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From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Mon Aug 11 21:47:52 1997
From: Charles Willett <willett@afn.org>
ubject: Questions for ALCTS Members: An Open Letter.
QUESTIONS FOR ALCTS MEMBERS: AN OPEN LETTER
by Charles Willett, coordinator,
Alternatives in Print Task Force (AIP),
Social Responsibilities Round Table, ALA
Responding to ALCTS President Carol Chamberlain's June 6th statement to ALA
division presidents and ALA Council about outsourcing, I would like to ask a
few questions, speaking as a long-time ALCTS member and as an advocate of
acquiring and accessing alternative materials for libraries.
The statement opens:
ALCTS, the Association for Library Collections & Technical Services,
is the ALA division most closely involved with outsourcing issues
and vendor relations. ALCTS provides leadership to ALA and the library
community in these and other areas including the acquisition, selection,
description, organization and preservation of information resources.
If ALCTS provides this leadership, why didn't it help the Hawaii librarians who
courageously opposed the total outsourcing contract that was wrecking the
Hawaii State Public Library System? Why didn't ALCTS join forces with AIP's
Hawaii Working Group in trying to cancel the contract for the 49-library,
statewide system and reestablish its technical services departments, which
the HSPLS administration had shut down? Where was ALCTS while the Hawaii state
legislature heard testimony from hundreds of irate librarians and library
users? Where was ALCTS as Senate Bill 538 worked its way through committees
and House conferences, was signed by Governor Cayetano on June 19th as Hawaii
Act AB 252, and became effective July 1st? How does ALCTS regard this landmark
legislation, which for the first time in U.S. history codifies one of
librarianship's core professional functions--materials selection--into law?
Hawaii Revised Statutes. Chapter 312 (b): Upon termination of any
outsourcing contract in effect on the effective date of the Act,
decisions regarding the selection of books and other resources on
behalf of the state library system that require the expenditure of
public monies shall be performed internally by the public service
librarians of the state library system.
Continuing on, the statement asserts that the two outsourcing forums ALCTS
held at the 1997 ALA Midwinter Meeting were "very successful." By what
standard? At the outsourcing program presented by the Technical Services
in Public Libraries Discussion Group on "Outsourcing Technical Services:
The Selection Process," was any opposing point of view invited? At the
outsourcing program presented by the Publisher/Vendor Library Relations
Committee, was a single critical question asked of Baker & Taylor's Vice
President Arnie Wight or any other of the dozen senior corporate executives
on the panel? Weren't these "very successful" meetings just love
feasts
among ALCTS managers and their commercial "partners" (as the librarian
who
moderated the PVLRC meeting repeatedly called the vendors)? Has any
outsourcing critic or any representative of a regional, small or alternative
press ever been invited to speak at any outsourcing meeting or preconference
that ALCTS, its state and regional affiliates, and their corporate suppliers
have been co-sponsoring all over the country for the past several years?
The ALCTS statement goes on to promote its new book, _Outsourcing Library
Technical Services Operations_ (ALA, 1997). How does this book view the
Hawaii outsourcing model, which for the first time in U.S. library history
totally transferred the local, core professional responsibilities of budget
allocation, selection and cataloging to a private vendor? Does the book
approve or disapprove of the 5 1/2 year, $11.2 million contract signed by
the Hawaii state librarian and Baker & Taylor in March 1996? Or does it
simply ignore the personal, political and constitutional implications of
privatizing the public library collections of one of America's 50 states?
Finally, I would like to ask, respectfully, if ALCTS members are doing enough
to help their own libraries acquire and provide local cataloging access
to "all points of view" under the Library Bill of Rights, in
conformity with
the ALA Policy Manual's Mission Statement, Priority Area A, Goal 4?
"Library collections are developed, managed and preserved to provide access
for users to the full range of available knowledge and information."
In the serials area, do their libraries hold the _Alternative Press Index_,
1969- (www.igc.apc.org/altpress/) and _Annotations_, the directory of the
250 journals indexed in it (Alternative Press Centre, 1996)? For monographs,
have they acquired _Alternative Publishers of Books in North America_, 3rd
edition, the biennial directory produced by AIP (CRISES Press, 1997)?
Have they ordered _Counterpoise_ 1997- (www.lib.lsu.edu/hum/counterpoise/),
the critically acclaimed, ALA-sponsored review journal edited by 20 librarians
and subject specialists and published by AIP? How about titles authored,
edited or published by individual AIP members: Sanford Berman's and
James P. Danky's _Alternative Library Literature_, 1983/84- (biennial,
McFarland); Chris Dodge's and Jan DeSirey's _MSRRT Newsletter_, 1988-
(bimonthly); my _Librarians at Liberty_, 1993- (CRISES Press,
semiannual); _Alternative Literature: A Practical Guide for Librarians_ by
Chris Atton, 202 pages (Gower, UK and USA, 1996); and the forthcoming
_Libraries Betrayed: The Hawaii Outsourcing Disaster_, 2 volumes, edited by
Patricia Wallace and Earl Lee, a compendium of documents and commentary
(CRISES Press; vol. 1, ca. 220 pages, October 1997; vol 2: 1998)?
Are libraries of ALCTS members well stocked with materials that alternative
bibliographic tools recommend? Do their catalogers attach additional subject
headings and descriptive information to minimal LC records in order to guide
users to information of local interest that otherwise would not be found?
It is high time that these questions are asked -- and answered. The subtle
censorship that bars access to alternative points of view in almost every
school, college, university and public library in the United States is a
professional disgrace. All librarians can help overcome this pervasive bias.
They are welcome to stop by the AIP booth at any ALA conference, to consult the
websites given here, and to write or send an e-mail message to the address
below. My colleagues and I look forward to introducing them to the great
wealth
of significant publications available beyond corporate America's mainstream.
Charles Willett
coordinator, Alternatives in Print Task Force (AIP), ALA/SRRT
1716 SW Williston Road, Gainesville, FL 32608-4049
Tel: 352 / 335-2200 E-mail: willett@afn.org
Copies: division presidents
ALA Council
certain round tables and affiliates
LM_NET, PUBYAC, PUBLIB, ACQNETL, COLLDV-L, ALSC-L, PLGNET
George Eberhart, _American Libraries_
Norman Oder, _Library Journal_
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From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Mon Aug 11 21:47:52 1997
From: "Linda Pitts" <lpitts@stark.kent.edu>
Subject: Re: school library hours
I've noticed more than once criticism leveled against public school
libraries for not being opened after school hours or weekends.
As a former school librarian, I feel I have to speak up a bit to
explain why school libraries are not open after school hours.
Remember first that school libraries were an afterthought. Teachers
first started building their own little collections in the
classrooms (often with their own money). Eventually school funds
were used more to purchase these materials and it was decided to
centralize these collections into a room that became a school
library. Staffing the library came later and many schools still have
inadequate staffing. Inadequate staffing is one reason school
libraries are not open after school hours. Since many school
districts barely see the need for school librarians during the school
hours, they are not going to see the need for staffing after school
hours.
The other more important problem is control and logistics. The
library may not be easily assessible. For someone to physically get
to the school library they must go into the school building, through
a big building with empty hallways. This means that not only would
the school library need to be staffed, but also there would need to
be staffing for the building to offer security. Schools are often
the target of vandalism and if you have been reading the papers also
acts of violence against teachers and students.
In a perfect world the school library would be located near an easily
accesible entrance with access to a restroom but go take a look at
your school library and see if this is so. The school library I
worked at was located on the second floor. There was no way to allow
for access to it without opening up the whole school.
By the way when I was a school librarian I was usually still at work
in the library 1/2 to an hour after the last class. I would have
welcomed students who wanted to come in after school, but very very
rarely did they. I agree with the idea of school libraries being
open after school but its not going to happen anytime soon. To
change things the push will have to come from parents and teachers.
Linda Pitts
lpitts@stark.kent.edu
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From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Mon Aug 11 21:47:52 1997
From: peggy garvey <mjgarvey@facstaff.wisc.edu>
ubject: Alaska promo
LIBRARIANS' CRUISE TO ALASKA
Departing Vancouver, B.C. on July 21, 1998
Sail aboard the S. S. Universe Explorer for 14 days, departing Vancouver,
B.C. on July 21, 1998.
This will be a cruise that is open to the general public, but our group
will place special emphasis on Alaskan libraries and the stories to be found
in totem poles.
Library tours and special evening discussion sessions will make the
cruising experience for our group unique . Ten library visits are planned
Our cabin allotment: [We can request other categories/decks, depending on
availability.]
Category Deck Cabin Type Cost
4 Observation, Sun, Outside Standard Stateroom $2995
Boat, Upper
5 Sun, Upper, Main Outside Standard Cabin 2895
6 Sun, Upper, Main Inside Deluxe Cabin 2695
7 Bali Inside Economy Cabin 2495
Cruise Schedule: [Itineraries may need to be adjusted subject to weather
conditions.]
Day 1 Embarkation: Vancouver, B.C. - departing 4 pm
2 Cruising British Columbia's Inland Passage
3 Wrangell
4 Juneau
5 Skagway
6 Glacier Bay
7 Yakutat Bay/Hubbard Glacier
8 Valdez
9 Seward
10 Cruising Gulf of Alaska
11 Sitka
12 Ketchikan
13 Cruising British Columbia's Coastal Waters
14 Victoria, B.C.
15 Vancouver, B.C. - Disembarkation - arrive 9 am
These educational cruises are informal, with on-board lecturers and a
12,000 volume library.
Please note that space is limited...Your deposit of $500 per person will
hold a reservation for you.
Credit: Participants may earn 3.0 CEUs for the 15 day program. These may
be counted toward this department's Certificate of Professional
Development.Credit:
For further information, contact:
Professor Darlene E. Weingand, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of
Library and Information Studies, 600 N. Park St., Madison, WI 53706
WEINGAND@FACSTAFF.WISC.EDU
Darlene E. Weingand, Ph.D
Professor and Director
Continuing Education Services
School of Library & Information Studies
University of Wisconsin-Madison
600 N. Park St.
Madison, WI 53706
Voice: (608) 262-8952
FAX: (608) 263-4849
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From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Mon Aug 11 21:47:52 1997
From: jaker@japl.lib.in.us (Julia Aker)
ubject: Preschool craft book list
Here's the promised list of preschool craft books that I asked for. Thanks
to everyone who responded.
Building Blocks magazine
Crafts For Kids; A Month-by-month Idea Book (1984) ISBN 0830607846 by
Barbara Dondiego
Create-A-Critter by Susan Schneck and Mary Strohl
Doodles and Oodles of Art by Iris Siegler
EcoArt! ISBN-0913589683 (Williamson)
The Kids' Encyclopedia of Things to Make and Do by Richard Rasmussen
The Little Hands Big Fun Craft Book (Williamson)
The Mailbox magazine
Paper Crafts by Marilynn G. Barr (Paper plate animal pockets and clothes
pin animals)
Paper Hat Tricks by Patt Newbold and Anne Diebel
Paper Hat Tricks II by Patt Newbold and Anne Diebel
Paper Hat Tricks III by Patt Newbold and Anne Diebel
Paper Plate Animals by Bee Gee Hazell
Preschool Art: It's the Process not the Product by Mary Ann Kohl
Scribble Art by Mary Ann Kohl
"Theme-a-saurus" series from Warren Publishing's Totline
Totline magazine
Williamson Kids Can! series
Williamson Little Hands series
Some of the titles include:
Shapes, Sizes and More Suprises - Mary Tomczyk
The Little Hands Art Book - Judy Press
Rainy Day Play - Nancy Fusco Castaldo
Year-round Crafts For Kids (1988) ISBN 0830609040 by Barbara Dondiego
Julia Aker
Children's Librarian/Interim Director
Jackson County Public Library
303 W. Second St.
Seymour, IN 47274-2147
812-522-3412- voice 812-522-5456-fax e-mail: jaker@japl.lib.in.us
http://www.seymour.org/jcpl.htm
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From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Mon Aug 11 21:48:15 1997
From: Gilbert Crawford <gcrawfor@sparc.hpl.lib.tx.us>
ubject: Houston, TX - Sr. Library Service Spec
ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Houston Public Library
SENIOR LIBRARY SERVICE SPECIALIST
PN# 62713
Branch Services - Meyer Branch
5005 West Bellfort
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Provides para-professional reference services and information to patrons by
telephone, mail and in person; furnishes information on library activities,
facilities, policies and services; develops knowledge of department and
library collections and community resources. Contributes to overall
development of department collections by offering suggestions and
recommendations to Collection Development Supervisor. Assists in the
development of bibliographies, book lists and user guides; may assist with
interlibrary loan. May supervise library assistants. Performs other
tasks as assigned. Requires evening and weekend (Saturday and Sunday)
work.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Must be able
to use a computer to access/input information. Position requires stooping
and bending; lifting up to 20 pounds; ability to push loaded book trucks.
Must be able to move freely throughout the unit to file/retrieve library
materials.
MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Bachelors's degree in a subject field related to the unit.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Two years library experience.
PREFERENCES
Knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Access, WordPerfect, Lotus.
SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's
qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this
classification. The minimum to midpoint of this salary range is:
Salary Range - Pay Grade 16
$851 - $1151 Biweekly $22,126 - $29,926 Annually
OPENING DATE August 20, 1997
CLOSING DATE Open Until Filled
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Applications are accepted and must be received by the Human Resources
Department during posted opening and closing dates shown, between the hours
of 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 500 Jefferson, 15th floor. TDD Phone Number
713/759-0838.
Reference PN# above on your application/resume.
OUT-OF-TOWN applicants may submit a resume to:
Ralph Patterson
Human Resources Manager
Houston Public Library
500 McKinney
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 713/247-3558
Fax: 713/247-1266
E-mail: rpatters@sparc.hpl.lib.tx.us
First consideration will be given to those applications with a resume
attached. For additional information, visit our website,
http://sparc.hpl.lib.tx.us
An Equal Opportunity Employer
--------------------------------------------------------
Name: Gilbert Crawford
E-mail: Gilbert Crawford <gcrawfor@hpl.lib.tx.us>
Date: 08/11/97
Time: 12:51:53
This message was sent by Z-Mail Pro - from NetManage
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From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Mon Aug 11 21:48:33 1997
From: Gilbert Crawford <gcrawfor@sparc.hpl.lib.tx.us>
ubject: Houston, TX - Librarian I
This position has been placed on several listserv's. Please excuse any
duplication.
Houston Public Library
LIBRARIAN I
PN# 62714
Branch Services - Robinson Westchase
3223 Wilcrest Drive
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Provides professional reference and readers' advisory services to patrons in
person, by telephone,and by mail. Assists patrons accessing information
using library reference sources such as indexes, bibliographies, and various
CD-ROM and on-line databases. Furnishes information on library activities,
facilities, policies and services. Assists with collection development.
Performs outreach activities. Performs other duties essential to the
achievement of efficient library operation.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Must be
able to use a computer to access/input information. Position requires
stooping, bending and lifting of library materials up to 20 pounds; must be
able to push loaded book trucks. Must be able to move freely throughout the
unit to file/retrieve library materials.
MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Master's degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited school.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
None
PREFERENCES
Knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Access, WordPerfect, Lotus.
SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's
qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this
classification. The minimum to midpoint of this salary range is:
Salary Range - Pay Grade 16
$1001 - $1151 Biweekly $26,026 - $29,926 Annually
OPENING DATE August 20, 1997
CLOSING DATE Open Until Filled
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Applications are accepted and must be received by the Human Resources
Department during posted opening and closing dates shown, between the hours
of 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 500 Jefferson, 15th floor. TDD Phone Number
713/759-0838.
Reference PN# above on your application/resume.
OUT-OF-TOWN applicants may submit a resume to:
Ralph Patterson
Human Resources Manager
Houston Public Library
500 McKinney
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: 713/247-3558
Fax: 713/247-1266
E-mail: rpatters@sparc.hpl.lib.tx.us
First consideration will be given to those applications with a resume
attached. For additional information, visit our website,
http://sparc.hpl.lib.tx.us
An Equal Opportunity Employer
--------------------------------------------------------
Name: Gilbert Crawford
E-mail: Gilbert Crawford <gcrawfor@hpl.lib.tx.us>
Date: 08/11/97
Time: 12:44:14
This message was sent by Z-Mail Pro - from NetManage
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From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Mon Aug 11 21:48:47 1997
From: cchesh@tc3net.com (Cathy Chesher)
Subject: Children's library cards summary
Thank you to everyone (32 to be exact) who responed to my query about age limits
for children's library cards. The overwhelming majority (24) have no age
restrictions on library cards and in fact many of you encourage parents to get
library cards soon after their children are born. The primary reasons for no age
restrictions include: 1. age restrictions are discriminatory and
2. permitting library cards for all ages conveys the message that library cards,
libraries, books, etc. are IMPORTANT for all ages, especially for the youngest
children.
Some of you do have minimum age limits, 2 for at least 3 years old and 1 for
first grade. 4 library systems require children to write their name on the
application (as we currently do).
I'm definitely going to review our current policy and talk to our director about
it. I always felt a little uncomfortable with our decades-old policy (not that
I've been around for all of those decades!). Maybe it's time for a change.....
Cathy Chesher
Adrian Public Library
Adrian, Michigan
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From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Mon Aug 11 21:49:12 1997
From: Shorecam@aol.com
Subject: violence bibliography
For a bibliography on violence in children's literature, can anyone suggest
any children's (not YA) titles in which kids (not animals) are the subject
of, or participants in, violence? Patty Campbell (shorecam@aol.com)
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From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Mon Aug 11 21:50:11 1997
From: JamieWaese@aol.com
Subject: Trying to find book about white blood cells and other parts of the
Hi there.
I'm trying to locate a book I had as a child that deals with how the body
works. Although there are numerous books on this subject, the book I'm
looking for treats the white blood cells and other elements of the body as
"characters" and tells the "story" of how they function
together. There is a
very memorable passage in which viruses invade the body and the various blood
cells go into action in order to battle the evil invaders.
Does anyone out there recognize this book? Thanks.
Jamie
JamieWaese@aol.com
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