Volume 5, Issue 7 - July 2002
NMRLS News:
Poster Contest CeremonyAmy Covey, finalist for the NMRLS region in the MBLC Poster Contest, was feted at a recent ceremony for her at the Lynnfield Public Library.
Amy Covey begins her senior year at Lynnfield High School. She has serious aspirations in the field of graphic art, with not only graphic design but computer animation. Present at the ceremony were MBLC Commissioner John Henderson, Representative Mark Falzone, Sherri Warring who represented Senator McGee's office, NMRLS Executive Board President Doug Rendell, and Sue Koronowski, Director of the Lynnfield Public Library. Sue Koronowski welcomed everyone to her Library. Following her remarks, Commissioner John Henderson gave some background on the Poster Contest and the MBLC. Before the NMRLS presentation, Sherri Warring gave Amy a citation from Senator McGee. Then Doug Rendell who, besides being the President of the Executive Board at NMRLS, is also Director of the Peabody Institute Library in Danvers presented a framed copy of Amy's work.
Boston Globe Changes: We have been informed by The Library Corporation, NMRLS' vendor for the online version of the Boston Globe, that they will not be able to offer access to this title to NMRLS. We have provided a link to a temporary replacement service for this title along with log-on instructions. We thank NewsBank for working with us in this situation. Please bear with us as we work to identify a permanent replacement.
Electric Library License Renewed: NMRLS has signed a license agreement to continue region-wide access to "eLibrary Classic" until August 31, 2003. Links to this service will remain available on the NMRLS and www.referenceoncall.org Web sites. Please view this description of the service. Please contact the NMRLS office if you have any questions about accessing this service.
CQ Researcher and InfoUSA (business and residential) licensing agreements for in-library and remote access have been signed for the period July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003.
- In-library links to these services are now available on the NMRLS Web Site. IP authenticated libraries may access directly from this page. Letters to those members who require usernames and passowrds will go out in mid-July; however, in the mean time, members may contact the NMRLS office to obtain this information.
- Remote Access links will be available in mid-July on the NMRLS Web Site and at Reference On Call.
- Database descriptions are available at the following URLs:
Legislative Update
By Greg PronevitzAt this writing a Conference Committee of the Senate and House are working on a compromise budget. The House budget provided for level funding of the regional library systems while the Senate version called for a substantial reduction (over 14 percent). As we prepare for fy2003, we are investigating how a budget reduction might affect NMRLS programs and member services. In addition to incremental cuts in all program areas, a cut in the 14 percent range will prevent NMRLS from renewing a significant number of electronic databases. The NMRLS Budget Committee is meeting on July 17th to review contingency budget for fy2003 and a budget proposal
Digital Library Initiative
By Greg PronevitzThe NMRLS Executive Board has approved the creation of a Digital Library Committee with a charge to set goals and objectives, recommend budgetary, standards and policies, and evaluation criteria for a three-year digital library initiative for the region. After the final evaluation the committee will recommend continuation, changes, or elimination of the digital library project.
Committee Membership will consist of representatives from: public, academic, school, and special member libraries, MVLC, NOBLE, Nelinet, and two staff liaisons, Scott Kehoe, and Greg Pronevitz.
Committee Issues:
We look forward to working with the membership, MVLC, NOBLE, and Nelinet to increase the level of digitization of local resources and to create a gateway to digital resources relevant to Northeast Massachusetts. For further information, please contact Scott Kehoe or Greg Pronevitz.
- Project Budget
- Training and Continuing Education
- Consulting Role of NMRLS Staff
- Standards and Models for Digital Projects
- Scanning Lab Policies
- Digital Library Web Site Development
- Leadership in the Region
- Expand and Enhance Awareness about Digital Libraries
- Management of a three-year $12,500 grant to assist in the project by the Essex National Heritage Commission
For nearly a year, AV Center staff has tracked and examined video usage and discovered that public performance titles that circulate on our advance booking system are seldom used for programs. Therefore, as of July 1, 2002, our public performance video collection will circulate on C/W MARS. These materials will no longer be available for advance booking, but will be available for ILL. Search the AV Center's video collection (VHS and DVD) on C/W MARS.
The only AV Center materials available for advance booking will be 16mm films. Our web site will reflect this change by July 1, 2002.
To receive AV Center materials, fax or email requests to:
- Fax: 978-345-6014
Anne Hendrickson
Manager, CMRLS AV Center
Planning For Results:
Long Range Planning Assistance for Public LibrariesNMRLS will soon be offering public library members our Planning For Results assistance with their long range planning. Planning For Results is a community-based long-range planning process created by the Public Library Association. Starting in the fall of 2002, we are looking to help at least four public libraries per fiscal year by providing a series of structured two-hour meetings. Depending on your library's needs, the process can involve either two or three meetings spread over a timeframe of your choosing.
The meeting process involves the library's planning committee and features team building exercises, brainstorming on community visions, and examining the library's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The process also features a library-conducted community survey and talks by NMRLS staff on grant opportunities for libraries with a long-range plan on file with the MBLC, as well as an overview of the demographics and trends for libraries in the Northeast Region.
An online interest/application form, as well as outlines of both the two meeting and three meeting processes will soon be available on the NMRLS homepage. For further information on the Planning For Results assistance that NMRLS offers, library directors should contact Scott Kehoe, Consultant/Trainer.
Customer Service Workshop:
By request at your locationCustomer service is crucial to the Library and the library community. In this workshop, participants will identify and discuss areas of customer service of interest to your library staff, learn tips and strategies for good customer service, and brainstorm on standards to maintain quality community service.
Beginners or experienced people can all learn or contribute towards making customer service even better. Each workshop will be tailored to the library's needs.
The workshop will be led by NMRLS staff. Please contact Susan Babb to request this workshop at your location. Because of NMRLS staffing limitations, we can schedule up to one session per month and we suggest scheduling in advance.
Executive Board Summary - NMRLS, Danvers - Wednesday, June 19, 2002
Upcoming Meetings:
The next NMRLS Executive Board Meeting will be held:
Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2002 Time: 2:30 P.M. - 4:30 P.M. Location: Haverhill Public Library
Mark Your Calendars!
NMRLS 6th Annual Meeting
November 13, 2002
at Merrimack College
Keynote speaker: Newburyport author Andre Dubus IIINewburyport writer Andre Dubus III will be the featured speaker at the NMRLS Annual Meeting on November 13th at Merrimack College. Mr. Dubus' House of Sand and Fog, published in 1999, was a fiction finalist for the National Book Award, the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, and the L.L. Winship/PEN New England Award. He will speak on the craft of writing and read from his work.
NMRLS After Hours Reference Committee Recommendation:
(Note: Prior to discussion, Vicki Yablonsky, Trustee for the Reading Public Library, abstained herself from this discussion and excused herself. Kimberly Lynn, Director of the Reading Public Library, excused herself. Both stated that they would be available for questions if necessary.)
Committee members include Susan Conner (Chair), Lori Stalteri, Jeff Klapes, Mary Behrle and Susan Babb (NMRLS staff liaisons).
Jeff Klapes, for Susan Conner, summarized the Committee's activities and made the following recommendations based on the quickly changing after-hours reference environment due to the implementation of chat software options:
- Reference-On-Call (ROC) be funded for FY2003 at the amount stipulated in the contract.
- The ROC contract be extended for FY2004 at the same level of funding as FY2003.
- If the Reading Public Library cannot provide the same hours of service for this amount, then the Committee recommends reducing Sunday afternoon hours.
The After Hours Reference Committee Recommendation was accepted on a motion from committee. All were in favor, with no opposition and one abstention (Vicki Yablonsky). Doug Rendell congratulated Kim Lynn on the contract extension.
Formation of a Digital Library Committee: Greg presented the following proposal:
Charge: set goals and objectives, recommend budgetary, standards and policies, and evaluation criteria for a three-year digital library initiative for the region. After the final evaluation the committee will recommend continuation, changes, or elimination of the digital library project.
Membership:
- Representatives from: Public, Academic, School, and Special member libraries (TBA)
- Representatives from: MVLC, NOBLE, and Nelinet (self selected)
- Scott Kehoe, Greg Pronevitz (NMRLS liaisons)
Schedule:
- Year One (FY2003) meet six times
- Year Two and Three meet quarterly
Issues:
- Project budget
- Training and Continuing Education
- Consulting role
- Standards and Models
- Scanning lab
- Digital library Web site development
- Leadership
- Expand and Enhance Awareness about Digital Libraries
- NMRLS has been awarded a three-year $12,500 grant to assist in the project by the Essex National Heritage Commission
The Board agreed that a formal vote was unnecessary on this item and that a Committee may be formed with the approval of the President only. Doug agreed and approved the formation of a Digital Library Committee.
Statewide Net Lender - Due by September 3, 2002!
Mark your calendar! Statewide Net Lender reporting forms for July 2001 - June 2002 must be returned to the Library Development Unit at the MBLC and postmarked or faxed by September 3, 2002. If you need a copy of the net lender forms and instructions, please contact Scott Kehoe, NMRLS.
CIPA/NCIPA Update
ALAWON (American Library Association Washington Office Newsline) (June 11, 2002)ALA is very pleased that a Federal Court has ruled that CIPA requirements for filtering in public libraries are unconstitutional. However, please note that the decision was limited and did not eliminate all requirements for all libraries that receive E-Rate discounts.
In the first place, school libraries are NOT covered by the decision and are still subject to the full provisions of CIPA. Nothing has changed for them.
Furthermore, under the current FCC order, public libraries receiving E-rate discounts for Internet access and/or internal connections are still covered by NCIPA ("Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act"), while libraries that receive discounts for telecommunications services only are not covered. Libraries that are part of a consortium's E-rate application for Internet services and/or internal connections are also covered under NCIPA.
Under NCIPA, libraries that are covered must review their existing Acceptable Use Policies to make sure that they conform to the Internet Safety Policy requirements of the Act. These sections have been specifically assigned to local decision-making. No federal agency is permitted to establish criteria for how a library is to address these elements. Nor may a federal agency review decisions made by local library authorities, or even consider the criteria a library used in making those decisions.
Open meetings or hearings on a library's "Internet Safety Policy" must have been completed no later than June 30, 2002.
The Federal Communications Commission and the Schools and Libraries Division (SLD) will have further guidance for E-rate applicants out very soon. Watch the SLD web site for further information and updates.
Please visit ALA's CIPA site for more information.
 | Charting the Course: Where Are You Bound?By Mary Behrle |
Your goals are broad strokes. They define an extended vision of what your library can be. Goals seek the future - your library's services, its facilities, it's staffing. Objectives are the measurable steps you expect to take to achieve these goals. They are short-term and include a time frame for attainment.
So, let's look back at our needs assessment from last month:
What about those middle-schoolers?
A possible goal might be to provide programs to meet the needs of middle school age library users.
How will you reach it?
- The library will start a book club for middle school students. Planning will take place during the summer; implementation will begin at the start of the school year.
- The library will develop a homework center. We hope to achieve this within normal staffing levels and have a simple model in place for the start of classes.
- The library will expand on the homework center by seeking outside funding for equipment and part-time staffing support. We will begin the process in mid-fall, for implementation the following fall.
Your goal might be to reach out to this new population.
How will you do this?
- The library will collect books in the home language of the new group, beginning in this fiscal cycle.
- The library will offer referral assistance for the new population. We will, within three months, design ways to serve this underserved group.
A goal might be to design services that would be welcoming to older citizens.
What can you think of to achieve this?
- The library has a small training lab and will offer monthly computer basics classes to senior citizens. We will be ready to do this soon after the center is completed.
- In conjunction with our children's services, the library will offer seniors the opportunity to take part in story hour. We will initiate this program during National Library Week.
- The library will seek outside funding to collaborate with the senior center on a lecture/lifelong learning series for older citizens. We will begin planning meetings this summer.
One of your goals might be to set aside an underused space for library instruction. How might this be possible?
- The library will collaborate with the campus facilities department to evaluate the use of library study space for library instruction.
- The library will collaborate with the information technology department to evaluate the re-deployment of equipment for use in that space.
Your goal might be to implement an information literacy program that would integrate the new curriculum with information literacy skills.
- The library will work with the appropriate faculty committees as they redesign the curriculum. We will begin meeting this term.
- The library will remain aware of changes to the curriculum and respond with both traditional and innovative methods of delivery for information literacy across the students' tenures. Our meetings are scheduled for next term.
- The library will seek outside funding to help with this new program.
 | Profiles in Collaboration: |
In 1998, the Library received a Health Grant from the MBLC. Our partner in this grant was the Danvers School Department. Studies have demonstrated that Danvers students have a particularly high rate of asthma and other respiratory problems. Working with a medical consultant, we developed Asthma Kits, which were placed in each school library and in the nurse's offices. The goal was to help students manage their asthma, understand what was happening with them and for friends and teachers to understand the issues as well. During the summer, the Library sponsored four programs, which were held on the Library lawn. The programs were entertaining and informative and focused on the health issues outlined in the grant. The program received a lot of public attention and local officials were pleased with the Library/School cooperation.
This year, the Library received a Homework Center Grant and again formed a relationship with the schools to create a center for middle school and high school students. Several years ago, the school department developed a committee called Community Cares. This committee was made up of school administration, teachers, guidance counselors, community leaders, police, a liaison from the District Attorney's Office as well as church leaders. I began to attend the meetings a couple of years ago and was immediately impressed with the dedication of this group to aid in providing solutions to problems faced by the students.
A school survey demonstrated the need for homework support and the Library volunteered to try and secure funding for some type of homework center. This particular project took hold of the community and everyone seemed to be involved. School officials wrote letters of support, which accompanied a grant application sent to the MBLC. The Friends of the Library held an elegant fundraiser in the home of a local resident, residents of the town donated to the project, the students in the middle school held a fundraising event, and the Masonic Lodge donated money as well. Few Library projects have involved so many people and organizations. We were delighted to open our Homework Center on May first.
The Library has been involved in celebrating Danvers 250th Anniversary year in 2002. The Library helped create a Lyceum Lecture Series, which would highlight the history of the town. Four prominent speakers were invited to make presentations. They represented commercial interests, the historical society, and the private sector. We didn't know how many people this series would attract and were stunned when each session had more than a capacity crowd. Each program was broadcast via cable TV. Working with a variety of town groups, this program has been an enormous success.
Two years ago the Library worked with the Danvers Rotary Club to develop a Pavilion on the property, which could be used for outdoor concerts. The project was funded from a variety of sources but primarily from the Rotary Club. It was a complicated project. A road had to be eliminated, numerous neighbors and committees had to be involved, the original deed to the Library property had to be reviewed and an architect had to design a pavilion which would compliment the 1892 library. The project was completed and now weekly concerts are held on the Library grounds during the summer.
This year, the Library has been working with the Danvers Garden Club to create a Children's Garden just outside the Children's Library. The dedication for this project will take place at the end of June. The garden is being funded through donations and our landscape architect has created a magical place for children complete with outdoor stone bookcases, which house stone books.
The Library will continue to work with the schools and local organizations to develop programs here at the Library. In each case, these cooperative projects have been good for the Library, the individual organizations and the town as a whole. They have also been fun.
(Editor's Note: We are hoping to run a "Profile" each month. These articles are submitted to the Editor. The only criterion is that the article include at least one type of collaboration between 2 different institutions. Also, that the submitter be willing to be contacted for more information.)
 | News |
A Search Committee for Director of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners has been authorized by the Board at its May 9th Board Meeting. Composed of 11 members, the Committee is chaired by Commissioner John Arnold. Other members of the Committee are: Kim Charleson, Director of the Talking Book Library; Connie Clancy, President of the Massachusetts Friends of Libraries; Debby Conrad, Executive Director of SAILS; Dr. Em Claire Knowles, Commissioner; Ruth Kowal, Library of Last Recourse; Mary Kronholm, President of the Massachusetts Library Trustee Association; Krista McLeod, President of the Massachusetts Library Association; Cindy Roach, Administrator of the Southeast Massachusetts Regional Library System; James Sutton, Chair of the State Advisory Committee on Libraries, and a staff member of the Board of Library Commissioners, elected by the employees.
Following the receipt of applications through July 21, 2002, the Committee will review the applications and select initial candidates for preliminary interviews during the first week of September. Once the finalists are selected, the Board of Library Commissioners will interview the finalists in late September, and it is hoped that a candidate can be selected in early October, with an official appointment made by the Board at its November Board Meeting.
Librarian Certification Fees Increased
Pursuant to 605 CMR 3.03, an increase in the certification fee for Professional, Subprofessional and replacement certificates of librarianship issued by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is effective on July 1, 2002.
The new fees are:
- Professional and Subprofessional - $30.00
- Replacement - $18.00
 | 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 |
NOBLE, Danvers
Letting Go of the Past, Delivering the Future
On May 30, 2002 NELINET sponsored its 22nd annual Spring ILL Meeting. This year the meeting was held at Marlboro College in Marlboro, Vermont with over 150 in attendance.
Speakers came from as far as Colorado. Tom Delaney from Colorado State University delivered the Keynote speech. He spoke of how CSU coped with a major flood that forced them to reinvent how they delivered ILL services. The main message was that the situation gave them a chance to let go of the way they were delivering service and invent something that would work for the present and the future.
A group of three librarians from Vermont libraries spoke on desktop delivery using various methods of email such as ARIEL. Though ARIEL has been used for many years by academic libraries it has recently released a new software version that is making desktop delivery easier than ever with the ability to post documents to web pages. This is the version of ARIEL the two Regional ILL Centers have recently started using.
Of interest to public libraries and networks was a talk by Bonnie Buzzell from Brown University and Carol Caro from the Minuteman Network. They talked of using the Virtual Catalog for lending and the dynamics of it being a multi-type catalog. Brown initially was concerned that the public libraries would borrow heavily and create a burden. The outcome was that Minuteman was the net lender of the two. They spoke of how their perceptions changed concerning ILL.
The NELINET Annual ILL meeting is one of the only professional meetings in New England that is strictly about Interlibrary Loan. It is always a welcome chance for librarians in Document Delivery and ILL to meet.
 | NMRLS Regional Reference and Research Centers |
| Regional Reference Centers | ||
|
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.
Memorial Hall Library Staff Development Day 2002:
Memorial Hall Library has an annual Staff Development Day. This year Worcester Public Library was kind enough to be our host. The Memorial Hall staff boarded a bus and traveled to Worcester where the Worcester staff organized a day of informative sessions for us. We all had a tour of the new facility and a chance to meet our counterparts in Worcester. We shared ideas for procedures, and discussed issues. We thank the staff of the Worcester Public Library for their gracious hospitality and look forward to collaborating with their staff in the future.
The bus ride provided an excellent opportunity for team building. Staff from all departments met in an informal setting. Check out these pictures!
New Reference Additions:
Flags, an Eyewitness Handbook, contains current flags for the nations of the world. The history and meaning of each flag is included.
The 2002 Summer Camp Guide for New England, published by the American Camping Association lists accredited day and overnight camps.
Datapedia of the United States, Millennium Edition contains significant historic statistics of the United States from 1776 to 2000. The categories include population, health, migration labor, income, and government.
Interesting Web Sites:
Legislative Action Center - Enter a zip code on this NEA site to find federal and state representatives, federal and state senators, and local officials. Also, there is a link to current legislation.
College and University Rankings - The summer is a popular time for college visits. This site provides links to sites that rate undergraduate and graduate programs on a variety of criteria, including cost, handicapped access, and sports programs.
Gemstar Ebook Patron Survey - Last year there were several roundtable discussions in the Region on eBooks. Memorial Hall Library has circulated eBooks for almost a year now. We have asked each borrower to fill out a survey, and about half have done so. To see the very interesting results of the survey, just go to the link above. Patrons liked the devices more than we anticipated!
Stumper for June:
A patron is looking for the name of a young adult book about childhood friends. There are several girls in the story and one boy named Spencer. Spencer became popular and the friendship falls apart. The group becomes friends again in high school. One of the girls develops a close relationship with Spencer and realizes that he is very depressed. At the end of the book, Spencer and the girl are in a park and Spencer releases a black balloon. This symbolizes that his depression is leaving. The patron thought that the name of the book is Black Balloon. A search in iPAC for that title yields no hits. Do you know that name of this book?
Answer: The Wind Blows Backward by Mary Beth Downing.
Source: NMRLS Young Adult Listserv.
Stumper for Stumper for July:
What is a group of pigs called?
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.)
Lowell Law Library Head Law Librarian Receives Commendation:
Congratulations to Catherine Mello Alves, Head Law Librarian at the Lowell Law Library, who recently received a Certificate of Appreciation presented by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The Certificate read: "On behalf of the Veterans Health Administration's National Office of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, I would like to thank you for your ongoing help to our staff in providing outstanding and expeditious legal research assistance."
Lawrence Law Library Participates in Fenton Judicial Center Community Open House:
A Community Open House, sponsored by the Essex County Reinventing Justice Project, was held on June 26 at the Fenton Judicial Center. Tours of the facility, including the Lawrence Law Library, were given, and a mock trial was held in the main Courtroom.
Several Reinventing Justice projects have been established statewide, with the aim of the Reinventing Justice initiatives being to support innovations and improvements in the administration of justice in the Massachusetts courts, based on consultations with the community through forums where citizens are assured that the courts are not just about "telling" but about "asking, listening and involving" as well.
Coordinator of the Essex County Reinventing Justice Project is Elizabeth W. Rossman, who can be reached at the Lynn District Court at 781-596-3748.
Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries to Participate in "24/7" Virtual Reference Pilot Project:
On or about September 1, 2002, the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries will take part in a pilot project of the New England Law Library Consortium (NELLCO), which will offer patrons of NELLCO libraries access to virtual "chat" reference using the "24/7" software. We will keep NMRLS member libraries informed of details of this exciting development as they become available.
Lawrence Law Library Continues to Offer Extended Hours Through the Summer:
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.
 | Reference On Call |
By Esmé Green
24/7 Reference, launched in April is already a great success. We have received many interesting questions from users all over the region and the country. 24/7 Reference is a customized set of software tools that lets your library patrons ask questions and get answers, in real time, on the Internet, from your live reference staff.
Recently, we were able to help a woman in a Mass/NH border town asking for the best hospital for cardiology in New England. Her husband had just been taken to a NH hospital with a heart attack and would need a multiple bypass. I was able to find that locally we have top NATIONALLY ranked hospitals in cardiology (Mass General #3, Beth Israel #5, Deaconess #10, Leahy # 15 and Mary Hitchcock # 45) through the Consumer Health Reference Center. The woman was ecstatic that she could find top treatment for her husband close to home and that her library's IPAC homepage had pointed her to the right answer so fast!
If you haven't already done so, please consider creating a link from your homepage to Reference On Call. This is the best way to make the service useful to your patrons, and it will enhance your services without added effort on your library's part! To help you get the word out, see the many promotional tools that are available, such as magnets, bookmarks and business cards.
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 Esmé Green at 781-944-0840.
Reference on Call is provided by NMRLS through state funding administered by the MBLC in co-operation with your local library.
 | Youth Services Column |
A Star*Spangled Summer at Your LibraryWe continue to update our Massachusetts Regional Library Systems statewide summer reading program website! Our latest updates are as follows:
As always, please let us know the information that you would like to see posted on our statewide summer website - we aim to please!
- Listing of additional summer reading programs that complement our Star*Spangled Summer Program. In addition to our wonderful program, there will be an abundance of reading programs available to families this summer! AMC Theatres, ALA, and the Massachusetts Teacher's Association have all developed fun reading programs. Consider incorporating these programs into your library's reading program (that is - reading for one program also counts for your library's program, too!). If you know of other great regional/state/national programs, please do send Janet Eckert the URL.
- More 50 States Bibliographies - this list keeps growing!
The MFA Sparkles in "A Star*Spangled Summer"
By Connie Dudgeon, Boston Regional Library SystemOn Friday, May 10, nearly seventy librarians from all over the state converged at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston for a full day of learning and collaboration with MFA staff. The day-long workshop, titled "A Star*Spangled Summer at the MFA," was jointly sponsored by the Museum and the Boston Regional Library System. Designed to highlight ways to combine reading and art to support this year's Statewide Summer Reading Program theme, the program also allowed librarians and Museum staff to explore future cooperative efforts for youth and family programming.
The event was coordinated by Adina Sabghir, the Manager of Youth and Family Learning at the MFA, with Kerry Cronin, the Program Consultant for the Boston Region, and with much help from various staff members at the Museum who worked very hard to make the day a success. When asked how she perceived the final fruits of all these efforts, Adina replied, "We are thrilled at the response and at the possibilities we created together at this workshop and as plans for future collaborations. Everyone loves librarians!!"
The feeling is mutual; as Jennifer Caccamo, the Children's Librarian at the Boston Renaissance Charter School noted: "Librarians and MFA educators found common ground as we explored the deep and dynamic relationships of word and image, idea and event via workshops that highlighted MFA collections and programs. I left convinced that to everyone's benefit, future collaborations would surely happen."
Heather Cotter, the graduate intern in the MFA Department of Museum Learning and Public Programs, presented an excellent slide show and lecture about the history and development of the collection. Next, participants were treated to a special tour of the American collection with MFA Gallery Instructors Helene Bailen, Liné Lewis, Judy Keyes, and Barbara Welsh. After lunch, the afternoon was devoted to a rotation of small group sessions. In one session, Lynn Courtney, the MFA Head of Administration and Planning, led a brainstorming effort to develop new collaborations between libraries and the Museum. Another session featured Allison Day, the Youth and Family Programs Manager at the Brooklyn Museum of Art (New York), who delighted participants with a demonstration of ways to enhance story times with displays of art (and vice versa). Her very useful bibliography for "Connecting American Art and Picture Books" inspired many participants to get back to their summer programs and try linking these elements in new ways. Another thought-provoking session was led by Erica Wall, the MFA's Head of School Programs, who discussed the methods for using artwork as a springboard for Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), to enhance confidence and critical analysis in students of any age. To complete the rotation, MFA Teacher Francisco Mendez-Diez and graduate intern Nicola Sarn demonstrated the variety of creative art-based activities available in workshops and classes for young visitors to the Museum. Finally, after a refreshing afternoon tea and wrap-up, all pre-registered participants were invited to a special showing of the Impressionist Still Life exhibition. The whole day was a fascinating learning experience, sparking participants' creativity and leaving many of them ready for more art-based summer reading and eager to join forces again with the MFA. As Susan Birkett, the Coordinator for Youth Services at Boston Public Library, said, "The workshop was very invigorating and stimulating. It was so well-coordinated by the MFA staff that, even though it lasted all day, you never had a chance to feel tired or bored--there was always something new happening. The program reflected the dynamism that happens when departments work together to create a new program."
The week after this program, the following letter we received moved us from Janet Eckert, the Regional Youth Services Consultant for the Western Region, who has always been one of the strongest advocates of the Massachusetts Statewide Summer Reading Program:
"Dear Kerry and Connie, Thank you for coordinating last week's outstanding "Star*Spangled Summer Reading Program Workshop" at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Thank you, also, to Adina Sabghir and her colleagues of the MFA for their inspiring presentations. I greatly appreciate that your region and the MFA generously invited librarians throughout the commonwealth to this tremendous collaborative opportunity.
During the morning's gallery visit in the museum's Americana collection, our MFA Gallery Instructor was delighted to learn that our audience represented libraries from cities and towns throughout the commonwealth. She made sure to highlight artwork that represented various Massachusetts cities and towns. I was particularly delighted when she showcased the sculpture of Daniel Chester French (whose estate and museum is located in Stockbridge).
Partnering with our statewide summer reading supporters to actively promote family literacy and the love of reading is a tremendous boon! My goal is to apply the information that I garnered at the Boston Region/MFA Workshop as a model for similar partnerships in the western region of our state. I cannot thank you enough, Kerry, Connie, and Adina, for this wonderful event.
Sincerely,
Janet Eckert,
Youth Services Consultant, Western Massachusetts Regional Library System."
Summer Reading at Burlington High School:
Burlington High School has decided to also try to build community through summer reading. It has added a second option this summer of one book for reading by students, staff, parents and any other interested members of our town. This is the basic idea: "Summer 2002 Read -- Farewell to Manzanar."
Every student is invited to read Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston this summer. This memoir relates the author's experiences while living at the Manzanar internment camp during World War II. It was chosen because it illuminates Burlington High's theme for 2002-2003, which is tolerance.
For full information about both BHS 2002 Summer Reading Programs.
Peggy Hallisey
Burlington H. S. Library Media Specialist
Call for Submissions for 2003! Read! Think! Create! @ Your Library!
Beginning in 2003, the support materials for the Statewide Summer Reading Program will be presented to Massachusetts librarians in two new formats. Rather than a lengthy manual, librarians will receive a "Planning Kit" in December, containing all the resources needed to start planning a summer reading program. Then, in February, the new "Web Resource" will become available online. This online resource will contain program ideas and reproducibles similar to those included in summer manuals of the past.
However, the materials will be presented in a new format: sample 6-8 week summer reading programs for several age groups ranging from birth to young adult. Each sample program will provide book lists, activities, songs, and reproducibles to go along with the 2003 theme. Each of the six regions has agreed to manage the compilation and development of an age-specific section of the Web Resource. Please assign an age level to your contribution, and direct your submission to the regional representative coordinating the materials for that age group.
Templates and guidelines are available at the Statewide Summer Reading program site under "Upcoming Statewide Summer Reading Programs" to help you with page layout. Please follow these guidelines when submitting entries. The Massachusetts Regional Library Systems Statewide Reading Program Steering Committee needs submissions by August 30, 2002 to allow time for revision and proofing.
On behalf of the Summer Reading Program Committee and the Regional Consultants, thank you for your help and participation! If you have any questions about the "new look," please contact me!
White House Conference
On June 4, 2002, Laura Bush hosted a White House Conference on School Libraries to discuss the latest research on libraries, student achievement and successful local programs. Mrs. Bush was joined by her co-host, Dr. Robert Martin, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services as well as leaders in education, library, government and philanthropy from across the country. Mrs. Bush also announced $5 million in gifts to the Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries. Experts and panelists offered compelling stories of the power of school libraries to make a difference in student achievement.
For the full story.
Advocacy for School Librarians
Many of the Talking Points documents included in the AASL Advocacy Toolkit have been updated to reflect new data from the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics. Also, a Sample Letter to the Editor has been added.
The AASL Advocacy Toolkit is available online.
Upcoming NMRLS Youth Services Programs:
Youth Services Book Review meetings, NRMLS Headquarters, Danvers :
All meetings begin at 10:00 and end at 12:00.
August 26, 2002Youth Services on the Web: Web Sites as Resources
Selecting Web Sites
7/16/02 -- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM -- NMRLS, Danvers
So many sites, so little time. If this is your lament, then this is the workshop for you. Consultant Susan Babb will demonstrate the best sources and resources for Web sites, whether you need them for reference, reader's advisory, or to connect with the curriculum frameworks.The Basics for Youth Services: Designing Program Flyers
2 Sessions Available
7/22/02 -- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM -- NMRLS, Danvers
8/19/02 -- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM -- NMRLS, Danvers
Learn basic principles of design and layout for flyers, using Microsoft Word. Also learn how to use clip art and graphics from the Internet. Practice your skills in the NMRLS lab and produce a finished flyer that you can use back at your library. Participants may bring images to scan and use in their flyers.
 | What’s New with Staff and Libraries in the Region? |
Reference librarians Donna Maturi and Fran Hegarty from the Peabody Institute Library in Danvers were guests on the Chris Culkeen radio show on WESX recently. They promoted the library's Homework Center participation in the Join the Major Leagues @ your library program developed by Major League Baseball and the American Library Association.
The Annual Sawyer Free Library Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon was held on May 23 at the Gloucester House Restaurant in Gloucester. Over forty volunteers and guests attended. Amy Dengler, President of the Board of Directors, and David McArdle each praised the volunteers and thanked them for their many hours of devoted service to the library and the community. Assistant Director Carol Gray assisted by Administrative Aide, Stella Mantzourani, introduced the twenty-eight volunteers and presented each with a gift. The luncheon is sponsored each year by the library staff and administration to honor the many hours donated by the loyal and many longstanding volunteers.
Reference librarian Tom Madden of the Sawyer Free Library in Gloucester became an official librarian this May with his recent graduation from Simmons College. Tom received his MLS with great distinction and was recently honored by fellow staffers. Congratulations Tom!
No Fines at Ipswich Public Library:
The Trustees of the Ipswich Public Library voted at their May 20th meeting to eliminate most fines on overdue materials. The new policy will take effect on July 1, 2002. With this new policy in place, both the Trustees and staff of the Ipswich Public Library hope that each visit to the Library will be a positive experience for patrons. Library Director, Victor Dyer, said that he and his staff encourage users to still renew books when they become overdue. Donation boxes will be displayed prominently at both the Main Desk and the Children's Room Desk for donations in lieu of fines.Videos and DVDs are not renewable. Fines for these items including overdue museum passes will remain the same. A fee will be charged for patrons who fail to return borrowed materials within 60 days of the due date.
Lawrence Public Library announces the following staff changes:
- Javier Corredor--Director
- Sharon Doyle--Associate Director
- Maureen Nimmo--Assistant Director
- Louise Sandberg--Special Collections
- Damaris Lamontagne--Technical Services
- Yvette Iglesia--Circulation Coordinator
The Lynn Classical High School Library and the Lynn Public Library hosted Mr. Joerg Raeuber, Head, User Services of the German National Library in Leipzig, who came to the United States to study the organization of American libraries, library networks and automation. He also visited the libraries at Cornell and Harvard. His visit to Lynn was coordinated by WorldBoston, a nonprofit organization formed to bring the citizens of greater Boston in touch with the global community. Mr. Raeuber was surprised that Classical High has over 1200 students and was impressed with the variety of databases available to our students through NMRLS and the Internet connections on all of the computers in the library media center. He was intrigued by the beautiful architecture of the Lynn Public Library, especially glass floors and wrought iron in the stacks. He made several observations about the challenges of bringing twenty-first century technology into an historic library and appreciated the way it had been done without destroying the integrity of the building. Mr. Raeuber enjoyed watching the Classical High students and the patrons of the Lynn Public Library using the technology available to them and had positive things to say about the cooperation between the two libraries. WorldBoston called to tell us that he said that the visit to the Lynn libraries was the "highlight" of his trip.
Lynn Classical High School Library
235 O'Callaghan Way
Program Planners Meeting:
Diane Giarrusso has offered to host the next Program Planners Meeting at the new and improved Pollard Memorial Library in downtown Lowell on Tuesday, July 9, at 2:00 PM. The topic will be "Collaboration- Library Programming Kicked up a Notch!" There are so many different ways the public library can work with community groups, schools, and town departments to deliver exceptional and creative library service. List some of your library's most successful collaborative ventures to share with the group. Chelmsford will share an exciting program called "Connecting with Computers" where high school students are used to tutor senior citizens in basic computer skills at the Library and at the Senior Center and more!If you need directions to the Lowell Library contact Diane Giarrusso at 978-970-4120 x4118. For more information on the Program Planners Group contact Kathy Cryan-Hicks at the Chelmsford Public Library, 978-256-5521, ext 109.
Gerard Guilmette School (Grades 1-8), Lawrence
Newsletter Deadline for August
Please send your articles to Susan Babb by July 24, 2002.Share information about your staff and your library with the NMRLS community! Book reviews, articles, letters, success stories are all welcome!
 | Job Postings |
- Library Assistant (Reference Department), Haverhill Public Library
- Library Assistant (Special Collections), Haverhill Public Library
- Clerk Librarian, Georgetown Middle/High School, Georgetown
To have a listing from your library included on our web site, please email the posting to Lucie Gallagher.
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. For positions outside the region, search the Board of Library Commissioners' Web page under "Library Position Vacancies".