STAFF

Coeditors Cy Dillon Ferrum College Virginia P.O. Box 1000 Ferrum, Virginia 24088 (540) 365-4428 [email protected] Libraries Lyn C. A. Gardner January/February/March, 2010, Vol. 56, No. 1 Hampton Public Library 4207 Victoria Blvd. Hampton, Virginia 23669 (757) 727-1218 COLUMNS (757) 727-1151 (fax) [email protected] Lyn C. A. Gardner 2 Openers John Moorman 3 President’s Column

39 Virginia Reviews Editorial Board Lydia C. Williams Longwood University Library Farmville, Virginia 23909 FEATURES (434) 395-2432 [email protected] Edward Lener 5 Building a Better Model: Eric and Cy Dillon Frank on Flat World Knowledge Ed Lener College Librarian for the Sciences 10 Libraries: Foundations and Virginia Tech University Libraries Fundamentals in Times of P.O. Box 90001 Challenge and Change Blacksburg, Virginia 24062-9001 2009 Annual Conference (540) 231-9249 [email protected] 33 2009 VLA Scholarship Winners

Karen Dillon 34 2009 VLA Award Winners Manager, Library Services Carilion Health System 35 2009 Jefferson Cup Award P.O. Box 13367 Roanoke, Virginia 24033 (540) 981-7258 (540) 981-8666 (fax) [email protected] Virginia Libraries is a quarterly journal published by the Virginia Library Association whose purpose is to develop, promote, and improve library and information services and the profes- sion of librarianship in order to advance literacy and learning and to ensure access to informa- tion in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The journal, distributed to the membership, is used as a vehicle for members to exchange Publications Committee Chair information, ideas, and solutions to mutual problems in professional articles on current topics Suzy Szasz Palmer in the library and information field. Views expressed in Virginia Libraries are not necessarily The Library of Virginia endorsed by the editors or editorial board. 800 E. Broad St. The Virginia Library Association (VLA) holds the copyright on all articles published in Richmond, VA 23219 Virginia Libraries whether the articles appear in print or electronic format. Material may be (804) 692-3620 reproduced for informational, educational, or recreational purposes provided the source of the material is cited. The print version of Virginia Libraries is designed by Lamp-Post Publicity (804) 692-3556 (fax) in Meherrin, Virginia. The electronic version of Virginia Libraries is created by Virginia Tech’s [email protected] Digital Library and Archives and is available at http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/VALib or as a link from the Virginia Library Association website (http://www.vla.org) and the Directory of Open Access Journals (http://www.doaj.org/). Virginia Libraries is indexed in Library Litera- ture, a database produced by the H.W. Wilson ­Company. On the cover: The Williamsburg Items for publication and editorial inquiries should be addressed to the editors. Inquiries Marriott sponsored one of the regarding membership, subscriptions, advertising, or claims should be directed to VLA, P.O. conference breaks in honor of Box 8277, Norfolk, VA 23503-0277. All personnel happenings and announcements should be Breast Cancer Awareness Month. sent to the VLA Newsletter, Carol Wittig, [email protected]. Photo by Pierre Courtois. The guidelines for submissions to Virginia Libraries are found on page 4. PAGE 2 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JANUARY–MARCH, 2010

OPENERS Celebrating Special Collections

by Lyn C. A. Gardner

n Wednesday, October 28, several glass exhibit cases of photo- material that we will one day have at 4 p.m., attendees of the graphs and memorabilia and a full- at our disposal. 2009 VLA Annual Confer- room replica of late Chief Justice The tour concluded with an Oence had the opportunity to tour Warren E. Burger’s office, which introduction to the SCRC Data- the Earl Gregg Swem Library’s Spe- includes many original items as base (http://scrc.swem.wm.edu/), cial Collections Research Center well as appropriate substitutes. created by Swem personnel using (http://swem.wm.edu/scrc/index. Archivist Ute Schechter outlined open-source software. This cata- cfm) under the guidance of Direc- Burger’s historical contributions, log, which is so well tailored to the tor Bea Hardy. This behind-the- Swem collection, offers browsing scenes look showed many fasci- by collection title, record group, nating treasures of the collection, subject, and creator. A valuable sup- such as documentation related to This behind-the-scenes plement to the Swem Library cata- Thomas Jefferson’s time as a stu- look showed many log, it offers unprecedented access dent at William and Mary; rare to the archives, and additional books that included that artistic fascinating treasures content is being added daily. early anti-theft device, fore-edge The preconference tour of one of paintings; maps dating to the earli- of the collection … . Virginia’s largest special collection est days of Williamsburg; and even facilities was not only fascinating, a collection of dog knickknacks. but particularly well suited to our VLA members got to not only including his seventeen years upcoming Virginia Libraries themed examine these unique items, but as Chief Justice of the Supreme issue on special collections, librar- also discover how the Special Col- Court, his tireless work to improve ies, and archives. We encourage lections team preserves, houses, the administration of justice, and all those who work with special and catalogs them. his devotion to the Commission collections to share their love of The tour party also learned on the Bicentennial of the United these marvelous repositories by about the Warren E. Burger Col- States Constitution (appropriately providing articles and interviews lection (http://swem.wm.edu/scrc/ reflected in the handout of free that celebrate our intriguing heri- Burger.cfm). Though the collec- copies of the Constitution). In the tage. With a deadline of August 1, tion is being cataloged now, these end, despite the mystery that must 2010, the issue will be published professional and personal papers surround the collection for the as Volume 56, Number 4, October/ and memorabilia can’t be shown moment, these glimpses of Burger’s November/December 2010. VL to researchers until 2026. However, accomplishments and ethics pro- VLA members were able to observe vide a foretaste of the important JANUARY–MARCH, 2010 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 3

President’s Column

by John Moorman

his is my first column plans say about our vision and or for outside information and as president of the Vir- values? Are our programs and ser- reading needs. Public library users ginia Library Association. vices reflective of these visions and depend upon academic institutions TWhat I want to accomplish with values? As funding for our library for access to needed materials not my presidential columns in the is being reduced, are we making found in their local public librar- short time that I hold this office is service reduction decisions based ies. All of us depend upon data- to comment on what is currently upon these values and the institu- bases for information provision facing the association and libraries tional directions that result from to our user communities. Let us in general and raise some issues for them? If not, we had better begin begin the process of working closer further discussion and thought. so doing. In setting priorities for together so that all residents of the By the time this column comes the services that will remain, we Commonwealth of Virginia may out, the Virginia General Assem- continue to receive quality services bly will have returned to action from the libraries that they use on in Richmond. This session of the This process of priority- a daily basis to meet their informa- General Assembly will likely be tion and lifestyle needs. the most difficult since the Depres- setting will be difficult I also cannot emphasize enough sion years of the 1930s. Revenue the importance of regular personal available to fund state government and painful. contact with government officials functions and entities continues to in this time of economic challenge. decline, and there are discussions These individuals, whether on a of 15 percent across-the-board must reflect in those priorities local level or as our representatives cuts to state agencies. As each of us the values and directions that we in the Virginia General Assem- knows, this is on top of the already indicate in our planning docu- bly, are continually bombarded substantial cuts of recent years. ments are important to us and our by constituents with demands for As all public and school librar- user communities. As institutions, the limited funding available. Our ies and many academic and special libraries, no matter the type, can- voice must be heard in the din or libraries throughout the Common- not continue to do all that we have we will open our institutions to wealth depend upon state funding done or might desire to do. This deeper cuts than might otherwise to assist them in providing services process of priority-setting will be be the case. Our association’s Leg- to their user communities, this difficult and painful. However, if islative Committee has coordi- economic situation has the poten- libraries are to continue to provide nated a library user card campaign tial to cause dire consequences effective services to our users, it to let legislators know of the value across the board. With a General must be done. of public libraries in their daily Assembly unwilling to consider We also need to look at how lives. If you are in a public library, I new revenue sources and a gover- we might work better across type- trust that your library participated nor committed to veto any that of-library lines to more efficiently in this campaign. Steps such as might reach his desk, the reality of serve our user communities. Most this are needed to regularly remind the situation is that we as a library of us, no matter the type of library those who control the purse strings community need to plan to pro- we work in, are not isolated from that libraries, depending upon vide services with fewer resources one another. Students enrolled in their user communities, are either at our command. institutions of higher learning and a core part of the educational pro- As we do this planning, we need K-12 schools use the public library cess, vital for information provi- to work within our strategic or on a regular basis for information sion and access in the corporate or long-range plans. What do these relating to classroom instruction special setting, or essential to the PAGE 4 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JANUARY–MARCH, 2010

continuance of a democratic soci- ety where free access to informa- Guidelines for Submissions to Virginia Libraries tion in its many forms and formats is required for personal develop- 1. Virginia Libraries seeks to publish articles and reviews of inter- ment and growth. est to the library community in Virginia. Articles reporting As we go about our daily work research, library programs and events, and opinion pieces are activities in these troubled times, all considered for publication. Queries are encouraged. Brief an- remember that the Virginia Library nouncements and press releases should be directed to the VLA Association stands ready to assist Newsletter. you in a variety of ways, including lobbying the General Assembly, 2. Please submit manuscripts via email as attachments in Microsoft providing discounts on services, Word, rich text, or plain text format. Articles should be double- and information sharing and pro- spaced with any bibliographic notes occurring at the end of the gramming. Your membership and article. Please avoid using the automatic note creation function your participation and input in provided by some word processing programs. your state association are vital if 3. Articles in Virginia Libraries conform to the latest edition of the VLA is to effectively represent your Chicago Manual of Style and Webster’s Third New International Dic- concerns and needs. Keep both tionary, Unabridged. Accepted articles are subject to editing for coming! VL 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 one copy 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 Lyn C. A. Gardner, [email protected]. Please be sure to copy both editors.

10. Virginia Libraries is published quarterly. The deadlines for submis- sion are: November 1 for Number 1, January/February/March; February 1 for Number 2, April/May/June; May 1 for Number 3, July/August/September; and August 1 for Number 4, October/ November/December. VL JANUARY–MARCH, 2010 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 5

Building a Better Model: Eric Frank on Flat World Knowledge

by Edward Lener and Cy Dillon

ike everyone interested in Why did you start Flat World become more prevalent; gray mar- books, librarians are chal- VL Knowledge? kets have emerged for reimporting lenged by an era of upheaval After spending more than thirty low-priced international editions Lin the publishing industry, and no EF combined years in the college back into the United States; online part of that industry has been more textbook industry at market leaders piracy is growing; and textbook controversial recently than textbook McGraw-Hill, Pearson, and Thom- rental models are sprouting. Pub- publishing. Faced with dramatic price son (now Cengage), my cofounder lishers generally do not compen- increases, frequently revised editions, Jeff Shelstad and I reached the con- sate authors for any of these. and new options in content delivery, clusion that almost nobody was It was into this environment students, parents of students, fac- happy with the textbook indus- that we set out to build a text- ulty, and librarians alike have sought book publishing company — one lower-cost solutions for acquiring that would dramatically reduce texts and other class resources. In [We] reached the textbook costs, provide students response to this potential market, a with more choice of formats and wide variety of alternatives, includ- conclusion that almost price points, give faculty control ing rental books, online versions of to modify and integrate content print texts, cooperatively written and nobody was happy with into their courses, give customers updated online texts, books available the textbook industry control over timing of changes to from sites supported by advertising new editions, and provide authors revenue, print-on-demand books, anymore. with a steady royalty stream for used-book cooperatives, and a variety their intellectual property. Our of combinations of these approaches, model is better because it addresses have come into being, in most cases try anymore. Students, who are the main concerns of all parties as Internet commerce initiatives. At often on the edge financially and involved and is consistent with the this point the most innovative of these struggling to stay in school, are way people will consume content alternatives is a company called Flat outraged at the cost of many text- in an Internet age. World Knowledge. Cofounder Eric books. Unable to afford textbooks Frank responds here to our questions, for all their classes, they may have Tell us a little bit more about describing in detail how the company no choice but to go without, which VL your open textbook model. came to be and the methods it hopes puts them at a learning disadvan- Flat World Knowledge is the to use to acquire a substantial share tage. Educators are often frustrated EF leading publisher of commercial of a market currently dominated by at the difficulty of adapting text- open-source textbooks for higher a few traditional publishers. Flat book content into their courses. education. Well-respected subject World’s innovations and concern for Both of these groups are exhausted matter experts write our textbooks. both customers and authors suggest by the pace of new editions, which The books are peer-reviewed, pro- that publishing as a whole has the often seem to be published solely fessionally edited, illustrated, and potential to emerge from the current to drive used books and other designed, and made available free state of confusion into a new order of lower-cost alternatives from the online under a Creative Commons flexibility and responsiveness to read- market. For their part, authors have license to educators and students. ers’ needs. watched with growing alarm as the Educators have the freedom to use textbook publishers, like music the books as they are or to reor- studios, seem to have lost control ganize and edit them to suit their of their content. Used books have unique requirements. Students PAGE 6 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JANUARY–MARCH, 2010

can access the books free online or of a complete, free online book, to three things. First, even in bad purchase alternatives ranging from students did purchase alternative times, an innovation-oriented mar- print-on-demand versions of the formats (print, audio, etc.) and ket always has capital investments books, to audio versions, to down- study aids (online practice quizzes, for good ideas that can work. A loadable versions (by the book or digital flashcards, etc.) in sufficient poor economy may decrease the by the chapter) at a fraction of the volume to build a sustainable, prof- total amount of capital available cost of traditional textbooks. Our itable business around an open and make the holders of that capi- approach is device agnostic, so textbook model. As for the quality tal more stringent about how and students can use our digital books of our books and related teaching where they invest, but in the end on their laptops, favorite e-reading resources, the faculty who used good ideas and execution will, I devices, or web-enabled mobile them rated them as comparable believe, get funded. The textbook phones. Students can choose to or, in some cases, better than the market is ripe for innovation, and purchase from a range of digital traditional textbooks they had I think funders saw that. Second, study aids that we create to support used previously. Beyond validation our backgrounds helped us raise each book. These include audio of those two important elements, money. A lot of venture capital was study guides, online interactive we learned that while the mantra burned up in the 1990s in educa- quizzes, and digital flashcards of tion without many positive results key terms and concepts. Flat World for investors (or consumers). Many Knowledge backs our textbooks of those ventures were led by tech- with an online social learning … the mantra of building nologists who did not understand platform that also allows students online real estate education. That is clearly not the to learn from one another through case with us. Our team brought a things such as the ability to take needs to be “usability, lot of experience in the higher edu- and share notes. cation space, with over thirty years It seems to be working. In spring usability, usability.” of experience at the big textbook 2009, we had twenty-seven classes publishers. Investors knew we had with 750 students using our books. a good idea, but more important, By fall 2009, we had expanded to of physical real estate is “location, they believed that we understood 480 classes and approximately location, location,” the mantra of the nuances and potential hazards 40,000 students. We are grow- building online real estate needs in the textbook market and could ing through word-of-mouth more to be “usability, usability, usabil- successfully navigate those to build than anything at this point, which ity.” It was really eye-opening to a business. Third, the higher edu- is gratifying to see so early in our observe how people used our site. cation market generally behaves launch. Things that we thought were obvi- counter-cyclically to the overall ous were not, and people often economy. As the economy con- You conducted beta testing at tried to do things that we never tracts, enrollments expand. Those VL several colleges and universi- intended or considered. Therefore, new enrollees are often economic ties. What were some of the most we essentially engaged in a com- refugees, and they are acutely important lessons you learned plete redesign of the site, and con- price-sensitive when they arrive at from this real-world testing in stant redesign is now a dynamic a college or university. Such stu- classrooms? process going forward. dents embrace solutions that can In the fall semester of 2008, reduce their cost of education. As EF we ran in-classroom tests in Publishers Weekly reported a result, in many ways, the overall twenty university classes with VL that you acquired additional timing for us to launch our busi- around 500 students enrolled, fol- financing in 2009. To what do you ness was ideal. lowed by a larger test in spring attribute your success in such tight 2009 with twenty-seven universi- economic times? Why would an author initially ties and 750 students. In doing We raised $700,000 in private, VL be drawn to your publishing so, we learned a number of valu- EF angel investments in the fall of model? able lessons. Most important, we 2008 as things began to implode As of this writing, over half of validated two critical components around us in the economy. Next, EF our authors (and we have over of our model — first, that “free” we raised over $8,000,000 in ven- seventy under contract) are success- can work as a business model, and ture capital in February 2009, right ful textbook authors at the major second, that quality matters. We in the heart of the “Great Reces- publishers. The others are all rec- found that despite the presence sion.” We attribute our success ognized scholars or leading teach- JANUARY–MARCH, 2010 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 7

ers in their fields who have never customers to make changes to the of the new venture. They get stock written textbooks previously. Our book and then capturing all of options in the business when they model attracts authors for some those changes in a reportable for- successfully deliver a manuscript clear and compelling reasons. mat, we are able to provide authors for publication. We also offer First is a potential for higher with real-world information about options for authors who bring us royalties. In an apples-to-apples how people use their books. other authors that we eventually comparison (i.e., a typical adop- Authors will be far better equipped sign. We are in this together with tion of one hundred students), to make changes to the next edi- our authors. our authors will likely earn higher tion of the book based on this type royalties. We pay one flat royalty of data than they are today, thus How many titles do you cur- rate of 20 percent on all sales, in all producing an increasingly effective VL rently have under contract? channels, anywhere in the world. book with each modification. We have forty-two titles under This compares to a traditional EF contract today, and are expand- industry average rate closer to 11 Tell us more about your author ing rapidly. We published our first percent. To maintain fairness and VL agreements. eleven titles in the spring of 2009, transparency, there is one simple and will publish another five titles royalty rate applied to every dollar, in the winter of 2009. no matter where it is earned. Next is a potential for higher Your business model is based market share gain and impact. The Our model attracts VL on free access to the online ver- textbook market is a highly com- authors for some clear sion of the textbook but charging petitive one. Every course has books for other services. What percent- available from multiple publishers. and compelling reasons. age of students do you anticipate For authors at the big houses, they will choose to purchase alternate are not only competing with books formats such as print or audio ver- from other houses, but with books sions? What about buying study from their own publisher! So how Our authors keep control over aids or supplementary materials? can a new entrant successfully EF copyright of their books, and Given two in-class testing peri- break into the market? We believe in essence license them to us to EF ods, and now significant usage that the open model provides a key publish in our model. Given that in fall 2009 (over 40,000 students), competitive advantage on which to we do make a substantial invest- we are developing a good sense build market share. We can pub- ment in the development, sales, of this. Perhaps the best way to lish a book of comparable or better and marketing of each book, we answer is to share some results quality than those of the market ask for an exclusive right to publish from our spring 2009 beta. Six leaders, but then make it open. should we be “successful” in the Flat World Knowledge books were Students have free or affordable market. Together with our authors, used as the primary textbooks in access, and instructors have the we define at the outset what success twenty-seven classes. These books power to modify content and con- means to both of us and establish a are Exploring Business; Launch! trol the timing of moves to new dollar floor. If earnings sink below Advertising and Promotion in Real editions. These value propositions that, our authors are then free to Time; Fundamentals of Income Tax then drive adoption. publish their books elsewhere. Theory and Practice; Organizational Our approach also allows We are also collaborating with Behavior; Principles of Management; authors to gain behavioral intel- our authors as partners in ways and Principles of Microeconomics. In ligence about users. One of a text- that look forward. Nobody knows total, approximately 750 students book author’s greatest frustrations when we sign an agreement with enrolled in these classes. All of is the lack of knowledge about how an author what the future of pub- these students had access to the customers actually use the book. lishing is going to look like, or free online version of the textbook, What topics are they covering? exactly how authors will earn their and no purchase was required of What topics are they skipping? compensation. As new revenue these students. Of these 750 stu- How quickly do they move through streams are developed, our authors dents, 442 students (59 percent) the material? In what order do will get 20 percent of all of that placed at least one order with us, they cover the material? All this revenue, because they are the rea- with the average student spending can leave authors uncertain about son someone is on our site to begin $28.20. In total, 294 printed text- what kinds of revisions, if any, to with. books were purchased by students. make to new editions. By enabling Our authors are a critical part Thus, approximately 39 percent of PAGE 8 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JANUARY–MARCH, 2010

students chose to purchase a print for great learning exists within to knowledge is paramount for copy of the textbook, even though online textbooks. Environmental those who want to improve their the free online version of the book sustainability is an increasingly standard of living. Technology provided them a means of success- important issue on campus. Online allows for the free flow of knowl- fully completing the course with- textbooks save trees, and dramati- edge around the world to those out making the purchase. Many cally reduce the carbon footprint who want it. However, old busi- of these purchases included not of the publishing industry. Finally, ness models can often prevent that only the textbook but also study timeliness is an advantage. As free flow. OpenCourseWare opens aids that were bundled together the world changes, the book can knowledge to those who want it; with the textbook for a nominal change without large numbers sit- so do open textbooks. Open text- increased price. ting in inventory in a warehouse books add value to open courses precluding that change. because often, open courses refer- Can you talk about online One disadvantage of digital- ence proprietary books and read- VL textbooks in terms of advan- only books is that many students ings. An open course built around tages they may offer for updating still prefer to read offline. After all, an open textbook is of more poten- or production costs? Are there also print books have excellent resolu- tial value to a learner. disadvantages to consider? We do not think of ourselves You have chosen to focus on EF as publishing online textbooks, VL business and economic text- for the primary reason that many … we fundamentally books at launch. Was there a par- people still do not just want to believe that knowledge ticular reason for this? read online. We think of ourselves For tactical reasons, we wanted as an open textbook publisher that is the black gold of the EF to focus on a single disciplinary simultaneously publishes our books area. This would allow us to better in multiple formats. The reader twenty-first century. leverage our finite resources more can decide which of these formats efficiently. We chose business and best suits his or her learning style economics because we had strong and budget. With that said, I will tion, are highly mobile and readily author contacts there. In addition, outline what I see as some of the transferable, have no worries about the books tend to travel well glob- advantages and disadvantages of battery life, and are DRM-free. In ally due to similarities in curricu- online textbooks. addition, in a digital-only work- lum and the frequency of English Among the potential advan- flow, the potential for decreased language instruction in business tages, decreased production costs quality exists. Long and expensive programs. Finally, faculty in busi- are actually not a major factor. print runs do have a way of keep- ness and economics think a lot The cost of making the textbook is ing a publisher honest — the cost about business models and disrup- still high, as much of that consists of fixing something that is wrong tion, and as such, we thought it a of fixed costs (royalties, editorial is exceedingly high, so publishers receptive place for launch. work, illustrations, etc.). The cost strive to have little wrong in the of distribution does come down print world. Finally, there is a lot Wired magazine recently substantially, which helps lower of ambiguity about the longevity VL reported that you were plan- the final price some. Convenience of file formats. Print books have a ning to move into books for gen- is a definite plus, with no more big, long shelf life. However, ambiguity eral education classes. Are there heavy books to carry. People are creeps in around the longevity of any prospective books you can tell increasingly living “in the cloud” digital books. our readers about? and having books stored and Our pragmatic approach of accessible there in an “anytime, What do you think of initia- EF starting in business and eco- anywhere” fashion that is con- VL tives like MIT OpenCourse- nomics was really to stay focused sistent with changing lifestyles. Ware that place online course through launch, which we did in Enhanced functionality is another materials on the web, free? spring 2009. We have established lure. Online books offer full search I think they are great. The rea- that the business can work. We can capabilities; multimedia and assess- EF son that we named our com- attract great authors, faculty will ment can be directly embedded; pany “Flat World Knowledge” is adopt, and students will buy. Con- primary references can be linked; that we fundamentally believe sequently, we have begun signing and collaboration between readers that knowledge is the black gold authors in nonbusiness and eco- is possible. Overall, the potential of the twenty-first century. Access nomics courses. To date, we have JANUARY–MARCH, 2010 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 9

signed agreements for titles in alge- Can you talk about ways, There are many new approaches bra, genetics, geographic informa- VL including using resources VL being considered for textbooks, tion systems, psychology, sociol- such as Blackboard, in which fac- from e-books to Kindle versions to ogy, and college and career success. ulty members can customize your rental models, and more. Where We will continue to expand our online textbooks for their specific do you see open textbooks in that list aggressively. classes? mix? Our open license, which is a Ultimately, each of these What differences have you EF Creative Commons Attribu- EF approaches is trying to solve VL observed in the ways different tion-Noncommercial-Share Alike an existing problem or address members of the university com- license, provides the legal foun- a limitation. Rental makes it less munity (students, faculty, and dation for faculty members to do expensive, for example, to read administrators) respond to the idea almost anything to our books. a textbook. Kindle may make it of adopting an open textbook? They can redistribute it freely, less expensive and more portable. Are you encountering resistance modify it, and add their own E-books might become better among any of these groups? materials to it so long as they stay learning platforms with the addi- Taken together, all of the groups within the bounds of the license. tion of features such as integrated EF you mention are supportive. media, assessment, etc. The nice The exploding cost of textbooks thing about the open model is that and many of the practices imple- it can address all of these things. mented by publishers like faster The entire book reformats In the end, I think that open text- revision cycles have caused prob- on the fly, including a books are the most transformative lems for each of these communi- for two basic reasons. First, they ties. Students embrace the solution new table of contents, provide the most access for the with gusto. It provides them with most people. Second, they fully choices of formats they have not pagination, and index. unlock the potential of content by had before, and puts them in the enabling users to add to them and driver’s seat when deciding how build upon them. When you open much money to spend, starting We also provide tools on our site to access and unlock latent potential, at zero. Faculty get a great book, make this easy to do. For example, great things can happen with pro- but also get control over the con- one can use our interface to create found and positive long-term con- tent, so they are excited. They are one’s own digital “copy,” and then sequences. VL more cautious, however, and their move chapters and sections up and first response to us is often “Okay, down, or delete them. The entire what’s the catch?” They assume book reformats on the fly, includ- there must be one, or that the ing a new table of contents, pagi- quality of the books will be sub- nation, and index. When finished, par. When they realize there is no that modified book is available catch and that the books are good, online free, in print format, etc. We they adopt. Nevertheless, there is also have tools available today to a bit of a “wait and see” approach add annotations or notes. Coming amongst faculty. Now that we shortly, we will add a full online have nearly 500 of them using our editor for faculty to actually delete books, we anticipate faster adop- paragraphs, edit them, and add tion rates going forward. Adminis- new ones. One of the nice features trators are interesting. At so many of being open is that somebody institutions, when they do exit can also use a learning manage- surveys amongst students, the ment system (LMS) like Blackboard cost of textbooks comes up in the to point directly to a section of a top three “frustrations” expressed book with no additional log-in/ by students. Customer-centered sign-on needed for the student. administrators want to solve the Our books can be divided into problem. They just do not feel they parts and then reassembled via the have much control over it, and course outline in the LMS. therefore may not engage as much as the other two groups. PAGE 10 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JANUARY–MARCH, 2010

LIBRARIES: Foundations and Fundamentals in Times of Challenge and Change

Virginia Library Association 2009 Annual Conference Williamsburg, Virginia • October 29–30, 2009

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29 had passed away in the early fall, Glass mystery series. A third Ster- was recognized for her work on ling Glass novel is in the works. 10:00–11:30 a.m. the design of the conference logo. Jenkins began her presenta- Goldberg went on to announce tion by announcing the telephone Opening General Session that, even in this year of economic number to her literary emergency The opening general session began hotline. Filling in for Adriana Tri- with a welcome from VLA Presi- giani, who was unable to address dent Robin Benke, who recognized the conference due to illness, Jen- the generous gift of five hundred Jenkins said that she kins said that she was always will- copies of The Jefferson Cup Award was always willing to ing to come to the rescue of a fel- Turns 25: A Silver Anniversary Pub- low writer: literary emergencies are lication Celebrating 25 Years of Excel- come to the rescue of nothing new to her. Jenkins pre- lence in Historical Writing for Youth viously came to the rescue of Rita by Donna J. Hughes from longtime a fellow writer…. Mae Brown in a similar situation. VLA supporters O’Brien Associates Jenkins reminisced about her first of Richmond. These books were literary emergency, which took made available to the first five hun- problems, there were 536 attendees place at Danville Public Library dred registrants. Benke then intro- and over 60 exhibitors at the con- when she was just twelve years old. duced James Kennedy, chair of the ference. She was asked to help out during James City County Board of Super- The keynote speaker for the a day when most of the staff were visors, who welcomed everyone to opening session was Virginia away; she eagerly stepped in and the Historic Triangle of Jamestown, author Emyl Jenkins, who charmed offered her assistance, which she Williamsburg, and Yorktown. the audience with her funny and fondly remembers as a special, life- Conference Chair Benjamin endearing stories related to her changing experience. Goldberg took the podium and writing career. Previously a writer Jenkins talked about how her recognized the members of the of nonfiction, she is now a success- youthful reading of classic works Conference Committee. Karen ful novelist. Her works of fiction of literature resulted in her love McCluney of William and Mary’s include The Big Steal and Steal- of reading and writing. Reading Earl Gregg Swem Library, who ing with Style, both in the Sterling Gone with the Wind was another JANUARY–MARCH, 2010 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 11

ALL PHOTOGRAPHS BY PIERRE COURTOIS

Right: As always, the 536 attendees were registered efficiently by Linda Hahne, her staff, and volunteers.

Below: The 2010 schol- arship raffle featured an abundance of attractive prize baskets. PAGE 12 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JANUARY–MARCH, 2010

An a cappella group from William & Mary performed at the opening of registration and vendor exhibits.

life-changing experience; the book The Big Steal and Stealing with Style who encounters the mysteries to inspired her to become a writer. have been best sellers, so now Jen- be solved. Some of the other works that have kins devotes her time to writing Jenkins shared her philosophy influenced and inspired her include of writing and offered advice to Charles Dickens’s Great Expecta- potential writers. Writers should tions; Emily Dickinson’s “There is write about what they know best, no frigate like a book”; and Alan “‘My God,’ said the and write from the heart. Jenkins Bennett’s An Uncommon Reader, a duchess to the plumber, has been successful in writing hilarious and joyous fiction about about what she knows, the world an unlikely friendship between ‘take your hand off of antiques and their owners. Queen Elizabeth II and a kitchen In her opinion, a great mystery boy over their love of books. my knee!’” doesn’t have to include dead bod- In the mid-1970s, Jenkins com- ies or be filled with sex. A good bined her two passions — antiques mystery often includes one of and writing — and launched a fiction. She shared a few intriguing the three d’s — death, debt, and career as an appraiser and colum- details about her mystery series, divorce — with greed being at the nist. To date, she has authored describing the main character as a heart of all three. Greed often stays over ten books about the world divorced woman “of a certain age” well hidden, but it runs deep and of antiques. The fascinating sto- who writes an antiques column for long and provides the catalyst for a ries she heard from clients about the local paper. While the novels good story. their treasures and their histories are not autobiographical, Jenkins Jenkins closed by saying that eventually led her to write the first does step into character when she writing a short story in high school book in the Sterling Glass series. writes, becoming Sterling Glass, was an experience that impacted JANUARY–MARCH, 2010 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 13

her love of writing. When she 1:15–2:00 p.m. to date approximately ninety agen- struggled with this assignment, she cies have received training. As of State Government Publications went to her mother for advice. Her October 21, 2009, the State Govern- & DigiTool mother told her to remember three ment Publications collection num- things that make a good story: a Presenters: Nathan Verilla and bered over 1,650 items. Although distinction between the classes; Meikiu Lo, Library of Virginia the training program has been a religion, which is a deep part of success, issues that have impacted life; and a little sex. Jenkins credits The State Government Documents the training process are off-site her mother with the perfect story, staff at the Library of Virginia is connectivity and agency turnover. a single sentence that combines all using DigiTool, an Ex Libris prod- Verilla and Lo discussed cataloging three: “‘My God,’ said the duchess uct, to create a centralized collec- and collection management issues to the plumber, ‘take your hand off tion of born-electronic state govern- related to digital publications and my knee!’” ment publications. Nathan Verilla then showed how a user would Jenkins closed her presentation and Meikiu Lo designed a course search for a specific state publica- by reminding the audience that to teach a user base with little to tion. In closing, the presenters said she could always be called upon to no technical library experience to that agency users have responded help out in a literary emergency. deposit their agencies’ publications enthusiastically because making — Lydia Williams, Longwood Uni- using DigiTool. The training pro- electronic deposits is an easy pro- versity gram began in December 2007, and cess. It is obvious that the training program has been successful in pro- moting the collection of electronic government ­publications. — Lydia Williams, Longwood Uni- versity

Broadcasting Business Information: Library Instruction for 500 Presenters: Jason Sokoloff and Kathy Clarke, James Madison University

Sokoloff and Clarke began this lively and detailed session by describing the James Madison Uni- versity (JMU) environment, which includes around eighteen thousand students in sixty-eight majors and thirty-eight graduate programs on a campus that is increasing in size and posing more of a challenge for the librarians charged with deliv- ering bibliographic instruction. The completion of a new business library in 2008, located at a con- siderable distance from Carrier Library, adds to this challenge. The business program at JMU includes six separate majors and enrolls over four thousand students who are required to have a 2.8 grade Past VLA President Ruth Arnold takes time to speak point average for admission into the with one of our sixty vendors in the exhibit hall. program. These students benefit PAGE 14 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JANUARY–MARCH, 2010

from an innovative gateway class Face(book)ing the Facts: A time and effort. Social sites pop up that requires them to write a realistic Librarian’s Guide to Surviving constantly, and one can’t keep up and ambitious business plan work- Facebook with every new thing. ing in small groups. In any given In debunking these myths, the semester, as many as five hundred Presenters: Bettina J. Peacemaker presenters offered some definitions undergraduates may be enrolled in and John Glover, Virginia and facts. One-third of American this course, which is supported by Commonwealth University (VCU) adults have a profile with a social a rich selection of marketing and Libraries networking service. This includes business research resources. 75 percent of online adults ages That large group of relatively Bettina J. Peacemaker and John eighteen to twenty-four and 57 per- inexperienced researchers address- Glover introduced attendees to the cent of online adults ages twenty- ing sophisticated material requires valuable service that can be pro- five to thirty-four. Some of the significant help from librarians; vided to our patrons via Facebook most common social sites include and the JMU staff, who stay in in this connected age. Virginia Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, touch with the faculty and know Commonwealth University (VCU) YouTube, and Twitter. The sites and the nature and scope of their assign- has Facebook pages both for the profiles are often themed, allowing ments, respond with a coordinated university as a whole and for indi- participants to focus on hobbies, set of subject guides tailored spe- families, or their professions. cifically for the class in question. Facebook itself was started in The guides they develop can be 2004 by college students. Cur- incorporated in classroom work or … potential users fear rently, 90 percent of students have used independently. They address their information will get Facebook accounts, which makes specific resources with embedded the site very hard to ignore. Once objects and resource-specific help stolen or that stalkers Facebook opened to everyone in files. The guides connect students 2006, it rapidly became one of to a single, consistent source for will use Facebook. the top-ranked sites on the Inter- reference help, instruction in using net, and has about three hundred databases, and consultation with million active users, 50 percent of librarians. vidual departments. In addition, whom log in every day. Nor is it Beyond the subject guides, the subject librarians find it useful geared mostly toward youth: the library staff keeps a variety of in providing liaisons to schools, fastest-growing demographic on communication lines open, and departments, and programs and Facebook is thirty-five and older. experiments with new tools as outreach to better serve patrons, The presenters assured the audi- they become available. Some of many of whom are very busy and ence that some patrons, especially the methods that work for the JMU have full-time jobs. young ones, do want us on Face- staff are reference desk shifts, Inter- Part of the message of this ses- book. There’s a growing dissatis- net chat sessions, email reference, sion was what not to believe about faction with email; many students posted office hours, and interac- Facebook. The presenters debunked don’t check their email, and email tion through Blackboard, the uni- several myths, such as “Facebook is in general is losing ground with versity’s course management sys- mad, bad, and dangerous to know!” teens, who prefer phones. Face- tem. Along the way, librarians have A lingering aura of fear persists in book is primarily social; students determined that not all ideas about which potential users fear their do discuss school and professors, improving access work out. Open information will get stolen or that but usually don’t communicate sessions, blogging, and using Face- stalkers will use Facebook. Several with them. Authority figures may book are among the techniques other myths include that patrons be seen as intruders. However, the tried and found wanting. don’t want librarians on Facebook, majority of students surveyed did Like most academic librarians, and would see this as harassment; express willingness to communi- the JMU staff are still searching for or that Facebook isn’t useful for cate with librarians, even though means of collecting quantifiable library work, that it’s a waste of some thought the concept “weird.” data for assessment. This reporter time full of quizzes and photos, The survey reported that 23 percent hopes that if Sokoloff and Clarke and that one can’t use it for official would communicate with librar- have success in this search, they will announcements because not every- ians on Facebook or MySpace; 17.2 present what they find at a future one’s on the site. Some ask, in this percent would “friend” the library; VLA Annual Conference session. time of shrinking budgets and staff 57.7 percent would accept the — Cy Dillon, Ferrum College hours, if Facebook is worth the library as a friend; 42.6 percent are JANUARY–MARCH, 2010 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 15

Left: Librarian of Virginia Sandra G. Treadway talks with fellow VLA members in the registration area.

Below: 2010 VLA President John Moorman greets visi- tors from North Texas.

receptive to communication from librarians; and 36 percent wouldn’t mind, but wouldn’t pay attention. Facebook can be useful for librar- ies if they have goals that match its capabilities. One has to use it for the right things, such as outreach to patrons. Not everything gets seen on Facebook, so one should also continue outreach via phone, mail, email, and in person, though all of these have their own limita- tions, just like the library bulletin board, which many patrons pass without reading. There are also questions of eti- quette, the use of personal profiles versus group pages, and the type of presence one desires to maintain (very personal, more community- oriented, or more corporate). Using an individual profile, one can be highly personal and less official, ple). By contrast, forming a page friends in real life? In what settings and there’s often the advantage for fans allows the library to push do you talk about things? Once that the librarian is already there; information; it’s easy to become a on the Internet, information lives however, information can fade in “fan,” and there’s less information forever; so if you wouldn’t say it in a trail of updates. Forming a Face- that needs to be shared by users. front of a patron, it doesn’t belong book group allows more interac- In terms of etiquette, Peacemaker on Facebook. tion, including discussion boards; and Glover recommend staying Facebook is quite useful for members must join, but it allows modest when getting started. One many library services, such as book pushing content and creates com- can always add more information clubs and organizing and promot- munity. However, users might join later, but take some time first to get ing events. For instance, VCU cre- and never go back, and there’s an to know Facebook and your audi- ated a summer reading program ultimate cap on the number of ence. Keep in mind the following book club for incoming freshmen. users (probably around 5,000 peo- questions: What do you share with As discussed in a June 2009 School PAGE 16 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JANUARY–MARCH, 2010

Library Journal article on the Face- book book club application (http:// bit.ly/42jjOe), students got very engaged and created a good dis- Right: Virginia author Emyl Jenkins cussion. For event promotion, it’s did an excellent job of filling in as easy to cut and paste or cross-post our keynote speaker for the Opening events. These can include college- General Session. wide or library-only events, and even liaison programs or depart- Below: Kathy Clarke explains how the mental events. Lots of Facebook librarians at James Madison provide users do like to participate, and reference help for business students. even offer useful feed- back and suggestions. Facebook and its applications can also provide instruction- related uses, as well as basic information such as office hours and advising. It can help put a human face on the library and librarians, providing connection and famil- iarization. The ubiqui- tous polls and quizzes inter-library communication, pro- could be used for fessional development, network- surveys, market- ing, and teamwork. ing, and micro- Peacemaker and Glover pro- tutorials. The out- vided handouts that included reach portion can reading material and websites. help in unforeseen First, of course, is http://www.face ways; for instance, book.com, but you may also wish there’s now a com- to examine http://tinyurl.com/ mittee at VCU on yl9ydk3 and http://www.people. the quality of life vcu.edu/~bjpeacemaker/facebook/ for patrons and how presentation. to improve it, all because what to allow them to have access — Lyn C. A. Gardner, Hampton of Facebook. to. One will also need to decide Public Library To address questions of security, whether to moderate incendiary Peacemaker and Glover recom- comments or allow free speech. mend common sense with one’s Facebook can be worth the Are You a Censor? Of Course Not! private data. Facebook has many effort. It’s different from having ways to adjust security levels about your own website, offering more of Presenter: Noreen Bernstein, who sees what information. Also, a community feel; further, rather Williamsburg Regional Library please remember that Facebook is than standing aside and waiting not affiliated with the many Face- for patrons to come to you, Face- Noreen Bernstein led an active book applications, which each book takes you directly to your discussion about how libraries can have different terms of service. audience. People need to be able provide access to challenged and/ Sometimes things go wrong with to find you, so be sure to maintain or challenging materials. the applications, such as when an links to your parent institution and Librarians expect parents to be application used people’s faces in colleagues. Remember that faculty the final arbiters when it comes online dating ads. However, one and staff are also your audience; to their children’s reading, but can adjust privacy settings as well in addition to connecting with we still have to make decisions as settings for applications and students, Facebook can facilitate regarding collection development, JANUARY–MARCH, 2010 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 17

Firestine, Appomattox Regional Library; with moderator Elizabeth Hensley, Culpeper County Library

The VLA Leadership Forum has organized a Library Leadership Academy to address the Virginia librarians’ expressed needs for library administration and man- agement education. Elizabeth Hensley moderated the forum’s panel discussion. Panel questions were collected prior to the confer- ence from a Google Groups survey. Questions ranged from “At what point did you decide to become 2009 VLA President Robin Benke thanks O’Brien Associates for donating a director?” to “What is the most copies of The Jefferson Cup Award Turns 25 for conference attendees. important experience needed to be a library director?” Several leaders commented that nothing fully pre- cataloging, placement, and display. a chance to read it in its entirety. pares you for the role of director; Bernstein suggested that libraries Audience members shared their others stated that administration can make compromises to ensure stories, discussing policies and and management cannot be taught that our collections are as diverse practices. Some talked of mov- in library school, which is primar- as our users — while at the same ing young adult and adult manga ily geared to providing a founda- time organizing them in a way that to separate sections, while oth- tion in service philosophy. Other minimizes conflicts. She gave the ers credited proximity to a rise in key themes included helping front- example of placing books such as circulation for all graphic novels. line staff understand the director’s And Tango Makes Three in the chil- Several attendees had encountered role, the importance of mentoring dren’s nonfiction 300s, rather than challenges in their own librar- the next generation, and allow- in the picture book section. While ies: some had cases that reached ing staff to take risks and fail. In acknowledging that some frown all the way to the mayor’s office, response to what is important for on these decisions, she suggested while others only encountered the a leader’s character, comments they should vary from community “stealth” version of censorship, included the need to be secure and to community. In small libraries, theft. A final useful suggestion: a honest, set a positive tone, main- it might be as simple as warning a truly diverse collection includes tain the confidence of the staff in conservative parent that she or he options for patrons with conserva- the leader’s competence, surround might want to preview the mate- tive tastes. Be sure to offer alterna- yourself with knowledgeable staff, rial that a child has selected. tives such as a well-stocked Chris- and adjust your communication When librarians are aware of tian fiction section. style to the individual. Succession controversial materials in their — Maryke Barber, Wyndham planning was discussed; sugges- collections, they should familiar- Robertson Library, Hollins University tions included making sure that ize themselves with the content staff members operate at their full and issues. This will guide them potential, training across depart- in making decisions to include ments, assigning stretch projects, Dialogue with Directors: Library (or exclude) such materials in and having a structure in place Leaders Answer Your Burning recommended reading lists and for those who will follow. Several Questions displays; it will also prepare them stressed the importance of tak- for requests to remove such materi- Presenters: Sandra Treadway, ing responsibility for ensuring the als from the library. If a challenge Library of Virginia; John A. future of the profession as well as arises when you have not yet had Moorman, Williamsburg Regional the organization. a chance to read the book in ques- Library; Wendell Barbour, — Karen Dillon, Carilion Clinic, tion, explain to the patron that you Longwood University; Sylvia Health Sciences Libraries will only be able to discuss their Rortvedt, Northern Virginia concerns after all parties have had Community College; and Scott PAGE 18 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JANUARY–MARCH, 2010

Left: VLA presenters find attentive, alert audiences.

Below: Jim Rettig, immediate past president of ALA, led a session to get responses from our members on ALA goals.

2:15–3:00 p.m. Learning to Share: Research Guides as Web 2.0 Tools of Interaction and Collaboration feedback, the LibGuides template and foreign languages librarian Presenter: Tatiana Pashkova-Balken- was redesigned to have less clutter, at Virginia Tech, where she does hol, Longwood University Library more search boxes, the addition of everything from purchasing books a “Search Google Books” feature, to dealing with licensing issues This session was one in a series of and photos of “friendly” librarians for small performing ensembles evidence-based presentations from as suggested by students. Library to answering the reference ques- VLA/ACRL’s “User-Centered Librar- staff learned the value of collabo- tions of retired faculty. Failing to ies” conference-within-a-confer- rating with users, asking for and take the proper precautions with ence. Longwood University librar- listening to student feedback across copyright is not just risking your ians searched the literature and disciplines, and “cleaning up the own liberty and finances, but the selected and tested the LibGuides clutter.” They found the vendor- institution as well. Governments software to help students and fac- hosted LibGuides software from take these issues very seriously, and ulty move through the research Springshare to be an economical, violations can cost the library mil- process. A template was devised user-friendly solution for sharing lions. When in doubt, always ask to maintain a consistent look and resources, increasing information for permission. feel and facilitate staff processes. literacy, and facilitating access to There are certain freedoms Course specific guides were devel- the complex digital environment. within the forest of laws. Many oped in consultation with fac- — Karen Dillon, Carilion Clinic, resources exist for and about copy- ulty and included links to course Health Sciences Libraries right holders, and as technology documents, handouts, and related changes the shape of the world library resources. Library staff cre- every day, experts offer many opin- ated topical guides on popular top- ions about the future of copyright How to Score the Score: Copyright- ics such as sustainability. Guides and how it affects our lives. Pew Friendly Music in Your Library included Web 2.0 features such as Research Center data suggests that chat and polls. Library staff found Presenter: Ana Dubnjakovic, there is a lot of violation now that marketing to be a key element in Virginia Tech electronic file sharing is so simple. the success of the guides. Follow- Statistics in 2003 showed that even ing a year of analysis and user Dubnjakovic is a performing arts with the more limited access back JANUARY–MARCH, 2010 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 19

then, 29 percent of Internet users years. The publisher, Universal, vides WATCH, “a database of copy- had downloaded files (more than got other companies together and right contacts for writers, artists, 50 percent of users ages nineteen brought a huge lawsuit against the and prominent figures in other to twenty-eight), of which 67 per- very tiny volunteer organization. creative fields,” at http://tyler.hrc. cent didn’t care if the material was For copyright protection, the laws utexas.edu/. The center offers both under copyright protection. The of the home country of publica- U.S. and U.K. copyright informa- mindset for many seems to be that tion are always paramount, so err tion and other resources, as well as if the resource isn’t tangible, it isn’t on side of caution. While there contact information for musicians, stealing. Following the lawsuits are limits to exclusive rights, and publishers, and related links. Other filed by the music recording indus- legally defensible uses are possible, useful resources for hunting down try in the United States, the esti- these are not laws themselves, and copyright holders and informa- mated number of people making are very vague. tion include ASCAP, the American illegal downloads decreased from To get a more accurate picture Society of Composers, Authors thirty-five million to eighteen of how fair use and the TEACH and Publishers, whose site (http:// million, with users citing a fear of Act affect library services, and how www.ascap.com/index.aspx) allows l­ a w s u i t s . to apply Section 108 of the U.S. searches by song titles and authors. Under current copyright laws, Copyright Code, Reproductions Similarly, BMI (Broadcast Music, unpublished sound recordings are Inc., http://www.bmi.com/), SESAC treated much like books in the (http://www.sesac.com/), and MPA United States, with a few excep- (Music Publishers’ Association, tions. Those published prior to The publisher, Universal, http://mpa.org/) all offer searches February 15, 1972, are governed … brought a huge lawsuit by such terms as title, author, alias, by state law and enter the public and publisher. There’s some over- domain on February 15, 2067. For a against the very tiny lap between these databases, but collection of LPs, one can’t simply it’s not tremendous — one really convert them to CDs; one must go volunteer organization. has to hit them all. One can also piece by piece, checking the copy- pay to order microforms from the right and obtaining permission if Library of Congress that may aid in necessary. For work published after by Libraries or Archives for Their the search, or hire an LC librarian 1972, the rule of the life of the Users, for Replacement, or for Pres- to do the work (at $100 an hour). author plus 70 years applies, with ervation, take a look at the Section Many are concerned about the unpublished and corporate work 108 spinner at http://librarycopy future of copyright. Yochai Benkler expiring 120 years from the date of right.net/108spinner/. This site pro- addresses its impact on social pro- copyright fixation. There are differ- vides information but also shows duction; Charles Leadbeater is con- ent laws for published work. Sheet how nebulous these guidelines can cerned with innovation; and Larry music published prior to 1923 is all be. For instance, for work published Lessig, the founder of Creative in the public domain and can be within the last twenty years, librar- Commons, talks about “laws that digitized now without the need for ies are allowed to make an archival choke creativity” (http://www.ted. research; this explains the current or replacement copy if they cannot com/talks/larry_lessig_says_the_ prevalence of art deco themes in obtain another copy at a fair price. law_is_strangling_creativity.html), digitally available work. After that, However, who determines what’s a arguing in favor of remixing as a it gets complicated. fair price? One must approach the needed part of art that has been Copyright has far-reaching company and ask if they’re will- done for centuries. Lessig states in implications, and the rules get bro- ing to sell the library a copy at a particular that modern technology ken every day. There was a huge, discounted rate. If they are, one makes it very difficult to justify international project that utilized can’t make copies. The TEACH Act antiquated laws. volunteers from around the world, mostly governs distance educa- Ana Dubnjakovic is happy to much like Wikipedia, in an effort tion and covers getting the right email this very informative presen- to scan public domain music. The to digitize material and/or post it tation; just send a request to ana@ project made a mistake in digitizing on Blackboard and similar sites. It vt.edu. a whole run of manuscripts from doesn’t allow electronic reserves or — Lyn C. A. Gardner, Hampton Vienna. These were in the public course packs, nor does it supersede Public Library domain in Canada, but not in Aus- fair use. The entire situation is a bit tria, where they would enjoy copy- like playing chess. right protection for another twenty The Harry Ransom Center pro- PAGE 20 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JANUARY–MARCH, 2010

No VLA Annual Conference would be complete without a line dance.

What’s Hot in Romance? of publishers of erotic fiction that ALA: Your Way! includes Harlequin Spice, Red Rose Presenter: Randi Wines, Roanoke Publishers, Kensington’s, Berkley Presenters: James Rettig, Boatwright Public Library Heat, Avon Red of Harper Collins, Memorial Library, University of and Hatchette. She mentioned a Richmond; and Jessica Schwab, Bull Randi Wines provided an over- few of the more popular books, Run Regional Library, Prince Wil- view of what’s new in the romance which include Anne Rice’s Sleep- liam County Public Library System industry. She discussed each new ing Beauty series and the Zane trend and shared information books. Another growing trend VLA was very fortunate to have regarding the publishers of the is gay and lesbian romance pro- the immediate past president of many different types of romantic duced by Kensington Publishers. the American Library Association, fiction. The romance genre now Wines stated that not every library James Rettig, on hand to conduct encompasses categories with new is ready to make the shift to the this lively session that involved the labels, including inspirational, erot- newer trends, nor are all library audience with seventeen thousand ica, and romantica. Old standbys patrons ready to accept them; but other members in participating in that are ever popular include his- she reminded the group that it is ALA’s five-year strategic planning torical romance and the tame con- important for libraries to provide process. Jessica Schwab, the VLA temporary romance. Inspirational reading material that appeals to all representative to the ALA Council, fiction with a romantic twist has patrons. This enlightening session assisted Rettig in this presentation. become a popular genre, and these provided everyone with an update After some background discus- books are published by Harlequin on what is popular in the world of sion about ALA’s past plans and Publishers and Bethany House. A romance literature. hopes for the future, the present- recently accepted form of romance — Lydia Williams, Longwood ers distributed planning form fiction is “erotic,” and erotic fiction University worksheets from ALA so that par- ranges from romantica to hardcore ticipants could jot down their erotica. Wines provided a long list responses to four key questions JANUARY–MARCH, 2010 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 21

IONA provided both music and dance lessons for this year’s social.

before the discussion began. The 4:00–4:45 p.m. In spring 2008, the Student questions asked what ALA could Government Association (SGA) Textbook Sticker Shock? Come to do to help us as individual library at Marymount investigated what the Library! workers, what the association could other campuses were doing about do for libraries as institutions, what Presenters: Marcia Dursi and access to textbooks; spoke with it could do for the public, and what Gwen Vredevoogd, Marymount various parties on campus, includ- were the most pressing issues fac- University ing the library; and created a ing libraries and our profession. report that went to Marymount’s The questions were discussed Marcia Dursi and Gwen Vrede- administrators. The SGA suggested in order, with Schwab recording voogd described how Marymount the campus do the following: results. Then responses were pri- University’s Reinsch Library devel- encourage faculty to request text- oritized using traditional brain- oped processes and procedures to books early so students have time storming techniques. Judging from satisfy their Student Government to shop around; encourage faculty the intensity and length of the Association’s request to place course to utilize library reserves instead discussion, VLA members are very textbooks on reserve. However, this of having students buy textbooks concerned about the role of librar- request had to be satisfied with no when they only have to read one ies in American society, the future additional monies from the print chapter from them; and put text- of librarianship, and ALA’s role in collection budget. They began the books in the library’s collection working for the best outcomes for a session with an introduction of on reserve. They discussed the variety of constituencies. Marymount’s enrollment, popular realities of putting all textbooks on Rettig and Schwab assured programs, and economic back- reserve, which would cost an esti- us that our discussion would be grounds of their students. Many mated $30,000 if they purchased reported and considered with other were transfers from community all the textbooks for one semester. discussions conducted all over the colleges, working students, or com- There was no extra money in the country. muters saving money by not living budget; their collection develop- — Cy Dillon, Ferrum College on campus. ment policy states that they do not PAGE 22 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JANUARY–MARCH, 2010

routinely purchase textbooks; and and they would recommend the the peer review process, editorial different service groups and teams service to other students. Students guidelines, and more. would have to work together to suggested placing more textbooks Copyright and bibliographic make the project a success. on reserve and allowing overnight citation software were initially The librarians piloted this service checkout. One student would sup- taught in plenary sessions by in August 2008. They called it Text- port a fee for the service. librarians specializing in those books on Reserve (TOR) and worked The audience discussed experi- areas. The sessions combined the with Access Services to implement ences with textbooks on reserve. English class with students from placing textbooks already in the Questions were posed such as research courses for the sciences. collection on reserve. They set up whether additional funds for text- When evaluations showed that procedures that included compar- books should be requested and the English students disliked this ing lists from the bookstore and whether textbooks should be a part format because they did not feel the library’s collection, limiting of the budget. The session con- the sessions focused sufficiently on the texts to undergraduate courses, cluded with Dursi and Vredevoogd their subject areas, in subsequent recalling books from faculty, not stating that they did not request semesters the plenary sessions were allowing checkouts, getting liai- additional funds for textbooks due removed. The topics were then sons to ask for copies from faculty, to the economy, and that one grad- covered within the class. and making sure the texts were uate program was beginning to use While feedback shows that stu- edition-specific. They couldn’t e-textbooks with more programs dents object to the department’s obtain a complete list of textbooks most likely following suit. requiring them to take the course, from the bookstore, so they had — Pat Howe, Longwood University it has also confirmed its value: stu- to search course by course on the dents say the content is very help- bookstore’s website. They also had ful, and they would recommend little time to promote the service. it to other students. Additional User-Centered Teaching: The library held 130 of the 615 lessons learned include that as Experiences Developing a Credit- textbooks the bookstore displayed. students become more proficient Bearing Graduate Course Usage was low, with only six titles with database searching, certain used a total of eighteen times dur- Presenter: Connie Stovall, Virginia e-resource lessons become redun- ing the semester. In spring 2009, Tech dant. Students also requested that the library placed the texts on more time be spent supporting reserve earlier, promoted the pilot Connie Stovall described the evo- individual research needs. Due to through various means, and cre- lution of a one-credit, one-hour scheduling difficulties, in the cur- ated a student survey about the research course for graduate stu- rent semester the course has been pilot. This time, the library held dents in the English department redesigned as an online offering. 106 of the 553 textbooks displayed at Virginia Tech. The required — Maryke Barber, Wyndham in the bookstore. Usage increased course covered humanities-specific Robertson Library, Hollins University significantly, with 51 titles circu- resources as well as broader top- lating a total of 270 times during ics such as copyright and biblio- the semester. graphic citation software. Crossing Over For fall 2009, the librarians dis- Classroom sessions used prob- covered that putting the titles in lem-based learning (PBL) and other Presenters: Randi Wines and Alicia the program too early caused them user-centered instruction methods. Gladwell, Roanoke Public Libraries to miss titles that faculty added PBL places students in real-life sce- in early August, resulting in the narios: they learn while working Randi Wines and Alicia Gladwell need to search again. Librarians toward a solution with their team provided an introduction to the added textbooks on reserve at their members, while the instructor world of crossover fiction — novels Ballston location, included survey takes the role of facilitator. Stu- that appeal equally to young adult slips in all the texts on reserve, and dents worked with literature data- and adult readers. Often, these promoted the pilot again. Survey bases and journal packages, as well are YA books that also appeal to results showed students learned as the still-unique materials avail- adults; however, sometimes these about TOR through their profes- able via print reference tools and books are published simultane- sors or the library’s website; they microforms. Based on student feed- ously for both audiences, and may chose to use the service because back, later semesters of the course be cataloged in both locations as textbooks were so expensive or included hands-on assignments well. The writing in these books they forgot their copy that day; on publication. Students explored may be more fast-paced and action- JANUARY–MARCH, 2010 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 23

Above: 2009 scholarship winners included Deborah Sweeney, Megan Hodge, Lisa Blydenburge-McGuinness, and Kelly Bevins.

Left: Long-time VLA supporter Mark O’Brien holds a copy of the book his company donated for conference attendees.

oriented to appeal to a teenage audi- Since 1998, the Alex Awards ence; the books still offer romance books written for adult audiences (www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists/alex) and action-adventure, but may be that attract teens, such as Stephen have been pointing out good cross- somewhat more tame. These can be King novels or adult books with a over fiction, such as Marley & Me good for adults who aren’t as strong teenage protagonist. There are also by John Grogan or The Devil Wears readers; however, more often these a number of writers who built their Prada by Lauren Weisberger — adult are simply fun reads that have an careers on adult fiction but are books with teen appeal. Some of appeal far beyond their intended now branching out into work for the teen titles that appeal to adults age-level. Likewise, there are many younger audiences. include the Darkest Powers trilogy PAGE 24 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JANUARY–MARCH, 2010

Left: Alan Bernstein received a life member- ship in VLA for his work reporting on Library of Virginia Board meetings.

Below: Robin Benke passes the VLA gavel to 2010 President John Moorman of the Williamsburg Regional Library.

by Kelley Armstrong, The Hunger to an older audience. Another idea Games by Suzanne Collins, Neil chasing two copies of these titles is to shelve crossover books in a Gaiman’s Stardust, and Stephenie and shelving them in both YA neutral location, like a new book Meyer’s Twilight. Graphic novels and adult locations is that adults display near the front. Finally, appeal to both audiences, and are may feel guilty or ashamed about libraries can promote these books now considered less of a guilty plea- reading something considered to by holding multi-generational or sure, thanks to Hollywood. Teen be teen literature; likewise, adults “no-shame” book clubs that delib- stars who grow up can carry their without children may feel odd erately market to adult fans in following into adult movies drawn about walking into the kid’s sec- h­ i d i n g . from books, and YA authors who tion. So strong are these fears that — Lyn C. A. Gardner, Hampton also write adult fiction encourage adult editions of the Harry Potter Public Library an interest in crossover reading. books were printed in the United One reason for considering pur- Kingdom, with covers more suited JANUARY–MARCH, 2010 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 25

Bikes, Bytes, and Books — Creating noke Public Libraries have become lic institutions, and 17.44 percent a Downtown Library Scene a vital part of the Roanoke com- from private organizations. munity. For 2009–2010, the estimated Presenters: River Laker, Wendy — Lydia Williams, Longwood VIVA expenditures include reim- Allen, and Nathan Flinchum, University bursing members for expedited Roanoke Public Libraries ILL shipping within forty-eight hours (4 percent), electronic collec- The three young and energetic pre- tions (92 percent), central admin- senters — River Laker, Wendy Allen, 4:00–6:00 p.m. istration (less than 3 percent), and and Nathan Flinchum — shared travel and training (less than 1 per- VIVA User’s Group Meeting information about successful pro- cent). Other 2009–2010 priorities grams they have used to bring Presenters: Kathy Perry, Virtual included information about the people into the Roanoke Public Library of Virginia; Madelyn RFP for American Psychological Libraries. Their creative ideas have Wessel, University of Virginia; Association publications, chaired been successful marketing tools. Peter Bruce and Donna Hughes- by Sharon Gasser, associate dean at Citizens now view the library as Oldenburg, Old Dominion James Madison University. The pro- the hub of the community. The University posal will be released December 9, library is being used for public 2009; the Vendor Fair will be held performances by local performers, Kathy Perry welcomed attendees to the week of March 9, 2010; and ser- for display of artwork by local art- the 13th Annual User’s Group Meet- vices will begin August 1, 2010. ists, and to bring attention to local ing of the Virtual Library of Vir- In other news, reports on data- writers; as a result, the library has ginia (VIVA). VIVA accomplished base searches and journal article become more visible and popu- a lot in 2008–2009. In addition downloads from 1996–2009 show lar with citizens of all ages. The to surviving budget cuts, VIVA’s that both trends are moving up: Artist Series has been one of the activities include collections, train- the total abstract and indexing most popular programs. Display- ing, holding an ILL community searches numbered 136,436,786, ing the works of local artists adds forum, regional EBSCO training while the downloads reached another dimension to the library sessions, and a multimedia task 53,975,816. by providing a venue for pub- force that organized an “Install- The Steering Committee formed lic appreciation of artists within fest” on November 12, 2008, for three task forces to look into three the community. During October, twelve to fifteen schools, helping priority areas for long-range stra- patrons were invited to come and to build dialogue between IT and tegic planning: (1) collections read something scary aloud in the library people. expansion, to explore what types library and to then share their The VIVA Outreach Committee, of additional resources, formats, best screams. This project was so chaired by John Ulmschneider, and datasets may be of interest to popular that one of the librarians university librarian for Virginia members, such as art images; (2) was invited to scream on the local Commonwealth University, worked discovery tools, to explore other radio station. with Tansy Matthews, associate tools such as open-source-based Take one of these programs and director of VIVA, to develop new tools; and (3) library and informa- make it your own. Don’t be afraid publicity materials that are due tion technology cooperation. to take risks. Be a change agent. If out in early 2010. The webpage VIVA will be proposing efforts you make your library a vital part and brochure will feature service- to gain funding to sustain cur- of the community, people will oriented pictures. rent collections and funding for come to the library. VIVA canceled subscriptions to ILL reimbursement. While total Marketing is vital to the success Academic OneFile, Academic Press’s ILL use is leveling off, the number of these programs. Library news- IDEAL Archives (1996–2002), and of books moving around the state letters, flyers, posters, newspaper Stat-USA and started subscrip- has increased in the past few years, ads, and television and radio spots tions for EBSCOhost, ProQuest and the funds to reimburse our are great ways to draw attention to Safari Tech Books Online, Mergent members for expedited shipping the library. The presenters went on Online, and Mergent Horizon. have not kept pace. While the cur- to say that these programs require The chart “Budget Sources Allo- rent estimated cost to move a book time, money, effort, and extra staff cation: 2009–2010 Estimated Reve- round trip is $13, current reim- if they are to be successful, but nue Sources” shows that 56 percent bursement averages approximately with all the visibility generated of VIVA’s budget is derived from $6.50. VIVA efforts will work to by these marketing tools, the Roa- the state, 26.6 percent from pub- return to a higher reimbursement PAGE 26 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JANUARY–MARCH, 2010

rate of approximately $10, since tainable. “Is that your best and database. They made available a reimbursement proportions have final offer?” is Moubray’s favor- best practices document for this eroded over the last several years. ite phrase in negotiations. When kind of reclamation project. Vendor introductions included VIVA does an RFP, they also try Tansy Matthews reported that Jessica Chestnutt of Oxford Uni- to obtain discounts for optional a do-it-yourself statistic generator versity Press, Jenifer Maloney of items for their members. Moubray is now available. The project was Oxford University Journals, Brad closed by distributing a list of all the result of a graduate student’s Edick of Gale/Cengage, John Moore the things VIVA does not agree to assistance in building a retrieval of Nature, Joe Vaitkas of IEEE, in contracts. system. It will allow generating Cathy Wilt and Ed McBride of For the Stat-USA Task Force statistics on anything back to Lyrasis, Randy Beocker of Bowker, update, Alan Zoellner, govern- 2003 in an Excel spreadsheet. Mat- David Brisendine of EBSCO, Dave ment information librarian at thews plans to update the numbers Fiumara of ProQuest, Paul Cap- the College of William and Mary, quarterly. Matthews commented pezzello of OCLC, John Carino of discussed the cancellation of Stat- on Project COUNTER-compliant Mergent, Pamela Cowart of Lexis- USA last spring. In managing the data (Counting Online Usage of Nexis, and Phil Smith of AAAS. loss, the task force looked at three Networked Electronic Resources). Vendors provided brief updates points: (1) the desire to find a way Some vendors do not supply with a short question-and-answer both to map statistics used in Stat- COUNTER-compliant data, and session. USA and to make it free; (2) the some COUNTER-compliant data Iris Moubray, contract team difficulties caused by the fact that from a vendor is not always use- buyer senior for Procurement Ser- all federal depositories in the state ful. Matthews reminded members vices at James Madison University, have user names and passwords, that a training session on statistics gave attendees the straight talk which means that library staff will be held this winter, tentatively about procurement. Moubray dis- must sign users into the system; scheduled for February 2, 2010, at played a large, ten-pound file (one and (3) the wish to expand access the University of Virginia. of two) of the paperwork for VIVA through a proxy server. However, — Andrew L. Pearson, Bridgewater procurements. Its size is prohibi- the third item is against contract, College tive for conversion to PDF format. and there is no way to accomplish Because VIVA is short-staffed, a lot the first. It is possible to create a is expected of the vendors: they gateway that maps where users are must know VIVA and do their going, and a session on Friday will FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 homework. VIVA has had some provide instruction on how to gain stellar vendors. In general, RFPs in free access to the same information the United Kingdom and European that is in Stat-USA. 8:00–8:45 a.m. Union are final, with no negotiat- Concerning the VIVA/OCLC Website Redesign on a Dime: ing. In the United States, the RFP Reclamation Project, Donna Gathering User Input on a Budget process is totally negotiable. The Hughes-Oldenburg (Bibliographic use of statistics is not just for can- Services) and Peter Bruce (Systems Presenters: Alison Peppers and Ilka cellations, but also identifies who Development) suggested best prac- Datig, Mary Baldwin College is using the service and where we tices based on their experiences at may need more training, and jus- Old Dominion University, where Alison Peppers and Ilka Datig of tifies use with legislators. Reasons they undertook an OCLC recla- Mary Baldwin College described vendors have given for not gen- mation project that corresponded how they managed to survey erating statistics include that the to a requirement for their imple- library website users before a rede- resource was not designed to do menting WorldCat Local. After sign of the site. Using focus groups that and that the statistics lump isolating their records, exporting and an online survey ensured that participants together, making it them in MARC format, and send- views were gathered from on-cam- difficult to separate out institu- ing them to OCLC via FTP, OCLC pus and distance education stu- tions. RFPs must not include the matched them up. There were mul- dents. word “please”; as a technical docu- tiple options for the return of the The foc us groups included think- ment for a purchase, an RFP needs records from OCLC to the institu- aloud protocols, group discussions, to be direct. The objective in final tion. After receiving the records, and website markup exercises. negotiations is to both obtain a Bruce wrote a small script that During the think-aloud protocols, price that we only dreamed we allowed for a quick and painless students narrated their thought could get and yet remain sus- replacement of records in their processes and choices as they com- JANUARY–MARCH, 2010 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 27

Left: Leonard S. Marcus made an absorbing keynote presentation on the history of Little Golden Books.

Below: Libby Lewis was recognized for her outstand- ing work in library development at LVA.

pleted routine tasks; meanwhile, a librarian recorded the number of clicks, number of links tried, suc- cess achieved, and so forth. Group discussions revolved around ques- tions about the website’s design and terminology. In markup exer- cises, students marked their likes, dislikes, and questions about the website on a printed copy. All sessions were audio-recorded for further study. The online surveys were made up of questions simi- lar to those discussed in the focus Library staff used the outcome of 9:00–10:30 a.m. groups. their analysis to create a map and Second General Session Data from both survey methods list of suggestions for the college’s were analyzed, and themes and web design team, and continued VLA President Robin Benke opened common problems were identi- to provide feedback as the new site the Second General Session by fied. Results of the online survey took shape. assuring members that, in spite of showed that distance education The focus groups and the survey the difficult economy, the associa- students had concerns similar were advertised using free options tion was in good condition at the to those of on-campus students. within the college’s communi- end of his term. He introduced Sec- Students had conveyed their dis- cations systems such as campus retary Connie Gilman for approval satisfaction with certain appear- announcements, mass email, and of the minutes of the 2008 busi- ance and design elements, as well television advertisements; par- ness meeting. Next, Treasurer Matt as confusion about terms. One ticularly useful was a weeklong Todd reported that VLA finances interesting result was their reac- announcement placed in the col- were healthy and that investments tion to redundant links, an effort lege’s courseware system. Incen- were rebounding by the end of by librarians to ensure that users tives for the participants were 2009. would locate a service — if not in simple: pizza and snacks. Finally, Then Past President Donna one category, then through a link freeware was used for the online Cote reported for the Nominating in another area of the site. Stu- survey, for audio recording, and for Committee, thanking all the par- dents found this practice confusing dictation and transcription. Total ticipants in the elections for 2010 because they assumed the links led budget: $50. Value: priceless. and introducing the new officers. to different services, and they were — Maryke Barber, Wyndham Elizabeth Tai of the Poquoson unsure which they should use. Robertson Library, Hollins University Public Library will be treasurer, PAGE 28 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JANUARY–MARCH, 2010

Diantha McCauley of the Augusta of the Library of Virginia Board. influence of television adaptations County Library will be second The Trustee Award for 2009 went and the Disney empire in the 1950s vice president, and Matthew Todd to Larry Yates of the Lonesome and 1960s. Various marketing strat- of Northern Virginia Community Pine Regional Library Board for his egies such as publishing a sixteen- College will be president-elect. work developing a new community volume children’s encyclopedia Of course, John Moorman of the library in Haysi. Finally, this year’s at the cost of a dollar per volume Williamsburg Regional Library will George Mason Award went to the were also explained, leaving us be VLA President for 2010. innovative project “ALL HENRICO with a deeper appreciation for the The Jefferson Cup Award READS: Linking Libraries, Com- books that many of us remember announcement was then made by munities, and Cultures,” which best from childhood. To conclude Connie Moore, who led the selec- featured author Julia Alvarez lead- an excellent presentation, Marcus tion process in 2009. The winner is ing a two-day event. conducted a patient and informa- Tonya Bolden for her book George After recognition of members tive question-and-answer period. Washington Carver. Bolden has pub- of the VLA Executive Committee — Cy Dillon, Ferrum College lished more than twenty children’s whose terms are complete, the VLA books and won numerous national gavel was passed to John Moor- awards and recognitions. Her book man. John used this opportunity describes Carver’s life from his to recognize Libby Lewis, who is 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. birth in slavery to his hard-earned retiring from the Library of Vir- Case of the Millennials’ success as an educator and research ginia’s Public Library Development Mysterious Searching Habits scientist. Office, with a presidential citation. Sandra Shell, Scholarship Com- Lewis was warmly applauded by Presenter: Lucy Holman, mittee chair, then recognized the membership. University of Baltimore the four 2009 VLA Scholarship Then Moorman introduced the winners after acknowledging the keynote speaker for this session, As part of the research for her doc- members of the Scholarship Com- author Leonard S. Marcus, the torate, Lucy Holman wanted to hear mittee and the volunteers who respected historian and critic of directly from students how they helped raise funds for the deserv- children’s literature. Marcus began search and what they think about ing recipients. Shell noted that the his talk by reminding us that “Chil- library tools. Her findings reveal Tidewater Area Library Director’s dren’s books represent the hope of that Millennials prefer to learn by Council awarded a new scholar- a generation for its children,” and experience rather than reading or ship this year with funding from then plunged into a fascinating listening to lectures; they (espe- their libraries and foundations. and carefully detailed discussion cially males) tend to grab bits of Deborah Sweeney of the Augusta of the history of Golden Books information from various parts of a County Library received the Clara from the company’s beginnings in site or document rather than read- Stanley Scholarship, Megan Hodge Racine, Wisconson, in 1942. The ing linearly. Having grown up with of Randolph-Macon College won ups and downs of the career of Sam multimedia, they tend to evalu- the VLA Scholarship, Lisa Blyden- Lowe, who saw a market for inex- ate sites and materials as much by burge-McGuiness was selected for pensive books even before Golden perceived visual relevancy as by the VLA Foundation Scholarship, Books began, made an intriguing content, and they prefer simplicity and Kelly Bevins was the first recip- tale as interpreted by Marcus, and to complexity. The instantaneous ient of the Tidewater Area Library the relation of the popularity of nature of the Internet has led them Director’s Council Scholarship. the first twelve books, the partner- to expect results immediately, The 2009 VLA Awards were also ship with Walt Disney, the Simon and they tend to make deliberate announced and presented dur- and Schuster connection, and the searches rather than browsing sites, ing this session. Award winners stories of brilliant émigré artists wanting to go directly to what included the Friends of the Jef- who illustrated the classic early they’re looking for. They are “satis- ferson-Madison Regional Library, titles kept the audience completely fiers” who are happy with informa- who were selected for the Friends absorbed in the talk. tion that is “good enough” — they Award. Alan Bernstein, recently Marcus continued the history aren’t looking for the perfect article retired from the post of direc- with discussions of the role of the or search. They are very confident tor of the Heritage Public Library Bank Street College faculty and of their search abilities, and rate in Providence Forge, was named writers such as Margaret Wise themselves at the skilled/expert a VLA Life Member for his work Brown in influencing the course of level — and thus don’t think they reporting for VLA from meetings Golden Books publishing and the need librarians to help them. JANUARY–MARCH, 2010 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 29

Sometimes the best moments of a conference are between sessions.

Current mental models driving that they may have, then com- was all within the context of the the online resources we provide to pare these to the assumptions that work at hand, and the researcher students may actually make things librarians and database developers did not ask a set of predefined ques- harder for them. Mental models are make about their users. tions. Modifications were made a means of mapping a real-world From September to October to the requirement for a natural experience for electronic interac- 2008, Holman organized the habitat: the study was conducted tion. For example, in the early days observation of students conduct- not in the student’s home or in the of electronic commerce, develop- ing real research through a com- library, but in the usability lab so ers took the idea of the shopping bination of methodologies. One that software could record subjects cart and checkout process to make dealt primarily with mental mod- via screen captures as well as audio online sales easier. Currently, our els and concept mapping; students and video (scrubbed for confidenti- online catalogs, indexes, and data- would diagram their searches. The ality). After completing an hour of bases are still very much based on contextual inquiry portion relied research, the students did answer a their former physical counterparts on three tenets: that the researcher set of questions that would help to in the print world, even though would observe the subject in a identify their mental models. in many locations, such objects natural habitat; that the subject Taking part in the study were as card catalogs no longer exist would be conducting real research; twenty-one first-year students at and today’s students will have no and that the researcher and subject the University of Baltimore (UB); mental model that allows them to would form a partnership, with the twenty were in learning commu- transfer experiential knowledge researcher acting as the apprentice, nities. The University of Baltimore of how to seek and find informa- learning from the subject how to was an upper division and graduate tion. As a result, it’s important to perform the task. The researchers school, with two-thirds of the pop- observe students’ search habits and were observers only; while there ulation being graduate students. better identify the mental models was dialogue with the subject, it Recently, as part of the university PAGE 30 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JANUARY–MARCH, 2010

system of Maryland, the first class of freshmen in twenty-five years was enrolled in fall 2007. This caused a huge shift, as many of the faculty had never taught under- graduates, let alone eighteen-year- olds. Thus, the university did a lot of studies of Millennials. Starting from scratch, with very small classes of freshmen, UB built learn- ing communities and required stu- dents to enroll. These communities combined social sciences, humani- ties, and skills courses, an interdis- ciplinary mix tied together around a theme like American citizenship. The students chosen for the study fell very much within the demographics of first-year students in ethnic background, gender, and age. Background information about their online activities and computer use revealed that all had at least one computer at home, and some had two or three; 91 percent had a profile on a social network; 51 percent spent at least an hour Joyce January was one of several Library of Virginia staff participating this year. a day online at a social network site; 75 percent conducted at least an hour of web surfing a day; and demic Search Premier took 73.8 When narrowing their searches, 95 percent had at least an hour a percent of the database use, per- the students’ mistakes outweighed day of Internet use. Most of the haps because it was the first data- effective use. Spelling errors and observed students were part of an base listed or the students had used Boolean mistakes topped this list. economics class with a rich, com- it in high school. Eight students Many students made misspellings plex assignment. Two students were conducted forty-four more searches galore and relied on the erratic (and researching artists, two in a speech directly within a site such as CNN often unavailable) “did you mean” class exploring a cultural issue, one rather than a search engine. The tool, often seeming not to see their exploring psychology careers, and 224 total searches covered fourteen spelling errors, and instead per- one performing a research-oriented individual sites. petuating their mistakes or assum- take-home exam. The students engaged in four ing no information existed. Rather Together, these students per- primary types of search. The sim- than reading or browsing the con- formed 210 searches in twenty- ple search had the largest adher- tent of a site, many students would one different tools. Search engines ents, with students employing immediately search within the site accounted for 130 searches, while one- or two-word concepts such or page. Indeed, they often counted another 80 searches took place in as a name or a phrase like “three the number of times a word or databases. Those who began with strikes law.” The topic and focus phrase appeared on a page as a a search engine comprised 76 per- search employed simple Boolean means by which to judge whether cent (sixteen students); those who searches or searches for a bigger they’d found a relevant article or started with a database comprised specific concept. Phrase searches “good” site. Others, searching in 14 percent (three students); while used longer descriptive phrases, databases, got rapidly frustrated as 10 percent (two students) began questions, or sentences or a more they mixed search systems inef- with an encyclopedia, one of complex Boolean combination. fectively, for instance performing which was Wikipedia. Among the Nine students made use of subject subject searches within the journal search engines, Google accounted headings either in Google or data- title finder. Rather than evaluat- for 72 percent of use, while Aca- bases. ing their search habits, they would JANUARY–MARCH, 2010 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 31

change search terms for the same ing things with call numbers and Top 25 Websites for Teaching and null result. Many had problems class systems. I just want to get to Learning navigating within the databases the information.” and couldn’t return to articles All of these students thought Presenter: Heather Moorefield- they’d found earlier, or would sim- themselves to be very competent, Lang, Virginia Tech ply give up. Rather than asking a proficient searchers. When they librarian or continuing to search, had frustrations with the data- The American Association of they would stop and do something bases, they saw this as a problem School Librarians (AASL) Teach- else. Within the search engines, with the database or library, not ing and Learning Task Force used they didn’t really understand how themselves. They were certain that the Web 2.0 tool WikiSpaces to these searches worked, other than it was the vendor or library put- meet and select twenty-five Web having some notion that the sites ting up obstacles. They didn’t want 2.0 websites that foster innovation, pulled keywords, resulting in the perfect search or query; if they creativity, and active participation their shuffling words around; they could get five to ten articles on the and collaboration in teaching and would get hits, but not understand first Google results page, that was learning for teachers and students. why. When they received a lot of fine with them. The Top 25 Awards were selected hits, they would usually look at Based on these results, we as from ninety-nine websites and the first five to find some informa- libraries need to focus not on presented at the 2009 ALA annual tion they liked. Visual relevance conference. The websites were was used as a means of judging a judged according to Standards for site’s accuracy. One student chose the 21st-Century Learner categories: a student newspaper over a gov- They were certain that Organizing and Managing, Con- ernment resource paper because it it was the vendor or tent Collaboration, Curriculum looked more like a website, saying Sharing, Media Sharing, Virtual the government document did not library putting up Environments, Social Networking, “look real official.” Another didn’t and Communication. Standouts know who Chevron was or what obstacles. on the list include: its bias might be toward energy 1) Animoto — helps create a policy, simply feeling that the site video in five minutes that contains looked good and must thus provide building the perfect search, but on photos, graphics, music, text, etc.; useful facts. As for Wikipedia, so figuring out how we can help with use Animoto to introduce services many teachers in high school had the next step when a student gets and replace the looping Power- drummed in the axiom “Don’t use one or no results. Rather than strat- Point. Wikipedia” that the students would egize the first step, which students 2) Polleverywhere — a voting either avoid it entirely, or use only are convinced they know how platform to engage the learner and its external links and sources. to do, we should talk more about ask provocative questions in class- The study also examined how visual relevancy versus content, rooms and libraries; a participant the students felt about libraries and and what it means to be biased or votes by sending a text message library tools. Some said they prefer credible. We also need to put pres- via cell phone or by voting on the libraries and searching books and sure on databases to develop bet- web; use to involve and connect newspapers “the old-fashioned ter algorithms; the databases did a learners to complex issues. way.” Others are frustrated and very poor job of handling spelling 3) Good Reads — a social net- see the Internet as much easier, errors, for example, only helping work for book lovers to keep track liking the ability to find a lot of one out of eleven students. Data- of the books read, make recom- information fast and print it out bases clearly have a long way to go mendations, see what friends are to read later. Regarding library sites with their algorithms before they reading, and form book groups. and databases, some complained get to Google-level ease. We also The Task Force welcomes nomi- about all the outside links and need to pursue one-stop search- nations for the 2010 awards. More passwords, wanting simply to click ing across platforms and formats, information and links to the win- right into a source. Indeed, one of providing the student with a sin- ners, bookmarks, press kit, and a the better searchers actually saw gle Google search box — which, wonderful video (A Vision for K-13 the library as putting up barrier according to this study, is precisely Students) may be found at: http:// after barrier to him, asking why what they want. www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/ the library couldn’t be easy to use — Lyn C. A. Gardner, Hampton guidelinesandstandards/bestlist/ like the Internet, “rather than hid- Public Library bestwebsitestop25.cfm. Link to the PAGE 32 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JANUARY–MARCH, 2010

2009 winner Tonya Bolden poses with the Jefferson Cup Committee.

video: http://teachingntechnology. Hughes is a past chair of the Jef- able volume, and one so important ning.com/video/video/show?id= ferson Cup Committee, and her to VLA history, was underwrit- 1932054%3AVideo%3A128. book is the ultimate authority on ten by O’Brien Associates. Since — Karen Dillon, Carilion Clinic, the history of VLA’s best-known its founding in 1953, this family- Health Sciences Libraries award, recognizing outstanding owned and -managed company has books of history, historical fiction, been an ally and supporter of VLA. and biography. The volume con- Like the Jefferson Cup Award, the tains details on the kinds of awards business has a rich heritage: Mark Copies of Jefferson Cup History presented and the guidelines for and Reed, sons of VLA patron and Donated to VLA by O’Brien their selection, a short narrative George Mason Award-winner Law- Associates history of the award, a compilation rence O’Brien, are the current lead- Five hundred attendees of the of the Jefferson Cup Committee ers of the company. Many librar- 2009 Virginia Library Asso- members and chairs since 1983, ians around the commonwealth ciation Annual Conference in and an illustrated description of also remember founding partner Williamsburg received compli- award winners, honor books, and Don O’Brien, who was Mark and mentary copies of The Jefferson books worthy of note from each Reed’s uncle. As with a number Cup Award Turns 25 by Donna J. year of the award’s existence. Add- of the vendors we see annually at Hughes. This valuable premium ing to the careful documentation, our conference, O’Brien Associ- was made possible by the donation the full-color cover image of each ates have earned the trust of the of the books from O’Brien Associ- winning book makes this reference library community by providing ates of Richmond, the school and work stand out from other bibliog- their customers with outstanding library book specialists with a fifty- raphies. service, high-quality products, and six-year history of supporting VLA. It is no accident that such a valu- competitive pricing. VL JANUARY–MARCH, 2010 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 33

2009 VLA Scholarship Winners

his year VLA was able to VLA Scholarship ary 2009 and has been active in award four $2,500 schol- community organizations. She will Megan Hodge is the recipient of arships: two sponsored begin her MSLS degree from the the 2009 VLA Scholarship. Hodge Tby VLA; one sponsored by the VLA Catholic University of America in is circulation supervisor at the Foundation; and, this year, one Washington DC in the summer of McGraw-Page Library of Randolph- sponsored by the Tidewater Area 2009, and will complete her degree Macon College. She has been a Library Director’s Council. We in 2012. member of VLA since 2007, and deeply appreciate these two addi- is also a member of ALA, NMRT, tional scholarships being made ACRL, LLAMA, LSSIRT, SRRT, and Tidewater Area Library Director’s available for 2009. LITA. She served on the VLACRL Council Scholarship Conference Planning Committee Kelly Bevins is the 2009 recipi- VLA Clara Stanley Scholarship for 2008–2009. She is active in ent of the scholarship being given community organizations and has Deborah Sweeney from Augusta this year by the Tidewater Area been a volunteer at the Richmond County Library is the 2009 recipi- Library Director’s Council. Bevins Public Library. She’s currently a ent of the VLA Paraprofessional is employed as a library informa- book reviewer for Library Journal. Forum Clara Stanley Scholarship. tion specialist II at the Central She is earning her MS in library sci- Sweeney began working at Augusta Library in Virginia Beach. She has ence from the University of North County Library in 1998 as a library been a member of VLA since 2008, Texas and will complete her degree assistant; she has made advance- and currently serves on the Library in 2010. ments within the library and is of Virginia Youth Service Advisory currently the assistant director. Committee. She is also a member She has been an active member of ALA. She has been involved in VLA Foundation Scholarship of VLA since 2002, and is a mem- her community’s Youth and Fam- ber of ALA and PLA. She attended Lisa Blydenburge-McGuinness ily Services Team. Bevins is earning the PLA Conference in 2008. She is the 2009 recipient of the VLA her MLS from Florida State Univer- has been active in organizations Foundation Scholarship. She began sity and will complete her degree within her community for several working at the Loudoun County in 2009. VL years. She is earning her MLIS at Public Schools in 2005 and is cur- the University of North Texas and rently a library assistant. She has will complete her degree in 2010. been a member of VLA since Janu- PAGE 34 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JANUARY–MARCH, 2010

2009 VLA Award Winners

Friends of the Library Award into current board issues as they George Mason Award occurred. Bernstein’s writing skills Friends of the Jefferson-Madison “ALL HENRICO READS: were also evident in his positions Regional Library Linking Libraries, Communities, as a writer for Academic American The 2009 Friends of the Library and Cultures” and as an editor for Collier’s Ency- Award was presented to the Friends Responding to a recent surge in clopedia. Additionally, Bernstein of the Jefferson-Madison Regional the area’s Hispanic population, the served as the outreach librarian for Library for their continued support Henrico Public Library and Henrico the Handley Library in Winchester, of local and statewide library ser- County Public School System iden- and recently retired from the Heri- vices over the past forty-four years. tified a need to create programs tage Public Library in Providence Almost all of the funds donated by which encourage community dis- Forge as their library director. the Friends are generated from the cussion about immigration and its very successful book sale held at related political issues. Building on the Gordon Avenue Library annu- ALA’s “Linking Libraries, Commu- Trustee Library Award ally since 1964. Most of the fund- nities, and Cultures” theme, they ing helps to support local library Larry Yates, Lonesome Pine invited Latina author Julia Alvarez services for children and young Regional Library Board to participate in their 2008–2009 adults, while also supporting Larry Yates, the chairman of the ALL HENRICO READS partnership statewide library activities such as Lonesome Pine Regional Library project. Waiving her usual speak- annual donations to VLA for leg- Board, was given the 2009 Trustee ing fee, Alvarez agreed to a two- islative activities, the VLA Scholar- Library Award for his work in cre- day speaking engagement, offer- ship fund, the VLA Foundation, the ating the new Haysi Community ing a large evening event as well Virginia Festival of the Book, and Library in Haysi, Virginia. As a as small group sessions with area the library at the Fluvanna Cor- selfless volunteer devoted to his students the following day. Buildup rectional Facility for Women. The community, Yates recognized the to the grand event included such Friends of the Jefferson-Madison need to relocate the existing Haysi opportunities as participating in Regional Library also established library to a larger, more accessible the annual Que Pasa Festival in the first library endowment fund location. In order to accomplish Richmond, book discussions at the in the Charlottesville Area Com- this, he rolled up his sleeves and area Spanish Immersion Center, munity Foundation in 1992, with solicited the help of the commu- and even an unexpected censor- a gift of $20,000. Since that time, nity at large. With his guidance, ship incident in which parents four additional library endowed the town was able to locate a build- objected to their children reading funds have been created, to which ing and raise funding for its reno- Alvarez’s book How the Garcia Girls the Friends also provide support. vation through bake sales, book Lost Their Accents. The advertis- sales, and carnival booths. Yates ing, conversation, and controversy recruited volunteers to help with helped to draw a crowd of well Honorary Life Membership the renovation, even managing over 1,000 participants, which Alan Bernstein the construction crews himself so assisted in achieving the program’s The 2009 Honorary Life Member- funding could be spent on materi- goal of educating the community ship was awarded to Alan Bern- als rather than labor. Often found about the immigration experiences stein for a lifetime of service to digging water lines or installing of their local Hispanic families. the library profession, Virginia shelves, his response when faced Undoubtedly, the most heartwarm- libraries, and the Virginia Library with funding or construction set- ing members of the gathering were Association. Alan Bernstein faith- backs was always, “I know some- those Hispanic families who not fully served as the VLA Reporter one who… .” Currently the mayor only came to hear Alvarez speak, at the Board of the Library of Vir- of Haysi, Yates has proven himself but also waited hours after the pro- ginia meetings for nearly twenty to be a dedicated leader, motivat- gram with other audience members years. His clear reporting produced ing the entire community to get to see her, talk with her, and share a regular feature in the VLA News- involved as they worked together their own immigration stories. VL letter, providing readers a window to build a new library. JANUARY–MARCH, 2010 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 35

2009 Jefferson Cup Award

he Jefferson Cup Award Selection American couple, he was a sickly honors a distinguished child who nevertheless learned the The Jefferson Cup Committee American biography, his- lessons of farm life in the Ozarks. As selects the winning book. The Ttorical fiction, or history book for did virtually all farmers of that era, committee has nine members: young people. The Youth Services the Carvers were a self-sustaining a chair selected by the previous Forum of the Virginia Library Asso- family. Young George showed early year’s committee, six individu- ciation has presented this award his unusual ingenuity in creating als representing the six regions in annually since the 1982 publish- products from the woods and gar- the state, the outgoing chair of the ing year. Through the award, the dens that surrounded their cabin. Youth Services Forum (YSF), and Youth Services Forum seeks to pro- The one thing he could not cre- the outgoing Jefferson Cup Award mote reading about America’s past; ate from nature was a formal edu- Committee Chair. to encourage the quality writing of cation, which was denied to most United States history, biography, black children. At age twelve, he and historical fiction for young left home to attend school in a 2009 Jefferson Cup Award people; and to recognize authors nearby town, beginning his irregu- Committee in these disciplines. lar course of formal and vocational For information about the award Connie J. Moore, Chair education that culminated in a or to submit a nomination, please Audrey Mitchell, Outgoing Chair master’s degree in 1896. When contact: Sharon Franklin, VLA Region I Booker T. Washington approached Shelly Hypes Janosko, VLA Region II him about joining the just-devel- Sue Trask, 2010 Chair Sue Trask, VLA Region III oping Tuskegee Institute, Carver Head of Youth Services Donna Betts, VLA Region IV accepted the post. He flourished York County Public Library, Catherine Noonan, VLA Region V as a professor, researcher, inven- Tabb Branch C. Elizabeth Rogers, VLA Region VI tor, author, speaker, and mentor to 100 Long Green Blvd. Sasha R. Matthews, YSF Ex-Officio thousands until his death in 1943. Yorktown, VA 23693 His accomplishments in horticul- [email protected] ture and botany became nationally 2009 Jefferson Cup Award known and changed the agricul- Bolden, Tonya. George Washington ture of the South to more practical Eligibility Carver. New York: Abrams Books for and economical crops. Carver tes- • The book must be an original Young Readers, 2008. 41 pp. ISBN- tified before Congress, met Frank- work published in the year prior 13: 9780810993662. Grades 3–6. lin Delano Roosevelt, and became to the selection. George Washington Carver is a household name for promoting • The book must be about U.S. his- now so well known for his pio- cultivation of the versatile peanut. tory, an American person, or fic- neering work with the by-products Tonya Bolden’s charming and tion that highlights the United and uses of the peanut that his informative biography gives insight States’ past, 1942 to the present. multitude of other accomplish- and depth in the study of this • The author must reside in the ments are sometimes overlooked American genius. This beautifully United States. or unknown. This biography by illustrated book includes Carver’s • The book must be published for Tonya Bolden brings the man, his photographs and time-appropriate young people. times, and his accomplishments to drawings that represent different • The book must be accurate, life in a way guaranteed to fasci- eras of his eventful life. Bolden’s informative, well researched, nate the reader. work is authoritatively cited with unbiased, and literate and give Carver is in every sense an Amer- primary sources and prominent a clear and interesting picture of ican marvel. Born into slavery, his previous biographies. Bolden has America’s past. meteoric rise to national promi- done children’s literature an excel- nence was entirely of his own engi- lent turn with this informative neering. Raised by a kind German- look at a great American. PAGE 36 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JANUARY–MARCH, 2010

Honor Books “Helen’s eyes.” Despite having two reveal and shape the extraordinary teeth knocked out, she kept the job life of Abraham Lincoln. Kendall, Martha E. The Erie Canal. with Keller because she was afraid Washington DC: National Geo- of returning to the poorhouse and Fletcher, Christine. Ten Cents a graphic, 2008. 128 pp. ISBN-13: she “never gave up a fight.” Dance. New York: Bloomsbury 9781426300226. (1817–1825.) Helen’s Eyes focuses on this U.S.A. Children’s Books, 2008. Grades 4–6. prickly, tenacious Irishwoman who 356 pp. ISBN-13: 9781599901640. The story of the building of the earned medals and an honorary Grades 9–12. Erie Canal in the 1820s combines degree and was the first teacher Sixteen year old Ruby Jacinski history, politics, and engineer- (and woman) to be interred at the is forced to leave school and take ing. New York Governor Clinton National Cathedral — all of which a job in a Chicago meatpacking advocated for this remarkable pas- could have never been predicted plant when her mother’s health sageway to the west despite some by her bleak beginnings. fails. Quitting high school to sup- harsh criticism and many skeptics. Delano’s narrative is poignant port her family is no hardship, but Measuring 363 miles with eighty- and smooth, woven handsomely the work is unspeakably dreary. three locks, this technological and effectively around illuminat- Looking for any chance to leave marvel, which joined Lake Erie to ing quotes from Sullivan, Keller, the stockyards, she gets a job at a the Atlantic Ocean, involved all and others who knew them. With nightclub, dancing with strange levels of society from Irish laborers the aid of elegantly muted photo- men for “ten cents a dance.” While to wealthy passengers. graphs, Helen’s Eyes will introduce this earns sufficient income, Ruby Fascinating facts are inter- these fascinating women to a new quickly learns this is not the glam- spersed in the chronological nar- generation of readers and will com- orous job she once thought, and rative of the building of the Erie plete the post-pump story for the she has to weave a web of decep- Canal. For example, a school prin- rest of us. tion to protect her respectable cipal designed the series of locks to mother from the truth. She learns get the Canal over a sixty-six-foot Sandler, Martin W. Lincoln through about racism as well as the gritty rock cliff. The canal, part of the the Lens: How Photography Revealed side of the business. When her Underground Railroad, also col- and Shaped an Extraordinary Life. dance hall contacts lead her per- lected $750,000 in tolls during its New York: Walker Pub. Co., 2008. ilously close to crime, she has to first year of operation. 97 pp. ISBN-13: 9780802796660. make hard decisions to keep from This well-researched book is (1860–1865.) Grades 7–9. being drawn into the dangerous both informative and enjoyable, Lincoln through the Lens was Chicago underworld. enhanced with black-and-white assembled as a wonderful tribute This not entirely respectable illustrations. A chronology and a to our nation’s sixteenth president line of work for young women like list of websites and places to visit by combining the historical sig- Ruby is portrayed with imagina- contribute to the success of this nificance of Lincoln’s presidency tion and atmospheric detail. Sym- excellent work of nonfiction. What with the timely introduction of pathy for the dancers, who had few better testimonial to a book than photography. Lincoln was in the career choices, is implicit. Chicago that it encourages further reading first generation of individuals to life in the 1940s is described with and perhaps even inspires a ride on be photographed, and he learned such accuracy in details of speech the Erie Canal? to use photography as a vital tool and slang, clothes, transportation, during his career as a politician. and clubs as to lend unusual verac- Delano, Marfé Ferguson. Helen’s Formatting the book according ity and authority to a work of teen Eyes: A Photobiography of Annie to a timeline of Lincoln’s life, San- fiction. Ruby is believably por- Sullivan, Helen Keller’s Teacher. dler uses an attractive layout, illus- trayed in her time and place as a Washington DC: National Geo- trations, and beautiful full-page feisty young woman doing her best graphic, 2008. 63 pp. ISBN-13: photographs. Included in this work with a difficult situation. 9781426302091. Grades 5–9. are several stock images of Lincoln, Twenty years old, with no work as well as many photographs not Series Worthy of Note experience and little tact, Anne often seen. Mansfield Sullivan first saw the six- Using accurate and detailed facts, Essential Events by Abdo Publish- year-old Helen Keller in March 1887 as well as engaging and unique ing Company. Grades 6–9. on the porch of Keller’s home in photographs, Sandler has provided This exceptional series explores Alabama. Sullivan would spend the a new way of looking at Lincoln’s historic events around the world remaining fifty years of her life as presidency. Photography did indeed and how those events have influ- JANUARY–MARCH, 2010 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 37 enced society, science, and politics. Barker, M. P. A Difficult Boy. New York: 2008. ISBN-13: 9781561454174. (1860– Historically significant events such Holiday House, 2008. 298 pp. ISBN-13: 1900.) Grades 1–4. 9780823420865. (1839.) Grades 5–9. as Brown v. the Board of Education Duble, Kathleen Benner. Quest. New and the 1929 stock market crash Broyles, Anne. Priscilla and the Hol- York: Margaret K. McElderry Books, have been thoroughly researched lyhocks. Illustrated by Anna Alter. 2008. 240 pp. ISBN-13: 9781416933861. and are presented in an attractive Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge, 2008. (1610.) Grades 7–12. layout with readable text. Well- ISBN-13: 9781570916755. (1815–1861.) Grades K–3. Faulkner, Matt. A Taste of Colored Water. chosen photographs accompany New York: Simon & Schuster Books the narrative, and sidebars enhance Bryant, Jen. A River of Words: The Story for Young Readers, 2008. ISBN-13: the information in each chapter. of William Carlos Williams. Illustrated 9781416916291. (1960s.) Grades K–3. Back information for each vol- by Melissa Sweet. Grand Rapids: Eerd- mans Books for Young Readers, 2008. Finkelstein, Norman H. Three Across: ume includes a timeline, date of the ISBN-13: 9780802853028. (1883–1963.) The Great Transatlantic Air Race of 1927. event, place of the event, key play- Grades 3–6. Honesdale, PA: Calkins Creek, 2008. ers, highlights of the event, and 134 pp. ISBN-13: 9781590784624. quotations. Additional resources Burleigh, Robert. Abraham Lincoln (1896–1934.) Grades 5–8. feature a select bibliography, fur- Comes Home. Paintings by Wendell Minor. New York: Henry Holt, 2008. Fleming, Candace. The Lincolns: A ther reading, web links, places to ISBN-13: 9780805075298. (1865.) Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary. visit, a glossary, source notes, and Grades K–3. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books, an index. Each book in this series 2008. 177 pp. ISBN-13: 9780375936180. offers an unbiased account and —. Fly, Cher Ami, Fly! The Pigeon Who (1809–1882.) Grades 5–12. Saved the Lost Battalion. Illustrated by can serve equally well as a starting Robert MacKenzie. New York: Abrams Freeman, Russell. Washington at Valley point for research or as informative Books for Young Readers, 2008. ISBN- Forge. New York: Holiday House, 2008. recreational reading. 13: 9780810970977. (1914–1918.) 100 pp. ISBN-13: 978-0823420698. Grades K–3. (1777–1778.) Grades 4–8.

Our Jefferson Cup Overfloweth Capaldi, Gina, adapt. A Boy Named Getzinger, Donna. The Triangle Shirt- Beckoning: The True Story of Dr. Carlos waist Factory Fire. Greensboro, NC: At the 2009 VLA Annual Confer- Montezuma, Native American Hero. Min- Morgan Reynolds Pub., 2009. 128 ence, Jefferson Cup Award Com- neapolis: Carolrhoda Books, 2008. pp. ISBN-13: 9781599350998. (1911.) mittee members discussed the 32pp. ISBN-13: 9780822576440. (1866– Grades 6–12. 2009 winner, the honor books, 1923.) Grades 3–6. Gonzalez, Lucia. The Storyteller’s Can- and their favorites from the more Coleman, Evelyn. Freedom Train. New dle/La velita de los cuentos. Illustrated than three hundred books they York: Margaret K. McElderry Books, by Lulu Delacre. San Francisco, Calif.: reviewed. Here is their select list of 2008. 140 pp. ISBN-13: 9780689847165. Children’s Book Press, 2008. 30 pp. recommended reading. (1947.) Grades 5–8. ISBN-13: 9780892392223. (1929.) Grades K–3. Alsenas, Linas. Gay America: Struggle for Cummins, Julia. Women Daredevils: Equality. New York: Amulet Books, 2008. Thrills, Chills, and Frills. Illustrated by Goodman, Susan E. See How They Run: 160 pp. ISBN-13: 978-0810994874. Cheryl Harness. New York: Dutton Campaign Dreams, Election Schemes, (1910–2009.) Grades 7 and up. Children’s Books, 2008. 48 pp. ISBN- and the Race to the White House. Illus- 13: 978-0525479482. (1880–1929.) trated by Elwood H. Smith. New Anderson, Laurie Halse. Chains. New Grades 3–7. York: Bloomsbury, 2008. 96 pp. ISBN- York: Simon and Schuster Children’s, 13: 9781599901718. (1790–Present.) 2008. 316 pp. ISBN-13: 9781416905851. Daves, Ray. Radioman: An Eyewitness Grades 3–6. (1776–1780.) Grades 6–10. Account of Pearl Harbor and World War II in the Pacific. Edited by Caroline Edge- Grimes, Nikki. Barack Obama: Son of Aretha, David. The Murder of Emmett mon Hipperson. New York: Thomas Promise, Child of Hope. Illustrated by Till. Greensboro: Morgan Reynolds Pub., Dunne Books, 2008. 284 pp. ISBN-13: Bryan Collier. New York: Simon & 2007. 160 pp. ISBN-13: 9781599350578. 9780312386948. (1936–2002.) Grades Schuster Books for Young Readers, (1961–1975.) Grades 5–8. 9–12. 2008. ISBN-13: 9781416971443. (1961– 2008.) Grades K–3. —. The Trial of the Scottsboro Boys. Dowell, Frances O’Roark. Shooting the Greensboro: Morgan Reynolds Pub., Moon. New York: Atheneum Books for Hopkinson, Deborah. Abe Lincoln 2007. 128 pp. ISBN-13: 9781599350585. Young Readers, 2008. 163 pp. ISBN-13: Crosses a Creek: A Tall, Thin Tale (Intro- (1930s.) YA. 9781416926900. (1961–1975.) Grades ducing His Forgotten Frontier Friend). 5–8. Pictures by John Hendrix. New York: Aston, Dianna Hutts. The Moon over Schwartz & Wade Books, 2008. ISBN- Star. Pictures by Jerry Pinkney. New Dray, Philip. Yours for Justice, Ida B. 13: 9780375937682. (1809–1865.) York: Dial Books for Young Readers, Wells: The Daring Life of a Crusad- Grades K–3. 2008. ISBN-13: 9780803731073. (1969.) ing Journalist. Illustrated by Stephen Grades K–3. Alcorn. Atlanta: Peachtree Publishers, Jones, Elizabeth McDavid. Traitor in PAGE 38 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JANUARY–MARCH, 2010

Williamsburg: A Felicity Mystery. Mid- The Creators of Superman. Illustrated by Crow, Civil Rights, Brown and Me: A dleton, WI: American Girl Publishing, Ross MacDonald. New York: Alfred A. Memoir. With Lois Wolfe and Herman 2008. 179 pp. ISBN-13: 9781593692964. Knopf, 2008. ISBN-13: 9780375938023. J. Viola. Washington DC: National (1776.) Grades 4–6. (1930–1943.) Grades 2–5. Geographic, 2008. 127 pp. ISBN-13: 9781426301537. (1950s.) Grades 5–8. Krull, Kathleen. The Road to Oz: Twists, Olson, Tod. How to Get Rich in the Turns, Bumps, and Triumphs in the Life California Gold Rush: An Adventurer’s Stone, Tanya Lee. Sandy’s Circus: A Story of L. Frank Baum. Illustrated by Kevin Guide to the Fabulous Riches Discovered about Alexander Calder. Illustrated by Hawkes. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, in 1848. Illustrations by Scott Allred. Boris Kulikov. New York: Viking, 2008. 2008. ISBN-13: 9780375832161. (1856– Washington DC: National Geographic, ISBN-13: 9780670062683. (1926.) 1919.) Grades 2–5. 2008. 47 pp. ISBN-13: 9781426303159. Grades K–3. (1846–1850.) Grades 5–8. Landau, Elaine. Ellis Island. True Books. Sullivan, George. Knockout! A Photobi- New York: Children’s Press, 2007. Pferdehirt, Julia. Caroline Quarlls and ography of Boxer Joe Louis. Washington ISBN-13: 9780531126318. (1892–1900.) the Underground Railroad. Badger Biog- DC: National Geographic, 2008. 64 pp. Grades 3–8. raphies Series. Madison: Wisconsin ISBN-13: 9781426303289. (1914–1981.) Historical Society Press, 2008. 96 pp. Grades 5–8. Lemna, Don. When the Sergeant Came ISBN-13: 978-0870203886. (1842.) Marching Home. Illustrated by Matt Col- Grades 5–12. Swain, Gwenyth. Riding to Washington. lins. New York: Holiday House, 2008. Illustrated by David Geister. Chelsea, 215 pp. ISBN-13: 9780823420834. Porcellino, John. Thoreau at Walden. MI: Sleeping Bear Press, 2008. (1960s.) (1946.) Grades 4–8. From the writings of Henry David ISBN-13: 9781585363247. Grades 3–6. Thoreau. Introduction by D. B. John- Lieurance, Suzanne. The Locket: Surviv- son. New York: Hyperion, 2008. 99 pp. Tanaka, Shelley. Amelia Earhart: The ing the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. Berkeley ISBN-13: 9781423100386. (1845–1847.) Legend of the Lost Aviator. Illustrated Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, 2008. Grades 5–8. by David Craig. New York: Abrams 160 pp. ISBN-13: 9780766029286. Books for Young Readers, 2008. 48 pp. (1911.) Grades 3–6. Rabin, Staton. Mr. Lincoln’s Boys: Being ISBN-13: 9780810970953. (1897–1937.) the Mostly True Adventures of Abraham Grades 3–6. Lubner, Susan. A Horse’s Tale: A Colo- Lincoln’s Trouble-Making Sons, Tad and nial Williamsburg Adventure. Illustrated Willie. Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoul- Thomas, Peggy. Farmer George Plants by Margie Moore. New York: Abrams line. New York: Viking, 2008. ISBN-13: a Nation. Illustrations by Layne John- Books for Young Readers, 2008. ISBN- 9780670061693. (1843–1871.) Grades son. Honesdale, PA: Calkins Creek, 13: 9780810994904. (Colonial Period.) 1–4. 2008. 40 pp. ISBN-13: 9781590784600. Grades K–3. (1759–1799.) Grades 3–6. Randall, Alison L. The Wheat Doll. In Defiance of Hitler: The Secret Mission Illustrated by Bill Farnsworth. Atlanta: Tripp, Valerie. Really Truly Ruthie, 1932. of Varian Fry by Carla Killough McClaf- Peachtree, 2008. 30 pp. ISBN-13: Illustrations by Walter Rane. Vignettes ferty. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2008. 9781561454563. (Late 1800s.) Grades by Susan McAliley. Middleton, WI: 208 pp. ISBN-13: 9780374382049. 1–4. Pleasant, 2008. 75 pp. ISBN-13: (1907–1967.) Grades 6 and up. 9781593693220. (1932.) Grades 4–6. Ransom, Candice. Maggie L. Walker: McKissack, Patricia C. Stitchin’ and Pul- Pioneering Banker and Community Van Steenwyk, Elizabeth. First Dog Fala. lin’: a Gee’s Bend Quilt. Illustrated by Leader. Minneapolis: Twenty-First Cen- Illustrated by Michael G. Montgomery. Cozbi A. Cabrera. New York: Random tury Books, 2009. 112 pp. ISBN-13: Atlanta: Peachtree, 2008. ISBN-13: House, 2008. ISBN-13: 9780375831638. 9780822566113. (1865–1934.) Grades 9781561454112. (1940–1945.) Grades (c. 1930–­current.) Grades 3–6. 5–8. 2–5.

Myracle, Lauren. Bliss. New York: Harry Rappaport, Doreen. Abe’s Honest Words: Weatherford, Carole Boston. Becom- N. Abrams, 2008. 444 pp. ISBN-13: The Life of Abraham Lincoln. Illustrated ing Billie Holiday. Art by Floyd Cooper. 9780810970717. (1969.) Grades 9 and up. by Kadir Nelson. New York: Hyperion Honesdale, PA: Wordsong, 2008. 117 Books for Children, 2008. ISBN-13: pp. ISBN: 9781590785072. (1915–1959.) Nelson, Kadir. We Are the Ship: The 9781423104087. (1809–1865.) Grades Grades 6–9. Story of Negro League Baseball. Foreward K–4. by Hank Aaron. New York: Jump at the Young, Dwight and Margaret Johnson, Sun/Hyperion, 2008. 88 pp. ISBN-13: —. Lady Liberty: A Biography. Illustrated comp., ed. Dear First Lady: Letters to the 9780786808328. (1920–1960.) Grades by Matt Tavares. Cambridge, Mass.: White House from the Collections of the 3 and up. Candlewick Press, 2008. ISBN-13: Library of Congress & National Archives. 9780763625306. (1865–1886.) Grades Washington DC: National Geographic, Nelson, Scott Reynolds. Ain’t Noth- 3–6. 2008. 207 pp. ISBN-13: 9781426200878. ing But a Man: My Quest to Find the (1789–2008.) Grades 5–9. Real John Henry. With Marc Aronson. Rodman, Mary Ann. Jimmy’s Stars. New Washington DC: National Geographic, York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2008. Young, Judy. Lucky Star. Illustrated 2008. 64 pp. ISBN-13: 9781426300004. 257 pp. ISBN-13: 9780374337032. by Chris Ellison. Chelsea, MI.: Sleep- (1847–2009.) Grades 6–9. (1943–44.) Grades 5–8. ing Bear Press, 2008. 40 pp. ISBN-13: 9781585363483. (1920–1945.) Grades Nobleman, Marc Tyler. Boys of Steel: Stokes, John A. Students on Strike: Jim 1–4. VL JANUARY–MARCH, 2010 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 39

Virginia Reviews

Erskine, Kathryn. Mock- rebuff her awkward attempts at Thompson, James C., II. The ingbird. New York: Philo- friendship; and her grieving father, Birth of Virginia’s Aristoc- mel Books, 2010. 235 pp. who is prompted to work through racy. Edited by Deb Strubel. ISBN-13: 978-0399252648. his sorrow thanks to Caitlin. Index by Kathleen Strattan. $15.99 (hardcover). Devon himself is still vividly pres- Alexandria, VA: Commonwealth Caitlin’s world is black and ent in Caitlin’s thoughts and soon Books, 2010. 151 pp. ISBN-13 (hard- white, and she likes it that way, becomes dear to readers as well. cover): 978-0-9825922-0-5. ISBN-13 whether it’s her view of life or References to his favorite book, To (e-book): 978-0-9825922-1-2. her meticulous monotone draw- Kill a Mockingbird, add another layer The transformation of Virginia ings. Since the Day Our Life Fell of resonance to Caitlin’s story. from a struggling sixteenth-century Apart when her brother Devon was We’ve had a spate of books English colony to the Old Domin- killed in a school shooting, she about kids on the Asperger’s/ ion of the eighteenth century and her widowed father keep to brought with it the development of simple routines. This is important a class system that included men to kids like Caitlin, a fifth-grader It’s tricky for a writer whose ownership of property gar- with Asperger’s syndrome. Clear nered them wealth and enabled boundaries make it easier to cope, to give voice to these them to become the ruling class. especially when she’s trying hard In The Birth of Virginia’s Aristocracy, to follow her counselor’s advice to characters in a way James Thompson credits much Look at the Person and Mind Your that’s both authentic of the success of the colony, and ­Manners. of the building of an aristocracy, As readers follow Caitlin through and artful, but Erskine to Sir Edwin Sandys (pronounced her days at school — meeting with Sands). Sandys was one of the orig- the school counselor when she has pulls it off beautifully. inal English settlers who arrived in a TRM (Tantrum Rage Meltdown), Virginia, and Thompson considers ERSKINE REVIEW trying dutifully to make friends him an outstanding political phi- even though she prefers to be a losopher and social visionary. “team of one” — they will learn to Thompson’s book supplies a see the world as Caitlin does. She autism spectrum lately, from the general review of the history of may be socially inept and literal- award-winning Rules by Cynthia the Virginia colony, beginning in minded, but she also has a startling Lord and Marcelo in the Real World 1584 when England’s Queen Eliza- gift for humor and truth-telling. by Francisco X. Stork to The Lon- beth licensed Sir Walter Raleigh to Her friendship with a first-grader, don Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd colonize America. The two ships and her hard-earned ability to feel and The Curious Incident of the Dog Raleigh sent across the Atlantic empathy, even for the cousin of in the Night-Time by Mark Had- came to land that Raleigh named the boy who shot her brother, reas- don. It’s tricky for a writer to give “Virginia” in honor of the queen sure Caitlin — and readers — that voice to these characters in a way who had recently knighted him. she will be ready for the next step that’s both authentic and artful, Although Raleigh presented coloni- in her life. By the end of the book, but Erskine pulls it off beautifully. zation as an opportunity to spread she even accepts a teacher’s gift of This Charlottesville author’s debut God’s word to the heathens and pastels and decides she’s ready to novel for young readers is sure to counter Spain’s own expansion in add color to her black-and-white leave readers ten and up smiling the New World, it was most impor- world. through their tears. tant to Raleigh as a moneymaking, Telling her story in the first per- — Caroline S. Parr, coordinator of treasure-seeking venture. son allows Erskine to develop sec- youth services, Central Rappahannock When Raleigh was sent to the ondary characters through Cait- Regional Library Tower of London for his part in lin’s unique viewpoint, including the “Main Plot,” a conspiracy to the fifth-grade “mean girls” who dethrone England’s new king, PAGE 40 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JANUARY–MARCH, 2010

James Stuart of Scotland, others could make laws to promote their on page 10, Thompson writes, “Sir in England stepped in to take Vir- common good. United under one Francis Drake rescued the survivors ginia for themselves. King James government for the express pur- of the doomed settlement on his responded in 1606 by providing pose of preserving their personal visit in 1586. Subsequent efforts grants to establish two colonies property, the leading men formed to revive the colony were unsuc- in Virginia. One colony would be a commonwealth, and Virginia’s cessful.” Nowhere does Thompson ruled by a syndicate of London early plantations shaped its first name this colony (The Lost Colony merchants and gentlemen, the civil society. of Roanoke, North Carolina). On other by a syndicate of Plymouth- Thompson’s premise in The page 46, Thompson writes that “By area merchants and gentlemen. Birth of Virginia’s Aristocracy is far the greatest share of the compa- Both of these were to be overseen that it was more than the ongoing ny’s new funds came from the lot- by a thirteen-­member council growth in wealth and power of the teries that King James had licensed appointed by King James. Known leading entrepreneurs that led to the company to conduct in 1612.” as the Council of Virginia, it the formation of Virginia’s aristoc- No explanation is made, however, became the core of the Virginia racy. On page 1, Thompson con- as to what these lotteries entailed. Company. The expenses of launch- In these and other instances I ing the venture were the king’s wished for the author to expound responsibility. Property and pro- in the text. Providing all the details duce were to be owned jointly by The introduction of would make the book accessible to the settlers in what historians call private land ownership a general audience. a communal plan. There are other trouble spots in But the colonists met hardships attracted a different the book. The acknowledgements that quickly decimated their ranks. contain typographical inconsisten- King James, angry at the huge cost kind of adventurer cies and errors. Between the table of the venture, rechartered the to the New World. of contents and the introduction, Virginia Company, transferring Thompson includes a lengthy list control of and funding for the THOMPSON REVIEW of illustrations that would work colony from the crown to private better at the end of the book. Each ­investors. chapter begins with a type of syn- The communal plan still ham- opsis, set apart from the main text strung the colony’s development, tends that it also had to do with and written in a different tone and and Thompson writes that this “a seldom-mentioned transfer of style. However, there are no attri- lack of private economic incentives allegiance by Colonel Richard Lee butions as to who wrote these. If was the problem. Sir Thomas Dale II from his squabbling, fragmented they are by Thompson, I wonder and Captain John Smith presented community to a distant English why they are not simply incorpo- the need for a new plan. Thus in Lord.” Not until chapter seven do rated into the chapter itself. 1616 the Virginia Company began we learn that this is Lord Fairfax, With a graduate degree in phi- making land distributions to its and that Lee’s allegiance to him, losophy from the University of Vir- investors. The introduction of subsequently followed by that ginia, Thompson explains that he private land ownership attracted of other leading colonists, added is writing “through a philosophical a different kind of adventurer to social pedigree to their wealth and filter.” He includes brief mentions the New World. Under the leader- power. On page 101, Thompson of the leading political philoso- ship of Sir Edwin Sandys, the Vir- says, “This transfer of allegiance phers of the day — Thomas Hob- ginia Company instituted in 1618 completed the birth of Virginia’s bes, Sir Robert Filmer, and John a “head­right” system that granted aristocracy.” Locke — writing that the actual fifty acres of land to people who At only 150 pages, The Birth of process by which Virginia and its paid their own way to Virginia Virginia’s Aristocracy presents much civil society were formed did not and lived on the land for three historical data, but with a lack of match their theories. years. This and the opportunity detail that makes it difficult to fol- James Thompson wrote The to make a profit by planting and low. While reading, I repeatedly Birth of Virginia’s Aristocracy as the selling tobacco attracted entrepre- scrambled to other Virginia his- culmination of his research as a neurs to the New World. Sandys tory resources to fill in gaps where Batten Fellow at the International further promoted the success of it seemed that Thompson assumed Center for Jefferson Studies at Mon- these entrepreneurs by creating his reader would know what he ticello in Charlottesville, Virginia. a general assembly in which they was talking about. For example, Thompson’s book is one in a series JANUARY–MARCH, 2010 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 41

by Commonwealth Books called est however she thinks best. As she give us a picture of the places and Pocket Book Histories of America: prepares to leave high school, she eras Sara witnessed: the childhood People and Events. writes, “The past is gone; the future idylls of Delina; the thriving and — Susan Ujka Larson, branch is uncertain; the present is all I exuberant coal town of Lynch, manager and Internet services librar- have. May I live today so that my Kentucky; being on the periphery ian, Fairfax County Public Library tomorrows may be happy ones.” of the mining violence of Harlan Her daughter Margaret gives County, Kentucky; and the teem- readers no up-front biography ing work and social life of Oak Edds, Margaret. Finding about Sara except small, general Ridge amid constant secrecy and Sara: A Daughter’s Jour- sketches. Instead, she shares the the watchful eyes of seemingly ney. Louisville, KY: Butler immediacy she felt when she read countless guards. Sara is stubborn, Books, 2009. 304 pp. ISBN- the hundreds of letters, plus ones but not hidebound, even in record- 13: 978-1-935497-06-6. $15.00 (soft- written to Sara — such as by a rogu- ing events — first depicting her cover). ish boyfriend named Bud who anger at striking miners, blaming It isn’t unusual for many of us, broke Sara’s heart. “Sara, Sara, them for holding up the war effort, especially as we get older, to wish then admitting she can’t be upset we knew more about our parents at their wanting a higher salary when they were young. Particu- since she pulled up roots for the larly after they’re gone, and even “I want to scream, same reason. The late 1940s are more so if a parent was lost when to rewind the tape, dominated by the peaceful, settled we were too young to form any post-war life of raising a family solid memories. Virginia author to interrupt the when both Sara and America were Margaret Edds was three when she hopeful that that the future was a lost her mother, Sara Barnes Edds. relentless forward bright one. But later Margaret found a trea- motion of the doomed.” Margaret’s own journey, as mir- sure: letters her mother had writ- rored by these letters, with a per- ten from her childhood until the EDDS REVIEW sonality formed by never having year of her death at age thirty-five. a mother growing up, weaves in What they revealed was an incredi- and out of Sara’s life inextricably bly rich portrait of a young woman but never obtrusively. Of the short in early twentieth-century Appa- run while you can,” her daughter time she had with her mother, she lachia who loved life, her family, warns a half-century later. “Too writes, “But I cannot read the let- books, learning, and the world at late.” Eventually the letters trace ters of the next three years without large. And through those letters, Sara meeting her future husband knowing that, if I have a confidence Margaret — herself trying to navi- Tom — himself every bit as elo- toward life, a resiliency and a sense gate the grief and anger of a broken quent as Sara — and deal with her of self-worth, it was planted and marriage — discovered revelations lingering feelings for Bud and her tended by her.” By the time Sara is about herself as well. hesitancy about growing close to reaching the end of her life — not The “hillbilly” stereotype per- a man again. Sara recounts the realizing it was such — readers may sists to this day, including casting brief but precious times she and share Margaret’s heartbreak: “I Appalachian residents as unintelli- Tom spend together while he is want to scream, to rewind the tape, gent and violent. But Sara, born in serving during World War II and to interrupt the relentless forward 1915 to a farming family, smashes Sara is far from home working in motion of the doomed. Consult this stereotype from age eleven a bustling, brand-new community five more doctors, Sara. Take 1,000 on. She not only loved the simple where nobody knows exactly who penicillin shots. Get into bed and pleasures the occasionally lonely or what they’re working for: the do not move.” but “unspeakably lovely” country- atomic bomb city of Oak Ridge, Margaret often stumbles through side offered a child in unelectrified Tennessee. her own later life without Sara Delina, Tennessee, but also great Happily, true love wins. “Fool- present, as shown in the aftermath literature: she writes that she has ish of me to have questioned Tom’s of her first panic attack: “Many been reading David Copperfield and courting skills,” Margaret tells us. years, and a few more episodes, Little Women, and just finished Jo’s “Genuine devotion outshines Bud’s pass before I learn that the miser- Boys. But at sixteen her best friend glib tongue.” able feeling has a name and, most dies, and Sara seems to decide Working together across the likely, a cause tracing back to a far that she must live life to the full- decades, Sara and Margaret also more pivotal loss.” Ultimately, the PAGE 42 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JANUARY–MARCH, 2010

letters become not only a treasure, in the Hudson River not too long of a mystery novel, Stashower but therapy. Not a miracle — ”Be after she returned from a mysteri- fuses several events and historical honest, now. Did I…expect it? No. ous disappearance. The brutality accounts into a single compelling Wish for it? Long to slip through and suspicious circumstances of story. His lush descriptions of the that impenetrable veil? The emp- her death not only spurred a fran- area of New York known as the tiness answers for me. Yes.” Not a tic investigation by police, but “The Five Points” are matched only cure, but a salve of hope and reas- also a frenzy among journalists to by his uncanny ability to juggle surance. expose the true and grisly facts of several narratives at once. In doing Memoirs, even secondhand the crime. Among those compelled so, Stashower demonstrates that ones, can often be self-serving on to solve the murder of the beauti- print phenomena are not created in one end of the spectrum, saccha- ful cigar girl was famed Virginia a vacuum, but rather emerge from rine on the other. But Margaret author Edgar Allan Poe. Although a series of discursive events and discusses her own life just enough the mystery of Mary Rogers’s death influences. In order to bolster his to put her loss in perspective with- continues to remain unsolved, arguments about the invention of out slipping the book into maud- several new types of print media antebellum American print media, lin shadows. She lets Sara speak he considers several contributing for herself, picking out letters that social, economic, and technologi- reveal her best, smartest, and most cal factors. While the book may romantic aspects, but also her tem- … the Rogers case feel as though it constantly shifts per, failures, and even the occa- was the main catalyst from one narrative to another, sional narrow-mindedness. Sara Stashower’s shrewd pacing and becomes a human being to the for expanding lurid inventive storytelling make The reader, like friends we’ve known, Beautiful Cigar Girl an unusual yet reaching across sixty years with journalism in America. relevant addition to the discipline honesty but no apologies. STASHOWER REVIEW of print history. Finding Sara doesn’t need to be In addition to being exception- confined to readers who are pri- ally well written, The Beautiful Cigar marily interested in memoirs, or Girl is exceedingly well researched. Appalachia, or books about con- emerged from the chaos of her Stashower validates his conclu- fronting grief. This is also a love untimely demise. At least, that’s sions by drawing from a wide vari- story, and an easy lesson about how the argument made by Daniel ety of sources, often quoting them much life can be lived in a limited Stashower in The Beautiful Cigar directly. While Stashower acknowl- space of time. Girl: Mary Rogers, Edgar Allan Poe, edges that insufficient records were — Danny Adams, evening services and the Invention of Murder. kept of homicides in 1840s New librarian assistant, Ferrum College Perhaps best known for his five York, he is still able to amass a mystery novels, Stashower has substantial number of newspaper written prolifically for such publi- and tabloid accounts of the crime. Poe-tic License cations as the New York Times, the This is especially important as he Stashower, Daniel. The Washington Post, and Smithsonian argues that the Rogers case was Beautiful Cigar Girl: Mary Magazine. In 2008, he won the the main catalyst for expanding Rogers, Edgar Allan Poe, and Edgar Award for his exceptionally lurid journalism in America. Some the Invention of Murder. New well-researched biography Teller of the publications cited include York: Berkley Books, 2006. 400 pp. of Tales: The Life of Arthur Conan local tabloids such as “penny ISBN-10: 0425217825 (2007 edi- Doyle. In The Beautiful Cigar Girl, presses” and “tattlers,” newspapers tion). $15 (trade paperback). Stashower deftly combines his tal- such as the New York Herald, and During the summer of 1841, ent for vivid storytelling with a annual subscription publications a young girl named Mary Rogers skillful eye for critical historical such as the Commercial Advertiser. took a sales job for John Ander- analysis. The result is an elegantly Such a wealth of primary sources son’s Tobacco Emporium on Lower written account of several inter- not only lends historical credibil- Broadway in Manhattan. She soon twining historical phenomena in ity to Stashower’s arguments, but became renowned for her enig- antebellum New York, all of which also breathes life into his subjects. matic beauty, and countless men contribute to a better understand- Unfortunately, Stashower gives flocked to the cigar shop to vie for ing of American print history. equal attention to the biographi- her affections. Tragically, Rogers’s By setting his serious critical cal history and elaborate writing lifeless body was found floating analysis to the exhilarating pace process of Edgar Allan Poe. While JANUARY–MARCH, 2010 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES PAGE 43

such details are fascinating and tive detective, C. Auguste Dupin. Rogers’s murder as a case study to well researched, they often distract While Stashower does not spend explain how ideas were transmit- from the main thrust of Stashow- enough time defending this point, ted through print in antebellum er’s argument, which ultimately he does make the compelling argu- New York. Second, it demonstrates relies on tying Poe’s fictional ment that Dupin introduced a new the profound influence those ideas account of Mary Rogers’s murder kind of authority over readers. had on such cultural institutions as to similar accounts in the press. Since Dupin was the only one in the judicial system and other social Stashower’s book is most suc- the story to know the true nature of and religious networks. Finally, the cessful in its ability to creatively the murder, readers were relegated book constitutes a fresh approach address major issues relevant to to following along with him as he to traditional scholarship, often print history scholarship. By focus- alone discovered the true name merging several disciplines to fully ing on the power-sharing relation- of the killer. Although Stashower address the complex and discursive ship among publishers and their does not explicitly discuss parallels circuit of print communication. readers, Stashower confirms Robert between Dupin and Poe, his analy- While Stashower’s book occasion- Darnton’s theory that print culture sis does touch on Poe’s desire to ally becomes mired in the minu- is comprised of a complex com- tiae of Mary Rogers’s and Poe’s per- munication circuit in which the sonal lives, its commentary on how reader has dual roles.1 In the first power functioned within the print half of the book, Stashower dem- Poe’s adaptation culture of 1840s New York makes it onstrates the ability of the printed should be credited a valuable addition to scholarship word to commodify, alter, and dis- on the history of print, as well as seminate facts about Rogers for the with inventing the other disciplines concerned with entertainment of a deeply patriar- antebellum literature and society. chal society. He does this by quot- detective genre…. 1. Robert Darnton, “What Is the ing several publications that focus STASHOWER REVIEW History of Books?,” Daedalus 111, on Rogers as a sexualized object no. 3 (1982): 67. of desire among men, even after — Jessica Ritchie, supervisor, her death. However, Stashower is Hofheimer Art Library, Old Dominion quick to expose the strategy of the dictate what readers thought about University press to keep from offending their the Rogers case. Since the story had readers with such sexually charged implications in real life, Poe effec- accounts by including language tively extended this authority into Stanley, J. B. The Battered that conveyed genuine concern the realm of actual police work. Body: A Supper Club Mys- for Rogers. He also cites instances Unfortunately for Poe, he was tery. Woodbury, Minn.: where publishers defended their too hasty in his conclusions, and Midnight Ink, 2009. 301 exploitation of Rogers as a way of his version of the story was soon pp. ISBN-13: 978-0-7387-1472-1. educating the public. In the end, discredited. Despite Poe’s failure, $13.95 (trade paperback). he argues that while publishers Stashower stresses Poe’s need for In the Supper Club mysteries, sensationalized Rogers’s death due control by detailing his revision Richmond author J. B. Stanley to public demand, they also took process over three separate instal- chronicles life in Quincy’s Gap, a great care not to offend their read- lations of the story. While such small town in the beautiful Blue ers’ sensibilities. detail feels heavy-handed at times, Ridge region of Virginia. Head of In the second half of the book, the gripping biographical history the rural library, protagonist James Stashower explores a second aspect of Edgar Allan Poe provides fur- Henry gave up a beloved and prom- of power and print culture sur- ther context to an already complex ising career as an English professor rounding the Rogers case. For this, h­ i s t o r y . at William and Mary to move back Stashower turns to Edgar Allan Overall, The Beautiful Cigar Girl to Quincy’s Gap to help his father Poe’s adaptation of the Rogers case, is a creative and compelling addi- following his mother’s death. As “The Murders in the Rue Morgue,” tion to the discipline of print his- a member of a small dieter’s sup- in which Poe raced to solve the tory. Not only does it satisfy sev- port group, James works with his identity of her murderer before the eral criteria set forth in the essay friends in the Supper Club to help newspapers. Stashower argues that “What Is the History of Books?” solve murders that threaten their Poe’s adaptation should be credited by Robert Darnton, but it also does community. The Battered Body with inventing the detective genre so in a fresh, imaginative manner. centers on the wedding of James’s by introducing a single authorita- First of all, the book uses Mary father Jackson to the club’s one- PAGE 44 VIRGINIA LIBRARIES JANUARY–MARCH, 2010

time cooking teacher, Milla. When adventures in a bit of metafiction take extra pleasure in speculating Milla’s sister, Paulette Martine, the reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s on which foods will be featured as Diva of Dough, arrives to bake the humorous send-ups of her Poirot recipes. Indeed, Stanley invokes a perfect wedding cake, the mystery books via the character of mystery strong sense of taste in these books quickly heats up. Paulette’s acerbic writer Ariadne Oliver. in which food and drink are so well personality and her seeming deter- Known for its recipes and nutri- described. Both male and female mination to belittle and demean tional facts, the series this time characters engage in cooking and almost everyone around her rapidly appropriately offers up plenty of baking at varying levels of com- earn the animosity of many of the plexity whose practical descrip- town’s inhabitants. Soon enough, tions may help build confidence her murdered body is found cov- in the reader to try these recipes. ered in dough. Soon enough, her In The Battered Body, a nutrition- True to the cozy mystery genre, murdered body is found ist’s sensible approach to healthy the charm of this series is its mem- eating also offers good advice and orable and likeable cast of charac- covered in dough. hope not only to James Henry, but ters, along with that comfortable to the reader as well. hometown feeling — yet each book STANLEY REVIEW By the end of a book, the varied also contains plenty of suspense threads of the plot — including a as the characters investigate, and momentous surprise that awaits often get far too close to, the cakes and baked goods. Wedding James — are woven together so well crimes. Each volume advances the cake icons at the start of chapters that one feels comfortable leaving characters’ lives a little more, and provide calorie counts for items the characters to enjoy their lives feels like a visit with old friends. In contained within, while the chap- during our few months’ absence, The Battered Body, readers get to wit- ters are named for food that plays a while having plenty to look for- ness mail carrier Bennett Marshall role. The book includes recipes for ward to in their next adventure. finally getting his shot at Jeopardy, “Lucy’s Hot Buttered Rum,” “Mrs. These cozies truly are a treat, and a lifelong dream. James himself Waxman’s Sweet Potato Pecan Pie,” there’s a special delight in a book finds there’s more to his family “The Diva’s Eggnog Cake,” “The that moves us further along in the than he realized. There’s even a Diva’s Butter Rum Frosting,” and characters’ lives while wrapping up hilarious bit of parody as jour- “The Diva’s Praline Pecan Cake.” well on its own. nalist Murphy Alistair writes her All appear at appropriate points in — Lyn C. A. Gardner VL own version of the Supper Club’s the plot, and puzzle-solvers may Advance your library science skills with Drexel University Online

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