CLA Weblog Submissions
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People in the News
May 27, 2010
National Nomination for CLA Member
California Library Association (CLA) member Mary Minow has been nominated by President Barack Obama to the National Museum and Library Services Board (NMLSB). Minow, an attorney, consultant and a former librarian and library trustee, specializes in copyright, privacy and free speech. The nomination requires Senate confirmation.
The NMLSB, http://www.imls.gov/about/board.shtm, is an advisory body that includes the director and deputy directors of IMLS and twenty presidentially appointed and Senate-confirmed members of the general public who have demonstrated expertise in, or commitment to, library or museum services. Informed by its collectively vast experience and knowledge, the NMLSB advises the IMLS director on general policy and practices, and on selections for the National Medals for Museum and Library Service.
"I congratulate Mary on her nomination to the IMLS Board by President Obama," said Kim Bui-Burton, CLA President and Director of the Monterey Public Library. "Mary Minow is an outstanding advocate and information resource for libraries in California, throughout the country and the world. She has contributed her wonderfully 'dangerous mix of thoughts and information' to the CLA community for many years now, and we are all the better for her thinking and support."
Among her many accomplishments are currently serving as Chair of the CLA Intellectual Freedom Committee, teaching digital copyright at San Jose State School of Library Science and at Simmons Graduate School of Library and Information Science, editing the Stanford Copyright & Fair Use site (http://fairuse.stanford.edu), and serving as past President of the California Association of Library Trustees and Commissioners.
Minow was the first recipient of the California Library Association's Zoia Horn Intellectual Freedom Award, given in 2004 and she coauthor with Tomas Lipinski of The Library's Legal Answer Book (ALA Editions: 2003).
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
- Official Press Release (PDF)
Posted by claadmin at 11:17 AM
May 14, 2010
A 'Barbarian Librarian'
California librarians are a diverse and multi-talented group of people, in their personal as well as professional lives, as a recent Monterey County Weekly article shows.
CLA invites members to share stories of your "off-desk" interests, hobbies and adventures - activities that help keep a healthy work-life balance, provide stress relief, or add skills to your professional toolkit.
Please note, by sharing your information, you give CLA permission to reprint your comments and photos in CLA publications and post on our various social media venues. On behalf of the library community, we look forward to hearing from you soon!
Submitted by:
Holly Macriss
CLA Executive Director
Article from Monterey County Weekly:
A 'Barbarian Librarian'
Monterey bookkeeper joins the rollicking (and growing) local roller derby circuit
By Nic Coury/Monterey County Weekly
Like all librarians, Kim Smith hits the books. Unlike other bookworms, she hits other things too. Like other women. While flying around on roller skates.
"The power of being able to knock someone over appealed to me," she says about her passion for roller derby. "It is empowering for women."
Smith has worked at Monterey Public Library for the four years and skated with the Harbor Hellcats in Santa Cruz for 12 months. As one of four blockers on the rink at a time, she shoves the other team out of the way so her "jammer" can squeeze through and score a point. As she does, the standard sold-out crowd of around 1,200 stands ups and celebrates.
"It is overwhelming," Smith says. "There are so many people cheering."
Three years ago, she saw the San Francisco Derby Girls - and that Santa Cruz Derby Girls were holding tryouts.
"All the girls seemed so cool and I thought, 'Can I really hang out with them?' Smith says with a laugh. "I hadn't really skated since pre-school, but still wanted to go for it."
A long first practice immediately tested her mettle.
"I was ready to cry, but the girls were really supportive," she says. "Everyone remembers the first time, so the team's compassionate to new skaters."
Posted by claadmin at 4:11 PM
May 3, 2010
CLA Welcomes Dr. Sandra Hirsh as new SJSU SLIS Director
The California Library Association welcomes Dr. Sandra Hirsh as the new Director of the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) at San José State University! Dr. Hirsh's many accomplishments in the field of library and information science for academia, the private emerging technologies sector, the American Library Association and international associations and California communities make her an ideal leader for SJSU LIS in the second decade of the 21st century - and beyond.
As a second generation librarian, CLA would like to recognize Dr. Hirsh's connection to one of CLA's most important awards - the Reference Service Press Fellowship - generously funded by Reference Service Press, which provides an annual fellowship to one selected college senior, college graduate or beginning library school student to prepare for a career in reference/information service librarianship.
We thank Dr. Ken Haycock for his years of dedicated service and devotion to SJSU LIS, advancing librarianship in California and throughout the world, and wish him much happiness this summer returning to his home in Canada.
Congratulations to Dr. Hirsh - and to the SJSU MLIS students, faculty and staff for having such a knowledgeable advocate as their new Director. Together, the work you accomplish will continue to benefit California's libraries and communities for the future.
Kim Bui-Burton
Director, Monterey Public Library
CLA 2009-2010 President
SJSU Press Release:
San José School of Library and Information Science Appoints New Director
Dr. Sandra Hirsh, an experienced LIS scholar and leader, has been named as the new director of the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) at San José State University.
Hirsh will bring a blend of academic and professional achievements to her new role with the School, including experience as a faculty member at several academic institutions, as a librarian in academic and special libraries, and more than a decade in leadership positions with two of Silicon Valley's leading global companies. She is a recognized advocate for library services, has an extensive record of research in the field, and has been actively involved in leadership roles with professional associations.
Hirsh's connection with the School dates back to 1991, when she taught a graduate course in reference services. For the last nine years, she has been a member of the School's International Advisory Council.
In addition to her work with San José SLIS, Hirsh's academic experience includes serving as an Assistant Professor for the School of Information Resources and Library Science at the University of Arizona from 1995 to 1998, where she taught both classroom-based and online courses, advised graduate and doctoral students, and consulted for the Arizona Department of Library, Archives and Public Records. Hirsh has also served as an adjunct faculty member for the Information School at the University of Washington.
For the last decade, Hirsh has worked for Microsoft and Hewlett Packard (HP) - two leading global companies. As a Senior User Experience Manager at Microsoft's Silicon Valley Campus in California, she led a team of designers and researchers focused on product development related to user experiences with emerging technology. Her projects included explorations of how to more effectively deliver information services in a mobile environment, how to organize information on web-based portals to meet user needs, and how to address the information needs of a diverse global audience. Through her accomplishments at Microsoft, she is a recognized leader in innovation and creative thinking, who understands how to leverage emerging technology to meet user's information-seeking needs.
Hirsh also directed the Information Research Program at HP Labs, where she influenced the company's future research directions and investigated how HP researchers use information and integrate it into their work. She was instrumental in implementing new programs to meet the research needs of HP engineers and scientists and create new tools to facilitate knowledge sharing across HP's international community. Additionally, she managed a company-wide project to sponsor the UCLA Surveying the Digital Future Project over a three-year period by building a data repository, facilitating data usage by business units, and influencing data collection processes.
As a LIS scholar with a strong commitment to research, Hirsh's research has focused on information - seeking behavior and understanding the information needs of a broad spectrum of users, from children, to historians, to engineers - both in the United States and around the world. Her accomplishments are reflected in an ongoing publication record in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, multiple awards, invited conference presentations, receipt of a highly competitive National Science Foundation grant, and five U.S. patents for her innovative design concepts for consumer web products.
Hirsh's leadership roles in the LIS community include serving on committees for the American Society for Information Science & Technology (ASIST) and the American Library Association (ALA). She chaired ALA's Publications Committee for the Reference Users and Services Association, served on the ALA New Members Round Table, and serves as an advisor for ALA Editions, which publishes resources for LIS professionals. Hirsh has been a conference presenter and organizer for numerous professional associations, including ASIST, the Special Libraries Association, and the Association of Library and Information Science Education (ALISE).
Hirsh is a second generation librarian whose library experience dates back more than 25 years, when she worked as a library assistant in an academic library. Later, she worked as a librarian in academic and special libraries, including a law library and a corporate library. More recently, she chaired the Palo Alto (California) Library Advisory Commission, which created a long-range library plan for the city that resulted in a voter-approved bond measure for improved libraries in Palo Alto, even in the midst of difficult economic times.
Hirsh holds a Ph.D. in Library and Information Science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and a Master of Information and Library Science (MILS) from the University of Michigan.
Hirsh's appointment with the School will begin in August 2010. Current SLIS Director Ken Haycock will be retiring from San Jose at the end of this academic year, although he will continue working with other academic units on strategic planning and supervising doctoral students in the San José Gateway Ph.D. Program.
Press Release Submitted by:
Lisa Valdez
Grant and Communications Coordinator
School of Library and Information Science
San Jose State University
Posted by claadmin at 7:50 AM
April 22, 2010
In Memory of David Sabsay
As one of California's great library visionaries of the 20th century, David Sabsay pioneered cooperative activities among libraries, library systems and throughout the profession.
Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Sabsay was chief founder and first coordinator of the first cooperative library system in the Western United States (North Bay). David also worked actively through CLA to help enact the first California legislation that provided State funds for cooperative library systems as well as individual public libraries. As president of the California Library Association in 1971, he oversaw a major reorganization that helped strengthen the association.
Mr. Sabsay shaped collaborative library services to California communities during the past sixty years and we are grateful for his efforts and many successes. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this sad time.
Submitted to California Libraries by:
Kim Bui-Burton
Director, Monterey Public Library
CLA 2009-2010 President
The Monterey Public Library is an Institutional Member of CLA and supports our advocacy programs. Click here for more information on Institutional Membership.
Posted by claadmin at 9:56 AM
March 26, 2010
CLA Honors Karen Bosch Cobb
The California Library Association honors Karen Bosch Cobb for her 37 plus years of contributions to CLA and the California library community.
In addition to helping improve and expand library services in Fresno County, Ms. Bosch Cobb has been a exemplary member and volunteer of the California Library Association. As a CLA member, Karen has lent her expertise while serving in multiple volunteer capacities for CLA, including:
- Vice-Chair, Forum and Government Relations Committee, 1976
- Chair, Legislative Committee, 1995-1996
- Member, California Library Association Executive Committee and Assembly, 1999 -2003
- Treasurer, California Library Association, 2001-2003
- Member, Fund Development Committee, 2003-2006
- Member of the Year 2005
Furthermore, Ms. Bosch Cobb is a former President of the Public Library Section; ex-Chair of the Development and Standards Committee; and prior Chair of the Mentor/Protégé Committee.
On behalf of the members, volunteers, and staff of the California Library Association, please join us in thanking Karen Bosch Cobb for her years of service and wish her a happy retirement.
Are you interested in volunteering for CLA? If so, please visit our Volunteer Information Page.
COUNTY LIBRARIAN ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
Fresno County's library director, Karen Bosch Cobb, has announced her retirement after decades of public service to Valley patrons. Since March 2003 Bosch Cobb has served as both interim County Librarian and County Librarian. She will retire on April 2.
During her time as the head of Fresno County's 35-branch library system, Bosch Cobb continued implementation of the Measure B service plan which was first launched under the leadership of her predecessor, John Kallenberg. Measure B, a one-eighth cent sales tax, provides major revenue for additional library hours, services and materials. The measure has generated more than $125-million since it was passed by voters in 1998. The goals of Measure B and a Master Facilities Plan continue to serve as a road map to service decisions.
"The passage of Measure B was the most significant event of my career," Bosch Cobb noted. "It transformed our library from one of the poorest per capita funded libraries in the State to one with funds to improve hours, collections, literacy and other vital services. Measure B gave us the means to set about making our organization into a 21st century library."
The greatest challenge now facing the Library is renewal of Measure B prior to its expiration on March 31, 2013. The next County Librarian will be tasked with continuing to maintain the promises of Measure B while preparing the documents and the community for its renewal in June or November 2012.
Bosch Cobb is also proud of the many facilities improvements accomplished in recent years. Prior to Measure B she worked on new libraries for Easton, San Joaquin, Parlier and Squaw Valley. New libraries partially funded by Measure B include Caruthers, Fowler, Mendota, Kerman, Orange Cove, West Fresno, Woodward Park, a major renovation of Laton, and the conceptual design for a new Central Library as well as plans for a new library in Tranquillity. She also worked on numerous renovations and on moving libraries into new leased facilities. Though many buildings have been completed, many more projects remain as part of the Board of Supervisors approved Library Master Facilities Plan document. Except for the completion of a new library for Tranquillity, current Measure B funds are being used for library operations, in accordance with the direction of voters.
March 2010 marks a milestone for Fresno County libraries, which was a factor in Bosch Cobb's own decision to retire after 37 plus years of service. In conjunction with its centennial celebrations, the Friends of the Fresno County Library released A Century of Service: From Dewey Decimal to Digital, by William Secrest, Jr. The 128-page volume chronicles the creation of the Library, the expansion of its departments and branches, and its growth as a major cultural institution of California's San Joaquin Valley. A time capsule encased in a cornerstone of the downtown Central Library since 1959 was opened on March 12 to mark the end of the first century of County Library service and the beginning of the next one hundred years of service. The capsule will be reburied with new artifacts for a future reopening in the next half century.
"As a young librarian arriving in the Valley in 1972, I never imagined the many opportunities that I would have to serve Fresno County. I arrived with a passion for the transformative power of libraries and now look forward to carrying that passion into retirement as a library advocate," Bosch Cobb said. "As a volunteer citizen, I can do so much more to promote the passage of Measure B in a 2012 election, and I intend to be a volunteer for this cause as well as other causes important to me."
Bosch Cobb holds a Masters of Library Science from University of California, Berkeley. She held various leadership positions with the California Library Association and received the Member of the Year award in 2005. Her community activities include serving as a Board Member of the Fresno County Federal Credit Union, and Board member and Chair of the Fresno Coalition for Art, Science and History.
Recruitment for a new County Librarian opened earlier this month. Pat Pondexter, Associate County Librarian, will serve as Interim County Librarian during the recruitment process.
Press Release Submitted by:
Roberta Barton
Fresno County Public Library
The Fresno County Public Library is an Institutional Member of the California Library Association and supports our advocacy efforts. Click here for more information about Institutional Membership.
Posted by claadmin at 10:58 AM
March 24, 2010
CLA Congratulates Patty Wong
The California Library Association congratulates Patty Wong on receiving the 5th Senate District's 2009 Women of the Year. Ms. Wong was selected for her commitment to improving lives in her community by providing library access to the underserved in Yolo County. On behalf of CLA's membership, volunteers, and staff, congratulations to Patty on this well deserved award and thank you for your contributions to the California library community!
Wolk honors Yolo County Librarian as 5th Senate District's Woman of the Year
Yolo honoree committed to providing library access to underserved in community
SACRAMENTO - Senator Lois Wolk (D-Davis) honored Patty Wong of Yolo County and PJ Davis of Solano County as the 5th Senate District's 2009 Women of the Year today at a private ceremony at Wolk's District Office in Vacaville.
"These are strong, smart women who have profoundly affected this community," said Wolk, who honored the women's contributions as part of the Senate's celebration of Women's History Month. "I am proud to honor their ongoing service and dedication."
Every March, the State Senate celebrates Women's History Month by honoring women whose contributions improve lives in their communities - a tradition dating back to 1987.
Wong, Wolk's Yolo County honoree, is a 26-year veteran in the field of library services who has dedicated her life to improving library access.
"Libraries are the heart of a community. They are a community institution." Wong said. "I've made it my priority to build bridges and work with community leaders to ensure that everyone in our diverse community, especially the underserved have the opportunity to enjoy all that our libraries have to offer."
Wong has been instrumental in overseeing the construction and opening of two new libraries in Winters and West Sacramento - as well as major renovations at the Stephens Davis Branch Library - since being appointed Yolo County Librarian and Chief Archivist in 2008. Under her direction, close to $500,000 in grants have successfully enhanced library operations. In addition to her work with the county, Wong works as a part-time faculty member at both the School of Library and Information Science at San Jose State University and at the iSchool at Drexel University in Sacramento - and consults libraries on techniques for fundraising and working with local communities to improve access.
Wong also works in a variety of capacities with library groups including the California Library Association, Chinese American Librarians Association, and REFORMA - an association that promotes library services to Spanish-speaking Americans. She served as president of the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association in 1999, and is currently providing frontline advocacy for the value of librarians and library staff as co-chair of the American Library Association Presidential Initiative Planning Committee, under President Camila Alire.
PJ Davis, Wolk's Solano County recipient, left a successful career in banking to work in social services. She worked for 15 years with Dixon Family Services, and is currently the Executive Director of the Community Action Partnership of Solano, a nonprofit that provides administrative support, including grant writing and green certification, to other nonprofits in Solano County.
"Through our efforts, we strengthen agencies moving people out of poverty," said Davis, who has acquired almost $500,000 in federal stimulus funding for the group, started a career building program, and added additional staff to expand services. "We improve the sustainability of nonprofit and faith-based organizations in Solano County so they can successfully and creatively provide services to the county's homeless and low-income residents with dignity and honor."
Davis is also the owner and CEO of the consulting firm PJ Davis & Associates and provides courses in nonprofit startup and management and offers technical and administrative assistance. She is a certified national trainer and is called upon to support Community Action Agencies in other states.
Press Release Submitted by:
Melissa Jones
The Office of Senator Lois Wolk
California State Senator, 5th District
The Yolo County Library is an Institutional Member of CLA and supports our advocacy programs. Click here for more information on Institutional Membership.
Posted by claadmin at 9:29 AM
CLA Congratulates Susana Hinojosa
The California Library Association congratulates Susana Hinojosa, of Berkeley, California on being selected as the 2010 Arnulfo D. Trejo Librarians of the Year (LOTY). This award is giving annually by the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking, better known as REFORMA, and for only the second time in the awards history, the 2010 award is shared by two recipients. Ms. Hinojosa shares this award with Oralia Garza de Cortés, of Austin, Texas as both librarians advocate on behalf of the Spanish-speaking and Latino communities. On behalf of CLA's membership, volunteers, and staff, congratulations to Susana and Oralia on this well deserved award and thank you for your valuable contributions to the library community!
The Arnulfo D. Trejo Librarian of the Year (LOTY) Winners Announced
Oralia Garza de Cortés, of Austin, Texas and Susana Hinojosa, of Berkeley, California have been selected as the 2010 Arnulfo D. Trejo Librarians of the Year (LOTY). Janice Greenberg, Chair of the 2010 selection committee announced that these two distinguished librarians will share the award which is normally given to only one recipient. Greenberg stated that "The high caliber of the nominees made this unusual decision the only possible outcome." This is only the second time that the LOTY has been awarded concurrently to two librarians. REFORMA President Loida Garcia-Febo is very proud of the two award recipients, and thanks the LOTY selection committee for their excellent work. This award is made possible by the generous financial support of the Trejo Foster Foundation for Hispanic Library Education. The LOTY is named in honor of Dr. Arnulfo Trejo, the founder and first president of Reforma. The award is sponsored by the Trejo Foster Foundation for Hispanic Library Education.
Garza de Cortés holds a Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Texas at Austin. She is currently a literacy consultant, writer, and the Latino children's literacy advocate in her position as a Project Manager for California Déa. Garza de Cortés, whose career spans over thirty years, has also worked as a children's librarian for the San Antonio, Austin, and Houston public library systems.
Garza de Cortés served as the national president of REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking in 2000. One of her most important legacies was the establishment of the Children's Services Committee (CSC). The awardee served as CSC chair for nine years and remained an active member until 2004. Ms. Garza de Cortés is the co-founder of the Pura Belpré Award which is the premier children's literature award for Latino/Latina authors and illustrators. Her leadership made it possible for the Pura Belpré award to be offered annually. Garza de Cortés is also the author of numerous publications on children's services. Over the past 14 years she has advocated for El Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros, an annual national literacy event. Her sustained and continuous dedication over the years to children's literacy, Latino literature, cultural pluralism, and library services to children and Spanish-speaking people is recognized by this award.
Susana Hinojosa holds a Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of California at Berkeley. She is a recently retired government documents, social sciences, and outreach librarian at Berkeley's Doe Library where she was employed for over thirty-eight years. The awardee is also a past president of national REFORMA and has remained an active and dedicated member throughout her career. This year's winner is also known for her organizational skills as co-chair of the second REFORMA National Conference in 2000. In addition, Hinojosa has distinguished herself through her involvement with the Racial and Ethnic Diversity, and Intellectual Freedom Committees of the Academic, College and Research Libraries division of the American Library Association. The National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies and the California Library Association Minority Concerns Committee have also benefited from the awardees many years of involvement. Hinojosa also orchestrated key support and direction for the Joint Conference of Librarians of Color (JCLC) in 2006. As a union representative of University of California-AFT, Local 1474, Hinojosa worked to defend the rights and improve the working conditions of all system librarians. Hinojosa was a lecturer for many years at the University of California school of Library and Information Science where she inspired generations of librarians in her multicultural studies and outreach librarianship classes.
Her steadfast dedication to equity, fairness, teaching and mentorship and long term service to library and organizations focusing on Chicanos, Chicanas, Latinos and Latinas is recognized by this award.
Both recipients will be honored at the REFORMA Annual Banquet and Dance at the American Library Association Annual Conference in Washington D.C, June, 2010.
Press Release Submitted by:
Jessica Hernandez
REFORMA Public Relations
Posted by claadmin at 8:01 AM
March 17, 2010
Congratulations to California's 2010 Movers & Shakers
On behalf of the California Library Association, I'd like to congratulate Monique Delatte, Virginia Sanchez, and Bonnie Tijerina on their induction into Library Journal's list of 2010 Movers & Shakers.
According to Library Journal, Movers & Shakers recognizes "up-and-coming individuals from around the world who are innovative, creative, and making a difference."
We are grateful for each of the inductees' efforts in helping navigate California's libraries towards a brighter future. I encourage you to visit each of the inductee's page to learn more about the work they are doing in their respective communities.
This year's inductees join the 29 previous California Movers & Shakers inducted since 2002. Again, congratulations to this year's Movers & Shakers inductees!
Kim Bui-Burton
2009-2010 CLA President
Director, Monterey Public Library
Posted by claadmin at 8:57 AM
March 11, 2010
Mary Nacu Appointed Assistant Library Director
Role Oversees Day-to-Day Operations for Public Library Service at King Library and 18 Branches
SAN JOSÉ - Mary Nacu moves into San José Public Library's Assistant Library Director position permanently this month, following a six-month period acting in that capacity. Her appointment comes at the end of a national search, which concluded that Nacu is best qualified to oversee day-to-day operations for the growing system (currently eighteen branches, plus the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library) in a period of severe economic challenges.
Nacu brings to the role her knowledge and experience of the City of San José library system, starting with her 1987 appointment as a youth services librarian, which followed her receipt of a master's degree in library science from San José State University. She became a branch manager in 2001; then moved up in 2003 to the role of division manager with responsibility for staff development, training and innovation for the department along with oversight of nine branches.
Nacu's demonstrated leadership of the library's extensive innovation initiatives and projects over several years give her a framework in which to craft a leaner operation that still holds true to the customer service principles formulated under her guidance:
- Customers first
- Teach customers
- Reinvent environments
- Enable staff
Nacu resides in San José along with her husband and two of her three children.
About San José Public Library
San José Public Library system (SJPL) is the largest public library system between San Francisco and Los Angeles on the West Coast in California, serving a culturally diverse population of approximately 1,007,000 in the nation's 10th largest city. Recipient of the prestigious national Library of the Year award and a Four-Star LJ Index Rating, SJPL is recognized across the country for its innovation and leadership in the field and is one of the busiest library systems nationwide, with an annual checkout rate of more than 15 million items through 18 currently operating locations.
Submitted by:
Lorraine Oback
Marketing Communications
San José Public Library
The San José Public Library is an Institutional Member of the California Library Association and supports our advocacy efforts. Additionally, SJPL's new Assistant Director, Mary Nacu, is an active member of CLA. Click here for more information about CLA membership.
Posted by claadmin at 2:17 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
December 11, 2009
California Library Association Names New Chief Executive Officer
FOLSOM, CA - Kim Bui-Burton, 2009-2010 California Library Association (CLA) President, has announced the selection of Michael M. Reyna as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective December 1, 2009.
Mr. Reyna was most recently the Chief Executive Officer of the Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC). Prior to his time with CAOC, Michael was appointed and confirmed by the U. S. Senate to serve on the Farm Credit Administration Board of Directors for a six-year term, concluding in 2004.
In making the announcement, CLA President Bui-Burton stated that she is "delighted that Mr. Reyna will serve our association as our new executive. Michael brings extensive association and management experience to the position, which will be a real asset for us."
According to Mr. Reyna, "I look forward to working with the California Library Association Board to advance the Association's agenda on behalf of California's libraries, librarians and the people who depend upon them."
Mr. Reyna takes over for Interim Executive Director Claudia Foutz, who had assisted the California Library Association Board during its search for a new executive. California Library Association President Bui-Burton said, "Ms. Foutz's assistance during this transition was invaluable and on behalf of the Board, we wish to thank her for her service."
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 (113 k)
Posted by claadmin at 3:11 PM
November 13, 2009
CLA Congratulates Stacey Aldrich
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the appointment of Stacey Aldrich as state librarian for the California State Library.
"Stacey is truly an expert in her field and California is lucky to have her as the state librarian," said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. "She's the perfect person to maintain the excellent quality of services and access to accurate and up-to-date information Californians expect and receive every time they visit our library."
Since February, she has served as acting state librarian for the California State Library and previously served as deputy state librarian from 2007 to 2009. Aldrich was assistant director of the Omaha Public Library from 2005 to 2007, branch chief of public libraries and state networking at the Maryland State Department of Education from 2002 to 2005 and senior associate of Coates and Jarratt in 2000. Prior to that, she was a staff development coordinator at the Maryland State Department of Education from 1996 to 2002 and an information technology librarian for the Hood College Library from 1992 to 1996.
"I am honored and excited for the opportunity to take on the position of state librarian," said Stacey Aldrich. "I will use my experience to uphold the California State Library's tradition of preserving our history and connecting Californians to the information they need to be successful."
Aldrich, 39, of Sacramento, earned a Master of Arts degree in library science and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Russian language and literature from the University of Pittsburgh. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $119,616. Aldrich is a Republican.
The California state librarian is tasked with overseeing the collection, preservation, generation and dissemination of a wide array of information. The California State Library, a California public research institution, provides accurate, up-to-date information for elected officials, state employees and the general public. The librarian ensures that the State Library remains the central reference and research library for state government and the legislature and provides technical assistance to, and outreach programs for, California's public libraries as well as directing state and federal funds to support these libraries.
On behalf of CLA's staff and volunteers, our Association congratulates Ms. Aldrich on her appointment as California's State Librarian.
Posted by claadmin at 12:12 PM
March 25, 2009
CLA Congratulates Lisa Rosenblum
In the current issue of Library Journal, the magazine has named CLA Member Lisa Rosenblum to its list of Movers & Shakers in the library industry.
Movers & Shakers, launched by Library Journal in 2002 to identify librarians, vendors, and others who are "shaping the future of libraries," is now over 400 innovators strong, with the addition of the 51 members of the Class of 2009. Together, these individuals comprise the coming generation of library leadership. They've embraced library technology, particularly library 2.0, "to provide exceptional service and kick-ass collections that respond to the real interest of patrons," as one of this year's Movers so aptly phrased it.
CLA congratulates Lisa as she represents a Who's Who of creativity and library trends in the field.
For more about Lisa's accomplishments, please visit her page on the Library Journal website.
Posted by claadmin at 9:39 AM
March 24, 2009
CLA Congratulates Carey Gross
In the current issue of Library Journal, the magazine has named CLA Member Carey Gross to its list of Movers & Shakers in the library industry.
Movers & Shakers, launched by Library Journal in 2002 to identify librarians, vendors, and others who are "shaping the future of libraries," is now over 400 innovators strong, with the addition of the 51 members of the Class of 2009. Together, these individuals comprise the coming generation of library leadership. They've embraced library technology, particularly library 2.0, "to provide exceptional service and kick-ass collections that respond to the real interest of patrons," as one of this year's Movers so aptly phrased it.
CLA congratulates Carey as she represents a Who's Who of creativity and library trends in the field.
For more information on Carey and other Movers & Shakers, please visit the Library Journal webpage.
Posted by claadmin at 7:54 AM
January 20, 2009
Connie Costantino
Dr. Connie Costantino passed away earlier this week while on vacation in Europe.
Connie had been an active member of CLA since 1991 and most recently was Chair of the Mentor/Protege Committee. She has also been a lecturer at SJSU School of Library Science since 2003. Prior to teaching at San Jose State, Connie spent over 30 years as a school, public, and academic librarian.
In lieu of donations, Connie's family is asking that you donate to your local library in her name. A special memorial webpage has been set up for Connie.
Update: January 20, 2009
Connie Costantino's Celebration of Life Beach Party will take place on the sand in front of her condo complex (Delfin Eldorado) at 1601 S. Pacific, Oceanside, CA 92054.
We are looking forward to you joining us to celebrate Connie's life.
Dress is casual; comfortable beach wear with multiple layers for warmth.
It's off season so parking should be plentiful. Park on the street or in the Buccaneer Park lot diagonally across the street at the intersection of Morse and S. Pacific.
Donations in Connie's Memory
A scholarship has been established in Connie's name at San Jose State University; checks may be made payable to the SJSU Tower Foundation (Attn: C. Costantino Fund) and mailed to Brenda Lamb at San Jose SLIS, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192-0029. For credit card information please call Ms. Lamb at 408.924.2492.
Posted by claadmin at 11:39 AM
January 16, 2009
Libraries During Tough Times
Library use has been increasing during the current economic downturn. Recently, the Wall Street Journal highlighted this issue, with a special spotlight on the Tracy branch of the Stockton - San Joaquin County Public Library.
The article is available online at the Journal's website.
Posted by claadmin at 10:19 AM
August 19, 2008
Sallie Riley
Sallie Riley, Senior Librarian at the John Muir Branch of Los Angeles Public Library, died on August 14 due to complications following knee surgery.
Sallie had been an active member of CLA since she joined in 2002. This past year, she chaired the Scholarship Committee, which is responsible for selecting the recipients of the CLA Scholarship For Minority Students in Memory of Edna Yelland. She planned to follow that up by serving on the Reference Service Press Fellowship Committee next year.
Please check back for information on her memorial services.
Posted by claadmin at 2:58 PM
July 29, 2008
2009 ALA Election: NOMINATING COMMITTEE SEEKS CANDIDATES
The ALA 2009 Nominating Committee is soliciting nominees to run on the 2009 spring ballot for the offices of ALA President-elect and Councilor-at-large.
The Nominating Committee will select two candidates to run for President-elect and no fewer than 50 candidates for the 33 at-large Council seats to be filled in the 2009 spring election.
The President-elect will serve a three-year term: as President-elect in 2009-2010, as President in 2010-2011, and as Immediate Past President in 2011-2012.
The Councilors-at-large will serve three-year terms, beginning after the 2009 ALA Annual Conference and ending at the adjournment of the 2012 Annual Conference.
The ALA President and Councilors also serve in corresponding roles in the ALA-Allied Professional Association [ALA-APA]. Individuals considering ALA-APA office are encouraged to consult with their employer regarding any restrictions regarding lobbying activities or service on the governing body of a 501(c)6 organization.
Members who wish to make nominations should submit the following information: nominee name; present position; institution; address; telephone; fax; and e-mail address. Self-nominations are encouraged. All potential nominees must complete the Potential Candidate Biographical Form available at https://cs.ala.org/potentialcandidates/. The database will be available June 2, 2008. Nominations and forms must be received no later than September 1, 2008.
Nominations may be sent to any member of the 2009 Nominating Committee. Committee members are: Susan S. DiMattia, Chair, Consultant, DiMattia Associates, Stamford, CT, sdimattia@optonline.net; Rose T. Dawson, Acting Director, Alexandria (VA) Library, rdawson@alexandria.lib.va.us; Timothy P. Grimes, Manager, Community Relations and Marketing, Ann Arbor (MI) District Library, grimest@aadl.org; Susan Hildreth, State Librarian, California State Library, Sacramento, shhildreth@comcast.net; Corinne M. Hill, Collection Development Manager, Denton (TX) Public Library; cmhill@cityofdenton.com; Pamela Spencer Holley. Writer, Consultant, Hallwood, VA; pamsholley@aol.com; Jo Ellen Priest Misakian, Interim Dean/School of Education, Fresno Pacific University, Fresno, CA; jmisakian@fresno.edu; Daniel O. O'Connor, Professor, Rutgers University School of Communication Information & Library Studies, New Brunswick, NJ; oconnor@scils.rutgers.edu; and Thomas C. Wilson, Associate Dean, Library Technology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, tcwilson@ua.edu.
To encourage diversity and leadership development, the Committee will refrain from nominating any current Councilors for election to another term. However, the Committee encourages all current Councilors who wish to continue their service to the Association to file as petition candidates. Petitions will be available from Lois Ann Gregory-Wood, Council Secretariat, ALA, 50 E. Huron, Chicago, IL 60611, Email: lgregory@ala.org, or during the 2008 Annual Conference or 2009 Midwinter Meeting. Petitions require 25 signatures for names to be included on the 2009 ballot.
Posted by claadmin at 7:30 AM
July 22, 2008
Retired Library Director Passes Away
Don Fuller passed away on July 18, 2008. He retired in 1986 as Director of the Santa Clara City Library and prior to that served as the Assistant County Librarian for the Santa Clara County Library. For a number of years, Don volunteered as a librarian and board member with The PlaneTree Health Library in Los Gatos.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 2, at 11:00 am at the Unitarian Church of San Jose, 160 N. 3rd Street, San Jose. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations. Please note Don Fuller’s name and your contact information if you would like to receive an acknowledgement.
The PlaneTree Health Library
15891 Los Gatos-Almaden Road
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Kaiser Santa Clara Hospice
Attn. Ken Watkins
10080 N. Wolf Road, Suite SW-160
Cupertino, CA 95014
Posted by claadmin at 11:25 AM
June 11, 2008
Former Placer County Librarian Dorothy Sanborn Passes Away
Dorothy Sanborn, 88, died on June 4th after a two-week bout with pneumonia. A longtime member of CLA, Sanborn worked in the Placer County Library System for over 50 years and was an active member of the Friends of the Auburn Library up until her passing.
Dorothy Sanborn was born in Nashville,Tenn., in 1920. Her family moved to El Paso, Texas in the 1930s, where she attended high school. She later graduated from Texas Western at El Paso, and went on to earn her master's degree in library science from Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
Dorothy served as Placer County Librarian from 1966 to 1989, the logest tenure of any Placer County Librarian. As County Librarian she engineered the merger with the Placer County Library and was intstrumental in helping the Alpine County library system get their library started. In 1987, the California Association of Library Trustees and Commissioners (CALTACT) named Dorothy Sanborn their State Librarian of the Year.
In 1989, Dorothy retired at age 69, but retirement for Dorothy did not mean taking a break from working, she joined the Peace Corps from 1991 to 1993, where she taught English at a rural junior high school in Thailand. After returning from Thailand, Dorothy became a volunteeer at the city of Lincoln's public library and then president of the Friends of Auburn Library. She had just completed her term as president when she passed away. Per Dorothy's request, no funeral or memorial services will be held.
Posted by claadmin at 11:05 AM
June 9, 2008
Carolyn Crain Has Passed
Carolyn Crain, long-time CLA member and former City Librarian in San Marino, passed away peacefully at her home in Arcadia on May 8, 2008, after a 20-year battle with breast cancer.
Carolyn earned her BA in history from CSUN and her MLIS from the University of Denver. A member of CLA since 1974, Carolyn had a 34-year career in library service.
The highlight of Carolyn's career was her involvement in the planning, construction, and dedication of a new public library in San Marino. She devoted the last two years of her professional life to this project, and when the new library opened to the public on January 26, 2008, she left the hospital against medical advice to speak at the grand opening ceremony, receiving three standing ovations from an appreciative community.
Nearly every week during her tenure as city librarian in San Marino, she attended evening meetings of the City Council, Board of Trustees and other support groups to advocate the interests of the library.
She loved to read, especially non-fiction, biography, history and science. She and a few reader friends recently formed the "No Stress Book Group" to broaden their reading horizons.
A Celebration of Life service took place on May 18, 2008 at at the San Marino Public Library. In honor of Carolyn, donations can be made to National Museum for Women in the Arts, National Parks Conservation Association and L.A. Times Summer Camp Fund.
To share your memories of Carolyn, please visit her guestbook on Legacy.com.
Posted by claadmin at 2:23 PM
May 30, 2008
Memorial Service Scheduled for Vickey Johnson
Victoria (Vickey) Louise Johnson passed away on May 5, 2008. Vickey began her library career at South Pasadena Public Library, and served as acting Library Director at Pasadena Public Library. She was director of the Sunnyvale Library, and retired from her library career as the Director of Library Services for the County of San Mateo. She represented CLA as the ALA Chapter Councilor from 2003-2005, and served on the CLA Executive Committee and Assembly during that period.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula, Saturday, May 31st at 11:00 a.m. Vickey's ashes will be scattered at Carmel Beach after the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Victoria Johnson Memorial Children's Book Fund. Checks may be mailed to:
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Grants and Gifts Administration
2440 W. El Camino Real, Suite 300
Mountain View, CA 94040
(Please list The V. Johnson Memorial Fund in the check memo. Individual tax receipts will be issued for gifts.)
A blog has been established at http://letterstovickey.blogspot.com/ for the library community to share their stories, memories and thoughts about Vickey's impact on our lives.
Posted by claadmin at 11:08 AM
April 25, 2008
Anaheim Advocacy Institute explores School Library Crisis: "Spokane Moms" scheduled to speak
Meet the "Spokane Moms" at the ALA Advocacy Institute, Friday, June 27, 2008! Founders of the Washington Coalition for School Libraries and Information Technology, Spokane Moms Lisa Layera Brunkan, Denette Hill, and Susan McBurney will discuss their grassroots efforts, which have raised $4 million for school libraries in Washington state.
"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).
Posted by claadmin at 11:22 AM
March 20, 2008
CLA Members Running for Office in ALA Election
Balloting for the ALA Annual Election has begun. As you begin voting in the ALA election, we urge you take note of the following Californians who have chosen to support the California Library Association with their membership.
- Julie Su
ALA Council, Councilor-at-Large - Ann Doyle Fath
ALCTS-SS, Member-at-Large - Ja-Lih Lee
ALSC, Board of Directors - Joanna Ward
ALSC, 2010 Caldecott Committee - Deborah Doyle
LAMA-FRFDS, Secretary - Gary L. Shaffer
PLA, Library Development Cluster Steering Committee Member
- Sarah Flowers
YALSA, Vice-President/President Elect - Monique A. Le Conge
YALSA, Board of Directors - Gail Schlachter
EMIERT, Treasurer
Posted by claadmin at 10:37 AM
January 18, 2008
Former South Pasadena City Librarian Dies
Memorial services for Mary Helen Wayne, former South Pasadena City Librarian and author, and great-niece of South Pasadena's first mayor, were held January 18 on the Asilomar Conference Grounds.
Mrs. Wayne, 94, died December 17, 2007 in Portland, Oregon, where she moved several years ago to be near her son William and his family. She was born Mary Helen Collier in South Pasadena on May 9, 1913.
Continue reading "Former South Pasadena City Librarian Dies"
Posted by claadmin at 1:09 PM
December 17, 2007
Passing of Jay Cunningham
Recently we learned that Jay Cunningham passed away on November 5, 2007
in Las Vegas; he was 70 years old. Many of you will remember Jay as the
coordinator for both the Library Services and Technology Act and Public
Library Foundation programs in Library Development Services at the State
Library.
Continue reading "Passing of Jay Cunningham"
Posted by claadmin at 7:21 AM
July 12, 2007
Long-Time CLA Member Passes Away
Barbara Will, a Library Programs Consultant in Library Development Services at the State Library from 1987 until her retirement in 2006, passed away on Sunday, July 8.
Barbara had gone to upstate New York in late May to be with her father who was near death. After his funeral, as she was preparing to return home to California, she collapsed from what was subsequently diagnosed as an infected intestinal obstruction. She underwent emergency surgery and remained alive for several weeks but was never able to fully recover.
Barbara spent many of her years at the State Library coordinating networking activities throughout the state and facilitating development of what would eventually become the Library of California. She also monitored LSTA-supported projects such as the California Preservation Program and developed very successful targeted grant programs, including Services for People with Disabilities and Services for Small Businesses.
Barbara was nationally known as an expert on the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). She served on ALA committees and task forces advocating LSTA reauthorization, and every year she tenaciously fought for the highest funding appropriation possible from Congress.
Barbara was very active in CLA, and most recently served as chair of the Services to Restricted or Disabled People Round Table.
The library world has lost a true champion and a wonderful friend. Condolences may be sent to her husband, Gerry Bowers, 2971 Elmwood Ave., Stockton CA, 95204-3906. Mr. Bowers has indicated that donations to the Salvation Army or to the California State Library Foundation in Barbara's name would be appreciated.
Susan Hildreth
State Librarian of California
Posted by claadmin at 10:06 AM
June 6, 2007
Deputy State Librarian Appointed
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has appointed Stacey Aldrich Deputy State Librarian. Aldrich will start at the California State Library on Monday, August 6, 2007. Most recently Assistant Director of the Omaha Public Library, Aldrich will work closely with State Librarian Susan Hildreth to develop the state library's service program.
As Deputy State Librarian, Aldrich will assist Hildreth in overseeing the California State Library's programs and managing the operation of the library's $89.7 million budget. She will directly manage the Library Development Services Bureau, which is responsible for the distribution of all federal and state local assistance. Aldrich will also advise the State Librarian on new initiatives and major statewide library program directions.
Of Aldrich's appointment, State Librarian Hildreth says, "Stacey Aldrich has a richly deserved national reputation as both an innovative library futurist, and as an inspiring, and creative library leader. I am most grateful to the Governor for having appointed her, and am excited to bring Stacey to California so that the library community can benefit from her vision and experience."
In California in 2007, Aldrich served as a presenter for Infopeople, the state's premier professional library training organization. For Infopeople, Aldrich delivered seven workshops to a total of 146 librarians as part of the library leadership series, "Building Leadership Skills: Planning for the Future."
Aldrich has over 15-years experience in the administration and development of the nation's libraries. Since 2005, as Assistant Director of the Omaha Public Library, she has not only been responsible for a $9.8 million budget and staff of 150, but has also led that urban library system as it has implemented emerging electronic library service programs. Between 1996 and 2005, Aldrich, as Branch Chief of Public Libraries and State Networking Branch for the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Library Development and Services, helped provide leadership, research, training, and planning to Maryland's twenty-seven public library systems. Aldrich has also worked at the Washington DC futuring think-tank, Coates and Jarratt, Inc., and the Hood College Library in Frederick, Maryland, where, from 1992-1996, she helped integrate new library technologies, and created and maintained the library website.
Aldrich is a member of the American Library Association, the Public Library Association, the Nebraska Library Association, and the Association of Professional Futurists. She has a Master of Arts in Librarianship and a Bachelor of Arts in Russian Language and Literature from the University of Pittsburg.
For the full-text of Governor Schwarzenegger's press release please visit http://gov.ca.gov/index.php?/press-release/6590/.
Posted by claadmin at 3:27 PM
April 23, 2007
Death of a Former CLA President Announced
Barbara Campbell, former Santa Clara County Librarian, and Past President of CLA, died last week at her home. She was 78. Ms. Campbell was Santa Clara County Librarian from 1973-1985.
Ms. Campbell held a graduate degree in Library Science from the University of California, Berkeley. She worked at the Berkeley Public Library and as a civilian librarian at a U.S. Air Force Base in England before joining the Santa Clara County Library in 1966 as a Supervising Librarian. She was Assistant County Librarian from 1969 until the retirement of County Librarian George Farrier in 1973. She was Acting County Librarian for five months before being permanently appointed to the position.
During her eleven years as County Librarian, new libraries opened in Morgan Hill, Campbell, Gilroy, Woodland, Saratoga, Alum Rock, and Milpitas. In 1978-79, Proposition 13 reduced library revenue by 50%, which caused drastic cutbacks in library hours and staff.
During the 1980s, Ms. Campbell oversaw the library's first computerized circulation system.
She retired in 1985, but continued to be active in the County, serving on the County Personnel Board, and volunteering at the information desk in the County Government Building. She was Past President of the Country Women's Club in Campbell, and served on the Santa Clara County Grand Jury. She continued to be a library advocate, working on Santa Clara County's 1994 Measure A campaign that restored library hours and staff and again on the parcel tax renewal campaign in 2004. She was treasurer of the Friends of the Campbell Library for twenty years.
She was a past president of CALTAC, the California Association of Library Trustees and Commissioners, and a lifetime member of the American Library Association and California Library Association. She was a Board member of the California State Library Foundation and a Past President of CLA. As recently as 2004, she was still attending CLA conferences.
A memorial service has been tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April 28, at 11:00 AM at St. Marks Episcopal Church in Santa Clara.
Posted by claadmin at 2:06 PM
March 23, 2007
Director of the Iraqi National Library on Rebuilding Iraq
PBS' weekly news magazine, NOW, invites you to listen to an interview with with Saad Eskander, the Director of the Iraqi National Library and Archives, about the painstaking struggles he faced rebuilding a looted and burned library after the U.S. invasion in 2003. Eskander, who returned to Iraq after the war started, talks about how a modern, fully-staffed library was able to emerge under his leadership, and the dangerous challenges that remain. Visit http://www.pbs.org/now/news/index.html for excerpts of the interview and a link to the podcast.
Posted by claadmin at 1:59 PM
August 30, 2006
Al Milo Announces His Retirement
Al Milo, the Library Director of the Fullerton Public Library since 1990, has announced his plans for early retirement in December 2006. Originally hired by the Fullerton Public Library as Adult Services Division Manager in 1986, Mr. Milo will mark his 20th anniversary with the City of Fullerton in December.
Previous to working at the Fullerton Public Library, Mr. Milo was employed by The Chicago Public Library (1975-1977), the Anaheim Public Library (1977-1979), California State University Fullerton Library (1980-1983), the Santiago Library System (1983-1984), and the City of Commerce Public Library (1983-1986). He received his MLS from the University of Michigan in 1975 and has an undergraduate degree in Latin American Studies from Stanford University (1973).
"If you count my five years working as a student Page and Circulation Supervisor for the Stanford University Libraries, I have accumulated 36 years working in libraries!" says Mr. Milo.
Mr. Milo has been active in the American Library Association, the California Library Association, Public Library Association, and REFORMA (The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-speaking).
He and his domestic partner of 31 years, Tom Johnson, are looking forward to doing extensive traveling. Tom Johnson, former Library Director of the Rancho Mirage Public Library, recently retired on August 10, 2006. They plan to continue to reside in Anaheim Hills, CA. They met while working on their MLIS degrees at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI (1974-1975).
Posted by claadmin at 11:30 AM
July 25, 2006
Waynn Pearson Retiring
Waynn Pearson, City Librarian for Cerritos, CA, since 1981, is retiring at the end of July. Under Pearson's leadership, Cerritos built a new library in 1987 that won the ALA/AIA Award of Excellence, and in 2002 opened the world's first "Experience Library." The award winning Library is viewed as a model for libraries of the future and is regularly visited by library delegations from all over the United States and the world.
Hallmarks of the "Experience Library" include: a strong focus on the user's experience; the organization of library spaces by theming around a strong story line; a concierge-style greeting station; and an emphasis on providing "WOW!" customer service. Many of these concepts came from Pearson's experiences as assistant project manager for the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts and from his strong connection with the themed entertainment industry. He credits Marty Sklar, former head of Disney Imagineering and now Disney Ambassador, and Joe Pine and Jim Gilmore, authors of the book The Experience Economy, as inspirations. Ray Bradbury, a friend and inspiration to Waynn, says that Cerritos has created the library of his dreams, and refers to it as "Waynn's library."
Pearson also created the clioinstitute, the learning arm of the Cerritos library, whose mission is "inspiring libraries to inspire communities." It has received grant awards totaling over one million dollars and has originated a variety of programs which have benefited the library community as a whole.
He has written a number of magazine articles and has been widely quoted in library publications. His "Epilogue: The River of the 21st Century Library Runs through User's Experiences" in the book, Last One Out Turn Off the Lights, by Susan Cleyle and Louise McGillis, has been suggested as a "blueprint" for libraries of the future.
One of his most satisfying moments as a librarian was when he heard several teenage girls in the elevator talking and one said, "This place is cooler than the mall!" As Waynn points out, there is no higher praise from a teenager.
What about the future? Pearson says that he plans on slipping into his racing suit and helmet and driving his Porsche in amateur sport car events. He also will do some special consulting related to library leadership and the future of libraries.
Posted by claadmin at 2:42 PM
April 12, 2006
You're Invited!
Long time CLA member, Ken Dowlin, is retiring from San Jose State University on June 1. The school is throwing a retirement reception for Ken on May 28 on the SJSU campus. You are invited to join in honoring Ken's contributions to the library community. If you are able to attend, please RSVP at http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/faculty/reception.htm.
Posted by claadmin at 2:12 PM
August 5, 2005
Cliff Lange, Carlsbad City Library Director, to Retire
Carlsbad City Library's Library Director Cliff Lange has announced that he will retire in September of 2005. Lange has held the position of Carlsbad City Library Director since 1982, leading the Library through a period of unprecedented growth and enhanced institutional strength. Recognized by his colleagues, peers and the community as a visionary in the library field, Lange has worked in libraries for 45 years.
Carlsbad Mayor Claude A. "Bud" Lewis, complimented Lange on his competent and steady leadership during a time of extraordinary growth in Carlsbad's library system. "For more than twenty years, we have all benefited from Cliff's deep commitment to the Library and the City of Carlsbad. He is a gifted Library Director who will be greatly missed though I am pleased to say that his record of achievements will benefit the community for many years to come."
"Carlsbad is the finest City in California and the highlight of my career has been serving as Carlsbad's Library Director. It has been a great honor to work with extraordinary Library and City staffs and a very supportive City Council that has given me the freedom and leadership to develop a library system of which we can all be very proud," comments Lange.
Lange joined the City of Carlsbad's library system with a myriad experience. He served as New Mexico's State Librarian, as a professor of Library Science at both the University of Southern California and the University of Iowa, and as a director and assistant director at several libraries across the country.
When Lange began his tenure at Carlsbad City Library, his resume stated, "My goal in managing libraries has been to ensure that the library meets the needs of the community it serves." This goal has proved to be the guiding force of his work with the City of Carlsbad.
Here are some of the major milestones that were accomplished under his
direction:
In 1984, he oversaw the opening of the La Costa Branch Library, expanding library services to south Carlsbad.
Also in 1984, Lange was instrumental in creating one of the original library literacy programs in the state, ultimately leading to the Adult Learning Program, which helped thousands of adults and high schools students throughout the community learn to read.
In 1990, he helped launch the Centro de Información, which provides library and information services in English and Spanish, to serve Carlsbad's diverse community.
Most recently, he oversaw the opening of the Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane, featuring the Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium, the William D. Cannon Art Gallery, extensive public programming and widely available computer, printer and Internet access for the public.
Lange received his Masters of Library Science and PhD from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He has also held various leadership positions with the California Library Association. In addition to his library work, Cliff serves as the "Voice of Carlsbad," recording the City's on hold messages.
Posted by claadmin at 1:46 PM
July 5, 2005
Festschrift in Memory of Gordon Conable
In honor of the passion and energy Gordon M. Conable provided in support of Intellectual Freedom, a festschrift is being created.
The subject is intellectual freedom. Possible topics include but are in no way limited to:
- The USA Patriot Act
- RFID
- Biometrics in Libraries
- Privacy and Technology
- Political Influences and Intellectual Freedom
- Intellectual Property and Intellectual Freedom
- Book Censorship
- Recent Court Decisions
- Flag Burning Amendment
All proceeds will be donated to the Gordon M. Conable Memorial Fund of the Freedom to Read Foundation. For more information about this fund see: www.ftrf.org
If you are interested in contributing please contact:
Carrie Gardner
Catholic University of America
244 Marist Hall
Washington D.C. 20064
carrieif@aol.com
cell: 717-329-4159
Include your name, a brief biography (wanted by the publisher) and the topic(s) of interest to you before September 1, 2005. Articles are due January 6th, 2006.
Posted by claadmin at 11:13 AM
July 1, 2005
News from the UCLA Department of Information Studies
Dean Aimee Dorr is pleased to announce that Anne Gilliland will become Chair of the Department of Information Studies effective July 1, 2005.
Professor Gilliland began her academic career at UCLA in 1995 and has taken the lead in establishing UCLA as pre-eminent in the field of archival studies. In addition, Professor Gilliland has helped sustain the Information Studies Department's early renown for bringing advanced technology into library and information studies. Anne is an excellent teacher and respected mentor. In assuming the Chair's position, Anne brings with her distinction, energy, vision, and deep commitment to the success and well being of the Information Studies Department.
Professor Gilliland succeeds Virginia Walter, who has served as Information Studies Department Chair since July 1, 2002. Professor Walter, who specializes in library services for children and children's literature, is the author of children's books and numerous scholarly and professional works. As Department Chair, Professor Walter has been responsible for hiring the three new faculty members, successfully re-accrediting the department's programs with the American Library Association and establishing the interdepartmental Moving Image Archive Studies master's program.
Past CLA President Cindy Mediavilla has been appointed Director, California Center for the Book effective June 1, 2005.
Dr. Mediavilla has been active in professional associations, and she is especially known for her dynamic leadership role in the California Library Association. Cindy has held numerous offices in CLA and served as president of the association in 2001. For the past five years Dr. Mediavilla has worked as Associate Director of Special Projects for the UCLA Department of Information Studies, where she has also taught classes. Cindy is also a freelance consultant and has presented numerous workshops on topics related to leadership, collection development, and young adult services.
Dr. Mediavilla replaces Dr. Natalie Cole who had been with the California Center for the Book from 1999, serving as assistant director and then as director. Dr. Cole was instrumental in developing new programs and relationships between public libraries and the Center for the Book. Dr. Cole and her husband, Dr. Jonathan Furner, a professor in the UCLA Information Studies Department, have moved to Washington, D.C. where Dr. Furner is working on revising the Dewey Decimal System at the Library of Congress.
Posted by claadmin at 2:31 PM
June 30, 2005
Miriam Matthews to be Honored
Submitted by Sharon Johnson, African American Librarian's Round Table Co-Chair
The African American Librarian's Roundtable will be co-hosting a legacy program honoring Miriam Matthews, California's first African American Librarian, at the 2005 CLA Conference. Ms. Matthews assembled one of the most extensive collections of materials on African Americans in California history, and worked diligently to educate people about Los Angeles' history of diversity. In recognition of her trail blazing accomplishments, the Los Angeles Public Library has named their new Hyde Park library the Hyde Park - Miriam Matthews Branch. This conference program is co-hosted by the CLA Cultural Diversity Committee and the California Librarian's Black Caucus. Information on time and location will be forthcoming.
Posted by claadmin at 11:47 AM
May 26, 2005
Upcoming Retirements Announced
Elaine Reed, Placer County Library Director, will be retiring, probably toward the end of June when her replacement comes on board. She is planning a move over to the Sonoma Coast to a cabin in the redwoods with a trailhead out the front door. She plans to do more hiking, gardening, reading, traveling, community service, and CLA activities.
Elaine has been the Director of the Placer County Library for thirteen years. Previously, she worked for the Riverside City-County Public Library as branch librarian at the Moreno Valley Library and the Palm Desert Library and for the Stanislaus Country Free Library as a children's librarian. She started her career at the Klamath County Library in Klamath Falls, Oregon. She will be honored for her service by the Board of Supervisors at their meeting June 14, 2005.
Richard Moore, Librarian for the Orange County Department of Education, has announced his retirement effective July 31. Richard is exploring the possibility of doing some consulting and plans to continue actively supporting the improvement of public school libraries.
Posted by claadmin at 4:24 PM
April 26, 2005
SJSU, School of Library and Information Science, Appoints New Director
The School of Library and Information Science at San Jose State University has appointed Dr. Ken Haycock as Director beginning in August of this year. Dr. Haycock holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Western Ontario with a diploma in education. His career began as a secondary school librarian and history teacher. He holds a M.Ed. in curriculum and educational foundations from the University of Ottawa and an A.M.L.S. at the University of Michigan. His doctorate is in educational leadership at Brigham Young University. He recently completed an Executive M.B.A. degree.
In addition to serving as a school librarian, Dr. Haycock was coordinator of school libraries for the Vancouver, British Columbia School Board, principal of an elementary school, and a tenured professor and director of the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies at the University of British Columbia.
Dr. Haycock has been active in professional associations. He was the youngest president of both the Canadian School Library Association and the Canadian Library Association. He has served on the ALA Executive Board and is presently a member of the ALA Council. He is serving this year a term as President of the Association for Library and Information Science Educators.
In his career he has served as a public library trustee, school board chair, and union local president. He has served on more than two dozen government and community boards as diverse as federal publishing juries, community information, elimination of Sexism, race relations, and community services.
Dr. Haycock has held research grants recently for the study of the characteristics of directors of large urban public libraries, staff development, youth services in public libraries, and the effectiveness of the teacher-librarian. This past year, he delivered papers in four countries on staff development practices in large public libraries, censorship of the Internet, graduate education, and public library branch managers. Dr. Haycock will be arriving on campus on August 1 to launch the new Executive MLIS program.
Posted by claadmin at 2:19 PM
April 21, 2005
Senate Rules Votes Unanimously to Confirm Susan Hildreth
On Wednesday, April 20, 2005, the California Senate Rules Committee voted unanimously to recommend to the full Senate the confirmation of Susan Hildreth, former CLA President, as State Librarian of California.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Hildreth State Librarian on August 2, 2004, following the retirement of Dr. Kevin Starr on April 1, 2004.
The Senate Hearing Room in the State Capitol was packed with leading members of the library community, many of whom testified in support of Hildreth's confirmation.
In her testimony before the committee and the standing-room only crowd, Hildreth announced her vision for the California State Library and library services in California. Hildreth said that one of her key goals was to advocate for the California State Library. She also said that it was her responsibility to envision the future of all libraries and articulate that future to elected officials, library supporters, and library workers.
Hildreth has had a distinguished career in public librarianship. She most recently served as City Librarian at San Francisco Public Library. She formerly was Sacramento's Deputy Library Director, County Librarian in Placer County, and Library Director in Benicia.
In August of 2004 Governor Schwarzenegger said of Hildreth's appointment, "I am confident that Susan will continue the tradition of inspiring, educating and informing Californians through the tremendous resource of our state libraries... She shares my commitment to education and to preserving our state's rich cultural heritage, and I know she will use her tremendous experience as a librarian to enhance and strengthen California's public libraries."
Members of the Senate Rules Committee are: Senator Don Perata (Chair), Oakland; Senator Jim Battin (Vice-Chair), Palm Desert; Senator Roy Ashburn, Bakersfield; Senator Debra Bowen, Redondo Beach; and Senator Gilbert Cedillo, Los Angeles.
Posted by claadmin at 10:35 AM
April 4, 2005
CLA Representation on ALA Ballot
Previously, we provided a list of CLA members who are on ALA's ballot for council and division positions. We have since learned that Ann Cousineau is running for the PLA Board.
In addition to Ann, the following CLA members are on the ALA ballot:
ALA Councilor-at-Large
- Diane Duquette, Kern County Library Director;
- Monique Le Conge, Director of the Richmond Public Library;
- Ana-Elba Pavon, Children's Services Manager, San Francisco Public Library, Mission Branch
Public Library Association (PLA) Presidency
- Susan Hildreth, State Librarian
AASL, Educators of Library Media Specialists Section Rep
- Dan Fuller, San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science
Please remember these CLA members when casting your vote. If you know of any other members who should be listed, please contact the CLA office at lfisher@cla-net.org.
Posted by claadmin at 11:32 AM
March 31, 2005
CLA Honors Senator Alpert
Submitted by Mark Smith, Legislative Chair
Former Senator Dede Alpert is the recipient of an Honorary Membership
in the California Library Association and a Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of her advocacy on behalf of California Libraries. Alpert received this recognition, along with an award from the Serra Library Cooperative, at a luncheon with several California librarians in Coronado on March 24.
Senator Alpert received the award for her extensive support for library initiatives while in the California State Senate, in particular, her sponsorship and support for legislation that would set aside nearly $1 billion in funding for library construction projects. Legislation creating the first bond fund in the amount of $350 million was co-sponsored by Alpert and approved by voters in 2000. This was the largest one-time appropriation ever for library construction in any state. Last year, Senator Alpert sponsored legislation that would have voters approve a bond of $600 million for public library construction. Not only did the senator sponsor the bill, but she worked hard to ensure that Governor Schwartzenegger sign the bill. That bond will be on the ballot for voters in June 2006.
In receiving her award, Senator Alpert commented that she very much appreciated the Lifetime Achievement Award, but she really valued the honorary membership in the California Library Association because of the important work that librarians do for their communities. Senator Alpert commented that she had taken on some work lately with a lobbying firm, but that she was also enjoying having more time to spend with her grandchildren.
Posted by claadmin at 10:29 AM
March 17, 2005
ALA Election Underway; CLA Members on the Ballot
The American Library Association election is now underway, and a number of California Library Association members are on the ballot for Council and for Division positions. Running for ALA Councilor-at-Large positions are Diane Duquette, Kern County Library Director; Monique Le Conge, Director of the Richmond Public Library (the ALA ballot may still list her at her previous position in Benicia); and Ana-Elba Pavon, Children's Services Manager, San Francisco Public Library, Mission Branch. State Librarian Susan Hildreth is on the ballot for the Public Library Association (PLA) presidency, and Dan Fuller, San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science, is on the AASL ballot to represent Educators of Library Media Specialists Section. As information on other division candidates for election becomes available, we will update this list. Be sure to vote in the current ALA election, as California needs to be heard within ALA. The CLA election will be held in July.
Posted by claadmin at 3:49 PM
March 11, 2005
Retired Mono County Librarian Passes Away
Long-time Mono County librarian Arlene Hadfield Reveal, 88, passed away at her home in Utah on February 26.
Arlene was at Mono County Library from 1971 until 1996, when she retired at the age of 79. She joined the California Library Association in 1975 and remained an active member for nearly 30 years.
In lieu of flowers, her family has requested that donations be made in her name to: Bridgeport Friends of the Library at the Bridgeport Library, P.O. Box 398, Bridgeport, CA 93517-0398. Call (760) 932-7482. For information, contact Vineca Hess, (760) 932-2788 or e-mail her at vhess@monocoe.org. Or contact Selma Calnan, President, Mono County Friends of the Library, poet1@gbis.com or by phone at (530) 495-2633.
A guest book has been set up for Arlene on the Legacy.com website at http://legacy.com/StandardNet/Guestbook.asp?page=Guestbook&PersonID=3226169.
Posted by claadmin at 4:26 PM
February 24, 2005
Dave Tyckoson Wins Mudge-Bowker Award
Dave Tyckoson, director of Public Services for the Henry Madden Library at California State University, Fresno, has been named 2005 recipient of the highest national honor granted by the American Library Association to reference librarians.
Tyckoson was selected as 2005 recipient of the Isadore Gilbert Mudge-R.R. Bowker Award presented by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). The Mudge-Bowker Award is given to an individual who has made a distinguished contribution to reference librarianship. The recognition includes a $5,000 award which will be presented in June at the American Library Association Annual Conference in Chicago.
Tyckoson's 25 years of work in reference services include the areas of teaching, training, publication and programming. He joined the Fresno State faculty in 1997 as head of library reference and was named director of public services in 2002.
He has written extensively about reference service and has been widely published in library journals. His article, "What's Right With Reference" in the May 1999 issue of American Libraries, the membership magazine of the ALA, sparked debate among library professionals on the models for and value of reference service.
In fall 2004, Tyckoson developed and taught the Reference and User Services Association's first online continuing education course, based on a course he developed for a Fresno State continuing education program for librarians in Korea.
Tyckoson, a past president of CLA's Reference Services Section, has a bachelor's degree in physics and master's degree in library science, both from the University of Illinois. Before coming to Fresno State, he held librarian positions at SUNY - Albany, Iowa State University and Miami (Ohio) University.
Posted by claadmin at 2:05 PM
February 3, 2005
Librarians Hold the Key to Advancing the Use of Technology in Education
Lesley Farmer, a faculty member at CSU Long Beach, has published a new article in the February/March issue of Innovate, a bi-monthly peer-reviewed online journal published by the Fischler School of Education and Human Services at Nova Southeastern University. The article, entitled "The K-12 Cybrary at Work," illustrates the importance of the School Library Media Specialist as an educational partner with the classroom teacher. If you would like free access to this article, register at: http://innovateonline.info.
Posted by claadmin at 2:37 PM
January 31, 2005
Deborah Barrow Moves to Sunnyvale PL
Deborah Barrow, Library Director of the Watsonville Public Library for nine years, has been appointed Director of the Sunnyvale Public Library. She will assume her new post in mid-February. Congratulations, Deborah!
Posted by claadmin at 10:00 AM
January 28, 2005
Fund Established to Honor Gordon Conable
Gordon Conable, LSSI vice president for public library operations, died unexpectedly at his home on January 12, 2005 at the age of 57. Gordon was well known within the American and California Library Associations. He was the current president of the Freedom to Read Foundation, a member of ALA Council and the CLA Assembly, and an expert on and passionate defender of intellectual freedom issues in libraries.
Since 1998, Gordon was principal project manager for the Riverside County Library System and was also involved in the operation of the Hemet and Calabasas public libraries as well as several other public library projects across the country.
The Freedom to Read Foundation has established a fund in Gordon's name which will be used to advance the causes to which Gordon was most devoted and for which he worked most passionately. Irene, his wife, asked that any gifts in Gordon's name be directed to this fund.
You can donate to the Gordon M. Conable Memorial Fund by calling Jonathan Kelley at (800) 545-2433 ext. 4226, or contacting him at jkelley@ala.org. Alternatively, you can send a check, payable to the Freedom to Read Foundation, to the Gordon M. Conable Memorial Fund, c/o Freedom to Read Foundation, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611. Notification of gifts will be sent to Gordon's family.
Gordon is survived by his wife and his son.
Posted by claadmin at 2:41 PM
Nicky Stanke to retire from Stockton-San Joaquin County Library
Nicola (Nicky) Stanke, Library Director for the Stockton-San Joaquin County Library has announced her retirement effective March 11, 2005. She will be relocating to Kansas City.
Nicky has been active in CLA, serving as Chair of the 2002 Conference Committee, as a member of CLA's Assembly and as a member of the Fund Development Committee. She has been active in ALA as well.
Nicky was Director of the Carnegie-Stout Public Library in Dubuque, Iowa from 1988-1994. Prior to this position she was Regional Library Administrator for the East Central Regional Library, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
She received her M.A. in Library Science from the University of Iowa in 1979 and her B.A. from Grinnell. She served as President of the Iowa Library Association in 1990.
Posted by claadmin at 12:55 PM
January 4, 2005
Welcome to the CLA Weblog
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Posted by claadmin at 6:00 PM