The Library Connection

The Monthly Newsletter of the Eastern Shores Library System
www.esls.lib.wi.us

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Volume 26 Number 2  February 2006

Click here for the Winter 2006 Bookmobile Schedule

2005 LSTA Grant Final Evaluations

During 2005, the Eastern Shores Library System received two LSTA grants in competitive categories.  Final evaluations for both grants were submitted to the DLTCL earlier this month.

The "Promoting Lakeview (Random Lake) & Oscar Grady (Saukville) Libraries" grant was in the Library Card Sign-Up category. The goal was to promote the public libraries in the five  communities that support them by encouraging residents to obtain and use library cards.  The objectives were to increase the number of registered borrowers in those same five affected communities and also to increase the circulation to those borrowers.  We spent $5,926.58 of the $6,200 that was awarded.

The activities carried out by Eastern Shores and the two libraries took place all year, but two special promotions took place in April during National Library Week and in September during Library Card Sign-Up Month.  In April we purchased paid ads in local newspapers, ran "Why I Love My Library" contests, hired a performer to do a family performance at each library, and purchased promotional magnets for the libraries.  The library directors requested that their municipal officials sign a proclamation for National Library Week.

During September, the libraries displayed large (12 x 36 ft) banners in their communities.  They staffed a booth at the Northern Ozaukee School District welcome night.  Lakeview hosted a breakfast for the K-12 teachers in the district and explained the services available there.  Oscar Grady customized a George Lopez poster with information about their library and its services and distributed one to each elementary-age child.  Paid ads for libraries aired on a local radio station 114 times during the month.  We again purchased paid ads in local newspapers.

Both libraries now have at least 50% of their residents as registered borrowers.  The increase in the number of registered borrowers in the communities rose anywhere from 6.5% to 12.2%.  During September alone, 122 individuals applied for new cards at the two libraries.  Circulation to residents of the five municipalities increased at an average of 11.9%.  The overall circulation at Lakeview was up 4.5% and 11% at Saukville.

Library staff at both libraries believed that the banners and the newspaper ads were the most effective in communicating their presence in their communities.

The "Serving Those Who Care for Persons with Alzheimer's" grant was in the Seniors/Disabilities category.  It was written on behalf of the Eastern Shores Bookmobile.  The goals were to include the special needs of those who have dementia or Alzheimer's in collection development and to collaborate with community agencies to provide the best possible services to adults who have dementia or Alzheimer's and their families.  The objectives were to purchase and develop additional "Remembering" kits, to add materials to the bookmobile collection on the subjects of working with and caring for individuals with Alzheimer's, as well as explaining the disease to children and young people.  Another objective was to publicize the newly-purchased items.  We spent $4,124 of the $4,180 that was awarded.

During the grant year, we purchased two full-size and two mini Bi-Folkal kits and added them to the existing collection of nineteen kits.  We also purchased three more mini-kits and selected additional items for inclusion in them.  We then selected and purchased items for six more original kits and added them into circulation.  The bookmobile staff purchased 22 items (17 of them unique in the Eastern Shores catalog) on caring for someone with Alzheimer's Disease.  Also purchased were 27 items (14 unique) on helping children understand Alzheimer's and 23 items (22 unique) on working with those with Alzheimer's.  The bookmobile also added two magazines--Good old Days and Today's Caregiver to their collection.

The bookmobile was already stopping at two senior communities and added two new stops to senior communities to their bi-weekly schedule and promoted the new kits and books at these stops. Bibliographies and brochures describing the items purchased were sent to fifty-six agencies that work with the elderly.   The libraries received the copies of the bibliographies and brochures to share with their customers.  We reprinted the Bi-Folkal catalog and distributed a copy to each member library.

Ozaukee County Library Service

David Weinhold, Director, Eastern Shores Library System

For the past few months, the Ozaukee County Board has discussed various resolutions about county library service. There are many questions about county library service to which I would like to reply.

What is County Library Service in Ozaukee County?

Simply, it is providing library service to the 11,000 residents of Ozaukee County who live in municipalities that do not operate public libraries. There are six municipalities in northern Ozaukee County—the Towns of Belgium, Fredonia, Saukville, and Port Washington and the Villages of Belgium and Fredonia—that do not operate a public library. To provide these non-libraried residents with library service, the County Board has agreed to reimburse those libraries within Eastern Shores Library System for the library services that are used by these residents. Those libraries are located in Cedarburg, Grafton, Mequon, Port Washington, and Saukville in Ozaukee County and in Cedar Grove, Elkhart Lake, Kohler, Oostburg, Plymouth, Random Lake, Sheboygan, and Sheboygan Falls in Sheboygan County. The County Board also agreed to provide bookmobile service to the non-libraried communities of Ozaukee County.

All the services offered by that library are available to anyone who comes in to use the library. This would include reference, computers, book discussions, programs, storyhours, summer library program, newspapers, magazines, copiers, microfilm readers, restrooms, study tables, study rooms, as well as books, audiobooks, videotapes, compact discs, and digital video discs.

Currently, a formula is used to determine the cost of providing library service at each public library used by the non-libraried residents. The required formula is in Wis. Stat. 43.12. This formula uses a library’s previous year’s (2004) operational expenses and the previous year’s (2004) number of items it loans to calculate the cost. The statute requires that the reimbursement to a library can be no less than 70% of the cost to provide library service to non-libraried residents. Both the previous and current County Library Services Plans set the reimbursement level at 85% of the cost.

In the County Library Service request for 2006, the cost for library service used by non-libraried residents was $262,996. To reimburse the libraries at 85% of that cost would require $223,547. The County Board approved funding at $213,395, which provides a funding level at 81% of the actual cost. In addition to the reimbursement amount, there is $52,337 for bookmobile service and $21,700 for the EasiCat project for a total of $287,432. Non-libraried residents pay $0.27 per $1000 equalized value for County Library Service. For a property valued at $120,000, the taxpayer pays $32.45 annually for library service.

Well, there are, as you can see, a lot of numbers and percentages being discussed which may appear to make it complicated. But I believe it is a very simple concept.

A municipality with a library has a service (library service) that non-libraried residents want to use. Municipal residents pay local property taxes for library service. Non-libraried residents who use library service pay a county library tax for their use. The payment from the county library tax should recover the municipality’s cost to provide that service.

The current payment does not reimburse the municipality’s library for the cost to serve non-libraried residents.

Sheboygan County Library Service

David Weinhold, Director, Eastern Shores Library System

What is County Library Service in Sheboygan County?

Simply, it is providing library service to the 36,235 residents of Sheboygan County who live in municipalities that do not operate public libraries. There are 17 municipalities in the County—the Towns of Greenbush, Herman, Holland, Lima, Lyndon, Mitchell, Mosel, Plymouth, Rhine, Russell, Sheboygan, Sheboygan Falls, and Wilson and the Villages of Cascade, Glenbeulah, Howards Grove, and Waldo—that do not operate a public library. To provide these non-libraried residents with library service, the County Board has agreed to reimburse those libraries within Eastern Shores Library System for the library services that are used by these residents. Those libraries are located in Cedar Grove, Elkhart Lake, Kohler, Oostburg, Plymouth, Random Lake, Sheboygan, and Sheboygan Falls in Sheboygan County and in Cedarburg, Grafton, Mequon, Port Washington, and Saukville in Ozaukee County. The County Board also agreed to provide bookmobile service to the non-libraried communities of Sheboygan County.

What library services are available to Sheboygan County residents through the County Library Service?

All the services offered by that library are available to anyone who comes in to use the library. This would include reference, computers, book discussions, programs, storyhours, summer library program, newspapers, magazines, copiers, microfilm readers, restrooms, study tables, study rooms, as well as books, audiobooks, videotapes, compact discs, and digital video discs.

How are Sheboygan County libraries reimbursed for this service?

Currently, a formula is used to determine the cost of providing library service at each public library used by the non-libraried residents. The required formula is in Wis. Stat. 43.12. This formula uses a library’s previous year’s (2004) operational expenses and the previous year’s (2004) number of items it loans to calculate the cost. The statute requires that the reimbursement to a library can be no less than 70% of the cost to provide library service to non-libraried residents. The current Sheboygan County Library Services Plan moves the reimbursement level from 85% to 90% over the five year plan.

What is the cost for County Library Service in Sheboygan County and how much do non-libraried residents pay for the service?

In the Sheboygan County Library Service request for 2006, the cost for library service used by non-libraried residents was $998,135. To reimburse the libraries at 86% of that cost required $858,395. The County Board approved that level of funding for reimbursement. In addition to the reimbursement amount, there is $122,135 for bookmobile service for a total of $980,530. Non-libraried residents pay $0.34 per $1000 equalized value for County Library Service. For a property valued at $120,000, the taxpayer pays $40.80 annually for library service.

People say this is complicated - Is it really so?

Well, there are, as you can see, a lot of numbers and percentages being discussed which may appear to make it complicated. But I believe it is a very simple concept.

A municipality with a library has a service (library service) that non-libraried residents want to use. Municipal residents pay local property taxes for library service. Non-libraried residents who use that service pay a county library tax for their use. The payment from the county library tax should recover the municipality’s cost to provide that service. The current plan moves the payment closer to the full recovery of that cost.

Children's Librarians Corner

Summer Reading Program - 2006

Erika Burge, Cedarburg Public Library

The Summer Reading Program is coming, and, as a children’s librarian, I look forward to, and think about, it all year long.  The (first) focus on this year’s program for me is the visits I make to local schools.  I have fun seeing the kids in a different environment – and they’re always excited to see me at their schools.  Inevitably, a few kids I’ve never seen before these visits come to the library (a great thing!) and ask if I remember them.  The answer is always "yes" – whether or not they look familiar.  

The summer that I was in library school I had a practicum experience at a local public library.   One of my first tasks was to accompany the children’s staff of the library out to local schools and help them put on a skit for the kids.  While that approach is great, it is unattainable for those of us who work in small libraries.  For the last few years, here in Cedarburg, I’ve been doing a pretty basic program – tell some jokes, talk about the program, and booktalk a few age and theme appropriate books.  This year I would like to change it a bit; I’ll still share the same information, but I’m planning to use a PowerPoint presentation to make my information more visual, and hopefully, more memorable to the kids.

A Teen Survey

Nancy Van Voorhis, Elkhart Lake Public Library

The Elkhart Lake Public Library, like most, has been unable to attract teens to our library so last year I took an online class on young adult literature. Most of the books reviewed were award winning books dealing with current issues facing young adults, teen pregnancy, anorexia, peer pressure etc. I purchased some of these books for our library but they didn’t seem to circulate much.

My next quest was to ask the teens I knew what they were reading and listening to. I asked the home schoolers and all my friends' kids what they were reading and listening to. Alas they were into non-fiction books, mainly history, and country music. While these are some of my favorite areas they were still not typical of teens of today.

When I turn to the schools for help, they were able to bring in grades 5-8 for the summer library program promos. They were happy to get out of school and have lunch in the park. Here are some of the results.

There was a definite division between the 5th and 6th graders and the 7th and 8th. Grades 5-6 were reading the popular books, Lemony Snicket, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and Harry Potter. They tended to like Fantasy, Science Fiction and Romance. The other popular results included Junie B. Jones, Matt Christopher, Beverly Cleary, and the comeback of the Goosebumps series.

I was very surprised to learn that the 7th and 8th graders were reading a variety of books in the adult section. Many were reading horror such as Dean Koontz and Stephen King. Mystery and Suspense were equally popular as well as books by Nicolas Sparks, Mary Higgins Clark, and Tom Clancy.

The magazine trend tended to be the same way.  Cosmo Girl, Teen People, and Teen were mentioned by grades 5-6. People, Seventeen, and Sports Illustrated were mentioned by grades 7-8. Both groups wanted more popular DVDs and Music CDs. While we have popular DVDs they weren’t aware that they could put holds on them. Also the music suggestions tended to suggest classic rock, Metalica, Guns & Roses, AC/DC, and Usher.

Programming suggestions included Survival, Harry Potter parties, craft programs and animals, as well as always having refreshments. We are still working on finding ways to attract young adults to the library. It helps that the school is bringing grades 5-8 to the library for the summer library promo each spring. We need to come up with reading incentives for this age group. Many express disappointment that the younger kids get the Culver’s ice cream coupons and the Subway Kids Packs but there wasn’t anything for them.

This year we will continue to offer a Young Adult Summer Reading Program separate from the Adults. Our Scavenger/Treasure hunt seems to be popular and this summer's animal theme is popular with youth.

CCBC Choices 2006

Don't forget to register for the workshop when Megan Schliesman and Katy Horning will present the CCBC's Choices for outstanding new books for children and teens.  The workshop will be held on Wednesday, April 19,2006 at Mead Public Library in Sheboygan.  All public and school librarians have been invited.  Contact Paula at 920-208-4900 ext 10 if you have any questions.

National Library Workers Day

National Library Workers Day is Tuesday, April 4, 2006.  For a flyer listing some of the ways you can show appreciation to those who work in your libraries:  NLWDmw06flyer.pdf

The American Library Association has other ideas for staff recognition.  If your library has a cool or unique way of recognizing staff, add it to the list! 

Requesting Genealogical Materials

from a posting on the wiscat listserv by Terry Wilcox of R&LL

The Reference and Loan Library often receives requests that have been to multiple libraries and have not been filled.  Reference and Loan immediately updates them to Answer Nonsupply.  Why?  The requests are for genealogical materials.  Reference and Loan will not refer requests for genealogical materials unless the request contains specific information that may be photocopied.

What is considered genealogical material?
The Wisconsin Interlibrary Loan Guidelines have just been reprinted and will be distributed to all libraries soon.  You can visit the publication at http://dpi.wi.gov/rll/ill_gd_index.html

There is a section titled Interlibrary Loan Best Practices for Library Staff that lists each type of genealogical material, specifying what kind of photocopy information would be most useful in order of importance.  The more information the patron can provide, the more likely the request will be filled.  Suggestion:  Copy and paste the information from the guidelines into a "cheat sheet" to keep at the reference or customer service desk so all staff members know what questions to ask.  The online version is often not readily available.

Who owns genealogical titles?
Public libraries own some titles, but most are non-circulating.   You can check the call numbers in WISCAT.  An 'R' preceding the number indicates Reference--usually non-circulating.  Even if a genealogical or local history title is not in the Reference collection, a library may be reluctant to loan it.  Reference and Loan has access to the Wisconsin Historical Society through WiLS.  The Historical Society has one of the best collections in the United States.  Because of the fee for each request that Reference and Loan refers to WiLS, they will not refer a request without photocopy information.

What information should you get from the patron?
When you accept a request from a patron, simply ask "Is this for genealogical research?"  If the title contains any form of the word "genealogy" or the term "family history," you need to ask more questions and get more information.   Determine what type of genealogical material it is (census, plat map, passenger list, etc), so you can ask the patron the right questions from the guidelines.

Ask the patron if they will accept a photocopy of the index or the table of contents.  The WISCAT record will usually show if there is an index included in the book.  Ask for surnames and first names, if known.  Include alternate spellings for the surname.  Birth and death dates are also helpful.

Why do you need to do this?
Your patrons will get their information faster.  They will not wait hopefully, only to be disappointed when their requests become Not Supplied.  Genealogists are usually quite knowledgeable about their research and will be willing to share the details with you so you can better help them.

Libraries Change Lives

Librarians often wonder if what they are doing every day has a lasting impact on their customers.  Women's Day magazine wants to learn how libraries have changed lives.  The magazine has asked readers to submit their stories in 700 words or less.  Send the stories to womansday@ala.org by May 10, 2006.  An upcoming issue of Woman's Day will feature four stories.

The Woman's Day website has more information about the contest, including the official rules.

If you want to promote the initiative in your library, you can download free promotional tools from the ALA website:  http://www.ala.org/ala/pio/campaign/sponsorship/wdchangelives.htm  There is a press release, a flyer, and some downloadable logos.

The March 7 issue of Woman's Day highlights the two winners from last year's editorial initiative, which asked people why they would want to research their family trees at the library.  The article features librarians from public libraries in Urbana, Illinois and San Francisco, California as they guide the winners through library resources to help them discover new parts of their family history.

Woman's Day is a Founding Partner of The Campaign for America's Libraries, the ALA's multi-year public awareness and advocacy campaign to promote the value of libraries and librarians in the 21st century.

Wanted Dead or Alive

Have you ever had a patron ask you if a famous film star or sports hero is still living?  If the individual has died, you can usually find an obituary or at least a death date.  But if you do not find one, you can't assume that the person is still alive because perhaps the media has not reported the death or perhaps you did not look in the right source to find the death date.

You will want to bookmark this website:  http://www.deadoraliveinfo.com/

Enter the person's name and you will receive the birth date, current age (if alive), or death date and age at death, as well as cause of death.  I checked for the surname Dionne and discovered that two of the famous quintuplets are still alive.  The other three died in 1954, 1970, and 2001 respectively.

The site also has lists of people who share today's date as a birth or a death date.  There is even a list of people (living and dead) who lived to be more than 100. The oldest person on this list is Jeanne Calment, who is described as a "French woman, oldest authenticated person ever."   She died in 1997 at the age of 122.  Cause of death?  Old age!

Weeding the Collection

With the snow on the ground, it's too early to begin weeding your gardens.  Why not weed your library collection instead?  But, where do you start and how to you proceed?  What do you weed and what do you keep?  Those were the questions recently posed by a children's librarian on pubyac.  Some of the responses follow:

 www.esls.lib.wi.us