The Library Connection
The Monthly Newsletter of the Eastern
Shores Library System
www.esls.lib.wi.us
Volume 27 Number 4 April 2007
Click here for the Winter 2007 Bookmobile Schedule
Life
Beyond our Current Horizon
ALA Techsource
The current library automation system ESLS operates is SirsiDynix’s Horizon system. Recently, SirsiDynix was purchased by Vista Equity Partners. Due to this purchase our upgrade to Horizon 8, which had been planned for in August, is no longer obtainable. The new plan “would consolidate development efforts into a single ILS platform based on Unicorn. That system will be branded with a new name. Currently, this new system is identified via the code name of “Rome,” and it will be aggressively enhanced to include some of the best features from the Horizon 8.0 development effort. The initial release of Rome, slated for the fourth quarter 2007, will essentially be the upcoming Unicorn GL3.2, with some specific features added from Horizon 8.0. Additional features and functionality from Horizon will be integrated into Rome in future releases.”
According to Marshall Breeding of the ALA Techsource, “The business decision to discontinue Horizon has an enormous impact on libraries. The 1,583 libraries currently running Unicorn can expect a smooth migration, with only a minor course correction to accommodate the changes expected as the system evolves into Rome. The 1,597 libraries running Horizon face an inevitable migration. Though SirsiDynix indicates that these systems will be supported long into the future, they are clear that no future enhancement and development will take place.”
What does this mean for ESLS? Paul Onufrak, the System’s Automation Services Librarian will try to answer our questions.
How long can we run on the
current Horizon system?
The current Horizon system, including software and hardware, is good
through at least the end of 2008. Beyond
that we would have to consider some hardware replacements, and we do not
know how long SirsiDynix will support the current Horizon software.
Has the company given any
idea how long they may support it?
The official response as of March 2007 was to give the customer at
least a two year warning that the current software will no longer be
supported.
We replaced the server last
year, how long will it remain functional?
The new Horizon server purchased in January 2006 should last at
least through 2009. After
that we will be beyond the current maintenance support offered by
SirsiDynix.
As Horizon doesn’t execute
some of the things we were promised and there will be no new enhancements
or developments what if anything will be done about those concerns?
We are looking at possible custom programming through
third-party vendors as a quick fix for some of the missing functionality
in Horizon 7.34. The long
term fix is to move to a system that has the functionality ESLS libraries
require.
How many other automation
systems are out there as an option for ESLS?
Several, though far fewer than when the ESLS libraries chose Dynix
nearly seven years ago. There
are several commercial venders the Shared Library Automation Committee
will review, as well as at least two open source options.
How much would a new
automation system cost?
Whatever we can afford.
Older Americans: Making Choices for a Healthier Future
In April 1963, President John F. Kennedy designated
May as “Senior Citizens Month.” Now
called “Older Americans
Month” celebrations are held across the country acknowledging the
contributions of older Americans. “Older
Americans: Making Choices for a Healthier Future” is the theme for May
2007.
For 44 years, our nation has paused to honor older Americans during May. During this special month, the ongoing contributions of our older citizens are highlighted with a national proclamation issued by the President of the United States, and activities and events planned in communities across America.
During the month of May libraries have an opportunity to make libraries exciting for older Americans. Some suggestions are to arrange for speakers and presenters at senior sites in your areas; serve nursing homes, senior centers and adult day-care centers by setting up “mini libraries” of reading and viewing materials for their use; display works of art by seniors from your community; promote a “Large Print Week” of new titles; offer computer and internet classes for seniors; promote books-by-mail and/or homebound service; invite seniors in to the library as volunteers; work with local agencies to offer programs on: health, exercise, entertainment, rights and benefits, local history, genealogy and travel. Let’s honor older Americans with library service during May.
Children's
Librarians Corner
Life
On A Farm
Nancy Van Voorhis, Elkhart Lake Public Library
Every year at this time my brother and I take a vacation day to attend the Wisconsin Public Service Farm Show in Oshkosh, where I usually find something library related.
One place we visit is the Wisconsin State Farmer booth to talk with Susan Manzke who writes amusing stories of farm life. Her name is on the Summer Reading Program state performer list, http://dpi.wi.gov/pld/performers.html . This summer Susan has agreed to come to our library and present a “Get A Clue” program about life on a Wisconsin farm. Farm life can be a great mystery to most children who don’t live on a farm.
During other visits to the farm show I have found coloring books with ideas of reproducible pictures for story time, free things I can give as prizes for the summer reading program, memorable stories to bring back to work and a collection of bookmarks done by children. The Renewable Energy Council held a contest for the best picture using farm life and renewable energy as the topic. The best pictures were made into bookmarks and distributed at their display.
Some of my favorite picture books about farm life include: Farm Life by Elizabeth Spurr, illustrated by Steve Bjorkman, a perfect story time book. Every page of the book offers an opportunity for group participation. I think making felt colored barns for an added flannel board would work nicely. The Cow Who Clucked by Denise Fleming; Farm Flu by Teresa Bateman; and Sakes Alive! A Cattle Drive by Karma Wilson with re-occurring “Sakes alive!” theme for kids to repeat, are all fun. I didn’t know so many farm animals want to travel the world like Prancing Dancing Lily by Marsha Diane Arnold; Mrs.Wishy-Washy’s Farm by Joy Cowley; Sailor Moo: Cow at Sea by Lisa Wheeler; Farmer McPeepers and His Missing Milk Cows by Katy S. Duffield; and Something to Tell the Grandcows by Eileen Spinelli. In the end, all these farm animals realize that home with friends and family are what they really wanted. Farm life displays might include the Doreen Cronin books Dooby Dooby Moo; Giggle, Giggle, Quack; Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type (a Caldecott Honor book with illustrations by Betsy Lewin) or What a Wonderful Day to Be a Cow by Carolyn Lesser. For craft, flannel board and finger play ideas I use the web sites www.thebestkidsbooksite.com or www.geocities.com/mystorytime.
A wonderful book I must include which is fun for a summer reading promo is Arthur’s Tractor by Pippa Goodhart. Arthur has an interesting adventure while plowing his fields. As the cat helps me type this article by walking on the keyboard, all farms must have cats, so I must include my favorite book Top Cat by Lois Ehlert.
Early Childhood Reading Grants From Target
If you want to start a family reading night, an
after-school reading program or a weekend book club Target, can help with
the funding through their Local Store Grants program. Applications for grants, averaging between $1,000-$3,000 can
be submitted anytime before May 31, 2007.
Schools, libraries and other public agencies that want to promote
reading for children from birth through age 9 are encouraged to apply.
Programs must take place between October 1, 2007 and September 30,
2008. For more information about the grants or to apply online visit the
Target Website at: http://sites.target.com/site/en/corporate/page.jsp?contentId=PRD03-003408.
WLA Announces Leadership Opportunity
WLA
The Wisconsin Library Association is thrilled to announce that we are recruiting a new class of future leaders and mentors. The WeLead Program (Wisconsin Emerging Librarians Exploring and Developing) began with its' first class of protégés in 2005. The initiative was created to attract new WLA members, and to help cultivate and prepare future leaders.
WeLead offers amazing benefits to those who are selected:
* a one-year
membership to WLA
* stipends to attend the WLA annual conference for three
years
* a stipend to attend one section conference during the
three-year initiative
* an appointment to a WLA committee
* special leadership programming opportunities
* pairing with a mentor who is already a leader in the
library
To apply the requirements are:
* Applicants
must be students, paraprofessionals and professionals
currently
in the field of library science
* Applicants should have demonstrated potential to be future
library leaders
* Applicants must be willing to attend the WLA annual
conference for
the
three years during the three-year WeLead Initiative
* Applicants must be willing to attend one additional
conference
(WAPL,
WAAL or WEMA) during the three-year WeLead Initiative
* Applicants may either:
1) have never been a member of
WLA /or
2)
have been a member for three years or less
We are also recruiting mentors. It's a great way for current library leaders to share their wisdom and expertise, and to benefit from sharing new ideas.
For mentors, the requirements are:
* Must be willing
to make a 3-year commitment to the initiative, beginning
in July 2007.
* Must be able to
attend the mentor training in July, the WLA Conference in October,
and a spring division
conference in 2007 (if applicable).
* Willing to meet and communicate with protégé on a regular
basis;
(e.g., meeting at conferences, exchanging emails,
telephone conversations
conversations, and personal meetings when
appropriate.)
* Have at least 5 years of experience working in the library
field.
* Be a current WLA member and retain membership during the
3-year
initiative.
For more information about the program, including the protégé and
mentor application forms, please visit:
http://www.wla.lib.wi.us/welead/
Interesting Items...
* W. J. Niederkorn 's (Port Washington) new Children's Librarian is Cindy Beyer and the new person in charge of the Children's Department at the Frank L. Weyenberg Library (Mequon) is Mary Griffith.
* The Cedarburg Common Council at the end of March approved borrowing $1.06 million toward the cost of a new library.
* Incoming freshman planning to attend the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan this coming fall with an interest in information resources are encouraged to apply for an internship/scholarship offered on the campus. All students interested in applying should contact Library Director Jeff Ellair at 920-459-6679 or e-mail jeffrey.ellair@uwc.edu. Applications must be received by April 20.
* Citizenship Tool Kits offered by the U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Office are being made available for libraries where there are high populations of Hispanic or Southeast Asian populations. To receive one of the Citizen Tool Kits, ESLS system member libraries should contact Sue Potter or Connie Meyer at Eastern Shores before April 20th
* Web addresses with the "s" after the http means it is a secure site. An example many of us use is: https://wiscmail.wisc.edu/mailplus ,which provides on line access to our e-mail.
* If you are interested in learning more about bloglines, wikis, open software and aggregators go to http://soaring.pbwiki.com/ and check out the "Best of the Web" resources. This information is from the College of DuPage as part of the Soaring to Excellence: Library 2.0 and Beyond.
Wispublib, March 29, 2007
* May 7-11, 2007 has been chosen as “AskAway Awareness Week.” Libraries will receive promotional material that can be used to promote Wisconsin’s 27/7 AskAway Virtual Reference Service. For more information contact Renee Ponzio, AskAway Statewide Publicity Committee chairperson at reneep@eauclaire.lib.wi.us.
Grants Available for Writers and Illustrators
Sarah McGowan,WindSong Farm
Communities can celebrate and explore the literature of Wisconsin with its authors and illustrators. The Wisconsin Center for the Book will award up to ten grants of $250 each to qualifying organizations wishing to sponsor a Wisconsin author or illustrator at a public event.
Wisconsin nonprofit organizations interested in books and reading are eligible to apply. Collaboration among groups is preferred. Such groups may include, but are not limited to, public libraries; public and private elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools; community organizations; and places of worship. Libraries are encouraged to look beyond their Friends groups for partnerships. The event must be free of admission charge and the honorarium will be paid directly to the speaker.
Applications must be received by July 1, 2007. All programs must be scheduled between September 1, 2007 and April 30, 2008. Any author or illustrator who has lived in Wisconsin for a significant period of time, including someone who may no longer be living in the state is eligible for consideration. Most authors and illustrators can be contacted through their publishers. Among the resources you might wish to examine are the online “CCBC Directory of Wisconsin Children’s Book Creators” http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/authors/directory.asp.
Full information is available from Sarah McGowan , WAIS 2007-08 Chair, Wisconsin Center for the Book, W13679 L Road, Brandon, WI 53919 or 920-346-2784 or windsong@centurytel.net. Or visit the website: http://www.wisconsinacademy.org/book/application.html
Speak Up for Your Library
Speak Up for Your Library
Are you looking for a way to tell your patrons about the value and impact of the public library in your community? Do you wish there was a simple method to send them information about library issues that are being decided either locally or at the state level?
Eastern Shores Library System is participating in the Speak Up for Your Library program as a means of communicating with library patrons and mobilizing them on behalf of their local library, and libraries across the system and state.
The primary goal is to educate patrons about the value and impact of the public library in their community, and in turn to build a base of support that can be called up when the need arises. Toward this end, we try to send list members one brief email periodically with information about the importance and value of libraries. It might be some systemwide statistic from the annual report, or it might be a quote about libraries. This periodic email is important for two reasons: first, it lets us educate list members about the value of libraries; and second, it lets us know the condition of our list. There is nothing worse than needing patrons to reach out, only to learn that a good number of the emails are no longer valid.
We believe it is important to arm these patrons with information they can use to start talking about the library in their community, which in turn expands the base of support. We know that libraries have direct, positive impact on the lives of patrons, and through this campaign we are turning that goodwill into action.
When a library participates, the library receives Speak Up cards, posters, and boxes to collect the cards. Each library receives one box, but we can get more for those that want (or need) to place boxes at multiple points. The card asks for the name, address, and email address of the patron, and also asks for their home library name and the names of the patrons’ state senator and state representative.
ESLS will maintain the name, addresses, and e-mail in some sort of database so that we can easily extract them for use by the system or member libraries. By using Excel or Word, we will be able to sort the information by different fields so we can target our advocacy efforts.
South Central Library System (Madison) began this campaign in 2004. Last year they asked for help as the state Biennial Budget was unfolding and also for help on other library legislation. SCLS has anecdotal evidence from the WLA Lobbyist that their efforts had a significant impact. We know that elected officials listen when enough constituents contact them on an issue.
So Speak Up for Your
Library by joining the Speak Up campaign.
Contact David Weinhold at the ESLS office (weinhold@esls.lib.wi.us).
Upcoming Workshop/CE Opportunities
April
24
BadgerCat and WorldCat - Reference
Services Workshop;
Place: Mead Public
Library; Time:
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
26
Badgerlink - Ethnic Information - DPI and
Linda Miller;
Place: ESLS Offices Meeting Room; Time:
1 to 2:30 p.m.
27
Overdrive, NetLibrary, TumbleBook demos - Youth Services Meeting:
Place: ESLS Offices; Time: 9:30
a.m. to 12:30
May
2-4 Public
Libraries: Raising Your Community’s Net Worth - WAPL Spring Conference
Place:
The Plaza, Eau Claire;
Time: Great!!!
11
The Relevance of Libraries in the Digital Age - College of DuPage
video-conference;
Place: ESLS Offices Meeting
Room; Time:
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
11
Badgerlink - Searching Techniques - DPI and Linda Miller;
Place:
ESLS Offices Meeting Room;
Time: 9:30 to 11 a.m.
