Index
- SCLS to host ALSC 2008 Arbuthnot Lecture April 17 in Madison
- Don’t forget Sept. 7 System Celebration registration deadline
- Fall observance week promotional materials available online
- Middleton Public Library named WLA Library of the Year
- September 2007 Continuing Education Opportunities
- Member/Staff News
- Deadline extended to Aug. 31 for System Celebration library photos
- OverDrive recorded training available online
- COSLA surveys should be completed by Aug. 31
- San Francisco Public Library is neighborhood hot spot
- Continuing Education Calendar
SCLS to host ALSC 2008 Arbuthnot Lecture April 17 in Madison
As you already know, the South Central Library System (SCLS) will host the 2008 May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture featuring David Macaulay, Caldecott Medalist and renowned author/illustrator. Macaulay won the Caldecott Medal in 1991 for “Black and White” (Houghton), and received Caldecott Honors in 1978 for “Castle” (Houghton) and 1974 for “Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction” (Houghton).
The lecture will be held April 17, 2008, at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison.
"We were fortunate in receiving a significant number of strong and attractive applications for David Macaulay’s Arbuthnot Lecture,” said Deborah Stevenson, chair of the Arbuthnot Committee. “South Central Library System’s application, however, was innovative and forward-thinking in its breadth of partnership and associated activities.”
SCLS has proposed programming that will not only celebrate children’s literature, but also Macaulay’s particular position as laureate of architecture and building. The combination of an accessible venue with plans for web-casting will allow for a maximum number of participants.
Don’t forget Sept. 7 System Celebration registration deadline
Many of you have already registered for the Sept. 20 System Celebration, and for those who haven’t the deadline is Sept. 7. To register, return the printed card that came with your invitation, or register online at www.scls.info/about/systemceleb/. Be sure to indicate your meal choice of either Pecan Chicken Breast stuffed with cream cheese and broccoli; or Portabella Mushroom & Pumpkin-Gorgonzola Ravioli in a creamy walnut sauce.
The social hour will begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by "The Cheddar Chicks," a female acappella group from Baraboo, WI.
Payment for meals should be sent to the South Central Library System, 5250 E. Terrace Drive, Suite A-2, Madison, WI, 53718-8345, by Sept. 7, 2007. This year's meal cost is $15.00, but there is no charge for one local elected official, head librarians (or designee) of member libraries of all types, and current trustees of SCLS area library boards. You do have the option to pay for your meal if you believe there is an ethical conflict with SCLS paying for your meal.
For more information, or to register online, visit www.scls.info/about/systemceleb/.
Fall observance week promotional materials available online
Each year, the American Library Association and the Children’s Book Council sponsor a variety of week-long observances designed to heighten awareness of the role of the public library in the community, literacy, and the importance of reading. In an effort to make promotional materials available to libraries earlier, SCLS has created a new webpage with links to pertinent information.
Fall observances include:
- Library Card Sign-up Month (September) is a time to remind parents and children that a library card is the most important school supply of all.;
- Banned Books Week (Sept. 29-Oct. 6) celebrates the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular, and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them. It is based on the premise that intellectual freedom can exist only where these two essential conditions are met;
- Teen Read Week (Oct. 14-20) is a national literacy initiative aimed at teens, their parents, librarians, educators, booksellers and other concerned adults. It began in 1998 and is celebrated the third week in October; and
- Children's Book Week (Nov. 12-18) is a celebration of the written word that introduces young people to books, authors, illustrators and ideas in schools, libraries, homes and bookstores. Through Children's Book Week, the Children's Book Council encourages young people and their caregivers to discover the complexity of the world beyond their own experience through books.
If you would like copies of any of these materials (printed free of charge), please contact Mark Ibach.
Middleton Public Library named WLA Library of the Year
The Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) announced this week that Middleton Public Library was selected the 2007 Library of the Year. The Middleton Library represents the best of the award’s criteria: sense of place in the community, municipal support, stellar staff, creative and popular programming, great holdings, and an exceptionally engaged community.
“Anyone who has worried that libraries might be becoming obsolete in the new electronic era should go to the Middleton Library to see how unfounded that concern is,” said Board President Patricia Bornhofen. “We’ve had almost three years now of unprecedented records for circulation and attendance. The real concern may be parking.”
In fact, following a remodeling and expansion project that was completed in 2004, program attendance has increased an amazing 300 percent. According to the WLA announcement, “That’s not surprising, given the friendly and knowledgeable staff team, led by Director Paul Nelson, and their focus on tailoring service to their users. The engaged library board, active Friends group, and strong support from city officials also position this library to provide exemplary service.”
“Middleton Public Library serves as the hub of a dynamic Downtown Middleton,” said City Administrator Mike Davis, “inviting visitors to explore our City both at the Library and beyond.”
September 2007 Continuing Education Opportunities
Here are some brief descriptions of September CE programs being sponsored by SCLS.
- Supervisory Skills for Managers and Leaders -- Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at SCLS Administration Offices, 5250 E. Terrace Drive, Suite A-2, Madison, with Pat Wagner, Pattern Research Inc. -- Supervision and management is balancing the demands of your leaders versus the needs of other supervisors and staff. You coordinate, plan, maintain and communicate while being tugged by dozens of conflicting voices, from frontline staff to top administrators, elected and appointed officials. Satisfaction is derived from helping so many different people achieve their goals and helping the library move forward. This interactive workshop will help you expand your skills as a supervisor and will address ways to balance the many roles and expectations of the position. This is a six-hour workshop with an hour lunch break. Participants may choose to brown bag or make a contribution toward sandwiches and salad from Panera. Registrants will receive an email to inquire about lunch preferences a week or two before the workshop.
- Brain Snack: Working with Teens and Millenials -- Sept. 14 from noon to 1 p.m. delivered to your desktop via the SCLS OPAL room, with Shawn Brommer, SCLS Youth Services & Outreach Coordinator -- A recent PLA study shows that more teens than ever are visiting public libraries, using library resources and attending teen programs. This is the largest teen population in U.S. history and their needs and expectations are different and more unique than generations that came before them. Join us in this one-hour brain snack to learn more about the characteristics of this generation, discover what recent teen brain development reveals about their behavior and communication styles, and to hear about ways that libraries across the country are addressing the needs of today’s teens.
- The Customer Centered Library: How to Stop Tweaking and Start Doing It -- Sept. 27 from 9 a.m. to noon at SCLS Administration Offices, 5250 E. Terrace Drive, Suite A-2, Madison, with Karen Hyman, Executive Director, South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative -- Change requires upheaval. It’s past time for big changes in attitude, approach and environment to attract and delight your customer. What’s stopping you? Come and hear about 12 NEW steps with maximum impact for 2007. Participants will:
- clear the decks of all of the policies and procedures that perpetuate the past and do not serve us and our customers well;
- understand and anticipate the needs, wants and desires of customers today with innovative approaches to library environment and services; and
- acquire 21st century customer service skills and make opportunities for innovative customer service central to every library decision.
Carolyn Shaffer has been hired as the new director at Black Earth Public Library. Her first day is Monday, August 27.
Waunakee librarian Gay Strandemo wrote and directed a play this summer titled “Tall Tales.” Click on the photo of the cast to see a larger version.
Deadline extended to Aug. 31 for System Celebration library photos
A total of 23 member libraries have submitted photos for an electronic slide show for System Celebration, and the original deadline has been extended until Aug. 31 to give every library an opportunity to be included.
Libraries should send up to 10 photos of their choosing -- they can be photos of your library, your board, a library program -- whatever you'd like. Photos that show your library today! JPEG images will work best, no smaller than 640x480. Larger is fine, but they may take longer to email.
Please email photos by Friday, Aug. 31, 2007, to Mark Ibach. You also can send a CD of photos if that is easier for you.
OverDrive recorded training available online
If you’ have new staff members, or others who haven’t attended a training session on the WPLC Digital Audio and Video service, then an online recorded session may be just what you’re looking for.
No general introductory session is scheduled at this time, so library staff members may access a recorded session of OverDrive's Digital Library 101 Training. This session is specific to WPLC and will be accessible through the end of September.
Once you follow the link, you will be asked to provide basic information, such as name, e-mail, etc. Once that is entered the program will load. This training is for staff only, NOT for library patrons. Remember that patrons cannot directly contact OverDrive, which is discussed in the training.
COSLA surveys should be completed by Aug. 31
Libraries are reminded that they should complete the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) facilities survey, online by Aug. 31, 2007.
COSLA is gathering information from libraries across the country about potential library construction projects in the next five to 10 years, and the organization will compile and use the information to determine if there is a national need for federal library construction funding.
Libraries are asked to complete the survey at www.njstatelib.org/LDB/cosla/cosla1.php for each branch and main library building you plan to construct or renovate in the next 10 years.
San Francisco Public Library is neighborhood hot spot
Libraries have long served an unofficial role as community and cultural centers, but an article in the Aug. 12, 2007, issue of the San Francisco Chronicle paints an even more positive picture.
Titled “San Francisco libraries have become neighborhood best-sellers,” the article is a testament to the increasingly important role libraries play in today’s society.
Says San Francisco city Librarian Luis Herrera, "The perception is no longer of a warehouse for books. We're seen as a place to hang out. I've been in the business for 30 years. And when I look back at it, this is the most exciting time ever for librarians."