Volume 5, Issue 2 — February 2002
NMRLS News:
NMRLS Executive Board News - NMRLS, Danvers, January 16, 2002
Upcoming Meetings: Susan Grabski reminded the Board that the next scheduled meeting would be on February 13, 2002. Kim Lynn of Reading Public Library volunteered to host this meeting.Membership Update: Susan Grabski reported that NMRLS current membership, as of December 19, 2001, is 322 (Academic=13, Public=53, School=218, Special=38).
Financial Report: Greg Pronevitz reviewed the Expenditure Report for July through December 2001. He explained that, as a result of a NMRLS staff time study, the percentage of personnel and benefits costs allocated to each program area had been changed. We are now estimating 3% of staff time goes toward Delivery, 25% for Reference, 3% for ILL, 25% for Continuing Education, 10% for Advisory/Technical Assistance, 4% for Supplemental Services, and 30% for Regional Administration & Coordination.
FY2002 Budget, Revision #2: Greg Pronevitz provided an overview of the revision. He explained that budgetary adjustments were made to reflect a new bottom line figure to indicate a much-needed budget increase of .9 percent and to shift some spending from the area of MassCat to electronic reference databases. We have also adjusted the program budget to reflect staff time FTE (full-time equivalent) efforts towards programs based on a new survey of actual time spent. The Budget Committee recommendation was approved unanimously.
FY2003 Budget, Revision #1: Greg provided an overview of the revision. He explained that budgetary adjustments were made to reflect a new bottom line figure to indicate a much-needed budget increase of .9 percent, which was allocated to electronic reference database licensing. The program budget was adjusted to reflect staff time spent on programs based on the new survey. The Budget Committee recommendation was approved unanimously.
Reports:
Regional Reference Center Report: Jim Sutton, Library Director of the Memorial Hall Library in Andover, and Beth Mazin, Assistant Director at Andover, presented a comprehensive report regarding MHL's regional reference services. In light of recent regional information indicating what he perceived as a low "value" for the services that MHL has provided for the region, he wanted the Board to address this issue from a position of full knowledge. The report included descriptions of a number of services provided by the library; e.g., access to computers, electronic resources, non-resident circulation, weekend hours, and training for librarians in the region.
Special Libraries Committee: The Committee has been reformed with Clare Sheridan and Anne Cadrette, American Textile History Museum, volunteering to co-chair the Committee. The next meeting will be on April 8, 2002 at 10:00 AM at the Lawrence Law Library.
School Library Media Recertification Update: Greg is writing letters to two schools that have not met recertification requirements. It is likely that the board will be asked to act on their continuing membership at the February meeting.
NMRLS Digital Library: The Board discussed the possibility of NMRLS getting involved in a northeast Massachusetts digital library project, e.g., purchasing a high quality scanner for the purpose of digitizing unique regional collections for access on the Web. NMRLS staff will further investigate regional interest in such a purchase/project and keep the Board informed.
Legislative Update
By Greg Pronevitz
Legislative Breakfast - March 1st at Saugus Public Library The Northeast Massachusetts Library Legislative Breakfast sponsored by MLA will be held at the Saugus Public Library on March 1st at 8-9am. The theme for this year's breakfast is "Libraries = Education + Economic Good + Enrichment". Invitations were mailed to NMRLS members a few weeks ago. If you would like to attend but did not receive an invitation, please contact Greg Pronevitz.
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Joint MLA-NMRLS Workshop Held at Memorial Hall Library
Many thanks are due to Barbara Flaherty and the MLA Legislative Committee contingent from our region for planning an informative and useful workshop, "Advocating for Your Library" on January 15th. Jan Finkelstein facilitated this session for 34 library directors/trustees/friends. Attendees were overwhelmingly pleased with the day. Senator Susan Tucker and Representative William Greene who provided good insight into the advocacy process joined us. Commissioner Deborah Bornheimer and director Keith Fiels from the MBLC were also made excellent presentations. NMRLS is planning to build on this and an earlier program to assist our members in advocating for making library services the highest quality possible.
Statewide Directory's Bold New Look
There is a bold new look to the Statewide Delivery Routing Directory!
The Boston Regional Library System maintains an online Statewide Delivery Routing Directory. This Directory lists every library in Massachusetts on the Cross State Delivery Route. Please refer to it each time you are sending an item to another Region. It is user-friendly: it tells you exactly which Route slip to use and how to fill it out. The new cross-state delivery service (started last July) promises a 24-hour turnaround; however, if an item is not labeled correctly, there could be unnecessary delays.
The Directory is revised constantly: new libraries are added, regional sub-routes change, and libraries change their official names.
We encourage you to bookmark the Web address for the Directory on your ILL and shipping department computer workstations and check it often. If there are no computers in the area where your outgoing items are packaged, then print it out at least once a month for more up-to-date reference.
Technology Assistance Available for Member Libraries
NMRLS recently contracted with TIC Business Consultants to extend their pricing rates to all our members. Previously, only libraries in the Supplemental Services Program (NMRLS provides programs and supplemental materials in a variety of formats to small communities having fewer than twenty-five thousand inhabitants) were able to contract with TIC at special discount rates. As of the beginning of 2002, these rates have been extended to all member libraries.
For a visit to a library and any work done on site, the rate is $90.00 an hour. Typically, TIC will help with network design, cabling, and installation. In addition, they can troubleshoot many PC problems that might take a non-technological person much more time. TIC also has a technical Help Desk, accessible from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. When you call TIC (617-884-1086), you have the option of either transferring to the Help Desk for immediate technical support, or scheduling an appointment for an on-site visit. If you choose the Help Desk and your Technical Support call is not resolved and requires a visit, no charge will be incurred. Otherwise, a call will be charged at a rate of $30 for desktop support and $70 for server support.
Supplemental Services Libraries need to call NMRLS first; all other libraries may call TIC directly. More information about TIC Business Consultants, established in 1989, can be found on their Web site.
Grants Update
By Greg PronevitzEssex National Heritage Commission Partnership Grants:
The ENHC has released information and application materials for matching grants ranging from $2,000 to $20,000. The grants are available in several categories, e.g., programming, interpretation, and education. The application deadline is April 3rd.The grant announcement is available on the ENHA Web site.
NMRLS was the recipient of an ENHC Partnership Grant last year. Our project involves the creation of a digitization pilot project. We are currently working with ten institutions to create the Essex County Heritage Online Exhibit. The exhibit is scheduled to be posted to the Web site listed above this spring.
Participants:
American Textile History Museum Nevins Memorial Library (Methuen) Haverhill Public Library Peabody Institute Library (Danvers) Lawrence Public Library Stephen Phillips Trust House Lynn Public Library Stevens Memorial Library (N. Andover) Manchester Historical Society Topsfield Town Clerk's Office MARC Conversion Grants:
NMRLS announced a second MARC Conversion grant round for FY2002. The NMRLS ILL Committee evaluated and approved six applications. Recipients will be adding MARC retrospective cataloging records to MassCat, MVLC, and NOBLE. These grants are funded in part by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.Grant recipients:
American Textile History Museum Lawrence Public Library J.V. Fletcher Library (Westford) Merrimack College - McQuade Library Langley-Adams Library (Groveland) Peabody Essex Museum Special Collections Online Description Grants:
NMRLS announced this new type of grant round for FY2002. The NMRLS ILL Committee evaluated and approved five applications. Recipients will work with archivist/consultants to create MARC records for archival collections to be input into MassCat, MVLC, and NOBLE with links to online finding aids which describe the collections in more detail.Grant recipients:
Beverly High School Stephen Phillips Trust House J. V. Fletcher Library (Westford) Peabody Essex Museum Newburyport Public Library
School Library Media Center Open House:
Library Media Specialists are invited to attend an Open House on Wednesday, February 27, 2002, in Danvers at the NMRLS office, beginning at 3:30 with registration and refreshments. From 4:00 - 5:30, the agenda will include:
- An overview of Programs and Services, including Databases, Continuing Education (PDP's), and MassCat updates.
- Breakout sessions focusing on database connection issues, long range planning, MassCat membership, and Interlibrary Loan for schools.
Please register online.
Digital Library Discussion Meeting:
NMRLS invites interested staff in member libraries to attend a discussion meeting on the possibility of supporting a digital library initiative for the region on Friday, February 15 at 2:00 PM at the NMRLS in Danvers. We are seeking member input in the following areas:Possible roles for NMRLS:
- assisting/supporting member libraries efforts in digitizing unique materials
- assisting/supporting member libraries in making digital collections available
- promotion of existing digital collections
- how will such efforts benefit the NMRLS membership?
If you would like to join us at this meeting, please register online.
If you are unable to attend but have suggestions, please contact Greg Pronevitz or include your comments on the online form.
Worldly Web Site of Note:
Portals to the World contains selective links providing authoritative, in-depth information about the nations and other areas of the world. They are arranged by country or area with the links for each sorted into a wide range of broad categories. Area Specialists and other Library staff using Library of Congress selection criteria selected the links. When completed, the project will include all the nations of the world.
$10 Million to Recruit New Librarians:
Laura Bush announced a proposed $10 million initiative for 2003 to recruit a new generation of librarians. The Institute of Museum and Library Services will manage the initiative. "Funds will be used to invest in a variety of recruitment efforts such as scholarships and fellowships for master's programs; support for doctoral students who will train the next generation of librarians; leadership development; distance learning for underserved rural areas; and efforts to recruit librarians to serve increasingly diverse communities with diverse language skills."
View full press release.
 | Focus On ... Promoting Databases |
By Susan Babb
Home access to the online databases is a valuable service to your patrons. All they need is their library card! Many libraries promote this service on their Web sites. I did a spot check on member sites and was very pleased to find that many are linking directly to Reference On Call's "Home Access to Online Databases" page. This is the page that should be promoted for patrons to use and gain access to the databases.
Some libraries are still linking to NMRLS internal page on "Home Access". This page was used in the beginning when we did not have the ROC page. We urge you to now link to the ROC page for all of the information on that site is intended with the patron in mind. Our Web site is intended for use by our librarians and could unintentionally confuse the patron. I'm sure when I do my next spot check, I'll find the ROC link everywhere!
 | MBLC Update |
MBLC Public Awareness Program:This year's public awareness program is taking shape. The Agency is working with The Rendon Group again this year on a multi-phased campaign on behalf of Massachusetts libraries. The first element of this year's campaign will be a poster contest conducted in cooperation with the regional library systems and their youth services consultants. The contest theme is "What does your library mean to you?" and the contest will be open to students in grades 7-12. There will be both regional and statewide winners, and the winning poster will be displayed on billboards throughout the state. Rendon will also be working on a new 30 second TV spot that will run on New England Cable News and be paired with a 10 second spot designed to run on their Web site. These spots will begin to focus attention on the electronic resources available to residents statewide through the MBLC and the regions.
LSTA Grant Round Update:
The Agency received 206 Letters of Intent by the December 13th deadline. This is by far the largest number of intents received in any annual grant round assuring that this year's round will be competitive. More school and academic libraries are participating than ever before. Agency staff will conduct proposal writing workshops in late January and early February to assist libraries with their applications which are due on March 21st.
The White Paper on Reference Services:
The White Paper, a detailed snapshot of the reference services currently available to libraries and residents from each region's regional reference center or centers and the statewide reference centers on Massachusetts Statewide and Regional Library System Reference Services, can now be viewed.
State Budget Cuts to Affect Library Service:
The long delayed FY2002 Budget passed by the House and Senate in December cut library services throughout the Commonwealth.
The FY2002 Budget cut:
- State Aid to Public Libraries by $737,046
- Funding for telecommunications and resource sharing by $306,764
- Funding for library services to the blind and physically handicapped by $145,223
- Operating funds for the MBLC by $89,000
Over the next few months, the MBLC will be working with the library community, MLA, MLTA, and MFOL to bring awareness of the consequences of these cuts to both the Governor and Legislature.
"Leaky Pipes and Broken Windows: Disaster Preparedness for Libraries and Archives"
This workshop will be offered at six locations statewide. Come and learn first-hand what to do before, during, and after an emergency. Wear your grubbies, bring a bag lunch, and be prepared to participate actively in simulated disaster activities. Workshops run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please note, there is a 25 person maximum per workshop. If there is a large enough waiting list, we will schedule another workshop.
For registration information, contact Gregor Trinkaus-Randall at (617) 267-9400 x 236 or (800) 952-7403 x 236. Please register by May 10, 2002.
Schedule of 2002 Disaster Preparedness Workshops (Leaky Pipes and Broken Windows)
- Thursday, May 16, 2002 Peabody Institute Library, Danvers, MA
- Thursday, May 23, 2002 Goodnow Public Library, Sudbury, MA
- Tuesday, May 28, 2002 Carver Public Library, Carver, MA
- Wednesday, May 29, 2002 Grace Hall Memorial Library, Montgomery, MA
- Thursday, June 6, 2002 Pelham Library, Pelham, MA
- Wednesday, June 12, 2002 Bellingham Public Library, Bellingham, MA
 | Regional ILL Centers Updates |
| Memorial Hall Library (Andover) Phone: 978-623-8401 x15 Fax: 978-623-8406 |
NOBLE (Danvers) Phone: 978-777-8844 Fax: 978-750-8472 |
Memorial Hall Library ILL:
The new web-based Interlibrary Loan form is now up and functioning. Based on the form used by the NOBLE Interlibrary Loan Center, this form enables libraries not only to make ILL requests online conveniently and quickly, but also to track the progress of the requests. If you have not already started using the form and are interested in trying it out, please go to Memorial Hall Library's home page and under the heading of "region" click on "serving libraries." That will bring you to the "Regional Services to Libraries" page. There, click on either "Interlibrary Loan" for an overview of ILL services, or click directly on "request a monograph" to get to the form. Please get in touch with the Interlibrary Loan Office in Andover with any questions 978-623-8401; or e-mail us . Anna Kjoss, ILL, Memorial Hall Library
Link to American Book Exchange Available on OCLC FirstSearch Service:
OCLC has successfully implemented links to the American Book Exchange, an out-of-print source.Last week I was searching for a title in ABE BOOKS. The title I searched wasn't available but there was a message: "no books match the given criteria". Below that was a hot linked message. "Find it at a local library". When this was clicked on it automatically did a search in WorldCat (a part of FirstSearch).
This is interesting, but why is OCLC doing this? Today in an email from the OCLC reference list came an answer.
"This alliance is part of OCLC's global strategic initiative to 'weave libraries into the Web,' giving libraries greater visibility and expanding the availability of WorldCat for information seekers. The partnerships also allow libraries that use the FirstSearch to offer a wider range of services and materials to their users by providing online access to partner services. "
Whether or not there is agreement that this is an interesting partnership, it could be a useful tool in verification for ILL. If a patron wants a book that seems old or they think it's out-of-print they could check to see if a copy is available for purchase and, at the same time, find out that it may be available to be borrowed. So I encourage ILL staff to try it out and experiment with its uses. Marilyn Graves, NOBLE ILL CENTER
 | NMRLS Regional Reference and Research Centers |
| Regional Reference Centers | ||
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Memorial Hall Library (Andover) Phone: 978-623-8401 Fax: 978-623-8407 |
Lawrence Law Library Phone: (978) 687-7608 Fax: (978) 688-2346 |
Reference On Call Phone:866-733-6622 (toll-free) |
By Eleanor Sathan
Memorial Hall Library, Andover
Memorial Hall Library in Andover is contracted by the Northeast Massachusetts Regional Library System to provide supplementary reference service to all NMRLS member libraries. You are encouraged to call the reference desk at Memorial Hall Library with questions that cannot be answered with the materials available in your library. The Memorial Hall reference staff of twelve MLS certified librarians is eager to assist you. This service is available by telephone at 978/623-8401 ext. 31, by fax at 978/623-8407, or via the Web.
Hot New Service:
Memorial Hall Library is involved in a collaborative project, 24/7 Reference, with more than thirty California Libraries, Boston Public Library, and a library in Washington State. By clicking on the owl on our home page, you will be able to chat online with a reference librarian. If you would like to offer this service to your patrons during the hours that your library is not open, we have a link that you can add to your home page.
New Reference Additions:
The serial title, Directory of Recruiters, 31st annual edition 2002, is more than a listing of contact information for employment recruiters and recruiting firms. It also provides information on selecting the recruiter that best fills a patron's needs. Indexes for job function, industry, location, and firm name are included.
The three volume Encyclopedia of Gardens: History and Design describes gardens from 2613 B.C to the present. It also includes biographical information on architects and designers.
Homeschooling Laws and Resource Guide for all Fifty States lists the application process, testing information, and curriculum requirements for homeschooling in each state.
The Middle Ages Encyclopedia for Students, a four-volume encyclopedia, describes the culture and history of the period from 500 to1500. Similar in scope to the Dictionary of Middle Ages, it is designed for school projects with pictures, maps, diagrams, and definitions.
Interesting Web Sites:
Tax Information Memorial Hall's web page provides links to tax information. Links to sites for federal and state tax forms.
Links to sites with instructions for telefiling and electronic filing.
Lists addresses and telephone numbers for tax assistance.
2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City This MHL page links to the Winter Olympics official web site, the United States Olympics Committee official site, NBC Olympic coverage, and more.
Stumper for January: Can you find a street map of lower Manhattan from the late 1600's that shows Smith Street? Smith Street is close to Broadway.
Answer: Rootsweb
Source: Rootsweb map collection. This is a terrific resource. You can find historical maps of the United States by clicking on the web sites tab at the top of the Rootsweb home page. Then under Regional Resources click on United States. Thanks to Marnie Oakes and Betty Smith for this question and resource!
Stumper for February: Is there one site where I can find the telephone numbers for the cable companies for each municipality in Massachusetts?
 | Reference On Call |
By Esmé Green
We were very pleased to have a caller this month that found out about our service through a flyer in the mail! This is a clear sign that our promotional efforts are working; recently, the Beebe Library in Wakefield sent out a Reference on Call flyer with the town's utility bill. The Beebe Library's effort to directly reach residents in their town was coupled with Val-Pak ads that went out to Middleton, Georgetown and Billerica in December, and Saugus and Beverly in January. These are just two of the ways we are getting the word out about Reference On Call. Many promotional tools are available on our website (http://www.nmrls.org/refoncall/index.shtml), such as magnets, bookmarks and business cards. Additionally, we are making a special effort to inform member schools and media specialists about our service. We are preparing an information packet that includes flyers geared for students, bookmarks and information to answer your questions about the service. Remember that we are always available to meet with you or your students to show you ways you can get the most out of this service. Feel free to contact me by email or calling 781-944-0840.
Reference on Call is provided by NMRLS through state funding administered by the MBLC in co-operation with your local library.
Submitted by Brian J. Archambault , Head Law Librarian, Lawrence Law Library. (The opinions expressed are those of the author, and not necessarily those of the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries.)
Long Road to Justice: The African - American Experience in the Massachusetts Courts
"Long Road to Justice: The African-American Experience in the Massachusetts Courts" is an exhibition, assembled by the Justice George Lewis Ruffin Society, Inc., which portrays the relationship between the African?American community and the Massachusetts courts from the colonial period to the present day.
The exhibition is currently touring courthouses and public libraries throughout the Commonwealth, and will be at the Fenton Judicial Center, 2 Appleton Street, Lawrence (home of the Lawrence Law Library!) until March 15, 2002.
It is comprised of a multi-media exhibit that combines historical artifacts, court records, text and visual image to depict the compelling cases and courageous individuals who led the struggle to achieve racial justice in the Massachusetts courts, and companion curriculum materials, developed according to state guidelines for use in middle and high school classrooms.
It is an interesting and thought provoking exhibit, and all are invited to view the display. Don't forget to stop by the Lawrence Law Library before or after your visit!
Further information.
Hampshire Law Librarian Receives Award
The Trial Court Law Libraries in the Northeast Region are just three of seventeen Trial Court Law Libraries statewide. We are proud to announce that Ms. Barbara Fell-Johnson, Head Law Librarian at the Hampshire Law Library in Springfield, has been chosen as the recipient of the Sixth Annual Contribution to Justice Award, given by the Hampshire County Bar Association. Congratulations Barbara!
Legislative Histories of Massachusetts Laws
Every so often a patron wants to find the legislative history of a Massachusetts law (for example, records of committee hearings, amendments, debates, etc.) Check out an excellent outline of how to track down legislative histories of statutes in Massachusetts, as well as a helpful summary of the Massachusetts' legislative process.
Lawrence Law Library Continues to Offer Extended Hours:
The Lawrence Law Library, located at the Fenton Judicial Center, 2 Appleton Street, Lawrence, MA is open to the public as follows:
| Monday through Thursday: | 8:30AM to 9:00PM |
| Friday: | 8:30AM to 4:30PM |
| Saturday: | 9:00AM to 3:00PM |
Trial Court Security Officers are stationed at the Appleton Street entrance, and the Law Library is on the second floor.
Evening and Weekend Hours are made possible by NMRLS funding, as part of the Reference-On-Call service. We are available in person, by telephone (978-687-7608), fax (978-688-2346) or email.
The NMRLS Region includes three of the seventeen Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries: Lawrence Law Library, Lowell Law Library, and the Essex Law Library (Salem, MA). Directions, hours, telephone numbers and email addresses for all Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries can be found on the Web site.
 | Youth Services Column |
ALA Awards Announced:
Caldecott Winner: Three Pigs by David Weisner
Caledecott Honors:
Stray Dog by Marcy Simont
Martin's Big Words by Bryan Collier (illus.)
Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins by Brian Selznick (illus.)Newbery Winner: Single Shard by Linda Sue Park
Newbery Honors:
Everything on a Waffle by Polly Horvath
Carver: a Life in Poems by Marilyn NelsonMichael L. Printz Winner: A Step from Heaven by An Na
Michael L. Printz Honors:
Freewill by Chris Lynch
Ropemaker by Peter Dickinson
True Believer by Virginia Euwer
Heart to Heart by Jan Greenberg, EditorCoretta Scott King Winner: The Land by Mildred Taylor
Coretta Scott King Honors:
Money Hungry by Sharon Creech
Carver: A Life in Poems by Marilyn NelsonFor more information.
MBLC Poster Contest:
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners announces that it will be sponsoring a poster contest, Read Into It, as part of its 2002 Public Awareness Campaign. The contest will start on Monday, February 25, 2002 to Massachusetts' students in grades seven through twelve. Contest participants will be asked to design a poster (8.5" x 11") based on the theme, "What your library means to you."
The contest is open to students through their public library as well as middle and high school libraries. Students who wish to participate must submit their completed poster to their public or school library to be eligible. The contest will run from Monday, February 25 through Friday, March 22, 2002. Please send any posters received to Susan Babb, Youth Services Consultant, NMRLS, 175 Andover Street, Danvers, 01923. Posters must be received at the regional office by Friday, March 29, 2002. Any posters received after the deadline date will not be eligible.
Each region will select three winners. First place winning posters will be forwarded to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners where they will be judged by a panel of experts. From these six entries, one statewide winner will be selected. Each of the six winners will be awarded individual prizes. Additionally, the statewide winning poster will be turned into a 12' by 25' billboard and the other five winning posters will be made into separate newspaper advertisements.
The New England Round Table of Children's Librarians Presents -
"Exploring Other Worlds: Fantasy and Science Fiction for Children and Young Adults"It's almost time for The New England Round Table of Children's Librarians' (NERTCL) spring event. This year's program, "Exploring Other Worlds: Fantasy and Science Fiction for Children and Young Adults" will be held on Friday, March 22, 2002 at Manchester City Library in Manchester, NH. This all day event features authors Franny Billingsley and William Sleator. Simmons College professor, Jackie Horne, will present "A Brief History of Fantasy for Children." The cost is $40 for NELA or NERTCL members, $50 for nonmembers or institutional members and $25 for students. Morning coffee and a brown bag lunch are included. To register or for more information visit our Web site or contact NERTCL's MA representative, Molly Hancock or 978-970-4122. We look forward to seeing you!
MSLMA Web Site Updates:
MSLMA has added 14 new lists of resources to the VRROOM web site. These lists were developed during the DOE Content Institute on Children's Literature.
The institute was held in Billerica. Two MSLMA members played key roles. Nancy Anthony was the instructor and Marion DePierro was the grant manager.
Visit the lists of resources.
Upcoming NMRLS Youth Services Programs:
February Continuing EducationResources on the Web for Youth Services Librarians: Planning Web Sites
2/4/02 -- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM -- NMRLS, Danvers
Participants will examine virtual library sites on the Web and evaluate them based upon the criteria of content, design, and purpose. Participants can note special features for their own web sites.Information Literacy for Students: Developing Lifelong Learners
2/28/02 -- 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM -- Newburyport Public Library, Newburyport
This workshop introduces participants to a process-oriented approach to research/information literacy skills instruction. Ideas for skill-building activities related to curriculum and connections to the American Association of School Librarians' Information Literacy Standards will be emphasized. Participants will learn about the interconnected roles of the teacher and librarian. Strategies for customizing programs to meet local needs and techniques for cultivating local advocacy to gain support for the information literacy program will also be covered. Presented by Susan D. Ballard, Director of Library, Media and Technology at the Londonderry School District, New Hampshire.Upcoming Youth Services Book Review meetings, NRMLS Headquarters, Danvers :
All meetings begin at 10:00 and end at 12:00.
Wednesday, February 6
Tuesday, March 5
Monday, April 1
Thursday, May 2
Wednesday, June 12
And Statewide:
Tackle Children and the Internet Issues During an MLA Open Forum
Whether you are standing on the sidelines or in the middle of tackling an Internet and children's services dilemma in your library, you may be feeling that you need a game plan or at least time in the locker room to sort things out with other players. If so, plan to attend an open meeting of the Massachusetts Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Committee concerning "Children and the Internet" on Wednesday, March 27, 2002 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Millbury Public Library.
Bring your questions and ideas to this forum that will include a brief background to Intellectual Freedom, and discussions of the legal rights of minors in Massachusetts and facts on filters -- what they do and don't do.
There will also be helpful hints on ways to prepare for a public hearing about your library's Internet policy. This program is co-sponsored by the MLA Intellectual Freedom Committee and MLA Youth Services Section. The Central Massachusetts Regional Library System is handling registration for this forum. Register online by clicking on Continuing Education.
For more information about programs of the MLA Intellectual Freedom Committee and the MLA Youth Services Section visit the Massachusetts Library Association site.
 | What’s New with Staff and Libraries in the Region? |
On Saturday, January 26th a CSPAN2 program BookTV with historian and author Natalie Bober was taped with the 7th graders at the Carlisle School Library. Natalie talked about her books on Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Countdown to Independence.
Sandy Kelly, Library Media Specialist, Carlisle Schools
Ruth Eifert is the new Director at Georgetown Peabody Library. She is formerly from Wilmington Public.
Nanci Hill is the new Assistant Director at the Lucius Beebe Library in Wakefield. She was most recently the Director of the Georgetown Peabody Library.
C. G. McDonough City Magnet School, Lowell
C. G. McDonough Arts Magnet School, Cheetham City Magnet Library, Lowell
Littleton Middle School
Stephen Phillips Archives (Special Library), The Stephen Phillips Trust House, Salem
Proposals Wanted for NELIG Program
The New England Library Instruction Group (NELIG), an interest group of ACRL New England, is seeking speaker proposals for its upcoming annual program, "Energy and Creativity in Instruction: Librarians Leading the Way," which will be held at Boston College on Friday, June 7, 2002.
This one day program will focus on many aspects of creativity in instruction, including teaching as performance, creative marketing, fresh teaching approaches, outreach to faculty, creative library assignments and programming, forming on-campus relationships, and related areas. Speakers will be allotted approximately 25 minutes, with ample time for questions and discussion following each presentation. Individual sessions or complete panels can be submitted. We are also interested in having poster sessions.
If you are interested in presenting a session, panel and/or a poster at NELIG's program, please submit a one-page proposal to Patty Durisin and Beth Lindsay by March 15, 2002.
Newsletter Deadline for March
Please send your articles to Susan Babb by February 27, 2002.Share information about your staff and your library with the NMRLS community! Book reviews, articles, letters, success stories are all welcome!
 | Job Postings |
Head of Collections and Technical Services, Merrimack College, McQuade Library, North Andover
Circulation Supervisor-Evenings, McQuade Library, Merrimack College, North Andover
Youth Services Librarian: (Search Re-Opened), Flint Memorial Library, North Reading
To have a listing from your library included on our web site, please email the posting to Lucie Gallagher. The listing will be the first and third Fridays of the month.
NMRLS posts library-related jobs on our site for positions within the region or related to the region, e.g., positions in other regional systems, automated resource sharing networks, or at our funding agency, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Other positions outside the region will not be posted.