Subject:
[PUBLIB:8634] PUBLIB digest 393
Date:
Tue, 3 Feb 1998 08:45:56 -0800
From:
publib@sunsite.berkeley.EDU
To:
Multiple recipients of list
PUBLIB Digest 393
Topics covered in this issue include:
1) Volunteers Needed in Kansas City
by tracy.ruhaak@medina.lib.oh.us (Tracy Ruhaak)
2) Reply on Ice Age book request
by MARLA@orion.mtgr.mtlib.org
3) Internet as an essential service!
by "James B. Casey"
4) Re: Internet Workstation Incidents
by "Regina U. Minudri"
5) Re: PUBLIB digest 392 meeting room scheduling
by "Henry J. Ledet"
6) Skylights
by "Mary Maley"
7) POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT - LOCAL HISTORY LIBRARIAN
by Cynthia Berner
8) loan periods
by diane white
9) Community Relations Policy
by Beth Fisher
10) POSITION OPENING - LIBRARY SERVICES COORDINATOR
by Cynthia Berner
11) Stock portfolios
by asessions@juno.com (Ann Sessions)
12) ATTN: Chicago area folks
by megv@bville.lib.ny.us (Meg Van Patten)
13) Re: loan periods
by Phalbe Henriksen
14) Re: Internet Workstation Incidents
by Sue Kamm
15) Re: Stock portfolios
by Dianne Harmon
16) JOB POSTING: Information Technology Specialist
by jaker@japl.lib.in.us (Julia Aker)
17) Re: Internet Workstation Incidents
by "James B. Casey"
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Topic No. 1
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:26:30 -0800 (PST)
From: tracy.ruhaak@medina.lib.oh.us (Tracy Ruhaak)
To: publib
Subject: Volunteers Needed in Kansas City
Message-ID:
If you want to let others know what a great organization LITA is, why
not volunteer an hour or two of your free time during the PLA National
Conference in Kansas City at the LITA Booth? It is a great chance to
talk informally with others interested in LITA. All members attending
the conference are urged to help staff the booth. It is easy and it's
fun - no experience is necessary! The LITA Membership Committee will
provide you with guidelines and help.
Volunteers are needed to staff the booth in 1 hour shifts on:
Wednesday 3/11, from 4:00 - 6:30 pm
Thursday 3/12, from 9:30-5:30
Friday 3/13, from 9:30-4:00
Contact Tracy Ruhaak
tracy.ruhaak@medina.lib.oh.us
330-725-0837
Thanks!
------------------------------
Topic No. 2
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:26:40 -0800 (PST)
From: MARLA@orion.mtgr.mtlib.org
To: publib
Subject: Reply on Ice Age book request
Message-ID:
Thanks to all who responded to me about the M. Oard book on the Ice Age. I
think we got enough cataloging information that we can now respond to the
patron's concern. Thanks again. BYE!
Marla/Great Falls Public Library/Acquisitions
301 2nd Ave N
Great Falls, MT 59401-2593
marla@orion.mtgr.mtlib.org
------------------------------
Topic No. 3
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:27:16 -0800 (PST)
From: "James B. Casey"
To: publib
Subject: Internet as an essential service!
Message-ID:
Christine Hage - Rochester Hills wrote:
[Excerpts]
> I think it has to be a basic service.
>
> To me the Internet is just another format of information. Each format
> offers challenges in terms of shelving, organization, training, packaging,
> public instruction, equipment needs etc. If you look at the Internet this
> way you'll see how it falls into the category of just another new source
> of information in the public library.
Christine raises some good points in her posting "Internet as a basic service"
and I agree with her effort to look at the Internet from a broader perspective.
However, I would go a step further and say that "Internet" is an essential
service which every public library should provide -- and every public library
patron should be entitled to access. In that respect, Internet may represent
something considerably beyond the other new sources we have seen over the years.
More and more government publications and documents in paper form are being
phased out in favor of the electronic alternative. Although much of this is
a result of cost cutting measures, it also makes some sense in terms of
broadening access to govenment information. In time, you won't have to go
to a government documents repository in order to access these documents, but
to you nearest Internet access point. If you can't afford such access from home
and/or don't know how to find what you want, the public library is the only
viable alternative for citizens. -- This is not only a broadening of access,
but a tremendous burden upon public libraries which local funding sources
must begin to address. Communities which don't provide their public
libraries with the means to buy "books and bytes", will become consigned to
second class status -- and the rights of their residents to access essential
information which they have paid for with their tax dollars will be
compromised.
Obtaining the means to buy "books and bytes" isn't simply a matter of a few
thousand dollars in a one shot grant or a Bill Gates donation of new computers
to a community, but a solid and sustained budgetary increase. Like other
utilities - gas, heat, lights, water, - technology expenses should be considered
to be an ongoing expense. Computers will need to be replaced every two or three
years as technology changes. Internet service will need to be paid for on a
regular basis. Every library should expect to replace 25-33% of its entire
computer infrastructure (hardware and operating software) each and every year.
Unless a library wants to sacrifice book budgets, hours of service and staffing
to pay for computers -- "robbing Peter to pay Paul" -- a significant and sustained
increase in public library funding will be needed.
Access to the Internet is an intellectual freedom issue which hangs more upon
dollars than decency -- more upon funding than filters.
James B. Casey - My own views ALA Councilor-at-Large and Public Librarian.
------------------------------
Topic No. 4
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:28:23 -0800 (PST)
From: "Regina U. Minudri"
To: publib
Subject: Re: Internet Workstation Incidents
Message-ID:
My staff has reported to me that they have noticed an increase in difficult
situations with library users at Internet Workstations. This is more than
just annoyance because we have to limit available time. Some of our staff
have experienced abusive behavior, physical attacks and verbal abuse. These
incidents occur at the Main Library and also at Branch Libraries. It is
reported that certain individuals appear to believe that the library's
workstations are "their own."
We have security guards at the Main Library, but not enough to patrol all of
our branches. Sign up sheets are provided, but don't appear to help the
problem.
Are others experiencing similar incidents? Anyone have any brilliant
solutions? Thanks.
Regina Minudri, City Librarian
San Francisco Public Library
415-557-4232, fax 415-557-4239
------------------------------
Topic No. 5
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:28:44 -0800 (PST)
From: "Henry J. Ledet"
To: publib
Subject: Re: PUBLIB digest 392 meeting room scheduling
Message-ID:
Meeting Room Scheduling: We use Lotus Organizer on our LAN and allow any
staff member to reserve meeting rooms for users on the calendar as time
and space are available. We've been using this method for two years with
no problems. The users are asked to fill in a paper form with name and
contact info for a responsible person in case of a problem.
Henry Ledet
Lincoln Lawrence Franklin Regional Library
Brookhaven, MS
------------------------------
Topic No. 6
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:28:58 -0800 (PST)
From: "Mary Maley"
To: publib
Subject: Skylights
Message-ID:
Hello to everyone on publib. Penfield Public Library is hoping to expand
its building facility in the not too distant future. Does anyone have
experience with the installation and pros and cons of skylights in the
public areas of their libraries? Did a skylight really enhance your
facility or did it leak? How important was the location of the skylight?
We are located in a suburb near Rochester, NY so weather and direction
related info would be a great help.
Thanks so much for any help and/or advice you can send me.
Mary Maley
------------------------------
Topic No. 7
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:29:11 -0800 (PST)
From: Cynthia Berner
To: publib
Subject: POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT - LOCAL HISTORY LIBRARIAN
Message-ID:
Please excuse cross postings.
The Wichita (KS) Public Library has an immediate opening for a Library
Specialist or Administrative Assistant within its Adult Services Division.
The position administers the Local History and Genealogy units of the
Library and serves as curator, archivist and researcher for local and
Kansas history requests.
Responsibilities include: organization of Wichita and Kansas materials
within the Genealogy/Kansas Room to ensure easy accessibility for the
public; collection development in Wichita and Kansas history subject
areas; reference assistance for library patrons in person, by telephone
and through correspondence and e-mail; supervision of staff and
volunteers; assistance with development of grant proposals for enhancement
of Local History collections and programs; assistance for city officials,
local media and community organizations with special projects; and
secondary reference support for Genealogy and Kansas reference information
requests. The position includes some public speaking on Wichita history.
Requires bachelors degree plus two years administrative or professional
library experience. MLS from an ALA accredited institution and/or
experience with Wichita and Kansas history research preferred. Strong
communication skills, working knowledge of preservation and archival
methods and the ability to work a flexible schedule are essential. City
residency will be required of the successful applicant.
Salary range: $28,786 - $40,302. Position classification upon hiring is
dependent upon the extent to which the preferred qualifications are met.
Offers of employment may be made contingent upon passing a pre-employment
drug records check and will be made contingent upon satisfactory
evaluation of a police records check. Send resume and letter of
application to: Cynthia Berner, Coordinator of Administrative Services,
223 South Main Street, Wichita, KS 67202. Application deadline is March 1,
1998.
The Wichita Public Library is an equal opportunity/affirmative action
employer which actively seeks and encourages applications from minority
candidates.
*******************************************************************************
Cynthia Berner cberner@wichita.lib.ks.us
Coordinator of Administrative Services 316-262-0611 (voice)
Wichita (KS) Public Library 316-262-4540 (fax)
http://www.wichita.lib.ks.us
*******************************************************************************
------------------------------
Topic No. 8
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:29:37 -0800 (PST)
From: diane white
To: publib
Subject: loan periods
Message-ID:
I am Supervising Librarian @ at medium-sized public library in Oregon. We
are investigating ways to increase circulation without sacrificing patron
satisfaction or complicating an already complicated check-out operation.
Currently we have 2 loan periods for our materials: 7 days for
bestsellers,videos, magazines; 3 weeks for talking books, CDs, books other than
bestsellers, circulating CD-ROMS. Renewals are available if the item is
not on hold.
We are considering having a single loan period: 2 weeks for everything
with one renewal (unless it's on hold).
Have any libraries considered or made such a change. Did circulation
increase? Did the public express approval? I would be interested in any
feedback--success or horror stories alike.
Please reply to me personally at
dianew@teleport.com.
Many thanks.
P.S. I have found a few articles in Library Lit that speak to loan periods
but none so far that discuss this type of change. Again I would be
interested in your anecdotal/subjective impressions.
**************************************************************************
Diane White...................................1390 Waverly Drive S.E.
Albany Public Library.........................Albany, Oregon 97321
.--~~,__
:-....,-------`~~'._.'........................Work Phone:917-7581 X7592
`-,,, ,_ ;'~U'
_,-' ,'`-__; ...............................E-mail:dianew@teleport.com
(_/'~~ ''''(;
**************************************************************************
------------------------------
Topic No. 9
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:29:51 -0800 (PST)
From: Beth Fisher
To: publib
Subject: Community Relations Policy
Message-ID:
My Director is looking for examples of Community Relations Policies.
We're not looking for "Public Relations" or "Marketing." We're defining
Community Relations as something that discusses or describes a library's
role in it's community - including things such as organizational
participation in or co-sponsorship of local events and membership in
groups such as the Chamber of Commerce or any kind of local association.
Replies can be sent to Susan Craig at scraig@wade.iowa-city.lib.ia.us
Thanks!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"Information is not information unless it is shared"
Beth Fisher, AV Librarian bfisher@wade.iowa-city.lib.ia.us
Iowa City Public Library
123 S. Linn St. phone: 319/356-5200
Iowa City, IA 52240 fax: 319/356-5494
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
------------------------------
Topic No. 10
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:29:59 -0800 (PST)
From: Cynthia Berner
To: publib
Subject: POSITION OPENING - LIBRARY SERVICES COORDINATOR
Message-ID:
Please excuse cross postings.
The Wichita Public Library has an opening for a self-motivated, energetic
and resourceful librarian to serve as Coordinator of Public Services
Support.
The position manages the Public Services Support Division which includes
acquisitions, bibliographic maintenance, cataloging, circulation,
interlibrary loan and materials processing and maintenance activities for
the library's twelve facilities. Responsibilities of the position include
coordinating and analyzing system circulation services, overseeing and
developing enhanced interlibrary loan services and overseeing the
library's acquisitions, cataloging and physical processing activities. The
position reports to the Director of Libraries and serves as a member of
the Library's Administrative Council.
Requires MLS from an ALA accredited institution plus five years
professional experience including three years experience in library
administration or supervision of professional library staff or any
equivalent combination of experience and training. Also requires technical
services experience in an automated environment including acquisitions
procedures, cataloging and serials control, familiarity with integrated
systems, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, experience in
strategic planning, a strong customer service orientation and skill in
team leadership. Preferred qualifications include experience with the
Dynix library automated system and knowledge of current trends in
cataloging. City residency will be required of the successful applicant.
Salary range: $37,735 - $52,826. Offers of employment may be made
contingent upon passing a pre-employment drug screening and will be made
contingent upon a satisfactory evaluation of a police records check. Send
resume and letter of application to: Cynthia Berner, Coordinator of
Administrative Services, 223 South Main Street, Wichita KS 67202.
Application deadline is March 15, 1998.
The Wichita Public Library is an equal opportunity/affirmative action
employer which actively seeks and encourages applications from minority
candidates.
*******************************************************************************
Cynthia Berner cberner@wichita.lib.ks.us
Coordinator of Administrative Services 316-262-0611 (voice)
Wichita (KS) Public Library 316-262-4540 (fax)
http://www.wichita.lib.ks.us
*******************************************************************************
------------------------------
Topic No. 11
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:30:12 -0800 (PST)
From: asessions@juno.com (Ann Sessions)
To: publib
Subject: Stock portfolios
Message-ID:
Do any of you have any comments about patrons checking their stock
portfolios, quotes and general investment information at your Internet
access stations? Is this a popular thing to do in your library? Have
you had any problems with people doing this? I'd welcome any comments.
Thanks.
Ann Sessions
Lexington, SC
_____________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
------------------------------
Topic No. 12
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 1998 18:30:31 -0800 (PST)
From: megv@bville.lib.ny.us (Meg Van Patten)
To: publib
Subject: ATTN: Chicago area folks
Message-ID:
I have a copy of a 50 year history, published in 1937,of the Creamery
Package Mfg. Co. from Chicago, IL. Also in the folder are black & white
photos of the plant and euqipment and a release from the advertising manager
(dated 1961) entitled "What do You Know About Cholesterol?" Does anyone want
it? First one to respond gets it.
Meg
*******************************************************************
Meg Van Patten, Head BALDWINSVILLE
Reference and Adult Services PUBLIC LIBRARY
Baldwinsville Public Library 1948 - 1998
33 East Genesee Street PRESERVING THE PAST
Baldwinsville, New York 13027 &
PRESENTING THE FUTURE
(315) 635-5631 ext. 206 [voice]
(315) 635-6760 [fax]
megv@bville.lib.ny.us [e-mail]
http://www.bville.lib.ny.us
------------------------------
Topic No. 13
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 08:03:08 -0800 (PST)
From: Phalbe Henriksen
To: publib
Subject: Re: loan periods
Message-ID:
Why not go with ALA's recommended 4-week loan period?? What's to stop you
from doing that?
Phalbe Henriksen
Director
Bradford County Public Library
Starke, FK
At 06:44 PM 2/2/98 -0800, diane white wrote:
>We are considering having a single loan period: 2 weeks for everything
>with one renewal (unless it's on hold).
------------------------------
Topic No. 14
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 08:04:05 -0800 (PST)
From: Sue Kamm
To: publib
Subject: Re: Internet Workstation Incidents
Message-ID:
The problem of policing the use of the Internet in the way Gina describes
is really the biggest issue most of us who provide 'net access in
libraries face. I substitute at Los Angeles Public Library branches
which have several workstations offering the library catalog, indexes,
the 'net, and games. Librarians spend a large part of their time
refereeing battles over whose turn it is on the swings. The library
where I work full-time has one Internet workstation. We have signups,
but sometimes that system breaks down.
I have a couple of ideas (that I haven't tried yet). First, if you're
implementing an OPAC and networked indexes, have several public-access
workstations that do not offer the Internet. This will allow people who
need to use the catalog or periodicals indexes to do so without having to
wait hours to get to a workstation. (Also, don't put games on your
systems, unless you can afford to have workstations with nothing but
games.)
Second, there may be timing devices which could shut the individual
computer down at the expiration of the user's time. If there's a way
these can be physically controlled by staff without the public having
easy access to the devices, it could work.
Third, check into the availability of vendacard systems. Perhaps a
cardreader could function with a library card. The client inserts the
card into the reader; it automatically logs onto the Internet and starts
a timer running for however long you give people on the system. At the
end of the time, it logs off.
As for the problems encountered at branches, if people refuse to
relinquish the workstations at the end of their allotted time, I suggest
that branch staff call the police. Staff members are not paid enough to
put up with nonsense from the public. You might want to encourage branch
staff to discuss the problems with the police whose area the branch is
in.
Your friendly CyberGoddess and ALA Councilor,
Sue Kamm
email: suekamm@class.org
"The University is not engaged in making ideas safe for students. It is
engaged in making students safe for ideas."
-- Clark Kerr, president of the University of California, 1961
------------------------------
Topic No. 15
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 08:04:13 -0800 (PST)
From: Dianne Harmon
To: publib
Subject: Re: Stock portfolios
Message-ID:
We have several patrons who check stock market quotes and look up
investment information. We have several investment clubs in our area who
have been doing research in our library for several years. We don't have
a problem. (Good thing, too, as I belong to one of those investment
clubs)
On Mon, 2 Feb 1998, Ann Sessions wrote:
> Do any of you have any comments about patrons checking their stock
> portfolios, quotes and general investment information at your Internet
> access stations? Is this a popular thing to do in your library? Have
> you had any problems with people doing this? I'd welcome any comments.
> Thanks.
>
> Ann Sessions
> Lexington, SC
>
> _____________________________________________________________________
> You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
> Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
> Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]
>
>
>
Dianne Harmon dharmon@htls.lib.il.us
Associate Director 815-740-2660 or
Joliet Public Library 815-740-2679
150 N. Ottawa fax 815-740-6161
Joliet IL 60432
------------------------------
Topic No. 16
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 08:04:24 -0800 (PST)
From: jaker@japl.lib.in.us (Julia Aker)
To: publib
Subject: JOB POSTING: Information Technology Specialist
Message-ID:
The Jackson County Public Library in Seymour, Indiana is seeking a full-time
Information Technology (Computer) Specialist/Assistant Systems Administrator
for an immediate opening. The library serves 31,000 residents at its main
library, two small branches, and Bookmobile. Position requires evening and
weekend hours.
QUALIFICATIONS:
ALA MLS/MIS or CS degree
Proficient in using and developing Internet resources
Experience in teaching or training in computer programs
Experience with DRA or other automated system and Open VMS desirable
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Coordinates technology plan for the library system. Develops webpage for
the library and community network project. Maintains the library's personal
computers and LAN/WAN-based activities. Performs installation, maintenance,
and upgrading of hardware. Installs and updates reference-based,
administrative, and security software. Trains staff and public in use of
computers. Serves as liaision with local ISP. Serves as satellite
operator. Assists Technical Services Librarian with DRA automated system.
Salary $20,000 - $35,000 commensurate with education and experience with
health, dental and retirement benefits.
Closes: When filled
To apply, send resume to:
Julia Aker, Director
Jackson County Public Library
303 W. Second St.
Seymour, IN 47274-2147
812-522-3412 ext. 223-voice 812-522-5456-fax e-mail: jaker@japl.lib.in.us
http://www.seymour.org/jcpl.htm
------------------------------
Topic No. 17
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 1998 08:05:14 -0800 (PST)
From: "James B. Casey"
To: publib
Subject: Re: Internet Workstation Incidents
Message-ID:
Regina U. Minudri wrote:
>
> My staff has reported to me that they have noticed an increase in difficult
> situations with library users at Internet Workstations. This is more than
> just annoyance because we have to limit available time. Some of our staff
> have experienced abusive behavior, physical attacks and verbal abuse. These
> incidents occur at the Main Library and also at Branch Libraries. It is
> reported that certain individuals appear to believe that the library's
> workstations are "their own."
>
> We have security guards at the Main Library, but not enough to patrol all of
> our branches. Sign up sheets are provided, but don't appear to help the
> problem.
>
> Are others experiencing similar incidents? Anyone have any brilliant
> solutions? Thanks.
Regina:
Our own sign up sheet seems to be successful in deterring troublesome patrons
from abusive conduct at the computer. We hold their library card or other
ID while they are on the stations. Since the stations happen to be near
(in view of) the main service desks, this might also pose a deterrent. We
are planning to have cameras focusing on the service desks and Internet
use areas -- areas where disturbances might occur -- so that patrons think
that their antics and behavior are a matter of record (on video tape) rather
than simply a momentary indulgence in temper or perversion which cannot be
reconstructed after the event. The cameras, recorders, etc. are only a few
hundred dollars each and don't have to be continually monitored.
We plan to increase the number of Internet stations and also possibly use
PICs or filters or other devices so that specific Internet stations might
be focused on specific types of research -- job hunting, government docs.,
etc. -- rather than having the entire universe of millions of sites to
stumble around in for hours.
Jim Casey -- My views as a public library director.
------------------------------
End of PUBLIB Digest 393
************************