Volume 5, Issue 3 — March 2002
NMRLS News:
We are pleased to announce that Mary Behrle has joined the staff as Assistant Regional Administrator. Mary's responsibilities include management of the training and consulting programs, grantsmanship, communications coordination, and acting as regional administrator in Greg Pronevitz's absence. She also plans to visit a number of NMRLS member libraries to get to know the membership.
Most recently, Mary held the position of Director of the Library at Regis College in Weston. She has been employed there in various capacities since 1992. Prior to that, she held public and technical service positions at the Peabody Institute Library in Danvers for about twelve years. She also held positions at North Shore Community College and Beverly Public Library. She holds an MLS from Simmons; a BA in English from Salem State; and a certificate in Administration and Management from Harvard Extension School.
Sixteen attendees met to discuss priorities for a digital library for Northeast Massachusetts on February 15th. The level of attendance and interest along with attendee comments showed a strong interest in the topic. It appears that NMRLS can play an important role in the formation of a regional digital library. The need to gather more information, to form a regional task force for continued planning, and to help members get started were considered necessary.
Attendees believe that the digitization of existing, rich regional resources would make an important contribution to education and enhance the value of libraries by improving access to these valuable collections; and provide efficiency by exploiting the region's strength of numbers. Attendees placed high priority in several areas, e.g., continuing education, need for leadership, establishing regional standards and models for digital projects, interlinking of disparate digital collections, investing in centralized scanning equipment, working with other organizations to avoid duplication of efforts, and providing grant/funding information.
A survey is now available to gather input from NMRLS members on priorities for a digital library and to seek member interest in an upcoming grant-funded project (deadline for response--April 1st).
Reference Service Survey Coming:
The NMRLS Reference Committee, in cooperation with staff, is recommending online member trials of a number of databases to enhance access to electronic services in the region. It is likely that a new service will be added in the early summer. Member input is critical in our decision-making process. Watch the NMRLS Web site for an announcement soon or join the NMRLS listserv so you don't miss online announcements about the trials which are scheduled for March 15 - April 5.
The new service will be in addition to the current offerings and the new statewide agreement with the Gale Group (see announcement below). Current offerings include Dialog@CARL Basic Collection, Electric Library, Grolier Online, OCLC FirstSearch WorldCat and NetFirst, and SIRS. We have not heard any announcements about the long-term status of Wilson Biographies whose coverage is essentially duplicated by one of the Gale Group databases. However, we will continue to offer it for now.
Statewide Database Procurement Completed:
The bidding process has closed and the contract has been awarded to The Gale Group. Thank you for participating in the process through the Virtual Vendor Venue! Beginning July 2002, Massachusetts regional member libraries and Massachusetts local library card holders will have access to the following databases:
General Reference Center Gold Contemporary Authors Health Reference Center Academic Contemporary Literary Criticism Select Health and Wellness Resource Center Biography Resource Center Expanded Academic ASAP Info Trac Kids, Junior and Student editions General BusinessFile ASAP Professional Collection Business and Company Resource Center Info Trac OneFile PROMT As you can see, there are some familiar names as well as some new ones. We are delighted to add the Infotrac Kids Databases and Professional Collection for students of all ages and their teachers. Biography Resource Center is also an exciting addition to the mix. Reference Center Gold is a far richer database than even General Reference Center to which regional member libraries currently have access.
Residents will have access from home with their local library barcode numbers. All regional member libraries will have access to the databases. School (K-12) and academic institutions will have campus wide access. Public and special libraries will have library access only.
The initial contract period will run for 24 months, from July 2002 - June 2004. It can be renewed for one two-year period followed by a single one-year period. Funding is shared jointly by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and the six regional library systems (Boston, Central, Metrowest, Northeast, Southeastern, and Western).
Recent Events
Debbie Froggatt demonstrates use of databases in her school.Library Media Specialist Open House - February 27Despite threatening skies, NMRLS had a good turn out for the Open House for Library Media Specialists. Participants were given an overview of Programs and Services by staff and guest speaker Library Media Specialist Debbie Froggatt. Breakout sessions on MassCat, long range planning, and database access issues followed the presentation.
Library Legislative Breakfast Held on March 1st
"Libraries = Education + Economic Good + Enrichment" was the theme of MLA's annual Northeast Massachusetts Legislative Breakfast this year. Over 150 librarians, trustees, friends, and legislators attended this year's event at the Saugus Public Library. Please visit our Web site for photos.
Upcoming Events
Special Libraries Quarterly Meeting at the Lawrence Law Library - April 8, 2002
10:00 - Special Libraries Committee
10:30 - General Meeting
Register online.MLA Library Legislative Day at the State House
April 10, 2002
Visit the Web Site for more information.NMRLS Table at the Recruitment Fair for the Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS)
NMRLS will be sponsoring a table at the 4th annual GSLIS recruitment fair on Tuesday, April 16th, 1-3pm. We will display and promote job openings available at all our member libraries as well as be recruiting for an instructional internship for MLS candidates here at NMRLS. The Simmons College recruitment fair is open to all Simmons College students and alumni/ae.
If you would like to have your library's jobs posted at the NMRLS table please send an electronic version (MS Word, etc.) of the job description 2002, to Lucie Gallagher. If you have any further questions, please contact Scott Kehoe. Visit the Simmons College GSLIS recruitment fair site for more information.
 | Focus On ... The Professional Collection |
We hope to have the Professional Collection fully transferred to MassCat by April 2002. Items from the NMRLS Professional Collection may be borrowed by NMRLS and MassCat members for 4 weeks. Items may be renewed if not in demand. Please email Dawn Fanning or call the office (1-888-326-7772) if you would like us to send you an item.
We have something for everyone: from books on the internet to customer service. A few of the newer titles are listed below. Please visit MassCat and search the NMRLS Professional Collection. Find our collection by clicking on Membership. On that page, find the Northeast Members and then click on NMRLS to search our collection.
- The Big Book of Library Grant Money, 2002-2003(Z683.2.U5 B54 2002-2003)
- Delivering Satisfaction and Service Quality: a Customer-based Approach for Libraries by Peter Hernon (Z711.H455 2001)
- Designing a School Library Media Center for the Future by Rolf Erikson and Carolyn Markuson (Z675.S3 E75 2001)
- Introducing the Internet to Young Learners: Ready-to-go Activities and Lesson Plans
- by Linda Braun (LB1044.87.B72 2001)
- The New Planning for Results: a Streamlined Approach by Sandra Nelson (Z678.N454 2001)
- Scanners for Dummies by Mark L. Chambers
- (TK7882.S3 C52 2001)
- Usability Testing for Library Websites: a Hands-on Guide by Elaina Norlin (Z674.75.W67 N67 2002)
 | MBLC Update |
 | Statewide Poster Contest for Students, Grades 7 - 12: The statewide youth poster contest, Read Into It, for students in grades 7 to 12, kicked off on February 25 and will run through March 22, 2002 with entries submitted on the theme, "What your library means to you." Visit for contest rules, how to enter the contest, and see the winners posted in late April! |
Library Advocacy Award for 2002 Announced:
James Sutton, President of the Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) and Director of the Memorial Hall Library in Andover, has announced that winners of the Library Advocacy Award for 2002 are Representative Thomas J. O'Brien of Kingston and Chairman Edward Bertorelli and the other members of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, Joseph Hopkins, John E. Henderson, John E. Arnold, Deborah Hill Bornheimer, Walter L. Cameron, Jr., Dr. Em Claire Knowles, Elia D. Marnik, Robert F. Mooney, and Robert Hall who has recently left the Board. MLA's advocacy awards are presented annually to those individuals who have made the most positive difference in advocating for Massachusetts libraries. By advocating for excellence in library services for the Commonwealth's residents, this year's advocacy award winners have helped to publicize the message that Massachusetts Libraries are important.
Library advocates work with the Massachusetts Library Association and the rest of the Massachusetts Library community to secure funding that promotes excellence in library services. The Library Advocacy Awards for 2002 will be presented to Representative O'Brien at MLA's Library Legislative Day held at the State House on April 10th and to Chairman Bertorelli and the other commissioners at MLA's annual conference in Falmouth at the Sea Crest on May 3rd.
 | 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 |
Did you know?
The Andover ILL Center and the NOBLE ILL Center have online request forms?
NMRLS members will see the forms if they go to the NMRLS website. Under Programs and Services, click on Interlibrary Loan. Under Regional ILL Center Page each center has a Web site where requests can be made. All are encouraged to submit requests using the online request form. These requests are automatically entered into a database and will get attended to quickest. This is the preferred way to make requests.
Fax and phone requests have to be entered manually into the database. Fax and phone requests are also still accepted but may not be attended to as quickly as online requests.
You can check the status of your request!
If a patron inquires about a request, it's easy to check the status of their request at the ILL Center page. Near the bottom of the page is a link to check status online. Using a dropdown box a single title can be searched or all of the requests for a particular library. Information included is the bibliographic information, date of shipment, lending library and any notes made by the ILL Center.
Libraries can request journal articles directly from the Boston Public Library Document Delivery Service. Also on the NMRLS website is a link to the Boston Public Library. This gives instructions on how to send a request by fax or email to BPL. The average fill time for a book requested through OCLC by the NOBLE ILL Center is 17 days (based on data from Feb2001-Feb2002).
Books requested via OCLC often come from out of state. Despite the events since September 11 and Anthrax related problems contributing to mail delivery delays, the ILL Centers are still successful in getting materials to patrons. In fact, the majority of requests are filled in the first 15 days after they are submitted to the ILL Center. Please contact the ILL Centers with any questions about submitting requests or checking the online status of requests.
 | 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.
Recent Reference Additions:
Illustrator in America, 1860 - 2000 lists biographical information on the major illustrators in the United States. A sample of the illustrator's work and a facsimile of his/her signature accompany each entry.
State Songs: Anthems and their Origins contains the words and music to officially legislated state songs. The historical background for each song is included.
The National Geographic Atlas of the Oceans provides detailed information on the climate, marine biology, and currents of the oceans. The pictures, satellite images, charts and maps throughout the book make this work especially useful for school projects.
Memorial Hall Library has added the daily newspaper Financial Times to its business reference collection. The Financial Times presents business news with a global perspective.
Interesting Web Sites:
The Internet History Sourcebook Project is a collection of public domain websites of historical information. The main divisions, Ancient, Medieval and Modern, link to social, political, and historical sites for major civilizations. The author, Paul Halsall, is a professor at Fordham University.
Radio Locator: Use this site to find radio stations in the United States by zip code, state, format or call letters. You can also access lists of radio stations in foreign countries.
Ameristat, developed and maintained by the University of Michigan's Social Science Data Analysis Network, compiles statistics on every aspect of American life including family, employment, education and health.
Science Project Ideas on the Web: Memorial Hall has compiled this handy list of web sites to help students with science fair projects. This list provides links to web sites for all grade levels and science subject areas.
Stumper for February:
Is there one site where I can find the telephone numbers for the cable companies for each municipality in Massachusetts?
Answer: http://www.state.ma.us/dpu/catv/
Source: The Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy Cable Television Website. Amy Priftakis, Librarian at Saint's Memorial Hospital in Lowell, and Jim Sutton, Director of Memorial Hall Library, were able to solve this stumper. Great work!
The stumper for January 2002 asked for a map of that showed Smith Street in lower Manhattan, New York in the late 1600's. Frank Bridges, of Salem State College found the map in the Album of American History Volume 1. I neglected to add his name in last month's Regional Reference Update. Thank you Frank!
Stumper for March:
Is there a law that says that a policeman working in Massachusetts cannot smoke?
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.)
Legal Reference Resources in the NMRLS area:
There are several ways for Librarians, and Library users, within the Northeast Region to access legal reference assistance via the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries. Try one, or try them all!
For Librarians:
Statewide Legal Reference Service: A Resource for Massachusetts Librarians Funded by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
SLRS Online is the librarian's source for legal information on the web. If it's about Massachusetts law, you'll find it here. We have an extensive array of legal information, forms, how?to's and referral sources for you and your patrons. Our reference staff is ready to assist you. Please contact us with any legal research questions. We're happy to help!
For Librarians and Library Users:
:
| Fenton Judicial Center2 Appleton Street Lawrence, MA 01840 | 978-687-7608 TEL 978-688-2346 FAX | Monday - Thursday 8:30AM to 9:00PM Friday 8:30AM to 4:30PM Saturday 9:00AM to 3:00PM |
Evening and Weekend Hours are made possible by NMRLS funding, as part of the "Reference-On-Call" service.
| Superior Courthouse 360 Gorham Street Lowell, MA 01852 | 978-452-9301 TEL 978-970-2000 FAX | Monday through Friday: 8:30AM to 4:30PM |
| Superior Courthouse 34 Federal Street Salem, MA 01970 | 978-741-0200 TEL 978-745-7224 FAX | Monday through Friday 8:00AM to 4:00PM |
Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries Web Site
Librarians and Library Users will also find a great deal of helpful information on our Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries Website. The two primary goals of this site are to assist the user in taking advantage of the services of the Trial Court Law Libraries, and to guide the user to other resources on the web that may be valuable in conducting legal research.
The site includes:
- Links to Massachusetts General Laws and Code of Massachusetts Regulations
- "Ask us A Question" Form
- Pathfinders, or annotated bibliographies on a variety of legal topics
- Legal Referral and Legal Aid sources
- And much more!
Let Us Know How Else We Can Help
Let us know what kinds of information, seminars, web resources, and other materials you would most like to see the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Libraries provide to the libraries of the Northeast Region. No formal survey involved here - just let us know what you think!
 |
Reference On Call |
By Esmé Green
Reference On Call is pleased to announce that we will be launching a new medium for interacting with patrons on Monday April 1st. Sponsored by the California State Library, 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. We will be joining the Boston Public Library and the Memorial Hall in Andover as suppliers of this exciting new service. Please look for the link on the Reference-On-Call website.
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 our library's part! To help you get the word out, visit ROC 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 call 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 ServicesColumn |
A Star*Spangled Summer at Your Library
The Massachusetts Regional Library Systems is pleased to announce that the Suggested Reading List for A Star*Spangled Summer at Your Library, the 2002 Statewide Summer Reading Program sponsored by local participating libraries and the Massachusetts Regional Library Systems, is now available on the Statewide Summer Reading Web Site.
Please visit the site and begin using the list as a collection development tool, a resource for collaborating colleagues on schools' summer reading lists, and as a marketing tool for spreading the word about your library's summer offerings for youth.
Thanks to the recommendations of several librarians across Massachusetts, and one librarian friend from Rhode Island, children and young adults have a wonderful starting point as they begin their reading adventures this summer.
YSLead Massachusetts Update
As of March 4, applicants to the YSLead Institute on August 8 – 10 have been notified of their acceptance. Keep an eye on the YSLead Web site for the most recent information!
Ezra Jack Keats Foundation Minigrants
The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation has just announced that, in celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the publication of The Snowy Day, $40,000 will be awarded in the Fourteenth Annual Minigrants in December 2002 for innovative and imaginative programs in public libraries and public school libraries designed to combat illiteracy.
Minigrants of $350 are available for such programs. The deadline for submissions is September 15, 2002. Minigrant applicants must be from the United States, and proposed projects must be exclusively sponsored by the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. Programs that will be considered include storytelling, innovative or noteworthy workshops, and festivals. Those targeted at parents are also considered worthy. Programs featuring the works of the famed author/illustrator Ezra Jack Keats will be given special attention.
Applications for proposals may be downloaded from the new Keats website which also provides information of value to the librarian and the teacher.
Upcoming NMRLS Youth Services Programs: March Continuing Education
Youth Services Book Review meetings, NRMLS Headquarters, Danvers :
All meetings begin at 10:00 and end at 12:00.
Tuesday, March 5
Monday, April 1
Thursday, May 2
Wednesday, June 12
Idea Sharing for Summer Craft Programs 3/8/02 -- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM --NMRLS, Danvers
This interactive workshop will feature a round robin demonstration of favorite library craft programs that complement the summer reading program's Americana theme. Intended for all library staff who work with youth.
NOTE: Participants should bring the following supplies: scissors, markers, crayons, glue, paper, and a copy of the instructions for one favorite library craft project.Youth Services: What are Your Issues and Concerns?
3/18/02 -- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM -- Reading Public Library, Reading
Would you like to influence the direction of continuing education for youth services? Did you know there is a NMRLS Youth Services Advisory Committee made up of school and public librarians? This committee helps set priorities for NMRLS youth services programs and they would like feedback on YOUR needs. Topics for this participative discussion program may include:Intended for all library staff who work with youth
- Strategies for success: youth library programs and services that work
- Opportunities and challenges facing youth librarians in the 21st century
- Effective methods of school and public library cooperation.
- Barriers to excellence
Get Into the Mind of the Child
3/21/02 -- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM -- Beverly Public Library, Beverly
Researchers tell us that the earlier we start exposing children to literacy the better. This takes a community effort, and libraries are where the community goes for a literature rich environment. Through discussion, visual aids and hands-on interaction, the participant will come away with an understanding of practical and useful ideas for delivering programs to children ages birth through 5. Please note that participants should bring a tape recorder.Library Media Specialist Discussion: Copyright Issues
3/28/02 -- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM -- Chelmsford Public Library, Chelmsford
The Internet has been characterized as the largest threat to copyright since its inception. The Internet is awash in information, much of it with varying degrees of copyright protection. Copyrighted works on the net include news stories, software, novels, screenplays, graphics, pictures, Usenet messages and even email. In fact, the frightening reality is that almost everything on the Net is protected by copyright law. How do educators sort all this information out? How do you get permission to use that great graphic you found on someone else's web site? Come and find out this and much, much more. Handouts and further web sites included. Join this lively discussion on copyright.
Valerie Diggs of the Chelmsford Public Schools will lead off with a short presentation. Facilitated by NMRLS Consultant Susan Babb.
And Statewide:
Capture the Kids: 24/7 Live Chat Reference Services – March 22
10:00 – 1 (Coffee 9:30-10:00)
Fiske Public Library, WrenthamRegistration information and directions to Fiske.
- Susan McGlamery, 24/7 Project Director for Metropolitan Library Cooperative System, California
- Eleanor Sathan and Glenda Schaake, Memorial Hall Library, Andover, first East Coast members of 24/7.
- Cynthia Roach, Regional Administrator for the Southeastern Massachusetts Library System.
- A Representative from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Tackle Children and the Internet Issues During an MLA Open Forum – March 27
Whether you are standing on the sidelines or in the middle of tackling an Internet and children’s services dilemma in your library, you may be feeling that you need a game plan or at least time in the locker room to sort things out with other players.
If so, plan to attend an open meeting of the Massachusetts Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Committee concerning "Children and the Internet" on Wednesday, March 27, 2002 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Millbury Public Library.
Bring your questions and ideas to this forum that will include a brief background to Intellectual Freedom, and discussions of the legal rights of minors in Massachusetts and facts on filters -- what they do and don't do.
There will also be helpful hints on ways to prepare for a public hearing about your library's Internet policy. This program is co-sponsored by the MLA Intellectual Freedom Committee and MLA Youth Services Section. The Central Massachusetts Regional Library System is handling registration for this forum. Register online and click on Continuing Education.
For more information about programs of the MLA Intellectual Freedom Committee and the MLA Youth Services Section visit the Massachusetts Library Association site.
 | What’s New with Staff and Libraries in the Region? |
Jan Dempsey, Assistant Director at the Boxford Town Libraries, recently received her M.L.I.S. from the University of Rhode Island.
Haverhill Spring Author Series for Teens:
The Haverhill Public Library is pleased to announce its' Spring Author Series, featuring authors of books for teenagers. Franny Billingsley, award-winning fantasy novelist, visits on Thursday March 21st at 7:00 PM to read from her work and answer questions. Christopher Golden, best-selling local author of numerous thriller, horror, fantasy and comic books visits on Tuesday April 2nd at 7:00 PM to read from his work and answer questions. Mary Beth Lundgren, picture book author and young adult novelist, premiers in the library's first virtual author visit with on Tuesday May 7th at 7:00 PM. Ms. Lundgren will answer questions about her work using AOL Instant Messenger. Teens must register in advance with their AOL screen names to be invited to participate in the online chat program. All events are free and open to the public, but space is limited and registration is required for each event. Refreshments will be served, and books will be available for sale from the Book Rack in Newburyport. The Haverhill Public Library, the Friends of the Haverhill Public Library, and Fleet Bank's Haverhill Branch sponsor these free programs. To register, please call 978/373-1586 x608.Young Adult Librarian Beth Gallaway from the Haverhill Public Library is reviewing books professionally for a publication called Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA). The journal, a resource for librarians, educators and professionals that work with teenagers, publishes fiction and non-fiction book reviews, articles and news items. In return for her reviews, Beth gets to keep the books, which are added to the library collection. Check out Beth's reviews of Straw into Gold by Gary D. Schmidt, and A Student's Guide to the Internet by Elizabeth Marshall in the February 2002 issue.
Wakefield Reads Our Town:
This winter, the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in Wakefield has been encouraging local residents to read and discuss Thornton Wilder's Our Town. The program was inspired by such efforts as "One Book, One Chicago" and "If All of Seattle Read the Same Book." Wakefield is one of the first communities to attempt such a program in Massachusetts. Our Town was selected because it presents readers with an opportunity to compare Wakefield today with small town New England life a century ago. The play's principal themes, about appreciating the simple things in life and giving our full attention to the people we care about, ring as true today as they did when the play was written. In addition to a plentiful supply of Our Town books, the Library also circulated multiple copies of various film versions of the play on video.In an effort to make it a community celebration of reading, Beebe Library has offered programs such as book discussion groups, video screenings, a community play reading, and an Ice Cream Social and Community Sing. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, the Ice Cream Social drew hundreds of people. Over 300 dishes of ice cream were served as musician Helen Hayes led the crowd in an old fashioned sing-along.
The Library has promoted the "Wakefield Reads" program through extensive newspaper coverage, a series of celebrity posters (Wakefield firefighters illustrated above), handsome pins featuring a color picture of the bandstand (a Wakefield landmark), an elaborate display in the library, a Readers' Guide to the play, and updates on the library's Web page and electronic newsletter.
During these winter months, the play and the Library program have inspired two local church sermons, a curriculum unit by the junior class at Wakefield High School, and a feature article in a local newspaper. Beebe Library's 2002 "Wakefield Reads" program will conclude on Saturday March 16, with a Community Potluck Supper at the Library.
Margaret Cohen, Reference Librarian / Information Literacy Specialist at the Oliver Wendell Holmes Library at Phillips Academy, Andover, recently returned from an International Academic Partnership (IAP) sponsored trip to East Africa. For the first part of the trip Margaret traveled to the Aga Khan schools in Tanzania and explored the relationship between resource-based learning and the library. In addition, Margaret suggested ways in which the library could be integrated into the curriculum and the strengthening of the teacher-librarian partnership. The latter part of the trip was spent at the Aga Khan schools in Uganda where Margaret and Janet Achora, a librarian from AKES-Tanzania, facilitated a workshop. The workshop focused on the professional role of the librarian in a school, use of computers for research by students and teachers, and effective ways of organizing resources. An invitation was extended to local educators from a cross section of private and government schools. The successful workshop also assisted in a much-needed formation of a professional organization for librarians. Find more information on the IAP. Margaret is delighted to share her thoughts and observations. She can be reached at 978-749-4210.
David Hegarty, Reference Librarian, Oliver Wendell Holmes Library, Phillips Academy, Andover
The 17th edition of our annual "Summer Programs for Children" brochure is now on our home page. Although the programs listed are geographically close to Andover, many of the programs and camps will also appeal to residents of other NE Massachusetts towns. Feel free to link to the page. Just let me know if you do link to the page!
Nancy N. Bartlett, Reference Department, Memorial Hall Library, Andover
Lakeview Junior High School, Dracut
Fort Banks School (Public Elementary), Winthrop
Newsletter Deadline for April Newsletter
Please send your articles to Susan Babb by March 25, 2002.Share information about your staff and your library with the NMRLS community! Book reviews, articles, letters, success stories are all welcome!
 | Job Postings |
Children's Library Assistant, Georgetown Peabody Library, Georgetown
Adult Circulation Assistant, Wilmington Public Library
Head of Technical Services, Wilmington Memorial Library
To have a listing from your library included on our web site, please email the posting to Lucie Gallagher. The listing will be the first and third Fridays of the month.
NMRLS posts library-related jobs on our site for positions within the region or related to the region, e.g., positions in other regional systems, automated resource sharing networks, or at our funding agency, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Other positions outside the region will not be posted.