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From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Aug 12 21:13:00 1997
From: bridgett@sunrise.alpinet.net (Bridgett Johnson)
ubject: Humpty dumpty mag.
I have a patron looking for the address for the Humpty Dumpty Magazine. Does
anyone still subscribe? Please send address to me: bridgett@alpinet.net
Many thanks.
Bridgett Johnson, Youth Services Librarian, Lewistown Public Library,
Lewistown Montana 59457 406 538-5212 bridgett@alpinet.net
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From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Aug 12 21:13:00 1997
From: "James B. Casey" <jimcasey@lib.oak-lawn.il.us>
Subject: More excuses?
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 1997 11:24:21 EST
> 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.
Enough money and staffing seem to be available for after school sports,
glee clubs, band, acting clubs, etc.. Why not after school library?
> 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.
Public and academic libraries are also targets for vandals and gangs
and have been the scenes of violence. We also have control and
logistical problems -- and have to stretch our staffing over a 7 day,
68-75 hour week and 12 month year. However, for the public schools
control and security seem to be a virtual obsession -- and certainly
the most commonly used excuse for non-action. Having lived
directly across the street from public school buildings for 23 years
and working as a night-shift school custodian for 4 years in several
school buildings, I can't recall ever seeing or hearing about any
criminal activities going on. Yet when I worked for 4 years at the
Cleveland Public Library (downtown) murders, drug sales, purse
snatchings, exhibitionism, etc. occured on quite a few occasions.
The University sections of Syracuse, Cleveland, Columbus and Chicago
were all considered to be among the most dangerous crime areas when I
lived in those cities. Is that a good enough reason for public and
academic libraries to remain closed?
> 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.
It amazes me that the armies of school administrators can't see their
way clear to find solutions to these kinds of problems. The dozens
of Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Principals, Vice-
Principals, Deans, Specialists, etc. etc. make substantial salaries.
What for? Public libraries must face difficult logistical and
administrative problems as well, but with far fewer people available
to develop solutions and far fewer dollars on hand to implement them.
The public schools seem to be far more adept at shifting responsibility
and finding excuses than in developing solutions.
> 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.
What kind of homework or research could a youngster expect to get done
in 30 minutes or so? With the doors ready to be locked and lights
going out, do you really think that they would feel welcome?
>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.
>
With both parents working long hours to make ends meet -- and paying
higher and higher school taxes -- the demand for afterschool library
service might grow more rapidly than you think.
Were some of you a bit amazed at Bill Clinton's call for volunteers
to teach children how to read by the 3rd grade? With the hundreds
of billions of dollars being devoted to public education, why should
a volunteer corps need to be mobilized to do that job? -- Devoting
some of those billions of lost dollars to school libraries and/or
public libraries might be a more realistic means of addressing
illiteracy.
James B. Casey - My own views as a public librarian and ALA
Councilor-at-Large.
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From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Aug 12 21:13:03 1997
From: "R.Yates" <ryates@ccs.nsls.lib.il.us>
Subject: Wanted: Kid Lit List Serv Address
Some time ago, someone posted the address for subscribing to a
listserv which was geared toward "all interested parties to children's
lit" as well as "professionals".
I have tried 2-3 times to subscribe, following the specific directions
given in the message, but to no avail.
Does anyone have a different address for this list?
I have <listserv@bingvmb.bitnet> from this previous post.
Has anyone else successfully subscribed to this list?
Is this list still in existence?
Thanks for your time and attention.
R.Yates <ryates@ccs.nsls.lib.il.us>
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From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Aug 12 21:13:02 1997
From: Elizabeth Hallaron <ehallaro@nslsilus.org>
ubject: Children's Art Magazine-Stumper
Hello everyone,
I am hoping someone out there has a suggestion that might help us. We are
fresh out of ideas. We have a board member who is looking for a REALLY GOOD
children's magazine for a budding (beginning) artist. The child is in first
grade. So far we are drawing a blank and would like any suggestions you could
make. Please respond to me directly.
Thank-you so much!
Elizabeth Hallaron
Children's Librarian
Crystal Lake Public Library
126 Paddock St.
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
(815) 459-1687
Fax: 815-459-5845
ehallaro@nslsilus.org
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