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From: PUBYAC: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults and Children <pubyac@prairienet.org> To: PUBYAC: PUBlic librarians serving Young Adults and Children <pubyac@prairienet.org> Subject: PUBYAC digest 1210 Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2003 16:24:56 CDT PUBYAC Digest 1210 Topics covered in this issue include: 1) Re: Cataloging of Graphic Novels by nkoebel@birchard.lib.oh.us 2) RE: Book Sniffing Fetish/Ink Drinker by "Gruninger, Laura" <lgruning@MCL.org> 3) RE: Computer hours by Nicole Conradt <nconradt@cooney.lib.wi.us> 4) RE: preschool storytime letter to parents by "Andrea Johnson" <ajohnson@cooklib.org> 5) Re: library video policies and children by "G Gallagher" <gglibrarian@hotmail.com> 6) RE: library video policies and children by "Andrea Johnson" <ajohnson@cooklib.org> 7) computer timing software by "Roberta Meyer" <roberta@effinghamlibrary.org> 8) RE: Unaccompanied Juveniles - Addendum by "Andrea Johnson" <ajohnson@cooklib.org> 9) RE: Computer hours by "Keener, Lesa" <LKeener@acmail.aclink.org> 10) Re: Computer hours by "C.A. LeBlanc" <claire_oldsmar@hotmail.com> 11) RE: library video policies and children by "Michele Farley" <mfarley@brownsburg.lib.in.us> 12) Upcoming Webcast on Alternative Funding Sources for Public by Stephen Coffman <coffmanfyi@earthlink.net> 13) Re: Request to moderator re: touchy question + response by Nancy Sheehan <sheehan@noblenet.org> ------------------------------------------- From: nkoebel@birchard.lib.oh.us To: Vicki Muzzy <vmuzzy@starklibrary.org> Subject: Re: Cataloging of Graphic Novels Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2003 16:23:00 CDT Although I wasn't involved in the decision at the time, the previous teen person had a similar problem with our cataloger. The conclusion was that we make ours YA Fiction (I don't know if our children's department orders them, but I know they get some Dragonball-Z and of course some of the others) and we keep them separate by putting a green avery dot on them. Some of the more adult oriented graphic stuff is actually put in the adult non-fiction. Nancy Koebel Birchard Public Library of Sandusky County nkoebel@birchard.lib.oh.us ----- Original Message ----- From: Vicki Muzzy <vmuzzy@starklibrary.org> Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2003 8:32 pm Subject: Cataloging of Graphic Novels > Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2003 19:20:26 CDT - > > Hello everyone! > I purchase all print children's materials for my system and am > currently having a disagreement with the catalogers over how > graphic > novels should be cataloged. I would like them to be cataloged as > fiction and have purchased them out of my fiction budget. > However, the > cataloging department insists on putting them in the 700's. I > think > that the child browsing would have a better chance of finding > these hot > items in the fiction section. Also, our young adult nonfiction is > interfiled with the adult fiction, making it even harder to find > these > graphic novels. I was interested in finding out how graphic > novels are > cataloged in other systems -- fiction or nonfiction? Thanks in > advance!! > > Vicki Muzzy > Juvenile Materials Coordinator > Stark County District Library > 715 Market Ave N > Canton, OH 44702 > 330-458-2643 > vmuzzy@starklibrary.org -------------------------------------------- From: "Gruninger, Laura" <lgruning@MCL.org> To: "'pubyac@prairienet.org'" <pubyac@prairienet.org> Subject: RE: Book Sniffing Fetish/Ink Drinker MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: textbrlain Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2003 16:23:09 CDT This is only a humorous take on your post Anne, but I just wanted to say I couldn't help but think of the book "The Ink Drinker" by Eric Sanvoisin when I read this. Its a children's book about a customer in a bookstore who uses a straw to sip the words out of the pages... (reviews of the book call the stranger "sinister." Please, don't anyone think I am trying to compare Anne's patron to a sinister character) Thanks for your positive post Anne. I envy the size of your children's area. Someday when we can get capital funding, I hope to have the same. Laura Gruninger, Youth Services Librarian Mercer County Library System Lawrenceville, NJ -----Original Message----- From: owner-pubyac@prairienet.org [mailto:owner-pubyac@prairienet.org]On Behalf Of ADG81178@aol.com Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2003 7:32 PM To: pubyac@prairienet.org Subject: Book Sniffing Fetish We have a developmentally disabled woman in her 30's who has a book smelling fetish. She comes in and spends hours taking the very new books and very old books off the shelf. She methodically fans the pages, takes a big whiff....puts it back on the shelf ...then goes on to the next book. She really messes up the shelves but I guess when the staff tried to get her to stop she made it worse, so we just let her go. Most of the time she keeps the books in the same vicinity. She also makes some odd noises, but so do the little babies. One of our pages commented that she gives them job security :). She has elderly parents who drop her off....so I am sure they appreciate a break. We've tried to get her involved in programs but she just likes to smell the books and sometimes sit and look at them. NOW HERE IS THE IRONY.... Three months ago, a developmentally handicapped woman about the same age came in to volunteer with a job coach. Guess what she loves to do? She has many learning challenges but she LOVES TO PUT THINGS IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER!!!! I was sceptical but she is so patient and methodical! Corey comes in with her volunteer coach every Monday for 90 minutes and together they put the books in order. She walks with a limp, has severe speech problems and social skills....but she is doing a great job and it has given her such a feeling of accomplishment! We have a large beautiful children's area that is completely separate from the adults - we don't even have a quiet policy at all! This really takes the stress off of us to keep everyone quiet like you have to do when you share air space with the adults! With all of our space, we have room enough to let everyone be themselves. We caution patrons that they are entering the FUN ZONE! We are truly blessed! Anne Guthrie Greenwood Public Library (The greatest place to work in the whole world) Indiana ------------------------------------------- From: Nicole Conradt <nconradt@cooney.lib.wi.us> To: pubyac@prairienet.org Subject: RE: Computer hours Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2003 16:23:18 CDT This is completely a side note (sorry Brenda!) but I cringe when the parents say, "Johnny, you better behave in the library otherwise they won't let you come back." I always smile and say we'll always let you come back. Then I hand the l*zy parent who uses us as a scapegoat, a book on disciplining your child without using submissive tactics- just kidding!!! nicole -----Original Message----- From: owner-pubyac@prairienet.org [mailto:owner-pubyac@prairienet.org] On Behalf Of Brenda Fay Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2003 7:23 PM To: PUBYAC@prairienet.org Subject: Computer hours Hello all, I just had what I consider to be a strange request from a parent and wanted to get some feedback from all of you. The aforementioned parent came in to ask me if we would ever have special "computer hours" in the children's library. It seems that her daughter only wants to use the computers when they come to the library and doesn't want to sit and share books with her mother anymore. The parent asked if we would consider having our computers only "open" at certain times of the day, because it would be during those times that she would come to the library with her daughter. I must say I was amazed at her request. I told her that our 3 children's CD-ROM and Internet computers (which are available anytime during library hours) are very popular and it wouldn't seem fair to only have them open at certain times of the day. Some families without a home PC come to the library especially to use our computers. I also told her that some parents simply don't allow their children to use the CD-ROM computers when they visit the library. "We are here to look for books", is something that I hear at least 2-3 times a week. Parents have the right and responsibility to regulate and monitor their children's behavior and time in the library. I guess I was so surprised by her request because it seemed like she wanted the library to do that job for her instead. After talking with her she indicated that if we continued with our current computer policy she wouldn't be able to come to the library with her daughter anymore. Have any of you had parent requests similar to this? Brenda Fay ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ Brenda Fay Children's Librarian North Shore Library Glendale, WI 53217 ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ "If you drink too much from a bottle marked 'poison', it is almost certain to disagree with you, sooner or later." ~Alice's adventures in Wonderland --------------------------------------------- From: "Andrea Johnson" <ajohnson@cooklib.org> To: <pubyac@prairienet.org> Subject: RE: preschool storytime letter to parents Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2003 16:23:28 CDT Hi Lorraine, I have used such a letter before. However, I should warn you that I don't think it's had much impact. The people who read and follow the guidelines are the ones who would do so anyway. The ones who need to be told, generally don't bother reading the letter. Maybe you'll have better luck. My letter follows: *********************************** Dear Storytime Parents, Welcome to Cook Library Storytime! Storytimes are a great opportunity for your child to develop a meaningful relationship with libraries, books, and reading. However, preschoolers are young and easily distractible so obstacles can develop. To help ensure an enjoyable, meaningful storytime experience for your child and the others in the group, please observe the following guidelines: Please be on time. If you must come in late, please do not enter the Storyroom when a story is in progress. Wait until that story is over and come in when we pause between activities. Please make sure your child has used the bathroom before storytime. It is very disruptive to the group when a child has to leave in the middle of a story (and of course, once one child goes to the bathroom, they all want to go!). With your help, we can make Storytime a wonderful experience that will shape your child's love of books and reading. I look forward to lots of great Storytimes with your kids! Andrea Johnson ajohnson@cooklib.org Cook Memorial Public Library Libertyville, IL > -----Original Message----- > From: Lorraine Getty [SMTP:lgetty1969@yahoo.com] > Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2003 7:21 PM > To: PUBYAC > Subject: preschool storytime letter to parents > > I will be providing storytimes for 3-5 years olds this > fall, and I'm aware that some of you give parents > written guidelines concerning the details of your > program and behavioral expectations (both on the part > of the children and the parent). I would very much > appreciate seeing some examples of this letter. > Please email me directly at lgetty1969@yahoo.com. > > Thank you! > Lorraine Getty > Forsyth Public Library > Forsyth, IL ------------------------------------------------------------------ From: "G Gallagher" <gglibrarian@hotmail.com> To: pubyac@prairienet.org Subject: Re: library video policies and children Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2003 16:23:38 CDT Our policy leaves it up to the parents to decide. Anyone under 18 must have a guardianbrarent's signature to obtain a library card and on the application, parents may note materials that they do not want their child to borrow as well as limiting the number of items further than the general limits that apply to all patrons. If they don't write anything, we do not restrict the child's borrowing. Good luck! Genevieve Gallagher Youth Services Librarian Orange County Public Library Orange, Virginia >From: "Sam Maskell" <jmaskell@sover.net> >Reply-To: pubyac@prairienet.org >To: <pubyac@prairienet.org> >Subject: library video policies and children >Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2003 18:32:53 CDT > >Hello, Everyone! > >I have a question to put to all of you regarding videos in the library. >Currently, my library has videos rated PG through R as well as >non-fiction perceived to be unfit for children in the adult library, >while G and young child-friendly videos are housed in the Youth Library. > The library board has created a video policy that specifically forbids >children aged 8 and under from checking out _any_ video, children from >age 8 through "sophomore in high school" may only check out videos from >the Youth Library, and only "adults" - high school sophomores and up - >may check out videos in the adult library. > >I feel that this goes against my core belief that children and young >adults have the same library rights as anyone else (adults, for >example). However in a recent conversation with a trustee I was told >that this was merely the "socially responsible" thing to do - not >censorship. Because this is a basic library service at my library I >feel that the board has put us in the position of censoring for children >that which they feel is inappropriate - clearly I have a problem with >this. > >So, I'm wondering how all of you feel about video circulation in the >library for kids? Do you feel that the board has a point or is it >censorship? I would also be interested in reading some of your video >policies - or circulation policies (particularly regarding censorship). > >Thanks in advance! I've been on the list for a short time now and have >appreciated the wealth of information that I've picked up. > >~Sam > ------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Andrea Johnson" <ajohnson@cooklib.org> To: <pubyac@prairienet.org> Subject: RE: library video policies and children Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2003 16:23:48 CDT Hi Sam, This is definitely censorship and goes against the ideals of intellectual freedom and kids' right to information. The ALA's "Freedom to View Statement" addresses this topic. See it at http://tinyurl.com/mvcm I take issue with your board member's statement. Can you define the phrase "socially responsible"? Can he or she? I suspect it means something a little bit different to everyone, just like the phrases "unfit for children" and "child-friendly." I don't think your board has any business making the decision for me about what is appropriate for my child to view. That, of course, is the whole point behind disputes like this; the library does not (and should not) act in loco parentis. Every parent has the right and the responsibiliy to make these decisions with respect to his or her children, since every parent will have different opinions about what is or is not acceptable. Your board may end up deciding to retain their video policy, and as your governing body, they have a right to make that decision, even if you and I and the rest of our listserv don't agree with them. But they need to be honest with themselves; it is most definitely censorship. Andrea Johnson ajohnson@cooklib.org Cook Memorial Public Library Libertyville, IL > -----Original Message----- > From: Sam Maskell [SMTP:jmaskell@sover.net] > Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2003 6:33 PM > To: pubyac@prairienet.org > Subject: library video policies and children > > > Hello, Everyone! > > I have a question to put to all of you regarding videos in the library. > Currently, my library has videos rated PG through R as well as > non-fiction perceived to be unfit for children in the adult library, > while G and young child-friendly videos are housed in the Youth Library. > The library board has created a video policy that specifically forbids > children aged 8 and under from checking out _any_ video, children from > age 8 through "sophomore in high school" may only check out videos from > the Youth Library, and only "adults" - high school sophomores and up - > may check out videos in the adult library. > > I feel that this goes against my core belief that children and young > adults have the same library rights as anyone else (adults, for > example). However in a recent conversation with a trustee I was told > that this was merely the "socially responsible" thing to do - not > censorship. Because this is a basic library service at my library I > feel that the board has put us in the position of censoring for children > that which they feel is inappropriate - clearly I have a problem with > this. 20 > > So, I'm wondering how all of you feel about video circulation in the > library for kids? Do you feel that the board has a point or is it > censorship? I would also be interested in reading some of your video > policies - or circulation policies (particularly regarding censorship). > > Thanks in advance! I've been on the list for a short time now and have > appreciated the wealth of information that I've picked up. > > ~Sam -------------------------------------------------- From: "Roberta Meyer" <roberta@effinghamlibrary.org> To: "'PUBYAC'" <pubyac@prairienet.org> Subject: computer timing software Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2003 16:23:59 CDT Hi, All. We are having a problem with patrons staying on the public access computers for far too long. Our policy states that they may use the computer for one hour, and may stay on for another hour if no one is waiting. We have nine public access computers, six in the adult department and three in the children's department. Last month we logged over 1400 computer users on these machines, and the month before, 1500. We rarely have an instance where no one is waiting to use a computer. The patrons really abuse the one-hour policy. On Monday evening when I worked, we had one man here who must have come in after school with two young boys. They were here and he was on the computer (I guess) the whole time until we finally kicked them out ten minutes before we closed at 8:00. All those boys had to eat that whole time were some Goldfish snacks. They were basically unsupervised from 3:00 to 8:00 in the library, although their "caregiver" was present. The boys were pretty good, considering. I was really upset when I found out why they had been here so long, though. We periodically announce that computer users who have been on at least an hour must give over their computer to someone who is waiting, but that night there must not have been anyone waiting, so the man just stayed on. Anyway, to get to the point, we are exploring the possibility of adding timing software to the public computers. At the end of their first hour, the computer would lock the person out. There was a freeware version of this software at librarygeek.com or something, but the webmaster stopped developing it after Windows 2000. We have been fortunate enough to have new computers donated to us this year, but they all run on Windows XP. So the question is, does anyone know of timing software that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? Our director says the ones she has looked into run in the neighborhood of $2400.00, with yearly maintenance fees. For a library that has had to reduce its book budget $12,000.00 and has failed three operating expense referenda in the last two years, this type of cost is NOT an option. Please respond directly to me at roberta@effinghamlibrary.org and I will post to the list if there is interest. Thanks so much! Roberta ****************************************** Roberta L. Meyer, Youth Services Librarian Helen Matthes Library 100 East Market Avenue Effingham, IL 62401 Phone: 217-342-2464 ext. 6 Fax: 217-342-2413 www.effinghamlibrary.org roberta@effinghamlibrary.org ************************************************** "The Library is the Answer. What's the Question?" --------------------------------------------------- From: "Andrea Johnson" <ajohnson@cooklib.org> To: <pubyac@prairienet.org> Subject: RE: Unaccompanied Juveniles - Addendum Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2003 16:24:07 CDT Hi Lisa, I've never heard of a rule requiring library cards just to enter, but I can share a few solutions that have worked in libraries I've worked in. Maybe you could have impromptu things like board games and such to keep them occupied? They're easier to use on an intermittent or unexpected basis than a program, but if you buy a few good ones and keep them in the library, you can always have something to offer to kids who don't seem to have anything to do. When you say disrupting other patrons, are they just noisy, or are they actually interrupting working patrons to talk to them? Either way, it seems like some basic ground rules are in order. First of all, a quiet study area would probably be in order if you don't already have one. Set aside an area away from foot traffic, and strictly enforce a no-talking rule. Secondly, you can make rules for conduct, including keeping noise down when others are working, and respecting the rights of others to work undisturbed. Third, you enforce the rules in a warm and friendly way. Tell the kids that you're glad to see them, and they are welcome to hang out as long as they like, as long as they respect the rules. Then tell them, just as warmly, that if they can't or won't respect the rules, you'll have to ask them to leave. In my experience, most kids are reasonable and respectful when they are treated with respect. You may need to advise your director and/or other co-workers to keep any mutterings of "Darn kids" to themselves when the kids are around. Hostility breeds hostility, and if the kids feel that they are not welcome, they'll probably act like the delinquents your director seems to think they are. Good luck! Andrea Johnson ajohnson@cooklib.org Cook Memorial Public Library Libertyville, IL > -----Original Message----- > From: Lisa Coker [SMTP:lcoker@hpl.lib.tx.us] > Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2003 7:23 PM > To: pubyac@prairienet.org > Subject: Unaccompanied Juveniles - Addendum > > To the previously sent post, I intended to add: > > Most of our young patrons complete assignments but many come to just > "hang out" with friends creating more of a "mall" atmosphere. While > personally I'm thrilled to have teens in the library and want to ensure > that all feel welcome and become life-long library users, the director > is looking at different methods for dealing with teens who are > disrupting other (including teen and pre-teen) patrons. Hence her idea > of requiring library cards in their possession. > > This is a good problem to have (too many patrons) but as the situation > is so intermittent, it's difficult to plan programs for them. Any > advice? > > Thanks! > Lisa > > Lisa Coker > Sterling Municipal Library > Wilbanks Ave > Baytown Tx 77520 -------------------------------------------- From: "Keener, Lesa" <LKeener@acmail.aclink.org> To: <pubyac@prairienet.org> Subject: RE: Computer hours Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2003 16:24:17 CDT I once had a storyhour child reach in and grab our library guinea pig. I heard the terrified squealing and told him that this was not allowed. His mother said that in her house if I child asks politely and says please he is allowed to have his request "respected". He had asked me earlier and I told him no. Oh and she does not use the word no with her children. I rarely do but a squiming panicked pet is a serious manner. I explained that even though the pig was tame she could bite if cornered and she was also pregnant and should not be handled. There is also the matter that I am allergic and cannot bring her out. She called later to say her son was very upset and she still did not see why her son could not handle our pets since they are public animals since they are in a public library. She finally chose to not come to storytime. She is now a music teacher and would like to see how she deals with issues. -----Original Message----- From: Brenda Fay [mailto:Brenda.Fay@mcfls.org] Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2003 8:23 PM To: PUBYAC@prairienet.org Subject: Computer hours Hello all, I just had what I consider to be a strange request from a parent and wanted to get some feedback from all of you. The aforementioned parent came in to ask me if we would ever have special "computer hours" in the children's library. It seems that her daughter only wants to use the computers when they come to the library and doesn't want to sit and share books with her mother anymore. The parent asked if we would consider having our computers only "open" at certain times of the day, because it would be during those times that she would come to the library with her daughter. I must say I was amazed at her request. I told her that our 3 children's CD-ROM and Internet computers (which are available anytime during library hours) are very popular and it wouldn't seem fair to only have them open at certain times of the day. Some families without a home PC come to the library especially to use our computers. I also told her that some parents simply don't allow their children to use the CD-ROM computers when they visit the library. "We are here to look for books", is something that I hear at least 2-3 times a week. Parents have the right and responsibility to regulate and monitor their children's behavior and time in the library. I guess I was so surprised by her request because it seemed like she wanted the library to do that job for her instead. After talking with her she indicated that if we continued with our current computer policy she wouldn't be able to come to the library with her daughter anymore. Have any of you had parent requests similar to this? Brenda Fay ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ Brenda Fay Children's Librarian North Shore Library Glendale, WI 53217 ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ "If you drink too much from a bottle marked 'poison', it is almost certain to disagree with you, sooner or later." ~Alice's adventures in Wonderland ----------------------------------------- From: "C.A. LeBlanc" <claire_oldsmar@hotmail.com> To: pubyac@prairienet.org Subject: Re: Computer hours Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2003 16:24:28 CDT >The parent asked if we would consider having our computers only "open" at >certain times of the day, >because it would be during those times that she >would come to the library with her daughter. Maybe I am being a little dense here, but what is this patron asking you to do, exactly? She wants the computers open when she brings her child or closed because she wants you to force the kid to read with her instead of doing it herself? >From: Brenda Fay <Brenda.Fay@mcfls.org> >Reply-To: pubyac@prairienet.org >To: PUBYAC@prairienet.org >Subject: Computer hours >Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2003 19:23:05 CDT > Hello all, I just had what I consider to be a strange request from a parent and wanted to get some feedback from all of you. The aforementioned parent came in to ask me if we would ever have special "computer hours" in the children's library. It seems that her daughter only wants to use the computers when they come to the library and doesn't want to sit and share books with her mother anymore. The parent asked if we would consider having our computers only "open" at certain times of the day, because it would be during those times that she would come to the library with her daughter. I must say I was amazed at her request. I told her that our 3 children's CD-ROM and Internet computers (which are available anytime during library hours) are very popular and it wouldn't seem fair to only have them open at certain times of the day. Some families without a home PC come to the library especially to use our computers. I also told her that some parents simply don't allow their children to use the CD-ROM computers when they visit the library. "We are here to look for books", is something that I hear at least 2-3 times a week. Parents have the right and responsibility to regulate and monitor their children's behavior and time in the library. I guess I was so surprised by her request because it seemed like she wanted the library to do that job for her instead. After talking with her she indicated that if we continued with our current computer policy she wouldn't be able to come to the library with her daughter anymore. Have any of you had parent requests similar to this? Brenda Fay ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ Brenda Fay Children's Librarian North Shore Library Glendale, WI 53217 ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ "If you drink too much from a bottle marked 'poison', it is almost certain to disagree with you, sooner or later." ~Alice's adventures in Wonderland --------------------------------------------- From: "Michele Farley" <mfarley@brownsburg.lib.in.us> To: <pubyac@prairienet.org> Subject: RE: library video policies and children Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2003 16:24:37 CDT Sam, I am writing a paper on this for a SLIS class right now, so it is something that has intereseted me too. Our current policy is that the library does not purchase any R rated films. We also have a children's collection of videos that are free and the adult collection (feature length films only) that cost $1. All non-fiction are free. Any one can check out any of the videos, but since we don't own any of the racier titles, we have sort have gone around the problem.(although, I think it is sort of a cop out, personally). I am curious to know where the 8 year rule came in...that seems like a pretty arbitrary number. Can a child check out a video if the parent is there? Hope this helps! Michele -----Original Message----- From: Sam Maskell [mailto:jmaskell@sover.net] Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2003 6:33 PM To: pubyac@prairienet.org Subject: library video policies and children Hello, Everyone! I have a question to put to all of you regarding videos in the library. Currently, my library has videos rated PG through R as well as non-fiction perceived to be unfit for children in the adult library, while G and young child-friendly videos are housed in the Youth Library. The library board has created a video policy that specifically forbids children aged 8 and under from checking out _any_ video, children from age 8 through "sophomore in high school" may only check out videos from the Youth Library, and only "adults" - high school sophomores and up - may check out videos in the adult library. I feel that this goes against my core belief that children and young adults have the same library rights as anyone else (adults, for example). However in a recent conversation with a trustee I was told that this was merely the "socially responsible" thing to do - not censorship. Because this is a basic library service at my library I feel that the board has put us in the position of censoring for children that which they feel is inappropriate - clearly I have a problem with this. 20 So, I'm wondering how all of you feel about video circulation in the library for kids? Do you feel that the board has a point or is it censorship? I would also be interested in reading some of your video policies - or circulation policies (particularly regarding censorship). Thanks in advance! I've been on the list for a short time now and have appreciated the wealth of information that I've picked up. ~Sam ------------------------------------------- From: Stephen Coffman <coffmanfyi@earthlink.net> To: PUBYAC@prairienet.org Subject: Upcoming Webcast on Alternative Funding Sources for Public Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2003 16:24:46 CDT To all my hard-working -- and too often under-appreciated and under-paid - - friends in childrenE28099s and youth services: Are you sick and tired of library budget cuts? Worried about threatened l ayoffs and branch closings and reductions in hours? Concerned that your boo k budget and operating budgets are being whittled down to a mere shadow of their former selves just at a time when our communities need us the most? A re you tired of trying to make do on the pittance they call a librarian's s alary? And disgusted that what little government money is available too of ten comes with strings like CIPA attached? Well, then you are not alone. Not too many years ago public radio found itself in a similar predicament. Most of its money came from tax revenues of one sort or another, and --- l ike libraries --- most stations were woefully under funded. And --- like l ibraries --- that tax revenue often came with some big strings attached. The difference is that public radio got busy and did something about it ... and over the past couple of decades they have managed to radically change their funding model and transform themselves from a small group of struggli ng stations with a tiny niche audience, into the powerful broadcast service that we all know today. The organization Time Magazine dubbed "National Prosperous Radio" in a feature article earlier this year (citation below). If you'd like to know more about how public radio transformed itself and wh at that could mean for libraries ... Or, if you're interested in learning more about other alternative funding models for libraries and schools .. O r, if you think the whole idea of alternative funding is just disturbing an d dangerous and it is time to stop it before it's too late ... then you won 't want to miss ... "Alternative Funding Sources for Public Schools and Lib raries" a free online interactive Webcast presented by LearningTimes and th e LearningTimes Online Library Conference this October 2nd at 3pm Eastern. Speakers, registration information and other details on the Webcast are pro vided below ... and we are all looking forward to seeing you there. Meanwhi le, if you'd like to do a little background reading on the topic prior to t he Webcast ... here are links to a few current articles. Fonda, Daren. "National Prosperous Radio." Time Magazine. March 17, 2003. Available full-text on the Web: <<http://www.time.com/time/magazinebrrintout/0,8816,433259,00.html>> Lewis, Nicole. "Making the Grade: public schools raise millions with soph isticated techniques>: Chronicle of Philanthropy. August 21, 2003. Availa ble full text on the Web (subscription required) <<http:/brhilanthropy.com/ premium/articles/v15/i21/21001501.htm>> Coffman, Steve. "Changing Public Library Funding" American City and County . May 1, 2003. Available full-text on the Web: <<http://www.americancitya ndcounty.com/ar/government_changing_public_library>> LearningTimes to Investigate Alternative Funding Sources for Schools & Libr aries Free interactive webcast on October 2, 2003 at 3pm EDT, 7pm GMT LearningTimes, and the LearningTimes Library Online Conference, announced a free interactive webcast on the topic of "Alternative Funding Sources for Public Schools and Libraries." The webcast will take place on October 2, 2 003 at 3pm EDT/7pm GMT and explore innovative funding models that public sc hools and libraries use to augment shrinking state and local fiscal budgets . For more information and registration for this FREE webcast, log-on to < a target_blank href"http://www.libraryconference.com/freewebcast.shtm l">http://www.libraryconference.com/freewebcast.shtml</a> <<http://www.libraryconference.com/freewebcast.shtml>> The webcast will be an open forum, allowing all participants to collaborate with industry experts whose topics include: How can one person make a diff erence? Is commercialization the only option? Do successful funding progra ms send the wrong message to state and local government? Featured guests include: Steve Coffman Vice President of Business Development for LSSI, Inc. and Vice President of Strategic Development for Tutor.com's Virtual Reference Toolkit. Prior to LSSI, Inc. and Tutor.com, Coffman spent 15 years with the Los Angeles Count y Library System and was the director of FYI, LA Country's Business Researc h Service. Ilana Goldman Vice President for Marketing, Development & Expansion, DonorsChoose.org - a New York City non-profit organization that matches teacher written prop osals and grants with donors all over the world. According to their websit e, "DonorsChoose presents a new business model for accomplishing good works " Helen Kennedy and Jim Lewis, CFRE, Partners of Lewis * Kennedy Associates -- Long-time fund raisers for public radio, with nearly half a century of experience, LKA helps non-profit org anizations thrive in today's competitive world by providing fund raising, r esearch and planning services. Alternative Funding Sources for Schools and Libraries FREE ONLINE WEBCAST on Thursday, October 2nd 3PM EDT/ 7PM GMT To Register: <a target_blank href"http://www.libraryconference.com/f reewebcast.shtml">http://www.libraryconference.com/freewebcast.shtml</a> <<http://www.libraryconference.com/freewebcast.shtml>> We look forward to seeing you live online! If you have any questions please contact us at library@learningtimes.net About LearningTimes, LLC LearningTimes, LLC is the leading producer of online communities and confer ences in the education and library market. LearningTimes designs and manage s learning programs and events, as well as the environments, applications and marketing strategies that make them successful. The LearningTimes Network, a coalition of 28 vibrant, online learning commu nities, serves over 13,000 members and includes groups delivering education al programs, workshops and events in information literacy, poetry, museum e ducation, professional development for college and K-12 educators, corporat e training, continuing and professional education, and product user group s upport. For more information visit: <a target_blank href"http://www.l earningtimes.net/">http://www.learningtimes.net/</a> <<http://www.learningt imes.net/>> ------------------------------------------- From: Nancy Sheehan <sheehan@noblenet.org> To: Pubyac <pubyac@prairienet.org> Subject: Re: Request to moderator re: touchy question + response Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2003 16:24:56 CDT Thank you, moderator. I've found all the postings revealing and informative, whether I agreed with them or not. They were thought-provoking and I'm glad they were shared. That is the purpose of a forum. To exchange ideas. Sometimes heated feelings come along with the package. Goes with the turf. I have noticed that things go into overdrive when we critique each other's manners or tone. As much as I would like to see those responses censored, a lot of good feedback would get lost if you failed to post them. Thank you for a job well done. On Sun, 7 Sep 2003, Jamie Holtsclaw wrote: > Dear Moderator, > I would like to request that some of the responses - in particular those > to Jennifer Baker re:touchy subject - be forwarded to her and not posted to > all to see. While some people are trying to be genuinely helpful, others > are writing in anger and are no doubt causing Jennifer a great deal of > heartache. It's difficult enough to hear of your "shortcomings" one-on-one, > but to know that an entire group of your colleagues is reading these > messages is much worse. > I do understand that the basis of PUBYAC is to help one another with > ideas and suggestions. I am wondering if posting all of these replies is > helpful. Certainly, some people have handicapped family members and friends > and they are very emotional about the subject. Degrading Jennifer isn't > going to help her feel more comfortable with the situation. Constructive > comments and reassurance, like the ones sent by Anita, Kelly, Cindi, Sam, > Aaron, Wanda Peterson, and Karen-Marie, will be helpful to Jennifer. She > already knew if was a "touchy subject" or she would have used a different > subject heading. > If someone sincerely disagrees with another person on PUBYAC - to the > point of writing a hateful message - wouldn't it be more appropriate to send > it only the that person rather than to get the whole of PUBYAC geared up? > As professionals, we should respond professionally to our peers and to those > who are using this site appropriately. Jennifer was using this site > appropriately. So, how professional is it to respond so harshly to her? > Would the writer have done that if they were face-to-face with Jennifer or > were they merely shooting off an "I'll show her" response from the safety > and anonymity of their computer. > I'm not suggesting censorship, just professional courtesy. > > P.S. If this is posted and anyone would like to "flame" me, please do me > the courtesy of responding directly to me. > > Jamie Holtsclaw > Children's Librarian > Greensburg Public Library > jholtscl@in-span.net > www.greensburglibrary.org > > [Moderator responds:. > > Well, since this question is posted to the listserve and addressed to me, I > will make reply: > > I appreciate that someone recently said that PUBYAC is a gentle listserve, > and generally, I find that's true. Jamie is right, we are professionals, > and generally, we act like it. We are in a profession that values deep > thought, creativity, cleverness and fun. The postings on this listserve > reflect that. We are also in a profession that fights every day for > intellectual freedom. I've often wished that we could mount a sign above > our doors, "Beware, all ye who enter here" because patrons need to know that > the library is not a safe place. Knowledge is not safe. That's what freedom > is all about. Freedom doesn't mean you're safe; freedom means that you're > free. I once lived in a country where the people had been forced to stop > speaking freely. I was talking in a coffeeshop with my language teacher, and > he very matter-of-factly said that people could not criticize their own > government or they would be taken away by that government. They were simply > not allowed to speak out about the corruption, the money being stolen from > the people, and the crumbling infrastructure. My American guts writhed at > this and I asked my teacher, "How could you stand that?" "Oh," he said, > shrugging, "you got used to it." His complacency simply repulsed me. I > could hardly believe someone would give over a basic right like that. And > that's why Ninoy Aquino died on the tarmac--he didn't give up the right. He > spoke out and he was not safe. > Now, Jennifer had the courage to ask the question. She even labeled the > subject heading "Touchy question," which should be the first clue that she's > venturing onto shaky ground. She willingly opened herself up to any comments > that people may throw at her. Touchy questions are like that. Touchy > questions are not safe. And in their replies, several members have also > opened themselves up to criticism by their peers. Those replies were also > not safe. If you post something touchy onto a listserve, you are going to > get a reaction. As soon as I saw Jennifer's original posting, I knew that it > was going to set off a firestorm. I sent her an e-mail telling her to brace > herself, because I know that touchy questions light fires. But I also > thanked her for asking the question, because it is in dealing with the > touchy questions where we grow the most. > > Hateful speech, like a soliloquy poem, actually says much more about the > speaker than it does about the topic. A person will be judged by their > words. Jamie asks "How professional is it to respond so harshly to her? " > I will leave that to you all to decide. > > I do make decisions about postings. I have made it clear from the beginning > that on PUBYAC I do not post book reviews (there are other venues for this). > No "I'm looking for a job" queries, although I always post all job openings > messages. If a message is completely off topic, having nothing to do with > libraries, I generally consider that is accidental and it is not posted. > Replies to Stumpers and Bibliography requests should always go to the > original sender; this is made clear in your Welcome file, and I occasionally > remind you; I do not forward them--they are deleted. I will continue to > stop spam, which is becoming more and more of a problem. But all these > items are not discussion topics. They are not "the issues" for which PUBYAC > was begun in the first place. > > In the ten years I've been moderating PUBYAC, I have been asked on several > occasions if I wouldn't please stop a discussion that's been going on too > long, that was beating a dead horse, that was too harsh. I have also found > myself rolling my eyes when yet another person who hasn't read all the > replies jumps into a fray and writes the same thing yet again. However, my > answer has always been that you all are professionals. I don't have to play > policeman on this listserve as far as discussion goes. You are all adults > and you have the choice to speak conciliatory speech, hateful speech, or > helpful speech. You police yourselves. And while we all would hope that > PUBYACkers practice professional courtesy, stopping anyone's words about an > issue is indeed censorship. > > Jamie, I hope you don't see my reply as a flame. It is not. It is simply a > reply to a question that has never been asked of me publicly in a PUBYAC > posting. So, as your moderator, I am telling you my stand on stopping > discussion: I won't do it. I don't need to. You guys do it for me. > > At your service, > > Shannon VanHemert > PUBYAC Moderator > pyowner@pallasinc.com ] > -- Nancy Sheehan, Head of Youth Services Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, Wakefield Massachusetts sheehan@noblenet.org North of Boston Library Exchange End of PUBYAC digest 1210 |
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