Volume 5, Issue 6 — June 2002
NMRLS News:
Digital Library News
Digitization Pilot Project:
ECHOES (Essex County Heritage Online Exhibits) Web site Up and Running
By Greg PronevitzOver the past year NMRLS staff has worked closely with ten libraries and repositories of historical documents to create an online exhibit of digitized images. An Essex National Heritage Commission Partnership Grant funded this project, in part. Please visit the online exhibit and let us know if you have suggestions for future digital projects.
Partners in the pilot project:
Peabody Institute Library (Danvers) Manchester Historical Society Haverhill Public Library Nevins Memorial Library (Methuen) Lawrence Public Library Stevens Memorial Library (North Andover) American Textile History Museum (Lowell) Topsfield Town Clerk's Office Lynn Public Library Stephen Phillips Trust House (Salem) An additional objective of the project was to enhance direct access to information about special collections in Essex County through the Web-based resources on the Essex National Heritage Area's Online Resource Directory. This was accomplished through links to the Massachusetts Special Collections Directory on MLIN. We plan to expand this access throughout the region.
The project was designed to modernize communications among repositories of historical records and archives and to aid in promoting these resources to potential users. Use of the Online Resource Directory was minimal prior to these efforts with fewer than 25 online visitors per month. During the project, as a direct result of mail and email publicity, use peaked at 281 visitors in April 2001, although this level of use was not sustained. This demonstration of digitization has successfully encouraged more extensive projects among our own membership and is expected to lead to many digitization and online access projects and use of online resources.
Digital Library Initiative:
NMRLS is embarking on a regional digital library initiative as a result of the pilot project's success and popularity. We are seeking task force participants to assist us in the following areas. Please contact Greg Pronevitz for further information.
- Training for library staff in issues related to digitization
- Establishing digital library standards and best practices
- Creation of a central digital library Web site
- Offering scanning and image editing facilities to the membership
Electronic Reference News
By Greg PronevitzNMRLS has been in negotiations with several vendors in order to add titles according to the NMRLS Reference Committee recommendations. We have reached agreement with the following vendors and expect to add these titles by the summer for in-library and remote use.
- CQ Researcher
- InfoUSA (residential/business phone directory)
Legal Reference Extended Hours Services Approved for Contract Extension:
The NMRLS Executive Board approved extension of the agreement with the Trial Court Law Libraries to provide extended hours of service at the Lawrence Law Library for three additional years (FY2004-2006). Over the coming year we will be working with Law Library staff to promote this service to regional residents.
Continuing Education Survey
By Scott KehoeThe online version of the 2002 NMRLS Continuing Education Survey is on the web!
To complete the survey, please visit the NMRLS web site.
We greatly appreciate everyone's input. The annual CE Survey is a very important tool to help us determine what workshops our members need as well as providing us with valuable feedback about our CE programs.
A print version of the CE Survey will be distributed with the next CE calendar in early June, but feel free to print the online version for distribution to all your staff members and colleagues. You may return the paper form via regional delivery or fax to NMRLS at: 978/739-4537
Thank you for taking the time to fill out this important survey.
Grolier Training Opportunities at Your Library:
Gwen Paquette of Grolier/Scholastic Library Publishing would like to offer NMRLS members the opportunity to receive on-site training for the Grolier Online (GO) databases: Encyclopedia Americana, Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia, The New Book of Knowledge, and Nueva enciclopedia Cumbre en linea (new to NMRLS members beginning August 1). The workshops highlight the upgrades and enhancements of GO and incorporate Internet search techniques that help save students and librarians time. In-service days provide a great opportunity for the training.
If you would like to arrange a free on-site training for your school or library, please email Gwen or telephone her at 800/825-4579, x4766.
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.
Delivery Update:
By Lucie GallagherLast month we reported on some of the delivery issues we have been addressing in order to keep up with the ever-increasing volume. We have been gathering suggestions and discussing ways to make things easier for both the libraries and the drivers.
Minute Man Transit, our Northeast carrier, has come up with this plan. There will be double stops three days (Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday) per week for these 5 libraries: Chelmsford, Amesbury, Newburyport, Danvers, and Peabody. This means that these 5 libraries will have their regular stop, where items will be dropped off, and will have a second stop later in the day for items to be picked up.
The intent is that this additional pick-up route will help offset the heavy Monday volume from the weekend and the even heavier Tuesday volume after a Monday holiday. The extra stop on Thursdays will insure that the accumulated volume will be taken care of by the end of the week.
This schedule began Tuesday, May 28th (after the Memorial Day Holiday).
Also, thank you to those libraries who participated in the Bin Inventory request. Based on those responses, we have learned there is a shortage of the NMRLS Red Bins. In turn, we ordered two-hundred and fifty new red bins that are now being fed into the system. If you have a shortage of bins, please ask your driver for more.
As always, please keep us informed as to how delivery is going!
Executive Board Summary -Beverly Public Library, May 15, 2002
Next Meeting: June 19, 2002 at McQuade Library, Merrimack College at 2:30 PM.
Board Development Retreat Follow-up: Greg Pronevitz gave an overview of the Board retreat and referred Board members to retreat notes, sent previously with their Board packets. The retreat was a positive experience that resulted in the following four action items:
The four items were approved unanimously.
- Discuss and approve formation of Board Development Committee to replace Nomination Committee (Revise job description, develop work plan and composition, Past President plus)
- Approve formation of ad hoc Membership Involvement Task Force (membership to include NMRLS Committee Chairs)
- Make decision on follow up regarding legislative education
- Make decision on follow up regarding public relations/education
Consent Agenda: Thomas Standring informed the group that, according to Robert's Rules, the correct name for this item is actually "Consent Calendar." The Board agreed to change the name. Douglas Rendell then proceeded to rehearse the group on how the consent calendar will be approached from this point forward. Each report will be named and then he will say, "If there is no objection we will accept this report." This will be followed by a pause. If any Board members have a question about a report he or she will say, "I object." If there are no objections, the Board President will say, "Since there are no objections, the report(s) are accepted as presented." There were no objections to the reports; therefore the reports were accepted as presented.
Four reports were included:
Report of the NMRLS After Hours Legal Reference Committee: Brian Archambault abstained himself from this discussion, excused himself, and left the room. He informed the group that he would be available for questions if necessary.
- Regional Administrator's Report
- Administrative Calendar
- Upcoming Meetings
- Membership Update
The NMRLS After Hours Reference Committee has concluded our evaluation of existing after hours reference services at the Lawrence Law Library. Analysis of statistics, user surveys and current staff and services at the Lawrence Law Library indicate a high satisfaction rating. The consensus of the committee is that the Lawrence Law Library is in full compliance with the NMRLS Strategic Plan and that there is a continued need for a regional legal reference center. After investigating alternatives to the Lawrence Law Library, we identified only one other potential candidate and that library was not a public library. We recommend that NMRLS continue the agreement with the Lawrence Law Library for a period of three years beginning on July 1, 2004. Additionally, we recommend level funding at the current amount of $50,000 per year for the three-year period. Respectfully submitted,
Linda Hummel-Shea, Chair
Jeffrey Klapes
Donna Maturi
Greg PronevitzThe Board discussed the option to do a request for proposal for this service; however, concluded that, because there was really no viable competition, it would not be necessary. At this time, Brian Archambault was invited back into the room.
Thomas Standring motioned to accept the recommendation of the NMRLS After Hours Legal Reference Committee to continue the agreement with the Lawrence Law Library for a period of three years beginning on July 1, 2003. Additionally, they recommended level funding at the current amount of $50,000 per year for the three-year period. Tom Scully seconded. All were in favor, with no opposition and one abstention (Brian Archambault, Lawrence Law Library). Doug Rendell, then, congratulated Brian on the contract renewal.
Discussion about North Reading (Flint) Public Library's possible decertification: The group discussed the fact that North Reading may lose its State Aid and the issues surrounding borrowing privileges to North Reading residents by surrounding towns; e.g., Reading and Andover. Greg Pronevitz will be checking with MBLC to see if Andover's contract as a Regional Reference/ILL Center will have any effect on borrowing privileges for residents of a town with a non-certified public library.
Mark Your Calendars!
NMRLS 6th Annual Meeting Special Libraries Meeting November 13, 2002 at Beverly Historical Society at Merrimack College June 20, 2002 at 10:00 AM Keynote speaker:
Newburyport author Andre Dubus IIIRegistration
 | Charting the Course: Focusing on Your VisionBy Mary Behrle
|
Written with input from your stakeholders - library users and staff, trustees, municipal officials, faculty, institutional administrators - you build the case for your library. This is most effectively accomplished in meetings, focus groups, and/or through the use of surveys. Remember to include library advocates and not-quite advocates! A diversity of voices lends a richer credibility to your final plan.
The needs assessment cites local issues that require the responsiveness of your library. Your compiled list is succinct and on point:
- "Our middle-schoolers are very animated when they come in after school. The library needs more focused programs for this group."
- "Our town has a new immigrant population. The library lacks collections and referral services to assist this new user group."
- "A new senior center will be built across the street from the library. The library needs to become a more welcoming place for seniors."
- "When we conduct library instruction sessions, our students are sitting on the floor in the middle of the reference room. The library needs a space dedicated to instruction."
- "The faculty is redesigning the core curriculum. The library needs to develop an information literacy program that will reflect this new curriculum."
For more information on the long-range planning process, visit the MBLC site and select "Library Planning".
 | Profiles in Collaboration: |
Three years ago Dean Eastman and Kevin McGrath, Beverly High School Librarian and part-time Reference Librarian at the Beverly Public Library, approached the Library about sponsoring a course in studying the use, cataloguing and preservation of local historical records. The course was offered at the Library on Wednesday mornings at 6:45 AM for one hour and then on Saturdays the students took field trips to various libraries and museums. Student participation was voluntary and no academic credit was given the students. We called our project PATH (Project Apprentice to History) and received a grant of $4,000 from the Massachusetts Secretary of State. The students were to learn to use documents to study two issues: the treatment over time of Crispus Attucks and the Boston Massacre and the demographics of those who served in the Civil War from Beverly. About 10 students participated and field trips included: the Center for Lowell History at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, the National Archives in Waltham, the State Archives, the Gutman Library at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Beverly Historical Society, the Beverly Public Library, the Massachusetts Historical Society, and a visit to the court room of Judge Hiller Zobel for a discussion of his history of the Boston Massacre Trial. The students also attended an all day seminar at the Massachusetts Historical Society.
The following year we repeated the PATH project, only on a smaller scale because we had no funding. The Library also purchased hardware and software, which allows the Library to put public records on the Web. We began entering minutes from all current Beverly public meetings and I began entering historic records beginning with 19th century town meeting minutes. These can be viewed by going to the Library's on-line catalog and searching for the title: "Beverly Public Documents". At Beverly High School, Kevin McGrath undertook to develop an archive of school department records to be used as a teaching tool. We also created a web page to share the results of the student research projects.
As a result of the connections made during our PATH projects, we have arranged for paid internships for Beverly High School students at the Beverly Historical Society, the Massachusetts Historical Society, and the Peabody/Essex Museum.
We also met with the staff of the Beverly Historical Society to discuss making their collection more accessible to researchers. At a meeting of staff from the Library, Beverly High School, the Beverly Historical Society and the City Clerk's Office we discussed project goals and the possibility of seeking grant funding to continue our collaboration.
This year, I have volunteered to catalog the library of the Beverly Historical Society and put it on the Web using the Northeast Massachusetts Regional Library System's MASSCAT catalog. This year's PATH program is focusing on the study of church records because both Dean Eastman and Dr. Paige Roberts, Director of the Historical Society, see this as an area of pressing need for study, organization and preservation.
(Editor's Note: We are hoping to run a "Profile" each month. These are articles 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.)
OCLC To Create Computing Portal for Public Libraries
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awarded OCLC Online Computer Library Center a three-year, $9 million grant to build a Web-based, public access computing portal for public libraries and other organizations that provide open access to information. The new portal will build on the foundation's five-year-old U.S. Library Program, which is providing computers with Internet access to more than 10,000 libraries across the United States.
To help bring widespread public access to information technologies, the portal will be designed to serve the ongoing needs of public libraries in managing hardware and software, implementing advanced applications, training staff and patrons, and delivering digital library services. It will leverage the installed computing base and trained population already established by the foundation's U.S. Library Program to develop a community of librarians who can share the resources and information necessary to provide ongoing public access computing. Content will serve five critical areas: continuing education, technical support, purchasing, capacity building and community building. The portal will host a range of services and tools, such as online tutorials, training modules, Web casting, message boards and expert assistance that will help libraries manage and enhance their programs.
Marilyn G. Mason, a consultant specializing in strategic planning and management for public libraries, will be program director of the portal. Ms. Mason served as director of the Cleveland Public Library from 1986-1999 and director of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library from 1981-1985.In 1979, she was director of the White House Conference on Library and Information Services, the largest White House Conference ever held in one place. In 2000, President Clinton appointed her to the U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science.
OCLC will work with four partners that collectively bring the research, evaluation, governance, e-learning and technology skills needed to successfully design, develop and operate the portal.
- The Colorado State Library
- The Benton Foundation will focus on accelerating digital opportunity for all people
- Isoph will provide site design, e-learning course content and learning management systems and standards.
- TechSoup will provide content evaluation, management and syndication, community building and portal maintenance.
About OCLC
Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, OCLC Online Computer Library Center is a nonprofit organization that provides computer-based cataloging, reference, resource sharing and preservation services to 41,000 libraries in 82 countries and territories.
About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Started in 1997, the U.S. Library Program was Bill and Melinda Gates' first major philanthropic venture. Since that time the program has made grants to more than 8,000 libraries. The program is dedicated to providing increased public access to computers, the Internet and digital information to library patrons in low-income communities throughout the United States. By the end of 2003, 10,000 libraries in 50 states will have benefited from the $250 million investment from the foundation.
 | News |
The MBLC is setting up a web page on the MLIN website whereby a database user can find a list of all of the statewide databases and link to them directly. If they are not on an IP authenticated terminal or a library terminal where a cookie has been set, the user will be prompted for their library barcode number. This will make it easier to publicize access to statewide databases, since the ad can say- go to MLIN.org.
The BPL Contract with netLibrary is continuing. netLibrary is now offering a user-driven purchase model. This means that the second time a user browses or checks out a book, the system automatically charges the book to the BPL account. netLibrary is also being pressured by publishers to limit access to authorized users, either by IP address or a library barcode number. BPL, the MBLC and netLibrary are working on this together. It does reflect a change in NetLibrary's philosophy, which was based on a purchase, rather than a leased model, giving a library greater leeway in circulation materials they purchased under the netLibrary contract.
Statewide Public Awareness Campaign:
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Public Awareness Campaign for 2002 was launched during the month of May.
Following its successful Library Poster Contest, Read Into It!, the statewide winning poster will be featured on billboards across the state for approximately a month beginning around May 20. These billboards will be in Auburn, Bridgewater, Dedham, Fitchburg, Hyde Park, Lowell, Lynn, Natick, Springfield, Taunton and Worcester. Also, the posters of the other five regional 1st place winners of the contest were featured in newspaper advertisements the week of May 13th & 20th in The Berkshire Eagle, Boston Metro, Cape Cod Journal, Cape Cod Times, Harwich Oracle, Hyde Park Bulletin, Hyde Park Tribune, Lynn Daily Item, Lynnfield Villager, Pittsfield Gazette, West Roxbury Bulletin and the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.
In addition to the print campaign, two 30-second television spots have been produced featuring members of the general public stating why they use the local library. These spots will be also be featured for the first time on television stations throughout the Commonwealth for a four-week run beginning the week of May 20th. Also, two 30-second radio spots, one highlighting the Virtual Catalog and the other highlighting the on-line databases, will first be on radio stations later in the summer. It is anticipated that both the TV and radio spots will also run again sometime later this fall during September and October.
A complete update on the campaign will be available on the MBLC Web site, within a few weeks.
 | 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 |
A Statewide Interlibrary Loan Meeting was held on May 9th at the newly renovated Worcester Public Library. Representatives from all regions were present for yearly updates from ILL Centers across the state. The Northeast Region was represented by Anna Kjoss and Marilyn Graves from the Regional ILL Centers, as well as Scott Kehoe and Mary Behrle from the NMRLS office. Dorothy Keller from the Boston Public Library was also present.
The agenda included updates from NMRLS on the use of ARIEL software to facilitate document delivery in the Region. For more information on this contact the ILL Centers. Scott also reported on the work of the NMRLS ILL Committee's Best Practices Task Force Study Preliminary Recommendations.
Other topics discussed included how the ILL Centers deal with requests that are hard to fill. Methods for filling difficult requests from writing to authors or purchasing materials were shared. Packing and shipping was also on the agenda. This discussion surrounded the high cost of shipping and delays that have occurred since the September terrorist attacks. Libraries that are not on regular delivery were mentioned and how we may facilitate getting materials to them.
Dorothy Keller from BPL reported on a new way to request materials directly from the BPL. This will start in July and more information will be available on it soon. BPL is working on a mailing for all member libraries that will include a username and password. Using ILLIAD software BPL is launching a web request form for requesting books, journals, deposit collections, reference requests, and patents. Other features will be the ability to check the status of requests online and the ability to download articles from the web. For more information on ILLIAD and this service.
 | 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.
New Reference Additions:
Delmar's Guide to Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, lists the normal findings, description, procedure, and interfering factors for laboratory tests. There are also links to websites for in-depth study.
The Dictionary of Asian Mythology defines major characters, places, events, and themes in Asian mythology. The geographical area covered includes Japan, India, China, Central and Southeast Asia, and Tibet.
The Massachusetts Charter School Initiative: A Report of the Massachusetts Department of Education, explains the criteria necessary for setting up a charter school in Massachusetts. The book concludes with descriptions of existing Massachusetts charter schools.
Interesting Web Sites:
GORP - If you are interested in an adventure vacation this summer check out gorp.com. You can search by destination or by activity.
The Reading Room at Memorial Hall Library - You can find summer reading ideas at the Reading Room. Scan through recommended reads from the Memorial Hall staff or find an area reading for a fun, summer activity.
Stumper for May:
The Christian calendar is measured from the birth of Christ. Is the Jewish calendar measured from a particular event also? If so, what is it?
Answer: The hypothetical creation of the world
Source: Timechange
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?
Happy Summer!
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.)
As you may know, the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries, with funding provided by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, has established the Statewide Legal Reference Service (SLRS), a mediated legal reference service. Through this service, member libraries of the six regional library systems are provided with:
- Toll-free telephone and fax access to the Trial Court Law Libraries during regular business hours
- Evening and weekend toll-free telephone and fax access
- Workshops for librarians on Massachusetts and Federal legal reference techniques, strategies, and resources
SLRS Website Has a New URL and a New Look:
SLRS Online is the librarian's source for legal information on the web. (For Similar materials directed toward library patrons). Here librarians will find an extensive array of legal information, forms, how-to's and referral sources. Some of the specific features include:
- Links to Massachusetts General Laws and Code of Massachusetts Regulations
- "Massachusetts Law About...", a collection of links to Massachusetts legal information, organized into over fifty topics
- Legal Forms by topic
- A library of Frequently Asked Questions (and answers!), organized by topic and searchable!
- Ask a Law Librarian
SLRS Online also makes available to staff at member libraries of the regional library systems the ability to submit a legal reference question via email, which will be answered by the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries reference staff. There has been a great deal of interest in this feature. Give it a try!
SLRS is Looking For Your Feedback!
The SLRS staff is interested in hearing from the librarians and library staff members of the six regional library systems. How have you used SLRS to assist you in helping patrons with legal reference? What do you like about the service? How can we improve and make the service better for you? Please e-mail Marnie Warner.
We are especially interested in "Success Stories", or situations in which the reference services provided by your library, using the assistance provided through SLRS, have made a positive difference in the lives of your staff or patrons. Please submit such comments, feedback and success stories to Marlene Heroux.
How Can a Member Library Contact SLRS?
Member libraries of the six regional library systems can contact SLRS in several different ways:
- Call us: 1-800-445-8989
- Fax us: 1-800-337-2224
- SLRS Online
We look forward to hearing from you!
New Evening/Weekend Faces at the Lawrence Law Library
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Brock Edmunds and Ms. Nancy Volel, who have been hired at the Lawrence Law Library as Part-Time Reference Librarians under the Specialized Reference funding provided to the Trial Court Law Libraries by the Northeast Massachusetts Regional Library System. Through this funding, NMRLS Libraries and their patrons enjoy evening and Saturday access to legal reference assistance, both in person and electronically.
Brock Edmunds is a 2001 graduate of the library science program at Simmons College. In addition to a library science degree, Brock holds a BA from U. Mass. Dartmouth and a Paralegal Certificate from Bentley College. Prior to attending Simmons, Brock spent ten years as an insurance industry paralegal, where he worked in the litigation and government affairs areas. Over the years, Brock has served as a volunteer Reference Librarian for the Internet Public Library and as a Research Assistant (volunteer) for the National Archives in Waltham. Brock is also a newlywed - he and his wife Olga met at library school and they were married last September.
Nancy M. Volel is a 2001 Law School graduate of the Massachusetts School of Law in Andover. Nancy received an undergraduate degree from the American International College, as well as a Paralegal Certificate from Newbury College. Nancy worked full-time at the Law Office of Gibson & Behman, P.C. while attending Law School full?time nights. Nancy also worked as a part?time Library Reference Assistant on the weekends. Nancy is a volunteer Mediator for the Middlesex Mediation Program of the Attorney General's Office. In her spare time, Nancy enjoys amateur bodybuilding and disc jockeying.
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.
 | Reference On Call |
By Esmé Green
School Media Specialists: If you work in a school library, you should know about Reference On Call and all this service can do for your students. They are busy; they participate on sports teams, the drama club, work part-time jobs, or do all three. Your students often have to work on assignments into the wee hours of the night. They don't always have time to get to the school or even the public library.
Reference On Call librarians will:
- Answer questions via phone, email and 24/7 Reference.
- Provide assistance and instruction for using online databases
- Provide assistance and instruction for using the Internet
- Fax and e-mail information
- Provide referral information
It's so important to connect kids with quality information and guidance. If kids can't access you at 10:30pm, we know you'll be happy they can access us at Reference On Call. Please visit the web site for complete information on hours of coverage and database availability, and don't forget to let us know what you think!
24/7 Reference, launched only a month ago 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.
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, visit the site to 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 or 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 LibraryStar*Spangled Visits:
Member librarians learned about terrific resources during visits to the Wenham Museum and the American Textile History Museum in Lowell in April and May. Each museum has a very active education department and is willing to do outreach and lend materials.
The Wenham Museum actually has an ice cream maker they are willing to lend out plus many "Americana" games. Carolyn Simmonds is the Education Director and can be reached at 978-468-2377.
The American Textile History Museum offers both Traveling Textile Programs as well as speakers. All are very affordable! The Traveling Textile Programs include: "Goat in the Rug" (Navajo handweaving), "Threaded Together" (celebration of United Nations diversity), "FUN-damentals of Weaving", "A Stitch in Time: Coming to America" (19th century immigration experience), "Mothers (and Fathers) of Invention" (process of inventing), and "How Much, How Big, How High" (estimation skills). Each kit is full of resources and materials to use in a program. Tracy Green is the Education Administrative Assistant and can be reached at 978-441-0400.
Monarch Butterfly Farm Closed Summer 2002 :
The Monarchy Butterfly Farm, one of our summer program coupon providers, was badly damaged over the winter months and, for this reason, will not be open this summer. Please delete the coupon for the "Monarchy Butterfly Farm" from your Summer Program Manual.
Tickets to the "Big E":
Each year the Eastern States Exposition awards two free passes to interested libraries to raffle to a lucky summer program participant. To order Big E tickets for your library's summer program, send a self-addressed stamped library letterhead envelope by Friday, June 28th to: Sarah Palmer, Big E Tickets, WMRLS, PO Box 9, Hatfield, MA 01038. Expect delivery by early August.
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!
Libraries to receive Fatherhood Kits courtesy of Children's Trust Fund:
In time for Father's Day, the Massachusetts Children's Trust Fund (CTF) is distributing the Fatherhood Kit to all libraries in the Commonwealth. The 50 page, 8 ½ inch, perfect-bound directory has been revised for 2002 and contains activities and ideas promoting the positive involvement of fathers in the lives of their children. It includes important research information and an extensive list of programs and resources available to dads at both Massachusetts and national levels. A welcome addition to your library's resource center, look for the Fatherhood Kit to arrive within the first two weeks of June. The Children's Trust Fund leads statewide efforts to strengthen families and prevent abuse. For more information call 1-888-775-4KID or visit the web site.
Paula McLaughlin
Public Affairs Associate
617-727-8957 ext. 305
Upcoming NMRLS Youth Services Programs:
Youth Services Book Review meetings, NRMLS Headquarters, Danvers :
All meetings begin at 10:00 and end at 12:00.
Next review group is on Wednesday, June 12.Resources on the Web for Youth Services Librarians:
6/5/02 -- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM -- NMRLS, Danvers -- Programs and Marketing
Managing youth services either in the public or school library can be a daunting task. So much to do, so little time! How can the Web help the youth services librarian in collection development, reader's advisory, and programs and marketing? Susan Babb will demonstrate in hands-on workshops resources on the Web, which can help keep a school or public library responsive to its users.NMRLS Databases: The Youth Services Slant
6/17/02 -- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM -- NMRLS, Danvers
There's never any time to figure out which database can help which student in what topic! Discover the strengths of SIRS Discoverer and Researcher, Electric Library, and the Grolier products in this hands-on workshop.
Led by NMRLS Consultant Susan Babb
 | What’s New with Staff and Libraries in the Region? |
Two Memorial Hall Librarians to Present at the Annual ALA PreConference:Glenda Schaake, Coordinator of Reference Services, and Eleanor Sathan, Regional Reference Librarian, have been chosen to deliver a presentation at the RUSA/MARS preconference of the 2002 ALA Annual Convention. Glenda and Eleanor's presentation titled "Can a Small Public Library Provide 24/7 Live Reference Service" fits into the MARS/RUSA preconference theme "Digital Reference @ Your Library." They will focus on why Memorial Hall chose the 24/7 Reference Project, how they've integrated this new service with traditional reference, and how it's working.
"Prior to our renovation, the library did what it could to provide as much access to the Internet and online research databases, but we were hampered in this by a building that was created in the 1890's," said Library Director Mary Johnson-Lally. Ceilings leaked, lighting was inadequate, as was space for library services and functions, including children's services, and shelf space for Lowell's large book collections.
Pollard Memorial Library Reopens! On Saturday, May 4, 2002 the newly renovated Samuel S. Pollard Memorial Library (Lowell) reopened to the public with a ribbon cutting ceremony, refreshments and a puppet show for children. The $9.2 million renovations restored the physical plant to its former glory and allowed 21st century technology to take its rightful place in modern library services.
Perhaps the most stunning example of the work that was done by the Library Trustees and Architectural Resources Cambridge is Memorial Hall. Originally serving as an assembly hall, Memorial Hall was little used in the past several years. "Water leaked in, chunks of paint fell from the ceiling and the room was not properly heated or cooled, so the room was largely unsuitable for use most of the year, and, there was only one electrical outlet in the whole room! Needless to say, it wasn't open on a daily basis," commented Johnson-Lally. Now Memorial Hall is the home of the Library's reference and local history department and is used daily by patrons looking for information, surfing the Internet and researching their family's past.
The Children's area has been expanded and now includes separate areas for preschoolers and older children and the teens have space to themselves on the first floor of the building. There is a new meeting room on the ground floor and four quiet study rooms that are heavily used by volunteer tutors and adult learners enrolled in the library's adult literacy program. Patrons and library staff are enjoying the renovated library and consider it the most beautiful library in the Commonwealth. The Pollard Memorial Library is a true gem and a glorious example of Victorian architecture worthy of its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The Library invites all to come and experience its beauty.
This year the Flint Memorial Library in North Reading made an effort to work in partnerships with other community organizations. In March, the Library and the North Reading Historical Society co-sponsored "Amelia's Last Lecture," a one-woman play written and performed by Linda Myer. The event was also funded in part by the North Reading Cultural Arts Council. In April, the Library held a party for local author Nancy Bailey Miller to celebrate the publication of her book, Of Minitmen and Molly's, North Reading Neighbors Share Their Stories. One of the people profiled in her book, a jazz musician, and his combo, El Mundo, played during the reception. In May novelist Peggy Rambach read from her novel Fighting Gravity. In June, in honor of its 45th anniversary, the North Reading Garden Club held a standard flower show at the library called "Historic North Reading." The flower arrangements were designed to show off the library building. Donations benefited the Library.
Welcome to Nathalie Demers, the new Young Adult Librarian at the Wilmington Public Library.
Triton Regional Middle School, Byfield
Newsletter Deadline for July
Please send your articles to Susan Babb by June 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 |
- Assistant Director, Reading Public Library
- Head of Youth Services, Lynnfield Public Library (re-posted with salary upgrade)
- Children's Library Assistant, Georgetown Peabody Library, Georgetown (job search reopened)
- Library Assistant, Central Catholic High School, Lawrence
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. For positions outside the region, search the Board of Library Commissioners' Web page under "Library Position Vacancies".