and the United States. offering sufficient breadth and depth to support a wide range ■ The MoMA Architecture and Design Collection: A com- of noncommercial educational and scholarly activities; the prehensive collection of high-resolution images representing collection is anticipated to grow to a half million images by the holdings of the Department of Architecture and Design summer 2006. Source collections include: of The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York.
■ The Image Gallery: A collection of 200,000 images of Participation fees for ARTstor’s Charter Collection are world art and culture corresponding to the contents of a listed now at www.artstor.org. Thirty-five test institutions have university slide library, constructed in response to college had access to the software and image repository during the past teaching needs. Since the images have been cataloged with academic year, including the Art Institute of Chicago; Harvard subject headings, they will be useful both to those in the University; Hunter College; James Madison University; Johns arts and in many other fields. Hopkins University; the Metropolitan Museum of Art; the ■ The Carnegie Arts of the United States: A widely National Gallery of Art; New York University; Pennsylvania used collection documenting aspects of the history of State University; Princeton University; Sarah Lawrence College; American art, architecture, visual, and material culture. Smith College; University of California at San Diego; Williams ■ The Huntington Archive of Asian Art: A broad pho- College; and the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute. tographic overview of the art of Asia from 3000 B.C. For more information about ARTstor, or about partici- through the present. pating in ARTstor, please visit www.artstor.org.
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■ Purchasing technology to access the CIPA Internet.2 If a library decides that it does not wish to install filters to meet CIPA require- Decisions, Implementation, ments, the library must forgo receipt of these types of E-rate and LSTA funds. and Impacts Numerous public libraries receive E-rate discounts or LSTA funding either directly or as a part of a library consor- tium.3 Between 1999 and 2003, public Paul T. Jaeger, Charles R. McClure, libraries made a total of 68,320 applica- John Carlo Bertot, and Lesley A. Langa tions for E-rate funding. Many other pub- lic libraries receive LSTA funds as part of a library system or consortium. Many of Implementing the requirements of the Children’s Internet these libraries will be covered by CIPA requirements as a result of the type of E- Protection Act (CIPA) has the potential to create many rate or LSTA funds they receive. problems for public libraries, including issues related to The American Library Association (ALA), with the support of many librar- information access, costs, and library management. This paper ians, was very active in the fight against CIPA. Now that CIPA has been upheld, explores decision-making processes in public libraries related ALA offers several forms of practical to the law, discusses strategies for public libraries to use guidance to assist public libraries in the initial applications of filters under this when implementing CIPA, and examines the need for further law. (The sidebar on page 106 provides information on these ALA sources as research to investigate possible impacts of CIPA to provide a well as other key sources of information more complete understanding of how the law will ultimately related to CIPA.) Beyond the immediate issues of affect public libraries, librarians, and patrons. applying filters or foregoing federal sup- port, CIPA also raises many questions about the impact of the law that will ublic libraries traditionally pride themselves on being places that foster the require investigation. The law mandates free exchange of ideas and that provide means to access a diverse array of the installation of filters on all comput- information that meets the needs of all patrons regardless of age, education, ers in the library to prevent patrons culture, or beliefs. However, a recently applied law places libraries in the posi- from accessing certain kinds of online tionP of having to create restrictions on online content in order to receive certain fed- materials, specifically “obscene” materi- eral funds. If a library receives universal service (E-rate) discounts or Library Services als, “child pornography,” and materials and Technology Act (LSTA) funds, the library must comply with requirements of the that are “harmful to minors.” CIPA
Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), which was upheld by the Supreme Court in defines these terms to include depictions 1 summer 2003. As of June 2004, a public library or public school library must install of sexual conduct, pornography, lewd technology protection measures (usually referred to as filters or filtering software) if it exhibitionism, nudity, sexual activity, or receives federal E-rate or LSTA subsidies that support: simulated sexual activity that have no serious literary, artistic, political, or sci- ■ Internet access costs; entific value to minors (persons who ■ Internal connections costs; have not yet reached the age of seven- ■ Direct Internet costs; or teen). To prevent patrons from reaching these materials, libraries are required to implement filtering technologies on all of Paul T. Jaeger is Manager for Research Development at the Information Use Management and their computers, whether public access or Policy Institute of the School of Information Studies, Florida State University; [email protected]. used only by staff, if they receive E-rate He recently read Dismantling the Public Sphere: Situating and Sustaining Librarianship in the or LSTA funding. The law gives librar- Age of the New Public Philosophy by John E. Buschman. Charles R. McClure is Francis Eppes ians the option of disabling these filters if Professor and Director of the Information Use Management and Policy Institute; cmcclure@lis. fsu.edu. He recently read The Price of Government: Getting the Results We Need in an Age of an adult patron specifically requests that Permanent Fiscal Crisis by David Osborne and Peter Hutchinson. John Carlo Bertot is Professor they be turned off under specific circum- and Associate Director of the Information Use Management and Policy Institute; [email protected]. stances, but the law does not require that edu. He recently read The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Lesley A. Langa is Research Assistant such requests be granted. for the Information Use Management and Policy Institute; [email protected]. She The potential effects of CIPA on recently read A History of Illuminated Manuscripts by Christopher De Hamel. libraries became a research focus for
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444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 105105 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:434:12:43 PMPM the Information Institute while CIPA carefully considered by librarians and sources of frequently used informa- was debated in the courts. Preliminary library administrators. tion by patrons might now be more research by the Information Institute difficult or impossible to access? indicates that there is a wide array of ■ What procedures and policies will reactions to CIPA among public librar- Filtering or Loss of Funding: the library need to implement to ies in the United States and that there Decision-Making Concerns manage the filters and issues of dis- are many points of the law that cause abling them when appropriate? confusion among librarians. In discus- In deciding whether to accept or forego sions with librarians and library admin- federal funds related to CIPA, there are Many libraries used questions like istrators at the local and state levels in a number of key questions that libraries these to help them decide whether to various parts of the nation, Information were forced to consider. These ques- continue to receive E-rate funds. Institute researchers find libraries react- tions included: Economics appear to have played ing to CIPA’s requirements in many a key role in most of the decisions that divergent ways. Some libraries chose ■ What is the amount of E-rate and were made.4 Many public libraries have to simply accept the requirements and LSTA funds received by a library? made the decision to comply with CIPA work to provide information to patrons What type of support do these simply because they need E-rate funds as best they can within the parameters funds provide? What are the ben- to be able to offer Internet access at lev- established by CIPA. Other libraries efits of these funds to the library els that their staff and patrons require. have decided that the information needs and patrons? Large public libraries and library sys- and free speech concerns of patrons are ■ If funds linked to CIPA were not tems, as well as libraries in economi- more important than the federal funding. accepted, were other potential cally disadvantaged areas, would be hit Still more libraries have determined that sources available to cover expenses particularly hard by the loss of E-rate it is less expensive to forego the federal related to Internet connectivity in the funds. Of the libraries that opted to stop funds than to face all of the expenses library? If so, what are they and can applying for E-rate funds, many did so associated with adopting filters. Other they replace funds that are lost? because the amount of E-rate funds they libraries have even considered trying ■ What would be the approximate received was lower than the costs of to find potential loopholes in CIPA to expense (in money and time) of pur- purchasing, implementing, maintaining, avoid compliance. Some of the librar- chasing, installing, and maintaining and monitoring filtering software and ies that have adopted filters seem to be filters on all the computers in your training staff to use the filters. happy with the initial results. Regardless library and training the staff to of the decisions being made at state and properly use them? local libraries, the requirements of CIPA ■ How would these filters affect Implementation Issues create many situations that must be patrons and staff members? What For libraries that made the decision to comply with CIPA to be able to con- tinue receiving E-rate funds, there are Selected Introductory Online Resources many implementation issues that must on CIPA and Internet Filtering be considered. There appear to be three broad areas of impact on public librar- ALA Web site on CIPA. www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=CIPA&template=/ ies. These areas include the number of ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=51301 libraries that will have to comply with Lori Bowen Ayre, Internet Filtering Options Analysis: An Interim Report. CIPA, the economic repercussions of the www.infopeople.org/howto/filtering/InternetFilter_Rev1.pdf law, and the problems associated with Bob Bocher, A CIPA Toolkit. www.libraryjournal.com/index.asp?layout= implementing filters, listed below. article&articleid=CA315151 Institute of Museum and Library Services CIPA Web page. www.imls.gov/ Online Issues whatsnew/leg/protection_act.htm Kaiser Family Foundation, See No Evil: How Internet Filters Affect the CIPA has the potential to affect the pro- Search for Online Health Information. www.kff.org/entmedia/3295- vision of online services in a majority of index.cfm public libraries across the United States.5 Mary Minow, Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)—Legal Definitions As of 2002, nearly half of public librar- of Child Pornography, Obscenity and ‘Harmful to Minors. www.llrx. ies in the United States (43.4 percent) com/features/updatecipa.htm received E-rate discounts. Many of these Ropes & Gray Memorandum on implementing CIPA Regulations. www.ala. libraries receiving E-rate discounts are org/Content/NavigationMenu/Our_Association/Offices/ALA_Washington/ bound to comply with CIPA’s require- Issues2/Civil_Liberties,_Intellectual_Freedom,_Privacy/CIPA1/ ments. Further, 23.1 percent of public MemoCIPAQuestions2.pdf library systems received federal funds, Karen Schneider, Filtering No Easy Answers: Plain Facts About Internet with many of these being LSTA funds Filtering Software. www.ala.org/Content/NavigationMenu/PLA/ being tied to CIPA compliance. All the Publications_and_Reports/Tech_Notes/Internet_Filtering_Software.htm member libraries of these systems that Universal Service E-rate Web page. www.sl.universalservice.org/form receive LSTA funds will be bound to comply with CIPA. These numbers sug- gest that as many as a half or two-thirds
PUBLIC LIBRARIES MARCH/APRIL 2005 106
444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 106106 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:444:12:44 PMPM of public libraries in the United States may have to determine whether to com- /FXGSPN1PJTPOFE1FO1SFTT ply with CIPA’s requirements.
Money and applications 0AINTED 6EIL BY "EVERLE 'RAVES -YERS Economic issues will ultimately play a (# s 8 ,G 0RINT 4PBK significant role in the decisions of most "EVERLE 'RAVES -YERS RETURNS TO THE GLITTERING MUSICAL WORLD OF TH libraries as to whether to apply for CENTURY 6ENICE WHERE 4ITO !MATOCASTRATO SOPRANO OPERA STAR AND future E-rate or LSTA funds.6 Between SLEUTHONCE AGAIN FOLLOWS THE TRACK OF A KILLER THIS TIME INTO THE 1999 and 2003, the federal government TREACHEROUS DEPTHS OF THE CITY TO REVEAL MANY FACETS OF ITS MULTIPLE committed about $50 million in E-rate -ARCH RELIGIOUS FAITHS funding for internal connections in pub- lic libraries, and it allocated $57 million in E-rate funding for Internet access in 3CARE THE ,IGHT !WAY BY 6ICKI $ELANY public libraries. In 2002 almost 20 per- (# s ,G 0RINT 4PBK cent of libraries receiving E-rate funding stated that they would not accept E-rate 2EBECCA -C+ENZIE HAS COME HOME TO BURY HER MOTHER 3HED LEFT discounts should CIPA be upheld, indi- HER SMALL #ANADIAN HOMETOWN YEARS EARLIER AND DIDNT INTEND TO cating that many libraries will forgo such STAY THIS TIMEUNTIL SHE FOUND HER MOTHERS DIARIES 4HEN HER funding to avoid CIPA’s requirements. BROTHER IS ACCUSED OF MURDER AND SHE MUST PUT ASIDE LONG HELD For other libraries, the cost of filters may GRIEVANCES TO PROTECT HIM AND lND THE REAL KILLER -ARCH actually be greater than the economic benefits from E-rate discounts or LSTA 4HE 0OINT IN THE -ARKET BY -ICHAEL 0EARCE funds when the costs of purchasing, maintaining, managing, and monitoring (# filters are tallied. However, dwindling 4HE CLOUDS OF 77) ARE GATHERING OVER %GYPT AND 'ARETH #ADWAL state budgets may make the federal LADER /WEN THE -AMUR :APT OR HEAD OF THE 3ECRET 3ERVICE HAS HIS subsidies difficult to reject for a number HANDS FULL 4HERES THE COMMOTION THAT STARTED IN #AIROS #AMEL of libraries, especially large libraries in MARKET AND THEN THERES HIS MARRIAGE TO THE LOVELY :EINAB A MOVE economically disadvantaged areas that !PRIL WITH SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES RIDDLED WITH POLITICAL AND SOCIAL PITFALLS would receive large discounts. #ARNOSAUR #RIMES BY #HRISTINE 'ENTRY Implementation (# s ,G 0RINT 4PBK The implementation of filtering in accor- 4HE BURNED BODY HANGING FROM THE MOUTH OF THE LIFE SIZED !LLOSAU dance with the guidelines of CIPA is RUS REPLICA OUTSIDE THE "IG 4OE .ATURAL (ISTORY -USEUM SENDS rife with potential problems for library PALEOARTIST !NSEL 0HOENIX DIGGING "UT SHE DIDNT COUNT ON STARTING A administrators, staff, and patrons. Problems could arise in relation to a NEW ROMANCE STUMBLING OVER A HEINOUS ",- LAND GRABBING PLOT OR variety of issues, noted below. BEING STALKED BY A DEADLY NEMESIS FROM HER CHILDHOOD !PRIL
The Functioning of Filters 1PJTPOFE1FO1SFTTCPPLTBSFBWBJMBCMFGSPN The implementation of filters in a library #BLFS5BZMPS #SPEBSU presents many potential sources for *OHSBN PSEJSFDUGSPNUIFQVCMJTIFS ongoing problems. Filters can be dif- ficult to set properly and can incorrectly )L9C@J?@E> O: PUBLIC LIBRARIES MARCH/APRIL 2005 107 444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 107107 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:444:12:44 PMPM defined in the language of CIPA and are access at home will be particularly dis- ■ Set filters at levels that are appro- clearly open to interpretation for librar- advantaged because they may be unable priate to meet the requirements of ians when they try to determine what to freely access the Internet in public the law without going beyond the constitutes “bona fide research or other schools or public libraries. requirements. lawful purposes.” This leaves librarians ■ Devise a training procedure for staff in a possible position of feeling they Local values members about the regulations and have to question adult patrons about the use and disabling of the filters. In the FCC guidelines for implement- why they want the filters turned off Make sure the staff members know ing CIPA, determinations of when to and to make value judgments about the how to disable the filters. disable the filters are in the hands of patron’s rationale.9 Even the fear of such ■ Establish a library policy for evalu- people and organizations within indi- a process may make many patrons hesi- ating patron requests for the dis- vidual communities, who were deemed tant to request that filters be disabled, abling of filters and for the manner “most knowledgeable about the vary- regardless of the perceived importance in which those requests will be ing circumstances of schools or librar- of their information needs. Patrons may addressed. ies within those communities.”15 This also hesitate to request that filters be ■ Make patrons aware of CIPA, its statement gives power to such local disabled for fear of accessing a Web site impacts on the use of computers in bodies as library boards and city coun- that they feel will result in moral judg- the library, and the library policy cils, which can be heavily influenced by ments by the library staff. Further, some regarding the disabling of the filters. political pressures to make important local governments may pressure libraries ■ Consult with other libraries, state decisions regarding the implementa- not to disable filters for adults under library agencies, state library orga- tion of filters. Deference to community certain circumstances, which clearly fails nizations, and national associations standards is an established principle to adhere to CIPA’s requirements.10 for ideas to address issues related in American jurisprudence related to to CIPA. speech that allows individual commu- Information Needs of Adults nities to determine what best fits the These action items serve as a begin- Filters may limit the ability of adult needs of the local population.16 In the ning point for libraries as they initiate patrons and staff to obtain the infor- case of CIPA, however, such a policy policies, procedures, and practice related mation they seek if the filters are not allows filtering decisions to be made to compliance with CIPA. disabled, cannot be disabled, or take by people who may not be knowledge- so long to disable that the information able about library operations, the ways needs cannot be reasonably fulfilled. For in which filters work, or the impacts example, filters seem to disproportion- of filters on library patrons. This may Future Issues and ately block health information, which result in patrons in different commu- Research Questions could negatively impact patrons seeking nities—in the same state and between that type of information in libraries. states—having very different levels of As a result of the issues raised by CIPA, Among adult patrons, filters seem likely access to the Internet and, subsequently, there is an immediate need for more to have the most impact on individu- different levels of ability to receive the practical research about how libraries, als with no other means to access the information they may seek. librarians, and patrons are affected by Internet than at the public library. These issues offer an overview of the implementation of the law’s require- some of the potential problems that can ments. Some of the issues that need Information Needs of Minors result from a library’s attempts to com- investigation more extensively include: One recent study found that as many as ply with CIPA’s requirements. 48 percent of minors use public libraries ■ feasibility of implementation of as their primary Internet access point.11 CIPA requirements in terms of eco- However, filtering may disenfranchise Ensuring Thoughtful nomic and practical considerations; many minors from the Internet. Filtering Compliance ■ variances, if any, in impacts on pub- impairs the use of the Internet in educa- lic libraries with different service tion, as filters may block educational For libraries that are required to com- populations (for example, urban, sites that teachers have selected for ply with CIPA, there are a number of suburban, or rural); use in lessons and assignments.12 One actions that can be taken to ensure ■ variations in local approaches to study found that most students sur- compliance that best meets the needs of determinations of when filters veyed believe “filtering software blocks staff and patrons: should be disabled based on com- important information” and “many feel munity standards; discouraged from using the Internet by ■ Understand CIPA and its require- ■ effect of CIPA as perceived by the difficulties they face in accessing ments (see sidebar on this page for libraries versus that perceived by educational material.”13 Approximately introductory resources). their patrons; 70 percent of fifteen- to seventeen-year- ■ Learn the current guidelines for ■ impact of filters on information- olds have used the Internet to search applying for E-rate funds, especially seeking activities of minors in pub- for health information, meaning that the process for compliance with lic libraries; the filtering requirement of CIPA may CIPA’s requirements. ■ impact of filters on adult patrons’ limit the access of many young adults to ■ Assess how implementing CIPA information-seeking activities in health information that is important to requirements might affect library public libraries; their personal development and general services for the various populations ■ potential legal challenges that can well-being.14 Minors with no Internet that your library serves. be raised by patrons, libraries, or PUBLIC LIBRARIES MARCH/APRIL 2005 108 444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 108108 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:454:12:45 PMPM other groups regarding the applica- Though the deadline for compli- (2000): 425–44; Namita E. Mani, “Judi- tion of CIPA; and ance with CIPA has passed, CIPA will cial Scrutiny of Congressional Attempts to Protect Children from the Internet’s ■ potential impacts of the filtering of continue to raise issues and concerns for Harm: Will Internet Filtering Technol- information on the perceived social public libraries, librarians, and patrons. ogy Provide the Answer Congress Has roles of the public library. As the implementation of CIPA is still Been Looking For?,” Boston University a recent process, many issues likely will Journal of Science and Technology Law Understanding the extent and impact arise in the future as libraries deal with 9 (2003): 201–08; Richard J. Peltz, “Use of these kinds of issues will help public ‘The Filter You Were Born With’: The the practical implications of the law. Any Unconstitutionality of Mandatory Inter- libraries decide how to best implement “son of CIPA” laws that are passed prob- net Filtering for Adult Patrons of Public filters, what policies and practices should ably will provide further complications Libraries,” Washington Law Review 77 accompany the filters, and how to still in some states. Further research about (2002): 397–479. meet the information needs of patrons 8. These issues are discussed in detail in CIPA, as outlined in this paper, will help American Library Association v. United while complying with the law. libraries, librarians, and patrons contend States, 201 F. Supp. 2d 401 (E. D. Pa. One of the primary future impacts on with complex issues that CIPA has now 2002). public libraries resulting from CIPA may thrust upon many public libraries. ■ 9. Christopher Harne, “Filtering Software be filtering laws adopted by individual in Public Libraries: Traditional Collec- states.17 These types of laws are already tion Decision or Congressionally Induced First Amendment Violation?” Mercer being considered by the state legislators in References and Notes Law Review 55 (2004): 1029–42; Janelle a number of states, including Colorado, A. Weber, “The Spending Clause: Fund- Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Ohio, Utah, and 1. The Children’s Internet Protection Act ing a Filth-Free Internet or Filtering Out Virginia. Many of these state laws create (P.L. 106-554) is codified at 20 U.S.C. § the First Amendment?” Florida Law 6801, 6777, 9134 and 47 U.S.C. § 254. Review 56 (2004): 471–81. stricter requirements than CIPA does by In July 2003, the Supreme Court upheld 10. Norman Oder, “Bumps on the CIPA establishing additional requirements for the constitutionality of CIPA in United Road,” Library Journal 129, no. 16 installing filters, such as requiring filters States v. American Library Association (2004): 18. on all public access computers or on (123 S.Ct. 2297). 11. Tammi Moe, “Bridging the ‘Digital Di- every computer in a library regardless 2. In re Federal-State Joint Board on Uni- vide’ in Colorado Libraries,” Public Li- versal Service: Children’s Internet Pro- braries 43, no. 4 (2004): 227–32. of funding sources. More extreme pro- tection Act, FCC 03-188 (Washington, 12. National Telecommunications And Infor- visions of some of these proposed laws D.C.: Federal Communications Com- mation Administration, Children’s Inter- include allowing a patron to sue a library mission, 2003). net Protection Act: Study of Technology if a filter fails to block certain materials, 3. John Carlo Bertot and Charles R. Mc- Protection Measures in Section 1703 Clure, Public Libraries and the Internet (Washington, D.C.: National Telecom- not allowing the filters to be disabled for 2002: Internet Connectivity and Net- munications and Information Adminis- adult patrons under any circumstances, worked Services (Tallahassee, Fla.: In- tration, 2003), available at www.ntia. and requiring librarians to inquire why formation Use Management and Policy doc.gov/ntiahome/ntiageneral/cipa2003/ adult patrons wish to have filters dis- Institute, 2002), available at www.ii.fsu. CIPAreport_08142003.htm. abled. If any of these proposed “son of edu; John Carlo Bertot et al., Analysis of 13. Douglas Levin and Sousan Arafeh, Public Library E-rate Data: 1999–2002 The Digital Disconnect: The Widening CIPA” laws are adopted by a state, each (Tallahassee, Fla.: Information Use Man- Gap between Internet-Savvy Students new law will likely create many new con- agement and Policy Institute, 2003), and Their Schools. (Washington, D.C.: cerns and complications for public librar- available at www.ii.fsu.edu; Paul T. Jae- Pew Internet and American Life Project, ies in that particular state. ger, John Carlo Bertot, and Charles R. 2002), available at www.pewinternet. McClure, “The Effects of Children’s org., page iv. CIPA hinges on the idea of restrict- Internet Protection Act (CIPA) in Public 14. Kaiser Family Foundation, See No ing access to types of information and Libraries and Its Implications for Re- Evil: How Internet Filters Affect the determining what rights library patrons search: A Statistical, Policy, and Legal Search for Online Health Information have to receive these kinds of expres- Analysis,” Journal of the American Soci- (Washington D.C.: Kaiser Family Foun- sion. Complying with CIPA creates the ety for Information Science and Technol- dation, 2002), available at www.kff. ogy 55, no. 13 (2004): 1131–39. org/entmedia/20021210a-index.cfm. potential to prevent patrons—minors and 4. George M. Eberhart, “Libraries Choose 15. Federal Communications Commis- adults—from reaching some of the infor- to Filter or Not to Filter as CIPA Dead- sion, In re Federal-State Joint Board mation they need. This situation creates line Arrives,” American Libraries 35, on Universal Service: Children’s Inter- a dilemma for many librarians who feel no. 7 (2004): 17; Norman Oder, “CIPA net Protection Act, 16 FCC Rcd. 8182 Deadline Looms, Large PLs in Poorer (Washington, D.C.: Federal Communi- that such restrictions conflict with the Areas Squeezed,” Library Journal 129, cations Commission, 2001). freedom of inquiry that libraries strive no. 5 (2004): 16–17. 16. Miller v. California, 413 U.S. 15 (1973). to promote. “A central but understated 5. The data discussed in this paragraph are 17. Pamela A. Goodes, “CIPA Fallout Filters function of libraries is maintaining an from the publications listed in note 3. Down to States,” American Libraries environment where all people can hold 6. The data discussed in this paragraph are 35, no. 4 (2004): 12–13; Rachel Liebler, 18 from the publications listed in note 3. “Beware the Mini-CIPAs,” American and express divergent views.” However, 7. Adam Goldstein, “Like a Sieve: The Child Libraries 35, no. 7 (2004): 39; Walter as it is clear that many public libraries will Internet Protection Act and Ineffective Minkel, “Ohio to Adopt a Less Stringent have to comply with CIPA’s requirements, Filters in Libraries,” Fordham Intellec- CIPA,” School Library Journal 50, no. 4 these libraries must work to implement tual Property, Media, and Entertainment (2004): 24. Law Journal 12 (2002): 1187–202; 18. Michael Harkovitch, Amanda Hirst, and CIPA in a way that best provides for the Adam Horowitz, “The Constitutional- Jenifer Loomis, “Intellectual Freedom in information needs of patrons—minors ity of the Children’s Internet Protec- Belief and in Practice,” Public Libraries and adults—within the law’s parameters. tion Act,” St. Thomas Law Review 13 42, no. 6 (2003): 367–74, 367. PUBLIC LIBRARIES MARCH/APRIL 2005 109 444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 109109 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:464:12:46 PMPM Every Child Ready to Read @ your library®— ogy. Linda has written for School Library Journal, Library Training Kits, Brochures, Posters Journal, Public Libraries, and VOYA. She teaches for Lesley University in the Graduate Technology in Education program Available for Purchase and Simmons College in the Graduate School of Library and Information Science. Current research on early literacy and brain development indi- This publication is available, free of charge, on the cates that it is never too early to prepare children for success as ALSC Web site, www.ala.org/alsc or on the PLA Web site, readers. Parents of newborns, toddlers, and preschoolers must www.pla.org. For more information contact Laura Schulte- be informed of their critical role as their children’s first teacher. Cooper (ALSC), [email protected], or Kathleen Hughes (PLA), PLA and the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) [email protected]. have incorporated the latest research into a series of parent and caregiver workshops to provide public libraries with vital tools to help prepare parents. A training kit that includes a DVD, PLA Boot Camp: parent brochures, posters, training tools, and much more, are available for sale. These tools were developed by Grover C. A Five-Day Immersion Program Whitehurst and Christopher Lonigan, well-known researchers in emergent literacy, and have been tested and refined by library Join PLA at our first ever Boot Camp, called “Results are demonstrations sites around the country. What Matters: Management Tools and Techniques to Improve To purchase the kit, order brochures (parent and caregiver Library Services and Programs.” This week of intensive train- brochures are by age, or you can choose a general informa- ing, to be held Monday–Friday, September 19–23, 2005, will be tion brochure for all ages) or posters, or to learn more about based on three of the titles in PLA’s Results series of publica- Every Child Ready to Read @ your library®, visit www.pla. tions. The three titles are: org today. Trainers also are available to help your staff use the materials and present parent and caregiver workshops. ■ The New Planning for Results See www.pla.org. ■ Managing for Results: Effective Resource Allocation for Public Libraries ■ Creating Polices for Results: From Chaos to Clarity PLA/ALSC Release Electronic Publication, Through group activity, case studies, and discussion, Boot “Children and the Internet: Camp attendees will have the opportunity to explore issues and learn processes. Attendees also will apply what they have Policies that Work” learned to a problem or issue in their own libraries. Instructors include Sandra Nelson, a co-author of all three Results pub- PLA and the Association for Library Service to Children lications, and June Garcia, co-author of one publication and (ALSC), have released a joint electronic publication, “Children advisory committee member or reader for the other two. Visit and the Internet: Policies that Work.” www.pla.org for updates and more information about PLA This publication is a successor to “Children and the Boot Camps. Internet: Guidelines for Developing Public Library Policy,” a work published in 1998 by the two associations. The original work, provided guidance and food for thought to librarians charged with drafting policy for children’s access to the Internet. With growing concern over children’s safety on the Internet, debate about the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), and the constant advancement of technology, the associations real- ized it was time to update the publication with new information and resources. This version, which contains articles, sample Internet policies, helpful ALA links, and more, was released in electronic format to allow for the timely and efficient revision of information. “Children and the Internet: Policies that Work” was edited by Linda Braun. Braun is an educational technology consultant with LEO: Librarians and Educators Online. She works with schools, libraries, and other educational institutions to help them figure out the best ways to integrate and use technol- PUBLIC LIBRARIES MARCH/APRIL 2005 110 444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 110110 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:474:12:47 PMPM Need a New Strategic Plan for Your Library? library $2,500 in audio music and video products for its Check Out PLA’s Newest e-Learning Course circulating collections. ■ PLA’s Charlie Robinson Award was awarded to Raymond Need a new strategic plan for your library? PLA can help you Santiago, director, Miami Dade Public Library System, put together a great one. Get the information you need to do Florida. This award recognizes a public library director it right in PLA’s newest e-Learning course, “New Planning for for implementation of innovative change. Sponsored by Results.” This online course will help you develop an under- Baker & Taylor, this award consists of $1,000 and a gift standing of PLA’s recommended strategic planning process, and to the recipient. resolve real library planning problems. By the end of the course ■ EBSCO Excellence in Small or Rural Public Library Service you will have a “plan to plan,” and will have developed the Award was presented to Curtis Township Library, Glennie, skills you will need to successfully complete a strategic planning Mich. EBSCO Subscription Services donates $1,000 to process in your own library. honor a public library serving a population of 10,000 or Learners will work with each other and with June Garcia, fewer that demonstrates excellence in service to its com- an experienced library administrator and consultant. The munity as exemplified by an overall service program or a curriculum includes interactive exercises, collaborative work, special program of significant accomplishment. threaded discussions, online chats with instructors and col- ■ The Highsmith Library Innovation Award was given to leagues, and online course progress assessments. The course Richmond (B.C.) Public Library. A plaque and a $2,000 can be completed in about six online hours spread over the honorarium are provided by Highsmith, Inc., the award’s course of six weeks, with six months total access to the course sponsor, to recognize a public library’s innovative or cre- materials. This course is based on the bestselling ALA publica- ative service program to their community. tion, The New Planning for Results by Sandra Nelson. ■ Demco New Leaders Travel Grants were awarded to Visit www.pla.org and click on the e-Learning @ PLA logo Wendy Lee, Marshall-Lyon County (Minn.) Library and for more information, registration costs, and a course demo. Jennifer Dawson, Kanawha County Public Library System, Charleston, W. Va. Via this grant, PLA provides up to $5,000 to support the professional development and Get Your Library’s Copy of improve the expertise of public librarians new to the field by making possible their attendance at major professional PLA’s Stats Report—Stat! development activities. The 2005 PLA Public Library Data Service Statistical Report will PLA will recognize all award winners at the PLA President’s be available in June 2005. The PLDS report is designed to meet Program and Awards Reception with David Sedaris during the the needs of public library administrators and others for timely American Library Association’s 2005 Annual Conference in and effective library-specific data that illuminates and supports a Chicago. The reception will take place on Monday, June 27, wide variety of management decisions. The current edition will 2005. For more information, call the PLA office, 1-800-545- help library managers identify top performing libraries, compare 2433, ext. 5PLA, or see PLA’s Web site at www.pla.org. ■ service levels, technology usage, and more. The report includes a special survey on public library finance. See how your library compares to other libraries! To order, call the ALA Order Dept at 1-866-746-7252. The 2005 Statistical Report (ISBN 0-8389- 8315-4) is $72 for ALA and PLA members, $80 for nonmem- bers. For more information visit www.pla.org. PLA Announces 2005 Award Winners Winners of seven distinguished service awards have been announced by PLA. The awards and their winners include: June 23–29 ■ PLA’s Advancement of Literacy Award went to Michael ALA Annual Conference Page, external affairs manager, Verizon Foundation, San Chicago Bernardino, Calif. Sponsored by Library Journal, the award is given to a publisher, bookseller, software dealer, September 19–23 PLA “Results” Boot Camp foundation, or similar group that has made a significant Salt Lake City, Utah contribution toward the advancement of adult literacy. ■ Allie Beth Martin Award was given to Pamela E. Groves, 2006 youth services librarian, Princeton (N.J.) Public Library. The $3,000 award, donated by sponsor Baker & Taylor, January 20–25 recognizes a public librarian for demonstrating a range and ALA Midwinter Meeting depth of knowledge about books and other library materi- San Antonio als, and the distinguished ability to share that knowledge. March 21–25 ■ Baker & Taylor Entertainment Audio Music/Video Product PLA National Conference Award Grant recipient this year is the Haines (Alaska) Boston Borough Public Library. This grant offers the selected PUBLIC LIBRARIES MARCH/APRIL 2005 111 444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 111111 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:484:12:48 PMPM system, where interacting with fit within the current academic local officials is a requirement. environment, the kinds of deci- This interaction can be intimi- sions about hardware and soft- dating for a new manager, and ware that must be made, how coverage of this topic would be to approach faculty, and permis- helpful in giving them an under- sion request procedures. standing of what to expect. Part two deals with copy- The other weakness, as right issues, particularly the ap- mentioned earlier, is that the plication of fair use, and claims text doesn’t always seem as that “the most critical consider- library-specific as one would ation for materials to be includ- Beyond the Basics come more comfortable, they like. In most cases, the effort ed in course reserves, whether The Management Guide for are likely to spend more time on is made to set ideas in a library printed or electronic, is the de- Library and Information the other sections dealing with environment, but there are times termination of fair use” (45). In Professionals responsibilities and people fac- when the book reads like a addition to a concise overview tors. Readers looking to quickly standard business management of copyright, Driscoll discusses By G. Edward Evans and Pa- find coverage of a given topic text. While there are some “For attempts to develop guidelines tricia Layzell Ward. New York: will find the comprehensive Further Thought” discussions and policies that would pro- Neal-Schuman, 2003. 347p. index especially useful. included to help the new man- vide safe harbor to librarians $59.95 (ISBN 1-55570-476-X) Authors Evans and Ward ager contextualize some of the deciding how much of a given LC 2003-059900. know that covering all man- material, perhaps some com- document to use. Her coverage Beyond the Basics: The agement topics in a 350-page prehensive case studies set in a would be usefully supplemented Management Guide for Library book is hopeless. One method library environment would have by Laura N. Gasaway’s chap- and Information Profession- they use to compensate is the been more helpful. ter in Managing Electronic Re- als intends to provide librar- inclusion of a number of further As a library-specific man- serves, edited by Jeff Rosedale ians with management skills readings in “Worth Checking agement text, this work doesn’t (Chicago: ALA, 2002). and information beyond what Out” boxes throughout the quite cover everything one The practical focus of the is taught in library school. To book. These are found in all would hope for. Especially for book is both a strength and a that end, it definitely accom- the chapters, and they point to public librarians, case studies weakness. The author is Chair plishes its goal. However, while additional readings for the topic and practical applications would of the Access Services Depart- the book certainly goes beyond being discussed at that point. have been more helpful than a ment at the Smathers Libraries basic management skills, the There are a few topics not heavy load of theory. However, at the University of Florida at focus often strays from being included that would be help- this book does contain a good Gainesville, and clearly writes library-specific and into general ful for those new to manage- deal of information, especially from experience. The appendix management techniques. ment positions. For example, in the first several chapters, that contains sample forms and let- The book is logically di- the topic of politics is covered should prove helpful to new ters that readers could adapt vided into three distinct sec- briefly, but the discussion is managers in libraries.—Craig (for example, the permission tions: understanding context, restricted to organizational Shufelt, Branch Manager, Lane letter on page 81 or the mate- understanding responsibilities, politics and involvement in pro- Public Library, Oxford, Ohio rial renewal form on page 83) and understanding people fac- fessional organizations. Missing and useful checklists (such as tors. The first section is likely is a discussion of how to inter- Electronic Reserves the reserve materials checklist to be the most helpful for new act with actual politicians, espe- on page 68 or the scanning A Manual and Guide for managers, as it deals with basic cially local officials. For many checklist on page 72). Yet the Library Staff Members topics such as settling into a librarians, their first foray into scanning instructions starting new management position and management may be a director’s By Lori Driscoll. New York: on page 72 will be most useful analyzing the operating envi- position at a small library, or a Haworth, 2003. 103p. $39.95 to people using Adobe Acrobat ronment. As new managers be- branch manager spot in a larger hardcover (ISBN 0-7890-1525- software and a Fujitsu Scan- 0) $24.95 softcover (ISBN Partner 620C scanner. The poli- If you are interested in reviewing or submitting 0-7890-1526-9) LC 2003- cies discussed in the book are materials for “By the Book,” contact Julie Elliott, 018582. best seen as based on policies Assistant Librarian, Reference and Coordinator of In Electronic Reserves, au- adopted by a particular library. Public Relations and Outreach, Indiana University of thor Lori Driscoll has written These will be very useful if one’s South Bend, 1700 Mishawaka Ave., PO Box 7111, a practical guide to implement- interpretation of the issues is the South Bend, IN 46634-7111; [email protected]. ing and managing electronic re- same. However, Driscoll points The contributing editor of By the Book is serves in an academic library. out that her book “should not Jennifer Schatz. She is currently reading Bleak House Driscoll divides the book’s replace the advice of competent by Charles Dickens and Writings of the Luddites by Kevin Binfield. six chapters into two parts. Part legal counsel” (xiii); the advice “By the Book” reviews professional development materials of one introduces the reader to received will vary from school potential interest to public librarians, trustees, and others involved electronic reserves, reviews the to school depending on how in library service. major issues that libraries con- aggressive counsel is in claiming PLA policy dictates that publications of the Public Library templating starting an electronic fair use. Association not be reviewed in this column. Notice of new publica- reserves service must address, Driscoll’s book will help tions from PLA will generally be found in the “News from PLA” library staff looking for a nuts section of Public Libraries. A description of books written by the and briefly discusses problems editors or contributing editors of Public Libraries may appear in this that will crop up in ongoing op- and bolts introduction to elec- column but no evaluative review will be included for these titles. erations. She further describes tronic reserve. The Rosedale how electronic reserve materials book covers much of the same PUBLIC LIBRARIES MARCH/APRIL 2005 112 444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 112112 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:484:12:48 PMPM ground, but from a broader use not related to school”), ap- between libraries fall under fair book is an easy read at 257 perspective; the Smith and Ga- proval from teens themselves, use guidelines? pages, covering the major issues saway chapters will be very use- originality, quality, pertinence, This situation, along with of copyright in libraries: general ful to readers who read Driscoll. and availability in print (xi). forty-nine related scenarios, principles, copyright owner’s Rosedale’s Electronic Reserves The books selected needed to is one of the exercises in The rights, liability for infringement, Clearinghouse at www.mville. meet most of the criteria, but Librarian’s Copyright Compan- fair use and library exemption, edu/administration/Staff/Jeff_ not all. ion. These exercises pose situa- audiovisual works, and non- Rosedale is also a valuable The annotations are con- tions and ask readers to indicate print media. Chapters address resource. Public libraries that cisely written and the title selec- whether they think the activ- and decipher a number of rela- share facilities with an academic tion is impressive, particularly ity is permissible, problematic, tively new copyright issues that library and librarians or other in the nonfiction section. The or possibly infringing. Answers may affect the work of librar- staff looking for a practical in- graphic format section is a use- and commentary provide an ians, including digital informa- troduction to electronic reserves ful introduction to the genre for interesting exercise and an ef- tion and the Digital Millennium should find this book useful. beginners. It would have been fective heuristic device through Copyright Act, licensing of elec- In addition, the book was co- helpful, however, if the authors which to delve into the murky tronic information, electronic published as volume 14, num- had provided Dewey Decimal waters of copyright law. reserves, and distance education, ber 1 (2003) of the Journal of numbers for the nonfiction No library should be with- as well as the more standard is- Interlibrary Loan, Document graphic works, or divided the out this handbook. After all, sues of classroom photocopying Delivery, and Information Sup- section into two parts, fiction librarians work with many and interlibrary loan. ply, so subscribers need not pur- and nonfiction. The book in- copyrighted materials (govern- At one hundred pages in chase the monograph.—Edward cludes author and title indexes ment documents notwithstand- length, the appendices take up Wall, former Reserve Librarian, and an easy-to-use CD-ROM ing), and libraries are filled with nearly half of the book and Queens College of the City Uni- that provides Microsoft Excel copyrighted materials. It follows are packed with helpful in- versity of New York and Word files of bibliographic that librarians will certainly formation: sample copyright information on every title rec- benefit from Heller’s handbook, guidelines and policies, the A Core Collection for ommended in the book that for whom “the Copyright Act aforementioned question-and- Young Adults users can then use to create of 1976, its amendments, and answer exercise, some use- a database of their own. An court decisions recall the days ful copyright Web sites, and By Patrick Jones, Patricia Tay- information sheet provides di- of black-and-white television: ‘a a selective bibliography. Also lor, and Kirsten Edwards. New rections and tips for using the little black, a little white, and a included is a sample letter re- York: Neal-Schuman, 2003. CD-ROM and includes Jones’s lot of gray.’ This grayness may questing permission to repro- 410p. $65 (ISBN 1-55570-458- e-mail address for anyone hav- leave librarians uncertain about duce materials, an invaluable 1) LC 2002-45237. ing problems. what we may or may not do in aid for educators or researchers Joel Shoemaker writes in This book is comprehensive our workplace” (xi). who wish to reprint or distrib- the introduction to A Core Col- and easy to use, and considering Heller, director of the law ute copyrighted works online lection for Young Adults that the inclusion of a CD-ROM library and professor of law or in print. National copyright co-author Patrick Jones is “a the price is reasonable. Librar- at the College of William and guidelines are conveniently re- forerunner in defining ‘teen ians wishing to redesign their Mary and former president of printed as are the statements of reading’ to mean more than young adult collection or devel- the American Association of the Music Library Association, reading novels” (vii). Also, op a teen reading group should Law Libraries, reminds us that the American Association of Jones’s idea that libraries are purchase this book.—Julie El- “copyright is not black and Law Libraries, and the Visual “not in the business of checking liott, Reference and Instruction white, and the questions do not Resources Association regard- out books to teens, [but] . . . Librarian and Coordinator of necessarily have straightforward ing fair use in music, law, and in the business of making teens Public Relations and Outreach, answers” (239). visual image collections. good people” (viii) is the view- Indiana University, South Bend Librarians and information Although this is not the point from which this collection professionals will welcome this definitive work on copyright of books was gathered. The Librarian’s new handbook with its frame- law, its timeliness, ease of use, The book divides young Copyright Companion work for analyzing copyright and author’s credentials render adult works into three areas— issues in any library, whether the book a worthy addition to nonfiction, fiction, and graphic By James S. Heller. Buffalo, in or out of the profit environ- any library’s reference collec- formats—and provides each title N.Y.: William S. Hein, 2004. ment. But Heller cautions that tion. Heller, the author of sev- with a short annotation, ISBN, 257p. $45 (ISBN 0-8377-3300- the book cannot provide yes or eral monographs on the topic price, and recommended grade 6) LC 2003 056624. no answers to every copyright of copyright law and libraries, level. A “Sources and Tips” sec- Consider this situation: a question, nor can it address asserts that by the end of the tion at the end provides a guide public library system has a main every possible scenario. The book the reader should have a to best lists, tips on “How to library and two branches. All book is based on workshops better understanding of United Maintain the YA Core Collec- three libraries subscribe to a the author presents to librarians States copyright law and greater tion” and how to select genre specific journal. Due to budget and educators nationwide, no confidence when confronted literature, and a very useful list cuts, the subscriptions for the doubt an experience that con- with related issues in the work- of must-have books written by branches are canceled. Users at tributes to its easygoing style. place. The Librarian’s Copy- young adult librarians and read- the branches are told that the His aims are to illuminate and, right Companion belongs on ers’ advisors across the country. main library will copy articles at times, to entertain—and this the reference shelves of every li- As selection criteria, the authors from the journal for them on he does. brary and school library, as well used honors, attraction (defined demand, and have a courier de- Divided into eight chapters, as in the professional collections in the preface as “[titles that] liver them to the branch. Does sixteen appendixes, a table of of every public, special, and aca- primarily appeal to teens for photocopying of journal articles court cases, and an index, the demic library, and so the book PUBLIC LIBRARIES MARCH/APRIL 2005 113 444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 113113 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:494:12:49 PMPM 444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 114114 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:504:12:50 PMPM is highly recommended.—Diana author’s words see print in the Kirby, Collection Management conventional publishing world. Books in Brief Librarian, Miami-Dade (Fla.) For this reason, the reader Books Received But Not Reviewed Public Library System may choose also to consult the wealth of sources offered at The Medical Library Association Encyclopedic Guide Internet and Personal the end of each entry. Many of to Searching and Finding Health Information on the Web. Computing Fads these are online or are drawn Edited by P. F. Anderson and Nancy J. Allee. New York: from periodicals published Neal-Schuman, 2004. 3 vol. w/CD-ROM. $495 (ISBN 1- By Mary Ann Bell, Mary Ann in the field and may provide 55570-496-4) LC 2004-042862. This comprehensive 3-vol- Berry, and James L. Van Roekel. more current information on ume reference tool (with CD-ROM) covers search strategies New York: Haworth, 2004. these topics. But for a first and recommended search terms, topic profiles, organization 210p. $15.95 (ISBN 0-7890- glance, this offering fills the contact information, and much more. Over 700 sections are 1772-5) LC 2003-009793. bill.—Becki Bronson, Reference included in three volumes: Volume 1, Search Strategies/Quick By covering an eclectic mix Librarian, Handley Regional Reference Guide; Volume 2, Diseases and Disorders/Mental of old and new terminology and Library, Winchester, Va. Health and Mental Disorders; and Volume 3, Health and technology, the authors of In- Wellness/Life Stages and Reproduction/Cumulative Index. ternet and Personal Computing Power Research Tools Books in Bloom: Creative Patterns and Props That Fads explore some of the earliest Bring Stories to Life. By Kimberly K. Faurot. Chicago: Learning Activities and ALA, 2003. 164p. $38, ALA members $34.20 (ISBN 0- computing applications as well Posters as touching on later develop- 8389-0852-7) LC 2003-003819. A resource guide aimed ments. Historical entries pro- By Joyce Kasman Valenza. Chi- at teachers, librarians, and day-care providers that provides vide useful background, giving cago: ALA, 2003. 144 p. $55, ideas for creating many different types of props related to the reader a powerful sense of $49.50 ALA members (ISBN children’s stories and poems. Instructions, patterns, and how far computing has evolved 0-8389-0838-1) LC 2002- pictures are included. in a relatively short time. One 008972. Refuge of a Scoundrel: The Patriot Act in Libraries. needn’t go as far back as ENIAC, Many teachers and librar- By Herbert N. Foerstel. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Un- the first vacuum-tube computer ians are recognizing the need limited, 2004. 232 p. $35.00 (ISBN 1-59158-139-7) LC and the precursor to the main- to promote information literacy 2003-065950. A detailed history and analysis of library frame computer, to appreciate to students at a younger age. surveillance programs in general and the PATRIOT Act in computing’s incursion into daily Joyce Kasman Valenza’s Power particular. Describes the provisions of the Act that directly living. The authors’ discussion Research Tools is designed for affect libraries and librarians’ responses to it. of hypertext and the develop- those who teach research skills to The Information Commons: A Public Poli- ment of instant messaging and middle and high school students. cy Report. By Nancy Kranich. New York: Bren- e-mail all demonstrate the extent This compilation of handouts nan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law, 2004. to which computers have seeped and hands-on activities comes Available in PDF at www.fepproject.org/policyreports/ into the public consciousness. with eighteen posters to reinforce InformationCommons.pdf. An overview of the recent This guide provides a snap- topics covered in the lessons. growth of information communities supporting free access shot of trends in computing Teachers will also find this col- to information, including issues such as software, licensing, through the early 2000s. Not lection useful as a research skills and scholarly communications. all entries discuss what could be refresher. The handouts and ac- The Big Book of Stories, Songs, and Sing-Alongs. By strictly called fads, however. For tivities can be used as a com- Beth Maddigan, Stephanie Drennan, and Roberta Thomp- example, acceptable use poli- plete curriculum or individually son. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, 2003. 281p. $32.00 cies are now common practice to emphasize specific skills, and (ISBN 1-56308-975-0) LC 2003-051583. Aimed at youth for organizations of all sizes as correspond to both the American services programmers, this book provides forty story time they strive to protect themselves Association of School Librarians programs for babies, toddlers, and families. Presentation against possible lawsuits arising and the Association of College ideas and tips for each age group are also included. over the misuse of their comput- and Research Libraries informa- The Librarian’s Guide to Genealogical Services and er resources. Another example tion literacy standards. Research. By James Swan. New York: Neal-Schuman, 2004. is Internet advertising; for better Valenza covers the entire 359 p. $75 (ISBN 1-55570-491-3) LC 2004-040152. This or worse, it is likely to persist research process, from creating handbook covers the process of genealogical research from and become more prevalent as a thesis to compiling a works the librarian’s perspective—how to find documents, build content providers seek to ensure cited list. The book is separated the collection, preserve local information, and more. In- future revenue streams. into four sections: Searching, cludes a companion CD with links to relevant sites, as well The authors cover a siz- Ethics, Evaluation and Organiz- as checklists and forms. able portion of fads that sprang ing, and Communicating. Each up in the fertile environment section includes an introduc- of the late ’90s dot-com craze. tion with a list of information school students in a few places. would suit both audiences. Va- Cyber cafes, e-books, gopher, literacy standards covered as High school students are asked lenza distills the information and hyperfiction all provide a well as a short description with to look at Google and Eb- into lessons designed to prevent blast from the past and illus- suggestions on how to use each scoHost databases as part of information overload. How- trate the central weakness of the exercise or handout. Educators an activity on comparing sub- ever, middle and high school work: no matter how quickly will find themselves reaching scription databases and Web students will not be inspired an author can publish on a for this volume for easy-to-use, sites, while middle school stu- by the stick-figure artwork on computing fashion, the industry effective research activities. dents compare Ask Jeeves for handouts and posters. will have replaced that fashion Valenza creates separate Kids and Middle Search Plus. Similar products such as with another by the time that exercises for middle and high The majority of the exercises Hands-on Information Literacy PUBLIC LIBRARIES MARCH/APRIL 2005 115 444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 115115 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:514:12:51 PMPM Activities by Jane Birks (Neal- ing such topics as plagiarism and area of children’s literature, has basic activities for development, Schuman, 2003) and Valenza’s the invisible Web. Intended audi- authored a number of success- although there appears to be Power Tools Recharged (see ences include students, teachers, ful titles assisting teachers and little difference between these below) come with CD-ROMs administrators, and parents. The librarians in the planning and and the recommended activities. that allow the user to view files sections on marketing, admin- implementation of literature- A resource bibliography at the electronically and adapt the exer- istrating, and evaluating library based programs for all ages. end of the book is arranged by cises. Many teachers and librar- programs are essential for school This particular volume is de- chapter and includes all of the ians may wish this book came library media specialists. Valenza signed for librarians and teach- professional materials used by with the same feature. Most of provides the support materials ers and geared toward youth Irving to develop her themes. the handouts are general enough for daily operations in a school in grades K–6. While it does Unfortunately, there just is to use as is, but it would be library with a focus on com- manage to effectively weave to- not enough here for a solid rec- nice to be able to customize the municating the importance of li- gether stories and related ac- ommendation. And since there databases and Web sites used in brary programs, and proving the tivities in an effort to promote are a number of titles out there certain exercises or to use topics effectiveness of these programs the importance of stories and that deal with stories and the art that students will be studying in to school administrators. continued learning, it fails in its of storytelling in a much more class for the sample searches. With some minor adjust- attempt to make storytelling a engaging manner, take a pass on Overall, school and public ments, public librarians will major theme. this one and consider purchas- librarians who are trying to find be able to use many of the While the book itself has ing additional copies of books creative ways to impart infor- handouts for library program- ten chapters, only one is de- by Margaret Read MacDonald mation literacy skills to teens ming and daily procedures. The voted to the art of storytelling. or Caroline Feller Bauer.—Ellen will find this a useful addition brochure on the school library It is nicely done, however, as Bassett, Reference Librarian, to the collection.—Tricia Ar- could easily be adapted to pro- Irving makes recommendations Cook Memorial Public Library, rington, Reference Librarian, mote a reference department or on how to select, practice, and Libertyville, Ill. Peabody Institute Library, Dan- homework help center. Public present a story, and also includes vers, Mass. librarians working in collabora- an annotated list of books that Thinking Outside the tion with school library media are well-suited to storytelling. Book Power Tools Recharged specialists will gain some in- She also offers ideas on hosting sight into the day-to-day op- one’s own storytelling festival. Edited by C. Allen Nichols. 125+ Essential Forms and erations of a school library, and Beyond that, what readers will Westport, Conn.: Libraries Un- Presentations for Your School Library Information Program handouts such as the one on find are a number of somewhat limited, 2004. 189p. $25 (ISBN Technology Information Night flat literature-based programs 1-59158-059-5) LC 2003- By Joyce Kasman Valenza. Chi- could be used for collaborative reflecting curricular topics, such 060592. cago: ALA, 2004. 320p. $55, projects. Many of the informa- as art, math, and poetry. The As any teen will tell you, $49.50 ALA members (ISBN tion literacy activities previous- author does note that all her their interests go well beyond 0-8389-0880-2) LC 2004- ly appeared in Power Research topics were chosen based on books. Music by Linkin Park, 005853. Tools. Librarians only interested the interest level of elementary computer games such as Doom, At first glance it may seem in those exercises may forgo school-aged children. and the graphic novel Nightwing that Valenza’s other recent title, Power Research Tools in favor The arrangement for each are all potentially interesting to Power Tools Recharged, is of Power Tools Recharged for chapter is essentially identical, young adult patrons. Thinking just for library media special- that reason, but they will lose starting with the author’s per- Outside the Book, part of Li- ists. However, public librarians the advantage of having the sonal introduction to the topic, braries Unlimited Professional working on information literacy handouts available electroni- followed by a suggested list of Guides for Young Adult Librar- programs and young adult li- cally. Valenza does not have a annotated book titles, recom- ies Series, is intended to be a brarians will find some of the form or handout for every situ- mended activities, and idea useful and practical guide for handouts and forms in this book ation, but her compilation will springboards. The book titles alternative collection develop- to be real timesavers. Power make life easier for busy school were chosen based on avail- ment specifically for teens. Tools Recharged is a substantial or public librarians.—Tricia Ar- ability in libraries and are a mix In his introduction, author revision of Valenza’s 1998 ALA rington, Reference Librarian, of new and classic tales. Al- C. Allen Nichols highlights the publication Power Tools: 100+ Peabody Institute Library, Dan- though they generally cover all problems alternative formats Essential Forms for Your School vers, Mass. age ranges, there is no indica- face in many libraries. In his Library Information Program tion as to which books are best opinion, funding and lack of and is supplemented by her 2003 Stories NeverEnding suited to which age group. The space are merely convenient ex- book Power Research Tools (see accompanying activities include cuses for not engaging a histori- above). Valenza’s update reflects By Jan Irving. Westport, Conn.: at least two fully developed pro- cally underserved and undesired the current demand for account- Libraries Unlimited, 2004. grams for a school library set- population. He also believes ability for library programs. 172p. $28 (ISBN 1-56308-997- ting and a public library setting; that “there are many librarians Handouts are grouped into 1) LC 2003-060487. with a few modifications, they who value ‘the book’ to a point such broad topics as program Although keeping stories are interchangeable. Also in- where they are almost elitist in planning, assessment, and in- and storytelling alive is the cluded are program instructions, their views of other formats” structional materials. They are overall message in Jan Irving’s materials needed, and patterns. (xxiv). In response to these all available electronically on latest contribution, Stories In many cases, however, these problems, Nichols has gath- an accompanying CD-ROM NeverEnding, this title doesn’t programs are not appropriate ered insightful and informative so librarians can adapt them quite hit the mark. Irving, a for younger children and would chapters by eight young adult to their needs. The last section former children’s librarian and not appeal to older children. librarians. Librarians wishing to includes six new customizable supervisor who is currently a The idea springboards included improve and expand existing PowerPoint presentations cover- writer and consultant in the at the end of each chapter are services or those just starting PUBLIC LIBRARIES MARCH/APRIL 2005 116 444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 116116 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:514:12:51 PMPM out will find this book an essen- be widely understood, such as Based on the presumption ties), topical or monthly sugges- tial tool to serving the diverse the distinction between comic that senior services can be just tions for coffee club discussions needs of teen patrons. books and graphic novels. The as vibrant as those offered by (January’s theme is frugal living Seven alternatives to tradi- advantages and challenges of many public libraries to chil- or kitchen gadgets), war pro- tional book collecting are ex- each resource are considered. dren and young adults, the YA grams (honoring local veterans), plored in depth. Christine Borne Selection criteria and recom- Services and Senior Services First Ladies, gardening, and and Kevin Ferst bring together mended title lists are included. Coordinators at the Coshocton bird watching, with books and their enthusiasm for zines and Each chapter also provides an Public Library in Ohio have Web sites on the topic noted. an understanding of their worth abundance of critical resourc- collaborated to put together a Partner agencies included range to teens in chapter one. As a es, including Web sites, books, wonderful smorgasbord of pro- from county extension offices founding member of GN-LIB (a magazines, and electronic dis- grams and services libraries can to the American Association of electronic discussion list about cussion lists, as well as dis- offer seniors. The accompany- Retired People. The authors are graphic novels and libraries) tribution information. Many ing Web site, www.cplrmh.com/ well aware of the number of David Serchay brings experience retailers have had clear success seniors.html, extends the printed grandparents raising grandchil- and a personal interest to the with teens; with this in mind, offerings of the book. dren, which is why they include discussion of graphic novels and many marketing and merchan- In ten chapters and six ap- “Grand Time @ the library” comic books. Francisca Gold- dizing approaches are included. pendixes, readers can learn how among their intergenerational smith explains how to form an These include illustrations and to develop a comprehensive se- ideas. When possible, both print audiobook collection. Tunes and suggestions for interest surveys, nior services plan, build a col- and online resources are cited; teens form the topic of Melanie signage, and promotional ideas. lection to serve seniors, start Web sites can provide updates Rapp-Weiss’ chapter, covering Each of these chapters pro- senior discussion groups, offer on the information in the book. music and spoken word record- vides an accessible means of informative and entertaining As with all the books in the ings. Sarah Flowers served on the becoming knowledgeable about programs, partner with outside How-to-Do-It Manual series, Young Adult Library Services As- seven major media types. Staying agencies, mix seniors with teens the oversized paperback format sociation’s Best DVD and Video current is of major importance and children, surf the Internet has many boxed-off and sidebar committee for young adults and to teens, and the resources rec- with seniors, use senior vol- comments and quotes, accom- brings an abundance of informa- ommended in this book will pre- unteers, take the library to the panied by numerous figures, tion about teens and movies to pare librarians wishing to stay homebound and residential fa- reproducible fliers, and photos, her contribution. The creation up to date. Thinking Outside the cilities, and take programs to the making this an extremely at- and maintenance of virtual col- Book is an all-in-one resource latter. The appendixes show the tractive book. However, its ul- lections are Tracey Firestone’s for building and maintaining a questionnaire the authors used timate value lies in its plethora focus. Valerie Ott describes the collection of varied materials for to document senior services in of ideas, lists, and follow-up place of interactive software and teen populations.—Ernie J. Cox, libraries that responded to elec- resources as well as the scope of gaming in library collections. School of Library and Informa- tronic discussion list queries, the its vision for what a library can The final chapter offers visual tion Science, University of Iowa, list of contributors with contact mean in the lives of seniors. The examples of shelving and display Iowa City names, specific suggestions from authors are to be congratulated options for teen sections. the contributors (“the wisdom for compiling such a collabora- While each of these formats Serving Seniors of your colleagues”), electronic tive, comprehensive and practi- is a world of its own, Nichols A How-to-Do-It Manual for discussion lists, Web sites, and cal book. I cannot imagine a incorporates several features in Librarians library Web sites on services public librarian who could not each chapter to provide a uni- to seniors, booklists for senior use this immediately.—Mary K. form structure. An introduction By Rose Mary Honnold and programming, and English As a Chelton, Professor, Graduate to most of the formats provides Saralyn A. Mesaros. New York: Second Language and interna- School of Library and Informa- historical background. These in- Neal-Schuman, 2004. 150p. tional resources. tion Studies, Queens College, troductions are helpful in delin- $59.95 (ISBN 1-55570-482-4) Examples abound, such as Flushing, N.Y. ■ eating differences that may not LC 2003-059945. history programs (Fabulous Fif- A Fond Farewell Jennifer A. Schatz, the contributing edi- career at the Free Library of Philadelphia and is active in tor of the “By the Book” column since the Public Library Association and the Kentucky Library 2003, will be leaving Public Libraries to Association. Schatz is working toward a master’s degree in pursue other personal and professional literature and volunteers as an on-air announcer at 93.1 activities. Schatz is currently serving as WKMS, Murray State’s National Public Radio affiliate sta- Head of Research Services at Murray tion. All of us at Public Libraries express our gratitude to State University Libraries in Murray, Schatz for her service to the magazine and wish her success Kentucky. She began her professional in her future endeavors. PUBLIC LIBRARIES MARCH/APRIL 2005 117 444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 117117 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:524:12:52 PMPM Thomson Gale Introduces Single ■ An improved capability for federated analysis, screening tools, and portfolio- Platform for Online Resources search vendors to simplify searching building features to public, corporate, and inside Thomson Gale resources. academic libraries. Thomson Gale announced the introduction www.gale.com Recent additions to the Morningstar. of a new platform for its online databases com Library Edition include: that will allow the company’s more than Libramation Announces Robotic eight terabytes of content to be searched Media Self-Check Technology ■ Fiduciary grades for mutual funds. through one user interface. (Contributing Morningstar fund analysts assign editor’s note: One terabyte equals 1,024 Libramation announced a breakthrough in grades to mutual funds to help inves- gigabytes.) library robotic self-check technology that tors determine whether fund manag- As a result of this new technology, can provide patrons with twenty-four-hour ers and fund companies do a good or all interfaces, functionality, and content access to VHS, DVD, and music CD collec- poor job of aligning their interests with will be merged into one platform with a tions. The introduction of the Media Bank those of fund shareholders. Initially, common look, feel and user experience. CD/DVD self-charge unit allows patrons Morningstar is assigning letter grades Currently, Gale Virtual Reference Library, to browse the library’s media collection, from A (best) to F (worst) to more Thomson Gale’s eBook products, and all select the items of their choice, and check than six hundred of the largest mutual InfoTrac products are running on the new out their selections. A customized graphic funds. During the coming months, platform. All electronic products will be user interface guides their search and pro- analysts will assign Fiduciary Grades migrated onto the new platform by 2006. vides step-by-step checkout instructions. to approximately fourteen hundred Features of the new platform include: Management of the collection by more funds. library staff is simplified because items are ■ Additional stock analyst re ports. ■ A common user experience that filed in modules. Each module can contain During the past year, Morningstar has reduces librarian training, and sim- one VHS cassette or two sleeves for DVDs, increased its coverage of individual plifies the materials needed to train CDs, or game cartridges in a robotized equities from 550 stocks to 1,400 on any Thomson Gale database. cabinet. Media Bank is integrated with the stocks. Each report provides thorough Thomson Gale products will have the library’s collection, is simple to maintain coverage of a stock’s management same look and feel, but will retain through a local area network, and can profile, strategy outlook, risk, growth, specific searching capabilities for par- be distance-controlled through an easy and profitability summaries. In addi- ticular product data sets. remote control program. tion, Morningstar offers ten-year per- ■ Improved capability for customizing www.libramation.com formance history and the proprietary the interface to specific library needs Morningstar Rating for stocks. and preferences. Morningstar Adds New Features ■ Portfolio curriculum added to ■ A “brought to you by” feature that to Morningstar.com Library Investing Classroom. Morningstar has offers the library the opportunity to Edition added fifty new self-directed interac- brand the database as its own. tive classes to its Investing Classroom ■ Support in all databases for important Morningstar has added several new fea- to help investors build diversified standards and features like OpenURL, tures to Morningstar.com Library Edition, portfolios. Classes cover topics such library holdings, interlibrary loan, an investment Web site created exclusively as “Determining Your Asset Mix” and Z39.50, and Z39.80. for libraries and their patrons. The Library “Modern Portfolio Theory.” ■ Support of a common vocabulary Edition is based on Morningstar’s invest- across products to enhance searching ment Web site, Morningstar.com, and Morningstar.com Library Edition precision. offers proprietary stock and mutual fund gives libraries comprehensive, independent investment research that can be made eas- ily available to their patrons. The Library Edition includes optional remote access The contributing editor of this column is Vicki Nesting, Regional Branch that provides patrons with twenty-four- Librarian at the St. Charles Parish Library, Louisiana. Submissions may hour access to the most current stock and be sent to her at 21 River Park Dr., Hahnville, LA 70057; vnestin@ bellsouth.net. fund information. She is currently reading The Dogs of Bedlam Farm by Jon Katz, http://library.morningstar.com Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books by Azar Nafisi, and Truth & Beauty: A Friendship by Ann Patchett (audiobook). R. R. Bowker Acquires Syndetic The above are extracted from press releases and vendor announce- Solutions ments and are intended for reader information only. The appearance of such notices herein does not constitute an evaluation or an endorsement of the products or services by the Public R. R. Bowker announced the acquisition of Library Association or the editors of this magazine. Syndetic Solutions. Syndetic Solutions was the first to define the suite of product offer- PUBLIC LIBRARIES MARCH/APRIL 2005 118 444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 118118 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:524:12:52 PMPM ings now referred to as “OPAC enrichment work of Microsoft Windows Media Player, library resources in order to deliver more services,” which allows libraries to present offer flexibility and ease-of-use for consum- effective library services. their holdings to patrons in a more infor- ers to download, navigate, listen and enjoy Using a Web interface with no spe- mative and interesting way. popular audio materials. Publisher, retail, cial training required, libraries can apply Working closely with publishers and and library Web sites utilizing the platform LibraryDecision to a variety of critical ILS vendors, Syndetic Solutions is able will include Fictionwise.com, WHSmith evaluation activities. These include ensur- to both gather and disseminate data for Online, eFollett.com, King County Library ing that collections are responsive to the seamless and effortless integration into System, Cleveland Public Library, and the demographics of their communities; identi- a library’s OPAC System. Enrichment Mid-Illinois Talking Book Center. fying areas for focused cardholder develop- options include cover images, summa- OverDrive Audio Books can be played ment campaigns; preparing statistical data ries, fiction profiles, biography profiles, on PCs and notebooks, burned to CD, for grant applications or funding requests; author notes, first chapters, excerpts, or transferred to more than five hundred and determining areas of need for new tables of contents, and book reviews. portable devices, including Pocket PCs, facilities based on community development Syndetic’s services enable libraries to link Smartphones, and MP3 devices that sup- and characteristics. to cover images and a variety of data ele- port Windows Media Audio format. The LibraryDecision uses Census 2000 ments relating to more than 1.8 million platform was also designed to provide data, which library staff can manipulate books and videos published since 1985. improved accessibility to audio materials to compare community information such Currently thousands of public, academic, for the sight impaired. as school data and population projections school, and special libraries around the www.overdrive.com/audiobooks with library information. Polaris custom- country rely on Syndetic Solutions for its ers who purchase LibraryDecision will be unique added-value content. GIS to Offer Geographic Mapping able to utilize their ILS circulation, patron, www.syndetics.com Tool from CIVICTechnologies, Inc. and collection data to perform analyses in www.bowker.com LibraryDecision. GIS Information Systems (GIS) announced www.civictechnologies.com OverDrive Audio Book Platform that the company has formed an alli- Released ance with CIVICTechnologies, Inc., to sell TLC Partners with Medialab LibraryDecision to Polaris integrated library Solutions to Offer AquaBrowser OverDrive, Inc., announced the availability system (ILS) customers. LibraryDecision is Library Catalog Search of a next-generation platform for distribu- a Web service that provides libraries with tion and enjoyment of digital audiobooks. visual tools to help them analyze the rela- TLC announced that it has partnered with OverDrive Audio Books, built on the frame- tionships between community needs and Medialab Solutions to offer AquaBrowser For Internet filtering solutions that are... consistent with CIPA affordable easy to use & manage And... require near-zero administration Visit us at... www.vigilnetworks.com/libraries/filtering.htm Vigil Networks, Inc. 201 Shannon Oaks Circle, Suite 200 Solutions to watch over your network... Cary, NC 27511 N E Tigil W O R K S (919) 244-4375 V © 2005 Vigil Networks, Inc. PUBLIC LIBRARIES MARCH/APRIL 2005 119 444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 119119 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:534:12:53 PMPM Library. AquaBrowser Library offers an addition, the database delivers the charts, loan system available to libraries and con- interactive, intelligent searching experi- diagrams, and illustrations essential to sci- tains a subset of the functionality found in ence. Current catalogs require exact search ence research in PDF page images. Horizon Information Portal 4.0. terms, however, AquaBrowser finds items Community colleges, vocational and URSA 4.0 automates ILL request using associations, stemming, and spelling technical schools, public libraries, and high placement through patron self-service alternatives. It also answers the needs of schools with a limited collection of sci- requesting, enabling users to autono- patrons who are not quite sure how to best ence periodicals can now offer access to mously request books, journal articles, approach a search. important specialty journals as well as specific volumes from a set, or multi- AquaBrowser can create associations newsstand science publications in a single ple items while enjoying the freedom to when patrons enter search terms that link database, with consistent subject headings select desired lending terms, pickup loca- to an array of potential paths to explore. and Wilson indexing. tions, and need-by dates. URSA 4.0 is Yet AquaBrowser also employs pinpoint Science Full Text Select brings together fully integrated with Horizon Information accuracy when asked to search, with a full-text content from the WilsonWeb data- Portal 4.0, which allows it to dedupli- user-friendly, attractive interface that bases Applied Science and Technology Full cate search results, provide home-library invites patrons to delve further. Text, Biological and Agricultural Index authentication, and make Web-based fill- AquaBrowser Library displays results Plus, and General Science Full Text, plus in request forms available. (Contributing as overviews of areas of interest, using additional full-text articles from Readers’ editor’s note: Visit the Online Dictionary smart Digital Content Creation visualiza- Guide and Wilson OmniFile databases. for Library and Information Science at tion. Patrons can choose from any or all There is broad coverage of the spectrum http://lu.com/odlis/odlis_d.cfm for more of these overviews and rich associations, of science specialties from artificial intel- information on deduping.) choosing a narrow or broader focus. In ligence to zoology. The URSA 4.0 borrower-user interface addition, the system enriches answers with The articles are also summarized in is fully Web-based and uses style sheets that existing metadata, while providing fast, 50- to 150-word abstracts, written by can be easily localized and customized. Each accurate results. professionals with science backgrounds, library and consortium profiles its own poli- AquaBrowser Library seamlessly inte- so users can quickly determine if the cies regarding borrowing and lending. grates with TLC’s automation systems and article they have found will meet their Traditional interlibrary loan requests offers a customizable interface for patrons needs. Up-to-date subject headings keep cost approximately $26 per request, but within or outside of the library. pace with scientific and technical devel- URSA customers report an average of $8 www.medialab.nl opments, and daily additions deliver an per request. Most of the savings occurs www.TLCdelivers.com abundance of new content. through the automation of tasks that are www.hwwilson.com performed manually in traditional interli- New H. W. Wilson 100 Percent brary lending. Full Text Database: Science Full Dynix Announces General URSA 4.0 is delivered as a Dynix Text Select Availability of URSA 4.0 for New ASP solution, allowing for convenient Customers use without any need for libraries to pur- H. W. Wilson’s Science Full Text Select chase and maintain their own servers for combines the full-text content of all the Dynix announced the general availability resource sharing. Wilson science databases, delivering arti- of Universal Resource Sharing Application www.dynix.com cles cover to cover from 320 sources. In 4.0. URSA 4.0 is a powerful interlibrary www.gisinfosystems.com ■ INDEX TO ADVERTISERS American Psychological Association...... 88 Poisoned Pen ...... 107 Baker & Taylor ...... cover 2 Public Library Association...... 114 BWI...... cover 4 Thomson Gale ...... 57 OCLC—Web Junction ...... 58 TLC ...... 61 OCLC ...... cover 3 Vigil Networks ...... 119 PUBLIC LIBRARIES MARCH/APRIL 2005 120 444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd 120120 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:564:12:56 PMPM OCLC 4c page cvr3 444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd cvr3cvr3 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:564:12:56 PMPM BWI 4c page cvr4 444n2_2p.indd4n2_2p.indd cvr4cvr4 33/2/2005/2/2005 4:12:564:12:56 PMPM