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Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 14:31:50 -0400 (EDT)
To: pubyac-digest@nysernet.org
Subject: pubyac V1 #367
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Date: Fri, 3 Jul 1998 09:51:02 -0700 (PDT)
From: jwall@norby.latah.lib.id.us (Jan Wall)
Subject: SR ponderings
Several anecdotes and a question:
First for the funny anecdote:
Yesterday, I told "The Bremen Town Musicians" amd afterwards, an adult
in
the audience asked me if I wrote my own stories! (This after I'd given a
spiel about the Grimms and what they wrote...)
Now, the sad:
A mother and her son (about 10) were picking out books behind me as I sat at
the SR desk. He was rejecting everything that *she* picked out and she was
getting shorter and shorter with him. Finally, she said, "I want you to
understand that you WILL read this summer whether you like it or not." :(
So - what are the chances he'll enjoy it?!
Now the ponderings and an irritating anecdote:
I've always liked the idea of counting time, since it seemed fair to me. But
it really isn't. We dropped our requirements to 5 hours this year in
response to a plea from the parents of preschoolers that it took them
"forever" and they had to read "hundreds" of books. So now,
the preschoolers
and beginning readers are happier, but the older kids are breezing through
in a day or two.
This is where the irritating anecdote comes in:
The mother of a 10th grader has threatened (probably not the right word,
although she certainly uttered it as such!) to go to the *board* (as if they
cared!) to complain and make sure that summer reading is more challenging.
She (the mother) is a major irritant already (in other areas), and I have
had to really bite my tongue not to light into her.
So, now the question. How do other libraries balance the needs and
abilitites of older kids and the pre or beginning readers? I don't want to
do a 2 tiered program. Our SR desk is staffed almost entirely with
volunteers, and it can't be too complicated. (Plus the patrons get confused,
and who can blame them?)
How does the it work for those of you who have EITHER 10 hours OR 10 books
OR 1000 pages? I can see the loopholes in that - the 5th or 6th grader who
opts for the 10 books and sits down and reads 10 picture books in an
afternoon (in an hour!) Plus - is 10 picture books (which some preschooler
parents will choose) really equivalent to 10 hours or 1000 pages?
Or do I have to let go of the notion of "fairness" and designing a
"cheat-proof" program?
Thanks for hearing me out!
Jan Wall
Latah County Library District
Moscow Idaho
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 3 Jul 1998 18:12:12 EDT
From: NineTiger@aol.com
Subject: Re: Summer Reading
In a message dated 98-07-03 12:39:57 EDT, you write:
<< After all they should learn to love
exercise for the mere pleasure of it.
>>
The first question a person working the kid's section should ask the kids:
what are you interested in? Then you can pick a novel to suit the kid :)
Marianne
ninetiger@aol.com
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 03 Jul 1998 12:12:54 -0700
From: Judith Rosenberg <ysoboss@acorn.net>
Subject: Where DO Libraries get their Books?
There are so many librarians on this list, you'll probably be sorry you
asked, but here's the wuick and dirty answer. We generally order our
books through a third party book jobber. The largest are Baker & Taylor
and Ingram, although there are others. They have huge warehouses from
which they ship direct to us. For children's books, many libraries use
Book Wholesalers Inc, because they have a deep backlist of older titles,
and many children's fiction and picture books assume "classic" status
and are reordered more frequently than adult or YA. (They also get
pretty heavy wear.) Other jobbers do not carry as large a selection of
older materials.
Now, aren't you glad you asked?
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 3 Jul 1998 12:26:55 -0700 (PDT)
From: Ralph Huntzinger <ralphunt@kcls.org>
Subject: Re: ordering videos
Chuck, et.al.
I was going to compose a lengthy detailed reply but Becky Tatar
covered the topic wonderfully. "There ain't no such animal."
<snip>
> Speak to me, oh wise ones - there must be a source which is essentially
> a video equivelant of books-in-print (hopefully on the web/net), which
> lets you know what's available, what you need to know to order it (such
> as ISBN #'s) and who carries it.
<snip>
Remember that unlike book, video has generally been part of the
entertainment industry, an industry whose top concerns are not scholarship
and access.
"Theatrical, box office, and made for TV video" by its very nature
fits
into the fast food, supermarket, and drugstore model of merchandizing and
purchasing. Acquire 20 copies of 20 titles each week and you will find
wonderful resources (salespeople) who help you find access.
"Educational video" is very much like small press publishing except
the
vendors are more exclusive and would rather you go directly to them and
therefore place hurdles in front of using "jobbers" who help create
unified finding sources --- read that as meaning "it is hard to find
what's available and who has it." The vendors are wonderful people but
must concentrate their resources where they can make a living.
"Mass market non-theatrical video" is like vanity press where it is
either impossible to find what and who cranked something out of their
garage, or it is impossible to get a copy because their life has moved on
to something else.
Finding it, getting it, and describing it so we can circulate it are
important parts of librarianship and with moving images require trained
specialists (the same as service to youth requires trained specialists).
Alas, those specialists are an endangered breed; perhaps conditions will
change and we'll grow new ones.
Ralph Huntzinger
<ralphunt@kcls.org>
King County Library System
King County, WA
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 3 Jul 1998 14:04:26 -0600 (CST)
From: Claire Isaac <cisaac@rpl.regina.sk.ca>
Subject: Policies on Programming
I am posting this message for my boss.
He would very much appreciate copies of public library policies on
children's programming. He doesn't need how to information but rather the
written policies your library has adopted for children's programming, the
theoretical basis, the why you do what you do. ( and don't offer for that
matter.)
If you could send copies directly to him that would be great.
We are re-drafting our policies and some examples would be very helpful.
Andre Gagnon
Head -- Central Public Services
Regina Public Library
P.O. Box 2311
Regina, Saskatchewan
Canada
S4P 3Z5
fax (306) 352-5550
email andre@rpl.regina.sk.ca
Thanks very much for your help.
Claire Isaac
REgina Public Library
cisaac@rpl.regina.sk.ca
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Date: Fri, 3 Jul 1998 10:38:32 -0700 (PDT)
From: jwall@norby.latah.lib.id.us (Jan Wall)
Subject: Toddler and preschool storytimes
Hi to all -
Those of you who do toddler and preschool storytimes, do you do different
things with them? To be clearer, do you have completely different themes,
books, activities, or can you you dovetail some of your planning?
I'm thinking of adding a toddler storytime, but would like to have the same
theme or core for each week. For example, if we were doing "dogs," I
would
find books, fingerplays, activities etc on dogs. Some books and activities
would overlap, but some would be unique to each group.
(BTW, PLEASE let's not get into the theme discussion again!)
I really would like to plan essentially just one storytime, with different
elements for each group, than to do 2 different storytimes. And no, I'm not
lazy, just lacking the time!
What I'm concerned about is the parents who will look at this as the
opportunity to go to 2 storytimes a week instead of choosing the one their
child fits into best. And there are many families who bring multiple age
children to the current preschool storytime, so could legitimately fit into
either age group (or both!)
So I guess I worry that instead of being able to focus on the different
ages, I'll have the same group at either (or both) storytimes.
And before anyone asks or suggests - we don't do preregistration and we
don't have a separate room for programming, so anyone is free to attend. I'm
really comfortable with multi-age programs, but sometimes feel that it's a
disservice to the older kids when many toddler or younger kids dominate the
program.
Any thoughts or advice?
TIA!!!
Jan Wall
Latah County Library District
Moscow ID
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Date: Fri, 03 Jul 1998 15:18:10 -0700
From: Judith Rosenberg <ysoboss@acorn.net>
Subject: Caroline Graham and Badger...
Yes, I saw the show. I was delighted to see it in fact, having just
returned from England smarting from hunting high and low for new English
mysteries that were unavailable in the US with little success.
++ Digression: Why did it seems as if 70% of the mysteries in UK new
book stores were American? IS this really the trend?
Anyway-- back to whatever point. Ms Graham's books were there with
cover art indicating they were now a TV series. Much grumbling on my
part and mental promises to e-mail Mystery & A&E upon my return.
Thrills that I could remain lazy (i.e. not stir up the wherewithall to
e-mail) when I saw local TV listings.
Yes, it was a pleasure to have the main protagonist angst-free, simply
puzzling it out, doing his job. That contrasted vividly with the other
characters, whose lack of moral center set everything in motion. It's a
tribute to Ms Graham's skill that, having read the book when new in
1987, as soon as the first scene began with the elderly lady nicycling
through the village and into the woods, the whole thing came back to me
vividly. Usually I am the one saying, "Oh, yeah. This seems familiar.
I think I read this. Now what happened again?"
Speaking of lack of maoral center, if you have a chance, read Graham's
DEATH OF A HOLLOW MAN before it's on TV.
JudyR, still whining about a suitcase with only 1 new English mystery to
come home with.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 3 Jul 1998 18:46:40 -0400 (EDT)
From: Silvia Macor <597014@ican.net>
Subject: Re: harassment by public
Hello, Pubyacers! I have been following with amusement the discussion on
harassment by teenagers and ways to keep our decorum. I have often thought
of writing a book entitled "Things I Wish I Could Say to Harassing, Crabby
Patrons but Can't because I Need My Job." I had to keep all my cool once
when a patron told me "You know what you can do with this date due
receipt."
This was in response to a change from date due cards to date due receipts.
Many responses came to mind but I simply said: "Have a nice day." I
found
that there are several ways to deal with unpleasant patrons:
1. ask another person on the staff to interact with them. If there is bad
karma between you and a patron, ask another librarian to handle their needs.
2. two or three is better than one. Why should you be the heavy? Ask another
librarian or librarians on the staff to accompany you on your mission to
quiet a noisy bunch.
3. I have often found that it is best to let an angry patron vent for a
while but if you have had enough and you are tired of being a whipping boy,
call for reinforcements by simply saying: " I think it's best that I get so
and so to help you." Usually by the time the cavalry comes the patron has
calmed down and is quite reasonable.
My husband often kids me that I have a stress-free job and I feel like
biting his head off because after a tough day I don't want to answer any
more questions, I don't want to answer the phone and I certainly don't want
to hear that. But I love my job and as a children's librarian I can honestly
say that my youngest patrons are a joy.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 09:06:39 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Peggy (Mary) M. Morgan" <pmorgan@tln.lib.mi.us>
Subject: large print
One source is Galaxy Large Print from
Chivers North America
Box 1450
Hampton, NH 03843-1450
800-621-0182
fax: 603-929-3890
Peggy Morgan
Youth and Young Adult Materials Specialist
The Library Network
13331 Reeck Rd.
Southgate, MI 48195
734-281-3830, ext. 131
pmorgan@tln.lib.mi.us
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 9:23:50 -0400
From: MARYD@kpl.gov
Subject: For William Teale in response to your post about early literacy
programs
Bill--
My name is Mary Doud, Assistant Director for Public Services at Kalamazoo
Public Library. I am the co-chair of a community-wide, collaborative early
literacy project in Kalamazoo County called Ready to Read. Our goal is to
insure that all children in Kalamazoo County arrive at school ready to read
and learn. The target populations are children from birth to five years
old and their families, particularly those at risk. Ready to Read is a
partnership between area public libraries, hospitals, schools, colleges,
human service agencies and businesses. Kalamazoo Public Library serves as
employer for project staff and fiscal/administrative agent.
There are several components to the program---volunteer readers at 19
community sites; pediatricians discussing the importance of book-sharing
with parents at well-baby visits; workshops for parents to help them learn
techniques for reading or sharing books with their children; a book
distribution program for each newborn through both local hospitals; book
collections and volunteer readers at child care centers; a public
information campaign, etc. At present, we're making plans to expand the
program into the County Jail, focusing on female inmates with preschool
children.
Ready to Read grew out of a dynamic local initiative called Healthy Futures
, which strives to address issues affecting the quality of life in our
community. The relationship between low literacy and poverty was
identified during several public forums, and given that Healthy Futures
takes an upstream preventive approach, early literacy seemed a logical
course of action to pursue. Planning began in the summer of 1996, start-up
funding was secured in the fall, and we hired a project coordinator in
March of 1997.
I will send you a program description, list of collaborators and their
roles, and brochures about reading aloud to specific age groups. I'd be
happy to tell you more......for example about the PR campaign which has been
terrific thanks to pro bono services of a local advertising agency, our first
literacy summit which promises to become an annual event, the Ready to Read
advisory team which meets monthly, and our evaluation strategies and
challenges! You can call me or our project coordinator, Andrea Enyedi.
I was unable to attend your session at ALA, but I purchased the tape and
look forward to listening to it. I regret that the conference sites were
so spread out; made it difficult to get to everything.
Good luck with your article. My co-chair and I are writing an article for
whatever the new name is for Reference Quarterly; the issue we've been
asked to write for is focusing on outreach.
Mary Doud
Assistant Director for Public Services
Kalamazoo Public Library
315 South Rose Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: (616)553-7829
Fox: (616) 342-8324
Ready to Read Project Coordinator:
Andrea Enyedi
Phone: (616)553-7885
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 07:25:14 -0700 (PDT)
From: Tracey Dittoe <tlovedittoe@yahoo.com>
Subject: request for dragon activities
Hi all!
I am planning a program called "Into the Dragon's Den". I'm looking
for any dragon-related activites and crafts that you might know of.
The program is for ages 5-up. I already have a few stories, but I
would like some ideas for games, etc. TIA.
Tracey Dittoe
Lexington Public Library
tlovedittoe@yahoo.com
_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 09:54:58 -0500
From: Carol Hoke <hoke@crpl.cedar-rapids.lib.ia.us>
Subject: Re: Children's Librarianship & Library School
To Linda Meneses Kenton:
Here is a copy of the questions that I recently asked for an interview. I
would also have had them do a storytime audition, but I was interviewing
people who were already on my staff for job upgrades.
1. Based upon the job description, can you perform all of the essential
functions of the job? (If no, which essential job functions are you not
able to perform?)
_____yes _____no
2. Can you think of one or two situations which would emphasize some
special qualities a person who works with children would need as compared
to someone who works with adults?
3. What experience do you have with computers and other kinds of media?
4. What experience do you have in presenting programs to children?
5. What would you include in a tour of the library?
6. What are your five favorite children's books?
7. How would you handle the following situations?
a. A 5 year old child comes to the desk saying that she doesn't
know where her mother is.
b. A parent wants some recommendations of books for a 5th grade
boy reluctant reader.
c. A child is pounding on the computers and is generally
disruptive in the library. The parent, while there, seems oblivious.
d. A patron sets off the upstairs alarm when leaving the library.
f. It is Saturday and you are alone at the desk during story time.
Several patrons want your assistance. One wants a video. Another is here
to use the computer and the last patron is still trying to finish up.
Another patron needs help finding a book which he can't find on the shelf.
Still another patron wants information on the Piute Indians for a report
and you know that there aren't many books on American Indians left on the
shelf. And you haven't done the story time count yet either.
8. If you were writing an evaluation of your work and skills, what would
you say?
9. Do you have anything you would like to add? Or any questions of us?
Carol Hoke
Children's Services Manager
Cedar Rapids Public Library
500 1st St. SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Hoke@crpl.cedar-rapids.lib.ia.us
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 10:08:38 -0500
From: "Leslie" <llangley@osu-extention.lctc.poteau.ok.us>
Subject: Re: homeschooling reply
Peggy,
I work with a woman who, along with her husband, has been successfully
hoemschooling her two sons for nine years. She was instrumental in setting
up a HS support group for parents and children and actively seeks ways in
which to present the HS concept to interested folks. I asked for her input
in answereing your question and she suggested the following titles:
"The Right Choice" by Christopher Klicka
"School Proof" by Mary Pride
"Big Book of Home Learning" by Mary Pride (multiple vol. set)
"Homeschooling For Excellence" by David and Micki Colfax
"The Basic Steps to Successful Homescholing" by Vicki Brady
"Should I Homeschool" by Elizabeth and Dan Hamilton
"The Homeschool Manual" by Theodora Wade
"Homeschooling a Patchwork of Days" by Nancy Lande
"Home Educating with Confidence: How Ordinary Parents Can Produce
Extraordinary Children" by Rick & Marilyn Boyer
Interesting related websites:
http://www.hslda.org/index.asp
http://www.home-ed-press.com/
http://www.mitec.net/~eclectic/states.htm
http://www.homes-cool.com/
http://www.home-school.com/
http://www.educate.co.uk/
http://www.midnightbeach.com/hs/
http://www.focol.org/~casner/nha.html
http://learninfreedom.org/
http://www.textbook.com/Default.asp?
http://www.cis.upenn.edu/~brada/homeschooling.html
http://www.teachinghome.com/
Hope this information is useful.
Leslie Langley
Children's Librarian
Buckley Public Library
Poteau, OK (yes, there is such a place)
"I cannot live without books......." T. Jefferson
- -----Original Message-----
From: Peggy (Mary) M. Morgan <pmorgan@tln.lib.mi.us>
To: pubyac@nysernet.org <pubyac@nysernet.org>
Date: Thursday, June 25, 1998 11:15 PM
Subject: homeschooling
>I need suggestions of titles that will support homeschooling. I searched
>the archives, but came up blank. If you all could respond to me directly,
>I will post to the list.
>
>Many TIA!
>
>Peggy Morgan
>Youth and Young Adult Materials Specialist
>The Library Network
>13331 Reeck Rd.
>Southgate, MI 48195
>734-281-3830, ext. 131
>pmorgan@tln.lib.mi.us
>
>
>
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 11:21:50 +0000
From: "Carolyn Noah" <cnoah@cwmarsmail.cwmars.org>
Subject: great stories needed
Friends,
(this message is being cross posted -- please excuse duplications!)
I need your help! I'm collecting positive anecdotal stories about
kids' great successes on the Internet. They'll be used
to bring life to an Internet training project I'm working on as part
of an ALA initiative.
If you have a story to share, please send it to me at :
cnoah@cwmars.org
I'll post results to the group!
Many thanks,
Carolyn Noah
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Carolyn Noah, Assistant Regional Administrator and Consultant
Central Massachusetts Regional Library System
CMRLS, 8 Flagg Road, Shrewsbury, MA 01545
tel: 508 757-4110 fax: 508 757-4370
e-mail: cnoah@cwmarsmail.cwmars.org
http://www.cmrls.org
------------------------------
End of pubyac V1 #367
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