Vermont Dept. of Libraries News, No. 115, Winter 2000
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State of Vermont
Department of Libraries
N E W S
No. 115, Winter 2000
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VERMONT PUBLIC LIBRARIES QUALIFY
FOR GATES GRANTS
The Vermont Department of Libraries was recently notified their grant
application, submitted on behalf of Vermont public libraries, for the Bill
and Melinda Gates Foundation's Library Initiative state partnership grant
program has been approved.
Vermont public libraries serving communities with a poverty level of
10 percent or higher (based on 1990 US Census data), will be eligible to
receive cash grants to purchase computers, Internet access, training and
technical support. Libraries serving communities with poverty levels less
than 10 percent will be eligible to purchase computers at a discounted
rate and will also receive training and technical support. Separately,
Microsoft Corporation will donate software to libraries that receive
grants.
Vermont is one of 15 states to qualify for Round 3 of Bill and Melinda
Gates Foundation Gates Library Initiative grants. Training and equipment
implementation for Round 3 states is not scheduled to begin until the year
2001.
The mission of the Gates Library Initiative (GLI) is to help bridge
the "digital divide"-the gap between those who have access to computers
and the Internet and those who do not. Since the inception of the Gates
Library Initiative in 1997, the Foundation has awarded grants of more than
$35 million to more than 2,200 libraries to bring Internet access to their
patrons, as well as provide staff with technical assistance and training.
SERL STUDY COMMITTEE SUBMITS REPORT
The committee charged by the General Assembly to study the impact of
closing the Department of Libraries Southeast Regional Library and to make
recommendations for mitigating the closure submitted its report November
15. In developing its final report, the committee met with various
community leaders, conducted surveys of public librarians and SERL users,
and studied data about libraries and other resources in the area and the
use of the library itself. Before completing its report, the committee
held an information meeting for the public on November 1.
Committee members included John Beagan, teacher, West Windham; Margery
L. Bunker, SERL user, East Dummerston; Jerry Carbone, Director, Brooks
Memorial Library, Brattleboro; Stephanie Choma, Director, Brandon Free
Public Library; Martha H. O'Connor, SERL user, Brattleboro; and Marianne
Kotch, Department of Libraries Director of Public Library Support Services,
who served as chair.
The report begins with a review of library service in the southeast
region and SERL's role, noting that circulation to public libraries
accounts for only 31% of SERL's annual circulation. 3,500 individuals are
registered borrowers at SERL, and about 3,000 of these live in and around
Brattleboro. Of the 17 year-round public libraries in Windham County,
three charge nonresident borrowers' fees of between $15 and $32 annually.
SERL patrons pointed to these fees as a major reason for using SERL instead
of those public libraries.
The committee's recommendations are as follows:
* Encourage the elimination of nonresident borrowers fees for all
Vermonters through a system of state aid to public libraries
Windham County residents were concerned about these fees and worried
that libraries would raise them or begin to chare. The committee felt
that fees serve as barriers to library users, including people with low
incomes, those with low literacy skills, and others who may at one time or
another have been turned off to reading and lifelong learning.
* Recognize and support Brooks as the hub library for Windham County
with sufficient funds to reduce or eliminate nonresident fees for
Vermonters
Brooks Memorial Library is the logical library for most current users
of SERL to use after closure. Some state funds could be appropriated to
lower or eliminate the fee as well as offset the cost of additional
services, computer upgrades and an expanded collection.
* Encourage bookmobiles and other library outreach services
Citizens and librarians alike supported Windham County Reads'
bookmobile service as one way to expand access. The committee felt that
the current state-WCR partnership should be encouraged to continue through
some funding and, if the building is used by another organization, the
suggestion that WCR retain some space there.
* Ensure that public libraries are publicized
Many area residents were not aware of all of the services smaller
local public libraries offer, including hours open, interlibrary loan,
internet access, no fees/fines, and programming. All involved with
Vermont libraries - librarians, trustees, the Department of Libraries, the
Vermont Library Assn., etc. - should be involved in this critical
activity.
* Ensure that interlibrary loan is readily available to everyone
SERL's citizen users surveyed mentioned easy availability of
interlibrary loan as one essential service they receive there. Yet
interlibrary loan is a basic library service, coordinated by the Department
of Libraries and available at almost all Vermont libraries. The committee
felt that public libraries should do a better job of assuring the public
that equally effective interlibrary loan service is available locally.
* Encourage closer working relationships between public, college and
school libraries to broaden the public's access to library materials
Many communities have valuable resources available to them in their
school and other local libraries, but the general public does not always
have access to these materials. Librarians should work together to find
ways to open school libraries beyond school hours year-round and to provide
services.
* Provide means for small public libraries to develop their
collections or access supplementary materials
Citizen users of SERL said that they use that facility because of its
longer loan period, its lack of fines for late materials, the helpfulness
of the staff, and the ability to borrow as many books as they want. Home
schooling families and teachers were particularly in need of broader
library collections. Librarians from the smallest public libraries were
uneasy about the closing of SERL because they would not have a nearby
collection from which to get supplementary materials to satisfy patron
demand.
The committee concluded its report by recommending that SERL remain
open to the public and to libraries until the committee's recommendations
can be refined, funded, and implemented. This was in direct response to
comments at the public meeting. Committee members offered to assist the
Department in any way possible to see that the recommendations are
implemented.
Copies of the final report, which includes as appendices survey
results, library statistics, lists of local libraries, and a proposal from
Windham County Reads, are available from the Department of Libraries,
828-3261, email: mmoore@dol.state.vt.us.
DEPARTMENT READY FOR Y2K
Y2K readiness has been on the Department of Libraries agenda for more
than a year now, and in November we dotted the final I's and crossed the
last T's by filing our Y2K Readiness Certifications and our Y2K
Contingency Plans with the State's Chief Information Officer. The process
leading up to the preparation of these documents involved developing an
inventory of all Department systems that might be experience an impact
from Y2K, assessing the actions necessary to make all systems Y2K
compliant, performing those actions, and validating the fact that Y2K
compliance had been achieved. Although that may sound pretty technical,
it mostly involved doing something pretty familiar to all librarians--a lot
of research. We also had the advantage that all of state government was
involved in the same process, so we could learn a lot from other state
agencies doing the same things that we were.
Last May you may have noticed one of the major events in our
preparations for the millennium rollover when we announced that the
Vermont Automated Libraries System (VALS) would be offline for half a day.
That was when we upgraded the operating system and library automation
software to versions that were certified to be Y2K compliant. Although
testing has been done to assure that this software will handle to rollover
to dates past 12/31/99, we also now have the day-to-day working proof of
that as we discharge books with due-dates set for after January 1, 2000.
Another important part of our preparations for Y2K was contingency
planning, which involved preparing detailed outlines of how the Department
would continue to offer its services if any or all of its automated
systems were not working properly. It was an especially interesting
process for me because I got to learn all about how library operations at
the Department took place before we had the automated system.
By the time that you read this, you should also have noticed the last
big event in our Y2K preparations, shutting down the system to make a
complete backup of both the system software and the databases. I hope
that most of you will have been enjoying some holiday-time while this is
taking place, but for those of you who may have had to be at your
libraries when this was taking place, thanks for your patience while we
have been offline.
--Sheila M. Kearns
Information Technology Manager
!! IT'S E-RATE TIME AGAIN !!
Every Vermont public library is eligible for telecommunications
discounts (e-rate) under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and should
apply as soon as possible for the year beginning July 1, 2000. The
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) which is responsible for the e-rate
program has designated the Universal Service Administrative Council (USAC)
to administer the fund, which is currently capped at $2.25 billion.
Priorities for funding applications are 1) telecommunications (including
basic telephone service) and internet access and 2) internal connections.
The e-rate application forms are available online at
http://www.sl.universalservice.org, and that is the preferred and fastest
method of application. The process at a glance includes the following
steps:
1. Develop a technology plan if seeking more than basic phone service
2. File form 470 seeking services
3. Wait 28 days and prepare service plans, contract and bids, if applicable
4. File form 471 for services ordered
5. Funding commitment approved by Schools and Libraries Division
6. File form 486 to start receiving funding or discounts
There have been some positive results from Vermont public libraries'
applications for the e-rate. For the 1998-99 year, Vermont public
libraries received over $55,000 in discounts. Many smaller libraries have
found that they can afford two phone lines (or more) for the price of one
so that they can make Internet access more easily available to the public.
Other libraries have been able to arrange for direct access to the
Internet, either via cable, frame relay or other service. If your library
is seeking an e- rate discount for more than basic phone service, file a
technology plan with the State Librarian for approval. If you need help
with this, request a copy of the handout "Technology Planning" from the
Department of Libraries, 828-3261.
If you have any questions about applying for the e-rate or need help
with a previous application, contact your regional librarian for
assistance. It may also be helpful to contact the SLD directly at 888-
203-8100 or email at question@slcfund.org.
--Michael Roche
Northeast Regional Librarian
DEPARTMENT PLANS FULL WORKSHOP SCHEDULE FOR 2000
In February, all public libraries will receive the annual continuing
education packet which will contain the certification guidelines and
information about all of the year's workshops. The two "basics" we will
be teaching are Collection Development and Cataloging, each of which will
be taught in two locations. Other workshops include: Born to Read 2000,
Booktalking, Outreach, The Internet, Interlibrary Loan (ILL), and Customer
Service. An online course, Authority Control, will debut. A special day
of sharing for members of Friends of the Library groups is also in the
works.
If you have any questions about the certification process, or
workshops, please contact Grace W. Greene, Continuing Education
Coordinator, at (802) 828-3261 or email ggreene@dol.state.vt.us.
BOOKMOBILE LIBRARIANS COMPARE NOTES
Librarians from seven different bookmobile programs came together
October 20 at the Midstate Regional Library to talk about their
experiences this summer and learn from each other. Vehicles were one
important topic, as Sherry Simmons of Williston talked about renting a van
and Beth Duddy told how Starksboro used a school bus. Staff of Windham
County Reads offered tours of their bookmobile, designed to their
specifications, and told what it takes to create an operation around a real
bookmobile? Staff from Bristol and Lyndonville told of their great luck
with childcare centers and trailer parks and wondered if they should try a
new audience next year.
Other issues of concern included: Is twenty minutes enough for a
bookmobile stop? How can you let people know you're coming? How do you
decide which stops have priority when there's a waiting list of people who
need your services? We had a lot to discuss, more than we could
comfortably cover in one meeting.
Public libraries are no longer just buildings. They are seeing all
kinds of ways to take services outside the physical framework and into the
lives of customers. Last year the workshop on "Children and Outreach for
Children's Services" began a dialogue around service to younger patrons.
This year, the Department of Libraries will host a workshop to explore the
topic of outreach in more depth, and Bookmobiles will definitely be on the
agenda!
--Amy Howlett
Southeast Regional Librarian
TRUSTEES, LIBRARIANS LEARN FINER POINTS OF "SPEAKING UP"
On November 12, public librarians and trustees gathered in the new
Sherburne Memorial Library in Killington to hear New York State Librarian
Janet Martin Welch discuss ways to raise awareness for library issues and
services. "Speaking Up and Speaking Out for Your Library" was a day-long
conference sponsored by the Vermont Library Association's Public Library
Section, the Vermont Library Trustees Association, the Department of
Libraries, and Libraries for the Future.
Welch showed videos of library patrons telling stories of how
libraries had helped them in very practical, real ways: getting a job,
stopping pain, learning to read. Workshop participants then told each
other success stories from their own libraries which Welch urged them to
use in publicity. The videos she showed, which were produced by the New
York Library Association, have been adapted into public service
announcements which the Department of Libraries will be purchasing for
distribution soon.
The morning's agenda also included a discussion of ways to handle
difficult questions from the public, politicians, and the press. Welch
showed that responding positively when faced with sometimes negative
comments can teach people what libraries are all about. View such
encounters as opportunities rather than as threats, she encouraged. The
afternoon offered trustees and librarians a chance to discuss an
automation proposal unveiled by Rep. Matt Dunne of Hartland who had served
as keynote speaker for the day and to learn about upcoming projects of the
VLA Government Relations Committee.
Future trustee continuing education events will include programs at
the annual Vermont Library Conference in May as well as a series of
workshops in conjunction with the annual Town Officers Educational
Conferences (TOECs)co-sponsored with the Vermont Institute for Government.
Workshops for trustees at these sessions will cover such topics as working
with Friends organizations, technology: are we ready to automate and
what's in our future?, roles and responsibilities of trustees and
librarians, outreach services, and getting along with the press. Dates
and locations of the TOECs are listed in the "Coming Events" portion of
this newsletter. Registration information for the conferences will be
mailed to libraries by early March. Contact your town clerk or the UVM
Extension Service (223-2389) for details.
FOR FUTURE REFERENCE...
by Marjorie D. Zunder
Director, Library and Information Services
828-3261
Interlibrary loan lore...
* Before you request an ERIC document (listed with an ED number rather
than an EJ number), check two parts of the full record in the ERIC
database. Check to see if the record states "Unavailable from EDRS." When
you see this, proceed as if you were trying to borrow a book. Search for
the author and/or title in the VALS catalogs to find a library to borrow
from. If there are no owning libraries in VALS, you may request out of
state locations from DOL ILL.
* When you see "Available from EDRS" in the ERIC database record,
check further to see how long the document is. For ERIC documents up to
30 pages, DOL ILL sends a paper copy at no charge. For documents longer
than 30 pages, DOL ILL sends a microfiche copy. If your patron prefers a
paper copy and agrees to pay $.10 for each page of the document after the
first 30, state this in your request. For example, if the document is 63
pages, your message will say "Patron will pay $3.30 for 63 p. doc."
* Libraries using cloth mailing bags expect libraries to use these
bags to return the same borrowed material. Easier said than done. When
you receive a loan in a cloth bag, think about how you can mark this loan
for return mail in the cloth bag. Can you mark your circulation record?
What is the best place to leave a note that you will see as you are
preparing this material for return mail?
Searching for CDs...
Looking for sound recordings on compact disc using VALS? Try using
this keyword search:
find sound and recording and compact and au _______
Use the name of the composer or performer as the author in this
search. Circulation policies for CDs will vary by library. If your
library owns but does not lend CDs, do not ask to borrow them from other
libraries.
AVAILABLE...
Resources...
...Computer-based interactive training programs for
library shelvers and assistants - $59.95 each from Mark L.
Kish, 222 Forest Home Dr., Ithaca, NY 14850. Visit
http://www.librarytools.com for demos.
...Vermont Nonprofit Insurance Trust (VNIT), providing
insurance opportunities and options to nonprofit
organizations in Vermont. For more information call Jane
Van Buren of the Vermont Alliance of NonProfit
Organizations (VANPO) at 862-0292.
...Easy-to-use traveling table top displays available for
loan from the Center for Energy and Environmental
Education for cost of shipping ($15-25). Topics include
clutter, financial control, and healthy eating and might be
useful backdrops for promoting materials in the collection.
Call the Center for Energy & Environmental Education,
Univ. of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614, (319)
498-4516, or view the website:
http://www.cns.uni.edu/simplify.
Continuing Education...
..."Vermont in the New Century: The Ninth Annual
Vermont Economic Outlook Conference," sponsored by
the Vermont Economy Newsletter, Fri., Jan. 14, 2000, at
the Sheraton Burlington. Fee: $105. Register with
Northern Economic Consulting-Conference, 669
Cambridge Rd., Westford, VT 05494, 879-7774.
..."PLA 2000: The Public Library Assocation Eighth
National Conference," Mar. 28-April 1, 2000, in Charlotte,
NC, featuring something for every kind of public librarian,
from authors to technology. Preconferences focus on such
topics as readers' advisory, technology futures, library
leadership and the enneagram, libraries as cultural
community centers, and trusteeship. Details at
http://www.pla.org. Fee: $150 for PLA members,
additional for preconferences. Contact: PLA, 50 E. Huron
St., Chicago, IL 60611, 1-800-438-3402.
COMING EVENTS FOR EARLY 2000
Tues., Jan. 11 - "Planning for Results" Group I, MRL, Berlin, 9:30 am.
Contact: Marianne Kotch, 828-2320. Snowdate - Wed., Jan. 12.
Thurs., Jan. 13 - Franklin-Grand Isle Librarians meeting, Swanton Public
Library, 9:30 am. Contact: Marilyn Barney, 868-7656.
Fri.-Wed., Jan. 14-19 - American Library Assn. Midwinter Meetings, San
Antonio, TX. Contact: ALA, 1-800-545-2433.
Tues., Jan. 18 - Chittenden County Librarians meeting, South Burlington
Community Library, 9:00 am. Contact: Claire Buckley, 652-7080.
Thurs., Jan. 20 - Vermont Library Assn. Board meeting, MRL, Berlin, 9:30
am. Contact: Linda Brew, 656-2020.
Tues., Jan. 25 - "Planning for Results" Group II-East, Essex Free Library,
9:30 am. Contact: Marianne Kotch, 828-2320. Snowdate: Tues., Feb. 1.
Repeats for Group II-West: Wed., Jan. 26, Whiting Library, Chester, 9:30
am. Snowdate: Wed., Feb. 2.
Tues., Jan. 25 - VALS Update workshop for school librarians, St. Johnsbury
Academy, 3:30-5 pm. Contact: Emily Tocci, 525-3636. Repeats Feb. 2,
Burr & Burton Academy, Manchester, 2-4 pm.. Contact: Merlyn Miller,
362-1775.
Thurs., Jan. 27 - VALS Update workshops for school librarians, Midstate
Regional Library, Berlin. 10 am-12N for basic information and 1-3 pm for
experience VALS users. Contact: Mary Moore, 828-3261.
Sat., Feb. 19 - Franklin-Grand Isle Librarians present author Reeve
Lindbergh, Swanton Public Library, 2:00 pm. Contact: Annette Goyne,
848-3313.
Mon., Feb. 21 - Vermont Library/Legislative Day 2000. All Vermont
librarians and trustees are encouraged to wear red and attend legislative
gatherings. Contact: Pat Hazlehurst, 626-5475, or any member of the
Vermont Library Assn. Government Relations Committee.
Mon., Feb. 21 - State holiday. Department of Libraries central office and
regional libraries closed.
Tues., Mar. 7 - Town Meeting Day. Department of Libraries central office
and regional libraries closed.
Thurs., Mar. 16 - VLA Board meeting, MRL, Berlin, 9:30 am. Contact: Linda
Brew, 656-2020.
Thurs.-Sat., Mar. 30-April 1 - Public Library Assn. national conference,
Charlotte, NC. Contact: PLA, 1-800-438-3402, or view website
http://www.pla.org. Registration fee: $175 for PLA members through
2/25/2000; $200 thereafter.
Tues., April 4 - VLA Public Library Section meeting on Readers' Advisory,
place TBA, 9:30 am. Contact: David Clark, 388-4095.
Wed., April 5 - Town Officers Education Conference, featuring workshops for
trustees, Lyndon State College, 8:00 am- 3:00 pm. Fee TBA. To register,
contact: UVM Extension Service, 223-2389. For program information,
contact: Marianne Kotch, 828-2320. Repeats: Thurs., April 13, Rutland
Holiday Inn; Tues., April 18, Lake Morey Inn, Fairlee; Mon., April 24, St.
Michael's College, Colchester; Thurs., April 27, Mt. Snow Resort.
Sun., April 9-Sat., April 15 - National Library Week. Contact: ALA,
1-800-545-2433.
Thurs., April 13 - VLA CAYAL program with Patrick Jones, place TBA.
Contact: Carol Aubut, 475-7550.
YOUTH SERVICES NEWS
by Grace W. Greene
Children's Services Consultant
828-3261
Born to Read 2000...
Here's a great way to bring young families into your libraries! I
hope you all saw the publicity when James Earl Jones was in the state to
kick off the Vermont Business Roundtable's Born to Read 2000 campaign. The
basic program involves giving a bag of books to every child at the six
month well baby visit at their doctor's. The bag will contain three books
for babies (THE VERY BUSY SPIDER by Eric Carle; PUSSYCAT, PUSSYCAT by Iona
Opie, illustrated by Rosemary Wells; and CLAP HANDS by Helen Oxenbury); a
video on reading to your baby; and both the hardcover and an audiotape of
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE by Maurice Sendak (for older siblings, or for
when the baby is older). In addition, there will be a coupon for the
families to take to their local public libraries for another free book,
MAX'S BATH by Rosemary Wells.
The Department of Libraries will buy thousands of copies of MAX'S
BATH, and distribute them to all Vermont public libraries. The first
means of distribution will be through four mini workshops in April/May
(watch for the announcement in the forthcoming Continuing Education
Packet). If you can't attend those workshops, you can pick the books up at
your regional library, or they can be mailed.
This is a great opportunity to get people into the library who have
never been there before. Most people don't realize that libraries have
materials and programs for babies and toddlers, so once you get them in,
you can entice them with great books, and tell them about your storytimes.
If your baby/toddler collection needs boosting, borrow a baby/toddler book
box from your regional library, and then consider purchasing some more
books. If you want to start a storytime for babies and need help, give me
a call and I can point you to some resources.
How many people will redeem their coupons? An estimated 7,000 babies
will be born in Vermont next year. Obviously not all of those families
will arrive on your doorstep with a coupon. However, there will be
statewide publicity through television, radio and newspapers, so many will
hear about this. Also, the book featured in the video is MAX'S BATH, so
that should whet people's appetites.
In addition to this primary initiative, the Roundtable is also just
trying to get the message out about reading with and to children in
general. Another thing that will be happening is that they will be giving
giant teddy bear books to all the public libraries to give away. These
books were donated by the Vermont Teddy Bear Company, and are elaborate
fold out houses that come with two small stuffed bears. The title is: TWO
TINY BEARS MAKE A BIG MOVE. The Roundtable is asking the public libraries
to give these away to children in the summer. Their idea was that every
time a child took out a book, he/she could enter his name in a drawing for
the teddy bear book. You may do that, or give them away in another
fashion. Several children's librarians have suggested hosting a Teddy
Bears' Picnic in conjunction with this promotion. We will write up
suggestions for hosting such a program, and give them to you when you
receive the books (they will be distributed through the spring workshops,
too).
If you have any questions, please call me at 828-3261 or email
ggreene@dol.state.vt.us
Smith Grants...
The topic for this year's Smith Grants is outreach to underserved
youth. The Department of Libraries has set aside $6,000 for this grant
program, and any library meeting standards can apply for all or any part of
that amount. Outreach involves taking library services outside the
library to reach children and families who normally don't come to the
library. Examples of this kind of service are: bookmobiles; taking book
boxes to home daycares and storytimes in the parks. Application forms and
guidelines will be sent to all public libraries meeting standards in early
January, with a March deadline for application. Questions? Contact me at
828-3261 or ggreene@dol.state.vt.us
Summer Programs...
We made it through the last millennium, and now it's time to plan for
this one! The theme of our summer reading program is Time Travel, so feel
free to go forwards or backwards in time. The librarians who gathered in
September, 1999, to plan the summer reading program decided to focus on
five periods in time: dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, Medieval times, the
1960's, and the future. The summer manual will have program suggestions for
each period, as well as time and time travel in general. You, of course,
can choose to focus on one or all of these topics, or add other time
destinations. Packets of materials to help you plan your summer
activities should go out this March. Included will be: ú An order form for
free materials for your Summer Reading Program: posters, reading records,
bookmarks, certificates and stickers. The artwork was done by artist
Michael Horwitz.
* A manual full of ideas on how to have a successful program.
* A listing of performers who have created applicable programs for
this summer. If you did not get a performing artist grant last year,
apply this year. The first 30 libraries to apply for one of these programs
will receive $100.00 towards one of the listed programs.
* A list of the paperback books we have in multiple copy to loan for
book discussions.
Free Children's Books...
All of you in libraries in small towns should know about the
Children's Literature Foundation (CLiF), an all volunteer, non-profit
organization dedicated to nurturing a love of reading and writing among
children throughout rural New Hampshire and Vermont. CLiF subsidizes the
purchase of books for public libraries in towns with populations of under
5,000. The subsidy involves a 2-to-1 match of funds for a total of $900
(i.e. a library raises $300 from its community, CLiF provides matching
funds of $600.)
In a year and a half, CliF has sponsored 30 libraries, to bring new
books and opportunities to some of the region's smallest towns. Vermont
towns which have libraries awarded grants are Canaan, Chelsea, Craftsbury,
Derby, Lincoln, Ludlow, Marshfield, Peacham, Royalton, Sharon, Shrewsbury,
South Londonderry, Stamford, Tunbridge and Washington.
CliF will award 24 more sponsorships next year, 12 in Vermont. The
lucky winners next year will also be awarded a free program by a Vermont
author or illustrator! The deadlines for each round of applications are
every February 1 and August 1. For more information or to receive an
application, please contact CliF at P.O. Box 993, Hanover, NH 03755; call
(802) 244-0944; or send an e-mail to childrens.literacy@valley.net. Also,
feel free to call me for more information since I am on the Advisory
Board.
Patrick Jones to Speak on Young Adult Services...
Young Adult librarian Patrick Jones, author of CONNECTING YOUNG ADULTS
AND LIBRARIES: A HOW- TO-DO-IT MANUAL (Neal-Schuman, 1998), the bible of
public library service to young adults, will be speaking in Vermont on
April 13. Spurred by the interest of the attendees at our young adult
workshop in September, the Department of Libraries and CAYAL (the
Children's and Young Adult Librarians section of the Vermont Library
Association) decided to pursue sponsoring Mr. Jones. Details on cost and
location will follow, but save the date now!
Mock Caldecott Results...
On November 19 a group of 80 enthusiastic librarians and teachers
gathered at Vermont Technical College to hear Mary Azarian, winner of the
1999 Caldecott Award, speak on making picture books and to select their
favorite picture book of 1999. And the winner is.......... SECTOR 7 by
David Wiesner (Clarion), a wordless fantasy about a child artist and his
introduction to the factory where clouds are made. The group also chose
two honor books: WESLANDIA by Paul Fleischman (Candlewick) and BLACK CAT
by Christopher Myers (Scholastic).
Spring Materials Review Sessions...
The spring dates for our oral book review sessions for school and
public librarians co-sponsored by the Departments of Libraries and
Education are now set. They are:
Thursday, May 2 Midstate Regional Library, Berlin
Wednesday, May 3 Milton Public Library
Thursday, May 4 Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington
Tuesday, May 9 Butterfield Library, Westminster
Wednesday, May 10 Northeast Regional Library, St. Johnsbury
These are jam-packed sessions now that we do them only twice a year, so,
plan to spend at least four hours. We will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end
1:00 - 1:30 p.m. Feel free to take your lunches so you're not starving by
the end!
Smith Grant Reports...
We have reports from two of the libraries which received $1,000.00 for
emergent reader books through the 1998 Smith Grants. Anyone who would
like to see a copy of reports from Arlington or Barton, just ask.
Particularly impressive was this statement from Barton:
At the end of the 97/98 school year, Barton Academy and Graded School
tested the first grade class and found only 60% reading at grade level.
This reinforced a commitment to targeting early reading as their first
priority. At the end of the 98/99 school year, 82% of the first grade
tested above grade level and an additional 12% read at grade level. The
school re-tested this class early in their second grade year and found
that levels are being maintained. School principal, George Vana, credits
the Smith Grant, the right thing in the right place at the right time, as
an important contributor to this improvement.
DCF News...
At the Dorothy Canfield Fisher's annual business meeting in October,
the committee chose two new members: Sally Sugarman from Bennington
College and Elizabeth Bluemle, co-owner of the Flying Pig Bookstore in
Charlotte. In other business, the committee decided not to award any
Lavalla Grants this year, but will offer them again next year.
Check out the DCF quiz that was done by librarian Nancy Calcagni,
students and teachers from the Mary Hogan School in Middlebury. It is on
the DCF website http://mps.k12.vt.us/msms/dcf/dcf.html
"Connect For Kids" Day To Kick Off National Library Week...
Libraries across the country are invited to join in hosting "Connect
for Kids" Day on Saturday, April 8, to kick off the National Library Week
2000. The national event aims to focus attention on the variety of
resources available to children and their families at the library and in
their communities. "Libraries build community," says Sarah Ann Long,
president of the American Library Association and director of the North
Suburban Library System, near Chicago. "One of the ways we do this is by
connecting parents and children with resources that can enrich their
lives."
"Connect for Kids" Day is sponsored by the American Library
Association with support from the Benton Foundation to highlight the
central role of libraries and librarians in connecting parents and children
with education, recreation and other services. Long said the event
provides an opportunity for libraries of all types to work in cooperation
with other community organizations by inviting them to provide displays
and demonstrations of their services for youth. For more ideas and
information, see the ALA Website at www.ala.org/kidsday ALA will mail a
free poster/tip sheet to all libraries in January.
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STATE OF 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
Paula Davidson, Midstate Regional Library (Berlin) 828-2320
Michael Roche, Northeast Regional Library (St. Johnsbury)748-3428
Amy Howlett, Southeast Regional Library (Dummerston)257-2810
Vermont Automated Libraries System (VALS)
Sheila M. Kearns, Information Technology Manager . . 828-3261
Robert Longe, Information Technology Specialist . 828-3261
NEWS is a federal-state program
under
the Library Services and Technology Act
Editor: Marianne Kotch
VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARIES
109 STATE ST.
MONTPELIER, VT 05609
http://dol.state.vt.us
Howard B. Dean, M.D., Governor
Sybil Brigham McShane, State Librarian
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