Hunting Good

November/December 2018

THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION Good JOB Hunting SPECIAL REPORT | p. 26

Painting with Bob Ross p. 16 TV News Archive Turns 50 p. 64

PLUS: Drag Queen Storytimes, Brewchive, Andrew Luck ALA

MIDWINTER Meeting & Exhibits JANUARY 25–29, 2019

INNOVATION-SPURRING preconferences “NEWS YOU CAN USE,” updates, policy N and institutes N priorities, strategies for engaging decision- Books, media, and 100s of AUTHORS makers and influencers N New publications, technologies, and services In-depth LEARNING and educational sessions N N from expert organizations in the EXHIBITS AWARD announcements and celebrations N Unlimited CONNECTIONS with colleagues from All the SOCIALIZING you can handle N all types of libraries, doing all kinds of library N jobs, at all levels

ALSO INCLUDED Featured Speakers with more to be announced! in your registration: Symposium on the Future of Libraries and the ALA Master Series

Melinda Gates Rick Steves Philanthropist and Author Travel Author, Radio & TV Host, and Activist

American Libraries | Volume 49 #11/12 | ISSN 0002-9769

SPECIAL REPORT Good Job Hunting How to make “You’re hired!” happen | p. 26

28 Résumé Yea or 38 Underrepresented, Résumé Nay? Underemployed The dos and don’ts that In the library-job search, can land you the job some face special barriers BY Anne Ford BY Anne Ford

30 The Salary 42 11 Tips for Meaningful Question Networking Negotiating the ins Library pros share advice and outs of earning for meeting people and a fair compensation sustaining relationships

BY Terra Dankowski 32 Advice for Every Phase 44 Unions 101 What library unions 34 HR Confidential do—and don’t do— Inside tips from for workers higher-ups who hire BY Carrie Smith BY Anne Ford

FEATURES 46 Fierceness and Fierce Opposition Anti-LGBTQ groups step up protests to drag storytimes BY Greg Landgraf 46 50 Career Workshops for Teens Bringing in professionals 50 to talk with young adults BY Amy Wyckoff and Marie Harris

ON THE COVER: Illustration by Jean Tuttle 24

22 16

UP FRONT TRENDS PERSPECTIVES 3 From the Editor 16 Painting with Purpose IN PRACTICE A Career Playbook Libraries are helping patrons 54 When Values Collide BY Sanhita SinhaRoy discover their inner Bob Ross BY Meredith Farkas BY Lara Ewen 6 From Our Readers DISPATCHES 18 When Universities Cut, 55 Making Library Videos Libraries Bleed BY David Lee King ALA How academic libraries respond 4 From the to shrinking offerings YOUTH MATTERS President BY Anne Ford 56 Outside-the-Box Outreach BY Abby Johnson Serving with Love 20 Excited about Science BY Loida Garcia-Febo Academic libraries get their students ON MY MIND and community engaged 57 Getting Advice 5 From the BY Alison S. Ricker Executive Director BY Zoë McLaughlin SPOTLIGHT Challenge, Change, LIBRARIAN’S LIBRARY Opportunity 22 Tapping into Beer History 58 Reimagine Programming BY Mary Ghikas University creates archive BY Karen Muller for local breweriana 8 Update BY Judith A. Downie What’s happening SOLUTIONS at ALA NEWSMAKER 60 Local Music Remix 24 Andrew Luck Digital audio production Pro football star shares his love of literacy tools for your library with rookie and veteran readers

PLUS PEOPLE 17 By the Numbers 62 Announcements 23 Global Reach 25 Noted & Quoted THE BOOKEND 64 News to Peruse 64

Address: 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611 Website: americanlibrariesmagazine.org A Career Playbook Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-545-2433 plus extension Career Ads: JobLIST.ala.org elcome to our first major jobs feature in six EDITOR AND PUBLISHER years—a series of articles that we hope will Sanhita SinhaRoy Painting houses help spark your next career move, whether What [email protected] | x4219 was your you’re actually on the market or just in the SENIOR EDITORS W first job? Amy Carlton Data entry mood to make a change (cover story, p. 26). For the past [email protected] | x5105 at my dad’s six months, our staff has been researching, interviewing, George M. Eberhart moving company [email protected] | x4212 and collaborating on this special report so that we could

ASSOCIATE EDITORS present ideas for professional growth at every stage of Phys ed lab Terra Dankowski Overnight your career, as well as practical advice, such as how to assistant [email protected] | x5282 stocker at Home Depot freshen up your résumé and how to negotiate the best Phil Morehart Sanhita SinhaRoy [email protected] | x4218 salary. We also explore the barriers to employment faced Movie theater EDITOR-AT-LARGE Babysitting in by many people from marginalized communities and the usher Anne Ford a church nursery ways in which they’ve navigated challenges. [email protected] | x4213 Challenges of a different sort come to light in our EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ASSISTANT feature on drag queen storytimes (p. 46). While protests Carrie Smith Church [email protected] | x4216 Grandstand against these library story hours have spiked in recent pianist ART DIRECTOR usher at months, some communities have countered the anti- the county Rebecca Lomax LGBTQ campaign by creating opportunities for dialogue Detasseling [email protected] | x4217 fairgrounds and mobilizing solidarity. corn ADVERTISING Michael Stack [email protected] | 847-367-7120 From the fabulous we veer to football, with our News- Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement. maker interview with Indianapolis Colts quarterback ALA reserves the right to refuse advertising. Andrew Luck (p. 24). Luck began a book club two years PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT Mary Mackay, Associate Executive Director ago to encourage a love of literacy among sports fans of Mary Jo Bolduc, Rights, Permissions, Reprints | x5416 all ages, especially reluctant readers. In our interview, MEMBERSHIP the football star describes how he became an avid reader Ron Jankowski, Director and how he met author John Green. ADVISORY COMMITTEE Our cover And if reading about football makes you thirsty, turn Susan H. Polos (Chair), Salvador Avila, Joseph M. Eagan, Sonja Eyler, Mary L. Hastler, Ben Allen Hunter, Jasmina Jusic, story offers to page 22 to see what’s on tap at the Brewchive in San Sigrid Kelsey. Intern: Lisa Anne Romano Diego County. Special collections and history librarian Editorial policy: ALA Policy Manual, section A.8.2 ideas for Judith A. Downie profiles the archive on breweriana at INDEXED California State University San Marcos Library, where Available full text from ProQuest, EBSCO Publishing, professional H. W. Wilson, LexisNexis, Information Access, JSTOR. the library helped develop the university’s forthcoming growth brewing science certificate program. SUBSCRIBE Libraries and other institutions: $74/year, 6 issues, US, Canada, and career Also preserving our cultural record is the Vanderbilt and Mexico; foreign: $84. Subscription price for individuals Television News Archive, which celebrates its 50th included in ALA membership dues. 800-545-2433 x5108, email planning [email protected], or visit ala.org. Claim missing issues: anniversary this year and is featured in our Bookend ALA Member and Customer Service. Allow six weeks. Single for different (p. 64). Part of Vanderbilt University Libraries in Nash- issues $7.50, with 30% discount for five or more; contact Carrie ville, Tennessee, the collection has chronicled some Smith, 800-545-2433 x4216 or [email protected] stages our nation’s most important broadcasting moments, PUBLISHED including our political history. It’s an especially relevant American Libraries (ISSN 0002-9769) is published 6 times of your yearly with occasional supplements by the American Library time to be reminded of the power of TV news. Cheers to Association (ALA). Printed in USA. Periodicals postage paid at work life. the archive for marking its own major milestone! Chicago, Illinois, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Personal members: Send address changes to American Libraries, c/o Membership Records, ALA, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. ©2018 American Library Association. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without written permission from the publisher.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 3 from the PRESIDENT

Serving with Love Embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion in all that we do

was recently asked about what makes me heart, and play from the heart.” It means we are feel hopeful about the future of libraries. My all-in, all the time: bucking the status quo to do answer is the renewed love I see for the com- the right thing at the right moment, owning our Imunities we serve. actions as professionals, and creating institutions While hate, authoritarianism, and open that expand minds and open futures. oppression are seemingly on the rise worldwide, As a Caribbean woman with Spanish, Greek, I am heartened as I travel to various communi- African, and Taino blood, I am connected to ties across the country and see light, hope, and those vulnerable groups. In my role as ALA commitment in each one of you. Library workers president, I share many of the experiences from are continually empowering one another, and I these groups, and I have a platform to create Loida Garcia-Febo know we are ready to deepen the difference we change and understanding across communities. make in our communities. I know about inequality, struggles, racism, and I have witnessed the spirit of diversity, aggressions because I’ve lived them and they inclusiveness, and relationship-building and have touched my soul. I want to confirm that I how librarians are embracing those values. In am with you in the fight for greater equality. In the words of many poets, singers, and former my own professional practice, I am intentional President Barack Obama, we are the change we about the work required to counter negative have been waiting for. forces that impact our library services. Much like our profession’s trailblazers— One of my key presidential efforts is in the E. J. Josey, Sharad Karkhanis, Hwa-Wei Lee, area of diversity. My diversity advisory team and Virginia Matthews, Lotsee Patterson, and I are planning a number of webinars to address Arnulfo Trejo—whose leadership resulted in the promise and challenges of providing diverse the American Library Association’s (ALA) ethnic and equitable services within our communities caucuses, we must continue to fight for all and our libraries. Together with ALA’s Office people, especially those from vulnerable groups. for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services, Our dream remains to create community spaces we are producing videos to help library workers that reflect equality and respect among people. understand how to incorporate the principles We have come a long way. But more is needed. of diversity, inclusion, and intersectionality I agree with Michael Stephens, associate pro- throughout their library services. I am fessor in the School of Information at San José I wholeheartedly believe that librarians are heartened (Calif.) State University, who has long advo- enriching the conversation around these topics cated for connecting one’s work to one’s heart. and must continue to move forward to embed to see light, Stephens says we should bring our hearts to humanity, compassion, empathy, awareness, and hope, and work, and qualities such as empathy, emotional understanding into our library services nation- intelligence, and reflective action are all part wide. It is not an easy task, but as president, it is commitment of this process. Service steeped in humanism, my intention to serve as a catalyst for this change. in library compassion, and understanding should be the I am confident that together we can continue cornerstone of what we do, and why we do it, moving these conversations and, more impor- workers for all members of our communities, including tantly, these actions forward. across the the underserved. In a recent collection of essays, Stephens urges LOIDA GARCIA-FEBO is an international library country. librarians to “lead from the heart, learn from the consultant.

4 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org from the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Challenge, Change, Opportunity Working together to move ALA, libraries toward shared goals

ibraries and associations are intertwined. trajectory—and at the Association’s mission in Both are about the power of individuals this context. This is a process taking place in to come together, to bring their unique many other associations that represent various Lstories and skills with them, to change professions, institutions, and industries. lives and change communities. As we encounter changes to libraries, the Over the coming months, our Association will tasks of library workers, and our communities, be engaged in difficult but essential work. The we need to ask: “How must the Association itself task will require that we work together in good change to effectively address the opportuni- faith, trusting one another’s commitment to the ties and challenges of its mission in a complex important job of library workers and the power world?” Mary Ghikas of libraries to transform individuals and commu- To help address this question, the ALA Steer- nities of all types. ing Committee on Organizational Effectiveness The American Library Association (ALA) was has begun its work. The group will meet in the founded more than 140 years ago and exists “to Chicago area in late October. And discussions provide leadership for the development, promo- will continue at ALA Midwinter and beyond. tion, and improvement of library and informa- Collectively, we are in a moment of challenge, tion services and the profession of librarianship change, and great opportunity. To achieve what in order to enhance learning and ensure access our time requires, we must continue to inno- to information for all.” That mission is fulfilled vate, grow, and focus on our durable mission. through the work of more than 58,000 mem- That means the Association must not only be bers, representing a broad range of roles and financially and operationally strong, it must specializations within and related to libraries. also nourish strong collaborations and focus our That critical mission is also carried forward by resources—including the critical work of mem- members in 57 ALA chapters, as well as affiliate bers, staff members, and allies—on work that During this groups of the American Association of School moves us toward shared goals. Librarians and chapters of the Association of Col- We will be working together on several simul- moment lege and Research Libraries; by 27 ALA-affiliated taneous and related streams: of change, organizations that enhance the cultural and ■ programmatic and infrastructure investment professional breadth of the “ALA community”; to build capacity in key areas we must by library advocates in a wide range of organiza- ■ an organizational effectiveness and gover- continue tions and businesses; and by ALA staff. nance review We—all of us—remain focused on the value ■ review of external studies of both communica- to innovate, of libraries, on the people who advocate for tions and membership models grow, and and deliver library services, and on the diverse ■ internal reorganization and review individuals and communities who need those ■ exploration of a national advocacy network, focus on services. At the same time, libraries and library in close collaboration with ALA chapters and the durable services have evolved, as have the work of library other library-related state associations people, the range of specializations, and the Together we can build an even stronger sup- mission skills required of them. What’s more, our com- port network for libraries and library workers. of the munities have changed and continue to change. Over the next few months, we will be look- MARY GHIKAS is executive director of the American Association. ing at these changes, their impact, and their Library Association.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 5 from our READERS

The @ala_spectrum Support for Janus I am thrilled by the Supreme program is the Court’s decision on Janus v. reason I am a American Federation of State, librarian now. County, and Municipal Employees (“Why the Janus Decision Mat- The scholarship ters to Library Unions,” The helped me get Scoop, July 24). That doesn’t through grad mean I want to “bust the union”— school while but only that unions should not be immune from the competition working full of the marketplace. time, and the I also am a firm defender friendships and of freedom of speech. If an employee wants to join a union, connections fine—but don’t compel me to Library] offers patrons the option of Laura Ingalls Wilder Award,” I made at the join a union and pay dues. That of retaining their borrowing The Scoop, June 25) while a racist, institute are the would be the legal plunder of my history—an option that my local sexist, misogynistic anti-Semite ones I still have hard-earned money through the public library does not provide like Melvil Dewey gets a free pass state. Yuck! to me. Moreover, in professional (“Bringing Harassment out of the today, 13 years David Tulanian discussions there is too little History Books,” June, p. 48)? This later! I love this Las Vegas attention to the holistic issue of is an outrageous example of white program. empowering patrons to decide Christian male privilege! Our Patrons’ Data for themselves. Landgraf men- And when are we going @ARELLANOVER, Thank you for publishing Greg tions affording them the ability to to correct the inequity in the in response to “Spec- trum’s Significance” Landgraf’s article, “Data Collec- opt out of data collection, but we way Dewey Decimal Classifi- (The Scoop, June 27) tion and Privacy” (Sept./Oct., must have much more discussion cation assigns numbers to the p. 14). It is a helpful introduction of the variations of opt-in and world’s religions? to a thoughtful discussion of opt-out strategies. Stanley Kalemaris privacy policies among librarians, If we truly believe in com- Melville, New York and I hope American Libraries munity empowerment and will publish more explorations of community-led librarianship, Insistence Toward Equity the issues it raises. then we shouldn’t set ourselves When I joined the American And Landgraf mentions a up as sole arbiters of how our Library Association (ALA) in couple points that deserve fuller patrons’ personal information 1997 as director of the Office exploration. We need a more shall be handled. for Literacy and Outreach Ser- robust and detailed discussion David Shumaker vices (OLOS), my father, Albert of the benefits as well as the Bethesda, Maryland “AP” Marshall, retired library risks of collecting and storing administrator at Eastern Michi- personal information. I note, for Dewey’s Privilege gan University, wrote a column example, that according to its Why is Laura Ingalls Wilder pun- for the Ypsilanti (Mich.) Press website, Landgraf’s own library ished for reporting things that expressing his pride in my new [Greene County (Ohio) Public happened (“ALSC Changes Name position. He had served on the

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6 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org OLOS Advisory Committee and hotel rooms. I was told, when overdue reminders, and late Weeding is was dedicated to its unheralded I accompanied my parents to reminders when items are two significance within ALA. the 1955 Annual Conference in weeks past due date. We also on my mind a He sometimes talked about Philadelphia, I would be sleeping, provide a grace period on all of lot lately and his introduction to ALA at the while in another part of the room, our materials that gives a patron when I saw it 1940 Annual Conference, which librarians would be strategizing three days after a due date to he and maybe half a dozen other upcoming actions before ALA return materials without any late mentioned in African-American librarians, Council or the Executive Board. fees hitting their account. an @amlibraries mostly if not all men, attended. Daddy’s ALA biography, which Another service offered to article I was Refused housing in local hotels, I received upon his death in 2001, prevent late fees is welcoming all pleasantly they stayed in homes and room- reflects examples of his deter- patrons to contact us—stop in, ing houses in Cincinnati’s black mination and that of dozens call, email, text, whatever—to let reminded that community. They were denied of others—female and male us know you can’t make it to the it’s about more participation in conference meal African-American, minority, and library to return materials on time. than just the events and could not ride the ele- some white librarians—in initia- When a patron does this, there endless number vators in the conference hotels. tives to make ALA more inclusive are no questions asked. We just After one meeting, Daddy and responsive. simply renew all their materials of spreadsheets noted, he and a white attendee I am thankful to hear of the and thank them for the heads-up. I see every day were on their way to the same passing of the “Resolution to So again, for me, the strug- (sooo mannyyyy). meeting on another floor. Daddy Honor African Americans Who gle isn’t so much should we or was walking toward the stairs Fought Library Segregation” shouldn’t we assign late fees, but It’s about overall when the man suggested they (reprinted Sept./Oct., p. 10) and rather why a patron can’t utilize library UX. ride the elevator together. Daddy appreciative of the 160-plus the practices created for them to @MARYKATWAHL, hesitated but got on at the man’s individual and organizational avoid late fees in the first place. in response to urging. As the doors opened sponsors, signers, seconders, and Katie Schweisthal “Design on the Cheap” at the next floor, another white endorsers. In the names of those Bethesda, Maryland (Sept./Oct., p. 32) attendee demanded that Daddy brave souls on whose shoulders get off the elevator, cursing we stand, let us not rest on their Repetitive Design and calling him names. Daddy achievements and accomplish- Am I the only one who finds it rel- remembered that the man with ments, but individually and atively depressing that, year after whom he was riding abruptly collectively address the actions year, the design honorees (“2018 announced they were on their still begging for attention in Library Design Showcase,” Sept./ way to a session and advised that 2018 and beyond. Oct., p. 22) have open, cavern- the doors were closing, to the Satia Marshall Orange ous spaces filled with sparse aggressor’s astonishment. Chicago Steelcase furniture, occasional Daddy considered that patrons, and no books? incident a moment of truth Fine Deterrents Wendy Doucette in his library career, believing The discussion of whether a Johnson City, Tennessee participation in ALA would be public library charges fees for challenging but that insistence late materials (“An Overdue CORRECTION toward equity might be possible Discussion,” June, p. 44) is lost In “2018 Library Design Show- for him and others. on me when lending periods case” (Sept./Oct., p. 22), Ameri- My mother, Ruthe Langley are generally generous. It is can Libraries erroneously reported Marshall, also a librarian my library’s practice to give that the former Joplin (Mo.) Public (although not at the time), between two to four weeks with Library building was destroyed in reminisced about pre–Black a book. We provide the service of the 2011 tornado. In actuality, the Caucus of the American Library proactive due date reminders— building was not damaged but Association gatherings that whether they’re emails or snail was donated to Missouri Southern took place in black conferees’ mail—three days before, next-day Foundation in December 2017.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 7 Jefferson, Werner Seek ALA Presidency ulius C. Jefferson Jr., section Jefferson holds a bachelor’s in his- head of the Congressional tory from Howard University and an JResearch Service at the Library MLS from the University of Maryland. of Congress in Washington, D.C., Werner has been an ALA and Lance Werner, executive direc- member for 10 years and is a tor of Kent District Library in Com- member of the Public Library Asso- stock Park, Michigan, are candidates ciation (PLA), LLAMA, and the new for the 2020–2021 American Library ALA Policy Corps. Association (ALA) presidency. He has held several positions Julius C. Jefferson Jr. Lance Werner Jefferson has been an active ALA in the Michigan library commu- member for 15 years. He has served on ALA Council since nity, including chairing the Michigan Library Association 2011, and recently completed a term on the ALA Executive Legislative Committee and serving as 2015–2016 president Board. He has also been a member of several committees, of the Lakeland Library Cooperative. He is currently a fellow including the Finance and Audit Committee, the Budget at the Michigan Political Leadership Program and serves on Analysis and Review Committee, the Intellectual Freedom the advisory board of the Wayne State University School of Committee, and the Chapter Relations Committee, which he Library and Information Science in Detroit. currently chairs. Werner has received various awards and honors, includ- Jefferson is a member of the Library Leadership and ing 2018 Library Journal Librarian of the Year, 2017 Michigan Management Association (LLAMA); the Intellectual Library Association Librarian of the Year, and the Wayne Freedom Round Table; the Association of Specialized, Gov- State University Distinguished Alumni Award in 2017. ernment, and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASGCLA); the “The world is rapidly changing, making this an exciting Black Caucus of the ALA (BCALA); and the Asian/Pacific time to help libraries because their role has never been American Librarians Association. more important than it is now,” Werner said in an August 28 He held a seat on the board of the Freedom to Read statement. “While technology and politics attract a lot of Foundation and served as its 2013–2016 president. He was attention, I believe that people and relationships are the core also 2015 president of the District of Columbia Library Asso- of libraries. Working with people at all levels of academic, ciation and served on the BCALA board. He has received public, and special services libraries is very rewarding to me several awards, including the BCALA Outstanding Contri- because of our common goal to transform lives. Additionally, bution to Publishing Award in 2013 and the Congressional I’ve become involved with advocacy for libraries in Wash- Research Service Special Achievement Award in 2010. ington, D.C. because it’s important to engage stakeholders Jefferson is coeditor of The 21st-Century Black Librarian at all levels in ways that enable them to become part of the in America: Issues and Challenges (Scarecrow Press, 2012) solution. This creates win-win situations for everyone.” and speaks on library-related issues regarding diversity, Werner holds an MLIS from Wayne State University and a leadership, and professional development. juris doctor from Michigan State University College of Law. In an August 28 statement, Jefferson said: “I look forward Jefferson and Werner will engage in a candidates’ forum to being a champion for library workers, who should be 4:30–5:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 26, during the 2019 recognized and celebrated for the value they bring to ALA Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits in Seattle. Each can- the communities they serve. I am also enthusiastic about didate will have an opportunity to make a statement and advocating for a healthy library economy, creating strong answer questions from the audience. financial support for libraries. The significance of ALA is the Ballot mailing for the 2019 ALA election will begin March 11 instrumental role our members perform in our communities. and will run through April 3. Individuals must be members in As ALA president I will seek to ensure that all voices are good standing as of January 31, 2019, in order to vote in the valued so together we can transform lives.” 2019 ALA election. •

8 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org NOV. Picture Book Month ALA Files Net Neutrality Brief facebook.com/picturebookmonth NOV. 2–4 LA filed an amicus brief with the US Court of Appeals for the District of YALSA Young Adult Columbia Circuit on August 27, arguing in support of strong, enforceable Services Symposium rules to protect and preserve the open internet. A Salt Lake City ALA, with other network neutrality allies—including the Association of bit.ly/yalsasymp Research Libraries, the American Council on Education, and Educause—filed in support of petitioners in the case of Mozilla Corporation v. Federal Communica- NOV. 4–10 tions Commission (FCC) and United States of America. The filings focus on how International Games Week the FCC ignored the effects on libraries and institutions of higher learning in its games.ala.org

decision to eliminate the 2015 open internet rules. NOV. 8–10 “The FCC made an ill-considered decision to roll back vital net neutrality LITA Forum | Minneapolis protections in December 2017, and it will now have to defend its arbitrary move forum.lita.org in court,” said ALA President Loida Garcia-Febo in an August 27 statement. “Network neutrality is essential to ensuring open and nondiscriminatory access JAN. 25–29 to information for all, and we have long been clear that preserving strong pro- ALA Midwinter Meeting tections is a vital concern for our nation’s libraries.” & Exhibits | Seattle The group of organizations filing in support of petitioners seeks to demon- 2019.alamidwinter.org strate to the court that the FCC’s action will, according to the brief, “imperil the MAR. 3–9 internet’s continued operation as a reliable platform for research, learning, and Teen Tech Week information sharing, and that the FCC’s decision should be reversed as arbitrary teentechweek.ning.com and capricious.” • MAR. 30–APR. 6 Money Smart Week moneysmartweek.org

Pace Running for 2019–2022 committees. He has held numerous posi- APR. ALA Treasurer tions within LITA, including 2008–2009 School Library Month Andrew K. Pace, executive director of president and LITA Budget Review ala.org/aasl/slm technical research at OCLC in Dublin, Committee member. APR. 7–13 Ohio, is candidate for treasurer of In 2006 Pace was named a fellow National Library Week ALA for 2019–2022, of the Frye Leadership Institute (now bit.ly/ALAnatlibweek currently running known as the Leading Change Institute). unopposed. In 2002 he was named Librarian of the APR. 9 A member of ALA Year by Data Research Associates. National Library for 23 years, Pace “I’m honored to have been selected by Workers Day serves on the ALA the nominating committee and humbled ala-apa.org/nlwd Andrew K. Pace Executive Board and by the work ahead,” Pace said in an APR. 10 ALA Council. He is an active member of August 27 statement. “If elected, I look National Bookmobile Day LLAMA, PLA, the Association for Library forward to following through on the bit.ly/ALABookmobileDay Collections and Technical Services exciting transformations being planned (ALCTS), the Association of College by the ALA Executive Board, Council, APR. 21–27 and Research Libraries (ACRL), and the divisions, chapters, affiliates, and the Preservation Week Library Information and Technology membership at large. As treasurer, I ala.org/preservationweek Association (LITA). want to do more than simply present JUNE 20–25 Pace has been a member of the financial data to the membership. I want ALA Annual Conference and Finance and Audit Committee since to bring my library, business, and vol- Exhibition | Washington, D.C. 2016, and has served on several other unteer experience to bear on the issues bit.ly/ALAUpcomingConfs

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 9 UPDATE

facing libraries, library workers, and library users. ALA isn’t at a crossroad; it’s on a launchpad that will help define Council Rescinds Meeting its future for the next 150 years. I look forward to being part of the diverse team Rooms Interpretation that defines that future.” Pace holds a bachelor’s degree in rhet- n August 16, ALA announced the results of the August 9–16 elec- oric and communications studies from tronic vote on a motion to rescind 2018 updates to “Meeting Rooms: the University of Virginia and an MSLS OAn Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights.” The vote was held to from the Catholic University of America. address concerns regarding the use of the term “hate groups.” Pace will participate in the candi- A total of 146 councilors voted on the measure, representing 82% of eligible dates’ forum, along with the president- voters. There were 140 votes to rescind, four not to rescind, and two absten- elect candidates, during the 2019 ALA tions. The Library Bill of Rights will revert to the 1991 version of the meeting Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits in Seattle. rooms interpretation, which was in effect until the 2018 Annual Conference and Exhibition. Volunteer for ALA Council “I would like to express my gratitude to ALA members and staff for their and Committees collaboration and feedback as we work to respond to language found within Wanda Brown, ALA president-elect, updates to the Library Bill of Rights,” said ALA President Loida Garcia-Febo seeks volunteers to serve on ALA in an August 16 statement. “The ALA continues to strive to provide resources Council and joint committees for that support equity, diversity, and inclusion and intellectual freedom. We the 2019–2021 term. Service can can only do so when all of our voices are heard. Today’s vote does not end provide ALA members with leadership conversations regarding the interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, but training, networking opportunities, rather continues our exploration regarding how we can support the profes- and experience in working on specific sion’s needs.” association topics. The Intellectual Freedom Committee established a working group that The online committee volunteer drafted a new revision of the meeting rooms interpretation and shared it in form (bit.ly/ALACommitteeVol) closes mid-October. Council is expected to vote on it prior to the 2019 ALA Midwinter November 9. Meeting & Exhibits in Seattle. • Committee appointments will be finalized at the 2019 ALA Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits, with notifications in early spring. Methodology John Abowd concluded at bit.ly/PLAFamilyEngage. The toolkit that adding a citizenship question would can be used to supplement libraries’ ALA Advocates Against have an “adverse impact on self-response marketing, fundraising, community rela- Census Citizenship Question and, as a result, on the accuracy and tions, and political advocacy work. On August 1, ALA joined 144 groups quality of the 2020 Census.” The techni- The toolkit offers strategy and tactics in opposing the addition of a citizen- cal review also states that using existing for family engagement advocates, ship question to the 2020 Census form. administrative records instead of asking including message points, customizable The groups stated their opposition in a citizenship question would provide graphics, promotional ideas, and pro- a letter submitted by the Leadership more accurate citizenship data at lower gram examples from Ideabook: Libraries Conference on Civil and Human Rights cost to the federal government. for Families, a family engagement publi- to the Department of Commerce, which The Association is engaging with the cation released in 2017 by PLA and the oversees the US Census Bureau. US Census Bureau and other stakehold- Global Family Research Project. The letter elaborates on the harm that ers to keep libraries informed of and PLA established a Family Engagement would result from adding such a ques- represented in the 2020 Census policy Initiative in 2015 to help libraries serve tion to the census, including diminished discussions and planning process. families of all types with children. data accuracy, an increased burden of information collection, and an added PLA Releases Family YALSA Introduces cost to taxpayers. The submission also Engagement Toolkit Dissertation Fellowship points to the US Census Bureau’s own PLA has released a free promotional The Young Adult Library Services January 19 technical review, in which toolkit designed to help libraries raise Association (YALSA) has established a Associate Director for Research and family engagement awareness, available Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship that

10 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org UPDATE

supports research on teens, learning, library automation. Scholarships are visits to public libraries, the advisors and libraries—specifically research that also available for minorities, persons plan to identify current gaps in service, aligns with YALSA’s National Research with disabilities, and people who are conceive professional development Agenda—by encouraging and assisting already employed in libraries but do not opportunities for library professionals, doctoral students in the field with their have an MLS. and start a national conversation in the dissertation research. To be considered, applicants must profession about the future of library Up to $3,000 annually will be given to be enrolled in an ALA-accredited services for new Americans. one recipient to cover research-related master’s degree program in library and The result will be an implementation expenses, including travel to conferences. information science. For more informa- plan for national distribution of best For eligibility requirements and to tion, visit bit.ly/ALAMLSScholarships or practices, to be informed and adapted by apply, visit bit.ly/YALSAdocfellowship. call the ALA Scholarship Clearinghouse local libraries as needed for community Applications will be accepted through at 800-545-2433, ext. 4279. conditions and context. March 1. Find more information about the ALA Lists Chicago New Americans Library Project at bit.ly/ AASL Seeks Presenters for Headquarters for Sale ALANewAmericans. 2019 National Conference On September 5, ALA announced it The American Association of School would list its headquarter buildings at ASCLA + FAFLRT = ASGCLA Librarians (AASL) invites proposals for 40 and 50 East Huron in Chicago. The Association of Specialized and 60-minute concurrent sessions to be ALA’s Executive Board and ALA senior Cooperative Library Agencies (ASCLA) held November 15–16 during its 2019 management reviewed how to strategi- and the Federal and Armed Forces National Conference and Exhibition in cally use ALA headquarters real estate Libraries Round Table (FAFLRT) Louisville, Kentucky. and in February began to work with real announced on September 4 that they Proposals should include up to three estate firm Cushman & Wakefield. have merged to form a new division: learning objectives and address how A workplace assessment and scenario the Association of Specialized, Govern- the session supports the AASL National analysis were reviewed by the Executive ment, and Cooperative Library Agencies School Library Standards for Learners, Board during the 2018 Annual Confer- (ASGCLA). School Librarians, and School Libraries. ence and Exhibition in New Orleans. The merger will add more than 400 Proposals should relate to one of the Next steps will include determining federal and armed forces librarians to new content strands—Inquire, Include, the current market value of the build- ASCLA’s membership of specialized Collaborate, Curate, Explore, and ings, engaging an architect to help librarians. FAFLRT members endorsed Engage—taken from the Shared Founda- define ALA’s workplace requirements, the merger as a means for expanding net- tions within the Standards Frameworks. and exploring opportunities to purchase working and professional development More information on proposal require- or lease space elsewhere in the down- opportunities. ments and the Shared Foundations can town Chicago area. More information about the new be found at bit.ly/AASLrfp. ASGCLA can be found at asgcladirect.org. Complete proposals must be submitted ALA to Study Public Library online by December 3, and final decisions Services for New Americans ALA Supports Hurricane will be announced on or before March 1. A new ALA study will explore how public Florence Relief Efforts libraries are meeting new Americans’ ALA and its chapters in North Carolina, 2019 ALA Scholarship needs and how the library field can South Carolina, and Virginia are working Applications Open improve those programs and services. to assist libraries affected by Hurri- ALA has more than $300,000 in schol- The New Americans Library Project cane Florence. Most Atlantic Seaboard arships available to students of library will convene a team of public librarians libraries will be involved in support science or school library media programs and partner organizations experienced efforts, serving as a lifeline for residents at the master’s degree level. Applications in providing services such as literacy and in need of Federal Emergency Manage- will be accepted through March 7 for the civic engagement programming to new ment Agency (FEMA) and insurance current application year. Americans. During the six-month proj- forms, access to electrical power, internet Scholarships range from $1,500 ect, ALA will evaluate existing library access, heat, or important information to $7,000 per student per year and service models, opportunities, and chal- about storm relief and recovery efforts. include scholarships for those inter- lenges, and recommend a national ser- ALA members can visit chapter web- ested in children’s, youth, and federal vice agenda for public libraries. Through sites for information regarding donations librarianship, as well as new media and research, personal interviews, and site and volunteer opportunities. Members

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 11 UPDATE

and advocates interested in supporting ALA’s Atlantic Seaboard library recovery efforts may visit ala.org/donate. A list of resources for dealing with natural disasters is available through the Association’s Libraries Respond page at bit.ly/LibrariesRespond.

Library Funding Secured in FY2019 Budget On September 28, President Trump signed legislation that secures fiscal year 2019 funding for federal library programs. Several programs received funding increases, despite cuts proposed in the president’s initial budget request. The Institute of Museum and Library Services received a $2 million boost. An additional $70 million in state grants will be available through Title IV-Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act, which supports school programs including libraries. Perkins Career and Technical ALA Leadership Institute Education state grants will also receive an additional $70 million to provide articipants in the sixth annual ALA Leadership Institute pose with ALA more low-interest loans for nontradi- Past President Maureen Sullivan (far right, striped shirt) at the Eagle- tional learners in schools and libraries. Pwood Resort and Spa, held August 6–9 in Itasca, Illinois. Led by Sullivan Level funding was provided for the and library and leadership consultant Kathryn Deiss, the immersive leadership Library Services and Technology Act and development program covered topics such as leading in turbulent times, the Innovative Approaches to Literacy interpersonal competence, power and influence, the art of convening groups, and Striving Readers Comprehensive and creating a culture of inclusion, innovation, and transformation. Literacy programs. For more information about the institute, including a list of 2018 par- A chart outlining FY2019 federal ticipants and eligibility requirements, visit ala.org/transforminglibraries/ funding for library programs and ala-leadership-institute. • agencies is available at bit.ly/FY19 LibraryFunding.

Applications Open for YALSA communities. Teen Summer Intern Library of the Year Award to align with Summer Learning Grants Program grants, also worth $1,000 the AASL National School Library Stan- YALSA is accepting applications for each, will be awarded to 25 libraries dards for Learners, School Librarians, and its 2019 Summer Learning Resources to support summer learning programs School Libraries. The $10,000 award, and Teen Summer Intern Grants, both and give teens opportunities to build sponsored by Follett, honors school funded by the Dollar General Literacy hands-on job skills. libraries exemplifying implementation Foundation. To learn more about the grants and to of AASL’s Standards. Twenty-five Summer Learning apply, visit bit.ly/YALSASummerGrants. Applicants must submit an elec- Resources grants worth $1,000 each will Applications close January 1. tronic portfolio that includes a com- be awarded to allow libraries in need to munity profile, collection report, and provide resources and services to teens AASL Revises National School letters of endorsement. The complete who are English-language learners, Library of the Year Rubric award criteria and application can be struggling in school, and/or who are AASL has revised the application pro- viewed at bit.ly/AASLNSLY. The dead- from socioeconomically challenged cess and rubric for its National School line is January 1.

12 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation The award-winning source for jobs in Library Extent and nature of circulation: and Information Science and Technology “Average” figures denote the number of copies printed each issue during the preceding 12 months. “Actual” figures denote the number of copies of the single issue Where job seekers and published nearest to filing date, the June 2018 issue. employers get results. Total number of copies (net press run): Average 55,482; Actual 58,639 JOB SEEKERS EMPLOYERS Paid or requested outside-county mail subscriptions: Average 47,608; Filter and sort Strengthen your Actual 50,002 hundreds of job candidate pool—ALA Paid in-county subscriptions: None ads by position reaches the engaged Sales through dealers and carriers, type, employer, professionals and street vendors, and counter sales: Average 1,860; Actual 1,930 location, job title, students you want Other classes mailed through the and more. to hire. USPS: None

Total paid and/or requested circulation: Average 49,468; Actual 51,950 joblist.ala.org

Free distribution by mail outside- county: None; In-county: None

Other classes mailed through the USPS: Average 41; Actual 46

Free distribution outside the mail: Average 752; Actual 807

Total free distribution: Average 793; Actual 853

Total distribution: Average 50,261; Actual 52,803

Copies not distributed (office use, leftovers, spoiled): Average 5,221; Actual 5,836

Total: Average 55,482; Actual 58,639

Percent paid and/or requested circulation: Average 98.42%; Actual 98.38%

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (PS Form 3526) for 2017 filed with United States Postal Service in Chicago, Sept. 14, 2018. HRDR

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 13 UPDATE

Michael A. Gutierrez 2019 ALA Nominating Committee Head of Public Services South Dakota State University

Council Candidates Announced Carl A. Harvey II he ALA Nominating Committee annually nominates candidates from among the general Assistant Professor Longwood University membership for members-at-large of Council. Individuals who are not selected by the Farmville, Virginia TNominating Committee may run for office by petition. Individuals interested in running for ALA Council by petition have until 4:30 p.m. Central time on December 5 to file an elec- April Hathcock tronic petition with the ALA executive director. The petition must have the signatures of no Scholarly Communications fewer than 25 ALA current personal members. An additional form containing biographical Librarian information and a statement of professional concerns must be submitted electronically with New York University the petition. Instructions for filing petitions and additional voting information can be found at Chris Hemingway ala.org/aboutala/governance/alaelection. Circulation Librarian Hagaman Memorial Library East Haven, Connecticut Devon Andrews Kathy Carroll Cynthia Ellison Dottin Branch Manager School Librarian Fellow, Honors College Holly Hibner Charleston County (S.C.) Public Westwood High School Florida International University Adult and Teen Services Library Blythewood, South Carolina in Miami Coordinator Carl A. Antonucci Jr. Plymouth (Mich.) District Katie Cerqua Maggie Farrell Director of Library Services Youth and Family Services Library Dean of University Libraries Central Connecticut State Manager University of Las Vegas Shana Higgins University Virginia Beach (Va.) Public Interim Library Director/ Library Oscar Baeza George J. Fowler Library Instruction Head Librarian/Associate Peter D. Coyl University Librarian Coordinator Professor Library Director Old Dominion University University of Redlands El Paso (Tex.) Community Montclair (N.J.) Public Library Norfolk, Virginia in California College Amber Creger Erica Freudenberger Shanna Hollich Jennifer C. Boettcher Youth Department Director Outreach and Engagement Collection Management Business Reference Librarian Schaumburg (Ill.) Township Consultant Georgetown University Librarian District Library Washington, D.C. Southern Adirondack Library Wilson College Lindsay Cronk System Chambersburg, Pennsylvania Laura Bonella Head of Collection Strategies Saratoga Springs, New York Associate Professor/Academic Andrea Q. Jamison University of Rochester in New Services Librarian Kevin R. Garewal Diversity Fellow/Lecturer York, River Campus Kansas State University Associate Director Valparaiso (Ind.) University Ana Elisa de Campos Salles Harvard Law School Library Derrick Burton Sara Kelly Johns Senior Librarian Library Director Cambridge, Massachusetts Online Adjunct Instructor Waldorf University Palo Alto (Calif.) City Library Debra Rhodes Gibson Syracuse (N.Y.) University Forest City, Iowa Natalie DeJonghe Library Director Lisa N. Johnston John Eric Byrnes Technology Engagement St. Johns County (Fla.) Public Director of Library Services Upper School Librarian and Librarian Library System Eckerd College Media Specialist Oak Lawn (Ill.) Public Library Christ Church Episcopal School St. Petersburg, Florida Kim DeNero-Ackroyd Bitsy Griffin Greenville, South Carolina Deputy Director School Librarian Jessica Jupitus Andrew J. Cano Cleveland Heights–University Old Town Global Academy Public Services Manager Open Education Librarian Heights (Ohio) Public Winston Salem/Forsyth Sacramento (Calif.) Public University of Nebraska–Lincoln Library County (N.C.) Schools Library

14 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org UPDATE

kYmberly Keeton Susan Mythen Brenda Pruitt-Annisette Brenda S. Sprinkle Art Librarian Library and Learning Commons Library Media Consultant and Elementary Librarian ART | library deco Manager Researcher Greendale Elementary School Jefferson City, Missouri Florida State College at AnnBroChi LLC Abingdon, Virginia Jacksonville Stone Mountain, Georgia Rebekah Kilzer William “Bill” Suduth Muzhgan Israfil Nazarova Director, Member Education Nathan Putnam Head, Government Information Turkic Languages Librarian OCLC Director, Metadata Quality and Maps Department Dublin, Ohio Library of Congress OCLC University of South Carolina Washington, D.C. LeRoy LaFleur Dublin, Ohio in Columbia Associate Director, Ginn Library L. Angie Ohler Deborah Rinio Ann K. Symons Tufts University Director of Collection Services Nontenure Track Faculty Library Activist/Library Medford, Massachusetts University of Maryland, College Park Member Consultant Amy Spence Lappin Montana State University Dermott O’Toole Memorial Deputy Director Michelle V. Ornat Library Assistant Director Daniel A. Sabol Lebanon (N.H.) Public Libraries Juneau, Alaska Chesapeake (Va.) Public Adjunct Librarian Maricar Laudato Library Bronx (N.Y.) Community William Thurston Director of Library Services Adult Services Librarian/ Eileen M. Palmer College/Mercy College Santa Margarita Catholic High Reference Librarian Executive Director School Romelia Salinas Libraries of Middlesex Oswego (Ill.) Public Library Rancho Santa Margarita, Associate Dean, Library and Automation Consortium District and Waubonsee California Learning Resources Edison, New Jersey Community College Mt. San Antonio College Rodney Lippard Anchalee (Joy) Walnut, California Joyce Valenza Director, Gregg-Graniteville Panigabutra-Roberts Assistant Professor of Teaching Library Head of Cataloging Jules Shore Rutgers University University of South University of Tennessee Systems Librarian New Brunswick, New Jersey Carolina–Aiken Shore Library Scott Piepenburg Erica Ann Watson Christin H. Lopez Rockville, Maryland Head Cataloger School Library Media Specialist Adjunct Librarian and Teen Our Lady of the Lake University Jon D. Solomon William L. Dickinson High Services Librarian, San Antonio, Texas Library Manager School Berkeley City College and Englewood (Colo.) Public Jersey City, New Jersey Sarah M. K. Potwin Alameda County (Calif.) Library Executive Library Director Library S. A. Mairson Niagara Falls (N.Y.) Public Nicole Spoor Program Assistant Nancy J. Weiner Library Social Sciences and Education Syracuse (N.Y.) School of Assistant Director, Access and Information Jana L. Prock Librarian Information Services Library Director University of North Carolina William Paterson University of Willie Miller Keller (Tex.) Public Library at Charlotte New Jersey Information and Journalism Librarian Don Welch Indiana University–Purdue Manager, Learning Resource University Indianapolis Center Kathleen Moeller-Peiffer 2019 Election Dates Fortis College Deputy State Librarian Grand Prairie, Texas allot emailing for the 2019 ALA New Jersey State Library Amber Williams election will begin on March 11. The Louis Muñoz Jr. B Managing Librarian, Strategic election will close April 3. Individuals must Reference and ILL Librarian Initiatives have renewed their ALA membership by Morristown and Morris Spokane (Wash.) County January 31, 2019, to be eligible to vote. Township (N.J.) Library Library District •

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 15 More than 250 patrons attended a recent “Paint-Along with Bob Ross” event at Ann Arbor (Mich.) District Library.

people who have never heard of Bob Ross.” The most recent event—held over two sessions on September 8— attracted 250 patrons. Sarah Burris, community relations and marketing coordinator at Northwest Regional Library System in Panama City, Florida, heard about SLCPL’s events and reached out to Scott for details. “One thing libraries are really great at is sharing with other libraries,” she says. Her library has held two programs so far and Painting with Purpose hosted 20 people per program— Libraries are helping patrons discover their inner Bob Ross double the anticipated attendance. “And we still have a waiting list,” says Burris, “so we’re going to have a BY Lara Ewen or 11 years, Bob Ross hosted At Salt Lake City Public Library third program [in October].” The Joy of Painting on PBS. His (SLCPL), Jen Scott, adult services F soothing instruction helped librarian at the Corinne and Jack Costs and beneﬁts budding artists paint landscapes, Sweet branch, has been running the Burris says her total cost for mountain ranges, and hundreds of program for more than a year. “It’s both two-hour classes was $160. “happy little trees.” The show ended such a fun idea, and nostalgia is in “Some supplies need to be refilled, in 1994 and Ross died in 1995, but now,” she says. The program, which and some don’t,” she points out. the internet and streaming services initially began at the Marmalade Canvases need to be replaced each have given new life to him and his branch, is held once a month at time, for example, and they had to program. Libraries have taken up Sweet and at other system branches buy more paint and replace a few the palette, hosting paint-along as time and demand allow. brushes. She shows the “Shade nights that blend nostalgia and The programs have proven quite of Gray” episode from YouTube stress relief—and bring new audi- popular around the country. Josie because of its manageably limited ences through their doors. Parker, library director of Ann Arbor color palette. “And for the last two (Mich.) District Library system, says minutes of the event, we pause Patron paint-alongs her first event, held in fall 2017, with Bob Ross in the background so During the events, patrons watch went so well it was expanded into people can take pictures with him,” an episode of The Joy of Painting two rooms. Both rooms filled up, she says. and paint along, while library staff- so the free program is expanding For libraries hosting more than ers facilitate and provide canvases, again. “We expected 60 people, and one event, SLCPL’s Scott says that paints, and other supplies. Some about 90 attended, so we turned it planning ahead helps stretch pro- libraries hire Certified Ross Instruc- into a series,” Parker says. Partic- gramming dollars: “The cost to buy tors, trained by Bob Ross Inc., to ipants ranged from “teenagers to everything was about $250, and lead the workshops; others obtain elderly people who are playing that lasts for six or seven programs, video permissions from the official around and having fun, to serious plus $50 per program for canvases.” Bob Ross YouTube channel or buy painters, to people who pick up on The free 90-minute to two-hour

authorized Bob Ross DVDs. it as a nostalgia thing, and even program, broadcast from YouTube, Grosshans Tracy Photos:

16 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org has benefited outreach efforts. “It’s formed a committee to discuss attracted all types of people from attracting 20- and 30-somethings to Picture Book Month all across Salt Lake County. It’s the library,” she says. “The county been a great way to get people into itself suffers from millennial flight, the library, and [it’s gotten] a lot of so to speak, and [was] looking for 2011 press,” she says. ways to attract this age group.” Year that November was designated Picture “Occasionally libraries will Book Month by Dianne de Las Casas and approach Bob Ross Inc. for per- How to be like Bob fellow children’s book authors and illustrators mission to run a class,” says Sarah Librarians looking to host their own Katie Davis, Elizabeth Dulemba, Tara Lazar, Strohl, executive assistant at Bob paint-along events should keep a and Wendy Martin. The international literacy Ross Inc. “We advise the library few tips in mind. “Try the painting initiative was in response to a 2010 New York to contact one of our Certified yourself before you do the program, Times article, “Picture Books No Longer a Ross Instructors about teaching at and take notes, because that really Staple for Children.” their event.” helps when you’re facilitating,” That was the best route for says Scott. “And it is an intensive Jennifer Shepley, manager of program, so when I’m finished, I’m community services at Chester- pretty exhausted. But I get so many field County (Va.) Public Library compliments, it’s worth the work.” (CCPL). Her system’s program- Parker, who brings a life-sized ming budget is supplemented by Bob Ross cutout to her events, its Friends group, and while the agreed. “He’s so calm and instructor fee was high—$800—it happy, and you feel great,” included all the painting supplies. she says. “It’s a moment in Attendees, who were mostly in time to just clear your head, their 20s and 30s, paid $25 for and I think a lot of people are a one-time, two-and-a-half-hour searching for that peace, partic- Friday evening event, including ularly right now.” two drink tickets. Proceeds cycled See more paint-along photos at back to Friends of CCPL, and the bit.ly/ALBobRoss after Nov. 1. 62 program attracted a lot of social Number of languages that Eric Carle’s The Very media attention. Shepley says the LARA EWEN is a freelance writer Hungry Caterpillar has been translated into, program was a huge success. “We based in Brooklyn, New York. including Aramaic, Icelandic, Latvian, Luxem- bourgish, Somali, and Yiddish. 3.1 Weight, in ounces, of the Caldecott Medal. The medal has been awarded annually since 1938 by the Association for Library Service to Children to the artist of the most distinguished Ameri- can picture book for children. 1974 Year that George Ford became the first illustrator to receive the Coretta Library Technician Valerie Sobczak (standing) created the Bob Ross paint-alongs at Scott King Book Award. He was honored for Ann Arbor (Mich.) District Library and has watched them grow in popularity. the children’s book Ray Charles. •

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 17 TRENDS

collection development has become more compli- cated because we don’t have settings in which we automatically interact with faculty,” Jacobs says. “Thinking about the library has dropped to the bottom of their list.” For example, she says, each month she sends Choice book reviews to relevant departments and asks them to alert her to any new items that should be acquired. But faculty response has dropped significantly. When Universities “The music department just says, ‘Choose for us,’” she says. “That works okay because I have a music Cut, Libraries Bleed background, so I can do it pretty How academic libraries respond to shrinking offerings easily. Whereas with social inquiry, I wouldn’t begin to know.” Many miles to the east, a $16 mil- BY Anne Ford hen a university cuts “The administration would lion budget shortfall led the Uni- majors, programs, or like us to expand hours,” Jacobs versity of Southern Maine to lay off W even an entire school, says. “That’s pretty hard to do.” 50 faculty and 100 staff members what happens to its library? The The library no longer maintains a and eliminate several departments obvious answer: Nothing good. reference desk, instead encouraging a few years ago. As for the library, it As universities across the country students seeking reference help was told to slice 10% of its budget— trim offerings in hopes of addressing to make appointments with a staff about $380,000, says Director of budget deficits, academic libraries member (something many students Libraries and University Librarian must attempt to maintain services, appear reluctant to do). Even the David Nutty. even as it becomes more and more number of student workers in the “I knew that I couldn’t just cut difficult to fulfill their missions. library has dropped, given the elimi- 10% out of collections,” Nutty says. “We’re really getting slim,” says nation of the LS minor. “Our collection budget’s not that Laura Jacobs, library science profes- Painful as it is, Jacobs finds it big. It would have just devastated sor and interim director of the Jim preferable to cut back on services collections, and what’s a library Dan Hill Library at the University of rather than to spread herself and without collections? That’s kind of Wisconsin–Superior. The university, her staff even thinner. our job. I knew [instead] I would which has a reported budget deficit “You can’t split yourself into too have to touch personnel.” of $2.5 million, has suspended 40 many jobs,” she advises. “If you’re Before making cuts, he decided programs, including the library working on updating databases, to on some principles to work from, science (LS) minor, since 2014. The mentally shift over to reference or “so that there was some rhyme or library budget has seen large cuts to do instruction for a class or to try reason to what we were doing.” as well. to do collection development—it’s The first of those: Do everything Suspension means that a pro- pretty much crazy-making.” possible to maintain services. The gram is not permitted to accept new She’s also attempted to shore second: Try to preserve as many students as majors, not that the up the library’s relationship with positions as possible, knowing that program itself is closed. That means university faculty, which, she says, “these things are almost always that the library must continue to has suffered from the fact that she is cyclical and that at some point support the suspended programs, the only remaining member of the down the road the university would even while it has only two staff LS faculty. come back. I didn’t want to position librarians (not including Jacobs) to “Building the personal rela- the library in such a way that it

serve a student population of 2,500. tionships that are necessary for wouldn’t be [able] to recover.” Stock © Rawpixel.com/Adobe Photo:

18 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org TRENDS

In addition to making person- At Rider University in Law- “You can’t split yourself into nel cuts, the library has stopped renceville, New Jersey, a decision acquiring journals, monographs, to sell the university’s music school, too many jobs. It’s pretty and other items in subject areas Westminster Choir College, to supporting the eliminated depart- a Chinese company has left the much crazy-making.” ments. “We’ve got great interlibrary library feeling as if it’s about to LAURA JACOBS, library science professor and loan, we’ve got access to databases, “separate conjoined twins,” says interim director of the Jim Dan Hill Library at the but we really can’t operate as a Senior Associate Provost and Dean University of Wisconsin–Superior research library,” Nutty says. “We of Libraries Richard L. Riccardi. just had to respond to the environ- “We can’t offer every discipline. We ment we were in.” just can’t anymore. On the bright side, that envi- “We have fine arts here at the In addition to selling the music ronment seems to be changing: Lawrenceville campus, and we have school, Rider has eliminated several For fiscal year 2019, the library organ, voice, piano, and handbell majors in the past few years. Ric- received a budget increase, some- [library offerings] up at Westmin- cardi declines to give specifics as to thing Nutty attributes at least in ster, and where those resources how these changes have affected the part to the way in which it con- overlap is going to be an interesting library’s collection decisions, saying ducted the previous cuts. “Because challenge,” he continues. “All these only, “Any library will look at use we handled the cuts as profession- database contracts will need to be statistics and things like that. It’s the ally as we could, that has given us renegotiated, because we won’t have mathematics of the moment.” credibility where the administra- a branch campus anymore. West- tion feels like they want to invest minster moving forward will have to ANNE FORD is American Libraries back in the library,” he says. join consortia as its own entity.” editor-at-large.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 19 T ENDS

Dr. Dave demonstrates Bernoulli’s prin- ciple with a leaf blower and toilet paper at Ohio State University’s Whiz Bang Science Café at Worthington Libraries.

to the public, and in the summer kid-friendly cafés are held at the Worthington (Ohio) Libraries. Past topics have included animal cloning, Ohio forests, and puppy behavior. Organizer Danny Dotson, head of the OSU Orton Memorial Library of Geology, says that he has received many “requests for a repeat performance—even as our presenters were just winding up.” Most rewarding, he says, are the children who remember what they learned from a previous event and tell other Excited about Science presenters all about it. Academic libraries get their students An inconvenient webcast and community engaged Faculty buy-in was crucial when Oberlin (Ohio) College Libraries partnered with the school’s environ- BY Alison n our campus there lives Genomic Sciences Laboratory. With mental studies program in 2017 to S. Ricker a microbe that can poop those sequences, NCSU Libraries led host a screening of the documentary Ogold,” says Danica Lewis, a bioinformatics workshop where film An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to collections and research librarian participants conducted further Power, accompanied by a live nation- for life sciences at North Carolina genetic analyses. wide Q&A webcast with its subject, State University (NCSU) in Raleigh. “Thanks to our incredible volun- former US Vice President Al Gore. “We just don’t know where it is.” teers,” Lewis says, “we were able to Oberlin faculty shared information That’s how, last spring, Lewis collect more than 200 samples from well in advance and submitted ques- enticed NCSU students into joining all over campus.” Some of the anal- tions from students, one of which a Wolfpack Citizen Science Chal- yses even indicated the potential Gore answered during the webcast. lenge, the university’s periodic call presence of a previously unknown The Oberlin chapter of the grass- for student engagement in ongoing species of Delftia at NCSU. roots environmental group Citizens’ research, which saw them looking The Wolfpack challenge is one Climate Lobby was busy outside for samples of Delftia acidovorans, example of how libraries can collab- the Science Center’s lecture hall, a bacterium known for its curious orate with campus labs to achieve engaging students in conversation ability to produce tiny pellets of scientific results. Another way is to and reinforcing the film’s message. 24-karat gold after feeding on a host a science café in the library, Students wrote postcards to elected solution of gold chloride. where people with similar interests officials, telling personal stories The library furnished students take a deep dive into a specific topic about climate change and asking with kits that they used to gather soil and forge effective partnerships in officials to reduce carbon pollution samples around campus, which were an informal setting. and mitigate global warming. then returned to NCSU’s biotechnol- The Ohio State University (OSU) The University of Calgary’s Galla- ogy lab for extracting DNA to locate libraries in Columbus, in collabora- gher Library celebrates science with the “gold-pooping gene,” as Lewis tion with the scientific honor society its Beakerhead festival, held every calls it. They then took the samples Sigma Xi, have hosted a monthly September since 2013 at multiple with the most Delftia and sequenced science café in various campus loca- locations throughout the city.

a portion of the gold genes at the tions since 2008. The cafés are open Library Director Heather Ganshorn Libraries (Ohio) Worthington Photo:

20 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org TRENDS says that the festival gives the librarian for engineering, says. Academic libraries are a library an opportunity to promote “Their interest is confirmed by the its services, including its audio- feedback we collect after the event natural habitat for encouraging visual editing booths, makerspaces, and throughout the school year.” and virtual reality studio. “We science literacy on campus. recruit faculty and science students Pop-up programs from across campus and from our and social media own staff who can demo maker Some libraries showcase their kits, simulations, virtual reality, resources with pop-up events. accounts function in a similar and other cool stuff,” Ganshorn Matt Hayward, STEM librarian at manner, often featuring science says. This year the festival included University of Texas at San Antonio, news beyond campus. wearable tech, robot improv puppet timed his pop-up event on female Digital displays broaden the view theater, dynamic math simulations, scientists to coincide with Women’s from the library. Harvard Univer- and a 3D sculpting workshop. History Month last March. Students sity will use both mobile and fixed The Kelvin Smith Library at had the opportunity to play citizen displays in its newly renovated Case Western Reserve University in scientist mobile games created by Cabot Science Library to showcase Cleveland partners with scientific women, watch streaming videos research data from different labs vendors and publishers to present about women in STEM, browse a around campus, including a solar the Science and Engineering Library bookcase filled with science books wall from the Center for Astrophys- Resources Lab, which takes place and DVDs, and add notes to a ics, according to Amy Van Epps, in the engineering department and whiteboard in answer to the ques- Cabot’s director of sciences and aims to familiarize faculty, staff, tion, “Who or what inspired you to engineering services. and students with the library’s study a STEM field?” Academic libraries are a natural STEM offerings. Vendor repre- Social media is another venue for habitat for encouraging science sentatives appreciate the direct highlighting library resources and literacy on campus. Creating excite- interaction with users and support science musings. Becca Greenstein, ment around science helps build the event by providing refreshments STEM librarian at Northwestern the momentum for evidence-based and giveaways. “The food and University Libraries in Evanston, decision making that serves the prizes may be the initial attractions, Illinois, is one of many who use common good. but we have observed students Twitter to promote science-related staying long after the food is gone,” library events, services, and col- ALISON S. RICKER is head of the Sci- Daniela Solomon, research services lections. The Oberlin social media ence Library at Oberlin (Ohio) College.

Join American Libraries Associate Editor Phil Morehart as he hosts conversations with librarians, authors, thinkers, and scholars about topics from the library world.

Listen at bit.ly/deweydecibel or find us on iTunes

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 21 T ENDS

Judith A. Downie poses with growlers from CSUSM Library’s Brewchive.

Collecting more recent materials provides active learning opportunities for students studying business (marketing and business planning), science (recipe development and industry technology), and history (archival research experience and exhibits), as well as for scholars and community members. After a year of planning, the Brewchive launch campaign culmi- nated in August 2017 at an event at Stone Brewing in Escondido. As the CSUSM “beer histo- rian,” I am involved in local and national collaborations with other archives and historians as well as local outreach. I hear a great deal of enthusiasm for the project, eagerness to visit the collection, Tapping into Beer History and gratitude that our beer history University creates archive for local breweriana is being saved. Much time is spent building personal connections with local brewers to prove that we are ho’s collecting San Diego’s beer history?” This question—asked by Char serious about this project. And it Booth, California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) Library associate has paid off: Stone Brewing, the Wdean, during a brewing science certificate proposal review in 2016—launched largest brewery in Southern Califor- what would become the Brewchive at CSUSM Library. In 2018, the archive received the nia, has donated hundreds of boxes American Library Association’s John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award. of its archival materials. There are challenges, most nota- bly the scarcity of materials. I have BY Judith an Diego County is an find no institution actively collect- prioritized searching for individuals A. Downie epicenter for the craft beer ing San Diego–area breweriana or active in San Diego brewing’s early S movement, with more than business archives for research pur- 150 large and small craft breweries. poses. Brewchive planning began in But how did we get here? Relatively 2016 with a small advisory group of We decided to few materials exist from pre- local brewing-industry profession- Prohibition San Diego breweries. als. We defined our audience and focus on evidence Some breweries were established scope to meet the needs of CSUSM of personal and post-Prohibition, but they were students in the brewing certificate unable to compete with larger program as well as those of local business brewing national breweries and closed by professionals. We decided to focus 1953. A resurgence in the mid- on evidence of personal and busi- activity in San Diego 1980s grew into the industry that ness brewing activity in San Diego County from the thrives today. County from the 1980s to present, With the approval of CSUSM such as articles of incorporation, 1980s to present. Library Dean Jennifer Fabbi, I marketing materials like glassware

explored local resources and could and coasters, and oral histories. (Brewchive) Zanten Van Brandon Photos:

22 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org TRENDS

years so I can collect their oral histories, which will be transcribed and digitized for the Brewchive website (archives.csusm.edu/ brewchive). This project requires Galileo’s Lost Letter time, patience, and trust-building as many breweries are busy, one- UNITED KINGDOM The person operations. Others do not original letter, long thought lost, in see value in saving or donating which Italian astronomer Galileo their time and materials. One Galilei first set down his arguments challenge I may never resolve is a against the church’s doctrine that request for a particular brewery’s the sun orbits the earth, was redis- beer recipe: It is proprietary infor- covered in August in the Royal Soci- mation, and even if the brewery ety Library in London. Its unearthing retires the beer, it may get brewed exposes critical new details about again in the future. the saga that led to his condemna- Galileo Galilei’s 1613 letter in which tion for heresy in 1633. The seven- he criticizes the church’s geocen- page letter, filled with edits, was tric model. written to a friend on December 21, 1613, and provides strong evidence that Galileo actively tried to spread a toned-down version of his claims. The letter had been misdated in the library catalog since at least 1840.—Nature, Sept. 21.

BRAZIL A massive fire that raced through the 200-year-old National Museum in Rio de Janeiro on September 2 has destroyed almost 90% of its collection of more than 20 million items, ranging from archaeological finds to historical memorabilia. Firefighters battling the flames were joined by dozens of museum employees who tried to salvage invaluable artifacts and documents. Officials It is too early to measure our Judith A. Downie confirmed in mid-September that its substantial scientific library sur- success—we are still processing removes a beer tap vived the blaze. Institutions around the world sent their condolences, from storage in the collections to be ready for the start Brewchive. with the British Library tweeting that the tragedy was a “reminder of of CSUSM’s brewing science certif- the fragility and preciousness of our shared global heritage.” icate program in spring 2019—but —Associated Press, Sept. 2; British Library Twitter, Sept. 3; BBC News, Sept. 4; we hope to use what we learn to Museums Association, Sept. 13. develop other specialized collections with ties to our region. We also TAIWAN A collaboration between architectural firms Bio- plan to use the ArchivesSpace online Architecture Formosana and Italy’s Carlo Ratti Associati won the information management system international design competition for the southern branch of the and implement digitization efforts National Taiwan Library and Repository in Tainan. The design is to make the collection more visible based on the idea of a library being an open environment with and accessible. I’m also thinking “rooms of knowledge.” The building will also have space for a book about how to ensure growth beyond gallery, academic archives, and a digital preservation center. my efforts. I’m often asked how —Taiwan News, Sept. 24. someone can become a “beer histo- rian,” which opens a conversation CANADA In response to the rise in homeless people using its on a wide range of new opportuni- branches, the Toronto Public Library has hired Rahma Hashi, its first ties in information sciences. full-time social worker to deal with homelessness, a move that could be copied by big-city libraries across Canada. The social worker JUDITH A. DOWNIE is special collec- will help raise awareness among branch librarians on how to deal tions and history librarian at California respectfully with vulnerable people who may suffer from mental

Photo: Royal Society (letter) Society Royal Photo: State University San Marcos Library. health issues, addiction, and homelessness.—Toronto Star, Sept. 19. •

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 23 TRENDS

it. I do try and recommend books Andrew Luck to my teammates and get recom- mendations from them. It’s a big Pro football star shares his love of literacy locker room with a lot of diversity, with rookie and veteran readers which makes it an amazing place. I don’t think people appreciate how cool an NFL locker room is and how f you follow the National Football League (NFL), you many different interests there are. know that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew ILuck is back. The star QB has returned to the field What’s a book you’ve read recently after undergoing shoulder surgery and missing the 2017 that really stuck with you? The [vet- season. But while sidelined, he had time to focus on another passion—reading. The erans] book for July was Homegoing Andrew Luck Book Club (andrewluckbookclub.com), which started in 2016 with both a by Yaa Gyasi. It’s fiction, and it pick for younger “rookie” readers (Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli) and more seasoned recounts two half sisters in Africa “veterans” (The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown), uses regular book selections, many, many, many generations ago social media, and podcasts to drive discussions with students, fans, and authors, and who get split up. One line of the motivate reluctant readers. American Libraries talked with Luck about his initiative, his family stays in Africa, and one gets relationship with books, and meeting author John Green. shipped to America through the slave trade. It is very powerful and emotionally evocative. Have you always been an avid [by Larry McMurtry] for like 17 and reader? Do you have any fond a half of those 18 hours. Earlier this year, you interviewed book or library memories from [When my family was] living in author John Green for The Great childhood? I always have been Europe, we would come back to the American Read campaign. How was an avid reader. It was encouraged States and visit my grandparents that experience? Were you previ- in our household. I remember an in Houston during that part of the ously familiar with Green’s work? 18-hour car ride to summer when you couldn’t be out- I am very familiar with John Green’s Colorado from side for too many hours of the day. work and his fan base. I was not as Houston, and So every third day we ended up in familiar with his vlog and online reading Lone- the library, checking out books or education work. I knew him more some Dove sitting and reading. as an author and was honestly intro- duced to his writing because of the What made you start your own movie The Fault in Our Stars. book club? I wanted to share my Interviewing him was great. He is love and enjoyment of reading with fantastic, funny, and sharp. He very others and really try to encourage much put me at ease and it was spe- kids to pick up a book that maybe cial. (To watch Luck’s full interview they wouldn’t have otherwise. I with Green, visit bit.ly/LuckGreen.) think literature is such a big, big world. How awesome would it be In that interview with Green, you if more kids were reading books were pretty forthcoming about the instead of being on their phones or anxiety you felt working through computers all day? your injury. How are you feeling now, being back on the field? What’s been the reaction to the I think John [Green] does a great job Andrew Luck Book Club among writing about anxiety in Turtles All your teammates and other players the Way Down, and certainly parts of in the NFL? Have they asked for it spoke to me. But it is really awe- personalized reading recommen- some being back on the field. I feel dations? The reaction has been great. There is still a lot of work to positive. Like anything, you get do, and there always will be work to

ribbed, but guys enjoy asking about do, but I feel really rejuvenated. Indianapolis Colts Photo:

24 November/December 2018 TRENDS

“We have an obligation to support libraries. To protest the closure of libraries. If you do not value libraries, you are silencing the voices of the past and you are damaging the future.”

NEIL GAIMAN, “Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell on Why We Need Libraries—An Essay in Pictures,” The Guardian (UK), September 6.

“Today, as cities and suburbs “Dear Forest Park (Ill.) Public Library, continue to reinvent themselves, I know it’s silly to write a love letter to my library, but you know how and as cynics claim that government it goes. Love makes one do silly has nothing good to contribute to things…. You are just so charming.” ASHLEY HOLSTROM, “A Love Letter to My that process, it’s important that Former Library,” Book Riot, August 7. institutions like libraries get the “Knowledge is the most powerful recognition they deserve. It’s worth transformative force that helps nations noting that liber, the Latin root of evolve, and libraries are the backbone.” the word library, means both ‘book’ ALI HAMSA, chief secretary to the government of Malaysia, during the Opening General Session of the International Feder- and ‘free.’ Libraries stand for and ation of Library Associations and Institutions’ World Library and Information Congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, August 25. exemplify something that needs defending: the public institutions “THIS IS NOT JUST A that—even in an age of atomization, BARGAINING CHIP OF AN ISSUE FOR US. THIS IS A FUNDAMENTAL polarization, and inequality—serve ETHIC OF OUR PROFESSION.” as the bedrock of civil society. ” MARTIN J. BRENNAN, copyright librarian at UCLA, in “Do College ERIC KLINENBERG, “To Restore Civil Society, Start with Librarians Have Academic Freedom? Amid Push, California’s ‘Will

Photo: Kyle Cassidy Kyle Photo: the Library,” The New York Times, September 8. Not Be Silent,’ ” The Chronicle of Higher Education, August 27.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 25 Good JOB

How to make “You’re hired!” happen

ob-seeking: It’s not for the faint of heart. No matter how well you polish your résumé, press your interview outfit, and practice your J handshake, there’s something about looking for a new position that sets the nerves fluttering. Fortunately, the traits that bring librarians to the profession— diligence, curiosity, intelligence, and flexibility—are the same ones that can win them a position. And American Libraries is here to show you how.

Just a few of the things we cover in this special package: ■ How to network without feeling like a phony ■ The LIS skills that can help snag higher salaries ■ What leads some people of color to give diversity fellowships a miss ■ Why résumé length doesn’t matter as much as you think ■ The signals of a truly welcoming workplace Not on the market right now? There’s still plenty for you here, including the pros and cons of joining a union, plus guidance on growing professionally at every stage of your working life. Whether you’re fresh out of library school or in the middle of your career, hoping to make a change or just make some money, you’ll find something in these pages to help push you forward. Read on.

26 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Illustrations: Jean Tuttle

27 SPECIAL REPORT: CAREERS

the employer is looking for an adult pro- Résumé Yea or gramming librarian to “provide readers’ advisory and reference services,” you’ll want to make sure that your résumé Résumé Nay? includes the words “readers’ advisory” and “reference,” for example. This is especially crucial when it The dos and don’ts that comes to technological requirements, can land you the job which an ATS often weights heavily. If the job posting says applicants must be proficient in Microsoft Office and famil- BY Anne Ford iar with LibGuides, the exact words “Microsoft Office” and “LibGuides” ost of us update our résumé only every few years at most— must appear in your résumé if you don’t meaning that as times change, it can be difficult to know want to be automatically disqualified. M how to present this crucial document in the most effective and up-to-date way. That’s why we’ve enlisted National Résumé Templates Writers’ Association President Mary Jo King and San José (Calif.) State University School of Information Student and Alumni Career Consultant There they are, right in Microsoft Word Jill A. Klees to give the thumbs-up or thumbs-down on several common or on the internet, dozens of résumé résumé practices. templates free for the taking. Resist them, Klees counsels. read the same,” says King. Instead, she “When students send me a résumé, I Objectives recommends a short opening summary can tell very quickly if it’s in a template that includes a positioning statement format, and I recommend they take or slogan encapsulating what differen- it out,” she says. “Templates are very Once, many résumés led with a section tiates you from your competition. She confining. They don’t let people create a titled “Objectives,” listing what the appli- recently crafted the following example: document that’s the best representation cant sought: “A challenging entry-level “Improving process, safety, and infra- of themselves and what they can offer. librarian position with opportunities for structure for bottom-line results.” And a lot of times, the template format- professional growth,” for example. ting is really odd. It might have thick bor- No more. “We don’t ders or a big heading section that takes a do objectives any- Keywords lot of real estate. It just looks awkward.” more, because they all

The first eyes on your résumé are Metrics unlikely to be human. Rather, most employers now use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to weed “Everything an individual does over the out the initial round of job seekers. course of a workday either contributes to That ATS determines which appli- or detracts from the bottom line,” King cants are qualified for an interview on says. “Metrics make that story strong.” the basis of keywords. So how do you Don’t just state that you reduced know which keywords to include? turnover on your team; point out that You mine them from the job posting, you reduced it by 25%. Have you orches- King explains. If the posting states that trated a change from one enterprise

28 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org platform to another? Make sure to note experience in the field. Is it worth that you increased information retrieval including your job experience in other Worry about efficiency by 10%. areas? Absolutely, as long as you tailor it longevity “A lot of times people will say, ‘I don’t to the LIS field. This applies even if, say, know the exact number,’ ” Klees says. “I you worked your way through college “It’s a much more transient work say, if you can guesstimate, go for it.” taking orders at Whataburger. environment than it used to be,” King “You might think, ‘Well, nobody reports. “When I first started writing cares about what a server did, so I don’t résumés, longevity was critical; we One-page limit have any relevant experience,’” King wanted to demonstrate at least a couple says. “But we can use that information of years’ employment in each job.” to the candidate’s benefit nonetheless. These days, she says, just making it Now that résumés are seldom submitted We can demonstrate motivation. We to a year in each position counts as lon- as hard copy, their length matters less can demonstrate customer service gevity. Employers know that if younger than it used to. skills. If you were a server and you workers aren’t happy in a job, they move “It’s not about the length. It’s about got employee of the month because on. So don’t worry if your résumé doesn’t the space that it takes to tell the story of the scores your customers returned include a 10-year stint at a company the adequately,” King says. In her view, on surveys, that’s something worth way your parents’ résumés did. employers care much less about how mentioning.” long a résumé is than they do about Take Kelly Drifmeyer. In a past life, how easy it is to navigate. Try to squeeze she was a college professor and profes- Persist your résumé onto a single page and sional musician. By turning her 12-page, you’re likely to end up short-selling your music-oriented curriculum vitae into a accomplishments and creating a docu- two-page, library-focused résumé, she Using the techniques recommended ment that resembles a wall of text. landed a position as a librarian at San here can help speed up a job search. That said, for brand-new graduates, Antonio College Library. Still, everyone experiences rejection at one page is still usually appropriate. “Musicians are in the library all the some point, and it’s important not to let Though, Klees says, “if you have enough time,” Drifmeyer points out. “Because it interfere with your efforts. really good, solid information that I worked at a school that was primarily During her yearlong search, Drifmeyer relates to the job, and it goes to two an education program for performance racked up about two rejections a month. pages, fabulous. Do it.” students, I maintained my own library “For 19 positions, I did not get a nibble,” in my studio. Cataloging and assess- she recalls. “For one of them, I inter- ing materials, reading—all of those viewed and was not offered the job. And Nonlibrary skills are things you often use in other the job I have now is number 21. They work experience professions. You just have to name them were like, ‘Yay! Come work for us!’” with the language that librarians use, Let’s say you’re a new library-school not with the language that a teacher or a ANNE FORD is editor-at-large of American graduate with little or no work businessperson would use.” Libraries.

“Have your résumé reviewed by a librarian in your specific field of interest. Make sure to highlight your accomplishments—no need to be humble.”

PAOLO P. GUJILDE, Emerging Leaders, Class of 2015 and collections and scholarly communications librarian/associate professor, National Louis University in Chicago

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 29 SPECIAL REPORT: CAREERS

Here are a few tips I offer people for salary research: ■ Several regularly published industry salary surveys focus on different aspects of the workforce. See if your LIS school or library has print copies of recent survey results or access to online databases. ■ Search current and recent job ads for similar positions in similar cities or organizations. ■ Many public sector jobs are required to disclose at least some salary information in publicly available data sources. ■ Consult online salary data aggrega- tors such as Glassdoor. ■ Look for references to salaries, benefits, and other staffing expenditure trends in the organization’s recent annual reports. Is it investing in its staff? Have there been regular pay The Salary raises? Have there been layoffs or furloughs?

Question You mentioned looking for salary info in job ads, but a lot of employers leave Negotiating the ins and outs of that out. Why don’t all employers include salary and benefits information earning a fair compensation in their ads? For many of the employers who don’t mention salaries—or offer unhelpfully obscure phrases like “com- or more than 10 years, David Connolly has interacted with mensurate with experience”—it seems to be a negotiating tactic. Strategies for job seekers and employers in his role as recruitment ad any type of negotiation often recom- F sales manager with ALA JobLIST, the online career center mend that you avoid being the first to administered by American Libraries, ACRL’s College and Research Libraries suggest a price for something. It’s a News magazine, and ALA’s Office for Human Resource Development and regrettably widespread practice across most professions. Less frequently, Recruitment. We asked Connolly for his insights on salary negotiations, some employers take that even further including the biggest mistake applicants make regarding salary. and request the applicant’s salary history, which can put a prospective What’s the first thing someone should come into any negotiation armed with employee at an even greater negotiat- think about when negotiating salary? evidence to support the worth of your ing disadvantage. Several states—such Research. If there is one aspect of job expertise and services in a position. as California, Massachusetts, and negotiation that is tailor-made for Research will give you the facts to refer Vermont—prohibit employers from someone with an LIS background, it’s to during negotiations and, with that, requesting salary history information this. Exhaust every available resource to the confidence to take a firm position. from job applicants.

30 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org What should be done about ads that are exceptions, it is nearly always a don’t include salary information? good idea to counter the initial offer Some job seekers say they refuse to rather than accept what the employer apply for any position that doesn’t offers without question. If the proposed provide concrete salary and benefits salary is firm, they will tell you. But if details up front. But that could mean your counteroffer is reasonable, it is passing on what might otherwise be unlikely to sour them on you. If they an appealing job prospect, which is not can’t move on salary, say, for budget realistic for everyone. Employers will reasons, see whether benefits such as change their practices when they believe professional development funding, that it’s costing them good employees, flexible schedules, or vacation time can Median annual salary so let them know that you notice when be negotiated. I recently heard about for full-time librarians: salary information is or is not included an academic librarian who negotiated in their ads. You can also find a bevy of an improved placement on her uni- strategies and background information versity’s daycare waitlist as part of her $50,671 to negotiate personal salary and effect hiring package. WOMEN institutional change in the ALA–Allied Professional Association’s “Advocating Any final thoughts about the job for Better Salaries Toolkit,” along with search? There is little unique about the $57,961 other resources for improving the sala- library job search. General job search MEN ries and status of library workers, at advice—or advice tailored to the type Source: US Bureau of Labor bit.ly/ALA-APApay. of organization you want to work Statistics (2016) ALA has tackled this issue from sev- for—is at least as valuable as any you eral angles over the years. For example, find specifically about librarianship. from the late 1970s through the early A job search requires intentionally 1990s, the Association rejected job ads learned and practiced skills, whether that did not provide salary information. it’s effectively preparing your appli- This did not result in changing adver- cation, interviewing, or negotiating. tisers’ practices, however; they instead My advice is to never stop looking for chose other avenues to get their recruit- and reading articles on these topics, ing messages out. Most libraries operate attending talks and workshops, within a larger organization’s HR and referring to your school’s career or recruitment practices and are subject placement services office resources, to rules they might not agree with, and getting feedback from those who whether they are part of a municipal or have succeeded before you. other government, college or university, school system, or corporation. ALA Many ALA units offer webinars, conference continues to recommend that employers programs, articles, and other professional include a salary range with all listings development opportunities with advice about the job search, negotiations, and whenever possible. More background on other topics related to career planning. ALA’s policies on salaries in job ads can The ALA Office for Human Resource be found at bit.ly/JobAdFAQ. Development and Recruitment maintains career development resources at bit.ly/ 3 out of 5 What’s the biggest mistake you see ALACareerDev, including a free “Career American employees DID NOT people make regarding their salaries? Development Resource Guide” that was recently released. ALA JobLIST also NEGOTIATE their salary in their The most costly mistake some people offers resources for job seekers at bit.ly/ current or most recent job. make is failing to negotiate their salary ALAJobTips, including a section on salary at the time they’re hired. While there negotiations. Source: Glassdoor (2016)

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 31 SPECIAL REPORT: CAREERS

Finding Networking Advice a Job Get involved with professional Don’t neglect networking (see also associations at the local, state, for Every p. 42). According to a 2016 survey and national levels.“Get over any by hiring consultant Lou Adler, net- personal shyness you have,” says working plays a role for at least half Johns. “In order to make a differ- Phase of applicants who find jobs. ence in my library program, I had to accept that it wasn’t about me—it here’s no shortage of career was about my students and work- T advice out there, but what STARTING OUT ing collaboratively with faculty.” works for one person in one Cast a wide net. Assess your skills and all the ways they can be used. STARTING OUT situation might not be helpful in “Students and recent graduates other cases. In this chart, we’ve often undersell their skills,” says Maintain the connections you build in school. Recognize that most collected some of the best advice Klees, “so they tend to shy away from applying for jobs if their skills librarians are happy to meet col- for all phases of a career—in don’t match the description exactly. leagues who want to learn from a variety of tricky job-related People don’t see the transferability them, and that finding a mentor situations. of their experience.” can play a big part in job satisfac- tion. According to a 2016 Deloitte We talked with Sara Kelly Johns, survey, having a mentor more than retired school librarian, online MID-CAREER doubles the chance that a millennial instructor, and school library activ- Consider lateral moves, which will stay with an organization for might not immediately increase pay more than five years. ist; Kathryn Kjaer, head of library but will teach you new skills and human resources at University of increase your value. In the mean- MID-CAREER California, Irvine; and Jill Klees, time, “develop your career story Continue to make connections career consultant to students and and your narrative,” says Kjaer, “so you can explain what you’ve done, in classes and at conferences, alumni at San José State University where you’re hoping to go next, workshops, and ALA meetings. School of Information. and why.” Don’t forget to follow up after an event! Says Klees: “Any time you’re making a career change is a great SEASONED time to reach out to your network, Kjaer recommends assessing your and so are people’s birthdays. Meet skills and experience: “If you’re them for lunch or coffee, or sched- interested in branching out, build ule a chat on the phone.” on the experience you have and look into opportunities in dif- SEASONED ferent areas.” Consider consulting or remaining involved in the field after retirement. Reach out to your network before- hand to let them know your plans.

“As a librarian, you never stop learning. If you do, you’re in trouble, and your

library community is in trouble.” —SARA KELLY JOHNS

32 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Career Professional Personal Planning Growth Fulfillment

Kjaer suggests setting clear “Never be afraid to accept Engaging with the profession out- objectives: “An annual plan where challenges,” Johns says, “even if side your organization can open librarians work with their supervi- you don’t have the needed skills or your eyes to new possibilities and sors to develop goals …. and ideas resources yet. You’re going to find provide perspective. Be honest for professional development can them from other library profession- with yourself about how profession- be really valuable.” als and from conferences and work- ally involved you want to be outside shops, as well as online and through your main job. “Not everybody social media connections.” needs those challenges in their life,” STARTING OUT Johns says. “Maybe their challenge Collect information about career is to climb mountains instead.” opportunities and necessary STARTING OUT skills, using your school’s Apply for ALA’s Emerging Leaders career resources, program (bit.ly/ALA_EL). If there’s STARTING OUT librarycareers.org, a project you want to work on, Get to know your community and and ALA JobLIST speak up; let your team know your administration and what’s import- to understand professional interests. Read profes- ant to them. Understand that not typical library sional journals, and read and con- everyone in your community will jobs. “The best tribute to blogs and discussion lists. be ready to incorporate your ideas thing is to talk right away. “Find a few people who to people who are willing to change their instruc- MID-CAREER are doing jobs that tional practices to incorporate your sound interesting to Look at job post- information,” Johns says. “And then you. Get as much information ings to see what promote the collaboration—success as you can,” says Klees. skills employers are breeds success!” looking for, and take classes to keep up with MID-CAREER market trends. Develop MID-CAREER Fight burnout! If you find yourself skills by volunteering Stay energized. Says Klees: “If I just going through the motions, in the community and were working with someone who’s find ways to refresh or innovate in leading committees or task burned out, I’d say, ‘Let’s look at your position—or take your ennui forces. Consider applying your values and compare that to as a sign to move on. for the ALA Leadership Insti- your job and see where the gaps tute (bit.ly/ALAleaders). are.’” Take note of resources for caregivers: bit.ly/caregiverstoolkit. SEASONED Plan for succession by identifying SEASONED key people and making sure they Explore postgraduate certifi- SEASONED have the skills necessary to transi- cation opportunities. Review Understand that giving back tion into and thrive in a new role. leadership training resources such through mentoring and professional Also determine how involved you as the ones on this list: bit.ly/ involvement can be personally as want to remain in the profession ALAleadertraining. well as professionally gratifying. after retirement.

“When I was moving from my first professional job to my next one, my director told me, ‘Never forget where you came from.’ Be kind and respectful to people as you move on in your career.” —JILL KLEES

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 33 SPECIAL REPORT: CAREERS

“In our postings, we indicate that we’re a welcoming environment to all individuals. It’s not just that compliance statement that a lot of companies use; we actually put time and effort into creating a more comprehensive diversity statement that indicates that everybody is welcome. And we like to see that reflected in some way, shape, form, or fashion in an applicant’s résumé or cover letter.” —D’SHAUNDRA WOLFE, human resources senior business partner, University of Michigan Library in Ann Arbor

“It’s a pet peeve when you reach out to [an applicant] for an interview and you don’t hear from them. It’s okay to say, ‘I’m not interested’ or ‘I’ve found another position.’ I think sometimes applicants feel like, ‘Because I’ve withdrawn, they might not consider me for future oppor- HR Confidential tunities,’ and that’s not the case. We actually appreciate it, because then we Inside tips from higher-ups who hire can move on.” —WOLFE

BY Anne Ford “If you’re going to apply for a librarian position, it’s about community. It’s no longer going to be somebody ou’ve checked your résumé for typos and had your interview sitting behind a desk. You need to be outfit dry-cleaned. What else can you do to make the best willing to go out in the community, impression on your would-be workplace? We asked three library walk around the library, and be there Y for your customers. Demonstrate HR experts to spill the beans on the secret things—little and big—that can that.” —ANONYMOUS help candidates get the (best) job offers. Navigating the interview Applying for a job “Do provide a cover letter. Not every- “One of the things that people aren’t “I know we’re all guilty of this in the body does, and that’s a big mistake.” conscious of is the handshake. There HR profession: We sometimes create a —ANONYMOUS PUBLIC LIBRARY HR was a guy I interviewed for a position, very lengthy list of qualifications in our MANAGER, southwest Indiana and he didn’t realize his strength. He job postings. I have heard that that can almost broke my hand, that’s how hard be daunting to early-career people. I he was shaking it. It was just a combina- would suggest they go ahead and apply “We really don’t care tion of him being excited and nervous at but try to amplify in their cover letter or about your GPA. the same time. You don’t have to shake résumé things they’ve done that show so hard.” —WOLFE they have some of these skills and that Your experiences are they have the potential to learn more.” “Do your homework. People come in — KATHRYN KJAER, head of library human what’s important.” and they’re like, ‘Well, I don’t really resources, University of California, Irvine —ANONYMOUS know much about you.’ It’s like, ‘Have

34 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org you seen our website? That might give Help Wanted you a clue.’ Look at the website, go through the board meetings, look at the programs, really immerse yourself Get better job ad results and in what’s going on at the library you’re attract stellar applicants applying to.” —ANONYMOUS

“Sometimes we have candidates find ow you share news of a job opening at your organization can out who’s on the search committee and try to talk to them and get an in that H significantly affect the number—and quality—of applicants you way. We tell our search committee not see, regardless of the overall job market. Here are several tips to get to respond to queries like that but to the best possible people to notice your job post and apply for it. direct them to HR. Our process needs to be very fair. If you do know someone Focus on the job seeker, not just staffing needs. Many job announcements on the search committee already, I don’t 1 have become no more than a dry HR position description pasted into an think there’s any harm in highlighting email. Remember that this is an advertisement, and your goal is to attract the ‘I’ve worked with so-and-so.’ But you interest of terrific candidates. Save the laundry list of infrequent duties for later shouldn’t be overly optimistic that in the process, sticking only to major job functions. Spend time using the ad to throwing names around will give you a persuade candidates to pursue your opportunity over others: What are some particular edge.” —KJAER exceptional benefits you offer? Do you value professional development and provide support? What’s appealing about your institution’s unique vision and work “In academia, most people will need culture? What makes your community great to live in? If your organization has a to do a presentation as part of the marketing and public relations department, ask them for help. interview. The ones who are a hit are the ones who aren’t just reading their Include a salary range. You’ll get a better response rate and unlock great slides. They have engaging visuals, and 2 applicants who otherwise wouldn’t waste time applying at organizations the candidate really engages with the that aren’t upfront about compensation. Some also consider this a moral issue, audience. Some folks think, ‘Let me believing that greater salary transparency can help narrow or eliminate wage put together a very scholarly impres- gaps for women and underrepresented communities. If your library can’t do this sive text,’ which is not what people are because of HR policy restrictions, work to change the policy. actually looking for. You want to show a little bit about yourself and your com- Build your brand as an employer. When using a job board, add your communication style and try to connect with 3 pany or institution logo and make sure to complete the employer profile the audience, not just give textbook section. Rather than repeat your organization’s standard boilerplate, describe answers.” —KJAER your institution in a way that would appeal to prospects.

“If someone says anything obvi- Prioritize outreach. Go beyond your usual community. DIY efforts ously offensive toward another 4 to spread the word might save a bit of money and time, but relying group or demographic, that is on email discussion lists and your Twitter circle often wind up reaching definitely a no-no. That will candidates similar to you, excluding fresh voices. Make an effort to automatically leave us feel- diversify your candidate pool by posting to sources that are open and ing like this person’s not a highly visible to all job seekers, such as ALA JobLIST. good fit. And just because you look like me doesn’t mean you For more advice on improving your job ads, look for resources from the should feel comfortable having Society for Human Resource Management (shrm.org) and other associa- certain conversations with me. For tions for human resources. • example, I’m black, and I’ve been in interviews with people who are black,

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 35 SPECIAL REPORT: CAREERS

and sometimes they get comfy because this person on their collaboration skills we’re the same race, and it’s like, ‘No, and ability to be a little more assertive.’ you can’t say that [offensive thing I don’t think it’s the kind of thing that about another race], and if that’s your would make us say, ‘We’re not going to mindset, you’re obviously not a good fit % offer that person a job.’ It would just for us.’” —WOLFE 50 highlight that this individual is pretty inexperienced, and we’ll need to work “I have seen a shift toward emailed of all available with them a little bit.” —KJAER thank-you notes. That might be JOB OPENINGS are sufficient for the interview team, but “I’ve had people who have negotiated never advertised publicly. from an HR perspective, I still think their office, down to a particular chair. a handwritten note shines. You can At the same time, the administrator also say something specific about the has to take into account equity within interview, so you’re communicating Source: TheLadders.com (2014) the organization. It’s not like the sky’s that you were really present. Maybe the limit if you just really press. You even include a follow-up like, ‘I was you can do your own research and find don’t want to be too obstinate or ask for thinking about that on the way home, out what individuals within a particu- things that are out of line. This could and I wanted to expand a little more on lar classification are making. If you’re convey that you might be difficult to this.’” —ANONYMOUS offered a position and the salary is not work with.” —KJAER what you’re expecting, or it’s below the “Just know that just because you didn’t median, you can come back and say, “Regarding sign-on bonuses, you get the job doesn’t mean you aren’t well ‘Hey, the market median is $80,000. I have not because you ask not. A lot qualified. It’s not an exact science, so would feel more comfortable being in of times, people are so excited about don’t take it as total rejection. We’ve had this range.’” —WOLFE getting the job that they don’t want to people who applied multiple times and disrupt that. They feel like, ‘If I ask for were eventually hired.” —ANONYMOUS “If you are the person offered the posi- a sign-on bonus, it’s going to appear tion, while the administrator might not that I’m greedy.’ When you know Getting (and negotiating) come right out and say, ‘This is totally your worth, it’s not a problem. If that an offer negotiable,’ you should understand person is extremely strong, and we’re “When we’re talking about salary nego- that there is an expectation that you hungry for that person, we’ll make it tiations, a lot of candidates don’t think will want to have a conversation about happen.” —WOLFE they can counter, and they don’t do their compensation. If there is no back-and- homework. For many colleges and uni- forth, the person’s supervisor might be ANNE FORD is editor-at-large of American versities, salary information is public, so alerted: ‘You might want to work with Libraries.

“You want to put your best foot forward with everything you present. If a potential employer requests a diversity statement or writing sample, take your time and craft a meaningful piece that reflects your values and professional strengths.”

ALEXIA HUDSON-WARD, Emerging Leaders Class of 2007 and Azariah Smith Root director of libraries at Oberlin (Ohio) College and Conservatory

36 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org to have Resources for Readers ready in your library:

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long time—particularly racially, and Underrepresented, particularly through initiatives such as diversity task forces and diversity fellowships—some may be surprised Underemployed that people from underrepresented communities still encounter barriers to library employment. In the library-job search, Theresa S. Byrd isn’t. “We have failed some face special barriers miserably at diversifying the profession,” says Byrd, dean of the University of San Diego’s Helen K. and James S. BY Anne Ford Copley Library. “There’s just no other way to say it.” yoola White’s first name rhymes with “Crayola”—a fact she communicates through her email signature, her Twitter handle, POC and PWIs and even her business cards. Byrd cites reason after reason for the A library field’s lack of racial diversity. Still, the Simmons College student worries that after she graduates in First, young librarians of color often December with dual master’s degrees in library science and history, her don’t have mentors who are leaders in name, which is of Nigerian origin, will hamper her search for an academic the field, she says. That’s why, several years ago, Byrd helped develop the library position. Association of College and Research “My first name is something that discriminate on the basis of sexual ori- Libraries’ Dr. E. J. Josey Spectrum most people in the United States would entation, but others don’t. Scholar Mentor Program, which links not be familiar with,” White says. “There White’s concerns represent only some library school students and newly have been studies showing that if you of the potential obstacles that people graduated librarians of color with estab- have a name the interviewer or search from underrepresented demographic lished academic librarians. committee doesn’t think they can easily groups face when applying for positions From the program’s inception, “it was pronounce, they are less likely to move in the library field—a field that remains very obvious that we had to have white forward with your application, even if about 86% white and 97% able-bodied librarians serve as mentors, because you have the same or similar credentials (per the 2017 American Library Associa- there were not enough people of color as someone else.” In one of those stud- tion Demographic Survey, which did not (POC) to serve in those roles,” Byrd says. ies, job-seekers whose names sounded ask about sexual orientation). “The question I’d always get asked was, Middle Eastern or Chinese had to submit Because the library profession has ‘I’m white. Can I do this?’ The answer is: 64%–68% more applications to get the been trying to diversify itself for a ‘Well, who else, if not you? We don’t have same number of interview requests enough minority leaders to go around.’” as candidates whose names sounded Second, she adds, the culture of many white (bit.ly/jobnames). In another, libraries is unwelcoming to employees of résumés bearing white-sounding names color, often because if there is a POC on received 50% more interview requests staff, there’s usually only one. In Byrd’s than résumés with names that sounded experience, this is particularly true at African American (bit.ly/jobnames2). academic libraries. In addition, White is partnered with “The obvious solution is, hire more a woman and worries “about navigat- than one [POC],” she says. “At least hire a ing the job search as somebody who 80% 86% few, so that people aren’t alone.” Failing of librarians of librarians wants to be able to move somewhere that, “there may be other people of color with my partner.” Some of the job ads are FEMALE are WHITE on campus, so introduce them to those she comes across specify that they don’t people when they come for an interview. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2017)

38 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org What could help them find a community that would give them support, even if they feel some otherness at work?” Third, in Byrd’s view, the fellowships designed to bring more candidates of color into the workplace have failed. “I’m so sick of those,” she says. “You’re putting a target on someone’s back: ‘You’re the diversity fellow.’ It says: ‘You’re not really part of the organization. We’ll keep you for three years.’ What I don’t understand is, why can’t you just recruit and hire people into these jobs, rather than have these revolving doors? I don’t know that people in the organization take them [diversity fellows] that seriously, because they know many of them are going to be gone. I think it’s a way for predominantly white institutions [PWIs] to say, ‘Look how great we are. We’re helping people.’ No, you aren’t. If you a good experience [in them]. But it’s whether to disclose their disabilities. “If, really want to help a POC, just give them difficult to know ahead of time how it’s during the process, it felt like at least a job through the regular process.” going to be.” the employer was trying to point toward She says, too, that even when POC inclusivity, then I might [disclose],” are hired on a permanent basis, it’s often Invisible disabilities they say. “If that didn’t seem like it was into access services in a liaison area. People with disabilities face numerous happening, then I didn’t.” “They hire people as the black studies obstacles to employment in the library And then there were the interviews librarian or the Latino studies librarian,” sector as well. to navigate. “A lot of times [disability] she says. “Well, they’re not in the main- Kat Johnston, a recent library school came up naturally whether I intended it stream part of the organization. But graduate and a nonbinary queer Tejanx to or not,” they say. “Because I’ve been that does allow the organization to put who uses the pronouns they/them/ disabled my whole life, it’s hard for it a checkmark, when they have to turn in theirs, was diagnosed with juvenile not to. I always worried that people reports, about how diverse their staff is. rheumatoid arthritis at age 18 months would include it in their assessment of They’re using POC for statistical reports.” and also lives with fibromyalgia, chronic me as a candidate, consciously or not.” White is similarly suspicious of diver- migraines, and anxiety. Even before Sarah Bauer*, a librarian who sity fellowships. “A lot of times, they’re graduating, they encountered barriers to recently began working at a liberal arts not actually there to make the institu- professional success, they say. college on the East Coast, experienced tion more inclusive in a real way,” she “I didn’t get a lot of career guidance the same concern during her last job says. “They’re really there to make the from my university,” Johnston says. “As search. Bauer has diabetes as well as institution look good. It’s kind of hard an online student, I wasn’t on campus, chronic back pain, anxiety, and depres- to parse what they’re really looking for and being disabled, I wasn’t able to sion. The medicine she takes for diabe- and if they’re going to put their money drive 40 miles to campus and do things tes sometimes requires urgent trips to where their mouth is.” in person. It was easy to ignore me, the bathroom, while fluctuating blood That said, “the good thing about because they knew this person wasn’t sugar can require her to eat outside of diversity fellowships is that they tend to going to be at their office door.” meal times. give you a lot of experience,” she adds. During Johnston’s recent job search, Though these accommodations might “And I do know people who have had they decided on a case-by-case basis not seem particularly onerous, Bauer

*Name changed at source’s request.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 39 SPECIAL REPORT: CAREERS

has worried during job searches that One big tell: How a job application if she’s perceived as having too many treats the question of gender. special needs, “it’s going to be too much “If the options are ‘male’ and ‘female,’ trouble to hire me,” she says. “They’ll that’s not a great feeling,” Johnston think, ‘This other person’s just as good, says. “If it’s ‘male,’ ‘female,’ or ‘other,’ it’s and they’re going to be easier to deal weird that ‘other’ feels good, but at least with.’ You can’t always control your they’re letting me say, ‘not one of these unconscious discriminations: ‘I can’t two.’ Or maybe they let you fill it in, and quite put my finger on it, but we just that’s really cool, because at least they’re liked X better.’ And the reason they liked not saying, ‘We know all the [gender] X better is that I’m Y, and I have issues.” In 2015, nearly ONE QUARTER options and are going to list them here.’” Rather than disclosing her health of academic librarians were Institutional communication around conditions to her future employer, gender is also a major tell for Bauer, who Bauer targeted her search to academic 60 years of age is bisexual and genderqueer. Though libraries, where “I knew I would have or older. she’s out to only some of her colleagues, my own office, and I could have snacks learning that her new job had all-gender in here, and if I needed to leave the Source: Association of Research Libraries (2017) restrooms made her think, “Oh, I might room to inject insulin, I had some actually fit in here,” she remembers. leeway to do that,” she says. “People that will alter someone’s impression of Johnston recently had a similarly in other library environments are not you, but it very well could,” they say. “If hopeful experience with a potential necessarily going to have those benefits. it doesn’t feel like a comfortable enough employer whose job posting seemed If you’re the only one on the desk, you’re environment for me to [disclose], I’m especially welcoming. “The language of usually not allowed to leave to go to the not going to at this point, because I the job posting felt really inclusive,” they bathroom. You have to call somebody really need a job. I would imagine in the remember. But what they really appre- and hope that they get there quickly.” future, when I already have a position ciated: The hiring director, who did not and income and health insurance, I know about Johnston’s mental health To disclose or not think I would be more upfront about it, issues, supplied the interview questions Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, to be sure that the place I end up work- over email ahead of time. questioning, queer, intersex, and ing is going to respect that. But at this “For somebody with anxiety, that was asexual job candidates must also decide juncture, no, unless it feels okay.” huge,” Johnston says happily. “It made a what and how much to reveal. Like White, Johnston pays careful world of difference.” Johnston generally does not disclose attention to the wording of job adver- their nonbinary identity during job tisements and applications when deter- ANNE FORD is editor-at-large of American searches. “You don’t want to believe that mining what and how much to reveal. Libraries.

“Good, quality librarianship is an invaluable skill set, whether you are fresh from library school or have years of experience. Do not dismiss your passions: You can be excited about readers’ advisory, teaching information literacy, creating catalog workflows, and everything in between.”

LAKSAMEE PUTMAN, Emerging Leader Class of 2012 and adult services librarian at Bixby Memorial Free Library in Vergennes, Vermont

40 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org RDA IN TRANSITION

The RDA Toolkit Restructure and Redesign Project, also known as the 3R Project, aims to signiﬁ cantly improve the functionality and utility of both RDA and RDA Toolkit. As the 3R Project moves closer to completion, gain some practical insight into the changes and share your perspective at the 2019 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Seattle.

This daylong event will provide a workshop- RDA TOOLKIT style examination of the revised RDA and REDESIGN redesigned RDA Toolkit. RDA Experts WORKSHOP will guide attendees through real world Friday | January 25th cataloging examples and lead discussions of ALA MIDWINTER critical issues addressed by the 3R Project. MEETING Lunch will be provided.

Learn more about the event and register at 2019.alamidwinter.org/ registration/ticketed-events. • Sign up for your free 30-day trial today at access.rdatoolkit.org/freetrial. • The trial includes access to the beta site beta.rdatoolkit.org. • Questions? Contact us at [email protected]. SPECIAL REPORT: CAREERS

11 Tips for Meaningful Networking Library pros share advice for meeting people and sustaining relationships

BY Terra Dankowski

t its worst, networking can seem like idle small talk, disin- genuous schmoozing, and a vehicle for self-gain. But done A intentionally and authentically, networking can lead to long-term collaborations and partnerships and even help organizations share resources and break down silos. of research and instruction at The New How do you make networking effective and meaningful for your career School in New York City and president- and community? Library professionals affiliated with the American elect of NMRT, says that while she’s “not trying to eavesdrop,” listening for Library Association’s (ALA) New Members Round Table (NMRT) share something that piques her interest helps their strategies for connecting with colleagues and building relationships. her wade into conversation.

Get in the mindset. “You have doing so puts the onus on individuals Be deliberate. Know why to go in looking for a positive to interact and attend sessions that are you’re approaching a person interaction,” says Athanasia Fitos, personally relevant or interesting. “It’s 4 and what kind of conversation manager of Miami-Dade Public Library easy to hang out with the people you you’d like to have. Fitos suggests being System’s Allapattah branch and chair of know,” says Kimberly Bolan Cullin, pres- prepared to discuss professional issues the NMRT’s Midwinter Social Com- ident of Kimberly Bolan & Associates you’re passionate about or changes that mittee. The first step is to believe that and presenter of NMRT’s “Networking you want to see in your own library. networking has something to offer you Matters” webinar. Leaving your comfort Maybe the person you’re addressing has and that your efforts won’t be in vain. zone is more likely to get you talking to experience with programming you’re “Our profession has that stereotype of someone new. trying to implement or recently finished us being slightly mousey and slightly a fellowship you’re interested in apply- socially awkward, but you have to get Break the ice. Introducing ing for. “You have to be willing to share outside of that stereotype,” she says. yourself can be intimidating. why you’re walking up to this individ- “These types of engagements are really Cullin recommends bringing ual,” Fitos says. low risk.” up “something innocuous that gets conversation started,” such as giving a Actively listen. Networking Ditch your friends. It may feel sincere compliment, soliciting advice, is about give-and-take. Ask unfamiliar to attend a social or offering a relevant piece of trivia. 5 thoughtful questions and avoid outing or conference solo, but Nicole LaMoreaux, assistant director overpromoting your accomplishments.

42 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org “If you are one of those dynamic per- that isolation makes it harder to solve sonalities, figure out how to talk about issues that can’t be fixed with internal yourself in a way that won’t be off- expertise. “It might be something that’s 12,360 putting,” says Cullin. trickling into your community that you haven’t dealt with yet,” she says, such Librarians employed in Pay attention to body lan- as the opioid crisis or gentrification. guage. It may seem like a small Fitos says looking to other industries the state 6 detail, but LaMoreaux recom- can bring fresh perspectives, skills, and with the highest librarian mends standing away from the walls solutions to a problem. In cases where and not crossing your arms to appear libraries in budget-strapped communi- employment level. more approachable and receptive at ties are encouraged to share resources Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2017) social events. with other agencies, networking can be an essential lifeline. Start small. You don’t have to skills, links to social profiles, and even a spend a lot of money or attend Join a group. Enlisting in an personal tagline. Redd adds that students 7 national events to make connec- association, heading a com- should carry business cards that include tions. “Start at your local level, your state 9 mittee, and volunteering are their expected date of graduation. association, see what events are going on natural extensions of networking efforts. at your library, and find out what your “If you’re on a committee, you know that Be patient. “It’s not a one- coworkers are doing,” says Kimberly you might have a phone call every few and-done thing,” Cullin says Redd, program manager for certification weeks, or a meet-up at a conference,” 11 of networking encounters. and talent development at ALA and staff says Fitos. She points out that ongoing Fitos agrees that “maintain and sustain” liaison to NMRT. LaMoreaux agrees and obligations can be a passive but effective should be the goal of cultivating rela- says getting involved with a local consor- way to stay engaged when you’re busy. tionships, and so she’ll usually email tium and attending weekday workshops people she meets at conferences a few has been useful for her. Bring business cards. If weeks later to share ideas and ask for your organization does advice. “[Following up] is actually the Think holistically. Networking not provide them, Cullin hardest part of networking,” she says. isn’t just about finding a job or recommends ordering inexpensive cards Cullin adds, “After 10 years, I felt I had a 8 growing your circle. “It’s really to hand out. In addition to your job title really good network.” a planning-for-the-future thing,” says and contact information, Cullin suggests, Fitos. She notes how easy it is for people your card should include other things to TERRA DANKOWSKI is an associate editor and departments to get siloed, and how make yourself stand out—a list of key at American Libraries.

“ALA’s Emerging Leaders program reinforces the idea of making connections with people. That is important in the job hunt, whether it is getting a first job or a new, better job. Meet, interact, and volunteer with as many people as you can. You have no idea how these connections may help you get a great job later.”

MELANIE LYTTLE, Emerging Leaders, Class of 2010 and head of public services at Madison (Ohio) Public Library

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 43 SPECIAL REPORT: CAREERS

The landscape is complex, and it’s difficult to paint a picture of library Unions 101 unionism with one brush, but there are What library unions do—and commonalities workers should know. don’t do—for workers What does union representation entail? BY Carrie Smith “Many people come to the workplace and aren’t aware of what a union is— cademic librarians in the University of California (UC) system they’re just happy to get a job,” says recently discovered something strange about their contracts: John Hyslop, president of Queens A They didn’t contain intellectual freedom protections, the very (N.Y.) Library Guild Local 1321. So thing they advocate for their patrons. what should employees know once they’re hired? Librarians realized this when their union, the University Council of If you’re covered by a collective bar- the American Federation of Teachers (UC-AFT) Unit 17, filed grievances gaining agreement, the union is your against the UC administration regarding disciplinary actions for such representative in contract negotiations and employment disputes, whether you things as managers reprimanding librarians over product assessments and choose to be a full union member or conference presentation titles. Their grivances were rejected. The union’s not. A strong union will identify your contract expired September 30, and at press time negotiations were still shop steward—the person who can under way to have academic freedom guaranteed in the next contract. help you through disciplinary actions— and keep you updated on meetings and The system turned down the union’s a larger municipal union that represents vote results. initial request, so UC-AFT has turned to city or county workers. Academic A common misconception is that grassroots efforts like media coverage librarians can find themselves part of a union membership (or being subject and a petition, earning support from larger faculty union or librarians-only to a collective bargaining agreement) librarians across the country. “We win bargaining unit, while school librarians might inhibit your ability to negotiate through public opinion,” says Axel are often members of the local teachers for better pay. “There are many, many Borg, UC-AFT Unit 17’s lead negotia- union. Most unions don’t include mem- opportunities in a union context to tor and subject specialist librarian at bers in supervisory positions. negotiate individually,” says Aliqae UC–Davis. Geraci, assistant director of research According to a report from the and learning services at Cornell Uni- AFL-CIO’s Department for Professional versity’s Industrial and Labor Relations Employees, in 2017 union librarians Library in Ithaca, New York, and chair and library assistants earned on of the American Library Association– average 31% more per week than their Allied Professional Association nonunion equivalents. Union library Standing Committee on the Salaries workers are also more likely to have and Status of Library Workers. While health coverage, retirement plans, and pay structure is often governed by your sick leave, the report states. 26% 23% contract, your rank can be negotiated. Yet library unions are as diverse of LIBRARIANS of “That’s going to entirely change your as libraries themselves. Public library are union compensation arc in an organization,” workers may be organized in a library- members are union she says. specific union that represents librarians members Unions also focus on broader mat- and other staff, or they may be a part of ters, like professional development Source: AFL-CIO Department for Professional Employees (2017)

44 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org funding, working conditions, and The Janus v. American Federation of intellectual freedom protections, as State, County, and Municipal Employees with UC-AFT Unit 17. Supreme Court decision on June 27 took these protections one step further, Do I need to join ending public-sector unions’ rights to collect “fair share” fees from nonmem- Union librarians earn my union? bers as compensation for bargaining and representation. Some believe this There’s no perfect answer. Though for funding cut could seriously weaken the $317 more Geraci, there’s one main question: “Do ability of public sector unions to repre- per week I want to participate in the outcome of sent workers. But many union members the collective bargaining process?” are optimistic that the value of their than their nonunion Unions, which are democratic orga- work will speak for itself. counterparts. nizations with voting structures, reflect “When someone comes to us with their membership. Some local unions a question or a problem, we don’t say can be weak or troubled, with low ‘Are you a member?’,” says Borg. “We worker participation or a poor relation- say, ‘What kind of problem?’” ship with management. “If you think the local union is bad, if the leadership is incompetent, there’s Should I start a union? only one way to change that,” says Geraci, “and it’s to participate in the democratic process.” Private-sector employee rights are gov- Still, membership can be an incredi- erned by the National Labor Relations bly personal choice. Kathryn Bergeron, Board. The rights of public workers, lead librarian at Kalamazoo (Mich.) unless they are employed by the federal Source: AFL-CIO Department for Professional Public Library, was laid off from government, are determined at the Employees (2017) early jobs thanks to “last in, first out” state level—and several states limit or termination policies—which can be even prohibit collective bargaining by Borg was similarly inspired when he part of union contracts—and associates public employees. Geraci recommends began working to revitalize his UC-AFT the practice with unions. “The system working with an umbrella organization unit more than 10 years ago. The rewarded seniority over effectiveness, like AFL-CIO, which is affiliated with a library’s budget had been stagnant for and to us it felt like we wouldn’t ever number of unions, to learn about regu- more than 20 years—a fact that shocked be able to find and keep a job,” says lations affecting your workplace. even the university’s provost—and the Bergeron, who has opted out of her Kelly McElroy, student engagement negotiator for the faculty union didn’t workplace’s union. “I know that some and community outreach librarian at know what academic librarians did of my coworkers don’t agree with my Oregon State University in Corvallis, beyond their contract job descriptions. choice, but everyone has been kind and was among the organizers who started Unions aren’t a cure-all, but Geraci generous with me.” the university’s new faculty union in sees them as a way to improve condi- Labor laws require unions to June. The union will soon begin nego- tions broadly. “I believe that librarians recognize the rights of nonmembers, tiating its first contract. No single event have a special responsibility to raise especially in the public sector. While spurred action, but McElroy says con- their occupational wage floor, to make “free riders” (people who receive the cerns about working conditions, quality room for support staff to achieve higher same benefits and protections as paying of life, and higher education fund- wages,” she says. “We have an ethical union members) are often derided, pro- ing brought many of her colleagues obligation to raise everybody up.” tections in most states guarantee that together. She sees her involvement as workers under collectively bargained “a way to raise librarian voices up and CARRIE SMITH is the editorial and adver- contracts are represented fairly. build understanding of our daily work.” tising assistant at American Libraries.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 45 Fierceness Fierce Opposition Anti-LGBTQ groups step up protests to drag storytimes

BY Greg Landgraf

rag queen story hours have gained popularity in libraries in recent years, blending literary realness, strong dqueer role models, and positive exploration of differences. But while queens have proven their ability to bring the party with fantastic fashions and tales of individuality and acceptance, pockets of resistance remain. Many programs held in libraries still draw protests, as organized opposition groups insist that these storytimes aren’t appropriate for children.

46 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Lafayette (La.) Public Library (LPL) faced protests of its planned drag queen story hour, organized with the Univer- sity of Louisiana–Lafayette’s chapter of the Delta Lambda Phi social fraternity for gay, bisexual, and transgender men and allies. Children’s librarians worked with fraternity members to select age-appropriate books for them to read, Pickle reads Jacob’s New Dress at West Hollywood (Calif.) Library at an event teach them presentation skills, and approve their outfits. by the national organization Drag Queen Story Hour. The buildup to the event, originally scheduled for October 6, featured unexpectedly loud opposition from social conservatives, antitax groups, and the Lafayette security concerns caused LPL and Delta Lambda Phi to post- City-Parish Council. It also resulted in the departure of pone the event until they could find another venue. City-Parish President Joel Robideaux’s appointee to the Despite the controversy, hosting the program “wasn’t a library board, Joseph Gordon-Wiltz, who resigned after hard decision to make,” says LPL Director Teresa Elberson. Robideaux requested public records about the program, how “We rarely reject ideas,” and the library is open to events programs are planned generally, programs that have been reflecting a wide range of viewpoints. denied, and filters used on library computers. Robideaux Pikes Peak (Colo.) Library District (PPLD) hosted a drag also expressed his intention to discuss canceling the event, queen story hour September 1, although it wasn’t an official although he acknowledged that the council did not have library event. Instead, a gay bar called Club Q planned the that authority. On September 18, six of the nine council event and reserved a library meeting room for it. Outside members abstained from voting on a resolution to denounce groups use PPLD’s meeting rooms about 40,000 times each the event, effectively killing the symbolic measure. In year, so library administration realized that there would be early October, LPL moved the program to South Louisiana a drag queen story hour at the library only when a city coun- Community College to accommodate a larger audience, but cilor who had received complaints contacted the library. The Family Policy Alliance, which calls drag queen story hours “the latest effort to normalize sexual brokenness and push it on our kids,” added the event to its online action center, which allowed its supporters to send a form letter to being the target of protests city councilors, county commissioners, and library trustees. can negatively affect library Despite receiving more than 400 of these automated letters, the library board supported the administration’s view staffers, particularly that the event was acceptable under library policy. The event when the invective used by was a success: 230 people attended, and the program had to be held twice in succession because of strong demand.

Photos: Jon Viscott Photos: protesters becomes extreme. Another event is already planned for October.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 47 Mobile (Ala.) Public Library (MPL) similarly served as the venue for a drag queen story hour sponsored by LGBTQ advocacy group Rainbow Mobile September 8. “We stand strong for the library being open to everyone,” says MPL public relations officer Amber Guy, who notes that outside groups hold thousands of events in the library each year, and these events span the spectrum of political and social beliefs. Community members opposed to the event spoke at city council and county commission meetings, arguing that it was inappropriate for young children. However, Guy says that even officials who personally disagreed with the program felt it came down to a free speech issue, and they did not attempt to prevent it. An over- flow crowd of 300 came to the event itself. Opponents Counterprotesters outnumbered protesters outside Mobile (Ala.) Public Library during a drag queen storytime in September. planned protests at the library that day, but only about 50 protesters showed up. Rainbow Mobile organized a MPL also successfully defended its event on intel- counterprotest, which drew about 300 supporters. lectual freedom grounds, which was made easier by Rainbow Mobile. “They did everything by the book opportunities to enlighten and provided all of the information required by anyone Using the protests as an opportunity for discussion has using our meeting rooms,” says Guy, which helped the proved fruitful for PPLD. John Spears, chief librarian library demonstrate that the event met library policy. and CEO, says the library’s responses to the Family The organization stayed in communication with the Policy Alliance’s automated emails generally didn’t library and worked hard to make the event successful on lead anywhere. But many people called the library, and its own, with a group of volunteers welcoming attend- those calls provided an ees and helping kids do a craft project. opening for productive Guy also notes that the protests stayed peaceful in conversation. “It was rare part because of the library’s good working relationship that we didn’t bring them with local police. “Because both sides are passionate, Resources over to the realization there were times when things got heated,” she observes. ■ The national Drag Queen Story Hour that the same rights that “The police were able to defuse the situation without (dragqueenstoryhour.org) organi- protected a drag queen the library having to get directly involved.” zation and its local chapters provide are the same rights that James LaRue, director of the American Library Associ- info for hosting or planning a drag would protect the Family ation’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, recommends that, queen storytime. Policy Alliance or anyone as long as drag queen storytimes are planned in accor- with controversial views,” dance with library policies, libraries resist protesters who ■ ALA’s Office for Diversity, Literacy, he says. call for cancellation. “When libraries announce a drag and Outreach Services has a resource Being the target of pro- queen storytime, then get community pushback, then list on drag queen story hours (bit.ly/ tests can negatively affect cancel, it does not turn the people who were complaining AL-ODLOSDrag) and general resources library staffers, however, into supporters,” he says. Instead, protests that succeed for services to the LGBTQ community. particularly when the in getting a library program canceled only encourage ■ ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom invective used by protest- more protests in the future. Positioning the library as offers tips (bit.ly/AL-OIFDrag) for ers becomes extreme. In an organization that hosts a wide range of programs— responding to complaints and censor- a way, Spears says the potentially including an event sponsored by the protest- ship attempts around Pride and LGBTQ pressure has brought ing group—can more effectively make clear that libraries services and materials in libraries. his colleagues together. stand for the free speech rights of all people, LaRue says. “We sent out a lot of An earlier version of this story appeared at bit.ly/ communications to our AL-DragQueens. staff of about 500 to be sure they had clear talking points,” he says. Recognizing GREG LANDGRAF is web content specialist that some staff members might oppose the event itself, at Greene County (Ohio) Public Library and a regular contributor to American Libraries. the points focused instead on the value of intellectual freedom to protect all views. Photo: Michelle Matthews /al.com Michelle Matthews Photo:

48 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org t’s that time of year again! The ALA Annual Help us Transform the Future by Fund is going on NOW! We are asking our supporting ALA today. I members and friends to consider a gift to ALA. Your gift to the American Library Association Your gift helps us to create a strong national voice will help us support librarians and amplify to advocate for libraries and our core values, our core values. Here’s how to give: including access for all. ■ Write a check! You can send it in the envelope you’ll find in this issue of American Libraries. As you know, ALA brings the library community together to: ■ Make your gift online at ala.org/donate ■ Advocate for libraries. ■ Respond to the appeal letter you received ■ Provide critical tools to advance the profession at home! and demonstrate the value of libraries. ■ Mail a check to: The American Library ■ Ensure equity, diversity and inclusion in the field Association, at: Development Office, and for those who are served by libraries. 50 East Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611

For more information on giving, please contact: Development Office, American Library Association (312) 280-3259 [email protected] www.ala.org/offices/dev CAREER WORKSHOPS

f you tell teens you are hosting a career workshop where they can meet a profes- for Teens sional and learn about a specific job, you may see some eye-rolling. The workshop is not an automatic sell, but it can be turned Iinto a huge success as a series with a little Bringing in professionals effort. It thrives when teens are given partial to talk with young adults ownership by helping to choose the professions featured. Library staffers can use this

BY Amy Wyckoff and Marie Harris feedback to sculpt the series and market it.

50 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org WHY MEET WITH PROFESSIONALS? Often the best information about a specific career comes from people working in that field. Career counselors recommend that teens inter view professionals informally in areas that interest them. Such interviews can: ■ Provide an insider’s view of the profession or a specific company or organization. ■ Reveal information on what education, certi- fications, or job training are required to enter the field as well as what skills may be useful for success. ■ Broaden their view of the career by presenting jobs they may not have considered previously. ■ Allow for an understanding of what employers are looking for, which will help when applying for and interviewing for jobs. ■ Help form relationships with people already working in the field, which could lead to mentoring opportunities. Certainly, the benefits of meeting with a professional are numerous. But how can teens set up an informational interview, especially with a career professional in a field that may not be very prominent in their community? Teens living in smaller towns have fewer opportunities to interact

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 51 with professionals representing a broad range of IDEAS WITH TEEN APPEAL careers. Libraries can help bridge this gap and Teens regularly interact with teachers, counselors, connect teens with professionals of all types. doctors, coaches, and other local professionals. After we hosted an “I Can Be a Photographer” They have an idea of what those careers might be program at Charlotte Mecklen burg (N.C.) Library, like, and they probably know a bit about the fields an interested teen stayed to chat with the pre- in which their parents work. But what about the senter. He showed him his portfolio and asked if careers for which they have limited or no infor- he needed an assistant. The presenter said he was mation? Do your teens have interests that could not hiring at that moment, but he invited the teen translate into careers? to observe a shoot. The photographer also invited Speak with teens at your library to create a the teen’s parents so they all could learn about list of careers for your workshop. A teen library what it takes to be a photographer. council or teen advisory group can help plan too. This teen took time to begin learning the skills Teens are more likely to be invested in programs necessary to be a photogra pher. He was if they have some ownership. It may work best to already practicing networking and ask what interests them rather than what careers seemed comfortable showing off they want to pursue. They might be unaware that his work. We were impressed their passions can turn into viable career paths. by his initiative, but the library played a part in VET YOUR SPEAKERS making this interaction Select your presenters carefully. Not all career possible. We connected professionals are dynamic public speakers. If you this pas sionate teen to a consider that the audience will be a group of pos- resource he was not sure how sibly cynical young adults who have been sitting to discover previously. in hard plastic classroom chairs all day, you’ll understand that you must find speakers who will be knowledge able, engaging, and adaptable. Last year we hosted an “I Can Be a Pharmacy Technician” event. We were not sure how successful this would be, but colleagues raved about the speaker’s charisma and ability to connect with youth. They were right: The teens loved the presentation and were engaged throughout the program. They had never before considered pharmacy as a possible career, and many had not even known what a pharmacist did. The presenter’s skill in speaking to teens and his enthusiasm were essential to this program’s success. Ask speakers to bring hands-on examples of their work to share with teens. When a tattoo artist visited, he brought a tattoo machine (without needles) and let the teens pass it around to look at and feel its heft. When skateboard shop owners visited, they brought multiple skateboard models and parts for the teens to handle. A painter brought some of her canvases as well as her favorite set of brushes to pass around. Opportu- nities for teens to handle tools of specific trades can make the programs feel more interactive and less like a lecture. They set the stage for teens to feel comfortable and engaged, especially during question-and-answer portions of the program. We have never paid a professional for presenting at one of our career work shops. They are often flattered to be invited to speak about their careers

52 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org and feel that they are giving back to both the CONNECT WITH THE community and their professions by participating. RIGHT RESOURCES Some professionals receive permission from their Follow up with teens who attend your programs employers to present a workshop during the work- or show interest in a topic. There are several day because the company considers it outreach. ways to get additional information: Of course, entrepreneurs and other independent ■ Plan to have some related resources available professionals may not receive payment for their at the workshop itself. The program may draw time. For this reason, we always try to make them attendees who are new to your library, so feel appreciated by ensuring that the workshop is have event calendars and fliers for upcoming well attended and by having snacks and beverages workshops available. Our library system hosts This is an excerpt on hand. If we take pictures at the program, we a successful series of annual programs on from Career send the presenter a link to the photos. This helps prepa ring for college and university entrance Programming the library develop advocates in the community— exams. We told teens and their parents about for Today’s and we can never have too many library advocates. the career workshops at every session we held. Teens: Exploring ■ A display featuring books about a specific Nontraditional MARKETING YOUR PROGRAM career can be set up in the room where the and Vocational Your workshop’s success may depend on your program is held. You can also prepare book- Alternatives by marketing efforts. Teachers and guidance coun- marks with a list of suggested reading to pass Amy Wyckoff and selors are often excited to hear that the library is out at the end of the program, which reminds Marie Harris (ALA offering a program to help teens think about their teens that you are happy to help them locate Editions, 2019). futures. They may put up fliers and promote the additional information. programs during school announcements or in ■ Some libraries’ policies allow for the collec- newsletters sent to families. This is an excellent tion of names, phone numbers, and email way to reach parents and students who may not addresses at its programs. If you can do so, know what your library offers. ask participants to sign in at the beginning of Connecting with staffers at local schools the workshops and indicate if they would like can help you brainstorm workshops that might to receive further information. This allows interest students, especially if your schools have you to send emails with expanded informa- career programs. If your school system features tion based on questions teens ask at the end of a career-based magnet school or career pathway the programs. program, your library could host a few workshops The library has access to so many useful in related careers. resources to help teens learn about career paths. Are there nonprofits in your community that Some libraries subscribe to lynda.com or other serve young adults? These organizations often online learning interfaces where teens can look for ways to introduce teens to career options. watch videos and practice new skills. There are In Charlotte, staffers at the Goodwill Career Lead- also how-to guides, YouTube videos, and other ership Academy for Youth were always happy to free resources like Khan Academy that library hear about programs we offered and would some- staff can recommend to its teens. We can also times make field trips to the library with their help them find informa tion about internships, teen participants. If you have any connections camps, and other educational programs—any- with staffers in these programs or with school thing that can set them on the path toward a counselors, reach out to see if they can take after- fulfilling career. school field trips to the library, then plan your workshops around those times. AMY WYCKOFF is youth ser- Consider your audience and be prepared to vices senior librarian at Beaverton (Oreg.) City Library. Previously she market innovatively. Since many teens do not worked for Charlotte Mecklenburg follow our library directly on social media, we (N.C.) Library as loft manager asked our teen volunteers to like and share our at ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan posts on Facebook and Instagram. We made sure Martin Center, where she managed to always make our fliers appealing to teens. You teen-serving librarians and library may have a teen intern or member of the teen assistants, and for Charlotte Meck- lenburg Schools as a school media library council with an interest in graphic design specialist. MARIE HARRIS is man- who can help create promotional materials to ager of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Cornelius reach that demographic. and Davidson branches.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 53 PERSPECTIVES

When Values Collide Reconciling our commitments when hate speech is involved

core value of librarianship more guidance on how to develop a policy is open and equal access to that might help libraries deny meeting the library for all members requests that could endanger patrons. It of our communities. User in could offer guidance on how to com- experience research has practice municate with and support community Ataught us that access means more than just BY Meredith Farkas members who have been affected by hate letting anyone into our spaces; it requires groups. ALA’s Libraries Respond website creating spaces that make people feel like (bit.ly/alvalue4) is a start. they belong. Unintentionally making some librarians valued the rights of hate groups Our values can’t exist in a vacuum— people feel unwelcome with our policies, more than the safety of marginalized com- they must work for librarians in the programs, spaces, and services is very easy. munity members. After weeks of passion- real world, where they often clash and Another core value is intellectual ate debate and feedback, Council voted in must be reconciled. OIF must continue freedom, and we have a long and proud August to rescind the changes and asked to engage with issues around diversity, history of supporting it in the face of cen- the Intellectual Freedom Committee to equity, and social justice and consider sorship. Because we attempt to represent a develop a new draft. those ideals when developing policy state- diversity of perspectives in our collections, I recognize that the First Amendment, as ments, just as units focused on diversity displays, and programming, most libraries interpreted by the courts, does protect hate and social responsibility must consider contain material that some patrons might speech in public forums like libraries. This intellectual freedom. For communities find offensive. does not mean that our professional associ- targeted by hate groups, these discussions But what if a perspective repudiates ation needs to proclaim that allowing hate are not academic but existential, and we the dignity and worth of a group of our groups to speak is in line with our library must acknowledge how privilege may patrons? What if a hate group discusses values. Our profession has protested laws sometimes blind us to that in a profession that perspective in your library’s meeting and government actions when they have that is 86% white. room? I can usually look to the American been at odds with our values, but I haven’t As I mentioned in my January/February Library Association (ALA) Library Bill of personally seen ALA address issues where 2017 column, “Never Neutral” (bit.ly/ Rights and Core Values of Librarianship for our own values are in conflict. alvalue5), neutrality replicates existing guidance, but there are situations in which There’s also the issue of protecting oppression. Being true to our professional individual values collide, particularly libraries faced with hate, and ALA could core values around access, diversity, and those around access, social responsibility, play a valuable role there. Some libraries, social responsibility requires finding diversity, and intellectual freedom. How such as Champaign (Ill.) Public Library ways to make historically marginalized do we decide what takes precedence? (bit.ly/alvalue3), have content-neutral members of our communities feel that In July, some librarians were alarmed meeting room policies; ALA could offer they belong in our libraries and are that the statement interpreting the Library reflected in our collections, staffing, and Bill of Rights with regards to meeting services. Welcoming hate groups conflicts rooms (bit.ly/alvalue) had been amended Our values can’t with that, and it’s something that we, as a in June to explicitly state that hate groups profession, need to address holistically. cannot be excluded (bit.ly/alvalue1). exist in a vacuum— While James LaRue, director of ALA’s MEREDITH FARKAS is a faculty librarian at they must work Portland (Oreg.) Community College and a Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), lecturer at San José (Calif.) State University stated that the amendment reflects the for librarians in School of Information. She blogs at Informa- current legal climate libraries face (bit. ly/ tion Wants to Be Free. Email: librarysuccess@ alvalue2), others felt it suggested that the real world. gmail.com

54 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org PERSPECTIVES

Making Library Videos Seven simple steps to visual marketing

re you ready to create fresh 4. Edit. Using a mobile video edit- and engaging promotional ing tool like iMovie or Adobe Premiere content about your library Elements, remove the extra space at the that doesn’t involve typing beginning and end of the video. Scroll on a laptop or printing out dispatches through the footage and delete filler Aposters? If so, consider making videos. BY David Lee King words like “um” and “ah.” Your goal is to Video marketing popularity has make people sound like they do in real surged. According to Cisco, video com- life (with fewer pauses). At the end of the prised 73% of global IP traffic in 2016, Brainstorming will help you decide what video, add your library’s logo and your and by 2021 it is expected to increase to content you want to feature. website’s URL so viewers know where to 82%. Your patrons are already consuming 2. Schedule it. Start slow, perhaps by get more information. Try to keep your videos, so it makes sense for your library planning one video per month. Add these video under two minutes—more people to create video content for them. Making projects to your calendar and schedule are likely to watch it all the way through videos can be an effective way to share help as needed, factoring in the time to if it’s shorter. what your library does, and thankfully, find a camera operator, on-screen talent, 5. Post. You’ll probably want to share it’s easy. Here are seven simple steps to and props. your video in a couple of places. First, help you get started: 3. Shoot the video. You don’t need upload it to YouTube and embed it on 1. Figure out the content. Spend fancy video equipment. A smartphone will your library’s website. Then share the 20 minutes answering these questions: work, but another option is a point-and- URL on Twitter (with a screengrab image “What’s new and exciting at the library?” shoot camera, like the Canon PowerShot from the video). Upload the video file “What do we wish patrons did more of G7 X Mark II or Sony Cyber-shot DSC- separately to Facebook since that plat- or used more?” “What’s happening next RX100 Mark VI. To capture clear audio, form favors native video. month at the library?” At the end of this place yourself four to five feet away from 6. Respond to comments. Within brainstorm, you will have compiled a list the speaker and consider investing in a the video, ask viewers to comment. Once of videos to make. lavalier microphone, like the omnidirec- it receives feedback, respond promptly. If you have just started a new service, tional BOYA BY-M1. Give the person in If nothing else, say something like, make a video describing how useful it is. front of the camera an outline of what’s “Thanks for the comment” or “Thanks Maybe you just built a new makerspace— supposed to happen. To make the video for watching!” People appreciate the create a short video that shows off the more engaging, ensure he or she is look- acknowledgment. equipment and invites people to visit. ing directly at the lens. 7. Repeat. Why stop at one video when Find the best option that works for you can create consistent content for your you. Maybe you don’t like acting, but you customers? Put yourself on a schedule have a knack for interviewing. Start with Try to keep your (see step two above) and start making quick, one-minute-long book reviews videos regularly. with one or two colleagues who love to video under two You are now well on your way to read and ask them to describe the last providing patrons with useful, engaging book they read. minutes—more video content! Or consider making a list of your library’s most-used services, frequently people will watch it DAVID LEE KING is digital services director at Topeka and Shawnee County (Kans.) Public asked questions at the reference desk, all the way through Library. Adapted from “Video in Libraries,” or maybe the top 10 things you wished Library Technology Reports vol. 54, no. 7 your patrons knew about the library. if it’s shorter. (Oct. 2018).

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 55 PERSPECTIVES

Outside-the-Box Outreach To connect with more kids, youth services librarians should look to adults

don’t have to convince librarians that the curriculum to work on their projects in the public library should be an integral our children’s room. They also spend one part of its community, but it may take or two class sessions at the public library some outreach to get members of the youth so we can introduce them to our resources community thinking that way. matters and show them how our collection can IYour youth services staffers may already BY Abby Johnson support their lesson planning. My hope be doing this outreach. For instance, your is that if we can reach them while they’re library might bring storytimes to local day still training, the public library will cares or crafts to after-school programs. that because her child was interacting become an integral part of their teaching. But what about reaching the adults in with elderly persons regularly, she was There are many possibilities for reach- your community as a means of reaching now sensitive to their needs.” ing adults who have connections to chil- the kids? The partnership has been so successful dren. Service groups like Kiwanis Clubs, This outside-the-box approach to youth that the owner of the day care schedules Lions Clubs, or Altrusa International are services outreach can reap results beyond additional visits each month and has often amenable to having guest speakers at what you might imagine. Phyllis Peter, started planning her own programming their meetings. Spreading the word about youth services librarian at Newton (Iowa) with the seniors. family programs and services that your Public Library, has noticed this in extend- My own library, Floyd County (Ind.) library offers just might open up an avenue ing efforts to seniors. Peter was initially Library, has partnered with local col- of grant funding or attract volunteers. asked to provide general outreach to a leges and universities that offer degree Afterschool Alliance and United Way’s nearby adult day care facility’s memory programs in education. I contacted the Success by 6 are two national programs care unit, so she took the invitation and education department of Indiana Univer- that may have branches in your area. If ran with it. The library partnered with a sity Southeast in New Albany and asked these groups are meeting in your commu- local day care interested in bringing chil- if we could speak to the students during nity, the library should have a seat at the dren to the unit, and a preschool–senior their first seminar of the year. Our staffers table. These types of meetings are great storytime was born. shared with them ideas about how to use for networking and figuring out how your It soon became evident that the seniors the public library throughout their college library can partner with local organiza- were benefiting from regular program- careers and beyond, when they become tions. These groups might not think to ming and interactions with young people. teachers and have their own classrooms. invite the library, so don’t be afraid to ask Several clients talk about the visits for We have also partnered with our local to attend—you’ll often find them recep- hours afterward, and even though they community college’s early childhood tive to including new attendees who care have memory loss, many remember when education program and invited students in about children. the children are scheduled to visit. Mean- Reaching out to adults may not be the while, the children are getting more time Spreading the first idea that comes to mind for youth with caring, attentive adults. services librarians, but don’t let these Peter has also gotten comments from word about family opportunities escape you. This unlikely patrons that the program has developed approach to outreach can be just the thing the children’s empathy skills. “One mom programs might to establish your library as essential to the of a child who attends each month said community. her 3-year-old was at a restaurant, saw an open up an avenue elderly man struggling with his walker, of funding or ABBY JOHNSON is collection development and went over to help him,” she says. leader at Floyd County (Ind.) Library. Find her “[The mother] was floored and realized attract volunteers. at abbythelibrarian.com.

56 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org PERSPECTIVES

Getting Advice Where to turn when you’re a student looking for a career in librarianship

uring my search for an aca- your program and can speak from that demic library position, I relied experience. I have used office hours to heavily on others for support. on my bring up librarianship questions that Navigating internships, phone weren’t directly related to the instruc- interviews, and job talks can be mind tor’s class. Dtricky, but having a variety of sources that I BY Zoë McLaughlin As with librarians, it’s important to could turn to for advice greatly helped. keep in mind where professors might be Here are some people and resources to coming from. Maybe they’ve worked in consider when building connections for valuable for me to cultivate relationships libraries for a long time and only recently your job search. with librarians of varying levels of experi- switched to academia. Maybe they’re Career centers. Your school’s career ence and points of view. more of a theorist and can offer insights center is an obvious first stop. It can be Well-established librarians have a good on how the field is changing. Maybe their useful to learn if the center’s staffers sense of the history of the profession and research on community archives can help have certain specialties. For example, the important things to look for in a job. you sort through your thoughts on diver- someone may be well versed in interview My boss, for example, suggested I attend sity in collections. Know what you hope preparation, while another person may the Association for Asian Studies confer- to get out of the conversation, and don’t be better suited to guide you through ence, where I found my summer intern- feel bad about talking to more than one of salary negotiation. Your professors and ship. Her knowledge is very subject-based your professors. classmates may have suggestions about and luckily aligns with my own interests. Twitter. If you’re into social media, whom to meet in your career center, but Since I’m trying to cultivate skills across Twitter can be a handy tool to connect it also doesn’t hurt to ask. the board, discussions with instruction with librarians who are doing interesting Professional organizations. I’ve par- librarians and scholarly communications things and might not be in your geo- ticipated in mentoring programs offered librarians have also been helpful. graphic area. I follow many librarians by both the Association of College and However, don’t overlook librarians just to keep tabs on developing issues and Research Libraries and the Asian Pacific who—like you—are just starting out. learn how librarians talk to one another. American Librarians Association, and These are the people who can provide I’ve attended a few Twitter chats that have these relationships have been beneficial on-the-ground advice because they have been especially worthwhile for the job to my search. The great thing about par- recently been there themselves. search process, the most recent being one ticipating in a formal mentorship program Professors. They’re a vital resource, hosted by #LISprochat. is that your assigned advisor signed up as they see many students go through It’s important to keep in mind that because he or she wants to be there. As librarianship has changed a lot over the someone who worries about inconve- years—so it’s important to get multiple niencing others, this made me feel com- Learn if your career perspectives. fortable reaching out as questions arose. This column was excerpted from “Getting I recommend looking into professional center’s staffers have Advice,” which first appeared on Hack organizations that personally interest you Library School on April 24. Read the full and seeing what they have to offer. certain specialties, post here: bit.ly/HLSadvice. Librarians. Librarians are generally like interview excited to see new people entering the ZOË MCLAUGHLIN is a resident librarian at Michigan State University in East Lansing, profession and are willing to have conver- preparation or working on South and Southeast Asian stud- sations about what the landscape looks ies and accessibility. Find her on Twitter like and how they landed their jobs. It was salary negotiation. @zomanjii.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 57 PERSPECTIVES

Reimagine Programming Alternative programs for patrons of all ages

estselling author Jenn McKinlay Jenn Carson encour- often sets stories in her Library ages programming that Lover’s Mysteries series during gets people active. She “crafternoons,” weekly library librarian’s defines physical literacy potluck luncheons that combine library as an awareness of one’s Bcrafting and book discussion. It sounds like BY Karen Muller body and “the motiva- a wonderful programming idea—though as tion, ability, confidence, someone who participates in both knitting and understanding to move the body and book-discussion groups, I’m not sure “unlearning” is developed to spur throughout the life course,” and argues about the weekly part. But McKinlay’s con- innovation. They stress the importance that this awareness contributes as much cept reveals much about the perception of of listening to the needs and desires of a to developing a well-rounded person as the library as a community center. Here are community as the first step toward other literacies do. The rest of the book several titles to help expand or reimagine building engagement, goodwill, and offers ways to increase physical activity in programming, mostly in public libraries. respect. They do not abandon the library spaces, addressing legal, finan- traditional focus on collections, however. cial, and behavioral issues along the way. Why libraries must Instead they explore ways to capitalize Program plans for specific activities are expand their community on the library’s role as a treasured included, along with vignettes detailing role is explained in cultural resource by using the collections the efforts of library leaders in this aspect Transform and Thrive: as a springboard for creative program- of programming. ALA Editions, 2018. 224 P. Ideas to Invigorate Your ming. The appendices provide sample $54.99. PBK. 978-0-8389-1725-1. Library and Your programming statements, evaluation Community, by Dorothy forms, and checklists. ALA Editions, 2018. Retro culture, fandom, game nights, and Stoltz with Gail Griffith, James Kelly, 168 P. $60. PBK. 978-0-8389-1622-3. trivia are all aspects of pop culture that Muffie Smith, and Lynn Wheeler. The can be woven into programming. In Pop authors explain how to build a culture in In Get Your Community Moving: Physical Culture-Inspired Programs for Tweens, which risk-taking is encouraged and Literacy Programs for All Ages, author Teens, and Adults, authors Amy J. Alessio,

THE BESTSELLERS LIST

TOP 3 IN PRINT 1 | National School 2 | The Librarian’s 3 | Reference and Library Standards for Guide to Homelessness: Information Services: Learners, School An Empathy-Driven An Introduction, 4th Librarians, and School Approach to Solving edition by Kay Ann Cassell Libraries by American Problems, Preventing and Uma Hiremath Association of School Librarians Conﬂict, and Serving In this book Cassell and Hiremath provide The Standards enable school librarians to Everyone by Ryan J. Dowd tools to manage the ebb and flow of influence and lead their schools, districts, This one-of-a-kind guide encourages changing reference services in today’s and states and to develop plans that library staff to treat homeless individuals libraries. meet today’s educational landscape. with dignity.

58 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org PERSPECTIVES

Katie LaMantia, and for a makerspace, implement the plans, role of the library. Libraries Unlimited, 2017. Emily Vinci present a and administer the program. Rowman and 218 P. $50. PBK. 978-1-4408-5364-7; Libraries range of ideas assem- Littlefield, 2017. 262 P. $88. PBK. 978-1-4422-7740-3; Unlimited, 2017. 170 P. $50. PBK. 978-1-4408-5069-1. bled by decades, Rowman and Littlefield, 2018. 208 P. $64. PBK. 978-1- (Both available as ebooks.) touching on everything 5381-0818-5. (Both available as ebooks.) from Barbie to real- We end with a form of ity television, with a These two new books collections-based service. wrap-up section on classic cars, Disney, address specific aspects Libraries have been and games in general. The final chapters of storytelling. Sherry adding various forms of offer marketing ideas, reminders about Norfolk and Lyn Ford audiovisual media to licensing, and planning tips. ALA Editions, edited the essays in collections for decades, 2018. 144 P. $49.99. PBK. 978-0-8389-1705-3. Storytelling Strategies for starting in the 1920s with Reaching and Teaching audio recordings. More recently, libraries Two recent books cover Children with Special are offering many other kinds of collec- the basics of initiating Needs and contributed tions. Audio Recorders to Zucchini Seeds: hubs of community thoughts on why sto- Building a Library of Things, edited by creation and learn- rytelling is an effective Mark Robison and Lindley Shedd, ing. They are Library learning mechanism, explores the library’s role in the growing Makerspaces: The using its principles to sharing economy. Why own a chain saw Complete Guide, by suggest ways to meet the when you can borrow one from the Theresa Willingham learning needs of different populations. library? Or a sewing machine? Or a with contributions Throughout, success stories from a wide guitar? In addition to reporting on specific by Chuck Stephens, variety of educators, teachers, storytell- collections, the editors provide guidance Steve Willingham, and ers, puppeteers, and librarians specify on cataloging, circulating, and maintain- Jeroen DeBoer, and ways to adapt a story. Norfolk also edited ing items, and administering these unique Makerspaces: A Practical Engaging Community through Storytelling: programs. Much of the volume comprises Guide for Librarians, Library and Community Programming, case studies for a range of collections, second edition, by this time with Jane Stenson. In this with management tips specific to each. John J. Burke, revised by Ellyssa Kroski. volume, the authors show how storytell- Libraries Unlimited, 2017. 271 P. $65. PBK. 978-1- Library Makerspaces takes a textbook ing can aid in intercultural understanding 4408-5019-6. (Also available as an ebook.) approach that looks at the philosophy and building cultural pride. Storytelling behind makerspaces, along with history can be a way to learn from elders or hear KAREN MULLER was librarian and knowledge and statistics. Both titles include recom- the voices of the disenfranchised. As such, management specialist for the ALA Library mendations on how to lay the groundwork it builds community and enhances the until her retirement in December 2017.

The To p -Selling Books from ALA Publishing (Since September 1, 2018)

TOP 3 IN EBOOKS 1 | Foundations of 2 | Fundamentals of 3 | The Neal-Schuman Library and Information Collection Development Library Technology Science, 4th edition and Management, 4th Companion: A Basic by Richard E. Rubin edition by Peggy Johnson Guide for Library Staff, This book illuminates the Johnson offers complete 5th edition by John J. Burke major facets of library and information coverage of different aspects of collec- This primer gives readers a sound and science for aspiring professionals as well tion development and management, sensible way to consider, access, and use as those already practicing in the field. with suggestions for further reading library technologies to better meet the and narrative case studies that explore needs of library users. these issues.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 59 Maschine is a music controller that can be used to record and modify samples and mix and edit songs.

synths, piano, and percussion instruments, and compressor and delay effects. Maschine has both outlet and USB power sources and can be made portable by installing its accompanying software on a laptop. While an internet connec- tion is needed to install and activate the software, it is not required to operate Maschine. The minimum system requirements are Windows 7 or Mac OS 10.12, Intel Core i5 processor, and 4 gigs of RAM. Maschine MK3 costs $599. Native Instruments offers educational discounts for libraries on related Local Music Remix software add-ons. For more infor- Digital audio production tools for your library mation, visit bit.ly/ALSolMaschine. Pocket Operator growing number of libraries The Maschine controller can Pocket Operators are handheld are offering audio produc- function as a stand-alone device to synthesizers, about the size of a A tion tools, either in studio record and modify samples, browse calculator, designed by Teen- spaces or on loan. By making these and preview sounds, and even mix age Engineering. With tools available to patrons, libraries and edit projects, making it a viable a built-in speaker can draw local artists and hobbyists stand-in for many studio tools. and become part of the local music While Native Instruments recom- scene. The software and instrument mends use with its software and options are numerous, but digital hardware, it’s also compatible with production platforms provide a all major digital audio workstations solid introduction for newcomers as (including Ableton Live) as a virtual well as a unique resource for more studio technology (VST) or Audio experienced musicians. Units plugin. The newest release, Maschine Maschine MK3, adds two color LCD screens— Maschine is a music controller and improving its ability to slice samples, sequencing software package by edit notes, and browse synth sounds Native Instruments that can be without reliance on a computer— used for creating and performing and built-in line, MIDI, and mic musical arrangements. It includes inputs and outputs to the control- 16 pressure-sensitive pads for live ler, allowing samples to be played Pocket Operators performance or sequencing, as well directly into the device. The unit are handheld as a “smart strip” that enables slides comes with the Komplete 11 Select synths with a wide and pitch bends. production suite, which includes range of sounds.

60 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org SUBMISSIONS To have a new product considered, contact Carrie Smith at [email protected].

and audio-out, they are simple, self-contained music devices. While A Push for Music their features are limited, Pocket Operators can create complex in King County patterns, sequences, and effects. Each has a 16-pad interface for How do you use Ableton? step sequencing or live play and an At our library we have both USERS: Coley Mixan and array of effects buttons to adjust the Live software and its Kenza Abtouche, ideaX Public Services Assistants, pitch and tempo and make other companion Push control- King County (Wash.) Library modifications. lers, so patrons can experi- System (KCLS) Each of the Pocket Operator’s ment with everything from nine models includes a unique designing their own beats PRODUCTS: Ableton Push and Live sound library and a handful of to recording and sampling distinct features. The most recent audio tracks. That’s what’s DESCRIPTION: Ableton Live releases, in the 30 series, also so exciting about Ableton: is a digital audio worksta- include microphones for live sam- Its uses are multifaceted tion that integrates with pling. Animated LCD screens dis- depending on the musi- Push, a MIDI controller, for live perfor- play settings like beats per minute cian’s desires. We use mances and audio production. and volume but are largely taken up Ableton in teen and adult by whimsical animations, giving the programs. The Push has been a big hit, and many teens have started synths a videogame feel. making their own beats and saving songs during drop-in time. Pocket Operators can be used alone, but their focus on com- How does Ableton serve your library’s needs? Ableton’s products plementary soundsets—drum help us serve patrons who want to experiment with sound and music machines, lead synths, bass, each production without the financial risk of investing in with a gimmick, like office and expensive equipment. It’s a professional-level platform, arcade sounds—makes them ideal which is very attractive to local musicians. The library for collaborative production. They system has hosted a lot of amazing local artists to teach can be chained together with workshops, allowing our community to develop its own 3.5-millimeter audio cords, and unique language with this technology. With Ableton, will sync to each other so various patrons can use the equipment that some of their favor- sounds from each can be used on a ite artists use to make music. It’s a win-win—local artists single song. have a platform to share their passions, and community Pocket Operators run on two members can be inspired to discover their own. AAA batteries, with an expected What are the main benefits? One of the main benefits battery life of one month. Finished of Ableton has been the platform’s flexibility. KCLS beats or songs can be exported via serves a variety of communities—from small rural librar- the audio cable, but there is no data ies to large urban spaces—so we need a product that backup for most models. While the will be of interest to and perform for diverse user needs. PO-33 Tonic is designed as a stand- Ableton supports a large online learning community, so alone companion to the Microtonic The King County our patrons can continue learning (and connecting) outside of our VST software, none of the units (Wash.) Library library programs. Even though there are a variety of features, there requires a computer or other soft- System ideaX program inte- is not a steep learning curve. At the same time, there are so many ware to operate. grates the Ableton options for more advanced users. We think the biggest benefit of Pocket Operators range from $49 Push into music having Ableton is the possibility of creating cool music. to $89, and optional cases for each workshops. unit cost $29–$39. Connector cords What would you like to see improved or added to the software or are $15 for three. For more informa- boards? I would love to see more free sound packs and sound libraries tion, visit bit.ly/ALSolPocketOp. from Ableton so users have more samples and sounds to play with. •

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 61 Cinthya Ippoliti became university ON THE MOVE librarian and director of the University of Colorado Denver’s Auraria Library Julianne Bedel became assistant direc- in August. tor of Medina County (Ohio) District Michael Buckland, emeritus pro- Library July 23. fessor of the University of California, Oregon College of Art and Craft in Port- Berkeley School of Information, was land appointed Dan Kelley as director August 20 Jessi Brown became director of library services in July. at Gas City–Mill Township (Ind.) Public honored as a research fellow at École Library. Nationale Supérieure des Sciences Melody Kellogg became director of de l’Information et des Bibliothèques Stillwater (Okla.) Public Library in Delaney Bullinger joined Auburn (Ala.) in Villeurbane, France, in May. September. University Libraries as reference/ Additionally, his book Information instruction librarian July 1. and Society (MIT Press) was named The University of North Carolina at Best Information Science Book by Chapel Hill Libraries named Nerea August 15 Kevin Butterfield became A. Llamas associate university librarian the Association for Information executive director of the Fred W. Smith for collections strategy and services, Science and Technology in August. National Library for the Study of George effective September 24. Washington at Mount Vernon, Virginia. Clara Stanton Jones was posthu- Tyler Martindale joined mously inducted into the Michigan Heather K. Calloway became executive Auburn (Ala.) University director of university collections at Indi- Women’s Hall of Fame October Libraries as business and ana University Bloomington August 31. 18. Stanton Jones became the first economics reference African-American leader of a major- librarian July 1. Michelle Cawley became city public library when she became head of clinical, aca- director of Detroit Public Library Amy Pajewski became student success demic, and research (DPL) in 1970, and she was elected librarian at West Chester (Pa.) Univer- engagement at Univer- the first African-American president sity in August. sity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Health Sci- of the American Library Association West Chester (Pa.) University appointed ences Library August 13. (ALA) in 1976. She established Lianglei Qi as digital collections DPL’s The Information Place service, librarian in August. July 5 Fanuel Chirombo became acqui- providing guidance through social, sitions and serials librarian at Morgan legal, and governmental agencies, Columbus (Ohio) Metropolitan Library State University in Baltimore. which became a model of informa- named Benjamin Reid as manager of its New Albany branch, effective July 30. tion provision for other libraries. In August University of Colorado Den- • ver’s Auraria Library appointed Jessica July 23 Lisa Ruth became Critten pedagogy and assessment pro- director of library human gram lead librarian. July 2 Karen Grigg joined the University resources at the Univer- of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Libraries sity of North Carolina at August 20 MaryKay Dahlgreen began as health sciences librarian for collec- Chapel Hill. as librarian for Lincoln County (Oreg.) tions and instruction. Library District. July 31 Kelcy Shepherd joined the Insti- Sanibel (Fla.) Public Library named tute of Museum and Library Services in Gale S. Etschmaier became dean of Candy Heise adult services coordinator Washington, D.C., as associate deputy Florida State University Libraries in in August. director for discretionary programs. Tallahassee on September 7. June 1 Scott Hill joined Birmingham Live Oak Public Libraries in Savannah, In July Joe Fox joined Charleston (Ala.)–Southern College as electronic Georgia, appointed Tom Sloan as exec- (W.Va.) Southern University as head of systems and research librarian. utive director, effective August 1. reference and instruction/digital learning and web services librarian. In July Richard Huffine became chief of Elizabeth York joined Rutgers Univer- the library and public information sec- sity Libraries in New Brunswick, New Violet Fox became Dewey editor at tion of the Federal Deposit Insurance Jersey, as electronic resources librarian OCLC in June. Corporation in Washington, D.C. September 4.

62 November/December 2018 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org SUBMISSIONS Send notices and photographs to Amy Carlton, [email protected].

MORE ONLINE americanlibrariesmagazine.org/currents

Danielle Alderson was promoted to program manager for ALA Round Tables in the ALA Offices and Member Relations Department in September. Mary Ivy Bayard, 77, head of administrative services at Temple University Librar- ies in Philadelphia until her retirement in 2002 and a former president of the Sean Bires left ITTS August 16. Pennsylvania Library Association, died August 1. Beatrice Calvin has been promoted to Ruth Toor, 85, librarian at Southern Boulevard Elementary School in Chatham manager of professional development Township, New Jersey, for 29 years, died September 7. Toor served as 1992–1993 for the ALA–Allied Professional Associ- president of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and is honored ation (APA) and the Office for Human by AASL’s annual Ruth Toor Grant for Strong Public School Libraries. She was a Resource Development and Recruit- member of the Caldecott Award Selection Committee in 1995. With collaborator ment (HRDR). Hilda Weisburg, she cowrote more than a dozen books on school librarianship, including New on the Job: A School Librarian’s Guide to Success and Being Indis- Keri Cascio, executive director of the pensable: A School Librarian’s Guide to Becoming an Invaluable Leader. They also Association for Library Collections and Technical Services, left September 14 created and published the School Librarian’s Workshop newsletter. to become assistant chief of content, John “Jack” Weatherford, 94, director of libraries at Central Michigan Uni- technology, and innovation at Chicago versity in Mount Pleasant from 1970 until his 1988 retirement, died June 2. He Public Library. had previously served as manuscripts librarian at the Ohio Historical Society in Columbus and associate director of libraries and university librarian at Miami Louise Gruenberg left ITTS August 16. University in Oxford, Ohio. • Jessica Hughes, executive director of the Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies and the Akron–Summit County Reference and User Services Associa- PROMOTIONS (Ohio) Public Library pro- tion, left ALA September 12. moted Barbara White to Rebekkah Smith Aldrich was promoted Sarah Hunter was promoted to Booklist deputy director July 30. to executive director of Mid-Hudson books for youth editor September 10. (N.Y.) Library System in August. Julianna Kloeppel left ITTS August 16. Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti RETIREMENTS promoted Rhonda Fowler to university Patricia L. May retired as director of librarian effective May 1. Diedre Conkling retired from Lincoln administration for the Washington County (Oreg.) Library District Septem- Office August 31 after nearly 30 years Elizabeth Ott was promoted to Frank ber 4. with ALA. Borden Hanes curator of rare books at the University of North Carolina at Rick Luce, dean of libraries at the Uni- The Young Adult Library Services Asso- Chapel Hill’s Louis Round Wilson Library versity of Oklahoma in Norman, retired ciation appointed Anita Mechler as July 25. in June. executive director, effective August 13.

In August Dalhousie University Libraries Peggy K. Potter retired as director of Kimberly Redd has been promoted to in Halifax, Nova Scotia, promoted Hutchinson Memorial Library in Ran- program manager for certification and Michelle Paon to interim associate uni- dolph, Wisconsin, in October. talent development for ALA–APA and versity librarian and head of the Sexton HRDR. Design and Technology Library. AT ALA Sanhita SinhaRoy was promoted to North Central Regional editor and publisher of American Library in Wenatchee, Pam Akins moved to the new position Libraries September 4. Washington, promoted of technical services specialist for Infor- Barbara Walters to exec- mation Technology and Telecommuni- ITTS Database Administrator Mitch utive director July 13. cation Services (ITTS) August 16. Stein left ALA August 30.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2018 63 the BOOKEND

News to Peruse urn on, tune in, drop out.” Insurance executive Paul Simpson heard those words on the evening news one night, but had he heard them correctly? To find out, he contacted the net- Twork for a tape, only to learn it didn’t archive its broadcasts. So in 1968, Simpson founded the Vanderbilt Television News Archive at his alma mater in Nashville, Tennessee, to preserve US newscasts—including commercials—as part of the cultural record. This year the archive of more than 1.1 million abstracted segments—including the only known coverage of its kind of the Vietnam War, the Apollo spaceflight program, and Watergate—celebrates its 50th anniversary. “We want people to have an objective record of what has been broadcast,” says Clifford Anderson (pictured), associate university librarian for research and learning, “so that when they’re looking back at any period, they can understand how people were being informed about the world.” Anderson, who oversees the archive and its staff of five, says the collection allows viewers to draw their own judgments about potential bias and distortion. The archive’s digital reading room, with portraits of journalists lining the walls, is tapped by students, researchers, government officials, and the general public. Anyone can request footage—the core collection is culled from ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, and NBC—via the website. Staffers then burn segments onto DVDs and loan them by mail. Now that processes are digital, the archive works with Vanderbilt’s supercomputing center to manage its massive collection, which staffers estimate would take more than six years to watch in its entirety. “The archive is a real jewel in our crown,” says Anderson. “What I’ve been working on is just making sure it shines a little more brightly.”

THE BOOKEND showcases librarians, their work, and their work spaces. For consideration, please send press material to [email protected]. Photo: John Russell/Vanderbilt University; screengrabs courtesy of Vanderbilt University of Vanderbilt courtesy screengrabs University; John Russell/Vanderbilt Photo:

64 November/December 2018

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