The Library Connection
The Monthly Newsletter of the Eastern
Shores Library System
www.esls.lib.wi.us
Volume 32 Number 5 May 2012
Flag Day June 14, 2012
Click here for the Summer 2012 Bookmobile Schedule
Farewell, Good and Faithful Servant
Staff,
family, and members of the library community will say thank you and
celebrate David Weinhold's many years of service on Friday, June 8 at the
Eastern Shores System Office at 10:00 a.m.
David’s
various talents will be missed at the office: his snow shoveling, his
“handy-man” abilities and his unequalled ice cream eating expertise.
Most of all we will miss his wealth of knowledge and experience.
We all wish David only the best in retirement.
Thank
you for all your years of service.
"The master said, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.
You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give
you many more responsibilities.
Let's celebrate together!'
New Living Translation (©2007)
We asked Director Weinhold about his long career:
Dave, what was most satisfying or enjoyable about your
job?
I enjoyed helping member librarians understand the
value of cooperation and collaboration.
It is gratifying to hear the librarians talk about the benefits
their patrons receive because they are sharing their collections, sharing
an automated system, sharing databases, sharing Time for Tale kits,
sharing a cataloging service, and sharing their expertise.
I also enjoyed the camaraderie of the library directors and member
library staff as they gathered for meetings and workshops over the years.
I enjoy the stories from bookmobile patrons about the value of the
service in their community. I
smile at the excitement young children have when they discover the books
on the vehicle and that they can borrow a book to read.
What was least satisfying, frustrating or most
difficult part of your job?
There certainly were times when meetings or events
were frustrating or difficult, but I viewed them with optimism that the
outcome would provide a benefit, perhaps not immediately, but eventually.
What would you change about your position?
Nothing.
What were your biggest, proudest accomplishments
while Director?
Having a great staff and great member library
directors to work with. They
helped created the benefits that ESLS library patrons enjoy.
The staff serve the member libraries so that the libraries can make
a variety of services available to their patrons.
Member library directors, although responsible for their individual
library are willing to work together because individually a library could
not provide the breadth of services that they can do collectively.
What have been the biggest changes since you
started, not only in the library field but also in personnel management?
Certainly, the automation of library operations and
the accompanying shift to digital content and digital communication has
been a major change in library work. Although,
libraries recognize that not all their patrons are at the same place on
the technology curve. So,
print and digital will continue to co-exist for some time.
The book is not “dead.”
The same technology change has change the way staff accomplish our
work. None of us could be as
productive without the automation of many office functions.
“Back in the day” reports would take many days to produce –
writing long hand, transcribing via typewriter, correcting, and typing the
final copy. We were very
dependent on typing skills. Budgets
created on ledger paper, with much erasures, and lots of scratch paper to
calculate formulas. Now,
we regularly share files, reports, spreadsheets, and other documents with
each other. We use e-mail for
memos, to assign tasks, and share information.
What are the biggest challenges to public
libraries today?
I believe the challenges are similar to the
challenges we always faced, showing our value to our
patrons, our municipalities, and our funding bodies.
Notwithstanding the need for a community place where residents can
seek knowledge and information about topics important to them, libraries
improve the quality of life in a municipality and are not perceived with
same importance as other public services among funding bodies.
Yet local and national surveys illustrate that municipal residents
believe the library is as important as fire services, police services,
public schools, and public health services.
What, in your view, are the biggest challenges to
Eastern Shores Library System?
The library system’s challenge is the same as the
public library’s challenge – showing the system’s value to member
libraries, our member counties, and the state legislature.
During the last state budget cycles, state funding for library
systems was reduced significantly. This
affects the library system’s ability to support system services and to
improve system services to member libraries.
Just as member libraries are cooperating to improve library
services to patrons, library systems are doing more cooperative ventures
to improve or maintain library system services.
This past year ESLS worked with a number of library systems to
create a schedule of continuing education activities.
The Wisconsin Public Library Consortium is a statewide
collaboration to provide digital resources to member libraries and their
patrons.
Additional comments:
Thank you to all the library directors, current and past, who have made this career enjoyable and fun. Thank you to all the library system board members, current and past, who supported me in this career. Included in this thanks are the Sheboygan Falls Memorial Library board members who gave me my start as a librarian. Thank you to my family for humbling me early in my career, by cautioning me about self -absorption as a librarian. And thank you to my God, for sustaining and nourishing me in this career.
Welcome New Board Member, Nancy Szatkowski
The
Ozaukee County Board of Supervisors has approved Nancy Szatkowski as the
newest ESLS Board member. Nancy was appointed to the County Board
October 1, 2008 to fill the term of a departing board member. Nancy
served on the 2011-2015 Library Planning Committee as a County Board
Member from a Libraried Community.
Nancy is a freelance photographer with an Associate Degree in that field from MATC. Dr. Szatkowski holds a medical degree in pathology from the Medical College of Wisconsin. On the Ozaukee County Board she is the chairperson of the Public Safety Committee.
Nancy has been a Mequon resident since 1986 and involved in various organizations. She is married with two adult children.
Technology
is Changing Library Media Programs: How
Will Public Libraries Respond?
Vonna J. Pitel has been a Library Trustee of the Cedarburg Public Library since 1994. She is a retired school library coordinator from the Cedarburg School District.
I
have been retired as a school library media specialist for the past 7
years and have served on the Cedarburg Public Library Board since 1994.
Cedarburg Public Library is starting to build a new library and I felt it
might be helpful to learn more about what students need and want in a
library in 2012. I decided to talk to the school library media specialist
who replaced me to see what changes have occurred in the school library
media center. I also decided to interview other high school library media
specialists. The information I gathered is based upon interviews with
three of the four high school library media specialists in the county.
During the past year I also visited two university campuses-Marquette and
UW-Milwaukee.
Two national groups provide standards for technology
and curriculum that are often integrated into school district plans for
instructional media and technology, which are required by the Wisconsin
Department of Public Instruction. The
Partnership for 21st Century Skills has developed a model
of learning that incorporates 21st century skills into the
education system and the American Association of School Librarians has Standards for 21st Century Learning, which is aligned
with the Common Core State Standards. A district plan for instructional
media and technology is taught by classroom teachers, technology staff and
library media specialists.
The structure of funding school library media centers
has changed. The majority of funding for library media materials is
provided through state funding from the Common School Fund. In the past,
purchases of technology were limited to a certain amount and the majority
of the funding was used for print and audio visual resources.
Recently, through legislative changes, the funding now can be used
for purchases the district feels necessary, whether technology or print
resources. There is no limit on technology purchases.
What are some of the changes in the use of equipment,
facilities and curriculum integration taking place in high schools?
·
·
Microsoft Office Suite of programs is being replaced by the
use of online Google.docs in school districts. This is free, easy-to-use
online word processor, spreadsheet and presentation editor that enables
teachers and their students to create, store and share instantly and
securely. Google.docs allows for collaboration between users in real time,
and students will not have to print assignments. An assignment will be
sent to the instructor online. Students can use Google.docs in school and
log on to it at home to do assignments without carrying files home. There
are other applications for this program, and some districts are using
Google.docs K-12.
·
·
Computer labs are not only in the LMC, but are being added
in different areas of the school. Mobile labs are becoming more popular
with sets of laptops or chromebooks available for students to check out
and use with Wi-Fi.
·
·
High school students, like university students, want a
relaxed atmosphere similar to a coffee shop where they can use their
laptop or school laptops and enjoy having their drink with them. Like
university libraries, high school students appreciate flexible spaces
where they can enjoy working in an open “learning commons” that allows
them to study, use computers and other technologies and work in groups. Flat
tables with computers and plenty of space to lay assignments provide an
inviting atmosphere. Furniture with castors provides additional
flexibility.
·
·
Study rooms are very important to students. Class projects
often require students to work in groups to complete an assignment with
technology. They might use a white board, a computer projection device and
laptop to create a PowerPoint with audio, or use Skype to communicate with
other students on a project.
·
·
Instruction is becoming more multimedia directed with all
classrooms having interactive whiteboards and students using a variety of
devices such as I pads, calculators or mobile computers.
·
·
Online databases are preferred over print reference books.
Students will use the online version before a book on the shelves. High
school library media websites list numerous online databases which are
often specific to a subject area such as social studies. Print reference
collections will be very limited in the future. All of the high school
websites link to their local public library.
·
·
Often subject area centers with a teacher or assistant to
help students with writing, mathematics or tutoring throughout the
curriculum will be part of the high school library media center. This
provides easy access to the assistant throughout the day and resources
they might use in the school library media center.
·
·
Online programs such as Moodle are being used as an open
source course management system, which allows students to have an online
learning experience through many courses such as mathematics, science,
social studies and more.
·
·
E-books like Nooks and Kindles are being purchased through
library media budgets for students as well as I pads. Chromebooks, which
cost $350.00, are a type of laptop that is cheaper than traditional
laptops, and students can access e-mail and applications with a wireless
network when using them.
Seven years ago when I retired, more print resources
were used in the library media program and teachers generally required
students to use some print materials for assignments. That is not
necessarily true today. More resources are available online and students
have access and use I pads, laptops and other technology on a regular
basis. Students are allowed to bring their laptops, I pads and sometimes
cell phones into the classroom or library to be used for assignments. It
has been interesting to see how the gradual trend toward using more
technologies is expanding, and schools are requiring higher standards with
new ways of assessing student work. These changes in schools, and
particularly school library media programs, should encourage public
libraries to consider how they serve their student patrons.
Children's
Librarians Corner
Picture Books for Big Kids
Erin Coppersmith, Kohler Public Library
Over the past few years, I’ve noticed an alarming
trend. The picture books that
I purchase that have more than a few words per page have very low
circulation. I’ve done some
research at story time and during library classes and realized that the
mothers of traditional “picture book aged” children are skipping them
because they are too wordy, but elementary kids are not even looking in
the picture book section anymore! (“Those
are baby books”) Tons of
great books—some of the best children’s books out there—aren’t
being read!
I knew this needed to be addressed, so I searched the internet and found lots of articles about directing older kids to upper level picture books. I decided to create a display of rotating book selections and see if their circulation increased. Oh boy did they! Kids are checking them out in flocks, even requesting other copies of books their friends get to first! I’m not sure if this is a problem in libraries everywhere, but if you’re interested in creating your own display, here’s a small list of books I’m displaying:
Math
Curse by Jon Scieszka
When
Cassie Came Across the Sea by Amy Hest
Grandfather’s
Journey by Alan Say
Jumanji
by Chris Van Allsburg
Skippyjon
Jones by Schacner
Diary
of a Worm by Doreen Cronin
Blackout
by John Rocco 
Amelia
and Eleanor go for a Ride by Pam Munoz Ryan
When
Martin Sings by Ryan
Yellow
Umbrella by Jae Soo Liu
Spider
and the Fly by Tony DiTerlizzi
The
Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash by Trinka Noble
Apples
to Oregon by Deborah Hopkins
Pink
and Say by Patricia Polacco
The
Buffalo are Back by Jean Craighead George
Verdi
by Janell
Cannon
The Wolves in the Wall by Neil Gaiman
The
Wolves in the Wall by Neil Gaiman
Peter Pan by Dave Berry
New
York’s Bravest by Mary Pope Osbourne
Crossing by Booth
Moonshot:
The Flight of Apollo 11 by Brian Floca
The Pencil by Allan Ahlberg
Cloudy
With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi
Barrett
The Dunderheads by Paul Fleischman
The
Great Horse-less Carriage Race by Michael Dooling
Lulu and the Brontosaurus by Judith Viorst
Alexander
Who Used to Be Rich by Judith Viorst
Randy Riley's Big Hit by Chris Van Dusen
Miss
Nelson is Missing by James
Marshall
What Really Happened to Humpty by Jeanie Ransom
George
Washington’s Teeth by Deborah Chandra
Merger Possibility
Due to the retirement of Director David Weinhold the possibility of ESLS merging or joining another system are being explored. At the ESLS Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, June 4 the Director of MCLS, Rebecca Petersen, briefly addressed the Board during the Public Comment and Correspondence segment and indicated that MCLS is interested in investigating the merging of the two systems. Several member library directors also addressed the Board emphasizing their interest in looking more closely at the merging of two systems. Sharon Winkle, Director of Sheboygan's Mead Public Library "urged the Board to consider appointing an interim director to lead a merger evaluation." Linda Bendix, of Mequon-Thiensville's Frank L. Weyenberg Public Library urged the Board to explore mergers with not only MCLS but also with Waukesha and Milwaukee. Director of the W. J. Niederkorn Public Library (Port Washington) David Nimmer, asked that the Board consider a "more robust interim Director position" to explore possible mergers.
Later in the meeting, Rebecca Petersen, addressed the Board stating that she and other staff members from MCLS and ESLS had recently discussed system merger possibilities. After a MCLS Board meeting on May 30 that Board agreed that a more formal investigation of merger should be pursued. They had a number of advantages and disadvantages to the two systems merging and the MCLS Board formed an Ad Hoc committee to more fully explore the possibility. She also stated that the members would be willing to meet with ESLS Board members, staff, and librarians in the future.
Board of Trustees Member Henry Nelson from the resource library stated that the Board "owed it to our ultimate customer, the taxpayers," to investigate merging more fully. Don Dohrwardt, an Ozaukee County Board member from the Village of Fredonia asked about a "joint library system." After further discussion it was decided that ESLS Board of Trustees President, Rob Nuremberg, should appoint a search committee which will include Board members, a staff member and a member librarian from each county to investigate and provide a recommendation to the Board about the Directorship of ESLS. The committee will include in their discussion about the future a possible merger with another library system.
News From the Special Needs Meeting
David Weinhold, ESLS Director
Meeting in DeForest, special needs consultants from
Wisconsin’s public library systems heard reports from staff at the
Division for Libraries and Technology (DLT) as well as comparing notes on
what some of the issues library systems are addressing in serving patrons
with special needs. The
meeting was facilitated by the recently appointed Youth and Special
Services Consultant, Tessa Michaelson Schmidt.
DPI will
be targeting increased bandwidth for public libraries and schools so that
there will be more digital learning opportunities for library staff.
Budgets are limiting many libraries from sending multiple staff to
conferences. Having the
ability to access training from the office can be an alternative for face
to face training.
Given the
federal emphasis on using LSTA dollars to improve literacy skills, job
skills, and access to library services for special needs populations, the
Division staff wants to encourage libraries to submit individual
applications for LSTA funds to help them carry out a project or program in
their community. Often system
wide grants lack the ability to meet each library’s needs.
Division is developing additional web resources to help librarians
with the application process.
News From the Area
In
response to the member librarians' interest in advice from a library
system director on state issues, library system administration, and system
level activities, the Library System Board approved the Human Resources
Committee's recommendation to retain a Consulting Library System Director
for this purpose.
The person would be available to library system staff and member
librarians.
A person has been contacted about the position but the details of
an agreement are not yet final.
The recommendation also assigned duties to
existing staff: Paula Siefert
authority for interim Administrative duties at $1,500 per month; assign
Paul Onufrak authority for interim Automation and Network duties at
$1,000 per month; assign
Alison Ross authority for interim Cataloging and Interloan duties at $1000
per month; and assign Sue Potter authority for interim Bookmobile Service
duties at $1000 per month. The
staff interim duties would be the Director’s current duties in these
programs. Compensation for
Library System staff would be in addition to their regular compensation.
Authority and compensation would continue on a monthly basis until
such time a Library System Director is appointed.
A Job Fair was held on Wednesday, May 9th at the Lakeview
Community Library. SEEK
approached the library about using the meeting room.
They were recruiting for various manufacturing positions
Mead
Public Library also participated in World Book Night. Distribution
at the library included almost fifteen
different titles and twenty boxes of books.
Julie
Gallo is the new Children's Librarian at Saukville's Oscar Grady Public
Library. Julie had been
working at the library when the opportunity of managing the
children's services opened up. She is originally from a southern suburb of
Chicago, and moved here with her husband after receiving her Art
Education degree from Viterbo University. Julie is very excited to
be in this position and "to meet members of and serve her
community"!
There is a new
Youth Services librarian at the Plymouth Public Library. Allyson Obermeier
had been in a very part-time position there while in school. She is
a recent MLIS graduate from UW-Madison.
In library school she focused on youth services work, and is
excited to have gotten a job where I can do what I love.
Allyson is originally
from Marshfield, Wisconsin a small city of about 20,000 people in the
middle of the state.
"After living in large college cities for the past several
years, I am relieved to be back in the smaller town atmosphere that I find
the most comfortable" stated Allyson.
Outside of youth services, her interests include reading, knitting,
architecture, and roller derby (watching, not playing).
The
Sheboygan Children's Book Festival has announced noted authors and
illustrators Steven Kellogg, Sarah Weeks, Nina Crews and Dan
Yaccarino will be joining previously announced author James
Kennedy at this year’s celebration. The festival this
year will be held October 12 - 14, with Family as the theme. Festival
goers will have the opportunity to hear authors and illustrators
speak about how family has played a role in their works. For more
information go to: http://sheboyganchildrensbookfestival.org/
Interesting Items
* Jennie Stoltz, the WAPL Webmaster reminds us that the WAPL Post Conference Resources page has many new links and files since the Conference ended and will continue to add more as they are sent in. She recommends re-visiting the site soon AND often!
* Eastern Shores Library System
has been approved by the Board of Trustees to act as the fiscal agent for
the 2013 Children's Book Festival.
