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State of Vermont
Department of Libraries
N E W S
No. 102, Winter 1995
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LIVING IN CHALLENGING TIMES
As budget cutting and restructuring are now a way of life in the
public sector, the Department of Libraries continues the difficult task of
seeking ways to reduce spending while maintaining basic services. The
Department's FY96 budget has been kept level, but the FY97 picture is not
as rosy because the state's economy remains stagnant.
As we begin a new year, some restructuring of the Department is
occurring. Kent Gray, longtime regional librarian at the Midstate Regional
Library, has retired. Marianne Kotch, who has been filling in at MRL for
Gray since last January, will become Senior Regional Librarian,
coordinating the operation of all five regional libraries. Regional
librarians will help Kotch perform her previous duties of Development and
Adult Services Consultant in keeping with reordered regional library
priorities (see News, fall, 1995). With the recent resignation of Regional
Librarian David Clark, one of Kotch and her staff's first priorities will
be to assist in providing service at the Northwest Regional Library. All
regional libraries will begin the new year with the capacity to provide
graphical connections to the Internet via GovNet.
In addition, the staff of the Department continues to look for
cost-saving measures, including using technology. For example, as you will
read below, we will be printing and mailing 50% fewer issues of this
quarterly newsletter because it is now available via the Vermont Automated
Libraries System (VALS). At the same time, VALS will include a regular
calendar of library professional events. Nonetheless, financial reality
dictates continuous change and reassessment of priorities at all levels.
Some of our future choices may not be easy ones.
The Department's federal Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA)
funds are also up in the air as Congress considers a new Library Services
and Technology Act (LSTA). This change includes a potential move of
federal library programs out of the U.S. Department of Education to the
Institute of Museums. New categories for allocation of the funds are
planned as the emphasis shifts from support of rural libraries to support
of technology for access and of library service to children. We will keep
you posted as we navigate a somewhat uncertain financial future.
Patricia E. Klinck
State Librarian
THIS MAY BE YOUR LAST [PAPER] NEWS!
In August, the Department of Libraries newsletter was made available
on the Vermont Automated Libraries System (VALS). Beginni ng with the
spring, 1996, issue, all public and school libraries with dial access to
VALS will no longer receive paper copies of the News in the mail. The
Department of Libraries will also cease mailing to members of the Vermont
Library Association. Public library trustee chairs and those libraries
without dial access to VALS will continue to receive News by mail. We
estimate that providing electronic access to the News will decrease the
time lag between publication and distribution significantly and will result
in a $1500 annual savings.
To access the News, at the VALS Welcome screen, choose "3A," then
"DOLDOCS," and then "NEWS." The News may be read online, downloaded for
later printing, or printed from the screen. We encourage libraries to copy
or route News for staff members.
In addition to the "electronic" News, the Department will maintain a
monthly calendar of library professional events, also available under
"DOLDOCS." To include workshops and meetings, contact Lorraine Lanius at
828-3261 or e-mail LLanius before the first of each month.
ILL CODE REVISION UNDER WAY
The Vermont Interlibrary Loan Code Revision Committee held its first
meeting at UVM's Bailey/Howe Library on November 28, 1995. Committee
members are Melinda Adams, Norman Williams Public Library, Woodstock; Amy
Beth, UVM; Maggie Drown, Hartness Library, Vermont Technical College,
Randolph Center; Holly Kruse, Cabot School; Linda Williamson, Martin
Memorial Library, Hartland; and Marjorie Zunder, Department of Libraries.
The committee intends to draft a revised Code to present at the 1996
Vermont Library Conference in May. The current Code was written in 1978
and mentions the use of teletype machines but not computers! Please
contact any member of the committee with your thoughts and ideas.
Marjorie Zunder
Head, Reference and Law Services
BILL PROPOSES COMMUNITY CENTER USE
Hartland Representative Matt B. Dunne introduced a bill H.428 in the
Vermont General Assembly this year that "authorizes and encourages the use
of public libraries as community centers." It is expected that the
legislature will review and perhaps act on H.428 in the coming legislative
session. Speaking at the fall meeting of the Vermont Library Association,
Dunne noted that public libraries are vital to community identity and
spirit. Arts groups around the state are particularly interested in
collaborating with public libraries. Public librarians and trustees
interested in knowing more about H.428 and its implications should contact
VLA Government Relations Committee member Linda Williamson at 436-2473.
DOL WORKSHOP PACKET FEATURES VARIETY
The Department of Libraries' continuing education packet will be
arriving at public libraries soon. With the exception of the basics, most
of the workshops this year are brand new. For people serving children
there are workshops on the summer reading program, Children's Reference
(one day on print sources and one on CD-ROM) and Services to Babies and
Toddlers. Library directors, trustees, and other librarians can look
forward to Displays and Graphics, Legal Reference, Legal and Copyright
Issues, Personal Safety, Fundraising, and a Grants workshop. For those
involved with electronic resources, automation or technology, there will be
a workshop for Govet Users and one on LC Subject Headings.
Three of the basics will be taught this year: Basic Library
Administration, Collection Development and Cataloging. Popular workshops
from the past that will be repeated are: Internet, Filing, Understanding
MARC, Storytelling, VALS Update and VALS Refresher.
Regional Libraries will continue to offer mini workshops locally,
either on demand or as they see the need. The mini workshops last 2-3
hours and grant 2 credits each. All topics offered last year will again be
available: Intellectual Freedom, Safety, Customer Service, Budgeting,
Volunteers, Reference Interview and The Internet. Three new topics are
Statistics, Planning, and How To Write an Annual Report. If you need help
with any of these subjects, contact your regional library to see about
scheduling a workshop.
Grace Greene
Continuing Education Coordinator
TOECS AGAIN INCLUDE TRUSTEES
Each of the five Vermont Institute for Government/UVM Extension
Service spring Town Officers Educational Conferences will include four
sessions specifically for public library trustees. Two morning workshops
will focus on various aspects of automation - "What's Involved in
Automating a Public Library?" and "Public Access to New Technology in
Public Libraries.". The latter program is designed to help trustees
develop policies relating to public access to various online databases and
the Internet as well as to CD-ROM technology. Two afternoon workshops are
entitled "Setting Up a Performance Evaluation System in Your Public
Library" and "Fund Raising Idea Exchange," for which participants are asked
to bring sample evaluation forms and fund raising materials that have
worked for their libraries.
The cost of the day-long conference, to be held in five locations
around the state, will be about $20, including lunch and morning coffee.
Riding together to the conference with other town officials offers an
opportunity to share perspectives on town government and services,
including the public library. Call your town clerk to see if anyone else
from your town is planning to attend. Even trustees from libraries that
are not official departments of their towns are welcome to attend TOECs.
Dates and locations are as follows:
Tuesday, March 19 - Lake Morey Inn, Fairlee
Wednesday, March 20 - Quality Inn, Brattleboro
Wednesday, March 27 - Holiday Inn, Rutland
Thursday, March 28 - Radisson Hotel, Burlington
Tuesday, April 2 - Lyndon State College, Lyndonville
To sign up or for more information, call the UVM Extension Service at
223-2389. The Vermont Library Trustees Association, a section of the
Vermont Library Association, is sponsoring the workshops in cooperation
with the Department of Libraries.
SBA OPENS INFORMATION CENTER AT VTC
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is establishing a
Business Information Center (BIC) at the Hartness Library of the Vermont
Technical College in Randolph Center. Officially opening in early 1996,
the BIC will provide information about and counseling of small businesses.
The collection of nearly $200,000 worth of equipment and supplies is a
joint project of the national SBA, the state SBA, the college, SCORE, and
the business community. This is the 24th such center in the country and
the first to be located in a library. National businesses assist the SBA
in donating materials, underwriting the cost of other materials, and
providing telecommunications (e.g., Sprint provides an 800 number free of
charge). The Vermont BIC will be open 91 hours per week, seven days a
week. Al Hall, coordinator of the Center (828- 4518), will be available
for individual counseling by appointment. The Hartness Library staff,
directed by Jane U. Bartlett, will provide assistance when Hall is not on
site.
The BIC currently has 400 books, several business series such as 200
industry-specific titles (e.g., "How to Start a _________ Business"),
general industry data, and SBA publications. There are also seven
computers, three with modems, a range of computer software, CD-ROM titles
from the U.S. Department of Commerce, and access to SBA Online. When the
BIC opens, it will be a good place to refer library patrons seeking
business information.
David Clark
Northwest Regional Librarian
STAFF DEVELOPMENT TAKES MANY FORMS
Even a long-time cracker jack library worker needs to update and
refresh skills now and again. Learning new skills and tuning up old ones
can keep employees and volunteers excited about their jobs and doing their
best. When your library is facing change, staff training is essential.
But getting outside the library and sharing ideas and experiences with
others can give a worker a broader perspective of the job and the library
any time. In a time when raises are smaller than they have been in the
past, some libraries are rewarding good performance and commitment by
encouraging staff development.
Whatever the reason, staff development makes sense and should be
included in any library's budget. But learning need not cost a great deal
to be effective, and there are many formal and informal opportunities
available in Vermont beyond Department of Libraries workshops and Vermont
Library Association meetings. Here are some sources of formal continuing
education:
* Area Vocational-Technical programs often have classes in
computing for beginners and more advanced learners at modest cost.
* Community College of Vermont, the University of Vermont, and
area colleges sometimes offer library-related courses,
including children's literature, storytelling, and computer
science.
* Commercial firms, such as McAuliffe's, offer classes in using
particular software packages and general computer science.
* The Vermont Community Foundation's TAP-VT program offers a
range of programs aimed at non-profit organizations,
including fundraising, grant writing, management, team
development, etc. Trustees and librarians might benefit
from the programs. Write of call the VCF at P.O. Box 30,
Middlebury 05753, (802) 462-3355 to get on the mailing
list.
* The New England Library Association holds an annual fall
conference and various specific section workshops throughout
the year. For more information write NELA, Countryside
Offices, 707 Turnpike St., North Andover, MA 01845, (603)
673-3923.
* The American Library Association's annual conference will be in
New York City this July 4-10 and offers a perfect
opportunity to view a multitude of exhibits and attend many
workshops of interest to both librarians and trustees.
Share a ride with other Vermont librarians and trustees for
this once-in-a-blue-moon's opportunity. Write ALA, 50 E.
Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611.
* An ALA division just for public libraries, the Public Library
Association, will hold is biennial national conference March
26-30, 1996, in Portland, OR. Past conferences have been
packed with useful information for public librarians. Write
PLA c/o ALA.
* Graduate library programs in the region offer continuing
education for alumnae and others. For example, Simmons
College in Boston is offering several workshops this fall on
the Internet, the World Wide Web, and basic PC maintenance.
Beyond these formal opportunities, the Department of Libraries still
offers a variety of workshops. The 1996 calendar of workshops will be
mailed to libraries in early January. But a number of mini-workshops are
available on demand, year round by contacting regional librarians. Current
topics include trustee orientation, long range planning, Internet basics,
intellectual freedom, working with volunteers, customer service, and the
reference interview. Miniworkshops may be held at local libraries as well
as at regional libraries.
Libraries may also wish to organize their own staff development
opportunitites. Consider inviting another library's trustees or staff for
cross fertilization. Some ideas include:
* Watch and discuss a video together or with an expert. "Library
Science Videos for Staff Development," by Frank Woods, lists
items owned by the Department of Libraries available for
loan. Topics include problem patrons ("Library Survival
Guide"), book repair, storytelling, merchandising, etc.
* Arrange for a guest speaker at a staff or board meeting. Some
topics might be working with people with disabilities,
personal safety, first aid, fundraising, or literacy.
* Develop some trivia quizzes using parts of your collection to
sharpen staff and volunteers' knowledge about its contents.
* Visit another library or the regional library for a tour to
learn about the strengths of other area collections, to
learn new approaches to procedures, and to share ideas.
You'll probably also see your library with new eyes when you
return.
* Serving on a Vermont Library Assn. or community committee will
offer opportunities to learn new skills and build networks.
* Exchange jobs or substitute in another library for a period of
time.
* Hold a mending (or other) bee. Invite other librarians and, as
you work, ideas about many aspects of librarianship will fly.
CONFERENCE FOCUSES ON INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM
When newscasters mentions intellectual freedom these days, it seems
they're usually referring to a parent's concern over the need to protect
their children from unhealthy library materials. Who, after all, would
question a parent's concern? No one questions parents' concerns.
Libraries, however, must balance the concerns of parents with the rights of
everyone in their communities to access materials which might be deemed
unhealthy by some.
These issues were the focus of the annual fall conference on
intellectual freedom sponsored jointly by the Vermont Library Association's
Vermont Library Trustees Association (VLTA) and Public Libraries Section
and the Department of Libraries. Here are a few comments of the 65
trustees, librarians, and speakers who gathered November 4 in Montpelier:
* Whenever free speech is stifled, the best remedy is more speech.
* Who decides what others will have access to?
* Once an item is chosen, taking it off the shelf is censorship.
* By virtue of becoming a trustee, you are agreeing to defend the
First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
* To what extent can/should public libraries be "safe" places
for children? Physically safe, yes, but how about intellectually?
* Librarians maintain the treasure of books by giving them out.
* Librarians and trustees should take a pro-active approach and
show their communities the variety their libraries have.
In the morning session, Sandra Paritz, attorney and Marshfield
trustee, and Leslie Williams, Executive Director of the Vermont ACLU,
discussed laws relating to public libraries and the responsibilities that
trustees carry regarding intellectual freedom. A brief whole-group
discussion after lunch raised various concerns to be pondered through the
afternoon when four breakout sessions focussed on policymaking, weathering
challenges, labeling and placement of materials, and collection
development. Rutland author and life-long library user Peter Cooper
wrapped up the workshop with a heartfelt appreciation for libraries and
their openness to a public that needs good, varied service.
David Clark
Northwest Regional Librarian
INTERNET TIPS FOR TECHNICAL SERVICES
The Internet has a wealth of resources for librarians working in
technical services. It provides a network for colleagues, access to
library catalogs all over the world, and information about technical
services.
The electronic discussion group (listserv), AUTOCAT, is one valuable
resource for technical services staff. By means of e- mail, the AUTOCAT
provides discussion of theory, philosophy, trends and new developments in
library science. You can find fast answers to cataloging and
classification questions, listings of job openings, announcements of
meetings and workshops, and general exchange of ideas and knowledge. You
can even find a message on other uses of the Internet (Feb. 22, 1994, from
Judith Hopkins). To subscribe to AUTOCAT, send a message to
LISTSERVE@ubvm.cc.buffalo.edu. Leave the subject line blank. In the body
of the message type: subscribe AUTOCAT you first name followed by last
name. You will automatically receive instructions and inforamtion about
the discussion group service. Since traffic is very heavy, be careful to
keep track of your e- mail space.
Librarians can also search other library catalogs by selecting the
HYTELNET option in the Internet menu. Choose "Library catalogs" followed
by geographic area and then the type of library.
Many web sites on the Internet are specifically designed for technical
services. Try the following sites by typing any of the following addresses
in LYNX:
http://www.loc.gov/MARC/
This is the Library of Congress U.S. MARC Standards Office.
http://www.library.vanderbilt.edu/law/acq/acqs.html
This is AcqWeb (Acquisitions).
http://libdevl.lib.vanderbilt.edu/ercelawn/serials.html
This offers Tools for Serials Catalogers
A technical services home page for librarians in Vermont is currently
under construction and will be available soon. Watch for it!
Lorraine Lanius
Head, Technical Services Unit
ASK MS. STANDARDS
The 1995-96 "standards season" is in full swing. The Vermont Board of
Libraries held its first meeting to determine which libraries meet the
minimum standards for Vermont public libraries. By December 31, all public
libraries applying for standards should have been notified concerning their
status, and those wishing to appeal the Board's decision should send
written appeals by January 19 for discussion at the February 20 Board
meeting. A complete list of libraries meeting standards will appear in our
next issue.
This year, libraries were encouraged to apply for the 1993 standards
although, because the 1993 standards have not completed the Legislative
Administrative Rules process, the 1986 standards are still in effect. The
number of libraries that meet the 1993 standards this year was double that
of 1994-95. As with anything new, there were some concerns expressed about
specific standards that I would like to comment on:
* Safety and emergency procedures - Even the smallest library
should take steps to insure the safety of its staff, volunteers,
and users. A 1994 handout, "Safety First," addresses some of the
issues libraries should consider in developing staff and patron
safety procedures. The handout is still available, as are copies
of individual libraries' written procedures. I am currently
planning a workshop on personal safety for 1996.
* Americans with Disabilities Act compliance - It is never too
late to expand accessibility to public services and comply with
the ADA. Every public library should have conducted a written
evaluation of its facility and services (the deadline was
January, 1993) and should have written a plan to address
efficiencies with dates for action. The self-evaluation may be a
fairly simple chart listing the library's services and programs,
means of access, problems, and possible solutions. Use the ADA
Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) to review the physical facility.
Because the final deadline for physical changes to insure
accessibility to publicly owned facilities was January 26, 1995,
making a good faith effort to meet the ADA as soon as possible is
imperative. While those who inhabit historical buildings are
hesitant to make changes, Nancy Boone of the Vermont Division for
Historic Preservation says that "the best way to preserve a
historic building is to use it" as broadly as possible.
Accessibility will be a continuing concern as libraries develop
new services. Information about the ADA is widely available,
and if you have specific questions, contact your regional office
of the Vermont Div. of Vocational Rehabilitation.
* Continuing education for trustees - there are many
opportunities available, including the annual fall VLTA
conference, the annual spring Town Officers Educational
Conferences, and the spring Vermont Library Conference.
Libraries may design their own in-house opportunities as well.
For help, contact your regional librarian.
* Professional development and continuing education for
librarians with MLS degrees or certification - Opportunities
abound (see article elsewhere in this News). Although the
Department of Libraries will take attendance at its workshops,
librarians should plan to maintain personal records concerning
continuing education after they receive certification or the MLS.
The Department will continue to maintain records for librarians
seeking certification.
Several libraries did not apply for standards under the 1993 version,
but I suspect that they are close to meeting them. Now is the time to
begin tackling the few that are unmet. Regional librarians will be happy
to help.
Marianne Kotch
Senior Regional Librarian
COMING EVENTS
Mon., Jan. 1 - State holiday. Department of Libraries central office and
regional libraries closed.
Wed., Jan. 10, 9:45 am - Vermont Library Association Board meeting, Vermont
Technical College Library. Contact: Albert Joy, 656-8350.
Mon., Feb. 19 - State holiday. Department of Libraries central office and
regional libraries closed.
Tues., Mar. 5 - State holiday. Department of Libraries central office and
regional libraries closed.
Wed., Mar. 13, 9:45 am - Vermont Library Association Board meeting, Vermont
Technical College Library. Contact: Albert Joy, 656-8350.
Wed., Apr. 10 - "Empowering Users: Emerging Implications for Reference
Service", Holy Cross College, Worcester, Mass. Sponsored by Reference Technology Advisory Committee of
NELINET. Contact: Marj Zunder, 828-3261 or e-mail DOL_ILL.
Wed., May 8, 9:45 am - Vermont Library Association Board meeting, Vermont
Technical College Library. Contact: Albert Joy, 656-8350.
Thurs.-Fri., May 16-17 - Vermont Library Conference.
RESOURCES
..."Vermont Intellectual Freedom Handbook" compiled by the Vermont
Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Committee. Contains general
information and copies of various ALA documents. Available free from Gail
Weymouth, Sherburne Memorial Library, P.O. Box 73, Killington, VT 05751,
802-422-9765 or e-mail SHERBURNE. Also available at regional libraries.
..."Libraries for the Future", national library advocacy group
focusing on local control and information access issues. Call:
800-542-1918 or e-mail lff@inch.com. To join discussion on the group's
listserv PUB-ADV, send a message to LISTSERV@nysernet.org with nothing on
the subject line. The body of the message should read: subscribe PUB-ADV
[your name].
..."Minors' Access to Library Materials" report and "Libraries Under
Fire" video. Available at $20 per set, $5 per report and $15 per video.
Contact: Fort Vancouver Regional Library, 1007 E. Mill Plain Blvd.,
Vancouver, WA 98663, 360-695- 1561.
...Updated "Jobbers" handout with information about library use of the
state contracts with Brodart and Baker & Taylor for ordering books and
cataloging. Other vendor and book publishing information included. Free
from DOL_Central or Mary Moore @ 828-3261.
..."Vermont Centralized Card/MARC Service" handout with description
and procedures for obtaining free cataloging services for public libraries
meeting Minimum Standards for Vermont Public Libraries. Free from
DOL_Central or Mary Moore @ 828-3261.
..."Books for the Holidays" list of books reviewed by Amy Howlett and
Jerry Carbone on "Across the Fence" on WCAX. Computer format available
from e-mail AHOWLETT. Hard copy available from DOL_Central or Mary Moore @
828-3261.
..."Digest of Education Statistics, 1995 covering American education
from kindergarten to graduate school. Available for $35 from New Orders,
Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954,
stock no. 065-000-00803- 3.
...American Library Association "Graphics Catalog". Includes posters,
book bags, t-shirts and other library promotional items. Available from
ALA Graphics, American Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL
60611 or 1- 800-545-2433 and press 7.
...Vermont Historical Society "Booklist" with bibliographic citations
of good titles to develop "Vermontiana" collections. Available from
Vermont Historical Society, 109 State St., Pavilion Office Bldg.,
Montpelier, VT 05609- 0901, 802-828-2291.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
...Syracuse University Independent Study Degree Program offering
courses leading to Master of Library Science Degree. Write to Syracuse
University, Independent Study Degree Programs, 610 East Fayette St.,
Syracuse, NY 13244-6020, phone: 315- 443-3480, FAX: 315-443-1928 or e- mail
SUCEIST@UC.SYR.EDU
SMITH LECTURE...
A small but enthusiastic crowd heard Virginia Euwer Wolff deliver the
1995 Smith Lecture held in Montpelier in November. Her speech was
outstanding, giving us plenty to think about and much to enjoy. If anyone
would like to make a copy of the videotape, contact Frank or Jennifer at
the Special Services Unit (802) 828-3273.
INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM MEETING...
Librarians who work with children will be gathering on Monday January
8 from 10:00-12:00 a.m. at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier to
discuss issues around children and intellectual freedom. This is an
informal discussion open to anyone who is interested, and sponsored by CSAG
(the Children's Services Advisory Group). Please let me know if you are
planning to attend.
THE CALDECOTT AWARD: MOCK AND OTHERWISE...
This year's seventh annual statewide Mock Caldecott day was held at
the Vermont Technical College in Randolph on November 17. The participants
heard two former Caldecott committee members, Virginia Golodetz of
Burlington and Melody Allen, my counterpart in Rhode Island, speak about
their experiences on the committee and give tips about how to evaluate a
picture book. Then in the afternoon, we divided up into groups to choose
the year's winner from a pre- selected list of 24 titles. The group chose
MATH CURSE by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Lane Smith (Viking). There were
2 honor books: MY MAMA HAD A DANCING HEART by Libba Gray, illustrated by
Raul Colon (Orchard) and THE PIRATE QUEENS by Jane Yolen, illustrated by
David Shannon (Harcourt).
Next year, I have the honor of being on the real Caldecott committee,
so I will be particularly interested in your opinions. We'll be
considering all of the picture books published in 1996, for the 1997 award.
The committee, a group of 15, will convene at A.L.A.'s annual conference in
New York City this summer, and will do the actual selection at the
Midwinter conference next January. In between, we'll be reading, taking
notes and sending letters, lists, faxes and e-mails back and forth across
the country. Please let me know your thoughts about next year's books.
MATERIALS REVIEW SESSIONS...
We have set the dates for all of the Materials Review Sessions in
1996, and there's both bad news and good news. The bad news is that as
part of our cost cutting/time saving measures we have eliminated the
afternoon session which is held in South Burlington. Since attendance has
been very low there, and both the Department of Libraries and the
Department of Education have to cut back, it was an obvious target. We
hope those of you who traditionally attend that site will be able to go to
one of the regional libraries. Otherwise, we can at least send you lists.
The schedule is:
Tuesday, April 9 Midstate Regional Library, Berlin
Wednesday, April 10 Southwest Regional Library, Rutland
Thursday, April 11 Southeast Regional Library, Dummerston
Tuesday, April 16 Northwest Regional Library, Georgia
Wednesday, April 17 Northeast Reg. Library, St. Johnsbury
For the Fall they are:
Tuesday, September 17 Midstate Regional Library, Berlin
Wednesday, September 18 Southwest Regional Library, Rutland
Thursday, September 19 Southeast Regional Library, Dummerston
Wednesday, September 25 Northwest Regional Library, Georgia
Thursday, September 26 Northeast Reg. Library, St. Johnsbury
Tuesday, December 3 Midstate Regional Library, Berlin
Thursday, December 5 Northwest Regional Library, Georgia
Tuesday, December 10 Southwest Regional Library, Rutland
Wednesday, December 11 Southeast Regional Library, Dummerston
Thursday, December 12 Northeast Reg. Library, St. Johnsbury
All of the sessions begin at 9:00 and end about 12:30.
Preregistration is not required. We review books for babies-highschoolers
plus professional titles, so these programs are relevant for anyone who
orders books for young people. In order to give people another chance to
look at the books, some of the regional libraries are going to have all the
books on display for a two week period after the review sessions. The
schedule isn't definite yet, so please contact your own regional librarian
for information.
PERFORMERS' DIRECTORY AVAILABLE...
The 1995-'96 Performers' Directory is now available to all. This is
an annual listing (about 100 pages) of people who do performances or talks
for children in schools or public libraries. There's a wide range of
subjects from books to magic to music to crafts. In the past we have
automatically mailed the directory to every public library, but this year
we are sending ones only to libraries which request it. If you would like
one and have not yet told us so, please let us know. Schools and anyone
else who would like a copy should send $5.00 plus .25 tax (or if your
organization is 501(c)3, send $5.00 plus your tax exempt number) to: Grace
Greene, Children's Services Consultant, Vermont Department of Libraries,
109 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05609. Checks should be made out to the
Vermont Department of Libraries.
SUMMER MATERIALS...
The theme for the 1996 summer reading program is mystery, and the
slogan is Solve the Mystery...Read. This is a reprise of a theme we did in
1987, when it was called "Unlock The Mystery." Get out your old manuals
and start planning some mysterious happenings. Wendy Watson, the prolific
and much honored children's book illustrator who lives in Vermont, is
updating her illustrations from the 1987 materials for 1996. All public
libraries will be receiving a mailing for the summer, including an order
form for the reading program materials in March.
DCF NEWS...
Following their annual business meeting, The Dorothy Canfield Fisher
Committee has announced these news items:
1) Marjorie Gillam Lavalla grants were awarded to Cabot School and
Alburg Public Library. At Cabot, Librarian Holly Kruse will create a DCF
newspaper in which "students will focus on making creative connections
between character plots, conflicts, settings, and tone." In Alburg,
Librarian Marybelle Singer is planning a DCF Reader of the Week program and
a theater presentation from a DCF book.
2) The committee chose Linda Morrow of Lyndonville as its new member.
She has been involved in bringing children and books together in various
jobs as teacher, associate principal, and principal.
3) Again available are stickers to affix to copies of the winning
titles (not the masterlist). Stickers are free. Please request
from Christine Coolidge at e-mail CBEC or (802) 828-3261.
4) 16 schools and public libraries were selected as sites for this
year's ETV booktalks: Stowe Elementary School, Main Street Middle School
(Montpelier), Brookfield Elementary School, Thetford Elementary School,
Frances C. Richmond Middle School (Hanover, NH), Riverside Middle School
(Springfield), Westminster Center School, Deerfield Valley Elementary
School (Wilmington), Middletown Springs Elementary, Georgia Middle School,
Derby Elementary School, Miller's Run School (Sheffield), Groton Free
Public Library, Cobleigh Public Library (Lyndonville), Lincoln Community
School, and Barre Town Elementary School. There will be one booktalk for
each of the 30 DCF titles (2 per site), plus a special introduction done by
one of the schools. ETV has already filmed 10 of the booktalks, with the
rest of the shooting scheduled for January and February. They will begin
to air them in late January as fillers between programs. Be sure to watch
for Vermont kids promoting a Vermont award!
SPECIAL SERVICES NEWS
S. Francis Woods, Special Services Consultant
828-3273
VIDEOS CAN HELP BEAT CABIN FEVER...
...Perhaps your patrons are looking for something different to help
while away the dark winter hours. Why not tempt them with some of the
following titles?
- "Eyewitness" video series: Cat, Reptile, Bird,and Dog, by the
people who produce the excellent "Eyewitness" books.
- A Short Film Festival and Hollywood Salutes Canadian Animation, two
of many great animated films in the Department's collection. To track down
more via VALS, use a keyword search: "fi videorecording and animation".
Most of the films that Weston Woods produced from first quality children's
books are also now available in video format.
- Younger patrons may enjoy The Tale of Samuel Whiskers, The Tale of
Pigling Bland, and several other Beatrix Potter favorites faithfully
transformed in animation film.
- David Macaulay's Castle, the award-winning public television
program, Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction, and Pyramid, the
award-winning PBS documentary.
- Feature-length videos for children and young adults include Doll
House Murders (based on Betty Ren Wright's book of the same name), The
Princess and the Goblin (from the book by George MacDonald), Wonderworks (a
great series of features from a collection of children's classics), and the
10-video set of Leonard Bernstein's Young People's Concerts with the New
York Philharmonic investigating and explaining classical music for
audiences of all ages.
There are more than 2,000 titles in the Department's Audio-Visual
collection. Make your own selection or call us for help at 828-3273.
CHANGES TO VERMONT LIBRARY DIRECTORY, 1995
Following are changes to the Directory distributed in April, 1995,
along with the Biennial Report of the Department of Libraries. A revised
edition of the Directory is available via the Vermont Automated Libraries
System (VALS) and may be downloaded or printed. Choose "DOLDIR" under
"Other Useful Utilities," #3A on the VALS Welcome screen.
Patricia E. Klinck, State Librarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .828-3265
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
Marianne Kotch, Senior Regional Librarian, 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
NEWS is a federal-state program under the Library Services and Construction Act.
VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARIES
109 State St.
Montpelier, VT 05609-0601