CLA Weblog Submissions
To navigate our archives, please click on a category to the left. Do you have information that would be of interest to the library community? Please send your weblog submissions to the CLA office at rberta@cla-net.org.
February 8, 2010
San Jose's Southernmost Library Reopens
Community Celebration Marks Grand Opening of New Santa Teresa Branch
SAN JOSE - South valley residents joined city and library officials today to celebrate the grand opening of the new, expanded Santa Teresa Branch Library. At 22,000 sq. ft., the ultra modern light-filled structure is nearly twice the size of the original 13,860 sq. ft. library that had occupied the site since 1984. Following a brief dedication ceremony, visitors were free to explore the new spaces, check out library materials and enjoy light refreshments.
"The new Santa Teresa library will be a great resource for our South San Jose community," said Mayor Chuck Reed. "I'd like to thank our residents for supporting the expansion of libraries throughout our city."
The new library - designed by STUDIOS Architecture (San Francisco, CA) and constructed by BRCO Constructors, Inc (Sacramento, CA) - features a glass tower at entry, corrugated metal ceiling, glass mulch landscape feature, and maximization of natural light with large glass areas and skylights. The new Santa Teresa Branch also includes the common elements of all new library construction in San Jose:
- an Internet cafe
- community living room with a fireplace
- technology center
- group and quiet study areas, and
- a community room
along with significantly more space inside for seating, collections and computers. The project was completed well under budget.
"It is with great excitement that I welcome the return of the long-awaited Santa Teresa Library, which is a beautiful and modern addition to the City of San Jose," said Councilmember Ash Kalra. "During these economic times, it is especially important to have resources such as libraries to provide families with low cost options for their entertainment and education. I look forward to what this library will bring to our community!"
Public art for the project created by Beatrice Coron (New York, NY) includes three key elements built around the theme "Cultivate Your Mind in the Orchard of Knowledge:"
- "Orchard Walk" - thematic sidewalk insets made of stainless steel and flamed granite embedded in concrete that cross references fruits and major literary works
- "Tree of Knowledge" - three glass panes giving the impression of age rings in the cross-section of a tree trunk that illustrate eras in the region’s history, and
- "Bibliotree" - a sculptural element in the form of a tall flourishing tree made of water jet cut stainless steel; the trunk features letters or world alphabets while the tree branches support books and other media suggesting the very basic relationship between the two.
Once the busiest branch in the system, Santa Teresa Library is expected to resume that role; offering a variety of programs for all ages. Library staff are engaged in programming collaboration with the nearby Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center, starting with joint sponsorship of a visit by the Digital Bookmobile from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, March 19.
Santa Teresa Branch Library is the fifteenth branch library bond project to be completed. The Branch Library Bond Measure, approved in November 2000, provides $212 million over ten years dedicated to the construction of six new and fourteen expanded branch libraries in San Jose. All but one of the planned projects are now at some stage of design or construction or have been completed. Visit www.newsanjoselibaries.com for updates on San Jose branch library development.
Santa Teresa Branch Library, located at 290 International Circle, is open Monday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; and Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. For information, call (408) 808-3068.
Submitted by:
Lorraine Oback
Marketing Communications
San Jose Public Library
The San Jose Public Library is an Institutional Member of CLA and directly supports our advocacy programs. Click here for more information on Institutional Membership.
Posted by claadmin at 3:00 PM
February 4, 2010
New Library Services Manager at NBPL
NEWPORT BEACH - Tim Hetherton has been named Library Services Manager for the Newport Beach Public Library. Hetherton will oversee the management and development of programs, services and staff at the Central Library and three branch libraries under the direction of Library Services Director Cynthia Cowell. He previously held the position of Reference and Training Coordinator at Newport Beach Public Library.
Hetherton succeeds Susan Warren who retired in December after 24 years of service. Warren began her career at the Newport Beach Public Library as an "On-Call" Librarian I in 1985 and worked her way up to the Library Services Manager position. In 2009, she received the Newport Beach Employee of the Year Award.
Phyllis Scheffler, Branch Librarian for the Balboa Branch Library, also retired from the Newport Beach Public Library in December. Scheffler served as Branch Librarian for nearly 20 years and cultivated a loyal bond between the Library and the Balboa community.
Submitted by:
Katherine Mielke
Marketing Specialist
Newport Beach Public Library
The Newport Beach Public Library is an Institutional Member of CLA and directly supports our advocacy programs. Click here for more information on Institutional Membership.
Posted by claadmin at 11:49 AM
February 2, 2010
Share Your Ideas for the 2010 Conference!
The 2010 CLA Conference Committee wants to be sure that this year's conference is useful, inspiring and energizing. Based on your survey comments and feedback, we're rethinking our whole approach this year. We want to make sure you enjoy the best possible conference experience, even in these challenging times.
Please help us design a terrific conference by visiting http://cla10.ideascale.com, giving us your ideas and comments. You can also vote "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" and comment on other people's suggestions. Your input is valued and welcome!
Thanks very much,
The 2010 CLA Conference Committee
Posted by claadmin at 9:48 AM
February 1, 2010
Urgent Message to Library Advocates
The current draft of the Senate's $80 billion version of the Jobs for Main Street Act does not include librarians. However, the bill does include $20.5 billion for "Creating Jobs that Provide Public Services" which includes $18 billion for hiring and retaining teachers; $500 million for hiring firefighters; $500 million for hiring police and $1.5 billion for hiring and training youth.
Library advocates, please call both of your U.S. Senators - in California, Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein - to ask each of them to request that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL), and Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), include the hiring and retaining of librarians in the Jobs for Main Street Act.
Barbara Boxer
(202) 224-3553
Dianne Feinstein
(202) 224-3841
You may also call the U.S. Capital switchboard at 202.224.3121. Click here for other Senator's email addresses and contact information
Furthermore, you are encouraged to write Senators Boxer and Feinstein by using CAPWIZ: http://capwiz.com/ala/issues/alert/?alertid=14610606.
This bill could come up at any moment and it is critically important that you contact your Senators' offices immediately and tell them to push the above Senate leaders to include librarians in the jobs bill. Don't just call once - keep calling until we succeed! We cannot let this legislation pass without the inclusion of library employees!
Below you will find helpful information to refer to when contacting your Senators:
BACKGROUND FOR "JOBS FOR MAIN STREET ACT"
1. Libraries play a key role in getting America back to work again. Nationwide, the library is the only source of no-fee Internet access for 71% of Americans. With more and more job applications only being accepted online, the public library is becoming the center of most American's job searches.
2. State Library Agencies reported in November 2009 that 77 percent of states cut funds that support local public libraries, which has meant layoffs, staff furloughs, and forced retirements. This has caused a 75 percent cut in services to the public including canceled statewide databases used for job searching, homework help, and cuts in 24/7 reference, which are used by small businesses and students.
3. Our proposal to be a part of the $20.5 billion program to create jobs that provide public services would not add any additional funding, but would give libraries a specific amount to draw on.
4. The money would be used for library jobs that are focused on assisting patrons with getting back to work - thereby having the impact of assisting literally millions of Americans find employment. None of these funds would be used for facilities or equipment.
5. These funds would be distributed in a clear, concise, affirmative manner. Funds would be distributed to states using a formula through IMLS based 50 percent on population, and 50 percent on relative unemployment (similar to the Department of Labor's Dislocated Worker Program).
6. The Chief State Library Officer in each state would be responsible for distributing funds to local public libraries based on their local needs.
7. A minimum amount of funding per library could offer one library staff job per building based upon need and a maximum of five full-time staff.
8. Funds would be limited to hiring back staff released due to budget cuts, recruiting new staff and/or expanding staff services around job searching and employment skills training.
Posted by claadmin at 3:42 PM
U.S. Department of Agriculture Allocates $100 million for Rural Public Libraries
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Secretary of Agriculture has allocated $100 million in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Community Facilities funding for public libraries to provide educational opportunities and improve public services in rural communities. The funding will be provided primarily through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
"In 78 percent of rural communities, the library is the sole provider of no-fee Internet access," Emily Sheketoff, executive director of the ALA Washington Office, said.
"This funding specifically set aside for rural libraries is a lifeline for communities across the country who depend on their local libraries for basic needs such as Internet access as well as assistance with e-government services, literacy and homework programs, and much more. We thank the USDA for its recognition of the vital role libraries play in rural communities and their need for funding."
Funds may be used to construct, enlarge or improve public libraries. This can include costs to acquire land needed for a facility, pay necessary professional fees and purchase equipment required for operation. Funds can be used to purchase shelving, furniture, computers, audio-visual equipment, distance learning equipment and bookmobiles.
Depending on funding availability, USDA Rural Development will provide up to $500,000 in additional Recovery Act dedicated grant funds to each of the State Offices for library projects.
For more information on the program and how to apply, see the USDA Rural Development fact sheet.
Or, to reach the USDA Rural Development contact for California, visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/CA
Contact: Jenni Terry
Press Officer, ALA Washington Office
Posted by claadmin at 9:38 AM
California Library Association Names New Executive Director
FOLSOM, CA - Kim Bui-Burton, 2009-2010 California Library Association (CLA) President, has announced the selection of Holly Macriss as the Association's new Executive Director, effective February 1, 2010.
Ms. Macriss brings over 12 years of association management experience, and most recently served as the Executive Director of the Western Carwash Association (WCA). During her tenure at WCA, Holly developed the organization's first working budget in its 25-year history, reduced operating expenses, grew and enhanced membership, and also implemented a long-range plan.
In making the announcement, CLA President Bui-Burton stated that she is "delighted that Holly will serve our association as our new Executive Director. Holly brings extensive non-profit association management experience to the position, which will help CLA move forward and Navigate the New."
According to Ms. Macriss, "To be part of an organization that means so much to our communities is an honor. I am excited to partnering with the CLA Board of Directors, members and other industry leaders in moving CLA forward and representing California's librarians."
Ms. Macriss takes over for CEO Michael M. Reyna, who assisted the California Library Association in its operations during December of 2009. California Library Association President Bui-Burton said, "We would like to thank Mr. Reyna for his invaluable assistance during his brief tenure, and on behalf of the Board, wish him well in his new position at the State of California."
About the California Library Association
Established in 1895, the California Library Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit association that provides leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library services, librarianship, and the library community. CLA helps its 3,000 members excel in a fast-changing job market and is a resource for learning about new ideas and technology. Furthermore, CLA is a leading advocate on all statewide library issues and actively works to influence legislation affecting libraries and librarians. Governed by an elected Board of Directors, CLA is headquartered in Folsom, California.
More information may be obtained at www.cla-net.org
- Printable Press Release (87k)
Posted by claadmin at 8:36 AM
January 21, 2010
President's Column
As I write this month's column, on a windy, storm-tossed morning in mid-January 2010 from my window above the Monterey Public Library's front door, I see glimpses of blue skies amid the advancing gray clouds. I watch rain on a distant hilltop, flying brown leaves and vibrant green new ones, bundled-up parents with small children, students and senior citizens pausing on the sidewalk as a fire engine blares away from the station, red lights flashing. For a moment, it feels as though we are in the eye of the great economic storm that surrounds us - the calm place after great upheaval and before the great unknown.
Make no mistake, these are discouraging and threatening times for California libraries and the communities we serve. Statewide budget turmoil affects every one of us - academic, law, public, school, special libraries and librarians - and our populations of users. National crises and international tragedies spill over into our neighborhoods, agencies and counties. "Everything is connected to everything else: as I learned in high school Ecology class - and I see expressed every day around me. And, while sobering, that simple fact also gives me great hope.
My feelings of optimism in the midst of such crisis and change may be partially due to the California Library Association's energetic and enthusiastic new Executive Director, Holly Macriss, who has accepted the position effective February 1, and the rest of CLA's hard-working association team. Holly has the experience and skill set to move CLA forward in these challenging times. I am very pleased that she has already begun working to bring herself up to speed on libraries; Holly attended the American Library Association Midwinter meeting in Boston this past weekend, has jumped into 2010 Conference planning and is rapidly getting acquainted with California's school, academic and special library organizations and communities. Holly will be introducing herself to all of you very soon - stay tuned!
Also brightening the horizon - the possibility of improved collaboration with California library schools and students, more chances to partner with other library associations, agencies and organizations on events and activities, expanded communication with CLA Interest Groups and all of you. Yesterday I was on a conference call with California Library Association leaders and California School Library Association leaders, preliminary to more specific conversations with CLA and CSLA leadership on ways we can better work together to advance our members' interests in these difficult times.
Those participants who traveled met in wet-and-windy Sacramento and the others called-in from storm-tossed southern and central California. Despite the statewide storm raging outside our meeting, inside we exchanged ideas, excitement and a shared sense of purpose for working together to improve educational opportunities for our memberships, increase communication and understanding between our respective groups and focus on commonalities, instead of differences. At CLA, we look forward to many more such conversations with all the library-serving agencies and organizations throughout California - and all of you. We will survive difficult times and Navigate the New - together!
Submitted to California Libraries by:
Kim Bui-Burton
Director, Monterey Public Library
CLA 2009-2010 President
Posted by claadmin at 9:52 AM
News from the Capitol
LEGISLATIVE ANALYST WEIGHS IN AND ASSEMBLY & SENATE BUDGET COMMITTEES BEGIN WORK ON 2010 BUDGET
On January 8, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger presented his 2010-11 State Budget, and in his letter to the legislature, he notes, "With our national economy still struggling to recover, California, like most states, must confront an additional budget gap of nearly $20 billion... My budget calls for even greater reductions in nearly every aspect of state government than were necessary in 2009." In fact, the Governor proposes a series of deep cuts to health and human services, prisons, and state employee compensation adjustments. A major component of the Governor's solution is predicated on the state receiving almost $7 billion in relief from the federal government. It is rumored that the legislative leaders and the Governor will head to Washington D.C. in the coming days to lobby the California congressional delegation and others to plead their case for additional federal funds for California. In the meantime, the Governor has officially called a "special session" of the legislature to address the state's "fiscal emergency," and the "special session" will run concurrently with the 2010 legislative session.
On January 12, the state's non-partisan Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) released their annual overview and analysis of the Governor's January Budget. The LAO acknowledges the "incredibly daunting challenges" that the legislature will face this year in order to close the $20 billion gap, and recommends the legislature act quickly in order to capture "full year" savings. The LAO's office said that while state leaders should actively request federal funding relief in complex areas such as Medi-Cal and Special Education, they caution that the "likelihood of Washington agreeing to all of the Governor's $7 billion in requests is almost non-existent." In fact, appearing before the Assembly Budget Committee on January 13, the Legislative Analyst, Mac Taylor, told the members of the committee, "I don't think there is any way you would get $7 billion (from the feds). It's probably closer to $3 billion."
The LAO also cautioned both the Assembly Budget Committee as well as their counterparts in the Senate Budget Committee that they should look to some of the Governor's proposals with a cautious eye, as "some of his proposals are not fiscally wise. For example, in In Home Support Services (IHSS), you will eliminate care to people who will ultimately go into more expensive skilled nursing." The LAO pledged to offer the two committees some alternative solutions in the coming weeks. Probably most sobering was the LAO's acknowledgement that even adopting the Governor's deep cut proposals, utilizing fund shifts, and seeking assistance from the federal government, etc. "is not going to solve your long-term Budget problems this year. You are still going to have a $5 to $6 billion problem next year. We need an ongoing solution." Thus, the LAO is suggesting the legislature consider fee proposals, new revenues, etc. in conjunction with cuts to programs.
The Senate and Assembly Budget Subcommittees will continue to hold hearings through the end of May on the Governor's proposal, as well as the LAO's comprehensive analysis and alternative recommendations, which should be available in mid February. As recently reported to CLA members, the Governor's Budget does not propose any cuts for library programs such as the Transaction Based Reimbursement, the Public Library Foundation, or the literacy program.
Submitted to California Libraries by:
Mike Dillon & Christina DiCaro
CLA Lobbyists
Posted by claadmin at 9:51 AM
Writer-to-Writer Challenge, Part III
What is the Writer-to-Writer Challenge? Adult literacy learners of the California Library Literacy Services are invited to read a book, any book. It can be fiction or non-fiction, written at any level, and can be a book-on-tape. They then write a letter to the author describing how the book changed their lives.
This year 188 adult learners entered the Challenge from 43 library literacy programs all over California. Their letters, based on their writing skill levels, were divided into four categories: Emerging, Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced. There are two rounds of judging: In the first round a panel of librarians and literacy specialists carefully selected the finalists in each category. In the second round, groups of learners reviewed the finalists' letters and picked the winner and runners-up in each category.
The letters of the winners will appear as a Four-part Series, continuing part three with this E-newsletter with a letter from Beginner winner Evonne Macias:
Evonne Macias
Hemet Public Library
Dear Dave Pelzer,
My name is Evonne Macias and I attend the Hemet Adult Literacy Program. At this time, I am trying to earn my GED. I am 54 years old and have now read your book, A Child Called It. I really did not think there was another mom as bad as mine, but after I read your book I realized that there was. I found that I was anxious and angry as I read. I was looking for any kind of joy, a joy that neither you, nor I have ever had.
In the beginning, I saw a mother with much love for her children. Unfortunately, your childhood happened during a time when people did not want to get involved in other people's business, and no one would say anything. These kinds of abuses were ignored. I felt all your pain and cried with you as I read. I know that deep down it really hurts because you were just a little boy.
I also grew up with an alcoholic mother and she was also very abusive. I can't tell you how much I hated her, day after day, I was always crying. And yes it started when I was around 2 or 3 years old. Your story has opened my eyes to the reality of what has happened and to the truthful pain. In addition to an abusive mother, my dad walked out on us when I was three. He was a truck driver who carried heavy loads of hay for the dairies, also an alcoholic, and decided to live in his truck. I have three brothers and I was the only girl. We were all abused, but I had it the worst. My dad would come home and it would only bring us more pain.
I remember that in your book, your mother had all of the control. That was how it happened with me. She was, and still is to this day, in control of the family and people around us. My grandmother, grandfather, all her sisters and brothers, cousins, our school, teachers and friends all knew this was going on and yet, I just can't understand how nothing was ever done. Your story was a lot like mine. except a person helped you, a teacher I believe. That person gave you the courage to survive. I was very naive and I didn't have that courage.
It was also very hard for me in school I never could remember what I learned. Whether it was reading, writing or math; I just couldn't learn it. I was also never able to attend high school. I could not read or write at all. I did, however, go to grammar school for ten years, repeating kindergarten and third grade. When I was 18 my mother came home looking for one of my brothers and he was not home. She was very upset and drunk. She got out the broom and started to hit us. As I got up to see what was going on and hit me over the head very hard. I was upset and crying! Then my brother, who was out, walked in and she hit him too. He was 16 at the time. She hit us all again and then told us all to go to bed.
That day, I don't know how, but I found the courage to go away. I put a few things into a green suitcase and ran away. It was about 3 a.m. and I never went back.. Reading your book gave me hope.
Now at 54 I am in this adult literacy program hoping to learn to read and write, hoping to get my GED. Thank you for your courage. Now is not the time to sacrifice myself, but the time to go on beyond my limits into a new world.
Respectfully,
Evonne Macias
Submitted to California Libraries by:
Alan Archer
President, CLA Literacy Interest Group
Posted by claadmin at 9:50 AM
CALA-SCA Chapter at the 2009 CLA Conference
The Chinese American Librarians Association, Southern California Chapter (CALA-SCA Chapter) held several informative, interesting and fun programs at the 111th Annual California Library Association Annual Conference in Pasadena. The program entitled "When the Earth Quakes: From California To China" was sponsored by CALA-SCA Chapter and co-sponsored by the CLA Technical Services Interest Group and the CLA Chinese American Librarians Interest Group. A panel of distinguished speakers who shared their expertise and experience from their efforts on investigation and research, leadership and management in rebuilding and preserving invaluable collections from the earthquakes. The participants found the program greatly benefits them with methods and strategies that can be applied to earthquake safety, preparedness, reduction of damage and losses, and to preservation programs. Presentations of the distinguished speakers are summarized as followed:
- Dr. Jean-Pierre Bardet, Chair and Professor of the Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California discussed about the "Earthquakes and art preservation." He has been invited to China to visit the May 2008 earthquake hard hit areas in Sichuan and to participate in the rebuilding plans for the areas. Dr. Bardet reviewed basic concepts in earthquake engineering and their applications to art and library preservation.
- Dr. Susan C. Curzon, Dean, University Library, California State University, Northridge, shared their valuable lessons learned from the Northridge Earthquake. She discussed the recovery efforts and the impact on services during the six years when the library was being rebuilt.
- Dr. Yong-Gang Li, Research Professor, Earth Sciences, University of Southern California, spoke on the devastating earthquakes in China and in California especially on the earthquake-generating faults in California. Dr. Li is an earthquake expert who has also been invited by the Chinese Earthquake Administration to study the internal structure of the Longmen Shan Fault (LSF) and rock damage at depth caused by the May 2008 M8 earthquake for selecting safe places to re-build the ruined cities and towns in the region. Dr. Li has done scientific investigation at the epic central area in China. He compared the results from the Longmen Shan Fault with those obtained from the San Andreas Fault to further our understanding earthquake physics. All of Dr. Li's efforts are an aid for earthquake prediction, mitigation, and relief in the current and future earthquakes in the world. In his presentation, Dr. Li introduced the information on hazards and scenarios of recent major devastative earthquakes in California and Sichuan as well as the preparedness we should care about earthquakes to be safe so as to reduce property damage.
- Sally C. Tseng, Honorary Executive Director of the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA), shared the moving stories that touch everybody's heart from the earthquakes in China and the efforts and work of the Chinese American Librarians Association on Rebuilding Libraries in the Earthquake Disastrous Areas in China.
- Joy Wang was the moderator of the program. She is the President of CALA-SCA Chapter, and a librarian of the Soka University of America at Aliso Viejo.
From L- R: Dr. Yong Gang Li, Sally Tseng, Dr. Jean-Pierre Bardet, Dr. Susan Curzon, Joy Wang CLA CALA-SCA Chinese Banquet
As a traditional event at the California Library Association Annual Conference, the CALA-SCA 2009 CLA Chinese Banquet was held on Sunday, November 1, 2009, at the Fu-Shing Chinese Restaurant in Pasadena. The evening was filled with authentic Chinese food, live Chinese music performance and door prizes with a variety of Chinese gifts. With our great honor, Dr. Camila Alire, ALA President and Kim Bui-Burton, CLA President together with several distinguished California libraries’ directors and guests joined and made warm greeting speeches at the banquet. All the attendees enjoyed the evening with lots of fun and laughs and were introduced to the rich Chinese culture as embodied in the delicious Chinese dishes and the live professional performance of traditional Chinese music - PiPa.
Dr. Camila Alire ALA President, spoke at the 2009 CLA CALA-SCA Chinese Banquet
Kim Bui-Burton, CLA President and Director, Monterey Public Library, spoke at the 2009 CLA CALA-SCA Chinese Banquet
Jan Sanders, Pasadena Public Library Director, shared a good laugh with the attendees and Manuel Urrizola, Master of Ceremony, at the Banquet
Thank you for all committee members of CALA-SCA chapter, volunteers and long-term supporters who contribute extraordinarily to making the programs so successful and possible: We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Sally Tseng, Ying Xu, Yong Yi Song, Manuel Urrizola, Wen Wen Zhang, Kuei Chiu, Zuo Wang, Joy Wang, Maggie Wang who worked very hard to make such great and successful programs. Special thank you to Ying Xu, Program Chair of CALA-SCA and Librarian of California State University at Los Angeles for her countless efforts on coordination of the events and Sally Tseng on developing the informative and educational program, to Manuel Urrizola and Wen Wen Zhang for their lively masters of ceremony at the Banquet.
Submitted to California Libraries by:
Joy Wang and Sally C. Tseng
Chinese-American Librarians Association
Posted by claadmin at 9:49 AM
Deep Space Images Unveiled in San Jose
A crowd of 200, including a class of sixth graders from a nearby school, filled the lobby of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library (San Jose) on a recent weekday morning for the unveiling of unique, multi-wavelength images of the Milky Way. One view represents a composite of images captured by NASA's three Great Observatories: the Hubble Space Telescope, Spitzer Space Telescope, and Chandra X-Ray Observatory. A companion poster illustrates what each view looks like separately. None of them would have been visible to the naked eye. Dr. Michael Kaufman - professor of Physics and Astronomy at San Jose State University - delivered a brief talk, followed by a lively Q&A engaging participants of all ages. The King Library was one of only two locations in the San Francisco Bay Area chosen to host an unveiling event marking the close of the International Year of Astronomy, held in recognition of the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei's first celestial observations.
Related activities scheduled the following weekend significantly increased visits to the library's Children's Room. Visitors included a junior scout troop that took advantage of the opportunity to earn their astronomy badge. Lectures on varying aspects of space exploration delivered by Kaufman and his colleagues were also popular. They demonstrate the unique benefit enjoyed by San Jose as a result of the collaboration between the City of San Jose and San Jose State University in co-managing the King Library. The day's programming represented the combined efforts of public and university library staff, together with SJSU Physics and Astronomy Department.
NASA's images remain on view in the Fourth Street Lobby of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library throughout 2010. The library is located at 150 E. San Fernando at S. Fourth Street in downtown San Jose. Parking at the nearby Fourth Street Garage is free weekends before 6 p.m. For exhibit information, call (408) 808-2397.
A duplicate set of images is on display at the Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland. Visit the following site for resources to develop your own space exploration programming: http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/iya/.
Submitted to California Libraries by:
Lorraine Oback
San Jose Public Library
The San Jose Public Library is an Institutional Member of CLA and directly supports our advocacy programs. Click here for more information on Institutional Membership.
Posted by claadmin at 9:47 AM
Dropping in at the Library - The New Community
The other day, while working at my West Los Angeles area library, I noticed an unattended backpack on a table. Given that unattended bags are a no-no under most circumstances, and in this era of watchful terrorist activities in particular, I summoned one of the library's security guards, who took the bag away and stored it righteously in the Lost & Found room downstairs. It was only a few moments later when the owner of the bag, a seemingly unbalanced gentleman, in stained blue jeans, a torn hoody, and sunglasses, returned to his former table and started roaring that we had stolen his bag.
I attempted to approach the gentleman to mollify him, and to tell him that his bag was safely stowed in the Lost and Found, but he went right off on me, yelling and howling and calling me a variety of vituperative names that would shame my mother. I backed up on my heels, never turning my back on the patron, and attempted to inch my way to my desk, where the library's security guard panic button was kept.
The gentleman advanced upon me, blood and vengeance in his eyes and intentions - but then another patron rushed forward and tackled the first man. This second man was not dissimilar from the first: He was balding, with dirty blue jeans and a torn denim jacket. The two men rolled around on the floor, punching and hitting and biting. They picked themselves up and flung themselves at each other again, rolling onto a computer table and hitting the terminal, which fell over sideways with a crunch. Patron sitting at the Public Access Stations nearby leapt out of the way to preserve their skins.
Finally, the library's security guards showed up, pulled the men apart and dragged them off and away. Alas, it turned out subsequently that no charges could be pressed against neither man, as both of them were drunk and were in no condition to testify against each other. They were escorted to separate doors of the library, sent off, and ordered not to return - for 24 hours, which is the library's maximum banishment punishment (without a court order).
Now, I must confess in the spirit of disclosure that I am not actually a librarian - at the moment, I'm just one of the legions of paraprofessionals who work part time in a library, supporting the facility and the staff. And I am more than willing to entertain the notion that many other ways probably exist of defusing what was essentially an escalating situation than running for the panic button and pressing it.
However, I'm also actively obtaining my MLS at the new cohort programs offered by the University of North Texas on the campus of Cal State University Northridge. And, in none of my classes, can I recall being offered courses on how to deal with the predations and dangers of that comparatively small area of the general public that is utterly unhinged. This is not meant to be a criticism of my school in particular - I would venture to say that I am getting a fine education in library studies as part of my program. Yet, one can't help but notice that, as many of the definitions of what the place we call a library means to the public changes, many of the attempts to keep us relevant need to change as well.
Keeping relevant in terms of technology is not the question: I have seen much commendable analysis about how libraries to be atop the technological curve in order to survive. But there are other ways that the library has to remain relevant, as well
The other day, I was riding the Santa Monica Blvd bus in Los Angeles, and I found myself seated across from several itinerant teenage travelers - Street Kids, we would have called them back in the day. Caparisoned in Mohawks of many gaily decorated colors, with enough nose rings and eyebrow studs to cause an airport security detector to melt down in alarms and cries, the young hoboes were on their way to Hollywood to Hang Out. Even if one doesn't desire such a thing, it is impossible not to eavesdrop on a private conversation that takes place no more than six inches in front of your nose, and so I found myself accidentally treated to a run down of the daily life of the group of Street Kids, as they bivouacked their way from Portland to San Diego, with stops for booze and weed at all the various high spots up and down the coast.
"So, that place is great," one of the kids gushed, his tongue ring clanking noisily against his chipped front teeth. "They have comfortable chairs and a lot of computers, so you can go there and hang out and play whatever music you want to put on the Internet and whatever. They even show a movie once a day, for free, and you can just go there and watch it and take a nap! There's stuff to read and advice on where to get free food and condoms and stuff. It's great!"
Now, forgive me, but I totally figured that the kids were talking about my own library, which has many of those same services - the movies and the free Internet, anyway, though the naps and condoms are generally forbidden. But, it turns out that the kids were actually talking about a "drop in" center somewhere in Hollywood which catered to the needs of the homeless and the transient. Here's the thing, though. The kids might just as easily have been talking about my library - and yours as well, I venture.
You see, we are watching as libraries shift from being repositories of books to being community centers. And, we are witnessing an era in which that there is becoming a synthesis, not just of technology, with librarians being able to check out E-books and patrons discovering they can download audiobooks to their Iphones, but also of purpose. The line between the library facility being a book repository to being a Drop In Center is becoming thinner and thinner. And one can't help but think that it would behoove our training to reflect that. Not only should we learn how to perform an adequate Reference Interview, we also need to intern at a suicide hotline or work for a week or two behind the counter of a homeless shelter.
This next generation of librarian really needs to be far more than an expert in using Ebsco and Proquest and the Directory of Directories - we need to know how to forward someone to the nearest homeless shelter, or how to recognize schizophrenia, or how to exercise reflective listening for the troubled. Perhaps, in addition to courses in the high tech innovations in the world of Metadata Harvesting, we also need classes in how to deal specifically with the homeless or with the mentally ill or with the congenitally enraged because that is one of the library's purposes, too, as it turns out.
Submitted to California Libraries by:
Paul Birchall
CLA Student Member
Cal State Northridge SLIS '11
Posted by claadmin at 9:45 AM
IMLS Western Regional Fellowship
Transforming Life After 50 - Fellowship Opportunity for Public Library Staff
The California State Library, Idaho Commission for Libraries, Oregon State Library, and Washington State Library are pleased to announce a year-long Fellowship opportunity funded by a grant from the U.S. Institute for Museum and Library Services, Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program.
This year-long Fellowship will provide continuing education scholarships for selected public library staff and professionals who wish to advance their library and information science skills related to improving services to and engagement with active, older adults. Up to 100 qualified applicants from California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington will be selected to participate. Fellows will be introduced to a new framework for serving and engaging adults ages 50+ that both promotes productive aging and establishes libraries as centers of lifelong learning and civic engagement.
For more information about this Fellowship and for the link to the online application, go to: http://transforminglifeafter50.org/innovators/imls-fellowship.
The Fellowship will run from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011. Deadline for submission, including a Letter of Library Commitment from your current Library Director, is April 2, 2010. Selection of Fellows will be announced June 1, 2010.
If you have additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact either Suzanne Flint at 916-651-9796 OR Stephen Ristau, Fellowship Coordinator, at 503-281-4305.
Submitted to California Libraries by:
Suzanne Flint
California State Library
Posted by claadmin at 8:43 AM
The Infinite Fragility of Being
"What's my email?" asked an elderly gentleman using one of the library's public computers.
"AOL," I replied, not missing a beat.
Not that I have added reading the subconscious mind to my reference skills - I just remember that fact because the last time he had asked the same question was when he had a seizure while waiting for me to get off the phone.
Bet that got your attention. It sure got mine.
Well, to clarify, I had picked up the phone for a customer who had been waiting while I helped a child find some books and then look up the Accelerated Reader points, while the gentleman (I'll call him Henry, not his real name) quavered "Miss..?" (I'll be with you as soon as I finish helping this customer.) "Miss, I need some help..." (I'll be with you in a few minutes.) "Miss, I'm having a seizure."
To customer on phone: I'm sorry, I have an emergency here, may I ask you to hold or call you back?
To Henry: Do you want me to call an ambulance?
Henry: No, it's just my hands. I just can't type this in.
So I sat down beside him and typed in his change of address form for the USPS. That went fine until we got to the blank for his email address, which he couldn't remember. Fortunately, it was just the provider he had forgotten, so I tried;
Hotmail?
No.
Yahoo?
No.
AOL?
Yes, yes, that's it! Let's do my wife's form now!
Ah, the wages of success.
After it all, he assured me he was able to drive home safely and tottered out the door with his walker.
What I took home from that encounter: Remember how fragile people are, even, or especially, when they are ganging up on the reference desk.
Submitted to California Libraries by:
Eve Nyren
CLA Member
Posted by claadmin at 8:41 AM
Revamping the Community Reads Programming Model
Back in 1998, Librarian powerhouse, Nancy Pearl, began Seattle's "If All of Seattle Read the Same Book" with the book The Sweet Hereafter. At that point in time, this was an innovative programming idea and it made a huge splash in the Library world. Since then, the concept of an entire community reading the same book has taken hold across the nation.
Today, if you were to search the Internet for "community reads" one would retrieve thousands of relevant websites. There is enough information floating out there from various sources for someone to plan a program from start to finish with insider tips and tricks. Communities, Librarians, authors and publishers love it.
Well, mostly adult folks love it. Most communities focus on one book-hence the concept of a Community Reads, but in doing so neglect to reach other readers (or even non-readers). In 2008 my library, the Alameda Free Library, jumped on the bandwagon, though we changed the concept a little bit. Our program was named, "Across the Pages: an Alameda Community Reads Event." The goal was to truly make it a community event. We featured both an adult and a children's title: Bee Season by Myra Goldberg and The View from Saturday by E. L. Konigsburg. These books had similar themes and thus, crossover programming potential. I'd like to say that the program was a success, for not only were we able to reach a terrific adult population, but we also included our other, younger, population as well. (This other population, as I'm sure most of you are aware, constitutes over 60% of circulation in most, if not all, public libraries.)
Not satisfied with that success, we tried something else. Frankly, we needed something that would cost us less money than purchasing hundreds of the same title to fulfill our community's reading needs. What did we do? We went with a theme! Summer Reading Programs do it, why not implement a Community Reads with the same idea? Mystery at the Library, the Alameda Community Reads Program for 2009 was born. We were able to get several great mystery authors in, thanks to the Sisters in Crime group. We worked with our local Police Department, showed films for all ages, hosted book discussion groups, held several Mystery in a Box programs for kids and teens, and even hosted a fundraising Murder Mystery program. I'd have to say, the program was certainly a success, everyone sure got into the theme. We were able to include the entire community, all ages and most importantly, all reading levels.
In 2010 we're at it again. This time, we're focusing on Speculative Fiction. With a theme this broad, we're sure to have record participation. Our programs will run the gamut from a history of the Horror fiction genre to (hopefully) an appearance by the volunteer organization, the 501st Legion: Vader's Fist (check them out, http://501st.com, if they do come, I'm sure it'll draw a huge crowd!) We're also planning a scavenger hunt for all ages, movies for all ages, and an author visit or two to keep things interesting for our community.
It's fun to take a 'classic' program like a Community Reads and mix it up a little. Who knows what will be next, perhaps a Twitter/Facebook mashup program!
Submitted to California Libraries by:
Annemarie Meyer
Alameda Free Library
Posted by claadmin at 8:39 AM
Riverside County Library Hosts 2010 Arbuthnot Lecture
The Riverside County Library System, in cooperation with the University of California Riverside, will host the 2010 May Hill Arbuthnot Lecture featuring Kathleen T. Horning, a nationally known expert on children's literature and director of the Cooperative Children's Book Center at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Ms. Horning is well known to librarians and children's book experts as a very interesting a highly engaging speaker. "KT," as she is known to her many friends and admirers, is also the author of Cover to Cover: Evaluating and Reviewing Children's Books. Her lecture will be titled "Can Children's Books Save the World?"
The lecture will be held on Thursday, May 13, at 7 p.m. at the Extension Center at 1200 University Avenue, adjacent to the UCR campus in Riverside.
The Arbuthnot Lecture is an annual event sponsored by the Association of Library Services to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association. Each year ALSC selects one library in the United States to host the event. Since its inception in 1970, the Arbuthnot lecture has only been hosted in California four times previously and never in the Inland area.
Ms. Horning is one of the most important voices in the area of library services to children and the advocacy of children's reading in the United States. In addition to her book, Cover to Cover, Ms. Horning also publishes the annual CCBC Choices bibliography, an annotated best-of-the-year list that many libraries use as a core collection development tool. She also serves on the United States Board on Books for Young People and is the recipient of the 2009 Scholastic Library Publishing Award from the American Library Association, sponsored by Scholastic Library Publishing.
While in the Riverside area, Ms. Horning will also visit libraries and meet with informally with area librarians.
Anyone who is interested in children's literature, libraries, education or early childhood development, will find this lecture very interesting and rewarding. Registration for the lecture will open online March 1, 2010.
Submitted to California Libraries by:
Mark Smith
Riverside County Library System
CLA Board Member
The Riverside County Library System is an Institutional Member of CLA and directly supports our advocacy programs. Click here for more information on Institutional Membership.
Posted by claadmin at 8:38 AM
Why I'm A Librarian
I was asked why I want to become a librarian. After considerable thought, here is my response:
My father, who is now 93 years old, was and still is an avid reader. We did not agree on almost everything throughout my life-however there is a prevalent commonality between us. I spent many a day walking to the public library with him to pick out books (it was around the corner from our home) when I was a child. Everything could be discovered there-all the answers to my questions, all the information I wanted to know, all the fantasies that I could experience though my mind, all the places I wanted to visit were in books-and they all could be found in the library. I even bought a house across from this same library and live in it today. Upon sincere reflection I can honestly say that the library was one of the most honest, comfortable and sincere shared experiences I have ever had with my father.
I still do not see eye to eye with my father but we both still love the public library and its books. I hope to help others find the joy of the library experience by becoming a librarian and opening the world of information and books available to all - to expand their knowledge and hence their world as was done in my own life. Hopefully by taking this action I will also learn and grow and perhaps be as astute as my own father when I get to 93 years old.
Submitted to California Libraries by:
Colette Chaffee
MLIS Student
Posted by claadmin at 8:37 AM
Youth Enjoy Digital Arts Lab
On November 11, 2007, Salinas Public Library Director Elizabeth Martinez introduced the idea of a Digital Arts Lab (DAL) to the Salinas City Council, as a place for youth to build their interest in graphic and digital arts toward a potential career. With financial support from the Rally Salinas Fund, and an Irvine Foundation award of $25,000 to purchase computers and equipment for the lab, the DAL opened in September 2008, and has grown in popularity and dramatically increased digital arts and literacy skills of the community.
DAL projects have ranged from introductory courses and hands on Learn and Play Demos led by community volunteers, California State Monterey Bay Service Learning Students and staff. Visitors to the DAL have free and unrestricted access to four Apple computers, two Apple notebooks, and an Apple Mac Pro. Each computer has the entire Design Premium Adobe Creative Suite, Apple iLife, and Final Cut studio software to explore. Programming and hands on courses have introduced patrons to editing and uploading their own digital photographs with Adobe's Photoshop CS3 and Flickr, creating musical scores and mash ups using Garageband, as well as introductory web design and search engine optimization seminars.
The DAL has attracted a variety of guests from area teens editing skateboarding films, to local fishermen creating video advertisements to be aired on local television. Everyone from Senior Citizens to young children can be found uploading music to their ipods using Apple's itunes, and both adults and children enjoy taking, editing, and uploading photographs from embedded webcams in each DAL computer.
Along with the endless software and digital art capabilities the DAL houses the equipment for the U Name It Teen Lounge which sits outside its glass doors. Featuring both a Nintendo Wii Xbox360Elite, the library features a variety of games daily, and hosts in house tournaments in partnership with the local gameshop, Gamecrazy. Recognizing the differences in skills level and taste, each tournament offers prizes and tips for all participants regardless of their abilities. Rockband and Guitar Hero tournaments bring together young adults as teams, and the physical demands of Wii sports get teens from across the community up and moving to the library.
For more information on the Salinas Public Library's Digital Arts Lab you can visit their online blog at www.digitalartslab.blogspot.com. Along with information regarding scheduling and programming you can also view online tutorials developed and created by Salinas Public Library Staff and volunteers. See also www.salinaspubliclibrary.org
Submitted to California Libraries by:
Carissa Purnell
Salinas Public Library
The Salinas Public Library is an Institutional Member of CLA and directly supports our advocacy programs. Click here for more information on Institutional Membership.
Posted by claadmin at 8:36 AM
January 11, 2010
A Letter from the President
Dear CLA Members,
The "Navigating the New" theme for CLA continues as we embark on this new year and new decade. As you may have heard, our CLA Executive Director, Michael Reyna, was offered a position with the State of California one week and a half after joining the CLA Staff in December. The offer the State provided Mike was too good to turn down and his experience and expertise should prove invaluable to the State in this tough economic climate. The Board and I very much appreciate Mike's efforts towards CLA's transformation in his brief tenure, and we wish him all the best.
Over the holiday weeks I worked with Steve Hamilton, Director of CLA's new management firm, ARC, to identify additional candidates and with CLA Past President Barbara Roberts and Treasurer Jackie Griffin to review candidates. This past Friday we made our selection and have offered the position to an energetic, enthusiastic and skilled new Executive Director, Holly Macriss, who has accepted the position effective February 1. Please look for her introduction in early February!
Holly has the experience and skill set we were looking for to move CLA forward in these exciting and challenging times. She had worked with regional, state and multi-state medical, mortgage broker and small business associations. In the past year, alone, with her previous association, Holly strengthened the membership program, facilitated a long-range plan, website and e-communication redesign, managed all aspects of a regional conference, oversaw advocacy efforts, led a re-branding and marketing effort, provided board leadership and development training and supervised a staff of five.
I am very pleased that Holly will soon be working with the CLA Board, staff, volunteers and membership as we complete CLA infrastructure implementation, move our 2010 Conference planning into high gear, initiate strategic planning, reach out to all library-serving organizations in California, and focus on working with you - our members and supporters, new and long-term - to improve and strengthen CLA's value and services to California's library communities.
In the meantime, should you have any questions concerning CLA, please do not hesitate to contact me or the CLA office.
May the new year be filled with hope and health for all.
Kim Bui-Burton
Director, Monterey Public Library
2009-2010 CLA President
Posted by claadmin at 9:23 AM
Earthquake Causes Minor Damage to Eureka Public Library
As many of you may have heard, on Saturday, January 9th, there was a magnitude 6.5 earthquake in Northern California near Eureka. As such, there has been concern about possible damages to the Eureka Public Library. Humboldt County Library Director Victor Zazueta, present at the Eureka branch during the actual quake itself, was kind enough to provide an update this morning.
First, Mr. Zazueta noted that the earthquake hit at 4:30 pm, 30 minutes after the library had closed to the public. Once all staff were evacuated and sent home, Victor and remaining staff inspected the building for damages and luckily, no structural damage was found.
However, an inspection of the roof found that some roof tiles had been broken off and "one of the air compressors that manages our pneumatic systems was knocked off of its springs by the earthquake and had broken a 1/4 inch copper line." Additionally, Circulation Services Manager Ronda Wittenberg discovered a water leak in the Aquisitions and Technical Services area on the second floor, where "about 30 gallons on hot water" covered the carpet. Also, a light covering in the foyer of the Main library fell about 30 feet, shattering on the floor. And finally - as can be guessed by a quake of such magnitude - many books were knocked off their shelves.
With these damages, the Eureka Public Library will be closed Tuesday, January 12th and tentatively Wednesday, January 13th for repairs. As of now, there are no updates from other Humboldt County branch libraries (Fortuna, Ferndale, Rio Dell, and Arcata) regarding damages to their respective branches.
Posted by claadmin at 8:50 AM