|
From: "PUBYAC: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults
& Children" <pubyac@prairienet.org>
To: "PUBYAC: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults & Children"
<pubyac@prairienet.org>
Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2000 23:00:47 CST
Subject: PUBYAC digest 89
PUBYAC Digest 89
Topics covered in this issue include:
1) Re: Role reversal and gender identity (Very Long)
by "Brenda S. Evans" <chroom@seidata.com>
2) STUMPER: Thanks!
by "Rebecca Friedmann" <rfriedmann@hotmail.com>
3) Children's Librarian, Philippines
by "Miranda S. Doyle" <mdoyle@mozcom.com>
4) STUMPER: Hatchet
by Linda Moffet <moffet@dcls.org>
5) Stumper - Dr. Seuss character
by "Laurie Rose" <lrose@orono.lib.me.us>
6) Stumper: red boa
by Katja Byrne <kbyrne@rvcc.raritanval.edu>
7) Stumper
by Marie McColley <mccolley@jefferson.lib.co.us>
8) hindi movies
by Deborah McClish <Deborah@rockford.lib.il.us>
9) PUBYAC support letters (LONG)
by PUBYAC <pyowner@pallasinc.com>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: "Brenda S. Evans" <chroom@seidata.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Role reversal and gender identity (Very Long)
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2000 22:09:13 CST
Dear Collective Minds:
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Here is a compilation of the responses
to request for role reversal books.
From:
Beth Werking <bwerking@kokomo.lib.in.us>
I came up with a book for your list. Toby's Doll House by Scannell. A boy
wants a dollhouse but his parents buy him a fort,
a farm set and a parking lot toy.
Piggybook by Anthony Browne
Like Jake and Me by Mavis Jukes
The Girl WHo Loved Caterpillars by Jean Merrill
Bette Ammon
How about "Mama is a Miner" by George Ella Lyon?
Hope this helps,
Jeanenne Robinson
For chapter books:
The Truth about Mary Rose by Marilyn Sachs (1973) features a dad who is the
artist and homebody. Mom is a dentist.
Logan's Story by Ann Martin (1992) Part of the Babysitter's Club. Logan
loves kids and taking care of them; but is torn between being a jock and
baby-sitting. There's also Henry Reed's Baby-sitting Service by Keith
Robertson (1966)
Picture Books
Daddy makes the best spaghetti by Anna Grossnickle HInes (1986) Daddy is
shown caring for his son and making dinner.
Mama is a Miner by George Ella Lyon (1994) Don't have this in our system,
so can't say if she's a single mom or not.
Hope this helps, and let us know the final list.
Lin
Brenda, one of the best books for preschoolers about role reversal is
*Tough Eddie* by Elizabeth Winthrop.
I read it at storytimes this week and was surprised that kids are STILL
saying, "He's a boy -- he shouldn't play with a dollhouse!"
Cheers -- Lyn Persson, Wilmette (IL) Public Library
lpersson@nslsilus.org
Here are some books that we use to fill that Gender Diversity
question for the Child Development Class. These are picture books.
Hope this helps.
Baseball Ballerina by Kathyrn Cristaldi
Hurray for Ethelyn by Babbit Cole
Daddy Makes the Best Spaghetti by Anna Hines
What Mommies Do Best By Laura Numeroff
What Daddies Do Besty By " "
Lots of Moms by Shelley Rotner
When Mama Comes Home Tonight by Eileen Spinelli
Daddy will be There by Lois Gramblin
I shop with Daddy by Grace Maccarone
--
Sandra Pierce
Youth Services Librarian
Youth Services Department
Northwest Regional Library System
Bay County Public Library
25 W. Government Street
Panama City, FL 3240l
Ph: (850) 872-7500 ext 24
Fax: (850) 872-7507
E-mail: spierce@nwrls.lib.fl.us
Jen Vanston
jvanston@suffolk.lib.ny.us
South Country Library, Children's Librarian
Bellport, NY
"People say that life is the thing, but I prefer reading"
-Logan Pearsall Smith
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 28 Oct 1998 11:38:54 -0500 (EST)
From: Vanston <jvanston@suffolk.lib.ny.us>
To: pubyac listserv <PUBYAC@nysernet.org>
Subject: compiled list of non-steroetypical gender books
I received a lot of suggestions. Thank you to all. I was going to list
everyone who sent suggestions, but that would have been a project in
itself! So thank you all.
Many of the books I did not have on hand to view, so you'll have to judge
their merit for yourselves.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BIBLIOGRAPHIC SOURCES TO CHECK:
GREAT BOOKS FOR GIRLS: MORE THAN 600 BOOKS TO INSPIRE TODAY'S GIRLS AND
TOMORROW's WOMEN by Kathleen Odean 1997
BEYOND DOLLS & GUNS: 101 WAYS TO HELP CHILDREN AVOID GENDER BIAS
by Susan Hoy Crawford 1996
Also, someone suggested culling through the titles in A TO ZOO under the
subject headings family life-fathers and family life- mothers. Not all
titles will apply.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUGGESTED BOOKS: (Please note that some do not have a recent copyright)
AMAZING GRACE by Mary Hoffman 1991
AMY AND THE CLOUD BASKET by Ellen Pratt 1975
AUNT LULU by Daniel Pinkwater 1988
BASEBALL BALLERINA by Kathryn Cristaldi 1992
BOYS & GIRLS, GIRLS & BOYS by Eve Merriam 1972
A BUSY DAY FOR A GOOD GRANDMOTHER by Margaret Mahy 1993
A CARP FOR KIMITO by Virginia Kroll 1993
CLOUDS FOR DINNER by Lynne Perkins 1997
DADDIES AT WORK by Eve Merriam 1989
THE DADDY BOOK by Ann Morris 1989
DADDY MAKES THE BEST SPAGHETTI by Anna G. Hines 1986
DEREK THE KNITTING DINOSAUR by Mary Blackwood 1987
EASY WORK!: AN OLD TALE retold by Eric A. Kimmel 1988
EVERETT ANDERSON'S FRIEND by Lucille Clifton 1976/1992
FRIDA MARIA: A STORY OF THE OLD SOUTHWEST by Deborah Lattimore 1994
GIRLS CAN BE ANYTHING by Norma Klein 1973
GUS AND GRANDPA AND THE CHRISTMAS COOKIES by Claudia Mills 1997
I CAN BE A FATHER by Patrick Clinton 1989
I CAN BE A MOTHER by Christine Fitz-Gerald 1989
I LIVE WILL DADDY by Judith Vigna 1997
I WANT TO BE AN ASTRONAUT by Byron Barton 1988
THE LEMONADE BABYSITTER by Karen Waggoner 1992
LILLY'S PURPLE PLASTIC PURSE by Kevin Henkes 1996
LITTLE KIT OR THE INDUSTRIOUS FLEA CIRCUS GIRL by Emily Arnold McCully
1995
LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD : A NEWFANGLED PRAIRIE TALE by Lisa Campbell Ernst
1995
THE LONG RED SCARF by Nette Hilton 1987/1990
A LONG WAY TO GO by Zibby Oneal 1990
MAMA IS A MINER by George Ella Lyon 1994
THE MAN WHO KEPT HOUSE by P.C. Asbjornsen and J.E. Moe 1992
THE MAN WHO KEPT HOUSE retold by Kathleen and Michael Hague 1981
MAX by Rachel Isadora 1976
MOMMIES AT WORK by Eve Merriam 1961/1989
THE MOMMY BOOK by Ann Morris 1996
MOMMY'S OFFICE by Barbara Shook Hazen 1992
MY COUSIN CHARLIE by Phyllis Root 1985
THE NIGHT ONES by Patricia Grossman 1991
OLIVER BUTTON IS A SISSY by Tomie DePaola 1979
OUR GRANNY by Margaret Wild 1993
PAPER BAG PRINCESS by Robert N. Munsch 1980
PIGGYBOOK by Anthony Browne 1986
RECKLESS RUBY by Hiawyn Oram 1992
SAM JOHNSON AND THE BLUE RIBBON QUILT by Lisa Campbell Ernst 1983
SERENA KATZ by Charlotte Pomerantz 1992
SEVEN BRAVE WOMEN by Betsy Hearne 1997
SWAMP ANGEL by Anne Isaacs 1994
THREE STRONG WOMEN: A TALL TALE FROM JAPAN by Claus Stamm 1990
WHAT MOMMIES DO BEST/WHAT DADDIES DO BEST by Laura Joffe Numeroff 1998
WHEN I HAVE A LITTLE GIRL by Charlotte Zolotow 1965
WHILE YOU ARE ASLEEP by Gwynne Isaacs 1991
WHO USES THIS? by Margaret Miller 1990
WHOSE HAT? by Margaret Miller 1988/1997
WHOSE SHOE? By Margaret Miller 1991
WILLIAM'S DOLL by Charlotte Zolotow 1972
Jen
jvanston@suffolk.lib.ny.us
"People say that life is the thing, but I prefer reading"
-Logan Pearsall Smith
Brenda--
One of my favorite role reversal books is _The long red scarf_ by Nette
Hilton (Carolrhoda Books, 1990, 1987.) It's about an older gentleman who
would like to have the longest, reddest, softest red wool scarf but he
can't knit. He asks several women to knit one for him but they are all
to busy-- painting, carpentry, etc. Finally his fishing buddy (a man)
teaches him how to knit and the old gent makes his own scarf--plus one
for each of his busy friends.
I used this book in preschool storytime along with a crochetted long red
scarf that I made; it was a lot of fun!
Jane DeAngelis
Brenda, The following titles were suggested for role reversal:
Clifton, Lucille Everett Anderson's Friend
Cristaldi, Kathyryn Baseball ballerina
Ernst, Lisa Campbell Little Red Riding Hood:
Gilmore, Rachna Lights for Gita
Grossman, Patricia The night ones
Hallinan, P.K. Let's play as a team
Hallinan, P.K. When I grow up
Hazen, Barbara Mommy's office
Henkes, Kevin Lilly's purple plastic purse
Hoffman, Mary Amazing Grace
Hoffman, Mary Henry's baby
Isaacs, Anne Swamp Angel
Kimmel, Eric A. Easy work!: an old tale
Lakin, Pat Dad and me in the morning
Lane, Megan Halsey Something to crow about
Lattimore, Deborah Frida Maria: a tale of the old southwest
Little, Jean Jess was the brave one
Lowell, Susan Little Red Cowboy Hat
Lyon, George Ella Mama is a miner
Maccarone, Grace Pizza party Reader
Mahy, Margaret A busy day for a good grandmother
McAllister, Angela The wind garden
McCully, Emily Little Kit or the industrious flea circus girl
Medearis, Angela The adventures of Sugar and Junior
Merriam, Eve Daddies at work
Merriam, Eve Mommies at work
Miller, Margaret Whose shoe?
Mills, Claudia Gus and Grandpa and the Christmas cookies
Numeroff, Laura What mommies do best/What daddies do best
Oram, Hiawyn Reckless Ruby
Perkins, Lynne Rae Clouds for dinner
Pfanner, Louise Louise builds a boat
Pomerantz, Charlotte Serena Katz
Sharratt, Nick Mrs. Pirate
Vigna, Judith Black like Kyra, white like me
Waggoner, Karen The lemonade babysitter
Wild, Margaret Our granny
Yolen, Jane The ballad of the Pirate Queens
marietta cole, children's librarian
millinocket memorial library
5 maine avenue
millinocket, maine 04462
marietta@millinocket.lib.me.us
(207) 723-7020
(207) 723-7020 fax
--
> Thank you.
> Brenda Evans
> Madison-Jefferson County Public Library
> 420 West Main Street
> Madison, Indiana 47250
------------------------------
From: "Rebecca Friedmann" <rfriedmann@hotmail.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: STUMPER: Thanks!
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2000 22:17:16 CST
Thanks to Julie Linneman, Carol Janoff, and Dorothy Williams, my patron is
thrilled! The Holocaust allegory book in question is Eve Bunting's Terrible
Things: An Allegory of the Holocaust. I'm shocked to discover we don't own
this, but we'll be ordering it soon. Thanks again!
Here's my original posting:
>Dear collective brains,
>A patron of mine, working part time in a local high school media >center,
>got a stumper from a student, and we're stumped here too.
>Here's the description (3rd hand now): it's a children's book about >the
>Holocaust (no idea how old) set in a forest. It's allegorical in >nature.
>An evil force (Nazi's) gradually takes away part of each kind >of animal
>group, little by little. She said there are a lot of >foreign-born
>students at her school, so it's even possible that the >book wasn't
>published in the U.S. (or even that it might not be in >English!).
>Any help would be most appreciated!!! Thanks in advance!
"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and
can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."
--unknown
"Imagination is as important as knowledge. Share yours with
others."
--unknown
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose."
--Dr. Seuss
************************************
* Rebecca Friedmann, MLS *
* Children's Librarian *
* Union Township Library *
* 7900 Cox Rd. *
* West Chester, OH 45069 *
*(513)777-3131; (513)777-8452 [fax]*
* rfriedmann@hotmail.com *
* rfriedmann@mail.mpl.lib.oh.us *
************************************
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
------------------------------
From: "Miranda S. Doyle" <mdoyle@mozcom.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Children's Librarian, Philippines
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2000 22:25:03 CST
OPPORTUNITY FOR A CHILDREN'S LIBRARIAN TO WORK IN PALO, LEYTE, PHILIPPINES
Palo Alto, California, Neighbors Abroad is seeking an experienced and
enthusiastic Children's Librarian with outstanding skills in reader's and
reference advisory, collection management, programming, outreach, and
storytelling to run the Pio Pedrosa Education Center (library) in Palo,
Leyte, Philippines, for at least one year beginning June 2000 or earlier if
possible. A MLS or equivalent experience is required. Transportation to and
from Palo, room, board, some expenses, health insurance, immunizations, visa
documents and renewals is included. In addition, a stipend based on the
Peace Corp rate will be given at the end of the year's service. The
Children's Librarian selected will be expected to provide leadership and
guidance in planning and promoting children's services in the library and in
the neighboring baranguays. If interested, send resume and application
letter to Katy Obringer, Supervisor of Palo Alto Children's Library, 1276
Harriet Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301. Phone: 650-329-2205 Email:
katyo@gateway.net
Additional note: if you have questions about the position, you may also
contact Miranda Doyle, the current Children's Librarian. After a year in the
Philippines, I plan to leave in May 2000 and am helping to find my
replacement. I will be glad to answer any of your questions about the
children's library, my living situation, and this incredible opportunity.
E-mail me at mirandadoyle@yahoo.com.
------------------------------
From: Linda Moffet <moffet@dcls.org>
To: PUBYAC <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: STUMPER: Hatchet
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Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2000 22:32:36 CST
A customer is looking for the movie version of Gary Paulsen's
"Hatchet." I remember seeing this on TV awhile back, and I don't think
it was actually called "Hatchet." I can't find any reference to this
anywhere I have looked, using a multitude of keyword combinations. Does
it sound familiar to anyone? Thanks in advance for your help. You can
email me directly at moffet@dcls.org.
Thanks,
Linda Moffet
------------------------------
From: "Laurie Rose" <lrose@orono.lib.me.us>
To: PUBYAC@prairienet.org
Subject: Stumper - Dr. Seuss character
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Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
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Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2000 22:43:01 CST
Hello
I have a patron looking for a character mentioned in a Dr. Seuss book
who bites his tail and does not feel it for eight days.
I looked in the Seuss books that we have currently on our shelves
with no luck.
Any ideas out there?
TIA
Laurie Rose
Youth Services Librarian
Orono Public Library
Orono, Maine 04473
lrose@orono.lib.me.us
------------------------------
From: Katja Byrne <kbyrne@rvcc.raritanval.edu>
To: "PUBYAC: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults & Children"
<pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Stumper: red boa
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2000 22:51:12 CST
I have a young (2nd grade?) patron looking for a picture book she read as
a little one. It involves a lady who wears a red boa everywhere (that's
the feather variety *g*), that's all she remembers. Mom thinks the title
may have Mrs. in it but the child doesn't think so. This is tickling the
back of my brain but I can't find it in our catalog, and don't have a clue
what to look under for A to Zoo or other sources. None of us can figure it
out -- can you?
Please respond off list.
Thank you,
Katja
*******************************************
Katja Byrne, Children's Librarian
Somerset County Library, Hillsborough Branch (NJ)
kbyrne@rvcc.raritanval.edu
------------------------------
From: Marie McColley <mccolley@jefferson.lib.co.us>
To: "'PUBYAC@prairienet.org'" <PUBYAC@prairienet.org>
Subject: Stumper
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain;
charset="iso-8859-1"
Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2000 22:55:12 CST
Hi gang,
A fellow staff member and his wife are trying to remember the title of a
book they read as children, maybe from mid-70's to mid-80's.
The basic story is about three children left alone during summer vacation.
The youngest (possibly nicknamed "Toad"?) creates a sauce for his
finicky
cat's food. The sauce quickly becomes the hit of the neighborhood, and the
children make a fortune. The secret ingredient of the sauce turns out to be
the childrens' father's vitamin samples.
any ideas?
Marie McColley
Temporary Childrens Librarian
Villa Library
Jefferson County Public Library
------------------------------
From: Deborah McClish <Deborah@rockford.lib.il.us>
To: "'pubyac'" <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: hindi movies
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain;
charset="iso-8859-1"
Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2000 22:57:35 CST
Greetings,
I have had a request from a patron to purchase some Hindi movies. We feel
that it would be a good idea for us since we have a growing population who
would check these out. My request from you is this: Are there any sources
that review Hindi movies or at least provide plot summaries? The patron
gave me a list of movies and a web site to look at, but there are no
summaries and some of the covers don't look appropriate for the Youth
Services area. Your help would be stupendous. Also, just to make sure I'm
not confusing anyone--when I refer to Hindi movies, I mean movies that are
in the Hindi language and made in India or by those from India. You can
send responses to me privately and if people are interested, I'll post the
findings to the list.
Thanks so much!!!
Deborah McClish
Librarian, Youth Services
Rockford (IL) Public Library
deborah@rockford.lib.il.us
http://www.rpl.rockford.org
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2000 19:50:47 -0700 (MST)
From: PUBYAC <pyowner@pallasinc.com>
To: PUBYAC <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: PUBYAC support letters (LONG)
Message-ID: <Pine.GSO.3.95.1000308193336.23788D-100000@info>
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Here is the digest of the support letters that I received from you all. I
will admit that for the Dean's sake, I took out some of your references to
me. I wanted these stories to focus on Prairienet, so some of you
might find these slightly edited. --Shannon
Dear Dean Estabrook,
Prairienet has recently become the host of the listserve PUBYAC, the
Internet discussion list concerned with the practical aspects of Children
and Young Adult Services in Public Libraries, focusing on programming
ideas, outreach and literacy programs for children and caregivers,
censorship and policy issues, collection development, administrative
considerations, puppetry, job openings, professional development and other
pertinent services and issues.
PUBYAC is seven years old, and boasts a subscription list of approximately
3,000 librarians across the globe, from New Zealand to Canada to the
United States. Several articles about the listserver have been published
in academic and professional journals. School Library Journal, a mainstay
publication of the children's librarian world, consistently refers to
PUBYAC in its articles and discussions. In fact, PUBYAC is such an
institution that it has made its way into a murder mystery, Liar : an
Irene Kelly mystery by Jan Burke, 1998. PUBYAC is featured as the means
by which a relative of the murdered woman, a children's performer, is
contacted.
While I can speak ardently about the use of PUBYAC in a youth services
public librarian's professional life, I think the readers speak more
strongly, so I have asked subscribers for their stories. Here they are,
and I hope that these will help you in your quest to maintain funding for
Prairienet.
Shannon VanHemert
PUBYAC Moderator
pyowner@pallasinc.com
--------------------------------------------
As a recent graduate of UIUC's GSLIS, I used PUBYAC to look for
jobs, and I learned a lot about being a youth services librarian simply by
basking in the collective wisdom of the collective on the list. Now that
I
am working full-time in youth services, I use the list all the time for
ideas: storytime crafts and fingerplays, ways to implement a Harry Potter
party at our library (most of the ideas we had for our program came from
PUBYAC). It makes a major difference in my life as a youth services
librarian to be able to draw on this vast pool of experience and
creativity
on a daily basis.
As a member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association (as
well as the LSAA), I was thrilled to see that Prairienet is now hosting
this
valuable resource. Thanks, Prairienet! Keep up the good work!
Andrea Johnson
ajohnson@cooklib.org
MLS, University of Illinois, 1998
-----------------------------------------
To Whom It May Concern:
I'm am writing to emphatically support continued funding of both the
Parienet Community Network and specifically, the PUBYAC listserv.
PUBYAC has been extremely invaluable in my work as a youth services
librarian. Aside from being the only place in the world that youth
librarians can connect with their peers on a daily basis, those involved have
provided services to our patrons that certainly would not have been available
without PUBYAC. Bibliographies, answers to patrons "stumper"
questions,
book reviews, programming ideas, and advocacy are just a few of the extremely
valuable services provided through the PUBYAC listserv. Please take
whatever action is necessary to continue funding for both Prairienet and
PUBYAC.
Sincerely,
Melinda Schafer
---------------------------------------------------
I'm like, ohmigod!, TOTALLY in love with PUBYAC.
Seriously,PUBYAC has been a constant source of professional development
since I graduated from the University of Washington School of Library and
Information Science in 1994. Every day I scan my pubyac email and save
messages in my own personal PUBYAC archives, based on topics that I know I
will use in the near future. Besides supporting my own professional
interests and concerns I have passed on pubyac postings to coworkers
numerous times as I have come across items that relate to projects or
concerns they have. I have mentioned PUBYAC debates and thereby started
lively conversations in the workroom or at staff meetings. I have kept in
touch with people I went to school with and I have gotten to know people
who
have later applied for jobs at my library -- which is very interesting,
now
that I am a manager! I have _seriously_ impressed patrons by putting their
sketchy childhood memories of a favorite book out to the group and getting
back the title for the patron.
I don't know how anyone could quantify a value for the collegiality,
networking and creativity that is generated on PUBYAC; I hope many people
will respond as I have to support contention that PUBYAC is immensely
valuable resource for the library -- and by extension -- the wider
community.
Yours,
Erica Sternin
Managing Librarian
Mukilteo Library
4675 Harbour Pointe Blvd
Mukilteo WA 98275
-------------------------
Yes, Shannon, this listserv has helped me! You may remember I had a
"Harry Potter" party in December; the main reason I had that party was
that I had read of so many other wonderful activities on Pubyac.
This was the best program we did all year, and one of the best I've ever
done, and I'm pretty sure I would not have done it if I hadn't been
inspired by so many colleagues who posted programming ideas. I rely on
PubYac, as well as journals like VOYA, for ideas for programs. In
addition, the listserve keeps me up to date with current events and
issues in youth services - for example, debates on freedom of speech and
free access to information. Finally, it builds community and helps
counter any sense of professional isolation. I've always really
appreciated the fine job you did moderating this list; may it long
continue!
Mary Johnson, YA librarian, North Castle Library, Armonk, NY
mjohnson@wls.lib.ny.us
----------------------------
PUBYAC is one of THE most helpful and efficient ways of networking with
other librarians. I hope it can continue for a long, long time!
Cindy Rider
Assoc. Children's Librarian
Vigo County Public Library
Terre Haute, IN
-----------------------------------------
Has the existence of PUBYAC and PrairieNet had an impact on my life
professionally? YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! Because of the dialogue, ideas,
support, tweaking, passion, philosophy of service to youth and just plain
fabulous tips for making our work with kids great, our library's youth
services have become even better than ever before. In a concrete way:
An idea posted on PUBYAC on shared collections between a school and
public library prompted us to work with our colleagues in 5 local school
libraries to write a $5000 grant to fund a collection of easy readers -
during the summer we have the easy readers here at the library and during
the school year they are circulated at the schools.
Ideas for programs have enlivened our offerings and impressed our
families and our city government. Among the great PUBYAC tips that have
transformed our programs: Harry Potter programs; baby lapsit content
suggestions; ideas for quick but fun afterschool programs.
Lists of books on bibliotheraputic topics that have enriched our
collection and the ability of kids and parents to find information they
need.
Our Youth Dept and my professional life has been immeasurably broadened
and improved because of the constant flow of ideas and professional
curiosity found on PUBYAC. For me its not just answers to questions that
matter; its the seed of an idea that someone shares that begins a new
train of thought or provides a new way of looking at doing service with
our kids better. These invaluable seeds have blossomed in so many
ways...when people compliment our service or collection or creativity, I
accept the compliment on behalf of our staff but also on behalf of the
many youth services front-line staffers who have shared their insights
and energy through PUBYAC
Marge Loch-Wouters
Head of Youth Services | Email: lochwouters@winnefox.org
Menasha's Public Library | lochwout@athenet.net
Elisha D. Smith Public Library | Phone: (920)967-5166, ex 700
Menasha, WI 54952-3191 | Fax: (920)967-5159
----------------------------
Just wanted to share a recent PUBYAC success story.
I want to add an additional title to our Young Adult Magazine collection.
In order to add an additional title, I must provide a justification. I
saw
a magazine (new to me) at the news stand. I could not locate a review of
the magazine, but I posted my request to PUBYAC, and I got two responses
from Librarians in other parts of the country who praised the magazine.
I also feel that I have helped other Librarians around the country with
requests for information on Internet Policies and floppy disk use.
Sarah Hudson
Information Specialist
Independence Regional Library
Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County
shudson@plcmc.lib.nc.us
----------------------------------------------------
PUBYAC had helped me in several ways. I have submitted a couple of
stumpers, books that MCL patrons were looking for. They were so grateful
to have their (usually years long on their own) search answered so
quickly. The vast brain power of the collective group answered them for
me. I have shared experiences with other librarians, getting help from
them and giving it too. This has been important to my professional
growth. Program suggestions that I have found on PUBYAC have enhanced our
library's programming and our patrons have enjoyed these very much.
PUBYAC is vital to youth/children's librarians worldwide, but this link to
my peers is very important to me. I can't imagine doing my job with out
this vital resource.
elm
Elaine Lesh Morgan, Youth Librarian Rockwood Branch Library
Multnomah County Library 17917 S.E. Stark St.
(503) 248-5396 fax (503)248-5178 Portland, OR 97233
elainem@nethost.multnomah.or.lib.us
-------------------------------------
PUBYAC serves as an electronic means of interactively connecting
librarians from all over the world. No magazine, book or meeting can
accomplish this.
PUBYAC answers questions, provides support, keeps us aware. It has helped
me grow as a librarian.
One of my favorite functions of PUBYAC is the answering of Stumpers.
A patron comes in, and remembers an odd detail about a book. The
cataloging of a book only allows so much information, and you can't always
search on "the mother was a witch who mixed colorful powders together"
But ask PUBYAC, and they'll come up with the answer!
On a more personal note, my sister asked me to locate a short ghost story
that had appeared in an issue of DYNAMITE magazine. She didn't know the
name of the story, didn't know which issue or year. Since the magazine is
long defunct, I didn't think I'd ever find it! I asked PUBYAC, and got
some helpful suggestions - like contacting the Scholastiv Library (which I
didn't even know existed) Unfortunately, it was a dead end. Almost a year
passed, and I decided to re-post the question. One PUBYAC person was able
to not only tell me the title of the story, but informed me that it was
available in a book, and if I couldn't get the book, she would photocopy
the story and send it to me! My sister was amazed, and SO pleased to get
the story.
I think PUBYAC is a wonderful resource. There are other children's
literature and children's librarian mailing lists, but none of them are as
good (or as knowledgable) as the collective of PUBYAC members.
Please, don't let this tool die.
Jen Vanston
jvanston@suffolk.lib.ny.us
South Country Library, Children's Librarian
Bellport, NY
-----------------------------------------
As a librarian in a small library in central New Jersey, PUBYAC allows me
the opportunity to ask questions of peers from libraries large and small.
I
may not only ask, but many of the postings from others may anticipate a
situation that I will face here at my library and I am better prepared.
In some ways, this can be continuing edcuation on-line.
Ginny McKee
Children's Services
South Brunswick [NJ] Public Library
gmckee@lmxac.org
ginny1222@hotmail.com
------------------------------
After several years of wringing our hands over the lack of Samoan-language
materials for children (EDAC at UCLA ceased publishing educational
materials
in that language), I put a request out on PUBYAC and had an immediate
response
from a librarian in New Zealand about a publisher he thought would be of
help.
I contacted the publisher who in turn told me about a store there that is
the largest source of Samoan materials in the world. We got in touch,
received
a catalog, placed an order, and received most of the books we selected.
We
still have patron requests for more materials, and without PUBYAC we'd
still
be looking. Many thanks! Grace Ruth, Children's Materials Selection
SpecialistSan Francisco (CA) Public Library - gracer@sfpl.lib.ca.us
-----------------------------
As coordinator of youth services in a 14 branch system I have found
PUBYAC to be an invaluable part of my professional life. It has
provided answers to stumpers, given me booklists and given me advice
on varied subjects. I recommend it to all my children's librarians.
But the most valuable part of this listserv is that it keeps me
connected. I do read journals and related materials, but there is
nothing like the discussions on PUBYAC to give me a real feel as to
what is happening out in real world, and what is important. Plus it
does it today .... not next month or in 6 months.
PUBYAC has provided an important service to children's librarians.
The field of library science is stronger because of it.
Nancy Magi
Nmagi@acpl.lib.in.us
-----------------------------
When i accepted my first professional YOuth Services position, I had no
formal training or experience. I had been a volunteer for 7 years at my
local library and was also an elementary teacher with a minor in
Children's
Literature. PUBYAC was a lifesaver as I planned programs, needed to know
about useful resources, or needed some input from someone else in the
field. I have continued to find PUBYAC useful as I have changed
positions. In my current position as Youth Services Consultant for
Heritage Trail Library System, a regional library system in Illinois, I
work with staff from 60 public libraries and I am often referring my youth
services staff to PUBYAC, especially those in rural libraries with one or
two staff members to man the whole library. PUBYAC is such a valuable
resource for librarians from all sizes and shapes of public libraries.
Thank you Shannon for all the work you do for our benefit and thank you U
of I for assisting us in maintaining this vital and active resource.
Mary J. Soucie
Youth Services Consultant
Heritage Trail Library System
-----------------------------------
I would like to thank PUBYAC for being a big part of
my professional life.
I AM the Youth Services Department in a small library
on the Oregon Coast. There's no one else on staff who
is interested in discussing the latest junior fiction
or why one book won the Caldecott and another didn't.
There's no one to discuss the pros and cons of
filtering, or which children's encyclopedia is the
best.
PUBYAC is my link to the Outside World. I consider
the time spent as part of my continuing education.
PUBYAC is especially vital to small, rural libraries
where there might be only one children's/youth
librarian on staff and oftentimes that person is a
paraprofessional.
Please continue this oh-so essential service. Thank
you.
-------------------------------------------
I found PUBYAC quite helpful in adding anecdotal text to an article I
wrote Reference Interview: Strategies for Children that was published in
the Fall 1998 issue of North Carolina Libraries. Some of the citations in
the article were ones from postings on PUBYAC. I think the article would
not have been as enjoyable to read without the addition of material from
PUBYAC.
Best wishes,
Mel Burton
Children's Information Specialist
North County Regional Library
Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County
-----------------------------------------
Has PUBYAC had a positive influence? It most certainly has. I don't have
one
particular standout story, but over the course of the two years I have
been
subscribing to PUBYAC, my library patrons have been the beneficiaries of
at
least a dozen programs that would never have happened at the Library
except
for the pooling of library talent from across the country.
Some of the policies that we have written and implemented in our
Library have been greatly improved by the feedback and generous sharing
that
occurs on a regular basis on the PUBYAC listserve. I have shared
information about tutoring programs in libraries that has bolstered the
library based volunteer tutoring service we offer in our city. (We now
have
over 60 volunteer tutors tutoring over 100 children.)
Our Internet use policy, and the type of software we offer has a
direct link to the suggestions and discussions on PUBYAC.
Special programs, ranging from a Dr. Seuss Foot Party to a
collaboration with the high school science department for a Science Magic
Workshop, from a Harry Potter Day to parenting workshops, all came about
because of ideas shared on PUBYAC.
Several of our patrons were thrilled to learn that the title of a
long-lost book was found because of the shared knowledge of librarians
across the country.
Our summer reading club was re-vamped based on ideas from a number
of librarians from across the country.
PUBYAC has become one of the most important sources for sharing
information -- from great new websites to solutions for patron behavior
problems -- that the youth services librarians in our system have.
Our grateful thanks to Shannon, our moderator, and to Prairienet
for allowing us to be connected.
Pat Vasilik
Children's Coordinator
Clifton Public Library
Clifton, NJ
vasilik@palsplus.org
-----------------------------------
From: Lu Benke [mailto:lubenke@libsys.ci.fort-collins.co.us]
Sent: Friday, February 25, 2000 3:59 PM
To: pyowner@amber2.jefferson.lib.co.us
Subject: Re: Needed: PUBYAC Positive Influence Stories!
PUBYAC has revolutionized children's librarianship.
If that sounds like a rather strong statement, it was meant to be. I have
been a subscriber to PUBYAC for 4+ years. I also belong to ALA, ALSC, our
state organization, and several library-related listservs. In the time I
have been on PUBYAC, I have relied on it as a professional resource more
than all the others put together. PUBYAC has been there for me in
countless ways, some earth-shaking, some simply as a way to express and
reaffirm my passion for the work I do as a children's librarian. I
continually marvel that not only is the concept of PUBYAC extremely
valuable, but the moderating provided is so professional, efficient and
comprehensive I can't imagine how anyone could do it and also be a
practicing librarian.
Here are just a few of the ways I have participated in PUBYAC:
- When we went from a single Main Library to a system with a branch, I
asked PUBYAC readers to share their stories of how children's services
might
change to accommodate our growth. The information I gathered was more
relevant than the book and periodical research I also did and has guided
our growth for the last 3 years. It is being used as a model by others
at our library.
- When City officials pressured us to keep staff from working at home on
storytimes or supportive activities I panicked and asked PUBYAC members,
how do you keep a creative staff and yet tell them they can't prepare
materials at home? The answers I received let me know I was not alone in
feeling the expectations were unrealistic and I needed to keep
working on a compromise.
- When budgets were tight and I needed proof on how children's services
do have a positive effect on children and reading, I started a discussion
thread on how we need to support research on the effectiveness of
children's
programming. I also posted a long-held belief of mine that children's
library staff need more training in the reading process. The encouraging
responses I received gave me energy to try some changes in our own
department, both in how we track statistics and in how we train our staff.
- When a controversial issue rears its head (filtering, unattended
children, children's right to privacy, a culturally-insensitive popular
book, corporate support of children's programming, etc.) I read the
comments of PUBYAC posters avidly, waiting and watching for our
"leaders"
in the field (Mary K. Chelton is my favorite) as well as others to speak
up and provide insights that help me clarify my own thinking and lead my
own department through the controversy.
- When a tragedy like Columbine struck, PUBYAC was literally and
figuratively there. Whether it was booklists and services to help shocked
children and parents that we compiled and shared through PUBYAC or the
garnering of support for relief efforts, we could act and support
nationally much more quickly and effectively through PUBYAC.
You should see the folders I keep in my PINE account of valuable posts
from PUBYAC: training of children's staff, problem patrons, volunteering,
programming ideas, how to circulate magazines, new building ideas,
volunteers, lapsits, statistics, school-public library cooperation....
Staff from other departments regularly ask me to forward responses that I
have saved on various topics.
I could list dozens of examples of how I have quickly, easily, and
satisfyingly turned to PUBYAC in less time than it would have taken me to
write one letter. Yet I received in a few days time useful answers from
literally all over the world. I've also tried to be there with help for
others, responding to questions where I feel our experiences would help
another library, forwarding on answers from questions I posted years ago
and now a new PUBYACer wants to know what's happening, or answering
stumpers
from old children's books in my personal collection at home.
I love children's librarianship and am very proud of what we do. There
are not a lot of us and we often are low on the totem pole of power in
the libraries where we work. PUBYAC gives to those of us that participate
the support and colleagiality that few of us enjoy in our places of work.
It allows us to greet the future and the changes in libraries with plenty
of ideas and viewpoints and the confidence and energy to move forward and
make a difference with kids and with libraries.
I think I will mount a campaign to sell bumper stickers that say "HAVE
YOU HUGGED YOUR LISTSERV TODAY?" Thank you, PUBYAC, and thank you to all
who make PUBYAC possible.
Lu Benke
Children's Services
Fort Collins Public Library
201 Peterson Street phone: 970-221-6678
Fort Collins, CO 80524 fax: 970-221-6398
lubenke@libsys.ci.fort-collins.co.us
----------------------------------------
As a fairly new children's librarian and a graduate of GSLIS at the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign I'd like to voice my support
for
the continued funding of PUBYAC.
PUBYAC is one of the few chances I get to network with other youth
services
librarians. Even though I am part of a large library system, I am the
only
children's person in my branch on a daily basis. PUBYAC provides an
invaluable resource for program ideas, booklists, stumpers, feedback on
numerous issues, as well as a place to vent to others who understand my
situation.
I first started subscribing to PUBYAC as a library school student at UIUC.
During that time I posed several questions to the group to assist me in
assignments. Reading the posts also gave me more of a sense of what being
a
youth service librarian is about than sitting in class ever can (no matter
how wonderful the teacher--and I had some great ones). More recently I
was
able to question my colleagues on PUBYAC about their favorite databases
for
use with and by children. I was able to use this information to guide my
search for suitable databases to purchase at my library since this is an
area in which we are currently weak. This saved me a great deal of time
in
getting started since I had a number of great leads to get me started plus
the added insights of librarians actually using these products.
Even though I mostly only lurk on this LISTSERV, I am constantly getting
(and printing out!) exciting new ideas that I never would have come up
with
in isolation.
I know I'm rambling and I apologize. PUBYAC is a well-loved and much
needed
forum for everyone involved in youth services. It would be a horrible
shame
if librarians lost this resource due to lack of funding. Good luck!
-Sarajo Spurgeon
Sarajo L. Spurgeon
Children's Librarian
Chicago Public Library
North Pulaski Branch
spurgeon@chipublib.org
-------------------------
1) PUBYAC is not only an important discussion tool, but also a tool
for "research." While working on my book, Running Summer Library
Reading Programs (Neal Schuman), I made several posts asking for primary
source material -- actual stories and information about summer library
reading programs in school and public libraries -- from the people who
are directly involved in those programs. I received numerous responses
from librarians around the U.S. -- and several from outside the U.S.
These stories provided me with anecdotal evidence of what worked in
various communities. I cited many of the programs that I found this way
in my book and tied them to the research and data that I found through
traditional sources.
2) As a youth consultant at the State Library of Florida, I monitor
the discussions on PUBYAC to find out the latest trends in library
service to children and young adults. The information is current,
usually accurate. As a candidate for ALSC Vice President/President
Elect, I find keeping informed about what is "hot" in service to
children and YAs is important not only to hear what people are
"saying"
and discussing, but who is active and involved in the profession. I am
keeping a list of people so, if elected, I will have a start on the many
committee appointments that I will need to make over the next 2 years.
***********************************************
Carole D. Fiore
Library Program Specialist
State Library of Florida
R. A. Gray Building
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250
Phone: 850-487-2651
Fax: 850-488-2746
cfiore@mail.dos.state.fl.us
and
Independent Library Consultant and
Candidate for ALSC Vice President/President Elect
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
Phone and Fax: 850-656-2054
cfiore@earthlink.net
**********************************************
-------------------------
It is late on a Friday night as I begin writing to you. My library is
about
to go out on strike at midnight. In addition, I'm participating in one of
North America's largest storytelling festivals this weekend. However,
PUBYAC is very important to me & so I'm taking a few minutes out to tell
my
story.
It was not until three years after graduation that I found my first
position
as a Children's Librarian in the area where I live. Without a library as
an
employer, it was difficult to develop & maintain my identity as a
competent
& well-qualified Children's Librarian. This is where PUBYAC filled a
major
gap in my professional life.
The subscribers to PUBYAC became my online colleagues. Each day, I
learned
from them just as I might have learned from co-workers. I asked questions
when I had them and answered questions whenever I could. Then one night
at
a meeting, I discovered the Children's Librarians in our local system had
been following my contributions to PUBYAC. Without knowing it, I had been
able to build a reputation for myself 'even without a library as an
employer'.
After a long hiring freeze, our local library system was in the position
to
hire Children's Librarians on a part-time basis. Finally, I had an
opportunity to be interviewed. When asked 'how would I keep informed
with
new developments in library work with children & youth', I was able to
answer 'through PUBYAC & my membership in other library & children's
book
associations'. And, because of PUBYAC, I was also better prepared to
discuss current issues in library work with children & youth.
I am very thankful to PUBYAC and its subscribers. They really helped me
through a long period of unemployment. And, for this, I am forever
grateful.
Sincerely,
Jackie Howard
Toronto CANADA
-------------------------
I can't tell you how many times PUBYAC has solved stumpers. My patrons
think I am just wonderful and so smart!
So, stumpers is just one of the ways PUBYAC has helped me. I have also
printed so many different bibliographies that have been compiled through
the list's members. This has also proved invaluable.
Mary Schrader
Oakland (CA) Public Library
bills@sirius.com <mailto:bills@sirius.com>
-------------------------------------
I am a student at the School of Library and Information Studies at
Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. I have been
subscribing to Pubyac since it was recommended to me by my Children's
Literature professor in January of this year.
I find the postings to Pubyac to be extremely interesting. They make me
aware of a lot of issues that I will have to face upon graduation (and
hopefully finding employment) next spring. I have also found several of
the postings to be useful for discussions in other courses such as
Management and Research Methods.
Thanks, Pubyac. I hope you are still there when I am a librarian.
Grace Sheppard
School of Library and Information Studies
Dalhousie University
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada
---------------------------------------
I wanted to take a moment to let you know how invaluable a resource PUBYAC
has been for us.
As the only YA staff member in our organization, it's often difficult to
find others excited and experienced about teen issues and services. I need
only look to PUBYAC to find hundreds of terrific ideas to help me create
better programs, services and resources for my teens. I learn much more
through PUBYAC than I do by reading most professional journals. PUBYAC has
helped me answer patron questions, develop successful programs and create
fabulously helpful booklists.
In addition, our children's department (of which I am also a part) loves
PUBYAC. We've used many ideas from the list, and anytime we've requested
help, it has come from PUBYAC members all over the country.
Thank you for this invaluable service. Keep up the great work!
Sincerely,
Marsha Rakestraw,
Teen Services Specialist
Washington-Centerville Public Library
111 W. Spring Valley Road
Centerville, OH 45458
(937) 885-1432
rakestma@oplin.lib.oh.us
OR
cvjuve@oplin.lib.oh.us
-------------------------------------------
PUBYAC has been a life-saver in helping to program for storytimes, craft
programs, and helping this new children's librarian understand many of the
issues and concerns of other children's librarians all over the world.
Without a sounding board for ideas and resources like PUBYAC it would have
been extremely difficult to have sponsored a popular Harry Potter program,
a summer reading program, and learn all those fingerplays, etc., that are
so essential in interesting the little ones who are the future of
libraries. While our programming brings them into the library, we hope
that our collections and offerings will bring them back time and again.
Thank you very much for the big help you have been to my professional
life.
Kay Bowes
Concord Pike Library
Wilmington, DE
kbowes@tipcat.dtcc.edu
-----------------------------------
I don't have a specific story, but I know that PUBYAC is where I go if
I need ideas on programs, situations, trainings, furniture, and building
problems for YA. I get lots of ideas from browsing and have often
answered other people's requests for ideas or information. This is a
wonderful point of connection for youth services librarians across the
country!
Donna McMillen, Managing Librarian
donnamcm@kcls.org
King County Library System
Algona-Pacific Library
255 Ellingson Road, Pacific WA 98047
phone: (253)833-3554
fax:(206)296-5019
------------------------------
I am relatively new (11 months now) in my position with the library and a
brand new (1 month) subscriber to pubyac. This is my first paid,
professional position as a youth services librarian, having been a
reference librarian most of my career. My library is the "public"
library
for the blind and visually impaired children, teens and adults of
Missouri.
I am rather isolated from other youth services librarians in Missouri
public
libraries, so it has really been a help to hear what colleagues say on
pubyac. I hope you get the funding you need because I think this listserv
will be a great source of encouragement and support for me and eventually,
I
hope to contribute my experiences to it.
Nancy Doering
Youth Services Librarian
Wolfner Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
P.O. Box 387
600 W. Main
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0387
573-751-8720
-----------------------------------------
have been a subscriber for only a short time (about 4 months), but I
have gained useful ideas for preschool storytimes, the address for the
Harry Potter activity kit, the answer to a book stumper for a very
grateful patron, helpful lists on various topics, and opinions to
ponder. I urge you to continue to provide this very useful support for
children's librarians.
Carol Janoff cjanoff@lib.ci.phoenix.az.us
Librarian I
Mesquite Branch Library
Phoenix, AZ
-------------------------------
I'm happy to tell you how important PUBYAC has been to me during the past
7 months. After 30 years of academic and school librarian work, I made a
career change to the world of public libraries. Here in Maine, we import
our library degree programs so there is no local library school where I
can go to learn about this wonderful world of public library work with
children and young people. PUBYAC has met that need in my life. My
position is an administrative one and I head a team of two professional
librarians and 2 half-time, highly-talented paraprofessionals. We are all
on the listserv and it comes up regularly in staff discussion, both formal
and informal.
We have just completed a very successful week of School Vacation
programming
with over 400 attendees at our Harry Potter Day. Many of the activities
(wand making, library quidditch, bean tasting) came right from suggestions
from other PUBYAC librarians who had already held HP Days. I check my
mail several times a day and contribute where I feel my expertise could be
helpful. Thank you for your work in providing this invaluable service to
me and my staff.
Sally Jeanne Kappler
Coordinator of Youth Services
Curtis Memorial Library
Brunswick ME 04011
------------------------------------
PUBYAC is very important in this Children's Service's
Manager's life! It has been very helpful to read
people's reactions to issues in Children's
Librarianship- you get a good crossover view of how
people are thinking. ALso very practical help-- great
suggestions on programming--also great discussion on
questions to ask when interviewing for new positions
and of course the humbug witches where we all help
each other with those folks seeking a book they
remember but oh so slightly! It would be a great
shame to see this resource disappear. I depend on it!
THanks Bonnie Janssen
-----------------------------------
I can't think of one uplifting experience I've had through PUBYAC, but I
can tell you that it is an invaluable tool for me. I subscribed to this
listserv a month after I received my first professional position in the
public library setting and I have learned SO MUCH from reading the
postings. I delete nothing without reading it first. It has given me
program ideas, solutions to shelving and weeding problems, answers to
those stumpers we all get, and I know that no question is too ridiculous
to ask these people. Someone will be happy to answer any question
posted. The debates have given me a well-rounded view of many issues
and helped me to decide what stand I want to take. I don't know what I
would do without this listserv - I'd be lost!
Thank you for all of the hard work you do to keep those messages coming
to us - we all deeply appreciate it!
Kathleen Saxton
Willoughby Library
Willoughby, Ohio
------------------------------------------
PUBYAC is the answer to many a Youth Librarian's dream. It is a place to
share ideas, to find answers to tough questions, a place to find a job (I
did), it is a community of librarians that never existed before.
Conferences are one way to network, to share ideas, but PUBYAC is there
every day, ready to serve. I can keep up on current issues, hear what
others think about books, get a fully planned program, find arguments for
new services, design a new library space, find the title of that very
obscure book-- the possiblities are seemingly endless.
PUBYAC is a very useful tool for anyone that works with children in
libraries!
Angela J. Reynolds
Youth Services Librarian
Washington County Cooperative Library Services
111 NE Lincoln St. #230-L MS 58A
Hillsboro, OR 97124-3036
503-466-1894 fax: 503-615-6601
angelar@wccls.lib.or.us
-----------------------------------------
s the only person in the children's department at the Broadview Public
Library, Pubyac is a lifesaver for me. It is wonderful to have so many
others to bounce ideas around. I have received invaluable information
from this terrific group not only as a children's librarian, but as a
trustee at another library. I depend upon Pubyac for great programming
ideas, stumper answers, helpful websites, and affirmation that our
problems are universal. I would be lost without Pubyac.
--
Kathy Graham
Youth Services
Broadview Public Library District
2226 S. 16th Ave.
Broadview, IL 60153
(708) 345-1325
---------------------------------------
PUBYAC keeps me up with the discussions of the day. I log on about 5
times a week and dip my oar in when discussion hits on strings that I know
something about or have an opinion about.
Since I work in a very large library system with a healthy budget
and lots of support for children's services it is really useful and
instructive to hear what smaller libraries and libraries with really
restricted budgets are grappling with.
Censorship is an issue close to my heart and I need to hear what
materials are challanged, why, and how they are defended. Forewarned is
forearmed. I can read the challenged materials from other libraries and
be knowledgeable enough about them when/if challenges arise in our area.
PUBYAC also exercises my brain with the STUMPERS. I answer when I
can and learn something new when somebody else answers the question.
The bibliographies people have shared have been really useful for
our own reader advisory. Program plans shared help us include aspects of
programs others have done, making our programs for children richer.
And, I have made new friends in the world of library service to
children so when I attend conferences there are people I know--at least
electronically. We can carry on discussions and share information and
ideas because of the PUBYAC connection.
And...because of the responses to questions and problems on
PUBYAC, I feel I know some of the ALSC candidates better (those that are
active PUBYAC-ers, anyway) and can
make more informed voting decisions when the spring ALSC ballot arrives.
Hope this helps. jeri
Jeri Kladder, Children's Librarian & Storyteller
jkladder@freenet.columbus.oh.us
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Columbus, Ohio
-----------------------------------
I've been on Pubyac for a couple of years. I have had stumpers answered,
and received really useful advice on several matters, such as series for
boys, good encyclopedias, and reference training. But I think the best
feature of this list is that it keeps me up to date with happenings in
children's library services and literature. I can only afford 1
periodical
(and that was a stretch), so to me, and to my library which has benefited
from Pubyac ideas, Pubyac is invaluable.
Thank you very much, and long may it continue.
Pam Gravenor
Children's and Young Person's Librarian
Nelson Public Library
Private Bag 41
NELSON
New Zealand
pam.gravenor@ncc.govt.nz
-----------------------------------
I am currently the Branch Librarian at the Rumford Branch of the East
Providence (RI) Public Library system. Before I was the Branch Librarian,
I
was the Young Adult Librarian for the entire system. In both positions,
PUBYAC was key. As the Branch Librarian, I am basically in charge of
everything from programming to plumbing. In the 6 years I have been a
part
of the listserv, I have always been amazed by the appropriate and timely
discussions of issues I am facing. Librarians always share their advice,
their knowledge, and their wisdom. The PUBYAC listerv is a terrific
example
of that sharing.
When we were having problems with our "latchkey" teen population,
there
happen to be a discussion on PUBYAC.
When I needed a storytime for baths, lo and behold, someone else was also
looking for the same, and people shared!
And as a professional, the discussions of Intellectual Freedom, from both
the theoretical to the trenches, keep me thinking and stimulated.
A lot of these things, knowledge, wisdom, discussion, can be found in
books
and at conferences. PUBYAC gives me all of that every day, right there at
my own library when I may not be able to get out to a conference or when
budgets are crunched. The resources of librarians, especially the
librarians' experience, is valuable.
Sincerely,
Denise Inman
Rumford Branch Librarian
East Providence, RI
-------------------------------------
As a brand new Children's Librarian, I consider PUBYAC my lifeline. I have
gotten excellent ideas for programming, collection development, and review
sources, and know I can count on the librarians on PUBYAC for help with
"stumpers". It makes a huge difference in how I approach my job; I
believe
the networking available through PUBYAC makes all libraries stronger!
Beth Strauss, Children's Librarian, Nesmith Library, 8 Fellows Road,
Windham, NH 03087 bstrauss@library.windham.nh.us
<mailto:bstrauss@library.windham.nh.us>
--------------------------------------
To Whom It May Concern:
The Youth Services Department at our library has found PUBYAC to be
very beneficial in providing assistance with the day-to-day needs of our
department. We have used information on such varied topics as programming
activities, programming policies, internet policies, bibliographies,
community outreach, interview techniques when hiring staff, summer reading
ideas, award winning books, bibliotherapy and more. The questions and
responses shared from one to another through this medium serve to enhance,
stimulate and support our activities.
Knowing that there is an avenue for all of us to share ideas and ask
for support is very important in these times of more diversified
responsibilities. Whether we are a one person library or a department in
a
larger library, we all have the need to network and support one another
and
PUBYAC is a way for this to happen regardless of location, staffing,
experience, etc.
Thank you for the opportunity to voice my support of PUBYAC and all
that means to us.
Miriam Thompson
Youth Services Librarian
Baraboo Public Library
Youth Services Staff
Baraboo Public Library
230 4th Ave., Baraboo WI 53913
Phone: 608-356-6166 FAX: 608-355-2779
barch@scls.lib.wi.us
-----------------------------
I don't know if I can even give you an idea of what a blessing
PUBYAC
has been to me. I am a fairly new, and very busy Young Adult Librarian
with many other hats to wear (don't we all?!). PUBYAC gives me lots of
ideas that I am trying to work into my Young Adult programs. It also
gives me access to so many other children's and young adult librarians
around the world. They give me many things to think about, and to work
on bringing into my situation here, and all kinds of support. I found
two very pleasant roomies to share expenses at the DC ALA convention, to
save on costs for my library. There are no other young adult public
librarians in the city, although I do try to stay in contact with my
school library media compatriots in the local junior and senior high
schools.
Without PUBYAC I would very likely be overwhelmed with trying to
provide
Young
Adult services and still keep up with all my Adult Reference duties. I
truly hope that you will manage to continue to provide this great service
to us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Sincerely, Rosemarie
Rosemarie Grainer, Reference/Young Adult Librarian
Olean Public Library, 134 N. 2nd St., Olean, NY 14760
716/372-0200; Fx: 716/372-8651; casseri@juno.com
-------------------------------------
This listserve has been an important tool for my department and me. Our
middle sized library cannot afford all the professional reference material
that larger libraries have.
By asking the librarians associated with the listserve, questions about
policies, procedures, programming ideas and computer hardware, software
and any other ware we have at our fingertips all the information available
from the best children's librarians around the world. Even the users that
never ask a question cannot help but learn from the opinions of these
librarians.
When someone asks a question that has been asked time and again we still
learn, because every time someone new answers with new ideas and thoughts.
I do know that my job would be much harder and much more time consuming if
I did not have this listserve on which to rely. It helps to be able to
turn on the computer and see that ours is not the only library in the
world that has problem parents with problem children. I know that
somewhere out there someone else is having the same problem and that just
by asking I have instantly suggestions for solving my problem.
If ever there was something good and right on the Internet, it is PUBYAC.
Dorothy Williams
Children's Librarian
Peabody Public Library
PO Box 406
Columbia City, IN 46725
dorothy@peabody.whitleynet.org
----------------------------
I posted a stumper for a patron who was trying to track down a book, long
out of print. She was appalled when I said I was going to use the
listserve to do so; "I hate computers! I hate the Internet!" she said.
She
was worried that somehow her privacy would be invaded, although I hastened
to assure her that her name would never come up. When the right title was
found and confirmed by 4 widely-spread librarians (Gregory, the noisiest
and strongest boy in Grangers Grove, by Robert Bright) the patron said
"that's the first time I've ever seen anything good come from
computers!"
Laurel Sharp
Liverpool Public Library (NY)
------------------------------
End of PUBYAC Digest 89
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