At the Crossroads: Assessing and responding to change

tory. Ulysses Ricard (Senior Archivist, Amistad Highlights of ACRL programs at Research Center) spoke authoritatively of Louisiana’s Creoles and others of African de­ ALA’s Annual Conference: PartII scent in early Louisiana. He referred to his on­ going collection and study of their historical A djusting to change, making room for mul­ documentation. He described the Amistad Re­ ticulturalism, and assuring continued search Center’s mission and how such collec­ progress, both technological and social were tions broaden our understanding of minorities’ some of the issues covered by ACRL at ALA’s contributions. Finally, Marcia Gaudet (folklor­ 112th Annual Conference in New Orleans. ist, University of Southwestern Louisiana) spoke Highlights of some ACRL programs are given of the history and multi-faceted culture of below; part one appeared in September. (See Cajuns, illustrating it with slides from the Cajun the September issue for information on order­ rural Mardi Gras. She emphasized the pivotal ing audiotapes of selected programs.) role libraries and archives play in providing accurate cultural documentation to counteract The role of libraries in conceptualizing too often inaccurate images in the media or American history more popular writings.—Maggie Dittemore, “Portraits of Louisiana: Empowering Commu­ University of Pennsylvania nities through Diversity,” a multi-media pro­ gram presented by the Anthropology and Soci­ EBSS celebrates 25 years ology Section, was set within the larger debate What does personality theory have to do with current in American society concerning who the American character, education reform, and we are and how to conceptualize our history. AIDS prevention? Quite a lot, according to Dr. Four speakers discussed the documentation of Frank Farley, 1993 president of the American selected groups, the role of libraries and ar­ Psychological Association and guest speaker at chives in that endeavor, and the importance of the 25th Anniversary program for the Educa­ that role towards resolving the debate. Joint tion and Behavioral Sciences Section. Farley sponsors were ACRL Afro-American Studies Li­ discussed his research on people with the Type- brarians Section, ACRL Racial and Ethnic Di­ T personality—the highly creative, questing versity Committee and the Reference and Adult thrill-seekers and risk-takers who are respon­ Services Division History Section. sible for both human progress and many of the Florence Borders (archivist, Center for Afri­ world’s most destructive forces. Farley feels can and African American Studies, Southern Uni­ Type T is fundamental to the human race; other versity at New Orleans) spoke eloquently of species play by the rules, but we live in and the historical accomplishments of Afro-Louisi­ for the unknown. The survival skill for the 21st ana women and described her efforts to in­ century—something educators need to teach crease access to their documentation. As their student,s—will be the ability to deal with founder of the Chicory Society for Afro-Louisi­ change. Education will consist of the four Rs: ana History and Culture and editor of the reading, writing, ’rithmetic, and risk-taking. Chicory Review, she created her own vehicle Type-T kids must be channeled into positive, for that purpose. Irvan Perez (a spokesperson constructive risk-taking activities at an early age, for the St. Bernard Isleño community, Louisi­ or they will seek the “T-negative” thrills of de­ ana) described Isleño history and culture and linquency, violence, and crime. his concerns with preserving it. He also sang Farley characterized the United States as a three decimas, traditional Spanish songs that Type-T nation, with a relatively high percent­ form an important part of the group’s oral his­ age of Type Ts. This may be a result of the

516 / C&KL News Dear Swami Romma: In this life, I am a research specialist working in an academic library. My shelf space is disappearing before my eyes, my budget is shrinking, and requests for services are way up. Talk about bad karma! What am I to do? Your words of wisdom will set me upon the right path. —Unœntered in Ukiah

Dear Unœntered: sociology and Not to worry! The Swami linguistics, and are priced for knows all and tells all. Call down to earth budgets like sociological abstracts, inc. yours. Each CD-ROM offers and they will ease your worries comprehensive backfiles (this with two CD ROMs created lifetime only), and retrieval especially for professionals software that makes search­ like you. Both sociofile and ing easy for both novice and LLBA Disc contain timely savvy souls. Focus your abstracts of theoretical and energy. applied research in Tune in to:

sociological abstracts, inc./po box 22206/san diego, ca 92192-0206 (619) 695-8803 fax (619) 695-0416 Internet [email protected] genetics of our risk-taking immigrant forebears Four characteristics were identified as being as well as the political and cultural environ­ critical to the success of learning experiences ment they came here to create. The American for the adult learner: empowerment, relevance character itself can be described using Type-T to adulthood, informed use of models, and con­ traits such as creativity, a sense of adventure, nectedness. The differences between teacher- and a willingness to break the rules. centered and learner-centered models of learn­ Type-T personality may be a risk factor for ing were presented. Six “Cs” in the program the spread of AIDS in the U.S., according to development process were reviewed: create a research Farley has conducted. climate, connect learner to resources, change Librarians probably have the same percent­ the agenda, confirm learning, correct misun­ age of Type Ts as the rest of the population, derstanding, and challenge the individual to Farley said. The Type-T personality can facili­ learn further. The need for connectedness, the tate positive change for any organization or evidence of relationships between one’s own profession, including libraries and librarianship. and others’ knowledge, was explored. The EBSS recognized the leadership provided by importance of reliable, transparent, and appro­ past chairs, many of whom were present, and priate learning technologies was underscored.— honored Ruth Bauner for having the longest Kenneth Marks, East Carolina University continuous record of service to EBSS.—Deborah Rollins, University of Maine Three approaches to a Brave New World: SEES's special program Techniques & technology: Striving to The three speakers on the Slavic and East Eu­ connect with adult learners ropean Section’s program: “Brave New World: Speakers Mem Catania, Gwendolyn Chandler, Slavic and East European Librarianship in the and Elizabeth Burge examined the factors that Post-Soviet Era,” addressed three critical areas must be considered in preparing to support which have been dramatically affected by the adult learners and the changes that technology recent upheavals in the former Soviet Union has brought and will continue to bring to the and Eastern Europe: collection development, continuing education experience during the research, and preservation. Harold Leich (Li­ Extended Campus Library Services’ program. brary of Congress) described how traditional

October 1993/517 means of centralized bibliographic control, pub­ the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. lishing, and distribution in the former Soviet Hans Rütimann (Commission on Preserva­ Union have collapsed, which has made acqui­ tion and Access) focused on yet another crisis, sitions and collection development in the West one on an international scale—preservation of more difficult. The critical means for coping the human record. The world’s libraries and with the current Russian book scene are flex­ archives “are losing, at an alarming rate, an enor­ ibility, contact, communication, and travel. Such mous proportion of our collective memory.” But initiatives as the survey of the collecting of for­ there is a growing awareness of the problem, eign research materials by the Association of and in a new development richer countries are Research Libraries and Library of Congress’ li­ coming to the aid of less advantaged areas. He brary intern program for Russian librarians are spoke of UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” pro­ helping to create a new world of cooperation. gram and the European Register of Microform While granting that scholarly access to li­ Masters (sponsored in part by the Commission) brary and archival material in Eurasia and Cen­ and other projects. Future success in preserva­ tral and Eastern Europe is unprecedented, Carol tion efforts will depend on continuing interna­ Erickson (International Research and Exchange tional cooperation. Dennis Kimmage (SUNY at Board (IREX)), stated that “the research land­ Plattsburgh) served as the discussant in this scape is without controls or standard policies well-attended program.— Tatiana Barr, with regard to ‘foreign’ scholars.” She described Stanford University the many problems that are increasingly affect­ ing access to materials: deteriorating facilities, Clear thinking and blunt prose staff shortages, preservation problems, lack of At the W om en’s Studies Section program, equipment such as photocopy machines, new “Women’s Popular Literature: Challenges for the and often exorbitant fees for access, usage, and Curriculum and Librarians,” Dr. Emily Toth, photocopying. IREX is currently sponsoring Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge, ad­ many library and archival projects relating to dressed the impact of women’s literature on (Continued on page 526)

Mainstream or margins?—RBMS preconference Exploring survival in an environment of re­ UCIA assistant university librarian for techni­ duced resources and technological innova­ cal services Brian Schottlaender advocated tion, those attending the Rare Books and Manu­ “balance between a shrinking pool of cata­ scripts Section’s 34th Preconference heard loging resources and expanding set of access observations and recommendations of several needs” through negotiation of standards with colleagues. University of Virginia president the technical services department. To meet John Casteen placed special collections at the demands of efficiency and scholarship, Wil­ heart of a research library’s “core business of liam Jones, assistant university librarian for col­ preserving primary sources in their least ed­ lections development and information services ited or fictionalized form.” For a generation at the University of Illinois, Chicago, suggested of scholars trained primarily in theory, spe­ “more discriminating review of which poli­ cial collections “are a new and as yet incom­ cies in special collections must be followed to pletely known source of pleasure which we the letter and which may be flexibly applied.” are eager to explore,” stated anthropology Kansas City Public Library director Daniel professor Judith Goldstein of Vassar College. Bradbury offered the option of de-accessioning She cited her own research and that of col­ in light of a library’s overall mission. Summa­ leagues as examples of “how the questions rizing the plenary sessions, UCLA head of spe­ we ask point to new uses for old collections.” cial collections David Zeidberg listed ways for Thriving in the electronic mainstream, asserted special collections to operate more effectively University of Washington Library director in the overall library context. “Do not let the Betty Bengston, requires increased online ac­ mainstream control us,” he warned. “Rather cessibility to special collections. “Be prepared than being swept along, step out of the flood to deal with increased usage,” added Emory and review where we are being taken.”—Rob­ University Library director Joan Gotwals. ert Parks, Pierpont Morgan Library ■

518 / C&RL News The Power of Partnership ACRL Member- Get-A-Member Campaign

October 1993 through January 1994

Association of College ond Research Libraries The Power of Partnership

ACRL Member-Get-A-Member Campaign

October 1993 through January 1994

There is strength in numbers! Here’s your opportunity to make ACRL stronger. Invite your colleagues to share in the many benefits of ACRL membership. Sponsor a new member today— it’s easy and rewarding. Participate in the ACRL Member-Get-A-Member Campaign and win prizes. Here’s how it works: Use the membership appli­ cation opposite to recruit new members. Remember to print your name on the “Sponsor’s Name” line to receive credit when someone you recruit joins. Call 800-545-2433, ext. 2515 to get advice on your recruiting efforts or to get additional copies of the form (you may use photocopies).

Tips for Recruiting New Members 1. Print your name on the “sponsor” line of the attached membership application. Make as many copies as you like. 2. Make a list of prospective members you know personally. 3. Send an application with a personal cover letter outlining the reasons you belong to ACRL to your list. 4. Put a note on your calendar to call each prospect in a week. What else could you do? Put a copy of this brochure in your library newsletter. Take copies of the brochure to local ACRL meetings and programs.

Prize List ■ Recruit one new member and receive a $10 gift certificate. ■ Recruit two new members and receive a $15 gift certificate. ■ Recruit three new members and receive a $20 gift certificate. These certificates are good for any item at the ALA Store, for any item listed in the ALA Graphics Catalog, or for any ACRL publica­ tion. The certificates are good through August 31, 1994. ■ Recruit four or more new members and receive free membership in ACRL for one year for yourself, plus your name will be placed in a drawing for one free trip (airfare and lodging) to the ACRL Seventh National Conference in Pittsburgh, March 29-April 1, 1995.

To be eligible for prizes, forms must be received in the ACRL office by January 29, 1994. NOTE: This offer does not apply to dues renewal. Members of the Membership Committee and ACRL staff not eligible for any of the prizes. Membership Application

(At the Crossroads cont.from page 518) academics in English Departments. Using hu­ Preservation video film morous anecdotes, she revealed that faculty series developed at IU colleagues and literary critics frequently devalue women’s genres because such literature ad­ “Basic Preservation Techniques for Libraries dresses nontraditional subject matter (in-depth and Archives.” Baltimore, MD: Milton S. discussion of personal relationships) and often Eisenhower Library, Johns Hopkins Uni­ contains clear thinking and blunt prose, in con­ versity, 1988. 70 min. trast to traditional obtuse academic verbiage. “Caring for Your Microfilm Collection: The The next speaker, Carol Thurston, Austin, Texas, next step in preservation.” Ann Arbor, ML presented her perspective on women readers UMI Preservation Division. 13 min. of popular fiction genres, including romances, “How to Operate a Book.” NY: Book Arts mysteries, science fiction, and New Age varia­ Press, School of Library Service, Columbia tions, as well as trends in commercial publish­ University, 1986. 29 min. ing. She hypothesized that women’s genre lit­ “Librarian’s Video Primer: Establishing and erature is influenced by gender bias, and thus maintaining your video collection.” Chi­ cago: ALA Video, 1988. 21 min. has lower academic status than male genre fic­ tion, i.e., westerns and mysteries. Kristin “Mark of the Maker: Twinrocker Handmade Ramsdell, California State University-Hayward, Paper. ” Chicago: McGowen Film and Video, provided a brief history of popular romance 1991. 28 min. (This was nominated for an fiction and current trends. She stressed that the Academy Award.) romance genre is very diverse, and this creates “Murder in the Stacks.” NY: Columbia Univer­ difficulties for collection development and ref­ sity Libraries, Preservation Department, erence service. She then discussed ways to jus­ 1987. 15 min. tify purchase of romance literature in academic “Providing a Future for the Past.” Ann Arbor, libraries, as well as specific sources, research ML UMI Preservation Division. 13 min. collections, access tools, preservation issues, “Slow Fires: On the Preservation of the Hu­ and predominant presses. Finally, Bonita man Record.” Santa Monica, CA: American Corliss, Seattle Public Library, presented an Film Foundation, 1987. Two lengths avail­ overview of lesbian popular literature, includ­ able: 30 min. and 60 min. ing the genres available and the role of women’s “A Tour of Heckman Bindery.” North Manches­ presses in the last 20 years. She concluded by ter, IN: Heckman Bindery, Inc., 1991. (P.O. discussing unique collection development is­ Box 89, North Manchester, IN 46962) sues, including those related to access, book jobbers, and personal comfort zones for both librarians, support staff and student assistants library personnel and the general public. on all Indiana University campuses, teaching — Mary M. Nofsinger, Washington State Uni­ faculty and students systemwide (particularly versity ■ those enrolled in the School of Library and In­ formation Science), Monroe County residents and library donors.” The Preservation Committee, which included Advertiser index four staff and four librarians from a variety of departments and branches was chaired by Dee American Psychological cover 2 Mortensen, reference and collections assistant Blackwell 509 for African studies. “Hard work, good timing CD Plus Technologies 495 and bringing preservation out of the labora­ Digital Directory Assistance cover 3 tory,” made the project successful according to EBSCO 501 Mortensen. Marquis W ho’s Who 503 Ed. note: The 1994 John Cotton Dana Con­ NOTIS cover 4 test deadline is February 8. Copies of the entry PAIS 505 forms are available by writing The John Cotton Sociological Abstracts 517 Dana Library PR Awards Contest, The H. W. University of Missouri 498 Wilson Company, 950 University Avenue, H.W. Wilson 506 Bronx, NY 10452. ■ WLN 523

526/C&RL News