|
From: "PUBYAC: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults
& Children" <pubyac@prairienet.org>
To: "PUBYAC: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults & Children"
<pubyac@prairienet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2000 11:58 PM
Subject: PUBYAC digest 282
PUBYAC Digest 282
Topics covered in this issue include:
1) Book Bingo
by Marcia Elias <eliasm@pls.lib.ca.us>
2) Re: children's audio tapes
by "Melissa Karnosh" <MKARNOSH@Browardlibrary.org>
3) Re: Never mind professional attire--what about gum & candy?
by Paulalef@aol.com
4) Re: Never mind professional attire--what about gum & candy?
by Natalie <nattiek@yahoo.com>
5) Joint ventures of libraries
by grim <grim@mail.inetone.net>
6) Eating in the library
by "Judy Stewart" <stewartj@einetwork.net>
7) RE: Picture books...my favorite soap box revisited
by "P_Marie (Marie McDermed)" <P_Marie@KCLIBRARY.ORG>
8) Halloween story
by MILFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY <milford.public.lib@snet.net>
9) Stumper repeat
by "Denise P. Stout" <dpstout@ccls.org>
10) Re: Fwd: Graphic Novel Reviews?
by "Melanie C. Duncan" <duncanm@mail.bibb.public.lib.ga.us>
11) stumper - sheriff
by "Carol L. Hranko" <hrankoca@oplin.lib.oh.us>
12) stumper solved
by Mary Matuszewski <marym@srls.public.lib.ga.us>
13) RE: appropriate topics
by "Denise P. Stout" <dpstout@ccls.org>
14) Re: Picture Books
by "Vicky Smith" <Vicky.Smith>
15) Re: Picture Books
by "steve webber" <mstomper@hotmail.com>
16) RE: Appropriate picture books
by "Elizabeth McKay" <ebuono73@hotmail.com>
17) Re: Picture Books
by "Elizabeth McKay" <ebuono73@hotmail.com>
18) RE: Picture Books
by Sue Ridnour <SRidnour@flower-mound.com>
19) RE: Appropriate picture books
by "Liz Maggio" <liz@palos-verdes.lib.ca.us>
20) Re: Picture Books
by Teresa Lambert <lamberte@oplin.lib.oh.us>
21) Re: Picture Books
by "Fredda Williams" <freddawilliams@hotmail.com>
22) Re: The Golden Compass and The Subtle Knife
by "Mary Johnson (amk)" <mjohnson@wls.lib.ny.us>
23) RE: The Golden Compass and The Subtle Knife
by Celeste Fong <CMFong@ci.ontario.ca.us>
24) Internet filtering plan misses mark, critics say
by "Don Wood" <dwood@ala.org>
25) Jefferson Parish Criminalizes Cybersmut in Libraries
by "Don Wood" <dwood@ala.org>
26) Don't let McCain censor the Net by Christopher Hunter
by "Don Wood" <dwood@ala.org>
27) Mandated Mediocrity: Blocking Software Gets a Failing Grade
by "Don Wood" <dwood@ala.org>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Marcia Elias <eliasm@pls.lib.ca.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Book Bingo
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 19:41:55 CDT
Hello,
I would like to have a Book Bingo night for elementary-middle school
kids. Has anyone done this before? How did you do it? It's a
challenge
to make the cards with titles of books in the squares. Perhaps there's an
easier way. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks.
Marcia
------------------------------
From: "Melissa Karnosh" <MKARNOSH@Browardlibrary.org>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: children's audio tapes
MIME-Version: 1.0
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Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 19:53:57 CDT
> RICHARDSONM@charleston.lib.sc.us
wrote:
>
> Hi Pubyac-ers,
> I would like to "pick the collective brain". I, and several
other staff
> members, like to use tradional children's music during our programs.
We
> compose our oun lyrics and set the new songs to the music of traditional
> tunes----i.e. dinosaur songs to "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star".
I have not
> been successful in finding audio tapes or compact discs of these kinds of
> traditional children's songs that only contain the music rather than the
> music and the lyrics. I have looked locally, through a variety of
cata
> logs and on the internet. If anyone has a suggestion as to where this
type
> of music could be purchased, I would really appreciate the advice.
> TIA Margaret Richardson Otranto Road Regional Library North Charleston SC
>
>
Since you are using only traditional tunes, have you thought about
recording your own? If someone on your staff knows someone who has
an electronic keyboard, the odds are that you could easily make your
own tapes and possibly even CDs. My friend's keyboard allows him to
record directly to a floppy disk, or to a cassette tape through an
output port. It may even be possible to hook up a CD burner to one
of these--then all you would need to do would be to have somebody
play simple arrangements of the tunes you generally use. This would
give you a customized collection, with absolutely no worries about
copyright that I could see.
Melissa Karnosh
Head of Youth Services
Broward County South Regional/BCC Library
Broward County, FL
------------------------------
From: Paulalef@aol.com
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Never mind professional attire--what about gum & candy?
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
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Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 20:05:59 CDT
We had a coffee bar for a while. It was subbed out to a local coffee shop
which provided coffee, soda, cakes, candy, etc. The staff was totally
against
it but the Board wanted it so it came.
Ultimately the contractor chose to leave. Sales were not what they expected,
not even enough to cover the expenses of the employees who manned it.
Probably success was not helped by the fact that it began in May, with a hot
summer following during which hot beverages were not much in demand, but
there were several issues that caused problems.
We asked the owners not to push candy, but they ignored us. Many parents
told
us that they would have liked to have sat there during story hours, but
younger children begged so much for candy that the parents eventually gave
up. When cake was not sold when fresh, the owners left it and sold it stale.
When it ran out, they did not always replace it. We have a garden apartment
complex around us with many kids who essentially live in the library. When
they hung out in the snack bar, the staff often felt they were shoplifting.
(Some probably were!) This tarred all kids in the snack bar clerks'
opinions,
which did not win friends either.
For the staff, the big issue was that the coffee bar took up a lot of space
in the most desirable area of a very crowded library. Yes, the patrons
weren't supposed to take coffee out of the area, and yes, we occasionally
found cups in the stacks. We found lots of candy wrappers in the children's
room, but there is a Krauser's across the street and we always find candy
wrappers in the children's room. A few senior citizens met in the morning to
chat over coffee, but mostly the facilities were used by staff.
After the snack bar left, we kept a couple of tables in the area with the
understanding that people could eat and drink there, but that space has now
been reclaimed for other purposes.
It was an experiment. It failed. It cost the library a fair amount of money
because of equipment we had to buy and changes to the plumbing to meet
health
codes. I think it may have worked in some other libraries in New Jersey
because we visited a number of such coffee bars before ours went into
effect,
but I know that ours was not the only one to fail.
Hope this helps.
Paula Lefkowitz
Head, Children's Department
Parsippany (NJ) PL (the central library of a 3 branch system in a city of
a
little over 50,000 people in northwest New Jersey)
------------------------------
From: Natalie <nattiek@yahoo.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Never mind professional attire--what about gum & candy?
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 20:17:56 CDT
Hi,
We have a coffee machine at my library, but there are
some rules to it. For one, no drinks are allowed in
the computer room or near the computers and rule twom
drinks are not allowed in the Children's Room - no
exceptions. If we want one, we bring it straight to
our office.
Natalie
=====
Natalie Kramer
Youth Services Librarian
Farmingdale Public Library
Farmingdale, NY
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Messenger - Talk while you surf! It's FREE.
http://im.yahoo.com/
------------------------------
From: grim <grim@mail.inetone.net>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Joint ventures of libraries
Mime-Version: 1.0
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Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 20:29:47 CDT
I remember a message on the listserv recently about joint ventures between
academic and public libraries. The library where I work is considering
this
kind of partnership. Any information or articles on this subject would be
appreciated. Thanks in advance for any help. You can e-mail me off
the
list.
Thanks,
Christy
grim@inetone.net
Greenbrier County Public Library
Lewisburg, WV
------------------------------
From: "Judy Stewart" <stewartj@einetwork.net>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Eating in the library
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Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 20:41:43 CDT
Hello everyone. I guess we are the exception to the rule. Our
library
director is fine with controlled food - i.e., for library sponsored
activities - For example, I have a teen advisory board that meets
monthly for pizza and pop. We meet in the YA section that is sort of
separate instead of the program room (where we have food all the time).
I think it is important to have the teens meet right with the books so I
can get them excited about books, do spontaneous booktalks, etc. Some
don't even know there IS a YA section. We are a smaller library and
able to be more flexible. We give out candy as treats, rewards for
contests. Even the adults like that. There are no rules about
gum-chewing (which I personally don't like), we don't have personal food
or drink in public areas. We do have a small coffee/tea area but there
is a sign requesting patrons to remain in that area with their coffee -
it is a reading/magazine/newspaper area. We find it to be very
welcoming and warm.
In our older branch there is no program room so all programming was done
right in the library itself. Very difficult, but the director said it
was important to have neat programs and if that involved some food or
treats, so be it. Yes, we find the occasional moldy food stuck in the
stacks, but it's not that bad.
just our two cents.
Judy Stewart
Community Library of Alleghey Valley
------------------------------
From: "P_Marie (Marie McDermed)" <P_Marie@KCLIBRARY.ORG>
To: "'PUBYAC: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults & Children '"
Subject: RE: Picture books...my favorite soap box revisited
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain;
Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 20:53:26 CDT
Is my mind really gone, or have I just developed this idea out of thin
air?
I thought that I was taught that Picture books and Illustrated books were
two separate things. A Picture book relies on the pictures to tell the
story and an Illustrated book adds selected illustrations to enhance the
story. This would have been in Children and Books...but the old Arbuthnot
edition...yes I am talking early '60's. I know that we had very intense
discussions on which category should hold which book. I still am trying to
teach the teachers of children's literature at our local colleges the
difference. Alas, my catalogers and administrators dont want a division in
our shelving...so my picture book section holds illustrated books cataloged
under J Easy and my fiction section gets the few that I stomp my foot to get
changed.
************************
------------------------------
From: MILFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY <milford.public.lib@snet.net>
To: PUBYAC@prairienet.org
Subject: Halloween story
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Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 21:05:06 CDT
Does anyone know the Halloween story that involves a folded piece of
orange paper with the top corners cut off, holes cut in the fold for
doors, and one cut for a window? It looks like a house, but when it's
open it becomes a jack-o'lantern. I know I should have taken notes when
I heard it but stupidly trusted my memory. I should know better!
Thanks
Deesha Martin
Milford (CT) Public Library
milford.public.lib@snet.net
------------------------------
From: "Denise P. Stout" <dpstout@ccls.org>
To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'"
<pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: Stumper repeat
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain
Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 21:16:44 CDT
I know this may have been asked a while ago, but has anyone come up with a
source for the story "Chese, Peas, and Chocolate Pudding"? I
either missed
it or accidentally deleated it. I love to do food stories at thanksgiving
and holiday times and can't resist making a flannel board for this one. I
like to back up things like this with a source so I can show children where
I got the story from and share with day care teachers too.
Thanks in advance!
------------------------------
From: "Melanie C. Duncan" <duncanm@mail.bibb.public.lib.ga.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org, mjenson-benjamin@ci.glendale.az.us
Subject: Re: Fwd: Graphic Novel Reviews?
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 21:28:51 CDT
Aviva Rothschild regularly reviews graphic novels and is an active
participant in the Graphic Novels in Libraries listserv at Topica,
GNLIB-L@topica.com.
Her website is http://www.rationalmagic.com/Comics/Comics.html.
You can also subscribe to the Graphic Novels list by sending a blank e-mail
to GNLIB-L-subscribe@topica.com
or by visiting Topica's website,
http://www.topica.com.
Sincerely,
Melanie C. Duncan, M.S.L.S.
Christian Fiction columnist, Library Journal
Editor/Publisher, The Bookdragon Review (ISSN 1527-0157)
http://www.bookdragonreview.com
All opinions expressed are my own.
------------------------------
From: "Carol L. Hranko" <hrankoca@oplin.lib.oh.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: stumper - sheriff
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 21:40:30 CDT
I am looking for a children's picture book about a sheriff. I used the
book three or four years ago, but can't find it anywhere! We have dynix
and I have tried subject, title keywords, etc.
A town has a sheriff that is so good, bad guys won't even bother to come
to town. The town decides it's wasting its money on paying the sheriff,
so they get rid of him. He has no other talents - tries farming,... -ends
up playing the harmonica (very bad - even his dog runs away when he
plays). Eventually a gang hits town and does all types of bad things
-robs the bank, takes all the people's clothes- finally a young boy
remembers the sheriff, goes after him. The sheriff get the gang out of
town by playing the harmonica.
If you have any clues - please respond directly to me.
Thanks!!
Carol Hranko
Shadyside Public Library
hrankoca@oplin.lib.oh.us
------------------------------
From: Mary Matuszewski <marym@srls.public.lib.ga.us>
To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'"
<pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: stumper solved
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain
Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 21:52:51 CDT
Thanks to all who responded to the story about the woman whose head was
held on by a ribbon. There are many versions. It's called either the
green ribbon or the red ribbon. It can be found in the following
places:
Tales for the Midnight Hour - Judith Stamper
Stories to Tell in the Dark
In a Dark, Dark Room - both by Alvin Schartz
(version at my library
- early reader)
Jump Tales - Jackie Torrence sound recording
Juba this and Juba That - Virginia Tashjian
Dian Goode's Book of Scary Stories and Songs
Maria Leach's Rainbow Book of American Folktales
Thanks again for all your help!
Mary M
------------------------------
From: "Denise P. Stout" <dpstout@ccls.org>
To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'"
<pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: RE: appropriate topics
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain
Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 22:04:26 CDT
I agree with Lisa. Also remember that books provide a child a safe
expereince to draw upon. Sharing a book before a time of stress, such as
one dealing with death or upsetting situation, provides a child an
opportunity to gain "experience" in a safe situation, provide a
discussion
launch, and more.
Just my two cents...
Denise M. Pulgino Stout, Youth Services Outreach Librarian
Chester County Public Library
450 Exton Square Parkway
Exton PA 19341
610.280.2672
dpstout@ccls.org
Fax:610-280-2693
Imagine Whirled Peas.......
"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog,
it's too
dark to read."
Groucho Marx
> ----------
> From: Lisa Whitley[SMTP:lwhitley@MtLaurel.Lib.NJ.US]
> Reply To: pubyac@prairienet.org
> Sent: Tuesday, October 24, 2000 12:25 PM
> To: pubyac@prairienet.org
> Subject: Re: appropriate topics
>
> As a lurker, I would usually reply directly to the person posting
this
> query
> but I think this is something of discussion interest to the list.
> First of all I think Smoky Night by Eve Bunting IS an appropriate picture
> book
> because it explains an event ( in an understandable manner) that
shocked
> the
> nation and brought forth a discussion on race relations. Second, many
> children
> find security in a book. It helps them make sense out of events happening
> in
> their lives or events they have seen on tv or newspapers. Many things
> that
> our
> children see and are aware of are very frightening and difficult to
> understand.
> As a mother and as a librarian, I am thankful to have meaningful tools to
> talk
> about hard issues and horrible events with my kids. Picture books can be
> used
> with a variety of ages - including teens. I totally discard the notion
> that
> picture books have to have everything turns out ok in order to be an
> "appropriate" book.
>
>
> Lisa Whitley
> Young Adult Librarian
> Mount Laurel Library
> Mount Laurel, NJ
>
> > Hello, All
> >
> > Let's talk about appropriate topics for picture books. I am
getting
> ready
> > to teach a Children's Lit course at a local college and ran across a
> couple
> > of books I really wonder about which reminded that there are others I
> have
> > wondered about. Specifically I am talking about SMOKY NIGHT by
Eve
> Bunting
> > and HIROSHIMA NO PIKA by Toshi Maruki. Picture books? How
popular have
> > they been?
> >
> > Will really appreciate a discussion of this.
> >
> > Peggy
> > Margaret "Peggy" Northcraft
> > Children's Librarian
> > Hannibal Free Public Library
> > Hannibal MO
> > "Librarians give safe harbor to the thoughts and dreams,
knowledge and
> > aspirations of humankind." Me
>
------------------------------
From: "Vicky Smith" <Vicky.Smith>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Picture Books
Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 22:16:18 CDT
> As long as we're ruminating upon sensitive books, has anyone gotten into
> difficulty with Babette Cole, specifically Dr. Dog?
I bought Dr. Dog on the recommendation of a nurse with the Visiting
Nurse service--they apparently hand copies out to parents of young
children they see as part of their hygiene education program. Was I
offended? No. Did my eyebrows rise? Yes. But, hey, if
it's good
enough for the Visiting Nurses, it's good enough for us. (And we
shelve it in easy non-fiction.)
Vicky Smith
Children's Librarian
McArthur Public Library (207)284-4181
270 Main Street
http://www.mcarthur.lib.me.us
Biddeford, ME 04005 vjsmith@mcarthur.lib.me.us
------------------------------
From: "steve webber" <mstomper@hotmail.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Picture Books
Mime-Version: 1.0
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Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 22:28:26 CDT
I love Dr. Dog, and have no qualms about reading it to my children.
However, because kids will be kids, they are prone to fits of laughter when
Grandpa flies through the air on the toilet. I've always shied away from
reading it to big groups in the interest of maintaining some semblance of
order. I have no problem using it with smaller groups, though.
Steve
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------------------------------
From: "Elizabeth McKay" <ebuono73@hotmail.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: RE: Appropriate picture books
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 22:40:25 CDT
We put our picture books for older kids (mature themes, etc) in a section
called IBAA--Illustrated Books for All Ages.
Elizabeth McKay
Children's Librarian
The Ferguson Library
1 Public Library Plaza
Stamford, CT 06904
<elizabeth@fergusonlibrary.org>
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------------------------------
From: "Elizabeth McKay" <ebuono73@hotmail.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Picture Books
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 22:52:12 CDT
Chuck--
We've not (to my knowledge, anyway) had any complaints about Dr. Dog, but we
have had someone ask us to reconsider Bad Habits by Cole. In fact, the
mother was someone who works in our children's department part time, and she
is fairly openminded, but she really thought that one was gross. Her
daughter LOVED it, of course. Our children's staff took a look, and we all
thought it kind of pushed the envelope.
Elizabeth McKay
Children's Librarian
The Ferguson Library
1 Public Library Plaza
Stamford, CT 06904
<elizabeth@fergusonlibrary.org>
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------------------------------
From: Sue Ridnour <SRidnour@flower-mound.com>
To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'"
<pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: RE: Picture Books
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain
Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 23:04:15 CDT
I have had a few raised eyebrows with Babette Cole and I always say "Well,
she's British, and you know they have such a different sense of humor from
Americans" as though that explains everything. And actually, it seems
to
work -- no one has wanted to pursue the matter.
Sue Ridnour
Children's Services Librarian
Flower Mound Public Library
Flower Mound, TX
------------------------------
From: "Liz Maggio" <liz@palos-verdes.lib.ca.us>
To: <pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: RE: Appropriate picture books
Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 23:16:12 CDT
This is in response to discussion about placement of advanced picture books.
At my library, we put most 32-page picture books in the picture book
collection; however, there are exceptions. When the content of the
books
is determined (by the librarian) to be for an older child, we put the book
in one of our grade-level sections: J Easy--includes easy readers, J 3
Grade--includes books on the next level of reading; we have the Cam Jansen
series here. This section also includes books on a higher level of
understanding--among other books here, we have Smoky Night in this section.
J 4 Grade--this includes chapter books which are still not quite up to the
regular J Fiction level; again, this is where we put higher-level picture
books. This is where we have Pink and Say. We also have a parenting
collection in which we put books which require parental explanation. We do
use our J non-fiction collection as well, which is where we have Hiroshima
No Pika. My selection area is JPicture, but I often suggest picture books
for these other areas, if the reviews suggest they are for a more mature
audience.
Liz Maggio
Young Readers Librarian
Palos Verdes Library District
Rolling Hills Estates, CA
------------------------------
From: Teresa Lambert <lamberte@oplin.lib.oh.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Picture Books
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 23:27:10 CDT
I agree that many children's picture books have sensitive subject matter,
but I think that we need to be careful about what we as Librarians decide
is appropriate for what ages. I recently had somene ask me if I felt
the Butterfly, by Patricia Polacco was an appropriate picture book. I
feel that if an issue is dealt with well by the author, children should have
access to it on their own. I would imagine that many discussions between
parent and child have opened up due to picture books, isn't that one of
the most intrinsic values of reading for all of us? There are many
subjects in our lives and in our history that cannot be forgotten and need
to be explained to children in the best manner possible.
Terry Lambert,
Youth Services Coordinator
Bluffton Public Library
Bluffton, Ohio 45817
------------------------------
From: "Fredda Williams" <freddawilliams@hotmail.com>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: Picture Books
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 23:38:33 CDT
>As long as we're ruminating upon sensitive books, has anyone gotten into
>difficulty with Babette Cole, specifically Dr. Dog?
Not from a patron, but when I first ordered the book I was questioned by the
Technical Services Manager, who wondered whether I was aware of the book's
content when I ordered it. He was somewhat shocked to be told that I
thought the book was great fun and that it would be very popular with our
patrons. I, in turn, was somewhat shocked that he thought it was
appropriate to question my selection of the book!
We did have a Request for Reconsideration for "Mommy Laid an Egg",
which a
staff member had displayed prominently on the new book shelf. The patron
was concerned that the book was displayed at eye-level for his preschooler,
and he (the dad) wasn't ready to have that conversation with his child.
The
patron didn't really have any objections to the book - he just wanted it
removed from his 4-year-old's line of vision. So we moved the book to the
non-fiction shelves and haven't had another complaint. Yet.
We are currently dealing with a Request for Reconsideration for "It's
Perfectly Normal" by Robie Harris. I wish, how I wish, that people
would be
content to manage their own families, and not feel the need to control
things for everyone else as well.
Fredda
Fredda Williams
Children's Services Manager
Knox County Public Library System
freddawilliams@hotmail.com
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From: "Mary Johnson (amk)" <mjohnson@wls.lib.ny.us>
To: pubyac@prairienet.org
Subject: Re: The Golden Compass and The Subtle Knife
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Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2000 23:49:41 CDT
John, I'd like to chip in with my two cents. My SF and Fantasy club just
met a few minutes ago, and my oldest member (about 17) was reporting on
"The Golden Compass". He said, "These are young adult, but
they're not
kid's books. They're difficult..", and the description he and I both
agreed on was 'psychologically twisted'. They are also extremely violent
at times and the plots focus on death and betrayal. In other words,
young children who like "Redwall" or even the "Harry Potter"
series will
probably not like them. I'd be inclined to put them in the young adult
audio section; our YA audiobooks are interfiled with the adult. Perhaps
you could do it that way? They are fine books (though grim) and some
children will indeed love them, but most kids wouldn't be ready for them
before 10 or 11 years old - and, in my experience, kids of that age are
already up in the adult room seeking out more challenging materials. By
making the audiobooks YA, you won't be keeping them away from children,
but you might succeed in drawing older teens and adults to the series.
Just a thought -
Mary Johnson, YA librarian, North Castle Library, Armonk, NY
mjohnson@wls.lib.ny.us
On Mon, 23 Oct 2000, John Kantner wrote:
> I am a part time Childrens Librarian responsible for ordering all =
> juvenile audiobooks. Do you feel Phillip Pullman's first two books of
=
> his trilogy are appropriate for our collection. I know they =
> well-reviewed but I have conflicting information on what ages they are =
> appropriate for. We do not have a young adult audiobooks collection.
> Thanks for you input,
> Janie Kantner
>
>
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From: Celeste Fong <CMFong@ci.ontario.ca.us>
To: "'Pubyac@prairienet.org'"
<Pubyac@prairienet.org>
Subject: RE: The Golden Compass and The Subtle Knife
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Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2000 00:01:20 CDT
I've read both the Golden Compass and the Subtle Knife and am looking
forward to reading the Amber Spyglass. However, I just finished reading
the
review of the book and the interview of Philip Pullman in the October 1
Booklist, and just from the review I feel that the Amber Spyglass should be
cataloged in YA fiction. Has anyone read it, and what are your thoughts on
the darker, more complex themes in the new book? Do you feel it belongs in
children's fiction?
Coincidentally, I picked up the Oct. 30th Newsweek, and an article about
Pullman and the Amber Spyglass appears on pp. 80-81. The second sentence
says "...His Dark Materials are classified as fantasy and sold as fiction
for young-adult readers." The article goes on to say that teens reject the
book because of the young-looking cover and length, and adults don't like
the "geeky trappings of fantasy fiction."
We have the first two books in children's fiction, and I would really like
to keep all three titles there. I would not consider splitting them up.
TIA
for your thoughts.
Celeste Fong
Librarian
South Ontario Branch Library
2403-D Vineyard Ave.
Ontario, CA 91761
(909) 395-2251
Fax: (909) 930-0836
cmfong@ci.ontario.ca.us
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From: "Don Wood" <dwood@ala.org>
Subject: Internet filtering plan misses mark, critics say
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Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2000 00:13:23 CDT
Internet filtering plan misses mark, critics say
http://www.freedomforum.org/news/2000/10/2000-10-24-05.htm
"When even one book is taken out of a library, people get outraged over it.
This is a case of hundreds of thousands of Web sites being eliminated,"
[Bennett] Haselton said. "People don't know about it, because blocking
software companies don't tell customers what they block."
_________________________
Don Wood
Program Officer/Communications
American Library Association
Office for Intellectual Freedom
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
312-280-4225
800-545-2433, ext. 4225
Fax: 312-280-4227
dwood@ala.org
http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/index.html
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From: "Don Wood" <dwood@ala.org>
Subject: Jefferson Parish Criminalizes Cybersmut in Libraries
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Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2000 00:24:30 CDT
Jefferson Parish Criminalizes Cybersmut in Libraries
http://www.ala.org/alonline/news/2000/001023.html#lasmut
"...the Jefferson Parish (La.) Council approved an ordinance October 18
that
requires Jefferson Parish Library staffers to call the police when they see
a patron looking at an obscene or sexually explicit image. If convicted, the
patron could be fined $500 or jailed for up to six months."
_________________________
Don Wood
Program Officer/Communications
American Library Association
Office for Intellectual Freedom
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
312-280-4225
800-545-2433, ext. 4225
Fax: 312-280-4227
dwood@ala.org
http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/index.html
------------------------------
From: "Don Wood" <dwood@ala.org>
Subject: Don't let McCain censor the Net by Christopher Hunter
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Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2000 00:35:47 CDT
Don't let McCain censor the Net by Christopher Hunter
http://www.salon.com/tech/log/2000/10/25/filter_legislation/index.html
"Given the practical and constitutional problems associated with filters,
congressional Republicans would be well advised to drop their foolish
filtering amendment, and keep decisions about how to best protect children
where they belong -- with local public schools and libraries."
_________________________
Don Wood
Program Officer/Communications
American Library Association
Office for Intellectual Freedom
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
312-280-4225
800-545-2433, ext. 4225
Fax: 312-280-4227
dwood@ala.org
http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/index.html
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From: "Don Wood" <dwood@ala.org>
Subject: Mandated Mediocrity: Blocking Software Gets a Failing Grade
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Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2000 00:46:41 CDT
Mandated Mediocrity: Blocking Software Gets a Failing Grade
http://peacefire.org/censorware/BESS/MM/
"This report examines a software filtering product called "Bess,"
manufactured by N2H2, Inc. The purpose of this report is to determine
whether the software, as used in a typical school setting, blocks access to
political and educational webpages that are appropriate for schoolchildren.
Our conclusion is that many such pages are indeed blocked. This report makes
no effort to establish whether this pattern is widespread, the result of
flaws in the software, or other factors. It simply demonstrates that many
web pages that would otherwise be available to students in schools are
blocked when the software filter is in use."
Related
http://www.epic.org/censorware/mandated_mediocrity.html
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=00/10/24/131226
_________________________
Don Wood
Program Officer/Communications
American Library Association
Office for Intellectual Freedom
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
312-280-4225
800-545-2433, ext. 4225
Fax: 312-280-4227
dwood@ala.org
http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/index.html
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End of PUBYAC Digest 282
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