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January
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Your Library: A Great Destination, and a Great
Bargain!
You already know that your local library is one of the best deals in town…but
do you know how valuable the library can be to the community? Just a few facts
to get you started: Libraries in the U.S. issue more cards than Visa, have more
children enrolled in summer programs than Little League, and have more visitors
each week than all museums and zoos combined! Pretty exciting! But check these
numbers and comparisons done by OCLC, a worldwide library cooperative.
Have you used Amazon.com to shop for books? They have a very nice website set up to sell books, with lots of good information. They are very popular all around the world. But…U.S. public library card holders outnumber Amazon customers by almost 5 to 1. Amazon has 3,000,000 customers…U.S. public libraries have 148,000,000 library cardholders.
Each day U.S. libraries circulate nearly 4 times more items than Amazon handles. Amazon ships an estimated 1,500,000 items per day. U.S. public libraries circulate approximately 5,400,000 items daily.
U.S. libraries circulate about the same number of items as FedEx ships per day. FedEx ships more than 5.3 million items per day. U.S. public libraries circulate approximately 5,400,000 items daily.
One out of every six people in the world is a registered library user. Total number of worldwide registered library users is 1.1 billion. The population of the world is 6.2 billion (p.857 World Almanac 2003).
And what about those hard working staff who are available to assist…and answer any questions…? Total number of U.S. librarians: 203,000…who deliver more than 422 million hours of service annually.
…visit your local library. A billion people are
making this choice every year…
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Fred (Mister) Rogers once said, "It’s not the honors and the prizes and the fancy outsides of life which ultimately nourish our souls. It’s knowing that we can be trusted, that we never have to fear the truth, that the bedrock of our very being is good stuff. That’s what makes growing humanity the most potentially glorious enterprise on earth." Isn’t that a great thought to begin the new year with?
-- Heather Eldred
Mike Cross is New Director of DLTCL
State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster has named Michael Cross as the director of the Public Library Development Team in the Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning. Mike has been the acting director since the retirement of Larry Nix. He has worked for the DPI since 1998 as consultant for Public Library Administration and Funding. Before coming to the DPI, he served as the director of the Arrowhead Library System from 1994-97, and director of the Northern Waters Library Service from 1990-94. Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new position serving the public library community. Congratulations, Mike!
In the SystemMark your calendars for…
Discover New Trails @ Your LibraryFriday, February
20, 2004
Marathon County Public Library
300 N. First Street, Wausau
9:00-9:30 a.m.: MCPL’s Children’s
Room: Coffee and Conversation
9:30-10:30 a.m.: Grassroots Meeting/Sharing Session
10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. MCPL’s
Wausau Room:
The Much Ado Storytellers present "Much Ado about Stories"
Come one, come all! You are herewith
invited to an illuminating
performance of storytime tales, folktales, fairy tales, picture books
and props. Return to your library with a pack full of ideas and
inspiration for your own summer library program productions. Veteran
south central Wisconsin storytellers/librarians Geri Ceci Cupery and
Karen Wendt will share countless story ideas as well as tips for
marketing and publicizing youth programs.
Please respond by Tuesday, Feb.
17th to Beth Sillars at WVLS,
sillars@wvls.lib.wi.us or
715-261-7255
WVLS Board of Trustees in 2004
Appointed by the county boards of supervisors, the 15-member WVLS Board of Trustees is responsible for all policy decisions for WVLS. The number of representatives from each county on the board is based on county populations. Trustees serve 3-year terms and meet six times annually. At their January meeting the board elects its 7-member Executive Committee, which also meets five or six times a year. All meetings are open to the public and most are held at Marathon County Public Library. Following is a list of 2004 WVLS board members:
WVLS Executive Committee:
President: Janet Baer, Oneida County (term expires 12/2005)
Vice President: Donna Walbeck, Taylor County (term expires 12/2005)
Treasurer: Sandi Cihlar, Marathon County (term expires 12/2006)
Member: Peg Jopek, Langlade County (term expires 12/2006)
Member: Douglas Lay, Marathon County (term expires 12/2005)
Member: Alice Sturzl, Forest County (term expires 12/2004)
Member: Norma Wehlitz, Lincoln County (term expires 12/2004)Other Members of the WVLS Board:
Gladys Olsen, Clark County (term expires 12/2005)
Louise Olszewski, Clark County (term expires 12/2006)
Jim Backus, Marathon County (term expires 12/2004)
Don Christianson, Marathon County (term expires 12/2005)
Michael Otten / Tomas Bojanovsky, Marathon County (term expires 12/2006)
Dorothy Scott, Marathon County (term expires 12/2004)
Chris Uhlig, Marathon County (term expires 12/2006)
John Young, Oneida County (term expires 12/2004)
Learning to Tell the Library Story by Doug Lay, 2004 WLTA Chair, WVLS Trustee
"We’re
approaching today’s presentations with the Field of Dreams
philosophy," the audience was told "Convene a meeting of state
legislators,
invite various groups of library promoters, and they will come."
The speaker was Kris Adams Wendt, Director of the Rhinelander District Library. "They" were an assembly of some eighty librarians, county supervisors, library trustees, students and others interested in understanding and possibly influencing the legislative process in favor of libraries. The group was being welcomed to a mid-October legislative advocacy workshop hosted by the Rhinelander District Library and jointly sponsored by the Oneida County Library Board and the Wisconsin Valley Library Service in Wausau.
Entitled "Telling the Library Story," the day-long program was conceived "to engage concerned citizens in an act of library advocacy."
Both through purpose and arrangements, the proceedings could serve as an example to other organizations committed to establishing effective library advocacy strategies.
For the morning session, appearance commitments were secured from 4 area legislators, along with Tony Driessen, a partner in the Madison and Milwaukee law firm of Quarles and Brady. Tony is coordinator for the firm's Governmental Relations Group and also serves as the Wisconsin Library Association's lobbyist, so he was able to offer an experienced and pragmatic view of the legislative process.
Legislative dynamics are simple, he said, but have to be understood in order to get them working to your advantage.
During a given session, legislators are often consumed by ad hoc issues and mandates. Schools, for example, are mandated; libraries, despite their educational function, are not. Naturally, lawmakers are pulled in the direction of political necessity, a form of prioritizing that doesn’t favor libraries.
In order to help library supporters make themselves heard, Tony followed his own presentation by moderating a panel discussion of "What Makes a Good Constituent."
The panel consisted of four members of the Wisconsin legislature representing portions of the area served by the local library system, the Wisconsin Valley Library Service: Senators Roger Breske and Russ Decker; and Representatives Don Friske and Dan Meyer.
Some of their suggestions included:
Advocates also need to be aware of effective, ongoing communication techniques. The most effective? Hand written letters, phone calls and face-to-face meetings (preceded by an appointment to ensure the legislator’s undivided attention).
Email was considered one of the least effective approaches.
Following a morning with legislators, the afternoon session was conducted by Richard Moore, investigative reporter and columnist who currently covers the government beat for the Lakeland Times in Minocqua, Wisconsin. He is also well acquainted with library issues, having been a presenter at the Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries spring conference and Wisconsin Library Association annual fall conference.
Moore encouraged library promoters to establish partnerships with journalists to more effectively tell the library’s "story."
Stories, Moore pointed out, can serve to either maintain the status quo or act as agents of change. In the former case, they can reinforce fear, rigidity and repression; in the latter, and of most relevance to libraries, they can "explode flawed perceptions" and "empower by understanding."
Broadening perceptions and improving understanding of libraries are worthy goals for all advocates. Representatives of local media can be strong allies by helping communicate the value of libraries to the public. Moore recommends forging partnerships with journalists to literally broadcast stories about the library.
Advocates, in turn, need to offer specific examples of what libraries do for individuals. Demonstrating the impact of libraries on real lives is what makes a story vivid, dramatic and memorable. By making characters tangible, issues are brought to life, lending flair, detail and humanity to the story. This form of library storytelling is distinct from news articles, which essentially convey dry facts. By profiling users and providing personalized anecdotes, the library can build support story-by-story.
The workshop concluded with participants sharing their own library success stories.
Having drawn attendees from several surrounding counties, Rhinelander’s approach to advocacy training seems a formula for success in its own right.
Asked how she had been able to orchestrate appearances from such a relevant if disparate group of presenters, Kris Adams Wendt was characteristically insouciant: "I just asked them," she said.
By "just asking," several legislators were made aware that their constituency included a block of committed library supporters. At the same time, those supporters were beneficiaries of a workshop that left them both informed and motivated. "It was sort of a play within a play," Kris Wendt reflected. "All the while we were learning about advocacy, the very presence of a mixture of librarians, trustees and local elected officials interacting with the four legislators meant we were also DOING it at the same time!"
In reality, Rhinelander District Library’s ability to realize its goals for the workshop demanded a judicious balance of planning, persuasion and special pleading. Even so, these are traits many of us can learn to put into practice, particularly with the best interests of our libraries as incentive.
Rhinelander has given us a model we can follow, whether in whole or in part.
Like them, we can all identify our local and state elected officials and make sure they hear about the positive impact libraries have on their constituency. Through formal advocacy programs and in individual contacts, we can mobilize like-minded citizens to reinforce the message that libraries play a vital role in their lives and that of their families. We can finesse appearances, either individually or en masse, by guests who are in a position to influence the quality of services offered by our library. We can, in ways overt and subtle, make sure the needs of libraries are heard along with those of other agencies seeking a share of the public’s tax dollars.
Most public service agencies such as fire and police departments are reactive by design. In contrast, the library’s role is essentially proactive and as advocates, we must be proactive as well. As the Rhinelander example shows, our legislators and other elected officials respond when they hear from their constituency. To safeguard the future of the library’s mission, we must find consistent and creative ways to let them hear from us.
Help Young People Care About Their School
Based on research conducted since 1958, Search Institute has identified 40 developmental assets that all young people need to grow up to be healthy, principled and caring adults. The more assets a young person has developed, the more likely they are to make positive choices. Conversely, the fewer assets a young person has developed, the more likely they are to become involved in risk-taking behaviors. It has been found nationwide that most students have fewer than half of these 40 assets.
The list of 40 developmental assets as well as tips for focusing on each one is too long to include in its entirety here, but may be requested from Beth Sillars at the WVLS office (715/261-7255 or sillars@wvls.lib.wi.us Following is the featured asset for January:
January Asset: #24
Bonding to School
Young people who have this asset care about their school.
Adults can help young people build this asset by encouraging them to participate in activities that boost school spirit. Student council, school sports teams, clubs and other extra curricular programs help kids feel connected to their school. Set up a bulletin board in a visible place and put school calendars on it for everyone to see. Choose school activities to attend as a family. Encourage school pride by wearing school colors or clothing with the school logo. Display a school bumper sticker or license plate holder on the family car. Read the school newspaper together and talk about the fun and interesting things that are going on at school. Show that YOU care about your child’s school by volunteering, joining the parent-teacher organization or being a club advisor. Happily attend school conferences and special events and be positive about opportunities provided to be involved at school.
Booklist’s Graphic Novel Spotlight
The February 1, 2004, issue of Booklist spotlights the best graphic novels for all ages. Here are the titles they selected for their "Top 10 Graphic Novels for Youth" (all have 2003 copyright dates):
Asamiya, Kia.
Batman: Child of Dreams
Gaiman, Neil. The Wolves in the Wall
Irwin, Jane. Vogelein: A Clockwork Faerie
Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis
Kim, Ho Sik. My Sassy Girl
Kubert, Joe. Yossel
Rabagliati, Michael. Paul Has a Summer Job
Satrapi, Marjane. Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood
Sfar, Joann. Little Vampire Does King Fu
Weissman, Steven. White Flower Day
(Rob Reid’s Heart of a Child, 1/28/04)
Voter Registration Available at Some Wisconsin Public Libraries
Individuals can register to vote at a number of Wisconsin public libraries including those in Appleton, Cedarburg, Greenfield, Kenosha, Madison, Middleton, Muskego, New Berlin, Sun Prairie, Verona, and probably many others. To become qualified to register voters, public library staff must be trained by municipal officials. Contact your municipal clerk if your library is interested in registering voters.
Libraries that do not wish to offer voter registration service can still make the voter registration application forms available in paper form and/or electronically (through the library’s web page). Instructions indicating how to register to vote in Wisconsin are on the State Election Board’s web site at http://elections.state.wi.us/sebpage32.html
A downloadable registration form is available from that web page, or is directly available at http://elections.state.wi.us/pdf/EB-131%20Voter%20Registration%20App.pdf
(Channel Weekly, 1/9/04)
We The People Bookshelf Grants Available
The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) are accepting applications from public and school (K-12) libraries for We The People Bookshelf grants. Part of NEH’s We The People initiative, the Bookshelf project will award sets of 15 books for young readers to 500 libraries across the country. Selected libraries are required to present programs that highlight the theme of courage and encourage young readers to explore these works. Libraries interested in receiving the We The People Bookshelf grant can view the application and guidelines at www.ala.org/wethepeople or www.wethepeople.gov Applications are being accepted online until February 15, 2004.
Employee Trust Funds http://etf.wi.gov
The Department of Employee Trust Funds (DETF) has redesigned its Internet site
to better serve Wisconsin Retirement system employers and participants. The
"What’s New" section on the homepage showcases current items of
interest to participants such as health insurance, calculators that estimate
retirement benefits, employment news, governing boards, and benefit programs.
Look for the new design the first week in February 2004.
All But Forgotten Oldies [RealOne Player]
http://www.allbutforgottenoldies.net/
If you have ever found yourself humming
that one-hit wonder Jimmy Soul (who struck radio gold when he released the
classic "If You Wanna Be Happy" in 1963), the All But Forgotten Oldies
site may be just what you are looking for. The site consists of a searchable
database of links to sound clips for over 4,000 songs from 1960-1975, which can
be browsed by either performing artist or song title. The site also allows
visitors to submit queries, learn about where to buy sheet music for each title,
and contains a helpful FAQ section to get users started. The site also has a few
fun features, such as a listing of sports-themed classic songs and an essay
written by Bobby Darin’s former manager about the legendary rock and
roller.
Leap Year http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/astronomy/LeapYear.html
This site provides easy-to-understand
scientific background information on the concept of a leap year. Features
illustrations and links to information on related astronomical events such as
leap day, the calendar, season, vernal equinox, tropical year, century, and
Gregorian, Iranian, and Julian calendrical systems. The author is a scientist
with advanced degrees in physics and planetary science.
4 Girls Health http://www.4girls.gov/
This site for adolescent girls offers
basic information about puberty, fitness, mental health, nutrition, healthy
relationships, safety, and substance abuse prevention. Includes sections for
parents and caregivers and for teens with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
From the Office on Women’s Health, Department of Health and Human
Services.
Soups, Soups, and more Soups
(The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2003, http://scout.wisc.edu/, 11/7/03)
This month's Featured Kit
939P Babar Kit
For
more information on this kit visit the
WVLS AV & Programming Materials Page
February 20 – Discover New Trails @ Your Library – a WVLS Summer Library Program workshop – see article above for more information.
February 24-28 – Public Library Association National Conference – Seattle, WA.
March 1 – Public Library Annual Reports due to DLTCL.
March 2 – Read Across America Day – www.nea.org/readacross "This year, March 2 marks the all-important 100th birth anniversary of Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. School and public libraries shouldn’t overlook this milestone. What could you do?
Well, try a
reading in a room.
Do a project with a broom.
You could have kids wear fun socks.
You could show them pretty rocks.
You could even dance and sing.
You could do most anything!
(Marketing Library Services, January/February 2004)
March 7-14 – Read an E-Book Week – WVLS area public libraries may want to take this opportunity to promote e-book technology and the 9,000+ e-book titles available via the Horizon automated system. Show staff and patrons how neat the electronic format is, train potential borrowers how to access and use the netLibrary e-book collection, and generally promote your high tech services and expertise.
(edited from Marketing Library Services, January/February 2004)March 9-10 – 2004 Children’s Book Fest – Rhinelander – complete registration information may be found at http://wvls.lib.wi.us/Workshops/workshop.html
March 20 – WVLS Board of Trustees meeting
March 23 – "Celebrating the Book" – a WVLS Reader’s Advisory Workshop – Marathon County Public Library – look for details in the February issue of the Lamplighter.
April 5 – June 13 – 10-week web-based course and participate when it fits your schedule from home or library – 3.0 CEUs - $389 – registration deadline 3/20/04 – contact the WVLS office for more information.
April 15 - WVLS V-Cat Council meeting – Antigo Public Library – 9:30 a.m.
April 28-30 – WAPL Spring Conference – Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells
May 14 – WVLS Library Advisory Committee meeting – Rhinelander District Library – 9:30 a.m.
May 19 – WVLS Latino Grant workshop – details forthcoming.
"Whatever the cost of libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation."
--Walter Cronkite
(the U*N*A*B*A*S*H*E*D Librarian, Number 126)
ATTENTION: WESSLER SCHOLARSHIPS are available to cover some/all costs associated with attendance at reference and/or interlibrary loan continuing education events. If interested in becoming a Wessler Scholar, contact the WVLS office (715/261-7250) for more information. The application form and more information are available at http://wvls.lib.wi.us/About/wessler.htm
is a monthly newsletter of the Wisconsin
Valley Library Service.
300 N. First
Street / Wausau, WI 54403
Contributions are welcome!
Back issues are available at http://wvls.lib.wi.us/Newsletter/newsindex.htm
(Note: Web links in past issues are not checked for currency and may no
longer work.)
| EDITOR: Marla Sepnafski Phone: 715/261-7252 FAX: 715/261-7259 |
Contributions are welcome!
News items should be submitted by the first of the month.
WVLS serves Clark, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, and Taylor counties.
When the most recent issue becomes available, readers are alerted by a notice
posted to WISPUBLIB, or sent an email.
To subscribe to WISPUBLIB, send an email message to wispublib@badger.state.wi.us
In the body of the message (subject line is ignored) type: subscribe WISPUBLIB.
Then send your email. To have The Lamplighter emailed to you without subscribing
to WISPUBLIB, contact Barbara Freimund at 715/261-7252, or email freimund@wvls.lib.wi.us
