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State of Vermont
Department of Libraries
N E W S
No. 110, Summer 1998
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SEVEN LIBRARIES RECEIVE SMITH GRANTS
Emergent readers in seven Vermont communities will find a host of new
books and various special programs for them at their public libraries this
summer and fall, thanks to this year's round of Elva Sophronia Smith Grants
from the Department of Libraries. The grants were awarded to the Martha
Canfield Memorial Library, Arlington; Barton Public Library; Castleton Free
Library; Carpenter Carse Library, Hinesburg; Cobleigh Public Library,
Lyndonville; Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield; and Cutler Memorial
Library, Plainfield. All will be purchasing a number of new books for
children just learning to read and will be working with schools and other
community groups, as well as parents, to encourage kids to keep discovering
the joy of reading.
27 public libraries submitted proposals for the competitive grant
program given annually. This year's Smith Grant Committee, chaired by
Grace W. Greene, Department of Libraries Children's Services Consultant,
found the choice especially difficult because there were many strong
applications. The winning libraries' proposals displayed careful planning
and good community cooperation, Greene said: "Several of these towns
already have America Reads programs established, and all have good working
relationships with local schools and other agencies which serve children."
Other committee members were Toni Dyer, trustee, Groton Public Library;
Debbie Spackman, Children's Librarian, Norman Williams Public Library,
Woodstock; and Marianne Kotch, Department of Libraries Director of Public
Library Support Services. Kim Prangley, librarian at the Haskell Free
Library, Derby Line, was part of the committee but, due to an emergency,
was unable to participate in the selection process.
DOL OFFERS COMPUTER GRANTS
Ten Vermont public libraries will also be receiving public access
microcomputers this summer, with help from a competitive grant program
offered by the Department of Libraries with funding from the federal
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). The multi-media microcomputers
will be for public access to the Vermont Automated Libraries System (VALS),
the internet, and other electronic resources. With an application deadline
of May 15, the grants are expected to be awarded on or about July 1.
The grants will be awarded based on libraries' ability to provide and
support public access computers successfully, as well as on the current
availability and capabilities of existing computers in their libraries.
Only libraries that meet the minimum standards for Vermont public libraries
are eligible to apply. In addition, they must be physically accessibility
to people with disabilities, be willing to cover the costs of equipment
maintenance and basic telecommunications costs, offer the computers to the
public free of charge during open hours, and agree in principal to the
American Library Association's Codes of Ethics for librarians and trustees,
the Library Bill of Rights, and its interpretations, including Access to
Electronic Information, Services, and Networks. For more information about
the grant program, contact State Librarian Sybil Brigham McShane, 828-3265.
GRANT RECIPIENTS MEET
What happens when your library introduces public access to the
Internet? Who uses public access microcomputers in the library? How?
What problems do you encounter? What are the benefits to patrons of all
ages? All these questions and more were discussed at an April 27 meeting
of librarians whose 17 libraries received IBM/NYNEX/DOL computer grants
last year. Marie Houghton and Joan Jamieson, representing IBM and Bell
Atlantic (formerly NYNEX), respectively, noted that this had been the
companies' first collaborative grant project in Vermont. By all reports,
the recipients were pleased with the results, and so were the grantors.
The day-long conference began with success stories from Hilari
Farrington of Stowe Free Library and Cindy Karasinski of Barton Public
Library. Each told of the Internet's reference service benefits, the
ability to serve varied and new users ("20-somethings," teens, etc.), and
the resulting improved image of the library, its services, and its staff.
Pat Hazlehurst of Lyndonville's Cobleigh Public Library moderated a general
discussion of experiences, and almost everyone present had a story to tell
of a person helped via Internet service. Farrington noted that tourists
are checking their electronic mail via the library's computer which in turn
helps local innkeepers. Karasinski told of a teenager with very poor
reading skills who has become motivated to learn through searching the
Internet.
Many librarians shared experiences of collaboration with community
groups, schools, Adult Basic Education, and other organizations. In
Brattleboro, high school students seeking community service credits for
graduation are "Internet mentors," helping patrons at the library after
school and one evening a week. In Barre, a club vocally resistant to
technology in the library was invited over for a demonstration; its members
were "converted" and ended up donating a book on good Internet sites. Lisa
Von Kann of the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum told about her library's
involvement in a cooperative online consumer health information project
with area hospitals and libraries, including some in New Hampshire. This
project includes development of a website with links to recommended sites
for medical consumers.
Roadblocks to public access and their solutions were discussed in
small groups during the afternoon. Training and technical support were two
major concerns, as participants voiced the need to keep up with
technological developments and to cope with printer jams, system security,
and other problems. Various future training topics were suggested, and
cooperative arrangements for technical support were explored. The
wide-ranging discussions also covered privacy issues, publicity, rules for
use, policies, and ways to address public concern about children's access.
"Get in front of the issue" of concern, many concluded, and help parents
work with their children to find appropriate Internet sites and to evaluate
content of material found. Participants went home with packets of sample
sign up sheets, policies, and publicity materials from the group.
15 LIBRARIANS ACHIEVE CERTIFICATION
At its annual meeting in March, the Vermont Certification Board voted
to award certification to the following librarians who will be recognized
at the annual Vermont Library Conference, May 27 and 28:
Robert Allen, Brown Public Library, Northfield
Noreen Cargill, formerly Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester
Dawn Carson, Springfield Town Library
Sally Dain, Waterbury Public Libraries
Joyce Fuller, Cavendish-Fletcher Community Library
Jeanne Giard, North Hero Public Library
Mary Graf, Brownell Library, Essex Junction
Becky Hollis, Rockingham Free Public Library
Eleanor B. Johnson, Pope Memorial Library, Danville
Mary Kasamatsu, Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield
Megs Keir, Richmond Free Library
Mary Kenny, Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville
Ruth McCullough, Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier
Wanda Morton, Stowe Free Library
Cyndi Newett, H.F. Brigham Free Public Library, Bakersfield
Congratulations to each of these librarians who completed a minimum of
150 credit hours, including workshops in Cataloging, Reference, Collection
Development, Basic Public Library Administration, and Technology; many far
exceeded the 150 credit minimum. Members of the Certification Board are
Sybil Brigham McShane, State Librarian; Robert Johnson, trustee, Waterbury
Public Libraries; Lyman Ross, President, Vermont Library Association;
Kathie Ludwig, Norman Williams Public Library, Woodstock; and Grace W.
Greene, Continuing Education Coordinator, chair.
MINI-WORKSHOPS STILL AVAILABLE
Department of Libraries staff continues to offer mini-workshops for
librarians and trustees in a variety of areas. These half-day sessions may
be given at local libraries or at regional libraries and may be scheduled
on demand with regional librarians. Certification credit may be arranged,
and the agenda can be tailored to participants' needs. Amy Howlett
recently organized a "What's on VALS" mini-workshop for librarians in the
southeast region, while Marianne Kotch offered a session on customer
service for volunteers and staff at Barre's Aldrich Public Library during
National Volunteer Recognition Week.
Other mini-workshop topics have included using VALS, safety, using
volunteers, budgeting, intellectual freedom, the Internet, statistics, long
range planning, trustee orientation, writing an annual report, and the
reference interview. DOL's head of Technical Services, Lorraine Lanius,
is also available to speak about "Planning for Automation: The Technical
Services Perspective." If you would like to attend a mini-workshop or if
you would like to schedule one at your library, call your regional
librarian.
LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP
The Vermont General Assembly adjourned in mid-April, after passing the
FY99 state budget, a capital construction budget, and a bill encouraging
libraries to serve as community centers, among many things. The FY99
budget includes an increased appropriation of just over 2% for the
Department of Libraries.
The capital construction budget [Act. no. 148 (H.761)] includes a
provision for the upgrade of the Vermont Automated Libraries System (VALS).
The system plans to migrate to a WindowsNT platform, using the current
software developed by Data Research Associates. There will be many
enhancements, including the ability to search many of the databases offered
at once.
In late March, Governor Dean signed into law Act no. 73 (H.404), a
bill "relating to community use of public library facilities and
resources." Introduced in the house by Hartland Representative Matt B.
Dunne, the law is designed to encourage local libraries to invite community
groups to use their facilities. The text of the law is as follows:
Sec. 1. 22 V.S.A. 67 is added to read:
67. PUBLIC LIBRARIES; STATEMENT OF POLICY; USE OF FACILITIES AND RESOURCES
(a) The general assembly declares it to be the policy of the state of
Vermont that free public libraries are essential to the general
enlightenment of citizens in a democracy and that every citizen of the
state of Vermont should have access to the educational, cultural,
recreational, informational, and research benefits of a free public
library.
(b) The trustees, managers, or directors of a public library may use
library resources as a community center. Community centers may serve as
forums and exhibition areas for the exchange of ideas that encourage the
growth of artistic, educational, literary and scientific knowledge as well
as the intercultural understanding of the Vermont citizenry. Public
libraries may cooperate with community groups to provide these services.
STANDARDS REVISION PROCESS CONTINUES
The committee to review and revise the Minimum Standards for Vermont
Public Libraries has been working on a draft to be distributed to public
libraries early this summer. After an initial meeting this winter, the
group conducted phone and personal interviews with librarians and trustees
from libraries that meet and do not meet standards. Committee members
found some misunderstanding about specific standards and about the two
versions of standards now available. One set of standards was adopted by
the Vermont Board of Libraries in 1986 and received approval from the
Legislative Administrative Rules Committee. The 1993 version, while
approved by the Board of Libraries, did not complete the Administrative
Rules process due to other legislative priorities. It is hoped that the
current committee can develop a draft that will complete that process and,
ultimately, hold the force of law.
In general, librarians and trustees surveyed feel that standards are a
valuable tool for self-evaluation and external validation. Nonetheless,
some wanted the process made easier and others called for the committee to
"raise the bar" and offer inspiration for public libraries. The Standards
Revision Committee has been reviewing the 1993 version of the standards
with an eye toward clarifying and updating various parts; it has also been
discussing ways to streamline the standards application process. It is
expected that the draft will be distributed to libraries this summer so
that trustees and librarians may discuss it and return comments to the
committee. Public hearings will also be held around the state later in the
summer.
Meanwhile, the committee welcomes additional comments and ideas.
Please contact any of its members: Glenna Copeland, Waterbury Public
Libraries; Randy Mayhew, Board of Libraries, Woodstock; Marianne Kotch,
Department of Libraries; John Rosenthal, Charlotte Library; Jeanne Walsh,
Dover Free Library; Linda Williamson, Hartland Public Library.
DEPARTMENT RECEIVES KEPPEL AWARD
The Department of Libraries has received the Francis Keppel Award from
the Federal-State Cooperative System (FSCS) for Public Library Data for the
fifth consecutive year. The annual award is presented to state library
agencies that excelled in the completeness, promptness, and high quality of
the local public library data they collect, edit, and submit annually to
the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). FSCS is a cooperative
program of NCES and the National Commission on Libraries and Information
Science. The national public library data is made available by NCES in a
variety of formats, and summary tables are also published under the title,
Public Libraries in the U.S.
This year's Keppel Awards were given at the 11th annual FSCS training
workshop in Alexandria, VA, March 30-April 1. Marianne Kotch, Director of
Public Library Support Services and State Data Coordinator for FSCS,
accepted the award for herself and former State Librarian Patricia E.
Klinck. The award is in the form of a working abacus with an engraved
brass plate.
The April, 1998, edition of Public Libraries in the U.S. includes
summary statistics for fiscal year 1995 with state rankings for various
data elements. Once again, Vermont ranked second in the nation in the
number of books owned per capita, 4.99, as compared to a national average
of 2.78. Other Vermont rankings are as follows:
20th in library visits per capita - 4.44 (national average = 3.92)
25th in circulation per capita - 7.03 (national average = 6.43)
32nd in total income per capita - $17.98 (national average = $22.35)
37th in local (tax) income per capita - $12.33
(national average = $17.49)
This average includes only libraries reporting tax support.
3rd in other income per capita - $5.63 (national average = $1.95)
Other income may include fundraising, interest from endowments, etc.
35th in total expenditures per capita - $16.86
(national average = $20.88)
30th in total collection expenditure per capita - $2.70
(national average = $3.15)
TRUSTEES MEET, LEARN AT TOECs
Nearly 150 trustees and librarians attended workshops at the spring,
1998, Town Officers Educational Conferences, sponsored by the Vermont
Institute for Government. Towns generally send car-loads of various
officers - town clerks, listers, selectmen, cemetery and road
commissioners, etc. - and public library trustees often get a broader, more
substantial view of their place in town government. Each of this year's
five conferences, held at Mt. Snow, Lyndon State College, St. Michael's
College, Lake Morey Inn, and the Rutland Holiday Inn, offered four
workshops specially designed for trustees. The programs were organized by
the Steering Committee of the Vermont Library Trustees Association (a
section of the Vermont Library Assn.) and the Department of Libraries.
Morning sessions were devoted to discussion of "micromanagement" and
trustees' general roles and responsibilities. In addition, participants
were given an opportunity to meet new State Librarian Sybil Brigham McShane
who invited suggestions for statewide services to public libraries and
Vermonters in general. McShane explained Department of Libraries federal
and state funding and staffing patterns, as well as her desire to encourage
new approaches to delivering library and information services.
Afternoon workshops looked toward the future, as librarians and
trustees shared experiences with offering computers for public access.
Kate Schaal of the Quechee Library summed it up by saying that she
encountered "more potential problems than actual." Lively discussion
ensued concerning privacy, intellectual freedom, shifts in staff
responsibilities, reference service vs. entertainment, and training both
public and staff.
The final workshop of each day was conducted by Vermont luminaries,
librarians forecasting the future role(s) of libraries. Technology,
naturally, dominated all of the presentations, but each speaker took a
different stab at predicting what VLA President Lyman Ross called the
"murky future." Stating that "no company makes products just for
libraries," Ross said that the for-profit marketplace's products will
continue to be adapted for library settings. John Crane of the Dartmouth
College Library noted that "the line between content and technology is
blurring." In the new college library, which Crane has helped design and
which will open in 2001, academic computing will be merged with the
library.
After a brief rest, the VLTA Steering Committee will begin planning
its annual fall statewide trustees conference, generally held on the first
Saturday in November. Tentatively mark your calendars now, and, if you
have ideas or wishes for speakers and programs, please contact Marianne
Kotch at 828-2320.
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FOR FUTURE REFERENCE...
by Marjorie Zunder, Director, Library & Information Services
828-3261
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LITERACY AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE COLLECTIONS...
Let us help you support the literacy and ESL programs in your
community. Reference and Law Services has new collections of literacy and
foreign language resources. Both collections are listed in DOLCAT and
available through interlibrary loan (ILL). The materials are housed with
the library science collection in the central offices of the Dept. of
Libraries in Montpelier. Stop by anytime to browse.
The literacy collection includes how-to books for literacy tutors,
fund raisers and program coordinators. Check DOLCAT using S=Adult
Education or C=LIT.
The foreign language collection includes foreign language dictionaries
plus materials for "English as a second language" instruction such as
medical and legal dictionaries. Check DOLCAT by subject i.e., Russian
language--Dictionaries or Arabic language--Dictionaries. You may also
search by call number, C=LAN.
Please feel free to send an interlibrary loan information request to
DOL_ILL when you don't have a specific title in mind. Describe what you
need and we will search the collections for you. We thank the Vermont
Literacy Board of the Vermont Dept. of Education and the Office of Minority
Services of the Vermont Dept. of Health for sponsoring these collections.
FINANCIAL AID FOR LIBRARY SCHOOL...
If you are considering a library science degree, we may be able to
help. "Financial Assistance for Library and Information Studies, 1998-99,"
published by the American Library Association, is available to borrow from
the Reference and Law Services grants collection. You may also send an
information request for library science financial aid materials to DOL_ILL
or your regional library. We will photocopy related articles from our
general scholarship directories for you.
VSAC...
The Vermont Student Assistance Corp. (VSAC) encourages you to borrow
materials from its library. The collection is listed in DOLCAT. It
contains current, carefully selected materials related to financial aid for
higher education. Search by subject or title. Public and school libraries
should use the "r" or "rb" command to request an interlibrary loan.
NEW TO LS...
Look for ALA's Guide to Best Reading in 1998, new to the Department of
Libraries Library Science collection and available through interlibrary
loan. The Guide is a collection of camera-ready reading lists, perfect to
print as brochures or bookmarks for your library. The lists include the
current Notable Children's Books, the Mildred L. Batchelder Award books,
Booklist's "Top of the List" and many more.
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AVAILABLE...
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CONTINUING EDUCATION...
...Nonprofit management and leadership workshops through TAP-VT, a
program of the Vermont Community Fdn., 388-3355. This spring's lineup
covers topics such as grant writing, board development, personnel, and
fundraising, all at reasonable prices. Call VCF for a complete list.
RESOURCES...
...1998 Speakers Bureau brochure, featuring faculty, experts in a wide
range of topics, who are interested in speaking to Vermont community
groups. The list is organized under 16 broad topics, with numerous
sub-topics for each. Speakers can be arranged by calling the individual
colleges' communications offices. For a copy of the catalog, call Kelly
Collar, VSC Public Information Officer, 241-2520, email:
collark@quark.vsc.edu.
The speakers database may also be searched online at
.
...Ten "how-to" booklets addressing a variety of subjects affecting
local governments from the National Center for Small Communities, 444 North
Capitol St., NW, Suite 294, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 624-3556. Ask for
pamphlet "Helpful Resources for Small Communities."
..."Child Safety on the Information Highway," a useful handout for
parents concerned about access issues - Free - from the National Center for
Missing and Exploited Children, 1-800-THE-LOST.
...Recycled card catalogs transformed into functional new furniture by
Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers in Maine. The company offers to assume all
freight costs for shipping of donated card catalogs to their shop. Call
(207) 784-3332.
..."One in Five: A Profile of Disability in Vermont," a 20-page
pamphlet with facts and data - @$0.50 - from the Vermont Center for
Independent Living, 11 East State St., Montpelier 05602, 1-800-639-1522.
WEB SITES TO TRY...
http://www.Amazon.com Online bookstore but great for ILL verification.
http://stats.bls.gov/ocohome.htm 1996-97 Occupational Outlook Handbook
http://www.ala.org/booklist ALA's Booklist with fulltext book reviews,
articles, and bibliographies
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/MEDLINE Index to medical information online,
with some fulltext articles.
http://www.libraryspot.com Reference tools, periodicals, online texts,
library information, and links to more.
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SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER!!
We recently changed the way we distribute this newsletter to trustee
chairs around the state. Rather than keep and update a mailing list of
all trustee chairs and their home addresses, we are simply mailing the News
to chairs in care of their libraries. We appreciate librarians' assistance
in making sure that their trustee chairs receive it, and we encourage you
to copy the newsletter for other board and library staff members.
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CORRECTIONS and CHANGES
The St. Johnsbury Athenaeum was inadvertently left off the list of
libraries meeting standards this year. Apologies!
The Department of Libraries Southeast Regional Library has a new
address:
Vermont Dept. of Libraries
Southeast Regional Library
471 US Route 5
Dummerston, VT 05301-9412
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COMING EVENTS
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Mon., May 18 - Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award presentation to Peg
Kehret, Vermont Technical College, Randolph Center. Contact Grace W.
Greene, 828-3261.
Thurs., May 21, 9:30 am - "Internet Reference" workshop, part II,
North Country Union HS, Newport. Contact Grace W. Greene, 828-3261.
Wed., May 27 & Thurs., May 28 - Annual Vermont Library Conference,
Radisson Hotel, Burlington. Contact Mary Jane Marold, 223-3338.
Fri., May 29 - State holiday. Department of Libraries central office
and regional libraries closed.
Mon., June 1 - "Digital Reality: Managing Electronic Resources"
conference, Best Western Hotel, Marlborough, MA, sponsored by NELINET.
Contact NELINET via web access
.
Tues., June 2, 9:30 am - Central Vermont Librarians Assn. meeting,
Aldrich Public Library, Barre. Contact Betty Howlett, 496-4205.
Wed., June 3, 9:30 am - "Internet Reference" workshop, Castleton State
College. Continues Wed,. 6/17. Repeats: Wed., 7/15 and Wed., 7/29 -
Vermont Technical College, Randolph. Contact Grace Greene, 828-3261.
Mon., June 8, 9:30 am - "Collection Development" workshop, Northeast
Regional Library, St. Johnsbury. Continues daily through 6/12. Repeats
6/15-19 - Ilsley Library, Middlebury. Contact Grace Greene, 828-3261.
Tues., June 9, 9:00 am - Chittenden County Librarians meeting, Deborah
Rawson Memorial Library, Jericho/Underhill. Contact Ann Dorman, 899-4962.
Tues., June 16, 10:30 am - Vermont Board of Libraries meeting,
Midstate Regional Library, Berlin. Contact Sybil Brigham McShane,
828-3265.
Thurs., June 25-Thurs., July 2 - American Library Assn. annual
conference, Washington, DC. Contact ALA, 1-800-545-2433.
Fri., July 3 - State holiday. Department of Libraries central office
and regional libraries closed.
Tues., July 14, 9:30 am - "Public Access Computers: The Issues"
workshop, Midstate Regional Library, Berlin. Continues Tues., July 21.
Contact Grace Greene, 828-3261.
Tues., July 28, 9:30 am - "Public Relations" workshop, Northeast
Regional Library, St. Johnsbury, Continues Thurs., July 30. Repeats
Tues., 8/4, and Fri., 8/5, Cavendish-Fletcher Community Library,
Proctorsville. Contact Grace Greene, 828-3261.
Mon., Aug. 17 - State holiday. Department of Libraries central office
and regional libraries closed.
Tues., Aug. 18, 10:30 am - Vermont Board of Libraries meeting,
Midstate Regional Library, Berlin. Contact Sybil Brigham McShane,
828-3265.
Fri., Aug. 28, 9:30 am - Public Library Directors Quarterly Forum,
Midstate Regional Library, Berlin. Topics for discussion: standards,
young adult services. Contact Marianne Kotch, 828-2320.
Sept.: National Library Card Sign Up Month. Contact American ibrary
Assn., 1-800-545-2433.
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SPECIAL SERVICES NEWS
by S. Francis Woods, Special Services Consultant, 828-3273
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NLS CONFERENCE COMES TO BURLINGTON
Librarians serving blind and physically disabled persons throughout
the country met at the Radisson Hotel, Burlington, May 3-7, 1998, for the
national biennial conference. The theme of the conference, Freedom and
Unity, was chosen because it expresses the combination of
self-determination and cooperation that has characterized the 67-year
relationship between the National Library Service for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped (NLS), the Library of Congress, and the network of
cooperating libraries, which is the largest and longest-lived library
network in the world. Each partner in the network, including the
Department of Libraries Special Services Unit, has a mandate to serve its
blind and physically disabled readers, but all work together to better meet
the collective reading needs of patrons across the country.
Following opening remarks by NLS Director Frank Kurt Cylke, Vermont
State Librarian Sybil Brigham McShane touched on the conference theme. She
reminded participants that the cooperating libraries are responsible for
providing basic library service individuals who are blind, visually
impaired, or physically disabled - those who cannot readily use the print
materials of local public libraries. McShane also sketched an outline of
Vermont as small and rural, yet with the most public libraries per capita
and per square mile. Through interlibrary loan and other cooperative
efforts, the public libraries of Vermont meet the informational,
educational, and recreational needs of its residents in the same way that
the network libraries provide service to their patrons who cannot use
print.
A short ceremony followed to honor the Telephone Pioneers of Vermont,
a small group of volunteers who repair C-1 cassette book machines used by
patrons reading talking books. On hand for Cylke's presentation of a
plaque were Pioneers Lori Brigham, Paul White, and Paul's wife Dorothy.
On Monday, the keynote address was delivered by Lloyd L. Burlingame,
noted Broadway scene designer. It was an inspirational salute to adaptive
technology and to one individual's unquenchable human spirit. With
failing central vision, Burlingame remained chair of the Department of
Design at the Tisch School of Arts, NYU; kept up to date with professional
reading; wrote two books in his field; and, now retired, is attacking a
long list of 19th C. literary classics.
Euclid J. Herie, President and CEO, Canadian National Institute for
the Blind (CNIB), and President, World Blind Union (WBU), delivered the
presidential address. He described the WBU as the United Nations of the
blind and explained the organization's efforts to bring basic equipment,
such as simple manual braillers, and services to the blind in Third World
countries. By Monday afternoon, the conference was in full swing.
Highlights of the next three days included:
* The reception, hosted by the Vermont Regional Library (Department of
Libraries Special Services Unit), at the Shelburne Museum on Monday evening
- so-so weather, great appetizers (thanks to NLS and Isabel's Catering),
and the marvelous grounds and exhibits of the Museum
* A presentation entitled "Myth Emily Dickinson" by Elliot Engel,
professor of literature, North Carolina State University - informative,
fascinating, and very funny
* A presentation Tuesday, in Montreal, by the CNIB of VISUNET Canada,
a vision of the "virtual library" for the blind, followed by sightseeing in
Old Montreal
* Presentations on the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and its possible
impact on the network libraries, digital talking books and NISO standards
in the works, automation updates from NLS staff and the National Automation
Advisory Group
* A sobering presentation, "If I touch it will I die?" closing the
conference Thursday morning, with a discussion of health hazards
experienced when patrons return cassette book machines harboring insects,
microscopic creatures, and other harmful or noxious substances and objects
and offering the best solutions for these problems
* Finally, a curtailed tour of the Special Services Unit, attended by
some 25 people, once the bus driver found it
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YOUTH SERVICES NEWS
by Grace W. Greene, Children's Services Consultant, 828-3261
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RED CLOVER AWARD...
The second year of the Red Clover Award, Vermont's children's choice
picture book award was a resounding success. Twenty two thousand six
hundred three (22,603) children in 184 schools and public libraries read,
or had read to them at least five of the ten titles on the masterlist.
Seven thousand three hundred sixty nine (7369) voted for the winner, ART
DOG by Thacher Hurd. The rest of the books received the following number
of votes:
THE GHOST OF NICHOLAS GREEBE 3797
MY LITTLE SISTER ATE ONE HARE 2615
LILLY'S PURPLE PLASTIC PURSE 2094
SAVING SWEETNESS 2035
WILMA UNLIMITED 1961
HUSH 824
PAPERBOY 738
NIGHTDRIVING 659
BLUSHFUL HIPPOPOTAMUS 511
The Department of Libraries has free silver stickers to affix to
copies of the winning book - available by calling or via email.
For the third year, the Red Clover Award will be kicked off with a
conference for librarians and teachers. This year, the day-long conference
will be held at the Lake Morey Inn in Fairlee on Monday, October 5. The
highlight of the day will be a talk by Thacher Hurd, the author and
illustrator of the 1998 Red Clover award-winner, ART DOG. Workshops will
include discussion of this year's ten nominees, of the art of the picture
book, and of ways to ensure the success of the Red Clover program in your
school or library. The $50.00 registration fee includes a Red Clover
Guide, lunch, and other materials. All public libraries will be mailed a
registration form in early September. For further information or to
register for the conference, call the Vermont Center for the Book at
802-875-2751.
The manual for the 1998-99 program is available from the Vermont
Center for the Book (802-875-2751) for $10.00, or as part of the fall
conference registration fee. The Red Clover Children's Choice Picture Book
Award is a joint endeavor of the Vermont Center for the Book, Windham
County Reads, the Vermont Department of Education and the Vermont
Department of Libraries.
DCF NEWS...
...CEREMONY - The winner of the 1998 Dorothy Canfield Fisher award is
Peg Kehret for SMALL STEPS (Whitman, 1996). The ceremony to honor Ms.
Kehret will be held on May 18 at Vermont Technical College in Randolph.
All schools and public libraries which voted were invited. Many of Peg
Kehret's books will be for sale, and the Vermont Education Media
Association will be selling Dorothy Canfield Fisher t-shirts.
...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 300-400 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, 109 State Street, Montpelier,
VT 05609. Deadline is October 2. Terms are three years. Questions? Call
me at 802-828-3261, or talk to one of the committee members (listed on the
back of the masterlist). Please get the word out to interested teachers,
parents, etc.
...LAVALLA GRANTS - The DCF committee awarded no grants last year, and
has completely revamped the guidelines. Now, all funds granted must be
spent exclusively on books, whether they are on this year's DCF list, past
DCF books, or supplemental titles. The committee will be looking for
proposals with interesting ways of using the books, and promoting the DCF
program in your school, library or community. Preference will be given to
projects designed to have a lasting impact, instead of a flashy product.
Request an application from Pam Scott 802-828-2361; email:
cbec@dol.state.vt.us. The total available is $1000.00, and schools and
public libraries may apply for all or part of that amount. Deadline for
applications is October 2.
NEW AND UPDATED BIBLIOGRAPHIES...
For workshops this year, I'm updating many bibliographies, all of
which will be added to our website as they become available.
http://dol.state.vt.us or by going to DOLDOC5 at #3A on VALS. If you would
like a hard copy of the following, please contact Pam Scott at 802-828-3261
or email: cbec@dol.state.vt.us. Newly updated titles are:
BARE BONES PICTURE BOOK COLLECTION
BARE BONES JUVENILE FICTION BIBLIOGRAPHY
BARE BONES JUVENILE BIOGRAPHY LIST
BASIC YOUNG ADULT FICTION COLLECTION
Totally new ones are:
BOOKS FOR THE NEWEST READER
PICTURE BOOKS TO READ TO CHILDREN IN GRADES K - 3
SUMMER, 1999 PLANNING MEETING...
BOOKS AHOY! hasn't even begun yet, but it will soon be time to start
planning next summer's reading program. The theme has already been chosen:
Humor, but we need a name and lots of program ideas. Please come to a
planning session on Thursday, September 24 at 10:00 a.m. at the Midstate
Regional Library to start planning. At that time, we will also discuss a
theme for the year 2000.
NEW VIDEOS...
The Department of Libraries just received 34 children's videos as
well as a generous gift of a set of 12 videos from Vermont author and
illustrator Gloria Kamen. The 12 videos donated by Ms. Kamen are a set
called "Portraits: The Americans" produced by WETA, a public television
station in Washington D.C. The 15 minute tapes, appropriate for 4th grade
up, profile the following historic figures: Benedict Arnold, John James
Audubon, Benjamin Banneker, Mark McLeod Bethune, Buffalo Bill, Elizabeth
Blackwell, Nellie Bly, Benjamin Franklin, John Muir, Annie Oakley, Deborah
Samson, Jim Thorpe. The videos are housed at the Midstate Regional
Library and may be ordered via the usual ILL methods. They include several
that would be perfect for your summer BOOKS AHOY! program: FOOLISH FROG;
WHAT'S UNDER MY BED?; THE GREAT WHITE MAN EATING SHARK; MONTY and TALE OF
THE MANDARIN DUCKS. The other new titles are:
AMAZING GRACE CHICKEN LITTLE
CHICKEN SUNDAY CHRYSANTHEMUM
CROW BOY THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES
FLOSSIE AND THE FOX GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS
GOOD NIGHT GORILLA GRANPA: A CHILDREN'S OPERETTA
IN THE MONTH OF KISLEV NOISY NORA
NOT SO FAST, SONGOLOLO OFFICER BUCKLE AND GLORIA
ON THE DAY YOU WERE BORN OWEN
PETER'S CHAIR PICNIC
THE PIG'S WEDDING PILGRIMS OF PLIMOTH
RALPH S. MOUSE SEVEN CANDLES FOR KWANZAA
SYLVESTER AND THE MAGIC PEBBLE THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
TOO MANY PUMPKINS WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE
GOING, CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS? WHO'S IN RABBIT'S HOUSE?
WILFRED GORDON MCDONALD PARTRIDGE
WINGS: A TALE OF TWO CHICKENS
MATERIALS REVIEW SESSIONS...
Anyone who selects books for children or young adults is welcome to
attend the Materials Review Sessions co-sponsored by the Department of
Libraries and the Department of Education. The programs, which begin at
9:00 a.m. and last about four hours, feature oral reviews by Grace Greene,
of the Department of Libraries and Leda Schubert, School Library Media
Consultant, 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. At each session there are several hundreds of new books to
examine. The sessions are free and do not require registration. Beginning
this school year, there will be only two sessions: one in the fall and one
in the spring. The fall dates are Tuesday, October 27, Northeast Regional
Library, St. Johnsbury; Wednesday, October 28, Rutland Free Library;
Thursday, October 29, Southeast Regional Library, Dummerston; Wednesday,
November 4, Midstate Regional Library, Berlin; Thursday, November 5, Milton
Public Library.
VINS PROGRAMS...
The Department of Libraries will again partially underwrite nature
programs from the Vermont Institute of Natural Science for 30 libraries.
Libraries which did not receive a VINS program in 1996-97 or 1997-98 will
be given first chance at the funding in a first come first served manner.
The 30 successful applicants will each receive $50.00 off the cost of a
program. Fliers explaining the program will be sent to all Vermont public
libraries at the end of the summer.
MOCK CALDECOTT RETURNS!
After a one year hiatus, the annual Mock Caldecott program,
cosponsored by the Department of Libraries, the Department of Education and
VEMA will return! The program, a full a day of evaluating and discussing
picture books, will be at Vermont Technical College in Randolph on Friday,
November 20. Registration information will be available in the early fall.
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VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARIES
Sybil Brigham McShane, State Librarian . . . . . . . . . 828-3265
Library & Information Services Division
Marjorie D. Zunder, Director . . . . . . . . . . . . 828-3261
Paul Donovan, Head, Law & Documents Unit . . . . . 828-3261
Lorraine Lanius, Head, Technical Services Unit . . 828-3261
S. Francis Woods, Head, Special Services Unit. . . 828-3273
Public Library Support Services Division
Marianne Kotch, Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 828-2320
Grace Greene, Children's Services Consultant . . . 828-3261
James Nolte, Midstate Regional Library (Berlin). . 828-2320
Michael Roche, Northeast Regional Library (St. Johnsbury)748-3428
Amy Howlett, Southeast Regional Library (Dummerston)257-2810
NEWS is a federal-state program under the Library Services and
Technology Act. News is published four times each year by the Vermont
Department of Libraries and is distributed to all Vermont libraries,
trustee chairs, state legislators, and others who care about Vermont
libraries. News is available upon request in Braille, in large print, or
on disk. Call 828-3261. Editor: Marianne Kotch
VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARIES
109 STATE ST.
MONTPELIER, VT 05609
Howard B. Dean, M.D., Governor
Sybil Brigham McShane, State Librarian