MPLA Newsletter a Publication of the Mountain Plains Library Association

ARIZONA COLORADO KANSAS MONTANA NEBRASKA NEVADA NEW MEXICO NORTH DAKOTA OKLAHOMA SOUTH DAKOTA UTAH WYOMING MPLA Newsletter A Publication of the Mountain Plains Library Association

April 2002 Volume 46 #5 MPLA Leadership Institute INSIDEINSIDE:

4 ..... Overnight Successes @ Ghost Ranch, NM 5 ..... President’s Letter 5 ..... Call for Papers Months of work pay off! 6 ..... Public Section Looking Marilyn Hinshaw 7 ..... MPLA Poster Sessions 7 ..... Business Sense MPLA Leadership Institute Chair 9 ..... Habla Espanol? Yes, you can know a good idea when you hear one. Team MPLA (Joe 10 ... Around the MPLA Region Edelen, Executive Secretary, and Marilyn Hinshaw, President) came 12 ... Kansas! into being two years ago 12 ... Innovative Card Program at an ALA Chapter Rela- 12 ... Great Programs at KS Conf. tions Committee Orienta- 14 ... KS Excels at Continuing Ed. tion program. For MPLA, 14 ... Liebst Board Choice Winner it was vitally important to 15 ... All Aboard! be there because member- 16 ... KS MPLA Member Honored ship numbers were molas- 17 ... Welcome to New Members ses mired. Being there was to pay heed to a potential 23 ... Upcoming Events shared future predicted by a telling statistic – the av- Visit our Website erage age of those in the room. There wasn’t even http://www.usd.edu/mpla yet the hue and cry of library literature. “Where MPLA Listserv are the librarians to take To subscribe, contact our place? Where are the [email protected] next leaders of our profession?” There were serious Marilyn Hinshaw, Chair of Team MPLA, ex- conversations asking, plains the Leadership Institute timeline to the (Continued on page 3) MPLA Board at their meeting in February.

MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 The MPLA Newsletter is published MPLA Officers bi-monthly. Material of regional interest may be submitted to: President Vice-President/President-Elect Past President Lisa Mecklenberg Jackson Debbie Iverson Jean Hatfield Linda Rea MPLA Newsletter Editor Sheridan College Johnson County Library Hastings Public Library Montana Legislative Reference Center P.O. Box 1500 Box 2933 517 W. 4th St. Shawnee Mission, KS 66201-1333 State Capitol, Room 110 Sheridan, WY 82801 Hastings, NE 68902 (307) 674-6446-P (913) 261-2345-P (402) 461-2348-P P.O. Box 201706 (307) 674-4874-F (913) 261-2325-F (402) 461-2359-F Helena, MT 59620-1706 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (406) 444-2957--Phone (406) 444-2588--Fax Executive Secretary Recording Secretary [email protected] Joe Edelen Sharon Osenga I.D. Weeks Library Meridian Library System Submissions: University of South Dakota 3519 2nd Ave., Suite B Vermillion, SD 57069 Kearney, NE 68847 Copy deadlines for articles, news (605) 677-6082-P (308) 234-2087-P information, advertisments, (605) 677-5488-F (308) 234-4040-F and other copy: [email protected] [email protected]

January 10 July 10 Academic Section Children’s/School Section Gov. Docs. Section March 10 September 10 Lisa Dunn Amelia Shelley Louise Treff-Gangler CO School of Mines Library Laramie County L. Sys. Auraria Library May 10 November 10 P.O. Box 4029 2800 Central Ave. 1100 Lawrence St. Golden, CO 80401 Cheyenne, WY 82001 Denver, CO 80204-2095 Advertising: (303) 273-3687-P (307) 634-3561-P (303) 556-3532-P There is no charge to MPLA personal (303) 273-3199-F (307) 634-2082-F (303) 556-2178-F or institutional members for the joblist [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] or classified advertising. Non-members are charged $1.25/line. Display New Members Roundtable Preservation, Archives, S.C. Public Library Section Ronald Keys Sha Li Zhang Robert Banks advertisement copy rates are available Oklahoma State University Wichita State University L. Topeka & Shawnee County from the Editor (see address above). Edmon Low Library 1845 Fairmont 1515 SW 10th Ave. Stillwater, OK 74078 Wichita, KS 67260 Topeka, KS 66604 MPLA Membership or (405) 744-6541-P (316) 978-5792-P (785) 580-4481-P Subscription Business: (405) 744-7579-F (316) 978-3048-F (785) 580-4496-F Matters pertaining to individual or [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] institutional membership, address changes, and claims or orders for State Agencies Section Technical Services Section Webmaster Jane Kolbe Marlene Anderson Dan Chaney back issues should be sent to: Arizona State Library Bismarck State College Library Oklahoma State University 1100 West Washington P.O. Box 5587 306 Edmon Low Library Joe Edelen Phoeniz, AZ 85007 Bismarck, ND 58506-5587 Stillwater, OK 74075 MPLA Executive Secretary (602) 542-5841-P (701) 224-5587-P (405) 744-9772-P I.D. Weeks Library (602) 364-2257-F (701) 224-5551-F (405) 744-5183-F University of South Dakota [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 414 East Clark Street Vermillion, SD 57069-2390 (605) 677-6082--Phone State Representatives (605) 677-5488--Fax [email protected] Arizona Colorado Kansas Jane Kolbe Suzanne Taylor Susan Moyer Subscription Fees: 1 yr./$22 2 yrs./$38 3yrs./$55 Montana Nebraska Nevada Cheryl Heser Paul Hoffman Linda Deacy The MPLA Newsletter is a publication of New Mexico North Dakota Oklahoma the Mountain Plains Library Association Charlene Greenwood Susan Dingle Basha Hartley and is printed by Vermillion Printing & Graphics, Vermillion, SD. South Dakota Utah Wyoming Suzanne Miller Jean Jensen Ara Anderson ISSN 0145-6180

Page 2 MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 (Continued from page 1) “Who has a strategy to change that possible future?” The program took the shape of a group of associations sharing a best practices session. They told us what they were doing to identify and develop members who could become leaders in their association. They told us how each had planned and funded an event they called a “leadership institute.” I remember Michigan, Texas, New York’s presentation. Be- yond that it gets fuzzy. No matter. The session was enough to get the juices flowing. Here was some- thing worth doing!

Already, we had assessed. Programs - still good. Fi- nances – still healthy. MPLA was in position to in- They site visited a third of nearly 30 nominated lo- fuse new energy because we were doing a planning cations in the twelve state region, making a choice process to jumpstart the association’s work in the that will bring its own aura to the event. They par- new millennium. The idea burrowed into already fer- ticipated in selecting an Institute Coordinator. In one tile soil. long meeting they spent hours of intense discussion to arrive at criteria for selecting participants and Then followed the years of making an overnight mentors. They made the call that MPLA would use success happen. At the beginning, we recruited a a vendor contribution for seed money, developing a committee, with representation of people whose job self sufficiency plan as the Institute became more regularly included hands-on library training. Not one established. Because of that plan, a chosen vendor has since dropped off the team or dropped the ball was convinced MPLA’s idea was a great investment. while we have worked through the details it takes to Team members came when asked, called when massage a good idea into a real event. needed, read drafts, answered e-mail, and cheered each other on. Team MPLA’s new list of members was short: Su- san Awe, University of New Mexico; Patti Butcher, The driving motivation for this work was to create Northeast Kansas Library System; Carol Connor, an exciting product that would rank among the best Lincoln City Library; Donna Jones Morris, Arkansas in class. The vision was to create the pattern for a Valley Regional Library System Services; and the two major career waterfall experience for participants. It original team members, Marilyn Hinshaw, Eastern was not to be an association leadership session. The Oklahoma District Library (Chair), and Joe Edelen, approach was to be developing personal skills for University of South Dakota (MPLA Executive Sec- leadership. retary). The hours of working the project through were frequently fun in the way good work is fun, By the MPLA Board meeting in February 2002, the sometimes long, always rewarding. details of recruitment and selection had been ham- mered out and were ready for the MPLA Board. The From the organization meeting at Summer ALA team found members of the Board full of anticipa- 2000, members have met at every ALA meeting. tion to hear and see the structure of the product They interviewed and selected Institute Leader and they were excited that it now had a staff, a loca- Maureen Sullivan over a year ago in January, and tion and even, with the contribution of a Board watched competition for her rapidly filling calendar member, a stunning logo. With the Board’s approval, until decisions were made on funding and location. the Institute, finally a whole piece, was ready for launch in March 2002. MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 Page 3 MPLA’s Leadership Institute @ Ghost Ranch, up to that potential? Participants - who will turn it New Mexico, is now just over a half a year away. It from an event into a real experience that blends into has the makings of one of the premier events of its their lives, creating a pattern for personal and career type in the country. So, what else does it need to live achievement. Overnight Successes are Years in the Making

And that’s where we come in. If you are an emerging leader, the Mountain Plains Library Association wants you to be primed for a great library career, and we are ready to assist you. Here is how we intend to do it. After two years in planning, the MPLA Leadership Institute launch date is set for November of 2002.

Dates: November 10 – 14, 2002 Place: Ghost Ranch, New Mexico Those attending: 30 selected candidates from 12 states, 6 selected Mentors Institute Leader: Maureen Sullivan

MPLA Leadership Institute @ Ghost Ranch Is looking for candidates who meet the following qualifications: ·MLS or equivalent master’s degree relevant to the library field ·Less than 10 years post-master’s work in a library related job ·Employed in a library organization in MPLA’s 12 state region* ·Current member of one of MPLA’s 12 affiliated state library associations ·Has a record of experience (including non-library) that demonstrates leadership potential

Cost: MPLA will be able to keep the registration fee at an exceptionally low rate for equivalent training of this type. In its initial year, and based on the quality of the event MPLA has planned, the Institute has received the support of EBSCO Information Services. 2002 Registration fee: $250 for MPLA members of record since 2001; $300 for other participants

Air fare, mileage, or ground transportation to the Institute site is not provided. The participant must provide or find funding for transportation.

Application process: Apply online by June 15, 2002. Go to the MPLA Website at www.usd.edu/mpla/ leadership for an application.

Notification and registration: Selected applicants will be notified of selection by August 15, 2002. Deadline for receipt of registration fee is September 15, 2002.

Other: Albuquerque, NM, is the closest major airport. The Ghost Ranch site, 2 hours north, has ground transportation (reasonable fee). MPLA is negotiating for an optional low cost pre or post side trip to Santa Fe. *MPLA member states – AZ, CO, KS, MT, NE, NV, NM, ND, OK, SD, UT, WY

Underwritten by founding partner EBSCO Information Services, Inc.

Page 4 MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 Ghost Ranch is waiting for the brightest and best – Preliminary Call for Papers the first, second, thirtieth person of the first class who come to claim a leadership baton. And then MPLA Academic Section they must pass it on…and on…and on. That is how Professional Forum MPLA will see to it that the Libraries of the 21st Century thrive. The Academic Section of the Mountain Plains Li- Let the journey begin! brary Association’s (MPLA) announces a call for papers to be presented, with the co-sponsorship of the Academic Section of the South Dakota Library President’s Letter Association, at the Tri-Conference of the North Da- Debbie Iverson kota Library Association, South Dakota Library MPLA President Association, and MPLA to be held in Fargo, North Dakota, Oct. 2-5, 2002 The MPLA Leadership Institute @ Ghost Ranch has front ranking in the newsletter for this issue and I The MPLA Academic Section sponsors the am pleased to have my brief news tucked back into Professional Forum, which presents new ideas, the later pages this month. Stay tuned to news about innovations, and case studies in librarianship that the Ghost Ranch and what MPLA will host at that would benefit the profession. Research methodology wonderful location next November. Consider being is encouraged, but not essential. School and public an applicant for this leadership training if you are in librarians, as well as those from academia, are the beginning stages of your career as a professional encouraged to participate. The papers are peer in the region and you meet the criteria enumerated. reviewed; a prize of $300 will be awarded to the winning paper presentation. Additional key activities which occurred at the Feb- ruary MPLA Board meeting included hiring a Guidelines for Papers Webmaster – Dan Chaney. Dan has served MPLA - Problems are clearly identified and solutions pro- as a volunteer for several years in this capacity and posed; made himself and the Webpages so integral to the - Themes can include locally implemented experi- smooth operation of the association that the Board ences (successes or failures), theoretical models, sta- decided that this function needed to be changed to tistical studies, or state of the art reviews; a paid position. The second major topic about which - Although formal research methodology is not re- I want to update you is that the Board accepted the quired, papers should develop clear positions or con- recommendation of the Electronic Communication cepts. Committee to hold off on the virtual meeting which has been planned for July. Given the numbers of Evaluation types of connections and equipment and technical Papers will be judged on: savvy available among the Board members, the plan - Significance of topics (15 points) has been modified so that the Electronic Communi- - Development of concept and quality of cations Committee will be the first MPLA group to organization (20 points) experiment in this arena. An update on this topic is - Clarity of ideas and objectives (10 points) planned for the MPLA Board meeting in Fargo in October. Final presentations will be judged at the annual conference on the following: Until the next issue, enjoy the spring, make your - Objectives are evident, with clear ideas and plans to participate in the conference in Fargo and concepts (15 points) be well. Debbie - Quality of organization (15 points)

MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 Page 5 - Quality of presentation, use of visuals, etc. (15 MPLA Public Library Section points) Looking for Candidates and Submission Requirements New Ideas - Authors must be current members of MPLA In a time when public libraries are facing more - Papers must be original—not published or change and more challenges than ever before, the presented elsewhere regional MPLA Public Library Section has an op- - Selected authors will make presentations at the portunity to offer ideas, leadership, and education conference to help librarians meet those changes and challenges. - Papers (2-6 pages in length) must be submitted Candidates are needed for the office of Vice Chair/ electronically to [email protected] no later Chair Elect for the coming year. Duties for the first than July 15, 2002. year simply include “learning the ropes,” assisting where needed, and finding candidates for the next For more information contact Jeffrey Belliston, 3325 year. HBLL, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, [email protected], (801) 422-7743. The next year, the Chair leads the meeting at con- REMEMBER: MPLA Professional Development ference, represents the Section at MPLA Board meet- grants are available to fund research and travel! See ings, and assists in finding speakers and workshops the MPLA Website www.usd.edu/mpla/ for details. which will benefit public librarians at the annual conference.

EBSCO AD 1/2 page

Page 6 MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 Anyone with any interest in being a candidate or Please include the following in your submission: learning more about the job and the need may con- 1.) A one-page description including— tact the current Vice Chair at the address or phone Name of author(s), author(s) affiliation, contact in- numbers below. Thank you for considering giving formation; Title of your poster session; Abstract: some time and leadership to this outstanding orga- Briefly describe your methods or activity, purpose, nization! and outcomes in an abstract/summary Cherie Heser, Director Rosebud County Library 2.) A brief description of the type of graphic or P.O. Box 7, Forsyth, MT 59327 supporting materials that you plan to use for your (Phone) (406)356-7561, (Fax) (406) 356-7685 session (photos, handouts, charts, outlines, etc.). (Home Phone) (406) 347-5234 E-mail: [email protected] Submit proposals via e-mail or mail to: Kathy Enger, Social Sciences Librarian Poster Sessions: A New Presen- North Dakota State University PO Box 5599, Fargo ND 58105-5599 tation Format for the MPLA/ (Phone) (701) 231-8862 (Fax) (701) 231-6128 NDLA/SDLA Tri-Conference! [email protected] A review committee of five members from all three Want to share your ideas? Describe a new library library associations will respond to submissions by activity? Walk through a building renovation? Show June 1, 2002. Any and all ideas are welcome. off a sample of your public display work? Preview your research? (Or watch people do any of these?). A poster session may be just the thing for you. Business Sense The MPLA/NDLA/SDLA Tri-Conference in Fargo Jean Anderson ND, Oct. 2-5 2002, is hosting poster sessions this Business Librarian year as a new presentation format for conference Fort Collins Public Library, CO goers. Poster sessions are designed to allow simulta- neous presentation of ideas and maximum interac- Being Socially Responsible tion and discussion with the audience. Presenters Although governments have made considerable display their work on “posters” in a viewing area; environmental progress over the last 25 years by the audience moves through the displays and is free advancing and implementing responsible legislation to engage the presenters in individual or group dis- and policy, it is widely agreed that ongoing progress cussion. If you’re looking for synergy and give-and- will not be accomplished by government intervention take between presenters and audience, this is the alone. Today’s environmental leaders extend beyond place! government programs and include such diverse players as activist organizations; individual citizens, Poster sessions may be on any topic of related inter- investors, and employees; non-governmental est to librarians. The sessions will be scheduled dur- organizations; institutional investors and mutual ing the main conference, the specific times will be funds; and businesses. announced later. Submissions will be peer reviewed. Responsible corporate behavior is the key to an For more information on the poster sessions or to environmentally sound future. Tomorrow’s discuss possible poster session ideas, please contact environmental successes depend on the willingness Kathy Enger at: of today’s corporations to lead, rather than be led, [email protected]. in the transition to a more ecologically sound

MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 Page 7 economy. The following Websites can provide insight business members. In partnership with the Social to businesspersons into socially responsible business Investment Forum, they also offer memberships to practices and ideas. financial professionals and institutions interested in socially responsible investing. Check out the Website Business for Social Responsibility to see Co-Op’s many programs, membership www.bsr.org information, links to green businesses, and Founded in 1992, Business for Social Responsibility responsibility ratings of various companies. (BSR) is an U.S.-based global resource for companies seeking to sustain commercial success in ways that Business Ethics Magazine demonstrate respect for ethical values, people, www.business-ethics.com communities and the environment. This organization This publication covers socially responsible invest- provides practical products and services to help ing and business practices, and offers practical ad- member companies design, implement and evaluate vice for the interested businessperson. The site in- socially responsible business practices, enabling cludes headlines, lists of recommended books, some viable, sustainable growth that benefits stakeholders back issue articles, and free e-mail reports. One e- as well as stockholders. BSR creates publications and mail report, BizEthicsBuzz, contains up-to-the- hosts annual conferences and global workshops. Take minute insider scoops, facts, interesting Website re- a visit to BSR’s Website to find news articles, a views, and much more. products store, and membership information. SustainableBusiness.com Coalition for Environmentally Responsible www.sustainablebusiness.com Economics This commercial site has four main sections: 1) www.ceres.org Sustainable Business Insider: a monthly, online The Coalition (CERES) is a network of U.S. magazine with articles from over 35 leading environmental, investor, and advocacy groups sustainable business publications; 2) Business working together for a sustainable future. CERES Opportunities: an interactive resource for postings began its work in 1989 when several members of between businesses; 3) Green Dream Jobs: a global the Social Investment Forum, an association of listing of green-related jobs; 4) Links Directory: a socially responsible investment firms and public subject-related listing of links to organizations, pension funds, decided to form an alliance with discussion groups, and Internet publications. leading environmentalists to change corporate environmental practices. Currently, the CERES GreenPages Online network has 70 organizations and 50 corporations www.greenpages.org that adhere to the Coalition Principles. The Website Stop by this site of over 10,000 companies to find has membership listings, a list of the Principles, and green businesses in your area. You can search by zip conference information. code, keyword, or by choosing a category. GreenPages also offers resources and readings on Co-Op America socially responsible lifestyles, businesses, and www.coopamerica.org investing. Co-op America, a national nonprofit organization founded in 1982, provides economic strategies, Environmental Protection Agency organizing power, and practical tools for businesses The EPA has a site just for the small businessperson. and individuals to address social and environmental This site provides documents and guidelines to problems. Co-op America stresses education and environmental regulations as well as opportunities empowerment of U.S. businesses to make significant to participate in EPA programs. URL: www.epa.gov/ improvements through the economic system. Co-op smallbusiness/geninfo.htm. The EPA helps small America has nearly 50,000 individual and 2,000 businesses determine their environmental costs Page 8 MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 through the Environmental Accounting Project. Spanish speaking library employees Patty Rocha and URL: www.epa.gov/opptintr/acctg. Tatiana Elejalde taught the classes. To keep their skills sharp, staff members now participate in Environmental Entrepreneur monthly conversation sessions. The Environmental Entrepreneur software is an environmental business game that introduces “The goal of the training is the mastery of basic participants to environmental aspects of business library communication rather than fluency in Spanish, planning. It can be used as a training program for which can take years of study and/or living in a introducing environmental aspects to business Spanish-speaking country to accomplish. We want practitioners, or for introducing business thinking to the staff to feel confident assisting patrons without environmentalists. (The software is part of STEP, the need of a translator, which will result in improved Special Training for Environmentally-sound library service to Latino patrons,” said Thompson. Production, a three-year pilot project financially supported by the European Union’s LEONARDO According to Thompson, the training is a necessary program that emphasizes lifelong learning.) URL for element in meeting the library’s mission of offering, STEP: www.tek.fi/step/. URL for the game: “open and equal access to literature, information, www.tek.fi/step/eeweb.html. and ideas.”

Some of the above sites were recommended by “A language difference can impede this access to Joseph Conlin in the article, “Natural Order,” from library services,” she said. “Our Latino patronage Entrepreneur Magazine, November 2001. has tripled in the past three years, and we expect this growth to continue. We aim to provide a high Jean Anderson is the Business Librarian for the Fort Collins level of service to this group.” Public Library. Suggestions for future columns are welcome: [email protected] Staff Spanish classes were sponsored by the Teton County Library Foundation. To find out more about Teton County Library Staff Habla Español

Teton County Library employees are finding new ways to reach out to the community’s growing Latino population through their latest staff training, an eight-week Spanish communication program called “Spanish that Works in the Library.” Staff learned basic tools to assist Spanish-speaking patrons in many library transactions including checking out materials, getting a library card, and signing up for the Internet.

According to the library’s Latino Outreach Coordinator, Margaret Thompson, 20 people, more than half the full-time staff, completed the program. The course teaches library vocabulary and phrases, and utilizes role playing in specific library situations. Thompson organized the education effort and native

MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 Page 9 additional Latino services at the library, contact tional materials for the project. Margaret Thompson at [email protected]. Arizona Convocation -- The fourth annual Arizona Con- vocation, held March 3rd and 4th in Tucson, fea- Around the MPLA Region tured Beverly Sheppard, Deputy Director of ARIZONA the Institute of Museum and Library Services, One Book Arizona -- Animal Dreams talking about Libraries, Archives and Muse- by Barbara Kingsolver was the ums and the 21st Century Learner and David title selected for Arizona’s in- Levy, author of Scrolling Forward: Making Sense augural OneBook program. of Documents in the Digital World. The pur- Bringing communities to- pose was to continue the exploration of col- gether through literature is laboration among Arizona’s cultural insti- the driving force behind this project that encouraged tutions. Award winners at the Convocation people across the state of Arizona to read the same were Rhian Evans, Arizona Director, Libraries for book during April 2002 and participate in discus- the Future, for her work with the State Library and sion and programs centered on that book. Accord- Carol Tapia, Library Development Division, Arizona ing to Karen Drake, Chandler Public Library Man- State Library, for her work within the agency. ager and project spokesperson, “One BookAZ is intended to generate excitement and increase library Phipps Named Academic/Research Librarian of Year -- awareness. It will also help build a stronger sense of Shelley E. Phipps, assistant dean for team and orga- community.” nization development at the University of Arizona Library in Tucson is the 2002 ACRL (Association Barbara Kingsolver kicked off the event at the Ari- of College and Research Libraries) Academic/Re- zona Book Festival on April 6th in Phoenix. There search Librarian of the Year. The award recognizes was a grand finale celebration in Clifton/Morenci, an outstanding member of the library profession who the mining community that is the setting for Animal has made a significant national or international con- Dreams. tribution to academic research librarianship and library development. ONEBOOKAZ was sponsored by Maricopa County Library Council, HarperCollins, Arizona State Li- In announcing their selection, the award committee brary Archives and Public Records, Arizona Humani- commended Phipps’ visionary leadership, noting, ties Council, The Arizona Republic, and Lucky Dog, “Shelley was one of the first to signal a need to trans- a Creative Group who designed all of the promo- form our libraries to become organizations that will meet the challenges of the 21st century. She has facilitited significant change at the University of Arizona Library and in numerous other libraries where she has served as a consultant. Shelley’s commitment to teaching and mentoring has created an enduring legacy that will continue to touch and influence the development of academic librarianship for years to come. Most importantly, her accom- plishments demonstrate that an academic librarian can be a visonary and influential leader without hold-

Instrumental in initiating the ONEBOOK AZ program were ing the director’s position. Mala Muralidharan, Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, Dan Shilling, Director of the Arizona Hu- Phipps will receive a $3,000 award and a citation at manities Council, and Karen Drake, Director, Chandler Pub- lic Library. a ceremony and reception on Monday, June 17, dur-

Page 10 MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 ing the American Library Association (ALA) Annual permanent installation in their Special Collections Conference in Atlanta. Archives. The collection was donated by Michael Aisner and Kay Groeneveld, owners/promoters of COLORADO America’s premier international stage race and Colorado Library Manager Recognized -- Brenda Bailey- National Cycling Tour. The multi-day race through Hainer, Director of Networking and Resource California, Nevada and Colorado reigned as one of Sharing for the Colorado State Library, has been the top five stage races in the world, attracting top selected as one of Library pros and amateurs. The collection includes printed Journal’s “2002 Movers & material such as annual race magazines and Shakers” in the March 15 yearbooks, spectator guides, wall calendars, race issue. She was cited for manuals, contracts, correspondence and sponsorship her vision in creating the proposals, along with ephemera, videos, and footage Colorado Virtual Library from the film “American Flyers,” shot at the race. (CVL), an Internet-based delivery system, that Librarian and bookseller event -- The Romance Writers shares library resources to of America are sponsoring a Librarian and serve all Coloradans. Bookseller Event on July 17, 2002 as part of their Brenda Bailey-Hainer annual conference taking place in Denver. There Students and educators in particular utilize the CVL, will be a number of speakers including Jayne Ann which includes the Colorado Virtual Library for Kids Krentz, Maggie Osborne, and Elizabeth Lowell. and provides more than 6,000 quality Websites for Information about the event can be found at the children, to use for homework and classroom RWA’s Website at http://www.rwanational.com. resources. In addition to the Colorado Virtual (Around the MPLA Region continued on page 16) Library, Bailey-Hainer has been instrumental in creating an electronic statewide interlibrary loan system, single-search digitized historical and scientific collections, and statewide licenses for databases offered through schools and libraries. Mark your calendar

The last dance -- The last Colorado Library Association for the Board meeting took place on Feb. 5, 2002. The MPLA Tri-Conference Colorado Association of Libraries (formerly CLA and Oct. 2-5 CEMA) Board has been meeting for several months. They continue the work of merging the two and the associations with all the accompanying bylaws and MPLA Leadership procedures changes. The CAL Board will meet Institute Nov. 10-14! monthly for awhile. The new CAL president is Donna Jones Morris.

Red Zinger/Coors Classic Archives on Permanent Loan to DPL -- The Denver Public Library has acquired 14 (1975-88) years of Red Zinger Bicycle Classic and Coors International Bicycle Classic materials for

MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 Page 11 Library Card Program MPLA Featured State Offers Innovative Way to Access Resources Kansas One of the most exciting recent developments in Kansas is the creation of the Kansas Library Card program. Made possible through a cooperative effort by the Kansas Library Network Board, the Kan- Get fired up! sas State Library and the University of Kansas Medi- cal Center, this card gives residents convenient ac- Kansas State Conference cess to various licensed reference and research da- Featured Super Programs tabase services from almost any computer. Where patrons once had to visit a library and have a staff The annual Kansas State Library Conference was member log them into the databases on a library com- held recently and it was a whopper! With seven puter, they can now log on themselves at any time preconferences and more than one hundred sessions, from any workstation that is connected to the it was one of the largest conferences in the history Internet. of the program. Co-sponsored by the Kansas Li- brary Association, the Kansas Association of School To obtain their card, state residents can visit any Libraries, and the Kansas Association for Educa- participating public library and request a card from tional Communications and Technology, the annual their staff. After showing proof of their current Tri-Conference is one of the highlights of the year Kansas address, applicants will only need to pro- and a great opportunity to get fired up with new ideas vide their full name and date of birth--used to es- and things to try. tablish their patron record and personal identifica- tion number. With this, they can log in to the card’s The offerings at this year’s event covered just about Website and begin searching the databases. every area of the spectrum. Preconference topics included increasing the adult’s awareness of the art Currently, five reference and research databases are and evaluation of picture books; training on Marco available from this site includ- Polo, a free-standards based K-12 Internet site for ing Infotrac, FirstSearch, the classroom; the Kansas Library Card; young adult Informe! Revistas en Espanol, services; and resolving conflict in the workplace. The SIRS Discoverer Deluxe, and regular sessions began with a program on science netLibrary. These are provided through reference sources and ended with one on stream- the cooperative efforts of the Kansas State Library, lined planning. In between was everything from how the Regents libraries, the regional library systems and to make a touring exhibit work in your library to how other partners, and are funded through the Library to use your palm pilot to one entitled “Leadership in Services and Technology Act (LSTA). Absurd and Chaotic Times.”

All academic, public, and school libraries are eligible In what has become a tradition, one of the days fea- to utilize the subscription databases at no charge. tured a series of sessions geared toward trustees and Corporate, for-profit, and other special libraries are library friends. These included “The Well-Informed eligible if they participate in resource sharing activi- Trustee=More Effective Meetings,” “Policies And ties such as interlibrary loan and include their mate- Legal Issues That Can Trip Up Your Board,” “60 rial holdings in the Kansas Library Catalog. Minutes Of Problem-Solving With And For Trust- ees,” “Disaster! Is Your Library Prepared,” and (Continued on page 14) (Continued on page 13)

Page 12 MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 (Continued from page 13) “What Are Friends For? We Mean FoKL (Friends of Tri-Conference is always fun and exciting and this Kansas Libraries) Friends!” That day ended with a year was no exception. The best part as usual though, banquet and a program by Kansas author Max Yoho was the opportunity to see and visit with old friends in an event co-sponsored by FoKL and the Kansas and to make new library friends from all types of or- Library Trustees Association. ganizations around the state.

Greetings from Kansas!

My name is Susan Moyer and I am the Kansas man and living in the beautiful Flint Hills. Library Association representative for MPLA. For the past ten years (egad!), I have served as When I began my current job, one of my first acts the Director of the Dorothy Bramlage Public was to join the Kansas Library Association. As a Library, a small- to medium-sized library de- newly-returned native, I needed to learn the Kan- pending upon which scale you use, in Junction sas ropes and could think of no better teachers City. The fact that our library is difficult to cat- than my fellow librarians. Through KLA, I have egorize is nothing compared to our community. met staff from large state universities and small In many respects it is a typical small, Midwest- private colleges, from urban systems with many ern city with a grain elevator and a livestock branches to one-person libraries in tiny rural barn and some small industry. On the other towns. Getting to know them and talking to them hand, Junction City is less than has provided as much of an educa- two miles from Fort Riley, a major tion as library school and has defi- army instillation, and less than ten nitely made my job easier. miles from Milford Lake, the largest lake in Kansas. Consequently, Lately, I have served as the Chair we deal with a lot of urban issues, of the Membership Committee and have a highly mobile population, of the Public Library Section and am 45% percent of which is minority also currently on the Legislative including 35% African-American, Committee. Each of these activi- have ESL needs for native speak- ties has helped to broaden my per- ers of Spanish, German, Korean and spective and to develop a better un- Tagalog, and have a fair amount of MPLA Rep. Susan Moyer derstanding of the challenges that lie tourism of the boat and camper variety. ahead.

Before beginning as Director at DBPL, I also Though I’ve only been a member for a little more worked in a special library (Legislative Refer- than a year, much the same can be said about ence Library, Texas State Capitol), a small col- MPLA. In this short time, I’ve already met many lege library (Cody Memorial Library, Southwest- wonderful, smart, energetic, caring people. I had ern University) and a major academic system a great time at the joint conference in Phoenix in (General Libraries, University of Texas at Aus- December and took home a truckload of ideas. tin). I received both my bachelors and MLS Each MPLA Board meeting is like taking a course from UT-Austin and have been known to yell in what’s happening now in library service. I’m “Go Horns” for no particular reason. I was born looking forward to the next joint conference and, and raised in Junction City though, so am now hopefully, meeting more of you. On to Fargo! “back home” and married to a farmer/stock-

MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 Page 13 (Continued from page 12) The Kansas Library Card is a great benefit to all resi- Liebst Selected as Kansas dents, particularly students. With it, they can research their papers and speeches whenever they have Board Choice Winner a little free time and access the Internet, whether Kansas is proud to announce Anne Liebst as the during a break between classes or deep into the night recipient of the Mountain Plains Library Association as they burn the midnight oil. It has also proved very Board Choice Award for 2002. Anne is the beneficial to working patrons who can now access Government Documents/Periodicals Librarian at professional journals from their desks as they pre- Baker University in Baldwin City, a position she has pare for a project. held since 1988.

In a recent review of LSTA-funded projects, the Anne holds a BFA in Music History from the Uni- databases received a statewide thumbs-up by librar- versity of Kansas and an MLS from the School of ians from the smallest to the largest institutions. All Library and Information Management (SLIM) at Em- agreed they give the best bang for the buck and that poria State University. In addition, she is currently the Kansas Library Card is the tool that will make enrolled in the SLIM Ph.D. program and has com- them even more successful. pleted three classes. Kansas Excels at Library She has been an active member of the Kansas Library Association since 1989, including the Private Continuing Education Academic Libraries Section (Chair, 1997-98), Providing continuing education for library staff at Government Documents Roundtable (Chair, 1992- all levels of responsibility is a primary aim in Kan- 93 & 2001-02), Library Instruction Roundtable sas. The Kansas Library Association (KLA), the (Coordinator 1997-98), and the College and State Library, the regional library systems and the University Library Section. She also participated in School of Library and Information Management the Blue Skyways Development team and served on (SLIM) at Emporia State University have all dem- the Reference Networking Committee. Since the onstrated their commitment to this goal and library summer of 2000 she has held the position of KLA staff around the state have responded in large num- Webmaster, which she says “I dearly love and am ber. able to give back to KLA in some degree for all the hard work they have shown me as a KLA member. Like many MPLA states, Kansas has a few urban centers, a handful of middle-sized cities and a lot of On the national front, Anne has been a member of small towns. In many cases, the librarians in smaller ALA for eleven years, including GODORT, ALCTS, communities are former trustees who said yes when and ACRL. She is on the ALA-GODORT Education the director’s position became available and whose Committee and serves as their Webmaster and is Co- only previous library experience was as a patron and Managing Editor of the CD-ROM Documentation a board member. To help these and other staff who Project for ALA-GODORT-GITCO (Government want to know more about library operation, the State Information Technology Committee). In addition, Library and SLIM developed a crash course in Li- she is running for ALA-GODORT Publications brary 101 called KPLACE. Chair-elect for 2002-2003.

In the beginning, KPLACE was an acronym for Kan- Other organizations, that enjoy Anne’s participation, sas Public Librarians Acquiring Continuing Educa- include AAUW, Friends of Lawrence Youth tion. Now, few remember the original title and the Symphony, and PTO. In her “spare” time she enjoys initials stand on their own as the name of the pre- reading and book reviewing, gardening, collecting (Continued on page 15) Depression Glass (the Madrid pattern) and antiquing.

Page 14 MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 (Continued from page 14) mier learning opportunity for library staff who do conferences through their various subsection and not currently hold an MLS degree. The three-year roundtable groups as well as the annual state con- program meets for one week in May and covers a ference. In addition, they also recently established variety of topics including technology, budgeting, an education foundation to generate funds for con- marketing and public relations. For the last three tinuing education grants to help librarians take ad- years Susan Moyer, Kansas MPLA rep., reports that vantage of some of these opportunities. she has been lucky enough to serve as a presenter for the second- and third-year classes and have wit- All Aboard! nessed first-hand the confidence and cameraderie that the program inspires. Artrain Rolled into LeRoy, KS Artrain USA, the nation’s only traveling art museum For those seeking education opportunities beyond on a train arrived in LeRoy, Kansas on March 9 and KPLACE or those who just want to brush up on a 10 to present its exhibition Artistry of Space, featur- specific area, SLIM has developed a new library ser- ing artworks from NASA and the National Air and vices certificate program. In it, library staff can take Space Museum art collections. The museum was weekend intensive classes in various areas of library hosted by The Coffey County Library, Coffey County study including reference, administration, children’s Economic Development, Coffey County Historical services and collection development. These can be Society, Coffey County Arts Council, Coffey County taken for undergraduate credit or just as a learning Council on Aging-Transportation, Burlington Rec- experience. If taken for credit, completion of the reation, LeRoy Pride Committee, Country Haven Inn, set of classes in any one subject area will result in First Christian Church of LeRoy, LeRoy-Gridley the award of a certificate and will hopefully qualify USD 245, Burlington US 244, local donors and mer- some staff for promotions and raises and give oth- chants. Artrain USA’s Artistry of Space national tour ers a certain degree of professional mobility. is sponsored by Daimler Chrysler. Union Pacific and South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad Companies The certificate program is one component of the new were responsible for transporting Artrain USA to Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) at SLIM. LeRoy, KS, located six miles east of Highway 75 on Another major element is the development of learn- K 57 between Iola and Burlington. ing opportunities for trustees. In addition to ICE, SLIM has also recently added an undergraduate de- Artistry of Space is a collection of paintings, draw- gree in Information Resource Studies and a degree ings, prints, and sketches that reflect the excitement completion program for those with some college and energy of space exploration. Since the incep- credit who want to finish their bachelors. tion of NASA’s Art Program in 1962, NASA has invited more than 250 American artists to be in- In addition to these classroom-type activities, the volved in the U.S. space programs and to interpret seven regional library systems also routinely offer workshops to help staff gain more knowledge in a particular area. Among the recent offerings are Attendance Numbers for the Artrain, USA visit to Coffey County, KS trainings in the areas of advanced FirstSearch and Adults 654 Children 250 Infotrac searching, book repair, virtual reference ser- Seniors 151 Reception 66 vices, public library funding and budgets, disaster Tours-Children732 Tours-Adult 93 and emergency preparedness, young adult services, Volunteers 67 Artists 8 Webpage creation, and instruction in Microsoft Pub- TOTAL 2,001 lisher and desktop security. To put this in perspective, LeRoy, KS has a population of 590 and Coffey County has a population of For their part, KLA also sponsors workshops and 8,300.

MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 Page 15 space flight through art. In a creative melding of art nated by the people I work with,” Carmack said. and space, the artists, responding to space explora- “Leadership is nonexistent if you’re not supported tion on emotional and spiritual levels, documented by your staff. I’m fortunate to have outstanding sup- the work of engineers, astronauts, and scientists. port.” From the excitement of the initial effort to put a man on the moon to recent endeavors such as the Carmack’s Kansas library career highlights inlude Mars Pathfinder mission and the Hubble Space Telescope, serving as the leader of the Kansas Urban Libraries artists including Peter Max, Robert McCall, Robert Coalition for the KLS Legislative Committee and Rauschenberg, Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol and on the State Library’s Library Laws Review Study James Wyeth have captured the spirit of space ex- Technology Committee, which recommended a ploration. statewide Internet backbone for better access to information. “Artrain USA is about touching lives and opening doors for people and communities. For some chil- She also served on the State Education Technol- dren and adults, it’s the first time they have had the ogy-Based Network Task Force, which issued a rec- experience of visiting an art museum,” said Debra ommendation to establish KAN-ED, a broadband Polich, President and C.E.O. of Artrain USA. “We network for schools, libraries and rural hospitals. are so pleased that this program, that has introduced so many young people to the arts and brought so Since becoming county librarian, Carmack has over- many communities together through the arts, con- seen the library’s growth campaign, which has in- tinues to thrive.” cluded the opening of three new branches, the replacement of three existing branches with larger fa- Artrain USA has traveled to 44 states and the Dis- cilities, and several branch renovations. trict of Columbia, delighting more than 2.78 million visitors in more than 675 communities since its first “Recently, I’ve been overseeing the library’s new stra- stop in 1971. tegic plan, which envisions a new future for public libraries where the library has a major role in the community and the community process,” Carmack MPLA Member Honored by said. Kansas Library Association Mona Carmack, County Librarian at the Johnson Around the MPLA Region County (KS) Library and longtime MPLA member was recently honored at the Kansas Library Asso- (Continued from page 11) ciation Annual Conference with the “Library Per- KANSAS sonnel Award,” one of only three awards given by The vast North American prairie and the progres- the state association each year. sive farmers who are using farming methods that preserve the prairie environment are the foci of “Lis- Carmack, a Lenexa resident, joined the Johnson tening to the Prairie: Farming in Nature’s Image,” a County Library staff 14 years ago and has 30 years national traveling exhibit that began a six-week visit of experience as a public library director. She was at the Wichita Public Library on May 4, 2002. honored in the Library Personnel category for no- Wichita is one of 20 cities selected for the national table contributions to the library profession, signifi- tour of the exhibit. Other stops include San Diego, cant development of libraries in Kansas, and long- CA, Glendale, AZ, and Des Moines, IA. The tour is time exemplary service. anticipated to conclude in 2004. Because of the significance of the exhibit, the display will also be an “This award is extremely special, because I was nomi- official event of the Wichita River Festival.

Page 16 MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 Welcome to MPLA New Members

ARIZONA Alicia Graybill Anita Guymon Bonnie Campbell Fairbury Public Library Wells Combined Schools Mohave County Library District Janet Johnson Eileen Horn Ruby Gordon Gering Public School Clark County School District Retired Dr. Nina Little Timothy Skeers COLORADO Valley Public Library University of Nevada Las Vegas Beth Avery Western State College Larry Parker NEW MEXICO King Science-Ops Amy Bethel FLORIDA Sandia National Labroratories Orietta Pappas Hope Schawang Sirs Publishing, Inc. Lydia Bruun Woods Library Ana Vigil Librarian/Teacher KANSAS Rose Schinker Jennifer Gergen La Vista Public Library NORTH DAKOTA Manhattan Public Library Kirsten Baesler James Shaw Bismarck Public Schools Heather Guillen-Woltje University of Nebraska Omaha Dodge City Public Library Wendy Denton Rosselle Tesch Minot Public Library Cindi Hickey Chadron Public Library Cindi Hickey Consulting Carla Eisenzimmer Barbara Voeltz Bottineau Central School Judy Korn Nebraska Game & Parks U.S. EPA Information Deborah Igoe Resource Center Richard Voeltz Student University of Nebraska Lincoln Tone Mendoza Mary Jo Lorenz Kansas State University NEVADA Grand Forks Public Library Jean Adams Kimberlee Ried Amargosa Valley Comm. Library Liz Mason Kansas City Kansas North Dakota State University Public Library Karen Dannehl Great Basin College Library Johanne McClay NEBRASKA Bismarck State College Christa Burns Duncan Deacy Nebraska Library Commission Friend/Volunteer

MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 Page 17 Through stunning photographs, a col- in the Johnson County Juvenile Deten- orful mural, and a windmill replica, tion Center. The program provides the “Listening to the Prairie” takes view- center with a deposit collection of hun- ers on a journey through the life, land- dreds of paperback books, each bear- scape, and natural world of the North ing a “Read To Succeed” sticker. American prairie, one of the most productive agri- cultural regions on earth. The exhibit also contains Twice a month during the school year and once a an interactive shopping cart filled with everyday week during the summer, Suellentrop and the youth products made with ingredients from the prairie re- outreach librarian, Kathy McLellan, visit the center gion. to facilitiate theme-based literature programs. Ap- proximately, 10 to 15 teen residents participate in The library is sponsoring free programs and other each session, and because the clientele of the cen- events for the public in connection with the exhibi- ter shifts constantly, Suellentrop and McLellan ser- tion. Contact the library at [email protected] vice about 1,200 residents a year. for more information. In her application, Suellentrop reflected on the suc- Suellentrop winner of 2002 YALSA award -- MPLA cess of her program in initiating discussion of is- member, Patricia Suellentrop is the winner of the sues important to teens--peer pressure, betrayal, and 2002 Young Adult Library Services Association prejudice--that involve both residents and JDC staff, (YALSA)/Sagebrush Award for a Young Adult and help promote communication between the two Reading or Literature Program. Patricia is the young groups. adult librarian for the Johnson County Library in Shawnee Mission, KS and won the award for her The Sagebrush Award provides $1,000 to support “Read to Succeed: Serving Teens at Risk” program the recipient’s attendance at ALA June 13-19.

OKLAHOMA MPLA New Members Linda Herget Kari Moore Cheyenne Central High School Carol Leibiger SOUTH DAKOTA University of South Dakota Sheri Levasseaur Nancy Eckert Teton County Library Alexander Mitchell Library Beverly Lewis Rawlins Municipal Library Judy Morris Ed Erickson Burlington School Library Black Hills State University Cheryl Miller Plankinton School Peggy Norris June Erickson Powell Branch Library Brookings Public Library UTAH Thomas Kemp Pat Robbins Peggy Exum Publication Editor Mountain View Middle School Hot Springs Public Library Library WYOMING Clark Hallman Ejenita Calton Debbie Schlinger South Dakota State University Carbon County Library Teton County Library

Gary Johnson Lori Clark-Erickson Susan Williams South Dakota Library Network Teton County Library Clark County Library

Page 18 MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 MONTANA been made. They have also de- The Omaha Public Library is also Conference was a great success -- With veloped a new membership bro- currently committed to a three- the theme of “The Sky’s the Limit chure which has as its emphasis year public relations plan using @ @ Montana Libraries,” the annual the rewards of “Working Smart” your library. For its 125th Montana Library Association by joining MLA. anniversary this year, the library convention was held April 25-27 is celebrating with a series of in Great Falls, MT, with pre-con- NEBRASKA “Nebraska Authors Live @ your ference sessions on April 24. Omaha wins! -- Omaha Public library*,” “Celebrating Omaha’s Library is the winner of the 2002 Multiculturalism @ your library*,” A tempting “menu” of meals, Grolier National Library Week “Celebrating Women of Vision & entertainment, and workshops Grant for its program “Find your Courage @ your library*” and were offered to attendees, all the story @ your library*.” more. The library is also way from Joe Raiola, Senior Edi- incorporating @ your library into tor of Mad Magazine to John The $4,000 grant, sponsored by a major library card campaign in Nichols, Director of the Oshkosh the Grolier Publishing Company 2002-2003. Public Library, (did we also men- and administered by the American tion that Elvis was there?!), and Library Association (ALA) Public It figures! -- Go Figure--a national workshop topics varied from Awareness Committee, is traveling exhibit organized by ways that libraries can work with awarded to a U.S. library for the Minnesota Children’s Museum business, to public relations and best proposal for a public and the American Library Asso- public speaking, to new opportu- awareness campaign in support of ciation (ALA)—opens at the nities for librarians in all types of National Library Week (April 14- Morton-James Public Library, libraries. 20). This year, libraries were Nebraska City, NE June 24, 2002 asked to develop a National and runs through July 20, 2002. MLA hosted its annual awards Library Week proposal around luncheon on Friday, April 26 and “@ your library*,” the brand for The exhibit introduces early math convention participants had the The Campaign for America’s concepts such as sorting and mea- opportunity to participate in a si- Libraries, ALA’s five-year public suring through kid-sized environ- lent auction of a variety of con- awareness initiative to promote ments inspired by familiar tributions from individuals and li- the value of libraries and children’s books. The library is braries across the state, with pro- librarians in the 21st century. offering free programs and other ceeds going to the Sheila Cates Seventy-four proposals were events for the public in connec- Scholarship Fund which benefits submitted this year, the highest tion with the exhibit. students pursuing library educa- number ever received for this tion. award. Bucks for library training -- Ne- braska Library Commission Di- Association recruitment effort paying The Omaha Public Library will rector Rod Wagner recently an- off -- Montana Library Associa- partner with Nebraska StoryArts, nounced the award of $41,731 in tion Board Directors-at-Large a non-profit organization that library grants for Continuing Edu- John York, from western Mon- produces storytelling activities cation and Training for library tana, and Anita Scheetz, from around the state, to produce its staff and board members. The Li- eastern Montana, are waging a program, Find your story @ your brary Commission will distribute major campaign via mail and e- library*. The program’s goal is to the grants to 17 Nebraska librar- mail to reinstate lapsed MLA demonstrate the power of ies and library organizations. members and recruit new ones. individuals finding and telling These grants are awarded to The results have been notable-- their own stories. projects providing training and many contacts and renewals have education for Nebraska library MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 Page 19 personnel, supporting skilled and state IT infrastructure is substan- your attention if you’re part of knowledgeable information spe- tial, the investment in the infor- the New Mexico business com- cialists to serve citizen informa- mation side will be our state’s munity.” The caption accompa- tion needs. The grant program is most valuable asset,” Jones said. nying the State Library’s site ex- based on state funds appropriated “The information content and plains that the site is “nothing to help Nebraska libraries move intellectual property of our state flashy,” but it is “an excellent col- toward achieving excellence in becomes its law, policy, and his- lection of links as well as a handy library service and is a result of tory, and will be Nevada’s legacy guide to surprisingly deep infor- the Libraries for the 21st Century to the future.” The statutory re- mation vaults of the State Li- campaign. sponsibility for managing the brary.” state’s information services (NRS NEVADA 378) constitutes the basis for the Informational technology grants County courts launch new Webpage -- recommendations developed by awarded -- The New Mexico State The Washoe County Courts have representatives of the Executive, Library received a grant from the recently launched their Website at Legislative, and Judicial branches Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation http://www.washoecourts.com. that serve in an advisory capac- for $51,600 through the Of particular interest are the ity to the State Records Commit- Foundation’s State Partnership forms and department informa- tee. These policies provide the Program. The purpose of the Pro- tion, including information about conceptual framework wherein gram is to provide funds for the the Family Court Facilitator’s the electronic systems used by promotion of long-term Office. state agencies as well as county sustainability for public access and city government can be man- computing and also to assist with The librarians at Washoe County aged in an integrated, fiscally re- costs for information technology Law Library are available to as- sponsible, consistent manner, training. sist anyone with legal reference thus insuring the integrity of the questions. They can’t give legal state’s important information and Harry Potter books burned -- A lo- advice, but will gladly provide assuring public accountability. cal Alamogordo group of about assistance in legal research mat- 400 people received national ters to any patron or librarian at NEW MEXICO media coverage on Dec. 30, 2001 any geographic location. Contact High five us! -- The New Mexico by burning Harry Potter books. the Washoe County Law Library Business Journal (December Christ Community Church Pastor, Reference Desk, (775) 328-3250 2001) named the New Mexico Jack Brock, who condemned the or [email protected]. State Library’s Website (http:// popular series as “evil,” led sev- www.stlib.state.nm.us) to be eral hundred churchgoers at the Sunday night bonfire as books Management of electronic government among its choices for the best from the Harry Potter series and records -- Sara Jones, administra- Websites in the state for 2001. other materials were thrown into tor of the Nevada State Library “There are at least 50,000 the flames. and Archives, has approved the [Websites] in New Mexico alone,” 15 recommendations made by the the “Best of the Web” article Jim Preston, Director of the Nevada Electronic Records Com- stated. Most are essentially use- Alamogordo Public Library, ex- mittee that will serve as the foun- less. But there are some silver pressed disagreement with dation for “life cycle” manage- needles among this towering hay- Brock’s analysis of “Harry Pot- ment of electronic records by all stack, ter,” but defended Brock’s right political subdivisions of Nevada sites to free expression. “Tolerance government. “While investment that are and unbridled access to informa- in the technology side of the worth tion are fundamental corner- Page 20 MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 stones of our American way. Pas- Open House a Success -- The North scholarships of $1,000, in incre- tor Brock can choose to burn Dakota State Library held an ments, not to exceed $5,000. Harry Potter books at his church open house Feb. 11 - 13. The North Dakota residents who will since that is his constitutional three-day event kicked-off with be granted their ALA/MLS de- right, or one can go to the public a press conference introducing gree during the time period out- library and choose or simply not new North Dakota State Librar- lined above may apply for a schol- choose to read Harry Potter ian Doris Ott. Ott discussed the arship up to $5,000. books.” role that libraries play in our lives. “The libraries of today still offer For further information, please NMLA strategic plan approved -- the same services they always did, contact Cynthia C. Larson at the The New Mexico Library Asso- but now have a presence on the North Dakota State Library at ciation has approved a strategic Internet and are the information (701) 328-2492 or plan to be implemented over the centers of the communities.” She [email protected]. next few years. Its goal is to in- says library service in North Da- crease NMLA’s influence through kota is ahead of many other YA Center opens -- Fargo Public legislative efforts, membership, states because of cooperation Library has developed a new and public relations. It will col- between librarians and legisla- Young Adult Center thanks to a laborate with regional, state, and tive funding. grant from the FM Area Founda- national association to exert in- The staff pro- tion to purchase four computer fluence. A needs assessment sur- vided library stations and new print and audio vey has already been done toward tours and materials. The center focuses on this end. online dem- high interest activities for students onstrations in grades 6-9. Participants in the NORTH DAKOTA on how to access online maga- first program are learning basic Promotions at state library -- Stella zines and newspapers from a per- Web design and will create a new Cone was promoted to a new po- sonal computer. teen page for the library’s sition at the North Dakota State Website. Other classes will be on Library effective March 1, 2002. Scholarships for library masters pro- desktop publishing and finding Cone is now the Head of Local grams -- The North Dakota State cool sites on the Internet. Library and Disability Services. Library has established a schol- Her duties include working with arship program to encourage Fargo library extends service -- The North Dakota libraries on grant North Dakotans to pursue a Mas- first branch library in the state of writing, collection development, ters of Library Science degree North Dakota will open on the and Internet policies. She will also from an ALA accredited school south side of Fargo near the in- th nd be the outreach and workshop fa- (ALA/MLS) and to work in tersection of 25 Street and 32 cilitator and supervisor of the North Dakota. The program is for Avenue this summer. The store- State Library Disability Services graduate activity that takes place front branch is located in a small Department the State Library. She during the current biennium, July shopping center and will serve has been with the State Library 1, 2001–June 30, 2003, or for ap- families in the rapidly growing since June of 1995. In addition, plicants who will receive their area of south Fargo. Renovation Marie Hyatt was promoted to ALA/MLS within this biennium. of the former retail store is un- Head of Public Services, Refer- derway and all of the behind-the- ence, and Circulation. She has A maximum of $20,000 has been scenes work of choosing materi- been with the State Library since earmarked for scholarship activ- als for the branch collection and August of 2000. ity for the biennium. North Da- planning for programs is keeping kota residents working on their staff busy. The public was invited ALA/MLS degree may apply for to submit potential names for the MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 Page 21 branch and the library board will Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma’s Dakota 2002 will feature presen- select the name from a list of fi- new project has been Oklahoma tations on educational opportu- nalists submitted by the staff. Connections, a humanities-based nities, Web design, professional- reading and discussion project ism, developing publicity and me- OKLAHOMA that takes adult literacy students dia presentations, programming Sequoyah Book Awards announced -- beyond the rudiments of learn- and ergonomics, to name a few. Once again, Oklahoma kids have ing to read to discoveries about The keynote speaker for the con- picked great winners! Dork in Dis- cultural ideas, historical settings ference is Dr. Mary Bushing, As- guise by Carol Gorman has won and people, distant places, com- sociate Professor at Montana the popular Sequoyah Children’s monplace concepts, human in- State University. The conference Book Award. Ms. Gorman gave sights and much more. Students is open to support staff in South a presentation at the OLA con- read the books on their own, or Dakota and surrounding areas. ference on April 17. The with their tutors, or have the Additional information and reg- Sequoyah Young Adult Award books read to them before each istration forms will be posted as was won by Laurie Halse Ander- program. If they complete the they become available on the Sup- son for her book I. series, they keep the books; for port Staff Section Webpage at some, these will be their first http://lib.sdstate.edu/salonen/ Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma is books in a personal library. This sdlass.htm or by contacting sec- alive and well! -- Oklahoma Library has been a very successful project, tion chair Deb Yoder at Association is one of the few and rewarding to literacy coordi- [email protected]. state associations that sponsor a nators, tutors, and students across thriving reading and book discus- the state. Library Legislative Day -- SDLA sion series. The program began held its second annual Library in 1985 with six libraries pre- For information about Let’s Talk Legislative Day reception on Jan. senting discussion programs. In About it, Oklahoma, or the Okla- 16 at the State Library. 2001, Let’s Talk About It programs homa Connections projects, please Approximately 35 legislators and were held in 46 libraries! Thanks contact Jennifer Kidney at (405) their wives attended the event to to this OLA project, all over 329-3395. Also, further informa- talk to the 40 librarians from Oklahoma, humanities scholars tion is available on the Oklahoma across the state in attendance. are talking about books and au- Humanities Council Website at The theme this year was Build thors, historical contexts and lit- www.okhumanitiescouncil.org . Community @ your library. The erary trends with homemakers, planning committee, chaired by bankers, coaches, salespeople, SOUTH DAKOTA Ronelle Thompson, Augustana teachers, retirees and farmers. Support staff are branching out -- The College, provided a beautiful Support Staff Section of the display of hors d’oeuvres and LTAI Oklahoma offers more than South Dakota Library Associa- refreshment. Each attendee 33 reading and discussion tion and H. M. Briggs Library, received a hand stamped themes, each of which includes SDSU, are hosting a one day con- bookmark which sported the multiple copies of books that may ference for library support staff theme on one side and a SD be borrowed by participants as and paraprofessionals. The con- library fact on the other. well as informative brochures, ference will be held July 29, 2002 posters and other publicity mate- on the campus of South Dakota Seeking replacement for library rials. Scholars provide in-depth State University in Brookings, SD. network -- Discussions continue in discussion of the topics and lit- Branch Out South Dakota 2002 is the second phase of the S.D. erature. Any library in Oklahoma an off-shoot of the Branch Out process for selecting a is eligible to sponsor a LTAI se- conferences which began in Min- replacement for the SDLN. Users ries. nesota in 1992. Branch Out South groups met in January to review Page 22 MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 the RFP responses and develop recommendations for the RFP Evaluation Team and the Executive UPCOMING EVENTS-2002 Committee. The decision on which vendors to invite July 29 South Dakota Support Staff for in-depth demonstrations were made in early Conference, Brookings March. Sept. 19-21 Wyoming Library Association, Casper Oct. 2-5 MPLA/North Dakota Library Asso- Join the Winners Circle -- The second annual JumpStart ciation/South Dakota Library workshop series was held to introduce library staff Association Tri-Conference, Fargo to the 2002 Summer Reading Program theme, Join Oct. 3-5 Nevada Library Association the Winners Circle. The workshops were held in five Conference, Ely Oct. 16-20 First Annual Colorado Association locations across the state: Yankton, Madison, of Libraries Conference, Keystone Aberdeen, Pierre, and Rapid City. Lori Wagner, Oct. 23-25 Nebraska Library Association Mitchell Public Library and Betty Ketelhut, Convention, Lincoln Brookings Public Library, assisted Pam Chamberlain, Dec. 4-6 Arizona Library Association Annual Children’s Services Development Coordinator, in Conference, Phoenix preparation and presentation of these workshops. All five workshops were well received; everyone left to remodel three existing buildings and build four the workshops energized about summer reading. new branch libraries. Larry Hortin is library director. Both Cedar City and St. George are located in UTAH southwest Utah. Historic building for new library -- The Provo City Library is now housed in the Brigham Young Academy Director honored -- Ronald Jenkins, Director of the building built in 1891. The Academy was a center Logan City Library, received the award of Utah’s of learning and a source of local pride for more than Library Leader of the Year, presented by Lt. 75 years. The BYA first served as a combination Governor Olene Walker. Ron has served the library senior high, junior high, and elementary education for twenty years and was honored for his work to facility. After the institution became Brigham Young promote literacy in the community. University in 1903 with the establishment of a new campus on the foothills bench, the academy complex WYOMING became BYU’s “lower campus.” BYU closed the Wyoming goes with SIRSI -- WYLD, Wyoming’s state- lower campus in 1968, and then sold the property in wide union catalog, will be migrating to a new soft- 1975 to be redeveloped. That project failed, and ware. They will be going live on SIRSI by July 1, the building stood empty for 25 years. Finally Provo 2002. The training and implementation of plans are City purchased the property to preserve the grand, done and as each hour passes they are nearer to ful- historic building, and use it for the new library. filling the plan. They are moving ahead, at full speed, Although several million dollars came from private and by July 1, members hope to have survived and donations, voters passed a $16.8 million still be their usual smiling selves. construction bond in 1997. The building was gutted but the historic exterior preserved was kept. The Wyoming Library Association notes -- The 2002 new city library is four times the size of its previous WLA Conference dates are Sept.18-21, home. 2002 in Casper. The theme is not yet set. The 2003 conference dates are Voters pass bonds -- Cedar City voters approved a $6 Oct. 1-4, 2003 in Evanston and the million general obligation bond for a new library Wyoming Reading Council will be building, which is now in the final planning stages. contacted about having their con- Steve Decker is library director. St. George voters ference the same time and place. approved funding for the Washington County Library MPLA Newsletter, April 2002 Page 23 Non-Profit Org. US Postage Paid MPLA Newsletter Vermillion, SD 57069 I.D. Weeks Library Permit N. 63 414 East Clark Street University of South Dakota Vermillion, SD 57069-2390 COMPLIMENTARY COPY

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MPLA Newsletter, April 2002