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From: "PUBYAC: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults & Children" <pubyac@prairienet.org>

To: "PUBYAC: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults & Children" <pubyac@prairienet.org>

Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:53:49 CST

Subject: PUBYAC digest 69

PUBYAC Digest 69

Topics covered in this issue include:

1) Dial-a-story programs

by Mary Jackson <mjackson@neon.nlc.state.ne.us>

2) Re: fund raising

by annelmay@mailserver.franklintwp.org

3) RE: fund raising

by Pam Gravenor <pam.gravenor@ncc.govt.nz>

4) video cleaning machine info

by "Deborah Brightwell" <dbright@ci.coppell.tx.us>

5) craft: magic wand

by Carrie Eldridge <celdridge@sanjuan.lib.wa.us>

6) YA Survey

by Maryse.Breton@ccm.yolocounty.org

7) Potter request

by lcowgill@kpbsd.k12.ak.us (Laurie Cowgill)

8) Leap Year Program

by Brenda Renner <jem@showme.net>

9) Vernon Fast Track Express Checkout

by Jean Gullikson <JGulliks@stout.dubuque.lib.ia.us>

10) Computer Disk Policies

by nsweeney@brdgprtpl.lib.ct.us (Nancy Sweeney)

11) Stuart Murphy author visit

by Jean Gullikson <JGulliks@stout.dubuque.lib.ia.us>

12) Lap Sit Storytime

by Kelly Burns <kelly@gslis.utexas.edu>

13) Dav Pilkey...

by Ann-Marie Biden <ambiden@nancy.ci.san-marino.ca.us>

14) Re: fund raising

by Simpson <jsimpson03@snet.net>

15) youth at the library

by "SE_Joel (Joel Jones)" <SE_Joel@KCLIBRARY.ORG>

16) Re: Subject Headings

by Karen Cordiner <Karen_Cordiner@bc.sympatico.ca>

17) Re: Does children's reference service demand more speed?

by Karen Cordiner <Karen_Cordiner@bc.sympatico.ca>

18) Re: Shelving parent/teacher reference titles

by Lisa Jean Philips <philipsl@metronet.lib.mi.us>

19) Mary GrandPre

by Billie Esser <billie66512@yahoo.com>

20) Re: Does children's reference service demand more speed?

by "A. Creech" <alisonc@is2.dal.ca>

21) Re: Does children's reference service demand more speed?

by Jane Casto <jcasto@clsn1269.cumberland.lib.nc.us>

22) RE: Does children's reference service demand more speed?

by Andrea Johnson <ajohnson@cooklib.org>

23) cordless headphone systems

by Jean Gullikson <JGulliks@stout.dubuque.lib.ia.us>

24) RE: Harry Potter programs

by Andrea Johnson <ajohnson@cooklib.org>

25) Re: SRP crafts

by Paulalef@aol.com

26) Re: Multi-media Experiences

by Georgi Sandgren <ivylane3@yahoo.com>

27) Re: Library Service to Middle School Kids

by annelmay@mailserver.franklintwp.org

28) RE: SRP crafts

by Judy Stewart <stewartj@clpgh.org>

29) program info example - to clarify

by Ann.Minner@ci.austin.tx.us

30) Re: survey of off-site programs offered by library

by Beth Werking <bwerking@kokomo.lib.in.us>

31) Re: Forget banning books, let's burn the library

by Charles Schacht <schachtc@libcoop.net>

----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Mary Jackson <mjackson@neon.nlc.state.ne.us>

To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'" <pubyac@prairienet.org>

Subject: Dial-a-story programs

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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 15:52:44 CST

 

This is a question for those of you who offer dial-a-story programs through

the library. Are you getting a lot of response? Do you know the ages who

listen? The effect that regular listening has on reading interest,

readiness or ability? With interactive computer games and whole channels

devoted to cartoons and children's programming, is this still a meaningful

service for libraries to provide?

Thanks for your help, answers and opinions.

Mary Jackson

Nebraska Library Commission

------------------------------

From: annelmay@mailserver.franklintwp.org

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: Re: fund raising

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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 16:27:58 CST

Chuck,

I haven't tried this with kids, but when I walk in our local C.R.O.P. Walk

each year to raise money to fight hunger, we get sponsors to pay so much

per mile. What if the kids ask adults and members of the community to

sponsor their summer reading and donate so much per page (or certain number

of pages) or per book to the library's building fund? You could call it

"Building Readers", or something like that. Perhaps your local Pizza Hut

or McDonald's restaurant will give a coupon for a free meal to everyone who

meets a certain financial goal, so the students have an immediate reward as

well.

I'm looking forward to seeing the other replies on this one, since we'll be

building in the next couple of years! Thanks for bringing it up.

Anne

At 10:35 PM 2/14/00 CST, you wrote:

>>

>> Hoo boy do I need wise council here, oh sagacious and experienced

>> ones... Our Children's department has been asked to come up with

>> suggestions pertaining to how we might involve our local young persons

>> in raising FUNDS. Funds for what? To equip our new children's room (now

>> being built) with things like a reading retreat/play structure and other

>> amenities that are not covered in our basic building budget. All ready

>> ruled out are 1. Having kids sell anything 2.Wishing wells. 3. Book

>> Fairs. 4.Anything that will need a lot of staff time to plan/supervise.

>> In addition, we can't get specific about what we're asking them to give

>> towards since we don't know what we'll be able to afford. I think it's

>> a good idea to give kids the chance to help equip what they're going to

>> enjoy, but how to successfully do that to the tune of $2000 or so while

>> staying within these parameters is proving a challenge to my

>> imagination. HELP!!! Have any of you attempted to involve kids

>> financially in such a project? What did you try, and how did it

>> work/not work? Thanks in advance for your input...

>>

>> Chuck Schacht

>> Romeo District Library

>> Romeo, MI.

>

>

Anne Lemay

Franklin Township Library

Somerset NJ

annelmay@franklintwp.org

------------------------------

From: Pam Gravenor <pam.gravenor@ncc.govt.nz>

To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'" <pubyac@prairienet.org>

Subject: RE: fund raising

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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 16:55:33 CST

A medical charity in NZ used to do a Readathon. The kids would get sponsors

for the number of books they read over a certain time span. Some people

donated on the basis of the number of books read, others just pledged a

donation. So I guess it's a lot like the Summer Reading Programmes that are

so popular in the States, but with sponsorship attached.

I don't think it's ideal, but it does seem to fit your limitations, and is

at least something to do with reading.

Good luck.

Pam Gravenor

Children's and Young Person's Librarian

Nelson Public Library

Private Bag 41

NELSON

New Zealand

pam.gravenor@ncc.govt.nz

------------------------------

From: "Deborah Brightwell" <dbright@ci.coppell.tx.us>

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: video cleaning machine info

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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 17:24:46 CST

Since several want to know more about our video cleaning machine, here is the info on ours. I wasn't in on discussions on what kind or price that we went with and really don't know much about them, but apparently there are many models with different functions and price ranges. Ours does re-winding, cleaning erasing, checks for glitches, spits out a small piece of paper with the number of glitches and/or a print out of where the glitches

are on the tape and can be hooked up to a computer so that you can print a report on the tape(s). Ours is from a company called Research Technology International at 847-677-3000. Price ranges for these types machines range from $29995.00 to $5900.00

Debbie Brightwell

Children's Librarian

Coppell, Texas

 

------------------------------

From: Carrie Eldridge <celdridge@sanjuan.lib.wa.us>

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: craft: magic wand

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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 17:53:59 CST

I'm looking for instructions for a magic wand for my Harry Potter party.

Keep in mind I am not crafty.

Thanks in advance.

Carrie Eldridge

San Juan Island Library District

Friday Harbor, WA 98250

360-378-2798

360-378-2706

celdridge@sanjuan.lib.wa.us

 

 

"I eat words wherever

I find them but am no wiser.

Keep your books under lock and key

or they'll be devoured by me!"

what am I?

-from "Riddle Road: puzzles in poems and

pictures" illustrated by Erik Blegvad

------------------------------

From: Maryse.Breton@ccm.yolocounty.org

To: <PUBYAC@prairienet.org>

Subject: YA Survey

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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 18:20:39 CST

Hi,

 

I'm a new YA librarian in a public library. I would like to do a

survey directed to my YA patrons to learn more about them (what they

read, what activities they like). Does anybody have suggestions about

what works best (how to give the survey so people will answer it!) and

tips of past experiences?

 

Thanks,

 

Maryse Breton

Reference Librarian

Yolo County Library,

Davis Branch, CA

------------------------------

From: lcowgill@kpbsd.k12.ak.us (Laurie Cowgill)

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: Potter request

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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 18:47:46 CST

I have a request for some Harry Potter activities from a mother/daughter

book club group. I thought I saved the fabulous list that came across

some time ago, but can't seem to find it. They are particularly

interested in Quidditch game rules. If you have the Harry Potter

activities, could you e-mail them to me at lcowgill@kpbsd.k12.ak.us. TIA

Laurie C

------------------------------

From: Brenda Renner <jem@showme.net>

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: Leap Year Program

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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 19:16:18 CST

To all the wonderful creative minds on this list. Thank you all. Following

are some ideas that we will be using for our Leap Day Program. I hope that

the children are going to enjoy it as much as I will.

The program is aimed at K - 6th grades. We usually get more of the younger

children.

-We will be talking why we have a leap day and how often they come about.

Then we will write a few sentences about what we might be doing 4 years

from now.

-Make origami frogs and have a race with them.

-Read a story about 2 frogs and how they challenge each other to higher and

higher leaps (found on Internet at http://touregypt.net/kids/story16.htm)

and how they finally decide that the best thing to leap over is each other.

-Play leap frog.

-Play a variation of duck, duck, goose; using chirp, chirp, cricket -

having the children hop around the circle instead of running.

-Leap onto large size bubble wrap.

-Talk about things that hop or leap:

fleas, crickets, frogs, grasshoppers, kangaroos

-Read "The Very Quiet Cricket"

-In Copycat magazine, there is a pattern for a cricket pencil topper.

------------------------------

From: Jean Gullikson <JGulliks@stout.dubuque.lib.ia.us>

To: "'PUBYAC@prairienet.org'" <PUBYAC@prairienet.org>

Subject: Vernon Fast Track Express Checkout

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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 19:53:38 CST

Hello all-

As a part of the renovation/expansion of our Children's Room, we are

considering the purchase of a Vernon Fast Track Express Checkout station so

our patrons may check out their own books, videos, audios, etc. I am

interested in hearing from other libraries who have this particular brand

(especially if you also have a Dynix system) to share pitfalls and/or

success stories.

Please respond to me off the list at jgulliks@stout.dubuque.lib.ia.us

Thank you!

Jean Gullikson

Coordinator of Children's Services

Carnegie-Stout Public Library

Dubuque, IA

------------------------------

From: nsweeney@brdgprtpl.lib.ct.us (Nancy Sweeney)

To: PUBYAC@prairienet.org

Subject: Computer Disk Policies

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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:22:46 CST

Hi,

I mostly lurk on this forum but recently we began reviewing a computer

disk use policy at our library that needs further exploring. I thought I

would throw it out to my fellow librarians to see what you all do!

Here are my questions.

1) Do you allow patrons to use floppy disks to download

info. from the net? Save work from a WP program?

2) If yes what is your policy? Can patrons bring in their own disk?

And/or do they buy disks from you? If they leave can they take disk

with them and return at a later date with the same disk? Or must they

leave disk at the library?

3) If you allow disks from outside how do you establish security? Scan

disks via virus protection software? If you do not use virus protection

software and allow disks from outside have you had any problems?

4) Finally, do you charge for color prints? Paper in general? If so

how much? If you sell disks...how much?

Thanks for your time in answering my questions. If there

is any other info. that you think is relevant to the topic please let me

know!

Nancy Sweeney

Branch Librarian-Bridgeport Public Library Black Rock

Branch

Bridgeport, CT

 

 

 

 

------------------------------

From: Jean Gullikson <JGulliks@stout.dubuque.lib.ia.us>

To: "'PUBYAC@prairienet.org'" <PUBYAC@prairienet.org>

Subject: Stuart Murphy author visit

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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:25:56 CST

Greetings-

I have a PTA board member from a local elementary school who may be

interested in bringing Stuart Murphy (of the "MathStart" series fame) to our

community for a series of author visits.

Has anyone out there heard him speak at a conference or author visit? If

so, please share your thoughts on this experience with me at

jgulliks@stout.dubuque.lib.ia.us

Thanks!

Jean Gullikson

Coordinator of Children's Services

Carnegie-Stout Public Library

Dubuque, IA

------------------------------

From: Kelly Burns <kelly@gslis.utexas.edu>

To: PUBYAC@prairienet.org

Subject: Lap Sit Storytime

MIME-Version: 1.0

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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:27:25 CST

 

Hello Out There!

I am a student in a GSLIS program about to begin a research proposal on

the topic of Lap Sit programs (storytimes for parents/caregivers with

children 6 to 18 months old.) My first goal is to determine if this type

of programming is becoming common practice. I would love to hear from

anyone who is currently doing Lap Sit/infant storytimes; anything you

could tell me (# of participants, age range, time limits, program content,

evaluation etc.) would be greatly appreciated. You can respond via the

listserv, or email me at kelly@gslis.utexas.edu.

TIA,

Kelly Burns

University of Texas at Austin

------------------------------

From: Ann-Marie Biden <ambiden@nancy.ci.san-marino.ca.us>

To: PUBYAC@prairienet.org

Subject: Dav Pilkey...

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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:28:34 CST

I'm just curious....has anyone met or had Dav Pilkey at their library or

school for an author visit? After reading the latest Captain Underpants

(and thoroughly enjoying it...does this guy know kids' minds, or what?) I

think it would be great fun to meet him. I wonder if he's as nutty and

irreverent in person? What a fun program this could be.....

Ann-Marie Biden, Youth Services Librarian

San Marino Public Library

1890 Huntington Dr.

San Marino, CA 91108

tel (626) 300-0776 fax (626)284-0766

ambiden@ci.san-marino.ca.us

------------------------------

From: Simpson <jsimpson03@snet.net>

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: Re: fund raising

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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:29:40 CST

Possible ideas:

Have teens (with supervision) hold a car wash.

Some kind of Read-a-thon (teens or younger kids can get family and

friends to pledge ten cents - or whatever - for each book read within a

certain time limit) - or Basketball game, walk-a-thon, or other

pledge-able event

Check with local agencies to see if there are grants that you can apply

for

Martha Simpson, Stratford Library

------------------------------

From: "SE_Joel (Joel Jones)" <SE_Joel@KCLIBRARY.ORG>

To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'" <pubyac@prairienet.org>

Subject: youth at the library

MIME-Version: 1.0

Content-Type: text/plain

Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:31:15 CST

Fortunately my library is located across the street from a middle school and

we get tremendous use by the school's students. Yes, they are loud and yes

they move from table to table but we manage this quite well.

The kids use the library as a safe place to hang out and see friends and

also study, the same things I used my public library for when I was a

teenager.

When school is out we greet the kids at the door and make an effort to know

their names. We have chess boards and other games for them to play and

sometimes staff take the time to sit down and play the games with the kids.

 

 

There are times when some kids get out of hand and we do ask them to leave

for the day. They usually leave and are often disappointed that they have to

leave, because they enjoy the library so much.

------------------------------

From: Karen Cordiner <Karen_Cordiner@bc.sympatico.ca>

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: Re: Subject Headings

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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:32:35 CST

Amy,

A couple of considerations. Kids tend to think in natural language. They

need some guidance on thesaurus, and structure. i.e. broad to narrow

subject fields. Our school district switched from Sears to LC about five

years ago. It caused some consternation amoung the adults, but the kids

didn't even notice. Kids definitely need some help figuring out how the

system works. In an article I read on information literacy, it said that

only 40% of searches by college students were successful. The systems are

set up for professionals, not for Joe and Jane Public.

Karen Cordiner

(Also a UBC student)

------------------------------

From: Karen Cordiner <Karen_Cordiner@bc.sympatico.ca>

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: Re: Does children's reference service demand more speed?

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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:34:13 CST

Lu,

I am glad that you take the time to assist students in a meaningful way.

I think you have to just keep at it. I know that some of my students feel

that they are poorly served in our public system which does not have any

YA librarians.

Karen Cordiner

Lu Benke wrote:

>

> Here's a question that keeps coming back to me: Do any of you find that

> you can't give the best possible reference service to kids or their

> parents because they are frequently rushed?

------------------------------

From: Lisa Jean Philips <philipsl@metronet.lib.mi.us>

To: Pub Yac <pubyac@prairienet.org>

Subject: Re: Shelving parent/teacher reference titles

MIME-Version: 1.0

Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:35:33 CST

Marilyn:

Our Parent/Teacher Professional collection is shelved in the children's

area where it is separate from the rest of the children's materials. We

do allow these books to circulate, so they're not marked reference-

only books. Hope this helps--

Lisa

*******************************************************************************

Lisa J. Philips

Children's Librarian

Farmington Community Library

32737 West Twelve Mile Road

Farmington Hills, Mi 48334-3302

philipsl@metronet.lib.mi.us

"Things are more like they are now than they have ever been."

Gerald Ford

On Fri, 11 Feb 2000, Marlyn Roberts wrote:

> Morning, Pubyackers!

> I'd like some feedback about whether or not you shelve

> parent/teacher reference materials in the juvenile

> reference section or the adult reference section.

> Or do you have a special place for them?

>

> TIA,

>

> Marlyn

>

> =====

> Marlyn K. Roberts

> Children's Librarian

> Codman Square Branch

> Boston Public Library

> chaisegirl@yahoo.com

> __________________________________________________

> Do You Yahoo!?

> Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger.

> http://im.yahoo.com

>

>

------------------------------

From: Billie Esser <billie66512@yahoo.com>

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: Mary GrandPre

MIME-Version: 1.0

Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:36:44 CST

I am needing information on the illustrator Mary

Grandpre. Recently, she has created the covers for

the Harry Potter books and did the art cover for

"House of Wisdom" 9/99 by Florence Parry Heide;

"Pockets" by Jennifer Armstrong and several others. I

have completed numerous searches and can't find any

biographical information. Can anyone help?

__________________________________________________

Do You Yahoo!?

Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger.

http://im.yahoo.com

------------------------------

From: "A. Creech" <alisonc@is2.dal.ca>

To: PUBYAC <pubyac@prairienet.org>

Subject: Re: Does children's reference service demand more speed?

MIME-Version: 1.0

Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:38:02 CST

I work on Sundays in a main branch of a 14 branch system. I have noticed

that when we deal with kids on Sunday afternoons, it is more likely that

their paper/assignment/project is due on Monday. They are often last

minute in nature. Adults, on the other hand, often don't have a deadline,

or tend to be ahead of time, so that they have more time to spend with

staff looking for something. Although at the university library where I

work during the week, I find that about as many adults (after all, our

users are all over 18, so all adults) are rushed as have time.

Just my thoughts on it, don't really mean anything!

Alison

 

*******************************************************************************

Alison Creech

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

ak454@chebucto.ns.ca

*******************************************************************************

------------------------------

From: Jane Casto <jcasto@clsn1269.cumberland.lib.nc.us>

To: "PUBYAC: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults & Children" <pubyac@prairienet.org>

Subject: Re: Does children's reference service demand more speed?

MIME-Version: 1.0

Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:39:53 CST

I have noticed also that many adults will stop at the first source that

you show them...especially if you are introducing a database and pull up a

representative citation....I have noticed that many adults and students

will take that citation and not go further.

I have also noticed that many of the returning students that I have helped

are very rushed..often bringing children with them when they need to

research a topic...or sending a spouse to 'pick up a few things' and not

providing much information on what is needed. In this circumstances, I

conduct as much as an interview as I can and got with that. If someone

wants to stop at one source, I follow their lead. It is disappointing,

especially when I see undergraduate and graduate students exhibiting the

same rushed, mc-research style of learning.

It would make a good research topic...have things changed out there?

__________________________________________________________________________

| Jane Casto |

| Librarian II |

| |

| Mail: Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center |

| Cliffdale Branch Library |

| 6882 Cliffdale Road |

| Fayetteville, North Carolina 28314-1975 |

| |

| E-Mail: jcasto@cumberland.lib.nc.us |

| http://www.cumberland.lib.nc.us |

| |

| Phone: (910) 864-2600 |

| Fax: (910) 487-9090 |

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------

From: Andrea Johnson <ajohnson@cooklib.org>

To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'" <pubyac@prairienet.org>

Subject: RE: Does children's reference service demand more speed?

Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:41:38 CST

I think you're right. I know in some cases this is a matter of

overcommitted kids or parents who just haven't thought through how much time

they need to plan to spend at the library. I wonder if there isn't also an

attitude on the part of some parents that their kids' information needs

aren't as important as their own -- similar to the attitude that most of us

have probably experienced; that children's librarians are somehow not "real

librarians" or not as important as reference librarians.

I don't have any particular facts to back this up, but I have worked

in both children's and adult settings, and this is a feeling I've gotten

from some of my experiences. My main disclaimer is that this certainly

doesn't apply to all or even most of my experiences working with children --

it's just something I've seen from time to time.

Andrea Johnson * ajohnson@cooklib.org

Children's Librarian

Cook Memorial Library * Libertyville, IL

------------------------------

From: Jean Gullikson <JGulliks@stout.dubuque.lib.ia.us>

To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'" <pubyac@prairienet.org>

Subject: cordless headphone systems

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charset="iso-8859-1"

Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:42:55 CST

We are considering purchasing one of the cordless headphone systems made by

Califone or ENZTEC (featured in the recent Demco catalogs). Does anyone use

these systems for your computers, cassette players, cd players, or tv/vcrs?

We have hopes it will eliminate the tangled cords and damaged jacks that our

equipment have suffered through, but it is pricey.

Send your feedback to me at jgulliks@stout.dubuque.lib.ia.us

Thank you!

Jean Gullikson

Coordinator of Children's Services

Carnegie-Stout Public Library

Dubuque, IA

------------------------------

From: Andrea Johnson <ajohnson@cooklib.org>

To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'" <pubyac@prairienet.org>

Subject: RE: Harry Potter programs

MIME-Version: 1.0

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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:44:04 CST

 

 

> -----Original Message-----

> From: Rita Hunt Smith [SMTP:rhunt@redrose.net]

> Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2000 4:27 AM

> To: pubyac@prairienet.org

> Subject: Re: Harry Potter programs

>

> > Denise I. Matulka wrote:

> >

> > ..... And I am ecstatic of that kids love HP. What I object to

> > is the attention the books get when THEY DON'T NEED ANYMORE!! Other

> > lesser known books need special programs, read-alouds, and parties to

> > introduce kids to them!!

> >

>

> The question then becomes, "why do we do programming?" Do we have

> programs to inflict our values on children or do we provide the

> programming they want and for which they will come to the library? We

> are planning a Harry day at our library in July to *celebrate* the

> release of the fourth book. We also hope that it will get kids into the

> building--then we can hand them Philip Pullman, etc.

>

I do programming for both reasons. Some of the "Give 'em what they

want," and then once we have some converts, we throw in a little of the

"Show 'em the good stuff." The main reason for programming in the first

place is to bring people into the library and make them aware we are here,

and remind them of what we can do for them. Then, once they're sold on the

library (and, secondarily, on you as a trustworthy adult), you are in a much

better position to get them to try new things. Also, if you prove to the

kids that you care about what they're into, and don't just dismiss it as

"junk" the way their parents or teachers might, you'll be a lot more likely

to convince them that, say, Pullman is something they'll like (and not just

something that will be "good for them", like lima beans and shots and math

homework).

Andrea Johnson * ajohnson@cooklib.org

Children's Librarian

Cook Memorial Library * Libertyville, IL

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From: Paulalef@aol.com

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: Re: SRP crafts

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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:45:17 CST

Hi!

I've been thinking about your question in light of conversations I've had

over the years with both patrons and nonpatrons. A lot of people have a

really distorted view of libraries and are very uncomfortable with the idea

of actually visiting them for fear of being told to shut up, etc. In our

town, which is heavily populated by immigrants, there is an especially great

need to make people feel at home and comfortable in the library. Therefore,

I use whatever I can to get them in (although I certainly could do with a lot

less babysitting!). We do a lot of programming in the summer including

weekly drop-in crafts. We encourage all kids to join the SRP and to read,

have lots of displays around and have our Teen Volunteers working with the

kids in all programs. There still are kids who don't read, some who can't

read. Sometimes they look for Waldo, sometimes they play computer games.

But a lot of the kids who first come for crafts or cooking come back for

science or readers theater.

Even in our story hour programs we are noticing more and more parents who

won't let their kids take books out, but insist on videos instead. We

haven't figured out how to deal with this successfully despite our constant

reminders in various ways about the importance and fun of reading. But I

remember as a child spending time at a library that was not patron-friendly

and I see the effect it had on my brother, who has enough money to buy any

book he wants for himself and his family and has bad memories of one of the

libraries we attended as children. His children have never set foot in a

public library. And he and his wife are highly educated! What happens to

those who are not so affluent or highly educated or who come from societies

where all public agencies are suspect?

I guess where all this is leading is that I want the kids I serve -

including the ones I don't know about yet - to love the library, to feel

comfortable with it now and 20 years from now, and to know that all kinds of

information is available at the library. I hope I'm enough of a carnival

barker to sell them books; usually I am. I hope even more that I can reach

their parents who frequently will not sign for their kids to have a library

card. Sometimes the crafts and cooking programs have done this.

A couple of years ago we started Saturday Craft Days, where families come

to engage in a variety of crafts at numerous tables run by teen and adult

volunteers. Each time we have one the attendance grows. Last Saturday we

had 160 people in two hours and our circulation for the day was one of the

highest ever. No, not everyone took out books, but some people who'd never

come to the library before showed up for that, and hopefully they will return.

I know I've been ranting, but I hope you'll consider having programs such

as crafts and cooking that are not tied to anything, and that you'll put out

attractive displays of related fiction and nonfiction books and videos to

encourage the kids to follow up on their activities and to realize how

relevant and people-friendly you are.

I wish you (and all of us) a successful SRP. Please let us know what you

decide to do.

Paula Lefkowitz

Head, Children's Services

Parsippany (NJ) Public Library

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From: Georgi Sandgren <ivylane3@yahoo.com>

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: Re: Multi-media Experiences

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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:46:59 CST

Linda,

Are you going to have the kids bring their own

headphones? If not, are you going to buy cheap ones

very frequently or expensive ones rarely? The library

headphones will need to be attached securely somehow -

or they will disappear. And what about the

possibility of lice?

Things to think about,

Georgi

=====

Georgi Sandgren

Children's Librarian

East Islip Public Library

381 East Main Street

East Islip, New York 11730-2896

631-581-9200 ext. 6

ivylane3@yahoo.com

__________________________________________________

Do You Yahoo!?

Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger.

http://im.yahoo.com

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From: annelmay@mailserver.franklintwp.org

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: Re: Library Service to Middle School Kids

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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:48:31 CST

 

Karen Cordiner said, "One shortcoming that I have seen in many public

library programs is the lack of good reference service. Granted, this has

been the place of school libraries, but I know that in some jurisdictions,

school libraries are really suffering. Youth librarians need to be familiar

with local curriculum. They need to be

good listeners, frequently students only have a fuzzy idea about what they

want. You need to be able to hone their questioning skills with them."

I agree that children need help with their questioning skills, and so do

their parents. That is the purpose of a good reference interview. EVERY

patron deserves good reference service, regardless of age or type of need,

and this is very much in the jurisdiction of the public library Children's

Services Section.

It helps to be familiar with the local curriculum for collection

development purposes, and it also helps when teachers give advance notice

of assignments because children often misinterpret them, but a good

reference interview is of primary importance regardless of age.

Taking this a step further, what do the rest of you include in your

reference interview?

I always try to find out the grade level of the materials needed, and

whether the assignment is a "book report" or a "research report" (and I

usually have to explain the difference). It is helpful to find out what or

how the children have to present as a final product (Are you writing a

report? How long? Do you have to make a project to demonstrate something

from the book? Do you need to dress in period costume? Do you have to

make a panorama illustrating a scene from the book?)

Sometimes it's tricky finding out what children (and their parents) really

need. My all-time favorite was the fourth-grader who came up to the

Children's Reference desk just before closing all out of breath and asked

for a biography about a famous blonde American woman. It turned out that

she had to read a biography and dress up as that person, and she figured

since she was a blonde American girl she may as well start with that! :)

So, what do all of you find to be helpful in your reference interviews?

I'll be happy to compile the results if you email me directly, or take them

off the list if you share with us all.

Anne

 

Anne Lemay

Franklin Township Library

Somerset NJ

annelmay@franklintwp.org

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From: Judy Stewart <stewartj@clpgh.org>

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: RE: SRP crafts

Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:49:57 CST

John,

As yourself: do the majority of the kids who come end up checking out a book

while they're there? If yes, I'd just leave it like that, not worth making a

rule for a few people. Also: are you worried that space/staff/materials will

be overwhelmed by the response unless you require the "book ticket"? If no,

then again, I would not institute a rule.

 

Judy STewart

Community LIbrary of Allegheny Valley

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From: Ann.Minner@ci.austin.tx.us

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: program info example - to clarify

Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:51:07 CST

Hi,

Just to clarify my earlier request (from which I am receiving wonderful

responses) In my own example, I neglected to mention that it was the

schedule for just the spring of this year. All of these programs continue

into the summer (adding some special performers for Summer Reading Program

and more school age daycare visits) and through the fall (normally Sept -

Dec). We stop for a week or 2 in May, for a period in August, and at the

end of the year for the holidays.

Thanks for hearing me

ann

 

Ann Minner

Youth Librarian

Pleasant Hill Branch

Austin Public Library

ann.minner@ci.austin.tx.us <mailto:ann.minner@ci.austin.tx.us>

------------------------------

From: Beth Werking <bwerking@kokomo.lib.in.us>

To: "'pubyac@prairenet.org'" <pubyac@prairenet.org>

Subject: Re: survey of off-site programs offered by library

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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:52:18 CST

I would appreciate the Collective Wisdom's counsel on helping me set

guidelines for off-site programs. Your opinions and responses to the

following questions would be most welcome.

1.What is the minimum sized group for which to provide a program (10? 20?)

2. Do you offer programs to private or home day care facilities?

3. Do you ever offer baby programs in day care facilities?

4. How often may a site request a program?

5. How many back-to-back programs can we (realistically) do if classes are

grouped by age level?

 

The Main Library children's department offers most of the off-site programs.

We have two librarians and two library assistants who do story times in a

community of about 50,000. We average five in-house programs a week. Adding

hours of prep time to performance time to travel time makes me realize that

we need to define our limits!

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From: Charles Schacht <schachtc@libcoop.net>

To: pubyac@prairienet.org

Subject: Re: Forget banning books, let's burn the library

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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 20:53:49 CST

Sounds to me as though somebody finds feeling self-righteous considerably more enjoyable than trying to understand somebody else's point of view... Not likely to do a

whole lot of GOOD in terms of bringing us closer together, but I guess it's a free hobby. Sure seems like it would be nice/more productive if we could work harder on

seeing the world through others eyes instead of trying to make people who have different opinions than we do look bad/stupid/like cultural Philistines. But then

that's just my opinion. Speaking only for himself -

Chuck Schacht

Romeo District Library

Romeo, MI.

 

 

Don Wood wrote:

> from free!

>

> Forget banning books, let's burn the library

>

> "The library is a monument to all the best impulses in the human mind and spirit. It is a tribute to wisdom and understanding. No community is complete without one.

>

> So why is it that in so many communities across this land mobs are marching on libraries with pitchforks and torches?"

>

> http://www.freedomforum.org/first/2000/2/14ombudsman.asp

>

> ______________

> Don Wood

> American Library Association

> Office for Intellectual Freedom

> 50 East Huron Street

> Chicago, IL 60611

> 800-545-2433, ext. 4225

> Fax: 312-280-4227

> dwood@ala.org

> http://www.ala.org/oif.html

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End of PUBYAC Digest 69

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