State of Vermont • Agency of Administration Department of Libraries   NEWS
109 State St., Montpelier, VT  05609 • (802) 828-3261 • http://www.libraries.vermont.gov

James H. Douglas, Governor  •  Sybil Brigham McShane, State Librarian
No. 129 • September, 2003
 

CIPA RULING RAISES QUESTIONS

        Does your public library plan to apply for telecommunications discounts (“e-rate”) during 2003-4?   Does your library plan to apply to the Vermont Dept. of Libraries for federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds for computers to access the internet during 2004?  If you answered yes to either of these questions, the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) may apply to your library.  If you answered no to both of these questions, it does not.

        On June 23, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) which requires schools and libraries to adopt and implement Internet safety policies and to operate "technology protection measures" (blocking and filtering) if they receive certain federal funds.  CIPA applies to libraries and schools that receive

• E-rate discounts for Internet access, Internet service, or internal connections;
  
• Funds under title III of ESEA to purchase computers used to access the Internet or to pay
  the direct costs associated with accessing the Internet; or
  
• Funds under the state grant programs of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)
  to purchase computers used to access the Internet or to pay the direct costs associated with
  accessing the Internet.

        All schools and libraries covered by virtue of their use of e-rate discounts for Internet access, Internet service, or internal connections must certify compliance to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).   Schools and school libraries covered through use of title III funds certify to the Department of Education; libraries covered through use of Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) state grant funds certify to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through their state library agency. 

        On July 24, 2003, the FCC set a July 1, 2004, deadline for libraries applying for e-rate discounts to comply with CIPA.   "Consistent with the implementation framework established by Congress, libraries receiving e-rate discounts for Internet access or internal connections shall have one year from July 1, 2003, which is the start of funding year 2003, to come into compliance with the filtering requirements of CIPA," the FCC said.

        According to the American Library Association Office of Intellectual Freedom, the requirements of CIPA are specifically tied to use of LSTA funds" to purchase computers used to access the Internet, or to pay for direct costs associated with accessing the Internet."  If no LSTA funds are received by the library, or if those received are used for purposes other than those quoted, then CIPA does not apply.  In addition, CIPA does not apply to academic and college libraries because they are not eligible for e-rate discounts and are not covered under the LSTA provisions because those sections apply only to public and public school libraries.

        In recent years, the Department of Libraries has used some LSTA funds to award public libraries grants for connectivity or computer upgrades.  State Librarian Sybil Brigham McShane noted that libraries that have received computers and funding in the past would not be impacted.  In addition, while the Department of Libraries has previously received e-rate funding so that local libraries might use the Vermont Automated Libraries System (VALS)/K12net to access the internet, it will no longer request e-rate funding for that service.

Statutory requirements

        The statute requires that libraries receiving e-rate discounts or LSTA or ESEA funds for computers or Internet access adopt a policy for minors and adults that includes blocking or filtering technology, even if minors are unlikely to use the computers.  Computers reserved for staff use would also need to employ internet filtering software.  However,  the requirements of CIPA do not apply to libraries that purchased computers with federal funds before federal FY2004, which begins October 1, 2004.

        The law defines a "technology protection measure" as "a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are (A) obscene . . .; (B) child pornography . . .; or (C) harmful to minors . . ." Although the law clearly requires the use of filtering or blocking technology, it does not require the use of specific filtering software or services.  Instead, CIPA requires schools or libraries covered by the new requirements to certify that they are using technology that blocks or filters access to visual depictions of the type specified in the legislation. 

        CIPA does allow for filters to be disabled under limited circumstances.  An administrator, supervisor, or other authorized person (e.g., a librarian) may disable the blocking or filtering technology "to enable access for bona fide research or other lawful purposes."   If the school or library is covered by CIPA because it receives e-rate discounts for Internet access, Internet service, or internal connections, then the blocking or filtering technology may be disabled for research or other lawful purposes only "during use by an adult."   An adult patron would not "have to explain . . . why he was asking a site to be unblocked or the filtering to be disabled."  

        While libraries may not use e-rate funds to purchase filtering software, LSTA funds may be used for this purpose.  McShane noted that it is possible that grants for filtering software may be available should LSTA state funding increase.  More details will be available in the fall.

For further, up-to-the-minute information
       Much the above information was taken from the ALA website, particularly the CIPA home page.  For more information and for updates as they occur, check http://www.ala.org/cipa/.  The Department of Libraries and the Vermont Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Committee will pass additional information as it occurs on to local libraries.  To discuss the Supreme Court’s ruling in more detail, call VLA IFC Chair Gail Weymouth at the Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 422-9765.

E-RATE UPDATE

        As many of you have heard, the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires libraries applying for certain telecommunications (“e-rate”) discounts to be in compliance by the start of Funding Year July 1, 2004.  Being in compliance means that libraries must enforce "an Internet safety policy that includes use of a technology protection measure, such as filtering software, blocking software."  It is important to note that only those libraries wishing to receive funding for either internal connections or Internet access services need to comply.  Public libraries with services defined in the telecommunications services area (voice or data line service) are exempt from compliance.

        If you are uncertain which category your e-rate funding falls under, consult the Schools and Library Division’s Eligible Services List (ESL) located on their web page (http://www.sl.universalservice.org/).  As public librarians struggle to interpret the Supreme Court decision on CIPA and its impact on their libraries e-rate services, it will be helpful to review some of the major changes that have occurred over the past year and how or if they may effect your library’s future e-rate funding.

        The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruled July 24 that public libraries subject to CIPA requirements must undertake efforts in the current funding year and be compliant by the start of Funding Year 2004 to remain eligible for the e-rate.  Compliance for public libraries includes the enforcement of an Internet safety policy that includes filtering or blocking software.  It's important to note that the law does not require filtering of text and has not addressed the issue of email filtering. According to the court, a filter, referred to in the law as a technology protection measure, must protect against access to visual depictions that include obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors images.

        The law does not specify any particular software (client) programs, such as a Web browser, email, or chat software or any specific standards, other than the general protect language of the law. A library is given wide latitude in selecting the type and brand of software it plans to use and there is no such thing as an "FCC certified filter or CIPA certified filter."  If your library does decide to install filters to meet CIPA requirements, be aware that the filtering software must be installed on every computer that has Internet access.  The court clearly ruled "there is no provision in the e-rate language of CIPA that allows unfiltered access by minors for any purpose at any time."  However, adult library patrons, 17 years or older,  may ask library staff to unblock sites or disable filters without explanation.

         What next? If you have applied for e-rate funding for Funding Year 2003 (current) and have been waiting to file your Form 486, it's important to remember to download and use the revised version.  If you have already filed a 486 and are only applying for telecommunications, you will NOT have to submit the newer version.  If, however, your library is applying for Internet access or internal connections, and has filed the older version of the 486, you must re-file and submit the new Form 486.  The deadline for filing a Form 486 still remains either 120 days after the applicant’s service start date or 120 days after receipt of a Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL), whichever is later.  Last funding year the final filing date for a Form 486 was October 28, and this will probably be the same for this current funding year.

        If you have any questions regarding filing of an e-rate form(s) or the CIPA decision, you can always contact Department of Libraries staff for assistance. State Librarian Sybil McShane has released e-rate updates over VALS and will continue to do so as information becomes available. Below is a list of Web sites that are excellent resources for e-rate information and updates.  Again, please contact a DOL staff member or me if you have questions or need assistance with an e-rate problem.

E-rate Internet Sources
Department of Libraries e-rate information site with access to Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Supreme Court Decision for June 23, 2003, links to other e-rate information resources and DOL handouts:  http://www.libraries.vermont.gov/libraries/misc/cipa.html

ALA CIPA site has all the court decisions, reports, and updates:  http://www.ala.org and click on the "CIPA Updates" from this page to connect.

Wisconsin State Library e-rate information page maintained by Bob Boucher. An excellent e-rate site for background information, e-rate updates and FAQ's:  http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/dpi/dltcl/pld/cipafaq.html

SLD site where you can download forms, read updates and FAQ's and generally stay informed of any and all e-rate changes:  http://www.sl.universalservice.org

                                                                                    --Michael Roche
                                                                                       Northeast Regional Librarian

NEW VALS E-MAIL SYSTEM GOES LIVE

        Yes, the replacement for the "old" telnet email system is finally here!  On August 1, Sheila Kearns, Information Technology Manager, announced a mailing by US Post to directors of all public libraries that are Vermont Automated Libraries System (VALS) users.  That mailing contained information on the new accounts and how to access them.  “With your help we hope that the transition to the new mail system will go as smoothly as possible,” Kearns said.  She urged librarians to watch for the mailing’s arrival, review all of the material carefully, and then follow the instructions to start exploring the account.  Kearns noted that until librarians have completed the required steps outlined in the information, they should continue to access their "old" telnet mail as they  have always done.

        “We truly believe that this new email system will be simple and straightforward to use,” Kearns said, “but once you review the materials and take an initial tour your new account, if you have questions you may contact Bob Longe or me (828-6952 or 828-3261) for assistance.”  Also Mara Siegel will continue to offer  "Introduction to VALS" workshops that will include instruction in using the new mail system and DOL regional consultants will be familiar with the basic functions of the new email system and will be able to provide you with some guidance as well.

STANDARDS PROGRAM CONTINUES

        Public and community libraries will be receiving standards application packets in early September for return to the Department of Libraries by November 3, 2003.  A library must apply each year in order to be considered for standards.  Any Vermont public or community (joint school-public) library may apply for standards, which represent a basic level of service as defined by the Vermont library community. The number of libraries meeting standards has risen from 42 in 1972 to 131 in  2003, with 83 libraries meeting the 1998 version. 

        The Vermont Board of Libraries approved revised minimum standards in late 1998 which need to undergo the Legislative Administrative Rules process and may become official in 2004.  Therefore, this year public libraries may again meet either the 1986 standards or the newer, 1998 version.  All libraries - whether applying for standards or not - should complete and return the Public Library Report in order to remain eligible for Department of Libraries services, to be listed accurately in the Vermont Library Directory, and to receive interlibrary loan and other materials in a timely manner.

        State Librarian Sybil Brigham McShane noted that she has received a number of questions recently about what the Department considers “basic service” and practices for determining whether libraries meet standards.  To help answer some of these questions, this year’s application forms include notes similar to the following:

Note:  It is the practice of the Department of Libraries to define "basic services" to include all items a library circulates (e.g., print and nonprint materials), reference service, interlibrary loan, programming (except for recovery of the cost of materials), and public access computing (including internet access).
Note:  It is the practice of the Department of Libraries, in determining per capita tax support, to include the populations of all municipalities providing tax support.
Note:  It is the practice of the Department of Libraries to require that interlibrary loan service be provided free of charge and without restriction to all registered borrowers.  Voluntary donations may be solicited.

        If a library applies for standards and is found not to meet them, it may request help from the Technical Assistance Team (TAT).  The TAT will include a member of the Board of Libraries, a Department of Libraries consultant, and a public librarian or trustee from your area.  They will help the board and librarian develop a written Standards Action Plan, with specific steps and a timeline for meeting standards during a period of no more than one year.  Libraries working with a will be eligible for the services that the Department of Libraries provides to libraries meeting standards.  In 2003, the Montgomery Town Library took advantage of this program. 

        This year’s timeline is very similar to previous years’:

Oct. 15, 2003 - compliance date for standards that do not have to be met in the last completed  fiscal year
Nov.  3, 2003 - application deadline (postmark date).  All completed forms should be signed by the librarian and the board chairperson and returned to Marianne Kotch, Dept. of Libraries, 578 Paine Tpke. N., Berlin, VT  05602
Dec. 16, 2003 - Board of Libraries meets to determine which libraries meet standards
Dec. 31, 2003 - Department of Libraries notifies all applicants if they meet standards or not
Jan. 31, 2004 - Deadline for receipt of appeals from libraries found not meeting standards
Feb. 17, 2004 - Board of Libraries holds public hearing on appeals and makes recommendation for final decision by State Librarian and notification by Feb. 24, 2004

        Help, information, and additional forms are available from Marianne Kotch, Director of Public Library Support Services, 828-2320; forms are also available at the Department’s website http://www.libraries.vermont.gov under “Librarians’ Resources". 

LIBRARIES PREPARE FOR FALL TOUR

        On Friday, September 26, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Vermont librarians and trustees will have a unique opportunity to visit a number of public libraries that have renovated, expanded, built new facilities, or made other physical changes in recent months.   All of the libraries are located along the Connecticut River and on or near Route 5.  Besides offering an excuse to enjoy Vermont during foliage season, the tour will be a chance to see how various libraries have organized and decorated their spaces.   Photographs and questions will be encouraged. 

        Sponsored by the Department of Libraries and  the libraries involved, with support from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, the schedule for the tour is as follows:

9:00 am            Baldwin Memorial Library, 33 Main St., Wells River
An 1892 gift of Col. Baldwin and doubled using volunteer labor in 1975, Vermont's only store-front library recently expanded again.  Start the day with a cup of coffee here.
10:00 am          Tenney Memorial Library, 4886 Main St. S., Newbury (distance:  6.23 mi.)
This Romanesque building recently doubled in size.
11:00 am          Bradford Public Library, 215 Main St. (distance:  6.23 mi.)
This "mini-Athenaeum" was recently painted and redecorated.
12 noon            Fairlee Public Library, Main St. (distance:  8 mi.)
A former  restaurant serves as the library's new home, dedicated in May, 2003.  Bring your lunch to eat here with drinks provided.  Or have lunch along the way.
1:30 pm            Norwich Public Library, 368 Main St. (distance:  17.81 mi.)
Two expansion projects in the past 30 years have helped the library grow with its town.
2:30 pm            Quechee Public Library, 1957 Quechee Main St. (distance:  13 mi.)
Renovated only a few years ago, this former insurance company building was expanded in 2002, as Phase 2.
3:30 pm            Hartland Public Library, 153 Rte. 5 (distance:  11 mi.)
This renovated building shares a meadow with the town recreation field.  Stop for a creamie after your visit.

        Local librarians and/or trustees will be at each library beginning at the above times to give tours and answer questions.  All of the libraries have prominent signs.  Parking is limited at some libraries, so be prepared to walk a block or so.  The times are approximate and will depend on the number of people attending and the speed of your driving.   Join or leave the tour at any point during the day.  Please let us know you are coming by calling Marianne Kotch, 828-2320 or sending email to marianne.kotch@dol.state.vt.us. 

HOW DO VERMONT LIBRARIES RATE?

         Recent ranking tables compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau on behalf of the Federal-State Cooperative System of Public Library Data (FSCS) reveal that, in 2000-2001, Vermont was 16^th in the nation in library visits per capita, but that Vermonters still visited their public libraries more often than the average for all 50 states and DC.  Vermonters made an average of 5.17 visits to their public libraries during a period when the national average was 4.34 per capita.    Vermont libraries also ranked 25^th in circulation transactions per capita at 6.66, but the national average was 6.53.   Other rankings are as follows:

        The data for Vermont public libraries were submitted to FSCS in 2002 and are available, along with all of the other 50 states and District of Columbia at the National Center for Education Statistics website http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/libraries/public.asp.  This site also contains the public library Peer Locator Tool, offering libraries the ability to compare their data to those of other public libraries nationwide.

NELA CONFERENCE OFFERS INSPIRATION FOR ADVOCACY

        This year’s New England Library Association annual conference will offer a wide variety of programs under the theme of Network, Equity, Literacy Advocacy on October 26-28, 2003, in Worcester, MA.  One of the most energetic speakers, former Middlebury public librarian Sally Gardner Reed, will focus on small libraries and Friends groups in two programs.  Some other program topics include adaptive technology, personal safety, wireless technology, teen programming, early literacy, and counting statistics electronically.  Special discussion sessions will focus on issues relating to equity, small public libraries, and trustees,  and  appearances by authors R. A. Salvatore, Robert Pinsky, M. T. Anderson, Sarah Smith, G.H. Ephron, and Jessica Speart will round out the offerings.   Details and registration information are available at NELA’s website:  http://www.nelib.org/

 FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
by Marjorie D. Zunder, Director of Library and Information Services
828-3261; marj.zunder@dol.state.vt.us

Grants….
New titles in DOLCAT ready for borrowing:

• I’ll grant you that: a step-by-step guide to finding funds, designing winning projects, writing powerful grant proposals.  Heinmann, 2000
• Proposal planning and writing, 3^rd ed.  Greenwood Press, 2003
• Storytelling for grantseekers:  the guide to creative nonprofit fundraising.  Jossey-Bass, 2001.
• Winning grants step by step:  the complete workbook for planning, developing, writing successful proposals.  2^nd ed.  Jossey-Bass, 2002

Non-profit organization management…
New titles in DOLCAT also available to borrow:

• Collaboration: what makes it work.  2^nd ed.  Wilder Foundation, 2001
• Keeping the peace:  resolving conflict in the boardroom.  Wilder Foundation, 2000.
• The Lobbying and advocacy handbook for nonprofit organizations: shaping public policy at the state and local level.  Wilder Foundation, 2002.
• The Nimble collaboration: fine-tuning your collaboration for lasting success.  Wilder Foundation, 2002.
• Resolving conflict in nonprofit organizations:  the leader’s guide to finding constructive solutions.  Wilder Foundation, 1999.
• Starting with staff:  a guide for the nonprofit board by Christine Graham, National Trust for Historic Preservation, 2001.

Hint:  Many Department of Libraries books with “REF” in their call numbers do circulate

Request numbers for DOL_ILL…
At DOL_ILL, we keep a log of your interlibrary loan request numbers to help us track your requests.  Simple, sequential request numbers are easier to work with.  If you send DOL_ILL five requests on the same day with request numbers 03-1, 03-2, 03-3, 03-4, 03-5, we only need to record 1-5.  If, on the other hand, you send five requests, all on the same day, with numbers such as 2804, 2821, 2892, 2901, 2903, we must record 2804, 2821, 2892, 2901, 2903.  It is important that you give each of your requests a unique number.  In addition, it saves lots of time if you also keep your request numbers simple and sequential.

Requesting from Vermont College of the Union Institute and University…
The Vermont College library (M761J) is friendly to other Vermont libraries, but not listed in DOL’s web2 catalog.  DOL_ILL_MAIL often gives M761J as a location.  You can view the Vermont College of the Union Institute and University library holdings at http://cardcatalog.tui.edu/WebOPAC/index.asp and send requests to library@tui.edu

Requesting from Vermont Law School…
You may also find the Vermont Law School (R811L) in replies from DOL_ILL_MAIL.  Although some materials at R811L may not circulate, you can view the holdings for this library at http://julien.vermontlaw.edu/ and send requests to ill@vermontlaw.edu

Link to the Vermont Interlibrary Loan Code…
There is now a link to the Vermont Interlibrary Loan Code on the Department of Libraries web site.  Under Vermont Government and Library Information, click on Librarians’ Resources.  On the next screen, scroll down to Interlibrary Loan Code, Vermont.

Reporting materials not owned…
For public and school libraries, when you receive a request for an item that your library is listed for in PUBCAT or K12CAT, but no longer owns, please report this error to DOL_ILL.  Send the request to DOL_ILL with a note asking to have your library’s symbol deleted from the record in the VALS catalog.

Replacing lost or damaged cassettes…
Librarians are concerned about copyright law when they need to replace lost or damaged cassettes.  Some even consider borrowing cassettes through ILL to make replacement cassettes.  This is usually not necessary.  When you buy cassettes from a book jobber, the jobber will often replace lost or damaged cassettes at no cost.

TECHNICAL SERVICES NEWS

Downloading Individual MARC Records from DOLCAT, PUBCAT and K12CAT…
   MARC records can be individually downloaded from DOLCAT, PUBCAT and K12CAT by using the following procedure:
       In the web catalog, call up a record.
       Click on “MARC display.”
       Click on “Download MARC Record.”  The record will appear as one long line of text.
       From your browser choose “File” and then “Save as.”
       Save the record locally and give it an extension you library system uses such as “.mrc”.  If a strange name appears for the file, you can rename it
Happy downloading!

New Edition of Dewey Available…
The newest edition of the unabridged Dewey Decimal Classification, edition 22, is now available from OCLC.  With the new edition classes have been updated and revised to keep pace with today’s changing world.  The manuals have been streamlined and new numbers and topics have been added to the index. An online version, WebDewey, is available as well.  Dewey orders can be placed by email at deweyorders@oclc.org, on the web at www.oclc.org/dewey, or by calling 1-800-848-5878.  The unabridged edition 14 will be available in January of 2004.

Vermont Newspaper Project Database Updated…
The address for the Vermont Newspaper Project database has changed to http://vtnp.uvm.edu and has a new look.  Links from the previous home page at http://danalib.uvm.edu/vtnp/vnphome.html are now directed to the new address reflecting a migration from InMagic to the Endeavor Voyager software platform.  The database includes a wealth of Vermont newspaper titles dating from the 18^th century to the present along with information about Vermont repositories.  New browsing options are available as well as more flexibility in searching using name, place, and keyword options.  Holdings displays have been improved giving each year its own line in the display.

The update and maintenance has been made possible by the Systems Department and Newspaper Project staff at the University of Vermont, the Vermont Department of Libraries, and Nora Blake, the former Vermont Newspaper Project Coordinator, who initially designed and implemented the database.   The Vermont Newspaper Project is a collaborative endeavor of the University of Vermont Libraries and the Vermont Department of Libraries and is part of the United States Newspaper Program at the Library of Congress and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities to preserve and provide access to the nation’s newspaper resources.

 GOOD IDEAS
collected by Amy Howlett, Southeast Regional Consultant
Department of Libraries, 1 Hospital Court, Bellows Falls, VT 05101
amy.howlett@dol.state.vt.us

Need a good idea to spur your creativity?  Here are just a few collected during the Adult Programming workshop this summer.  Earlier this year, we published, Good Ideas 2003, our biennial compilation of tried-and-true ideas from Vermont public libraries.  Copies are still available from regional libraries and at the central office in Montpelier.  This regular column will supplement that publication..

Author Programs…
   Kimball Public Library, Randolph, joins forces with the local bookstore and the Three Stallion Inn to sponsor author programs. The bookstore contacts the author and sells the books. The restaurant does dinner-- an excellent soup, salad and dessert for $12. Program night is the last Wednesday of the month. Featured speakers have included Joe Citro, Archer Mayor, and Henry Homeyer. The bookstore gives 10% of book sales to the Library—not a real fundraiser, but great promotion and audience building.

Librarian on the Road…
   Sherry Tolle talks about the Barnet Library with groups like the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Lions and Kiwanis. Her twenty-minute message: libraries have changed radically. Instead of buns and shush, we are technology, current information, rising circulation and usage. Promotion has brought in $40,000, twice the match needed for the town’s appropriation in the library capital campaign.  Active Rotarian Penny Pillsbury of the Brownell Library, Essex Junction, plans Rotary programs one month a year. Her best idea? A book discussion on the often-banned Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson..

Men in the Library…  
   Want more men in the library? Plan a work project. Cathi Wilken in Guilford is contacting a stonewall builder for a community-wide work afternoon. Participants will learn the basics from local builder/author Dan Snow, and build the library a new wall. Ellen Roth and Lee Bonamico at the Aldrich Library, Barre, plan a fall series with similar hard working topics: putting your garden to bed, putting in new floors, and putting a new face on the walls. Selling the series will be easy—use big tools to attract attention to the books on the topic. Spring follow-up: Victorian house painting, perennial gardens, and building decks and outdoor furniture.

AVAILABLE…

RESOURCES… 
   …Serving Seniors:  a Resource Manual for Missouri Libraries is a useful handbook that covers programming, publicity, technology, etc. by the Missouri Task Force on Library Services for Older Adults – free for printing and downloading at http://www.sos.mo.gov/library/development/services/seniors/manual/default.asp

  ...Art Resources Transfer distributes books, videos, and interactive materials on art and cultural issues, at no cost for materials or shipping, to public, school and alternative libraries in rural and inner-city areas through its Distribution to Underserved Communities (DUC) Library Program.  The goal is to create access to contemporary art and cultural issues for readers regardless of economic or geographic circumstances via local libraries.  Supported by grants from the NEA and individuals, the DUC Library Program has been helping libraries rebuild collections for 13 years.  To request a catalogue of free books, write, call, or email:  Art Resources Transfer, Inc., DUC Library Program, 526 W 26th St, Ste 614, New York, NY 10001, tel (212) 255-2919, fax (212) 352-8448, artresources@earthlink.net.

   ...Public Libraries and GASB 34 Reporting was recently published by the Wyoming State Library and offers "a non-authoritative guide to the new financial reporting" using accrual accounting methods.  If your library's treasurer is stumped about GASB 34, this may be the place to start.  It is available from author Jerry Krois, (307) 777-6333, or on the web at http://www-wsl.state.wy.us/.

   ...The Vermont Humanities Council's new reading/discussion catalog is available online at http://www.vermonthumanities.org/.  40 themed series are new this year, including intergenerational "American Stories across the Generations," "Mysterious Lens on American Culture," and a second Vermont writers series.

   ..."Accessibility for Historic Buildings:  A Field Guide" from Nancy Boone, Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, National Life Building, Drawer 20, Montpelier, VT 05620-0501, (802) 828-3045.

   ...Vermont Hand Crafters, Inc. (VHC) Community Craft Presentations, opportunities for libraries to introduce community members to those who make up the crafts industry in Vermont.  Presentations are as diverse as their respective talents and  may consist of a lively audience participation approach, a detailed instructional demonstration, or any number of other presentations and may vary in length. The craftsperson may or may not charge a nominal fee. Please phone and make arrangements directly with them after reviewing the list at http://www.vermonthandcrafters.com/   For more information, contact VHC director Cynthia Humiston Weed at 1-800-373-5429.

GRANTS…
  ... Cultural Facilities Grants of up to $5,000, administered by the Vermont Arts Council in conjunction with the Vermont Historical Society, the Vermont Museum & Gallery Alliance, and the Vermont Division of Historical Preservation.  The purpose of the grant program is to enhance, create or expand the capacity of an existing building to provide cultural programming.  Improvements such as wiring, heating, ADA accessibility features (e.g. bathrooms and ramps), lighting, and stage work are eligible.  Deadline is September 29.  For guidelines and application forms, check the VAC's website:  http://www.vermontartscouncil.org/. 

CONTINUING EDUCATION…
  ...Department of Libraries regional consultants are happy to provide miniworkshops on a variety of topics at local libraries for local staffs, groups of library staffs, and trustees.  Some of the most popular topics include an introduction to the Vermont Online Library, the reference interview, personal safety, working with volunteers, and trustee orientation.  Currently in development are miniworkshops on interlibrary loan procedures and readers' advisory.  For more information, contact regional consultants Michael Roche, Amy Howlett, and Marianne Kotch.

   …The fall, 2003,  “TAP-VT” catalog of workshops is now available from the Vermont Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations (VANPO) lists a vast array of expert-led seminars and workshops for directors and boards, from “Schmoozing 101” to “Fundraising 101” to “Effective Presentation Skills,” at locations from Bennington to Williamstown.  For a catalog, contact VANPO, PO Box 8345, Burlington  05402, 862-0292, http://www.vanpo.org/.

  …NELSSA , the New England Library Support Staff Association, is a small, dedicated section of NELA looking for more members.  NELSSA plans programs for the annual NELA conference and is also looking for nominees for officers for the coming year.  If you would like to become more active in library support staff issues in the region, contact Karen Cook, Hawthorne-Longfellow Library, Bowdoin College, 3000 College Station, Brunswick, ME 04011-8421, (207)725-3683, kcook@bowdoin.edu.

   …The School of Library & Information Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will again offer a popular interactive continuing education course via the Internet. This fall Virtual Collection Development, September 2 - December 15, 2003, is also available for graduate credit. Students can participate at any time of day, and will receive a password to access our online courseware, which provides the means to post assignments, do readings, and discuss the topics with other students and the instructor.   For more information about the course content and format, and registration information, see  http://www.slis.wisc.edu/academic/ces/vcd.html.

   …From “Anime & Manga” to “Dreamweaver,” the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at Simmons College offers a variety of online courses and day/half-day workshops, both in Boston and at Mt. Holyoke College.    For details, check the website at http://www.simmons.edu/gslis/ce/index.html. 

WEBSITES TO EXPLORE…
   ...The Vermont Secretary of State's website (http:// http://www.sec.state.vt.us/kids/) will soon be including a "Reader's Corner" with three components -  (1) A bibliography of Vermont books (perhaps categorized by age/genre), beginning with "Green Mountain Sampler" developed by Grace Greene of the Department of Libraries; (2)  short book reviews/recommendations by Secretary of State Deborah Markowitz and by students; (3)  interviews with Vermont authors conducted by students.  The site also includes information about the state such as state emblems, places to visit, a quiz, and other facts.

   ...The Vermont Library Assn. personnel committee's Increasing Public Library Compensation guide is now available at http://www.vermontlibraries.org/betterpay.pdf.

   ...Department of Libraries Law Librarian Paul Donovan has identified websites useful for legal reference services.  These websites were reviewed in his workshop earlier in the summer and are available at http://www.geocities.com/pdonovan/legalref/legalref.htm

   ...The Warrior Librarian Weekly, offering fun and advice for librarians by an Australian school librarian:  http://www.warriorlibrarian.com/  Features include "Website of the week" and "Quote of the week."  Here's a sample of the latter:  Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.  -- Scott Adams (Dilbert’s Guide to Stress)

* COMING EVENTS *

Mon., Sept. 1 - State holiday.  Department of Libraries central office and regional libraries closed.

Wed., Sept. 3, 9:30 am – Introduction to the Internet and Internet Searching miniworkshop, Persons School, Brattleboro.  Repeats Sept. 9, 9:30 am, Gates Training Lab, Midstate Regional Library, Berlin.  Contact:  Mara Siegel, 828-2320, mara.siegel@dol.state.vt.us.

Wed., Sept. 3, 1:00 pm – Advanced Internet Searching miniworkshop, Persons School, Brattleboro.  Repeats Tues., Sept. 9, Gates Training Lab., MRL, Berlin.  Contact:  Mara Siegel, 828-2320, mara.siegel@dol.state.vt.us

Mon.- Wed., Sept. 8-10, 9:30 am – Children's Services workshop, MRL, Berlin.  Contact:  Grace W. Greene, 828-6954, grace.greene@dol.state.vt.us.

Thurs., Sept. 11, 9:30 am – Vermont Library Assn. board meeting, Kreitzberg Library, Norwich Univ.  Contact:  Ellen Hall, 485-2169, ehall@norwich.edu.

Fri., Sept. 12, 9:30 am - VALS basics miniworkshop, Gates Training Lab., MRL, Berlin.  Contact:  Mara Siegel, 828-2320, , mara.siegel@dol.state.vt.us.

Tues., Sept. 17, 9:30 am – "Children's Resources on VOL and the Web" workshop, Gates Training Lab, MRL, Berlin.  Repeats Fri., Sept. 19.  Contact:  Grace W. Greene, 828-6954, grace.greene@dol.state.vt.us.

Tues., Sept. 17, 9 am – Chittenden County Libns. meeting, Fletcher Free Library, Burlington.  Contact:  Anita Danigelis, 863-3403.

Thurs., Sept. 18, 9:30 am – Children’s librarians fall meeting to plan summer reading program 2004, MRL, Berlin.  Contact:  Grace W. Greene, 828-6954, grace.greene@dol.state.vt.us.

Fri., Sept. 19 – 9:30 am – Children’s Resources on VOL and the Web workshop, MRL, Berlin.  Contact:  Grace W. Greene, 828-6954, grace.greene@dol.state.vt.us.

Tues., Sept. 23, 9:30 am – Franklin-Grand Isle Librarians meeting, Swanton Public Library.  Contact:  Marilyn Barney, 868-7656.

Tues., Sept. 23, 9:30 am – Rutland Co. Libns. meeting, Castleton Free Library.  Contact:  Amy Howlett, 463-0142, amy.howlett@dol.state.vt.us.

Wed., Sept. 24, 9:30 am – Vermont Online Library Basics, Gates Training Lab, MRL, Berlin.  Contact:  Mara Siegel, 828-2320,, mara.siegel@dol.state.vt.us.

Thurs., Sept. 25, 9:30 am – Central Vermont Librarians Assn. (CEVLA) meeting, MRL, Berlin.  Contact:  Marianne Kotch, 828-2320, marianne.kotch@dol.state.vt.us.

Fri., Sept. 26, 9 am – Fall Tour of Libraries Along the River, beginning at Baldwin Memorial Library, Wells River.  Contact:  Marianne Kotch, 828-2320, marianne.kotch@dol.state.vt.us.

Tues., Sept. 30, 9 am – Red Clover Award conference, Lake Morey Inn, Fairlee.  Contact:  Vermont Center for the Book, 875-2751, http://www.vermontbook.org/news.html.

Thurs., Oct. 2, 9:30 am – Public Library Directors quarterly forum, MRL, Berlin.  Contact:  Marianne Kotch, 828-2320, marianne.kotch@dol.state.vt.us.

Fri., Oct. 3, 9:30 am – Children's Books and Activities Program Swap, Aldrich Public Library, Barre.   Contact:  Grace W. Greene, 828-6954, grace.greene@dol.state.vt.us.

Tues., Oct. 14, 9:00 am – Vermont Library Association Public Library Section workshop on Vermont Online Library in YOUR Library: Tips for Using, Promoting and Gaining Local Support for Research,  Rutland Free Library.  Contact:  Martha Reid, 879-7576, mreid@burnham.lib.vt.us

Wed., Oct. 15, 9:00 am – Children’s Materials Review Session, Brown Public Library, Northfield.  Repeats Thurs., 10/16 – Sherburne Mem. Library, Killington; Tues., 10/28 – Milton Public Library; Wed., 10/29 – NERL, St. Johnsbury; Tues., 11/4 – Kurn Hattin School, Westminster.  Contact:  Grace W. Greene, 828-6954, grace.greene@dol.state.vt.us.

YOUTH SERVICES NEWS
by Grace W. Greene, Children's Services Consultant
828-6954; grace.greene@dol.state.vt.us

Children’s Librarians Fall Meeting…
       Don’t miss the annual gathering to plan summer reading programs and network with other children’s librarians! This year the meeting will be on Thursday, September 18 at 9:30 a.m. at the Midstate Regional Library in Berlin. We will plan our 2004 program on pets, and choose a theme and title for 2005. Anyone who works with children in a public library is welcome to attend. The meeting will last until noon, but feel free to take a lunch and continue sharing while you munch.

Fall Materials Review Sessions:  Two live sessions!
       We will continue to do Materials Review as I did this past spring, except that I will do two live sessions in the fall:  one in Northfield, and one in Killington. RETN (Regional Educational Technology Network) will videotape the Northfield presentation, and that videotape will be shown in the other three locations.   The books, with the reviews inserted in them, will accompany the videotape, so whichever site you choose, you will have access to all the books. In addition to the books that I will review orally, there will be many nonfiction books recommended by the review media, and books recommended by volunteer reviewers. A regional librarian will be at each of the three videotape locations to facilitate the program.  All programs will begin at 9:00 a.m.  There will be a formal part to the program and then plenty of time to examine all the books.  The schedule is as follows:                                       

*Please note the new location in the southeast. Kurn Hattin, a residential school, has a gorgeous new meeting room with state of the art equipment.   Directions to the Kurn Hattin School: Take exit 5 from I-91 (theWestminster/ Rockingham exit). Just down the hill from the exit, take the first right onto the Westminster Heights Road. Travel two miles. Just before the campus, the road goes over route 91. Take the first entrance on your right, "Kurn Hattin Home," drive up the hill and park in the Upper Parking Lot.  The program will be in the Mayo Center, with coffee and snacks available in the lobby just inside the main entrance.

Summer Feast…
Please do not forget to fill out your evaluation form and return it to me by September 15, 2003. Because statistics are so important when we are planning and budgeting, we are REQUIRING all libraries to return the very short and simple form. This is the price of the summer materials. We provide a free manual, two kinds of posters, reading records, certificates, and bookmarks, and all you have to do, in return, is fill out and send back the evaluation form. If yours is missing, we would be happy to send you another by mail or email.

DCF News…
Conference:   The first–ever DCF conference was such a success, that we are going to have one next year. It will be held at Lake Morey Inn in Fairlee on Friday, May 7, 2004. Virginia Euwer Wolff, National Book Award winner, will be the keynote speaker.  In addition, there will be workshops on various aspects of reading, discussing books, linking to standards, managing a literature program, etc. Books (both those on the 2004-2005 DCF master list and ones by Wolff) will be for sale.  Registration forms will be sent out to all libraries and schools in early spring, but save the date now.  Please alert all the 4^th-8^th grade teachers that you know, too!

Website update:  The address for the DCF website has changed. It is now at the very-easy-to–remember address of www.dcfaward.org. Roger Crowley, our very dedicated volunteer webmaster, has spent many hours over the summer updating and reorganizing the site, so please check it out.

Committee opening:  There will be one three-year opening on the DCF committee beginning in March, 2004. Please let interested parents, teachers and community members know about this opportunity. Applicants should send a letter of interest, a brief resume and two reviews, one positive, and one negative, of any children’s books of their choosing, to: Grace W. Greene, Children’s Services Consultant, Vermont Department of Libraries, 109 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05609. Deadline: October 3, 2003.

Handouts:  There are two helpful handouts this year for those doing the DCF program, both of which were available at the Vermont Library Conference. One is a compilation of activity pages that committee members did for 7 of the books, and the other has Rapid Reviews and discussion questions for all books, done by Linda Morrow and Liz Bourne. If you did not pick up copies you may request them from Jenn Weed at CBEC@dol.state.vt.us or 828-3261.

Boston Globe Horn Book Awards…
       The Boston Globe Horn Book Awards for excellence in children’s literature were announced in June.  The award winners’ acceptance speeches will be published in the January/February 2004 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.  The winning titles and two honor books for each category are as follows:

Picture Book - Big Momma Makes the World written by Phyllis Root and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury (Candlewick )

Fiction - The Jamie and Angus Stories written by Anne Fine and illustrated by PennyDale (Candlewick )

Nonfiction - Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey by Maira Kalman (Putnam )

Picture Book honor books:
Dahlia by Barbara McClintock (Foster /Farrar)
blues journey written by Walter Dean Myers and illustrated by Christopher Myers (Holiday )

Fiction honor books:
Feed by M. T. Anderson (Candlewick )
Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson (Putnam)

Nonfiction honor books:
To Fly: The Story of the Wright Brothers written by Wendie C. Old and illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker (Clarion)
Revenge of the Whale: The True Story of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick (Putnam)

Dates to observe…
   Banned Books Week  is September 20-27, 2003. This is a perfect time to alert your community to the problems of censorship and materials challenges.  The Banned Books Week Kit information is now online: http://www.ala.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Our_Association/Offices/Intellectual_Freedom3/Banned_Books_Week/BBW_Kit/BBW_Kit.htm or  http://tinyurl.com/ggor

   SLAMMIN’ @ your library^TM is the theme for Teen Read Week, October 19-25, 2003.  This theme celebrates the popularity of poetry with teen readers.  More information is available by visiting www.ala.org/teenread, the official Web site sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA).  The Web site, www.ala.org/teenread, includes sample press releases and public service announcements, information on poetry slams and open mic nights, new sources of information about poetry contests and reading, articles by experts about poetry including recommended lists, and program ideas by state from across the country.    Participants are encouraged to register on the Web site, and an ‘Official Participant Certificate’ can be printed to identify a Teen Read Week participating site.

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. NEWS is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency, through the Library Services and Technology Act.   Editor: Marianne Kotch, (802) 828-2320,  marianne.kotch@dol.state.vt.us

  Department of Libraries, 109 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05609-0601
 

Sybil Brigham McShane, State Librarian - sybil.mcshane@dol.state.vt.us	828-3265
Library and Information Services Division Marjorie D. Zunder, Director - marjorie.zunder@dol.state.vt.us   Paul Donovan, Law Librarian - paul.donovan@dol.state.vt.us   Lorraine Lanius, Head, Technical Services Unit - lorraine.lanius@dol.state.vt.us   S. Francis Woods, Special Services Consultant (828-3273) - frank.woods@dol.state.vt.us   Mara Siegel, DOL-UVM Access Office/Lib. Trng. Cons.(828-2320) - mara.siegel@dol.state.vt.us	828-3261
Public Library Support Services Division Marianne Kotch, Director - marianne.kotch@dol.state.vt.us   Grace W. Greene, Chil. Svcs. Cons./Cont. Ed. Coord. (828-6954) - grace.greene@dol.state.vt.us   Amy Howlett, Southeast Regional Consultant (463-0143) - amy.howlett@dol.state.vt.us   Michael Roche, Northeast Regional Librarian (748-3428) - michael.roche@dol.state.vt.us	828-2320
Vermont Automated Libraries System Sheila M. Kearns, Information Technology Manager - sheila.kearns@dol.state.vt.us   Robert Longe, Information Technology Specialist - robert.longe@dol.state.vt.us	828-3261