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From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sat Jul 26 23:38:32 1997
From: Jeri Kladder <jkladder@freenet.columbus.oh.us>
ubject: Re: Incentive for YA[sic - Kids'] Reading
I feel a bit like Ann Landers here--3- lashes with a wet noodle, as she
always says. I'm sorry if I offended anybody with
my response about giving away foreign currency as Summer Reading Program
incentives. I guess it all depends upon the spirit in which, and the
explanation with which it is given.
We at Columbus Metropolitan Library have approximately 34,500 children
involved in our Summer Reading Program this summer--so far-- and know for a
fact, even when librarians work the SRP desk stamping and stickering, we don't
have time to chat with the
kids. And at least 80% of the time, we are using volunteens to staff the
SRP desk. So, at least in our experience, the idea of giving away foreign
currency would not be a learning moment but a "here's your stuff, next
please!" moment.
You can do an incredible amount of good, and a subtle
amount of harm...just depends upon how conscious you are of the message
you are getting across. Thank you for patiently allowing me to clarify my
position.
Jeri Kladder, Children's Librarian & Storyteller
jkladder@freenet.columbus.oh.us
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Columbus, Ohio
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sat Jul 26 23:38:31 1997
From: "Susan Babb MSM (508) 688-9505" <babb@mvlc.lib.ma.us>
Subject: Re: Incentive for YA[sic - Kids'] Reading
Reading Kirsten Edwards response to Jeri Kladder's made me wince. Do we
really have to name-call each other? I think we can discuss the issues of
incentives in a reasonable fashion. I thought Jeri raised some points
that were worth thinking about. And I truly didn't think she whined.
Kirsten's points were also valid - we do need to think of ways to entice
children to participate in our programs. I always enjoy the discussions
in pubyac because of their liveliness, honesty, and yes, because with any
given issue, there will be 2 definite sides. But let's keep it civil.
Thanks for letting me speak my mind! Susan
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sat Jul 26 23:38:31 1997
From: "James B. Casey" <jimcasey@lib.oak-lawn.il.us>
Subject: Re: Using School Curriculums.
Mike Charton, Parsippany Public Lib wrote:
>
> Let me take this opportunity to asnwer Jim Casey's questions from
> PUBLIB # 3974.
> 1. Are we the de facto school library for the high school? For certain
> subjects yes; only because in certain subject areas, high school
assignments are
> for the most part our only questions.
>
> 2. Does Academia expect us to build our collection around them? No, but I
am
> not sure the high schools "expect" this of us either.
>
> 3. Why can't the k-12 libraries have better collections and hours? Good
> question. I don't have an answer.
>
> 4. Are we open evenings and Saturdays? Yes.
>
> 5. Is the Board of Education slashing its school media budget because they
> think we are providing the service? Can't prove that. Would need to look
> at their budget.
>
> Jim is right in the sense that the schools could do a much better job
> providing for their students. You wont get any argument from me on that
one.
> On the other hand, do we turn the kids away just because the school
> library doesn't help them? If they live in town, they are STILL our
patrons!!
> Do I think we should be getting more of the town education budget?
> YOUBETCHA!!
> Is it possible? I can dream, can't I?!:-)
> Mike
> Mike Charton
> Parsippany Public Library
Mike's response is excellent and I agree right up to the point where he
says: "I can dream, can't I?.." Let's be a bit more optimistic and
realistic!
More and more municipalities are beginning to see how library service
is needed and are putting pressure upon the public schools to do a
better job of providing after school service -- particularly during
the dangerous 3-6 PM "latchkey" period. Recently, Mayor Richard Daley
of Chicago awarded some $50,000,000 to the Chicago Public Library and
stated in doing so that the work of public libraries is integral to
education. At ALA Annual Conference it was revealed that Baltimore's
Enoch Pratt Public Library received some $500,000 in revenue from the
public schools in Baltimore after pressure was applied by the City on
public schools to either provide after school library service or fund
the public libraries. More importantly, we have seen E-Rate bills
pass in Washington and around the country in State Legislatures where
public libraries are finally being included with schools as
"educational institutions". Some $2.5 billion in discounts may be
on the line. Even better is the precedent which is being created where
libraries might finally begin to have access to grant and other
"education" monies which were solely designated for the public schools
alone.
Public librarians should continue to speak out on how they carry the
school library load without any additional revenue. It will accentuate
the cost effectiveness and importance of your library operation.
Pressure by municipal authorities might force the schools to either
provide library service via their own school libraries or give some
tangible help to the public libraries. Either way, the kids win and
Libraries win.
Whatever the schools do or don't do in regard to library service, we
public librarians have to try our very best to serve the students with
the resources at hand. They are also our patrons. Mike is right on
target with that very strong argument. Yet going the "extra mile" and
challenging the public school authorities to do better and keeping the
school library service issue in front of local leaders can make library
service for kids infinitely better in the long run. It is not an
impossible quest.
James B. Casey - My views as a public librarian and ALA Council Member.
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sat Jul 26 23:38:33 1997
From: Teri Titus <titust@pls.lib.ca.us>
ubject: Re: Incentive for YA Reading
On Tue, 22 Jul 1997, Jeri Kladder wrote:
>>snip>>>
> Doesn't this strike anyone else as demeaning to give away a
> developing country's "worthless" currency as a Summer Reading
Program
> prize? I think this is extraordinarily insensitive.
>
Yes, I agree.. I had they same thoughts when I read it.. reminds me of the
stereotype of American tourists who ask "What is that in *real*
money?"
I also think it is vitally important to expose kids to other cultures..
so, how about using cancelled postage stamps.. you'd get the same
eductional opportunity, lots of the stamps are quite interesting..
perhaps a local stamp club could help round up the duplicates that the
collectors don't want? or you may be able to purchase bags of mixed
stamps for not very much, usually these are the everyday stamps but still
very interesting..
)
(
---------------^-^--------------------------------
'!'
Teri Titus, Belmont Branch Library, SMCo
1110 Alameda, Belmont, CA 94002
titust@pls.lib.ca.us
phone: 415-591-8365
fax: 415-591-1195
_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_^^ysTeri-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sat Jul 26 23:38:31 1997
From: "Carol A. Kubala" <carol.kubala@snet.net>
Subject: Foreign currency
My two cents, pun intended, I thought using foriegn currency as a prize
for summer reading was a really creative idea and will make certain our
children's librarian, who also monitors this list, has noticed it. We
are all intitled to our opinions, however.
Carol Kubala
Saxton B. Little Free Library
Columbia, CT
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sat Jul 26 23:38:33 1997
From: "James B. Casey" <jimcasey@lib.oak-lawn.il.us>
Subject: [Fwd: Re: [PUBLIB:3986] Re: Using School Curriculums.]
Sue Kamm is right in saying that public schools have a separate
taxing authority and school district boundaries often overlap
or don't coincide with those of villages and library service
areas. However it is often the same people who must pay the
taxes. Whatever village or town you live in, a public school
is getting a big piece of your property tax bill. When the
schools take more, running levy after levy and deficit after
deficit, bewildered parents feel compelled to finally vote
"yes". No one is against education. However, when taxpayers
rebel as their overall tax bill grows, their complaints
force local governments to make cuts. Public libraries
sometimes end up getting squeezed as result.
-- Not only does the public education establishment
turn its back on funding their own libraries, but their
relentless fiscal demands end up applying further budgetary
pressure on public libraries which are trying desperately
to carry the education library service load alone.
Public Librarians like Mike Charton are providing a valuable
service, but can public libraries do the job alone and without
tangible help from the public schools? If the people on only
one side of the boat are pulling vigorously on the oars, the
boat will end up traveling in circles.
James B. Casey -- My own views as a public librarian and ALA
Council Member.
Sue Kamm wrote:
>
> Jim, please remember that not all states' school libraries are funded
> from the same part of the pie as public libraries. I don't know about
> New Jersey, but in California school districts are a separate entity with
> the power to tax. Most public libraries are funded by the city or county
> they serve, and few (Altadena and Palos Verdes, for example) are totally
> separate districts -- again, with the power to tax.
>
> The battle being fought in California is based on the fact that local
> school administrators and boards do not feel that providing even adequate
> school libraries is an important part of education. Until those
> entitites are convinced that providing students with libraries that are
> funded to provide certificated librarians from the time schools allow
> students on campus until after-school activities end, materials budgets
> to support the curriculum, and other staffing, public libraries will
> continue to be de facto school libraries.
>
> What Mike Charton is doing is GREAT! I only wish the teachers in the
> public and private schools we serve could be persuaded to provide our
> library with the same information.
>
> Your friendly CyberGoddess and ALA Councilor,
> Sue Kamm
> email: suekamm@class.org
> "The University is not engaged in making ideas safe for students. It
is
> engaged in making students safe for ideas."
> -- Clark Kerr, president of the University of California, 1961
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sat Jul 26 23:38:33 1997
From: "James B. Casey" <jimcasey@lib.oak-lawn.il.us>
Subject: Re: [PUBLIB:3974] Using School Curriculums.
Public Librarian Mike Charton says that he uses the local high
school curriculum as a guide for his collection development (see
his post below). I would ask Mike the following questions:
Is your public library becoming the de facto school library for
your local high school? Is your diligence and commitment to
Library service being exploited by the school superintendent to
enable her/him to slash their school library budget? Do the
colleges, community colleges and universities also expect you
to build your collection development strategy around the library
needs of their own students?
The overwhelming majority of local tax money collected in your
community is gathered in by the public schools (parochial schools
don't take a penny). In our community the public schools take
16 times more local tax dollars than the public library. Why can't
the public schools either provide library materials to support
their own curriculum -- as colleges and universities do -- or
provide a collection development subsidy for public libraries?
You are probably keeping your own public library open on evenings
and weekends during the school year. It costs a great deal of tax
money to do so -- personnel costs being the highest portion of a budget.
Do the public schools in your area provide library service at all on
late afternoons, evenings, weekends, and over busy holidays of the
school year like Thanksgiving? Academic libraries are open and available
to support the homework and study needs of their clientele. Why do the
k-12 schools feel that they can keep their library doors shut and locked?
Is it because public libraries have been carrying the load at the expense
of their own service mission and have thereby allowed the schools to
slash their own library service budgets?
If the public school funding is said to be so bad that they refuse to
consider budgeting enough money to fund library service to support
their own curriculum, check your local tax bills and revenue breakdowns
to see if the result isn't something like this example from another
municipality.
http://www.woodbridgenj.com/admin.htm
James B. Casey -- My own views and questions as a public librarian.
Mike Charton, Parsippany Public Lib wrote:
>
> For several hours, I went to the school board office and used the
> school curriculums for the high schools as a guide in collection
development.
> This is something else I can send copies of as a sample. For many of
> our subject areas, high school assignments are the main questions.
> Mike
> Mike Charton
> Parsippany Public Library
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sat Jul 26 23:38:34 1997
From: Catherine Williams <wcatheri@freenet.columbus.oh.us>
ubject: Re: Incentive for YA[sic - Kids'] Reading
On Wed, 23 Jul 1997, Kirsten Edwards wrote:
>
> The idea was clever, but natch, given half an opportunity, a librarian has
> to whine about it.
>
> Kirsten Anne Edwards "I wonder what they *do* teach them at
> kirstedw@kcls.org these schools" - Prof. Digory Kirke
>
It is unfortunate that a general comment concerning multi-cultural
sensitivity must be battled with personally demeaning remarks.
Cathy Williams
wcatheri@freenet.columbus.oh.us
Center for Discovery, Main, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sat Jul 26 23:38:34 1997
From: "Christolon, Blair B" <bbc6251a@co.prince-william.va.us>
Subject: RE: Thrasher Magazine
Mary--I want to be helpful and I hope this doesn't sound like "Monday
morning quarterbacking", but our public library system reexamined
Thrasher magazine prior to any complaints in Jan 97 after having
subscribed for many years. We decided the advertising and articles had
changed drastically and that it no longer was the magazine we wanted for
our middle school YAs who most often have skateboarding as a hobby in
our county. We canceled the subscription and replaced it with
Transworld Skateboarding. I hope others on this listserv have more
helpful information.
All comments expressed here are my own and may not reflect the policies
of Prince William Public Library System
Blair B. Christolon
Librarian-Collection Specialist J, YA &AV
Prince William Public Library System
13083 Chinn Park Drive
Prince William, VA 22192-5073
703-792-6251
FAX 703-792-4875
>----------
>From: Mary Driscoll[SMTP:driscoll@scls.lib.wi.us]
>Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 1997 9:28 AM
>To: pubyac@nysernet.org
>Subject: Thrasher Magazine
>
>Hi! We just got a challenge on Thrasher Magazine which is in our young
>adult area. The patron objects to the language and feels it's degrading to
>women (many pictures of scantily clad women).
> Has anyone else been challenged? Please email me with any info you
>might have. I'll let the listserve know of the outcome.
>Thanks!
>Mary Driscoll
>
>
>
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sun Jul 27 00:39:28 1997
From: rhangulo@abwam.com
Subject: YA acid rain fiction
Thank you all for your helpful answers to my recent request for help finding
fiction on acid rain for my Emporia class assignment. It was a pleasure
hearing from you.
rhangulo@abwam.com
Harriet W. Angulo
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sun Jul 27 01:26:58 1997
From: "Vollrath, Elizabeth" <evollrat@uwsp.edu>
Subject: Stumper: boy and jacket
Does anyone recall a picture book about a grandfather (or maybe
grandmother) who makes a jacket for a grandson. As the boy grows older,
the jacket is turned into a vest, and so on, until it becomes a
handkerchief. It may be a Jewish tale. Patron is unsure how old the
story is. We checked A-Z. Thanks.
Elizabeth Vollrath
Portage County Public Library
Stevens Pt., WI
evollrath@uwsp.edu
(715)346-1290
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sun Jul 27 01:39:21 1997
From: Bill Nagelkerke <nagelkerkeb@ccc.govt.nz>
Subject: ABBY Awards
I have a patron who is looking for a list of the ABBY Award winners
(American Booksellers Book of the Year). We
found a list of the 1991 - 1995 winners at the Virtual WordsWorth Website,
but have not been able to find the '96 or '97 winners. Besides the
Internet, I have also checked InfoTrac and the SLJ Awards and People
column, but did not see it listed. If anyone has any information about
this award please email me at bcl003.accessnv.com
Thanks,
Stephanie Gall Miller
Head of Children's Services
Boulder City Library
Boulder City, Nevada
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sun Jul 27 02:21:27 1997
From: Hilary Wagner - Oldsmar Public Library
<wagnerh@snoopy.tblc.lib.fl.us>
Subject: YA fiction on cheerleading
Hi pubyackers!
I need your expertise. I had a 15 year old girl in asking for fiction on
cheerleading. She is also looking for any books fiction or non-fiction
dealing with cheerleading at the college level as well. I didn't come up
with anything, other than the Sweet Valley High (one of the main characters
is a cheerleader), and she didn't want those. Any suggestions??
TIA,
Hilary A. Wagner
Oldsmar Public Library
Oldsmar, FL
wagnerh@snoopy.tblc.lib.fl.us
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sun Jul 27 02:35:41 1997
From: medchild@jcls.org (Medford Children's Department)
ubject: Stumpers-Ecology picture book
We have a patron who remembers a picture book, published before 1980, with
an ecological theme. The little characters build houses that look like them
and that change shape to accomodate them (that's what she says). Then
modernization comes, and has a negative impact on this society (roads,
shopping centers, pollution). Is this enough to jog anyone's memory? She
says it's not The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss. TIA Send replys to Patt Colwell,
Children's Librarian, Jackson County Library Services, Medford, Oregon:
medchild@jcls.org
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sun Jul 27 02:39:26 1997
From: Amy Paget <amypaget@tcpl.lib.in.us>
ubject: Toy Storage
We have a relatively large toy collection (300-500 items) with items of the
usual wide variety of sizes and shapes and number of pieces. They currently
sit on standard library shelves in the mesh Janway bags with a Polaroid
photo of the contents on each bag.
Space and ease of retrieval is becoming a big issue. Has anyone corralled
toys in a better fashion? Or seen a great idea somewhere?
Please respond by email directly to Polly Roush--psroush@tcpl.lib.in.us
or send ideas to her at the address/faxx in my email signature.
As always, I will send a consolidation of responses to the general list.
I love this list. It makes me a better librarian.
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sun Jul 27 02:47:19 1997
From: Rochelle Brown <rochellb@kcls.org>
Subject: sturdy paper cutters
Hello, all:
I'm looking for recommendations for wonderful paper cutters. Many
of them seem to wear out (blades rip & will only cut 2 sheets at a time,
etc.) Does anyone have, or know of a model, that cuts at least 5-10 pgs
at once, with a blade that stays in alignment and continues to cut well?
Does anyone have experience with these models?
Dahle Premium American Maple Cutter (lifetime guarantee)
Dahle Heavy-duty Metal-base Paper Cutter (lifetime guarantee)
Premier Poly-Board Trimmer
AccuSafe Safety Trimmer
Boston Paper Trimmer
Thanks for any ideas,
Rochelle Brown
rochellb@kcls.org
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sun Jul 27 02:50:27 1997
From: Caes <caes@pacificrim.net>
ubject: Stumper: Louis (Lewis?) & Wizard Uncle
Does anyone know this book? A patron read it as an elementary school-age
child (of course), probably in the 60's or 70's. All she can remember is
that Louis (or Lewis) goes to live with his uncle, who is a wizard. Their
neighbor is named Mrs. Zimmerman. It's straight fantasy, not humor or horror.
If you know, I'd be most grateful if you sent the title/author to:
caes@wln.com (That's my e-mail address at work; I'm writing from home, here.)
Thanks in advance, you wonderful minds out there.
Catherine Sarette
Youth Services Coordinator
Whatcom County Library System
Bellingham WA
caes@wln.com
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sun Jul 27 03:10:30 1997
From: cindio@bedford.lib.nh.us
Subject: Teacher packets/Assignment Alert forms
I'm getting ready to revise our teacher information packet and
was wondering if anyone would be willing to share a sample with
me? I've been thinking about adding an assignment alert form to
our web page. Has any one done that yet? If so, would you
mind sending me the address so I can look at it? Thanks!
PS Thanks to everyone who sent NFO on make and take craft
areas. We have had one here this summer for the first time.
It has worked very well. Patrons love it. The advice and
suggestions from PUBYACers helped me in the planning stages
immeasurably. You are all wonderful.
--------------------------------------------------------
Cindi Ellen O'Connor
Director of Children's Services
Bedford (NH) Public Library
3 Meetinghouse Road
Bedford, NH 03110
E-mail: cindio@bedford.lib.nh.us
Telephone:(603)472-2300
FAX: (603) 472-2978
Date: 07/24/97
Time: 12:54:16
This message was sent by Z-Mail Pro - from NetManage
NetManage - delivers Standards Based IntraNet Solutions
--------------------------------------------------------
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sun Jul 27 03:22:47 1997
From: Jana Fine <janafine01@sprynet.com>
Subject: Re: library/teacher/school cooperation
Every August I send letters to the principals asking for a date when I
could speak at faculty meetings for about 5 minutes. I follwo up with a
phone call about 2 weeks later. In my presentation, eveyone gets
handouts of what the library can offer them, including any special
programs during the year, i.e. author visits. Included in the handouts
are names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers of youth
staff. I have done this for 2 years and last year made several
connections with high school teachers who send me their assignments for
the whole year!
I also try to make it a point to personally visit each information
specialist in the fall, bringing them bookmarks, posters, or any other
little "goodies" I might have to assist them. We talk about upcoming
programs and schedule visits during that time.
So the personal touch does work, it just takes time and patience.
Jana Fine
CLearwater Public Library
janafine01@sprynet.com
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sun Jul 27 03:35:47 1997
From: Jeanine Asche <aschej@pls.lib.ca.us>
ubject: Re: school/teacher/cooperation
Last year we formed an "Ed. Cmt.". We developed a binder for all of
our
12 branches to use with month by month plans/ideas/suggestions for staff
to use to assist them with making contacts with schools. For example, in
August we suggest sending out letters to principals to arrange a staff
visit. In Sept. we suggest doing a follow up call, etc. In Feb. we
suggest sending out Valentines to teachers thanking them for letting us
know about assignments. It is too much to copy, but I might be able to
email some or fax some of it to you if you're interested. - Jeanine
****************************************************************************
JEANINE ASCHE "The "juvenile" book...has grass
Youth Service Program Manager and earth and familiar things on
San Mateo County Libraries a level with the child's eyes,
25 Tower Road, San Mateo, CA 94402 but it also has treetops and
wind and stars to draw his gaze
phone: 415/312-5263 fax: 415/312-5382 upward." -from "Yeast in the
Mind"
email: aschej@pls.lib.ca.us by Mabel Leigh Hunt
****************************************************************************
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sun Jul 27 04:03:00 1997
From: Jeanette Carolyn Larson <jlarson@tenet.edu>
Subject: Texas/Children's Literature Conference
Seventh Annual Children's Literature in the Curriculum
"Picturing Children's Books"
Saturday, September 20, 1997
University of North Texas
Denton, TX
8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Exciting speakers will address the interests and needs of librarians,
school library media specialists, classroom teachers, curriculum
coordinators, consultants, and others who love good literature.
Participants will explore methods to bring more children's literature into
the classroom.
Keynote speakers are Gerald McDermott, Caldecott Award Winning illustrator
and author, and Lauren L. Wohl, author and marketing director for
Hyperion Books/Disney Press. Other speakers who will focus on children's
book and illustration include Junko Yokota, Nancy Stone, Teena Farvin,
Ken Lavender, Jeanette Larson, Yvonne Chandler, Donald Cleveland, and
Mary Cooksey. Topics will deal with bringing non-text readers up to
speed, using picture books with secondary students, enhancing visual
literacy skills, Internet sites, cartooning to literacy, and new picture
books for 1997. Conference registration is $30 (postmarked by August
15); $45 after August 15. Registration includes lunch and conference
materials. For information contact Barbara Stein, UNT, P.O. Box 311068,
Denton, TX 76203; stein@lis.admin.unt.edu or call 940-565-2445.
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sun Jul 27 04:05:25 1997
From: CORDARO@palsplus.org
Subject: Positions Available - New Jersey
The West Milford Township Library seeks two full-time innovative, experienced
and dynamic librarians to further develop our resources and services.
Head of Children's Services and Head of Young Adult/Adult Services are the
available positions. One of the positions will also serve as Supervisor of
our seven MLS Librarains. One of the positions will be responsible for the
electronic development of our DRA Library.
We seek two experienced leaders who are proficient in reference, reader's
advisory, selection and collection development, programming, marketing and
management of budgets and personnel. A team of six employees designed this
year's summer reading club which 1,873 adults, teens and children are
enjoying; many more residents are participating in 74 summer programs. We
seek individuals who are committed to this type of service and comfortable
with team planning, public speaking and initiating new services.
Consider joining our team of 17 employees if you have an ALA/MLS degree and
a minimum of three years of progressively responsible public library experience
Also available is a recently created part-time position for MLS students or
recent graduates. Salary is commensurate with experience for all three
positions. Send resume packet to Director, West Milford Township Library,
1490 Union Valley Road, West Milford, New Jersey 07480. West Milford, a
rural/suburban residential community with a population of 28,000, is located
in norther New Jersey approximately one hour from NYC. The Township borders
Morris and Sussex Counties in New Jersey and New York's Orange County.
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sun Jul 27 04:24:15 1997
From: Carolyn Caywood <carolyn@infi.net>
Subject: Re: library/teacher/school cooperation
> In preparation for the coming school year, our branch library would like to
> contact school principals/librarians/teachers to ask to speak at staff
> meetings, to introduce ourselves, but mainly to encourage teachers to give
> us their homework assingments and readinglists in advance. If anyone has
> any forms, letters, ideas, please let me know.
>
Some ideas. Make your FAX number available, and consider email if the
teachers have access. The easier it is to communicate, the more
likely it is that they actually will remember to do so.
See if you can get some teachers to help you design a form. That will
build investment in the process, and avoid asking for something
teachers find it difficult to answer.
Keep contacts as personal as possible. It takes more time up front,
but real people are harder to ignore than a form letter.
For a light, humorous touch, I use the poem "Homework" from _Egg
Thoughts and Other Frances Songs_. It begins,
"Homework sits on top of Sunday, squashing Sunday flat.
Homework has the smell of Monday, homework's very fat."
Gets 'em every time!
Carolyn Caywood % Save the time of the Reader %
carolyn@infi.net % --Ranganathan's 4th Law %
http://www6.pilot.infi.net/~carolyn/ FAX:757-464-6741
936 Independence Blvd. Virginia Beach, VA 23455 757-460-7519
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sun Jul 27 22:13:15 1997
From: DENWALL@aol.com
Subject: Hawaii Contract with B&T Terminated
>From Patricia Wallace
Chair, Hawaii Working Group
American Library Association
Social Responsibilities Round Table
Alternatives in Print Task Force
denwall@aol.com
Date: Sunday, July 27, 1997
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http://www.hcc.hawaii.edu/hspls/pr970711.html
State Librarian To End Book Contract
HSPLS News Release 98-01: July 11, 1997
Paul H. Mark - Information Specialist
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State Librarian Bart Kane today notified Baker & Taylor, Inc. that the
Hawaii
State Public Library System will cancel the book-buying contract, citing nine
areas of default.
The nine areas of default are: 1) response to profiles; 2) library
materials for the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; 3) award
books; 4) standing orders; 5) best sellers; 6) children's book selections; 7)
young adult book selections; 8) reference books and 9) Hawaiiana books.
Kane notified Baker & Taylor, Inc. that his decision on defaults is
final and conclusive, unless Baker & Taylor files suit in the State of
Hawaii Circuit Court within six months of the written notice. Also, Kane
notified Baker & Taylor that the proposed termination of the contract for
default permits them to cure the defaults within a 10-day period from the
written notice, or the contract is terminated.
Baker & Taylor was also notified that if a court of competent
jurisdiction determines that the Hawaii State Public Library System had no
right to terminate the Baker & Taylor contract for default, then the Hawaii
State Public Library System will terminate the contract for convenience.
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The letter Kane handed to Baker & Taylor yesterday cited nine areas of
default:
**Library profiles were not used to select quality materials in appropriate
quantities.
**As of May 22, less than 20 percent of 461 books for the Library for the
Blind and Handicapped for fiscal year 1997 had been received. Of the books
received, 57 percent included videos without closed captioning or regular,
not oversized print, books.
**Fourteen percent of award books--among them Nobel, Pulitzer and Newberry
Winner books--have not been delivered.
**Seventy percent of standing orders--mostly reference books that every
library needs on a regular basis and which are replaced annually or
quarterly, such as the Physicians's Desk Reference--had not been delivered as
of June 30.
**Bestsellers were not provided two days after they appear in bookstores here
nor in quantities requested by Hawaii libraries.
**Children's selections received were far below numbers requested.
**Young adult selections were not of satisfactory quality and did not arrive
in a timely manner nor in sufficient quantities.
**Only 40 percent of reference books required by the contract for fiscal year
1997 were delivered; only 58 percent for fiscal year 1996 have been sent.
**Selections of Hawaiiana materials have been slow to arrive and of poor
quality.
From: "Notice of Determination of Default," Bartholomew A. Kane,
Hawaii
State Librarian to Margaret A. Nordstrom, Baker & Taylor, Charlotte, NC via
telecopier. Cc to B & T General Counsels in Bridgewater and Somerville, NJ
(12 pages)
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Notice of Proposed Termination of Contract for Default or, in the Alternative
for Convenience, July 11, 1997, from Hawaii State Librarian Bartholomew A.
Kane to Margaret A. Nordstrom, Baker & Taylor, Inc. via telecopier and
certified mail:
The Defaults referred to herein are those described in our Notice of
Determination of Default of even date that has been sent to you together with
this letter and the following additional failures to perform:
1. Baker & Taylor has not delivered in a timely manner the units it
contracted to select, acquire, catalog, process and distribute. As of May
23, 1997 by your own admission to the Board of Education Blue Ribbon Panel,
Baker & Taylor was still in arrears on FY 1996 shipments of 17.6 per cent
(10,651 units out of contracted 60,635) and on FY 1997 shipments of 60 per
cent (55,298 unit out of contracted 92, 168). You have stated your capacity
as 900 units per day.
2. Units delivered by Baker & Taylor include a large number of items that
duplicated existing library holdings according to the Board of Education Blue
Ribbon Panel. Further, the Panel found "B & T did not use available
database
information that would have allowed it to avoid duplication."
3. Baker & Taylor failed to provide any foreign language materials,
telephone books, or music scores as contracted. The Panel found "B&T
sent
HSPLS a large number of cheap, low quality and/or inappropriate items, and
excessive multiple copies of individual items."
Finally, Baker & Taylor's failure to perform has caused HSPLS' employees to
spend countless hours and days helping Baker & Taylor, monitoring your
performance, and attempting to prevent deterioration of our library holdings.
These activities have taken my employees away from public service, thereas
the goal of your contract was to increase public service hours by my
employees. The Blue Ribbon Panel found "These problems contributed to a
significant decline in staff morale."
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From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Sun Jul 27 22:13:57 1997
From: DENWALL@aol.com
Subject: RE: Bart Kane Gets 6 Months
Please forward to all lists addressed (including SRRT Council & News)
Patricia Wallace
American Library Association
Social Responsibilities Round Table
Alternatives in Print Task Force
Chair, Hawaii Working Group
denwall@aol.com
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Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Friday, July 25, 1997
Kane Gets 6 Months
BOE says he must clean up book-buying mess, win staff's respect
By Debra Barayuga
"State librarian Bart Kane has six months to clean up the mess
surrounding the controversial Baker & Taylor book contract and try to
earn
back the respect of his employees.
The state Board of Education early today voted 11 to 2 in favor of
retaining Kane for the next six months, provided he meets certain
conditions................
The decision to retain Kane came after the board deliberated for more than
three hours behind closed doors, following a slew of testimony from
librarians and concerned citizens who strongly opposed Kane's reappointment.
By the time the board made its decision at 12:55 a.m....the subdued group of
librarians filed quietly out of the room after the decision."
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Conditions to be met:
settle all issues surrounding the Baker & Taylor contract dispute
come up with an administrative plan to address selection and processing of
books
improve communication within the library system
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