• Today’s average college grads have spent less than 5,000 hours reading but over 10,000 hours playing video games. They have also spent 20,000 hours watching TV.
  
• The Internet and other forms of digital communication have taken over our lives – but especially the lives of kids.
  
• Young people (those under the age of 28) think and process information in an entirely different way than older people…they are ‘digital natives’…native speakers of the new digital language. Those older than 28 are ‘digital immigrants’ and we will never be as good at ‘digital’ as they are.
  
• Watch today’s kids doing homework. Typically the iPod is in the ear listening to music. Instant messaging is going on with a variety of other kids via some sort of handheld device. The phone is cradled between head and shoulder for conversation. And they’re on the Internet for homework help…if we had done our homework like that, our parents would have had a fit! We didn’t learn how to do many things at once when we were young and now we can’t do it.
  
• Digital natives are used to receiving information really fast. They don’t need instructions; they just dive in and figure it out. They’re used to working collaboratively. They prefer ‘games’ to ‘work.’ These kids grew up on Sesame Street where learning was fun.
  
• Digital immigrants don’t agree. We get confused if learning comes too fast. Our hand/eye coordination isn’t as fast…we don’t multitask as easily…we need step-by-step instructions and some of us like to work alone. Above all, we learned that learning was serious – not necessarily fun.
  
• Ms. Long said that, if we’re smart, we’ll work harder at understanding today’s young people…we have to change both our methodology and our content if we want to teach or even engage the youth of today. We have to move faster and we probably have to consider approaches that look and feel like computer games…..this perspective means change in libraries…maybe libraries need to involve some of those digital natives on our advisory boards and planning groups to help make libraries vital community resources.

For more about Sarah Long’s ideas see her web site at: www.sarahlong.org 

ALA WEBSITE ADDS "TAKE ACTION!" PAGE
ALA has added a "Take Action!" web page, which is accessible by clicking on the "Take Action!" image located on the home page at www.ala.org 

Designed to allow librarians and library advocates to forward letters, faxes, and e-mail messages to members of Congress regarding library legislation by entering their zip code, the "Take Action!" screen also provides an opportunity to link to state associations in order to address state-level issues. Background information on pending library legislation and alert messages is also available. (American Libraries, May 2004)

PLAIN-ENGLISH EXPLANATIONS OF WISCONSIN BILLS AND ACTS
Each bill that is introduced in the Legislature includes a legislative analysis, prepared by the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB). The analysis states what the current law is, and how the bill would change it. If you know the bill number, use the Wisconsin Legislature search form at http://www.legis.state.wi.us/billtext.html  to access the bill history. If you don’t know the bill number, browse or search the Legislative Reference Bureau’s Subject Index to Senate & Assembly Bills, Joint Resolutions, Resolutions & Petitions at http://www.legis.state.wi.us/propsaz.html and click on the bill number link to view full text.

Starting with the 2003-2004 session, every Wisconsin Act will have what is now called an Act Memo, which clearly states what the law was, how the Act changes it, and the effective date of the Act. Just as with Amendment memos, a link to the Act memo is provided at the top right of its corresponding bill history. Since the 2003-2004 session ended just a few weeks ago and some bills are just now being approved and signed into law, several Act memos are not yet available. To verify whether a bill has been enacted, scroll to the bottom of the bill history and look for the Act number and/or an indication of approval, veto, or other final action. This article was seen in the May 2004 issue of WSLL @ Your Service, the newsletter of the Wisconsin State Law Library which can be seen in its entirety at http://wsll.state.wi.us/newsletter/issue04may.html 

QUOTE FOR KEEPING IN A READILY VISIBLE SPOT

"I will not cheat nor will I play for keeps. I will treat my opponent with courtesy. If I play in a group game, I will play, not for my own glory, but for the success of my team and the fun of the game."

(author unknown)

--Heather Eldred 

GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING IN WVLS!

WVLS Receives Grant from Tavern League. Recognizing that reading comprehension and vocabulary scores improve when kids read throughout the summer, the Tavern League of Wisconsin Foundation Matching Funds Program along with the Marathon County Tavern League recently donated $2,000 to Wisconsin Valley Library Service to help defray expenses for sponsoring performers at area public libraries’ summer reading programs. In addition, the Marathon County Tavern League has challenged tavern leagues in neighboring counties in the WVLS area to follow their lead to provide additional financial support for the WVLS Summer Library Program project.

WVLS Joins the Central Wisconsin Digital Project (CWDP). The CWDP is a consortium of public and academic libraries, historical and genealogical societies, and an art museum in Central Wisconsin. It’s purpose is to develop a regional digital collection built collaboratively by these member institutions and to provide, via the World Wide Web, multiple digital resources that will serve students and lifelong learners, genealogists, casual users, the business community and others with an interest in the history and resources of this area. If you are interested in receiving information about the CWDP, please contact Marla Sepnafski at WVLS (715/261-7252; msepnafs@wvls.lib.wi.us) or Phyllis Christensen at Marathon County Public Library (715/261-7275; pkchrist@mcpl.lib.wi.us).

New Service – Live From the Reference Desk! With 2004 LSTA funds, WVLS recently joined the AskWisconsin consortium - which includes academic and public libraries, and public library systems throughout the state – to make virtual reference available to library staff and patrons throughout the WVLS area. By clicking on the AskWisconsin icon on the WVLS homepage, information seekers will have the opportunity to chat with a librarian during specifically scheduled hours throughout the week. The service is open to all residents of the WVLS service area who have access to a computer with a browser. Try it out for yourself, and, once you do, let us know what you think about this new and exciting way to help patrons and library staff find usable, relevant and authoritative information in a timely manner.

I LOVE LIBRARIES AND I VOTE

WLA's new election year campaign "I Love Libraries and I Vote" was designed to encourage library users to vote and remind those running for public office that many voters care deeply about libraries of all kinds. A survey sponsored by the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium showed that library users are more likely to vote than non-library users. Low-cost buttons and decals with the slogan are available from WLA's website at www.wla.lib.wi.us/legis/lovelibs 

CONTRIBUTE TO WLA SILENT AUCTION

This year’s WLA Conference in Lake Geneva will again feature a Silent Auction sponsored by the WLA Foundation. The committee needs donations for the event. Some suggestions are:

• Fine arts, including jewelry, paintings, sculpture, pottery
• Products or services that a library or librarians would find useful (story hour, consulting)
• Entertainment packages (e.g., theater tickets, tickets to sporting events, golf packages)
• Hotel packages (e.g., weekend getaways with one or more meals included)
• Gift baskets
• Trips inside or outside Wisconsin
• Personal services (gardening, gourmet dinner for 6)
• Collectibles, antiques and memorabilia

Your name would be listed on the bid sheet and you would be recognized in WLA publicity and publications. Items must have a value of $50 or higher. They are tax deductible as a charitable contribution at their actual value. Once contributed, they are owned by the WLA Foundation.

Contributions must be delivered to the WLA office by October 8, 2004. Contact Alice Sedgwick, sedgwic@execpc.com  or the WLA office if you have questions.

ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES WITH ADULTS

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 May:

May Asset: #1
OTHER ADULTS RELATIONSHIPS
Young people who have this asset know other adults besides their parents they can turn to for advice and support.

Kids benefit from spending time with adults they feel comfortable with – trusted neighbors, favorite teachers, mentors or relatives they like being around. Provide opportunities for this to happen and encourage your children to participate in activities with adults. Get to know the adults in your neighborhood and encourage your children to develop their own relationships with those that you trust. With your child, identify the adults who regularly interact with them – teachers, coaches, and parents of their friends. Call them or write a note to let them know that you appreciate their care and interest in your child. Be available for other young people and welcome your child’s friends into your home. Adult mentors like Big Brothers and Big Sisters can fill this role and be an important person in your child’s life.

Kathleen Krull Wins!
ELIZABETH BURR/WORZALLA AWARDS ANNOUNCED

The Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla award is awarded each year to a Wisconsin author or illustrator for distinguished achievement in children's literature. The winner of the 2004 Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award is:

Kathleen Krull (author), for Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez, illustrated by Yuyi Morales, Harcourt, 2003. (Available in Spanish: Cosechando esperanza: la historia de Cesar Chavez, translated by F. Isabel Campoy and Alma Flor Ada. Libros Viajeros/Harcourt, 2003)

The 2004 Burr/Worzalla Honor books are:

Colibri, by Ann Cameron. Frances Foster/Farrar Straus Giroux, 2003.
George Washington's Teeth, illus. by Brock Cole; written by Deborah Chandra and Madeline Comora. Farrar Straus Giroux, 2003.
Sweetblood, by Pete Hautman. Simon & Schuster, 2003.
Olive's Ocean, by Kevin Henkes. Greenwillow/Harper Collins, 2003.

The Notable Author honors Wisconsin authors, past and present, for their literary contributions. The 2004 Notable Author is:

Marion Dane Bauer

Members of the 2004 Children's Book Award Committee: Roxane Bartelt, Kenosha Public Library; Shawn Brommer (chair), South Central Library System; Nancy Jackisch, Oshkosh Public Library; Marge Loch-Wouters, Elisha D. Smith Public Library - Menasha; Eric Norton, McMillan Public Library - Wisconsin Rapids; Maryann Owen, Racine Public Library; and Joan Robb, UW Green Bay.

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CCBC BIBLIOGRAPHY AVAILABLE FOR THE SUMMER LIBRARY PROGRAM

Megan Schliesman posted a bibliography she developed related to the 2004 summer library program theme "Discover New Trails @Your Library" on the CCBC web site. The title is "Pages of Discovery." It is available as a PDF file from the "What’s New" page at: www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/new.htm  Some librarians may have seen the books and bibliography at the WAPL conference and there were some copies at the Day of Training. It can be downloaded by anyone else who would like to see the CCBC’s recommendations. The bibliography includes titles about the natural world, journeys West in the U.S., immigrants and other travelers, and trailblazers of many different types. (Channel Weekly, 5/13/04)

FIRST ANNUAL BOOK WALK

Readers and fitness enthusiasts recently participated in Palantine Public Library’s first annual "Book Walk." Sponsored by the Palatine Public Library District Foundation, the noncompetitive two-mile walk was held on Sunday, May 23, at 11 a.m. at the library. The registration fee was $10 in advance and $12 the day of the walk, and family registration was $25 in advance or $30 on the day of the walk. T-shirts were awarded to all participants and refreshments and entertainment were provided at the end of the walk.

The goal of the walk was to raise funds to expand the summer bookmobile schedule. State Representative Suzie Bassi served as honorary chairperson of the walk. (edited from Library Administrator’s Digest, April 2004 as seen in The PageTurner, Palantine [IL] Public Library District, Spring 2004)

RESIST PHRASES THAT MAR YOUR IMAGE

Even casual remarks can enhance your professional image or harm it. So, think before you speak and make statements that highlight capabilities, not weaknesses. Let’s look at some phrases to avoid:

"I’m just swamped." Although you may be telling the truth, no one wants to hear about your backlog. You’ll come across as someone who can’t control his or her time. Solution: Consult your calendar and say, "Let me reserve a time to take care of that."

"I’m having one of those days." Other people are under pressure too and are more concerned about what they need than reasons why you can’t deliver. Solution: Resist the urge to complain. And, again, offer a reasonable time line to get the work done.

"You didn’t hear this from me." This implies you are about to provide information that you should keep to yourself…hardly a professional image. Solution: Assume that anything you say will be attributed to you. And remember, people respect those who keep confidences.

"I’ll try my best." No matter how earnest you sound, this sounds like you’re leaving yourself an out. Solution: Commit to what you know you can deliver with a strong statement: "I’ll take care of that for you."
(The Library Connection, 2/04 as seen in Business Insights, by the Sheboygan Chamber of Commerce, 2/04)

TELL YOUR STORY! Library Funding Web Site Launched

The American Library Association has launched the new Tell Your Story! component of the ALA Library Funding Web Site. The new site provides important information about funding cutbacks in libraries in states throughout the country. The Tell Your Story! component is an anecdotal collection that will allow library advocates to submit stories of how funding issues have impacted their communities, as well as retrieve stories to share with legislators, decision-makers, and the media. Check it out at www.ala.org/libraryfunding 
(NewsFlashes, 5/19/04)

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MORE NEW RESOURCES ON BADGERLINK

The Department of Public Instruction is pleased to announce the addition of two new resources to the BadgerLink site.

LitFINDER incorporates three resources: Poem Finder, Story Finder, and Essay/Speech/Play Finder. Each resource provides a search interface to thousands of full-text documents, literary excerpts and citations.

TeachingBooks is an amazing tool for librarians. There are about 9,000 different resources, including original, in-studio movies of authors and illustrators, thousands of book guides with activities for the library and classroom, and hundreds of audio excerpts of book readings for grades pre-K-12. Anyone in Wisconsin can freely use TeachingBooks by going to http://www.badgerlink.net.  TeachingBooks requires that you sign-up for a user profile which essentially involves registering your email address and choosing a password for log-in. From the TeachingBooks homepage, simply click the purple "sign in" button in the upper right-hand corner, and on the sign-in page, click the link for the new subscribers and provide the requested information.

Once you are signed in, you’ll see a yellow button in the upper right labeled "Your Subscription Info." If you click on that button, you’ll find a section called "TeachingBooks for Students" which will provide you with a single password that all your pupils may use for remote access to the site. You’ll also find a helpful .PDF file with information for students which you may print and distribute. This handout includes all the information students will need to access the site outside of school. 
(edited from The Library Connection, March/April 2004)

HOME DEPOT FOUNDATION GRANT OPPORTUNITY
http://www.homedepotfoundation.org/ 
The Home Depot Foundation supports a wide range of nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada in the communities where company associates live and work. Grants are made in the areas of affordable housing, at-risk youth ages 12-18, the environment, and disaster preparedness. Particular consideration is given to requests that impact more than one of the Foundation's areas of interest and promote community volunteerism. Nonprofit organizations in company communities throughout the United States and Canada are eligible to apply. The next deadline is July 15, 2004. Visit the above website for more information or to apply online. (CEO, LLS and MWFLS Youth Services Update, 5/19/04, as seen in Grant Station Insider, 5/19/04)

A Primer on Gasoline Prices 
http://www.eia.doe.gov/neic/brochure/oil_gas/primer/primer.htm 
This gasoline primer explains "the components of the retail price of gasoline," as well as why gas prices fluctuate, why gas prices differ regionally, and why prices in California are higher and more variable. From the Energy Information Administration (EIA), an independent statistical agency within the Department of Energy (DOE). (Copyright 2004 by Librarians’ Index to the Internet, LII; LII New This Week for February 5, 2004)

GasBuddy.com 
http://gasbuddy.com/ 
Since gasoline prices change frequently and may vary by as much as 20 percent within only a few blocks it is important to be able to locate the service station with the lowest priced fuel. GasBuddy.com is the portal site to more than 170 gas price information web sites operated by the non-profit organization known as GasBuddy Organization Inc. Each GasBuddy Organization’s web site provides a live forum for consumers to post local recent low and high gasoline prices. (Refdesk site-of-the-day, 5/7/04)

Baseball Almanac 
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/ 
With several weeks of the 2004 major league baseball season now in the record books, it is high time to profile a site that may end more than a few fractious arguments held both at the ballpark and on the way home from nine innings of America’s national sport. The Baseball Almanac is one such site, as it contains rather helpful information on the game, organized into a host of helpful areas such as those on the All-Star game, player stats, quotations, and humor and jokes. There’s a great deal to keep baseball aficionados entertained here, in particular the fabulous feats area, where visitors can learn which players have hit two grand slams in one game and which players had six hits in one game. (From the 4/30/04 Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2003; http://scout.wisc.edu/)

Swing Into Spring Cleaning 
http://organizedhome.com/clean/ 
This site provides quick and easy spring cleaning ideas, including homemade cleaning recipes, professional tips, chore checklist, and more. Also includes a 14-week spring cleaning plan adapted from the book Cleaning Grand Plan. From OrganizedHome.com.  (Copyright 2004 by Librarians’ Index to the Internet, LII; LII New This Week for March 11, 2004)

GovBenefits.gov en Espanol 
http://www.GovBenefits.gov 
Gov Benefits.gov en Espanol has debuted on the two-year-old site that offers government benefit eligibility information. Now Spanish-speaking communities can access expanded state program information. More than 500 federal and state assistance programs participate on the web site.   (Library Hotline, 5/17/04)

Healing Iraq 
http://healingiraq.blogspot.com/ 
Mainstream coverage of the ongoing reconstruction and conflict in Iraq may at times leave much to be desired, particularly in terms of "man on the street" coverage. Fortunately, there are literally hundreds of weblogs that provide a vantage point into this situation, representing the many divergent opinions on this situation. One notable site is provided by Zeyad (whose surname is not offered for privacy reasons), a dentist living and working in Iraq. On the site, visitors can peruse his latest observations on the operations in Iraq, and post comments on each individual entry as well. The site also includes a photo blog, where visitors can view photographs of demonstrations and other activities. A desirable aspect of the site is that it also offers links to other Iraq-related weblogs, and information about new blogs of note.   (From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2003, http://scout.wisc.edu/ 5/21/04)

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Calendar of Events

July 6 – Take Your Webmaster/Webmistress/Head Spider to Lunch Day

LAMPLIGHTER

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.)

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