LIBRARIAN Marvin Kalb and the Eleventh First Amendment Congress Explore the Current Crisis of the Fourth Estate

Oklahoma

Volume 60 No. 1 January-February 2010 LIBRARIAN Marvin Kalb and the Eleventh First Amendment Congress Explore the Current Crisis of the Fourth Estate

Almost 200 people, including 120 Oklahoma high school students, attended the 2009 First Amendment Con- gress on October 28 and 29. The Oklahoma Library Association and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries have been partnering with Freedom of Information Oklahoma to host the annual event for the past eleven years. This year's theme, "Muzzling the Watchdog," focused on the impact of Inter- net news, blogs and social media on the traditional role of journalism as a watchdog of government.

Americans have depended on a free press to be the watchdog since the found- ing of the nation, according to Bill Young, OLA and ODL representative on the First Amendment Congress program committee. "The popularity of online media has created a financial crisis for traditional print journalism," Young said. "Many of nation's newspapers are having to adjust to this new dynamic by laying off employees, and many find they no longer have the resources to conduct the kind of investigative journalism that keeps government and busi- nesses honest. We wanted to explore this issue at the 2009 Congress."

Education Day at Rose State College featured a debate on traditional media versus new media by teams from Edmond North and Norman North high schools. The debate highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of both print and electronic media as watchdog tools. Dr. Joey Senat, journalism professor at Oklahoma State University, challenged young participants on their knowledge of First Amendment rights during his keynote session. Stu- dents also heard how to "Get Smart About Free Speech" during a session which exposed the dangers and misin- formation inherent in a media format where "anyone can write anything for everyone to read."

Professional Day at The Oklahoman in Oklahoma City featured keynote speaker Marvin Kalb. His 30 year broadcast career includes working for both CBS and NBC News, where he served as Chief Diplomatic Corre- spondent, Moscow Bureau Chief, and moderator of Meet the Press. For 15 years he has served as moderator of The Kalb Report, a public television and radio series covering the press, politics and public policy. Kalb be- moaned the 24/7 news cycle and the corporate mentality that has created a world that would have no place for the likes of great journalists like Edward R. Murrow. Kalb said the creation of non-profit foundations to fund investigative journalism may keep the watchdog alive, but such a solution remains open to question. Also during professional day: OSU Professor and Government Documents Librarian Barbara Miller conducted an online tour of new watchdog websites, a panel of Oklahoma journalists answered Kalb's questions about adapting to the new media environment, and a panel of broadcast journalists and attorneys addressed an actual 911 call in a session titled "Ethical Journalism or Invasion of Privacy?"

During the two-day event, high school and college essay contest winners were honored with cash prizes. Lindel Hutson, retired Oklahoma City Association Press Bureau chief, received FOI Oklahoma's Marion Opala First Amendment .More information on the current crisis of journalism is available at "Ink on the Brink" on the Kalb Report website: www.gwu.edu/~kalb/archives.html.

Bill Young, Oklahoma Dept. of Libraries Director of Marketing Photo: Marvin Kalb shares his experiences in the journalistic field, and his hope for a strong press in the new age. 1

“There are many spokes on the wheel of life. First, we're here to explore new possibilities.” -- Ray Charles

And where’s the best place to explore new possibilities in 2010? Why, at the Oklahoma Li- brary Association’s Annual Conference, of course! I know you all have your calendars marked for April 19-21 at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, so I won’t bother to re- mind you yet again.

The Conference Preview will be in the mail to you in January. It will also be available for download from the OLA website. Please feel free to share it with your colleagues and encour- age them to join you at this important conference. As you look through the Preview you’ll see the wide variety of innovative and thoughtful programs that will be presented this year, including a substantial number of MPLA programs. Because this is a joint conference with the Moun- tain Plains Library Association, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and interact with folks from across our region. Many are sure to bring a different perspective to some of the challenges we all face these days, giving you the opportunity to explore all sorts of new possibilities.

The Preview will also introduce you to our major speakers. I’d like to highlight two of them. Even if you’re not in the habit of attending the Banquet, you may want to do so this year. The speaker that Monday night will be Nancy Miller, creator, executive producer and writer of the TNT series “Saving Grace”. Miller is a native of Oklahoma City, where her series is set. Dr. J. Rufus Fears of the University of Oklahoma will be our keynote speaker Tuesday morning. Dr. Fears is an acclaimed teacher and scholar who spe-

The OKLAHOMA LIBRARIAN is the official cializes in the study of ancient history and the history of lib- bulletin of the Oklahoma Library erty. He is currently at work on a book to be entitled Dan- Association. It is published bi-monthly. The inclusion of an article or advertisement gerous Delusions: Why We Ignore the Lessons of History at does not constitute official endorsement by Our Risk. the Association. It is mailed to each member of the association upon payment of annual dues. Much more will be going on at Conference, so keep your Editorial Office Barbara Miller, Oklahoma State University, eye on the OLA website, the OLA Facebook page, and the 501 Edmon Low Library, Stillwater, OK OLA conference wiki for all the details and the latest news. 74078-1071, [email protected]. Stay tuned in particular for more about Tuesday night’s All Book Review Editor: Conference Event. You’ll have the chance, if you’re inter- Janet Croft, University of Oklahoma, Bizzell 104NW, Norman, OK 73019 ested, to really “strut your stuff” in front of the entire Asso- ciation! And who wouldn’t want to do that? Circulation and Advertising Office The Oklahoma Librarian, 300 Hardy Drive, C.E. Brooks Edmond, OK 73013. Bulk mail postage OLA President paid at Edmond, OK 73034. Publisher’s permit No. 61. Circulation 1200. Circulation

2 OKLAHOMA DEDICATES EIGHTH LITERARY LANDMARK AT OSAGE TRIBAL MUSEUM

On November 17, 2009, the Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma (FOLIO) honored John Joseph Mathews and the Osage Tribal Museum with an ALTAFF Literary Landmark dedication. Award- winning author Michael Wallis chairs the Oklahoma Literary Landmark Committee and served as Mas- ter of Ceremonies for the dedication. Keynote speaker was Dr. Carter Revard, Osage poet and scholar. Mathews’ daughter, Virginia Mathews, staff director of the National Book Committee from 1957 to 1974, was guest of honor at the dedication for her father. Her own distinguished career focused on family literacy, reading and library promotion and she was awarded Honorary Life Membership in the Amer- ican Library Association. Attendees for the dedication included Peggy Sullivan and Loriene Roy, Past Presidents of the American Library Association; John Red Eagle, Osage Assistant Chief; Kathryn Red Corn, Director of Osage Tribal Museum; Susan McVey, Director Oklahoma Department of Libraries; Kay Boies, Execu- tive Director Oklahoma Library Association; Gerry Hendon, President of FOLIO; Connie Armstrong, Director Oklahoma Center for the Book; Karen Neurohr, Associate Professor, Librarian, Oklahoma State University Library and Co-chair Oklahoma Literary Landmarks Committee; Lu King, Director Pawhuska Pub- lic Library; and Mayor of Pawhuska, Mark Buchanan.

The bronze Literary Landmark plaque reads : “Osage Tribal Museum, John Joseph Mathews, 1894 – 1979. Devoted to preserving the culture and history of his Osage tribe and inspired by the natural world of the Osage Hills, the written works of John Joseph Mathews evoke the enduring spirit of the land and people. Here on Osage Agency Hill, Mathews’ birthplace, the Osage Tribal Muse- um, established in 1938 primarily through his efforts, is designated a Literary Landmark by the Association of Li- brary Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations. Friends of Libraries in Oklahoma, FOLIO and Osage Nation. November 17, 2009.”

Submitted by Karen Neurohr, Associate Professor, Assessment Librarian, Oklahoma State University Photo: Michael Wallace, Carter Revard, Virginia Mathews, Kathryn Red Corn and Karen Neurohr wit- ness the unveiling of the literary landmark plaque. Photo courtesy of M Gary Wickham

************************************************************* Historical Remembrance, from the ODL Archives…

Biennial Report of the Oklahoma Library Commission, 24th meeting of OLA, February 2-3, 1933

The Friday afternoon meeting, featuring authors of Eastern Oklahoma, was attended by many who were not librarians… Mr. John Joseph Mathews, author of Wah-Kon-Tah declared he had no topic, but talked on the possibilities of Oklahoma where the philosophies and talents of the two races mingled, the Anglo- Saxon, active comparatively unretrospective; the Indian, an Oriental dreamer who talks and thinks in pictures. “We have been busy with our economic development and have not reached the point of production of the ‘ornaments of civilization,’ music, art, and literature,” and Mr. Mathews raised the question of what would be the influence of the original American on such production. Would we imitate Europe, or go back to simple and beautiful Indian expression? Also he derided “simpering sentimentalism” in writing, but felt that it should not be replaced by “vindictive sentimentalism” as exemplified by such “disappointed idealists” as George Miburn. “To see ourselves as we are, not resenting nor being humble – therein lies beauty.” 3 Oral History in Libraries

A Closer Look at Digital Audio Recording

When it comes to recording oral history interviews, you have many options. Not too long ago, analog recording was widespread. Analog refers to the use of cassette tapes or reel-to-reel recording methods (among others) to capture interview audio. Today, we have seen the rise of digital audio recording, including the use of portable solid state memory cards, internal hard drives and hybrid recorders. This month, we hope to shed some light on the benefits of oral history digital recording in today’s ever changing technology landscape. So, why record interviews with a digital audio recorder? Here are some things to consider:

Digital audio recorders will make your life easier Recording in a digital format will allow you to quickly transfer files from the unit to a computer. Once the initial transfer to computer is made, you will be able to store the audio file on a hard drive, make compact disc copies, or even transfer the file to multiple formats. Having a digital file will also make the transcription process easier. With a digital file, you can use free software like Express Scribe (http://www.nch.com.au/scribe/) to assist with transcription. You can also use Audacity, another free software download, to edit your files (http://audacity.sourceforge.net/).

Digital recorders are coming down in price You can find a wide variety of digital audio recorders on the market. When looking for a unit that is right for you, think about your overall project goals and needs. There are many websites that can assist in your search. Take a look at the technology section of the Oral History Association website for a full rundown on audio recorders and recording (http://www.oralhistory.org/technology/). Also, the Vermont Folklife Center has a great online Digital Audio Field Recording Equipment Guide (http:// www.vermontfolklifecenter.org/archive/res_audioequip.htm) with reviews and information. When purchasing equipment, you can even look at eBay (www.ebay.com) for great deals on new and used audio recording units.

Digital recording can lead to ease in archiving When looking for a digital recorder or if you are converting old analog tapes to digital, the .wav format is the archival standard. If you look for a unit that records in .wav, then you are already there! While .wav’s are larger in size, make sure you keep this file as your archival copy. You can then create compressed .mp3 files for web based use, podcasts, presentations or other programs. Also, having the digital .wav will be helpful down the road if migration becomes necessary.

Remember, oral history recording does not have to be expensive. With so many models of digital audio recorders on the market, now more than ever you have great options to fit the needs of your oral history efforts.

Juliana Nykolaiszyn & Tanya Finchum Oklahoma Oral History Research Program, OSU Library

4 All Weather Is Good – Yes, Really!

Last year, the National Weather Center Library received a Carnegie-Whitney Award from the American Library Association to create a bibliography of weather resources. I applied for the award to provide high school and public libraries with a list of scientifically accurate books and websites about the weather for those interested in topics like global warming or tornado safety. The All Weath- er Is Good website is up at running at: http://awig.nwc.ou.edu/index.html. Books are arranged under five broad categories: Living with the Weather, Stormy Weather, Weather and the World, Weather Basics and Weather Stories and History. Each entry includes the title, author, publisher, copyright date and ISBN along with a short annotation. I tried to include books that represented all aspects of weather and climate, and were scientifically accurate, interesting to read, and easy for school and public libraries to obtain. Websites were selected using similar criteria of scientific accuracy, usefulness, currency and lack of bias. They are arranged under these categories: Atmosphere/Air, Aviation Weather for Pilots, Climate Change/Global Warming, Climates of the World, Clouds, Drought, Extreme Weather, Fore- casting the Weather, Government Agencies, History of Weather, Hurricanes/Cyclones/Typhoons, Oceans, Seas and Sailing, Organizations, Snow and Ice, Thunderstorms/Lightning, Tornadoes, Weath- er Overview and Weather Website Lists. There’s a short description for each website listed along with a link. Right now the links work best in Internet Explorer, but we are working on this! Although I know that weather can be destructive at times, I named the site All Weather Is Good for two reasons. First, it celebrates the huge fascination that a lot of people have about the weather. Many people here at the National Weather Center study the weather for years and still readi- ly admit that there’s a lot that still needs to be discovered and understood. I also get to answer letters and meet people who love to study the weather as their hobby. The second reason is my belief that weather is part of the world. That often fills me with awe at its beauty and splendor. Tornadoes don’t form to target specific cities; droughts don’t occur to hurt farmers’ crops; and lightning doesn’t seek out individuals to strike. Please let me know if I can help with your weather questions or if you have any comments or questions about the site. I’m going to present a program about All Weather Is Good at the Annual Conference next April, including giving people time to look at some of the books listed on the website. I look forward to seeing you there!

Ginny Dietrich Librarian, National Weather Center Library [email protected]

IT Roundtable Workshop on Open Source Software

The Information Technology Roundtable is presenting “The Joy of Open Source: A gourmet Guide to Library Computing on a Budget” on March 5th at the Norman Public Library. We will cover free and open source software options for libraries who want to find budget friendly ways to solve problems and offer services. Presentations include ModX, Zotero, Open Office, Wordpress, Wetpaint, and a how-to on finding good open source options for your library. The workshop will be hands-on, giving people an opportunity to experiment. Visit the ITRT website to look at the flyer and register, http://oklibs.org/modx/Organization/ Roundtables/ITRT/ITRTworkshops.htm.

Nicole Sump-Crethar , Digital Services Librarian, OSU 5 OKLAHOMA COMMUNITY COOKBOOK COLLECTION, HERE AT SOUTHEASTERN STATE!

The Henry G. Bennett Library of Southeastern Oklahoma State University is working to preserve the social history and culture of Oklahoma by developing the Oklahoma Community Cookbook Collec- tion. Over the past century, many towns, organizations, churches, and schools in Oklahoma have gath- ered recipes from members and published them, essentially preserving and documenting the culinary heritage of this state. These cookbooks contain family recipes, ethnic dishes, and history about the organization or area. The Oklahoma Cookbook Collection will consist of cookbooks generated in Oklaho- ma that will be collected by our library as representative of the nature of the genre. This collection will include family recipe books, church and other organizational cookbooks, recipe pamphlets, cookbooks centered around Oklahoma companies, Oklahoma restaurant cookbooks and cookbooks from other in- stitutions such as radio stations. These cookbooks speak volumes about Oklahoma’s culture, history and society as it has devel- oped/evolved over more than a century, but they have not been actively preserved and their history is threatened. They represent much about who we are as Oklahomans and how we have evolved to this point. They provide a mirror to the societal and cultural roots from which they emanate and provide a peek at some aspects of the value systems of their authors and organizations. Also to be treasured are those cookbooks that our grandmothers and great-grandmothers annotated with their comments and changes in their own hand. These materials have a great deal to teach us and are indicative of the changing life styles of Oklahomans over more than a century of eating and socializing. The important issue is the identification of existing items and the provision for some means of access to them for re- searchers. In addition, there is the need to create an awareness of the need to preserve these items as unique to our Oklahoma heritage. As Oklahoma cookbooks arrive they will be cataloged and added to the Special Collection. When multiple copies arrive some will be cataloged and added to the circulating collection with an identification note indicating that they are part of the Oklahoma Cookbook Collection. Additionally, we will also supplement the collection with relevant books that document the history of American cookery to provide the necessary resources for background research and emphasize the impact cookbooks have on every- day life in America. We hope you will join us in reaching our goal. For more information or to donate to our collection, please contact me or mail your donation to the address below;

Susan L. Webb, Cataloging, circulation and Collection Development Librarian Southeastern Oklahoma State University, 1405 N. Fourth Ave. PMB 4189,Durant, OK 74701-0609

Doing a Technology Workshop?? Advice from the IT Roundtable

Technology Workshops require special considerations beyond the ordinary planning guide in the OLA Handbook. The IT Roundtable’s upcoming workshop helped us focus on some of these considerations, and we are passing them on to other OLA members, to smooth your paths! Will you have people bringing laptops? You will need power outlets, log-ins for internet access, Wi-Fi, and/or Ethernet outlets. Keep in mind that bandwidth limitations may cause slowdowns for Wi-Fi users and internet sites. What if you need to pre-load software before the workshop? You will need to send download information to laptop users ahead of time. Check to see if you will need a projector and laptop for the presenters. Sound is often an issue. Many computer labs don’t have speakers, even on the teacher’s computer. Check to see what’s available when you choose the site so you can answer the presenters’ questions. Make sure your presenters are prepared for anything. They should have screenshots in case the internet goes down and always have canned demonstrations that they know will work. They should try to think of what they will need and ask for it well in advance of the workshop. Arrive early! Even if you are using a computer lab you will need to be prepared ahead of time. Many computer labs are set up to wipe out information after a user logs out of a session. That means you will probably have to load software the morning of the workshop. Web based applications will need similar prepara- tions. Some web based apps only work on certain browsers. Test anything you will be demonstrating before the workshop. Be ready with handouts listing important URLs. Check to see if there will be a website where you can post material after the workshop. Remember: Nothing is more effective than advance preparation. Ask for help 6 when you need it, and give yourself plenty of time to get around any surprise obstacles. Good luck!

Nicole Sum-Crethar, Chair IT Round Table

Oklahoma Webpages: Eastern Oklahoma County Regional History Collection of the Atkinson Heritage Center, Rose State College; and Oklahoma Data Lasso

The Eastern Oklahoma County Regional History Collection www.rose.edu/EOCRHC The purpose of this online collection is to preserve the history of the communities of eastern Oklahoma County, and especially Tinker Air Force Base and how the base has been an economic engine for those communities.

Oral History Collection At present the core of this collection. There are 39 collections here, and all but two of them are available on the website. The oral history interviews are here in full text. Here are some of the people who were interviewed: Former Governor Henry Bellmon, who says “…on bussing, the real issue isn’t bussing…states like Oklahoma once had a totally segregated school system… it became necessary to transport students from one part of town to another…” Meteorologist Gary England, who says “There will be another F5 [tornado] in here, and I can tell you it may be this spring, it may be 30 years, but there will be another one” Mary Jo Guthrie, who says about her brother Woody Guthrie in the My Brother, Woody collection: “I have letters [from Woody] – here’s one that was written on a paper towel from a bathroom…” From the Rosie the Riveter collection of interviews with sixteen women: “It was almost impossible for a woman to get a job, yet there wasn’t any men – they were gone. So the women came in and took the men’s jobs” (Juanita Conrad)

Photographic Archives – not yet available. Oral History Links – links to websites Eastern Oklahoma Map - the importance of this online map is that it shows the service area that this oral history collection serves. Student Participation, Community Support, Donations/Volunteers – nothing is here about student participation yet, but “Community Support” gives contact information for people who may want to donate photos or provide oral histories to the collection.

Oklahoma Data Lasso http://www.odl.state.ok.us/usinfo/data-lasso/index.htm The purpose of this online-only service is to review and recommend important data releases from federal government agencies. It appears once a month or more often for important data releases. Only six months of it are dept on the website. It began in September, 2009, and includes releases from such agencies as the Census Bureau, the National Center for Education Statistics, the National Center for Health Statistics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration), and the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

-Steve Beleu, Oklahoma Dept. of Libraries

7 Oklahoma Library Association Non-Profit Organization 300 Hardy Drive U.S. Postage Paid Edmond, OK 73013 Edmond, OK 73034 Permit No. 61

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Oklahoma Librarian Featured in School Library Journal

The November Issue of School Library Journal featured an interview with one of Oklahoma’s own, Perri Applegate, the director of library media and instructional television for the Oklahoma State Dept. of Education. The article focused on the shortage of qualified School Library Media specialists in Oklahoma. Part of the problem, Perri notes, is the combination of current librarians retiring with the lack of people willing to go back to school in this economy. Another reason is the high bar Oklahoma sets for specialists. Perri notes that Oklahoma requires a masters degree in their field, plus up to 36 hours of classes. This can take up to three years to complete, and some schools are paying tuition for their teachers to take classes to become qualified. (Lack of specialists often puts schools in violation of accreditation requirements and Oklahoma had over 42 schools in violation last year, which can negatively impact federal funding). Districts which are paying tuition for their teachers can then request a waiver from the Oklahoma Dept. of Education, to allow their teachers to move into librarian roles after completing their degree. Perri notes that there have been over 40 waiver requests just this past fall. Oklahoma is proud to set such high standards for their School Library Media Specialists, but we still have room for upgrading. For now Oklahoma requires a librarian in a building based on how many students are in school. This can range from a librarian for 1/5 time to a full time librarian, depending on school population. The State Board has asked for upgrading to one full time specialist in each school. Congratulations on the article, Perri, well done! To read the full article, link here: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6708215.html?industryid=47074 8