FUTURE READING

THE NEW YORKER magazine recently ran an article by Anthony Grafton entitled FUTURE READING which deals with "digitization and its discontents". It is an excellent treatise on libraries, digitized books, reading, Google, and just about everything else related to how we are going to read and do research in the 21st century. The article touches on the history of reading, printing, and libraries.

It's an extensive piece. So be prepared to get immersed in an extensive treatment of the subject. You can find it at ..... http://decenturl.com/newyorker/future-reading

SHIFT HAPPENS !

These days we seem to be spending a lot of time envisioning what the future will be like. This certainly is the case when we consider global warming, climate change, population growth, water depletion, energy sources, to name just a few.

Planning for libraries of the future is something that is going on very seriously in many parts of the country at this time. The library of the future is going to retain most of it's old roles and yet have many new roles to fill in our society. (And probably have to do it with fewer people and less money).

To get an idea as to the magnitude of the changes and culture shifts we will be facing this century, go to http://www.glumbert.com/media/shift

It's humbling and frightening!

PRIVATIZATION OF LIBRARIES

The State of Oregon hit the news in recent months when a large number of libraries were forced to close. A significant portion of their funding came from Federal grants which were tied to the lumbering industry. When these funds disappeared, the CLOSED signs began appearing on library doors.

Many of these libraries are now reopening because their communities have contracted a private for-profit company to operate the libraries. Hours the libraries are open has been reduced, manning is at a slimmer level, and salaries are rumored to be lower as well.

There are many who are not in favor of this arrangement for a wide variety of reasons. You can check out the full article from Boston.com on the Library Link of the Day site which you'll find at http://www.tk421.net/librarylink/

INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM

Check out website http://www.librarian.net/technicality.html

They list five Technically legal signs for your library (plus one) relating to the Patriot Act.

ONLINE SEMINAR (WEBINAR)

The OWLS library system will be conducting an on-line seminar on October 11th. It will be sent on the web from the OPAL auditorium. The Presenter is Karen G. Schneider, Research & Development Consultant College Center for Library Automation. Many of you know her as the author of the Free Range Librarian blog. The subject is Getting the most out of the time and money you spend maintaining your library's resources.

Prior to the workshop you need to visit the link listed and download the plug-in. http://www.conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs1641902f62b4

For those librarians out there that actually read this sorry blog, going through the course will net you 1 contact hour towards recertification.

If you have any questions contact Leslie Farrell at lfarrell@mail.owls.lib.wi.us

LAND - O - LAKES FRIENDS GROUP

Recently my wife and I traveled up to Land-O-Lakes and visited the library. We timed our trip so I could sit in on a Friends group meeting. The President of their group, Tony Zoars, had been a participant in one of the recent Northwoods Friends Conference sessions.

The Land-O-Lakes library is an excellent facility. It was built with cooperation of people from both sides of the Wisconsin/Michigan border. The library associations of both states had to get involved to pull it off. Watersmeet, MI is just a few miles away on the other side of the boundry.

Their Friends group had just completed a very successful book sale. A great portion of the meeting was spent analyzing their sale and discussing what should be done to make future sales even better. They had held a Silent Auction in conjunction with the sale, with goods and services being donated by businesses from all over their area. This was a huge success.

I had to leave before the meeting was over as I was committed to attend the Friends of the Minocqua Public Library meeting that afternoon as well. As a result I missed the part of their agenda when they were going to discuss their "Garden Gawk" (Yes, that's Gawk - not Walk). The Land-O-Lakes Friends are a very dynamic group and serve their library well. It's a super place. Stop in and visit if you are in the area. I'm sure you'll be made to feel very welcome!

MEET THE AUTHOR

The Athens Branch of the Marathon County Public Library will have a special treat for their Book Club which meets Thursday, June 14th, at 6:30 PM. They will be discussing the book ESSENTIAL LIES by local author Cindy Conway. Cindy will be in attendance to talk about her book.

BE THERE !!

LIFE - LONG LEARNING

The University of Wisconsin will be conducting sessions in Central Wisconsin this summer for adults needing advice on how to obtain a UW degree. The UW System adult student advisor will discuss programs and service that are available at system campuses as well as those available on-line. Mr. Rob Rhoads will be available at area libraries on the following dates:

• 6/12 - Antigo Public Library - 1PM to 3PM
• 6/25 - Medford - Francis L. Simek Memorial Library - 1PM to 3PM
• 6/28 - Antigo Public Library - 2PM to 4PM
• 7/11 - Wausau - Marathon County Public Library - 10:30AM to 10:30PM
• 7/16 - Medford - Francis L. Simek Memorial Library - 1PM to 3PM
• 8/1 - Antigo Public Library - 10:30 AM to 12:30PM
• 8/8 - Mosinee - Joseph Dessert Branch Library - 10AM to Noon
• 8/8 - Wausau - Marathon County Public Library - 1:30PM to 3:30 PM

For more information on this program you can contact Rob Rhoads at 715-261-6293 or by Email at rob.rhoads@learn.uwsa.edu

SUPER - BIG - LARGE - HUGE - COLLOSAL ------- BOOK SALE

The Friends of the Marathon County Public Library are holding another huge book sale this weekend. Well over 30,000 items are available ..... Books, CDs, DVDs, VHS Tapes, Puzzles, Artwork, LP Records, and other items.

The Special Members Only Preview Sale is Thursday evening, 4/26, 5:00 - 8:00 PM. What a great time to join the Friends and get the advantage of first pick!

Friday, 4/27, the sale runs from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Saturday, 4/28, the sale also runs from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Sunday, 4/29, there is a Special Bag Sale...All you can get in a grocery bag for $5.00. Bags will be provided.

And per usual, there will be a tip jar. So, if you have any money left in your jeans after you bought all the bags and boxes of books, you are welcome to empty your pockets in the jar.

Home schoolers and Seniors are encouraged to come. We'll treat you with Tender Loving Care. We have people who will help you get your books to your vehicle. See you this weekend at MCPL

SHHH !!

Changing times in libraries.

An article in the April 11th issue of the LA Times purports that "Shhhh" is one thing that you won't hear in a library anymore. I have to admit that I come from an era where, if you spoke at all in the library, it was always in hushed tones. But our culture is changing. Read the article at .... http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/

LIBRARY MERGER PLANS IN MINNESOTA

In 2006 Minneapolis opened their new fantastically modern library to the awe and admiration of many. However, budget problems quickly arose which have seriously affected their city-wide system. Three branches appear to have been closed in order to cut system costs. Now they are proposing merging with the Hennepin County Library System in order to further cut administration costs. An article on their problems and current roadblocks appeared in yesterday's Star-Tribune.

Check it out at http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1052982.html

TRUSTEE EDUCATION

One of the functions of WLTA is to aid in the education of Library Boards and Friends Boards. The DPI has an excellent manual for this called TRUSTEE ESSENTIALS which can be found on their site. The Director of Wisconsin Valley Library Service provided a short summary of Essential No. 1 for the last WLTA meeting. I am posting it here. You should review it, discuss it at your meetings, and go to the DPI site for the complete version for the use of your group.

THE TRUSTEE JOB DESCRIPTION

" A library trustee is an individual who has been chosen to participate in the administration of one of the oldest and most significant civilizing influences in the history of the human race. There is but little doubt that back of all libraries, both ancient and modern, there have been trustees, governors, committees, or patrons, who administered their affairs, protected their staffs, and fostered their growth. The library trustee of today is part of a glorious on-going procession which started in the dim early history of civilization and will doubtless continue as long as civilization endures." -- Author unknown --

GENERAL FUNCTION

Participate as a member of a team (the library or system board) to protect and advance the interests of the broader community be effectively governing the operations and promoting the development of the local public library or library system.

PRINCIPLE ACTIVITIES:

• Prepare for and attend regular board meetings


• Work with relevant municipal governing bodies to obtain funding, develop budgets, monitor monthly expenditures, and develop long-range plans


• Develop library and system policies and review them regularly


• Determine and advocate for reasonable staff salaries and benefits


• Hire, supervise and evaluate the library or system director


• Address the needs and interest of the community being served


• Act as an advocate of the library or system through contacts with civic groups and public officials


• Learn about and defend intellectual freedom and the important roles libraries and systems play in maintaining a democratic society


• Include WLA/WLTA membership fees for trustees in library/system budget and attend WLA conferences, system workshops, etc. to expand knowledge of effective leadership and ever-changing library-related concerns. If you have a computer, take the time to review your library and system web pages and subscribe to relevant local/regional listservs and to wispublib, the listserv that keeps the Wisconsin library community informed.

The handbook is available at http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/pld/handbook.html

CHINESE TELEVISION

A couple months ago I switched from cable to satellite television. I had been having some technical problems with the cable service and decided to go back to a dish, as I had been using at my previous home.

As with any move of this type there are some good things and some bad things in any transition. But one of the BEST things has been being able to watch the Chinese Television channel that broadcasts in English. This is channel 455 in the DirectTV lineup and the station is called CC TV9. The station broadcasts are seen throughout China, and now are available in the United States and Europe via satellite.

I am finding the programming to be fascinating. It is very interesting to watch their news broadcasts. (I have not seen one single reference to Britney Spears or Anna Nicole ...... YET). There is much news from countries other than China that you don't see in the USA. You can also see some of this type of stuff on BBC-America as well. Other countries seem to regard themselves as citizens of the world, while Americans seem to be much more introspective and fascinated with themselves. I also enjoy the "Up Close" program very much.

Many political scientists are forecasting the 21st Century will evolve into the "Chinese Century", just as the 20th Century was regarded as the "American Century". If this is true, we had best get to understand the Chinese a bit better. Even if it isn't, we should attempt to understand other countries as something other than travel destinations or another place to be bombed.

If you don't have satellite TV you can actually watch live programing from CC TV9 on your computer. TRY IT at http://cctv-9.com/ Be sure to click on your connection speed. You can then either watch archival footage or can click on the "live coverage" button, to see what they are broadcasting right now.

The Library Director at the Marathon Country Public Library took a trip to China this past year. She spent considerable time with librarians there and noted the speed at which they were attempting to digitize their records. Chairman Mao, for some unknown reason, essentially left libraries alone during the Cultural Revolution, so Chinese libraries have much in the way of old records of their culture. As the Chinese of the 21st century are regarding this stuff with increasing reverance, libraries are beginning to play an ever increasing role in their society.

VISIT TO STRATFORD BRANCH LIBRARY

One of my duties with the Friends of the Marathon County Public Library is to act as an "Ambassador". Each month I am to make a trip to one of the MCPL branches (or to another library), talk to the staff, view the facility, and report back to the Friends group.

This month I visited the Stratford Branch Library and talked with Janice Pankratz, the Branch Coordinator. Stratford is located on the Western side of Marathon County. The library is located in a very smart new building, right across the street from a park, on the North side of town.

Stratford established it's first library in 1930. The present library building was erected in 1995. Stratford is very proud of its library as 50% of the cost was paid for by MCPL and the other 50% was paid for by the community. There is a display on the wall of their nice meeting room which highlights all people who contributed at least $250 towards the building project. The Stratford branch has approximately 17,000 items in its collection, but has access to over 1 million items through MCPL & Wisconsin Valley Library Service's V-CAT system.

Ms Pankratz keeps her library neat, clean, and well organized. While there I saw a couple people going over newspapers and magazines in the reading area. A mom came in with a little girl who immediately rushed over to the play area in the children's section. I'd guess the children's area, which is very well stocked with books, covers 30% of the library's square footage. I saw some of the toys which the MCPL Friends had purchased. The library has 2 Internet terminals and 2 Catalog terminals. Janice indicated that joining V-CAT this past summer has been a big boon to "Home Schoolers" in her area. While there I saw a lady walk out with a huge stack of books which had just come in by courier.

The Stratford branch has a book discussion group, children's programs, and hosts various meetings in their facility. They will be doing their part in the MCPL 100 year celebration in November. Right now they are preparing for a Used Book Sale which will be held on March 7-8-9. Some of their inventory for the sale comes from local donations and some comes from the inventory of the MCPL Friends.

The Stratford Branch Library would be a nice place for you to visit. Janice is a very pleasant lady to talk to, and she'd be happy to show you around her facility.

400 N. Fourth Avenue
Stratford, WI 54484

Phone: (715) 687-4420
Email: Janice.Pankratz@mail.co.marathon.wi.us

COMMUNICATING YOUR LIBRARY'S VALUE

The most important function of your friends group is to raise money, right?

Wrong! At least according to a survey recently done by WebJunction. Their survey responders indicated a 26% rating for raising money, and a 48% rating for advocacy! Friends need to lobby their own community and community leaders regarding the importance of their library.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has put together some tools that can help your group advocate for your library. They have an eight-minute DVD video to show to your community partners, and a Brochure with "persuasive statistics, library patron stories, and a call to action for community members and leaders."

Details on their program can be found at http://www.gatesfoundation.org/UnitedStates/USLibraryProgram/RelatedInfo
Go to the United States Program > U.S. Libraries section, scroll down to "Highlights" and click on "Communicating Your Library's Value".

The materials can be ordered by email from USlibraries@gatesfoundation.org

EXTREME MAKEOVER IN MINOCQUA

I was at the Minocqua Public Library yesterday to attend a Friends meeting and got a chance to check out their "Extreme Makeover". Although not everything is completely done, things in general look great! Some new shelving is in place, the new circulation desk has been installed, new carpeting graces the floors, and extensive painting with new color schemes decorate the walls. The new lighting being installed on a daily basis is so good that if it gets any better you'll have to wear "shades"! The Friends of MPL will be footing part of the bill for this renovation and are excited that they have a chance to do their part for their library.

I'm including a couple photos I took. The top one is of the new circulation desk. Mary the Library Director is on the right, with Cindy at work on the left. The lower photo is of the new shelving.

Stop in and visit them. You'll be impressed! And bring your laptop as the Minocqua Public Library now has WI-FI capability.

CHILDREN'S BOOK FEST

I received an e:mail on the wlvsmax listserv from Kris Adams Wendt regarding the upcoming Twentieth Anniversary Children's Book Fest. This is scheduled for March 6th and 7th, 2007 in Rhinelander.

Kris writes: "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 2007, a children's literature conference held at the Rhinelander Holiday Inn (Rhinelander, Wisconsin) on March 6th and 7th.

Kathleen T. Horning and Megan Schliesman from the Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) in Madison, Wisconsin will discuss books for children and young adults at an evening presentation on Tuesday, March 6th, as well as at a day presentation on Wednesday, March 7th. Both sessions will include a CCBC exhibit of the best 2006 books for young readers.

Most folks choose to attend one session or the other, but you certainly won't be turned away if you decide to stay overnight and come to both. In addition to the Holiday Inn Express itself, a Super 8 and Americinn are also close by.

PLEASE NOTE that separate registration (sent to two separate places) is require for the evening and day sessions.
Registration information information for Children's Book Fest is available at the Rhinelander District Library website.

http://wvls.lib.wi.us/RhinelanderDistrictLibrary/

All registrations must be received no later than March 2. Payment of $6.00 per person must accompany each registration blank. No purchase orders, please.

Telephone inquiries regarding the Wednesday presentation may be made to Kris at the Rhinelander District Library phone and email below. More information about the Tuesday presentation is available from Headwaters Reading Council member Joan Belongia brnstbks@newnorth.net (715) 362-5111 (day) or (715) 362-3844 (evening)."

Kris Adams Wendt
Director
Rhinelander District Library (WLA 2005 Library of the Year)
106 N. Stevens St.
Rhinelander, WI 54501

Everyone that I have talked to that has attended this annual event has nothing but high praise for the program. WLVS staff members make a special presentation at WLVS board meetings regarding what they have learned each year. - JDB

DON'T MISS IT !!! REGISTER NOW !!!

LIBRARY LOVERS MONTH

The latest LAMPLIGHTER newsletter from Wisconsin Valley Library Service reminds us that February is "Library Lovers' Month"

It informs us that "Library Lovers' Month is a month-long celebration of school, public, and private libraries of all types. This is a time for everyone, especially library support groups, to recognize the value of libraries and work to assure that the Nation's libraries will continue to serve."

Information as to how your library or your Friends group can celebrate this month-long event is contained at http://www.librarysupport.net/librarylovers/

How about sending a Valentine to the legislators from your area to show appreciation for how much they love their library???

MINOCQUA PUBLIC LIBRARY RE-OPENS

The Minocqua Public Library re-opened on February 7th, right on schedule. They had been closed since 1/29 as a result of their "Extreme Makeover". Not everything is completed yet, but they are functioning and the project should be completed within a week or so. Congratulations to the Library Director -- Mary Taylor, the MPL Board, the Friends of MPL and all others involved in this super project.

Next time you're in the area, stop in. Mary and her staff would be happy to show you around and show off the improvements!

I'll be there next Tuesday and promise to come back with pictures.

Any renovation projects recently completed at YOUR library? Send me the details and some photos and I'll post them on this blog!

CHALLENGE FOR U.S. SCHOOLS & LIBRARIES

An article in today's Christian Science Monitor is alarming. It quotes an organization called Educational Testing Service (ETS) which states "A larger share of workers will have minimal reading skills in 2030 than today". The reason is that most baby boomers will be retiring and a large wave of less-educated immigrants will be moving into the workforce.

Some are warning that a further segregation of society based on literacy will increase the size of the groups at both ends of society and decrease the so-called Middle Class. This would put our social organization in a structure similar to developing countries. The situation "could change the American Dream into the American Tragedy".

It's a serious situation. But, like most situations, not inevitable. We as teachers, librarians, and supporters of schools and libraries can lead the fight to reverse the trend. Many counties have "Literacy Councils", which frequently function through their libraries. If your county doesn't have one you should be working toward establishing one. Work to make sure your new or existing Council is meeting the needs of your community. Support ESL initiatives in your schools. Your library Friends group could and should be a dynamic force in this effort, aiding, assisting, even helping finance such an effort. As a nation we need to address this growing problem at all levels. Your Friends group should use it's Advocacy skills to make sure that your legislators and congressmen are painfully aware of the problem, the potential serious consequences, and recommended solutions.

A democracy whose citizens can't read is in serious trouble.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0206/p02s01-legn.html?s=hns