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State of Vermont
Department of Libraries
N E W S
No. 101, Fall 1995
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REGIONAL LIBRARIES SHIFT FOCUS
Vermont librarians and trustees may be aware that, after a two-year,
legislatively-mandated study of regional library service, the Department of
Libraries recommended to continue regional library services to libraries
and the general public, but, with the State's declining revenue situation,
not necessarily to keep it the same. Since the 1993 study report, the
Board of Libraries and Department staff have been considering the role of
the regional libraries, particularly in view of developments in services
and access via Internet and VALS.
The regional library study, involving librarians, trustees, and the
general public, showed widespread need for library service that is timely
and draws upon all currently available resources. However, public
libraries in the state do not all use the regional libraries in the same
way, nor do they view their usefulness equally.
As new technologies emerge and more information becomes available
electronically and in other formats, all libraries - including the
Department of Libraries - will gradually decrease print media holdings in
order to make information, regardless of format, readily available to their
users. Because technology is rapidly changing at the same time that
resources are declining, we believe that the Department should focus on
providing services that other libraries in the state cannot individually
accommodate.
With these thoughts in mind, we have begun to refocus regional library
roles. We have determined that the regional libraries, directly and
through interlibrary loan, should serve the needs of all Vermonters and
should fill two primary roles - those of consultants/trainers to local
public libraries and of information providers to all Vermonters. The role
of the regional libraries as sources of bulk loans to local libraries has
diminished over the past decade and is now secondary.
Reordered priorities mean change. Some of the things local librarians
and trustees using regional library services may notice are:
1) more formal and informal opportunities for continuing education
and skill development. For example, regional librarians are available to
conduct mini- workshops on a variety of topics at local libraries and at
the regional libraries. We see training as a very important role for the
Department in the coming years.
2) some rearrangement of regional library space to allow more public
use of information technology. All five libraries installed new computers
this summer to offer graphical access to Internet and other electronic
resources as they become available.
3) various efforts to make regional libraries easier for the general
public to use. Regional libraries will coordinate opportunities for the
public to learn more about available local public and regional library
services. This fall, regional libraries will begin experimental evening
hours. Check with your regional library for further details.
4) a change in regional library collection development to emphasize
purchase of materials not generally owned by public libraries. Regional
library book collections will emphasize nonfiction and literature. People
seeking best sellers and other popular titles will be encouraged to use
local public libraries. Regional libraries will increase holdings in
online and computerized information, including CD-ROM.
While change is difficult for everyone, we believe tough financial
times and a somewhat uncertain technological future make it necessary for
us all to choose priorities. We believe the choices we are making will
continue to serve the libraries and the public well. We invite your
thoughts and comments as we implement these subtle, but important, changes
in regional library service.
Patricia E. Klinck, State Librarian
MAYHEW JOINS BOARD OF LIBRARIES
The Vermont Board of Libraries welcomed a new member, Randall F.
Mayhew, of Woodstock, at its June meeting and elected new officers at its
August meeting.
Mayhew, a Woodstock area native, was appointed to the Vermont Board of
Libraries by Governor Howard B. Dean, M.D., in May and attended his first
meeting in June. An attorney with Mayhew & Ford, P.C., Mayhew is also an
adjunct professor at Vermont Law School and a self- employed instructor of
real estate prelicensing courses. He holds a B.A. in history from UVM and
a J.D. from New England School of Law. Mayhew and his wife Mary have two
young sons and are active in Woodstock community affairs. He cites serving
as Woodstock Village Liaison to the National Park Service Planning Team for
the Marsh-Billings National Historic Park as among his toughest
assignments. Mayhew is also a Town Justice of the Peace, a vestry member
of St. James Episcopal Church, and a member of the Advisory subcommittee to
the Central Vermont/New Hampshire Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross.
At its August meeting, the Board of Libraries elected William Howard
Schubart III of Shelburne to serve as Chair for the coming year and Reeve
Lindberg of Passumpsic to serve as Vice Chair. Special thanks were offered
Rosemary Rogers of Proctor for serving as Chair for the past two years.
Other members of the Board are Judith Dickson of Burlington, Deborah
Greenwood Fletcher of Enosburg Falls, and Leslie Morris Noyes of North
Bennington.
STANDARDS PROGRAM FEATURES CHOICE IN FY96
Copies of the Minimum Standards for Vermont Public Libraries,
application forms, and Public Library Report forms were mailed to all
public libraries in early September. Letters about the FY96 standards
program were also sent to public library trustee chairs. Libraries must
apply every year in order to be considered for standards.
The Vermont Board of Libraries approved revised minimum standards in
late 1993, but the new standards are still undergoing the Legislative
Administrative Rules process. Therefore, the Board of Libraries has
extended the transition period and will allow public libraries to apply for
either the 1986 or the 1993 standards again this year. Libraries meeting
standards are eligible to use the Vermont Centralized Card/MARC Service
free of charge.
The timetable for this year's standards program is as follows:
Sept. 26, 9:30 am - a special help session to assist librarians with
application forms and any questions regarding the 1986 or 1993 standards
will be held at Midstate Regional Library, Berlin, with Marianne Kotch.
Oct. 15 - compliance date for standards so noted
Nov. 1 - application deadline (postmark date)
Dec. 12 - Board of Libraries meets to determine which libraries meet standards
Dec. 30 - Dept. of Libraries notifies all applicants if they meet
standards or not
Jan. 20, 1996 - Deadline for receipt of appeals
Feb. 20, 1996 - Board of Libraries holds public hearing on appeals and
makes final decision.
Anyone wishing extra forms or with questions concerning standards
should call Marianne Kotch at the Department of Libraries, 828-2320.
TWO LIBRARIES WIN CONSTRUCTION GRANTS
The Vermont Board of Libraries awarded two Library Services and
Construction Act (LSCA) Title II grants to libraries in Fair Haven and
Townshend at its June meeting. The Fair Haven Free Library will add
substantial accessible space to the rear of its Carnegie building with its
grant. Calling the library a "jewel," State Librarian Patricia E. Klinck
noted that the library submitted an excellent application this year, after
being turned down last year.
The Townshend Public Library will install a wheelchair-accessible lift
to its basement children's room with its grant. The library received an
LSCA Ti. II grant several years ago to add a meeting room.
BOARD APPROVES COMMUNITY LIBRARY GUIDELINES
At its August meeting, the Vermont Board of Libraries approved
proposed "Guidelines for Community Libraries," designed to offer concrete
suggestions for providing unified service in space combining public library
and school library functions. There are currently 15 public libraries
housed in school spaces, and 13 of these consider themselves combined, or
"community," libraries.
Recognizing that "combining two types of libraries which serve
different needs in different ways can be more difficult than concentrating
on one or the other," the Department of Libraries staff began drafting the
guidelines early this year with help from community librarians, trustees,
and school administrators. In March, State Librarian Patricia E. Klinck
and Development and Adult Services Consultant Marianne Kotch met with
trustees and librarians of community libraries to discuss the draft
guidelines and other issues of concern. A final draft was submitted to the
Board of Libraries in June.
The guidelines are organized under the Principles for Vermont Public
Library Service, 1993, from which the Minimum Standards for Vermont Public
Libraries derive. They cover such things as hours of service and staffing
as well as the formation of an Executive Committee (or "Super Board"),
funding, collection development, space utilization, and access. Copies of
the guidelines are available from Marianne Kotch at 828-3261.
FOREIGN LIBRARIANS TOUR VERMONT
For the fourth year in a row, a group of 24 library professionals from
around the world stopped in Vermont in June as part of a U.S. Information
Agency International Visitor project, American Libraries. The program
offers the visitors opportunities to explore the changing role of
information managers in the modern world with professional counterparts in
this country.
Arriving in Burlington on Sunday, June 11, the visitors went
sightseeing by walking from the Ramada Inn to Lake Champlain. On Monday,
Department of Libraries staff members took them for a tour of the
University of Vermont's Bailey-Howe and Dana Medical Libraries in the
morning and for tours of local public and college libraries in the
afternoon. An evening gathering at State Librarian Patricia Klinck's home
capped the long day. On Tuesday, participants came to the Midstate
Regional Library for a discussion of the Vermont Automated Libraries System
(VALS) and library networking in a rural environment with Sybil McShane and
Klinck.
Tour participants came to Vermont after a week at the Library of
Congress in Washington, D.C. The next stops on their month-long journey
were Austin, Texas (or Tulsa, Oklahoma, or Denver, Colorado, depending on
specific interests); Seattle, Washington; and the American Library
Association conference in Chicago. The Vermont part of the trip was an
opportunity, they said, to meet American librarians "up close and personal"
and to get a first-hand look at how technology can link various libraries
and make library resources accessible to rural users.
The Department of Libraries would like to thank all the Vermont
librarians who greeted the visitors and made them feel at home in local
libraries. Countries represented in this year's tour were Bahrain, Brazil,
Burma, Cote D'Ivoire, Egypt, Estonia, Greece, India, Italy, Pakistan, Peru,
Phillippines, Israel, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sweden, Turkey,
Uganda, and West Bank.
COMING EVENTS
Tues., Sept. 12, 9:00 am - Children's Materials Review Session,
Midstate Regional Library, Berlin. Repeats: Wed., 9/13 (SWRL); Thurs., 9/14
(SERL); Tues., 9/19 (NERL); and Wed., 9/20 (NWRL and SBCL). Contact: Grace
W. Greene, 828-3261.
Wed., Sept. 13, 9:45 am - Vermont Library Association Board meeting,
Vermont Technical College Library. Contact: Albert Joy, 656-8350.
Fri., Sept. 15, 9:30 am - "Understanding MARC" workshop, Northeast
Regional Library, St. Johnsbury. Contact: Grace W. Greene, 828-3261.
Thurs., Sept. 21, 9:30 am - "Publicity and Display" workshop,
Southeast Regional Library, Dummerston. Contact: Grace W. Greene,
828-3261.
Sun.-Sat., Sept. 24-Oct. 1 - Banned Books Week. Contact: American
Library Assn., 1-800-545-2433.
Mon., Sept. 25, 9:00 am - Central Vermont Librarians Assn. meeting,
Waterbury Town Library, Waterbury Center. Topic for discussion: Staff
development. Contact: Bobbee Hirsch, 244-7036.
Tues., Sept. 26, 9:30 am - Minimum Standards for Vermont Public
Libraries "Help" session with Marianne Kotch, Midstate Regional Library,
Berlin. Call 828-2320 for information.
Sun.-Tues., Oct. 1-3 - New England Library Association annual
conference. "On the Edge", Providence convention Center, Providence, R.I.
Contact: Carolyn Noah, Central Massachusetts Regional Library System, (508)
799-1697.
Thurs., Oct. 5, 9:30 am - "VALS Update" workshop, Midstate Regional
Library, Berlin. Repeats: Thurs., Oct. 12. Contact Grace W. Greene,
828-3261.
Fri.-Sun., Oct. 6-8 - 23rd Annual National Storytelling Festival,
Jonesborough, Tenn. Contact: National Storytelling Festival, P.O. Box 309,
Jonesborough, Tenn. 37659, 1-800-525-4514. Fee: $80.
Tues., Oct. 17, 10:30 am - Vermont Board of Libraries meeting,
Midstate Regional Library, Berlin. Contact: Patricia E. Klinck, 828-3265.
Thurs., Oct. 19, 9:30 am - Vermont Library Association fall meeting.
"Cooperate-Collaborate-Advocate", Kreitzberg Library, Norwich University,
Northfield.
Sat., Oct. 21 - Keene (NH) State College Children's Literature
Festival, featuring Eileen Christelow, Barbara Reid, Jerry Spinelli, and
others. Contact: Dr. David E. White, Keene State College, 229 Main St.,
Keene, NH 03435-2611.
Thurs., Oct. 26, 9:30 am - "VALS Refresher" workshop, Midstate
Regional Library, Berlin. Contact: Grace W. Greene, 828-3261.
Thurs., Nov. 2, 2 pm - Smith Lecture, DOL annual lecture on children's
literature. Speaker: Virginia Euwer Wolff. Place: Pavilion Auditorium,
109 State St., Pavilion Office Bldg., Montpelier, VT. Contact: Grace W.
Greene, 828-3261.
Sat., Nov. 4, 9:30 am - Annual Vermont Library Association Public
Library Section/Vermont Library Trustees Association joint conference,
Capitol Plaza Hotel, Montpelier. Topic: Intellectual freedom. Contact:
Marianne Kotch (828-2320) or Jeanne Walsh (348-7488). Registration fee,
including lunch: $15.
Sun.-Tues., Nov. 5-7 - New England Reading Association Annual
Conference, Burlington. Contact: Judith Hillman, 654-2412. Fee: $35-88.
Wed., Nov. 8, 9:45 am - Vermont Library Association board meeting,
Vermont Technical College Library. Contact: Albert Joy, 656-8350.
Fri., Nov. 10 - State Holiday. Department of Libraries Central
Offices and Regional Libraries closed.
Fri., Nov. 17, 9:00 am - Seventh Annual Vermont Mock Caldecott Award
Day, co-sponsored by the Dept. of Education, Dept. of Libraries, and VEMA -
Vermont Technical College Old Dorm Lounge, Randolph. Contact: Leda
Schubert, 828-3111.
Thurs. & Fri., Nov. 23 & 24 - State Holiday. Department of Libraries
Central Offices and Regional Libraries closed.
Tues., Nov. 28, 9:00 am - Children's Materials Review Session,
Midstate Regional Library, Berlin. Repeats: Wed., 11/29 (SWRL); Thurs.,
11/30 (SERL); Tues., 12/5 (NERL); Thurs., 12/7 (NWRL and SBCL). Contact:
Grace W. Greene, 828-3261.
RESOURCES
..."Speakers Bureau Catalogue" - a yearly publication of the Vermont
Council on the Humanities - directory of speakers programs and application
information. Contact: Vermont Council on the Humanities, P.O. Box 58, Hyde
Park, VT 05655-0058, 802-888-3183, (fax) 802-888-1236.
..."Consumer Information Catalog" - catalog of free and low-cost
publications for consumers. Multiple copies available from Consumer
Information Center, P.O. Box 100, Pueblo, Colorado 81002.
..."Censorship in Schools and Libraries" - library exhibit on
censorship for Banned Books Week or other times. Cost: $35 (includes
mailing). Contact: Donald Parker, Long Island Coalition Against
Censorship, P.O. Box 296, Port Washington, NY 11050, 516-944-9799.
..."History of the Town of Montpelier, Vermont" by D.P. Thompson, 1860
(facsimile reprint). Available at $23.00 plus $3.23 s & h, VHS members
receive 10% discount. Contact: VHS Bookshop, 109 State St., Montpelier, VT
05609-0901, 828-2291.
..."Historic Roots" - new magazine about Vermont history for new adult
readers. Funded by the Vt. Historical Society, Vt. Council on the
Humanities and Vt. Community Foundation. Contact Ann E. Cooper, Editor,
802-388-6802.
..."Window on the World of Family Literacy" - magazine published by
the National Center on Family Literacy focusing on family literacy issues.
To subscribe write to NCAL, Waterfront Plaza, Suite 200, Dept. W, 325 W.
Main St., Louisville, KY 40202-4251.
...Vermont Commission on National and Community Service Mailing List
supported by the Corp. for National and Community Service...Learn and Serve
Vermont, AmeriCorps*USA and AmeriCorps*VISTA, and the National Senior
Service Corps Programs. Contact the Vermont Commission, 802-828-4982 for a
copy of their newsletter.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
...St. Michael's College Center for Organizational Development
"Nonprofit Management Certification Program". Program offers sessions
dealing with issues, concerns and trends facing the nonprofit sector.
Contact: Joanne LaBrake, Center for Organizational Development, St.
Michael's College, Winooski Park, Colchester, VT 05439, 802-654- 2314.
HOW DO VERMONT LIBRARIES STACK UP?
Vermont ranked fourth in the nation in number of interlibrary loans
received by public libraries, according to recent data for FY93 issued by
the U.S. Department of Education National Center for Education Statistics
(NCES). The Department of Libraries submits Vermont's public library data
to the Federal-State Cooperative System for Public Library Data each year.
Other interesting facts about the state's rankings include:
* While Vermont ranks 36th in the number of paid full-time equivalent
librarians with Master's degrees from library programs accredited by the
American Library Association, with a total of 33.63 FTE, the state ranks
11th in the total number of paid FTE librarans (119.07). Nonetheless,
Vermont ranked 33rd in total staff expenditures (wages and employee
benefits), with a per capita expense of $9.68, as compared to a national
average of $12.51 per capita.
* Vermont ranked 37th in per capita tax support received by public
libraries. Vermont public libraries which received tax support in FY93
averaged $10.75 per capita, while the national average was $16.11.
* On the other hand, Vermont public libraries continued to rank third
in the nation in income from other sources, including interest on
endowments, gifts, and local fundraising. $4.75 per capita was received,
as opposed to the national average of $1.73. Only public libraries in New
York and Maine received more "other" income.
* Vermont also ranked 33rd in total expenditures on collections, with
a per capita amount of $2.36, as compared to a national average of $2.87
per capita. However, Vermont public libraries continued to hold the third
largest number of book and serial volumes, with a per capita total of 4.75,
as compared to 2.68 items per capita nationally. Maine and Wyoming public
libraries own slightly more items per capita.
* The 8,929 public libraries in the United States circulated 1.5
billion items in FY93, or 6.47 per capita. Despite Vermont's higher than
average per capita circulation of 7.17, the state's public library
circulation still ranked 22nd in the nation.
TECHNICAL SERVICES NEWS
Public libraries that want to expedite withdrawal of their library
holdings from PUBCAT are asked to separate PUBCAT withdrawal cards from
catalog cards obtained from sources other than the Card/MARC Service.
PUBCAT cards are: 1) OCLC cards with "MARG", "CATH", or "LORR" on the
bottom line 2) Brodart cards obtained through the Card/MARC Service.
Non-PUBCAT cards are generally any old cataloging cards or commercially
produced cards not obtained from the Card/MARC Service. Libraries are not
required to separate the cards unless they want faster processing of the
withdrawals. If a library chooses to separate the cards, the packs should
be labeled "PUBCAT withdrawals" and "Non-PUBCAT withdrawals".
Lorraine Lanius, Head, Technical Services Unit
1996 SMITH GRANTS...
For the second year in a row, the Department of Libraries Smith Grant
money will be devoted to early childhood services. Last year the grant
program was specifically for babies and toddlers; this year we have
expanded it to include preschoolers. There is $4,000 set aside for Smith
Grants this year; libraries may apply for all or part of this money. The
target group may be the whole range of children birth-5 years or any subset
thereof. A substantial part of the money requested should be for library
materials. Preference will be given to applications which focus on
outreach, building coalitions and training area professionals. Support for
modified Beginning With Mother Goose programs from the Vermont Center For
The Book will be part of the award. Applications are available by request.
Contact Christine Coolidge at 828-3261 or Email CBEC. Deadline is January
15, 1996.
MATERIALS REVIEW SESSIONS...
Anyone who selects books for children or young adults should plan to
attend the Materials Review Sessions cosponsored by the Department of
Libraries and the Department of Education. The programs, which begin at
9:00 a.m. (except for South Burlington) and last 3-3 1/2 hours, feature
oral reviews by Grace W. Greene, of the Department of Libraries and Leda
Schubert, School Library Media Specialist, Department of Education. Books
for all levels (preschool - high school) are reviewed. In addition to oral
reviews, we also take books reviewed by our volunteer reviewers and
nonfiction recommended by the review media. The sessions are free and do
not require registration. Look for the fall schedule in the "Coming
Events" section of this News.
BABIES NEED BOOKS BROCHURE FOR DOCTORS...
The Vermont Center For The Book is distributing thousands of copies of
a new Babies Need Books brochure to over 600 physicians around the state.
Delivery is being made by RSVP volunteers so there will be personal contact
with the health care professionals. The brochure explains why reading is
so important for babies and toddlers and contains recommended booklists
that Virginia Golodetz and I compiled. Artwork is by Vermont illustrator
Wendy Watson. For copies of the brochure call the VCB at (802) 875-2751.
DCF NEWS...
...COMMITTEE OPENING - If you love to read children's books, have we
got the job for you! Next year, (beginning in March) there will be one
opening on the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Committee. If you live or work in
Vermont, and are interested in reading 300-500 books a year; participating
in animated and sometimes heated discussions, and working with a terrific,
dedicated group, apply to be a member by sending a letter of interest, a
brief resume and two reviews, one positive and one negative of any
children's books of your choosing to: Grace W. Greene, Children's Services
Consultant, Vermont Department of Libraries, Pavilion Building, 109 State
St., Montpelier, VT 05609. Applications must be postmarked by October 1.
Terms are for 3 years. Questions? Call me at 828-3261.
...MARJORIE GILLAM LAVALLA GRANT - Thanks to the Marjorie Gillam
Lavalla fund which was created to honor a former chair of the Dorothy
Canfield Fisher Committee, the DCF Committee is again sponsoring a small
competitive grant round. Any school or public library that has ideas for
innovative ways to promote the DCF program this year, should request an
application from Christine Coolidge, (802) 828-3261, email CBEC or from
Leda Schubert, (802) 828-3111, or email DOE_SCHUBERT. The total to be
given is $500.00. Deadline for application is October 1.
...DCF BOOKTALKS TO BE ON ETV AGAIN! Vermont ETV Learning Services is
again sponsoring an opportunity for Vermont students to create video
booktalks of DCF books. Students in public libraries and schools across
the state will be videotaped booktalking the 30 titles on this year's list.
The videotape will then be shown on Vermont ETV in the winter and early
spring to help generate enthusiasm for next April's voting. All public
libraries and schools should have received application information directly
from Vermont ETV. The application deadline is October 3, 1995. For more
information, contact Scott Campitelli or Barb Nash at (802) 655-4800 or
1-800-639-3351.
PARENTING COLLECTION...
Recently several people have asked me what my philosophy about
parenting shelves is. Frankly, I had never spent enough time thinking
about parenting shelves to develop a philosophy! However, after thinking
about the issues, reading some in the literature, and talking to many
people, I have come up with some guidelines.
To have or not to have...Like many location issues there's neither a
right nor a wrong to having a parenting collection. Establishing a
collection of books for parents in the children's room will make it easier
for some and harder for others. Parents who accompany their children to
the children's room may be delighted to find books about their children as
well as for their children, but parents browsing in the adult stacks may be
confused about the whereabouts of child development books, for instance.
If you do have a parenting shelf, be sure the catalog indicates the proper
location for these books and that there are signs and possibly "fake books"
in the adult ranges to direct the patrons to the children's room. Remember
that there are always new patrons who don't know the layout of your library
as well as patrons who never ask for help.
If you decide to have a parenting collection, you should include only
books which are written for adults. Topics can include everything from
child development to children's reading to ideas for children's parties.
Books with advice for parents on how to tell children about death, divorce
and other family matters belong in this collection. Books which are
written for children about the same issues should be in the children's
section. For example, THE GRIEVING CHILD: A PARENT'S GUIDE by Helen
Fitzgerald (Simon & Schuster, 1992) should be in the parenting collection;
Mr. Rogers' WHEN A PET DIES (Putnam, 1988) should be in juvenile
nonfiction, and POPPA'S CHAIR by Karen Hesse (Macmillan, 1993) belongs in
picture books.
Some librarians put children's books on "sensitive issues" in the
parenting collection, because they feel these books would benefit from
adult discussion. They're right that the child would understand more after
discussing these books with an adult, but that applies to every other book
in the collection, too. As one librarian said to me "You may as well call
the entire children's collection the parenting collection because every
book in this room would benefit from a parent/child discussion."
Putting children's books in the parenting section rather than on the
children's shelves is not recommended for several reasons:
* This automatically labels everything on this shelf as "sensitive,"
"dangerous," or just somehow different. This is a violation of the A.L.A.
Bill of Rights. It is also unfair to a child who sees his own family
situation only on the sensitive issues shelf and never with regular picture
books.
* No one is qualified to decide which books need parental intervention
or explanation except the parents themselves. An atheist might want Bible
stories on the shelf. A conservative Christian might want anything to do
with witches or ghosts on the shelf. Making this determination is a
violation of the rights of the child and of the parent. Librarians may not
act in loco parentis. It is the parents and only the parents who may
decide for their children and only their children which ones should be
discussed.
* From a practical point of view, this further divides the collection,
making it more difficult to locate specific titles.
* Every book could benefit from discussion between parent and child.
Librarians should be encouraging parents to discuss all books with their
children, not deciding for the parents which ones need discussion.
PROGRAMS FOR PARENTS AND DAY CARE TEACHERS ON READING...
All of us who work with children and books spend a lot of time on
programming for children, but sometimes we forget that often the most
effective way to reach children is through their parents, day care
providers and teachers. If the adults who see them every day don't
understand the importance of reading, or don't know what the library has to
offer, chances are you aren't reaching those children. So, part of our
mission as children's librarians is to do programs for adults about
children and reading. How do you get an audience? Go to where the adults
already are: PTA's, daycare centers, service clubs, church groups, and
parent/child centers. You can try having a general program in the library,
but chances are the audience size will be small and the people there will
already be committed to reading. A way to insure attendance is to have a
"carrot" for those who come. Free books are a possibility; credits
(through the state for recertification) bring in home daycare providers.
What do you say once you have them there? A few years ago I made up
an outline of a talk, "Reading Aloud: A Program For Parents and Teachers"
and recently I updated it. Request a copy (free), and adapt to your needs.
The Department of Libraries also has an excellent 30 minute videotape you
can borrow called "Parents, Kids and Books." The videotape shows children
and adults enjoying books and, in a low key manner, stresses the importance
of reading in a young child's life.
Besides the talk outline, we can also send you multiple copies of our
Reading Aloud brochure and the two recently updated bibliographies for: 1)
babies and toddlers and 2) preschoolers. Just let us know how we can help!
PERFORMERS' DIRECTORY...
The 1995-96 edition of Programs For Children: A Directory of Programs
and Speakers should be rolling off the press soon. This is a nearly 100
page compendium of people who do programs for kids and who like to/want to
perform in libraries. All public libraries will receive one in the mail;
anyone else can send $5.00 plus .25 tax (or if your organization is a
501(c)3, send $5.00 plus your tax exempt number) to: Christine Coolidge,
Vermont Department of Libraries, Pavilion Building, 109 State St.,
Montpelier, Vermont 05609. Checks should be made out to The Vermont
Department of Libraries. Please note that this is a listing as received
from the performers themselves, not a juried or screened list. Before
hiring someone you should always check with previous sites to determine
suitability for your library.
INTERNET TIPS FOR CHILDREN'S LIBRARIANS...
Most of us are still novices at using the Internet, but there are many
important resources of use to children's librarians, and I plan to pass on
some tips in each newsletter. When you find something useful, please let
me know so I can share the information with your colleagues.
The first thing that most people use on the Internet is e-mail. This
electronic mail system allows you to communicate almost instantly with
people all over the world. Most of you have been using e-mail to send
messages to people within Vermont for several years now, but only a few of
you have discovered that writing to people outside of VALS is just as easy.
All you need is their e-mail address. Then, at the mail prompt, type
"send" and at the "to" prompt, type SMTP%"address". The % and the
quotation marks are essential. Example: SMTP%"ggreene@DOL.STATE.VT.US".
One way to keep in touch with like-minded colleagues is to join a
listserv. This is a group of people with a common interest who form an
electronic discussion group. There are several listservs that are of
interest to children's librarians, the most practical being PUBYAC. PUBYAC
is for public children's and young adult librarians and covers all aspects
of service. Recent discussions have centered on tips for planning a new
children's room, programming for young adults and censorship issues. This
is also used as a forum for tracking down "stumpers" - reference questions
that are hard to answer. One of the best things about this listserv is
that it is moderated. That means that someone screens out irrelevant
messages and compiles the rest into one daily list that is sent to your
mailbox. You can then choose just to read the messages, or to be an active
participant. Once you join, you will automatically receive directions on
how to use the service. To subscribe to PUBYAC, send a message to:
LISTSERV@ nysernet.org and leave the subject line blank. The message is:
subscribe PUBYAC Jane Doe (use your name here).
Two listservs about children's literature are: 1) CHILDLIT: Children's
Literature: Criticism and theory. To subscribe, send e-mail to
listserv@rutvm1.rutgers.edu and 2) KIDLIT-L list (children and youth
literature list). To subscribe send e-mail to
LISTSERV@BINGVMB.CC.BINGHAMTON.EDU. Follow above instructions for format.
Have fun! One caveat is that these can take a lot of your time. You need
to learn to read only the messages that are relevant. Most listservs
archive the discussions, so you can go back and look something up later.
MOCK CALDECOTT...
For the 7th year in a row the Department of Education and the
Department of Libraries are cosponsoring a day long picture book evaluation
program. In the morning, Melody Allen, the Youth Services Consultant in
Rhode Island and Virginia Golodetz, Vermont's own children's literature
expert, will explain how the Caldecott committee works, as well as the
criteria they use for evaluating a picture book. In the afternoon we will
divide up into groups to select our favorite picture books of 1995.
Participants will receive a list of picture books to evaluate upon
registration. Please send in the form in this newsletter to attend.
ATTEND A.L.A. FREE!
The Association for Library Service to Children/Econo-Clad Literature
Program Award Committee is now accepting applications for this award which
provides a grant of $1,000.00 to support an ALSC member's attendance at the
ALA Annual Conference in New York, July, 1996. The award is given to a
children's librarian who has developed and implemented a unique reading or
literature program for children (infants through age 13) that brings
children and books together to develop life-long reading habits. Deadline
for entries: December 1, 1995. Application forms are available from ALA,
ALSC Office, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611.
BOOK ESSAY CONTEST...
Students in grades 6-12 are eligible to enter the "Letters About
Literature Essay Contest," co-sponsored by Weekly Reader's READ magazine
and the Center For the Book at the Library of Congress. Entries should
take the form of a letter to the author of a book about which the student
has strong feelings. Letters should be 1,000 words or fewer and should
explain what the book "taught you about yourself." Grand prize is a five
day, all expenses paid, 4 night trip for the winner and a parent to
Washington DC. Next level is 9 prizes of $100.00. There will also be
state level prizes. Entries are due by December 8 to: Vermont Center For
the Book, P. O. Box 441, Main St., Chester, VT 05143. Call VCB at (802)
875-2751 for entry forms or more information.
CE OPPORTUNITIES AT THE FLYNN...
Joan Robinson at the Flynn Theatre, 153 Main St., Burlington, VT
05401, (802) 863-8778 is the contact person for the following exciting
opportunities:
"Bringing Green Gables To Life" - Deepen your readers' understanding
of characters, settings and plots of classic literature with simple
creative drama activities structured for students in grades 3-6. Workshop
leader Joan Robinson, Flynn's Education Coordinator, draws from her
experience as a children's librarian at Ilsley Public Library in Middlebury
and actor/teacher in children's theatre. This workshop is offered in
connection with a Flynn Theatre student matinee of "Anne of Green Gables"
by ArtsPower on November 29, at 9:30 a.m. and 12 noon. Thursday, November
2, 4:30-7pm, $18.00 in advance/$20.00 after October 25.
"Flynn Storytelling Festival" - Enjoy a day of storytelling
performances and workshops to enhance your appreciation of the art form and
to inspire your own telling at the first-ever Flynn Theatre Storytelling
Festival on Sunday, January 21. The day will begin with performances by
Vermont storytellers Tim Jennings and Leanne Ponder, Peter Burns, and
Deborah Lubar, followed by two sessions of workshops. The day will end
with performances by Michael Parent, musician/storyteller of French
Canadian heritage; Gayle Ross, Cherokee storyteller of Native American
myths and legends; and Jon Spelman, writer and teller of original and
southern tales. Sunday, January 21, 1-8:30 p.m. workshops only (2:30 - 6
p.m.) $25.00; with performances (1-2:15 p.m., 7-8:30 p.m.) $45.00. EARLY
REGISTRATION ENCOURAGED. SPACE IS LIMITED!
"Fables In A Flash" - Sample tried-and-true techniques which make
acting out fables and other folklore simple and fun. Especially for people
who work with children in pre-K and primary grades, this workshop is
offered in connection with the Flynn Theatre student matinee of "Tortoise
and the Hare" presented by Theatre IV on Wednesday, March 6, 9:30 a.m. and
12 noon. Monday, February 12, 4:30 - 7 p.m., $18.00 in advance/$20.00 after
February 5.
USBBY CONFERENCE, "The World At Our Doorstep," International Board on
Books For Young People, October 5-7, 1995. This first IBBY regional
conference in the US will feature literature from different cultures around
the world and within the U.S.. Speakers include Margaret Mahy, Suzanne
Fisher Staples, Tololwa Mollel and Sheila Hamanaka. Cost: $150.00
members: $165.00 non-members. For information call Shirley Tastad at (404)
651-2510.
AVAILABLE...
...Revised bibliographies from the Bare Bones Packet, including "Aids
For Developing A Children's Collection," "A Bare Bones Easy Reader List,"
"Children's Book Exhibit Center: Bibliographies, Resources, and Traveling
Exhibits (Travex)," and "Children's Magazines." Also, bibliographies of
recommended books for: a) babies and toddlers and b) preschoolers.
Contact Christine Coolidge at 828-3261, or email CBEC for copies of any of
these.
..."Child Safety On the Information Highway" a brochure on the
Internet for parents. Contact: National Center For Missing and Exploited
Children, 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 550, Arlington, VA 22201-3052.
Telephone 1-800-THE- LOST. First 50 copies free; $0.10/copy after that.
Contains rules and guidelines for online safety for children.
..."Standards for Public Library Service to children in Massachusetts"
1995 edition - published by the Massachusetts Library Association. $10.00
from MLA, 707 Turnpike Street, North Andover, MA 10845. (508) 686-8543.
Patricia E. Klinck, State Librarian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .828-3265
Marianne Kotch, Development & Adult Services Consultant. . . . . . . .828-3261
Grace Greene, Children's Services Consultant . . . . . . . . . . . . .828-3261
Library and Information Services Division
Sybil B. McShane, Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .828-3261
Marjorie D. Zunder, Head, Reference and Law Services . . . . . . . .828-3261
Lorraine Lanius, Head, Technical Services Unit . . . . . . . . . . .828-3261
S. Francis Woods, Special Services Consultant. . . . . . . . . . . .828-3273
Kent Gray, Midstate Regional Library (Berlin). . . . . . . . . . . .828-2320
Michael Roche, Northeast Regional Library (St. Johnsbury). . . . . .748-3428
David S. Clark, Northwest Regional Library (Georgia) . . . . . . . .524-3429
Amy Howlett/Joan Knight, Southeast Regional Library (Dummerston) . .257-2810
Carol Chatfield, Southwest Regional Library (Rutland). . . . . . . .786-5879
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NEWS is a federal-state program under the Library Services and Construction Act.
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VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARIES
109 State St.
Montpelier, VT 05609-0601