What: First California Library Association Program in Second Life: a panel with Q & A. A Free Session
When: Thursday, May 22, 2008, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. SLT (PST) Come in-world at 5:30 p.m. to test your SL voice tool.
Where: Coliseum, Talis Cybrary Island, Second Life
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Talis%20Cybrary%20Island/190/137/23/
Speakers:
Dr. David V. Loertscher, Professor, School of Library and information Science, San Jose State University
Robin T. Williams, Graduate Student, School of Library and Information Science, San Jose State University
Moderator, Rebecca Feind, Information Literacy Coordinator, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, San Jose State University
Description:
So you have conducted library orientation for many years. You have taught a one credit class for freshmen in information literacy. You have responded when professors wanted you to teach reference or database tools to their classes. These traditional approaches to information literacy are now eclipsed by users who just ignore the library and Google it. What is the result? How much of what we teach to our users actually ends up in their research papers? Does the use of library resources actually increase the amount learned? Does it help students be more efficient? Such questions require us to think and rethink our role as librarians in the information game and explore ways of actually making a difference in teaching and learning. Robin and Dave will explore ideas of turning the teaching of information literacy from a Microsoft model of doing business into a more Google-like approach where the idea is not: if we build it they will come; to: If they build it, they will use it. It requires all of us to consider carefully the mirror image of our traditional approaches; a shift in thinking; but, one that is central to the role of what an information professional is in an information-rich and technology-rich world.
Need Help? Go to Secondlife.com to get an avatar prior to the program. If you would like orientation with the Second Life program, contact Sandra Vella at savella@lib.ucdavis.edu or IM her avatar Agnesa Capalini in Second Life.
Biographies:
Dr. David V. Loertscher is Professor in the School of Library and Information Science, San Jose State University. He has a Ph.D.(Library Science) from Indiana University, a M.L. (Librarianship), University of Washington and a B.S. (History) from the University of Utah. He has been a school library media specialist in Nevada and Idaho at both the elementary and secondary school levels and is the author of many books and articles. For his CV see http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/people/faculty/loertscherd/loertscherd.php
Robin T. Williams taught high School and elementary school for 13 years in California and Moscow, Russia. She is currently in her last semester as a graduate student at San Jose State University in the School of Library and Information Science MLIS program with an emphasis in School Librarianship. She has been a technology consultant and leader since 1984. This year she presented for ISTE twice in Second Life (SL), was a project manager and builder for Knowville 3D and was a builder and leader on the San Jose State University's School of Library and Information Science Virtual Campus. Robin has been a virtual world resident and leader since 1997 and currently is an Intern with Sun Microsystems in Second Life. She is Greylin Fairweather in SL and recently co-authored a book with Dr. Loertscher entitled, In Command!
Kids and Teens Build Their Own Information Spaces and Learn to Manage Themselves in Those Spaces. She and Dr. Loertscher presented the concepts in the book at Treasure Mountain Retreat, and at the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) annual conference.
Rebecca Feind in RL, Owynne Writer in SL, has been practicing various forms of reference in the humanities and social sciences for 15 years. She has a B.A. from DePaul University and an MLS from the University of Missouri. Her approach to library instruction is inspired by Carol Collier Kuhlthau's theory of engaging uncertainty during the information search process.
Program Sponsors: This program was developed by the CLA Mentoring Committee in collaboration with the CLA Special Project Using Second Life.
The loans, secured by the lottery, from Wall Street (to be paid off over 32 years), would be placed in a new "rainy day fund" known as the Revenue Stabilization Fund (RSF). "Moneys in the RSF will only be available for transfers to the General Fund to bring revenues up to the long-term average (e.g. 10 year average) in years with below-average revenue growth, such as 2008-09. The Governor's May Revision proposes to capitalize the RSF in 2008-09 and provide $5.1 billion to the General Fund." (May Revision document)
Reporters asked the Governor, "Isn't this a gimmick?" The Governor responded, "The lottery is a terrific idea. We need to make it perform at a 100 percent level. There are billions of dollars there and I think people will approve (on the November ballot) as the money goes to education and other programs." Mike Genest, the Director of the Department of Finance, who subsequently answered reporters' questions, stated that "mass marketing the lottery would yield better performance." He also emphasized that the lottery proposal and the Governor's "Budget reform" were clearly tied together, "unless we can find $5.1 billion some place else."
Lastly, the Governor notes that he had to make "some very difficult cuts in Health and Human Services" because "it is the second largest part of the Budget." The Governor's "May Revise" makes controversial cuts in programs such as in-home supportive services, which will likely be rejected by Democratic legislators.
Fortunately, programs in the California State Library - such as the Public Library Foundation (PLF), Transaction Based Reimbursement (TBR) and literacy programs, have been saved from additional proposed cuts in the May Revise. You may recall that in the Governor's January version of the Budget, he recommends a ten percent across-the-board cut to the TBR and PLF. The Budget subcommittees in both the Assembly and Senate have been working for the last few weeks to review the Governor's January proposals (and have thus far tabled the PLF and TBR issues until post-May Revise), and will now begin meeting in earnest next week to address the Governor's revised plan. The work of the subcommittees will wrap up by the end of May, and, as is custom, the six member Budget Conference Committee will convene shortly thereafter.
We will keep CLA members apprised as to developments with the State Budget as they occur.
Submitted by Mike Dillon and Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyists
What a great opportunity to think about libraries nearly 100% of the very very full days (most went from 8 am - 9:30 pm), while mentoring and learning from those who were attending. It made me realize how important and rejuvenating networking, learning, and stretching yourself professionally can be. If at all possible, plan to attend the CLA Conference in November, but also ALA in Anaheim this June. The days that I spent were exhausting, but I came home exhilarated and ready to express my vision to my staff, supervisors, supporters, and elected officials.
]]> Recently, I was contacted by Xima Avalos, the ALA GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered) Roundtable's liaison to the state of California. To help out, I want to highlight programs at ALA that might interest all of you, so here is the information sent to me. Look for these interesting programs in Anaheim this June.(On a personal note, this is one very active, fun, roundtable! I have attended awards receptions, socials, and once spent a fantastic evening of bowling in Boston. I didn't win for my bowling - I was beaten by one pin - but I did win for my ability to bowl while enjoying the libations. The trophy is proudly displayed in my office. Who doesn't love a group like that?)
GLBT Roundtable Acitivity:
REFORMA President's Program
Saturday, June 28 at 1:30-3:30pm
It's focused on Latino GLBT collections. Panelist include: Adan Griego, Tatiana de la Tierra, and Jamie Naidoo.
ALA Annual Programs
Sunday, June 29 (Track: Issues and Updates)
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.: Coming Out at Work: 20 Years Later
Monday, June 30 (Non-track; ALA will not track programs if a specific location is requested)
10:30 a.m. - noon: Stonewall Book Awards Brunch
Monday, June 30 (Track: Author, Literature & Cultural Programming, Subtrack - Cultural Diversity)
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.: GLBT Graphic Novels and Comics
They also have a diverse Web 2.0 presence, which you can find on their page linked to above. Their Rainbow List is a recommended list of books dealing Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trangendered and Questioning issues and situations for children upto age 18, now taking recommendations on their MySpace page.
Last, they always welcome new members! For more questions or more information, please contact:
Xima Avalos
Media and Digital Assets Librarian
California College of the Arts
1111 8th Street
San Francisco CA 94107
xavalos@cca.edu
415.551.9252
I'm off to National Library Legislative Days in Washington DC next week. As you know, if you can't go, there is a virtual way to participate. Take a look and see if you can participate. We always need your voice!
]]>"School Libraries in Crisis: Why Everyone Should Care", will take place on Friday, June 27th from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Grand Ballroom E/F at the Hyatt Regency Orange County (registration begins at 8:30 a.m.) during the 2008 Annual Conference in Anaheim, California.
Attendees will learn how the crisis in school libraries can affect libraries of all types, and how to leverage this crisis into their own advocacy campaigns.
Online advance registration to the program is available at the discounted rate of $50 through May 16, 2008. Onsite registration will be $75 at the door, with both prices including a box lunch. Registration to ALA's Annual Conference is not required. To register, please visit www.ala.org/annual.
Also available is the "I Love Libraries" Advocate's Package, which includes registration for the Advocacy Institute, "Exhibits Supreme" badge for Annual Conference, and an ilovelibraries.org Advocacy Membership, for $100 (a $120 value). To learn more, visit www.ala.org/advocacyinstitute.
The Advocacy Institute in Anaheim, California, is co-sponsored by the California Library Association (CLA), the California School Library Association (CSLA), and the American Association of School Librarians. It is coordinated by the Office for Library Advocacy (OLA), the OLA Advocacy Committee, the Advocacy Institute Task Force and the Library Advocacy Now! Training Subcommittee, in cooperation with the ALA Public Information Office (PIO), the Association for Library Trustees and Advocates (ALTA), the Chapter Relations Committee, the Washington Office's Committee on Legislation, and Friends of Libraries USA (FOLUSA).
FROM: Mike Dillon, CLA Lobbyist and Christina Dillon, CLA Lobbyist
RE: NEWS FROM THE CAPITOL
Several weeks ago the Senate Education Committee took testimony on SB 1516 by Senator Joe Simitian. The measure, which is sponsored by CLA, seeks to place a $4 billion library construction and renovation bond measure on the November 2010 ballot. Offering support of the measure in committee was CLA, highlighted by the testimony of CLA's Legislative Chair, Melinda Cervantes (Santa Clara County Library Director). Also joining in support of the bill was the California Special Districts Association, the California Federation of Teachers, the California School Library Association, and various cities and counties, including Burbank, Sonoma, Merced, and San Jose.
Chairman, Senator Jack Scott, indicated that he was "saddened" that the 2006 bond on the June ballot did not pass, and noted that he hoped there would be a more positive future outlook for library bonds. He acknowledged that SB 1516 would have to be sent to the Senate Education Committee "suspense file" due to its significant cost. You may recall that the fiscal committees in each house - the Assembly Appropriations Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee, for many years, have implemented a so-called "suspense file." Bills costing more than $150,000 are traditionally sent to the "suspense file," which allows the leadership and the committee Chair and Vice Chair to prioritize which bills should go forward given the state's finances. In recent years, the Senate Education Committee, and the Revenue and Taxation Committees have also implemented their own version of the "suspense file."
Last Thursday, the Senate Education Committee took up all of the items on their "suspense file" and voted, on a strong bi-partisan vote of 8 "ayes" to 1 "no" to pass the bill out of committee. Voting in support of the measure were Democrat Senators: Jack Scott, Elaine Alquist, Alex Padilla, Gloria Romero, Joe Simitian, and Tom Torlakson. Republican Senators voting in support were: Jeff Denham and Abel Maldonado. Voting against the bond was Vice Chair, Senator Mark Wyland. Thanks to all of you who wrote letters to the committee, as well as visited with these legislators on CLA Legislative Day!
SB 1516 is now scheduled to be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday, April 28. Due to the substantial costs involved with any bond measure, it is assumed that SB 1516 will be sent to the Senate Appropriations "suspense file." The measure would then sit on the "suspense file" until late May, when leadership and the committee Chair and Vice Chair prioritize these measures and send them to the Senate Floor for a vote, or hold them in committee. Please take a moment to write the members of the Senate Appropriations Committee (you will have until mid-May to send your letters), and encourage their support of SB 1516-Simitian.
Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee
Senator Tom Torlakson, Chair
Senator Dave Cox, Vice Chair
Senator Sam Aanestad
Senator Roy Ashburn
Senator Gil Cedillo
Senator Ellen Corbett
Senator Bob Dutton
Senator Dean Florez
Senator Sheila Kuehl
Senator Jenny Oropeza
Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas
Senator George Runner
Senator Joe Simitian (author)
Senator Darrell Steinberg
Senator Mark Wyland
Senator Leland Yee
Sample address:
The Honorable Tom Torlakson
Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
To go directly to the HTML version of Spring 2008 CSL Connection, please visit: http://www.library.ca.gov/newsletter/2008/2008Spring/.
To go directly to the PDF version of Spring 2008 CSL Connection, please visit: http://www.library.ca.gov/newsletter/2008/2008Spring/CSL0408.pdf.
Sarah Dalton
Editor
CSL Connection
California State Library
914 Capitol Mall, Ste. 211
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 654-1483
www.library.ca.gov
sdalton@library.ca.gov
One of the big issues was the discussion about the reorganization proposal. After the membership at large had commented on the proposal, I had asked committee chairs and section leaders to initiate discussions about reorganization and how it might affect their groups. After much discussion, taking into consideration all of the comments from both members and the volunteers groups, the Assembly voted to send the reorganization proposal (with a few tweaks based on the comments received) to the Executive Committee. In essence, the Assembly agreed that the reorganization proposal was a good idea and should go to the membership for a vote.
At the Executive Committee meeting, the vote actually took less discussion because all of the members had been present at the Assembly discussion. The Executive Committee also voted to send the proposal to the membership for a vote. This was a somewhat ironic twist because among many members there is the idea that the Assembly is a "rubber stamp" for the Executive Committee. In this case, it was the Assembly who approved this to move the item along to you for a vote.
Now what? When the normal balloting takes place this summer, a major Bylaws overhaul will be included to reflect the reorganization proposal. I want to thank Cindy Mediavilla, the chair of the Organization & Bylaws Committee, and her committee, for their work on a Bylaws revision. They have a little more work to do, to incorporate the ideas that came from all of you who submitted your thoughts, but I'm very happy that they've been busy working on this task. They have done a great job. Thanks to them!
Information will be made available to you about the tweaks. They are primarily small changes, but I think significant ones, which will help create a flexible organization that will be able to make decisions, take action, and change more easily in response to the membership's needs. I have offered to come to CSLA meetings or other library-related meetings around the state to present the information, so if you are interested, please e-mail me. I will be happy to arrange to come visit you and talk about the reorganization.
Legislative Day began, as always, with a presentation by the CLA and CSLA lobbyists about the different issues and messages that were important to mention to the legislators. Even if you weren't able to attend, please be sure to take a look at the position papers and information, which may be helpful to you at home. Then, it was off to meet with representatives from our districts. School librarians, board and commission members, friends and foundation members, and other library supporters, including students, were among the many groups vying for time, attention, and money. I always enjoy the energy level at the Capitol! While the outlook for the budget this year is, let's face it, grim, I did appreciate the fact that libraries are viewed so positively. Maybe now is the time for us to strategize about ways to give libraries more clout with our representatives. I know that the Legislative Committee works hard with Mike and Christina Dillon, our lobbyists, to plan our message and our strategy each year. I thank them for it! But perhaps we are not collectively contributing to the effort in the same way that teachers, nurses, prison guards, or other groups do. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts and ideas for giving the library message to the legislature a bit more bite. Post here or e-mail me.
If you weren't able to participate in Legislative Day this year, make plans for next year! Or, plan to participate in the next Legislative Days in the District. It's important for us all.
]]>The John and Patricia Beatty Award, established in 1987 by Patricia Beatty, has been given annually since 1989. Since 1999, BWI Books has co-sponsored the award with the California Library Association. The winning author receives an engraved plaque, along with a prize of $500, which is presented at the annual CLA Conference's Beatty Award Breakfast. The 2008 Beatty Award Committee consists of: Danita Eastman of County of Los Angeles Public Library, Kristen Murray of Fairfield Cordelia Library, chair Jeanne Kelly O'Grady of Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Patricia Sullivan of Irwindale Public Library, and Maida Wong of South Pasadena Public Library.
On behalf of the students, staff and faculty in the School of Library and Information Science at San Jose State University, we would like to say "Thank you." We appreciate your support of the Library and Information Science Scholarship Program at San Jose State University.
Rhonda Dahlgren
Recruitment & Events Coordinator
I want to point out that information from the Public Library Association Conference held recently in Minneapolis is available on their website. I encourage you to visit the site to see the handouts and other program attachments. As you may have heard, the weather held out and was sunny and relatively warm. By Opening Day, it was expected that there would be about 8" of snow.
On a more personal note, as of April 1, I am no longer in charge of Recreation (no foolin'!). While I have enjoyed the last three years, and have learned a lot about the professional field of recreation, my City's goal of building a new library is something that requires full-time attention. It's a completely unfunded goal, but a goal nonetheless. TAnd recreation deserves full-time attention, too. I'm happy to have more time to devote to library-related activities, especially CLA, and work, but I'm equally proud of some of the collaborative programs we've been able to start with the two departments working together.
]]>The quickest way to register is online at www.regonline.com/LibraryLegislativeDay. This is your only option if paying by American Express or Discover Card. If paying by check, please use the form on our website at http://cla-net.org/included/docs/LegDay_Registration.pdf.
After you have registered, you also need to sign up for meetings with your legislators at http://www.legiday.net. To log in, please use "member" as both your account name and password.
]]>Registration is easy, simply go to the CLA Registration webpage to receive the discount.
The CLA discount price is $45 for one day and $65 for three days. For more information, contact Reka Rubin, rprubin@verizon.net, PH: 203-840-5896.
]]>Library Legislative Day in Sacramento will be held on Wednesday, April 16th, 2008 and our network of Legislative Contacts is busy making appointments with legislators to discuss topics of interest to the library community. The 2008 CLA Legislative priorities are:
Sponsored by the California Library Association (CLA), the California School Library Association (CSLA), and the California Association of Library Trustees and Commissioners (CALTAC), Library Legislative Day is an opportunity for library staff and supporters to meet with your state Legislators and/or their staffs in their Capitol offices.
We will brief Legislators on issues affecting public and school libraries, tell them how libraries are making a difference in the lives of their constituents, and learn more about the current situation in Sacramento.
Registration for Library Legislative Day is a 2-step process.
1. Register with CLA at www.cla-net.org.
A small registration fee will help offset the costs of this event. An important briefing will being promptly at 8:30 AM - please make travel arrangements to ensure you are there on time. You will need to make your own arrangements for accommodations if required.
2. Go to http://www.legiday.net/.
This website will provide appointment dates and times and allow you to add your name to the appointment list for specific legislators.
At the www.legiday.net login screen, enter:
Account name: member
Password: member
After you hit enter you will be taken to a new screen. Click on "legiday" to enter the database. This will take you to the Home Page for the Legislative Day 2008.
Click on "Legislators". This will take you to a listing of all legislators in the database. Legislators are listed in district order by default. By clicking the headers of the columns you can sort the list by individual field. Also note there are other navigation tools in the header of list of legislators, e.g. alphabetical shortcuts and links to individual legislative houses.
For each legislator, click on either "View" or "Sign Up" to the left of the legislator's name to bring up a screen with the legislator's appointment information. You will then be prompted to enter your name and contact information.
The website will be updated as appointments are made. If no appointment has yet been made with your legislator(s), keep checking! The Legislative Contacts are setting up appointments as quickly as possible, but it can be a slow process.
Registration details:
NOTE: If you are a member of CLA, CSLA, or CALTAC, the database should automatically retrieve the contact information on record for you. If the database brings up a list of names and you are not on that list, you may register your name and email address by following the instructions at the top of the screen.
IMPORTANT #1: Always click on-screen buttons to post information. Simply hitting the Return or Enter key on your keyboard may not work.
IMPORTANT #2: Always click the /Log out/ link when you are finished. If you leave the screen idle for more than 5 minutes, you will be automatically logged out. The database can accommodate only 100 simultaneous users.
IMPORTANT #3: It can take some time for the Legislative Contact to set up the appointment. If the database does not yet list an appointment date and time with your Legislator please keep checking.
IMPORTANT #4: Please sign up for appointments by Friday, April 11 to ensure your name can be included in the printed schedule of appointments that is distributed on Legislative Day.
As you plan your participation in Library Legislative Day, here are some things to keep in mind:
Fact sheets are posted online at http://www.cla-net.org/legislation/legday.php. Prior to traveling to Sacramento, you are encouraged to check the CLA website under the heading of Legislation/Advocacy to help you prepare for your meetings with legislators.
CLA has posted information on funding received by each Legislative District for Public Library Foundation (PLF), Transaction Based Reimbursements (TBR) and Literacy Programs at www.cla-net.org/legislation/legday.php.
You may wish to bring brief handout materials (such as a brochure or newsletter highlighting the services provided by your library) that can be left behind for future reference.
Trustees, Commissioners, Board members, Friends, parents, students or other supporters are invited to attend. Please ensure that the names and affiliations of all representatives of your library are registered on the appointment website so that the contact person can let the legislator know who will be attending the meeting.
In partnership with the American Library Association, CLA has acquired Capwiz, a networking tool to keep subscribers apprised of legislative changes. If you are a member of CLA, information will automatically be sent to you. If you are not a CLA member and would like to subscribe, visit http://capwiz.com/ala/ca/mlm/signup/ to sign up.
See you in Sacramento!
Diane Smikahl
Library Legislative Day Coordinator 2008