STAFF

Coeditors Cy Dillon Ferrum College Virginia P.O. Box 1000 Ferrum, Virginia 24088 (540) 365-4428 [email protected] Libraries C. A. Gardner Hampton Public Library July/August/September, 2007, Vol. 53, No. 3 4207 Victoria Blvd. Hampton, Virginia 23669 (757) 727-1218 COLUMNS (757) 727-1151 (fax) [email protected] Cy Dillon and 3 Openers C. A. Gardner

Editorial Board Pat Howe 5 President’s Column Lydia C. Williams Sara B. Bearss, Ed. 35 Virginia Reviews Longwood University Library Farmville, Virginia 23909 (434) 395-2432 [email protected] FEATURES Alex Reczkowski 7 VLA Paraprofessional Forum Ed Lener College Librarian for the Sciences 2007 Conference Virginia Tech University Libraries Kyrille Goldbeck, 19 Telling the Tale: Creating a Successful P.O. Box 90001 Michelle L. Young, and Library In-Service Day Blacksburg, Virginia 24062-9001 Annette Bailey (540) 231-9249 [email protected] Jessica Zellers 23 In Blog Heaven: A Painless New Approach to Readers’ Advisory Karen Dillon Manager, Library Services Andrew Smith 25 The Gift of Gab Carilion Health System Sylvia Rortvedt 27 Text, Image, and Form: P.O. Box 13367 The Altered Book Project Roanoke, Virginia 24033 (540) 981-7258 Otis D. Alexander 29 Fabric Arts Classes at the (540) 981-8666 (fax) Danville Public Library [email protected] Julie Ramsay 31 The Power of Libraries Douglas Perry Director Hampton Public Library Virginia Libraries is a quarterly journal published by the Virginia Library Association whose 4207 Victoria Blvd. purpose is to develop, promote, and improve library and information services and the profes- Hampton, Virginia 23669 sion of librarianship in order to advance literacy and learning and to ensure access to infor­ (757) 727-1153 (extension 104) mation in the Commonwealth of Virginia. (757) 727-1151 (fax) The journal, distributed to the membership, is used as a vehicle for members to exchange [email protected] information, ideas, and solutions to mutual problems in professional articles on current top­ ics in the library and information field. Views expressed inVirginia Libraries are not necessarily endorsed by the editors or editorial board. Editor, Virginia Books The Virginia Library Association (VLA) holds the copyright on all articles published in Virginia Libraries whether the articles appear in print or electronic format. Material may be Sara B. Bearss reproduced for informational, educational, or recreational purposes provided the source of Senior Editor, Dictionary of the material is cited. The print version of Virginia Libraries is designed by Lamp-Post Publicity Virginia Biography in Meherrin, Virginia. The electronic version of Virginia Libraries is created by Virginia Tech’s The Library of Virginia Digital Library and Archives and is available at http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/VALib or as 800 E. Broad Street a link from the Virginia Library Association website (http://www.vla.org) and the Directory Richmond, VA 23219-8000 of Open Access Journals (http://www.doaj.org/). Virginia Libraries is indexed in Library Litera­ [email protected] ture, a database produced by the H.W. Wilson Company. Items for publication and editorial inquiries should be addressed to the editors. Inquiries regarding membership, subscriptions, advertising, or claims should be directed to VLA, P.O. Box 8277, Norfolk, VA 23503-0277. All personnel happenings and announcements should On the cover: “The Romance be sent to the VLA Newsletter, Kevin Tapp, Box 7024 Radford University, Radford, VA 24142, of Leonardo Da Vinci” by Jorge [email protected]. Vasquez. See page 27. The guidelines for submissions to Virginia Libraries are found on page 2. PAGE 2 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007

Guidelines for Submissions to Virginia Libraries

1. Virginia Libraries seeks to publish articles and reviews of inter­ est to the library community in Virginia. Articles reporting research, library programs and events, and opinion pieces are all considered for publication. Queries are encouraged. Brief an­ nouncements and press releases should be directed to the VLA Newsletter.

2. Please submit manuscripts via email as attachments in Microsoft Word, rich text, or plain text format. Articles should be double- spaced with any bibliographic notes occurring at the end of the article. Please avoid using the automatic note creation function provided by some word processing programs.

3. Articles in Virginia Libraries conform to the latest edition of the Chicago Manual of Style and Webster’s Third New International Dic­ tionary, Unabridged. Accepted articles are subject to editing for style and clarity. Authors will be consulted on points of fact.

4. All articles submitted for consideration are reviewed by the edi­ tors and may be refereed by the editorial board. Articles that are not selected for publication will be returned within three months.

5. VLA holds the copyright on all articles published in Virginia Li­ braries. Contributors of articles receive two copies of the issue in which their work appears.

6. Illustrations are encouraged and should be submitted whenever appropriate to accompany a manuscript. Hard copy illustrations will be returned if requested in advance. Digital images should have a resolution of at least 300 dpi. Authors are responsible for securing legal permission to publish photographs and other illustrations.

7. Each contributor should provide a brief sketch of professional ac­ complishments of no more than fifty words that includes current title, affiliation, and email address. Unless specified otherwise, this information will be shared with readers of Virginia Librar­ ies. Physical addresses should also be provided for the mailing of contributor’s copies.

8. Articles should generally fall within the range of 750–3,000 words. Please query the editors before submitting any work of greater length.

9. Email manuscripts and queries to Cy Dillon, cdillon@ferrum. edu, and C. A. Gardner, [email protected]. Please be sure to copy both editors.

10. Virginia Libraries is published quarterly. The deadlines for submis­ sion are: December 15 for Number 1, January/February/March; March 15 for Number 2, April/May/June; June 15 for Number 3, July/August/September; and September 15 for Number 4, Octo­ ber/November/December. VL JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 3

Openers

by Cy Dillon and C. A. Gardner

ometimes inspiration comes to copies of electronic mono­ ence and Technology, which I can from deep left field. Every graphs. Now owned by OCLC, the read one article at a time. Alex­ reference librarian knows company is much more conserva­ ander Street Press databases give Sthe experience of having a poorly tive about how long books will be me fairly large chunks of text that thought-out question from a user maintained on their servers, but aren’t paginated like the originals; who knows little about the subject there are still “permanent” deals the books are mixed in with other under consideration turn into a available elsewhere. We recently types of documents, and the pur­ perfect opportunity for both par­ purchased some Wiley science titles chases are one-time payments. ties to discover new intellectual and Springer monographs that our Columbia International Affairs territory. I recently had that expe­ Online mixes e-books, working rience with a question from, of all papers, articles, policy briefs, maps, people, an auditor. It has taken me a while and even course packs, but in lots An accountant with the firm of the books I can only read a that audits Ferrum’s finances to think through chapter as a downloadable PDF file. emailed us asking—on behalf of Early American Imprints gives me another private college—how we just how complex the one page at a time, scanned from estimated the capital value and labyrinth of electronic the original book. Gale’s Literature calculated the depreciation on Resource Center is another mix of our electronic book collection. book purchasing journal articles and encyclopedia Since I had no idea that we were articles with an annual fee. I am doing this, I swallowed my pride has become…. stopping at G. I don’t even want and asked our head of Technical to think about Greenwood Press, Services to explain just what we PsycBOOKS, or Oxford Reference reported. “I give the business office license says we have permanently, Online. I do like to think that at the amount we paid for e-books but they, like NetLibrary books, some point the marketplace will and the number we catalog, just as are kept on a server over which we determine a standard licensing you instructed me last year,” said have no real control. The same can practice for electronic books, but Peggie without a trace of a smirk. be said for our Evans Early Ameri­ that probably won’t happen during That innocent report apparently can Imprints. my working years. led to our e-books being counted On the other hand, many of While digital audio becomes as an asset in a way that I knew at the e-books in our catalog require ever more popular in the music once was far too simple. Of course, some sort of annual fee for contin­ marketplace, the multiple methods I don’t blame the auditors for try­ ued access. That doesn’t mean that for accessing and purchasing elec­ ing. Nonprofit institutions have the various agreements are stan­ tronic audiobooks can also pose something to gain from property dard, or even that they resemble problems for libraries. Compa­ they can list as capital assets. Like it one another. Let’s consider a few nies such as OverDrive may allow or not, our collections—make that of the models I can find by look­ patrons to check out audiobooks physical collections—contribute ing through our A to Z list of data­ from home, but they also require to our bond rating and to getting a bases. the download of specialized soft­ good interest rate on bank loans. Reading NetLibrary books is a ware onto the patron’s computer It has taken me a while to think one-page-at-a-time experience, but before files can be heard or tempo­ through just how complex the I don’t have to pay every year, and rary, portable CD or MP3 copies can labyrinth of electronic book pur­ the pages look like their counter­ be created. Furthermore, if a library chasing has become in the years parts in the paper edition. Access decides not to renew the contract, since NetLibrary debuted with the Science makes me pay every year, the titles purchased may techni­ attractive but impractical model of and gives me the right to search cally still reside on the library’s selling libraries permanent access the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Sci­ server, but they become inoperable PAGE 4 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007

without continued access to the was teaching. I can already go to the chaotic state of the market­ OverDrive system. However, there Project Gutenberg and get a book place for e-books and a recent con­ are physical alternatives for elec­ in a handy text format at no cost. versation with Dianne Schaefer, tronic audio content. One such is The file can be archived on my interim director of the Bowen Cen­ the Playaway, a self-contained MP3 computer, put on portable storage, tral Library of Appalachia, have audiobook on a miniature portable or linked to a course webpage for convinced me that I need to talk player that checks out like any students in a class. This flexibility our auditors out of listing a value other library item. These dedicated makes me feel much more like we for the e-book collection. Having players provide the functionality access to a text, while quite valu­ and convenience of an iPod while able, is not the same as owning it. protecting content as well as the I couldn’t sell our copy of a Net- library’s investment. Having access to a text, Library book the way I can a library If I didn’t have to shift bound while quite valuable, discard, so I really have no equity journals this summer, I might just (Schaefer’s term) in the e-text. In try to come up with a classifica­ is not the same as the future, more libraries may run tion system for e-book purchas­ servers offering purchased e-books ing options, but that’s something owning it. to their patrons, but for now small better left to a younger and more libraries like mine are only buying ambitious librarian. At this point, access. with more and more publishers get­ own the books, rather than rent That’s it for my rant. If you have ting into the market, we can expect access. Gutenberg doesn’t have information or an insight about more rather than fewer variations to worry about protecting copy­ e-books that I have missed—or in e-book and digital audio licens­ right, so even though it is a great even if you just have a different ing. In my fantasy future, commer­ model, we can’t expect vendors to opinion—let us hear from you in cial e-books and audio books will adopt its format unless a foolproof the form of a letter to the editors be as simple to use as the copy—in method for collecting money from or an article. After all, I may be the a text file—of The Prince I sent users is available. one in left field this time. VL my sister by email for a class she At least my reconsideration of JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 5

President’s Column

by Pat Howe

he inspiration for this became a significant force in many column stems from two communities. Garden clubs and recent events: the twenti­ book discussion clubs became more Teth anniversary celebration of the educational in focus and turned to Farmville-Prince Edward Public more civic-minded purposes. By Library and an interview with a the turn of the twentieth century, candidate for a potential library the recognition of and dream for a position. As I prepared a welcome public library in many communi­ message for the twentieth anniver­ ties was due largely to the efforts sary celebration on the importance of socially conscious women and of public libraries, my readings on women’s organizations. Serious the three-hundred-year history of fundraising and many hours of vol­ the development of public libraries unteer work created public libraries in the United States and changes in in many communities. the library world were quite inter­ Philanthropy also played a part book wagon that traveled to many esting. I’d like to share some of the in the creation of libraries. Andrew rural areas. This was the precursor facts about that history. to the book mobile. In the 1970s, There was always an interest storefront libraries were emerging, in the collecting and sharing of In the twentieth century, and there was the street-corner books, dating back to the early kiosk library with its rotating book settlers, who brought their own library service took many carousels. With the capabilities of personal collections. In the early the Internet, freestanding pub­ 1700s, town libraries consisted of forms, beginning in 1905 lic information kiosks known as donated books but evidenced no with the horse-drawn “e-branch libraries” were found in plan for collection development. malls, government centers, and Ben Franklin’s subscription library book wagon that traveled public spaces. Today’s libraries is the best-known example of a have Internet workstations and social library. In 1731, a number of to rural areas. 24/7 “virtual reference” that allows young men pooled their resources a patron to sit comfortably at home to start a subscription library called attired in pajamas and seek the the Philadelphia Library Company. Carnegie provided construction assistance of a librarian miles away. This prototype of a social library money to help build over 2,800 In a Web 2.0 world, social net­ was copied over and over and libraries in the late 1800s and early working for libraries doesn’t mean became the forerunner of public 1900s. It was up to the community getting together with colleagues libraries. These libraries satisfied to be involved in these libraries, at conferences or receptions, but the colonists’ need for group activ­ including providing the property, being more visible and offering ity and met the demand for books, books, and furnishings. Commu­ services in the online world. which were not very plentiful. nity leaders also had to commit to As I mentioned earlier, the other In 1833, residents of Peterbor­ funding and becoming involved inspiration occurred when a can­ ough, New Hampshire, created the with the daily operation of the didate for a position at Longwood first tax-supported public library library. This became the forma­ University’s library was being and appointed a library board. tion of a library board of trustees, a interviewed and discussion cen­ These two features—regular tax form of library governance unique tered on the changes in graduate support and a governing library to American public libraries. school from the time I attended board—created the foundation for In the twentieth century, library Syracuse University to the candi­ today’s American public library. service took many forms, begin­ date’s present-day experiences. In In the 1800s, women’s clubs ning in 1905 with the horse-drawn the mid 1970s, OCLC stood for PAGE 6 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007

the Ohio College Library Center. retrieval system one used with a and particularly over the past few This was cutting-edge technology dial-up modem, not taking classes decades, have led me into this year’s for catalogers and a way of sharing over the Internet or discovering a annual conference theme: “Reflect, catalog records nationally. Catalog Retool, Recharge.” It’s almost time cards were still being printed and for us to socially network in the the card catalog was still in vogue, real world at the Homestead. This although soon to meet its demise. If someone mentioned year’s conference will not only take Automated Library Systems were “online,” you thought of you on a journey through history, on the cusp of development. A but also present you with new and class visit to the computer center Dialog, the information possible future trends in library at Syracuse University introduced service. Sessions will introduce you us to a massive computer that took retrieval system one used to local history and legal resources, up most of the room. It went from with a dial-up modem…. show you how to keep a positive floor to ceiling and almost door-to­ work attitude and how to stay door. The staff used punch cards in healthy, and discuss Web 2.0 impli­ a room with deafening sound. Dis­ cations and gaming in libraries. I tance education was an off-campus wealth of information through a hope to see you at the Homestead site perhaps twenty miles away, personal computer. this November. What you learn at not hundreds of miles away. If My reflective musings on the conference, you take back with someone mentioned “online,” you changes in the library world, both you to your library. VL thought of Dialog, the information over the past few hundred years

Virginia Library Association & Virginia Association of Law Libraries Joint Conference

October 31–November 2, 2007 The Homestead Hot Springs, Virginia JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 7

VLA Paraprofessional Forum 2007 Conference

by Alex Reczkowski

he 2007 Virginia Library ALL PHOTOGRAPHS BY PIERRE COURTOIS Association Paraprofes­ sional Forum (VLAPF) TConference was held May 20–22 at the Holiday Inn/Koger South Conference Center in Chester­ field County. With the theme of “Exploring New Worlds of Library Service: From the Past to the Future,” the conference brought together attendees representing over four hundred libraries from Virginia, Maryland, and New York. These attendees enjoyed forty educational sessions, a variety of interesting keynote speakers, and plenty of opportunities for library networking and professional devel­ opment.

VLA President Pat Howe welcomed attendees on behalf of the association. Sunday’s Author Banquet Virginia author Henry Wiencek presented “A Paradox to Posterity: Smith and Pocahontas, the found­ essentially a work camp. In the end, The Founders and the Enigma of ing fathers became saints with Wiencek reminded the group that Slavery,” in which he uncovered the selfsame innocence. The fact “we have to face the truth some­ the truth behind some myths is that slavery was not waning in times” and revealed that he writes about America’s founding fami­ Washington’s time; slavery was to find and face this truth. As we lies. Wiencek, who serves on the profitable. In the 1850s, slaves were soak ourselves in history, an objec­ state library board, drew upon his the second most valuable asset, tive eye and a conscious attention research for his books The Hair­ just behind land. Furthermore, to mythmaking will serve us well stons: An American Family in Black when the Confederacy split from in uncovering the truth. Wiencek and White and An Imperfect God: the Union, it remained the fourth- closed the banquet by answer­ George Washington, His Slaves, and richest country in the world. Con­ ing questions from an interested the Creation of America to provide sequently, though Monticello may audience. an insightful view of our com­ have treated slaves well so that they mon past. Wiencek pointed out wouldn’t rebel, only seven of Jeffer­ Monday’s Opening Session that, drawing from the myth of an son’s six-hundred-plus slaves were assumed innocence represented by freed. Washington called “turning VLAPF Cochair Carole Lohman the founding pilgrims, we often people into money” the greatest provided opening remarks for the overlook the fact that Jamestown evil. Still, though Washington ran Monday morning general session. was founded as a business venture. the most integrated troops before VLA President Pat Howe further Glorified in myth along with John Vietnam, his Mount Vernon was welcomed the group, encourag­ PAGE 8 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007

Left, Henry Wiencek spoke at the Sunday author banquet.

Below, Richard W. Brown from NASA was the keynote speaker for Monday’s opening session.

ing everyone to participate in the Virginia Library Association and highlighting the 2007 VLA­ VALL joint conference, “Reflect, Retool, Recharge,” that will be held November 1–2 at the Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia. Next, Jackie Cornette, manager of the West­ ern Branch of the Watuga County Library of Boone, North Carolina, addressed the group. Cornette, who was named Library Jour­ steps forge the path. Brown closed drawing for the scholarship raffle nal’s Paraprofessional of the Year, his remarks by answering the audi­ baskets. Incoming VLAPF Cochair emphasized that listeners should ence’s questions about keeping Kim Blaylock welcomed the group, take advantage of every opportu­ space clean, recycling space equip­ thanking everyone for a supportive, nity that arises. Her call to action ment, and using various fuels for educational, and successful confer­ was supported by Keynote Speaker spacecraft. ence. Incoming VLAPF Cochair Richard W. Brown from NASA’s Chris Dixon reminded the group Exploration Project. of the VLAPF Region VI Mini- Monday’s “Under the Big Top” Brown traced space exploration Conference, “Speak Up! The Power Social from simple fireworks in China of Public Speaking,” to be held Sep­ around 1232 to current plans for The popular Monday evening social tember 28 at the Northside Branch a science laboratory on Mars, and took on a three-ring circus theme of the Jefferson-Madison Regional reminded the audience that the this year. The resident clowns were Library. He then recognized Alex beginning and end of all explora­ entertained and entertaining, Reczkowski of Hampden-Sydney tion is knowledge. The process of dancing to the music of DJ Ron College as this year’s recipient exploration evolves from test meth­ Gilder. Fun and laughter abounded of the Clara Stanley Scholarship ods to voyages of reconnaissance as friends enjoyed fellowship, door sponsored by the Paraprofessional to first landings and temporary prizes, and refreshments. Forum. settlements to, finally, permanent Next, Keynote Speaker Dylan habitation. From the Jamestown Pritchett provided masterful sto­ Tuesday’s Closing Session voyage to the first Sputnik satellites rytelling. With interactive stories to the International Space Station, Tuesday’s closing session included a that crossed cultural boundaries, the same knowledge-gathering speaker luncheon, awards, and the Pritchett taught the group about JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 9

Cochairs Marie Carter and Carole Lohman received gifts of thanks from fellow board members in appreciation for all their hard work in making the 2007 conference successful.

2007 VLAPF Conference the importance of sharing and pre­ Scholarship Raffle serving the stories of yesterday and Session today. Audience members played An exciting scholarship raffle instruments, sang, laughed, and closed out the conference with Summaries chanted along, recognizing the uni­ twenty gifts up for raffle. VLAPF versality of oral history. Learning Executive Board members gener­ What’s Left to Find? about oral historians and reflecting ously donated baskets with themes Presenter: Henry Wiencek, Author on how stories and their messages such as “Tea for Two,” “Backyard are passed along from one genera­ Birder,” “A Cook’s Delight,” and Did you ever think that the history tion to the next, everyone gained “Go Vera!” Along with the beauti­ you read while growing up was insight into what makes us human. ful baskets was an amazing “Next- complete and concise as written? Pritchett told the tale of the griot Door Neighbor” quilt donated in Well, think again! Did you know (the professional oral historian memory of Clara Stanley by the that Martha Washington had a in West Africa), the tale of a fam­ Virginia Tech Quilters. Also, the half-sister who was a slave? Did ily storyteller, the tale of the wax Moss Society continued their ten- you know that Washington wanted family, and the interactive tale of a year support of the VLAPF Scholar­ to free his slaves? With Henry community celebration. Intrigued ship Raffle with the donation of a Wiencek, the audience learned how audience members warmly thanked print, which Chris Mason of Chris­ new historical information is often Pritchett and started planning ways topher’s Fine Art and Framing in packed away in a trunk, hidden of collecting and sharing stories in Farmville donated his time and tal­ within written documents or sit­ their communities. ent to frame. ting in someone’s attic. His advice PAGE 10 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007

Right, author Donna Lucey discussed her new book, Archie and Amélie: Love and Madness in the Gilded Age.

Below, Tammy Hines discussed the evolu­ tion of circulation services.

Below right, Michelle Young discussed issues related to making the transition from paraprofessional to librarian.

Can’t Stop the Signal: for new and upcoming historians is tion and managing those sources Using RSS and Podcasting to start small—begin your research with tagging. A strong handout to Track Content by searching and sifting through with a helpful bibliography and Presenter: Ellen M. Krupar, local records and obtaining oral interesting statistics (fifty-five per­ Virginia Tech histories from family members. cent of teens have created YouTube Who knows—you may just find After describing the push-technol­ entries, for example) intrigued the some unknown historical treasures ogy of RSS feeds and podcasting thirty-plus paraprofessional audi­ worthy of a book! and management software like live ence members. —Mona Farrow bookmarks and aggregators, Ellen —Alex Reczkowski Krupar provided some great tips on finding new sources of informa­ JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 11

Right, Alex Reczkowski received this year’s VLAPF Clara Stanley Scholarship.

Below, Susan Paddock shared information and ideas for developing a teen advisory council.

Below right, Willow Gale discussed outreach services that library systems can provide.

Archie and Amélie: Love and Care and Feeding of Your Virginia. She even shared her per­ Madness in the Gilded Age Teen Council sonal “ghost story” encounter. Presenter: Donna Lucey, Author Presenters: Susan Paddock and Kelly Lucey stressed the importance of Bevins, Virginia Beach Public Library Donna Lucey’s popular new book holding onto the physical sources has both strong local interest and of history as much as possible. In “Bring on the food!” is one of many a fascinating story. At the work­ this age of digitization, she believes incentives that teens love. To make shop, we learned that Lucey herself strongly in preserving letters, dia­ the teen experience meaningful is fascinating! She described the ries, and news accounts, because in your library, involve them in research process, which included a researcher can learn much more developing a teen advisory council. meeting the descendants of Archie from the actual object than from a Understanding youth development Chanler and Amélie Rives at the computerized version of it. and becoming their friend is vital; family estates in New York and —Willow Gale teens should feel important, with a PAGE 12 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007

Bill Fiege’s session focused on ways in which to provide great customer ser­ vice all the time.

level of staff trust. During orienta­ tion, share areas of the library not normally frequented by your teens. Let them become library advocates and watch the impact they can make! —Kathy Clevenger

Making the Transition from Paraprofessional to Librarian: How to Transition and Land Your First Job Presenter: Michelle Young, Virginia Tech Young’s research revealed that most people found it very helpful to be a paraprofessional in a library before becoming a librarian. Her grant-funded survey of parapro­ fessionals showed that working in a library before starting library school provided valuable insight into coursework. Furthermore, Young reminded the group of the importance of ALA-accreditation for library school, as most employ­ ers prefer candidates with degrees from accredited schools. Tom Camden and Audrey Johnson (not pictured) discussed —Marion Eaton issues related to special collections materials. JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 13

Whether dancing or visiting, everyone had a great time at the social. PAGE 14 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007

Basic Book Repair Children’s and Teen Programs: enduring pros who might have lost Presenter: Deborah Simpkins, What Works and What Doesn’t touch with some of the new tech­ Virginia Tech Presenter: Carolyn Lewis, nological advances in library ser­ Pamunkey Regional Library Simpkins taught that the first vices gained helpful information rule of book repair is to assess the for staying updated and keeping This roundtable group of almost damage to the material and deter­ in touch with more savvy cowork­ thirty attendees discussed the pop­ mine if it is worth repairing. She ers. A few popular, helpful websites ular storytime of the Mechanics­ then gave overviews of tighten­ were also visited with live demon­ ville Branch of Pamunkey Regional ing hinges, taping and replacing strations of their functionalities. Library. Lewis shared how books, spines, tipping-in detached or —Kim Blaylock crafts, and songs keep things mov­ replacement pages, mending end ing along for all the children who sheets, and making pockets. This attend. There were many questions Eating for Life: Healthy Food informative session provided a lot from the group, with attendees Choices for Disease Prevention of helpful information on preserv­ offering their own ideas, so that Presenter: Rita Smith, ing library materials. the session became a great idea- Martha Jefferson Hospital —Marion Eaton swap. Discussion was heavy on In this informative workshop, how to handle inattentive chil­ Smith warned against time-saving dren, large crowds, no-shows, and Library Lingo Translated eating habits and fast-paced life­ almost everything having to do Presenter: Kate Cooke, styles that take a toll on our bodies. with planning a program for chil­ University of Virginia Balancing carbs and fiber and lim­ dren. With so many ideas being Conference attendees who had iting saturated fats and alcohol can shared, it was difficult to close the been wading in the murky sea of make a positive difference for every­ session on time! library and web lingo flocked to this one. Still, natural body changes will —Marcia Cramer illuminating session in which acro­ mean fluctuations in weight. The nyms such as OCLC, ACCR3, and key is to take the time for a proper RSS were translated and explained. diet and regular exercise. Newbies to library-land as well as —Naomi White JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 15

Competencies for the Information Professional of the Future Presenters: Cara Battaglini and Doug Newcombe, Special Libraries Association With a helpful handout, Battaglini and Newcombe introduced the group to concepts of core, personal, and professional competencies. Tuesday's closing Over three dozen audience mem­ session featured bers gained insight into leader­ master storyteller ship and management qualities Dylan Pritchett, that can help paraprofessionals who knows how to who feel stuck in a rut grow into get the attention of competitive information offi­ his listeners. cers. Handouts and information about programming through the Left page: Pritchett Special Libraries Association were demonstrated how offered for continued learning to get an audience after the session. involved in the —Alex Reczkowski telling of a story. The Changing Faces of Circulation Presenter: Tammy Hines, Longwood University Has the purpose of circulation really changed over the years? Hines reviewed the history of circulation from the 1700s, then compared Terrific Teen Program Ideas for the first time. He and Jones went the practices that have evolved. for the Terrified, Tentative, on to describe a variety of young In short, circulation helps librar­ and Totally Enthused adult programs, such as making ies share knowledge by checking Presenters: Tim Carrier, Jefferson- wallets out of duct tape or enjoying items in and out. Customer service Madison Regional Library, and Phillip Dance Dance Revolution. Together is extremely important for circula­ Jones, Henrico County Library they provided an excellent hand­ tion, because although technology Carrier opened the session with a out that included print and website has changed over the years, the game of MadLibs, a great example of resources, as well as tips that should purpose of circulation continues to an ice-breaker he uses with groups help teen programs run smoothly. be this sharing of knowledge. of teens who are getting together —Willow Gale —Kathy Clevenger PAGE 16 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007

Winners of the raffle prizes gathered for a group photo.

Right, Nancy Brown, who works at the Farmville-Prince Edward Community Library, won the P. Buckley Moss print.

Grant Proposal Writing: It’s Not as Scary as You Think Presenter: Jean L. Cooper, University of Virginia Jean Cooper calmed the fears of twenty potential grant writers with her detailed overview of grant proposal writing. While Cooper did not minimize the challenges in writing grant proposals, she provided an easy-to-follow blue­ print for writing grants. She also answered questions and provided the names of additional resources for the grant writer. —Carole Lohman JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 17

Incoming cochairs Kimberly Blaylock and Chris Dixon closed the confer­ ence with the raffle drawing.

Free and Cheap Internet Tools This Old Library: Writing to Get Published Presenter: Kate Cooke, The Internal Renovation Presenter: The Hanover Writers University of Virginia Presenter: Chris Peters, Virginia Tech Group: Joanne Liggan, Sheila Talley, and Miriam Walker Kate Cook presented a dynamic and Peters told his audience that there in-depth description of free and are no standard rules in renova­ The Hanover Writers Group meets cheap Internet tools, breaking the tions: every project is unique. He at the Mechanicsville Library two discussion into categories such as gave some very useful tips for exe­ Saturdays each month. They spoke Google Pieces and Parts, Communi­ cuting a renovation project. Some about their experiences in getting cation, More Communication, Pic­ things to consider first: the purpose their own books published. They tures, and Music and Video. Cook’s of the renovation; the space avail­ also gave descriptions about the website, Free Stuff on the Net to Use, able in which to move; the accessi­ different types of publishing proce­ Not Abuse (http://www.k8cooke. bility of the collection; the timing dures that are available to the up­ org/freestuff.htm), includes some of of the renovation; and the poten­ and-coming author. Approximately the great tools she described, such tial damage. With reference to the thirty paraprofessionals attended as 1-800-goog411, Blogger, Seed­ ongoing renovation of the Art and the session, many of whom have wiki, Skype, Gmail, Survey Monkey, Architecture Library at Virginia works-in-progress. del.icio.us, and LibraryThing. Great Tech, Peters provided grounded, —Marcia Cramer photo, audio, and video programs reliable, and useful advice. were also described. The enthused —Marion Eaton audience left feeling equipped to learn and do more without invest­ ing a fortune. —Sharon Albert PAGE 18 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007

Collections Maintenance Issues RDA and the Future Library Patrons: Rights, for Special Materials of Cataloging Responsibilities, Challenges, Presenters: Tom Camden and Audrey Presenter: Alex Reczkowski, and Opportunities for Libraries Johnson, Library of Virginia Hampden-Sydney College within the Community Presenter: Madelyn Wessel, The Rare Book Collection at the With infectious enthusiasm and University of Virginia Library of Virginia traces its roots immense energy, Reczkowski to the first library established in quickly garnered attendees’ atten­ Due to the Patriot Act and recent Colonial Virginia during the 1600s tion and participation by starting filtering issues in the state of Vir­ and contains more than 51,700 vol­ things out in a roundtable dis­ ginia, much discussion centered umes. Collection maintenance is cussion format. Cataloging past, around patrons’ rights. The main important to protect the common­ present, and future was covered messages given were: wealth’s costly financial invest­ through the definition of well- 1) Know your library’s mission. ment and the historical integrity of known library acronyms and Web 2) Write patron rights and respon­ the collection. Camden and John­ terminology. Several important sibilities policies. son provided some helpful general questions were answered and lively 3) Post patron policies where they guidelines for creating policies on discussions ensued. can be easily found. collection use and security. More­ —Kim Blaylock 4) Train the staff and the public on over, they stressed the importance these policies. of making procedures clear to Marketing Your Library 5) Be flexible! patrons. Presenter: Jaime Stoops, —Sharon Albert Remember, policies can only be Pamunkey Regional Library enforced if they are written, avail­ Jaime Stoops, branch manager for able, and understood! Outreach Services: the Mechanicsville Library, spoke —Kathy Clevenger Thinking Outside the Walls on the techniques she has used Presenter: Willow Gale, for creating reading interest. Her Jefferson-Madison Regional Library They Are Phishing for Your Data presentation showed “before” and Presenter: Ellen Krupar, Virginia Tech Gale drew upon her experience “after” pictures of shelf arrange­ with bookmobile service to develop ment, along with displays that have Krupar began by saying that there this workshop covering the many inspired a great deal of response. are two ways to protect yourself aspects of outreach services. Hand­ Also included were the plans for from Internet theft: by software outs included things to consider the new Mechanicsville Library to and by knowledge. She discussed when planning deposit collections, be built next year. This new library setting up filters, spam blockers, homebound services, lobby stops, will feature state-of-the-art design toolbars to detect fraud, and free- and more. She also recommended and contain space for both public ware. This was a very helpful ses­ looking to the Association of Book­ and private use. Almost forty para­ sion that showed how easy it is to mobile and Outreach Services and professionals attended this session, obtain your data and how much the Association of Rural and Small and one was heard to ask if there theft is going on today through Libraries for a wealth of knowledge were any openings at the new the Internet. and experience that people are library! —Marion Eaton VL willing to share. —Marcia Cramer —Willow Gale JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 19

Telling the Tale: Creating a Successful Library In-Service Day

by Kyrille Goldbeck, Michelle L. Young, and Annette Bailey

n-service days, staff retreats, RIS); Ross C. Edmonds, Web sup­ teams had to work together to com­ and other team-building port specialist (Library Systems); plete a task; hiring consultants to exercises all have one thing Kyrille Goldbeck, college librarian give lectures on trends in the infor­ inI common: they are designed to (RIS); Christopher Peters, shelving mation industry; and the offering offer employees the opportunity supervisor (Collection Manage­ of library-themed games during to enhance their knowledge and ment); and Michelle L. Young, col­ breaks. After a few meetings, we outlook toward daily work respon­ lege librarian (RIS). Our first chal­ realized that we needed to clearly sibilities. Virginia Tech recently lenge was to find a meeting time define what we wanted attendees to held its sixth University Librar­ leave with at the end of the day—a ies In-Service Day. In this article, seemingly simple task, but one that we will discuss our experiences in created a question with a complex planning and executing this bien­ The librarians wanted answer. We wanted to survey the nial event. more research-oriented library for additional input, but due to the accelerated project schedule, there wasn’t enough time. The Development of the Team sessions, while the staff Creating a dynamic and supportive wanted more hands-on, team is challenging, yet it is also work-related activities. Kyrille Goldbeck ([email protected]) one of the main keys to success. is the college librarian for natural Our team started with a group of resources at Virginia Tech and is also four: one staff member and three serving on the LibX Team (http://libx. librarians (the authors) from the that worked with seven distinct org). She enjoys providing reference library’s Research and Instruc­ work schedules. With some com­ and instructional assistance as well as tional Services (RIS) Department. promise and schedule shifting, we working on webpages and tools that As we brainstormed for ideas, our were able to set a weekly meeting benefit information seekers. team leader recruited additional and begin planning. members from other departments Michelle L. Young ([email protected]) in the library. The goal was to currently serves as the college librar­ Planning the Logistics ensure a diverse group of people ian for the College of Liberal Arts and and Location who would contribute different Human Sciences holdings at Virginia talents and experiences. While not The final team was formed in Janu­ Tech with a primary clientele from the every idea could be pursued, there ary 2006, but with the event sched­ Graduate School of Education and was the understanding that each uled to take place mid-May, we had the Department of Human Develop­ member had an equal voice, which no time to waste. While the initial ment. Her professional interests include enabled our team to find innova­ ideas the first group presented had technology integration, library clientele tive ways to best meet our objec­ potential, we continued to brain­ issues and instruction, and the future of tives. Members of our final in- storm, trying to find the most the profession. service day team were Brenda Hen­ appropriate mix of possibilities that dricks, chair, training coordinator would meet the needs of all library Annette Bailey ([email protected]) is the (RIS); Beth Anderson, acquisitions employees. A few of the new ideas digital assets librarian at Virginia Tech. administrative assistant (Technical included offering exercises that pro­ She is also the project director for the Services); Annette Bailey, digital moted teamwork and collaboration, LibX project (http://libx.org) funded by assets librarian (Technical Services/ such as a scavenger hunt where the IMLS National Leadership Grant. PAGE 20 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007

As the team discussed each smooth traffic flow or promote a opening the library as a commu­ member’s perception of what an conference-like atmosphere. After nity for our employees. The team ideal day would entail, we found much consideration, we decided adopted the theme “VIP, Vitally two distinct ideas developing. The the German Club Manor (http:// Important People: Enhancing Our librarians wanted more research- www.vtgc.net/manor) would be Community through Partnership oriented sessions, while the staff the best location for our event. It is and Communication.” The cre­ wanted more hands-on, work- adjacent to campus and offered the ation of this theme helped us focus related activities. We agreed that look and feel we desired. Addition­ on generating ideas for the sessions the best solution was to offer two ally, the cost of renting the facility that would be within the scope of tracks and let the attendees pick fit our budget, and with some work “community and collaboration.” their own tracks and sessions. We and creativity, we found ways we Once we had compiled a list of then deliberated as to how we could use the layout to fit our con­ potential sessions, we were able to could offer multiple sessions in a ference design. select the topics we thought would logical manner. Members of the It was the beginning of March, appeal to the interests of many team who regularly attended local and we still had a lot we needed to library employees. and national conferences felt that accomplish before May 15. For the research-oriented track, a forum designed in that format the team chose to offer presenta­ would not only be well-organized, tions by university faculty on some but also easy for everyone to navi­ of the current research activities gate. Team members who had The team adopted the taking place in various colleges. never attended a conference also theme “VIP, Vitally We wanted presenters to explain agreed that this would be a good how they used, or why they didn’t opportunity, particularly for those Important People: use, the library and its resources with little or no conference expe­ to assist with their research. We rience. We needed to finalize what Enhancing Our also included two panel discussion we were going to offer throughout Community through groups, faculty in the morning and the day, but at this point we could graduate students in the afternoon, proceed with a definite plan regard­ Partnership and to gain additional insight about our ing how we were going to stage the users’ expectations regarding the day’s events. Communication.” library as a whole. The team asked With the establishment of the for volunteers across the colleges to conference format, we were faced ensure that a variety of user behav­ with our next challenge: deter­ iors and opinions about the library’s Planning the Sessions mining a suitable location to hold services and collections would be the event. The two governing fac­ Planning an in-service event is not represented and addressed. tors we looked at when we chose a linear process, and it is essen­ The team agreed the hands-on our hosting site were accessibil­ tial that team members multitask. track should focus on improving ity and cost. The team considered While we worked on establishing the workplace environment, so we holding the event in the library, the location of the event, we also concentrated on developing four as was done in the past, but the spent time looking at what kinds areas: personal engagement, diver­ general consensus from previous of sessions would be presented. As sity, communication, and ergo­ in-service day evaluations showed the team explored what to offer, we nomics. The team decided these that employees preferred that in- realized that many employees were areas would be of interest based service events be held outside the not aware of the various functions on comments we were privy to in library. While hotels are gener­ of each department. While every­ meetings and discussions through­ ally accessible, the cost of renting one understood how their posi­ out the library. Once again we space proved too expensive for tions fit into their departments, solicited the campus, but this time our budget. The team continued very few were aware of the different to find a mix of teaching faculty to look for alternative locations responsibilities and projects per­ and staff who would be willing to and discovered there were many formed by other departments, or take the time to present at our in- buildings available on campus at how those functions were related service day. The team also invited a reasonable cost. However, even to keeping the library operating two keynote speakers, one to speak with these additional locations to as a whole and within the univer­ during lunch and the other at the choose from, we found the layouts sity community. We decided that end of the day, to reinforce the of the buildings did not support a this in-service day should focus on theme of the event. JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 21

As the schedule of presentations ally involved in the day. With the ations, and all other supplemental came together, the team sought assumption that almost everyone materials in order to create a uni­ other ways to use the conference has a hobby, the team decided that fied look for the day. We developed format to our benefit. We began a poster session reflecting these a comprehensive program bro­ to look at how we could encourage interests would be a good solu­ chure that included information those not on the planning team to tion. We asked for volunteers to about the facilities; a map with the contribute toward the day’s events. exhibit posters about their hobbies presentation locations; a synopsis We felt this inclusion would result and interests, either on their own of each session; and brief biogra­ in a higher level of participation or with a group. The benefits of phies about the presenters, panel­ and overall success, as attendees this session were twofold. First, it ists, and keynote speakers. On the would have more personal invest­ was a way to shift the focus from back cover, we included a color ment in the event. We decided to what each of the departments does photo of a quilt crafted by some of ask each department to present a in the library to the people who the library staff that was going to poster session. The team provided work in them. Second, it provided be raffled off to support the Raft guidelines: the posters should an opportunity to open the doors Crisis Hotline (http://www.nrvcs. address either the functions per­ of communication across depart- org/raft/default.htm). In order to formed by the department or pro­ give the brochure the look of a vide information about a particular conference program, the team used project that has required signifi­ the Printing Services of Virginia cant time, energy, and resources. We asked for volunteers Tech to generate the publication. It We supplied the poster board, to exhibit posters about wasn’t until after we sent the docu­ but the actual content was left to ments to be printed that we found the discretion of the department. their hobbies and out we did not have the same soft­ When we first took this proposal ware as the printing office, which to the department heads, there was interests, either on their meant all of the files needed to some initial apprehension about own or with a group. be reconfigured. There were some the extra work this would require. communication problems within Additional concerns were voiced the printing office, so the conver­ by staff as many were unfamiliar sion was not as effortless as we with what a poster session was and ments. Coworkers who normally had hoped. We cut it very close why we were requesting that these did not collaborate would have a to the deadline, but fortunately be constructed. We gave examples chance to identify fellow hobby we were able to get the programs of previous posters from a vari­ enthusiasts and those with similar printed and incorporated into the ety of conferences. The planning interests. It was also a way to par­ complete packets for the in-service team used the library listserv to ticipate in something more social, event. While all of this was taking open dialogue and explain why relaxing, and fun. place, the team also scheduled and we thought the posters were worth We also asked some of our confirmed the food selection with the time and effort to create. After library faculty and staff to act as the caterer, obtained gifts for all some perseverance and affirma­ moderators for our presenters, of our participants, created signs tion, the staff gained a better panelists, and keynote speakers. for parking and presentation loca­ understanding of what the team This gave the planning team time tions, and finalized other minute was trying to accomplish by incor­ to be available and attend to any details, such as table arrangements porating the posters in the event. pressing matters and allowed more and decorations. The team also Some even expressed excitement employees to participate in the received a donation of ten T-shirts about creating something that was event. bearing the Virginia Tech Prin­ going to be put on display. ciples of Community (http://www. The original plan was to offer vt.edu/principles.php), which we Bringing It All Together one poster session, but as we out­ raffled throughout the day. As lined the timetable for the sessions, Now that we had the location and a reflection of our May 15th in- we realized we needed something presentations selected, the rest of service date, each of the raffle tick­ in the afternoon to help balance the time was spent on develop­ ets began with “515,” though we the day’s seminars. In determin­ ing the program packets that each later learned that few outside the ing what to offer, we soon realized attendee would receive. We incor­ team noticed this nuance. there was another opportunity porated a logo and color scheme To keep everything organized to get more employees person­ to be used on the brochure, evalu­ for attendees, we decided that PAGE 22 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007

the full in-service packet would we were ready, we discovered the The comments demonstrated that include a binder with the day’s day was well underway before the many attendees enjoyed the vari­ program, menu, name badge and official 8 a.m. start time. With over ety of sessions and the ability to lanyard, ribbons with participant ninety attendees and twenty-three choose among them. And there was designations, notebook and pen, presenters, we were kept busy mak­ one final note of interest: although raffle ticket, and a small book ing sure things ran as smoothly as the team had originally established light. Also included in the program possible. There were a few minor the distinct tracks to reflect faculty packets was an evaluation form for setbacks: one of the panelists had and staff areas of focus, there was feedback on the day’s events with to cancel at the last moment; there almost always a fifty-fifty mix of a coupon for a free gift. Prior expe­ were some technical difficulties staff and faculty at each of the pre­ riences had shown that receiving (always have a backup laptop); a sentations. input and opinions to assess the few presenters cut it close when event was extremely important in arriving for their sessions; and the Final Remarks developing future in-service days, but obtaining the feedback was not When we first met as a team, it always simple. This year we offered looked like five months would be a small “executive” toy (a minia­ This year we offered a plenty of time to design a program ture magnetic rod and ball connec­ small “executive” toy … for an eight-hour event. However, tor set) that would be distributed the team learned that there are when the evaluation form was that would be distributed many unforeseen complications in returned to a team member. This the planning process, and it’s very proved to be a successful strategy when the evaluation form easy to underestimate how much in soliciting feedback. was returned…. time, energy, and resources it takes With May 15 approaching, the to plan an in-service day. To this team recognized that we needed end, we highly recommend that a way to stay organized during in- the planning process start at least service day (including those last- food and services provided by the eight months prior to the actual minute details prior to the event). caterer did not meet expectations. event. The added time would pro­ Our solution was to create a spread­ However, overall, the day went vide a cushion for deadlines and sheet with all the tasks that needed very smoothly. allow for the creation of backup to be accomplished, assigning Our evaluation revealed that we plans in case something unex­ responsibility to the team members had the highest turnout ever, and pected happens. But if that much so that nothing was missed. it was one of our most successful time is not available, organization in-service day events to date. Of and open communication through­ the ninety-three attendees, sev­ out the planning process will help In-Service Day: May 15 enty responded to the evaluation, to ensure that a successful event is All of our planning came to frui­ with 87% ranking their overall very much within reach. tion on May 15. With the last min­ perceptions of the day between The Virginia Tech Libraries In- ute details of setting up the rooms good (58.5%) to excellent (28.5%). Service Day program is available for the presentations, searching for Of the remaining responses, 3% at http://www.training.lib.vt.edu/ wireless signals, and seeing attend­ rated the day’s events as fair, while inservice.html. VL ees arriving a few minutes before 10% did not reply to the question. JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 23

In Blog Heaven: A Painless New Approach to Readers’ Advisory

by Jessica Zellers

ince April 2007, a few tle bit of tidying is all that stands story, character, setting, tone, and short months ago, the between you and a review blog. pace). If a review is tagged with Williamsburg Regional Li­ At the Williamsburg Regional “setting,” the book is strong in Sbrary has been experimenting Library, we decided to host our setting; if it is not tagged with set­ with a new way of delivering read­ blog on WordPress (http://www. ting, it is understood that the book ers’ advisory (RA) service. It’s fun, wordpress.com), one of several free is not remarkable in that particular it’s effective, it’s fast, and it’s scan­ blog-hosting websites. Each week, appeal. Other useful tags include dalously easy. We offer one review a different librarian volunteers to genre and reading interest (fan­ each day, Monday through Friday, tasy, women’s fiction, nonfiction), via a blog called Blogging for a form (short stories, graphic nov­ Good Book (http://bfgb.wordpress. els, audiobooks, music), age level com). From development to launch …believe it or not, (children’s, young adult), and indi­ to maintenance, BFGB has been a you’ve already done a vidual recommendations (Jessica’s painless affair, an enterprise that Picks). has cost us nothing but modest great deal of the work. So the blog makes our job as staff time. readers’ advisors easier; for exam­ “Harrumph,” I hear you think­ ple, with just one click, we can pull ing. “Modest staff time. We can’t up a list of books that are strong spare any staff time. And why compose reviews of any five items in character that are owned by the would we? We’re already doing RA, in the library, be they old, new, library. The blog also develops us thank you very much.” popular, obscure, book, movie, or as practitioners. Writing a book You’re absolutely right. It would music CD: absolutely anything review need not be time consum­ be foolish to invest precious staff goes (though, at this point, the ing, but it does require discipline. hours developing an already suc­ great majority of the reviews are Even though our reviews are casual cessful service. But I contend that about books). The librarian posts and usually pretty short, we have pushing RA into the dynamic realm one review each day in the blog, to use our professional skills to of Library 2.0 can yield rewards a process comparable to typing articulate the appeal of a book. It that far outweigh the minimal cost a document in Microsoft Word. is marvelously good practice for in staff time—and believe it or not, No HTML or coding knowledge is the seasoned veteran and the new you’ve already done a great deal of necessary. Then the librarian adds practitioner alike. the work. a link to the catalog record and a But the best part of the blog How so? Consider all of the RA picture of the book, movie, or CD is the outreach. Our reviews are work your library already does. cover. Finally, the librarian adds reaching people who would not Maybe you and your coworkers descriptive labels, known in blog­ put together book displays, arrange land as tags. reading lists, lead book discussions, The tags are a wonderful boon Jessica Zellers ([email protected]) works engage readers in conversations to readers’ advisory. They expand in Adult Services at the Williamsburg at the desk and in the stacks, or upon the plot summaries that typi­ Regional Library as the electronic all of the above. With this formi­ cally constitute the bulk of book resources librarian. She is a regular con­ dable experience, you are primed reviews. The tags tell at a glance tributor to the Author Read-Alike fea­ to write book reviews—and if you whether a particular book is strong ture of NoveList, and she is working on have already written book reviews, in the any or all of the six big a readers’ advisory guide to women’s a quick copy and paste with a lit- appeal characteristics (language, nonfiction. PAGE 24 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007

normally benefit from the RA lication of the review. This is not Other benefits are less tangible, services offered in our physical absolutely convincing proof—per­ but every bit as satisfying. We library. This is not just specula­ haps it is a wild coincidence—but decided to open BFGB to com­ tion; we have received comments the evidence strongly suggests that ments. This means that anybody on the blog from people through­ at all may add commentary at the out the country who have reached end of the reviews. It is heartening BFGB, either through a deliberate to realize the number of people, invitation or through a fortuitous “It’s been thirty minutes local and distant, who are moved search engine result. Locals are since I posted! to talk about books on our blog, to visiting the blog, too; they have engage us in conversations about told us so in person and through Has anyone checked reading. Furthermore, other blogs comments on the blog. At the time have linked to us. We are facili­ of this writing, BFGB is receiving it out yet?” tating discussion amongst people approximately eighty hits per day, who live too far away to visit the not counting hits that originated library, and we are accommodating within the library. our reviews do lead to increased people who enjoy or even prefer to Further evidence of the success circulation. (I confess that I obses­ discuss books online, rather than of BFGB can be seen indirectly sively monitor the circulation pat­ in person. We are discovering, per­ from circulation statistics. Nearly terns of the materials I review. “It’s haps even creating, a new commu­ every item discussed on the blog been thirty minutes since I posted! nity. VL has circulated following the pub­ Has anyone checked it out yet?”) JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 25

The Gift of Gab

by Andrew Smith

hat do you do when a and to engage with each other and bookgroupleaderasks with the books for more enjoyable for title suggestions, sessions. Thus far, the responses Wbut needs background informa­ we’ve gotten indicate that the tion to go with them? Or when groups really appreciate the users suddenly begin placing extra background and get more holds on a title for which you from the resource kits than only have a couple of copies? from the plot-based discussion Book group members can be questions often produced by among the library’s strongest the publishers. supporters, but very few librar­ With anywhere from seven ies have the resources to meet to fifteen copies of each book clubs’ needs for readily available in the Bag, groups of almost any multiple copies, or the staff time size have plenty of copies to share. necessary to research and prepare Since the entire Bag, not each indi­ leaders’ guides. At Williamsburg vidual copy, is barcoded, one user Regional Library, we found a solu­ checks out and is responsible for tion that allows us to lead library- the entire Bag. As the program con­ sponsored discussion groups, and tinues, we find that the rate of lost then make those books available or damaged books remains fairly to community reading clubs. We’d low—almost all group members like to share that solution with you, understand the process, and those and make the resource available to We would be delighted few who don’t return books to the your book groups for about the cost to share this resource leader often put their copies in of a new trade paperback. the book return, where they wend In January 2002, Williamsburg with you. their way back to be reunited with Regional Library debuted our Gab the Bag. And in those situations Bags program to solve two prob­ where a copy isn’t returned or is lems. Our Friends gave us a grant To extend t he usabilit y of t he Gab so badly damaged that it can’t be to start two discussion groups for Bags, we began creating resource reused, the user who checked the which we would provide the books. kits to help groups dig deeper into book out is charged ten dollars for Initially, members had the option the stories they were reading, and our replacement costs. (We haven’t of buying their copies, but we to help leaders improve their dis­ had any requests for assistance in were often left with extras. Rather cussions. Containing author biog­ retrieving the money—usually, than simply selling those cop­ raphies, discussion questions (some peer pressure works.) ies through our Friends group, we written by WRL staff members and began packing them in canvas tote others harvested from the Web), bags and making them available to reviews, and supplementary infor­ Andrew Smith ([email protected]) is read­ community reading groups. As the mation, these resource kits have ers’ services librarian at Williamsburg library discussion groups have con­ allowed groups to move beyond Regional Library, where he participates tinued to thrive with the support the basic “Did you like or dislike in the Looking for a Good Book? and of grant funds, we’ve been able to the story, and why?” conversations. Blogging for a Good Book programs. add a steady supply of new titles; We hope that readers will use these Part of the popular readers’ advisory from the initial nine Gab Bags, the resources to put the stories in the sessions at VLA for several years, he is collection has grown to well over a context of their own experiences, also active with ALA’s Readers’ Advisory hundred titles. to question their assumptions, committee. PAGE 26 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007

they are interested in. A simple bro­ chure-sized flyer details how the program works, and we make sure anyone who mentions book groups at the Reference and Circulation desks knows about the program. The success of this program can be seen in the numbers: cumulatively, those hundred Gab Bags have cir­ culated more than nine hundred times in five years. Responses from the community have been univer­ sally positive, with groups donat­ ing their extra copies to create new Bags, and grant organizations providing financial support to continue both the library-led book discussion programs and the Gab Bags that result. So how can your community benefit from the Williamsburg Regional Library’s Gab Bags pro­ gram? We are now offering the Gab Bags to any Virginia library through the Interlibrary Loan sys­ tem. By searching WorldCat for the We shelve the Gab Bags where get the Bag to the user who requests keywords “gab bags Williamsburg,” users can browse through them, it as close to that date as possible. you can see the list of titles we have and leave updated lists of titles Based on that, we suggest that when available, as well as links to the on the shelves where people can setting out schedules in advance, descriptions on the websites. You’d pick them up and take them to groups should plan to use a Gab have to publicize it to book groups, their book groups. We have put Bag title in, for example, October, put the request in (and I’d strongly some Bags with lower circulation and let us know three or four alter­ encourage you to check our catalog numbers in storage, but continue nate titles in order of desirability. for availability), and cover the cost to market them as viable discus­ All Gab Bag transactions that need of UPS return shipment, usually sion books that users can put on staff attention are funneled to a sin­ around ten dollars. You might even hold. The Bags are treated like any gle staff member who can answer consider using the Bags to start other item—transferred between questions, note advance requests, new book groups in your commu­ buildings, distributed through our and find extra copies if needed. The nity or even at your library. When Mobile Library Services vehicles, bonus to that setup is that it gives we fill your request, you will most and checked in and out through that staff member a chance to inter­ likely get the package of books the our OPAC. Only in two areas are the act personally with the members of following business day. With the Gab Bags treated differently—cir­ various book groups and build rela­ eight-week circulation period, your culation period and holds. Instead tionships in the community. users will have plenty of time for of the standard four-week circula­ In addition to putting the Bags a leisurely discussion before they tion period, the Bags check out for out for browsers, we also do peri­ return the Bag to you. eight weeks, which gives plenty of odic newsletter articles and press This is a great way to provide time for distribution, reading, dis­ releases to the local media and service to your book groups for cussion, and collection. With that maintain an updated list of Gab very little cost or effort. Our com­ extended circulation period, plac­ Bag titles on our webpage (www. munity book groups have gotten ing holds and coordinating titles wrl.org/bookweb/gabbags.html). much pleasure from their discus­ and dates can become problematic. Our catalog listings are linked to sions and been exposed to discus­ We do not guarantee that a Gab Bag the individual titles on the web- sion titles they might not otherwise will be available for any specific page so browsers can click over have found. We would be delighted date, but we do make every effort to for a brief description of the books to share this resource with you. JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 27

Text, Image, and Form: The Altered Book Project

by Sylvia Rortvedt

ooks with pages missing. unwanted donations or library created based upon an interpreta­ Torn books. Books with discards that they could have for tion of the text using the physical writing, underlining, and a new design project on altered elements of the book as catalyst Bdrawing in them. These are usu­ books. I was intrigued. and structure. Pages became ocean ally a librarian’s nightmare, but I’m the associate director for waves; words literally poured out in a recent collaboration with art learning resources at the Alexan­ from a dictionary; and a Da Vinci faculty and students, they have dria Campus, and I invited them text was poised for flight. We all become the basis of a highly suc­ to look through the discards for agreed their work deserved a larger cessful class project and library anything that might be appropri­ audience than the classroom. exhibit. ate for their class. Kamen and Hill Nearly two years ago Rebecca selected a number of books they Kamen and Lisa Hill, members of thought had potential, and several Sylvia Rortvedt is associate director of the art faculty at the Alexandria months later, I was invited to the learning resources at the Alexandria Campus of Northern Virginia class in which students presented Campus Library of Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), con­ their altered book projects. It was Community College. She can be reached tacted me to see if there were any wonderful to see what they had at [email protected].

Front row: Lisa Hill, Rebecca Kamen, Sylvia Rortvedt. Back row: Visual and Performing Arts and Public Services Dean Tony Stanzo and Director of Learning Resources Dave Williams. PAGE 28 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007

Above: “Storm Warning” by Tuan Le.

Right: “The Romance of Leonardo Da Vinci” by Jorge Vasquez.

Far right: “Old Webster’s Dictionary” by Rahsaan Williams.

The next year, another group of encouraging collaboration between students participated in the altered They are working on a the library and the Art Department book project, and Kamen and Hill faculty and students. approached me about the possibil­ proposal which includes What’s next for the altered book ity of displaying the work in the project? In May, Kamen and Hill campus library. The Art Depart­ sending the exhibit on visited DuocUC, a university in ment has a gallery in its building, tour to … Santiago. Chile, as part of NOVA’s commit­ but the connection between the ment to global learning through altered books and the library was the development of international irresistible. The timing was perfect, institutional relationships. They with the opening reception sched­ The opening reception was a are working on a proposal that uled for April 16, the beginning of great success, attended by the stu­ includes sending the exhibit on National Library Week. dent artists, their friends and fam­ tour to DuocUC’s library in San­ We moved a glass display case ily, and the art faculty, as well as tiago. We have been contacted into the library and acquired some many students who just happened by a NOVA alumnus who saw the individual display cases for some to be in the library at that time. exhibit and offered to purchase pieces, which were set up on our One parent observed that having several of the works for permanent low reference shelves. Postcards the art exhibit in the library “is display in the Alexandria Cam­ announcing the exhibit and open­ what the liberal arts are all about.” pus Library. And we look forward ing reception and guides to the Alexandria Campus Provost Jona­ to finding more ways to make the location of the individual pieces in than Gueverra praised the exhibit campus library a showcase for stu­ the library were printed. for crossing boundaries and dent work. VL JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 29

Fabric Arts Classes at the Danville Public Library

by Otis D. Alexander

he Main and Westover collected from Wal-Mart, Hobby by DPL Director Otis D. Alexan­ branches of Danville Lobby, and some patrons’ old sew­ der, who had taught quilt-making Public Library (DPL) con­ ing baskets. The eighteen partici­ when he was a high school art Tducted two eight-week fabric arts pants were encouraged to have a teacher in the District of Colum­ classes, with the first beginning valid library card, and all creations bia. Alexander discussed the his- in October 2006 and the second had to be executed by hand during starting in April 2007. Participants the twice-weekly, two-hour class in these classes produced creations meetings. Otis D. Alexander is director of the Dan­ of all sorts by piecing and quilting The fabric arts class began with ville Public Library System. He can be traditional designs using fabrics a brief talk about quilt making reached at [email protected].

Participants created quilted bedding, pillows, and aprons. PAGE 30 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007

Quilting combines traditional motifs and designs with the oppor­ tunity for individual artistic expression.

tory of quilting from the cotton of cally, African-Americans even cre­ Children’s Information Specialist ancient Egypt through medieval ated quilts and other fabric arts Shirley Hughes. Participants were European undergarments to the products using peanut bags, feed invited to display their attractive quilted working clothes found in bags, unraveled shirts, and second­ creations in both the Main Library Asian civilizations. hand women’s clothing. However, and the Westover Branch. The art­ American Indians, African- for the project sponsored by the ists who exhibited were Mary Ste­ Americans, and American pioneers Danville library system, bonded phens, Alberta Greene, LaVerne were all creative users of quilting polyester batting was used for all of Greene, Kristy Curtis, Betsy Guill, who created new textiles by sew­ the creations, as it does not pile up Thelma Hutchings, Niki Wimbush, ing together scraps of fabrics and in lumps as easily as natural cotton Michelle Hicks, Karen Coleman, recycling old clothing. Some of the and raw wool. All of the quilts, pil­ Mattie Nelson, Mamie Nelson, quilts or other fabric arts products lows, and aprons were “plugged” to Alee Edmonds, Sharon Waddey, were made from snags of men’s ensure that the batting will remain Catherine Younger, Otis D. Alex­ woolen trousers and jackets and stable and not migrate. ander, Carolyn Adams (children’s women’s dresses and blouses. It The classes were full of excite­ information specialist), Karen was really amazing the way vari­ ment, and included classical Everrett (children’s librarian), Bar­ ous materials were used in quilt­ music in the background, a good bara Thompson, Alean Lea, Brenda ing, making the finished product film and discussion session, and Lipscomb, and Oliver White. VL heavy and quite warm. Histori­ readings from Aesop’s Fables by JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 31

The Power of Libraries

by Julie Ramsay

lmost two years have passed since Hurricane Katrina devastated the AGulf Coast, killing over 1,800 people and inflicting over $80 bil­ lion dollars in damage throughout the region. In April 2006, the VLA Council voted to donate $500 to assist in the effort to restore librar­ ies in Louisiana and Mississippi that were damaged by Katrina. Librarians throughout Virginia have assisted their Southern col­ leagues in a number of creative ways. Help are some examples reported to VLA last spring:

Central Rappahannock Regional Library

“At our library, the Friends of the Biloxi Public Library, Harrison County, Mississippi, after Hurricane Katrina Library will donate one dollar for every teen who completes the sum­ mer reading club. The funds will go branches, a silent auction at our ALA Conference in New Orleans to ALA’s Hurricane Katrina Relief annual Staff Day, and an online and is planning to arrive early to Fund. We’re excited about this and staff auction. Our library system assist however she can.” hope that we can donate several raised approximately $5,500 from — Lisa C. Gregory, library planner hundred dollars this way. all of these events. “This came out of a posting “We also allowed employees Danville Public Library somewhere about teen summer time off to assist in the aftermath. reading clubs where the kids don’t Two worked in various capacities “Staff members at the Danville Pub­ get prizes for finishing but instead with the Red Cross in Mississippi lic Library donated $145 to send to donate to a good cause. Our Teen and one also worked in Houston the ALA Katrina Relief Fund as part Councils discussed it and thought with Red Cross Financial Assis­ of our Christmas celebration.” it was a great idea!” tance; several continue to remain — Lynn Henderson, children’s —Caroline S. Parr, youth services on standby for the Red Cross. In information specialist coordinator addition, we had an employee vol­ unteer with the nonprofit organiza­ “The CRRL sponsored several tion Project Kid in Waveland, Mis­ Julie Ramsay is the youth services fundraising events: Employee sissippi, and St. Bernard Parrish, supervisor at the Mary Riley Styles Dress Down Day for an entire Louisiana. That group provided Public Library in the City of Falls Church month (donations were matched child care services at FEMA disas­ and current chair of the Virginia Library by one of our staff members), ter centers for victims applying for Association’s Youth Services Forum. She patron donation cans provided by aid. This June, our youth services can be reached at ramsay@falls-church. the Red Cross placed at each of our coordinator will be attending the lib.va.us. PAGE 32 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007

they have reopened three sites teens read poetry or prose they had Fairfax County Public Library serving more than 1,000 students, written or something by a favor­ “I am from New Orleans and have a significant need for equipment ite author to the audience. The eight brothers who were impacted and materials remains. president of the Friends was on by Hurricane Katrina. My eldest hand to present the check as well. sister Nancy works for the New “Another program that had County of Henrico Orleans Public Library and I a library connection involved Public Library worked there from 1976–1987. I J-MRL’s bookmobile. The library plan to go back to New Orleans in “Just wanted to let you know of this recently purchased a new book­ June (my third trip back since the response by one of our Teen Advi­ mobile, and the Virginia Organiz­ hurricane) to help refurbish the sory Boards. The Northside Teen ing Project successfully bid for and Children’s Resource Center, which Advisory Board of the County of purchased the old bookmobile. was called the Napoleon Branch Henrico Public Library System col­ J-MRL staff member Adam Rogers Library almost twenty years ago, lected supplies for Operation Back­ coordinated the project, and plans when I was its branch head! pack, the national effort started are underway to stock the vehicle “I and others who have reg­ by two young teenage sisters from with books and take it to areas istered for the volunteer oppor­ Bethesda to aid thousands of Hur­ along the Gulf that experienced tunities during ALA have today ricane Katrina refugee children hurricane damage.” received email from ALA letting who were starting school far from — John Halliday, library director, us know that over 600 have signed home. Just nine days after the TAB and Tim Carrier, young adult services up to help! (This is roughly ten meeting, we had collected school coordinator percent of those registered for the supplies, small games, and school conference.) They say that because clothes to fill twenty backpacks. Newport News Public Library of the number of volunteers, they “The teens sorted and filled System are taking longer than expected packs, marked the age level, and to get projects organized! I’m still wrote personal notes for each. “We were matched with the Har­ hopeful that I’ll get my first choice Donations were from the teens, rison County Library System in of assignment—helping with the library staff and family, and a Mississippi by ALA. In December, Children’s Resource Center.” Library Advisory Board member. instead of giving office gifts, our —Linda Van Den Akker-Landrum They were sent along with oth­ administrative staff made dona­ ers from the Richmond area to an tions and sent a check to the Har­ elementary school in Hattiesburg, rison County Library System for Mary Riley Styles Public Library Mississippi.” $200. We have just recently passed in Falls Church —Kate McClory, young adult/ the hat among staff throughout The library raised $2,066.32 during adult services librarian, Dumbar­ the library system and collected its March 2006 Katrina Relief Book ton Area Library another $125 that we will be mail­ Sale. Additionally, an anonymous ing this week. Additionally, we donor has promised to match that hope to assist with helping them Jefferson-Madison Regional same amount, bringing the total rebuild their collection when they Library to more than $4,100. All proceeds are better equipped to receive will be donated to the St. Bernard The J-MRL Friends Group made books.” Parish school system in Louisiana. donations of $1,000 each to ALA’s —Judy Condra, grant writer The money will be used to help Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund and St. Bernard Parish school libraries the Library Disaster Relief Fund Poquoson Public Library function better for students and to help in areas devastated by the teachers, providing books, comput­ hurricane and the tsunami. “To go “ The City of Poquoson ‘adopted’ ers, and other much-needed sup­ along with the donation, a couple the storm-ravaged city of Pasca­ plies. of our staff in Young Adult Ser­ goula, Mississippi. We sent dry Falls Church City’s Hurricane vices held a Read for a Cause event wall and Public Works men to help Relief Task Force identified St. Ber­ at Northside to give the public rebuild. nard Parish in the fall of 2005 to the opportunity to also spend the “The Poquoson Public Library receive donations from city fund- afternoon reading. Some families staff donated the money we would raisers. Just outside New Orleans, came to read to their young chil­ have spent on our Christmas gift the parish lost every school build­ dren; others came to do some quiet exchange to the staff of the Pas­ ing during the hurricane. Although reading on their own; and a few cagoula Public Library ($250). It JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 33

was almost enough (their Friends Fintel Library The Tidewater Area Library added the rest) to buy them a new (Roanoke College) Directors Council refrigerator for their staff kitchen to replace the one they lost to mold. The library provided office space The council sent $2,000 to the “Our Teen Advisory Board spon­ to Lisa Pertillar Brevard, director of Hancock County Public Library sored a donation jar and raised Women’s Studies and associate pro­ Foundation in Mississippi for resto­ $150 to send to the Pascagoula fessor of English and African World ration of their library system. Library Teen Group for a welcome Studies at Dillard University (New —John A. Moorman, director, back pizza party/SRP program for Orleans). She is the recipient of Williamsburg Regional Library when they get to be back in the Roanoke College’s Hurricane Relief building! Fellowship. Brevard lived within a Virginia Beach Public Library “Our city experienced so much mile of one of the ruptured levees, support after Hurricane Isabel hit and her home and almost all of her “Virginia Beach immediately less­ us on September 18, 2003. It was a possessions were destroyed by Hur­ ened our rules on who could get joy to be able to extend a helping ricane Katrina. cards once the hurricanes hit by hand to others in similar need.” —Stan Umberger, Roanoke College making sure that residents of those —Marty Staton, children/young areas affected knew they could get adult coordinator services without proof of address The Friends of the Salem or residence in Virginia. Public Library “We are currently working J. Sargeant Reynolds The Library donated $3,000 to the through the process to be able Community College Biloxi Public Library last fall. to donate our old bookmobile to (Richmond) —Janis Augustine, library director one of the areas hit by the hur­ “I spent a week in Gulfport, Missis­ ricanes, but that will be in about sippi, in January. The Cold Harbor ten months, after our new vehicle Samuels Public Library Road Church of Christ in Mechan­ arrives. We’re planning on doing a icsville sent a small group—four “After our fall used book sale the book drive to have the vehicle full men and myself. We were working leftover books were taken to the when it heads off.” with the Orange Grove Church of Biloxi Mississippi Library. Samu­ —Neva White, youth and family Christ there in Gulfport. I spent els Public Library doesn’t really services coordinator part of my time delivering blan­ deserve the credit, but a local kets, sheets, and kitchen supplies bookstore—Page Master Used So, how far has recovery for librar­ to folks in FEMA trailers. I was Books—collected the books from ies in the Gulf region come by now? able to help a little in a construc­ the library and took them to Har­ As of March 2007, twenty libraries tion project. We converted part of risonburg to WVPT [the Shenan­ in Louisiana remain closed. Several a garage into a bedroom so that doah Valley and Central Virginia’s library systems have temporary an extended family staying in one public television station]. The folks buildings or bookmobiles serving house could empty out enough to at WVPT took them to Biloxi. as libraries until permanent struc­ begin to make repairs in the house. There were a lot of books and we tures can be completed.1 My part was to mud and bed the were all thrilled.” The Mississippi Library Com­ sheetrock and run errands. —Barbara Ecton mission has reported that progress “We were concerned that we is “very slow—hampered by insur­ didn’t get more accomplished ance issues, federal rules requir­ Shenandoah County Library while we were there even though ing insurance settlements prior to we stayed very busy. The folks “Last fall, instead of sending FEMA payments, the sheer volume there told us that every little bit money or supplies for hurricane of cleanup and construction to be was important, that a lot of people relief, our teen council gathered done, and the finite number of were helping, and that it all added supplies for our local food bank, skilled contractors and workers.”2 up. It was encouraging to them for which had been greatly depleted. The American Library Associa­ people to come at all. They were So many residents of our county tion continues to maintain its Hur­ really tired of being victims.” sent what they would have usually ricane Katrina Library Relief Fund —Lisa D. Bishop, library special­ given locally to the storm area. So, and has raised over $485,000 to ist, Parham Campus Library in a roundabout way, we helped.” date. ALA has also coordinated an —Linda Wooten, programs and Adopt a Library Program that has activities director matched approximately four hun­ PAGE 34 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007

destroyed by Katrina by helping those who were displaced to find resources and information. After being evacuated from New Orleans, Joanne Hilton and her family used a number of out-of-state libraries and found that “every librarian we encountered gave us time, direc­ tion, and good advice.” She con­ cluded her letter with this request: “Don’t ever underestimate the importance of what you do.”5

Notes 1 American Library Association, “Status Reports,” http://www.ala. org/ala/cro/katrina/statusreports. htm (accessed June 29, 2007). 2 Division Street Study Center, Harrison County, Mississippi Ibid. 3 American Library Association, “Libraries and Hurricane Katrina,” ht t p ://w w w.a la.org/ala/c ro / dred libraries and library groups to Harrison County Public katrina/katrina.htm (accessed June assist libraries in need with “fund­ Library (Mississippi) 29, 2007). raising and other relief efforts.”3 http://www.harrison.lib.ms.us/ 4 ALA, “Status Reports.” For those who wish to know 5 Joanne Hilton, “The Power of more, the following websites may Hancock County Public Library Libraries,” “Feedback” column, be useful: (Mississippi) Library Journal, August 15, 2006, http://www.hancock.lib.ms.us/ http://www.libraryjournal.com/ ALA’s Hurricane Katrina Library kneeds.htm article/CA6359874.html?q =Joa Relief Fund nne+Hilton%2C+New+Orleans www.ala.org/katrina/ Still, there has been progress. On (accessed June 29, 2007). VL April 16, 2007, Mississippi’s Pasca­ New Orleans Public Library goula Public Library held its “Grand http://nutrias.org/~nopl/ Reopening,”4 and in August 2006, foundation/donationsfaq.htm a devoted library user, celebrating the dedication of the Alvar Street Jefferson Parish Public Library Branch in New Orleans, wrote to (Louisiana) Library Journal to thank librarians http://www.jefferson.lib.la.us/ for another way they have assisted defaultkatrina.htm#donations patrons whose libraries were JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 35

Virginia Reviews

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

William M. Kelso. Jame- in wide gaps of knowledge about stown: The Buried Truth. Jamestown and simultaneously Charlottesville and Lon- offer new avenues of historical don: University of Vir­ exploration. Jamestown is as much ginia Press, 2006. xiii + 238 pp. a whole new world to us as it was ISBN-13: 978-0-8139-2563-9. to John Smith and company four $29.95 (hardcover). hundred years ago. Kelso and his For much of the twentieth cen­ team deserve praise for their pains­ tury, conventional wisdom held These and other remains taking work at Jamestown. One that the fort constructed by the reads Jamestown with anticipation first English settlers in Virginia … can provide a of what will be discovered next. had washed away. Whenever visi­ —reviewed by Trenton E. Hizer, tors at Historic Jamestown asked (reconstructed) human senior finding aids archivist where James Fort had stood, the face to the 104 men and answer often was a vague wave of the hand in the direction of the boys who arrived in 1607. Helen C. Rountree, Wayne James River and the words “Out E. Clark, and Kent Mount- there somewhere.” In 1994 William KELSO REVIEW ford. John Smith’s Chesa­ M. Kelso made one of the greatest peake Voyages, 1607–1609. archaeological discoveries when he Charlottesville and London: Uni­ unearthed James Fort and thereby colonists and the Native Americans versity of Virginia Press, 2007. xi stood the conventional wisdom on than was previously believed. + 402 pp. ISBN-13: 978-0-8139­ its head. In Jamestown: The Buried Kelso and his archaeological 2644-5. $29.95 (hardcover). Truth, Kelso examines the archaeo­ team have found thousands of In 1608 Captain John Smith logical wealth of James Fort and interesting items—ceramics, tools, made two extended exploring Jamestown and reexamines the coins, copper and trade beads, arms expeditions in the Chesapeake Bay history of the first permanent Eng­ and armor, food remains, and per­ and its major tributaries, the James lish settlement in North America. sonal belongings. Two of the most and Elizabeth Rivers excepted. The Jamestown intertwines the his­ significant discoveries were the map that he later published and the tory of the Jamestown settlement skeleton of JR102C and the skel­ several accounts that he wrote of with the account of the excavations eton of a man Kelso believes to be his explorations and of the Indian at the site. Kelso recounts a famil­ Bartholomew Gosnold, one of the tribes he encountered remain to iar story but allows the physical leaders of the Jamestown settle­ this day among the most impor­ evidence to bring color and hue to ment. These and other remains tant sources for understanding what had been a black-and-white, offer a new insight into the world the people who resided in eastern almost cartoonish, tale. Some old of the Jamestown settlement and Virginia when English colonists assumptions had to be discarded, can provide a (reconstructed) arrived. Smith’s works are equally while others were confirmed. The human face to the 104 men and important for understanding how discovery of the fort verified con­ boys who arrived in 1607. temporary descriptions of its tri­ The discoveries covered in Jame­ angular shape. Artifacts revealed a stown are rich and intriguing, but Sara B. Bearss is senior editor of the more complex and interactive rela­ only scratch the surface, to borrow Dictionary of Virginia Biography, pub­ tionship between the Jamestown from the archaeologist. They fill lished by the Library of Virginia. PAGE 36 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007

the Indians and English interacted tive that appeared in serialized for­ how her analyses were limited by in their first encounters. In addi­ mat in the Portsmouth Star in the the historical evidence then avail­ tion to describing Smith’s explo­ mid-1930s. Dean Burgess, a former able. Burgess’s stylistic method for rations, this new volume sums up director of the Portsmouth Public presenting their work may prove what he learned and also what is Library, has republished Holladay’s difficult for some readers to follow, now known about the area and its history while also updating, cor­ however. Rather than combining peoples. The authors clearly distin­ recting, and expanding her work. their material to create a seamless guish what Smith learned and did The result of their combined efforts narrative, Burgess instead opts to not learn and what the subsequent is a thick, descriptive local history present Holladay’s history in roman colonization meant for the people of Portsmouth from its beginnings type while inserting his material in and the environment of the Chesa­ through the twentieth century in italics. The result can be a distract­ peake region. forty mostly short chapters. ing back-and-forth switching of Among the numerous new schol­ Wars and the military have typefaces, which can occur within arly studies on the early seventeenth played a significant part in shaping a page, a paragraph, or even within century in Virginia, this volume the city, and they hold a promi­ a sentence. History of Portsmouth, may appeal to nonspecialists more nent place here. Four chapters are Virginia, contains an index but does than most. The writing, the maps, devoted to the American Revolu­ not provide footnotes or a bibliog­ the illustrations, and the organiza­ tion and two relate to the War of raphy. Throughout the book, how­ tion are clear and compelling. The 1812. The Civil War era rates six ever, Burgess often describes the authors’ emphasis on the climate chapters, which include secession, archival or secondary sources he and ecology of the area gives this the refitting of the USS Merrimack consulted or where a reader might account a special usefulness for to become the ironclad CSS Vir­ go for more information about a readers new to the literature of ginia, and the city’s occupation particular subject. the earliest residents of the region. by Union forces. Portsmouth’s —reviewed by John G. Deal, assis­ Indians and English were culturally military importance is described tant editor, Dictionary of Virginia different in many ways; they saw in lengthier chapters on the navy Biography the natural world differently; and, yard, naval hospital, and coast in turn, their presence altered it in guard base, each with an accompa­ different ways. That environmental nying list of their respective com­ Natalie S. Bober. Thomas aspect of the colonization of Vir­ manding officers over the years. Jefferson: Draftsman of a ginia, with its causes and long-term Portsmouth’s culture and society Nation . Charlottesville and consequences, has been relatively are not neglected, with chapters on London: University of neglected in this anniversary year, the Great Fire of 1821, the Marquis Virginia Press, 2007. xiii + 360 but not in this valuable contribu­ de Lafayette’s visit in 1824, and pp. ISBN-13: 978-0-8139-2632-2. tion to the literature. the yellow fever epidemic of 1855. $22.95 (hardcover). —reviewed by Brent Tarter, editor, Topical sections include religion This is a new and revised edi­ Dictionary of Virginia Biography (the longest in the book), daily tion of the author’s 1988 Thomas life, neighborhoods, education, Jefferson: Man on a Mountain. The amusements, businesses, taverns most important revisions are a Mildred Holladay and and hotels, and slavery and the short section taking into account Dean Burgess. History of African-American community. the scientific and circumstantial Portsmouth, Virginia. Ports­ The final chapter contains a useful evidence that researchers a decade mouth, Va.: Portsmouth list of mayors, city managers, and ago produced in search of an Historical Commission, 2007. xiii prominent citizens throughout answer to the question of whether + 582 pp. ISBN-13: 978-0-9792491­ Portsmouth’s history, with their Thomas Jefferson was the father of 0-5. $19.95 (softcover). Available respective years of service in office any or all of the children of Sally from Red Lion Square Studios, P.O. and often, especially for twentieth- Hemings and a reexamination of Box 126, Portsmouth, VA 23705­ century leaders, tidbits of informa­ his attitudes about slavery. 0126. tion such as profession or commu­ Natalie S. Bober writes for Published by the Portsmouth nity activities. young readers, presumably of Historical Commission as a legacy While revising and augment­ about high school age. Her prose project of the Jamestown 2007 ing Holladay’s original narrative, is well-adapted to relatively unso­ Community Program, History of Burgess explains how Holladay’s phisticated readers and people Portsmouth, Virginia, is a republica­ interpretations were influenced by unfamiliar with the subject’s life. tion of Mildred Holladay’s narra­ the social context of her time and The pace is brisk, and the focus JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 37

is on the man, his ideas, and his Army of the Potomac. When Stuart alry screened the movement and place in history. Complex political finally appeared on the second day, dueled mounted Union troops at and diplomatic events are treated an exasperated Lee is supposed the mountain passes almost daily. concisely and with more emphasis to have demanded of his cavalry By June 27, 1863, Lee was north on Jefferson’s contributions to the chieftain, “General Stuart, where of the Potomac River, unaware American Revolution and less on have you been?” that the Union army, benefiting his four and a half years as secre­ Where Stuart had been, and from good intelligence, was on the tary of state, four years as vice pres­ why, are the subjects of Warren march and would shadow him in ident, and eight years as president. C. Robinson’s inquiry. As he read­ rapid pursuit. The author writes at greater length ily acknowledges, the controversy Meanwhile, Stuart, instead of about Jefferson the family man surrounding Stuart has persisted heading directly north to oper­ and Jefferson the man of ideas, for many years, spilling much ink ate on the Confederate columns’ the author of critically important and distilling the debate down to right flank as Lee desired, deter­ documents in American history. two unyielding camps: admirers mined to strike a blow. He under­ Bober may be said to have suc­ of Stuart who defend his excesses, took a roundabout route north, ceeded in writing a relatively short heading due east, which brought and interesting book on a complex him into contact with Union col­ man who is almost impossible to umns. Detouring south and east, describe in simple terms. … an exasperated Lee he crossed below the enemy’s rear —reviewed by Brent Tarter, editor, is supposed to have and turned north to ford the Poto­ Dictionary of Virginia Biography mac on June 27 below Rockville, demanded of his Maryland, before pushing on to the Washington, D.C., suburbs and Warren C. Robinson. Jeb cavalry chieftain, advancing on Dover, Pennsylvania. Stuart and the Confederate “General Stuart, where Along the way he tore up railroad Defeat at Gettysburg. Lin­ track, took prisoners, and captured coln and London: Uni­ have you been?” supply wagons. With the Union versity of Nebraska Press, 2007. army spread out between him and ROBINSON REVIEW xv + 198 pp. ISBN-13: 978-0-8032­ Lee, an increasingly anxious Stuart 1101-8. $24.95 (hardcover). drove his exhausted horsemen west In the aftermath of the Confed­ and north to Carlisle, above the erate defeat at Gettysburg, ques­ and those who accuse him of vain­ Union forces, then dropped down tions and accusations inevitably gloriously seeking to burnish his south to Gettysburg. He arrived arose concerning the failure of reputation, even to the point of mud-splattered and weary after Robert E. Lee’s army to win the disobeying orders. Believing that traveling more than two hundred climactic victory that he sought it was time to produce a fresh per­ miles in eight days, with plunder over the Army of the Potomac. The spective, one that avoided acrimo­ to boast of, but little else. reputations of several members of nious partisan posturing, Robinson Much of the debate focuses Lee’s high command eventually launched an investigation based on on Lee’s instructions to Stuart on suffered, including that of James a fresh examination of the primary June 22 and 23. The orders were, Ewell Brown “Jeb” Stuart, whose and secondary sources that under­ in some respects, imprecise, but famed cavalry division, the “eyes” pin the controversy, and, position­ as Robinson points out, they were of the Army of Northern Virginia, ing himself as an outside observer, not issued in a vacuum, but were was notoriously absent in the days cast a critical eye on the excesses of part of an ongoing conversation leading up to the battle, leaving Lee the debate itself. between the two commanders. Lee in the dark about the location and Following his victory at Chan­ gave general directions to Stuart, strength of the enemy he sought cellorsville, Lee moved his army as he did to other trusted officers, to destroy. As the first day of fight­ north, hoping to steal a march on and relied on him to use his judg­ ing unfolded, Lee was uncertain the Army of the Potomac and draw ment as circumstances unfolded. about the precise identity of his the pursuing Union forces into Too, these orders were not written opponent. Had he come into con­ battle at a place and time of his in a way that differed substantially tact with a reinforced cavalry post own choosing. Using the moun­ in tone and phrasing from other or the van of the Union army? At tains as a shield, his army passed instructions Lee issued in similar day’s end, he still did not know the through the Shenandoah Valley circumstances. The two men had location of the main body of the while for two weeks Stuart’s cav­ worked together effectively for two PAGE 38 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007

years, and underlying Stuart’s rep­ Emily J. Salmon and John and to provide historical insight

utation—and record—as a peer­ S.Tenn., and Paducah, Ky.: and perspective that will allow of Richmond

less cavalry officer was his thor­ . Nashville, modern-day Richmonders to take Historic Photos

ough understanding of the role of Salmon. the past into account as they con­ cavalry in Lee’s army. Robinson Turner Publishing Company, 2007. sider the future of their city. While asserts that the “truly imaginative x + 205 pp. ISBN-13: 978-1-59652­ the book succeeds on both counts, literary ‘deconstructions’” (x) by 318-2. $39.95 (hardcover). it could have been even more user- some historians have treated the This elegant volume features friendly with a few small tweaks. orders as if they were “rune stones 194 images of Richmond selected Each photograph provides a or Delphic pronouncements” (47), from the collections of the Library unique window onto a moment thus clouding rather than clarify­ of Virginia and the Library of Con­ in Richmond’s past and is worthy ing an understanding of what Lee gress. The book is divided into of unhurried contemplation. The wanted of Stuart. four chronological sections, each most striking images show people Stuart’s defenders argue that, in action: a 1920s sidewalk teem­ because Union forces barred the ing with Christmas shoppers, both way, the cavalry could not follow Viewing familiar black and white; children posing in Lee’s instructions to the letter as to front of the old Male Orphan Asy­ when and where to move north to landmarks in their lum early in the twentieth century; guard the marching army’s right two very young newsboys peddling flank. Critics insist that Stuart’s past contexts… their papers on a street corner in raid on Washington was an attempt creates a link between 1911. Yet the book pays more atten­ to salvage a reputation that was tion to architecture than to people tarnished when Union cavalry sur­ ourselves and those and does not pretend to present prised Stuart’s forces following the a comprehensive photographic “grand review” at Brandy Station; who came before us. history of Richmond; absent, for that he, in effect, chose to disobey example, are shots depicting the SALMON REVIEW Lee’s orders. In closely reasoned civil rights movement. Indeed, analysis, Robinson responds effec­ the “Modern City” section, which tively to these and other aspects of covers the years 1940–1969, is by the controversy surrounding what prefaced by a brief but informative far the shortest in the book, and became, in effect, two invasions of summary that characterizes the the authors do not explain why it the North by Lee’s army. major trends and developments of (and the volume itself) ends with Possessed of extraordinary the era under consideration. “War 1969. A more detailed commentary energy, unquestioned courage, and and Reconstruction” (1860s–1879) on the book’s organization would a desire for the dramatic, Stuart and “Peace and Growth” (1880– have been illuminating, as would a attempted to live the heroic life. A 1899) each encompass roughly discussion of the process by which good deal of risk attended his taste forty pages, while “Into the New photographs were selected for for adventure. Boldness and skill Century” (1900–1939) covers inclusion from among the thou­ often carried the day, but the Get­ almost one hundred pages—or sands reviewed. tysburg raid was a hard lesson on half the volume—and “The Mod­ The authors’ interesting and the price exacted when things go ern City” (1940–1969) fits into well-written captions enhance awry—in this case, possible vic­ twenty-five. The photographs and the images by putting them in tory over an old enemy. Robinson’s their descriptive captions appear historical context. The very best book charts a well-reasoned course one per page, with a few stretch­ captions for the many streetscapes between the beau cavalier’s con­ ing across two pages. Prominent and architectural shots specify the stant admirers and his determined among the subjects are well-known exact location of the scene, note detractors and offers some surpris­ buildings, street scenes depicting whether the building is still stand­ ing but well-founded conclusions Richmonders going about their ing, and describe the current lay that both inform the student of daily business, newly constructed of the land if it differs from the military history and advance the residential neighborhoods, and photograph; one wishes this com­ overall debate about the Confeder­ major events such as Confederate bination of information had been ate breakdown at Gettysburg. reunions. The goals of the project, included on a more consistent —reviewed by Donald W. Gunter, as laid out in the short preface, are basis. The absence of a legible map assistant editor, Dictionary of Vir­ to make old photographs more eas­ hampers readers who might wish to ginia Biography ily accessible to a broad audience pinpoint the locations of sites with JULY–SEPTEMBER, 2007 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 39

which they are unfamiliar, and the the nation. Begun in the 1920s, of Jamestown. This new edition fol­ lack of an index makes it difficult the marker program was intended lows its 1985 and 1994 predecessors to search for images of particular to encourage tourism in the com­ by including the text of the mark­ places. Nonetheless, the material monwealth through a uniform ers but departs from the traditional presented in the book makes it system to mark historic places sequential listing of markers —a possible for readers to connect past and events and to foster interest style established by the first guide to present in the way they must do nationwide in Virginia’s history. published in 1929—by arranging if this volume is indeed to play a The first Virginia historical high­ the markers in six regions “to help role in shaping discussions about way markers were erected along with trip planning and to provide preservation and development in Route 1 from Fredericksburg to an easier approach for visiting Richmond. Richmond late in 1927. By 1934, a series of markers in a region,” Viewing familiar landmarks in the commonwealth created “pull- according to compiler Scott David their past contexts—the Monu­ Arnold (xv). A brief description of ment Avenue statue of Robert E. the region and overview of signifi­ Lee surrounded by open fields, for cant events and places begin each example—creates a link between Finding and reading the chapter. Unlike the previous edi­ ourselves and those who came markers require us to tions, the new Guidebook does not before us. Old photographs have include Z markers, those double- a unique power to drive home the get off the interstates, sided signs that were placed at state reality, easy to comprehend but and county lines. The helpful indi­ not often reflected upon, that our slow down, and ces include marker name, marker environs were once occupied by think about the number, and general subject. others who looked and behaved The Virginia Historical Highway differently, and that the cityscape commonwealth’s Marker program offers “snapshots” as we know it developed incremen­ of Virginia history to residents and tally over time and space. Encoun­ history and people. tourists alike. Modern marker read­ tering our surroundings as they ARNOLD REVIEW ers may find some of the language appeared in the past is rewarding on the older markers objectionable, and thought-provoking, and any­ but as Arnold warns in the intro­ one interested in Richmond from duction, the marker texts “reflect the Civil War era through the offs” so motorists could stop and the scholarly and social conven­ 1960s will benefit from spending read the text. The program served tions [and] available documenta­ time with this collection. as a model for a number of other tion” (xvi). Glancing through the —reviewed by Jennifer R. Loux, states. The Virginia Department of subject index demonstrates how research associate, Dictionary of Vir­ Transportation has had responsibil­ the marker topics have become ginia Biography ity for the markers’ placement and more inclusive. African-Americans, maintenance since 1949, although Virginia Indians, women, and the program is managed by the events in the twentieth century are Scott David Arnold, comp. Department of Historic Resources. commemorated on markers, tilting A Guidebook to Virginia’s Today private organizations, local the balance of the program a little Historical Markers. 3d edi­ governments, and individuals pro­ from the preponderance of mark­ tion. Charlottesville and pose new markers and, if approved, ers dedicated to white Virginians, London: University of Virginia pay for their installation. Virginia’s the American Revolution, and the Press in association with the Vir­ historical highway marker program American Civil War. Finding and ginia Department of Historic remains a tool both to educate the reading the markers require us to Resources, 2007. xviii + 366 pp. public on the commonwealth’s get off the interstates, slow down, ISBN-13: 978-0-8139-2572-1. $19.95 history and to promote tourism in and think about the common­ (softcover). Virginia. wealth’s history and people. This You’ve seen those tall silver This third edition of the Guide­ handy volume should be in the signs with black lettering as you book to Virginia’s Historical Markers glove compartment of every car. zip along Virginia’s highways. The marks the eightieth anniversary of —reviewed by Barbara C. Batson, nearly two thousand Historical the marker program and is a wel­ exhibitions coordinator VL Highway Markers tell the story of come addition to the bookshelf of people, places, and events impor­ publications that commemorate the tant to the history of Virginia and 400th anniversary of the founding SWING Benefits: Collective buying power for library materials Newsletters Library legislative lobby Continuing education opportunities Scholarship opportunities

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