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Psst!  I heard about a REALLY important web site that can help us all support Wisconsin Libraries!        http://www.wisconsinlibraries.org/
It’s LIBRARY LOVERS’ MONTH and I’ve fallen in love all over again.  I do it every day…all the time…every time I see the word ‘library’ and realize what it means to our communities…every time I hear a story about how important a library was to a specific person…every time I go looking for a piece of information and find it in a resource paid for with my tax dollars and made available to everyone…every time I check out a stack of books.  You know the kind of love I mean because you fall into it too.  Aren’t we fortunate?  But don’t you wish lots more people felt like we do? 

At the end of January, the Wisconsin Library Association Foundation (WLAF) formally launched its Campaign for Wisconsin Libraries – an effort to promote the message that libraries are important to the economic growth of our state and its various municipalities.  Libraries contribute to education and lifelong learning and the overall quality of life in our State.   

There will be buttons and bumper stickers that carry this “SUPPORT Wisconsin Libraries – Keep Us All in A Better State” message.  They will be made available in the next few weeks.  Please distribute them to help spread the message.  Printed ads will be sent out (and will be available for you to use on the local level in various ways) and public service radio spots will be sent to radio stations across the state.   If you are reading this, you are being encouraged to call your radio station and ask them to play these spots on a regular basis. 

Many of you are probably already tired of my mentioning this Campaign but it’s SUCH a good idea that I can’t stop talking about it.  We as library people know how important and well-received our collections and services are but we don’t have the money (or other resources) to promote them properly.  When municipal, county and state level officials hear about library services, it is usually because we, the library people, are writing letters.  Legislators have told us repeatedly that they want to hear from those who use our service because hearing from those of us who provide the service just sounds like nest-feathering. 

The intent of the Campaign is to provide a collective voice for Wisconsin libraries of all types and to focus on developing and disseminating effective messages about the importance of public, school, technical, academic, and special libraries in Wisconsin. 

What can you do?

·         Check out the Campaign website http://www.wisconsinlibraries.org

·         Give a personal gift (any amount will help) to the WLA Foundation…give it for yourself…or…give it as a birthday present…or…give it as a work anniversary present…or ???

·         Ask your library board, library Friends group, school board, corporate board, service club, etc. to give to the Foundation this year…every year.  Why?  Because good libraries of all types benefit all of our communities

·         Suggest names of possible corporate sponsors that WLAF members could contact for support.  You can send those suggestions to the WLA office at the address below or give me a call (I’m currently WLAF Vice-Chairperson) at the WVLS office.

 I’m pleased to be able to report that, in addition to some individual gifts to the Campaign from people in our area, two WVLS area library agencies so far (that I know of) have given to the Campaign…the TB Scott Library in Merrill and the WVLS Board. 

The more we can support this type of activity on a statewide level, the more publicity for library service will be generated.  The more people learn about library services and how important they are, the more they will be willing to provide financial help for libraries of all types. 

Please become a partner in the Campaign for Wisconsin Libraries by making a tax deductible gift to the Wisconsin Library Association Foundation.  Contact:  WLAF; 5250 East Terrace Dr., Suite A; Madison, WI  53718; (608) 245-3640; http://www.wisconsinlibraries.org/

-- Heather Eldred

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IN THE SYSTEM

WVLS BOARD OF TRUSTEES IN 2006
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, and usually appointees serve 3-year terms. WVLS trustees meet six times annually – in January, March, May, July, September and November.  At their January meeting, the board elects its 7-member Executive Committee, which also meets six times a year – February, April, June, August, October and December.  All meetings are open to the public and most are held at Marathon County Public Library.  Following is the 2006 WVLS Board of Trustees roster: 

WVLS Executive Committee

• PRESIDENT:  Sandi Cihlar, Marathon County  (term expires 12/2006)
• VICE PRESIDENT:  Donna Walbeck, Taylor County  (term expires 12/2008)
• TREASURER:  Don Christianson, Marathon County  (term expires 12/2008)
• MEMBER:  Jim Backus, Marathon County  (term expires 12/2007)
• MEMBER:  Jan Baer, Oneida County  (term expires 12/2008)
• MEMBER:  Douglas Lay, Marathon County  (term expires 12/2008)
• MEMBER:  Alice Sturzl, Forest County  (term expires 12/2007)

Other Members of the WVLS Board

• Gladys Olsen, Clark County  (term expires 12/2008)
• Louise Olszewski, Clark County  (term expires 12/2006)
• Peg Jopek, Langlade County  (term expires 12/2006)
• Michael Otten, Marathon County  (term expires 12/2006)
• Dorothy Scott, Marathon County  (term expires 12/2007)
• Chris Uhlig, Marathon County  (term expires 12/2006)
• Norma Wehlitz, Lincoln County  (term expires 12/2007)
• John Young, Oneida County  (term expires 12/2007)

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WE HAVE THREE WINNERS!

YOUTH MATTERS

2006 WVLS SLP Workshop Friday, 2/17/06 Marathon Co. Public Library 300 First St., Wausau, WI 54403 (In case of inclement weather, alternate date is 2/22/06) 9-9:30 a.m.  MCPL Children’s Room:  Coffee and conversation 9:30-10:30 a.m.  Grassroots Meeting/Sharing Session 10:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.  MCPL Wausau Room:  Marge Loch-Wouters Presents “An Exaltation of Critters”     Summer Fun for Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales Don’t be sheepish!  There’s no need to pussyfoot around.  Join us for a rollicking good time as we talk turkey about great ways to make 2006 the best summer reading program ever.  Activities, games, programs, stories and much more will make your work duck soup.  We’ll look at time-saving, fun ideas so you don’t have to work like a dog.  So quick like a bunny, get signed up—it’ll be more fun than a barrel of monkeys!  Marge Loch-Wouters is a looonnnnnnggg-time children’s librarian and storyteller (she has the crow’s feet to show for it) and happy as a clam to travel and do workshops with colleagues around the state.
		Please R.S.V.P. by Tuesday, February 14th to Beth Sillars at WVLS, 715-261-7255.

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Mark Your Calendars!
19^th ANNUAL CHILDREN’S BOOK FEST
Attention Wisconsin, Minnesota and Upper Michigan librarians, teachers, parents, reading specialists and members of the general public who are interested in learning about the best books for young people!  You are invited to attend Children’s Book Fest 2006, a two-day conference held at the Rhinelander Holiday Inn (Rhinelander, WI) on March 14 and 15. 

ALA LITERARY AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Following is a partial list of the 2006 literary award winners recently announced by the American Library Association (ALA).  For more information about these awards and others, visit the ALA web site at   http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=bookmediaawards

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INFO TO GO

FINDINGS INDICATE THAT INFORMATION CONSUMERS VIEW LIBRARIES AS PLACES TO BORROW PRINT BOOKS
“Books” is the library brand and information consumers like to self-serve.  These and other findings are presented in OCLC’s report Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources (2005).  The Perceptions report, based on surveys of over 3,200 information users across six countries, describes issues and trends that are impacting or will impact the information community.  Following are some of the findings mentioned in the report’s conclusion: 

On Information Consumers’ Perceptions and Habits

• Respondents use search engines to begin an information search (84%).  One percent begin an information search on a library Web site.
• Quality and quantity of information are top determinants of a satisfactory information search.  Search engines are rated higher than librarians.
• The criterion selected by most information consumers to evaluate electronic resources is that the information is worthwhile.  Free is a close second.  Speed has less impact.
• Respondents do not trust purchased information more than free information.  
• Library users like to self-serve.  Most respondents do not seek assistance when using library resources.

 On Libraries

• Information consumers use the library.  They use the library less and read less since they began using the Internet.  The majority of respondents anticipate their usage of libraries will be flat in the future.
• Borrowing print books is the library service used most.
• “Books” is the library brand.  There is no runner-up.
• Most information consumers are not aware of, nor do they use, most libraries’ electronic information resources.
• College students have the highest rate of library use and broadest use of library resources, both physical and electronic.
• Comments from respondents provide clear directions for physical libraries:  be clean, bright, comfortable, warm and well-lit; be staffed by friendly people; have hours that fit their lifestyles; and advertise services.  Find ways to get material to people, rather than making them come to the library.

 On Alternatives to Libraries

·         Information consumers like to self-serve.  They use personal knowledge and common sense to judge if electronic information is trustworthy.

·         Ninety percent of respondents are satisfied with their most recent search for information using a search engine.

·         People trust what they find using search engines.  They also trust information from libraries.  They trust them about the same.

·         Search engines fit the information consumer’s lifestyle better than physical or online libraries.

 To download Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources (2005), or only a summary of the report, or to order a print publication of the report, visit http://www.oclc.org/reports/2005perceptions.htm

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MEDICARE PLAN D

            “In 1965, the average U.S. life expectancy was 70.2 years, only 5 years beyond retirement age.  Then, medication did not play a major role in curing or controlling disease, so Medicare did not cover the cost of drugs.  Forty years later, our U.S. average life expectancy is up to 77.6 years, thanks in large part to advances in pharmacology.  Today’s average senior has more than 30 prescriptions, up from 19.6 in 1992, according to a survey by Families USA…At this rate, they predict that, by 2010, many older people will have more than 38 concurrent prescriptions.”

 A voluntary program for insurance companies and consumers, Medicare Plan D authorizes the federal government to pay about three-quarters of the premium to health insurance companies to cover drug benefit costs for Medicare recipients.  Open enrollment started on November 15, 2005 and coverage began on January 1, 2006.  In her article “Medicare Plan D:  Decisions, Decisions, Decisions” (SEARCHER:  The Magazine for Database Professionals; February 2006), Irene E. McDermott sheds light on the issues that make Medicare Plan D so confusing for the elderly, and suggests web sites to go to for assistance.

 THE CONFUSION 
 “When the law originally passed, many worried that insurance companies would not want to participate in the program.  In late 2005, it became clear that exactly the opposite had occurred.  So many insurers now offer Medicare drug benefit plans that premiums have fallen and led to the availability of many high-value choices.  However, the very abundance of plans has left seniors bewildered about their options.”   

Another caveat – a gap in the Medicare coverage of about $3,600 - leads to even greater confusion.  McDermott explains that beneficiaries “pay their first $250 in drug expenses every year.  Then they will be responsible for about 25% co-pay until they reach the benefit limit, which, in 2006, is $2,250.  After that, they pay the total cost of their drugs until their annual prescription expenditure reaches $5,100.  After that, Medicare pays for 95% of drug costs for the rest of the year … So, no matter what, most Medicare recipients need to have about $4,000 per year ready to go for prescription and drug insurance costs.”  She goes on to say that “if, as an older person, your drug costs run more than $333 per month, the new Medicare benefit will help you a lot.  Just be prepared for that drop off in the middle of your coverage.” 

HOW MAY A LIBRARY BE OF SERVICE? 
The booklet Medicare & You (which is 98 pages long!) tells seniors to call the Medicare 800 number or visit the Medicare website if they have questions.  Since very few seniors go online on a regular basis, McDermott suggests that “some puzzled patrons may well turn to their favorite library staff to do online research about specific Medicare options.”  In the event this happens, the following web sites might prove useful:

• Families USA (http://www.familiesusa.org/issues/medicare/rx-drug-center/for-consumers) Explore how the benefit would work in various scenarios, for example, if you have both Medicare and Medicaid; if you have little or no income, etc.
• Medicare (http://www.aarp.org/health/medicare) The American Association of Retired Persons clearly explains Medicare Plan D and how it fits in with the old Medicare programs and supplemental insurance.  AARP also recommends “If you don’t have access to the Internet, or are not familiar with searching for information online, ask a family member or friend who can do it for you.” 
• Medicare Drug Benefit Calculator (http://www.kff.org/medicare/rxdrugscalculator.cfm) The Kaiser Family Foundation offers an online calculator to help seniors determine how much they will pay out of pocket for medications under Medicare Plan D.
• Formulary Finder (http://formularyfinder.medicare.gov/formularyfinder/selectstate.asp) Enter your state and the names of your current prescriptions into this Medicare-sponsored online tool to determine which insurance companies cover the drugs you take.
• How Seniors Learn (http://www.mathematica-mpr.com/publications/PDFs/howseniors.pdf) If you find your self trying to explain the convolutions of Medicare Plan D, use this source to smooth the process.

 EDITOR’S NOTE:  A complete copy of Medicare Plan D:  Decisions, Decisions, Decisions (SEARCHER:  The Magazine for Database Professionals; February 2006) is available on BadgerLink. 

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HAS YOUR LIBRARY TAKEN A ‘GIANT STEP’?
Thomson Gale and School Library Journal are accepting applications from school and public libraries for the 2006 Giant Step Award, an annual distinction given to a school and public library that have demonstrated the most improved service to young people.  The award includes cash prizes totaling $10,000 and much more.  The deadline for applications is February 15, 2006.  For more information and a copy of the entry form, visit http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA631561.html  or
http://www.galeschools.com/grant_goldmine/giant_award/index.htm  If you have any questions, call Phyllis Levy Mandell at School Library Journal at 646-746-6763 (or toll-free at 1-866-436-0727, ext. 6763).
(edited from School Library Journal; 1/06)

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APPLY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE “Great Stories CLUB”!
The Great Stories CLUB (Connecting Libraries, Underserved teens and Books) is a book club grant program organized by the American Library Association Public Programs Office (PPO) and Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) to provide young adults with the opportunity to discuss books relevant to the challenges in their lives.  Oprah's Angel Network is providing a grant to support the program.

All types of libraries (public, school, academic and special), in partnership with facilities serving troubled teens (such as juvenile detention centers or alternative high schools) in the United States and its territories are eligible to apply. Selected libraries will present three-part book club discussions featuring three theme-related books chosen by YALSA for teen audiences. Applications will be accepted online at www.ala.org/greatstories from January 25 through February 20, 2006.

Up to 200 libraries will be selected to receive 10 sets of the three books to provide to members of the book club, along with online resources to plan and implement the program. YALSA's Outreach to Young Adults with Special Needs Committee developed the book selections, theme and program support materials.  The theme for the Great Stories CLUB will be teens facing challenges, and the following titles will be included:  The First Part Last by Angela Johnson; Born Blue by Han Nolan; and Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman. 

For further details, including guidelines, application instructions, and the online application, visit www.ala.org/greatstories. With questions, contact publicprograms@ala.org.

OVER THE COUNTER

BE A RADICAL, MILITANT LIBRARIAN! In recognition of the efforts of library staff to help raise awareness of the overreaching aspects of the USA PATRIOT Act, the American Library Association (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) is offering library staff an opportunity to proudly proclaim their “radical” and “militant” support for intellectual freedom, privacy and civil liberties.

Inspiration for the button’s design came from documents obtained from the FBI by the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) through a Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) request.  The request revealed a series of e-mails in which FBI agents complained about the “radical, militant librarians” while criticizing the reluctance of FBI management to use the secret warrants authorized under Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act.  Of course, in part because of the efforts of “radical, militant librarians” arguing on behalf of their users’ right to read freely, without government surveillance, Congress voted to extend its debate on the renewal of the USA PATRIOT Act.  The white, red and blue buttons proclaim “Radical Militant Librarian – Defending Access, Defending Privacy, Defending Freedom” debuted at the 2006 ALA Midwinter Meeting (January 20-25) and are available through ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom.  The buttons sell for $2.00 (1-10 buttons); $1.50 (11-50 buttons); and $1.25 (51 or more).  To order, please call 1-800/545-2433, ext. 4220; or visit https://www.ala.org/ala/oif/basics/basicrelatedlinks/radicalbutton.htm  Since some WVLS public, school and special libraries may not want to purchase the minimum order of 10 buttons; WVLS is offering to do a bulk order for area library staff.  If interested, contact Barbara Freimund at the WVLS office (715/261-7252 or freimund@wvls.lib.wi.us) with your order by March 1, 2006.

FROM HITHER & YON

A VALENTINE FOR YOU – CHOCOLATE CHUCKLES!

Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands – and then eat just one of the pieces.

There are four basic food groups:  milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate and chocolate truffles.

Man cannot live on chocolate alone; but women sure can.

In the cookies of life, friends are the chocolate chips.

Put “eat chocolate” at the top of your list of things to do today.  That way, at least you’ll get one thing done.

If calories are an issue, store your chocolate on top of the fridge.  Calories are afraid of heights, and they      will jump out of the chocolate to protect themselves.

If I eat equal amounts of dark chocolate and white chocolate, is that a balanced diet?  Don’t they actually counteract each other?

I could give up chocolate, but I’m no quitter.

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WEB SITES OF INTEREST (tourist traps on the information superhighway!)

CEO EXPRESS    http://www.ceoexpress.com
This is a very comprehensive site for business news and information that provides links to online publications and technology sites.  CEO Express claims to connect busy executives to information that matters.  (FreePint; “My Favourite Tipples”; 1/19/06; http://www.freepint.com/) 

CHARGES ON YOUR PHONE BILL    http://www.fcc.gob/cgb/consumerfacts/charges.html
Consumers are often confused by the various charges and items on their monthly phone bills.  Under FCC’s Truth-in-Billing rules, phone companies must provide clear, non-misleading, plain language in describing bill services, and identify the service provider associated with each charge; they must also display, on each bill, one or more toll-free numbers customers may use to inquire or dispute any charge on the bill.  Related site:  http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/phonebills/samplePhonebill.html    (Refdesk Site-Of-The-Day; 1/19/06) 

CONSUMER HEALTH WEBWATCH     http://healthratings.org/
The purpose of this site is to provide consumers with a one-stop destination to help determine whether a health Web site is credible and reliable.  (Refdesk Site-Of-The-Day; 1/10/06)

WINTER OLYMPICS HISTORY    http://www.sportsline.com/olympics/winter/history
Historical information about all Olympic Winter Games back to the first games in Chamonix, France, in 1924. Includes medal totals, and list of gold, silver, and bronze medal-winners in each event. Also includes links to information about the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin, Italy. From CBS SportsLine.com.  (Copyright 2005 by Librarians' Internet Index; LII New This Week; 12/22/05)  

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

February

Library Lovers’ Month www.librarysupport.net/librarylovers

 February 14 – Saint Valentine’s Day 

February 17 – WVLS 2006 Summer Library Program workshop – Marathon County Public Library – see information above or visit http://wvls.lib.wi.us/Workshops/workshop.html   

March

March 5-7 – 2006 Wisconsin Educational Media Association (WEMA) Conference – theme:  Lightning in Paradise – Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells - for more information on the conference, visit http://www.wemaonline.org or contact Val Edwards at 608-221-7666 x2152. 

March 11 – WVLS Board of Trustees meeting – Marathon County Public Library – 9:30. 

March 15 – 19^th Annual Children’s Book Fest – Holiday Inn Express, Rhinelander – 8:30-2:30 - $6.00 – for more information, refer to the article in this issue of the Lamplighter, or visit http://wvls.lib.wi.us/Workshops/workshop.html 

March 16 – WVLS V-Cat Council meeting – Marathon County Public Library – 9:30. 

March 21-25 – 11^th National Public Library Association Conference – Boston.  Registration is available online at www.placonference.org  Visit the site often for conference announcements and updates. 

March 22-24 – 21^st Annual Computers in Libraries Conference – Hilton, Washington, D.C. – check www.infotoday.com/cil2006 for conference updates.

 April   

SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA MONTH

 April 2-8 – NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK – Sponsored by the American Library Association, the theme of this annual event is “Change your world @ your library.”  For more information, including programming ideas and sample press releases, visit www.ala.org/ala/pio/campaign/nlw/NLW.htm 

April 4 – National Library Worker’s Day.

 April 6 – WVLS V-Cat Council meeting – Antigo Public Library – 9:30.

 April 8 – WVLS Executive Committee meeting – Marathon County Public Library – 9:30.

May

 May 3-5 – Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries (WAPL) Conference – Wisconsin Rapids.

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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 

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