Meet Carla Hayden Be a Media Mentor Connecting with Teens P. 34

November/December 2016

THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

FAN FICTION! Connecting with teens p. 34

Be a Media Mentor p. 48

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American Libraries | Volume 47 #11/12 | ISSN 0002-9769

COVER STORY 34 Fellowship of the Fans Connecting with teens through the magic of fan fiction BY Anne Ford

FEATURES 40 America’s Librarian Carla Hayden plans to continue her career-long focus on access and technology as Librarian of Congress BY Greg Landgraf 44 ESSA and School Libraries ALA/AASL sessions train librarians on the fundamentals BY Sylvia Knight Norton and Marci Merola 40 48 Becoming a Media Mentor Creating trusted sources 48 for emerging media BY Claudia Haines, Cen Campbell, and the Association for Library Service to Children 52 Making the Most of Midwinter Meeting must-dos for Atlanta, January 20–24, 2017 44

52 ON THE COVER: Illustration by Tom Deja 18

24 26

UP FRONT TRENDS PROFESSIONAL 4 From the Editor 18 Library to Farm to Table DEVELOPMENT Leaders, Mentors, Public libraries increasingly offer IN PRACTICE Superfans food production programs 54 Worth a Thousand Words BY Laurie D. Borman BY Timothy Inklebarger BY Meredith Farkas

8 From Our Readers 20 A Balancing Act DISPATCHES Shared spaces in libraries 55 Improve Your Analytics Data BY Kaitlin Throgmorton ALA BY Tabatha Farney

6 From the 22 Snapchat in the Library YOUTH MATTERS President Librarians master an app 56 ’Tis the Season ... to reach millennials Helping ALA BY Abby Johnson Cruise to Success BY Paige Alfonzo BY Julie B. Todaro LIBRARIAN’S LIBRARY SPOTLIGHT 58 Information Literacy 24 A Self-Service Experiment 10 Update BY Karen Muller What’s happening Gwinnett County Public Library tests at ALA adding hours without extra staff time SOLUTIONS NEWSMAKER 60 Online Streaming Options 26 Marley Dias New services offered by Bringing diversity to kids’ books Hoopla and Alexander Street

PLUS PEOPLE 19 By the Numbers 25 Global Reach 62 Announcements 27 Noted & Quoted THE BOOKEND OPINION 64 Hail to the Librarian ANOTHER STORY 28 In the Trenches 22 BY Joseph Janes

ON MY MIND 29 Let’s Get Visual BY Linda Hofschire

30 Rethinking the National Library 64 BY Bernard F. Reilly Jr.

American Psychological Association Cover 2, Cover 4 | GEICO 15 | San José State University 21 | American Library Association American Libraries 9, 57 | Association of College and Research Libraries 7 | Booklist 33 | Development Office 3 | Editions Cover 3 | Graphics 5 | JobLIST 47 his fall, the American Library Association will Help us Transform the Future by launch our ﬁrst association-wide fundraising supporting ALA today. T campaign. We need your support to Your gift to the American Library Association strengthen libraries through advocacy, professional will help us keep working with community development, and information policy efforts. leaders, educators, and library workers— with and for you. Here’s how to give: As you know, ALA brings the library community together to: ■ Visit the new GiveALA website at ■ Advocate for the tremendous value of school librarians ala.org/donate to make a gift online ■ Lobby for broadband access and freedom of information ■ Return the reply envelope you received ■ Provide thousands of scholarships, including programs with the ALA fall appeal that are focused on diverse communities ■ Mail a check to: The American Library ■ Offer many other programs through divisions, offices, Association, Attn: Development Office, and round tables. 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611

For more information on giving, please contact: Development Office, American Library Association (312) 280-3259 [email protected] http://www.ala.org/offices/dev THE MAGAZINE OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

Address: 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611 Leaders, Mentors, Superfans Website: americanlibrariesmagazine.org Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-545-2433 plus extension here was fan fiction when I was grow- Career Ads: JobLIST.ala.org ing up? I would have loved rewriting EDITOR AND PUBLISHER favorite TV shows and movies with like- What is Laurie D. Borman minded aspiring authors. It’s inspiring to your favorite [email protected] | x4213 W MANAGING EDITOR learn about the connections between teen writers and a rtifa ct fro m The Buck Sanhita SinhaRoy librarians who love creating remix characters with the a presidential Stops Here lib ra ry? [email protected] | x4219 desk sign opportunity to share in groups at the library or online. SENIOR EDITORS in Harry S. Learn more about the fellowship of fanfic, as well as the Amy Carlton Tru ma n’s bewildering vocabulary that accompanies the genre, in [email protected] | x5105 lib ra ry George M. Eberhart our story by Anne Ford on page 34. [email protected] | x4212 Laurie D. Borman You know what a mentor is, and you might be one for ASSOCIATE EDITORS The moon rock Honest Abe’s a colleague or student. There’s another kind of mentor Terra Dankowski in the Clinton [email protected] | x5282 stovepipe hat you can be as a librarian—a media mentor. You’ll work Library’s replica Phil Morehart at the Lincoln with your patrons, helping them to navigate beyond the Oval Office [email protected] | x4218 L ib ra ry collection of books in your library to find audio, video, EDITOR-AT-LARGE Anne Ford apps, and more in the digital sphere. Our excerpt from [email protected] | x2157 Becoming a Media Mentor: A Guide for Working with EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Children and Families by Claudia Haines, Cen Campbell, Carrie Smith I admit I like and the Association for Library Service to Children [email protected] | x4216 ART DIRECTOR offers ideas and tips on page 48. the museum Rebecca Lomax One of the happiest days in recent library history was [email protected] | x4217 part of a when Carla Hayden, former ALA president and exec- ADVERTISING utive director of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Balti- Michael Stack [email protected] | 847-367-7120 presidential Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement. more, was confirmed as the new Librarian of Congress. ALA reserves the right to refuse advertising. library and Here at ALA, staffers were watching the confirmation PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT ceremony and cheering for one of our own. Hayden Donald Chatham, Associate Executive Director Mary Jo Bolduc, Rights, Permissions, Reprints | x5416 museum as shared her thoughts about her new role with American MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT much as the Libraries contributor Greg Landgraf in our feature on Ron Jankowski, Director page 40. With her focus on technology and access to ADVISORY COMMITTEE library, but I information, we know she’s going to be a great success. Joseph M. Eagan (Chair), Helen Ruth Adams, Ernie J. Cox, Lee A. Cummings, Christine Korytnyk Dulaney, Tina Franks, don’t pass up Whether you go to the Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits Jasmina Jusic. Interns: Tom Bober, Lucy Kelly in January for the Youth Media Awards, networking, Editorial policy: ALA Policy Manual, section A.8.2 the gift shop, professional development, or even the meetings, be INDEXED sure to check out the Midwinter Must-Dos on page 52. Available full text from ProQuest, EBSCO Publishing, either, stocking H. W. Wilson, LexisNexis, Information Access, JSTOR. And if you’re still on the fence about going to Atlanta, it SUBSCRIBE up on books just might help you decide to attend. There’s still plenty Libraries and other institutions: $70/year, 6 issues, US, Canada, of time to sign up, and we’d love to see you there! and Mexico; foreign: $80. Subscription price for individuals in- by and about cluded in ALA membership dues. 800-545-2433 x5108, email In keeping with an election-month theme, we feature [email protected], or visit ala.org. Claim missing issues: the president Meredith Evans, the director for the Jimmy Carter Pres- ALA Member and Customer Service. Allow six weeks. idential Library and Museum in Atlanta, on page 64. As PUBLISHED to read on the American Libraries (ISSN 0002-9769) is published 6 times a former travel writer, I’ve visited a number of presiden- yearly with occasional supplements by the American Library plane home. tial libraries, and this is a favorite of mine. Enjoy. Association (ALA). Printed in USA. Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, Illinois, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Personal members: Send address changes to American Librar- ies, c/o Membership Records, ALA, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. ©2016 American Library Association. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without written permission from the publisher.

4 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org gifts For Readers and Library Lovers

FOR KIDS

FOR TEENS & TWEENS

FOR STAFF & VOLUNTEERS

Shop now at alastore.ala.org ALA STORE PURCHASES FUND ADVOCACY, AWARENESS, AND ACCREDITATION PROGRAMS FOR LIBRARY PROFESSIONALS WORLDWIDE. Helping ALA Cruise to Success Donations from membership make for a marvelous voyage

he tenets of professions vary, but many maintaining this entity for our eclectic profes- professions require members to join and sion requires money beyond membership dues. become active in at least one profes- There are a myriad of opportunities to join, Tsional association. For librarians, library provide, and give with a great deal of specificity employees, and stakeholders, that’s where we and detail. In fact, members can give to projects, immediately stray into a variety of issues, includ- offices, programs, divisions, committees, and ing but not limited to: which associations to join, departments in four categories: the costs of membership, the costs of activity, the ■ ALA major initiatives: Among these are ALA’s benefits of membership, the benefits of activity, advocacy and awareness campaign, future competition between associations for our inter- thinking, fighting censorship, disaster relief, Julie B. Todaro est and dollars, and an individual’s institutional information policy, memorials, and ALA’s requirements for membership and activity. Allied Professional Association. We also can’t leave out areas such as compet- ■ ALA scholarships: More than 10 giving itiveness within organizations for appointments areas are focused on funding individuals and and time, the question of whether one can make a include allocations for basic education, gen- difference in the profession through an association, eral training, and specific content areas. and the need for one’s values and ethics to be in ■ ALA divisions and offices: More than 45 sync with those of the association. And then there opportunities are available for giving. All divi- is the inevitable query: Is it even possible to agree sions and offices have either general or spe- with everything an organization does or says? cific areas, such as memorials, programs, and Let’s look at the American Library Association future thinking. (ALA). It is a massive, complicated structure, ■ ALA round tables: Fifteen round tables offer much like a cruise ship. You can choose to board more than 30 opportunities for giving. it or not. You might pick a single theme or decide At the end of this year, ALA will focus on giving to experience many different aspects. It’s so big and specific opportunities. Several of those very that there is no chance you will see every inch broad-reaching opportunities are described below. of it. There are flat rates and add-ons. However, The 21st Century Fund provides general oper- The American unlike cruise passengers, we aren’t all going in ating support for ALA and is for everyone. It helps the same direction. Often we’re going in many to support entities working on special projects, Library directions, based on needs and desires. emerging issues such as the Center for the Future Association ALA, however, offers more than just member- of Libraries, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. ship and opportunities for involvement and activ- Public awareness of the value of libraries, cou- offers ity. It provides access to experts in many areas pled with recognition of the incredible ways that extraordinary and at all levels; it speaks on behalf of members; libraries are changing to respond to community it advocates at local, state, regional, and federal needs, is critical in advocating for libraries and choices for levels; and, in all of its services and resources, it librarianship. In fall 2015, ALA launched the meaningful offers extraordinary choices for meaningful con- Libraries Transform campaign to provide libraries tributions to the profession. and other partners with the tools to share how contributions In addition, the choices offered are designed libraries and librarians are transforming our com- to the to help members make a difference at a wide munities. For this year’s Giving Tuesday (Novem- variety of levels to diverse populations and ber 29), the campaign will include “because” profession. in their own organizations. The reality is, statements, explaining why the public should

6 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org AT THE HE LM: LEADI NG T R A N S F ORMAT ION

support ALA and how they can help transform the MARC H 22 – 25, 2 017 library world: Baltimore, Maryland ■ Because ALA is working to help school libraries and librarians support students’ success (ALA’s work to push for the passage of the Every Stu- dent Succeeds Act [ESSA]) ■ Because ALA strives to keep information free and available to everyone (the work of the Washington Office and the Office for Intellec- tual Freedom) ■ Because ALA trains and supports future library leaders (Spectrum and all other scholarships) ■ Because ALA supports you (21st Century Fund support for new initiatives) ALA’s advocacy trainings include strategies for improving funding or dealing with specific legislation that has negatively affected libraries, as well as tactics for making the case for libraries in bad economic times. In fall 2016, ALA rolled out training in all 50 states to show school library advocates how to take advantage of the provisions laid out in ESSA. ALA’s advocacy training encompasses goals such as empowering librarians, teaching library advocates, providing consistent messaging and an advocacy framework, and maintaining a mechanism for mentoring new advocates and a succession plan for advocacy. The Spectrum Scholarship Program is celebrating 20 years of providing scholarships and promoting diversity in the library community. Spectrum works to increase the number of racially and ethnically diverse professionals working as leaders in the field to best position libraries and library professionals at the core of today’s culturally diverse communities. With this column, I am outlining the opportunities for giving and asking you to give—but also illustrating that we can truly make a difference in our profession through giving.

JULIE B. TODARO is dean of library services at Austin (Tex.) Community College.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 7 Another reason why I ♥ Purpose and Practice When speaking of the power of John Green. libraries (“The Purpose-Based Let’s give teens Library,” July/Aug., p. 26), we some credit. often mention the breadth of coverage across the country as an @LV2VEGOUT in important factor. Yet there is a response to our problem with this power. It is lack Banned Books of unity of purpose. Week–themed Noted & Quoted Retail giants, such as McDon- (Sept./Oct., p. 21) ald’s and Walmart, and cyber- space empires, like Amazon and Google, have a unity of purpose Really liking and a support system to deliver this podcast! their offerings. Libraries have a ROMANY MANUELL market penetration that is the Walmart, we know the products Automated assistance pro- in response to Dewey envy of many businesses, but as and services offered will be vir- vides time for more meaningful Decibel’s sixth episode, a business or service, their lead- tually identical regardless of the interactions with our patrons. “It Could Happen to ership is fragmented, and outlets store’s location. Can we say that It gives staff members more You: Banned Books” lack consistent support across of our libraries? opportunities to help our users the country. Libraries need to be more than find what they are looking for Start small. The American Library Associa- purpose-based; they need to be by meeting them in the library, tion (ALA) works hard to provide purpose-driven. Strategic and away from “the desk.” It allows Collect locally. unified leadership and direction tactical planning is one way to for conversations and the cre- Eventually all for libraries. The problem is that provide that purpose and appear ation of displays and programs will merge into leadership and direction can be purpose-based. What I suggest that draw attention to the wide ignored at the local level for any is using the more proactive variety of materials that we have a large digital number of reasons, such as irrel- term—with all necessary credit to available. It gives staffers time library. evance to the community, lack pastor and author Rick Warren— to go out into the community, NELLIE MOFFITT in of funding, or lack of interest— “driven.” The drive needs to being part of local events and response to how we whereas any individual McDon- create a cohesive direction and lending a hand when needed. should be collecting ald’s or Walmart manager who delivery of tangible support And ultimately, it makes for a digital data (The ignores protocol does so at his or across all libraries to ensure con- more satisfying work experience Scoop, Aug. 18) her own peril. sistent products and services. by providing variety and avenues The lack of a consistent Jimmie E. Epling for creativity. support system, particularly Hartsville, South Carolina Mindy Kittay when it comes to funding, hurts Altadena, California the library “brand.” Libraries For our library—and others that I serving wealthy communities am familiar with—the addition of ALA’s Hometown Advocacy can deliver a much higher level automated technologies, such as ALA Executive Director Keith of service than those serving self-checkout, is not to eliminate Michael Fiels recently reported poorer communities. When librarians or personal interactions. on the Association’s advocacy we think of McDonald’s and It’s quite the opposite, actually. plan (“Advocacy School in

FOLLOW US: @amlibraries facebook.com/amlibraries pinterest.com/amlibraries WRITE US: The editors welcome comments about recent content, online stories, and matters of professional interest. Submissions should be limited to 300 words and are subject to editing for clarity, style, and length. Send to [email protected] and American Libraries, From Our Readers, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611-2795.

8 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Session,” Sept./Oct., p. 7) and here, and we have been waiting Congrats to the “bold course” it set for build- for ALA to publicly advocate for Printing Collaboration Paris-Bourbon ing support for local libraries, but the members in its hometown. Wow! Isn’t it amazing what his column went to press before Todaro and Church, echoing people can do working County Library he could report on the boldest support from the Illinois School together? Thanks for the pos- landing on the action I have seen from ALA in Library Media Association, Illinois itive story (“Printing for a cover of years: letters sent by ALA Pres- Library Association, and Chicago Cause,” The Scoop, Aug. 9) on ident Julie B. Todaro and Amer- Teachers Union, have stepped Katelyn and her new friends. @amlibraries. ican Association of School up, and ALA’s support for our Cindy Costello @HARDINCOUNTYLIB Librarians President Audrey librarians means the world to Champaign, Illinois in response to our 2016 Church to the Chicago Tribune those of us on the ground in the Library Design Show- (trib.in/2cQGhmr) and the Los “city of readers.” CORRECTIONS case cover (Sept./Oct.) Angeles Daily News (bit.ly/ But this is not a problem In our “ALA Award Winners 2cYaLPi) calling out school lead- unique to Chicago and Los Ange- 2016” feature (Sept./Oct., p. Well said, as ers for decisions that reduce les, as school librarian positions 26), Sheila Umberger’s position per usual, Joe! access to librarians in schools. have disappeared in many other was incorrectly identified. She Since 2013, Chicago schools hometowns. I look forward to is the library director of the DALE COLEMAN in response to Joseph have suffered budget reductions seeing ALA leadership continue Roanoke (Va.) Public Library. Janes’s column on resulting in the loss of more than to speak out as clearly, forcefully, library advocacy half of the professional school and publicly in these cases as In our Update section (Sept./ (Sept./Oct., p. 24) librarian positions in the city, they always have in response to Oct., p. 10), we mistakenly leading NPR to call librarians “a cases of censorship and chal- wrote the headline “ALSC luxury Chicago Public Schools lenges to intellectual freedom. Grant Sends School Librarians can’t afford” (n.pr/2caOMHV). To ALA must advocate for people to ALA Annual.” We should see school librarianship savaged as well as for principles because have written “ALSC Grant in the city that ALA calls home libraries transform nothing with- Sends Children’s Librarians has been an embarrassment out librarians. to ALA Annual,” which is for those of us who live, work, Scott Walter more indicative of ALSC and send our children to school Chicago membership.

UPCOMING: A Plan for More Meaningful

Work and This series of free, one-hour webinars brings Professional Fulﬁllment together librarians and LIS thought leaders November 18 to share perspectives on topics that shape 2 p.m. Eastern modern librarianship. Help steer the discussion through a live chat and get immediate answers to your pressing questions.

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americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 9 Garcia-Febo, Grief Seek ALA Presidency oida Garcia-Febo, international library consultant and Garcia-Febo received her MLS and BA in business educa- president of Information New Wave in Brooklyn, New tion from the University of Puerto Rico. She is currently pursu- L York, and Terri Grief, school librarian at McCracken ing her PhD in information sciences at Long Island University. County High School in Paducah, Kentucky, are the candi- An ALA member for 19 years, Grief served as 2013–2014 dates for the 2018–2019 presidency of the American Library president of the American Association of School Librarians Association (ALA). (AASL) and has been a member of ALA Council as the Ken- Garcia-Febo has been an ALA member for 15 years and tucky chapter councilor (2003–2005), AASL division councilor has served the library profession both domestically and (2010–2013), and councilor-at-large (2016–present). She internationally. Her nonprofit organization, Information New served on the ALA Executive Board 2005–2009. Wave, brings information access to underserved populations. Grief’s ALA activities include serving as a member of the Garcia-Febo has served on ALA Council since 2011 and was Committee on Literacy, the Intellectual Freedom Committee, elected to the 2015–2018 ALA and the Nominating Commit- Executive Board. She has held tee, and chair of the Training, numerous committee appoint- Orientation, and Leadership ments within ALA, including Development Committee. the Committee on Diversity, She has also served the AASL the Intellectual Freedom Com- National Conference Committee mittee, and the Nominating in various capacities, including Committee; she has chaired cochair of the committee in the International Relations 2011; she was the 1999–2000 Committee, the Intellectual AASL Affiliate Assembly chair. Freedom Round Table, and the In addition, Grief served as Committee on Membership the 2001–2002 president of the meetings; and she is currently Kentucky Library Association, Loida Garcia-Febo Terri Grief the chair-elect of the Interna- and the 1997–1998 president tional Relations Round Table. of the Kentucky Association of School Librarians. She is also very active in the International Federation of “I am humbled by this nomination,” Grief said in an Library Associations and Institutions and the National Associ- August 25 statement. “ALA has been such an important part ation to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos of my life and I would be honored to serve it as president.” and the Spanish-Speaking (Reforma). Grief holds an MA in educational administration and “Libraries save lives,” said Garcia-Febo in an August 25 supervision and an MA in history, as well as a school library statement. “More than ever, we need strong libraries to media certification, from Murray State University. She also foster stronger communities. I hold almost 20 years of library holds a BA in library science and history from Western Ken- work and leadership experience. I have worked in a variety tucky University. of libraries, including academic, public, school, and spe- Garcia-Febo and Grief will engage in a candidates’ forum cial libraries. As ALA president, I would bring focus to four Saturday, January 21, during the 2017 ALA Midwinter Meet- important pillars: advocacy, diversity and inclusion, career ing & Exhibits in Atlanta. They will have an opportunity to development, and information policies. I am committed and make a statement and answer audience questions. energized to collaborate with ALA, its members, divisions, Ballot mailing for the 2017 ALA election will begin March 13 and partners for the advancement of our profession and the and run through April 5. Individuals must be members in good future of libraries. I look forward to working together with standing as of January 31, 2017, in order to vote in the 2017 you as we take action to advance library concerns on the ALA election. Visit ala.org/aboutala/governance/alaelection national agenda.” for more information. • Photo: Peter Schaaf (Garcia-Febo) Peter Photo:

10 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org NOV. Picture Book Month ALA Lauds Funding Bill picturebookmonth.com

NOV. 4–6 LA has praised a bipartisan corner of the country every day,” ALA bill that acknowledges and President Julie B. Todaro said in a Young Adult Library Services Ahighlights the critical role that September 23 statement. “We espe- Association Young Adult libraries play in communities across cially appreciate the enormous effort Services Symposium | Pittsburgh the US. by the sponsors of the new Museum bit.ly/1xOnfhU The Museum and Library Services and Library Services Act to build a NOV. 8–10 Act of 2016 (S. 3391), introduced on bipartisan bill to reauthorize federal Sharjah International Book Fair September 23 by Senators Jack Reed library funding that can and should be (D-R.I.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Thad approved before the current Congress sharjahbookfair.com

Cochran (R-Miss.), and Kirsten Gilli- adjourns later this year. NOV. 17–20 brand (D-N.Y.), authorizes $230 million “The $230 million authorized by this Library and Information for the Institute of Museum and Library essential bill will continue to be dis- Technology Association Services (IMLS) to be distributed to tributed to virtually every state in the Forum | Fort Worth, Texas states for library use. After input from nation by IMLS to be used, in states’ library professionals across the coun- discretion, to offer library patrons forum.lita.org

try, a coalition of library groups led by everything from employment services NOV. 19 ALA’s Washington Office worked with and small business development International Games Day the bill’s lead cosponsors to include assistance to free Wi-Fi to STEM pro- igd.ala.org their recommendations in the bill. gramming and access to other costly “Libraries bring promise and oppor- resources such as academic journals,” NOV. 30 tunity to millions of people in every Todaro said. • I Love My Librarian Award ceremony | New York ilovelibraries.org/lovemylibrarian

JAN. 20–24 OIF Launches Our Voices booksellers and readers) for conversa- ALA Midwinter Meeting Diversity Initiative tions about diversity, equality, and the & Exhibits | Atlanta Nine of the top 10 challenged books value of libraries; develop collections of 2017.alamidwinter.org of 2015 were about diverse content, reviewed, diverse quality content; get MARCH 6–12 according to ALA’s Office for Intellectual these collections into the local library Freedom’s (OIF) annual report detailing collection; and allow other libraries to Teen Tech Week challenged books. In response to these acquire these collections. teentechweek.ning.com challenges, OIF and ALA’s Office for For additional information on the ini- MARCH 20–24 Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services tiative, visit ourvoiceschicago.ala.org. Public Library Association has launched Our Voices, an initiative Leadership Academy that offers to interested libraries a tem- Apply Now for YALSA Summer Portland, Oregon plate to promote the growth of diverse, Learning and Intern Grants quality content in their collections. The Young Adult Library Services Asso- bit.ly/2dVk7Mm

The initiative includes steps and will ciation (YALSA) has opened applications MAY 1–2 document successful approaches to for its 2017 summer learning resources National Library Legislative Day identify small, independent, and self- and teen summer intern grants. ala.org/advocacy/advleg/nlld published content creators in the local Thanks to funding from the Dollar region; connect with those content cre- General Literacy Foundation, 40 grants of MAY 1–7 ators and other members of the reading $1,000 each are available. Twenty summer Choose Privacy Week community (especially independent learning resources grants will be awarded chooseprivacyweek.org

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 11 A petition form may be created by going to ala.org/cfapps/epetition and following the instructions at bit.ly/1K1uQl4. In addition to the petition form, members must complete a Petition Candidate Biographical Information form, available at bit.ly/1V7IaJz. The petition form, along with the biographical information form, must be filed with the ALA Executive Director no later than 4:30 p.m. Central on Decem- ber 7. For further details on the ALA election process, visit ala.org/aboutala/ governance/alaelection.

Become a Mentor to an IMLS IFLA Grant Recipient ALA is looking for internationally active, US-based librarians to mentor 50 librarians from diverse backgrounds who received Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grants to attend the 2016 Interna- ALA Leadership Institute tional Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) World Library and articipants in the fourth annual ALA Leadership Institute pose with ALA Information Congress (WLIC) in August. Past President Maureen Sullivan (bottom left) at the Eaglewood Resort The mentorship component of the Pand Spa in Itasca, Illinois. grant will help recipients build on their Led by Sullivan and Association of College and Research Libraries Content IFLA WLIC experience by sustaining Strategist Kathryn Deiss, the immersive leadership development program, held and amplifying their global professional August 8–11, covered topics such as leading in turbulent times, interpersonal engagement. competence, power and influence, the art of convening groups, and creating a ALA will match mentors and mentees culture of inclusion, innovation, and transformation. according to their interests. Mentors are For more information about the institute, including a list of 2016 participants, expected to connect with mentees at eligibility requirements, and an online application form, visit ala.org/ least once a month from November 2016 transform ing libraries/ala-leadership-institute. • to August 2017 to provide advice, recommend resources, and facilitate contacts. If interested in being a mentor, sign up for the program by completing a brief to libraries in need, allowing them to pro- The deadline for applications is information survey at surveymonkey vide resources and services to teens who January 1. To learn more and apply, .com/r/yptklcc. are English-language learners, struggling visit summerreading.ning.com/page/ in school, or from socioeconomically chal- summer-learning-grants. PLA Offers Nine Awards for lenged communities. Twenty teen summer Excellent Public Library Service intern program grants will be awarded to How to Become a Petition The Public Library Association (PLA) is support the implementation of summer Candidate in the ALA Election offering nine awards and grants that high- learning programs. Interested in running for ALA President- light the best in public library service and Applicants must be YALSA members Elect or Councilor-at-Large but weren’t honor those who bring innovation, cre- Libraries American and located within 20 miles of a Dollar approached by the Nominating Commit- ativity, and dedication to public libraries. General store. The summer learning tee? You can get your name on the spring An award jury appointed by PLA Pres- programs must be administered through ballot by completing a petition form and ident Felton Thomas Jr. will review each a library and open to all teens in the obtaining the signatures of no fewer than nomination. Winners will be announced

community. 25 ALA current personal members. in February, and the awards will be pre- Lomax/ Rebecca Photo:

12 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org sented at the 2017 ALA Annual Confer- ence and Exhibition in Chicago. For detailed information on each of Travel Grants Available for the awards and eligibility requirements, visit bit.ly/2dm76d4. ALA Annual Conference

ALCTS Seeks Continuing LA offers many grants to librarians who plan to attend the 2017 ALA Resources Awards Nominations Annual Conference and Exhibition in Chicago. Some require ALA or divi- Nominations are being accepted for the Asion membership while others are open to a larger audience. For a full 2017 Association for Library Collections list of grants, visit the ALA Awards Database at bit.ly/1xH4cXK. and Technical Services (ALCTS) awards for outstanding achievement and prom- Baker & Taylor Conference Grant ise in the field of serials and continuing Award amount: $1,000; must be resources. The two $1,500 awards are YALSA member to apply. presented by the Continuing Resources Deadline: December 1. Section of ALCTS. Two grants are available for librarians The First Step Award honors an indi- who work with young adults and who vidual who shows outstanding promise have never attended an ALA Annual in the field of serials, while the Ulrich’s Conference. One grant is given to a Serials Librarianship Award recognizes school librarian and one grant is given an individual whose work represents to a librarian whose focus is public the finest achievements in research, libraries. Administered by YALSA and Jan Merrill-Oldham Professional collaboration, creative work, leadership, sponsored by Baker & Taylor. Development Grant and service. Award amount: $1,250; must be ALA The deadline for nominations and Business, Reference, and Services member to apply. supporting materials is December 1. Section (BRASS) Morningstar Deadline: December 1. For more information on the awards and Public Librarian Support Award Presents funds and a citation to a for submission information, visit bit.ly/ Award amount: $1,250; must be ALA librarian, a paraprofessional who 2daAuX5. and RUSA BRASS member to apply. has preservation responsibilities, Deadline: December 9. or a person currently enrolled in a ACRL Updates Its Scholarly Offers funds and a citation to a public preservation-related graduate pro- Communication Toolkit librarian who has performed out- gram with the opportunity to attend ACRL has released a new version of standing business reference service the ALA Annual Conference. Admin- its Scholarly Communication Toolkit, and who requires financial assistance istered by ALCTS’s Preservation and updated with new and revised con- to attend the ALA Annual Conference. Reformatting Section and sponsored tent and hosted through Springshare’s Sponsored by Morningstar. by the Library Binding Council. LibGuides. Developed and maintained by the First Step Award Zora Neale Hurston Award ACRL Research and Scholarly Environ- Award amount: $1,500. Award amount: $1,250; must be ALA ment Committee, the toolkit provides Deadline: December 1. member to apply. content and context on a range of schol- Provides librarians new to the continu- Deadline: December 9. arly communications topics and offers ing resources field with the opportu- Honors an individual who has demon- resources and tools for practitioners. The nity to broaden their perspective and strated leadership in promoting updated toolkit now features sections on encourages professional development African-American literature. The topics such as fair use, public access man- at the conference and participation winner receives funds to support travel, dates, and library publishing in addition in Continuing Resources Section a plaque, tickets to United for Libraries’ to more fully developed sections on open activities. Administered by ALCTS’s Gala Author Tea, and a set of Hurston’s access publishing and repositories. Continuing Resources Section and books. Administered by the Reference The ACRL Scholarly Communication sponsored by the Wiley Professional and User Services Association and Toolkit is available online for free and Development Grant. sponsored by HarperCollins. • licensed through Creative Commons at acrl.libguides.com/scholcomm/toolkit.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 13 Table (GODORT) are seeking nominations for the inaugural Larry Romans ALA Launches 45–115 Initiative Mentorship Award. Named for the late Larry Romans, n October 4, ALA announced an initiative to promote the capacity of head of government information and libraries to advance our nation’s goals to leading federal policymakers. media services at Vanderbilt Universi- ONamed after the next US president (the 45th) and the next US Con- ty’s Central Library from 1983 to 2014, gress (the 115th), the 45–115 ALA Federal Initiative will position US libraries the award recognizes librarians who, and library professionals as invaluable team members in setting federal policy through sustained mentoring efforts, and moving our nation forward in the digital age. have made a difference in the library Created by ALA President Julie B. Todaro, the bipartisan effort will build on profession. Romans mentored numerous ALA’s Libraries Transform national campaign’s focus on raising public aware- librarians at Vanderbilt University, where ness of library innovation and the value of librarians as experts in their fields. he worked for over 30 years. He was also “Our new 45–115 Initiative is designed to provide resources and assistance a leader and mentor in the Tennessee to presidential candidates and their respective transition teams as well as mem- Library Association and served on ALA bers of Congress and their staff on the campaign trail as they prepare for the Council for 23 years. leadership of our nation,” Todaro said in an October 4 statement. “The more we The award consists of a citation and can get our people, our facilities, and our patrons in front of policymakers, the $1,000 and will be presented at the easier it is to demonstrate how strong libraries make strong communities.” GODORT Awards Program at the 2017 45–115 is being led by ALA Past President Courtney Young with support ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition from political consultant Jenny Backus. Materials and messaging are being in Chicago. Recognition of the recipient developed for advocacy use with the incoming administration, the transition will also take place at the beginning of teams, and Congress. Advocacy efforts include library-requested meetings and the Stonewall Book Awards Program at submitting ALA materials to relevant staffers, as well as working to have library the conference. professionals or library interests included in state and local events organized by The deadline for applications is the campaigns and others. December 1. For more information, visit For more information, visit bit.ly/45-115. • ala.org/glbtrt/larry- romans-mentorship- award.

ALCTS Seeks Nominations for Coretta Scott King–Virginia erine T. MacArthur Foundation in 1995. 2017 Ross Atkinson Award Hamilton Award Noms Sought The winner will be announced on Nominations are being accepted for the ALA is accepting nominations for the January 23 during the ALA Youth Media 2017 ALCTS Ross Atkinson Lifetime Coretta Scott King–Virginia Hamilton Awards at the 2017 ALA Midwinter Achievement Award. Practitioner Lifetime Achievement Meeting & Exhibits in Atlanta and will be The award recognizes a library leader Award. The award honors youth advo- honored at the Coretta Scott King Book who has demonstrated exceptional ser- cates whose activities, work, or career Awards Breakfast during the 2017 ALA vice to ALCTS and its areas of interest. engage students in the reading of award- Annual Conference and Exhibition in Selection is based on accomplishments winning African-American literature for Chicago. The winner will receive a medal as they relate to leadership in ALCTS, children and young adults, and who have and a $1,500 cash award. including contributions to professional lit- made significant contributions to cham- Nominations will be accepted through erature and exemplary research in ALCTS pion youth reading and engagement with November 14. All nominees must be living areas; leadership in other professional African-American literature. at the time of the award to be considered. associations at the local, state, regional, The award is named for the late To view the award criteria and submit or national level; acknowledgment as a children’s author Virginia Hamilton, a nomination, visit ala.org/emiert/ leader in and by the library community at recipient of the 1983, 1986, and 1996 cskhamilton-submit. large; and recognition of achievements. Coretta Scott King Book Awards, the The award winner receives a citation 1974 National Book Award, and the 1975 Nominations Open for honoring his or her contributions and a John Newbery Medal. In 1994, she was Inaugural Mentorship Award stipend of $3,000 donated by EBSCO. awarded the Hans Christian Andersen The ALA Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and To nominate a candidate, send Award for the body of her work. She was Transgender Round Table (GLBTRT) the nominee’s name, address, phone named a fellow of the John D. and Cath- and Government Documents Round number, and email address; a statement

14 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org outlining his or her qualifications; and Using Nashville’s civil rights train- novel services and programs, and the your contact information to Jury Chair ing partnership with law enforcement Will Eisner Graphic Novel Innovation Brian Schottlaender at [email protected]. agencies as an example, this institute Grant provides support to a library for The deadline for nominations is will offer strategies on using history as the initiation of a graphic novel service November 18. Nominees must be ALCTS a gateway to discussing today’s complex or program. members. Self-nominations will not be community dynamics. Each recipient receives a $4,000 accepted. For more information, visit bit.ly/ program and collection development 2dOQZFs. grant, a collection of Eisner’s works and PLA Midwinter Institute Offers biographies, and a set of the graphic Social Justice Training Expand Your Graphic Novel novels nominated for the 2017 Will PLA is offering an interactive institute Collection with an Eisner Grant Eisner Comic Industry Awards at Comic- January 20, 2017, at the ALA Midwinter ALA and the Will and Ann Eisner Family Con International. Meeting & Exhibits in Atlanta. Foundation are accepting applications The grant award includes a stipend “Partnering with Law Enforcement for the 2017 Will Eisner Graphic Novel for a library representative to travel to to Advance Social Justice: A Train-the- Grants for Libraries, which recognize the 2017 ALA Annual Conference and Trainer Event for Public Libraries” will libraries for their role in the growth of Exhibition in Chicago to receive recogni- be presented by Andrea Blackman, divi- graphic literature. tion from the Will and Ann Eisner Family sion manager for the special collections The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants Foundation. division of the Nashville (Tenn.) Public for Libraries comprise two grants: The submission deadline is January 20. Library and coordinator of the library’s The Will Eisner Graphic Novel Growth More information and an application can nationally recognized Civil Rights Room Grant provides support to a library that be found at ala.org/gamert/will-eisner- and Collection. would like to expand its existing graphic graphic-novel-grants-libraries.

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americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 15 Cinthya Maria Ippoliti 2016 ALA Nominating Committee Associate Dean for Research and Learning Services Council Candidates Announced Oklahoma State University Libraries, Stillwater he ALA Nominating Committee nominates candidates from among the general mem- Grace M. Jackson-Brown bership for members-at-large of Council (annually). Individuals who are not selected Library Faculty/ Tby the Nominating Committee may run for office by petition. Associate Professor Individuals interested in running for ALA Council by petition have until 11:59 p.m. Central Missouri State University Libraries, Springfield time on December 7 to file an electronic petition with the ALA executive director. The petition must have the signatures of no fewer than 25 ALA current personal members. An additional Susan L. Jennings Dean of Library Services form containing biographical information and a statement of professional concerns must be Chattanooga (Tenn.) State submitted electronically with the petition. Instructions for filing petitions and additional voting Community College information can be found at ala.org/aboutala/governance/alaelection. Kyla M. Johnson Librarian Teacher Farmington (N. Mex.) Hilary Albert Matthew P. Ciszek Rhonda K. Gould High School Librarian II Head Librarian Consultant kYmberly mieshia Mahopac (N.Y.) Public Library Penn State Shenango By the Book Library Consulting dionne Keeton Sharon, Pennsylvania Celia Avila Tacoma, Washington Academic Librarian and Senior Librarian John C. DeSantis Dolly Goyal Assistant Professor Los Angeles Public Library Cataloging and Metadata Director of Library Science Robert E. Banks Services Librarian Los Gatos (Calif.) Public Library Lincoln University Dartmouth College Chief Operations Officer Susan F. Gregory Jefferson City, Missouri Hanover, New Hampshire Topeka and Shawnee County Director Lynda Kellam (Kans.) Public Library Emily Drabinski Bozeman (Mont.) Public Library Data Services and Government Coordinator of Instruction Latrice Booker Catherine Hakala-Ausperk Information Librarian Long Island University University of North Carolina Coordinator of Library Teacher/Consultant Instruction Brooklyn, New York Libraries Thrive Consulting at Greensboro Indiana University Megan Elizabeth Drake Chagrin Falls, Ohio Rebekah D. Kilzer Northwest, Gary Implementation Consultant Director of Member Education Dorcas Hand Vivian Bordeaux Ex Libris OCLC Director of Libraries Customer Service Librarian Portland, Oregon Dublin, Ohio (Retired), Annunciation Bridgeport (Conn.) Tanya D. Finchum Orthodox School Anita Kinney Public Library Professor/Librarian Houston Program Analyst Steve Brantley Oklahoma State University, United States Access Board Sam Helmick Head of Reference Services/ Stillwater Washington, D.C. Associate Professor Public Services Librarian Edward Garcia Em Claire Knowles Eastern Illinois University, Burlington (Iowa) Public Library Library Director Assistant Dean for Student Charleston Peter Hepburn Cranston (R.I.) Public Library and Alumni Affairs Head Librarian Elissia Buell Karen Weyher Gavigan Simmons College College of the Canyons Librarian II Associate Professor, School of Library and Santa Clara, California San Diego Public Library School of Library and Information Science Nick Buron Information Science Dora T. Ho Boston Young Adult Librarian Chief Librarian University of South Robin Fogle Kurz Queens (N.Y.) Library Carolina, Columbia Los Angeles Public Library Assistant Professor Nan B. Carmack Martin J. Gomez Mary Anne Hodel School of Library and Director Vice Dean Director/CEO Information Management Campbell County (Va.) University of Southern Orange County (Fla.) Emporia (Kans.) State Public Library System California, Los Angeles Library System University

16 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Paula S. W. Laurita Liz Philippi Lindsay C. Sarin Lettycia Terrones Executive Director Manager of Library Director of Academic Education Librarian Athens-Limestone (Ala.) Media Services Programs, College of California State University, Public Library Houston Independent Information Studies Fullerton School District Jennifer L. Longee University of Maryland, Sarah J. Thornbery Librarian Abigail Leigh Phillips College Park Teacher-Librarian Durham (N.C.) Academy Doctoral Candidate Springboro (Ohio) Joel D. Shoemaker Florida State University, Community City Schools Lisa L. Longmire Library Director Librarian Tallahassee Oakwood (Ill.) Public Gail Tobin Kitsap Regional Library Scott Piepenburg Library District Branch Coordinator Bremerton, Washington Head of Cataloging Schaumburg Township David Lopez Valdosta (Ga.) State University Jahala Simuel District Library, Hanover Librarian Brenda Pruitt-Annisette Reference Librarian/ Park (Ill.) Branch Adjunct Professor Santa Ana (Calif.) Public Library Assistant Professor and Cecilia N. Tovar Shaw University Jennifer Rose Luetkemeyer Coordinator of School Principal Librarian Branch Library Programs Assistant Professor Raleigh, North Carolina and Public Services Chicago State University Appalachian State University Daniella Smith Santa Monica (Calif.) Boone, North Carolina Raymond Pun Associate Professor, Public Library First Year Student Andrew Paul Mangels Department of Library and Tammy Renee Turner Success Librarian Director Information Sciences High School Library California State Westlake (Ohio) Porter University of North Media Specialist University, Fresno Public Library Texas, Denton Centennial High School Bryan J. McCormick Renna Tuten Redd Frisco, Texas Steven Escar Smith Director Interlibrary Loan Librarian Dean Julia Warga Hedberg Public Library Clemson (S.C.) University Director for Research Janesville, Wisconsin Stevo Roksandic University of Tennessee and Instruction Regional Director of Libraries, Knoxville Sarah Marie McHone-Chase Kenyon College Library Services Head of User Services Amy Steinbauer Gambier, Ohio Northern Illinois Mount Carmel Health Children’s Librarian Sciences Library Erica Ann Watson University, DeKalb District of Columbia Columbus, Ohio Librarian Chulin Meng Public Library Art Institute of California, John C. Sandstrom Director of Library Technology James Kevin Teliha San Francisco Lehigh University Associate Professor/ Director of the Library and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Acquisitions Librarian Cynthia M. Whitacre New Mexico State Learning Commons Manager, WorldCat Quality Joe Mocnik University, Las Cruces Utica (N.Y.) College OCLC Director of University Dublin, Ohio Library/Professor Georgia College and State Amanda J. Wilson University, Milledgeville Director, National Larry Neal 2017 Election Transportation Library Library Director US Department of Clinton-Macomb Public Library Dates Transportation Clinton Township, Michigan Washington, D.C. allot emailing Charles Wilt Juliana Nykolaiszyn for the 2017 ALA Associate Professor/Librarian B Executive Director (Retired) election will begin Oklahoma State University, Association for Library Stillwater March 13. The elec- Collections and tion will close April 5. Technical Services Gina Persichini Chicago Technology & Access Individuals must have Services Consultant renewed their ALA mem- Christian Zabriskie Idaho Commission for bership by January 31, Branch Administrator Libraries, Boise 2017, to be eligible to vote. Yonkers (N.Y.) Public Library

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 17 Claudia Alstrom, president of the Adult Library Garden Club at Sacramento (Calif.) Public Library’s Rancho Cordova branch, teaches children about vegeta- bles in the Read and Feed garden.

with a combined 60 plots; an orchard with more than 200 apple and fruit trees, berry bushes, bee- hives, and a section for native prai- rie flowers; and roughly 20 classes a year on gardening, canning—yes, you can check out canning equipment from the library—and graft- ing, among other subjects. Mixdorf says the library donated 9,000 pounds of produce grown on its premises last year through South Sioux City’s volunteer-run Voices for Food program. Library to Farm to Table Food literacy and access to Public libraries increasingly offer food production programs healthy meal options are also pressing issues in Sacramento, Califor- nia, according to Jill Stockinger, BY Timothy atrons are rolling up their In 2009, the library was already supervisor of the Rancho Cordova Inklebarger sleeves and getting dirty with giving out seeds to patrons. Within branch of the city’s library system. P the offerings cropping up at Mixdorf’s first year as director, he “Over 60 percent of children in public libraries across the country— established the community garden schools in our neighborhood are farms, gardens, orchards, and food- on nearby private property donated under the poverty level and qualify literacy classes, to name a few—and by the library’s Friends group. for free breakfast and lunch pro- librarians say the grow-it-yourself Mixdorf says it was a practical grams,” she says, noting that more movement is only expanding. addition to the library’s traditional than half of the children in the com- For some libraries serving services, as many area residents are munity are obese. vulnerable populations, food- blue-collar workers who live in food The first Read and Feed Teach- producing gardens and nutrition deserts, where grocery stores lie far ing and Demonstration Garden initiatives are born out of necessity. away and nutritional food options was launched at the library sys- Others have launched programs to are scarce. He says his library’s tem’s Colonial Heights branch in advance the causes of sustainability extensive program has come 2011 with a $13,000 grant from and education. together through a mix of volun- the Junior League of Sacramento. When David Mixdorf was named teers and residents paying the city A second garden was built at director of the South Sioux City $10 to $15 annually for the garden (Neb.) Public Library in 2009, he plots. “The majority of them get was well positioned to establish the used every single year,” he says. library’s first community garden. The program has grown steadily Mixdorf grew up on an organic and now consists of two gardens farm and has worked the land in one form or another his entire life. Patrons at the South Sioux City “We’ve saved seeds in my family for (Neb.) Public Library can check out canning equipment.

years and years,” he says. (canning) Public Library (Neb.) South Sioux City (garden); Public Library (Calif.) Sacramento Photos:

18 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Rancho Cordova the following “Some people don’t have the year, Stockinger says. Both areas space [for their own garden], and Presidential that the branches serve are consid- some people just want to learn,” ered food deserts. Youngs says. The library has Libraries Rancho Cordova serves 600 chil- strengthened its program by adding dren annually, along with roughly classes such as “Beekeeping 101,” 400 parents “who watch and some- “Putting Up Your Harvest,” and times help,” according to Stock- “Organic Pest Control.” inger. More than 100 children and Youngs, as well as her counter- adults attended the library’s March parts in Sacramento and South Feed and Read program, according Sioux City, says she is frequently to Stockinger. contacted by library administrators Additionally, the library has across the country looking to start partnered with the California-based their own food-producing gardens. 643 Food Literacy Center—which offers At least one library administra- Number of hours of recorded telephone food education programs in Cali- tor, however, is looking toward the conversations the Lyndon Baines Johnson fornia public schools—to provide future of the library as a farm. Library and Museum has collected. The conver- monthly healthy-eating classes Jodi Shaw, coordinator for the sation topics range from the assassination of at the Rancho Cordova branch. American Library Association’s JFK to dealing with the USSR. Testimonials from parents have bol- Sustainability Round Table, has stered the library’s programming been working to bring farms to the efforts, Stockinger says. rooftops of libraries throughout 26 million “One parent said, ‘My child had Brooklyn, New York. Shaw, a chil- Number of pages of historical records and never eaten broccoli before, but he dren’s librarian for Brooklyn Public papers preserved in the Dwight D. Eisenhower grew it and now he wants to eat it.’” Library (BPL) who is working While some food production and independently of the library system Presidential Library. These documents provide nutrition programs have developed in her research, says BPL has 60 insight into the Cold War and the creation of the out of a need to make food more branches with viable rooftop space, Interstate Highway System. accessible, others are a result of or what amounts to approximately patrons simply wanting to learn 138 acres of farmland right in the more about growing their own food. heart of the city. 1939 Jill Youngs, manager of the She acknowledges that her Year the Presidential Library system began. Cicero branch of the Northern “radical idea” would take massive Franklin D. Roosevelt donated his presidential and Onondaga (N.Y.) Public Library, resources or partnerships with personal documents to the federal government. says her organization’s LibraryFarm existing rooftop farming operations program was started about five to make such a program a reality. years ago “because it was fun.” She’s been closely watching Bright- About 35 to 50 “plotters,” as Farms, Brooklyn Grange, and Eagle they are called, run the library Street Rooftop Farm—three opera- garden as volunteers, she says. “It’s tions running rooftop farms in New very organic,” Youngs jokes. “It York—for ideas and opportunities. depends on who shows up and with “It would take a lot for libraries what tools.” to convince people to do this,” she Roosevelt’s 1937 She says patrons in her commu- says. “The goal is to get every cit- sketch of the library. nity have a general commitment izen in Brooklyn producing their 1 to sustainability, but the program own food.” Number of presidential libraries housed in a has also resulted in the donation of public library. The Calvin Coolidge Presidential “well over 200 pounds of fresh pro- TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER is a free- Library and Museum is located in the Forbes

Photos: Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library (Johnson); Franklin D. Roosevelt Library (sketch) Library Roosevelt D. Franklin (Johnson); Library Johnson Presidential B. Lyndon Photos: duce” to local food pantries. lance writer based in Chicago. Public Library in Northampton, Massachusetts.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 19 The Salt Lake City Public Library's shared space includes a library store, art gallery, hair salon, florist, public radio station, and coffee shop.

Issues (IEI), a nonpartisan public- policy organization developed by the state governor for whom the library is named. To encourage library use, students are allowed to bring food and drink inside. “If you walk through Hunt Library at 6 or 7 at night, you’ll see pizza boxes,” says Chris Tonelli, director of communication strategy for NCSU libraries. The IEI provides traffic and essential event space to the library. “As much as we like to think that every- A Balancing Act one knows about Hunt Library,” not everyone knows that “IEI does all Shared spaces in libraries sorts of events with people from all over the place, from young school- children to big conferences,” says BY Kaitlin magine walking into a building really became the living room of Patrick Deaton, associate director of Throgmorton and seeing a florist, a hair salon, the community.” learning spaces and capital manage- I and an art gallery. Would you Through the library, the shop ment for NCSU Libraries. guess you’re in a library? also offers classes on flower Probably not, but at the Salt arrangements and gardening. Then, Library as “third place” Lake City Public Library, that’s too, the location has given the busi- For more than 20 years, the citizens exactly what you’ll encounter. ness lots of exposure. “We get a lot of Austin, Texas, have yearned “Having any of these within a of walk-in traffic,” he says. for a bigger, more modern central flagship library is a unique arrange- public library. “We have a vibrant ment,” says Andrew Shaw, the Shared space in the and rapidly growing city here, and library’s communications manager. college library we have all kinds of people who In addition, a café, a coffee shop, Community and commodity regu- expect all kinds of services,” says a public radio station, a writing larly intersect on college campuses, John Gillum, Austin Public Library center, and a library store occupy and North Carolina State University facilities process manager. With the the first floor, steps from the main (NCSU) is no exception. NCSU’s planned grand opening ceremony library entrance. main library, the D. H. Hill Library, of the New Central Library in April While the library is the main has housed a coffee shop and an or May 2017, those services will focus, this mixed-use space “gives ice-cream parlor for more than a finally be available. each visitor a sense of destination, decade, so when the university Planned amenities include a of experience,” says Shaw. began planning the James B. Hunt restaurant, bookstore, art gallery, What first attracted Lyndon Jr. Library, the notion that it, too, rooftop garden, event forum, and Tan, owner of The English Garden would contain shared space was bike corrals with an attached repair flower shop, to the library? “The already a given. shop for the convenience of patrons idea of community and retail Two spaces inside the new arriving via the adjacent hike-and- coming together,” he says. His busi- library offer important amenities: bike trail. While tenant contracts ness has been at the library since its Common Grounds Café, owned are still in the works, Gillum prom- inception, and in that time, Tan by the university dining system, ises the spaces will be “hip and hap-

has watched as “this new library and the Institute for Emerging pening,” adding that the library will Public City Library Salt Lake Photo:

20 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org have “the best public city views” we do benefit from sitting down “We are becoming the town anywhere in Austin. with everybody who has space in “Our world is changing rapidly,” the building on a regular basis and hall for people to interact with says Gillum. “[The library] has making sure we’re all aware of become a great third place between what’s going on,” says Deaton. each other.” work and home, where everyone is As a retailer attached to a public JOHN GILLUM, Austin Public Library facilities process manager entitled to go.” Much as Salt Lake entity, Tan, the florist in the Salt City’s library can be thought of as Lake City library, notes that politics a living room, Gillum envisions sometimes come into play. He also the Austin Public Library as a civic cautions that the library sometimes probably be easier to strike one of center of sorts. “We are becoming attracts people who aren’t con- these agreements [with tenants],” the town hall for people to interact scious about their environment. he says. “But you know, everyone with each other,” he says. “They sometimes need a little extra wants us to be a success,” he adds. help, and if you’re not willing to For Shaw, a library like Salt The challenge of put up with that, the library might Lake City’s showcases what public mixed-use environments not be the place for you,” he says. libraries are really about. “It takes a Though shared space within Overall, though, Tan values what he whole new set of skills, and a whole libraries can bring many boons, it calls a “symbiotic relationship” with new understanding of what it is to comes with challenges, too. the library. be a good landlord,” he says. “But I Several times a year at NCSU, In Austin, Gillum agrees that also think it’s just really worth it.” representatives from the library, being part of a government agency café, and several other areas meet can create additional hurdles. “If KAITLIN THROGMORTON is a freelance to discuss building logistics. “I think we weren’t a bureaucracy, it’d writer based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 21 interact with patrons. My desk is a Snapchat in the Library little hard to find, but since we introduced Snapchat, patrons now make Librarians master an app to reach millennials a beeline for my desk because they remember my face,” Graves says. Zinnia Bayardo, librarian at Dr. BY Paige uch has changed in the multimedia messages (“snaps”) Joe J. Bernal Middle School in San Alfonzo five years since Snapchat back and forth between friends. Antonio, also uses Snapchat for Marrived on the social media The ability to chat with your readers’ advisory. “We have a ‘Teen scene. It’s no longer the fledgling friends, use filters, toss in an emoji, Tuesday’ and ‘What Are You Read- “disappearing message app” used and showcase your lighthearted ing Wednesday’ every week where solely by teens. Snapchat is now side are some of the many reasons teens post photos of what they the poster child for the message- millennials have flocked to this are reading,” she says. “Over the focused social media apps that are platform. This mass migration of summer I had students asking me growing in popularity among young millennials to Snapchat has made when I was going to start posting users. It’s a platform that empha- librarians sit up and take notice. for Teen Tuesday again. I also had sizes interaction, capitalizing on Library Snapchat accounts have one student tell me that she read the playful side of social media and begun popping up over the past one of my book recommendations providing a way for users to send year, and the librarians behind that I shared on Snapchat. Our these accounts are finding ‘What Are You Reading Wednes- innovative ways to reach days’ have become particularly their patrons. popular because students really like Jennifer Eckert, seeing themselves.” librarian at Leon Springs Elementary School in San Promotion and news Antonio, finds Snapchat Snapchat is an excellent tool for to be “most popular event and program promotions: with kids in 4th and ■ Graves snapchats during events 5th grade.” Academic, at her multiple library branches. public, and school She recommends snapping librarians alike are find- objects rather than patrons, in ing ways to get creative case of privacy restrictions. with Snapchat. ■ Sarah Meisch-Lacombe, who handles Loyola University Chi- Readers’ cago Libraries’ Snapchat, uses it advisory to promote upcoming events like Alanna Graves, teen the library’s book sale. services librarian at ■ Hannah Byrd Little, middle Cape May County school librarian at the Webb (N.J.) Library, started School in Bell Buckle, Tennes- using Snapchat for see, likes to snap videos during the library’s #Teen- school assemblies. BookTuesday in Librarians also like to use Snap- November 2015. chat during the school year to share “Since introducing relevant news with patrons. “Social #TeenBookTuesday media is where students are getting we have seen our their news,” Byrd Little says, “so A snapchat featured books get it’s important that I share informa- from Leon checked out within tion out on those channels. Every Springs a week after our morning I take a snap of the school Elementary snaps. It’s also schedule because it can be confus- School in San Antonio. a great way to ing to students.”

22 Some of the entries in Nashville (Tenn.) Public Library’s Geofilter design contest for teens.

Behind the scenes Geofilters are graphic designs that creation, they held design work- Hosting a behind-the-scenes look appear when one is in a specific shops. “We took our standard at the library is a popular way to location. On Snapchat they come workshop and changed the focus engage the community. This can in two flavors, Community (free to Geofilter design using Adobe be an inside look at spaces and to design) and On-Demand (for a Illustrator,” Tognoni says. “Using objects in the library or a peek at fee, mostly used by business and professional software is a great what library staff and faculty are brands). way to teach teens skills that will up to. Stacy Taylor, user experience To test the waters before they translate into jobs, and Geofilters librarian at Central Washington commit to an official Snapchat work as natural marketing for the University in Ellensburg, says, “We account, Nashville (Tenn.) Public library.” do 10-second ‘elevator speeches’ Librarians Nicholas Tognoni and with our library faculty.” Josephine Wood created a Geofil- Teen takeovers Nancy Jo Lambert, librarian at ter contest. “We’re encouraging An emerging trend of interest to Reedy High School library in Frisco, patrons to use iconic aspects of the librarians is “teen takeovers” or Texas, explains: “Students really library building and other local Snapchat ambassadorships. “This like when we feature our teachers Geofilters as their design inspira- fall I want to start doing a ‘Takeover on Snapchat using filters—that’s tions.” To ensure that their patrons Tuesday’ with our student workers,” the type of content that gets the were prepared for Geofilter Taylor says. Tognoni and Wood most screenshots.” add, “If we do start an account, Meisch-Lacombe gives students we’d like to allow teens to be con- a glimpse at what academic library tent creators and maybe have them staff like to do after hours by taking “Social media is film a 3D printing session.” videos of Loyola’s “Library Olym- Overall, librarians have found pics,” a staff event the library hosts where students are Snapchat to be an innovative every year. “I like to take video getting their news, tool for interacting with patrons. of some of the events we do, like Bayardo sums it up: “There is a ‘book-on-the-head racing,’ to give so it’s important trend of meeting students where personality to our snaps,” she says. they’re at, whether it’s messaging “It’s better than just posting static that I share or instruction, and it’s important content.” She also takes a “Throw- that we make it easy for students to back Thursday” approach and high- information out on learn about the library.” lights some interesting items, such those channels.” as Vogue issues from bygone years. PAIGE ALFONZO is a PhD student HANNAH BYRD LITTLE, middle at the University of Denver studying school librarian at the Webb School research methods. She created a Geoﬁlters in Bell Buckle, Tennessee directory of libraries on Snapchat Snapchat’s Geofilter feature has on her blog, Library Enumerations become widely popular with users. (bit.ly/2cGF140).

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 23 The Open+ card reader allows secure access for registered patrons.

headquarters branch, where administrative staff could keep a close eye on the implementation. For this phase, we decided that customers 18 years of age or older who hold a library card in good standing could register for Open+ at any of GCPL’s 15 branches for a one-time fee of $5 and access the Lawrence- ville branch 8–10 a.m., two hours before regular operating hours, Monday–Friday. A dozen security cameras were installed throughout the interior A Self-Service Experiment and exterior of the branch, along Gwinnett County Public Library tests adding with a card reader for patrons to scan and gain entry. Lighting and hours without extra staff time security systems were wired to our existing network. While no staff members are on the branch floor s libraries face cloudy funding forecasts and stagnant budgets, innovation and during Open+ hours, they are in creativity become driving forces to increase a community’s access to library the building and frequently monitor Amaterials, programs, and services. With uncertainty comes an opportunity to the camera screen. If a patron tries reinvent and find new ways to serve a growing population of patrons. Gwinnett County to leave with a book or other mate- (Ga.) Public Library (GCPL) used that opportunity to partner with tech company Biblio- rial that hasn’t been checked out, theca and bring in a new service that allowed the system to expand hours at one location the security gates will sound, trig- without adding staff time. GCPL Marketing and Communications Officer Clifford Ibar- gering the camera system to take rondo explains how the library is using Open+. several still photographs. A landline phone is available on the branch floor for emergencies. BY Clifford n 2015, Gwinnett County (Ga.) with a needed technology update to Staffers have participated in each Ibarrondo Public Library (GCPL) intro- replace our existing self-checkout phase of the system from installation I duced a strategic plan focused on kiosks and security gates. to implementation and have been community needs, outreach, and Open+ is a complete system that receptive to Open+, though seeing engagement. Our primary goal was automatically controls and monitors customers walking around the to increase community access to our building entry, self-service kiosks, branch during the preopening rou- resources and collections through and public-access computers. The tine has taken some getting used to. efficient, cost-effective measures. system, which also controls the And patrons have definitely Earlier this year, GCPL was lighting, alarms, public announce- responded. Wendy Phraner took approached by international library ments, and patron safety in the to Twitter to share her excitement: technology company Bibliotheca branch, has been used for several “I’m proud to say I was the first (which has an office in nearby Nor- years in countries such as the UK patron to try Open+ today, and I cross) to become the first library and Denmark. It seemed like the LOVED it! Thank you GCPL!” in North America to use Open+, a perfect fit for our needs as we aim to The service has become popular technology that grants customers expand access within the restraints among many customers from the self-service use of the library outside of our current staffing level. system’s 14 other branch locations. normal operating hours. This came Our pilot program began Of 112 active users, 77 have reg-

at a great time for us, coinciding June 20 at GCPL’s Lawrenceville istered from a non–Lawrenceville Bibliotheca Photo:

24 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org branch. We didn’t anticipate having such a distribution of users spread across the county, but many GCPL patrons do use multiple branches. While GCPL enjoys high atten- Cape Town Book dance through traditional programs, workshops, and librarian Donation Project services, the most common uses of Open+ include casual reading and SOUTH AFRICA Hundreds of children in Cape browsing, picking up holds, and Town were given the gift of books, audiobooks, and using computers. The branch can DVDs through the collaboration and donation of also be used by small groups on a librarians all over the world. Through the “Give a first-come, first-served basis for Book, Change a Life: Cape Town Book Donation meetings, presentations, and study Project” developed by the Africa Subcommittee groups during this time. of ALA’s International Relations Committee, more Most patron feedback includes than 500 library resources were collected during requests to expand Open+ to other the 2015 IFLA Congress in Cape Town and sent to branches. While we currently have five local schools.—International Leads 30, no. 3 (Sept.): 9. no plans to expand, Open+ will Students in Dal become available at Lawrenceville Josephat school NEW ZEALAND A mysterious high-pitched sound is used to on Sundays prior to opening to alle- receive library deter youths from fighting at the Papanui Library in Christchurch. viate foot traffic during one of the materials. The sound, “detectable only by young ears,” can be heard near the system’s busiest mornings. doors and in the foyer. Acting Head of Libraries Erica Rankin said the Another bonus of having an sound is beamed from a device for repelling mosquitoes. The New automated system that controls Zealand Council for Civil Liberties declared its use to be a violation opening and closing the branch is of human rights.—Christchurch Press, Aug. 30. that it allows library administration to easily test different times in the NETHERLANDS The PostNL mail corporation issued a future to best accommodate the sheet of stamps September 2 at the opening of the Book Parade community’s needs. in Amsterdam to mark the Year of the Book 2016. Ten books from the National Library of the Netherlands are depicted on the sheet. The most common uses of The books were chosen for diversity of both genre and period and include journals, children’s books, textbooks, picture books, and Open+ include casual reading literature by such authors as Jan Wolkers, Anne Frank, Baruch Spi- and browsing, picking up noza, and Max Euwe.—National Library of the Netherlands, Sept. 2. holds, and using computers. ROMANIA Avram Iancu, a librarian at the Municipal Library of Petroșani, became the first Romanian to swim across the English Channel. He managed the feat on August 29, after 18 hours of swimming, in his fourth attempt. Iancu crossed the 38.5 miles wearing Expanding access to the library only Speedos and a cap, following the requirements of the Channel starts with providing the commu- Swimming Association, which requires swimmers to be equipped nity with greater choice and flex- with no thermal protection. Only 1,386 people have managed to pull ibility. Open+ complements our off the feat solo.—Business Review (Bucharest), Aug. 31. staffed opening hours and allows GCPL to meet the needs of the KOREA Obtaining information about North Korea is never easy, whole community when they need especially in South Korea, where any sign of propaganda is illegal— resources the most. unless you’re on the fifth floor of the National Library in Seoul. The North Korea Information Center holds a massive collection of more

CLIFFORD IBARRONDO is marketing than 100,000 items, including newspapers, books, journals, films, and communications officer for Gwin- and the complete works of the ruling Kim family dynasty.—Stars and

Photo: Laddy Mckechnie Photo: nett County Public Library. Stripes, Aug. 22. •

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 25 Orange, N.J.) is pretty diverse in its resources. But our bus doesn’t stop there, so no one can go if they don’t have a guardian with them. Which I know is kind of difficult for some kids who need that information or need a computer. Sometimes the books that get recommended aren’t the books that the kids really want to read. So I wish that there was somehow a committee of people who would choose books for kids based on kids’ input.

Marley Dias What other role has your Bringing diversity to kids’ books local library played? My local library has played a giant role in my becoming a better reader. When I arley Dias is the 12-year-old creator of the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign. In an was younger, my mom and I used effort to provide more diversity in books for younger children, for almost a year to go very often, and we would get MDias has been collecting books with black girls as the main character and donat- these books about each letter of the ing them to school libraries. She recently spoke with American Libraries regarding her alphabet. I think that those are the progress with the campaign and what she has planned next. kinds of books that made reading more exciting. At school every year we had a library presentation. It BY Megan How many books have you with something, I know that I need encouraged kids to read more, and I Perrero collected? I’ve collected 7,000 to calm down and just focus on the think that made it a lot more fun for books and donated them to six dif- things that I can take slowly instead other kids to understand how cool ferent cities since November 2015. of rushing through everything. I try reading is. to enjoy every moment I have. How did you start the cam- What’s next for you? We’re paign? In my 5th-grade class, I saw Where else have you distrib- going to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to that books like Where the Red Fern uted books? I’ve also donated help people affected by the flooding Grows, the Shiloh series, and Crash to my elementary school in West and to donate books and fun things all weren’t featuring black girls, Orange, New Jersey, which is for kids and mothers. Because I’ve and those were the books being another kind of full circle of giving never gone through an experience assigned. So I told my mom, and back because that’s where the as traumatic as something hap- she said, “Well, what are you going problem of not seeing diverse books pening to my home, I want to help to do about it?” So that’s really how started for me. I wanted to make people who have experienced that. the campaign started. I wanted to sure I could solve that problem for I also want to write a book about collect 1,000 books where black people younger than me. I’ve also black girls’ lives. I think it’s going to girls are the main characters and donated to schools in Newtown, be a fun journey to write the book. donate them to the high school in Connecticut; Philadelphia; and I’m not sure of the exact timeframe, St. Mary, Jamaica, that my mother Newark, New Jersey, as well as to but I’m thinking of ideas. attended, so I would be able to give a project that offers books about back to her community. dancing and girls of color in dance. Donate books to GrassRoots Community Foundation, 59 Main Street, Suite 323, How do you balance school How can libraries diversify West Orange, NJ 07052, or at grassroots and the campaign? It’s some- their book collections? I communityfoundation.org. thing I’m really passionate about, wish school buses would make and I know what my boundaries are stops at libraries, because I know MEGAN PERRERO is an editorial intern for school. So if I’m really struggling that my hometown library (West at American Libraries. Cipriani Mecchi Andrea Photo:

26 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org “Some of my brothers, sisters, and cousins, we went down to the public library in the little town of Troy, Alabama, trying to get a library card—trying to check out some books. And we were told by the librarian that the library was for whites only and not for coloreds. I never went back to that building until July 5, 1998, for a book signing for my ﬁrst book. And black and white citizens showed up, and they gave me a library card.” Civil rights leader and US Rep. JOHN LEWIS (D-Ga.), on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, August 8.

“I am critical of universities spending “I don’t know that I agree that a person is money to build new library buildings born to be a librarian, but most librarians when libraries are now online ... even that I know seem to really love what they on your phone. The cost then gets do. It’s a pretty service-heavy profession. passed onto students as tuition costs Most librarians get into it because they get hiked. Universities know that the like working with people and helping federal government will loan the money people, and I think that fosters the to students, and buildings can often just sense of community and collaboration. be vanity projects, not necessities.” Those are things that are often parts of

GRETA VAN SUSTEREN, on Facebook, September 10. one’s individual personality as well.” THERESA QUILL, a research librarian at Indiana University Bloomington, quoted in “A Snapshot of a “I BELIEVE THE BRAIN IS LIKE 21st-Century Librarian,” The Atlantic, July 25. A MUSCLE. AND READING HAS DEFINITELY MADE MINE STRONGER. “When I first met Mrs. Caffiere, she was the elegant MY ENLIGHTENED BRAIN HAS NOW and engaging school librarian at Seattle’s View FED MY SOUL TOO. IN A SENSE THE Ridge Elementary, and I was a timid 4th-grader. LIBRARY GAVE ME BACK MY LIFE. IT’S I was desperately trying to go unnoticed, because HELPED ME TO MEET OTHERS MORE I had some big deficits, like atrocious handwriting (experts now call it dysgraphia) and a comically MATURE THAN ME, PEOPLE WHO messy desk. And I was trying to hide the fact that I CAN DISCUSS ISSUES WITH AND I liked to read—something that was cool for girls LEARN THINGS FROM. I WOULD SAY but not for boys. Mrs. Caffiere took me under THAT JUST LIKE THE BODY NEEDS her wing and helped make it okay for me to be a FOOD, THE SOUL NEEDS BOOKS.” messy, nerdy boy who was reading lots of books.” ABDULBASET ALAHMAR, in “Syria’s Secret Library,” BILL GATES, in “A Teacher Who Changed My Life,”

Photo: Cognotes Photo: BBC News Magazine, July 28. GatesNotes, August 16.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 27 In the Trenches Library life isn’t always glamorous

he scene: a cocktail party. The This can come as a surprise to people dramatis personae: a well- new to the field, though, who haven’t yet appointed gentleman and an dealt with meddling city councilors, pro- unassuming woman who fall vosts with designs on empire building, into conversation; he asks or principals with Views on Libraries. Twhat she does, and she replies that she’s It’s also not entirely comfortable for a librarian. He gets that isn’t-that-darling everyone—lots of people come to us look on his face—you know the one I with noble intent and a strong desire to mean—and says something oily like how wherever she went. I learned, as we serve their communities, rather fewer exciting that must be, to which she fires all do eventually, that any library is an because they can’t get enough of late- back, deadpan: “Yes, it’s all about the inherently political entity, beholden to a night budget meetings. But you can’t power and the money.” number of stakeholders, often with com- serve a community if you’re not part That’s a great story, true or not, peting or at least different interests, often of it, and that’s where the grubby part with an even better punch line. It likely with higher priorities and bigger fish to often lies. produced a few knowing nods and wry fry than us, except when something very Yes, it’s all about the power and the smiles just now, and it’s also quite effec- good or very bad happens; navigating all money, and if you don’t have one, it’s tive with people unfamiliar with what that while trying to keep the doors open, hard to get the other, and libraries rarely actually goes on libraries. They think we innovate, and not lose your mind can be possess either by default. Every library sit around all day shushing people and a challenge, to say the least. competes for resources against some reading Good Books, as opposed to, say, My favorite example of this: Back other unit or organization; I want my stu- arm-wrestling with vendors or puzzling when Deborah Jacobs was Seattle’s city dents to appreciate these hard, cold reali- about rights management or scheming to librarian (1997–2008), she often taught ties, and also to understand that the most get just one more staff position. our course on public libraries and advo- effective tool in our kit is the support and I was reminded of this the other day as cacy. She would regularly get the mayor participation of our clienteles, to make I was prepping to teach our fall course on of Seattle to come visit her class (one these systems work in our favor. the history and foundations of libraries. could always tell by the thuggish body- Now, we’re not alone in this. Schools, Growing up as I did with a mother who guard hulking in the hallway), which hospitals, museums, parks, and lots of worked in our small-town public library, alone speaks volumes about how to navi- other institutions and organizations are I remember being vaguely aware of gate the waters political. in similar circumstances. Libraries are something called a “board” of people unusual in one regard, however: You who had something to do with the run- can walk into almost any library and ning of the place. Whenever one of them Any library is an find the seeds to change, disrupt, even turned up, Betty Angelino, our estimable inherently political overthrow the very power structure we director, would drop everything, so they emerge from. It’s probably just as well must have been important, though the entity, beholden to a people don’t realize how subversive 10-year-old me wasn’t quite clear why. and dangerous we can be … but that’s I later came to understand, of course, number of stakeholders, another story. as I watched Betty go to meeting after meeting of the Rotary Club and the often with competing JOSEPH JANES is associate professor at Chamber of Commerce, always schmooz- or at least different the Information School of the University of ing, always talking about the library at Washington in Seattle and the creator of the the grocery store, at church, at the bank, interests. Documents That Changed the World podcast.

28 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Let’s Get Visual Harnessing data visualization to demonstrate a library’s impact

e collect lots of data ing infographics. Web-based tools include about our libraries. Inkscape (inkscape.org)—an open-source Visits, circulation, on my alternative to Adobe Illustrator—as well Wi-Fi usage, program as Piktochart (piktochart.com), Venngage attendance, user mind (venngage.com), and Canva (canva.com). Wsatisfaction—the list seems endless. And BY Linda Hofschire Added advantages of these latter three perhaps our initial inclination is to share tools are that they provide templates, so all of this data with decision makers, you don’t have to start with a blank canvas, because more information is better, right? Find your story. We are doing data and they are intuitive and easy to learn. That is, until our stakeholders miss our visualization, which means that the num- Microsoft Office programs such as Pub- main points because they’re wading bers should set the direction you take. lisher and PowerPoint are also possibilities. through so many statistics. Review all of the relevant figures and You can view an infographic template There is a better way. I work at Colorado think about which ones best express the I designed entirely in PowerPoint here: State Library’s Library Research Service, narrative you want to tell. Focus on these s.lrs.org/pptinfographic. and several years ago we took a step back and get rid of the rest. In my case, there Share your data. At this point, you to think about how we were presenting were dozens of data sets, but the most have invested a lot of time and effort into our research findings, which were mostly compelling findings for my target audi- your visualization, so you will want to find thick reports full of statistical jargon. What ence were those that emphasized the all- ways to share it broadly and maximize its prompted this reflection was feedback from important student test scores. I selected use. Perhaps you could take snippets of school librarians about our best-known data that showed school libraries posi- the report, like the Bill and Melinda Gates body of research, a series of studies demon- tively impacting reading scores, regardless Foundation does (bit.ly/2c8ABS3), and strating the impact of school libraries on of such mitigating factors as student pov- post them on social media. Or consider student achievement. The librarians essen- erty level and overall staffing losses. embedding individual statistics on text- tially told us, “Nice studies, but to get our Select design tools. Think about what heavy pages of your annual report, similar administrators’ attention and demonstrate software you need to design your visual- to New York Public Library (on.nypl.org/ impact, we need you to present research in ization. I use Adobe Illustrator. This is a 2cRJHnS). a more concise and accessible way.” With powerful design tool but has some signif- Think of data visualization as being that, we knew it was time to get visual. icant barriers, including cost and a steep on a continuum. Simple design elements I reviewed this series of studies span- learning curve. However, there are plenty such as Excel charts occupy one side of ning more than two decades and won- of lower-cost and free solutions for design- this spectrum, while complex infographics dered how it could be turned into a data occupy the other. Effective visualizations visualization that fit on one legal-size can be created at both ends of this contin- sheet of paper (bit.ly/2cREbSg). Here is uum and anywhere in between. No matter the plan I used to achieve this task: The librarians essentially the complexity of your visualization, try Determine your audience. Who told us, “Nice studies, using the process described above to make is the target audience for your data strategic decisions whenever you are pre- visualization? My audience was school but we need you to senting data. Doing so will keep decision administrators, including principals and makers focused on your message instead superintendents. Your answer to this ques- present research in of lost in a sea of numbers. tion should determine your approach to a more concise and the rest of the design process and help you LINDA HOFSCHIRE is director of the Library streamline what to present. accessible way.” Research Service at Colorado State Library.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 29 Rethinking the National Library Preserving a record of US life, achievement, and history in a digital world

he recent appointment of Carla photographers, and other content creators Hayden as Librarian of Con- be expected to relinquish even more reve- gress makes this a good time nue and creative control? to reconsider the library’s role Weakening copyright protections could in the life of the nation and also be perceived as hostile to those who Tconfront the problems caused by years of BY Bernard F. Reilly Jr. contribute important public goods to society stasis at this revered national institution. and damage a relationship that has served During the most transformative decades the public well. As a trusted repository in the history of information since Guten- photographs, newspapers, and films avail- of the papers of distinguished American berg, the Library of Congress (LC)—like able online. American Memory became a composers, choreographers, and political other national libraries—was outpaced model for national libraries at the time and cartoonists, LC would probably not want to by the lightning developments in digital is regularly mined by educators, research- be a party to undermining the viability of technology and now finds itself dwarfed ers, and ordinary citizens. cultural and intellectual production. by information behemoths like Amazon, But today such an effort would be—to Bloomberg, and Google and struggling to paraphrase hockey great Wayne Gretzky— The myth of “archiving” the web remain relevant. skating to where the puck was, rather than The idea that LC should mimic the exam- The end of the James H. Billington era where it is going to be. Since digital pub- ple of certain national libraries abroad and has prompted an outpouring of advice lishing is relatively inexpensive, adding aggressively collect born-digital materi- from scholars and pundits on a new more to the oceans of free content would als is simplistic as well. True, the British agenda for LC, from mass digitization of accomplish little. Practical obstacles like Library, Bibliothèque nationale de France, the library’s book collections and whole- author and publisher copyrights also stand and other national libraries are system- sale archiving of websites to relaxing in the way. The National Library of the atically harvesting ebooks, websites, and copyright restrictions. Yet many of these Netherlands, after spending more than other electronic content, while more than prescriptions align poorly with the reali- $200 million to digitize its collection of two decades since The New York Times ties of the digital present and are based on historic broadcasts, found itself in a quag- launched its website, LC still lacks the outdated notions of what libraries do. At mire of rights issues that prevented its put- ability to systematically capture the critical a time when much of the basic infrastruc- ting more than a small fraction of the new text, multimedia, and still and moving- ture of knowledge has been privatized, digital corpus online. Other complexities image web content that is the new “first, greater aspirations for the national library surround opening up sensitive materials rough draft of history,” as many have said are in order. Present circumstances call for such as the papers of former secretaries of of newspapers. a radical renegotiation of the role of the state and recent Supreme Court justices. Unfortunately, substantial invest- national library in a democratic society. Relaxing copyright or, as has been ment abroad in this arena has paid suggested, encouraging authors to relin- meager returns. Copyright prevents most The dubious wisdom of quish protections on their intellectual electronic works collected from being digitizing the past property would enable LC to expose more accessed outside most national libraries’ One idea put forward—mass digitization of of its holdings on the web but would also premises—not a winning solution, given the library’s collections—made sense before raise economic and political issues. As how much learning and research takes the arrival of Amazon and Google Books, Hayden pointed out in her April Senate place online. LC did in fact wade into when information was not ubiquitous. In hearing, the interests of the creative this territory. Between 2000 and 2007 its fact, two decades ago the library did create community have already been harmed by National Digital Information and Infra- the vast American Memory digital library, exploitative business models in the tech- structure Preservation Program (NDIIPP) making terabytes of books, manuscripts, nology sector. Should writers, musicians, invested close to $55 million in an effort to

30 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org At a time when much of the basic infrastructure of knowledge has been privatized, greater aspirations for the national library are in order.

develop new strategies and technologies A new division of labor Public knowledge and the cloud for preserving websites and other born- The old paradigms at work here sell The Washington Post and others have digital media. To date, LC’s website har- libraries short. More than just repositories, asserted, not without cause, that LC is vests, like those of other national libraries, libraries have historically maintained a poorly equipped to confront the challenges have produced seriously flawed data sets: longstanding symbiotic relationship with of digital information, citing its failure to Sites captured are often incomplete and the creative sector that has served the invest adequately in IT. But the problem rife with broken links. citizenry well. In simple terms, writers, may be structural: the growing asymme- musicians, and other creative individuals try in IT capability between the private The heart of the matter produced works, and publishers and the and public sectors. Cloud-based informa- The problem is that digital media media bore the costs of editing, publishing, tion providers like Amazon, Bloomberg, by nature defy traditional notions of and distributing them. Libraries provided Google, and YouTube sit atop a vast new archiving, which are based on the idea of a secondary market for those works and infrastructure scaled to meet the demands libraries as repositories of discrete phys- made them available to a wider public. of Big Data and its users. By many esti- ical works, like books, manuscripts, and This was good for libraries and pub- mates, more content now resides in the films. Digital works change constantly lishers. Publishers earned revenue on cloud than in the national libraries of all as enabling technologies evolve, and sales to libraries, and out-of-print works major countries combined.* they are often platform dependent. LC’s remained on library shelves. This enabled That content is melded with tools and recent experience with preserving social public libraries to level the playing field for analytical capabilities that enable users to media is instructive. In 2010, plans were Americans, providing all citizens access to mine it for meaningful patterns, trends, announced for LC to archive all of Twitter. useful and practical information, knowl- and new knowledge. Proprietary systems Five years later, Politico reported that the edge, and culture. enrich the content with metadata— project was in limbo and that LC was “still Central to this arrangement was the subject tags, geospatial coordinates, time- grappling with how to manage an archive mechanism of copyright. The US Copyright stamps, and information on authorship that amounts to something like half a tril- Office, based at LC, helped authors and and rights—endowing it with powerful lion tweets.” publishers protect their investment in intel- functionality. LC will have to engage the Scale was not the only problem. When lectual, scientific, and creative activity. aggregators and cloud services in the social media feeds are removed from And the deposit requirement for copyright project of ensuring access to knowledge in their native environment, documentary protection was a powerful engine that built ways that serve the interests of all citizens integrity is undermined. Metadata on the many of LC’s unparalleled collections. and future generations. source, timing, and geolocation of posts This longstanding symbiotic relationship For starters, it might be appropriate for are often lost; information on follows, no longer functions as it once did. The inter- the new Librarian of Congress to step into retweets, and other circulation indica- net has rerouted the information supply the public conversation on net neutrality. tors disappear. The explosive growth of chain. Today libraries are where people go The interests of the general information network analysis suggests that metadata to access scholarly, legal, genealogical, and consumer are not well represented, and is as important as the content itself. No business databases, which are hosted by the playing field favors telecommunica- surprise, then, that creating a separate publishers. Under these circumstances, how tions giants and major platform and con- preservation platform to replicate and then does LC fulfill its responsibility to pre- tent providers. maintain the true functionality of Twitter serve “a comprehensive record of American The library could also attempt to broker content turns out to be a heavy lift. life, achievement, and history”? something akin to national site licenses

*In 2012 LC reported three petabytes of digital collections. Sebastian Anthony on the ExtremeTech blog (“How Big is the Cloud?”) estimated May 23, 2012, that Amazon, Facebook, and Microsoft held 500 to 1,400 petabytes. So conservatively, those companies plus Google could hold over 100 LCs.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 31 to make key legal, financial, and public enabling full functionality of digital works preserve it, LC documented political opin- affairs databases available to all citizens. on multiple platforms in much the same ion and ideology of all stripes. In an age of income inequality, providing way LC enlisted publishers in the 1970s to Unfortunately, the OvOp program has access to such data for entrepreneurs, pro- adopt acid-free paper. suffered in recent years from funding cuts prietors of small businesses, independent and shortsighted policy decisions. And scholars, and students could be empower- An obligation to protect as the web emerged as the new “street,” ing. The nation’s public libraries, speaking There was another important dimension to agents on the ground became less effec- with one voice through LC and wielding the historic division of labor. In the past, LC tive. Congressional policymakers must the bargaining power of the single payer, was a repository of last resort for records now rely on web monitoring by private- might well democratize access to import- and evidence unlikely to be preserved in sector operations like the SITE Intelligence ant knowledge. the private sector. Shortly after World War Group and costly databases from commer- Such leverage might yield another II, LC took custody of a small collection of cial providers like the Economist Intelli- social good: privacy for information con- photographic negatives by famed photog- gence Unit and Bloomberg LLC. Because sumers. US libraries rigorously protect rapher Ansel Adams. The negatives docu- so much information resides in the cloud, circulation records and other data they mented the confinement of thousands of corporate behaviors like the alleged engi- collect about what people read, view, and Japanese Americans in internment camps. neering of bias into the Facebook and listen to. But when content is served from Sympathy for the internees was scarce at Twitter platforms can distort the public the cloud, publishers and platform provid- the time, and copies of Adams’s 1944 book record. These developments threaten to ers are privy to that information and sell Born Free and Equal were burned publicly. weaken policy research in the public realm and trade it in myriad ways. The library Adams turned to LC for the safekeeping of and tilt the playing field toward private- might negotiate greater transparency and his negatives. sector entities: lobbyists, trade associa- even reasonable curbs on such practices. The library has also been a refuge for tions, and political action committees. politically sensitive documentation from Again, engaging key providers could help The lever of copyright outside the US. During the Cold War, its increase transparency and affordability in The long-tail economics of digital con- Overseas Operations Division (OvOp) pre- the market for critical information. tent create incentives for providers to served newspapers, political posters, gov- LC may not set the terms for access to keep their content alive, a task once left ernment reports, and other materials from knowledge worldwide but can at least, as to libraries. Yet corporations fail, and developing regions and conflict zones. it once was, be a force for equalizing those libraries tend to endure. For the wealth of OvOp staff and their agents were “on the terms. The challenges are formidable, cloud-based content to remain accessible street” in Islamabad, Jakarta, Kabul, and and must be met in a time of dwindling and functional over time, applications and Nairobi, where gathering such materials resources. But the discussion needs to supporting technical platforms must be could be difficult and even dangerous. move beyond dated strategies like mass able to survive provider failure or aban- While national libraries in many countries digitization and web archiving, strategies donment. Perhaps copyright registration function as tools of the regime, as likely that are at best rear-guard actions. could be refashioned to accommodate to suppress the literature of dissent as to Crafting a new curatorial role for LC escrow of the code for the enabling deliv- will require imagination and rigor, capa- ery platforms for nationally licensed data- bilities that it has found in the past and bases. Then the Copyright Office would The Library of Congress can surely summon once again. At stake once again be an engine for creating public is nothing less than the integrity of vital assets and central to the national digital may not set the terms information and evidence, for the nation preservation apparatus. and for the world. Perhaps LC could also prevail upon for access to knowledge Congress to offer tax incentives for media BERNARD F. REILLY JR. is president of the worldwide but can Center for Research Libraries, a consortium of companies that maintain content in ways US and Canadian university, college, and inde- that make it easy to eventually release to at least be a force for pendent research libraries devoted to sup- the public domain. Together, LC and the porting advanced research in the humanities, technology community might succeed in equalizing those terms. sciences, and social sciences.

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*Offer good for new subscribers only. Expires January 31, 2017 FELLOWSHIP of the FANS Connecting with teens through the magic of fan fiction

STORY BY Anne Ford ILLUSTRATIONS BY Tom Deja

s a youth and teen services librarian at North Liberty (Iowa) Community Library, Andrew Frisbie was used to seeking creative ways to help shy ado- lescent patrons feel more comfortable. ASo when one of his teenage regulars, “Shelby” (not her real name), confessed that she loved writing fan fiction, he smiled and said, “Me too!” That was the beginning of a big confidence boost on Shelby’s part, says Frisbie, who is now a collection development librarian at the same branch. The pair began collaborating on a story based on characters from the video-game series The Legend of Zelda, taking it in turns each week to continue and give feedback on the other person’s work.

34 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org OWSHIP FANS

“It made it much easier for her to engage with me the power of words, and more confident in their own and with the rest of our staff,” Frisbie says. “And she got abilities—can fan fiction really do all this? more confident in her writing. She got a lot less appre- hensive and a lot more excited about handing over what A quIck hIstory of fanﬁc she had written.” Fan fiction (often abbreviated “fanfic”) is fiction based All of that during a stage of life when many patrons on an existing work, such as a novel, television show, are more consumed with after-school jobs and burgeon- or movie. It may use the original work’s characters, ing romantic relationships than with what’s going on at setting, or both. It may create new relationships for their local library. characters, place characters in completely different set- Getting teens more comfortable engaging with tings, invent new characters, combine characters from the library and librarians, more enthusiastic about different works, or all of the above. And it may change

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 35 characters’ genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and physical or mental abilities. How to speak “Depending on how widely you want to open up the definition, you can find evidence for fan fiction going back centuries,” says Nancy-Anne Davies, adult services librarian at the Lillian H. Smith district branch of the Toronto Public Library and one of the presenters of a fan fiction program at the 2015 Ontario Library Association fanfIc Super Conference. To give just a few examples: Shakespeare borrowed ike everything else on the internet, fan fiction the characters and plot of Romeo and Juliet from a nar- features its own vocabulary. Here, a quick primer rative poem, Arthur Brooke’s The Tragicall Historye of Lto some of the most helpful terms. Romeus and Juliet, which in turn was based on a French translation of an Italian novella by Matteo Bandello. AO3 Archive of HET Heterosexual Skipping a few centuries, in 1913, Englishwoman Our Own, one of the Sybil G. Brinton took characters from six Jane Austen most popular fan MARY SUE novels and brought them into one new work of her own, fiction websites A character obviously Old Friends and New Fancies. (And here you thought invented as a stand-in the Jane Austen fanfic craze began in 2009 with Seth AU Alternate universe. for the fan fiction author Grahame-Smith’s Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.) If a fanfic is AU, it fea- Plenty of well-respected modern authors have used tures characters from OTP One True Pair- an existing work of literature as a jumping-off point for the original work in a ing, meaning the read- another one. Take Jean Rhys’s Wide Sargasso Sea, which, completely new setting. er’s favorite romantically written as a prequel to Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, con- linked couple within siders the life story of the “madwoman in the attic.” Or CANON The a particular fandom consider Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern source material for a Are Dead, the absurdist play that takes two minor char- work of fan fiction RPF Real Person acters from Shakespeare’s Hamlet and sets them at the Fiction, meaning fan- center of the action. CROSSOVER fiction stories about But the piece of fan fiction that’s grabbed the most Fan fiction that uses real people (usually attention recently is the 2011 erotic romance novel characters from two celebrities), rather than Fifty Shades of Grey. The trilogy’s author, E. L. James, or more sources fictional characters originally wrote the book and its sequels as fan fiction of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series, then rewrote them DRABBLE A piece SHIP Short for and changed the characters’ names so that they could be of fan fiction that is “relationship.” Can be published as original works. exactly 100 words long used as a noun or a “Here you had a published work of fan fiction widely verb. Example: “Which available in libraries and that people were reading in FANART Fan-created characters do you book clubs,” Davies says. “There definitely was this really artwork that depicts char- ship?” “My favorite ship big shift in the mainstream attitude [toward fan fiction].” acters or other aspects is Sherlock/Molly.” Then, too, wildly popular young-adult author Cassan- of a work of fiction dra Clare started out writing Harry Potter and Lord of SLASH Slash fan the Rings fan fiction. Rainbow Rowell not only wrote an FANDOM A commu- fiction typically depicts entire novel, 2013’s Fangirl, that centered on a first-year nity of fans of a particular as gay male characters college student and her passion for fan fiction; she also work. Example: “Right who are portrayed as followed it up in 2015 by writing a novel, Carry On, set now I’m most active in straight in canon. The in the world about which Fangirl’s protagonist writes the Harry Potter fandom.” equivalent term for fan fiction. female characters is “And now we have [the play] Harry Potter and the GEN Short for “gen- “femslash,” although Cursed Child, picking up the original Harry Potter char- eral.” Indicates a work some fan fiction writ- acters years later, associated with the original author but of fanfiction that is not ers apply the term not written by her,” points out Rebecca Honeycutt, who specifically focused on a “slash” to this type of writes about new books for kids and teens in her role as romantic theme or plot. pairing as well. • NextReads bibliographer at NoveList, and who helped

36 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org deliver a presentation about fan fiction to the North Carolina Library Association last year. “We live in such a remix culture now.” Fanﬁc in the library As with many cultural changes, teens have been riding the fan fiction wave long before the rest of us, reading and sharing it on sites such as Archive of Our Own (archiveofourown.org), Wattpad (wattpad.com), and Fanfiction.net, which have been around for many years (in the case of the latter, since 1998). Though many librarians have long been familiar with the fan fiction phenome- non themselves, not until fairly recently have libraries started engaging patrons around it. One of the primary things fanfic offers readers that mainstream literature often doesn’t is a broader array of characters. “Fan fiction does have a long way to go regarding diversity, but you can find a lot more there than in mainstream fiction,” Honeycutt says. “So when readers are disappointed in something for that reason, fanfic can be a great panacea.” Davies agrees: “One of the things that lies at the heart of what makes fan fiction so dear to people is its ability to take characters and adapt them and claim spaces that they’ve previously been denied access to.” as bisexual—“which, for the part of She’s talking about the tendency of fanfic writers to the fandom that identifies that way, change characters’ genders, races, and whatever else would have been huge,” Davies says. they please—or to simply interpret a character’s existing “But the show never followed through traits in a particular way. In fan fiction, Sherlock Holmes on it, and a lot of people are still really doesn’t have to be merely aloof or antisocial; he can be angry about it, because they want on the autism spectrum, asexual, aromantic, all or none that representation. So even though it of the above, or something else entirely. “So the diversity wasn’t given to them, they’re still very impact is huge,” Davies says. adamant about claiming it for them- The ability of fan fiction to console those who don’t see selves.” Fan fiction lets them do that. themselves reflected in the works they love is especially Another reason for libraries to evident in the experience of fans of Teen Wolf, a show educate themselves about fan fiction, that began airing on MTV in 2011. in Honeycutt’s view: They have much At first, there was talk from the show’s creators that to learn from the way that fan fiction one of its characters, Stiles, would eventually be revealed readers search for what they read.

“Teens always like it when the librarian is as geeky and knowledgeable about different fandoms as they are. It makes the library a little bit more of a fun place for them to be.” JENNIFER FINCH, young adult services librarian at the Katherine Tyra branch of the Harris County Public Library in Houston

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 37 “Fan fiction sites have these great tag- ging systems that are often very wonderful and searchable in ways that libraries can’t always use, because they have these stan- dardized taxonomies,” she says. “But your readers’ advisory doesn’t have to be as hidebound as your catalog, so you can see what tropes people are into, what tags are popular, and that can organize how you recommend books to people. Fanfic readers are so used to being able to search for what they want and what they don’t want. And paying attention to that can help librarians see how people read and how they want to find what they want to read.” And then there’s the way in which simply being in the know about fan fiction can help a librarian draw in shy or disengaged patrons. “They always like it when the librarian is as geeky and knowledgeable about different fandoms as they are,” says Jennifer Finch, who regularly chats up teens about fan fiction in her role as young adult services librarian at the Katherine Tyra branch of the Harris County Public Library in Houston. “It makes the library a little bit more of a fun place for them to be.” Getting a fanﬁc group going Libraries that have a thriving young-adult population—or that would like to grow one— might consider starting a monthly fan fiction group, in which participants share feedback on each other’s works in a supportive setting. Davies started hers in early 2014, when she was working as a youth librarian. “I started to notice that the kids I was working with in our youth advisory group talked about fan fiction in an open way. That, for me, was kind of the light- bulb moment,” she says. “I asked them, ‘How would you feel about having a group where yourselves or other teens dedicated to fanfic could come once or twice a month to sit down and chew the fat about stuff you’re writing or reading in a library setting?’ They were really, really enthusiastic about it,” Davies says. So enthusiastic, in fact, that the Tumblr post she made to advertise the group received close to 1,500 likes. “We had librarians from all over the world contact us, saying, ‘Hey, we’d love to do this at our branch. What’s your advice?’” she remembers.

38 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org “One of the things that lies at the heart of what makes fan fiction so dear to people is its ability to take characters and adapt them and claim spaces that they’ve previously been denied access to.” NANCY-ANNE DAVIES, adult services librarian at the Lillian H. Smith district branch of the Toronto Public Library Around 30 kids from all over the city participated in from their creations, most creators are fine with it—or the first meeting, Davies says. “That number petered even delighted. No less a personage than Harry Potter out a little bit over time—we met once a month—but series author J. K. Rowling has said: “I find it very flat- we had a core group of between 10 and 15 kids. Since tering that people love the characters that much.” it was a drop-in type of program, we’d often get some The Organization for Transformative Works, a new faces showing up, too,” she adds. nonprofit group that provides access to and preserves Now that Davies has switched branches and posi- the history of fan works and fan cultures, states that tions, the teen group has vanished and a similar group fan fiction is considered fair use under current copy- for adults has taken its place. right law. (That said, some authors, such as George “It’s even more successful in some ways, because R. R. Martin and Laurell K. Hamilton, have explic- there’s more self-motivation, and there’s more of a itly discouraged fan fiction about their works. A list long-term commitment,” she says. The members of of these authors is available at fanlore.org/wiki/ the 22-person group share their work from week to Professional_Author_Fanfic_Policies.) week through a private Google Group. Between meet- Libraries that don’t have the staffing or other ings, everyone is responsible for reading what others resources to handle an ongoing writing group might have posted. consider having a fan fiction writing contest instead, “Groups like these, that bridge people’s online lives as librarian John Hilbert has done each year for the and their real lives, have the capacity to reach out to a past several years at Southern Oaks Library in Okla- library’s invisible customer base,” she continues. “For homa City. people who may have only interacted with the library “I’ll get anywhere from 15 to 35 pieces of writing, online or may have not been involved with the library and the local stores donate prizes,” he says. “And I’ll before, this is an impetus for them to get more involved.” get the judges to give critiques of the writing, because One concern librarians may have when starting a fan that’s what a lot of the young people want; they love fiction group for teens, especially teens of widely vary- the input. They’re really happy that they’re getting ing ages, is how to make sure the work shared in the some kind of recognition for their work.” group doesn’t veer into NC-17 territory. Like Finch and Frisbie, he’s found that fan fiction While it’s an unfortunate myth that all fan fiction is its own form of patron outreach. “These tend to be contains graphic descriptions of sexual activity, some young people who would not normally get involved of it does. And while facilitators can’t control what par- in the library,” he says. “They may hang out here, but ticipants access at home, they should set firm ground they’re not kids who would generally go to programs.” rules for what will and won’t be considered acceptable If you or your library aren’t ready to launch a full-out in the group. fan fiction group or contest just yet, know that being “I out-and-out explain that the fan fiction websites even just a bit more knowledgeable about this thriving have rating systems for a reason,” says Finch, who leads area can help you connect with readers. fan fiction writing workshops for teens each summer. “From a reader advisory perspective, just knowing “I tell them that the writing they do in the workshop about what is happening in fanfic culture keeps you should be of the same type that they could turn into current and allows you to make more passionate con- their teachers at school without getting into trouble. nections with your patrons,” Honeycutt says. “They’ll Usually, if you do it right, they just laugh.” remember you forever as the librarian who understood Librarians may also worry about copyright issues. what they were talking about.” After all, most teenagers who create fan fiction are more interested in writing about current popular ANNE FORD is a writer based in Evanston, characters, rather than those from works in the public Illinois, and editor-at-large for American Libraries. domain, such as Hamlet or Pride and Prejudice. How- ever, as long as fan fiction writers aren’t making a profit

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 39 America’s Librarian Carla Hayden plans to continue her career-long focus on access and technology as Librarian of Congress

BY Greg Landgraf

40 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org ewly sworn-in Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden recently had the opportunity to N read Rosa Parks’s handwritten notes react- ing to her 1955 arrest. The notes are part of the Rosa Parks collection the Library of Congress (LC) acquired in 2014, which also includes her family Bible and a flash card with the French word for “trousers” that she used as a bookmark. Hayden didn’t use any privileges of her new position to access Parks’s notes, however, because LC has digitized the collection and posted it online (bit.ly/2ctFS40). “I pulled it up on my iPad,” she says. “To think that a kid in Baltimore who just experienced the unrest there could look at Parks’s handwritten thoughts about unrest, that was chill- ing and incredibly poignant.” Expanding access to library materials has long been one of Hayden’s professional passions—equity of access was the theme of her 2003 –2004 term as ALA president—and using technology to achieve that is one of her priorities as Librarian of Congress. “At the Library of Congress, with the largest collection in the country, using technology to make sure that more collections are digitized and more materials are available online would be a

Top: Hayden takes the oath of office on wonderful way to expand access,” she says. the same Bible that Abraham Lincoln The Rosa Parks collection is one example of how that work and Barack Obama used when they were is already underway. “The library has just completed a com- sworn into the presidency. Bottom: Chief prehensive strategic plan (bit.ly/2coT8co), and people are Justice John Roberts, House Speaker geared to take up a number of issues,” she says. In particular, Paul Ryan, and Hayden's mother Colleen congratulate her after the ceremony. Hayden has been working with Chief Information Officer Ber- nard Barton to identify technology needs at the library and the US Copyright Office, a critical need identified by a 2015 Government Accountability Office report. Other priorities include modernizing copyright systems and practices, expanding content and programming to support research and lifelong learning, developing the library’s technology infrastructure, and improving the library’s governance. “I would like to engage the various stakeholders—the library users, Congress, and library community—to connect those strategic initiatives and do a listening tour of sorts.”

America’s library, America’s librarian While LC officially serves the US Congress, its work benefits libraries throughout the country. The National and International Outreach unit, established last May, is one new source of services that Hayden said many librarians may not know about. The office Photos: Shawn Miller Shawn Photos:

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 41 is responsible for public programs that promote literacy and lifelong learning, such as traveling exhibits, the National Book Festi- val, and the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. That’s in addition to LC’s widely known services, such as those for the nation’s network of libraries for the blind and physically handicapped for each state, and its cataloging. “Those are two that affect and help libraries every day,” Hayden says. In fact, cataloging was her first connection to LC: Part of her first library job was filing LC card sets as a children’s librarian at Chicago Public Library, starting in 1973. After receiving her MLS from the University of Chi-

From top: Hayden speaks cago, Hayden was library services coordinator at Chi- at the Ms. 2003 Women cago’s Museum of Science and Industry from 1982 to of the Year event at the 1987. That’s an experience she believes will be valuable National Press Club; ALA as Librarian of Congress. “There was a combination of President-Elect Hayden scholarship, working with curators for exhibit prepara- shows off her Save Amer- ica's Libraries button tion, and working with educators to open the first public at the 2003 Midwinter access library in an institution of that nature,” she says. Meeting & Exhibits; as After the Museum of Science and Industry, Hayden president, Hayden cuts became assistant professor of library science at the the ribbon at the 2004 Annual Conference and University of Pittsburgh. “That was a time when the Exhibition; Hayden hangs school was one of the first to have a robust information a sign in the window of technology program for undergrads, and corporate sup- the Enoch Pratt Free port of information technology and information science Library, where she was CEO during the unrest in programs,” she says. That helped Hayden understand the Baltimore in April 2015. information science element of librarianship and how to combine the two. She returned to Chicago Public Library as deputy commis- sioner and chief librarian in 1991. Two years later, however, she became executive director of Enoch Pratt Free Library (EPFL) in Baltimore, a position she held until becoming Librarian of Congress. “That experience will help me take part in almost rebooting an institution that has so much to offer,” Hayden says. Like LC today, EPFL at the time was “iconic,” as she described it, with collections dating back 500 years in its role as Maryland’s state library. But EPFL also faced serious challenges including budgetary problems, aging buildings, and out-of-date technology and outreach services. Staff members were open to change but also had fond memories of the traditional idea of what a library should be. Modernization required embracing new ideas and understanding the changing expectations of the library’s users as a base for making hard decisions that might go against those fondly remembered traditions—an experience Hayden believes will translate well to LC’s current challenges. “At different times in the library’s history, the people who have served as Librarian of Congress—scholars, librarians, lawyers— have each brought different skills,” she says. “As a librarian, I might have experiences to bring as the library faces a new part of its history, and a lot of that has to do with technology and accessibility.” Hayden is the first woman and the first African American to ); Cognotes (button, ribbon cutting); courtesy Enoch Pratt Free Library (open sign) (open Library Free Enoch Pratt courtesy ribbon cutting); (button, ); Cognotes

serve as Librarian of Congress. She acknowledged the historic Ms. nature of her role during her swearing-in ceremony Septem- ber 14. In her remarks, she addressed how African Americans

could be lashed or worse for learning to read. “As a descendant ( ALA Photos:

42 "As a descendant of people who were denied the right to read, to now have the opportunity to serve and lead the institution that is our national symbol of knowledge is a historic moment."

CARLA HAYDEN in remarks during her swearing-in ceremony September 14.

of people who were denied the right to read, to now have the From Baltimore to D.C. opportunity to serve and lead the institution that is our national How does someone become Librarian of Congress? Despite having symbol of knowledge is a historic moment,” she declared. She a history with President Obama—she became friends with the also noted wryly that Melvil Dewey encouraged women to Obamas during her time in Chicago—the process really began become librarians for reasons (such as their ability to bear pain with the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM). and perform monotonous tasks without boredom) now known to That office cast a wide net to seek and vet candidates for the posi- be both absurd and demeaning. tion. In fact, Hayden had been one of the nominators. “It was quite a moment when I turned from consultant into candidate,” she says. Leadership through the years President Obama formally nominated Hayden from OPM’s Hayden has long been a prominent figure in librarianship and list of finalists on February 24. Given Congress’s attitude toward has made her mark on several of the profession’s most pressing other presidential nominees in the final year of Obama’s term, issues. As ALA president, she was a vocal opponent of the Patriot however, there was some concern that her nomination would Act and the Section 215 provisions allowing the Justice Depart- never even be considered. ment and the FBI to access library user records. She also spoke “That’s where the goodwill of the library community came in,” against the 2000 Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), which Hayden says. “I felt almost like Switzerland,” in that her nomina- required libraries to install filters to block pornography, on the tion did not face major partisan opposition. Instead, most of the grounds that those filters could also block legitimate material. legislators Hayden met with shared stories about their local and In 2015, Hayden attracted attention for keeping all of EPFL’s state librarians at home and the librarians from their childhood. branches open as a haven, resource, and anchor for the com- Hayden’s CIPA position did lead some Republican senators munity during the unrest in Baltimore after 25-year-old Freddie to block her confirmation for several weeks. Senators Barbara Gray died in police custody. That included the library’s Penn- Mikulski and Ben Cardin, both Maryland Democrats, eventually sylvania Avenue branch, which is located at the center of the brokered a deal to allow the confirmation vote, which happened protests and across the street from several businesses that were July 13. burned. “If we close, we’re sending a signal that we’re afraid or The library community supported her candidacy strongly. that we aren’t going to be available when times are tough. We More than 140 national and regional organizations, educational should be open especially when times are tough,” she said in an institutions, and academic libraries—including ALA and every AL interview (bit.ly/2cjGpv4) at the time. state library association—submitted a letter urging her confirma- Hayden has received a long list of honors, both within the tion. Individual librarians also showed their support in a variety library world and outside of it. In 2013, she won ALA’s Joseph W. of ways, including the #Hayden4LOC social media campaign. Lippincott Award for distinguished service to the profession of “I’d like to say thank you in as many ways as I can,” Hayden librarianship. Specific work recognized by this award included says. “The support from librarians showed the power of the com- leadership of EPFL, her work to recruit librarians from underrep- munity, and it made all the difference in the world.” resented groups through the Spectrum Initiative, and her lead- Hayden also urged librarians to maintain and build on the good- ership in creating the Digital Public Library of America. She has will that the library community has with elected officials through twice delivered the Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach continued advocacy and letting representatives know the ways Services’ Jean E. Coleman Library Outreach Lecture, and she was that libraries work for their communities. Her relatively smooth named Librarian of the Year by Library Journal in 1995. confirmation process shows that advocacy can work. “It’s very Ms. magazine named her one of its Women of the Year in 2003 powerful, sitting in Washington, D.C., and realizing that the voice in recognition of her work against the Patriot Act, while Fortune of the people and library groups actually means a lot,” she says. named her one of the World’s Greatest Leaders this year. She is also a recipient of the DuBois Circle of Baltimore’s Legacy of GREG LANDGRAF is a regular contributor to Literacy Award; the President’s Medal from Johns Hopkins Uni- American Libraries. He lives in Chicago. versity; the Andrew White Medal from Loyola College; and honorary doctorates from the University of Baltimore, Morgan State University, and McDaniel College.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 43 ESSAand School Libraries

ALA/AASL sessions train librarians on the fundamentals

BY Sylvia Knight Norton and Marci Merola

44 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Timing, rules, and n December 2015, Congress passed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) amid strong bipartisan support. The House passed implementation Ithe bill 359–64, and seven days later the Senate passed the bill 2015 85–12; President Obama signed it into law on December 10 (bit .ly/ 2d2MfAl). The act, a long-overdue reauthorization of the 1965 DECEMBER 10 President Obama signs the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), for the first into law

time included language on “effective school library programs” DECEMBER 22 US Department of Edu- cation (ED) publishes Request for Infor- and student learning outcomes. Although this Sisyphean task mation on regulations for Title I of ESSA had been in the works since 2007, the legislation was seemingly enacted overnight, leaving some puzzled about what the victory 2016 means for library funding priorities at the state and local levels. MARCH 21–APRIL 19 ED holds three sessions of negotiated rulemaking In 2002, when President George funding in the legislation (for (termed “neg-reg”) on assessment and W. Bush signed into law the No resources and professional devel- issues of “supplement not supplant” Child Left Behind Act, the pre- opment, for example), “eligibility” (using federal funds in addition to, not vious ESEA reauthorization, the does not translate into a mandate instead of, state and local funding) educational decision making and for funding. Instead, any such resource allocations were shifted mandate must come through ESSA APRIL 27 ED releases assessment regulations that were agreed to by the neg- away from the states. Testing implementation plans at the state, reg committee requirements were significantly district, and local level. As such, increased within legislation that this federal victory is quickly shift- MAY 31 ED releases a notice of pro- also lacked language to include ing to strategizing, coalition build- posed rulemaking (NPRM) on account- school librarians and libraries. ing, and lobbying at the state and ability and state plan issues under Title I Since then several iterations local levels. While some state edu- AUGUST 1 Elementary and Secondary of educational legislation have cational agencies are already devel- Education Act waivers become null and been presented to Congress to oping plans, local communities void support school librarians, but still have time to make an impact AUGUST 1 Comments are due on the they have yielded little success. and ensure that school libraries are NPRM on accountability and state plan The message—with the American represented. The rulemaking and issues Library Association’s (ALA) Office guidance continues at the federal for Government Relations beating level, and the process in each state OCTOBER 1 Effective date for com- the drum, the American Association will continue until the governor petitive programs under ESSA, unless of School Librarians (AASL) calling signs by May 2017. otherwise provided for in the statute school affiliates in each state to To strengthen state and local OCTOBER–NOVEMBER Final regula- action, and ALA members making efforts, AASL is collaborating with tions published by ED sure their voices are heard on the ALA’s Office for Library Advocacy Hill—was loud and clear: School and Chapter Relations Office to librarians ensure student success. offer free workshops to all state 2017 school library associations, as well FEBRUARY–APRIL States submit plans What’s next as unified state chapters, to help for the 2017–2018 school year ESSA should certainly be heralded prepare for ESSA implementation. as a victory for the whole library Working together, ALA is well MAY–JUNE ED begins peer review and community—but the work is far poised to help school libraries in approves state plans from over, and a seat at the table is every state maximize the oppor- JULY 1 Effective date for formula grant not guaranteed. tunities that ESSA offers. Just as programs under ESSA Although school libraries and it worked together to pass federal school librarians are specifically legislation, ALA is now partnering AUGUST New state plans take effect in schools at the start of the 2017–2018 Photo: Shutterstock Photo: authorized as eligible for ESSA with states to ensure a sustainable school year

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 45 All Hands on Deck for ESSA

he recently signed Every xxx Photo: Student Succeeds Act T(ESSA) provides a cru- An ESSA workshop conducted by the Massachusetts School Library Association on September 17 cial opportunity to elevate all at Sharon (Mass.) High School. librarians and the communities they serve—and school librarians impact and recognition of the value of types, educators, and administrators need the assistance of the library long-term financial stability for school attended the sessions, typically lasting community to advise, organize, libraries. As the saying goes, “Together, four hours. Librarians from all types of strategize, and build coalitions. we are so much more than the sum of libraries attended, as did other educa- our parts.” tors and administrators. At the state level: Conducted by AASL leaders in “The AASL ESSA workshop has given ■ Connect your school librarians consultation with state organizations, me powerful, concise language for with your local and state net- the ESSA workshops are designed to advocacy, but also the information to works of policymakers and walk attendees at any level of knowl- communicate with the key stakehold- influencers. edge through an understanding of the ers in my district and across the state ■ Watch for news from your federal legislation, the impact it can of Massachusetts,” said Anita Cellucci, state association and take have on school libraries in their states, president of the Massachusetts School action when requested. and details on process, timeline, and Library Association. “This is a unique ■ Attend an ESSA workshop. opportunities. Using key message opportunity to improve equitable and They are not just for school points developed by AASL and ALA as academic outcomes for all students.” librarians. Visit essa.aasl.org/ a starting point, state workshop attend- Connecting school affiliates with state-workshops for more ees will identify coalition partners and state chapters and state libraries allows information about ESSA legis- develop personal messaging or “eleva- ALA to close the loop. For years, ALA lation, including the location of tor speeches” that will resonate in their has referred to a library ecosystem in state workshops. communities and enable strong advo- which libraries of all types are inter- ■ Work with your state chapter cacy plans at the state and local levels. dependent and need to work together and state librarians to help for mutual success. ESSA puts this into school libraries create a strat- Sending the message practice in a big way. With more than egy for moving forward. Legislative efforts on the federal and 34 ESSA trainings scheduled in the state level are essential, but each and fall, AASL and ALA predict they will In your community: every school librarian must send the amplify the voice of school libraries ■ Identify leaders who can rep- message to district and building-level throughout the country. resent public, academic, and decision makers that the profession is special libraries on your state’s SYLVIA KNIGHT critically important for teaching and ESSA team. NORTON is the Amer- learning in today’s K–12 education envi- ■ Issue a statement in support ican Association of ronment. We all know that a student’s of effective school library School Librarians’ exec- success in digital literacy—to access, utive director. She has programs. Contact your local process, and understand information worked as a high-school media and see if they’ll run it to create and share new knowledge— librarian, state-level as an op-ed or letter to the coordinator for school leads to student success in college, editor. libraries and E-rate, and career, and beyond. That message must A victory for school libraries an instructor coordina- be delivered to the right people. tor for a graduate pro- is a victory for all libraries. Work The first trainings took place at gram. MARCI MEROLA with your state chapters and the 2016 ALA Annual Conference is director of the ALA Office for Library school affiliates to get involved. Advocacy, which provides resources, in Orlando, and state-level trainings For more information, visit training, and assistance to libraries at the commenced in September in Delaware, essa.aasl.org. • state and local level. Norton and Merola Massachusetts, Michigan, Illinois, copresented an ESSA training in Michigan Indiana, and Georgia. Librarians of all in September.

46 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org The award-winning source for jobs in Library and Information Science and Technology

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Creating trusted sources for emerging media

BY Claudia edia mentorship is a new term referring to an old role that librarians have Haines, Cen been playing for a long time. But it also reflects a new way of thinking. No Campbell, longer are librarians the experts on a single format—books. They are now the and the connectors, the link between patrons and information in multiple formats. Today those Association formats may be books, audiobooks, and apps, but what about a year from now? What for Library will be the best of the new media or latest technology to support early literacy, struggling Service to readers, or aspiring engineers? Children Librarians and youth services staff members are already experienced and qualified mentors, but the real question is: Will librarians continue to be the trusted source for media and literacy needs in all their forms? For media mentors, the answer is yes. In order for individual youth services staffers to successfully take on the role of media mentor, they need to be amply supported by their peers, managers, administration, pro- fessors, and professional organizations. This support can manifest in a number of ways, such as access to professional development, inclusion of media mentor needs in budgetary priorities, hiring practices, advocacy, and moral support.

48 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org EDUCATING MENTORS Children and Young Adults.” San José State University’s For many librarians, the path to successful media men- coursework for aspiring youth services librarians includes torship begins well before the first day on the job. Many “Early Childhood Literacy” as well as “Materials for Chil- library and information science graduate programs across dren,” both of which incorporate presentations, readings, the country have heeded the call for a media mentorship and discussions about digital media and children. approach to library service and have begun incorporating coursework that supports new librarians to serve as media MENTORING THE MENTORS mentors. Classes like “Youth Development and Information Depending on the library and available resources, mentor- Behavior in a Digital Age” at the University of Washington’s ing mentors already in the field will take place differently. iSchool cover such topics as theories of human develop- Professional development for practicing media mentors may ment and then ask students to apply those theories to youth include participation in learning opportunities such as full- information behavior and digital media use at various day, in-person trainings; shorter workshops; state or national developmental stages. conferences; youth services–specific institutes; or recorded Students enrolled in other programs get a taste of media webinars. Ongoing training for media mentors might also mentorship also. Future librarians at Wayne State Universi- incorporate informal peer-to-peer mentoring, paid time to ty’s School of Library and Information Science are exposed explore and play with devices or technologies, subscriptions to the ideas of media mentorship and multimedia program- to review sources that deal directly with new media (such

Illustrations: Shutterstock Illustrations: ming in a course called “Programming and Services for as Children’s Technology Review), and the opportunity to

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 49 experiment with media-based programs in the discussing inexpensive technology implemen- library. As with any new skill, managers should tation, general presentations on media men- understand that the human learning process is torship, and workshops on digital media and iterative and that making mistakes or dealing with early literacy. Many of these are designed not glitches are part of becoming proficient. only to inform the audience but also to “train the trainer,” creating mentors who can share INFORMAL TRAINING the new knowledge. As library-school students move into the field and veteran library staffers go about their daily work, MANAGING THE MENTORS some may be unsure where to begin with media Directors and managers balance community mentorship, particularly around digital media. needs, budgets, staff expertise, and space Mentoring the mentors is an integral part of all restrictions, among other considerations. For This is an excerpt from librarianship, and many staffers regularly sup- some youth services departments or libraries Becoming a Media port each other in meetings, as part of in-house Mentor: A Guide for as a whole, the concept of media mentorship trainings, or during casual conversations. Media Working with Chil- is a natural fit. Performing the role of youth mentorship is no different. In fact, mentoring dren and Families by services librarian or being part of a library one another becomes even more important when Claudia Haines, Cen staff that works with children is dynamic and working with the rapidly changing world of digi- Campbell, and the responsive work. For others, incorporating tal media in which “tried and true” equates to six Association for Library media mentorship may prove more challeng- Service to Children months ago and not five years ago. ing. Beyond sending media mentors to local (ALA Editions, 2016). With the plethora of digital tools such as elec- and national conferences and encouraging tronic discussion lists, Facebook groups, Twitter staff to participate in online and in-library dis- chats, blog posts, and more, mentoring each other has cussions, how do managers and administration grow media become much easier for library staff. The combination of mentors in more subtle ways? Although tablets and apps face-to-face and online mentorship helps library staffers have specific issues that managers must plan for, important develop an informal personal or personalized learning considerations for all types of media include budgetary network. Sharing research, media recommendations, pro- priorities, staffing, professional competencies, evaluation, gram descriptions, concerns, and triumphs is an important space, and advocacy. part of mentoring the mentors and of professional lifelong Budgetary priorities. In response to shifting and evolv- learning. ing community needs, library administration will need to examine library budgets and consider how different priorities will impact spending. Technology is always changing, Media mentorship is not about having and budgets will have to reflect that reality, whether the community wants more graphic novels and audiobooks or the latest and greatest technology. more app-loaded iPads for young children. Budget considerations might include the actual cost of a device, its lon- It is about library staff helping families gevity, and the cost of content for the device. Library expenses will never again include only plans to find the best tool and creating the replace a certain number of paper books in a year. Instead, financial projections will incorporate initial purchases most positive experience possible. of new technology, new content, and content and device management systems as well as replacement costs, staffing considerations, and space design elements that accommo- FORMAL TRAININGS, CONFERENCE date use of the new technology. Comprehensive planning SESSIONS, AND PUBLICATIONS will need to include schedules for technology replacements, In 2012, a panel of librarians presented “There’s an App among other strategic decisions. for That: Using Technology to Enhance Children’s Librari- Decisions about technology will include many other con- anship” at the American Library Association’s Annual Con- siderations beyond just the price tag. Ease of use both for ference. Librarians were clamoring to hear how the newest staff and patrons, popularity, quality of content, and acces- technology at the time, the iPad, was being integrated sibility for patrons with special needs are just some of the into learning environments. Since then, similar sessions, factors to take into account. preconference workshops, and formal trainings have taken Staffing. Hiring staffers who embrace media mentorship place across the country. They have included webinars on will allow the library as a whole to best serve its commu- STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) nity. Although still a budgetary consideration, media men- and coding, trainings on new media in storytime, panels tors are key to successfully meeting patron needs. As with

50 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org other profession-wide initiatives, media mentorship is not equipment, conference attendance, or temporary staffing about having the latest and greatest technology. It is about for mentors who are attending training. library staff helping families find the best tool and creating It may also mean advertising and marketing new, the most positive experience possible. Engaging families innovative programs; discussing media mentorship at and their 21st-century kids and teens requires an innova- staff meetings; or making presentations to the board and tive, creative, curious, and thoughtful media mentor. Friends group. Some advocacy goes farther, spreading the Space. Technology is not the enemy. It is tempting to word through newspaper or local magazine articles written operate as if supporting literacy is a zero-sum game in by library staff about library services, through radio inter- which the players are technology and books. But it is not a views, and through regular literacy or librarian features on simple dichotomy. Whether it involves a simple change in the local nightly news. For families, the broader commu- seating or a major space renovation, managers must plan nity, administrations, and political figures, each advocacy the library’s space in relation to the new technologies. piece draws a much clearer picture of what youth services Ten years ago a listening station in the children’s room staff at a local library can do and offer, and it reinforces the may have required a small table, a plugged-in cassette library’s relevance as a valuable, 21st-century space. player, a box filled with cassette tapes, and hard plastic child-sized chairs. Today, the station may be a cushioned SUPPORTING MEDIA MENTORS window seat for two and include an iPad loaded with AND PATRONS digital audiobooks and two sets of headphones. Although If libraries want to support patrons, embracing media space renovations and updated configurations for new mentorship will involve more than attending a webinar or technology may require budgetary adjustments, some- buying an iPad. The idea of media mentorship is shifting times all that’s needed is a bit of repurposing or sharing how libraries work and how families connect with the of existing resources. library in a positive way. Access to innovative informal and Libraries have become not only spaces shared by diverse formal education, institutional support, and collaboration types of people, but also spaces used in diverse ways. For are keys to a fruitful shift. some, the library continues to be a space solely for quiet The evolution and adoption of digital technology have reading of paper books. For others, the library has become quickened in recent years, and youth services staff are well the place to access a multitude of tools and materials not suited to evolve along with it. Consider past innovations: available at home or elsewhere. And for still others, the Graphic novel collections, magazines, 16mm-movie show- library is a social space where learning and conversation ings, and the use of boomboxes in storytime all demon- go hand in hand. Shared spaces are both beautiful and strate that the library continues to be a place of thoughtful challenging. It is up to media mentors and their managers media use and inclusion. Some librarians continue to push to identify and fulfill the divergent needs and desires of the outer edges of innovation while others adopt practices the library’s many users and to help the community under- at a slower pace, but with their communities in mind, stand, and even appreciate, the library’s unique nature. media mentors of all kinds demonstrate their continued Advocacy. Media mentors and patrons need managers relevance. The support of managers, administrators, library and an administration that advocate for the services they schools, professional organizations, and funders will help provide and the resources they make available. Advocacy media mentors make great things happen. first involves understanding both the role of the media mentor and the needs of the community. Advocacy then CLAUDIA HAINES is youth takes many forms, some grandiose and others more subtle. services librarian and media mentor at Homer (Alaska) It may be sharing stories with political figures about pos- Public Library. CEN CAMPBELL itive interactions between mentors and kids, teens, and is a children’s librarian, author, families. It may come in the form of budget requests for and founder of LittleeLit.com.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 51 Making the Most of MIDWINTER Meeting must-dos for Atlanta, January 20–24, 2017

idwinter offers This year, in addition to the events and sessions you’ve come to expect from Midwinter, you’ll have a chance to be part of the new Symposium on numerous oppor- the Future of Libraries. tunities to con- M Staying ahead of the curve nect and engage with Sponsored by the American Library Association’s (ALA) Center for the colleagues. You’ll witness Future of Libraries, the new Symposium on the Future of Libraries (bit.ly/2c9foWy) is included with full registration for the 2017 ALA Midwin- the transformative power ter Meeting & Exhibits. It offers you the chance to spend Saturday, Sunday, of libraries, discuss trends and Monday (January 21–23) exploring the near-term trends already inspiring innovation in academic, public, school, and special libraries, and the and innovations, see policy longer-term trends that will help us adapt to the needs of our communities. and advocacy take shape, Advance sign-up is not required. The symposium integrates and builds upon Midwinter’s popular ALA and discover ways to Masters Series and News You Can Use updates, which highlight advances in libraries. It will include: make your institution more ■ Plenary sessions with the civic, education, and social innovators who are diverse and inclusive. creating what’s next for cities, campuses, and communities ■ Insights from library professionals introducing new services, spaces, collections, and partnerships ■ Discussions with experts and thinkers from allied professions and disci- plines sharing their visions for the future and helping us think beyond our current work ■ Emerging products and services for libraries in the exhibit hall For a tentative schedule, visit bit.ly/2bGMAoj.

Want to discover Atlanta? Need to convince your boss? Have career questions? Visit the informational website ALA has resources (bit.ly/2bGUJt7) ALA’s JobLIST Placement and created for ALA by the city of to help you make the case to Career Development Center Atlanta—which includes a list of your supervisor for attending. will again provide free career attractions and special offers— View outlined benefits, a budget counseling and connect job at attend.atlanta.net/ala. worksheet, and testimonials from seekers and employers. previous attendees.

52 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Compelling speakers Midwinter showcases high-profile and inspiring speakers, including bestselling GET authors, thought leaders, industry icons, and technology innovators. ■ Get inspired by acclaimed sociopolitical comedian W. Kamau Bell at the Opening Session (Friday, January 20); see award- Connected winning children’s book authors Susan Tan and Margarita AND Engle team up to talk diversity in youth literature as part of the Auditorium Speaker Series (Saturday and Sunday, January Informed 21–22); and don’t miss the Arthur Curley Memorial Lecture W. Kamau (Saturday, January 21), commemorating Curley’s dedication to Bell intellectual freedom and the library as a center of transformation. ■ Attend the ALA President’s Program (Sunday, January 22), where Julie B. Visit alamidwinter.org Todaro will offer an update on the “Expert in the Library” focus of the ongoing Libraries Transform campaign. Track #alamw17 and ■ Be a part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Observance and Sunrise follow @alamw Celebration (Monday, January 23), commemorating King’s legacy and recognizing the connection between his life’s work and the library world. Join the Facebook event ■ Neil Patrick Harris—actor, producer, director, author, and at bit.ly/FBMW17 magician—will be the Closing Session speaker (Monday, Janu- ary 23). Harris’s latest endeavor is The Magic Misfits, in which Follow the Pinterest boards he combines his passion as a magic enthusiast with his recent at pinterest.com/alamidwinter experiences as a parent to craft a book series that will inspire and entertain middle-grade kids. americanlibraryassoc Neil Patrick Harris .tumblr.com Collaborative learning Hundreds of peer-driven topics for formal and informal discussion are comple- Follow along on Instagram mented by the Library Unconference (Friday, January 20) and the Ignite Ses- with #alamw17 and at sions (Saturday and Sunday, January 21–22). Networking Uncommons provides bit.ly/ALAinstagram opportunities for questions, networking, conversation, small-group follow-ups, and impromptu sessions throughout the conference. Check out the ALA Midwinter Scheduler in November—and The exhibit hall the mobile app in With more than 450 exhibitors and hundreds of authors, you can get the latest December—to receive on books, products, technology, tools, and services in the exhibit hall. Attend sign- updates, organize your ings, take home ARCs, and enjoy specialty pavilions and live stages including the events, get tailored Book Buzz Theater, What’s Cooking @ ALA Cooking Demonstration Stage, recommendations, and create and the PopTop Stage (Friday–Monday, January 20–23). Visit alamidwinter.org/ a shareable calendar. general-exhibits for more information.

And the winners are … ■ For the second time at Midwinter, announcements of the Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction will be made as part of the RUSA Book and Media Awards Ceremony and Reception (Sunday, Janu- ary 22) alongside the Reading List, Notable Books, and Listen List selections. ■ Honoring books, videos, and other outstanding materials for children and teens, the Youth Media Awards (Monday, January 23) will reveal the winners of the Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, Coretta Scott King, and other youth awards and medals.

Ticketed events For special events that require tickets and a wide range of professional development opportunities preceding Midwinter, visit alamidwinter.org/ticketed-events. Of special note for 2017 is the ALSC Mini Institute (Friday, January 20), a one-day

Photos: John Novak/© Cable News Network, Inc. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. (Bell); Robert Trachtenberg (Harris) Trachtenberg (Bell); Robert Reserved. All Rights Company. Warner Inc. A Time Network, Cable News John Novak/© Photos: learning opportunity focused on youth services librarianship.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 53 Worth a Thousand Words Infographics can help tell your library’s story

ears ago, I set up giant Post-it Sara Robertson worked with a graphic pads on easels around the design student at our college to design an library with questions for stu- infographic (bit.ly/knowyoursources) to dents. I hoped to get feedback help students better understand the char- about what they liked and what acteristics of different types of sources. At Ythey wanted to see changed. I entered their libraries that don’t have graphic design feedback into a spreadsheet, analyzed the talent at hand, students in relevant fields data, and discovered interesting things, but are often looking for opportunities to I also needed to present an easily digestible An infographic, a graphical display build their port folios, so a partnership can version of the results to my colleagues. of data, allows the creator to tell a story be a win-win. One technique I tried was putting all of through visually engaging representa- If you’re not a graphic designer, newer the comments into Wordle (wordle.net), a tions of information. Going beyond pie web-based tools like Canva (canva.com), tool that creates word clouds showing by charts and bar graphs, infographics use Piktochart (piktochart.com), Venngage size the relative frequency of each word. familiar images and icons to make infor- (venngage.com), and Infogram (infogr.am) One of the largest terms in the cloud was mation easily digestible. While internal can make it easier for a novice to design quiet. Our library had been focused on stakeholders may need access to more sophisticated-looking infographics. You building and enhancing collaborative granular data, infographics are great can even use familiar desktop tools such spaces, so the word cloud provided a valu- for sharing library data with external as Power Point and Keynote to design able reminder that many of our students stakeholders. For example, the DePaul infographics. valued our quiet spaces. It was still import- University Library in Chicago created Although the tools can help, creat- ant to read the full comments to under- an infographic on Library Snapshot Day ing a concise and engaging infographic stand how to act on the feedback, but (bit.ly/libsnapshot) that illustrates the is an art. For people like me to whom the word cloud made apparent the most ways patrons use its library. visual design does not come naturally, pressing concerns of our students without Not only useful for annual reporting many great books and websites are needing to pore over a spreadsheet. and sharing assessment results, graphics devoted to the topic, including the In an effort to make evidence-based can also convey instructional information. works of Tufte. Librarian Design Share decisions, librarians collect a lot of data, Boiling down complex ideas into graphics (librariandesignshare.org) includes but data must be shared and used to be with minimal wording can be challenging, terrific examples from other libraries, most effective. It is especially important but research on the picture-superiority and UK librarian Ned Potter’s blog for libraries to tell their stories to stake- effect (bit.ly/2bQBfjK) suggests that (ned-potter.com) contains a treasure trove holders, whether they are demonstrating graphics are more readily processed and of design dos, don’ts, and tips. value or increasing awareness. In our remembered than text or oral expla- Like learning to write for the web, soundbite culture, finding ways to turn nations alone. At the Portland (Oreg.) designing effective infographics has a raw data into something concise and com- Community College Library, my colleague learning curve. Given the growing impor- pelling is critical. Edward R. Tufte, author tance of telling our library’s story, devel- of the outstanding guide The Visual Dis- oping expertise in this area should be a play of Quantitative Information, suggests Finding ways to priority for all libraries. that “graphical excellence is that which gives to the viewer the greatest number turn raw data into MEREDITH FARKAS is a faculty librarian at Portland (Oreg.) Community College and a of ideas in the shortest time with the least something concise and lecturer at San José State University School of ink in the smallest space.” This can be Information. She blogs at Information Wants achieved through infographics. compelling is critical. to Be Free. Email: [email protected]

54 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Improve Your Analytics Data How to refine the tool to better assess your website

oogle Analytics is a data- website with the Google Tag Manager con- tracking service that can help tainer snippet. you make important decisions about your website. Are you Set goals getting the best data from Conversions, also known as goals, are Gthis tool? Most likely not, since Google BY Tabatha Farney another useful metric available in Google Analytics does not automatically enable Analytics. A conversion (bit.ly/2c0ocyI) is several essential features that enhance its a desired action or outcome on a website. data collection ability. This means your certain webpage, not what that user did The possibilities are endless because any library website usage statistics may not be on that webpage. Did she click a link? Did user interaction tracked as an event can as valid (or useful) as you hoped. You can he interact with a feature? You are miss- also be tracked as a conversion. For exam- remedy this issue by enabling three easy ing out on potentially useful information ple, to measure the effectiveness of your administrative features to reduce junk that can help you assess your website. The website to get people to register for an traffic, track user actions, and set goals to solution is to use event tracking, which event, set up event tracking on your online instantly improve your results. allows you to track user clicks and actions registration form and then create the con- on your website. version to track it. This conversion reports Reduce junk traffic Enabling event tracking (bit.ly/ how often users visit your site to register Traffic generated by spambots and junk 2bDPcTZ) on your website is easy with for these events and other useful details, referral websites is a nasty issue that all Google Tag Manager (bit.ly/2bRcE10). such as how those users found that regis- web analytics tools face. Spam traffic Google Tag Manager is a separate tool that tration form. All are useful data points to generates sessions and pageviews by offers a user-friendly interface to create help you measure the success of a website. nonhuman visitors and clutters up your tags (bit.ly/2bMyl3i) that trigger track- Although Google Analytics is a free data by making it difficult to identify ing on specific user actions using Google tool, your library should be prepared to usage by your website’s real users. It also Analytics’ event tracking ability. You can invest staff time in improving how it tracks tends to inflate such negative metrics as create a tag in Google Tag Manager, add data. Using Google Analytics’ filters, bounce rate. Overall, it just adds bad data your Google Analytics tracking ID number, event tracking, and conversion features to your reports. While it is not possible to and tell the tag what data to track and is an easy investment that leads to better completely stop this issue from occurring, when to track it. No coding experience is data. Just remember that each website Google Analytics has two methods to help necessary, but implementing Google Tag is different—your library’s website is not reduce data from spammers—enabling Manager requires you to replace the old the same as your library’s catalog. These bot filtering (bit.ly/2c4x0mr) and creat- Google Analytics tracking code on your websites have different features, different ing additional filters (bit.ly/2bMxTSw) to purposes, and different outcomes. Thus it remove junk referral traffic. Both options Google Analytics makes sense for you to customize Google take minutes to implement and will cut Analytics on multiple web presences to down on that spurious data. has two methods ensure that it reports the usage data you are looking for. Track actions to reduce data from By default, Google Analytics is designed TABATHA FARNEY is director of web services and emerging technologies for the Kraemer to track pageviews, not user actions. A spammers: bot filtering Family Library at the University of Colorado pageview occurs when one of your web- and removing junk Colorado Springs. Adapted from “Google site’s pages displays in a web browser. Analytics and Google Tag Manager,” Library This only tells you that a user viewed a referral traffic. Technology Reports vol. 52, no. 7 (October).

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 55 ’Tis the Season ... To think critically about holiday programming

inter is fast approaching, to the library. It requires a change in tra- and it’s time to analyze ditional thinking. Rather than presenting how you handle holiday ourselves as the experts, we stop and listen programming at your and engage and listen some more and work library. Do you put up together.” Wa Christmas tree? If you offer religious Opinions about holiday programming in programming, do you include all religions? libraries vary tremendously, and the debate Do you partner with organizations in your can elicit emotional responses. Though it community to ensure that your offerings points out that every program has the can be a hard conversation to have with are wanted and culturally relevant? Have potential to exclude someone. colleagues and community members, I you ever considered what the “holiday Others have made that same argument. think it’s important to examine holiday season” is like at your library and why? I asked Jones why holiday programming is offerings and think critically about them. In recent years, there has been much different. “The difference between [non- Thinking critically about programming discussion among children’s librarians religious programs] and programs with a does not mean our libraries have to be about whether to provide—and how to Christmas or Easter theme is that the latter blank spaces. We need to be aware that our execute—holiday programming. I think the are based on a religion that is not shared programming choices have the potential answers to those questions depend on your by many of our community members, and to offend and exclude, just as they have community, and the first step is to stop and those who do celebrate can easily access the potential to educate and enrich. We think objectively about what you’re offer- festivities elsewhere,” she says. “We don’t should constantly be questioning what ing and why. need to improve access to Christmas.” we’re doing and how it functions for our Start by reading “Librarians—Check While Jones writes in her piece, “you audience. Specifically, ask yourself: Your Holidays at the Door” (bit.ly/ should not provide holiday programs ■ Am I doing this programming for me or 2cEYbqF), a 2014 opinion piece written this winter or ever,” Krabbenhoft told me for my community? by Kendra Jones, joint chief of Storytime that holiday programming does not have ■ Do I know what my community wants Underground, and don’t skip the com- to be an all-or-nothing affair. “There is and needs, or do I just think I know? ments. Jones argues that it is impossible a gray area in this discussion, and that’s ■ Why is the library the place for this pro- to include holiday programming and dec- where I think community-led librarian- gram to happen? orations without excluding someone, and ship comes in,” she says. “In this model, And what if yours is a library with a long that it’s important for the library to be a library staff members actively work out in tradition of holiday programming that welcoming space for all people. the community—building relationships, you find to be ineffective or exclusionary? Continuing the discussion started in getting to know people, learning about the You may want to consider transitioning to Jones’s post, Lindsey Krabbenhoft, creator area’s needs—in order to connect people programming that celebrates winter, snow, of the website Jbrary, wrote “Jumping cooking, love, or families. Off the Holiday Ban-Wagon” (bit.ly/ Great libraries constantly evaluate the 2cBPH1M). After reading the column and Programming choices programs and services they are offering. If comments, check out the Community-Led you’ve never taken a moment to step back Libraries Toolkit that she shares (bit.ly/ have the potential to and examine how you treat holidays in 1MsgTMJ). Krabbenhoft urges profession- your library, now is the time to start. als to follow the community-led libraries offend and exclude, just model and says that libraries can provide as they have the potential ABBY JOHNSON is youth services manager holiday programming within that model at New Albany–Floyd County (Ind.) Public without focusing on religion. She also to educate and enrich. Library. Find her at abbythelibrarian.com.

56 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation

Extent and nature of circulation: “Average” figures denote the number of copies printed each issue during the preceding 12 months. “Actual” figures denote number of copies of single issues published nearest to filing date, the June 2016 issue. Total number of copies (net press run): Average 57,797; Actual 59,991 Paid or requested outside- county mail subscriptions: Average 49,092; Actual 50,145 Paid in-county subscriptions: None Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, and counter sales: Average 2,003; Actual 2,029 PODCAST Other classes mailed through the USPS: None Total paid and/or requested circulation: Average 51,095; Actual 52,174 Join American Libraries associate editor Phil Morehart Free distribution by mail outside- as he hosts conversations with librarians, authors, county: None; In-county: None thinkers, and scholars about topics from the library Other classes mailed through the USPS: Average 27; Actual 39 world and beyond. Listen now: Free distribution outside the mail: Average 1,313; Actual 1,707 EPISODE ONE EPISODE FOUR PRESERVATION: If You Don’t ANNUAL RECAP: Total free distribution: Have the Keepers, You 16,000 Librarians Average 1,340; Actual 1,746 Don’t Have the History Can’t Be Wrong Total distribution: Average 52,435; Actual 53,920 EPISODE TWO EPISODE FIVE Copies not distributed (office LIBRARY SECURITY: LIBRARY DESIGN: If You use, leftovers, spoiled): Making Your Space Safer Build It They Will Come Average 5,362; Actual 6,071

Total: Average 57,797; EPISODE THREE EPISODE SIX Actual 59,991 Celebrating the BANNED BOOKS: It Percent paid and/or requested Carnegie Medals Could Happen To You circulation: Average 97.44%; Actual 96.76%

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (PS Form 3526) for Listen at bit.ly/deweydecibel 2016 filed with United States Postal or find us on iTunes Service in Chicago, Sept. 13, 2016.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 57 Information Literacy Unlocking the framework

he library is central to our free and understanding primary sources. society. It is a critical element in They may not be radically different from the free exchange of informa- past information literacy exercises, but tion at the heart of our democ- their purpose and context have shifted. racy.”—Vartan Gregorian, Indexed. ALA Neal-Schuman, 2016. 232 P., $58. PBK. Tpresident, Carnegie Corporation of New 978-0-8389-1397-0. York (In Praise of Libraries, 1989). If libraries are a cornerstone of our The Future Scholar: Researching and democracy, librarians are the key to are more tangential but nevertheless Teaching the Frameworks for Writing and their riches. Librarians are also the key informed by the “Framework.” Information Literacy, edited by Randall to enabling library users to unlock those McClure and James P. Purdy, explores riches on their own, whether through one- Teaching Information the impact of the ACRL time bibliographic instruction or a more Literacy Reframed: 50+ “Framework” as well as embedded form of instruction—informa- Framework-Based Exercises the 2011 “Framework for tion literacy. for Creating Information- Success in Postsecondary At its January 2016 meeting, the board Literate Learners, by Writing,” authored in col- of directors of the Association of College Joanna M. Burkhardt, laboration with the Council and Research Libraries (ACRL) adopted works through each of the of Writing Program Admin- the “Framework for Information Literacy six frameworks, offering exercises that istrators, the National Council of Teachers for Higher Education” (ala.org/acrl/ build expertise in each. For example, for of English, and the National Writing Proj- standards/ilframework). It presents six the “Research as Inquiry” frame, which ect. The editors posit that the documents interconnected core concepts, or frames, seeks to build expertise in asking the right together are a confluence of 21st-century each central to information literacy. Two questions to draw conclusions, there are skills. This book is the third in a series books amplify the document with practi- exercises in narrowing options for a cell- (with The New Digital Scholar and The Next cal applications; the four additional books phone purchase, developing an outline, Digital Scholar) addressing ways librarians

THE BESTSELLERS LIST

1 | Foundations of 2 | Teaching Informa- 3 | Library Improvement Library and Information tion Literacy Reframed: Through Data Analytics Science, 4th Edition 50+ Framework-Based by Lesley S. J. Farmer and by Richard E. Rubin, foreword Exercises for Creating Alan M. Safer by Joseph Janes Information-Literate Designed to be useful for Learners by Joanna M. Burkhardt Spanning all types of libraries, this book novices as well as those with a back- illuminates the major facets of library and This books puts ACRL’s “Framework for ground in data, this book introduces the information science for aspiring profes- Information Literacy for Higher Educa- basics of the Six Sigma framework as a sionals as well as those already practicing tion” into straightforward language with model that can be applied to a variety of in the field. more than 50 classroom-ready exercises. library settings.

58 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org can transition to practical implementa- of social responsibility, and reflecting with a practical twist. They look at col- tion of the frameworks in order to help on the experience. The essays and case laborating with the faculty, classroom students develop habits and skills criti- studies collected by Nutefall, some of strategies, adapting to different environ- cal to success in the digital information which derive from a 2014 ments, assessment, and managing one’s economy. Information Today, 2016. 368 P. $59.50. colloquium held at Santa own success. ALA Editions, 2014. 136 P. $48. PBK. 978-1-5738-7530-1. (Also available as an ebook.) Clara University, explain 978-0-8389-1215-7. how information literacy Pushing the boundaries of practices can be used to Also of a more practical information literacy, Critical enhance what students bent is Librarians and Library Pedagogy Handbook learn from the learning Instructional Designers: Col- volumes one and two, edited projects. For librarians, supporting ser- laboration and Innovation, by Nicole Pagowsky and vice learning enables reaching into the by Joe Eshleman, Richard Kelly McElroy, explore issues community to demonstrate, perhaps to a Moniz, Karen Mann, and of “the theory and practice new audience, the benefits of librarians’ Kristen Eshleman. We live, (or praxis) of inclusive and skills. Libraries Unlimited, 2016. 155 P. $65. PBK. work, and learn in a networked world. reflective teaching in order to broaden 978-1-4408-4091-3. (Also available as an ebook.) Starting in the primary grades, learning students’ understanding of power struc- is supported or enhanced by online pro- tures within the education system and For a more immediate gramming. Sometimes it’s only assess- in society.” In two volumes, “Essays and assist in developing a ment or an interactive bit of content; at Workbook Activities” and “Lesson Plans,” library instruction pro- other times it’s a whole course. The essays the editors have assembled discussions and gram, try the second in this book explore how librarians design- tools to help practitioners incorporate ele- edition of The One-Shot ing instruction might benefit from collab- ments into teaching for social justice. ACRL, Library Instruction Sur- orating with a campus instruction design 2016. 552 P. $95. PBK. 978-0-8389-8917-3. vival Guide, by Heidi E. team, as well as how to proceed if the Buchanan and Beth A. McDonough. By team is absent. The authors compare the Service Learning, Information Literacy, and “one-shot,” the authors are referring to a skill sets of the two groups of practitioners Libraries, edited by Jennifer E. Nutefall, single presentation to a class, perhaps an and review best practices, again informed takes information literacy in yet another orientation to library resources, rather by ACRL’s “Framework.” ALA Editions, 2016. direction: into the community. Service than a course of study integrated into the 216 P. $65. PBK. 978-0-8389-1455-7. learning from the students’ standpoint is curriculum. At first glance the “one-shot” the opportunity to work in the commu- might not fit into the ACRL “Framework,” KAREN MULLER is librarian and knowledge nity, practicing skills, developing a sense but the authors integrate the concept management specialist for the ALA Library.

The Top-Selling Books from ALA Publishing (Since September 1, 2016)

1 | Five Steps of 2 | FRBR, Before and 3 | Intellectual Outcome-Based After: A Look at Our Freedom Manual, Planning and Evaluation Bibliographic Models 9th Edition by Trina Magi, for Public Libraries by Karen Coyle editor, and Martin Garnar, by Melissa Gross, Cindy assistant editor, for ALA’s Coyle’s articulate treatment Mediavilla, and Virginia A. Walter Office for Intellectual Freedom of the issues at hand helps bridge the This book combines planning and evalua- divide between traditional cataloging This must-have tool will help librarians tion in a holistic approach, helping public practice and the algorithmic metadata ensure that institutions of all kinds remain library managers and staff put library approach. beacons of intellectual freedom. resources to work for the community.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 59 Hoopla’s catalog includes more than 500,000 items and is accessible by mobile app.

It has been only a few years since all major publishers made their ebooks available to libraries, and many are still offered to libraries at above-market rates. Hoopla uses a pay-per-circulation fee structure, with a maximum charge of $3.99 per borrow. To control costs, libraries can also set a budget, limit the maximum number of borrows per patron, and set the maximum price per circulation that patrons can check out. Librarians can set and modify circulation protocols and lending limits through an administrator dashboard on Hoop- la’s website, which also includes live-updated circulation statistics. For more information, visit Online Streaming Options midwesttape.com/hoopla. New services offered by Hoopla and Alexander Street Public Library Video Online: Premium s streaming music and video are no late returns or fines. Hoop- Alexander Street Press, one of the online becomes more prev- la’s recent 4.0 update includes largest providers of streaming video A alent and as more platforms improved content discovery tools, to libraries in North America, has transition to paid-only subscrip- faster browsing, and a built-in audio launched a video-streaming data- tions, several platforms are expand- player. The website has also been base built specifically for public ing the ways that libraries can offer modified to cobrand with the user’s libraries. Public Library Video their own streaming services. library when he or she is logged in. Online: Premium offers 42,800 Hoopla’s catalog has expanded videos including documentaries, Hoopla significantly since its launch. television programs, feature films, Hoopla, launched in 2013 by Mid- Patrons currently have access to and educational content from west Tape, provides single-platform more than 500,000 items that partners such as CBS, PBS, NBC, access to most major types of digital include titles from music partners and the BBC. Videos are available holdings: audiobooks, ebooks, Universal and Warner, videos from in a wide range of subject areas, video, and music. Patrons can a long list of partners including including news and current events, access content either by streaming Disney and MGM, and audiobooks history, science, fashion, business, it from the Hoopla website or by from nearly all of the Big Five economics, and feature films. using the mobile app, which allows publishers. Librarians can create Pricing for the service depends both streaming and temporary collections using this catalog on the size of the population served downloads for offline access. Items and share them with patrons to by the library system, with cost are automatically removed from showcase a specific topic or genre, per video starting at $0.08. After the patron’s devices once the bor- local content, or any other type of a year’s subscription, and for each rowing period has expired—there recommendation. year after, the library can select

60 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org SUBMISSIONS To have a new product considered, contact Carrie Smith at [email protected].

Seattle adopts a MUSICat

How do you use MUSICat? Our application of the USER: Andrew Harbison, MUSICat platform is called assistant director for PlayBack, and we’ve based a collections and access, lot of it on the Yahara Music Seattle Public Library

Library at Madison (Wis.) PRODUCT: MUSICat, musicat.co Public Library and Capitol

City Records at Edmonton DETAILS: MUSICat, a project from the (Alberta) Public Library. We software company Rabble, is an open use this platform to help the source platform that allows libraries local music community build to curate and host collections of local unique collections, enable music for streaming and download. discovery of and access to It provides libraries with the tools to permanent rights for the titles that Alexander Street’s local music, and support license albums and share music freely are viewed most. Archival copies of Public Library local musicians and music with library cardholders. these selections are also available. Video Online: organizations in cultivating a Premium Public Library Video Online: Pre- stronger, more collaborative mium integrates many of the fea- Seattle music scene. PlayBack has been funded by Seattle Public tures that Alexander Street has been Library Foundation for two years as a pilot project. known for, including synchronized scrolling video transcripts that are How does MUSICat serve your library’s needs? We have a stra- fully searchable. Users will have the tegic goal of engaging local creative communities in new ways ability to engage with the videos by by offering relevant, inclusive, and participatory programs and taking notes, making video clips, services, as well as by better representing the work of these com- and sharing playlists. The platform munities in the library’s collections. We’re reaching new audiences also supports use with JAWS screen- and building new partners to accomplish these goals. reader software, allowing a more What are the main benefits? The main benefits include an accessible experience. out-of-the-box local streaming-and-download music platform that For libraries looking to provide integrates submission, jurist review, and selection processes; licens- a selection of local content, Public ing agreements; analytics and reporting; and communications. That Library Video Online: Premium functionality has helped us build many new connections with art- also offers the option to upload an ists, fans, and music organizations like radio stations and venues. In unlimited amount of locally pro- addition, we’ve also had great support from the software company duced video to supplement their Rabble and Madison and Edmonton librarians to work through collections—to be available either implementation and some unique characteristics of PlayBack. locally or to anyone in the world— Seattle through Alexander Street’s Media PlayBack What would you like to see improved or added to their on MUSICat Hosting Service. This content can service? There are a number of features that we’re collaborating be linked to the library’s catalog on with Rabble. Some of these include the ability and made searchable as part of to create, play, and share playlists; shuffle play; the collection. data export; and more customized reporting, as For more information on well as some additional administrative workflow Public Library Video Online: functionality. The Rabble team has been a great Premium, visit alexanderstreet partner in helping us envision and realize a new .com/products/public-library- service that supports, engages, and enhances our video-online-premium. music community. •

November/December 2016 61 Nicole R. Steeves became director of ON THE MOVE Fox River Grove (Ill.) Memorial Library August 16. Salt Lake City Public Library named Peter Deirdre “Dee” Brennan, executive In August Kimberly Sweetman joined Bromberg executive director of the Reaching Across the University of New Hampshire director, effective Sep- Illinois Library System, received Library in Durham as associate dean. tember 12. the Illinois Library Association’s Texas Tech University Libraries in Lub- Atkinson Memorial/Demco Award PROMOTIONS bock appointed Ryan Cassidy maker- recognizing sustained activity and space librarian in August. contributions that have a lasting In August Cynthia Blaschke was pro- impact on librarianship. moted to assistant professor at Fletcher In July Thomas Reed • Technical Community College in Caswell became director Schriever, Louisiana. of public services at the Hannah Winkler Hamalainen became University of North Flori- Lafayette (La.) Public Library System geospatial and earth sciences librarian da’s Thomas G. Carpenter promoted Teresa Elberson to director at the University of New Hampshire in Library in Jacksonville. August 11. Durham in July. Stephanie J. Coakley became executive LaFayette–Walker County (Ga.) Public director of Pequot Library in Southport, August 1 Marjorie Harrison became Library promoted Karen Thompson to Connecticut, on July 18. director of Calcasieu Parish (La.) Public assistant manager in July. Library. Lisa R. Coats was appointed humanities July 1 Kayla Johnson became first-year RETIREMENTS librarian at the Univer- instruction librarian in University of sity of North Carolina North Carolina at Greensboro Libraries’ Andrew Jackson (Sekou Molefi Baako) at Wilmington’s William Research, Outreach, and Instruction retired June 28 as director of Queens Madison Randall Library, Department. (N.Y.) Library’s Langston Hughes Com- effective August 1. munity Library and Cultural Center. August 1 Marian Lytle became director Catherine Cooney became adult ser- of Mooresville (N.C.) Public Library. Jan Sanders retired as library direc- vices librarian at Ames (Iowa) Public tor of Pasadena (Calif.) Public Library Library August 22. Maria Taesil Hudson McCauley was August 26. appointed director of the Cambridge Charleston County (Mass.) Public Library in August. Daniel Starr retired August 26 as (S.C.) Public Library associate chief librarian of Thomas J. named Nicolle Davies August 1 Gloria Meraz joined the Texas Watson Library at the Metropolitan executive director State Library and Archives Commission Museum of Art in New York. July 19. in Austin as assistant state librarian. September 19 David de Janet M. DeVries Naughton joined Palm Lorenzo joined the Uni- AT ALA Beach State College in Lake Worth, versity of Oregon Librar- Florida, as associate professor and ies in Eugene as Giustina Katie Bane became marketing and sales Director of Special Col- librarian, August 1. manager for ALA Digital Reference lections and University August 8. Champaign (Ill.) Public Library named Archives. Donna Pittman library director in July. Julie Cai moved to ALA Graphics as Susan Fliss became dean of libraries for project coordinator August 1. She previ- Smith College in Northampton, Massa- Jenay Solomon was ously served as a marketing assistant in chusetts, on September 1. appointed diversity res- ALA Membership. ident at the University Wendy Jo Girven joined the University of North Carolina at Larra Clark, previously deputy of New Hampshire Library in Durham as Greensboro Libraries, director of the Office for Information business librarian in July. effective July 25. Technology Policy (OITP), is now

62 November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org SUBMISSIONS Send notices and photographs to Amy Carlton, [email protected].

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Myron Flugstad, 65, assistant director for chief of Library Journal from 1959 to 1968. Moon was presi- technical services and a librarian at Arkan- dent of ALA (1977–1978), and he served on ALA Council and sas State University’s Dean B. Ellis Library in several committees at various times through the mid-1990s. He Jonesboro for 27 years, died August 22. Flugs- was influential in ALA’s social responsibility efforts, particularly tad was a founding member and past president racial integration in libraries and professional library associa- of ARKLink, the Arkansas academic library tions. He received honorary membership in ALA in 1987 and consortium, and led several library automation initiatives. He honorary fellowship in the Library Association (UK) in 2000. previously worked at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minne- Barbara E. Smith, 89, professor emerita at Skidmore College sota, and Kenosha (Wis.) Public Library. in Saratoga Springs, New York, died July 11. Smith was a Ruth I. Gordon, 83, a teacher and librarian at several schools longtime and active member of ALA’s Government Documents in California, died July 18. Gordon served as director of Round Table and chair of the Depository Library Council to school libraries for Lassen County Office of Education, direc- the Public Printer. She also wrote several articles comparing tor of libraries for the Cloverdale Unified School District, and the American and British government document systems and librarian at Kenilworth Junior High School in Petaluma. She was twice invited to lecture at British universities. wrote and edited several books. She also served on ALA Coun- cil (1991–1995), on the board of the Association for Library F. William Summers, 83, who held many library leadership Service to Children (1986–1989), as chair of the Notable positions, including Florida state librarian, died August 12. Children’s Books committee and the John Newbery Award During his career he also served as library director at Cocoa committee, and as president of the Association of Children’s (Fla.) Public Schools, assistant director at Providence (R.I.) Librarians of Northern California. Public Library, dean of the Florida State University (FSU) College of Library and Information Studies in Tallahassee, and Geraldine B. King, 80, president of ALA’s Reference and twice as interim director of FSU’s Strozier Library. Summers Adult Services Division (later RUSA) from 1981 to 1982, died was 1988–1989 ALA president, and he served as president of July 18. King worked in many libraries throughout her career the Association for Library and Information Science Education and taught library science at St. Catherine’s University in St. and Beta Phi Mu International Honor Society for Library and Paul, Minnesota. She was editor of Reference Quarterly (later Information Science. He received the Joseph W. Lippincott Reference and User Services Quarterly) from 1976 to 1979. Award for distinguished service to the profession in 1996. Deborah Miller, 78, trustee of the Schaumburg (Ill.) Township Lucy Wood Wilson, 98, a librarian who worked with several District Library for more than 40 years until stepping down in California libraries until her 1983 retirement, died August 14. 2015, died July 23. Miller won many awards during her career, During her career, Wilson worked at the University of San including the ALA White House Conference on Libraries Citi- Francisco, Oakland Public Library, University of California zen of the Year Award, the Illinois Library Association’s Intel- Berkeley, Contra Costa County Library System, Richmond lectual Freedom Award, and the Illinois Humanities Council’s Public Library, and Laney College. She also served as the inau- Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award. gural chair of the El Cerrito Human Relations Commission and Eric Moon, 93, chief editor and president of Scarecrow Press was instrumental in founding the city’s annual Martin Luther until his 1978 retirement, died July 31. He also was editor in King Jr. Day March and Celebration. •

deputy director for both OITP and the Charmin Members joined PLA as man- Mary Pullen was promoted to senior Public Library Association (PLA). ager of leadership development initia- human resources manager September 1. tives August 31. Eleanor “Ellie” Diaz became program Carrie Smith joined American Libraries officer for the Office for Intellectual Shumeca Pickett, administrative assis- as editorial and advertising assistant Freedom (OIF) August 1. tant for OIF, left ALA July 29. August 8.

americanlibrariesmagazine.org | November/December 2016 63 64

November/December 2016 | americanlibrariesmagazine.org [birthday] party.” your housefor my like to come to wrote, “Iwould 4 years old. She when shewas President Carter she mailedto the 1977letter holds acopy of Meredith Evans A Librarian Hail to the rial to [email protected]. consideration, please sendpress mate- their work, andtheirwork spaces. For THE BOOKEND become president.” ident does[and] what ittakes to nity for peopleto seewhat apres- work of Carter alone. presidential librarytranscends the amazing.” the table. AndIthinkthat’s pretty about recipes. Shewas always ...at was never one[who] just talked She kept upwiththeissues. She Lady andhow impactful itwas. meetings. “Itshows herrole asFirst notes from many ofthepresident’s the collection? Rosalynn Carter’s the collection. as well asresources neededfrom they discuss events andexhibits, about politics,” shesays. Instead, about once amonth. “We don’t talk under sothat it remains accessible. admission befree to those16or the former president requested that strongly to K–12 students. Infact, 100,000 visitors per year, catering as apresidential library director. American woman to beappointed Atlanta, Evans isthefirst African- Presidential Library andMuseumin 39th president. later, Evans isnow working for the (Carter politely declinedboth.)Years birthday party at theWhite House. also sent aletter askingto have her to helphim“bepresident.” She “Coming here ...it’s anopportu- But Evans says themission ofthe Among Evans’s favorite items in Evans seestheformer president The Carter L As director oftheJimmy Carter then– President Jimmy Carter mailed inmoney ($1.01)to t age4,Meredith Evans ibrary showcases librarians,

receives almost

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