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DEPARTMENTS

4 News from PLA kathleen hughes

6 On the Agenda

7 From the President daniel l. walters

16 Tales from the Front jennifer ries-taggart

19 Perspectives nann blaine hilyard

FEATURES 29 Book Talk amy alessio

42 Barefoot in Columbus 31 Internet Spotlight The Legacy of Kreimer and the Legality of Public Library steven m. cohen Access Policies Concerning Appearance and Hygiene This article analyzes three significant legal cases where patrons 35 Bringing in the Money were evicted due to their appearance or hygiene rather than for dis- stephanie gerding ruptive behavior and focuses on how policies should be constructed and enforced to avoid future litigation. 40 Passing Notes james kelly michael garrett farrelly

50 T he Accidental Supervisor 64 By the Book In these days of reduced funds and staff cutbacks, it’s not unusual julie elliott for people to be moved sideways into supervisory positions or to have a number of library pages suddenly added to their responsi- 70 New Product News bilities. Here’s some advice for successfully managing this role. vicki nesting pat tunstall EXTRAS 58 Ill Winds Hurricanes and Public Libraries along the Gulf Coast 2 Readers Respond How did two powerful hurricanes affect public libraries in three 2 Editor’s Note states? With numerous library systems destroyed, how did public 10 Verso—The Librarian librarians meet the demands from hurricane evacuees? Who Reads Is Lost mary cosper leboeuf 63 Index to Advertisers

cover and table of contents images by jim lange design.

445n3_2pcorrex.indd5n3_2pcorrex.indd 1 55/30/2006/30/2006 10:42:0510:42:05 AMAM What’s Up with the Cover? Depicting a feature article on the cover can be tricky (we EDITORIAL don’t want to get too literal, and we do want to make sure EDITOR: Kathleen M. Hughes that you take notice of the journal sitting in your inbox). CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Steven M. Cohen, Julie Elliott, So sometimes our artist, Jim Lange, opts instead to por- Michael Garrett Farrelly, Stephanie Gerding, Nann Blaine Hilyard, tray a book, reading, or library theme. For this issue, he Nanci Milone-Hill, Vicki Nesting, Jennifer Ries-Taggart has transformed an iconic Modigliani painting—eye- ADVISORY COMMITTEE catching, don’t you agree? Marilyn Boria, Elmhurst, IL; Nancy Charnee, New York, NY; Bessie Condos, Sacramento, CA; Barbara Custen, Pasadena, CA; Now that you’ve picked up the journal to check out the Sally Decker-Smith, Wheeling, IL; Luren E. Dickinson, Shaker cover more closely, be sure to take a minute and check Heights, OH; Nanci Milone Hill, Methuen, MA; Patricia Marvel, Las Vegas, NV; Marcia Schneider, San Francisco, CA. out all this issue has to offer. In “Ill Winds,” Mary Cosper EX OFFICIO: Clara N. Bohrer, West Bloomfield Library, LeBoeuf details how Gulf Coast libraries have fared in the 4600 Walnut Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, MI 48323-2557; wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita; and don’t miss James [email protected]. Kelly on library access policies concer PLA PRESIDENT: Daniel L. Walters, Las Vegas-Clark County ning appearance Library District, 833 Las Vegas Blvd. N., Las Vegas, NV 89101; and hygiene in “Barefoot In Columbus.” Also, if you’re [email protected] thinking of nominating yourself, your library, or some- PUBLIC LIBRARIES (ISSN 0163-5506) is published bimonthly at 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. It is the official publication of body else for one of the many library service awards out the Public Library Association, a division of the American Library there in libraryland, then you’ll want to take a look at this Association. Subscription price: to members of PLA, $25 a year, included in membership dues; to nonmembers: U.S. $50; Canada issue’s Perspectives column, which features instructive $60; all other countries $60. Single copies, $10. Periodicals postage essays by recent award-winners. (Then visit www.pla.org paid at Chicago, IL, and at additional mailing offices. and nominate yourself, your library, or a colleague for one POSTMASTER: send address changes to Public Libraries, of our awards!) Be sure to check out all of the other infor- 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. mative and entertaining items in this issue as well. SUBSCRIPTIONS With this issue, we say good-bye to PLA President Dan Nonmember subscriptions, orders, changes of address, and Walters, whose last column appears on page 7. Thanks, inquiries should be sent to Public Libraries, Sub scription Dan, for your hard work on behalf of PLA this year and Department, American Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; 1-800-545-2433, press 5; fax: (312) 944-2641; for your thoughtful, and thought-provoking columns. [email protected]. With the July/August issue, we welcome and look forward ADVERTISING to hearing from incoming PLA President Susan Hildreth, William N. Coffee, c/o Benson, Coffee & Associates, 1411 Peterson state librarian of California. Ave., Park Ridge, IL 60068; (847) 692-4695; fax: (847) 692-3877. Finally, send comments and questions about PL to PRODUCTION [email protected]; we look forward to hearing from you! ALA PRODUCTION SERVICES: Troy D. Linker, Angela Hanshaw; Kathleen Hughes Angela Gwizdala, Christopher Keech, Stephanie Kuenn, and Christine Velez. Editor MANUSCRIPTS Unless otherwise noted, all submissions should be sent to Kathleen is reading Smashed: Story of a Drunken Girlhood Kathleen Hughes, Public Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., by Koren Zailckas and 1776 by David McCullough. Chicago, IL 60611; [email protected]. See www.pla.org for sub- mission instructions. INDEXING/ABSTRACTING Public Libraries is indexed in Library Literature and Current Index to Journals in Education (CIJE), in addition to a num- ber of online services. Contents are abstracted in Library and Information Science Abstracts. Readers Respond MICROFILM COPIES Microfilm copies are available from University Microfilms, 300 Social responsibility begins at home. In addition to the actions N. Zeeb Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103. The paper used in this publication meets the minimum Michael Baldwin described in “Librarians As Knowledge requirements of American National Standard for Information Provocateurs” (Public Libraries, March/April 2006), public libraries Sciences—Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials, ANSI Z39.48-1992. can serve as models for accountability and transparency by pub- ©2006 by the American Library Association lishing the following kinds of information on their own Web sites: All materials in this journal are subject to copyright by the American Library Association and may be photocopied for the ■ recent and archived minutes of board meetings; noncommercial purpose of scientific or educational advance- ment granted by Sections 107 and 108 of the Copyright Revision ■ budget and other financial information; Act of 1976. For other reprinting, photocopying, or translating, ■ current and past annual reports; address requests to the ALA Office of Rights and Permissions, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. continued on page 6

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News from PLA

Don’t Miss These PLA ■ PLA’s Smartest Card Update Cooper. Cooper Programs at the 2006 ALA ■ Your Library’s Intranet, the hosts the nightly Annual Conference Hidden Tool: Not So Sexy, But Oh CNN news pro- So Satisfying gram Anderson Please note: This is a preliminary Cooper 360°, and schedule. Information is subject to Sunday, June 25, 2006, has anchored change. Visit www.pla.org for updates. 1:30–5:30 p.m. many major ■ Brain Research: Programming For breaking news Saturday, June 24, 2006, All Types of Libraries stories, includ- 10:30 a.m.–noon ing the devas- ■ Changing Demographics: Sunday, June 25, 2006, 4–5:30 p.m. tation caused Marketing to Communities in ■ Meet Us At the Campfire: Telling by Hurricane Transition Your Story Katrina. His book, ■ Good to Great: How to Rethink, Dispatches from Reconfigure, and Revitalize Your Monday, June 26, 10:30 a.m.–noon the Edge: A Memoir Library into Greatness ■ From Collaboration to of War, Disasters, ■ Graphic Novels for Children? The Cohabitation: Partnerships that and Survival will be available in Wave of the Future Build Communities June 2006. PLA is pleased to pres- ■ ■ I Want to Speak to the Person in From the Inside Out: How to Sell ent Anderson Cooper as part of the Charge! How to Effectively Handle New Service Models to Reluctant ALA Auditorium Speakers Series. Problems and Emergencies in the Staff Following his talk and the PLA Public Library ■ Helping Every Child Become awards presentation, join PLA for a ■ Intellectual Freedom in Rural Ready to Read: Care-providers gala, music-filled reception. There is Libraries: How to Keep the Library and Librarians as Partners no charge for attending this event. for Everyone ■ Natural Mentoring and Reverse PLA thanks HarperCollins for their ■ That’s Tight! Teen Volunteer Mentoring in the Digital Age support of this event. Success Stories Monday, June 26, 2006, Saturday, June 24, 2006, 1:30–3:30 p.m. PLA 11th National Conference 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. ■ Building the Ultimate Portal: Draws Record-breaking ■ Models of Engagement: Listening Selection Secrets of the Librarians’ Crowd to Boston to and Learning from Adult New Internet Index Readers and New Immigrants ■ Exploring the Technology of More than 11,000 library staff, Gaming exhibitors, authors, and guests Saturday, June 24, 2006, ■ Targeting Collections to Your packed Boston’s Hynes Convention 1:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. Real Users Center for the Public Library ■ Get Strategic: Coordinate Public Association’s (PLA) 11th National Relations and Marketing to Reach In addition to these programs, Conference, held March 21–25, Your Goals PLA President Dan Walters invites 2006. The conference offered hun- Annual Conference attendees to dreds of workshops, programs, Sunday, June 25, 2006, PLA’s premiere event, the PLA author events, and social events 1:30 p.m–3:30 p.m. President’s Program. The program, that drew capacity crowds. Library ■ How My Parents Learned to Eat: which will be held on Monday, funding, recruitment, privacy, serv- Dim Sum, Fry Bread, Collard June 26, from 5–6:30 p.m., will fea- ing diverse populations, and literacy Greens, and Tacos in the Library ture keynote speaker Anderson are just a few of the issues that

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generated conversation and interest tured outspoken journalist, award- Visit www.pla.org to get hand- among attendees. winning television producer, and outs from conference programs or “Boston is known for its historic best-selling author Linda Ellerbee. to order the mp3/CD-ROM package libraries, and PLA has loved being The large crowd received Ellerbee’s that features all recorded programs. here to share ideas about the future of speech enthusiastically as she (PLA can only provide handouts or libraries,” said PLA President Daniel detailed her life’s adventures and record programs that it has been L. Walters. “This conference has been provided such advice as, “When given permission to do so from pre- one of our most successful, bring- all else fails, do it your way,” “Face senters.) Also, be sure to check out ing thousands within the profession a problem with a solution,” and the PLA Blog (www.plablog.org). The together to discuss how libraries are “Because everything changed doesn’t blog contains reports of conference changing to offer their communities mean that everything is different.” programming, descriptions of author the very best cultural and educational She also talked about the impor- and social events, and more. programs and services possible.” tance of helping to rebuild New PLA’s next national confer- The conference offered a series Orleans’ libraries and asked that ence will be held in Minneapolis, of preconference programs includ- librarians from New Orleans stand Minnesota, March 25–29, 2008. ing best-selling author Nancy Pearl’s and be recognized. “Book Buzz,” wherein Pearl moder- At Thursday’s Adult Author ated a discussion about upcoming Luncheon, nearly one thousand PLA Announces 2006 Award book releases that featured Marcia conference-goers listened to best- Winners Purcell of Random House, Virginia selling author and civil rights activist Stanley of HarperCollins, Talia Ross Elie Wiesel, as the Holocaust survi- PLA’s Advancement of Literacy of Holtzbrinck, and Nora Rawlinson vor, writer, educator, and humanitar- Award was awarded to READ San of Time Warner. Interest in this event ian discussed his life’s experiences Diego, an adult literacy program was so great that an audio feed was and work, his belief in the power of based out of the San Diego Public provided to the lobby outside the the word, and his hope for the future Library. Sponsored by Library room so that those who couldn’t get of humanity. Attendees listened in Journal, the award is given to a a seat were able to listen. rapt silence as Wiesel addressed the publisher, bookseller, software The Opening General Session, seeming futility of trying to put his dealer, foundation, or similar group held on Wednesday, March 22, fea- death camp experiences into words that has made a significant contri- stating, “You cannot know, nobody bution toward the advancement of can; only those who were there.” Due adult literacy. to overwhelming interest in the ses- Georgia Lynn Lomax, managing sion, an additional overflow room librarian at King County Library was made available for attendees to System in Auburn, Washington, listen Wiesel’s remarks. will receive the Allie Beth Martin Other conference authors and Award, which includes a $3,000 Photo by Frank Monkiewicz Frank Photo by speakers included: children’s book award donated by sponsor Baker author Jon Scieszka; best-selling & Taylor. This award recognizes a authors Anna Deavere Smith, public librarian for demonstrating Julia Spencer-Fleming, and Joe a range and depth of knowledge Finder, and producer and director about books and other library mate- Clive Brill; and young adult author rials and the distinguished ability to Jerry Spinelli. share that knowledge. The exhibit hall also was sold out The Baker & Taylor and filled with more than 800 booths Entertainment Audio Music/Video from 420 companies including top Product Award Grant went to the book publishers, who discussed and Granby (Conn.) Library. This grant demonstrated the latest in products offers the selected library $2,500 in Linda Ellerbee at the PLA 2006 Opening and services for public libraries and audio music and video products for Session. their users. its circulating collections.

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PLA’s Charlie Robinson Award has Public Library; and Alexandra B. been awarded to Sandra Neerman, Leinaweaver, Anne Arundel (Md.) director, Greensboro (N.C.) Public County Public Library. Through this On the Agenda Library. This award recognizes a grant, PLA provides $5,000 to sup- public library director for imple- port the professional development 2006 mentation of innovative change. and improve the expertise of public ALA Annual Conference Sponsored by Baker & Taylor, this librarians new to the field by making June 22–28 award consists of $1,000 and a gift to possible their attendance at major New Orleans, Louisiana the recipient. professional development activities. The recipient of the EBSCO PLA also named the two win- PLA Implementing for Excellence in Small and/or Rural ners of its annual contest for public Results Workshop Public Library Service Award is the librarians who publish articles in September 18 Williamsfield (Ill.) Public Library Public Libraries. The first-prize win- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania District. EBSCO Subscription ner of ($500) is Heather Booth, lit- Services donates $1,000 to honor a erature and audio services librarian PLA Results Boot Camp II public library serving a population at the Downers Grove (Ill.) Library, November 13–27 of 10,000 or fewer that demonstrates for her article “RA for YA,” which Nashville, Tennessee excellence in service to its commu- appeared in the January/February nity as exemplified by an overall ser- 2005 issue. The second-prize win- 2007 vice program or a special program of ner ($300) is Rhonda Boyd, divi- significant accomplishment. sion director, planning, research, ALA Midwinter Meeting The Highsmith Library and development, at the Gwinnett Jan. 19–24 Innovation Award was awarded County Library in Georgia, for Seattle, Washington to The Curtis Memorial Library of her article, “Assessing the True Brunswick, Maine. Highsmith, Inc, Nature of Information Transactions PLA Spring Symposium the award’s sponsor, provides a at a Suburban Public Library,” San Jose, California plaque and a $2,000 honorarium to which appeared in the July/August March 1–3 recognize a public library’s innova- 2005 issue. tive or creative service program. PLA will recognize all award win- ALA Annual Conference Demco New Leaders Travel ners on Monday, June 24, 2006 at the June 21–27 Grants were awarded to Rebecca PLA President’s Program and Awards Washington, D.C. Kennedy, San Antonio (Texas) Public Reception, during the American Library; Tara Caldara, Zion-Benton Library Association’s 2006 Annual (Ill.) Public Library District; Laura Conference in New Orleans. For 1-800-545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or visit J. Cleveland, Fayetteville (Ark.) more information, call the PLA office, PLA’s Web site at www.pla.org.

Readers Respond continued from page 2

■ results of special reports, surveys, and focus groups; Public library Web sites can also provide a means for ■ multidecade demographics for public library districts; patrons to give input to library operations through online ■ collection and circulation information; surveys, discussion groups, and so on. Finally, construc- ■ collection development policy; tion of new libraries and library renovations should ■ comprehensive information for proposed major include consideration of energy efficiency and renewable construction; and energy measures as high- priority design criteria.—John ■ projects, tax increases, bond issues, and so on Kintree, MLS student, University of Missouri, Columbia

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Thoughts about Our Web

Daniel L. Walters is Executive Director of Sites, Catalogs, the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, 833 Las Vegas Blvd. N., Las Vegas, NV 89101; and Databases [email protected].

Dan recommends his most recent reads, The Newton CLC has done it again with its recent publication of Perceptions of Letter by John Banville, Libraries and Information Resources, its latest follow-up to the 2003 The Summer He Didn’t OOCLC Environmental Scan: Pattern Recognition.1 Unlike the 2003 Die by Jim Harrison and OCLC Environmental Scan, which was based on OCLC staff interviews with the harrowing The Year of librarians and vendors, as well as OCLC staff-conducted focus groups with Magical Thinking by Joan senior citizens, teachers, and high school students, the new report is based on Didion. a comprehensive survey that “was administered electronically and in English. All respondents therefore use the Internet, are at least somewhat familiar with using electronic Web resources and took the survey in English.”2 It is not possible to provide a thorough summary of the document in this column, but a few of the findings pertaining to our electronic resources and comparisons to conventional commercial search engines merit noting. This compilation of online survey data in Perceptions of Libraries and Information Services provides very interesting and often counterintuitive observations of how Web-savvy information seekers perceive the relative utility of search engines and contrasting observations about libraries and library Web sites, online catalogs, and their aggregated electronic resources. Responses are presented from total respondents as well as geographically from four areas: Canada; the United Kingdom; the United States; and Australia, Singapore, and India. The study also breaks down responses from different perspectives segmented by age from youth ages fourteen to seventeen and adults eigh- teen to twenty-four, twenty-five to sixty-four, and sixty-five and older. To begin with, the participants in the study are familiar with libraries. Ninety-six percent of respondents have visited a public library in person, and 72 percent of respondents age twenty-five and older reported having a library card. Of those surveyed, college students are more likely to have a library card than any other segment surveyed, and in the United States, those ages fourteen to twenty-four are more likely to be registered than those older than twenty-five, with more than 80 percent of respondents indicating they have a library card.3 Considering that these electronic participants know and use public library services, Perceptions of Libraries and Information Services provides important

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Respondents’ observations about the value, utility, and reliability of library electronic resources—including A 741.5 travel through time… online catalogs and electronic data- bases—challenge common assump- 930.14 948.022 tions about the higher value of our vetted electronic resources against standard search engine results obtained by using the Internet. Many of the results of this study also may startle those of us who believe that our electronic resources are funda- mentally better and more accurate than results the great unwashed may obtain from information queries to Google, Yahoo!, Ask.com, and other search engines. The study informs us that 623.441 although search engines have really only been available for about twelve years, respondents are actually more familiar with them than our physical libraries, and are considerably more familiar with search engines than our online libraries. More than 60 percent of all respondents, regardless of 355.0128 919.904 geographic region, are extremely familiar, very familiar, or somewhat familiar with search …with a happy ending. Made possible by Dewey numbers. engines. Just 1 percent of all Updated regularly, the Dewey Decimal Classification scheme respondents surveyed have never is ready for research journeys far and wide, to magical lands heard of search engines. . . . —in multiple languages, online and in print. Twenty percent have never heard Get Dewey today and generate more happy endings of online libraries.4 for your public library. Order now at www.oclc.org/dewey/story/ With this groundwork laid, the study hones in on how this seg- ment of library users approach the Internet as a resource for informa- It’s a big world. We’ve organized it. tion. Perceptions of Libraries and The Dewey Decimal Classification is published by OCLC Online Computer Library Center. www.oclc.org Information Services points out that 72 percent have used search engines, while only 30 percent have used a observations about how success- in terms of comparative trustworthi- library Web site, and only 16 percent ful our efforts as public librarians ness. Although public library users by have used an online database. Not have been to extend access to our no means represent the sole partici- only do the respondents have very services and collections through our pants of the study, no public librar- favorable attitudes about the useful- Web sites and online catalogs. It also ian can read this study and dismiss ness and reliability of commercial addresses how our content is viewed the data as irrelevant to our market. search engines, but 84 percent begin

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their search for information on a par- investment and approaches to devel- and Information Services and The ticular topic using a search engine, oping and managing our Web sites 2003 Environmental Scan also are while only 1 percent begin using an and their organized content when available online from www.oclc.org. online database, and only 1 percent these respondents find innumerable This is my final column as presi- begin using a library Web site.5 Google page results sufficient for dent of the Public Library Association A section of the study devoted to their needs. (PLA). I am grateful to the member- the “library brand” includes further There is much more grist for the ship of PLA for the opportunity to perspectives on the trustworthi- mill in this important study that serve this wonderful association. ness of library resources and search also provides observations about I also extend my appreciation to engines. Sixty-nine percent of respon- how those surveyed see the role and members of the PLA board for their dents find results from search engines value of libraries in their communi- service to PLA; to PLA’s fine staff; to at the same level of trustworthiness ties. The news is not all bad. First Kathleen Hughes, editor of Public as a library information resource, and foremost, respondents associ- Libraries; and to PLA executive direc- while only 22 percent believe that ate the library brand with “books.”7 tor Greta Southard. information from a library is more Survey participants also assert that trustworthy. This response carries a broader mission for the library is across the geographic regions seg- to provide access to information, References mented in the study and is roughly and that information services should 1. OCLC Online Computer Library the same for library card holders and be free to all. They do want cur- Center, Inc., Perceptions of non-card holders.6 rent collections, multiple copies of Libraries and Information These troubling findings are in bestsellers, strong open hours, clean Resources: A Report to the OCLC keeping with many public librar- buildings, access to current technol- Membership (Dublin, Ohio: ies’ measurements of online data- ogy, and many more amenities that OCLC, 2005); OCLC Online base use and do little to assuage we too desire to provide our patrons. Computer Library Center, Inc., convictions that database utiliza- They don’t like bad and rude service, The 2003 Environmental Scan: tion is inconsistent with licensing dirty washrooms, limited hours, Pattern Recognition, A Report to costs. While the study demon- and other attributes we would agree the OCLC Membership (Dublin, strates that this segment of library detract from good public libraries Ohio: OCLC, 2004). users is not aware of the variety and good service. Their positive and 2. OCLC, 2003 Environmental of online resources available at negative associations with libraries Scan, 2.; OCLC, Perceptions the library—including databases, merit our collective consideration as of Libraries and Information downloadable electronic books, and we work to shape public libraries to Services, viii. audio—it is sobering that a segment effectively serve our communities in 3. OCLC, Perceptions of Libraries of self-described knowledgeable the years ahead. and Information Services, Part 1, users is unaware of or finds little I am grateful for OCLC’s contin- 2–3. utility or higher value in so many ued research of these important 4. Ibid., Part 1, 7. of a public libraries’ online resourc- issues, and I encourage public librar- 5. Ibid., Part 1, 12–17. es. Perceptions of Libraries and ians to pick up a copy of Perceptions 6. Ibid., Part 3, 6–7 Information Services raises questions of Libraries and Information Services 7. Ibid., Part 3, 31–35. about the extent of our continued from OCLC. Perceptions of Libraries

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SCOTT CONDON is Reference Librarian at Everett (Wash.) Public Library; scondon@ The Librarian ci.everett.wa.us.

Scott is currently reading Television by Jean-Philippe Who Reads Toussaint, Slouching Toward Bethlehem by Joan Didion, and Orphans by Charles D’Ambrosio. Is Lost

n A Splendor of Letters, the third book in his series on the book world, Nicholas Basbanes makes a passing reference to a statement that Igrabbed my attention: the librarian who reads is lost.1 This remarkable statement prompted a one-by-one sequence of references to my earlier reading that highlighted the unintentional, cumulative, and diverse ways in which information is acquired through the practice of reading. Stay with me as I detail my encounter with this phrase, explore its historical context, and look at the complex needs and unconventional search methods of avid read- ers and what they might mean to the library profession. The statement dates from the nineteenth century, from the pen of Oxford scholar Mark Pattison.2 But Basbanes invokes the statement in the context of a challenge to the relevancy of books, made in a speech by Florentine librarian and scholar Guido Biagi in 1904. At one point in his speech, Biagi predicted that new technology would allow people to listen to spoken books, and this would replace the need for reading and writing.3 While it is true, one hundred years later, that audiobooks have become quite popular, books themselves have not disappeared; indeed, they are being published in greater numbers than ever. Pattison’s statement rang a bell with me. I thought I had essentially seen the same idea in an amusing chapter of Robert Musil’s monumental unfinished novel, The Man without Qualities, which I had read several months earlier.4 I dug around in my files and found a photocopy of Chapter 100, which comes with the heading, “General Stumm invades the State Library and learns about the world of books, the librarians guarding over it, and intellectual order.”5 It includes an encounter with the general and a librarian who curtails his refer- ence interview when he realizes the general seeks nothing less than the abil- ity “to make connections among all kinds of ideas in every direction.”6 When queried as to how he finds anything in this “madhouse of books,” the librarian proclaims, to the general’s astonishment, that he doesn’t read any of the books in his charge—just the catalogs and bibliographies.7 “‘Anyone who lets himself go and starts reading a book is lost as a librarian,’ he explained. ‘He’s bound to lose perspective.’”8 The librarian then hands the general a bibliography of bibli- ographies and leaves him to decipher it on his own. Fortunately for the general, a library attendant humbly approaches him and, based on his past experience with assisting military personnel, instinctively draws out what the general is seeking. With an understanding of the milieu in which the general operates, the attendant then proceeds to find some useful materials for him, relevant not

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only for their contents but, coinciden- value: the librarian who reads is lost. computer than the American folk tally, for having also been used by the I began to think about it in the terms hero in the story could defeat the very person into whose favor the gen- of Musil’s scenario: the drive to read railway engine.12 eral is hoping to enter. and know the contents of a library That Musil quietly incorporated collection pitted against the exer- But I think librarians concede too Pattison’s notion into his novel made cise of organizing information and much if we give our personal curios- me curious about Pattison and the retrieving it from massive catalogs, ity over to machines; if we lose our circumstances in which he coined databases, and networks. Of course, awareness of the pull and power this phrase. A Web search returned a both of these approaches are fraught books have on our library users. letter to the editor of The Nation from with difficulty, failure, and even Librarians need tools to help fer- 1912 that mentions that the phrase is lunacy. That it is impossible to read ret out facts, quotations, and other from a biography Pattison had written firsthand more than the tiniest frac- information, but books, at their on the Renaissance-era scholar and tion of the written record is indisput- best, provide rich, multifaceted, librarian Isaac Casaubon.9 able. As Musil’s librarian implies, and complex narratives or theses Again, I experienced a jolt of recol- reference librarians today have little that are unparalleled in helping lection. Wasn’t Casaubon the name choice but to become proficient with us to make sense of the world—or of the austere old scholar in George catalogs, databases, the Internet, and perhaps to escape briefly from it. As Eliot’s Middlemarch?10 A quick search, reference works. And difficult though General Stumm experienced with in a database this time, showed that, it is, one of the library’s main pur- the attendant, despite our technical yes, this was the name Eliot used, and poses remains to provide this order acumen and resources, it may well that many critics believe she based and accessibility—certainly as far as be the nuanced reference inter- her character on the life of Pattison. our book collections go. view and our intangible personal This was becoming wonderfully con- A little more research led me to knowledge that come to the rescue voluted and intriguing. Meanwhile, A. D. Nuttall and his book, with its as we attempt to help patrons find bits and pieces of Eliot’s novel were tongue-in-cheek title, Dead from the information they need. This last beginning to surface in my mem- the Waist Down, which looks at point is the subject of a recent book ory—the unfortunate marriage of scholarship and focuses on the fig- by Juris Dilevko and Lisa Gottlieb, Dorothea to Casaubon, and the pro- ures of Pattison, the real Casaubon, which examines in great detail how vincial atmosphere in which the novel and Eliot’s character Edward both broad and specific reading takes place. I noticed that I was even Casaubon.11 Nuttall defends the habits improve reference librarians’ visualizing, in vague detail, the build- scholarship of the real Casaubon but ability to provide quality service.13 ings and landscape that had formed has this to say when comparing his Instrumental to this service is that in my mind when I read the book personal wisdom with the tools of same ability the general seeks: “to some twenty years ago. And given today’s scholar: make connections among all kinds the mysterious workings of memory, of ideas in every direction.”14 I could see again the classroom and Today, in the first years of the the maple trees outside the windows twenty-first century, it is not where I once studied Eliot’s novel. But uncommon for older academics, Accuracy and standing out most prominently in my happily arguing about the source Thoroughness recollection was the image of the cold of a quotation, to be interrupted Nuttall points out that upon assum- and aged Casaubon, mired in a gran- by a younger colleague: “I can ing his responsibilities at the Royal diose obsession to compile the Key to find this for you within two Library in Paris, “[Isaac ] Casaubon All Mythologies. minutes on the English poetry did what Pattison said no librar- database.” It is indeed obscurely ian should do: he began to read the disquieting to reflect how much books.”15 Casaubon’s fluent command Texts, Knowledge, of Casaubon’s peculiar power, of Greek and Latin, and his scholarly and Finding Tools his sheer command of detail, tenacity, resulted in the correction From out of this referential swirl, I has been effortlessly usurped of numerous transcription errors slowly returned to the phrase itself by machines. Casaubon could and other mistakes, compounded and its memorable, declarative shock no more have defeated the throughout the centuries, in the

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works of Aeschylus and Hermes dawdling because of “the necessity that they discover information and Trismegistus; corrections that have of thoroughness,” so far from being acquire knowledge in many diverse been invaluable to our historical, lit- a matter of real, keen shame, is ways.22 Sometimes information erary, and cultural understanding of almost something of which a is accidentally encountered that these authors.16 I can’t help but think scholar might be proud.18 may fill a previously unperceived of this in the context of the numer- information gap, trigger the reader’s As Anthony Grafton makes clear ous errors routinely found in sub- memory, or lead to new research in Defenders of the Text, it was Isaac scription periodical databases due to activity. She notes the importance Casaubon’s thorough knowledge of primitive scanning or data transmis- of readers’ previous experience and classical literature and philology that sion technologies. Librarians at Rider their wish to construct meaning provided the context that allowed University report that a renowned from what they read: “when reading him to identify anachronisms and sciences’ database used in universi- extended narrative forms, particu- inconsistencies in spurious texts, ties nationwide estimates that “at larly biography, history, and fiction, and that led to, among other accom- least 2 percent of its electronic jour- readers bring to the texts their own plishments, his remarkable debunk- nal content is missing.”17 It remains individual concerns and interests ing of the origins and authorship to be seen if newer technologies will which act as a filter to highlight of the Corpus Hermeticum.19 I am be able to correct these transmission those aspects of the text that unaware of any information system errors and lacunae, or if, as with the speaks to their concerns.”23 She that could provide a shortcut to this transcription of handcopied docu- has also found that skilled readers sort of knowledge. ments, old errors will be perpetuated employ a host of techniques, often even as new ones emerge. without really thinking about it, to Nuttall also takes a close look Finding without Seeking scan their environment and assist at Pattison and critiques his short- them in choosing what book or Let’s move away from Pattison and comings, particularly his failure to information source they want to read Isaac Casaubon to look a little more document some of Isaac Casaubon’s next. For many, this process does not closely at readers and reading in major achievements (and for simul- include a formal information query, the context of the library. Wayne taneously projecting himself into the such as keyword searching in an Wiegand notes that 80 percent of subject of his biography). Pattison’s electronic interface. library users come into libraries to scholarship does not match up to Another thing that becomes check out a book, and that 65 to 75 that of Isaac Casaubon, but it is clear in her survey of avid readers is percent of books borrowed are fic- also clear that he is in an entirely the role of the emotive or affective tion.20 He observes that all kinds different league than Eliot’s dreary dimension in determining what to of stories attract readers, including character. Here Nuttall goes beyond read. She notes that “any theoreti- history, biography, and other non-fic- Pattison’s famous quote to get at the cal model of information seeking tion told in a narrative style: “all cul- time-consuming demands necessi- that emphasizes matching of terms tures . . . have always used stories to tated by scholarship and research: rather than the reader’s making of validate their existences, make sense meaning is inadequate.”24 The read- Looking back on his first term of their worlds, and pass on to future er may seek confirmation, emotional at Oxford he despises his own generations what they regard as their support, challenge, comfort, novelty, performance and castigates culture’s collective wisdom.”21 But he or any number of other emotional himself for not using compendia has found that library and informa- characteristics, but our information and summaries of information tion schools now teach next to noth- systems are ill-equipped to deal with in his undergraduate years: ing about the experience and social readers’ complex emotional needs. “I dawdled from a mixture of nature of reading. This is especially mental infirmity, bad habit, and true in the United States, where the the necessity of thoroughness” library profession has become fixated (Memoirs, 151). This self-contempt almost wholly on practical or useful Informational is however laced with feeling of information and the information sys- Hierarchies and another kind. Part of Pattison tems utilized for retrieving it. Their Limitations actually approves of his youthful Catherine Sheldrick Ross has sur- My own experiences confirm what refusal to trust “epitomes,” and veyed avid readers and has found Ross has described. And in terms

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verso . . . in terms of accidentally encountering“” information, I would add that it is an especially rich joy that comes from the spontaneous discovery of a link between books—for the librarian who reads, this is the real deal.

of accidentally encountering infor- and reference sources to its logi- own thought and efforts of our mation, I would add that it is an cal extreme. He describes a recent heart, but as something material, especially rich joy that comes from medical conference where differ- deposited between the leaves of the spontaneous discovery of a ent presenters repeatedly referred books like a honey fully prepared link between books—for the librar- to a particular book, but when one by others and which we need only ian who reads, this is the real deal. attendee realized that none of them take the trouble to reach down Sure, with networked resources I had actually read the book itself, he from the shelves of libraries and could find such information about decided to track it down. In doing so, then sample passively in a perfect Middlemarch as plot summaries, he discovered that all the libraries repose of mind and body.27 criticism, and character analyses. I that had once owned the book had might even discover journal articles discarded it. He finally did get his An anecdote may help bring that analyze Pattison’s statement in hands on it, but only because a copy together the thrill of discovery in the relation to Musil’s novel. But without had been deposited, by happen- accretion of knowledge with what having read the books these would stance, with the original publisher.25 Proust identifies as the personal be merely academic exercises, the This is not to imply that primary responsibility of the reader and the thrill of discovery but a momen- sources are without faults or limita- limitations of reading. In 1963, Colin tary and superficial curiosity. What tions. Just as reference and second- Fletcher took the historic first walk would I know of Musil’s characters ary sources refer to and rely on through the entire length of the and their philosophical struggles as primary texts, we expect primary Grand Canyon. Several weeks into they vacillate between the merits sources to accurately or creatively his walk, he came to an understand- of thought and action, passion and reflect the world around us. But ulti- ing of the canyon through his own morality; or Ulrich’s attempt to face mately we must acknowledge the experiences and observations that feelings with the same urgency that map is not the territory. Or as Proust surpassed his months of preparatory our culture applies to reason? In has put it in terms of the reading of study. This caused him to note that Eliot’s story, how would I experience literature, “reading is on the thresh- when you discover something for the obsession under which poor old of the spiritual life; it can intro- yourself, “piecing the clues together Casaubon works or Dorothea’s awak- duce us to it: it does not constitute unaided, it remains for the rest of ening disillusionment? How could I it.”26 He continues: your life in some way truer than facts fathom the fullness and sensibility you are merely taught, and freer of these works if all I knew of them is As long as reading is for us the from onslaughts of doubt.”28 what had been compressed into sec- instigator whose magic keys ondary sources, metadata, and para- have opened the door to those textual elements? While Web-based dwelling-places deep within us Reading for resources were useful in helping me that we would not have known Precision and Soul to verify what I thought I knew, and how to enter, its role in our lives In Musil’s The Man without in providing some further leads, it is salutary. It becomes dangerous Qualities, the protagonist Ulrich sees was my earlier book reading that on the other hand, when, instead much expediency and ulteriority in triggered the connections between of awakening us to the personal the political, scientific, and com- characters and phrases that precipi- life of the mind, reading tends mercial discourse that surrounds tated the searches, and that provided to take its place, when the truth him, and he seeks a way of engag- the context and meaning. no longer appears to us as an ing the emotions with honesty and Basbanes cites a cautionary tale ideal which we can realise only consciousness. He even proposes, that takes the reliance on secondary by the intimate progress of our half-jokingly, the creation of a World

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Secretariat for Precision and Soul.29 literature to our thoughts and lives. advisory services and the popular- Catalogs, databases, and search Edmundson writes: ity of library-sponsored book clubs engines can provide some degree of perhaps indicate that librarians are Many humanities teachers precision in our information seeking, finally beginning to turn their atten- feel that they are fighting for but only to the degree they are con- tion again to books and reading. a lost cause. They believe that structed to do so, and to the degree While libraries have become fixat- the proliferation of electronic we know how to manipulate them. ed on the burgeoning world of elec- media will eventually make them And, as Ross has observed, they are tronic information, readers continue obsolete. They see the time their not especially effective in working to quietly wander through our book students spend with TV and with the complex emotional needs stacks and to borrow our greatest movies and on the Internet, and that are so important to readers’ riches. Some of these titles will trans- feel that what they have to offer— decision-making and lives.30 port the reader almost effortlessly words, mere words—must look Educator Mark Edmundson into another world, while others will shabby by comparison. echoes, in essence, the Proust quote demonstrate what slow and difficult Not so. When human beings above—that meaning comes from work it can be to engage with, inter- try to come to terms with who the interaction of our queries with nalize, or contest a book’s ideas. At they are and describe who they our own knowledge and insights; its most powerful and personal, the hope to be, the most effective our willingness to challenge our own experience of reading transcends our medium is words. Through beliefs and to test each text “against own attempts to capture or contain words we represent ourselves to the template of experience.”31 The it in words, or to map with precision ourselves; we fix our awareness interrelationships forged in our its influence on the development of of who and what we are. Then minds as we read, contemplate, and who we have become. we can step back and gain build our understanding; the pro- I would say that even for the distance on what we’ve said. With gression of books and ideas to other casual reader, there is no substitute perspective comes the possibility books and ideas, and the internal for the reading of a book—some- for change.33 dialogues, arguments, and synthe- thing is communicated that defies ses they provoke; and the creative To date books have proven being boiled down, deconstructed, working of our minds and hearts in remarkably robust. And while some or subjected to any other linguistic, the pursuit of knowledge, individu- people will continue to question bibliographic, or critical analy- ally but in the context of our collec- their relevancy, studies of avid read- sis. And when reading a book you tive recorded history, perhaps these ers show that books are one of the chance upon a phrase, style, or idea deserve more attention from the most powerful aids for establishing that expresses just what you yourself library field. relevance in one’s life and for con- have struggled to say, or that recalls Mario Vargas Llosa has argued structing meaning. Indeed, recent your earlier reading or experience in that literature is unique in foster- research in the humanities and in a sudden flash of memory, you know ing and establishing the “rich and library schools outside of the United you’re hooked as a reader—and, diverse language” we require to States leads me to wonder if librar- allegedly, lost as a librarian. think and speak with clarity, subtle- ians have become lost, in the sense ty, and rigor—and that these abili- that we are focused so exclusively ties are essential to a society of free on electronic finding tools that we References individuals who wish to transform have lost our perspective regarding 1. Nicholas Basbanes, A Splendor their lives or preserve the freedoms the 80 percent of our users who say of Letters: The Permanence of of the society in which they live.32 they come to libraries specifically Books in an Impermanent World Vargas Llosa and Edmundson both for books. Sadly, when we do think (New York: HarperCollins, 2003), express concern that the replace- of reading, it is often simply in terms 322. ment of book reading with visual of book circulation or programs and 2. Ibid. and electronic information leads to events. The powerful experience 3. Ibid. our intellectual and cultural impov- of reading itself is hardly touched 4. Robert Musil, The Man without erishment, as we lose the sharpened upon. On a more positive note, Qualities, trans. Sophie Wilkins, thinking and eloquence brought by the increasing interest in readers’ ed. Burton Pike, 2 vols. (New

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York: Vintage International, 16. Ibid., 152–64. Information Encounter in the 1996). 17. Dorothy Warner and John Context of Reading for Pleasure,” 5. Ibid., I: 500. Buschman, “Studying the Information Processing and 6. Ibid., I: 502. Reader/Researcher without the Management 35, no. 6 (1999): 7. Ibid., I: 503. Artifact: Digital Problems in 785. 8. Ibid. the Future History of Books,” 23. Ibid., 783–799. 9. Aksel Josephson, “Letter to the Library Philosophy and Practice 24. Ibid., 796. Editor of The Nation, published 7, no. 1 (2004), www.webpages. 25. Basbanes, 216–219. Nov. 7, 1912,” Library Juice 6, uidaho.edu/~mbolin/warner- 26. Alaine de Botton, How Proust no. 9 (2003), www.libr.org/ buschman.htm (accessed Sept. Can Change Your Life (New York: Juice/issues/vol6/LJ_6.9.html#6 9, 2005). Pantheon, 1997), 180. (accessed Sept. 9, 2005). 18. Nuttall, Dead from the Waist 27. Ibid. 10. George Eliot, Middlemarch Down, 95–96. 28. Colin Fletcher, The Man Who (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 19. Anthony Grafton, Defenders Walked through Time (New York: 1956). of the Text: the Traditions of Vintage, 1989), 112. 11. A. D. Nuttall, Dead from the Scholarship in an Age of Science, 29. Musil, The Man without Waist Down: Scholars and 1450–1800 (Cambridge, Mass.: Qualities, 1: 651–655; The Man Scholarship in Literature and Harvard Univ. Pr., 1991), 145– without Qualities, 2: 803–806, the Popular Imagination (New 161. 897–898, 1108–1109. Haven: Yale Univ. Pr., 2003). 20. Wayne A. Wiegand, “Missing 30. Sheldrick Ross, “Finding without 12. Ibid., 149–50. the Real Story: Where Library Seeking,” 788. 13. Juris Dilevko and Lisa Gottlieb, and Information Science Fails 31. Mark Edmundson, Why Read? Reading and the Reference the Library Profession,” in The (New York: Bloomsbury, 2004), Librarian: The Importance Readers’ Advisor’s Companion, 73. to Library Service of Staff ed. Kenneth D. Shearer and 32. Mario Vargas Llosa, “Why Reading Habits (Jefferson N.C.: Robert Burgin (Englewood, Literature?” The New Republic McFarland and Co., 2004). Colo.: Libraries Unlimited, 224, no. 20 (May 14, 2001): 31– 14. Musil, The Man without 2001), 8. 36. Qualities, 1: 502. 21. Ibid. 33. Edmundson, Why Read?, 135. 15. Nuttall, Dead from the Waist 22. Catherine Sheldrick Ross, Down, 128. “Finding without Seeking: The

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“Tales from the Front” is a collection of news items and innovative ideas from libraries nationwide. Send submissions to the contributing editor.

Architects and Librarians histories of recent and proposed Contributing Editor Unite in Harvard University libraries, and toured several library JENNIFER T. RIES-TAGGART Graduate Program projects in the Boston area, includ- is Director of the Chili ing the Morse Institute Library Public Library, 3333 Chili The Planning and Design of Public in Natick and the award-winning Ave., Rochester, NY 14624; Libraries, a three-day executive Newton Free Library, designed by [email protected]. education program from Harvard Tappé/Kallmann McKinnell & Wood University Graduate School of Architects, both in Boston. Other Jennifer is currently reading Design, brought architects, librar- topics the program covered include The City of Calling Angels by ians, library administrators, and standards for programming space John Berendt, Sweetwater trustees together to examine con- in small and large libraries, building Creek by Anne Rivers cepts and methods for the planning design and technology, electronic Siddons, The Ice Queen by and design of public libraries. workstation design, the evaluation Alice Hoffman, and The Year The program, held in Cambridge, of existing buildings for adaptive of Magical Thinking by Joan Massachusetts, on March 20–22, reuse, and post-occupancy evalua- Didion. 2006, was scheduled in advance tion techniques. Complete program of the Public Library Association’s information can be found at www. National Conference in Boston. gsd.harvard.edu/execed. Program participants explored the future role of public libraries and Multnomah County Awarded how their programming and design Grant to Serve Slavic, is evolving rapidly to meet the Vietnamese, and Chinese changing demands of patrons for Communities library services and technology. Meeting the needs of a diverse population of users and the demand Multnomah County Library (MCL) for new computer technology, elec- in Portland, Oregon, has been tronic media, and Internet access awarded a grant to help plan cultur- has had a significant impact on the ally competent library services to function and design of public librar- the county’s growing Chinese, Slavic, ies. As a result, library design must and Vietnamese communities. The take into account all of the issues $42,107 grant is from the federal that may affect its use in the future. Institute of Museum and Library Today’s public libraries must incor- Services (IMLS) through the Library porate flexibility and adaptability for Services and Technology Act (LSTA). future changes and expansion while Community services director Rita addressing the current information- Jimenez will be the grant’s project al, educational, and cultural needs of manager. “I am so pleased we will the communities each serves. have the opportunity to sit down with Working in teams, program par- community leaders and organiza- ticipants planned a small public tions to learn about the information library. They also examined case needs of these diverse communities,”

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Jimenez said. Library director Molly babies can make a vital difference Raphael agrees: “Our community’s in their language development and population grows more diverse each their readiness for school. “Reading, day, and this grant will assist us in singing, and talking to babies helps expanding our outreach to these their brains to develop,” says Ginnie three rapidly growing language Cooper, BPL executive director. groups.” With MCL’s Library Outreach “BPL offers board books, comput- in Spanish (LIBROS) program reach- ers, and First Five Years spaces for ing hundreds of Spanish-speak- the very youngest ones. We want ing customers each day, Raphael to help parents and caretakers get added that improving services to the their babies engaged and ready to Sacramento Kings and Monarchs unveil library’s other target language com- interact in life.” Reading and Learning Center munities is a high priority. BRTB is available at neighbor- Grant funds will be used to con- hood libraries throughout the bor- duct a needs assessment that will ough. Caregivers and their babies Ruthie Bolton, greeted the crowd guide the library in developing cul- can share stories, songs, and rhymes and helped cut the ribbon to the turally competent library services for in a group setting as well as practice new learning center that features county residents who speak Chinese, reading and enjoy child-friendly fourteen computers with Internet Vietnamese, and Slavic languages. activities. Toddlers can join Reading access, educational software, scan- In focus groups and community Is Fundamental (RIF) and get free ners, printers, books, digital cam- meetings, library staff will talk with books to build a home library. eras, and furniture. community members about their Parents and babies can receive their For more information, contact information needs, current library very own ABC library cards. BPL’s key Don Burns in Sacramento Public usage, and possible partnerships goal is to make a difference in the Library’s community relations office to enhance library services and lives of all Brooklyn’s children and to at (916) 264-2919. outreach in the years to come. For enable them to learn, succeed, and more information about IMLS/LSTA thrive. For more information, visit Palm Beach County Library grants, visit www.imls.gov. www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org. System Implements Intelligent Media Manager Brooklyn Public Library Sacramento Public Library Reads to Babies Receives Fourteen New PCs The Palm Beach County (Fla.) from Local Professional Library System (PBCLS) is offering Brooklyn (N.Y.) Public Library (BPL) Basketball Teams a convenient new way to check out has launched an exciting new read- DVDs from its main library while ing program especially for babies, Sacramento (Calif.) Public Library’s maintaining much tighter control toddlers, and their parents or care- Martin Luther King Jr. Library cus- on the collection. This is the first givers. Brooklyn Reads to Babies tomers received two winter holi- location in the country to offer the (BRTB) is an innovative series of day gifts last year—a visit by men’s Intelligent Media Manager (IMM), programs that underscores the National Basketball Association’s a Library Automation Technologies importance of reading to children Sacramento Kings and women’s product. PBCLS staff says patron during their first years of life. The National Basketball Association’s reaction has been very favorable. program is a major component Sacramento Monarchs, and the IMM is a self-check-out kiosk that of BPL’s First Five Years initiative, unveiling of the new Kings Reading holds as many as fifteen hundred which enhances BPL programs and and Learning Center, located at the DVDs. It is a compact, three-feet-by- outreach to children. library branch. three-feet cabinet topped by a com- The goal of this campaign is to Sacramento Kings players puter monitor. The DVDs are stored reach every family in Brooklyn (with Bonzi Wells, Corliss Williamson, in randomly assigned slots, and the children from birth to age two) Brian Skinner, and Ronnie Price, corresponding cases are displayed with the message that reading to along with Sacramento Monarchs’ as usual. To use, the patron selects a

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DVD case from the library’s brows- is essentially a way for libraries to because it was the first product to ing shelves, then takes it to the IMM. address the annoying problem of offer both self-check and security Patrons are guided through the theft of DVDs and CDs.” Aware of for audiovisual materials. “It is the checkout process with both visual the severe problem libraries are fac- first step in our whole upgrade to and auditory instructions. First, ing with the loss of DVDs, Library increased convenient self-check ser- they scan their library card, then Automation Technologies worked vice, and we’ve been delighted with the DVD’s barcode. IMM retrieves with librarians through the entire the way the public has accepted it.” the disc from its slot, and the DVD development process. IMM inter- For more information, con- slides out for the patron to put into faces with the library’s ILS using tact Kathy Boyes, PBCLS the case. the SIP2 protocol. PBCLS uses the manager of marketing and commu- Oleg Boyarsky, president and SirsiDynix Unicorn system. nity relations at (561) 233-2768 or CEO of Library Automation Director Jerry W. Brownlee says [email protected]. Technologies, explained that “IMM that PBCLS was attracted to IMM

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“Perspectives” offers varied viewpoints on subjects of interest to the public library profession.

NANN BLAINE HILYARD is Contributing Editor and Director of the Zion- Benton Public Library, 2400 Award Gabriel Dr., Zion, IL 60099; [email protected].

Nann is currently reading Winners— A Map of Glass by Jane Urquhart and The Last Witchfinder by James Morrow. Why and How

hroughout the years, I’ve attended many awards ceremonies at nation- al and state library conferences. I’ve pored over the scrapbooks com- Tpiled by the winners, runners-up, and nominees for the John Cotton Dana Awards. I’ve been awed by the innovative programs that libraries have created. I’ve admired the devoted and creative service that librarians have provided. And I’ve wondered if the recognition for a completed program or for a long-time career has made a difference in the years after the honor has been conferred. The short answer is definitely yes. The contributors to this issue’s column all say that the award has not only honored what they’ve already done, but it has also inspired them to continue and expand their work.

Doing the Homework: The Benefit of Research

CINDY MEDIAVILLA, LIBRARY PROGRAMS CONSULTANT, CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY; [email protected]

In 1991, I was hired by the Orange (Calif.) Public Library to oversee a fed- erally funded homework center called The Friendly Stop. As a result of this experience, I developed a boundless passion for providing homework assistance to young people. This passion continued even after becoming a doctoral student at the University of California–Los Angeles (UCLA) in the department of information studies. While there, I applied for and received the American Library Association (ALA) Loleta D. Fyan research grant. That $10,000 allowed me to travel around the country visiting homework centers in public libraries. The Fyan research project had a profound impact on my career. I sud- denly became the nation’s leading expert on the subject of public library

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homework centers! Until then, no center workshops in New Mexico, take the form of a list of best prac- one had studied such programs, and Ohio, and twice in Ontario, Canada. tices gathered through a survey or there were few articles on the topic. Last year, I led a series of workshops one-on-one interviews. Or perhaps In fact, there was no consensus as throughout California on how to the library could use itself as a case to what exactly a homework center use basic reference skills to provide study model for other librarians to was. My visits to successful pro- effective homework assistance to follow. If staff members do not have grams enabled me to identify the students of all ages. time to conduct such a study, then elements required to provide effec- Certainly my interest in home- grant monies should be pursued to tive after-school homework assis- work centers has become a major hire an outside consultant to do the tance: (1) staff or volunteers who focus of my library life. I have research and write a report that can are trained to help kids with their written articles on the topic for be shared with others. We need to homework; (2) space designated for American Libraries and School be far more proactive in commu- student use; and (3) a collection of Library Journal. I am currently nicating our good deeds so funders materials related to young patrons’ working on a follow-up volume for and other community members can curricular needs. I described these ALA, tentatively titled Providing more fully appreciate our worth. elements in Creating the Full-Service Effective Homework Assistance, Of the many grant proposals I Homework Center in Your Library, where I broaden the notion of have written, the most truly reward- published by the American Library library homework help beyond for- ing are those that have enabled Association in 2001. mal homework centers. My publica- me to do much-needed research. I completed my doctorate in 2000 tions and workshops have brought There are many topics still to be and became a part-time lecturer at me some moderate fame—and investigated—what benefits are the UCLA library school. That same even more moderate fortune!—in gained by kids who participate in year, Virginia Walter and I received the library world, but what’s most summer reading programs or library another ALA research grant to study rewarding is the impact my research story times? What circumstances the impact of teen involvement in has had in communities from as far are required for schools and public afterschool homework programs. south as San Diego, California, to libraries to work well together? How Our research revealed that positive as far north as Kitchener, Ontario. do business reference collections outcomes occur for young adults Nothing is more thrilling than help strengthen the community’s participating in public library home- to hear librarians say they used economy? I encourage everyone to work programs, whether they are my book in designing their own pursue these and other important providing or receiving homework homework centers, and that those questions by applying for grants, help. We were also able to test a programs are now flourishing. This doing the research, and sharing group of survey instruments for never would have happened with- what you’ve learned. Only then will soliciting input about homework out the Loleta D. Fyan Award. we be able to educate others—and assistance programs. (For more Librarians are extremely practical ourselves—about the true value of information, visit Homework Center people. The grants they pursue tend public libraries. Outcomes, http://is.gseis.ucla.edu/ to be those that will directly improve research/homework.html). services for their constituents— Basking in the Afterglow Because of this second ALA- money, say, for international lan-

funded project, Walter and I have guage materials or outreach services JANE JACOBS, ASSISTANT COORDINATOR, CATALOG been asked to assess homework pro- to young families. Rarely do librar- DIVISION, QUEENS LIBRARY, JAMAICA, N.Y.; JANE.W.JACOBS@ grams locally as well as nationwide. ians apply for research grants or QUEENSLIBRARY.ORG The California State Library hired us funds to evaluate existing programs. in 2002 to evaluate Live Homework Most librarians, in fact, are a lot I won two awards for a cataloging Help, the online service provided more brilliant at providing service translation program that I worked by Tutor.com. We were also invited than they are at measuring the effec- on with a team of librarians and to speak on panels at recent Public tiveness of that service. Still, it is information technology (IT) people Library Association and California imperative that we validate what we here at Queens Library and a free- Library Association conferences. do through assessment and investi- lance programmer. In 2003–2004, we On my own, I have led homework gative research. Such research might developed MARC::Detrans, an open-

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perspectives I have always been highly motivated by“” wanting to do a good job and doing what fascinates me. If you had asked me if I was the kind of person who would have cared much about getting an award, I would have laughed it off. But to be very honest, I loved getting the awards!

source code program that would is collaborative by nature. How do history of librarianship, I would bet translate Russian MARC records that you recognize the collaborators no customer has ever written a letter already existed in transliteration into without giving awards to so many of appreciation, no apple-cheeked native Cyrillic script using a com- people that it becomes meaning- child has ever delivered a hug, for puter. In 2005, the project received less? MARC::Detrans had strong an elegantly crafted bibliographic the inaugural Nylink Achievement supporters throughout the organiza- record. But it is so important! The Award for Innovation in Technology tion from the outset. The Queens catalog is the library’s core business. and Service to the Collaborative. Library director sent notes to several Excellence is what is expected. There Also in 2005, I was named Queens of my coworkers in recognition of is so much good work around, but Library’s Lamplighter of the Year, an their efforts in support of project. there isn’t a good, institutionalized in-house award given to the indi- They truly appreciated it, but it isn’t mechanism for recognizing it in the vidual or team who makes the most the same thing. And there were so same way we recognize projects noteworthy contribution toward the many people who had a hand in the with star quality. library’s strategic initiatives. development, it wasn’t possible to It is too early to tell what long- I have always been highly moti- recognize everyone by name. Still, term effects receiving these two vated by wanting to do a good job the project could not have gone any- awards will have on my career. and doing what fascinates me. If you where without their knowledge and There was some publicity in the had asked me if I was the kind of hard work. local newspapers when the awards person who would have cared much The second is the inherent con- were first given. That has since died about getting an award, I would tradiction in the awards process. down; nobody asks for autographs. have laughed it off. But to be very Awards are generally given for doing When I make a proposal about a honest, I loved getting the awards! something out of the ordinary. There new project, I expect it will probably I am very proud of the Nylink are lots and lots of people here who be considered more seriously than it Achievement Award. Coming from knock themselves out every single would have been before the awards. outside Queens Library, it is even day to serve customers and help the There have been numerous opportu- more prestigious. The Lamplighter library achieve its goals. It’s part of nities to publish journal articles on Award, however, meant even more their everyday work, business as the work. I enjoyed writing for pub- to me. I was flattered and honored. usual. At the end of the day, what’s lication, but most people find those Catalogers everywhere believe more important: to do a great job articles rather dry and technical. I that people (including other librar- every day, or to innovate? Surely don’t expect an offer from HBO. ians) don’t understand what they do both are equally important. There I would like to see the MARC:: or appreciate the importance of it. just doesn’t seem to be a lot of exter- Detrans program used more widely We cheerfully admit that cataloging nal validation for our profession’s by other libraries. Making it openly is not glamorous. My entire depart- everyday heroes. accessible was one of our motiva- ment is proud of the Lamplighter My fellow catalogers take pride in tions. MARC::Detrans has configura- Award. Their take on it is: “Wow, their work. They want to be accurate tion tables for Russian, Bulgarian, somebody notices what we do!” and use good judgment in applying Ukrainian, and Urdu. It will machine- There are two problems with some pretty arcane, technical rules. translate records into native script for having received these honors. The They try to put themselves into the any of those. It can be downloaded first is that you can’t escape feeling patron’s mindset. How will a cus- free from http://search.cpan.org/ a little guilty. Every library project tomer try to find this? In the long ~esummers/MARC-Detrans-1.2/lib/

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MARC/Detrans.pm. MARC::Detrans Kim Frazho, who often had really makes native script bib records good ideas, just kept nagging our affordable. Time will tell how widely technology coordinator and trainer, it will be used. telling us that we should submit an But mostly, I just loved getting application. She felt very strongly those awards. that the library deserved the honor. As we contemplated what to include in the State Librarian’s Recognizing Outstanding Excellence Award application, the Customer Service library staff realized that we were proud and probably a little crazy,

DONNA J. ALWARD, DIRECTOR, HOUGHTON LAKE (MICH.) too. We recalled a harried trip to the PUBLIC LIBRARY; [email protected] airport ninety-one miles away to Our ensure timely delivery of a first-year new Back in the 1970s, a popular song Universal Service Fund grant, which customer proclaimed “it’s hard to be humble resulted in the library receiving an service when you’re perfect in every way.” award of almost $8,000; how the loss mantra Espousing perfection requires of electrical power during the Gates was that one to shed any reticence to brag, Foundation training left us in the each patron but bragging is exactly what the dark; how often we had moved furni- should be per- State Librarian’s Excellence Award ture and book stacks for a program; sonally greeted required. To qualify, libraries had and how we got grants for furniture when entering the opportunity to sing their own and a SmartBoard for our renova- the library praises by providing examples of tion project. Management guru Tom and served excellent customer service. Humble Peters noted when you have a pas- politely library folk across Michigan were sion for excellence, there are times in a timely, Artwork Jim Lange Design by sure to have a difficult time doing that you “swing from dedicated to efficient man- that—unless they considered the obsessed,” and we clearly had been ner. Financially, we committed to $5,000 check that accompanied there a few times.1 grant writing with a vengeance to the award. At the Houghton Lake We were stunned when the call provide the same kind of programs Public Library (HLPL), staff decided came to notify us that we had won and services that larger libraries pro- to set humility aside and to assuage the excellence award from the state vide, such as literary evenings with our discomfort with what might be library foundation. Local and region- award-winning authors and interest- accomplished with that cash. al media picked up the announce- ing programs to draw people into So HLPL sang our hearts out, and ment and provided positive coverage. the library. For example, when staff we won! On November 7, 2001, the Colleagues were excited for us. The attended a performance of the Wild Library of Michigan Foundation board of trustees, Friends, and our Swan Theater at the Rural Libraries awarded the first State Librarian’s families were proud of our efforts. Conference in 1999, we immediately Excellence Award to HLPL for exem- Library patrons were delighted that wanted a presentation in our library plary public service. The jury panel their library had won! even though we had no meeting cited HLPL’s enthusiasm, positive Perhaps we shouldn’t have been room, presentation space, or the attitude, passion for excellence, so shocked—or so humble as to think $1,200 to pay for it! We wrote a grant, and can-do attitude as factors in we didn’t deserve it. Physically, the pushed the furniture out of the way, its selection for the honor, which transition from a facility in disrepair, and hosted two hundred people at awarded $5,000 in privately raised with duct-taped orange carpet, a too- the two performances. The library’s funds to our library. small staff, an outdated collection, open-door policy allowed seasonal Why would a small, rural library and practically no services, to a clean, residents, tourists, and visitors to take such a bold step to submit an organized, renovated facility with a take advantage of all these free pro- application when the competition board and staff committed to excel- grams and services because nonresi- was so daunting? One staff member, lence was a major accomplishment. dents incurred no fees.

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The staff wanted the award ■ Taxpayers were made aware of Library (RPL) in August 2004. Several money to be spent on something our grant-writing successes and months earlier, we applied for the that would be directly accessible expressed appreciation for library Coming Up Taller Award presented by library users. We used the $5,000 enhancements that involved no by the President’s Committee on the award to build a fireplace flanked additional cost for them. Arts and Humanities and its partner by shelves, which would be used ■ Other small libraries realized agencies, the Institute of Museum to display new books. Comfortable that they could qualify for the and Library Services (IMLS), the upholstered chairs near the hearth excellence award. National Endowment for the Arts would welcome visitors to sit and ■ The library collaborated with (NEA), and the National Endowment read by the fire. Bank One and the Houghton Lake for the Humanities (NEH). This We heard plenty of positive com- Area Tourism and Convention national award was created to ments from patrons, such as: “Who Bureau to deliver a customer reward programs that offer children, would have thought that our little service-training workshop for especially at-risk children, exposure library would have such a beauti- local merchants just before Tip to the arts. ful fireplace?” Everyone loved it! Up Town, a local snow festival that RPL’s Preschool Outreach Plus However, one day, a disgruntled supports the area’s economy. “The (POP) was honored with this award lady came to the main desk and Art of Giving Great Service” shared for our unique service for preschool loudly inquired, “Why on earth the Zingerman’s Experience, a children. Every three weeks, Head does a public library have a fire- model program developed by Starts and other childcare centers place? Who okayed that decision?” Zingerman’s Deli in Ann Arbor, receive deliveries of books, pup- Library assistant Sharon Bradley Michigan. This program has pets, music, and other materials for responded, “Oh, why not? Come received industry-wide recognition classroom use and story times. This over here, and let me tell you about for unique, creative merchandising service addresses several commu- our wonderful fireplace.” that generates excitement and nity needs. Sharon seated her in one of the builds sales. Ordinarily, this type With both parents working, many comfy chairs in front of the warm of training would cost hundreds young children spend more time in fire and told her how the fireplace of dollars and involve trips to a childcare centers or Head Start pro- had not cost taxpayers a single dime, larger city, but our collaboration grams and don’t come to the library and wasn’t it just an incredibly com- brought the seminar directly to very often. We decided to take the fortable place to sit? Sharon told the the library’s meeting room so local library to them. Our goal was to woman how people liked to browse merchants could participate easily, provide reading readiness as well as among the new books and read qui- conveniently, and at no cost. The foster a love of reading and libraries. etly in front of the fire. I thought, library staff also took advantage We have found that the topic-based “What a terrific example of qual- of this innovative training to add a bags we provide are often used as ity customer service.” Sharon had little zing to our customer service. the center’s primary teaching tools. addressed a complaint, promoted ■ Four years later, our crystal Our library materials equip the cen- the library in a positive manner, and excellence award is still proudly ters to prepare these youngsters for invited the woman to stay and enjoy displayed near the fireplace as a school and life. the fireplace. constant reminder to do our best Why did we decide to apply for Some of the other great things every day. this award? I use the following anal- that have happened as a result of ogy. We knew we had a beautiful our excellence award: baby. Why not enter it in a beauty Coming Up Taller at the contest? We believed in our program ■ The library staff and board of Rapides Parish Library and knew it was making a difference trustees had their good work in our community.

acknowledged, which made SUSAN F. BAKER, PRESCHOOL OUTREACH PLUS MANAGER, Winning the prestigious Coming our community more aware of RAPIDES PARISH LIBRARY, ALEXANDRIA, LA.; [email protected] Up Taller Award has been a unifying library services and programming element within the library organiza- through the publicity generated We won! We won! Those words tion. All the employees celebrated by the award. rang throughout the Rapides Parish together and shared a sense of

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accomplishment. We also gained the POP program stature. We are was shocked to see cover art match- library community attention and recognized by the state library as ing my article! Having my work in support. There was lots of media a role model for other libraries. print was honor enough. I had never attention—newspaper, television, Additional funds have been allocat- considered it being featured on the and radio coverage. We have used ed in the library’s budget for POP. We cover, and never expected to win an the momentum created from win- received a grant that has provided award from PLA. ning this award to network with the library and community with I still claim the best benefit of the such national organizations as First more than five thousand books. One award was a guaranteed seat at the Book and Feed the Children. POP national organization has expressed PLA President’s Program featuring members helped evacuees from hur- interest in helping our program Margaret Atwood! I made sure to say ricanes Katrina and Rita—we took grow and eventually introducing it so when my time to speak arrived. story times to shelters and delivered to libraries nationally. To walk up in front of hundreds of used books, coloring sheets, and toys. Winning the Coming Up Taller people, feeling I was the lone winner After attending a leadership con- Award has been a wonderful experi- with no speech prepared, was exhil- ference provided by the Coming Up ence for RPL and POP. We are better arating. The local paper in Grayling, Taller organization, we assembled a equipped to handle the needs of the Michigan, ran a story about the staff team to plan year-long public- children of central Louisiana. With award and my trip to Toronto to ity. We threw a gala celebration, with this award has come more work and receive it. Right next to “Library state and local dignitaries attending. greater responsibility. What a great Celebrates First Birthday” and a pic- Banners announcing the award were problem to have! ture of balloons and cake, the head- hung at all the library branches. The line read, “Elsner Wins Top Award in outreach vans all received magnetic Library Article Contest.” Returning signs with the library’s Coming Up Life Is Just That Way! victorious from Toronto, the library Taller Award logo. We spoke at local board bickered as usual, this time council meetings, Head Start meet- EDWARD ELSNER, DIRECTOR AND CONSULTANT; DELTON in regards to paying for my travel ings, and other charitable organiza- (MICH.) DISTRICT LIBRARY; [email protected] expenses to the conference—even tions. We created parade throws with though I took the train, stayed at the the award logo on them, as well as The phone call came from Renée Neil Wycik hostel for pennies a night, provided all library staff with a shirt Vaillancourt McGrath, then-features and the board had approved the bearing the Coming Up Taller Award editor at Public Libraries, and it whole trip before I left. Such is life. logo to wear. We printed bookmarks caught me completely by surprise. The first prize plaque is now in my with the award logo and put them There is no nicer phone call than second public library office, along out at all the library’s branches. All one announcing you are a winner, with a plaque from the Friends of the childcare centers were given especially when it’s not attached to the Crawford County (Mich.) Library. certificates that recognized their a sales pitch or scam. I had won a Their first merit award “to express part in the POP program. We gave a contest I wasn’t aware of entering: our deep appreciation for the sup- presentation at the Louisiana Library the Public Library Association’s 2002 portive and dedicated services you Association’s conference about the Feature Article Contest. The $500 have provided to the friends of the POP program winning the award. award would be given at the ALA Crawford County Library System.” I The library’s annual bookmark con- Annual Conference in Toronto. now run the Delton District Library, test used the Coming Up Taller theme. The article, “The Evolution of north of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, There was an overwhelmingly PLA’s Planning Model,” began in an Michigan, and am again working positive reaction to the library’s win- independent study course at the on getting a structurally balanced ning this award. The local govern- University of Kentucky’s School of budget where yearly revenues match ment entity, Rapides Parish Police Library and Information Science. I or exceed regular expenditures. Jury, gave us another award for our rewrote the paper into the format Thankfully the Crawford County outstanding program. The childcare requested for submission to Public Library now has an operating millage centers, who are our patrons, deco- Libraries and sent it in. When the and is financially set for years. rated the whole library with artwork. July/August 2002 issue of Public The award’s $500 went toward The award gave both RPL and the Libraries arrived in my mailbox, I work on a book contracted by ALA

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perspectives More and more, we see that award criteria“” are less about the library per se and more about leadership, community building, collaboration, and impact—making a difference, in addition to awareness of library resources and replicability.

Editions, which also sprang from my Affairs Division) from Kansas City When weighing whether to sub- feature articles. The Public Library Harmony; mit an award application, the staff Helper was finished in May 2005 and ■ three National Association of begins by asking—just as we would eagerly anticipated by both public Counties (NACO) Achievement for a potential journal article—what librarians and staff at ALA Editions. Awards; we can contribute to the profes- The project was unfortunately can- ■ five National Association of County sional dialogue: celled several months later, or fortu- Information Officers (NACIO) nately, depending on how you look Awards in the Public Participation, ■ Do we have a program or at life. I took the fortunately route Media Relations, and Annual achievement unique in content or because I was able to post the entire Reports categories; and implementation? book online to freely help everyone! ■ Third Place, America’s Best ■ What is its contribution to the The $500 covered most of my direct Libraries, Hennen’s American community, and do we have monetary costs with the book, such Public Library Rating Index supporting data for that? as legal fees, transportation to librar- (HAPLR Index). ■ What have we learned from this ies for research, and illustrations. My experience? time is now a gift to small public In addition, two staff members ■ Will our successes or experience libraries everywhere; check it out at were named by Thomson Gale/ add something to the profession www.mei.net/~elsner. Library Journal as Movers & Shakers or to other libraries’ toolboxes? for their work with teens in the jus- Check out page 5 to see all of this tice system. More and more, we see that year’s PLA award winners. That’s twelve national awards and award criteria are less about the one local award, if you’re counting. library per se, and more about lead- We didn’t apply for two of them—the ership, community building, col- Strategic Application HAPLR Index (it isn’t technically an laboration, and impact—making a award, and one doesn’t apply for it, difference, in addition to awareness PATRICIA L. HASSAN; DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS but we’re proud of our ranking and of library resources and replicability. COORDINATOR, JOHNSON COUNTY (KANS.) LIBRARY; HASSANP@ always list it) and Movers & Shakers (We also review winners’ abstracts JOCOLIBRARY.ORG (a Wyoming librarian made the nom- for best practices ideas.) ination). All the same, that’s the most When we realize that we have a In 2005, the Johnson County (Kans.) awards JCL has won in a single year. program, project, or partnership Library (JCL) received: It’s due largely to the simultaneous that few or no other libraries are ■ the National Service Award from maturation of a number of programs doing and that it has strong results, the Institute of Museum and that sprouted from the new strate- we consider whether it meets our Library Services; gic plan, Connections. We typically criteria for an award submission, ■ the ASCLA/KLAS/NOD Award apply for several awards annually, especially a credible evaluation com- for Literature for the Learning and we win a lot of them. ponent, which is critical. Disabled Adult; Each year, we create a listing of We often need to wait for a pro- ■ a Diversity Best Practices Award all award application deadlines with gram to reach a certain maturity to for JCL’s Diversity Council, possible matches within our library, obtain solid evaluation results but Diversity Training, and Hispanic which is brainstormed by a manage- without it losing freshness. This Heritage Fiesta (Governmental ment group. was true for several of the 2005

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winning programs: community feature articles, also on the front applications as basic to our library’s issues forums, the literature for page, frequently emanate from overall success, most of the descrip- adults with learning disabilities the initial announcement articles. tive text is about the newer, showier program, Hispanic Heritage Fiesta, Learning of these awards perhaps programs. It’s the nature of the and Positive Aging Coalition. In fact, underscores patrons’ positive awards process. we waited until completion of their experiences in the library. In 2005, Excellence is what we all pursue second or third cycles to determine surveyed residents ranked the in our stewardship of public service, their impact. All of these programs library first among Johnson County and the changing nature of business have an external orientation, and government’s services, with a 90 as usual challenges us to acquire the partners’ and service recipients’ percent approval rating. new competencies and set new evaluations were key. Only a few Being a winner increases the goals while retaining and remember- award submissions have been for library’s standing at home and in ing what has always been valued in one-time events, and always when the field. Locally, it garners respect libraries. Awards are one avenue for there was significant community that translates into support at sharing our growth experience. involvement and impact. budget time. It also enhances the Besides library professional library’s reputation in the national awards, JCL competes frequently for library community and its ability to It Takes a Community awards in the National Association attract top candidates for employ-

of Counties and the National ment. This information is also JUDY HOFFMAN, MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST, Association of County Information passed along and embraced by our NORTH SUBURBAN LIBRARY SYSTEM, WHEELING, ILL.; Officers competitions. The county support groups, such as the Friends [email protected] commissioners appear more favor- and foundation, to bolster their ably impressed with these awards fund-raising and community sup- When you hear actors who come from their own world than with port requests. home without statues at the library association awards. Internally, there’s a huge boost Academy Awards say it was “an Participating in non-library are- to staff morale for recognition and honor just to be nominated,” do nas provides us with a more global validation of our work and our insti- you join the silent chorus of “yeah, view of a library role in communities, tution. In terms of capacity, we are right?” Well, it turns out it’s true, or a perspective that has proven useful perhaps more confident in taking at least it is for the glamorous library as the library evolves. Just reading risks and absorbing our failures as staff, trustees, and advocates that the award criteria is educational. lessons for use in future endeavors. are nominated for the annual North Locally, JCL competed for and A downside of awards might, Suburban Library System (NSLS) won a Kansas City Diversity Best ironically, be the spotlight on Membership Awards in Illinois. We Practices award in 2005 for its diver- glitzy programs—the highly sym- hear this repeated every year from sity council, diversity staff develop- pathetic work with adults with both the nominees and winners. ment program, and annual Hispanic developmental disabilities; the Taking the time to sit down and Heritage Fiesta. The awarding technology-oriented Web sites and write words of praise for a colleague institution gave the library high online programs; and the services promises to be a meaningful experi- marks for its proactive approach in for niche patrons, such as seniors ence for nominees and nominators. addressing changing demograph- and teens in the justice system. NSLS launched the awards pro- ics both in its community and its Library staff members who serve gram in 1992, and they are presented organization. A huge spread in the our patrons daily, face-to-face in at the annual membership banquet, metro newspaper accompanied the traditional, routine transactions which began a few years earlier. The awards announcements. are not singled out for national reasons behind the creation of the News releases are our chief awards, although they are at the awards are many, including that they means of spreading news of an core of the high level of patron hold libraries and the people that award to the community, and they satisfaction with this library. We do support them up for emulation, and are 100 percent successful in pro- have internal awards that recognize the awards give a higher profile to ducing news articles, often on the their achievements, but even when best practices and success stories. front page. Subsequent, splashy their work is mentioned in award They are also meant to be a

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community-building tool, both services desks, further improving were added to the ceremony. For among libraries and library staff. staff morale.”3 2006, half of the awards will be spon- The awards criteria stress We hear about this pleasing sored, providing monetary awards of resource sharing with libraries in effect regularly from winners. $500 and $1,000. NSLS and throughout the state, lead- According to Sonia Schoenfield and After being involved with the ership efforts, innovation, and over- Arlene Lane, reference librarians awards for eight years, I have to all good works. The number of award for Cook Memorial Public Library throw out one reminder for those categories has grown throughout District in Libertyville, Illinois, that write any kind of award nomi- the years. It started with Library of increased confidence to take on nation. Rule of thumb, if you are the Year, and Library Staff Member even bigger projects was one out- going to write a nomination, make of the Year from each of the four come when their library received sure to take the time to write a good types of libraries we serve: academic, the 2005 Innovation Award. It also one! A number of times, worthy public, school, and special. As time caught the attention of the local nominations fell by the wayside passed, NSLS handed out awards for press, providing a great opportunity because the nomination submit- Trustee, Volunteer, and Legislator of for communities in the area to learn ted was too brief, lacking in good the Year. Community Advocate was more about their winning work with examples, or just poorly written. added to recognize people or orga- Digital Past (www.digitalpast.org) Remember, the review committee nizations outside of the library that and the library as a whole. doesn’t necessarily know the person, provided a variety of special support. Schoenfield said receiving the library, or projects submitted. The Innovation award was added to innovation award validated the The awards are a great public recognize groundbreaking new proj- efforts of the library’s project part- relations and toot-your-own-horn ects. The last award to be added was ner, the Libertyville-Mundelein opportunity, and we encourage the for Lifetime Achievement. Historical Society, and added to winners to make the most of this Eleven categories seems like a their enthusiasm for more coopera- occasion. NSLS provides the winners lot, yet not enough at the same tive work. with a template press release and time. The world should regularly Until this year, nominations were gobs of professional photos taken at be draping those associated with submitted privately, and a com- the banquet. A number of Library of libraries with garlands, crowns, mittee, primarily made up of past the Year winners have put banners huge monetary awards, and posi- winners, reviewed the nominations out in front of their library. Winners tive prime-time television coverage. and chose the winners. This year, also promote their success via But until then, taking the time to the awards committee has been library computer monitor screensav- honor our own is an important and replaced with open voting by staff ers, the library Web site, the open- rewarding effort. and trustees at all NSLS libraries. ing of the main telephone system The award winners have reported They do so by viewing nominations message, in the signature line of back many gratifying outcomes, both online, and then voting online. Staff outgoing e-mails, and any number inside and outside the library walls. from nominated libraries cannot of creative ways. Wauconda Area (Ill.) Public Library vote for anyone in their library. This If you are looking for a way to director Tom Kern believes the 2005 way, a large library does not have an build a sense of community among Library of the Year award “greatly advantage over a small library. The members of your library organiza- enhanced the library’s image in the new format is still playing out as tion, consider an awards program. community, not only by heightening this article goes to press, so if you Start small, with an easily managed everyone’s awareness of the library’s want to know how it turns out, send program, and build it from there excellence in serving the community me a note after our banquet on to be appropriate for your circum- but by providing a perfect opportuni- March 17, 2006 (yes, we are having stances. If your experience matches ty to thank all of the library’s partner live Irish music). ours, you will find that there are organizations and all citizens for their We’re on the second year of awards enough for all in the effort— support and cooperation.”2 another first for us: sponsorships. In your winners get the glory, all that Kern observed that after receiv- 2005, we sought out and received are nominated feel validated, nomi- ing the award, “library patrons have event sponsors, which meant hors nators become king- and queen- frequently congratulated staff at d’oeuvres and some other treats makers, best practices are held up

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for all to see, and the organization programming, preparing materials two complete columns to list the has engaged in a celebration that and facilities, or doing any of myriad awards and grants offered by ALA, strengthens community. jobs that enable quality service, I its divisions, and its offices. The believe they do it with a little more PLA Awards Committee oversees confidence, standing or sitting a seven of them. Others are appli- On Behalf of the Entire Staff little taller and straighter as a result cable to public libraries and librar- of the acknowledgement provided ians, such as the John Cotton Dana

WAYNE ONKST, KENTON COUNTY (KY.) PUBLIC LIBRARY; with the Sullivan Award. Award (administered by the Library [email protected] The library’s public relations Administration and Management department did a great job of telling Association), the Sullivan Award I didn’t even know I was nominated the community about the award. As (ALA), and the ALSC/BWI Summer for ALA’s Sullivan Award for Public our community sees the recogni- Reading Program Grant (Association Library Administrators Support for tion given to the library, I am confi- for Library Service to Children). Children’s Services until I got a call dent that the additional respect will Closer to home, your state library from the chair of the awards com- result in greater usage and stronger association offers its own annual mittee telling me that I had won! support. Not only will our staff awards. In your own backyard, you’ll My library’s children’s staff and enjoy the recognition, but our com- find that the regional library system, my administrative assistant had munity can also take pride in their chamber of commerce, and com- coordinated the application with- library, realizing that their usage munity agencies also recognize out- out my knowledge. They wanted to and support has enabled this recog- standing employees and programs. surprise me and bypass any reserva- nition of their library on a national You can be proactive, as RCLS tions I might have had. Once again, level. In a state not normally recog- and JCL are, in matching the project they proved that our children’s ser- nized for educational reasons, yet you plan to do with a specific award. vices staff (along with other services) with a vibrant and growing public You can surprise your coworkers, as are most effective when I get out of library system, positive notice on a happened to several essayists. What the way and let them get to work! national level is much appreciated is most important is that you apply. While winning the Sullivan and well-deserved. Your ideas and your contributions Award brings considerable personal Receiving the Sullivan Award at deserve to be recognized—and they satisfaction, it also came with the the ALA Annual Conference was may inspire others. realization that the award is pos- a personal highlight. My wife and I hope to see you at the PLA sible only as a result of the work of I will always remember the kind- Awards Ceremony in New Orleans! the entire library staff. Regardless ness of Peggy Sullivan, the thrill of my support or vision of children’s of attending our first Caldecott/ services, success happens only Newbery/Wilder dinner, and, of References when everyone on the staff plays course, receiving the award at the 1. Tom Peters and Nancy Austin, A their role effectively. So the Sullivan Awards Reception. I don’t know of Passion for Excellence (New York: Award was not my award, but rather a field staffed with more dedicated Random House, 1985), 419. an award for our library, our staff, individuals than librarianship. There 2. North Suburban Library and our community that has so are so many wonderful librarians System, nslis.info Newsletter strongly supported the library and who deserve this type of recognition 4, no. 45 (Nov. 11, 2005), used its services. during their careers. Thanks to my http://nslis.inof/news/issue. By having our library, its director, outstanding staff, I am one of those aspx?volume=48&issue=45 and its services held up for notice fortunate award recipients. (accessed May 24, 2006). by the library community nation- 3. Ibid. wide, the award validated once again for our staff the outstanding work Conclusion they are doing each day in provid- ing quality service for children. As If you look in the back of the ALA they are providing this important Handbook, you’ll see that it takes

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AMY ALESSIO is the Teen Coordinator for the “Book Talk” provides authors’ perspectives on libraries, books, Schaumburg Township (Ill.) technology, and information. If you have any suggestions of authors you District Library and the would like to see featured in Book Talk, or if you are interested in volun- fiscal officer for the Young Adults Library Services teering to be an author-interviewer, contact Kathleen Hughes, Association; aalessio@ Editor of Public Libraries, at the Public Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., stdl.org. Konrath was inter- Chicago, IL 60611; [email protected]. viewed via e-mail in January 2006.

Amy is currently reading The Diary of Pelly D by L. J. Adlington and The Silver Enthusiasm Anniversary Murder by Lee Harris. Is a Must An Interview with Joe Konrath

uthor J. A. “Joe” Konrath works almost as hard as the workaholic hero- ine, Lt. Jacqueline “Jack” Daniels, of his popular, critically acclaimed A mystery series. Konrath has a multiple-book contract for the Daniels series, sells dozens of short stories a year, judges writing contests, presents and teaches classes for new writers, and maintains the popular blog “A Newbie’s Guide to Getting Published” on his Web site (www.jakonrath.com), which gar- ners approximately one thousand unique hits a day. In addition to that list of accomplishments, Konrath is poised to enter the Guiness Book of World Records by hosting five hundred book-signing events in stores across the country this summer after the release of his third Daniels series title, Rusty Nail. Supporting libraries is a theme in Konrath’s teachings, and he hosts library contests on his Web site in addition to dozens of personal appearances at libraries each year.

Public Libraries: Why do you write mysteries? What trends do you see in the mystery genre?

Joe Konrath: I write what I like to read. I grew up on McBain, MacDonald, Parker, Christie, Spillane, Sayers, and Marsh. The genre hasn’t really changed much since Miss Marple and Mike Hammer, which is a good thing. If some- thing works, stick with it.

PL: Why follow a drink theme with Jacqueline Daniels—Bloody Mary, Whisky Sour, and Rusty Nail? What will Jack fans see in the future?

JK: I wanted a female cop with a male name, and I wanted a way to link the titles together. Grafton is doing the alphabet, Evanovich uses numbers, and I do drinks.

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The next few Jack books are going chance to meet thousands all across to be a lot of fun. More action. More the United States. scares. More laughs. And a few con- tinuing characters will take the big PL: What should libraries do to dirt nap. Jack’s mother isn’t on the hit encourage reading? list yet, but if the story calls for it. . . . JK: Reading groups, writing groups, PL: What are some other projects and author visits. I’ve visited dozens you are working on? What is different of libraries, and I’ve done many con- about writing mysteries from those ference calls with them during read- projects? ing groups. Joe Konrath JK: My heart belongs to mysteries, PL: You mentor many people who but I also enjoy horror, dark fiction, want to write. Why is this important also hold writing contests and cur- sci-fi, humor, and technothrillers. to you? rently have a special library contest I’ve published stories in all of these on my homepage. genres. JK: When you attain any degree of success, you have to send the eleva- PL: You advise authors to learn how PL: I know you are a big proponent tor back down. No one helped me. If to speak publicly. What are some tips of libraries. How have libraries and they had, perhaps I would have got- for a successful presentation and librarians helped you with your writ- ten published sooner. conference experience? ing career? What do you tell authors they can do to work with and sup- PL: Please describe some of the pro- JK: Circulate through the audience port libraries? cess of how you got published. What before you begin, introducing your- is one of the biggest mistakes you self and shaking hands. When you’re JK: Librarians are awesome! Mystery see among people who want to get on the microphone, be clear, be author Julia Spencer-Fleming and published? funny, and be brief. Enthusiasm is a I just mailed out six thousand let- must; if you’re having fun, so is the ters to libraries. The letters include JK: I wrote nine novels, more than a audience. an interview, information about our million words, and landed four hun- books, and even a signed coaster. dred fifty rejections before I landed PL: If one of your three children The library is often the cultural a publishing contract. Writers need wanted to become an author, what hub of the community. It’s a meeting to understand that this is a business, advice would you give them? Does place, a learning place, and an enter- not an art form. If you want to suc- your family currently help with your tainment place, all in one. I love the ceed, you need to understand how writing career? fact that librarians talk to patrons, the business works. give suggestions, and take requests. JK: My wife is my first reader, my So many fans have discovered me PL: Marketing is a big part of writ- biggest critic, and my staunchest through libraries. They are one of the ing today. What are some things that supporter. The kids think dad has it best ways to garner word-of-mouth. have helped you promote the Jack easy because he plays on the com- Daniels books? puter all day. If one of them wanted PL: You are planning on visiting five to be a writer, I’d tell them, “You can hundred sites for the Rusty Nail book JK: I’ve signed books in hundred of be whatever you want to be, after release. Why five hundred? What do stores, spoken at dozens of libraries, you finish medical school.” you enjoy about doing these visits? regularly attend writing conventions, and spend a great deal of time on the PL: What are you currently reading? JK: No one has ever done five Internet, both on my Web site, jakon- hundred in a year before. It’s an rath.com, and on my blog. It’s called JK: The new Barry Eisler book. He’s impressive number, but doable. I A Newbie’s Guide to Publishing a friend, so I get to read it before it’s love meeting people, and this is my (www.jakonrath.blogspot.com). I released. Man, that guy can write!

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“Internet Spotlight” explores Internet and Web topics relevant to librar- ians in the public library sector. Your input is welcome.

Contributing Editor STEVEN M. COHEN is a Librarian The Carnival with PubSub Concepts in New York and the creator of librarystuff.net, a weblog dedicated to resources of the for keeping current and professional development. You can reach him at [email protected]. Infosciences Steven is currently reading The Baby Business: How Money, Science, and Politics ecently I’ve been recommending authors, rather than specific books, Drive the Commerce of to friends and colleagues: “Have you read any T. C. Boyle? If you like Conception, by Debora L. RWilliam T. Vollmann, you’ll love David Foster Wallace. Give Oates Spar. a try.” The next question they invariably ask me is, “What books by these authors do you recommend?” If a collection of works is available, I always suggest a reader or anthology of works. Most of the time, this is due to not being able to consciously recommend my favorite works from particular authors, but also because a collection of works displays the author in all his magnitude and reach. Is early Stephen King different from his work during the past two to three years? Yes, but an anthology of all of his work in one or two volumes will enable new readers to foster their own opinions and also expose them to a wide variety of content. By recommending anthologies, I provide the reader with a wide variety of content. This technique doesn’t need to be limited to book recommendations. What about news from the past week? There are monitoring services available in many professions that cull news stories from a seven-day period and then provide a synopsis for their clients. Many professionals are too busy to read everything that is published in their line of work, and a professionally gathered summary is useful—especially if it is customized for their needs. When I was a law librarian, I would provide a weekly recap of cases, news articles, columns, and blog posts for specific lawyers who were involved in specific litigation. If you’re looking for a similar service in the library world, check out the Carnival of the Infosciences. This idea was introduced to the library field by Greg Schwartz, librarian and proprietor of the Open Stacks Blog (www. openstacks.net). In a blog post on July 16, 2005, Greg wrote: My first encounter with a Blog Carnival was the Carnival of Personal Finance, which was most recently hosted at Smart Money Daily (www. smartmoneydaily.com/PersonalFinance/Carnival-of-Personal-Finance-

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internet spotlight . . . the carnival benefits bloggers who haven’t“” attracted the level of readership that they want; by submitting their posts to the host for the week, they can be assured that their content will be read by more than just their regulars.

Week-4.aspx) and will be moving discussion happening in the LIS blog- The carnival also provides an to I Will Teach You to Be Rich ging community can be helpful. avenue to locating new and excit- (www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com) In addition to the time saved, ing library-related bloggers. One on Monday. On further research, the carnival benefits bloggers who week, when I hosted the carnival I discovered what appears to be haven’t attracted the level of read- on Library Stuff (www.librarystuff. the “Original Carnival” (or at least ership that they want; by submit- net/2006/03/la-carvinal.html), I longest-running): Carnival of the ting their posts to the host for the received submissions from two Vanities, the most recent of which week, they can be assured that their bloggers whose blogs I didn’t know. can be found at Wallo World content will be read by more than I have since enjoyed the work pub- (http://walloworld.com/?p=797). just their regulars. The carnival also lished by these bloggers. There is even an entire site gives them a larger pulpit on which Feedback from the library com- (http://carnival.blogcarnival.com) to stand, and and a larger audience munity has been minimal, according devoted to helping readers find to whom they can shout out their to Schwartz, but those that partici- the various manifestations of the thoughts, ideas, and (sometimes) pate give the carnival high marks: Blog Carnival.1 heckles. The carnival allows those I have not received much bloggers who may have just started feedback from the library Here’s how the Carnival of the a blog to get their content to the community outside of the Infosciences works. Every week, a masses. Once they have grabbed the blogosphere. Among library volunteer from the library and infor- readers’ attention, however, they bloggers, the reaction has been mation science (LIS) blogging com- need to continuously write content supportive, but participation is munity acts as the host. Throughout worth reading. I have always been uneven. I think that librarians the prior week, contributions are sent convinced that content is king, and as a whole are terrible at self- into the host by LIS bloggers. The con- that the only way to continuously promotion and so the idea of tributions can be their own posts or attract attention as a writer (let alone submitting your own work is posts they found interesting on other a blogger) is to produce work that counterintuitive. They are far LIS blogs. The submissions should be gets readers interested and talking. more likely to recommend related to the library and information Boring writing, however grammati- someone else’s work, which is science field; however, the role of the cally correct, is just that—boring. not the norm for most carnivals, host is not to weed out contributions, Hosting a blog carnival has other but seems to suit our community but to collect, read, and distribute advantages. The blogging commu- well. I’m optimistic that, as the them in one post on their own blog. nity thrives on “link love,” or the carnival gets some much-needed It’s a very simple concept with tre- amount of links that one gets to their exposure outside of the library mendous consequences and effects. own blog. Hosts can be assured at blog world, the level of interest One basic benefit of carnival work, least a fair number of links during will grow, along with the number as mentioned previously, is that it the week they supervise the carnival. of submissions and diversity of is the only place that I know of that In addition to writing about the sub- hosts. To some degree, this is rounds up blog discussions and puts mitted content, hosts have the stage already happening as more widely them in one place. In essence, this to link to their favorite blog content read sites link to the carnival.2 brings out the collective work of the for the week, although the carnival blogging community. For those too should always remain true to the Schwartz, unlike many who have busy to read blogs (or who feel that subject at hand. Hosts have a pulpit, brought technology to the forefront they are waste of time to keep track of a rare chance to stand up and be of the library profession, would every day), a weekly reminder of the counted. How democratic! also like to take a diminished role

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in being the leader of the carnival, the library blogging community. References which fits in with the initiative’s Understandably, the carnival has 1. Schwartz, Greg, “Carnival philosophy. He adds, “To this point, started with blogs because it is a of the Infosciences?” I have handled all administrative ele- blogging initiative, but this doesn’t http://openstacks.net/os/ ments (wiki maintenance and sched- mean that the concept can’t reach archives/000834.html (accessed uling of hosts primarily), but ideally, other avenues. Libraries with similar Mar. 30, 2006). the carnival should exist as a truly interests, or those who are part of a 2. E-mail correspondence with collaborative entity where the whole network or consortia, can host carni- Greg Schwartz, Mar. 13, 2006. process of submitting and hosting vals. Librarians active in newsgroups 3. Ibid. self-regulates. I don’t know if this is or electronic mailing lists can host 4. Ibid. entirely possible, but it is something carnivals on their personal Web sites I’d like to see happen.”3 or even on the mailing lists them- Ideally, the carnival will be fully selves. While not a true blog carnival, Resources integrated into the daily life of the the concept is similar. Open Stacks Blog—www.openstacks. library community before he leaves Ideas and initiatives come and net his post as carnival arbiter. The format go—whether they survive is based Open Stacks blog post on July 16, offers many options for enhancement, on reach, participation, and out- 2005—http://openstacks.net/ and it will need a leader to guide it reach, among many other factors. os/archives/000834.html through changes. As for what those Will the Carnival of the Infosciences Carnival hosted on Library Stuff— changes might entail, I, for one, would survive? “The carnival is an oppor- www.librarystuff.net/2006/03/ love to see topical carnivals emerge. tunity to celebrate and promote the la-carvinal.html For example, university librarians may current body of excellent writing Smart Money Daily—www. be more inclined to include their con- in the library blogosphere, while smartmoneydaily.com/ tent in an academic carnival. A New encouraging new voices to join PersonalFinance/Carnival-of- York carnival that details blog posts the chorus,” Schwartz says. “My Personal-Finance-Week-4.aspx and commentary from librarians from dream is that, some day, a success- I Will Teach You to Be Rich—www. the Empire State would be particu- ful, published librarian will look iwillteachyoutoberich.com larly interesting to me. Before we can back and credit the Carnival of the Wallo World—http://walloworld. start developing enhancements and Infosciences with giving him or her com/?p=797 specialized carnivals, however, critical the confidence to write for a global Blog Carnival—http://carnival. mass will need to be reached on the audience.”4 blogcarnival.com main initiative. Carnival of the Infosciences Wiki— Another aspect I would like to To see a list of past Carnivals and http://infosciences.pbwiki.com see in the carnival is the inclu- future host blogs, pleas visit http:// sion of content from those outside infosciences.pbwiki.com.

Free FETCH! With Ruff Ruffman Resource Kit

FETCH! With Ruff Ruffman, a new show that premiered on PBS May 29, 2006, focuses on kids ages six to ten. It is modeled on the reality television craze: Six teenage contestants on the unscripted show go on challenge assignments to test their determination, daring, and intellect. Libraries can request a free FETCH! resource kit to create parallel programming at the library, including an activity guide, challenge sheet pack (available in English and Spanish), and poster; they also can subscribe to an e-mail newsletter filled with news, activity tips, and Web feature pointers. E-mail [email protected] to order your resource pack and for more information. This new item was originally posted on the PLA Blog. Check out more exciting news tidbits at www.plablog.org.

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Visit APA at ALA 2006, Booth 1826. Visit APA at ALA 2006, Booth 1826.

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“Bringing in the Money” presents fund-raising strategies for public librar- ies. Many librarians are turning to alternative funding sources to supple- ment shrinking budgets. Fund-raising efforts not only boost finances, but also leverage community support and build collaborative strategies.

Contributing Editor STEPHANIE GERDING is Continuing Education Coordinator at Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, in Phoenix; Grant stephaniegerding@ earthlink.net. She is coauthor of Grants for Libraries: A How-to-Do-It Matchmaking Manual (Neal-Schuman), and the library grants blog (librarygrants.blogspot.com). pplying for a grant can be an intimidating process, but finding the Stephanie is currently read- right grant for your library is important. Because librarians are great at ing Alice Munro’s Runaway, A research, this part of grant work is a cinch for us! First of all, remember a collection of intriguing that you should never start the grant process with a specific grant in mind. short stories with amaz- Your grant work should always begin with your library’s mission, strategic ingly vivid characters. plan, and a community needs assessment. Once you review this information, validate a real need your library can help with, and brainstorm solutions, you are then ready to start planning a grant project. By having this project in mind before you begin researching funding sources and selecting specific funders and grants, writing the grant proposal will be so much easier.

Types of Funding Sources All funding can be categorized into one of two funding sources: government or private. Being familiar with the different types of sources can help ensure that your grant proposal reaches the right audience (see figure 1). To excel at grant matchmaking, you must match the library’s mission and grant projects to the funder’s goals.

Government Funding Sources Government grant-funding sources include any grants from federal, state, or local government agencies. These grants are used to carry out the purposes established by their lawmaking authorities. There are hundreds of fed- eral grant programs, with grants totaling $400 billion. Though this sounds promising, federal grants frequently involve a very complicated applica- tion process and are often very competitive. Examples of federal govern- ment sources for library related grants are the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the U.S. Department of Education, the National Library of

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Medicine, the National Endowment Government Private for the Arts, and the National ■ Federal ■ Foundations (both private and Endowment for the Humanities. ■ State public) and nonprofits State and local governments are ■ Local (county, city, town, village, ■ Corporations and businesses often given funding by federal sources municipality) ■ Clubs and organizations that they are responsible for distribut- ■ Professional and trade associations ing locally. A prime example of library funding disbursed this way is the fed- eral Library Services and Technology Figure 1. Types of Grant Funding Sources Act (LSTA) funds distributed through state libraries. State libraries may use the appropriation to support state- staff, or they may be large, multimil- Professional associations may wide initiatives and services through lion dollar–driven enterprises with have grant funding that is available competitive sub-grant competitions many professional staff. Some private for members. Luckily, librarians have or cooperative agreements to public, foundations are created by families or many professional associations to academic, research, school, and spe- individuals, often through an endow- choose from. Grants, awards, and cial libraries in their state. Because ment fund. One example of public scholarships are available from the state libraries determine distribu- foundations is a community founda- American Library Association (ALA), 1 tion of these funds based on their tion. These are publicly supported the Public Library Association, the individual state’s areas of need and charitable institutions governed by Special Library Association, Regional priorities, you should check with your volunteer boards of community lead- Library Associations, and even more. state library about the availability of ers and administered by full-time See the Awards tab on the ALA Web LSTA subgrants or other uses of this professional staff with expertise in site (www.ala.org) or your regional funding. Many state libraries will knowing their community’s needs. association Web site (for example, have LSTA subgrant announcements They are often cited as one of the Mountain Plains, New England, and applications guidelines on their fastest growing sectors of philan- Pacific Northwest, Southeastern, Web sites, and some even have online thropy in the United States. There Guam, or Virgin Islands). applications and free grant work- are about seven hundred community shops. LSTA funding has increased foundations nationwide, with assets during the last several years, and of approximately $35 billion, award- Web sites to Locate 2 continues to be a primary source of ing grants of more than $2.6 billion. Private Funders library grant funding. Another added Corporations and businesses Researching private funders has benefit to this distribution of funding sometimes create foundations or become easier thanks to the avail- is that it is much easier to develop a giving programs with funds generat- ability of information on the relationship with state library per- ed from their profits. Local business- Internet, however, it can be over- sonnel than federal funders, and the es give back to their communities, whelming as there are many sources. competition may not be as fierce. and corporations fulfill objectives of The following are a few authoritative Investigate grant opportunities in civic responsibility. sources for finding private funders. other agencies in your state, county, Clubs and organizations may or city that may fund your project, have a service, civic, or skill-based ■ Community Foundations such as education, humanities, arts, focus. They usually have local chap- (http://fdncenter.org/funders/ and cultural service agencies. You ters; examples include the Lions grantmaker/gws_comm/comm. can find a list of state humanities Club, Rotary, Junior League, and html). To find community councils at www.neh.gov/whoweare/ Kiwanis. These organizations often foundations in your area, visit the statecouncils.html. have giving programs that involve Foundation Center Web site. smaller gifts focused on supporting ■ Top 40 Foundations That Give their individual community. It is best Grants (www.tgci.com/funding/ Private Funding Sources to find out about these opportunities states.asp). This Grantsmanship Foundations may be private or pub- through local Web sites or by con- Center site includes a list of top lic, they may be small, with only a few tacting the associations directly. foundations searchable by state.

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■ Grantmaker Index (www. Block grant fdncenter.org/funders/ A grant that the state or federal government allocates to fund a specific need. grantmaker/index.html) The For example, the federal government allocates $2 million in a block grant to Foundation Center maintains schools that provide after-school care for children in low-income neighborhoods. and regularly updates links to Challenge grant more than 4,800 grantmaker Web A grant awarded to grantseekers if they reach a specific fund-raising goal. sites. This is a great resource for private funding sources, including Capital grant foundations and corporate These grants include funding for endowment purposes, construction, or grantmakers. equipment. ■ The Foundation Center’s State General operating support and Local Funding Directories: A Funding for the general purpose or work of an organization. For example, Bibliography (http://fdncenter. personnel, administration, and other expenses for an existing program. org/learn/topical/sl_dir.html). A compilation of local funding Matching grant directories, these invaluable A grant that requires the grantseeker to provide a certain amount to fund the resources will help you locate project and the funder will provide an equal amount. For example, a 1:1 match foundations and corporations would mean that the grantseeker provides half the cost of the project and the that limit their giving to your funder matches the same amount. geographic area. Project/Program grant Funding for a specific initiative or new endeavor, not for general purposes. Research Resources— Seed grant Where to Find Grant Funding designed to help start a new project or charitable activity, or to help a Announcements new organization in its start-up phase. There are quite a few sources that Technology grant list grant announcements and A grant that provides funding for a technology-related project. requests for proposals (RFPs). It is helpful to know the major grant cat- egories so you can determine what Figure 2. Categories of Grants kind of grant will be a good match for your specific grant project. See figure 2 for clarification on catego- a head start in pulling together the or to browse by category under ries of grants. (Adapted from Grants requested information. “Arts.” You can also browse by for Libraries).3 When looking for Agency; frequently library-related specific grants, there are online and ■ Grants.gov (www.grants.gov). grants are given by the National print resources available. Grants.gov is the single free Endowment for the Arts, the access point for more than Institute of Museum and Library Online Resources one thousand grant programs Services, and the Department Weblogs, Web sites, databases, and offered by the twenty-six federal of Education. You can also sign bulletins can be helpful for locating grant-making agencies. Here up for an e-mail service that grant announcements. Many grant you can electronically find and will notify you of new grant announcements have short dead- apply for more than $400 billion opportunities. lines, so it is best to develop your in competitive grants from all ■ Library Grants Blog (http:// grant project first and outline your federal grant making agencies. All librarygrants.blogspot.com). goals, grant summary, and budget federal grant opportunities are No surprise, my top pick for before looking for specific grants. searchable. If you are searching online library-related grant This way, when you do find a great this site for the first time, a announcements is the Library grant announcement that has an couple of hints are to try the basic Grants Blog, which I cowrite with impending deadline, you will have search, with keyword “library” Pam MacKeller. It’s a free Web site

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with regularly posted new grant ■ Foundation Grants Index. the project, building partnerships, opportunities for libraries. Provides descriptions of more conducting meetings, and following ■ The Foundation Directory Online than 100,000 grants of $10,000 up on the application are covered in (http://fconline.fdncenter.org). or more that were actually given. detail. A unique Grants for Libraries This online database provides This is useful because it shows Toolkit includes full-size reproduc- subscription-based pricing for you what projects the funder has tions of the charts, worksheets, and accessing grantmaker information already supported. (Also available checklists featured throughout the and grant announcements. The on CD-ROM.) book. The CD-ROM reproduces the basic level can be assessed for ■ National Guide to Funding entire toolkit (in Word format for $19.95 a month or $195 annually. for Libraries and Information easy printing and customization), ■ The Foundation Center’s RFP Services. Provides essential sample grant applications, and nine Bulletin (http://fdncenter.org/ facts on approximately 1,500 complete example grant proposals. pnd/rfp). This online bulletin foundations and corporate direct Sixteen success stories share expe- provides listings of RFPs. Each giving programs with a history of rience and advice from successful listing provides a brief overview awarding grant dollars to libraries libraries and provide inspiration of a current funding opportunity and other information centers. and models for projects and suc- offered by a foundation or other Includes grantmaker contact cess stories. Experienced and novice grant making organization, along information, financial data, giving librarians, students, administrators with the date the RFP was posted priorities statement, application and anyone who seeks or uses grant and the deadline. You can sign up procedures, and key officials, funding will find invaluable and to receive the RFP Bulletin as a sample grants (more than eleven practical guidance. free weekly e-mail newsletter. hundred), and a range of indexes The Taft Group’s Big Book of Library to make searching easier. Grant Money: Profiles of Private and ■ Grants for Libraries and Corporate Foundations and Direct Print Resources Information Services. An annual Corporate Givers Receptive to Library The Foundation Center publication, one of twelve subject- Grant Proposals (ALA, 2006) profiles Publications specific grant guides published by foundations and corporate grant mak- The Foundation Center is the largest the Foundation Center. It includes ers that have made grants to libraries producer of directories and databas- the scope of current foundation or listed libraries as typical recipients. es of grant-giving foundations. The giving in the field. You’ll find According to the ALA Web site: center publishes print directories descriptions of 2,780 recent grants by subject, foundation name, geo- of $10,000 or more—totaling more This forward-looking edition graphic region, and grants previously than $442 million. includes nearly 2,400 private funded. Their subject directories and corporate foundations and cover such topics as arts and culture, Other Publications givers that have either indicated children and youth services, educa- Grants for Libraries: A How-To-Do-It an interest in giving money to tion, environment and animal wel- Manual and CD-ROM for Librarians libraries or have already done fare, health, international, libraries (Neal-Schuman, 2006) by Stephanie so. Potential donors in The Big and information services, religion, K. Gerding and Pamela H. MacKellar Book are profiled with contact and social services. A few choice is a practical guide that presents an and portfolio information, picks, published annually, include: easy-to-follow grant process cycle— past contributions summary planning for success, discovering and analysis, and application ■ The Foundation Directory. and designing projects, organizing information. With historical data, Multiple volume. Part I has the the team, researching and selecting you can track contributions and 10,000 biggest foundations. The the right funder, creating and sub- assets and predict future giving entries list the funder’s contact mitting the proposal, securing funds patterns. Offering you the most information, trustee names, and implementing the project, and “hooks” for connecting with statements of purpose, grant reviewing and continuing the pro- actual people, The Big Book also guidelines, and even descriptions cess. The important and sometimes provides contact information for of previous grants awarded. (Also challenging components of grant nearly 16,000 foundation officers available on CD-ROM.) applications are covered. Managing and directors. As an added

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feature, ALA’s own development any grants in the past related to ning how you will introduce your office experts have included tips your grant project, to grantees in grant project to the funder will be on winning grants for libraries.”4 your geographic location, in the helpful. Developing relationships amount you need, and for the type with funders and realizing that they Local guides may be published by of support you want? Discovering should be your partners will bring a community foundation or United this information can help you you greater success in not only Way. There is a government office determine whether your project obtaining grants but in implement- that regulates charities in each state. would be appealing to this funder. ing your grant projects. Good luck This may be called the charities reg- This may be available on their Web with your grants! istrar, under the secretary of state’s site or through annual reports, or office or the department of justice. you can access their recent federal Call them or access their Web site tax returns. Almost every private References to see if they have publications and foundation’s IRS Form 990-PF tax 1. Stephanie K. Gerding, “A guides on your state funders. return can be accessed online for Common Purpose: Community no charge at www.guidestar.org or Foundations and Libraries,” www.grantsmart.org. All past grant Public Libraries 45, no. 1 (Jan./ General Resource funding will be included, usually Feb. 2006): 32–36. Foundation Center Libraries have as an attachment toward the end 2. E. Sacks, Community Cooperating Collections in 220 librar- of the return. You can find out how Foundation Global Status ies in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. large the grants were, if certain Report, WINGS-CF, 2005, www. Each collection consists of a core types of programs were funded, wingsweb.org/information/ collection of Foundation Center in which geographic areas, spe- publications_community.cfm publications, including FC Search cific names of grantees, details on (accessed Jan. 16, 2006). CD-ROMs and a variety of supple- finances, giving interests, and appli- 3. Stephanie K. Gerding and mentary materials and services in cation procedures. Pamela H. MacKellar, Grants areas useful to grant seekers. Go to Keep track of all likely matches for Libraries: A How-to-Do- www.fdncenter.org/collections to find and then start contacting the funders It Manual and CD-ROM for the Foundation Center Cooperating directly. Be sure you read any pub- Librarians (New York: Neal- Collection nearest you. lished grant guidelines before con- Schuman, 2006). tacting them with questions. Don’t 4. ALA Online Store, www. waste time by asking questions that alastore.ala.org/SiteSolution. Getting to Know are answered on their Web site or in taf?_sn=catalog2&_pn=product_ Your Funder their application, such as deadlines detail&_op=1918 (accessed Jan. Research your prospective funder’s and past funding. Making a list of 16, 2006). past giving. Has the funder made any clarifying questions and plan-

Don’t Miss It! Results Boot Camp II

Scheduled for November 13–17, 2006, in Nashville, Tennesee, the PLA Results Boot Camp II is designed to provide you with the management training and skills you didn’t get in library school. This week-long workshop is interactive and includes individual and group activities. It will focus on current library issues and concerns and present case studies describing real library situa- tions. You will be encouraged to apply what you learn to real-life problems and issues in your library. Outside of the PLA Boot Camp, the PLA Results courses have been offered individually. During PLA Boot Camp, you will learn about all of the publications in the Results series and see first-hand how they interconnect. For more information about PLA, visit www.pla.org.

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Passing Notes focuses on young adult service issues including program- ming, collection development, creating stronger connections with young adult patrons, and other issues facing youth librarians. The column will address these topics with a humorous bent and an awareness that the key to working with young adults is constant reinvention.

Contributing Editor MICHAEL GARRETT FARRELLY is a Youth Services Librarian and graphic novelist living in Chicago; michaelfarrelly@ Does Your hotmail.com.

He is currently reading The Space Appeal Assassins: A Radical Sect in Islam by Bernard Lewis, Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami, The Fall to Teens? of Constantinople by Nanami Shiono and Kerim Yasar, and Serendipities: Language and Lunacy by Umberto ’m going to suggest a radical notion in this column. It’s a suggestion that Eco. many librarians have heard before, but it can still fire up a good argu- Iment in our profession. If I could duck before suggesting the following I would, because I know that no small amount of stones will be cast in my direction. Metaphorical stones. At least I hope they’re metaphorical. Libraries need to be more appealing to teens than Borders, Starbucks, and Barnes and Noble to attract young adults. We also need to do them one better. There, that wasn’t so bad now was it? We’ve all seen the bright and shiny new libraries adding cafes and sleek amenities that have more in common with those retail juggernauts. But I’m not talking about design here, but rath- er getting at the notion of what libraries can do to make themselves more appealing than these very popular spaces. What is it that makes a place appealing? I’ll venture an example. Besides being a librarian, I’m also a comic book snob—I’ve been reading indie com- ics since high school. I don’t go in for the spandex and super-powered stuff at all. It’s been a struggle for years to find a comic shop that doesn’t feel like the stereotype of a comic shop. One store that I frequented briefly was so clut- tered with boxes, action figures, and cheap Babylon 5 merchandise I could barely turn around in the place. Another comic store was run by a man who sat in a high wooden booth and yelled “This is not a damn library!” at anyone who spent more than five seconds looking at the interior of a book. Many stores had dim lighting and dank smells and evoked the feeling that if you ventured into the back room, you’d be likely to find Hannibal Lecter standing on tip-toe awaiting Agent Starling. In short, they were creepy. For a time I stopped reading comics

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passing notes Highlighting high interest books in high“” traffic areas, crafting more visually appealing displays and doubling down on community outreach targeted at young adults are all part of making the library more appealing than our corporate rivals

because the places to purchase them the sleek décors. They offer teens a of dollars on architects and elabo- made me feel like a cretin or a crimi- place to be and be relatively undis- rate furniture. You don’t have to nal. Then I found Comix Revolution. turbed. They can’t run wild and spend a dime to hold an after-hours Located in Evanston, Illinois, just start screaming or making messes, teen night. Show movies, have a jump on the El train north of but they can chat, giggle, laugh, board and video games, and give Chicago, Comix Revolution is a play, text each other, flirt, and gawk. teens free reign on what they want bright, clean, well-appointed comic They can be in a place and yet not to do. If you ease up on the struc- shop. Books are well-organized, the of it; to put a classical spin on it, ture, you allow young adults to cre- staff is friendly and helpful, and the they’re not there just to load up on ate their own equilibrium. place feels more like a high-end bou- books and lattes. Easing up on restrictive rules tique than The Android’s Dungeon, In essence, these stores are the enforcement (putting the “shush” the infamous home of Comic Book elusive third space. The first space library model in the dustbin of his- Guy on The Simpsons. being home, the second work (or for tory), crafting young adult-centered It was when I found myself bring- teens, school), and the third is some- programming, and allowing teenag- ing friends I wanted to get into where outside the strictures of the ers to hang out even if they don’t comics to Comix Revolution that I first two where teens can socialize have anything to read or homework realized the true power of appealing and relax. to finish all open up the library and space. I was trying to overcome one Adults have many third spaces give it more shine than the glossi- mental hurdle—that comics were open to them. I often think that once est Borders advert. Highlighting child’s play, the stuff of overheated we pass the age of twenty-one we high-interest books in high-traffic adolescent fantasy—and the fact I begin to suffer from a wondrous form areas, crafting more visually appeal- did not have to face the additional of amnesia about the days before we ing displays, and doubling down hurdle of an unwelcoming space could enter a bar. The crude fake IDs, on community outreach targeted at made my job that much easier. the scams to convince bartenders young adults are all part of making Homework, parental nudging, and doormen of our maturity, and the the library more appealing than our and appealing programming can all-too-frequent feeling of utter rejec- corporate rivals. get young adults into the library, but tion when older friends would pass But how can we do them one bet- making them stay and engage in beyond the veil and into the mists ter? That’s the simple part. Libraries that most teen of activities—hang- of Avalon that we knew were just so offer books, music, movies, engaging ing out—is the brass ring. How can much fun. Being underage means programs, creative spaces, and an libraries become that hang out space being denied access to many possible open appealing place to be yourself, and still be libraries? third-space places. Libraries can do a make new friends, and hang out with What makes bookstores and cof- great deal to fill that void. old ones. But you don’t have to buy fee places comfortable and appeal- Again, this is not a call to rede- overpriced coffee to enjoy it. ing to young adults? It’s not just sign library spaces, spend millions

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445n3_2pcorrex.indd5n3_2pcorrex.indd 4141 55/30/2006/30/2006 10:43:3110:43:31 AMAM feature BAREFOOT IN Columbus THE LEGACY OF KREIMER AND THE LEGALITY OF PUBLIC LIBRARY ACCESS POLICIES CONCERNING APPEARANCE AND HYGIENE

JAMES KELLY is a Law Reference Librarian and Assistant Professor of Librarianship at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; [email protected]

James is currently reading American Gospel: God, the Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation by Jon Meacham.

iven the high cost of legal action and the growing litigiousness in American society, libraries of all types must be concerned about the possibility of a lawsuit. The American Library Association has published G books on the subject, and library journal articles have discussed potential library liability at length.1 Often, these discussions are related to professional malpractice, copyright and other intellectual property, and employment.2 For public libraries, access to information and access to the library have become vital issues. For the last ten years, the case of Kreimer v. Bureau of Police for the Town of Morristown stood as a land- mark case in the area of library access.3 Richard Kreimer, now fifty-five years old, is suing the New Jersey transit system for ejecting him and other homeless people from train stations.4 Kreimer, many librarians will recall, sued the Morristown public library and police department in 1992 for ejecting him from the library on at least five occasions. In federal district court, Kreimer prevailed. The Kreimer case was overturned on appeal, but the issue of public libraries ejecting patrons on the basis of their appearance or hygiene remains, largely because of the use of these public facilities by the homeless. The San Luis Obispo County (Calif.) Library, for instance, has recently enacted a rule allowing library employ- ees to ask malodorous patrons to leave.5 Watchdog groups contend that these people largely have nowhere else to go and should be dealt with more compassionately. The library, however, says that people will only be asked to leave if they ruin the experience for others.6 This article analyzes three significant cases to examine the question of public library liability for alleged constitutional violations against patrons evicted due to their appearance or hygiene rather than for disruptive behavior. The analysis focuses on how policies should be constructed and enforced. Further, in cases where individual administrators and managers have been sued along with their libraries, the notion of qualified immunity is examined. Conclusions are reached regarding the significance of these cases and ways public libraries may be able to avoid liability and the cost of litigation entirely.

Kreimer v. Bureau of Police for Town of Morristown While it has been discussed at length in the literature, the Kreimer case and its initial impact on the library pro- fession warrant continued analysis. In 1989, the Morristown library board of trustees adopted a written policy

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that said that patrons not “reading, studying, or using tion of Kreimer as “a resident of Morristown” and “a library materials” may be asked to leave.7 Further, the homeless individual whose access to showers and policy provided that patrons must respect the rights laundry services is severely curtailed by his homeless of, and not annoy, other patrons.8 With regard to status” implies that Kreimer is a victim of the library appearance, “patron dress and personal hygiene shall and society at large.17 conform to the standard of community public places. The district court held that the policy violated This shall include the repair or cleanliness of gar- Kreimer’s constitutional rights, specifically his rights ments.”9 Following discussion with an attorney from to freedom of speech, due process, and equal pro- the American Civil Liberties Union, these policies were tection under the law.18 First, it analyzed the First amended. Included in the amendments was a new Amendment claim. The First Amendment applies provision that barred patrons from interfering with the because the freedom of speech and of the press use of the library by other patrons or the performance includes the right to receive information. Thus, a of library employees’ duties.10 Kreimer did not dispute policy “which conditions access to public reading the constitutionality of that provision.11 materials” falls under the First Amendment.19 The revised language of the policy regarding For First Amendment purposes, a public library is appearance is significant: a designated public forum. Again, Sarokin seizes on this issue, which the library had already conceded, to Patrons shall not be permitted to enter the proclaim that “a public library is not only a designated building without a shirt or other covering of their public forum, but also a ‘quintessential,’ ‘traditional’ upper bodies or without shoes or other footwear. public forum whose accessibility affects the bedrock Patrons whose bodily hygiene is so offensive as of our democratic system.”20 The problem with the to constitute a nuisance to other persons shall be restriction here, according to the court, is that it does required to leave the building.12 not serve the stated purpose and is overly broad. The Richard Kreimer, a homeless man, sued the pub- stated purpose of the policy, according to its preamble, lic library in Morristown, New Jersey, for evicting is to allow all patrons use of the library facilities to the him due to his appearance and body odor. District greatest extent possible.21 Citing U.S. Supreme Court Judge Sarokin began his opinion with broad state- precedent, the district court held restrictions of a ments about fear and discrimination that can arise public forum must only prohibit activity that “actually in exclusion: “The danger in excluding anyone from a and materially interferes with the peaceful and orderly public building because their appearance or hygiene management of the public space.”22 The policy here, is obnoxious to others is self-evident. The danger the court said, does not limit itself to actual distur- becomes insidious if the conditions complained of bance.23 Further, no alternative channels are left open are borne of poverty.”13 for Kreimer under the policy.24 Sarokin goes on to idealize the public library: “The The district court’s ruling stunned the library public library is one of our great symbols of democ- community. The Kreimer case seemed to disallow (or racy. It is a living embodiment of the First Amendment at least severely limit) public libraries from barring because it includes voices of dissent. It tolerates that patrons who had not exhibited disturbing or disrup- which is offensive.”14 He cuts to the heart of the mat- tive behavior, but whose appearance or hygiene may ter close to issues librarians have embraced: “Society have been disturbing to other patrons or library staff. has survived not banning books which it finds offen- Further, it seemed to indicate that, absent disturb- sive from its libraries; it will survive not banning per- ing or disruptive behavior, the library could not eject sons whom it likewise finds offensive from its libraries. someone even if the person was obviously not in the The greatness of our country lies in tolerating speech library to use library materials. with which we do not agree; that same toleration Sarokin’s opinion, however, reflects some interest- must extend to people, particularly where the cause of ing ideas and distinctions. First, Sarokin portrayed revulsion may be of our own making.”15 the public library as more than just a traditional Sarokin’s prejudices come through before he public forum. Thus, the standard he applied is dif- renders any legal justification in the case. “If we ferent from that subsequently applied by the circuit wish to shield our eyes and noses from the home- court in the appeal and in other courts. Second, and less,” he says. “We should revoke their condition, perhaps more notably, is Sarokin’s attributing to the not their library cards.”16 He clearly sympathized library such a central role in democracy. Often the with Kreimer, and found the library’s policy, enacted law is thought of as the application of disinterested specifically to evict Kreimer, abhorrent. His descrip- logic and reason to societal problems. Here, it seems,

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Sarokin applied some personal beliefs to the opin- Kreimer.33 However, it reached the opposite conclu- ion. Kreimer, a homeless man whose appearance sion. The district court found that Kreimer applied two and hygiene disturbed the library staff, garnered distinct standards for regulations concerning conduct Sarokin’s sympathy. The library admitted enact- and for those concerning hygiene.34 A standard of “rea- ing this policy specifically with the aim of keeping sonableness” is applied when reviewing a regulation Kreimer out.25 Sarokin also seemed to feel the policy concerning conduct.35 However, the hygiene regula- was a pretense: “the library patron policy at issue tion requires a “stricter, narrowly tailored” standard; in this case does not limit itself to prohibitions of otherwise, the First Amendment might be infringed on actual library disturbance.”26 a whim or some other personal standard.36 Following the ruling, the library appealed. Before The District of Columbia Public Library’s policy the appeal was decided, however, the library settled allowed for warnings and, ultimately, eviction for with Kreimer for $230,000.27 The appellate court “objectionable appearance.”37 In parentheses follow- decided the policy was a reasonable restriction that ing this phrase, the policy listed examples, including served a legitimate government interest.28 The appel- “barefooted, bare-chested, body odor, filthy cloth- late court’s opinion notes that, while Kreimer said he ing, etc.”38 The district court held that, despite these would read or sit quietly, the library claimed Kreimer examples, the policy was vague and overbroad.39 The would stare at patrons and talk loudly to himself and term “objectionable appearance” was not objective or others.29 No mention of Kreimer’s alleged disruptive specific enough. The policy in Kreimer included the behavior was discussed in Sarokin’s opinion. The term “nuisance,” a clear legal standard under New Third Circuit found the rule regarding bodily hygiene Jersey law.40 The court rejected the library’s argu- valid; it served the government interest of having ment that “objectionable appearance” incorporated other patrons not interfered with and maintain- a commonsense standard.41 “Because the regula- ing the library in a clean and attractive condition.30 tion at issue is wholly dependent on the individual Further, patrons who are ejected are not barred from staff member’s interpretation . . . its enforcement is reentry if they comply with the rules.31 None of the unavoidably arbitrary.”42 rules were held to be overbroad. In a statement to the press after the opinion was The appellate court’s decision in favor of the library issued, counsel for the library said the guidelines eased some concerns. In fact, the Third Circuit’s deci- were being reviewed even before the judge had sion in Kreimer has oft been cited for the notion that reached his decision.43 The library policy in ques- the First Amendment entails the right to receive infor- tion in Armstrong had been enacted in 1979, with mation as well as speak it.32 However, the case being some revisions in 1982 and 1984. The director of settled out of court left a lot of questions unanswered. the library had submitted the guidelines for review Also, the discrepancy regarding whether Kreimer’s by the D.C. Office of Corporation Counsel, but the behavior or his appearance and hygiene were the office never responded.44 cause of his ouster left the matter open. This submission to counsel, however, did help in There is no doubt that a library can eject a patron the judge’s conclusion that the individuals named in for disruptive behavior. Library policies must be the suit could claim qualified immunity. Qualified able to serve their purpose, and that purpose is immunity is “immunity from civil liability for a public central to the ideals of democracy and free speech. official who is performing a discretionary function, While confirming this central purpose and the First as long as the conduct does not violate clearly estab- Amendment implications of library policy, Kreimer lished constitutional or statutory rights.”45 In other seemed to raise more questions than it answered. words, this doctrine protects public officials who are Most importantly, can a library eject a patron solely performing their jobs as long as they do not clearly on the basis of his appearance or body odor? infringe on a person’s rights. The standard for quali- fied immunity is not the individual person’s motives, but “whether a reasonable person would have known Armstrong v. District of that the . . . regulation violated a clearly established Columbia Public Library constitutional right.”46 Submission to counsel in this In 2001, the question appeared to be answered “yes,” case demonstrated well-intentioned motives of the when another homeless patron sued a public library library officials. The library officials clearly intended following his ejection due to his appearance and to act within the law. “[T]he fact that the Director sub- hygiene. The district court in the District of Columbia mitted the guideline at issue for review by the Office of relied heavily on the decision of the Third Circuit in Corporation Counsel rebuts plaintiff’s claim of uncon-

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rmstrong confirmed what many librarians already believed. Libraries could eject patrons solely on the basis of objectionable appearance or hygiene. However, the criteria Afor ejection must be specific. stitutional motive, even if it is not relevant to the indi- Neither federal law nor the laws of the state of vidual defendants’ claim of qualified immunity.”47 Ohio prohibit going barefoot in public. Neinast Armstrong confirmed what many librarians admitted to going in many public places without already believed. Libraries could eject patrons solely wearing shoes. The Columbus library’s patron regula- on the basis of objectionable appearance or hygiene. tions do not prohibit using the library without shoes. However, the criteria for ejection must be specific. However, the library’s eviction procedure does allow In particular, the criteria should fit within a legal for eviction of patrons not wearing shoes. standard, not the subjective opinions of library staff. Neinast sued the library and the two individuals Submitting the policy to legal counsel in advance of under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.52 The Constitution, while implementation serves two purposes. First, it helps enumerating rights of individuals against their gov- to ensure the policy is objective. Second, it helps ernment, does not provide any remedy for a consti- establish that the library’s motives are not driven by tutional violation. Section 1983, in essence, provides unconstitutional objectives. The standard for quali- that individuals, when acting under color of law, fied immunity is whether a reasonable person would may be sued for violating the constitutional rights have believed they were violating a person’s rights. of another. Simply put, to succeed under § 1983, Submitting the proposed policy to counsel demon- a claimant must show that (1) a person (2) acting strated positive motives on the part of the library under color of law (3) deprived the claimant of his or officials. While this is not the standard by which her rights secured by the U.S. Constitution or its laws. qualified immunity is gauged, it can help a judge determine that the defense is appropriate. First Amendment In his suit, Neinast made three claims. His first claim was that the library is a public forum, and he has the Neinast v. Board of Trustees of right of access as well as his right of expression under Columbus Metropolitan Library the First Amendment. This claim embraces two dis- While he is not homeless, Robert Neinast likes tinct ideas—the right of access to information from to walk around barefoot. Married and a father of the public library as a First Amendment issue and three, Neinast is a member of the Dirty Sole Society, Neinast’s refusal to wear shoes as a form of speech an organization that promotes going barefoot. that is constitutionally protected. According to its Web site, the Dirty Sole Society cur- Regarding the right of access to information rently has about one thousand members.48 The from the public library, the Sixth Circuit recognized, Columbus Dispatch interviewed him regarding his as the Third Circuit did in Kreimer, that “the First hobby of hiking barefoot.49 He visits businesses Amendment protects the right to receive informa- without shoes, and he wears flip-flops to work only tion.”53 However, this does not mean that the library because of his employer’s policies.50 must provide unlimited access. “The Library is obli- On several occasions from 1997 to 2001, Neinast gated to permit the public to exercise rights that are visited the Columbus Metropolitan Library barefoot. consistent with the nature of the library and consis- On these occasions, he was asked to leave under tent with the government’s intent. . . . Other activities a library regulation requiring the wearing of shoes need not be tolerated.”54 Reasonable restrictions on while on the library premises. In 2001, he sued the the time, place, and manner of speech, but not of library’s board of trustees; Larry D. Black, the direc- the content, are allowed if they are narrowly tailored tor of the library; and Vonzell Johnson, the assistant to serve a significant government interest, and leave manager of security for the library, in federal court, open ample alternative channels of information. alleging violations of his rights under the First, Ninth, The regulation in this case is not content-based. and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution.51 The regulation requiring shoes on the premises does

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not impact the content of any speech within the Neinast’s claim fails under both prongs of this anal- library. Further, the reason for the regulation serves ysis. First, Neinast’s going barefoot does not convey a a significant government interest—the government particularized message of a political, ideological, or does have an interest in patron safety and in not religious nature. Second, no one in the library is likely getting sued for injuries from barefoot patrons. To to ask him about his barefootedness, and there is not persuade the court of this potential safety issue, much likelihood that people will understand the mes- the library submitted incident reports to the court sage he intends to convey. In the library, people are of hazards that barefoot patrons might encounter. unlikely to ask him about his agenda or to see the let- These included feces; vomit; broken ceiling tiles; ters he carries with him from state and federal agen- splintered chair pieces; and drops of blood and urine cies stating that there are no regulations against going on the floor of various areas, including the restrooms, barefoot. The library is “a nonpolitical environment,” elevators, children’s area, and reading areas. Further and Neinast’s arguments do not touch on matters of reports documented a patron who had scraped an public concern—matters “relating to any matter of arm on a staple in the carpet, and a patron whose political, social, or other concern to the community.”57 toe was caught in a door. To require shoes on library This first argument of Neinast’s holds many premises, the court held, is a narrow restriction important legal considerations for libraries. First, for designed to serve this interest. constitutional purposes, the public library is a limit- Neinast also claimed his barefootedness served ed or designated public forum. As such, libraries may as symbolic speech. As a member of the Dirty Sole enforce reasonable time, place, and manner restric- Society, Neinast believes his barefootedness conveys tions on library access as long as they are narrowly a message that it is not illegal under state or federal tailored to serve a significant government interest. law nor is it disruptive to the library but is protected One would expect the library could restrict patrons under the Constitution. For conduct to be speech if their conduct or behavior is disruptive. Such con- protected by the First Amendment, (1) there must be duct, it seems, may extend beyond the physically “an intent to convey a particularized message”; and or verbally abusive and may entail appearance or (2) “in the surrounding circumstances the likelihood hygiene that others may find distracting. was great that the message would be understood by By implication, the court’s logic indicates the those who viewed it.”55 For example, the wearing of library would have a difficult time removing a patron black arm bands by students to protest the Vietnam for wearing (or not wearing) an article of clothing War is protected symbolic speech.56 that conveyed a legitimate message about a matter of public concern, whether or not it was disturbing to other patrons. While safety and being protected against lawsuits are legitimate concerns of the library, restricting someone based on their appear- ance is usually unlikely to meet those or other gov- ernment objectives without running afoul of the First Amendment, as the Kreimer case ultimately held.

Artwork Jim Lange Design by Due Process under the Fourteenth Amendment (Discrimination) Neinast’s second cause of action alleged that he has a right of personal appearance, a liberty inter- est protected under the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Under due process prec- edent, if the infringement is on a fundamental or protected right, such as the right to marry or raise a family, the court applies strict scrutiny, a rigid test that only the most narrowly tailored rule will with- stand, and then only if it serves a compelling govern- ment interest. On the other hand, if the infringement does not involve a fundamental or protected right, the court applies a rational basis test. The rational basis test is a much more lenient standard. It only

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he defense of qualified immunity is very important for librarians to consider in enacting and enforcing policy. Librarians are unlikely to act unlawfully or to deliberately violate a patron’s constitutional rights. Thus, Tthe defense will likely apply to their actions. requires that the rules be narrowly tailored to serve a example, a class for which discrimination is unlikely legitimate government interest. to ever serve a valid purpose) such as race or alien- The district court in Neinast found that a right of age, the court applies strict scrutiny. On the other personal appearance is a liberty interest protected hand, if the discrimination does not involve a suspect by the Constitution. However, the right of personal class, the court again applies a rational basis test. appearance is not a fundamental right. Therefore, the The regulation here does discriminate against those rational basis test applies. “Under such scrutiny, the not wearing shoes, but they are not a suspect class. court will not overturn the Library’s regulation unless Therefore, the rational basis test applies. Again, this it is so unrelated to the achievement of any combina- regulation is narrowly tailored to serve the legitimate tion of legitimate purposes that the court can only interest of the health and safety of library patrons. It conclude that the Library’s policy was irrational.”58 also serves to protect the library from liability. Because the library is a limited public forum, it “need not allow all modes of speech simply because Qualified Immunity it promotes some modes of speech.”59 Further, it After dispensing with Neinast’s three causes of action, did not matter that Neinast had been admitted to the district court examined the individual defendants’ other public places, including government build- claims that they were shielded from liability under ings, without footwear; “he is not guaranteed the the principle of qualified immunity. In the words of same access at the Library if he chooses to ignore the court, “[t]he affirmative defense of qualified, or its shoe requirement.”60 good faith, immunity shields ‘government officials performing discretionary functions . . . from liability Procedural Due Process for civil damages insofar as their conduct does not Neinast’s third cause of action alleged that the violate clearly established statutory or constitutional library’s policies were not properly administered rights of which a reasonable person would have by the named individual defendants and thus he known.’”62 Claims of immunity are examined on a was denied procedural due process. In other words, case-by-case basis; the standard is whether a reason- the board of trustees did not have the authority to able official in a similar position could have believed institute such a regulation because state law did his conduct was lawful. Here the defendants did not not require shoes, and the trustees are not experts violate a “clearly established” right of Neinast. The on health and safety. He also argued that Black and defendants also submitted a statement from the Johnson improperly used the regulation in evicting county prosecutor’s office stating their actions were Neinast for one full day. The court found that no pro- lawful. The court thus held that Black and Johnson cedural due process rights exist in the general rule- were entitled to defense of qualified immunity. making of political subdivisions or agencies. Thus, The defense of qualified immunity is very important Neinast’s procedural due process rights have not for librarians to consider in enacting and enforcing been violated by this rule. policy. Librarians are unlikely to act unlawfully or to In this third allegation, Neinast also claimed deliberately violate a patron’s constitutional rights. he was denied equal protection because the shoe Thus, the defense will likely apply to their actions. As regulation discriminates against one group of peo- the library here did, by consulting the county pros- ple—those who choose to go barefoot—over another. ecutor’s office, libraries should consult with counsel Discrimination claims are analyzed in a manner when creating or enforcing rules that could result in similar to that of the due process described above. patron ejection. Unfortunately, this will not prevent the If the discrimination is based on a suspect class (for initial filing of a lawsuit and having to defend against

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it. However, it is available for summary judgment; a who wishes to speak out about matters of merely per- judge will decide whether the doctrine applies and, if a sonal concern may be restricted if the restrictions are motion for summary judgment is successful, the case reasonable with regard to time, place, and manner; will not go through the time and expense of trial. serve a significant government interest, such as health Neinast appealed the district court’s decision, and safety; and leave open alternative channels. but the Sixth Circuit affirmed summary judgment Clearly, disruptive behavior may be barred. in favor of the defendants.63 The Sixth Circuit has Barring someone based on personal appearance or jurisdiction over Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and hygiene is possible and constitutional, provided that Tennessee. The holdings of this decision thus are the standards, such as those in Kreimer and Neinast, binding law over those states and are at least persua- and unlike those in Armstrong, are clear, reasonable, sive authority in other circuits. Neinast also tried to and objective. Consultation with counsel regarding appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, but was denied.64 enacting and enforcing rules for ejection is always Despite its initial seemingly frivolous and silly prem- advisable and recommended. ise, the Neinast case thus serves to reinforce and rec- Library counsel and staff must be aware of these ognize several important legal ideas for libraries. rules when enacting and enforcing policies regarding The first of these is that the library is a lim- access to patrons who, based on their appearance or ited or designated public forum, resulting in First hygiene, may be disturbing to other patrons or staff. Amendment implications. It has been clearly estab- While Kreimer was settled more than a decade ago, lished that the First Amendment embodies the right Neinast and Armstrong are more recent, and show that to receive information as well as transmit messages. this issue is still relevant and timely. These cases reflect While a public library would run into serious consti- the litigious nature of our society, but also the growing tutional problems attempting to restrict the content concern over the homeless using public libraries and of messages patrons wish to express, it does have other public facilities. Because of the increasing cost authority to restrict the time, place, and manner of of litigation and shrinking budgets, libraries and their dispensing those messages.65 staff must be aware of how to defend themselves from The second important legal idea to be drawn from liability. The doctrine of qualified immunity protects the Neinast case is the qualified immunity for the against liability for individuals acting reasonably, but, director and manager of security. Again, this would unfortunately, will not protect against lawsuits from not protect the library from being forced to defend being brought in the first place. itself against a suit, but it would prevent the time and expense of trial. In this case, the library was insured, and the insurance covered the majority of the litiga- References and Notes tion costs; however, the library was forced to expend 1. M. Minow and T. A. Lipinski, The Library’s Legal at least $35,000 to defend itself.66 Answer Book (Chicago: ALA, 2003). See also R. Rubin, Avoiding Liability Risk: An Attorney’s Advice to Library Trustees and Others (Chicago: ALA, Conclusions 1994). Public libraries today confront the problem of home- 2. Paul D. Healey, “Pro Se Users, Reference Liability, less people coming in and using the library as a day- and the Unauthorized Practice of Law: Twenty- time refuge from the elements and the streets rather Five Selected Readings,” Law Library Journal 94, than for its intended means. This can bring the home- no. 1 (Winter 2002): 133; Cathy Harris Helms, less into direct conflict with library directors, staff, and “Copyright Laws and Public Libraries,” Georgia other patrons. All libraries must put regulations into Library Quarterly 41, no. 3(Fall 2004): 16; Samuel place that serve the library’s function and ensure that T. Huang, “Library Resources on the Employment all patrons are handled fairly and legally. of People with Disabilities,” The Reference The cases discussed reach certain common conclu- Librarian no. 36 (1992): 139–52. sions regarding such rules. The library is a designated 3. Kreimer v. Bureau of Police for Town of public forum, and the First Amendment does apply Morristown, 765 F.Supp. 181 (D. N.J. 1991), to library access as the right to receive information is overruled by 958 F.2d 1242 (3rd Cir. 1992). as much a part of the freedom of speech as the right 4. Wayne Parry, “Man Who Won Library Suit Sues to convey messages. To bar someone on the basis of a NJ Transit,” Mar. 15, 2005, http://news.lp.findlaw. political message or other matter of social concern will com/ap/o/632/03-15-2005/bdc5000d743e6bab. run afoul of the First Amendment. However, someone html (accessed Mar. 22, 2005).

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5. Nathan Welton, “Bad B.O. Now a No-No at 42. Ibid., 81 (citing Hoffman Estates v. Flipside, County Libraries,” The Tribune (San Luis Obispo, Hoffman Estates, 455 U.S. 489 [1982]). Calif.), Feb. 22, 2005, www.sanluisobispo.com/ 43. “Judge Nixes DCPL Policy,” American Libraries mld/sanluisobispo/news/local/10961064.htm 32, no. 9 (Oct. 1, 2001): 31. (accessed Mar. 22, 2005). 44. Armstrong v. District of Columbia Public Library, 6. Ibid., 154 F. Supp. 2d., 71, fn 3. 7. Kreimer v. Bureau of Police for Town of 45. “Qualified Immunity,” Black’s Law Dictionary, 8th Morristown, 765 F.Supp. 181, 183–84. ed. (St. Paul, Minn.: West, 2004). 8. Ibid., 184. 46. Armstrong v. District of Columbia Public Library, 9. Ibid. 154 154 F. Supp. 2d, 71. 10. Ibid. 47. Ibid., 71, fn 3. 11. Ibid., 184, fn2. 48. Society for Barefoot Living, www.barefooters.org 12. Ibid., 184. (accessed Mar. 22, 2005). 13. Ibid., 182. 49. Mark Ellis, “Toe-to-Toe with Nature: Barefoot 14. Ibid. Hikes Really Get a Feel for Trails,” The Columbus 15. Ibid., 183. Dispatch, June 17, 2003. 16. Ibid. 50. Joe Blundo, “Library Says No Shoes, No Service,” 17. Ibid. The Columbus Dispatch, Apr. 12, 2001. 18. Ibid., 197–98. 51. Neinast v. Board of Trustees of Columbus 19. Ibid., 185. Metropolitan Library, 190 F.Supp.2d 1040 (S.D. 20. Ibid., 187. Ohio 2002). 21. Ibid. (“In order to allow all patrons of the Joint 52. 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (2000). Free Public Library of Morristown and Morris 53. Neinast v. Board of Trustess of Columbus Metro Township to use its facilities to the maximum Library, 346 F.3d 585, 591 (6th Cir. 2003). extent possible during its regularly scheduled 54. Ibid. hours, the Library Board of Trustees has adopted 55. Spence v. Washington, 418 U.S. 405, 409 (1974). the following rules and regulations.”) 56. Tinker v. Des Moines Indep. Sch. Dist., 393 U.S. 22. Ibid., 187–88. 502 (1969). 23. Ibid., 188. 57. Neinast, 190 F.Supp 2d, 1045. 24. Ibid., 189. 58. Ibid., 1047. 25. Ibid., 184. 59. Ibid. 26. Ibid., 188. 60. Ibid. 27. Judi Silver, “Libraries and the Homeless: 61. Neinast, 190 F. Supp. 2d, 1049 (quoting Harlow v. Caregivers or Enforcers,” The Katharine Sharp Fitzgerald, 457 U.S. 800 [1982]). Review no. 2 (Winter 1996), http://mirrored. 62. Neinast v. Board of Trustees of Columbus Metro. ukoln.ac.uk/lisjournals/review/review/ Lib., 346 F.3d 585 (6th Cir. 2003). winter1996/silver.html (accessed Mar. 22, 2005). 63. Neinast v. Board of Trustees of Columbus Metro. 28. Kreimer, 958 F2d, 1264. Lib., 541 U.S. 990 (2004). 29. Ibid., 1247. 64. An interesting case in this regard is Gay Guardian 30. Ibid., 1264. Newspaper v. Ohoopee Regional Library System, 31. Ibid. 235 F.Supp.2d 1362 (S.D.Ga. 2002). There, the 32. See, for example, Miller v. Northwest Regional court held that a public library could entirely Lib. Bd., 348 F. Supp. 563 (M.D.N.C. 2004). discontinue its free literature table (except for 33. Armstrong v. District of Columbia Public Library, government publications) when a gay rights 154 F. Supp.2d 67 (D. D.C. 2001). organization wanted to place its publication 34. Ibid., 76. there. The court held that discontinuing the table 35. Ibid. entirely was a content-neutral restriction, even 36. Ibid. if the rule was brought about by the library’s 37. Ibid., 69. discomfort with the gay paper. 38. Ibid., 70. 65. Kevin Mayhood, “Judge Throws Out Lawsuit 39. Ibid., 79. Challenging Library’s Shoes Required Rule,” The 40. Ibid., 78. Columbus Dispatch, Mar. 28, 2002. 41. Ibid., 75–76.

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AccidentalSUPERVISOR

PAT TUNSTALL is a Reference Assistant in the Adult Services Department at Indian Trails Public Library District in Wheeling, Ill.; [email protected]

Pat is currently reading Cruising Paradise, a collection of short stories by Sam Shepard.

n these days of reduced funds and staff cutbacks, it’s not unusual for people to be moved sideways into supervisory positions or to have a number of library pages suddenly added to their list of responsibilities. IIt is often the case that these reluctant draftee managers have no previous experience of hiring and train- ing other people. Who can blame them for feeling anxious about how they will handle their new charges? My own journey to the joys of supervising others was more gradual. I began as a page in the adult section of my local library and became the part-time supervisor of six pages after two years. Eventually all the pages in the library went into a common pool, and I became their full-time supervisor for the next two years. My staffing level never dropped below twenty employees and was sometimes as high as twenty-five. All the advice I am about to provide comes directly from my own experience, mistakes and all.

Hiring The people you supervise will probably fall into two distinct groups as far as length of service goes. Established libraries typically have a core of mature pages who have worked there since time immemorial and who know the collections backwards and forwards. The rest of the shelvers will likely stay for fewer than two years; every couple of months, you may be looking for new employees. Your advertising budget is likely nil, so here are some suggestions for spreading the word. Existing pages may have friends or siblings who are look- ing for work, and it’s a good idea to ask them first. Posting the job opening on your library’s Web site may land you some applicants. There always seem to be a few patrons interested in making the transition to employee, so putting notices up around the building can be productive. If you contact the careers counselor at your local high school, they will probably be happy to publicize job openings. Senior centers often have programs that help their more active members find jobs and are definitely worth contacting. Consider partnering with a local social services agency. Eight years ago, I began a working relationship with a nearby mental health center. They were looking for jobs in a nurturing environment for clients who were recovering from depression and other illnesses. They provided a job coach for each candidate they

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sent us. The coach would sit in on the inter- view, mostly offering silent support. When I employed an applicant from the center, the job coach would stay with the per- son for their first half-dozen shifts and help them settle into the routine of working again. This arrange- ment worked very well for all con- cerned. I did not lower my hiring standards at all, and the library gained some first-class pages, one of whom has been with us for more than seven years.

Interviewing The interview is your chance to make sure you pick people who you can quickly train to be efficient shelvers. Use a list of questions prepared ahead of time and take notes as you go along. Paying attention

to details at this stage Artwork Jim Lange Design by will save you time and trouble later. I listed some questions I found useful in appendix A. You will notice that some of the ques- tions are slanted toward younger appli- cants and would not be appropriate for everyone. Give all candidates a written test on alphabeti- zation and arranging Dewey numbers cor- rectly. You’ll be surprised how many people who seem bright and capable will lack these essential skills. I have given the test in appendix B to page applicants at our library for as long as any- to your guns by not hiring anyone who falls below it. one can remember, and I have found it to be a I chose sixty-five as my standard. very reliable indicator of a candidate’s future The score for accuracy will be based on how well shelving prowess. the applicant performs the written and practical Keep a copy for yourself with the answers circled. shelving tests. I suggest taking one point off for every It will save a lot of time when marking. Follow the two errors. Communication skills will become appar- paper quiz with a practical test using a cart of fic- ent as soon as you contact the applicant. Did they tion and nonfiction materials. Another very useful make sense on the phone? Was their application form interviewing tool is a candidate evaluation sheet filled out clearly? Did they listen to and understand (appendix C). If you award points out of five in each your questions during the interview and were their category, and then use the multipliers, the highest answers appropriate? possible score will be seventy-five. To make good use It’s not easy to find out if an applicant is reliable of this assessment tool you need to decide on the when you have only just met, but there are indica- lowest score that is acceptable to you, and then stick tors. Was he or she on time for the interview, and

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could he or she give you an example of how they had halfway through the first day because they found the behaved responsibly in the past? work too strenuous. When it comes to personal appearance, it’s important not to be too judgmental. Look for neat- Commitment ness and cleanliness, as these are reasonable stan- Many people who apply for part-time jobs in libraries dards to expect of any employee. Hairstyle and imagine that they are in for a nice, relaxing position. fashion are poor indicators of someone’s ability to Destroy this illusion from the outset! Tell them plain- shelve and are really none of your concern, except ly that shelving is a neverending occupation, and that when they violate any established dress code that the flood of returning materials just does not stop. your library may have. They need to realize that it is vital for shelvers to turn up for their appointed shifts. Explain that if they fail Basic Requirements to arrive, lives could be lost in the resulting avalanche During the interview, it’s vital to give your potential of books and audiovisual materials. employees as much information as possible about the basic requirements of the job. Be crystal clear about the following requirements. Training Time spent training your employees is never wasted. Time—Hours and More Begin by taking your newly appointed pages on a State the number of hours per week that the job tour of the whole library. This gives them a chance requires and specify how many of those will be to see how their efforts are going to fit into the larger evenings or weekends. If you do not intend to hire scheme of the library and gives other staff the chance people on a seasonal basis, emphasize that the posi- to make the new pages feel welcome. New library tion is a year-round responsibility. This can become employees have to absorb huge amounts of trivia; an issue if you employ retired people. Imagine the it’s important to let them know that you don’t mind disruption if two or three of your staff members when they repeatedly ask where the books with the suddenly announce in December that they will be blue dots or the green triangles go. I always used to spending the next three months in Florida! tell my new recruits that I would be worried if they I advise against interviewing high school stu- didn’t keep asking me questions. dents at the beginning of the summer vacation. A high proportion of them are likely to want summer Shelving work only. If you ask them outright if they intend to You need to be sure that new pages can shelve accu- continue working once school starts again, many rately, but don’t make them uncomfortable by con- will say yes but will leave in the fall anyway, often stantly looking over their shoulders. The answer is to due to parental pressure. Wait until August, when use training slips. These are simply bookmark-sized you will need to replace your departing high pieces of paper with the library logo and the words school seniors. training slip printed on them. Ask your new employ- Be wary of overcommitted high school students. ees to put one of these slips inside each book on their Ask candidates in this age group if they will defi- carts. They should also leave the books sticking out nitely be available to work for the specific number a couple of inches so you can spot them easily on of hours per week that you need. If they tell you that the shelves. After half an hour or so, you can go back they have soccer, debate, band, and choir all lined and check on the pages’ progress. It’s not unusual to up for the next semester but are sure that they can find about a half-dozen errors. New pages often don’t fit work in somewhere, cross them off your list of realize just how careful they have to be with Dewey potential employees. numbers or don’t know that a group of fiction books by the same author should be further alphabetized by Physical Requirements title. Explain each incorrect placement carefully but Applicants often don’t realize that shelving and other be sure to offer praise for those books that have been page duties involve a lot of bending and lifting—or sorted into the right slots. You can expect the next cart that carts laden with books are heavy. Be sure to ask to have one or two errors, but the third cart will usual- potential pages if they can handle the physical effort ly have none. Then the training slips can be put away. required. In spite of asking what I thought were all Occasionally you will employ someone who does the right questions and providing information about not reach the standard of accuracy you expect. I once the physicality of the job, I still had someone quit hired a young man who made six to eight errors on

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ages are usually the lowest-paid workers in the building. There isn’t much you can do about that, but you can let them know how essential their Pwork is and that you appreciate their efforts.

each of his first three carts. The next time he came page’s work as you see fit, but it is better to keep such to work, I used the training slips again, and his error instances noted in a separate log that remains private. rate remained steady. I took him to one side and When assessment time comes around, the page logs asked him how he thought he was doing. and your own notes should give you enough material He was under the impression that his work was to make useful evaluations. Once the evaluations are splendid, and I had to explain that as I could not complete, destroy the old log sheets and daily records spare the time to check every book that he shelved, I or hand them to human resources to be placed in the would have to let him go. If you ever find yourself in a pages’ individual files. similar position, be polite and kind but ruthless. You can’t afford to employ someone who makes chronic errors. And yes, he did pass the tests at interview! Getting the Best Out of Your Pages Each time you give your trainees a new duty, Pages are usually the lowest-paid workers in the make sure that you explain and demonstrate exactly building. There isn’t much you can do about that, but what is required of them. You should also be avail- you can let them know how essential their work is able to answer their questions. The new employees and that you appreciate their efforts. Take an inter- need to know that you are interested in their prog- est in what they do. Take a walk into the stacks, ask ress. I recommend keeping an individual training them how they are getting on, and compliment them log for each person. This can be a simple sheet of if their section is in good order. If you give someone paper listing the various duties and collections with a special task, such as tidying up new books, be sure which your pages need to be familiar. It’s a good to check out what they have accomplished and thank idea to sit down with each trainee periodically. them for a job well done. Together, you can assess the areas in which he or But hold them to high standards. To cope with the she has become proficient. constant flow of returned materials you need your employees to turn up on time, get busy, and stay busy. It’s best to be very specific about your expectations Performance Assessment right from the beginning. If breaks are meant to be I was required to complete performance evaluations only fifteen minutes long, then you need to make that for my pages after they finished their first six months clear on the first day and follow up with reminders if of employment and then had to repeat the process on you notice anyone taking more time. It goes without each anniversary of their starting date. You may have saying that you will get far more cooperation if you are similar obligations. The only way to do this without back from your own breaks on time. Let pages know losing your sanity is to keep daily records. Work logs that it will not be possible for them to stop working are essential tools for anyone trying to keep track of and have long conversations with any friends who their employees’ activities. Tell the pages to write a happen to come into the library. Explain from day one brief account of their duties at the end of every shift. that you understand that books are fascinating, but Entries should include the number of carts and types pages cannot read books on the library’s time. of materials shelved, as well as anything else the I am a great believer in page meetings. I used to pages worked on that day. Read these logs on a regu- hold them every month, with a day session and an lar basis and write in any comments or suggestions evening session so that as many people as possible you may have. You should also write in any favor- could attend. You can use them to let your staff know able remarks made by other staff members about about upcoming collection changes and anything else individuals. Critical remarks should not be passed on happening within the library that will affect them. Take and must never be repeated in front of other pages. the opportunity to ask them for any ideas they may You must deal with legitimate complaints about a have about improving the way things are done. Be sure

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to pass on any compliments you have received about at one session. More than forty people attended, their work. Provide refreshments or encourage people and it was an unqualified success. The local libraries to bring snacks and drinks. If your meetings are enjoy- decided to institute these meetings quarterly, rotat- able—as well as informative—everyone will benefit. ing between sites. If you do not have a group such as this in your area, then I suggest that you start one. There is no substitute for getting together with peo- Getting the Best Out of Yourself ple who understand the challenges you face and who Many of us find the idea of supervising other people can offer you the benefit of their experience. daunting and are not sure if we have the appropriate When it comes to sorting returned materials skills. My advice is to start looking for help immedi- and getting them back on the shelf, there are never ately. The business section of your library is sure to enough hours in the day. You cannot be everywhere have several titles that deal with making the transi- at once, and you must learn to delegate if you are to tion to being in charge of other employees. Read a stay sane. Give your pages their own sections to look few and pick out the ideas and strategies that you after and make them responsible for the shelf read- think will work in your situation. Companies that ing and general upkeep in those areas. Some of your specialize in training often hold regional, one-day pages will know as much about the collections as you courses that deal with supervisory skills. I attended a do—and possibly even more. Enlist their help to train couple and found them very useful. The most effec- new employees. They will appreciate the fact that you tive thing you can do is to get together with other value their experience and will be pleased that you page supervisors and pick their brains. Shortly after are placing your trust in them. I became a supervisor, a neighboring library hosted a meeting exclusively for people in charge of pages. The host library asked attendees to bring and share Getting the Best Out of Your Library any forms, training aids, and assessment tools that To borrow a phrase from Jane Austen, it is a truth we used. We discussed recruitment and rates of pay universally acknowledged that as soon as you

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are put in charge of the pages, you will be held page meetings are being held, and encourage peo- directly responsible for the state of every bookshelf. ple to let you know of any concerns that they would Furthermore, a large number of people will feel it is like you to mention to your staff. their duty to bring any and all instances of disarray to your immediate attention. You must get used to this and develop constructive ways to respond to Conclusion criticism and learn not to take it personally. If some- Supervising library pages is often hard work, but it one complains to you about the untidy state of the does have its rewards, although a large salary is not picture books, resist the temptation to lay the blame one of them! Libraries usually prefer to promote from at the feet of the toddlers who come in and trash within, and pages, with their hands-on knowledge of them every day. Instead arrange to have a page go how things are organized, make excellent candidates into that area several times a day to make running for nonprofessional openings in other departments. repairs. I used to go into the last twenty minutes Pages that I hired went on to work in technical ser- of adult and youth services department meetings vices, circulation, and interlibrary loan. Two of them so that any concerns those groups had about the became full-time page supervisors. It’s always deeply pages could be aired in a controlled way. People satisfying to see one of your hires progress from a were more inclined to keep their criticism construc- part-time job to a full-time career. So is giving a high tive when speaking in front of a department head, school student his or her first-ever job, and then with minutes being taken. Not all the remarks were watching he or she develop into a confident and use- negative, and it was gratifying to have compliments ful employee. about the pages recorded as well. I strongly recom- Being in charge of others is a challenge but it’s also mend that when you are at these meetings, you ask an opportunity to acquire organizational skills and to each department for a list of shelving priorities. A develop good working relationships throughout your consensus on where the pages should direct their library. That can only benefit you in whatever you efforts will help foster an atmosphere of coopera- decide to do next. tion. Be sure to let everyone know when your own

Appendix A. Interview Questions

1. Due to child labor laws, individuals younger than sixteen years of age cannot work past 7 p.m. during the school year. Are you sixteen? If not, when will you be? 2. Why did you leave your last job? 3. Tell me about the most challenging aspect of your last job/school life. How did you meet this challenge? 4. How would you rate yourself on attendance and punctuality? 5. The hours for this job are evenings and weekends during the school year. What days and hours within this time frame are most convenient for you? 6. Will you be able to work those hours during the entire school year? 7. Are you willing to work evenings and weekends during the summer? 8. You would be required to work twenty-four hours within a two-week pay period and to schedule yourself so that there are no four-day gaps between workdays. Could you commit to this arrangement? 9. Employees in this job are required to push heavy carts and maneuver them in tight spaces. You may be asked to rearrange furniture for library program set-ups. You must be able to stretch and bend to reach high and low shelves. Are there any physical limitations that would prevent you from meeting any of these requirements? 10. How would you handle a situation in which a patron made a mess of some books that you had just put away and shelf read? 11. What would you do if a patron complained to you about library services or materials? 12. Why did you decide to apply for a job with this library? 13. What interest you most about this job? 14. One of the most important qualifications needed for this job is reliability. Tell me about a time in your past when you showed how reliable you can be. 15. Do you have any questions about the job or the library?

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Appendix B. Page Skills Test Part One Name: Date:

Circle the correct answer for each of the following questions.

When the following names are put in alphabetical order, which one will come second? 1. Marshall, Charles 2. Marshall, John 3. Marshall, Thomas Riley 4. Marshall, George Catlett 5. Marshall, James Wilson

When the following names are put in alphabetical order, which one will come fourth? 1. McCormick, Cyrus Hall 2. McCosh, James 3. McConnell, Francis J 4. McCormack, John 5. McCormick, Joseph Medill

When the following names are put in alphabetical order, which one will come third? 1. Harris, Chandler Joel 2. Henry, O 3. Harte, Bret 4. Hearn, Lafcadio 5. Hayne, Paul Hamilton

When the following titles are put in alphabetical order, which one will come first? 1. The Raven 2. Bells 3. The Adventures of Robin Hood 4. The Sea Gypsy 5. The Pasture

When the following names are put in alphabetical order, which one will come first? 1. Dickey, Herbert Spencer 2. Dickinson, John 3. Dickinson, Emily 4. Dickens, Charles 5. Dickenson, G. Lowes

Put the following list of words in alphabetical order; Number them from one to five. manse manservant mansard mansion manslaughter

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Part Two Circle your answers.

If you arrange these two groups of numbers in order (starting with the lowest), which numbers will come third? 1. 870.5421 1. 896.0501 2. 870.5521 2. 896.0506 3. 860.5924 3. 896.0560 4. 870.5923 4. 896.0500 5. 870.5663 5. 897.0569

If you arrange these two groups of numbers in order (starting with the lowest), which numbers will come second? 1. 786.5301 1. 678.432 2. 786.5306 2. 658.432 3. 768.5304 3. 658.434 4. 786.5314 4. 658.424 5. 786.5214 5. 658.422

If you arrange these two groups of numbers in order (starting with the lowest), which ones will come fourth? 1. 352.548 1. 428.7654 2. 325.458 2. 428.6574 3. 355.584 3. 428.7465 4. 325.564 4. 428.7645 5. 325.546 5. 428.7653

Put the following two groups in order. Number them from one to five, beginning with the lowest. 599.744 398.378909 599.7442 398.379808 599.743456 398.3789065 599.7446 389.378909 599.744193 398.3789

Appendix C. Applicant Evaluation Sheet

Name: Date: Position Applied For:

Rating (1–5) Total

Accurate x5

Communicates well x4

Reliable x3

Flexible x2

Appearance x1

Grand total

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445n3_2pcorrex.indd5n3_2pcorrex.indd 5757 55/30/2006/30/2006 10:43:3910:43:39 AMAM feature Ill Winds HURRICANES AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES ALONG THE GULF COAST

MARY COSPER LEBOEUF is Director of the Terrebonne Parish Library System in Houma, Louisiana; mcosperl@ state.lib.la.us

Mary is currently reading Consent to Kill by Vince Flynn and Recipes from a Very Small Island by Linda Greenlaw and Martha Greenlaw.

ives can change in an instant. This is a phrase that people hope never applies to them, especially when it involves devastating change. With hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the lives of countless people were Lchanged forever. Little did anyone suspect the impact these two natural disasters would have on busi- nesses and government, including public libraries, which, in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, were directly impacted by the storms. Hurricane Katrina intensified in the Gulf of Mexico to a Category 5 monster. On August 29, 2005, it made landfall in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, as a Category 4 hurricane, with winds at 140 miles per hour. Later in the same day, with winds nearing 125 miles per hour, Katrina struck the Louisiana-Mississippi border as a Category 3 storm. One hundred miles inland, near Laurel, Mississippi, the storm was still a hurricane. Katrina will likely be recorded as one of the worst natural disasters in United States history.1 Less than one month later, Hurricane Rita wreaked havoc on Louisiana. Upon entering the Gulf of Mexico, it increased from a Category 2 to a Category 5 within twenty-four hours. Weakening to a Category 3, it then struck the Texas-Louisiana border at Port Arthur, Texas, and Johnsons Bayou, Louisiana. Rita’s devastating storm surge caused flooding in seven Louisiana parishes along the Gulf of Mexico and the New Orleans area.

Impact on Libraries The two hurricanes pounded public libraries with ruinous effect, destroying buildings and collections, and rendering impossible such operations as mobile technology labs, bookmobiles, and outreach services. Entire library systems ceased to exist in some counties (called parishes in Louisiana). As of this writing, many coun- ties are only able to provide library services at a very minimal level, and many libraries have been relocated to other governmental or commercial buildings because of the devastation. Six weeks after Katrina, some library systems still did not have adequate staff and resorted to opening minimal library branches at reduced hours.

Hurricane Katrina Louisiana Before Katrina wreaked havoc on southern Mississippi and Alabama, it devastated six parishes in Louisiana, destroying 65 percent of Plaquemines Parish, where it made landfall. The library system’s Port Sulphur Branch

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is a complete wreck; the operational and opened to Buras Branch is still stand- the public on September 24, ing, but layers of slime 2005, with service seven days and muck cover the floor, a week. The main library

allowing only limited entry. Landry Ted Photo by and three branches of the Janet Cantwell, Buras eight-branch library system Branch library director, of Harrison County were recalled Hurricane Betsy, destroyed—Pass Christian, the previous Category 5 Division Street, and Issac storm to strike the area, in Frederick Study Center; the an interview. “My mother, main library in Gulfport, Cecilia L. Yundt, was the structurally unsound, will library director in 1965 probably have to be demol- when Hurricane Betsy The destroyed Johnson Bayou Branch of the ished. According to Sharman struck. She had the books Cameron Parish Library after Hurricane Rita. Bridges Smith, executive wash out of the Buras director of the Mississippi Branch; for Hurricane Katrina I have the books still Library Commission, a substantial portion of the in the branch but under numerous feet of sludge.” historic photo and rare original materials were saved To illustrate the water level, Cantwell said, “packages from the Biloxi Library—giving Gulf Coast libraries a of sausage from a [nearby] grocery store were on the rare bit of good news. Buras Branch roof, with a sofa lodged in a tree, and a The Jackson George Regional Library System had table wedged in another tree. We had the makings for serious damage to the main library in Pascagoula, a barbeque.” but the remaining seven libraries suffered only In Saint Bernard Parish, which also suffered mas- minor injuries. The Moss Point Public Library is now sive storm damage, the main library and the small serving as headquarters for the system. Long Beach Ducros Museum Branch are totally ruined. “I have Public Library, an independent municipal library, no staff because everyone lived in Saint Bernard and was completely wrecked—all equipment, collec- they cannot return because they have nothing to tions, and furniture were destroyed, and the build- come home to,” said Ethel Llamas, library director. ing was condemned. The Jefferson Parish Library System, located in a sub- urb of New Orleans, lost four branches to Katrina (six Alabama more were later ravaged by Rita), and twenty-eight Katrina also dealt a blow to Alabama public librar- employees were left homeless. The Orleans Parish ies. “Last year Hurricane Ivan was much meaner to Library, consisting of thirteen branches and the main Alabama public libraries,” said Rebecca Mitchell, library, saw eight branches closed indefinitely. director of the Alabama Public Library Service. “We Saint Tammany Parish and Washington Parish, are just now getting those libraries repaired, and located north of Orleans Parish, endured great ruin, Hurricane Katrina hits.” The independent Mose including the destruction of library branches. Saint Hudson Tapia Public Library in Bayou La Batre was Tammany lost the Pontchartrain Branch, and the inundated by a storm surge. The library moved to a Madisonville Branch was decimated. According to temporary site and opened with limited services in Donald Westmoreland, assistant director of the Saint December 2005 with help from LSTA funds, the Bill Tammany Parish Library, only ten out of its ninety- and Melinda Gates Library Foundation, and dona- two employees have homes that are inhabitable. In tions from across the country. Washington Parish, the main library was demolished Mobile was not spared devastation; the roof was when a huge pine tree sliced the library in two. ripped off of the six-thousand-square-foot Dauphine Island Branch, causing the ceiling to collapse. At the Mississippi time of the hurricane, the Mobile Public Main Library In Mississippi, public library systems in three coastal building, the roof of which was also demolished, counties suffered severe damage. The Waveland was under renovation and expansion; because of and Pearlington Branches of the Hancock County this, the library was housed in a temporary location. Library System were total losses. The Bay St. Louis “The only consolation was that the building [was] Branch, which is the system’s headquarters, had leased and not owned by the library system,” said heavy interior damage. The Kiln Branch remained Spencer Watts, director of the Mobile Public Library.

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Fortunately, the water streamed down the walls, not Charlotte Trosclair, director of the Cameron Parish through doors and windows, in the temporary loca- Library. “We assume there will be layoffs.” Local tion, which allowed 170,000 items to be removed. government officials have no answers yet regarding According to Watts, “the library has a hurricane prep- funding for 2006. Tax assessors are having difficulty aration program that allowed items to be removed assessing property in counties where there is massive at both locations. A mini-main library with a dozen destruction. “The parish is so broke, there is no tax computers has been installed downtown to provide base, and the library is not on Maslow’s first rung. It’s services. A cruise ship housing fourteen hundred a wait-and-see game,” said Ducros Museum Branch evacuees, mostly from Mississippi, is using the mini- director Llamas. main. We are seeing six hundred to seven hundred The affected counties may receive community visitors per day.” disaster loans from the federal and state govern- ments to help bring neighborhoods back to life, but infrastructures must be rebuilt first. It is going to take Hurricane Rita considerable financing for the reemergence of basic On September 24, 2005, Rita struck the Louisiana- needs. Families cannot come back to a community Texas border, affecting public libraries that were pro- that does not have schools, hospitals, grocery stores, viding services to Katrina evacuees. Cameron Parish or employment opportunities. Taxes cannot be levied experienced the brunt of the hurricane’s wrath. The on properties and goods that are not there. These Cameron Parish Library lost the main library and issues affect the rebuilding of public library service three library branches, three ravaged by wind and in coastal Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi coun- one irreparable because it was infested with mold. ties. Government officials still do not have answers With widespread destruction in the parish, it will take about when or how rebirth is going to take place. at least nineteen months from the time the hurri- Sharman Bridges Smith said most Mississippi cane struck before progress can begin for rebuilding. libraries carried insurance on building contents, Neighboring Vermilion Parish lost the Pecan Island with the buildings insured through the county or city and Cow Island Branches, and the Erath Branch had governments. The Mississippi Library Commission one foot of water and sludge in the building. estimates that the damage to library facilities is $24 Rita caused structural damage to four other parish million, with $15 million in damages for library mate- library systems. The Calcasieu Parish Library, the par- rials, furniture, and equipment.2 Library directors ish north of Cameron, lost a branch in East Sulphur. are working with local governments and the Federal A branch of the Jefferson Davis Library in Jennings, Emergency Management Association (FEMA) in try- Louisiana, and two branches of the Vermilion Parish ing to rebuild and replenish. It is the same scenario Library in Abbeville, Louisiana, were obliterated. in Louisiana. What and how much will the insurance In the Terrebonne Parish Library System, 235 companies disburse, plus how will FEMA help? miles from where the hurricane made landfall, two rural branches were flooded by storm surge. One branch with a collection of approximately ten thou- FEMA sand items was completely wiped out. The building FEMA is dispatched to areas that are declared a housing the second library branch is missing the disaster by the United States President. The pur- interior walls and furnishings; fortunately, the library pose of FEMA is to prepare for, respond to, plan for, staff was able to reenter the building three days after recover from, and mitigate against disasters.3 FEMA the storm, saving 80 percent of the collection and is still unsure of the role, if any, that it will perform in the computers. helping public libraries in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Many frustrated library directors are not receiving information or are receiving conflicting Finances information on how FEMA will help. How do the library systems that lost virtually every- The magnitude of destruction from Katrina and thing rebuild library services? In a situation where Rita has caused FEMA to hire many inexperienced there is minimal tax base for generating revenue, people. A new FEMA employee told one Louisiana from where does the funding come? Most public library director that the books on the top row of libraries in these three states are funded by property the seven-foot shelves could be saved, as the books taxes, and many libraries are not sure what to expect. appeared to be in good shape. There had been “We don’t know what will happen next year,” said approximately four feet of water in the library for

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hrough ALA, one hundred fifty libraries of all types have volunteered to adopt hurricane- stricken libraries, sending them monetary donations, books, magazine subscriptions, and Tcomputers, as well as moral support.

a number of days, and it was more than a month The indefinite closings of some library systems before anyone was allowed to reenter the library. and the relocation of employees have had an impact The FEMA employee required that the books that on library employment. The Orleans Parish Library appeared in good shape be boxed and housed in a had to lay off 197 employees, leaving only 19 to carry concrete storage facility without electricity or air- the load. According to Geraldine Harris, assistant quality control. Eight weeks after the storm, the city librarian, “nineteen people were identified as library director—the sole employee—was trying to essential. People will gradually be brought back find people to box and move the books while still try- according to need.” State libraries and library asso- ing to convince FEMA that the books were ruined. ciations posted job vacancy notices, and the Alabama Library directors were required to file a separate Library Association established the Alabama Katrina Request for Public Assistance form with FEMA for Job Relief to help displaced librarians. Many were damage from each hurricane. Depending on the hired for temporary jobs at libraries. Some librarians government infrastructure, some libraries were viewed their loss of a job as an opportunity to begin requested to file separately with FEMA, while oth- in a new location or with a new career. The effect the ers filed jointly with the county. How is FEMA going storms had on employee retention will most likely to help? Library directors have no answers. FEMA remain unknown until the demolished libraries are is funding 100 percent of emergency work, such as reestablished. It is frightening to think of the public debris removal and emergency protective measures. library knowledge that was forced out of service, pos- Permanent work, which would include reconstruct- sibly into other careers. ing buildings and replenishing collections, will not be fully funded. In addition, funding from FEMA will not cover employee salaries. (However, if policies regard- Continuation of Library Services ing overtime and compensatory time were estab- With two hurricanes striking within a month of each lished prior to the disasters, FEMA funds may apply.) other, many communities were destroyed or debili- tated. Countless numbers of people fled to safer ground within their state or to other states. With Library Friends to the Rescue limited access to hurricane information, Internet As fellow librarians and library advocates watched capability, and copying services, they inundated news coverage of the disasters, proactive sup- public libraries from California to New York. The port began to take root. Librarians wanted to public libraries in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, help their beleaguered colleagues. The American and Texas account for many of the evacuees because Library Association (ALA) established a Hurricane people wanted to stay close to home. Katrina Relief Fund, with donations to be distrib- The days following each storm placed a burden on uted to the state chapters in Alabama, Louisiana, many public libraries lacking staff and computers to and Mississippi. The Texas Library Association, meet service needs. However, library employees are Louisiana Library Association, and Louisiana Library service-oriented people; many volunteered to work Foundation have also instituted disaster relief funds extended hours at their libraries and at hurricane for libraries. Through ALA, one hundred fifty librar- evacuee shelters. In this time of crisis, librarians were ies of all types have volunteered to adopt hurricane- not just librarians—more importantly, they were stricken libraries, sending them monetary donations, also social workers. Almost every hurricane evacuee books, magazine subscriptions, and computers, as wanted to share his or her experience. The stories well as moral support. were heartbreaking, especially from the many people

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who lost families, friends, and homes. Formal library were helping evacuees with data and information to education does not prepare librarians for the sym- start new businesses. pathy, empathy, and understanding that are neces- In the process of assisting adults, public librar- sary during a natural disaster. “Sometimes all we did ies did not forget to help children and teenagers. was listen—that was harder than anything else,” said Disasters of this magnitude will frighten children, Brenda Doran, director of the Richland Public Library and the destruction of normal routines and personal in Louisiana. belongings only add to their fears. Youth services Public libraries opened their doors with concern staff and children’s librarians, with their warmth and as to the type of needs evacuees would have. Soon generosity, shone brightly for public libraries as they it was very apparent that, other than someone to leaped into action to comfort and entertain young talk to, people first wanted to locate missing fam- evacuees. Many libraries performed numerous story ily and friends. This proved to be a very emotional times, craft workshops, and showed movies to chil- undertaking for library staff. One missing-persons dren and teens in shelters. Summer reading program Web site listed whether the person was alive or t-shirts were distributed along with books, stuffed deceased. Library employees seemed to hold their animals, coloring books, and board games. Teenage breaths when this site was utilized. Employees of evacuees volunteered at libraries and were encour- the Terrebonne Parish Library System decided that aged to join book discussions and attend workshops, if “deceased” was checked, an employee would take making them feel like part of the community. the library customer into a private area to read the The children’s staff also provided services to chil- information. This luckily never happened, and it may dren visiting the library, issuing temporary cards, not have been the correct process in handling the performing story times, and conducting craft work- situation, but without formal training in counseling shops. Many libraries created displays of books and and no counselors available during a time of crisis, audiovisual tapes that would help children deal with moving the customer to a private area was the solu- their situation. Some libraries held special family tion arrived at by the library staff. read-aloud times and book discussions and also After location of family members, filing FEMA brought in counselors to talk with the families. In forms for assistance was the evacuees’ biggest addition, libraries worked with the public and pri- demand. Most libraries did not have enough pub- vate school systems to offer homework help for the lic computers, so reservation systems and num- new students. bered waiting lists were used to meet the requests. There were countless other services that public Louisiana state librarian Rebecca Hamilton made libraries provided to hurricane evacuees. Many librar- a plea to chief officers of other state library agen- ies altered their policies and dispensed temporary cies for urgently needed computer equipment. cards to evacuees. Most libraries placed limits on the Libraries from across the country offered computers, number of items that could be circulated; for unre- monitors, and printers, most of which were shipped turned items, it was regarded as a small price to pay directly to the libraries to meet the demand. if the items comforted the person. A large number of Many evacuees needed considerable help both libraries dispensed with fees for copying, computer filling out and filing their FEMA forms. This placed printing, and faxing when the material was storm- a burden on understaffed libraries and resulted in related. Televisions were installed in meeting rooms intensive waits for help even in libraries with more and areas of the library so evacuees could obtain infor- staff. Some libraries assigned specific staff for the mation, especially local hurricane coverage of their sole purpose of helping to complete the forms, while communities. At Terrebonne Parish Main Library, the other libraries recruited volunteers to help. staff would occasionally hear people crying when their With the hurricanes destroying communities, destroyed neighborhoods were shown on the screen. library staff proved to be ambassadors for their coun- Public libraries and librarians were able to help ties. Whether temporarily or permanently, many hurricane evacuees in some very unique ways. evacuees chose to make new homes in the commu- An employee of the Catahoula Parish Library in nities that had given them refuge. Links with hurri- Louisiana found housing for a hurricane survivor’s cane information were adapted for posting on many horses. The Vernon Parish Library collected three libraries’ Web sites. People requested local housing hundred pounds of pet food for rescued pets. One and school information; they inquired about public library director used her personal credit card to pur- transportation and community infrastructure, restau- chase a laptop for a couple who only had cash but rants and shopping. Some libraries reported that they no credit card or address to buy the computer. Many

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ublic libraries—sometimes considered the forgotten division of government—proved their worth by providing services and standards every Pday to citizens in a time of crisis.

librarians fed people by having snacks and food Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have had both nega- available in the libraries or by volunteering at shel- tive and positive effects on public library service ters and churches to cook for the evacuees. In very in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. It will take generous gestures, many public libraries opened on years for the library systems destroyed by the storms Labor Day or remained open for extended hours and to reestablish the services that were provided to the days of the week to meet the demand for services. communities. More than likely, there will be a battle Public libraries also made their meeting rooms to obtain sufficient funding to rebuild the library sys- and conference facilities available to FEMA, the Red tems. Not only were libraries destroyed, but in many Cross, and other rescue and humanitarian organi- cases, they also lost the wisdom, experience, and zations. The Vermilion Parish Library in Abbeville, knowledge of librarians who were displaced. Louisiana, allowed the Red Cross to use its meeting But on a very positive level, these natural disasters room as a service center. Eighteen Red Cross volun- also showcased the value of public libraries, which teers served five hundred people—along with FEMA opened their doors indiscriminately to hurricane volunteers bunking in the room—every day for two survivors seeking vital information for recovery and weeks. The Kiln Library in Mississippi served as a survival. Public libraries—sometimes considered FEMA center, and the Pine Forest Regional Library the forgotten division of government—proved their Branches offered space to the Red Cross. The Belle worth by providing services and standards every day Chase Branch Library is the temporary seat of gov- to citizens in a time of crisis. The only difference ernment for Plaquemines Parish. Businesses in the from normal library services was that after the hur- areas affected by the storm also sought Internet ricanes dissipated, public librarians served a much and computer services at public libraries. Many larger mass of people with intensified compassion business personnel were searching for employees, and empathy. trying to complete payroll, and hunting for tempo- rary locations. The mission of public libraries is to provide free, References unlimited access to informational, educational, 1. National Hurricane Center, “Tropical Weather recreational, and technological resources. At a time Summary,” www.nhc.noaa.gov/archives/2005 of natural disaster, people overwhelmingly took (accessed Oct. 19, 2005). advantage of the services provided by public librar- 2. Federal Emergency Management Administration, ies. There are no complicated rules and regulations “FEMA History,” www.fema.gov/about/history regarding services, no bureaucratic red tape of juris- (accessed Oct. 26, 2005). diction in public libraries. Librarians and library 3. American Library Association, “Library Damage employees excelled in serving hurricane survivors by Reports,” www.ala.org/ala/cro/katrina/ doing what they do best: helping find the right infor- katrinadamage.htm (accessed Nov. 7, 2005). mation and services for people in need.

Index to Advertisers American Psychological Association...... 34 Crisis Prevention Institute ...... 18 Association for Library Service to Children ...... 68 InfoUSA ...... cover 3 ALA-APA...... 54 OCLC...... 3, 8 Baker & Taylor...... cover 2 Poisoned Pen Press ...... 65 BWI ...... cover 4 The Library Corporation ...... 67

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“By the Book” reviews professional development materials of potential interest to public librarians, trustees, and others involved in library ser- vice. Public Library Association Policypolicy dictates that PLA publications not be reviewed in this column. Notice of new publications from PLA will generally be found in the “News from PLA” section of Public Libraries. A description of books written by the editors or contributing editors of If you are interested in Public Libraries may appear in this column but no evaluative review will reviewing or submitting be included for these titles. materials for “By the Book,” contact the contributing editor, JULIE ELLIOTT, Assistant Librarian, Reference/Coordinator One-Person Puppetry extend a show or to fill-in between of Public Relations Streamlined and Simplified: stories. Indexes of further sources for and Outreach, Indiana With 38 Folktale Scripts puppetry and stories are useful. University South Bend, The one-person aspect of this 1700 Mishawaka Ave., P.O. By Yvonne Amar Frey. Chicago: ALA, book alone makes it a good choice for Box 7111, South Bend, IN 2004. 151p. $38 (ISBN 0-8389-0889-6) libraries along with the works of Judy 46634-7111; jmfelli@iusb. LC 2004-17388. Sierra for more elaborate shows. This edu. The appeal of puppet shows is a con- work is recommended for elementary stant in children’s services. Yvonne schools and public libraries.—Amy Julie is currently reading Frey takes many recognizable folk- Alessio, Teen Coordinator, Schaumburg Dead Cert by Dick Francis. tales and fables and adapts them for Township (Ill.) District Library one-person puppet shows in this useful manual. The first few chapters take read- A Guide to Licensing ers through the basics of puppetry and Acquiring Electronic to building a portable stage. Frey Information takes the fear out of finding the right puppets with easy surgeries on By Stephen Bosch, Patricia A. Promis, stuffed animals and simple patterns. and Chris Sugnet, with contributions Elaborate methods with papier- by Trisha Davis. Lanham, Md.: mâché are discussed, but readers at Scarecrow, 2005. 144p. $40 (ISBN: 0- all craft ability levels should be able 8108-5259-4). LC 2004-28666. to come up with puppets and props Library employees and savvy to do the skits in this book. patrons know that their twenty- While the adaptations of folktales first-century libraries are not simply are very nice, including “Simplyella” warehouses or bricks-and-mortar from Cinderella and an unembel- entities. Furthermore, they are lished version of Aladdin’s story, aware that libraries are not limited it also is refreshing to have some to one medium. Instead of only shows featuring diversity. The book offering books (a misperception suggests shows covering a wide and stereotype), libraries actually variety of holidays as well as Jewish, provide information in myriad for- Japanese, and Native American sto- mats—videos, DVDs, CD-ROMs, ries. A strength of this work is that compact discs, Web sites, electronic Frey provides short stories, song journals, electronic books, subscrip- ideas, jokes, and other teasers to tion or fee-based databases, and

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more. The omnipresence of infor- mation technology (namely, the New from Poisoned Pen Press Web) has transformed the visions and purposes of libraries. MAY 2006 Digital content now accounts How to Succeed in Murder by Margaret Dumas for a substantial line item in the 1-59058-260-8, HC, $24.95 • 1-59058-261-6, Lg Print Tpbk, $22.95 library’s overall budget, and this “A charming setting, not-so-serious tension and a cozy clique of expenditure will continue to grow. appealing characters lift Dumas’s second mystery starring heiress “The traditional process of ordering Charley Fairfax….This fun romp covers it all—car chases, shootings, and receiving information in various eccentric-uncles-turned-amateur-playwrights and end-of-the-world formats is being replaced with the computer viruses.” —Publishers Weekly process of negotiating remote access to information in electronic format The Torch of Tangier by Aileen Baron and then monitoring that the infor- 1-59058-221-7, HC, $24.95 • 1-59058-222-5, Lg Print Tpbk, $22.95 mation is available to the purchaser’s “Set in 1942, Baron’s fast-paced second thriller/mystery featuring Lily IP range” (2) write the authors, who Sampson finds the attractive archeologist working in Morocco...the issues she raises about Western versus Islamic cultural values couldn’t have previously published mate- be more timely. “ —Publishers Weekly rial on collection development in JUNE 2006 A Guide to Licensing and Acquiring Impusle by Frederick Ramsay Electronic Information. In short, 1-59058-283-7, HC, $24.95 • 1-59058-284-5 Lg Print Tpbk, $22.95 digital resources are an essential “Ramsay’s superb, perfectly paced stand-alone… makes for a perspec- component of libraries’ collection tive that’s at once tart, worldly and compassionate and that nicely development plans, helping fulfill balances the genuine evil in the air ” libraries’ missions to provide content —Publishers Weekly starred review to patrons in the Information Age. Iron Ties by Ann Parker This primer fulfills its objec- 1-59058-262-4, HC, $24.95 • 1-59058-263-2 Lg Print Tpbk, $22.95 tive: to provide a framework and “Parker’s outstanding second Silver Rush mystery [has]… plenty of an overview of the complex and convincing action [that] bodes well for a long and successful series.” intricate process of licensing digi- —Publishers Weekly starred review tal content. While not meant to be comprehensive or exhaustive, the Burden of Memory by Vicki Delany authors nonetheless point readers 1-59058-266-7, HC, $24.95 • 1-59058-267-5 Lg Print Tpbk, $22.95 to a plethora of resources in the bib- “The striking setting, the picture of the Canadian social elite and sev- liography and webliography. Bottom eral deftly handled subplots make for a richly textured and highly sat- line: this book provides a succinct isfying read.” —Publishers Weekly walkthrough of the complex process of selection, acquisition, and licens- Poisoned Pen Press books are available from ing (including consortial licensing) Baker & Taylor, Brodart, of electronic information. Ingram, or direct from the publisher Especially helpful are the book’s Publishing Excellence in Mystery appendices. Appendix A features 6962 e. 1st ave. #103 • Scottsdale, az 85251 sample licensing agreements. 800.421.3976 • 480.945.3375 • fax 480.949.1707 Appendix B outlines the deci- [email protected] • www.poisonedpenpress.com sion-making process for licensing electronic information resources licensing agreements (for example, essential to master the lingo; doing (including questions to ask and authorized users). so facilitates communication with answer). Appendix C aims to help This book includes a glossary database vendors and digital infor- librarians review purchase propos- that defines information technol- mation providers. als and contracts, and appendix D ogy and library-related terms (for Overall, A Guide to Licensing and defines terms commonly used in example, federated searching). It is Acquiring Electronic Information is

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a helpful and practical resource for addresses issues that concern librar- service. Some of the essays dis- professional development; it will ians and parents. I Found It on the cussed predicting the success of be especially valuable for reference Internet will give readers a greater commercial digital reference servic- librarians, reference department understanding of the technologies es in the United States and beyond, managers, and electronic subscrip- and information-viewing behavior of and state services such as the one in tion managers as well as anyone many tech-savvy teens. This book is New Jersey. Section 3 briefly discuss- involved in the process of licensing a valuable resource for every library es questions that come up with the digital content. This book will serve that deals with teens, and is a fas- implementation of virtual reference, as an excellent text in library sci- cinating read.—Susan McClellan, such as visibility, working along ence coursework and curriculums. Director, Avalon Public Library, with the patron, geographical limits, In fact, it should be required reading Pittsburgh, Pa. working virtual reference alone at for reference in addition to collec- the desk, and privacy. tion development classes. Those Each essay is well-organized with who read Guide to Licensing and Digital versus Non-Digital a summary, keywords for searching Acquiring Electronic Information Reference: Ask a Librarian purposes, information about the along with Roger Fisher and William Online and Offline authors (including contact informa- Ury’s Getting to Yes (Penguin, 1991) tion), text with headings, and a bibli- will have a solid foundation in the Edited by Jessamyn West. New York: ography at the end of each essay. science, art, psychology, and process Haworth, 2004. 154p. $29.95 (ISBN This book will come in handy to of vendor negotiations.—C. Brian 0-7890-2443-8) LC 2004-006246. those libraries that are contemplating Smith, Reference and Electronic Digital versus Non-Digital Reference providing a virtual reference service Resources Librarian, Arlington describes how reference services or considering merging virtual refer- Heights (Ill.) Memorial Library have changed throughout the years. ence services with other libraries. It is divided into three sections: “The There are similar works on this topic, Old Versus the New,” “How We Do it including Virtual Reference Librarian’s I Found It on the Internet: Here,” and “A Few Things to Think Handbook by Anne Lipow (Neal- Coming of Age Online About.” This work was copublished Schuman, 2003), Going Live: Starting in 2004 as no. 85 of the Reference and Running a Virtual Reference By Frances Jacobson Harris. Chicago: Librarian. The work is a collection of Service by Steve Coffman (ALA, 2003), ALA, 2005.161p. $35 (ISBN 0-8389- essays written by librarians covering Starting and Operating Live Virtual 0898-5) LC 2004-30119. different types of libraries—special, Reference Service by Marc Meola Harris’ book aims to share with public, and academic. Digital refer- (Neal-Schuman, 2002), and Virtual parents, teachers, and librarians ence has become a recent techno- Reference Training: the Complete information about how teens use logical phenomenon in libraries. Is Guide to Providing Anytime, Anywhere the Internet and how they make it worth it? How does it affect our in- Answers by Buff Hirko (ALA, 2004).— use of the technology for personal person reference? How do the differ- Jennifer Dawson, Electronic Resources and social development. Teenagers ent reference services compare? The Librarian, Kanawha County (W. Va.) have become expert multitaskers of first section compares traditional ref- Public Library Internet Service Technologies (IST), erence services to digital reference. and they use these technologies as The essays in the first section part of their social and emotional form a timeline of reference ser- Introduction to Serials Work development. A wide range of IST, vices, discussing the history of for Library Technicians such as weblogs, online diaries, and reference service from telephone personal Web pages, are discussed in reference to e-mail reference proj- By Scott Millard. New York: Haworth, great detail. ects. The second section talks about 2004. 162 p. $24.95 (ISBN 0-7890- This book is a valuable guide for how the contributors perform refer- 2155-2). LC 2003-21015. learning about online issues facing ence service at their libraries. This Millard’s brief, yet appropriately teens, such as cheating, privacy, and section would be a good read for detailed, introduction to the com- online bullying. Harris is a widely librarians who are thinking about plex world of serials covers all published librarian and author who implementing a digital reference aspects of serials work, including

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445n3_2pcorrex.indd5n3_2pcorrex.indd 6666 55/30/2006/30/2006 10:43:4410:43:44 AMAM 445n3_2pcorrex.indd5n3_2pcorrex.indd 6767 55/30/2006/30/2006 10:43:5210:43:52 AMAM Association for Library Service to Children 2006 National Institute – September 14-16, 2006 Hilton Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA

CHILDREN'S SERVICES TODAY Optional Free Preconference Legal Issues Affecting Policies AND TOMORROW in Children's Services Take advantage of this youth services focused continuing education Thursday, September 14 opportunity to recharge and network with other library professionals! Space is limited. Registration required. Must also register for Institute to attend. Special Events Included in registration fee. All-Day Program Tracks Susan Campbell Bartoletti Friday, September 15 A Newbery Honor and Sibert Award–winning author will open the Institute at the Thursday Dinner and Opening Track One - Authors and Illustrators Artists and Writers Are Real People- Host General Session. Them @ your library®!

David Wiesner Track Two - ALSC National Initiatives Two-time Caldecott Medalist and Caldecott honoree Morning Session: Engaging Your Community will keynote the Friday luncheon. in Día Partnerships Afternoon Session: Introducing the Friday Night Reception Kids! @ your library® Campaign at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Track Three - Emerging Technology Includes a vendor fair to explore new technology products Go, Go Gadget!? Technology Trends and for youth in public libraries. Children’s Services- What You Need to Know

Advance Registration Fees $310 ALSC Members (through 6/30/06) ł $350 ALSC Members (7/1/06 - 8/23/06) Half-Day Workshops $365 ALA Members ł $395 Non-members ł $260 Students Saturday, September 16 *An Early Bird Rate is available to ALSC Members through June 30, 2006. Join ALSC now and save! Only registrations postmarked by June 30, 2006, will be eligible Designing Dynamic School-Age Programs for the early bird rate. Advance registration closes 8/23/06. Onsite Registration Fees Storytime Programs Transformed! How To $365 ALSC Members Ɣ $395 ALA Members Ɣ $420 Non-members Ɣ $275 Students Incorporate Early Literacy Skills from the “Every Child Ready to Read” Project

Welcoming Special Needs Children @ your library® SPECIAL HOTEL RATES! The Institute tracks and half-day workshops will take place at the Hilton Pittsburgh. A block of rooms has been reserved until August 23, 2006. Mention the "Association for Library Service to Children 2006 Institute" to receive the special conference Saturday Afternoon Optional Tours rate of $129 s/d occupancy. To make your reservation, Additional cost: $35.00 please call 1-800-HILTONS (445-8667) or by visiting Price includes boxed lunch and transportation. www.ala.org/ala/alsc/alscevents/eventsconferences.htm Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh or Greater Pittsburgh Libraries Bus Tour

For registration information and to access full program descriptions visit ALSC’s Web site at www.ala.org/ala/alsc/alscevents/06Institute.htm or call (800) 545-2433, ext. 2163 for information. ALSC is a division of the American Library Association

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acquisition and ordering, receipt and view, and a solid grounding in serials studies indicate research methods check-in, cataloging, claims, and practice make this a good choice used. This information is particularly renewals. Each chapter begins with a for training staff with little or no valuable to library scholars when they specific learning objective, giving the background in serials work. Though plan their own studies. There is no reader an idea of exactly what the the title includes the term “library doubt that the book will be useful for chapter will cover. The chapters are technicians,” this book is appro- librarians, researchers, library educa- highly readable and contain numer- priate for serials staff at all levels. tors, and funding agencies. For those ous examples to further clarify the Recommended.—Nanette Donohue, who are interested in studying early information. Examples include both Technical Services Manager, pioneers and great personalities of automated and nonautomated pro- Champaign (Ill.) Public Library public library services to children, this cesses—particularly in such areas as book offers rich material. serials receipt and claiming, where Four appendixes are very useful, practices often vary depending on Library Service to Children: particularly appendix A: Research the institution’s size and budget. The A Guide to the History, Methods Used, and appendix C: Type overview of AARC and MARC format Planning, Policy, and of Literature. The former groups in the cataloging chapter serves as a Research Literature entries under specific research good introduction and quick refer- methods and the latter by types of ence, but staff involved with original By Phyllis Van Orden and Patricia literature. The remaining two appen- cataloging of serials may require Pawelak-Kort. Lanham, Md.: dixes, on funding sources and other more detailed information. Scarecrow, 2005. 154p. $35 (ISBN 0- graduate papers, also are helpful Though the acquisition and cata- 8108-5169-5) LC 2004-027286. to practitioners and researchers for loging chapters are informative, the This book is a timely update of the funding opportunities or further real treasures are the chapters about 1992 publication Library Services to research studies. processes that are not frequently Children. Like the previous work, The entries are numbered and discussed in library literature, such the book is a list of annotated bib- arranged by authors. Numbering as binding and check-in. Because liographies, including 428 works is a convenient device for users to these are usually local processes, published between 1876 and 2003. It identify a specific entry, however, there are no hard-and-fast rules for is intended to facilitate locating print arrangement by authors may present how to do them, and the directions and electronic resources about pub- problems for some users. Users who Millard provides give an outstanding lic library services and programs for are well read can easily locate the overview of common practices. A children regarding history, planning, entries when they are familiar with glossary serves as a handy reference policy, research, standards, librarian- authors’ names, but if they are not, to deciphering basic serials termi- ship, and educational roles. A num- then it could take them a great deal of nology and is helpful for translating ber of Web sites that were accessible time. Thus, it may be more practical serials speak to plain English for in 2004 are also included. to categorize the entries under broad non-serials staff. The book features comprehensive subject areas to simplify searching. The sole disappointment is a coverage of the types of literature Coauthor Van Orden is well skimpy final chapter on new tech- included in the entries. Other than qualified and respected in the area of nologies in serials and serials man- books, biographies, journal articles, school library collections. The book agement, which mentions such and research studies, the book also should be a part of public library outdated technologies as diskettes, contains resources not readily iden- collections. For the libraries that videotapes, and modems. Given the tified, such as standards, annual plan to expand children services pace of change in the field, it may reports, policy documents, and posi- and programs, the book is a must- have been better to omit this chapter tion papers. In addition to a brief note purchase.—Shu-Hsien Chen, Retired rather than prematurely dating the of content, bibliographic information, Professor, Queens College, Flushing, book. Clear objectives, a broad over- ISBN, and LCCN, entries for research N.Y.

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The following are extracted from press releases and vendor announce- ments and are intended for reader information only. The appearance of such notices herein does not constitute an evaluation or an endorse- ment of the products or services by the Public Library Association or the editors of this magazine.

The contributing editor of this column is VICKI partnering with the GeoLib Program NESTING, Regional Branch SirsiDynix Creates Public at Florida State University—has Librarian at the St. Charles Library Demographic compiled U.S. Census demograph- Parish Library, Louisiana. Market Analysis Tool ics on all 17,000–plus United States Submissions may be sent www.sirsidynix.com public libraries. By integrating cen- to her at 21 River Park sus information with a sophisticated Dr., Hahnville, LA 70057; GIS, a library manager can view the [email protected]. A new market analysis module for SirsiDynix Director’s Station is now compiled household demographics for individual libraries. Vicki is currently reading available. The module allows library The Way the Crow Flies by managers to make more informed Ann-Marie MacDonald, The decisions related to collection devel- Life All Around Me by Ellen opment by analyzing U.S. Census Coming Soon: A New Way Foster by Kaye Gibbons, and demographic information for the to Look at EBSCOhost Deadwood by Pete Dexter. communities and neighborhoods Search Results they serve. www.epnet.com/visualsearch Editor’s note: In the March/ “Commercial, for-profit compa- www.grokker.com April issue, Public Libraries nies use this kind of custom market incorrectly listed one fo the map to determine far in advance books Vicki was reading as what type of store to build and Visual Search is now seamlessly Diving Women. The book, where, and what products to stock,” available as part of EBSCOhost. The by Kaye Gibbons, is titled Greg Hathorn, SirsiDynix vice presi- EBSCOhost Visual Search option is Divining Women. dent of library products said. “By designed to be as intuitive as possible. adopting such best practices, librar- With Visual Search, EBSCOhost ians can analyze the demographic delivers search results in topically variables that make each library organized visual maps that make unique, such as age of population, it easy to explore large sets of data education and income levels and and to gain an overall understand- languages spoken—or not spoken— ing of the depth and breadth of to ensure libraries continue to play a result set. Visual Search groups a vital role in community develop- information by key headings, pre- ment and enrichment.” senting results contextually, rather The Director’s Station statistical than in a ranked list. The outcome server offers easy drag-and-drop is that users quickly understand the access to data collected by a library’s relationships among returned arti- management system. The new geo- cles, and discover valuable informa- graphic information system (GIS) tion that might have been difficult module adds another analysis tool to locate in listed results. to Director’s Station. Leveraging its EBSCO has partnered with Groxis, work on the Normative Data Project the provider of the Grokker Visual (NDP) for Libraries, SirsiDynix— Search application, to develop the

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EBSCOhost Visual Search feature. innovations, including a database transfer audiobooks, educational Groxis has been a leader in visual containing more than 20,000 pub- materials, or music directly to por- search technology for more than lic library locations for the United table devices. four years. States and Canada. Unlike other map solutions, there is no advertising on the searchable Polaris Library Systems SirsiDynix Launches maps created for and displayed via to Offer Facilities and OneStop Self-Service Station the library’s Web site. Media Booking From a public perspective, one www.sirsidynix.com. of Libraries411.com’s unique fea- www.polarislibrary.com tures is that the default map that www.Webcheckout.net SirsiDynix has launched its OneStop a visitor sees is generally based self-service station. The company on their present physical location. Polaris Library Systems has entered partnered with EnvisionWare to For instance, an Orlando visitor to into a partnership with onShore develop this full-service solution. A Libraries411.com, automatically Development, Inc. (OSD) to offer first for the library industry, OneStop sees a map of Orlando (and related OSD’s WebCheckout Resource combines self-checkout, fine pay- public library locations), but simul- Management and Scheduling ment, and print management in a taneous site visitors in Kansas City, Software as part of the Polaris single station. Oakland, or Edmonton, will see the Integrated Library System (ILS). With OneStop, library users are map and library locations specific WebCheckout is the de facto able to check out materials them- to their locations. standard in higher education for selves, pay any fines or fees using equipment, facility, and media sched- credit cards or cash, and release uling. WebCheckout integrates with print jobs. While previous self-check New Service Enables a library’s ILS to maintain MARC solutions could only accommo- Audiobook and Music records that provide librarians with date library users in good standing, Downloads Inside the Library robust, browser-based scheduling OneStop opens up service to all capabilities that are typically not library users—even those with out- www.dlrinc.com provided for in an ILS offering. As standing balances. records for media resources (such Moreover, OneStop’s modular, Digital media vendor OverDrive as videos, audio tapes, DVDs, and upgradeable design lets libraries add announced the availability of albums) are cataloged in Polaris, they features over time as needed or as OverDrive Media Kiosk software, can be exported into WebCheckout to technology improves. Compatible a new application that enables search, schedule and maintain media with either barcoded or RFID-tagged Internet-connected PCs to become and resource reservations. collections, OneStop allows upgrades self-service download stations OSD has focused primarily on the from barcodes to RFID. for audiobooks and music. This academic library market. The agree- Windows-based software permits ment with Polaris Library Systems patrons in the library to download will allow the company to extend Mapping and Locator copy-protected audiobook and its reach to public libraries. “Public Service for Public Libraries music titles directly to supported libraries have active programs that MP3 and WMA players. involve room reservations, equip- www.Libraries411.com With OverDrive Media Kiosk soft- ment scheduling and media booking,” ware installed at a library’s public commented Bill Schickling, Polaris Following several months of beta Internet station, patrons can search Library Systems’ president and CEO. testing, Counting Opinions has just the library catalog, locate a title, and “WebCheckout allows us to serve our released Libraries411.com, a free, then connect a player to the terminal Polaris ILS customers with a robust Web-based mapping and locator using a USB port or cable. The self- booking program that has been fully system for public libraries. It con- service software enables patrons to tested and used at institutions such sists of proven mapping technolo- take advantage of the library’s broad- as University of Michigan, UCLA, gies combined with a number of band connection to download and University of Chicago, and more.”

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ProQuest Releases Online using public access computers in Fiction Connection tool, readers can Database of Freedman’s libraries across the United States. also identify popular character types Bank Records The three-year, $2 million grant and retrieve a list of books based on follows a successful eighteen-month their selections. www.il.proquest.com pilot program in New Mexico, The technology powering Fiction Colorado, Illinois, and Florida, Connection was developed by the ProQuest announced the avail- which also was funded by the Gates Netherlands-based technology ability of Freedman’s Bank Records, Foundation. The pilot program cre- company Medialab, using their a leading resource for African ated a training curriculum, conduct- Aqua Browser software and featur- American genealogical research, ed 37 workshops, and trained 482 ing their signature word cloud. now available to the library market library staff members. The program The data displayed within Fiction for the first time online through will use the new funding to replicate Connection is pulled from fiction HeritageQuest Online. the training program nationwide in and biography profiles developed Freedman’s Bank was an out- partnership with state libraries. by Syndetic Solutions, which identi- growth of a plan to provide bank- Libraries participating in the pro- fy key traits and characteristics that ing services to African Americans gram’s regional workshops also will define a particular title. drafted during the Civil War. It was share their experiences and resourc- Fiction Connection is available formally known as the Freedman’s es through the online community at as a complimentary resource to all Savings and Trust Company. In an WebJunction. Using this interactive BooksInPrint.com library and book- effort to establish bank patrons’ environment, WebJunction is build- seller customers. identities, Freedman’s Bank collected ing a collection of best practices, a substantial amount of informa- case studies, and resources to facili- tion about each applicant and his tate similar outreach to any library in Computers By Design or her family. At the close of the the country. Releases PageMGR Civil War, the Freedman’s Savings Software for Staff Scheduling & Trust Company was the primary bank for America’s freed slaves Bowker Releases New www.PageMGR.com and others from 1865 to 1874. This Readers’ Advisory Tool HeritageQuest collection documents Computers By Design announced more than 105,000 applicants and www.Bowker.com the release of PageMGR software more than 480,000 of their relatives. www.FictionConnection.com for managing full- and part-time employee schedules. PageMGR soft- Bowker has released Fiction ware helps manage staff availability, WebJunction to Extend Connection, a new readers’ advisory print individual and group employee Spanish Language tool for BooksInPrint.com customers. schedules, create a Web page, man- Outreach Program Fiction and biography books pub- age vacation and sick time, iden- lished in the United States now can tify overstaffing and understaffing, www.Webjunction.org be easily identified through Fiction reduce overtime, manage employee Connection, and patrons or librar- records, and so on. WebJunction has received a grant ians can search for similar titles “As a software company we cre- from the Bill and Melinda Gates by entering the title of a book they ated a way that will meet the needs Foundation that will extend a already know they enjoy, or browsing of maintaining your staff schedul- Spanish Language Outreach Program by location, topic, character, genre, ing,” said Bob Jones. “The easy-to- designed to provide public library timeframe, or setting. The user will use program, PageMGR, will reduce staff with skills and resources to then be provided with a comprehen- paperwork, give timely flags for reach out to Spanish speakers in sive list of suggested reading that scheduling conflicts, and help bud- their local communities and increase has characteristics matching their get staffing costs accurately.” the number of Spanish speakers original search criteria. With the new

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