James H. Douglas, Governor  •  Sybil Brigham McShane, State Librarian
No. 139 • Winter 2008

WHAT A JOB!          

        As most of you know by now, I am retiring December 31 and this is my last issue as the editor of the Department of Libraries News.  My thirty years as a consultant with the Department of Libraries have really been one long adventure.  Many times, I was amazed to be getting paid for having so much fun.  Memorable experiences have included attending grand openings of libraries, helping with exciting programs and conferences, awarding well-deserved grant checks, and teaching numerous librarians basic skills.  Even bureaucratic tasks like compiling library statistics and reading grant applications were interesting.  It is only human to wish I'd missed some of the more negative times, but they, too, have helped create the most remarkable job any librarian could have.

        It was as much fun to help libraries plan construction projects as it was to be present at their openings, sometimes years later.  Over 20 years ago I was asked to look at a couple of houses under consideration for the new public library in Richford.  One was very tiny, with wallpaper peeling and carpenter ants visible in the dirt cellar.  Yes, I did crawl around down there!   The other house was a large Victorian occupied by "hippies."  Empty potato chip bags, half-eaten pizzas, and soda cans littered the psychedelically decorated rooms.  With a good bit of elbow grease, it is now the Arvin A. Brown Public Library.

         While I visited almost every library building, one of my favorites is the Pettee Memorial Library in Wilmington where my partner in crime, Grace Greene, and I made an after-dinner visit one summer.  Having lingered over coffee and the 360-degree view at a famous restaurant along Route 9, we asked to use the library's facilities upon arriving.  The librarian handed me a flashlight and told me to go down the steps first because I was shorter.  She then lifted up the circulation desk and revealed the built-in steps to the basement restroom.   (Note:  Things have changed since their renovation project made the basement accessible by a new entrance and set of stairs.)

         It has been fun working with librarians and trustees on issues ranging from the basics to the more philosophical.  One winter's day, I received a phone call from a panic-stricken trustee. His board's librarian, who had inherited the job from her mother and "handled everything" (including paying bills and writing her own pay check), had just died.  They needed help – immediately – in order to keep the doors open.  Never one to pass up a golden opportunity to offer advice, I hopped into my car and sped to the rescue.  The board hired a competent librarian, wrote policies, developed a budget, asked for town support for the first time, and met standards within the next few years.  

         I have many more unforgettable memories than we have space for here, but a few include:

• attending the "Survivor" program in Franklin (why did I put on khaki pants that morning?) and "Big Rig Day" in Woodbury, two of many enjoyable programs in local libraries
• the initial meeting with the Freeman family and all of the grant awards afterwards
• watching Senator Jim Jeffords and Governor Howard Dean sing "Joseph's Little Overcoat" at the announcement of the Mobile Library Literacy Grant program
• participating in the state's first book discussion programs for adult new readers
• helping out at the Second Vermont Governor's Conference for Better Libraries (if you can remember that, you are ready for retirement, too!)
  

It has been interesting and gratifying to work with Vermont's public libraries, large and small, and to see them grow and change. 

        It has also been a privilege to work with the dedicated staff at the Department of Libraries who have supported me through good times and more challenging ones.   Moving to the Regional Library several years ago offered a host of new experiences, including working with an interesting public and a diligent staff, dealing with ants and late fuel oil deliveries, and even occasionally watching cows graze the back yard.      

         People ask me what I plan to do, and I have various replies – helping with our home business, quilting, traveling, reading, being a Friend of my local library, and just relaxing.  I won't miss driving in the winter, but I will miss it the rest of the year.  So much of my time was spent driving to libraries around the state while admiring our amazing scenery.  I'm not sure I can stop driving around Vermont, so don't be surprised if I turn up at your library one of these days.

         I would like to thank every one of you for making me feel so much a part of your libraries and your lives.  It has been an honor to work with you all. 
                                                                          --Marianne Kotch
                                                                           Director, Public Library Support Services

STATE LIBRARIAN TO RETIRE JUNE 30

           In August, State Librarian Sybil Brigham McShane announced her plans to retire after ten years as State Librarian and 28 years with the Department of Libraries.  During those years, McShane implemented the Department's integrated automated library system, created the Vermont Public Library Foundation which awarded over $12 million in grants, entered into statewide database contracts comprising the Vermont Online Library and statewide movie licenses, and developed the Green Mountain Book Award for teens.  

           McShane's career with the Department parallels the development of technology in libraries throughout the country, and, indeed, she spearheaded Vermont libraries' efforts.  When McShane came to the agency as head of the Reference Services Unit, the staff was using teletype machines for statewide interlibrary loan.  Local libraries were submitting requests via three-part forms they mailed to regional libraries.  Books were checked out manually and overdue notices generated only occasionally.  Today, most of the libraries in the state use electronic mail for interlibrary loan communications.  Circulation, reserves, and overdue notices are all done using the integrated library system which McShane installed in 1987.  

           The Vermont Board of Libraries will work with McShane and Secretary of Administration Michael Smith to recruit a new state librarian who they hope will be on board July 1.

FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2008 LIBRARY FUNDING IN VERMONT REDUCED 6.66%

        The Department of Libraries (DOL) learned on December 20, that the consolidated budget bill passed by Congress will include $163,000,000 for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) State Programs.  After a mandatory across-the-board reduction of 1.74%, the final amount is $160,800,000.  Because funding to state library agencies is a base grant combined with a population formula, this will amount to a reduction in Federal FY2008 (which began on October 1, 2007) funding to the Department of Libraries of 6.66%, or about $58,000.  It is estimated that all states, except the fasted growing – Arizona, Georgia and Texas – will face reductions.  As of this writing, it is not known whether the President will sign or veto the bill.

        The original Labor, Health and Human Services and Education (Labor-HHS) budget passed by Congress in November and vetoed by the President included the President's requested amount of $171,500,000 for state library programs and would have fully funded a new base grant of $680,000 (as opposed to the current base of $340,000).  This would have resulted in a significant increase for Vermont.

        Federal funding at DOL covers the cost of all or part of seventeen positions, resource sharing and resource sharing grants, regional library materials, the Card/MARC service, the Vermont Online Library, continuing education and a variety of other services.  With level-funded state FY2008 and FY2009 budgets, DOL staff will immediately begin considering ways to reduce expenditures.

GATES AND WINNIE BELLE LEARNED FUND GRANTS AWARDED

        In recent months, the Department of Libraries distributed about $185,000 in grants for public access computing and children's services through the Gates "Staying Connected" and the Vermont Public Library Foundation's Winnie Belle Learned Fund programs. 

           The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation "Staying Connected" grants awarded $165,000 to sustain free, public access to computers and the internet in local libraries as well as for technical support for public access computing.  Under the terms of its agreement with the Gates Foundation, the Department of Libraries awarded funding for the replacement of aging computer hardware and technical support for public access computing to Vermont public libraries serving communities with median household incomes of $35,000 or less.  About 60 libraries received these funds which served to upgrade hardware first installed in the first round of Gates grants, in 2001.  For a list of grantees, see http://www.libraries.vermont.gov/libraries/gates/eligible.pdf.

           This fall, the Vermont Public Library Foundation's new Winnie Belle Learned Fund offered a second round of grants in honor of Dr. Burnett Rawson's benefactress Winnie Belle Learned, a Vermont educator.  The fund's goal is to help small libraries in Vermont foster literacy, love of learning, critical analysis, and intellectual exploration in their communities, particularly among children of all ages and their families.  The WBL Fund awarded $20,000 on a competitive basisin grants ranging from $500 to $2,500 to help public libraries enrich the intellectual lives of children and families in their communities.  A list of grantees is available at http://www.libraries.vermont.gov/libraries/vplf/vplf.html.

144 PUBLIC LIBRARIES MEET STANDARDS

           Moretown Memorial Library joined the ranks of public libraries meeting the minimum standards for the first time ever this year.  All together, 144 meet the standards which reflect basic services that should be available at any public library in Vermont.  Moretown librarian Polly Bentley and her board of trustees have spent the past year increasing hours (from 2 to 14 per week), promoting programs and services, making community connections, increasing annual town support, and applying for grants.  An additional result of this effort has been the awarding of a Children's Literacy Foundation (CLiF) grant this fall.

           Public libraries in the following municipalities meet standards for FY2008:
 

Albany	Alburgh	Arlington	Bakersfield
Barnet	Barre & E. Barre branch	Barton	Barton/Orleans
Bennington	North Bennington	Bradford	Brandon
Brattleboro	Brighton (Island Pond)	Bristol	Brookfield
Burlington	Cabot	Canaan	Castleton
Cavendish	Charlotte	Chelsea	Chester
Colchester	East Corinth	Craftsbury	Danville
Derby	Derby Line	Dorset	Dover
Enosburg	Essex	Essex Junction	Fair Haven
Fairfax	Fairfield	Fairlee	Franklin
Georgia	Glover	Grafton	Grand Isle
Greensboro	Groton	Guilford	Hancock
Hardwick	Hartford	West Hartford	Hartford/Quechee & Wilder br.
Hartland	Highgate	Hinesburg	Huntington
Hyde Park	Jericho	Jericho/Underhill	Johnson
Killington	Lincoln	South Londonderry	Lyndon
Manchester	Marshfield	Middlebury & E. Midd. br.	Middletown Springs
Milton	Monkton	Montgomery	Montpelier
Moretown	Morristown	New Haven	Newbury
Newbury/Wells River	Newport	North Hero	Northfield
Norwich	Pawlet	Peacham	Pittsford
Plainfield	Pomfret	Poultney	Pownal
Proctor	Putney	Randolph	Reading
Readsboro	Richford	Richmond	Rochester
Rockingham	Roxbury	Royalton	Rutland
St. Albans	St. Johnsbury	Sharon	Shelburne
Shoreham	Shrewsbury	South Burlington	South Hero
Springfield	Stamford	Starksboro	Stowe
Strafford	Swanton	Thetford	Thetford/Post Mills
Townshend	Troy	Tunbridge	Vergennes
Vernon	Waitsfield	Wallingford	Wardsboro
Warren	Washington	Waterbury	Waterford
Weathersfield (Ascutney)	Westford	Westminster West	Weston
Whitingham	Williamstown	Williston	Wilmington
Windsor	Winooski	Wolcott	Woodbury
Woodstock

EXPERIENCING WEB 2.0

           Vermont librarians are using social software in many different ways. Keep an eye out for new features at WebJunction (http://vt.webjunction.org). Watch for ideas borrowed like Facebook and social bookmarking. Amy Howlett is representing Vermont reactions as part of the Members Experience Work Group. Contact her with feedback on how WebJunction functions for you.

           One 2.0 idea librarians might try now: a toolbar that links quickly to Vermont content. The free download is available at http://vtwebjunction.MyLibraryToolbar.com . Choose the Firefox download or the Internet Explorer (for IE 5.0 and up), depending on your internet browser. If you need a free updated browser before downloading the toolbar, try Mozilla's Firefox browser from http://www.mozilla.com/. Firefox is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X.

           What will the new Vermont Libraries toolbar do? Sheila Kearns is experimenting to find the most useful links for the toolbar. The drop down menu for Vermont Library Links takes you directly to Department of Libraries (DOL) sites like the VALS webmail or ILL on Web2. The DOL Continuing Education Calendar, where librarians sign up for workshops, is only a click away.

           The Search Box on the toolbar can be tailored to a variety of uses. Not sure where to find a DOL grant or the list of jobber contracts? Use the left arrow on the Search Box and highlight "Dept. of Libraries." The Search Box then searches the DOL website to locate sites matching the terms. The Search Box offers other useful sites to search like Worldcat, an online dictionary or encyclopedia.

            Suggestions to improve the toolbar can be sent directly to Sheila Kearns (sheila.kearns@mail.dol.state.vt.us) or you may use the "Message" function on the toolbar to share your suggestion with all toolbar users.

                                                                              -- Amy Howlett
                                                                                Southeast Regional Librarian

SSU PREVIEWS NEW DIGITAL BOOK PLAYER

           Patrons and officials from Vermont's Division for the Blind & Visually Impaired and the Vermont Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired previewed the new digital book player developed for Special Services patrons at a recent reception at the Department of Libraries Special Services Unit. Compared to the tape player currently in use, the new digital machine is smaller and lighter in weight, and has a longer battery life and easier-to-push buttons. The new players utilize USB flash technology.   Recorded books will be on cartridges slightly smaller in size than cassette tapes, but with far greater capacity. Most books will fit onto one cartridge each, with no rewinding or switching sides necessary.

           Distribution of the new digital book players is scheduled to begin next fall. The current books on cassette tape are expected to be retained for several years during the transition. The digital prototype was demonstrated by Deborah Toomey, a consultant from the Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind & Physically Handicapped.   An NLS consultant makes a biennial visit to Special Services to answer questions, make suggestions, and see how well SSU conforms to nationally recognized service standards.

                                                                              -- Teresa R. Faust
                                                                                 Special Services Consultant

HELP YOUR CUSTOMERS LEARN TO USE THE VOL

           How do you get library users more comfortable with the Vermont Online Library (VOL) databases?  Consider teaching a basic workshop created for librarians by the Department of Libraries.  You can use Microsoft PowerPoint® for the screen shots with a tailored script, slide by slide, or choose a stand-alone script to use without PowerPoint®.  Either method may help you "sell" these valuable databases to your public, for use in the library and at home or office.

           If your library has access to an LCD projector and computer, PowerPoint® is the easiest method of instruction. The instructor follows the script, using the screenshots in the PowerPoint® to illustrate each step. This approach does not require a live connection to the internet, making it ideal for a presentation to the Rotary, Parent-Teacher group, or small class, including outside the library.

           The stand-alone script requires a good internet connection, which is fine for a small computer group.  If your library has a computer lab or computers clustered together, this might be a good way to introduce a small group to VOL.

           Either "canned" introduction to the VOL includes information for users logging on outside the library. The basic steps begin with PowerSearch. The last few screens show the Health and Wellness Resource Center, a good location for current medical reference books and articles that are often a hit with first-time VOL users. Recommended handouts for the workshop include a user instruction sheet (download from WebJunction) and the glossy Gale brochure from the Department of Libraries at (802) 828-3261.

           These workshops are posted at WebJunction at the link for Vermont Continuing Ed. Discussions, http://vt.webjunction.org/forums/forum.jspa?forumID=156.   Warning on the PowerPoint file: it takes some time to download even with a fast connection.  Feel free to request the CD from Amy Howlett (amy.howlett@mail.dol.state.vt.us) instead of downloading.

                                                                              -- Amy Howlett
                                                                                 Southeast Regional Librarian

TOECs TO OFFER WORKSHOPS FOR TRUSTEES

           After the successful trustees conference in Barre November 3, the Vermont Library Trustees Association (VLTA) Steering Committee got right to work and planned four workshops for each of the five spring Town Officers Educational Conferences (TOECs).  The dates and locations for the conferences are:

Monday, March 24 – St. Michael's College, Colchester
Thursday, April 10 - Lyndon State College
Wednesday, April 16 - Holiday Inn, Rutland
Thursday, April 24 - Lake Morey Inn, Fairlee
Wednesday, April 30 – Mt. Snow, Dover

           Each day will begin with registration at 8:00 am and end at 3:30 pm.  This year's workshop topics will include Organizing the library board, The public library as community player, How "green" is my library, and  Sticky situations trustees face.  Information about online registration should be available in February when Michael Roche will send out a message to all public libraries.  Your town clerk will also be a good source of information and may know of carpooling opportunities.  Mark your calendar now!
 

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

Grants Collection web page…

Try out the revised DOL Grants Collection web page, http://www.libraries.vermont.gov/www/html/dolgrantcoll.html, with updated information on grant research sources including the Vermont Directory of Foundations, now part of the Vermont Community Foundation website at http://fdovermont.foundationcenter.org/.   Find foundations located in Vermont that fund Vermont projects as well as foundations located outside Vermont with a record of giving grants in Vermont.  Searching this directory is identical to searching the Foundation Center's Foundation Directory Online.

New books to borrow from the Grants Collection…

• Asking: a 59-minute guide to everything board members, volunteers and staff must know to secure the gift.
• Great boards for small groups:  a 1-hour guide to governing a growing nonprofit. 
• How to write successful fundraising letters.  Rev. ed.
• Level best: how small and grassroots nonprofits can tackle evaluation and talk results.

Basic Reference web page…

           The updated version of the Basic Reference workshop website is ready at http://www.libraries.vermont.gov/libraries/refbib/refweb07.html.      Use it anytime for quick links to classic information sources, from almanacs and dictionaries to consumer information and art plus related Vermont Online Library reference sources.

New Library Science books to borrow…

• Christian fiction: a guide to reading interests.
• Complete copyright liability handbook for librarians and educators.
• Computer resources for people with disabilities: a guide to assistive technologies, tools and resources for people of all ages.  4^th ed.
• Cooperative reference: social interaction in the workplace.
• Essential Dewey.
• Exemplary public libraries: lessons in leadership, management and service.
• Exploring culturally diverse literature for children and adolescents: learning to listen in new ways.
• How to wow:  a guide to giving a speech that will positively blow 'em away.
• It comes with the territory: handling problem situations in libraries.
• Managing budgets and finances: a how-to-do-it manual for librarians and information professionals.
• Managing change: a how-to-do-it manual for librarians.
• Merchandising strategies: marketing your library. DVD
• Nextgen librarian's survival guide.
• Performance management and appraisal: a how-to-do-it manual for librarians
• The real story: a guide to nonfiction reading interests.
• Raising funds with friends groups: a how-to-do-it manual for librarians.
• Running a small library: a how-to-do it manual.
• Running book discussion groups: a how-to-do-it manual.
• Serving homeschooled teens and their parents.
• Serving seniors: a how-to-do-it manual for librarians.
• Something to talk about: creative booktalking for adults.
• A storytime year: a month-to-month kit for preschool programming.
• Technology made simple: an improvement guide for small and medium libraries.
• XHTML and CSS essentials for library web design.

PUBcat deletions…

Please send bulk PUBcat deletions to the Vermont Dept. of Libraries' Technical Services Unit, 109 State St., Montpelier, VT  05609.   In other words, as you complete a weeding project and want your PUBcat symbol removed from a larger number of PUBcat records, submit that information to the Technical Services Unit.

When you receive an interlibrary loan request for an item you no longer own, forward this request message to DOL_ILL_MAIL.  Add a note to the forwarded message, asking to have your library's symbol removed from the PUBcat record .

  DOL ACQUIRES NEW LIBRARY SCIENCE DVDs

           The Department of Libraries has acquired a number of new DVDs designed to help librarians and trustees do their jobs betters.  These may be borrowed from the Midstate Regional Library (mrl_ill@mail.dol.state.vt.us ) for viewing at home or at a library meeting.  They are excellent discussion starters for staff or volunteer meetings.  The five titles include:

• Conducting the Reference Interview – reviews the four stages of helping people answer questions completely in person, on the phone, and online.  Also discusses working with children, difficult customers, and non-English speakers unused to using public libraries.
• I Need a Book! – is an overview of the readers' advisory process, focusing on appeal characteristics (frame, characterization, pacing, and storyline) and covering both fiction and nonfiction.  The stop/start format is a helpful discussion builder.
• Holding an Effective Meeting – goes over the elements to keeping on track, getting something done, reaching consensus and dealing with disruptive group members.  Particularly useful for moderators or chairs of committees or boards.
• Merchandising Strategies:  Marketing Your Library – offers practical hints for creating interesting, eye-catching displays, some requiring little or no expense.
• Solving Difficult Situations – offers suggestions for dealing with bomb threats, suspicious packages, violent patrons, sexual harassment, and inappropriate internet use from librarians, police officers, and an attorney. 

LARGE PRINT MAGAZINES SCARCE

           Are you looking for large print magazines for your visually-impaired patrons?  I've received a few questions about what's available and I wanted to share the results of my research with you.   There are not many. Most large print magazines deal with blindness or specific diseases (e.g., Deaf-Blind Perspectives, Voice of the Diabetic), particular religious persuasions (e.g., Living with Moshiach, Lutheran Witness), or are meant for school kids (e.g., Current Science, Weekly Reader). Some puzzle magazines are available in large print, but they're probably not suitable for public library purchase.

           The Complete Directory of Large Print Books & Serials (Bowker, 2006).   Magazines in Special Media, (NLS, 2005), and   Periodicals for Public Libraries (EBSCO, 2006) seem to reveal only three mainstream magazines available in large print:

• By far the most popular is Reader's Digest Large Print Edition. A subscription costs $27.96 per year. If there's only one thing you do for the visually-impaired at your library, this could be it.   The large print issue contains only about 2/3 of the regular print issue's contents. We have sample issues if you'd like to see one or show it to a possible donor.
• The next most popular is Guideposts Large Print Edition, even cheaper at $16.97 a year. Founded by minister and positive-thinker Norman Vincent Peale, the magazine calls itself "interfaith" and "inspirational." This was chicken soup for the soul before that series was ever hatched. We have sample issues of this magazine, also.
• For the hard-core news fan, but more expensive, is the New York Times Large Type Weekly, which via surface mail costs about $86 a year; faster delivery costs $172. Sorry, we don't have this one, and I have not seen an issue myself. Sounds good, though.

           Large print patrons registered with Special Services have access to Reader's Digest and Guideposts in large print. We get 8 copies of each and ask patrons to return them after reading so we can pass them along to others.   Our talking book patrons have access to more than 40 magazines in talking book format, and newspapers in synthesized voice over the phone.   For more information on this or any other of Special Services' special services, feel free to call 828-3273 or email me at teresa.faust@mail.dol.state.vt.us.

                                                                              --Teresa R. Faust
                                                                                Special Services Consultant

NCES RELEASES NATIONAL PUBLIC LIBRARY DATA

            Public Libraries in the United States: Fiscal Year 2005 was recently released by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).  The annual publication includes national and state summary data on public libraries in the 50 states and the District of Columbia, with an introduction, selected findings, and several tables. The report, based on data from the Public Libraries Survey for fiscal year 2005, includes information on population of legal service area, service outlets, library collections and services, full-time equivalent staff, and operating revenue and expenditures.  Among the key findings:

• There are 9,198 public libraries (administrative entities) and 1,544 (17%) have a total of 7,503 branch libraries
• 53% of public libraries are part of a municipal government, 15% are incorporated or nonprofit association libraries, 14% are separate government units or library districts, 10% are part of a county or parish, 3% are multijurisdictional (e.g;., Vermont's "community" libraries), 2% are part of a school district, 1% are part of a city/county arrangement, and 1% are classified as "other."
• Nationwide, visits to public libraries totaled 1.4 billion, or 4.7 library visits per capita.
• 2.1 billion library materials of all types were circulated in FY2005, or 7.5 items per capita. 
• Internet terminals available for public use in public libraries nationwide total 185,179, or 3.2 per 5,000 population.  The average number of Internet terminals available for public use per stationary outlet was 11.2.
• In FY2005, 81% of public libraries' total operating revenue of about $9.7 billion came from local (tax) sources, 10% from state sources, less than 1% from federal sources, and 8% from other sources such as fund raising, interest on savings or endowments, gifts, and donations.
• Nationwide the average per capita operating expenditure for public libraries was $31.65 in FY2005.

           View, download, and print the full report as a PDF file:  http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2008301
 

News From Technical Services
by Lorraine Lanius, Head, Technical Services Unit
(802) 828-3261; lorraine.lanius@mail.dol.state.vt.us 

NEXT GENERATION CATALOGS…

           Many new and innovative changes are taking place in library catalogs these days. "Next generation catalogs" are making use of many types of social software, often allowing more user input as well as innovative displays. Several libraries have added faceted searching capabilities, cloud tags, and bread crumbing (search history displays) to their catalogs, enabling users to search in more ways than was possible in traditional catalogs. Some libraries are bypassing vendor library systems for open source systems that allow for more individualized customization.

• Cloud Tags.  The cloud tag phenomenon has become popular in many websites and library catalog displays. Generally the tags represent subject keywords. The larger cloud tags represent the more popular keywords searched, often the hot topics of the day. As an example, go to the Internet movie database (http://us.imdb.com/) and click on "Independent Film," which will in turn access a screen with cloud tags on the left and a list of titles on the right. Choose one of the cloud tag subjects on the left to narrow the list on the right of the screen. Another good example of cloud tagging can be found at Fiction Finder (http://fictionfinder.oclc.org/), the product of an OCLC research project. Fiction titles can be searched by genre, literary awards, fictional characters, imaginary places, settings, subjects, as well as titles, authors and ISBNs. Once a desired title is found, locations are listed as well.
• Faceted Searching.   The University of Virginia's Project Blacklight (http://blacklight.betech.virginia.edu)  is one example of a library catalog that allows users to access titles by many different "facets" such as format, genre, topic, geographic area, era, year, language, call number or location within the library system, to name a few.
• Amazon.com Appearance.   Some libraries are implementing catalogs that include dust jacket images, sample pages, and other Amazon.com-like features. LibraryThing (http://www.librarything.com/) allows users to pull book cover images from Amazon.com to add to a site. LibraryThing also utilizes tags and is considered an online bookclub where users can share information and reviews, as well as create cataloging for their own books. Another interesting site is the Queens Library Aquabrowser site (http://aqua.queenslibrary.org/). The site uses word tags and also displays book cover images. Once a search is performed, a "constellation" of word tags appears on the left of the display.
• Open Source.  Many libraries are bypassing vendors and exploring the open source option for their integrated library systems, including catalogs. By choosing this option libraries have more opportunities to customize their systems and displays to suit their own needs rather than adhering to vendor-supplied formats. On the other hand, libraries without the technical expertise and long-term commitment to open source will not have the support provided by the vendors. However, there are several companies that do offer support to libraries using open source software. The Georgia Pines public library consortium in Georgia (http://gapines.org/opac/en-US/skin/default/xml/index.xml) uses Evergreen for its open source integrated library system.

For more information regarding the sites mentioned as well as other interesting and innovative sites, refer to http://futurelib.pbwiki.com/Examples.

BEYOND AACR2:  RDA …

         In 2009, RDA (Resource Description and Access) will become the new standard cataloging rules for description and access, replacing AACR2(Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, 2^nd Revised edition).  In an effort to solicit those outside the library community to help with cataloging tasks, the Joint Steering Committee for the Revision of AACR has outlined several goals for RDA:

• To provide a more flexible framework for description of different metadata (metadata is data about data) standards as well as communication standards. MARC (MARC 21) will be one of several possible standards to describe items using RDA.
• To create data that is adaptable to new database structures and to encourage use beyond the library community
• To create data that is compatible with existing records in online catalogs

           To achieve these goals RDA will include many changes to the current AACRconcepts, including:

• using  the "main access point" rather than the notion of "main entry" as a means of authority control 
• arranging the chapters in RDA will be arranged by element (e.g., title) for more consistency and will not be arranged by format as in AACR2
• using the terms "continuing resources" for bibliographic resources issued successively (i.e. serials, monographic series) and "integrating resources" (e.g. updating loose-leaf services, databases, and web sites)   
• employing FRBR (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records) as the conceptual model for RDA. Several goals of FRBR are to consolidate multiple versions of titles, bringing them together to make navigation among the versions easier. For bibliographic entities, the FRBR model has four levels:

  Work – the distinct intellectual or artistic creation (i.e. a Shakespearean play, a novel, a movie)
  Expression– the form of a work as a result of any alteration of the intellectual or artistic content of a work.(i.e. translations, revisions, updates, abridgements, annotations, critical editions) produces a new expression
  Manifestation– the format (i.e. book, periodical, map, poster, CD-ROM, DVD, manuscript)
  Item– a single manifestation (i.e. a copy or item; PDF, HTML, paper copy)
  An example of FRBR at its best is Fiction Finder (http://fictionfinder.oclc.org/) that indexes records at the Work Level and displays items organized by Work and Expression (mostly by language).

           In conclusion, the current cataloging rules do not provide ample mapping of relationships back to the central work. FRBR will provide a new way to group and navigate to related works. Not only will resources be described, more access to the resources will be provided. If you would like to read more about the changes on the horizon, the following websites may be helpful:

http://www.rdaonline.org/
http://liswiki.org/wiki/FRBR
http://www.oclc.org/research/projects/frbr/

ISBN CONVERTER…

           There are several online ISBN converters that convert 10 digit International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs) to 13 digit numbers and vice versa:

• ISBN-13 Online Converter by R.R. Bowker:  http://www.isbn.org/converterpub.asp
• ISBN Converter provided by the Library of Congress:  http://pcn.loc.gov/isbncnvt.html  

*COMING EVENTS*

Mon., Jan. 21 – State holiday.  Department of Libraries central office and regional libraries closed.

Mon., Feb. 18 - State holiday.  Department of Libraries central office and regional libraries closed.

Tues., Feb. 19, 10:30 am – Vermont Board of Libraries meeting, Midstate Regional Library, Berlin.  Contact:  Sybil Brigham McShane, 828-3265.

Tues., March 4 - State holiday.  Department of Libraries central office and regional libraries closed.

Mon., March 10, 9:30 am – Vermont Library Assn. Public Libraries Section program on professional literature, Midstate Regional Library, Berlin.  Contact:  Marti Fiske, 878-4918.

Mon., Mar. 24, 8:00 am – Town Officers Educational Conference (TOEC) including workshops for trustees, St. Michael's College, Colchester.  Registration will be online after March 1.  Contact:  Mary Peabody, 223-2389.  Repeats Thurs., 4/10 (Lyndon State College); Wed. 4/16 (Rutland Holiday Inn); Thurs., 4/24 (Lake Morey Inn); Wed., 4/30 (Mt Snow

Tues., Mar. 25, 9:00 am – Children's Materials Review Session, Brown Public Library, Northfield.  Contact:  Grace W. Greene, 828-6954.  Repeats:  Wed., 3/26 – Kurn Hattin, Westminster; Tues., 4/1 – Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington; Thurs., 4/3 – Milton Public Library; Tues., 4/8 – Northeast Regional Library, St. Johnsbury.  
 

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

  SPRING MATERIALS REVIEW SESSIONS PLANNED…

           …As always, there will be two "live "sessions of Materials Review this spring, and three sessions on videotape. This time, besides Northfield, the live session will be at Kurn Hattin in Westminster. RETN (Regional Educational Technology Network) will tape the Northfield presentation, and that recording 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.  The schedule is as follows:
 

All programs begin at 9:00 a.m.  There is a formal part to the program and then plenty of time to examine all the books.

Directions to the Brown Public Library in Northfield: From the North, take I89 to Exit 8 (Montpelier) and follow Route 12 South; from the South, take I89 to Exit 5 (Northfield/Williamstown) and take Route 12 North. The library is located on Route 12 (Main Street) in downtown Northfield. Parking is available in the library parking lots and in the United Church parking lot directly across the street from the library. The library telephone number is 485-4621.

Directions to Kurn Hattin:  Take exit 5 from I-91 (the Westminster/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.

DCF CONFERENCE: DONNA JO NAPOLI AND GREAT WORKSHOPS…

           …The sixth annual DCF Conference will be held on Friday, May 2, 2008 at the Stoweflake Resort in Stowe, Vermont. The keynote speaker will be Donna Jo Napoli, prolific author of many books including some DCF nominees like The King of Mulberry Street and Zel. Marge Bruchac, scholar, storyteller and writer, will talk in an endnote speech about accurate representations of the Abenaki in Vermont. In addition, there will be workshops on various aspects of reading; how to use technology to promote the DCF program, booktalking and bookmaking. Wendy Lamb, Donna Jo Napoli's editor will do two workshops—one with Donna Jo and one by herself on the editing process.  Books (both those on the 2008-2009 DCF master list and ones by Napoli and Bruchac) will be for sale. Registration forms will be sent out to all libraries and schools in January.  Please alert all the 4^th-8^th grade teachers that you know, too!

SUMMER MATERIALS…

           …This is the second year that we are participating in the Collaborative Summer Library Program, a 46 state group that uses its resources and buying power to create excellent materials at very low prices. As always, DOL will pay for reading records, posters, bookmarks and certificates for all Vermont libraries and bookmobile that are interested. We are sending in your orders at the very beginning of January, but if you missed the December deadline, it is not too late. We will send in another order at the end of February, so if in December you were between librarians, had the flu or there was some other catastrophe, do not panic, we can still get you free materials! The theme this year is bugs, and the slogan for kids is "Catch the Reading Bug," and for teens it is "Metamorphosis @ Your Library." 
 

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