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Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 23:05:13 -0500 (EST)
To: pubyac-digest@nysernet.org
Subject: pubyac V1 #595
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Date: Tue, 09 Feb 1999 16:47:33 -0500
From: Carol Thornton-Anderson <meltonkids@smithville.net>
Subject: YA Videos
Greetings Yakkers,
I'm hoping you will share some thoughts on my latest dilemma. I
recently started a young adult video section. I'm excited about it but
it's giving me trouble-what is "appropriate" and what is not. There
will not be any "R" videos-that part's easy. But then what? I am
trying to use some YA literature based videos (Nightjohn, Man Without a
Face,etc.) . I recently acquired Man in the Iron Mask with DiCaprio and
wilted a little at the "boob shot". It's rated PG13 and my 14 year
olds
may check out videos on their own. I hate to get hung up on all this
but I'm trying to anticipate parents grumbling and what exactly my
position is. Should any nudity merit a trip to the adult video
collection? That seems prudish and a little ridiculous. Help me out
here, guys. The only thing I know for sure is that I cannot depend on
the rating system at all. I decided I couldn't handle "Sixteen
Candles"
in the YA section and it's rated PG! I'm happy to report that the most
popular video to date has been the dance video "Tap Dogs"-the kids
love
it! I'm also considering concert videos but got scared off (at least
temporarily) when I saw one of Metallica's. The blessed "F" word had
quite a home in that one.
The bottom line is how to please the kids, please their parents and live
with myself!
Sorry this is so long -hope you'll share your views! BTW, a while back
I remember someone asked about good YA videos but I don't remember any
followups. Any discussion on this issue would be profoundly
appreciated!
Cat Thornton-Anderson
Melton Public Library
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Date: Tue, 09 Feb 1999 16:33:13 -0500
From: "Children's Room - Amherst Town Library" <ejohnson@amherst.lib.nh.us>
Subject: scanners
We are considering buying a scanner for the library (I'd love to be able
to scan in our Summer Reading Program clip art, for example, for being
able to produce flyers, etc. more quickly). It would help us a lot to
hear about the experiences of others before we make a decision.
Specifically, what scanner do you have, what software do you use, what's
good or bad about them, and do you allow public access and if so how
much do you charge for color prints?
Many thanks in advance. I'll summarize for the list.
Erna Johnson, Children's Librarian
Amherst Town Library
Amherst NH 03031
ejohnson@amherst.lib.nh.us
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Date: Tue, 09 Feb 1999 14:17:49 -0800
From: Overmyer <overmyer@crl.com>
Subject: Internet filters
As the filtering issue heats up again, I thought others might be interested
in something I picked up while attending the Philadelphia Ala Midwinter
Conference. Actually, this came from my experience working as a volunteer
at the West Philadelphia Regional Library, as part of ALA's Volunteer Day
program. Our morning group was able to speak with ???? - one of the tech
support librarians from the Free Library of Philadelphia's Bits and Bytes
grant program, who was at the branch on one of her regular visits to train
staff, upgrade equipment, etc. She demonstrated the voluntary online
filters that can be toggled on and off at the Alta Vista and InfoSeek search
engines. Each site clearly indicates when the filter is on, and the user
must specifically agree to use them. A search on the word "sex", with
filters on, produced 13 million hits in Alta Vista but NONE in InfoSeek - so
there are some big differences, and I haven't sat down to experiment any
further. On the first page of the filtered "sex" search, you get The
Sex
Pistols, and information on aphrodisiacal herbs, and an offer to get a new
issue of the Clinton sex scandal mailed to you every month - but there are
none of the hard core sites that show up on Alta Vista with an unfiltered
search.
Actually, I did just experiment further by typing in "avi" - one of my
favorite test words. I search for the author, my husband frequently types it
in for technical information, and we've both discovered that this word
attracts a whole other category of very startling associations. When I
experimented with the filter on, again in Alta Vista, I got a range of
music and technical hits - too many to go through all of them, but nothing
too horrible jumped out in the first few pages, while without the filter the
number two hit was : Pictures, avi, teen, mpeg Sluts, babes, oriental - and
3 out of the initial page's 10 hits were of that ilk.
This might prove a good option to use when searching a common word that has
similar unwanted possibilities (in the same way that I sometimes limit a
search to "title:" or "image:" - to narrow the field,) - and
it is right
there to point out to those families who try to make the library do their
parenting for them.
Again, I haven't explored this thoroughly, and neither site gives much
detailed info on how they are set up (the AV filter is done in cooperation
with Surf Watch); perhaps there are other search engines that do this. Of
course, the Ask Jeeves for Kids site uses Surf Watch filtering, and
selective directories such as Kids Click, Librarians Index to the Internet,
etc. are also other options that I've been showing to patrons for a while.
It just seems to change the argument when we realize that the Internet
itself presents a variety of filtering options. Hope this is useful.
Elizabeth Overmyer
Berkeley Public LIbrary
Berkeley, CA
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 00:43:27 +0000
From: joslund@colosys.net
Subject: Re: prize books
Brenda,
Last summer, we gave away books from Scholastic's discount catalog.
It was quite popular and affordable. The phone number is:
1-800-SCHOLASTIC. Tell them you would like their "Super Clearance
Sale" catalog for 1999 and you can get on their mailing list.
I liked the fact that I ordered in boxes already more or less by
grade level. For my teen reading program, I ordered boxes of genre
fiction. I was surprised and pleased at the positive response. The
books really did serve as an incentive. It appeared that some kids
in my community don't own very many of their own books, and they
enjoyed picking them out themselves.
Janet Oslund
Janet L. Oslund
Youth Services Librarian
Montrose Library District
320 S. 2nd St.
Montrose, CO 81401
Voice: 970.249.9656
Fax: 970.240.1901
E: joslund@colosys.net
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Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 12:23:37 -0600 (CST)
From: Kathryn Prestidge <kprestid@owlsnet.owls.lib.wi.us>
Subject: Re: prize books
For several years we have given books ordered from the Scholastic Super
Clearance Sale catalog at less than $1.00 per book.
Call 1-800-SCHOLASTIC
Also, I hoard donations in good shape all year long. The kids do not mind
getting gently used books. I much prefer these incentives to the cheap
carnival prizes.
Kathy Prestidge
Wisher, Liar, Magic Bean Buyer
New London Public Library
406 S. Pearl St./New London/WI 54961
kprestid@owls.lib.wi.us
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Date: Tue, 09 Feb 1999 14:38:26 PST
From: "Suzanne Crowder" <suzy99@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: toddler crafts
I do a Toddler Tales program for ages 2-5 (usually end up with some that
are not quite 2 as well). The best crafts I have used have been ones
involving gluing cotton balls on shapes or sponge painting. We have
even made pinecone birdfeeders (rolled the pinecones in peanut butter
and then roll in birdseed). Two books I have found that are extremely
helpful are Toddle On Over and The Toddler Calendar. They list many
craft ideas, fingerplays, songs, and stories. One craft we did recently
went along with the book Little Cloud by Eric Carle. I drew shapes on
blue paper (ones that were a part of the story like hats and trees) and
then the children glued cotton balls on the shapes to make them look
like clouds.
Susie Crowder
Marion County Public Library
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
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Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 09:55:49 -0500 (EST)
From: Laurie Scott <scottlau@metronet.lib.mi.us>
Subject: Headphones
We have been using Odyssey Headphones at our heavily-used computer for
over one year. They are very sturdy, and adjustable. (Although they are
pretty big on the heads of our youngest users, aged 3.)
We have Koss headphones at our school-source cd-rom station. Although
they are infrequently used, they seem very sturdy and come with a lifetime
warranty.
The above products were ordered through Highsmith in Wisconsin. Their toll
free customer service number is 800 558 3899. Their service has been
great.
Laurie Scott
Baldwin Public Library
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Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 14:00:40 -0600
From: "Jim Maroon" <storypage@usa.net>
Subject: Re: filters in Children's Room
> Jim - I guess I would rather not spend taxpayer's money on privacy
>screens that may or may not work effectively in order to help patrons
>pursue their private interests in a public place at public expense;
Excuse me? I thought it was our job to help patrons pursue their private
interests, whether in a public place or not. Oh, it's just the interests we
find objectionable that we shouldn't help them pursue.
>patrons who are interested in viewing sites which would dismay passers
>by perhaps ought to view them at home where they can breathe heavily
>to their hearts content.
First off, I know privacy screens DO work, because we use them. Second off,
privacy screens protect patron confidentiality regardless what type of sites
they visit. You know, there are some types of information that patrons want
to keep private other than pornographic sites. Protecting patron
confidentiality is one of the central tenants of our profession, so I don't
see that providing patrons a way to do that is a waste of taxpayer dollars.
I'd use them even if our computers were filtered.
So, what do we have left? We have librarians deciding what is and is not
morally acceptable information for patrons. What's next? Are we going to ban
hate sites? How about less objectionable sites to us, but not necessarily to
others? I could see some prudish librarian somewhere telling a teen he can't
visit a non-pornographic gay interest site because she is offended by it or
finds it immoral.
No, I see this "tap on the shoulder" trend as a far greater threat to
free
speech and access to information than allowing patrons the option of
filters. The latter is a matter of choice. The former is outright
censorship.
- --Jim Maroon
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Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 15:07:02 -0600 (CST)
From: Lyn Persson <lpersson@nslsilus.org>
Subject: assignment board
Many thanks to all who replied to my query re assignment boards in public
library children's rooms.
Here is a brief summary of what I learned. Those who do this find it
helpful. Some get the assignments from patrons, while others stressed
the importance of getting the original written assignment from the
teacher (might help avoid any mis-interpretation problems). Several felt
it would not be a good idea to let patrons add information to the board.
One library uses a binder rather than a dry-erase or bulletin board. All
stressed the importance of using it as a tool to direct patrons to
relevant resources. Some place things on room reserve, or will make them
temporary reference.
I'm grateful for the input from Ana-Elba Pavon, Beth Dinwiddie, Nanci
Milone, Torrie Hodgson, Charla Kramer and Pgiese@aol.com. Thanks to you all!
Cheers, Lyn Persson, Wilmette (IL) Public Library, lpersson@nslsilus.org
P.S. If anyone would like me to forward the replies to you, I'll keep
them for a few days. Just drop me a line and let me know.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 20:19:02 -0500 (EST)
From: Jeri Kladder <jkladder@freenet.columbus.oh.us>
Subject: Re: Sressed, or just prepared?
Karen, (et. al.)
What? No bandaids, elastic bandages, Bengay or Icy Hot? No
tissues, throat lozenges and cough drops? - jeri, long time in the front
trenches, but well prepared with a healthy sense of survival.
On Sat, 6 Feb 1999, Karen Sonderman wrote:
> I was looking for something in one of the drawers at our Children's
> Department public service desk the other day. Of course I didn't find it,
> but I did make an interesting discovery. In this drawer I found: a large
> bottle of Advil, a large bottle of another extra-strength pain reliever, 2
> bottles of hand cream, 1 tube of an aloe-vera cream, 1 Purell
> hand-sanitizer, several rolls of breath mints and a large bottle of
> double-strength Mylanta! And that was just one drawer! It made me
> wonder....is working in the Children's Department that stressful? Or are
> we just prepared for anything!? Hmmm.
> Karen Sonderman
> Taylor Memorial Public LIbrary
> Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Jeri Kladder, Children's Librarian & Storyteller
jkladder@freenet.columbus.oh.us
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Columbus, Ohio
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Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 20:21:39 -0800
From: Ruth Jiu <ruthj@mail.utexas.edu>
Subject: [none]
I'd just like to thank everyone who responded to my query about sock/shoe
activities for storytime. Lots of great ideas! Thanks so much.
Ruth Jiu
Master's Candidate
Library and Information Science
University of Texas at Austin
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 10 Feb 1999 18:00:00 -0800
From: KIDSTAFF <KIDSTAFF@mx.tol.lib.ca.us>
Subject: toddler crafts -Reply
I personally do not do crafts with toddlers. I will send home directions
for a tie-in craft so the child & parent can do it at home. A book with
good ideas: 2's Art Experience by Liz & Dick Wilmes 1995 pub by
Building Blocks.
Also: Cut-Paper Play! Dazzling Creations from Construction Paper by
Sandi Henry. 1997 A Williamson Kids Can! Book. There are other good
one in the series.
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 00:41:20 -0500
From: katherine heylman <kheylman@apk.net>
Subject: Re:Madeline
Kathy and Peggy -- About thirty odd years ago I counted and recounted
(just to make sure) the "12 little girls" that were still brushing
their
teeth, etc., while Madeline was in the hospital. Did Bemelmans use the
same drawing twice? How did it happen? Kay Heylman
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 10:17:13 -0500
From: "Gordon Riley" <Gordon_Riley@mercersburg.edu>
Subject: For over a year I have been working--writing grants, making e-mail
For over a year I have been working--writing grants, making e-mail
contacts, begging and whining for discounts---in order to make the dream
of going to the Iditarod come true. I have been the "Lead Dog"
Librarian
from Texas. This week everything has worked out for our team from
Forestwood Middle School in Texas. Our two 7th grade reading teachers,
our district webmaster, and the old lead dog herself are heading for
Anchorage during the first week in March. Today our district approved
the project, and we have started our unit with the students. Our website
is: http://www.lisd.net/special/alaska/index.html and of course it has
lots of work to be done (when is a website ever finished???)
We will post pictures and adventures as we go. This is going to be a
site dedicated to librarians who want to collaborate with teachers and
technology people. It can be done, but it is often hard and time
consuming. Not everyone can or would want to go to the extreme of taking
off to Alaska to be "Gary Paulsen wannabees" :-) but it is possible
to find out what your teachers are dreaming about for their classroom
projects and try to help them reach that dream. One of the most
important roles of a librarian is to energize teachers--to make things
happen within the school. Collaboration can be much more than asking
what books and cds a teacher needs.
TO ALL YOU GREAT ANCHORAGE LIBRARIANS:
We will be at the Regal Alaskan. We want to meet you and say thanks for
your help. Let's get together at the hotel and celebrate
"collaboration." Please get in touch with me--you have been wonderful.
Deborah Svenson, Lead Dog Librarian
Forestwood Middle School
2810 Morriss Road
Flower Mound, TX 75028
svensond@lisd.net
972-355-6300 fax 972-355-8504
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 07:15:20 -0800 (PST)
From: Maureen Hartman <maureen_hartman@yahoo.com>
Subject: Circulating Puppets
I am new to a branch where we have very limited space, but have a
large collection of circulating puppets. I should say, they are
SUPPOSED to circulate, but never do, because they are kept in
unattractive hanging plastic bags that are well past their prime.
I have been thinking of ways to improve circulation on these items,
and am pondering the idea of getting the kind of rack they often have
in toy stores--about 5 feet tall with little pegs that the puppets fit
onto. Since the barcodes are currently on the bags, I would need to
find a new way of adhering barcodes to the puppets. I've found lots of
information in the archives about various ways to do that, but what
I'm curious about is the display of puppets in your library. How are
they displayed? Are they kept in bags, etc?
I am also not against the idea of getting new, cleaner, more
attractive bags.
Thanks for any suggestions. As a new graduate, in my first
professional position, I find this listserv an invaluable resource.
==
*******************************
Maureen L. Hartman
Children's/YA Librarian
North Branch, Watertown Free Public Library
Watertown Mass.
maureen_hartman@yahoo.com OR mhartman@mln.lib.ma.us
_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
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End of pubyac V1 #595
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