|
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 01:48:13 1997
From: dorthybr@cadvantage.com (Dorothy M. Broderick)
Subject: stumper: rabbit riddle book
Hi all,
Does anyone know of a book which had riddles to do with rabbits? My
patron said she thought it might have been written in the 1980's. The
reader who could solve the riddles would be able to figure out the
location of a golden rabbit hidden somewhere in England. The patron said
she thought it was worth about $10 million. The riddles were solved and
the rabbit already found, but she is interested in finding the book
anyway. Sounds similar to Graeme Base's work, but I don't think he's the
author (not sure, though).
I promise to post the answer, if someone knows it.
Thanks very much.
Tracy Kendrick
Librarian
Greater Victoria Public Library
Victoria, BC
wl540@freenet.victoria.bc.ca or
tkendric@gvpl.victoria.bc.ca
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 01:48:12 1997
From: MarionLib@aol.com
Subject: Re: What do you call your YA area?
I have always felt the term Young Adult was awkward and of no real meaning to
anyone outside the library profession. Newspapers generally use the term to
denote men and women in their early twenties. Publishers now seemingly use it
to label just about any juvenile title above an Easy Reader!
It lacks clarity, if nothing else. If your Young Adult area includes classics
and adult titles for teens, I think calling it the Teen area is much more
definitive.
Our advisory group for this age group is the Teen Advisory Board, not the
Young Adult Council. When the teens advertise a program, they state it's for
Teens, not Young Adults.
I know this has been debated before back and forth, but I've personally never
been able to buy into the idea that teens really prefer the term "Young
Adults." I think it's a term whose time has passed; if it ever really had a
time to begin with.
Carolann Palm Abramoff
Pasco County Library System
Hudson, Florida
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 01:48:12 1997
From: Carolyn Caywood <carolyn@infi.net>
Subject: Re: Review of Stumpers on PUBYAC and why
I would like to propose one change. I think that the original
requestor should post the answer. I'm not going to save the question
and pursue it, even if I provide what I think is the answer. But it
would be a kindness and a courtesy for the requestor to let us know
how it turned out. Most people do. (I owe such a response myself for
all who made suggestions for the article I'm writing this weekend.)
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
>
> 6) "Thank yous" are optional; in other words, the original poster
can
> choose whether or not to thank the list at large. If you are curious
> about an answer that did not appear, contact the original poster.
>
> Live long and prosper,
>
> Shannon VanHemert
> PUBYAC Moderator
> pyowner@nysernet.org
>
>
>
>
>
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 01:48:12 1997
From: DENWALL@aol.com
Subject: Hawaii: The Latest News
If list members want to know the latest from Hawaii, this is it. This holds
the potential for leading, ultimately to Bart Kane's removal from office, but
since he
seems to be a cat with nine lives, I am not laying down bets. Pat W.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>From: Pat Wallace (DENWALL@aol.com)
Chair, Hawaii Working Group
>Date: Mon, 31 Aug 1997
>Subject: Recent Developments in Hawaii
>Let's not forget that the Hawaii story is not over. I am sharing two recent
>developments which I think will keep you informed.
>First:
>News re a successful judgement for Carl Corporation against the Hawaii
>State Public Library System.
>Second:
>Reflections on privitizations effects on Hawaii by two public librarians
>there.
**************************************************************************
Taken from HSPLS Web page
**************************************************************************
*"Plan Would Let Librarians Buy Books From Any Vendor: The proposal was
worked out from input by 70 staffers from the state's public libraries"
by Debra Barayuga, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, August 8, 1997, p. A3
*August 22, 1997: The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that "State Librarian
Bart Kane acted in 'bad faith' last year in prematurely awarding a
$595,453-a-year contract to improve and manage the library system's
computers...." The Court said in its 71-page opinion: "Kane's
disregard
of the mandate of clearly applicable law, as well as the specific
directions of [State Procurement Officer Lloyd] Unebasami, was, at best,
reckless.... In his zeal to have the project completed before the end of
the legislative session, Kane prematurely awarded the contract in
violation of law, effectively restricting CARL's opportunity to
participate in a fair solicitation should it prevail on its protest. We
therefore hold that Kane's conduct was in bad faith." [p. 5]
["Librarian
Faulted on Computer Contract: High court finds 'bad faith' in actions"
by Ken Kobayashi, Honolulu Advertiser, August 23, 1997, p. A1, A5]
*"Librarian Faulted on Computer Contract: High court finds 'bad faith'
in actions" by Ken Kobayashi, Honolulu Advertiser, August 23, 1997, p.
A1, A5
*August 25, 1997: Although library staff were supposed to begin
purchasing materials from local book stores and directly from publishers
beginning today, State Librarian Bart Kane announced in the afternoon
that staff would not be able to proceed with this "immediate" phase of
the Selection/Acquisition Systems Plan until the Hawaii Government
Employees Association (HGEA) had sufficient opportunity to review
employee concerns.
Return to HSPLS Home Page or Reengineering and Outsourcing
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last updated 8-27-97 by Jo Ann Schindler, HSPLS, who can be
contacted at jms@hcc.hawaii.edu
****************************************************************
http://www.hgea.org/news/pe/pe970900spotlight.html
Librarians Voice Their Concerns Privatization Has Hurt Service in Public
Libraries
September 1997
HGEA--THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEE
*September 1997
*Spotlight on People - Librarians voice their concerns
*Randall T. Kusaka, Public Information Officer
Mahalo,
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Privatization casts its shadow over union members from many sectors. But
few privatization cases have aroused public opinion like the State of
Hawaii's contract with Baker & Taylor to catalog and purchase books for
the public libraries. Legislators, government officials and State
Librarian Bart Kane have all aired their opinions in the news media, but
librarians have seldom been consulted. The Public Employee visited
Liliha Public Library and spoke with two librarians, both Unit 13
members, for their side of the story.
Sylvia Mitchell, Librarian, Liliha Library :
"When you outsource certain functions, jobs are taken away from Hawaii
to the Mainland. That means less jobs here, less money being spent by
people who would have been in the outsourced jobs, buying groceries,
paying taxes, etc. It negatively affects the economy. This is never
taken into account, but it is an important point. I agree we need to do
what we can to save money, but what's come out of this 'experiment' is
very inferior service for Hawaii's libraries. No bargain there!
"We were 'sold' into the grasp of Baker and Taylor, a huge book-buying
conglomerate, based on the idea that big business can do everything
quicker, better, faster and cheaper. It was done with little
consideration for what public libraries actually do and the quality of
service provided.
"Take education for example. As the major 'provider' for school
assignments we have very specific needs. In addition, we buy materials,
which will tempt children to want to read and keep them coming back for
more. Kids can't wait three years while we dilly dally with trial and
error contracts. Between grade 4 and 7, lifetime reading habits are
often established, but not much attractive to tempting 'book bait' has
come from Baker & Taylor. The desirable books were provided in limited
numbers, often only 14 copies for the entire state! From the day they
took over, it has been downhill all the way! Auwe!
"Hawaii desperately needs a strong library system, and we will not
continue to have one if we outsource. Here, you don't have the option of
driving to another county if the library doesn't have the books you
want. We're an island. We need to return to a scaled down version of our
original support services.
"We get hundreds of valuable books given to us, but we can't use them
because we have only one official cataloger remaining out of the
original staff of nine. The backlog grows daily. A cataloging team of
four librarians and two assistants might be able to cope with our local
cataloging needs. They are the ones who know best what is needed. "I'm
happy that HGEA filed a suit against Baker & Taylor. The remedy I'd like
to see is a completely reconfigured public library system designed by
the employees who know what needs to be done and have the experience to
make it happen. I'm sure we can be more cost-effective than outsiders."
Nola Morgan, Librarian, Liliha Library
"If I do a job as a civil service employee, I don't have to make a
profit. But if a private company can do the same job and make a profit,
then they must be paying their people sub-standard wages. Librarians
(and other civil service workers) are trained to provide service, not to
make a profit. So service will suffer if you privatize.
"I do think we need unions. Otherwise, we'd be like the folks in North
Carolina (Baker & Taylor's headquarters), getting smaller wages and few
if any benefits. The union defends us to make sure that we are treated
fairly.
"I'd hate to see the state continue to privatize more and more jobs now
being done by civil service workers. Not only would this put more Hawaii
folks out of jobs, but the services now provided by dedicated state
workers will deteriorate when the emphasis is on profit. There may be a
few public services that could be contracted out, but those services
should be examined very closely before that is done. What affects civil
service employees also affects the public and the services they
receive."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hawaii Government Employees Association
AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO
888 Mililani St., Suite 601 Honolulu, HI 96813-2991
Phone:(808) 536-2351 Fax:(808) 528-4059 email:help@hgea.org
Russell K. Okata, Executive Director
******************************************************************************
**
******************************************************************************
**
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 01:48:13 1997
From: bf455@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bonita Kale)
Subject: unattended children, stumpers
Ellen King writes:
>We have a bookmark that says "Do you know who's watching your
>child?" on one side and on the other it says, "We don't." on
top,
>followed by:
>
> Dear parent/Caregiver:
>
> Your child was found unaccompanied in the Library or was left after
>closing. Please be aware that it is the Library's policy that children
>under the age of 11 must be accompanied by an adult at all times throught
>the building.
Eleven? Really? We get lots and lots of kids under eleven who come to the
library by themselves, with no parent at all.
We do try to get parents to keep their preschoolers with them, and not
leave them alone or in the care of eight-year-olds. But how can you
justify expecting parents to accompany a ten-year-old?
Bonita
--
Bonita Kale
bf455@cleveland.freenet.edu
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 01:48:16 1997
From: Rich McDonald <rmcdonal@prairienet.org>
ubject: Stumper:troubled boy biog
Calling on the wide reading of biograpjy readers. Will post bibliog.
Father seeking biography of boy who got into trouble as a child,then
later turned his life around and contributed to society, etc. Father
seeks books for 10-11 year old son. Thanks!
Have suggested Boy by Dahl and This Boy's Life by Wolff. Neither exactly
what patron is seeking.
Rich McDonald, Champaign Public Library, <rmcdonal@prairienet.org>
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 01:48:12 1997
From: mchelton@cadvantage.com (marykchelton)
ubject: unattended children policy
Please be advised that PLA and ALSC are still selling Latchkey Children in
the Public Library, which has a great deal of information about developing
unattended children policies in public libraries, as well as examples of
them.
I do think it is monumentally unfair to demand that all kids under 11 have
a parent accompanying them at all times in the library, regardless of their
behavior. Elementary school-age kids have been coming to public libraries
on their own for years, and if anybody's read Arlie Hochschild's THE TIME
BIND, it is blatantly obvious that most parents cannot do this, given the
current time constraints on their lives, however imposed. Unattended
policies should relate to safety and behavior, not unrealistic, arbitrary
age cut-offs, except for pre-schoolers. This is another way in which
libraries try to write one-size-fits-all policies which don't work.
Mary K. Chelton
Principal Author
Latchkey Children in the Public Library
Mary K. Chelton
Assistant Professor
School of Library and Information Management
Emporia State University
1200 Commercial
Emporia, KS 66801
phone: (316) 341-5071 work
e-mail: cheltonm@esumail.emporia.edu (work)
mchelton@cadvantage.com (home)
fax: (316) 342-6391
"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend...
inside of a dog, it's too dark to read" Groucho Marx
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 23:08:41 1997
From: "James B. Casey" <jimcasey@lib.oak-lawn.il.us>
Subject: Mobile Service to Schools
Bev Dibble of New Zealand asked for some advice relative to providing
bookmobile service to schools without charge. My previous library
(Pickaway County District Public Library in Circleville, Ohio) provided
free bookmobile service to the elementary and middle schools of its 4
school districts during my tenure there (1984-92). This free service
had been going on since the 1960s and the Library Board was strongly
commited to it. Whether Pickaway does still provide the service without
fee might be addressed by their current library director, Jessica McPhail
(since 1992).
In my own opinion, the service had one important plus and several
weaknesses. The strength is that kids are exposed on a regular basis
to books and to mobile library service. These youngsters might be more
inclined to think of the public library for homework purposes and
use the library after they are out of school. I found that one of the
main weaknesses was that several of the school superintendents used
our bookmobile service as a pretext to slash their school library
budgets. I would call and chew them out when the State Library
statistics revealed that they had been making drastic cuts in their
materials budgets. None of the schools would even consider keeping
their school libraries open after the school day despite the fact
that the public library had no branch service anywhere in the 500
square miles of the county and that the kids had absolutely nowhere
to go for library service to support their homework other than the
one 107 year old. 8,000 square ft. public library facility which was
5 - 20 miles away. Naturally, bookmobile service can't address such
things as homework, reference needs and quiet study areas.
The schools should either fund the public library in acknowledgment
of its almost total support of homework and study or else provide
school library service on late afternoons, evenings and weekends
during the 9 month school year. Bookmobile service should not be
provided for free unless the schools are willing to cooperate with
the more important issue of after school library service.
James B. Casey - My own views as a public library director
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 23:08:39 1997
From: DENISEIN@dsl.rhilinet.gov
Subject: Flaming on the listserv
I thought flaming a particular person was not allowed? Ms Broderick's
remarks do have some merit, but the inflammatory tone does not improve
communication. I agree with the fact that as a poor child with several
other non-library -interested siblings, I would have never been able to
get to be a masters degreed librarian without the local public library
allowing me in by myself. Even though what I read wasn't highbrow (Nancy
Drew and when I was old enough to be allowed into the adult section,
murder mysteries) I read A LOT! As one of those people who have had to
stay after work (and away from my own 2 year old son who needs ME) because
some parent dropped off their kid expecting us to babysit and did not come
back to pick up the child in time, I also feel there should be SOME rules.
I read PUBYAC to see how others do things, to compare my actions, rules
etc. to see how I might improve my service to young adults, even if it
is different from place to place.
If a policy were put in
place because of serious problems, how does someone in a different
community half the country away know the circumstances without asking?
Was there a serious problem that prompted a policy change? I am curious
myself.
Sincerely,
Denise Inman
Youth Services
East Providence (RI) Public Library
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 23:08:42 1997
From: "Lynn Brady (yon)" <lbrady@wlsmail.wls.lib.ny.us>
Subject: Internet for kids and parents
I am planning on conducting formal training sessions on the Internet for
children and parents. If any of you have given formal classes in your
libraries,please send the information directly to me.
Lynn Brady
Yonkers Public Library
Yonkers, New York 10701
lbrady@wls.lib.ny.us
Fax No. (914)963-0868
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 23:10:32 1997
From: Jerri Garretson <jerri@spooky.manhattan.lib.ks.us>
ubject: Re: Kids in the Library
You really made a strong statement here! Have you seen Jerry Spinelli's
latest book, THE LIBRARY CARD? He's done it in novel form, and it is one of
the best books to come out this year.
Jerri
At 02:08 PM 8/31/97 -0500, you wrote:
> Every time I read this listserv I thank the Great Lord in the Sky
>that I grew up when I did. Books saved my life as I struggled growing up in
>the Depression dirt poor with a mentally ill mother, no father, and
>surrounded by a Protestant society that despised Roman Catholics. If I had
>had to be accompanied by an adult in order to use the library, there is no
>way to know what might have been my fate in life.
> All your rotten, stinking regulations about kids are designed for
>your own COMFORT and not one damn thing about providing SERVICE which is
>constantly being reserved for some special breed of kids who you want in
>the library and to keep out those for whom the library experience might
>actually make a difference if only some librarian cared enough to fight for
>them and their rights.
<snip>
>Dorothy M. Broderick "Life is too important to be taken
> seriously." Oscar Wilde
Jerri Garretson "Persist"
Head of Children's Services
Manhattan Public Library & North Central Kansas Libraries System
629 Poyntz Avenue
Manhattan KS 66502-6086
Email: jerri@manhattan.lib.ks.us
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 23:10:50 1997
From: Judith Rosenberg <ysoboss@acorn.net>
Subject: Kids in the Library
I must agree with Dorothy Broderick on this one. Why is is OK to single
out and discriminate against one age group? Would any library EVER
condsider not allowing physical access to their buidling by an adult
UNLESS the adult was a problem? Yet too many libraries think it is just
fine to set up policies forbidding access to "unaccompanied minors"...
who have never ncessarily created a "problem."
I do understand that many libraries are (mis)used as day care
facilities. Would you rather have the kids home alone or out on the
street? I wouldn't. As Dorothy says, you never know how wonderfully
the library may affect a child.
My advice is-- develop a patron behaior policy indicating what behavior
is unacceptable in the library REGARDLESS OF THE AGE OF THE PERSON
DOING THE "BeHaVING." Then enforce it on an individual basis as
needed,
REGARDLESS OF AGE. If a child is on premisis after hours, or for
lengthy periods without food where neglect may be suspected, then move
on that issue.
If children are with you for day care, accept the reality. Supply word
games or board games to keep them occupied. Offer programs! Let them
help you design/decorate bulletin boards. Show them what a great place
the library is, without discriminating against them because they are too
young to complain. Just because the parents/caregivers are taking
advantage does not mean you should wind up punishing the children.
Judith Rosenberg, Youth Services Coordinator
Akron-Summit County Public Library
Akron OH
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 23:11:01 1997
From: Melissa Karnosh <emmelisa@bc.seflin.org>
ubject: Latchkey Children
I find I cannot keep from replying to Ms. Broderick's somewhat inflammatory
posting.
I, too, grew up in a time and place where a child could ride her bicycle
happily to the local library at the age of 8, 9, or 10 without the parents,
the librarians, or anybody else thinking twice about the matter.
However, at that time, public libraries (and public streets, for that
matter) were not places of refuge for those unfortunate souls who had
overstayed their 30-day treatment limit at the local mental health
hospital and had been discharged until their next psychotic episode.
Public schools and playgrounds, malls and other gathering places were not
regarded as hunting grounds by increasingly bold, unscrupulous, and
conscienceless child molesters. Gangs did not occupy these same public
places and recruit children as young as 8 into crime and drugs.
Society, Ms. Broderick, has changed. You don't like it, I don't like it.
But denying it gets us nowhere. In these times, library policies which
ask parents to accompany their younger children while they use large
(and, increasingly, understaffed) public buildings, simply reflect common
sense. Would the parents of 8, 9, 10, even 11-year-olds want their
children wandering at large around the local mall? Like it or not,
libraries are public buildings, with all the problems and dangers that
modern public buildings are liable to.
It makes all those of us who grew up in saner times unhappy. But that's
no reason to take out our unhappiness on those of our colleages who
acknowledge these facts, and reflect this in their policies.
Melissa Karnosh
Head of Youth Services
Broward County South Regional/BCC Library
Broward County, FL
emmelisa@bc.seflin.org
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 23:11:16 1997
From: "C. Foster" <cfoster@lib.ci.waco.tx.us>
Subject: Re: Unattended Children policy
Dorothy Broderick said:
>All your rotten, stinking regulations about kids are designed for your
>own COMFORT and not one damn thing about providing SERVICE which is
>constantly being reserved for some special breed of kids who you want in
>the library and to keep out those for whom the library experience might
>actually make a difference if only some librarian cared enough to fight
> for it.
She was unhappy with the Midland Unattended Children Policy.
Now, I agree with Ms. Broderick that 11 is probably too high an age for the
ban. There's a lot of school-aged children who can conduct themselves
appropriately alone at the library. Our age limit is six. However, in
order to defend the idea of discouraging unattended small children, let
me tell you about something that happened to one of my circulation
assistants a few years ago.
She was staffing a small branch library with one other circulation
staffer. Since we do not have adaquate funding for a reference librarian
to be available at all times, there were no professional staff members
there that day. Two young boys, about six and eight, were dropped off at
the library as soon as it opened and told by their mother to behave. For
the most part, they did, and the staff was happy to let them stay.
Until lunch time came around. And the older boy asked if he could do
some chores in order to earn something to eat.
And then it was 3:00 PM, and the younger was so hungry he started crying.
And then it was 6:00 PM, and the mother was still not there.
The staff did as Midland's policy suggests: they had child protective
services come and pick up these poor kids. Staff was not permitted to
feed them because of potential liability in a lawsuit-happy society.
There are talkative rapscallions who come dancing into my library all the
time after school who seem to want to be around an adult. These kids
don't bother me, and I am happy to give them service. I welcome the
children who are scoping out the area on a Saturday afternoon after
playing ball, even if they are under the age of eleven. But the library
is not, and cannot be, a babysitter. We can't be as watchful as a mother
when the child runs into one of our inevitable bums, or a flasher we
haven't caught yet. (I have dealt with kids accosted by both.)
The problem is more complicated than mere staff convenience.
Claire Abraham
These are my opinions only, and may not reflect those of my employer.
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 23:11:37 1997
From: Sarah Hudson <shudson@plcmc.lib.nc.us>
Subject: Unattended Children Policy
I have to respond to Dorothy Broderick's post about unattended children in
the library.
I work in a Regional Branch which is surrounded by apartment complexes
and is right across the street from one of the county high schools. We have
lots of children and young adults who come and visit for hours at a time
because they have nothing else to do and no one at home watching them.
Our pcs with games like Magic School Bus, Putt Putt, and Carmen San Diego
are big draws.
Our policy is that children under 8 not be left unattended, and this is based
on the Fire Marshall's code and other county concerns. This policy is for the
child's safety, not just our "convenience." Unfortunately, not all
parents adhere
to this policy, and we've had a few problems. One 2 1/2 year old girl, left
unattended by her mother, went exploring and walked into the men's restroom.
Thank goodness the man using the bathroom was our security guard, an
off duty policeman.
I hate to say in this day and time, situations are not safe for children.
Libraries
are very open spaces, and anyone can come in. A friend of mine enjoys the
library, and brings her son, but she would not leave him alone, because she
recognizes that the library is a public place, and could attract the type of
person that likes to make "friends" with small children. I'm not
saying that
we provide an unsafe atmosphere, but as busy as our library gets, and as many
people who are in here at one time, we cannot always keep an eye out
for children.
I, like Dorothy, found refuge in my branch of the public library growing up.
It was and is a small location with light traffic, and I knew the librarians
personally. They knew what was going on and who to watch out for. But that was
20 years ago.
I feel that our library, its technology, and its collections have reached
several young
people in our neighborhood. I felt a sense of pride that one afterschool regular
made sure to show me her report card at the end of school last June.
I know at my location, my fellow librarians and I are are frustrated at children
who are left unattended. It's not that they are behavior problems necessarily,
its just that we have worked in public service for a long time, and realize
that it is not safe to leave the children alone.
So, that's my two cents worth.
Thanks for listening. I really like that bookmark idea from Ellen King.
Sarah
Sarah Hudson
Information Specialist
Independence Regional Library
Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County
shudson@plcmc.lib.nc.us
These opinions are my own, and do not reflect those of PLCMC
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 23:11:49 1997
From: Karen James <KAREN@louisville.lib.ky.us>
Subject: RE: unattended children policy
We have an unattended child policy as well as a behavorial policy that
includes adults as well as children. I will be glad to send copies to the
original poster if he will send a snail mail address. I agree that
elementary age children need to be allowed to be in the library without an
adult. Many of our branches are located in residential areas with houses
next door so children certainly come to the Library without an adult. In
some of these branches, if an adult had to accompany the child, the child
would never come because there is no adult in their home willing to bring
them. Our policy does say that preschool children should be accompanied by
an adult. We don't automatically send home any 3 year old that comes to
the Library with an 8 year old sibling, but the statement in the policy
gives us a basis to work from if there are problems.
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 23:12:28 1997
From: Ellen King <ekng@vlc.lib.mi.us>
Subject: Re: unattended children, stumpers
Hi, Bonita,
Our Library Safety Committee did a lot of research on the minimum age
below which a child is considered abandoned in Michigan, but to no
avail. In Michigan, the minimum age issue is addressed case by case. So
our Library Safety Committee chose the age of 11 arbitrarily for several
reasons:
1. Red Cross uses 11 as the minimum age for Babysitting classes, which
implies that no one under 11 should be trusted with babysitting
responsibilities. Just like you, we do not want to see an 8-year-old
being in charge of a 4-year-old.
2. Our library is slightly off the busy thoroughfare. In order for a
child to get here, a parent almost has to drop him/her off. It is
very hard for a child to get here by him- or herself. Therefore, most
parents do come in with them.
3. Our library is very big and very busy. Youth Services is
located on a different level from the adults section. Will a
parent feel safe to turn an 8-year-old child loose in a shopping mall?
Probably not. Based on the same reason, we expect a parent to stay
with his/her child. Otherwise, a child can get lost or feel
abandoned easily.
Certainly we do not "card" every child who comes in. But we
do question where his/her parents are if we have a problem with the
child. Then, we take the child to go looking for his/her parents.
With each library being so different in its circumstances, I feel each
library has to decide what the minimum age should be for that
particular library. If you have any further questions, please e-mail
our Library Safety Chair Deb Bodner at: dbodner@vlc.lib.mi.us
Ellen H. King
Youth Services
Grace A. Dow Memorial Library
1710 W. St. Andrews Drive
Midland, MI 48640
ekng@vlc.lib.mi.us
Tel:(517)837-3459
FAX:(517)837-3468
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 23:12:48 1997
From: BROWNK@ci.monterey.ca.us (Brown, Karen)
Subject: crafts
I have had some problems communicating with pubyac, so this message is a
bit dated. I think it's too important to let go, however. I was
preparing my response to Torrie's request for paper towel tube activities
back in early August when I read the compilation of responses. Then I
had to react to that.
I would not recommend totem poles or kachinas as craft activities. Both
have spiritual elements. I would feel at a loss to explain why we are
involving children in making a communion cup out of our tubes and then
playing at drinking from them. I would want to leave that to people who
had a greater understanding of the spiritual tradition connected to that
symbol and ritual. Likewise I feel I could not explain the real feelings
of connection to totems or the power of kachinas and the role of these
symbols in the lives of believers or people who have a relationship to
the past akin to belief. To me, it is not respectful of other religions
to use their symbols as crafts. If you have inside knowledge or someone
who is helping you to create an atmosphere of respect, then you are
lucky. If you have someone who is telling you that they are Indian and
it doesn't bother them, I would check again -- in your heart and in your
community.
I have given workshops for teachers and library staff on American Indian
resources and activities. I would welcome further inquiries or
discussion. I recognize that it can be hard to give up some of these old
stand-by crafts, and I do have other suggestions for "Native American
Month".
As for the tubes, my favorite activity would be blowing bubbles with
them. They make nice satisfying big bubbles. They will fall apart after
about 20-30 dippings, but that can bring a natural ending to the
activity.
Karen Brown
Youth and Extension Services Manager
Monterey Public Library
brownk@ci.monterey.ca.us
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 23:27:33 1997
From: DownsReid@aol.com
Subject: BIB: 'Peace' Titles for Teens
Thanks to all who responded with titles for my bookmark booklist. Here were
the suggestions:
Secret of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman
Ganesh by Malcolm Bosse
Dogland by Will Shetterly
Drive-by by Lynne Ewing
Chinese Handcuffs; Ironman by Chris Crutcher
Crash by Jerry Spinelli
Push by Sapphire
Talking Peace: A Vision for the Next Generation by Jimmy Carter
Big Book of Peace by Ann Durrell
Peace Works: Young Peacemakers Project Book by Kathleen Fry-Miller
Peace Tales: World Forlktales to Talk About by Margaret MacDonald
Ain't Gonna Study War No More: The Story of America's Peace Seekers
by Milton Melzer
Fracesca Lia Block books
Samantha Smith, Journey to the Soviet Union by Samantha Smith
Pat Downs-Reid
Minneapolis Public Library
downsreid@aol.com
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 23:27:35 1997
From: "Peggy (Mary) M. Morgan" <pmorgan@tln.lib.mi.us>
Subject: Princess Diana biographies
In case you need to add Princess Diana titles to your collection, the
following children's titles are still in print:
Bach, Julie S.
Princess Diana
Abdo & Daughters, 1991
1562390813
$13.98
Giff, Patricia R.
Diana: Twentieth-Century Princess
Puffin, 1992
0140347070
$3.99 (pb)
Krulik, Nancy E.
Princess Diana : Glitter, Glamour, and a lot of hard work
Scholastic, 1993
0590462822
$2.95
Licata, Renora
Princess Diana : Royal Ambassador
Blackbirch, 1993
Library binding: 1567110134 $15.95
Trade paper: 1567110517 $7.95
Peggy Morgan
Youth and Young Adult Materials Specialist
The Library Network
13331 Reeck Rd.
Southgate, MI 48195
pmorgan@tln.lib.mi.us
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 23:27:54 1997
From: "DARBY O'BRIEN -- UTICA PUBLIC LIBRARY"
<OBRIEN@midyork.lib.ny.us>
Subject: Children's Librarian opening
The Utica Public Library has a position open for the Children's Librarian,
available on September 22, 1997.
Brief Job Description: Administers all aspects of Library Services
for children including programming, collection development,
outreach, reference service. Supervises 1.5 staff.
Qualifications: MLS required, new graduates are encouraged to apply.
Compensation and benefits: Minimum salary of $23,000. Benefits
include health insurance, participation in NYS retirement system,
24 vacation days per year, 12 sick days per year.
To apply send a cover letter, resume and the names and phone numbers
of three references to Personnel Department, Utica Public Library
303 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13501.
For further information or to receive a job description call
315-735-2279 or email obrien@midyork.lib.ny.us
Darby O'Brien
Utica Public Library
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 23:28:17 1997
From: "Candice Morris" <cmorris@mtlib.org>
ubject: Stumper: Jungle Series
Howdy,
Does anyone remember a jungle series for children from 30 to 40 years ago?
A boy grew up in the jungle alone; they were thick books with maybe 10 to 15
in the series; and "green" might have been in the title.
The patron said they weren't the Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan books or the
Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Stories, or the L.M. Boston's Green Knowe series.
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Candice Morris Lewis & Clark Library http://www.mth.mtlib.org/
Youth Services Librarian 120 S. Last Chance Gulch Helena, MT 59601
cmorris@mtlib.org 406 447-1690 ex.15 Fax 406 447-1687
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 23:29:33 1997
From: HOKE@crpl.cedar-rapids.lib.ia.us
Subject: Stumper - soda pop machine
We have an ILL patron who is interested in finding the following book, but
we have not located it in our search. Does anyone have any leads for us?
The patron remembers it is a children's book about a boy who might be named
Bob (but they're not sure). He decides to build a machine to make soda pop
in his garage. The patron thinks the word "stretcher" comes into play
somehow.
Sometime in the course of the story, the machine explodes and soda pop covers
everything. It turns out to be a good grease for autos........
Please reply directly to me.
Carol Hoke
Cedar Rapids Public Library
Hoke@crpl.cedar-rapids.lib.ia.us
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 23:29:49 1997
From: Tracy Kendrick <wl540@freenet.victoria.bc.ca>
ubject: rabbit riddle solved
Hi all,
Thanks for your prompt responses! I haven't been able to look at the
book, since our copy is at another branch, but the patron seems to think
we've found it. The title is masquerade by Kit Williams. BTW,
somebody already found the treasure!
Tracy
tkendric@gvpl.victoria.bc.ca
---------------------
From owner-pubyac@nysernet.org Tue Sep 2 23:29:49 1997
From: HOKE@crpl.cedar-rapids.lib.ia.us
Subject: YA job alert
YOUNG ADULT LIBRARIAN
The Cedar Rapids Public Library is seeking a motivated,
enthusiastic person for the position of Young Adult Librarian to plan and
carry out services and programs aimed at promoting reading and library
services to middle school through high school youth. This position also
includes reference and other work as needed with all ages both on a public
desk and over the phone. Book selection, direction of paraprofessionals in
special projects, and a variety of other duties including maintenance of a
web page designed for young adults are also expected. The person selected
will have the opportunity to build on a series of successful summer reading
programs and other offerings for teenage youth by using the results of
several focus groups with teenagers to gain insight into their needs and
wants in library services.
The person selected will have a Master's degree in library science
from an ALA accredited school with an emphasis on reference and, by
training or experience, public library or other work with young adults. He
or she will have a firm knowledge of the organization and operation of a
library and services to young adults as well as a firm knowledge of computer
skills including the Internet and web page design. The usual skills in
oral and written communication and interpersonal relations are expected
along with the ability to communicate with and motivate young people. The
ability to lead groups and speak in public is also expected.
The position is in the Adult Services Department and reports to the
Adult Services Manager. While working under general supervision, the
person in this job will have considerable discretion in carrying out
services to patrons in a manner consistent with established policy and
procedure. This is a full time job with health and dental insurance.
There are also eight regular holidays plus five personal holidays, and 20
days of paid vacation annually. Some evening and weekend work is
required. The pay range is $13.36 - $15.63 per hour.
Applications will be accepted 9-8-97 to 9-26-97.
For an application and complete job description, contact:
Human Resources Department, City Hall
51 First Avenue Bridge
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
319-398-5000 Voice
319-398-0238 FAX
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