Saturday, May 12, 2012

So What's It Gonna Be?


Walker video raises question of right-to-work; GOP says no thanks. (Wisconsin State Journal, 5/12/2012) 

Excerpt:    There are no plans to force a right-to-work bill through the state Legislature, Republican leaders said Friday, a day after a video was released that showed Gov. Scott Walker discussing his strategy for weakening unions.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Erie PA Says Goodbye to the Print Version of Encyclopedia Britannica



Printed Britannica's exit won't hinder Erie County libraries. (Erie News, 3/28/2012)

Related post:
Encyclopedia Britannica gets out of the print business.  (3/13/2012)

Johnson County Public Library Referendum Overwhelmingly Defeated


Johnson County voters reject plan for $29.9M library in downtown Franklin. (Indianapolis Star, 5/9/2012)

Excerpt: A group of taxpayers opposed the 70,000-square-foot project, saying it was too big and too expensive.

The library would have had to borrow $25 million and repay $38.7 million over 20 years. The project would have added about $25 to property taxes on a median-price home.

Citizens Opposed to the Library Project spokesman Kyle Kasting says officials were out of touch with the public.

Johnson County Public Library Director Beverly Martin says in a statement that officials are disappointed and will seek public input for the library’s long-range plan.

Related post:
Indiana's Johnson County Public Library referendum information.  (5/6/2012)

Barbara McKillip's Libri Foundation


Barbara McKillip’s foundation helps rural libraries reach kids. (Eugene Register-Guard, 5/7/2012)

ExcerptMcKillip, 60, is one of eight Lane County residents being honored this month as “Living Inspirations” — people age 60 or older who have enriched their communities with their active volunteerism. The awards are part of the Age Knows No Limits project, which is coordinated by a coalition of senior-­oriented community groups. The honors are announced each May in conjunction with Older Americans Month.

McKillip said the award, for which she was nominated by a friend, is a touching reminder of how others have embraced her efforts.

“I don’t quite see myself as a ‘living inspiration,’ but I appreciate that my work is recognized,”

McKillip said. “Books have taught me a lot, and I am glad to share that passion with kids.” McKillip grew up in a rural community in the Midwest, and she recalls always having old, used and secondhand books to read — rarely new ones. Her early love for books ultimately led to a master’s degree in library science from the University of Oregon.

While working as a librarian and history instructor at Linn-Benton Community College in Albany, she conceived the idea for the Libri Foundation, drawn from talks with her parents as they dreamed about what they would do if they won big in the lottery.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Available Now: Punk-Ass Book Jockey Card and Envelope


Inspired by.....



Hat tip to Kris.

Somerset County Library System Volunteer Policy Organization Chart


As interpreted by Retiring Guy from Fired Warren Township Library circulation director files appeal (Somerset Messenger-Gazette, 5/5/2012)


Related article:
Warren Township Library teen volunteers earn praise.  (Somerset Reporter, 10/3/2009)

And now for a word from this Brian Auger.

Monday, May 7, 2012

To Make His Case, Dan Linssen Chooses 2 Examples, 1 Disastrous and the Other Curious


Dan Linssen column: Brown County residents should pause, analyze future of library. (Green Bay Press Gazette, 5/7/2012)

Excerpt:   Across the country, public library systems like Rockford, Ill. or Jamestown, N.Y. are diving into exploration of what a library should be for the 21st century. For years, university libraries* have been actively preparing to serve the needs of tomorrow. Many characterize the library of tomorrow as "moving out of the building and into the community" [see SIDEBAR below] or becoming "virtual libraries" or the "dramatic reduction in print books."

*But not leaving the building behind.     Cornell University Library surveyed students to ask what word comes to mind most when they think of a library. The results created a wordle visualization,with “place” being (ironically) centered as the word used most often. The idea that the library is a physical building that people go to has not been lost in the digital age, and there is still this desire to have ones’ library be an escape of sorts.

And if you have any doubts, visit Exhibit A, College Library, on the UW-Madison campus during the next two weeks.

The disastrous example.


Dan, maybe you should be writing for the Rockford Register-Star.  (Here's the link to the document that Director Frank Novak and the members of the Rockford Public Library board were not inclined to share.)

And it's not as if Brown County Central Library project hasn't already been well-studied.


SIDEBARGoogling "moving out of the building and into the community".

As for the curious example, the Prendergast Library in Jamestown, New York, the board of trustees and staff seem to have enough on their hands with the recent hiring of a new director.

Such as.....

Blanching at the thought of weeding.  Your library has not implemented any plan to cull, or "weed out" the (non-circulating) nonfiction collection. Since Jan. 1, 2012, only 18 books have been removed from the 300-399 section of nonfiction books. Prendergast Library owns 16,504 items in the 300-399 section of nonfiction books. That is a discard rate of 0.1 percent.

Staff morale.   One of the most difficult issues facing your Prendergast Library is the perception that a climate of fear and intimidation now permeates the staff of the Prendergast Library (and System).

Everyone on the board of trustees has received anonymous, as well as signed, letters and emails. We are working diligently to assess the situation and carefully sort the legitimate causes for concern from the rumors that are circulating. Ms. Mielke has a different management style than that of her predecessor and we recognize that leadership transitions are difficult for all parties

Above quotes from Change is Inevitable at Library, by Tom Rankin, library board member, from the 4/22/2012 Jamestown Post-Journal.

Linssen's previous 'pining.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Officials Tune Out Advocates for Philadelphia Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped


Karen Heller:  How to shelve a library plan?  (Philadelphia Inquirer, 5/6/2012)

Excerpt: The Philadelphia Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, the nation's oldest book collection serving the visually impaired and one of only two in the commonwealth, is slated to be dramatically diminished this week, as services and the collection are slashed. 

The plan calls for moving most reading materials to the smaller, less-used Pittsburgh branch; foolishly dumping half a million recorded cassettes; and halving the caring, veteran staff that helps disabled patrons in 29 counties. 

The merger makes absolutely no sense and will not save the commonwealth a cent, while providing slower, less efficient service to an already underserved population. Indeed, critics believe the merger will cost more money in unanticipated operating costs. 

After writing about the abysmal plan Wednesday, I was flooded with calls and e-mails from readers asking how they could help.

Often in the past, I could suggest a government official or legislator with some clout who might listen to their concerns. 

Now, I'm at an utter loss, as are the library's advocates.


Burlington Conservatives: Free Speech for Me, But Not for Thee



Liberal group’s film showing spurs talk of theater boycott. (myracinecounty.com, 5/2/2012)

Excerpt:   Want to rent the Plaza Theater in Burlington

That’s fine, regardless of your political leanings, as long as you agree to pay the rental fee. 


Plaza Theater owner Shad Branen said Monday that “any group is welcome to rent it any day,” and he has no desire to show support for any particular group. 

His decision to rent the theater to the Burlington Progressives for a Wednesday showing of “The Koch Brothers – Exposed” drew the ire of local conservatives, as the WeVote Burlington group began drawing up plans to protest the showing.  [Wonder how WeVote Burlington would react to a small grass-roots progressive group using the Burlington High School?]

On the group’s Facebook page – a private page that is available only by asking to be allowed to join – some members called for a boycott of the local theater.  [Private Facebook page.  Secret campaign headquarters location.  Peas in a pod.]

Source of illustrations:  everystockphoto.

Indiana's Johnson County Library Referendum Information


Johnson County Public Library promotes referendum information. (Indianapolis Star, 5/3/2012)

In this corner: The Johnson County Public Library has spent $22,000 to educate the public about a $30 million referen- dum to build a new Franklin library.
  • $15,000 on advertising ($7,000 to the Daily Journal newspaper)
  • $6,750 to J Owen Media for designing promotional materials and developing a marketing campaign.
Vote Yes for Libraries, a public action committee supporting the referendum, raised nearly $2,900 and spent about $950, according to financial disclosure forms.

In the other corner:  Citizens Opposed to the Library Project raised about $5,500 and spent about $3,000.

Starting May 13, Weekly Hours at Indianapolis Public Libraries Will Increase from 980 to 1247



Related articles:
IMCPL Board votes to restore most branch hours, with link to ICMPL 2011 annual report.  (3/29/2012)
Some hours to be restored at IMCPL branches. (3/1/2012)
"Not all good news". (2/25/2012)
2012 budget should allow library to restore reduced hours at branches.  (10/17/2011)
An informed, engaged Indianapolis will find the resources for its public library.  (7/4/2011)
Bramble's retirement leads to search for 21st-century visionary to lead IMCPL.  (6/3/2011)
Library funding a front-burner issue.  (6/3/2011)
Empty cup at the finish line?  (4/30/2011)
Indiana House passes library funding bill before Democrats take a much needed road trip.  (2/22/2011)
Indiana Senate moves more quickly than House on library bill.  (2/10/2011)
No rest for IMCPL 'loyalists'.  (2/9/2011)
'Library loyalists' provide a remedial lesson in funding priorities.  (2/8/2011)
Legislative effort to provide more funding for IMCPL continues.  (2/4/2011)
Show of support by IMCPL advocates.  (1/25/2011)
Library angel.  (1/17/2011)
Indianapolis Star editorial: "Give library a fair share of tax"  (1/13/2011)
Sustainability in the form of a share of county income taxes.  (1/12/2011)
Township deals comes undone.  (1/8/2011)
Vote to restore library hours and rehire staff: Thanking God again in Wayne Township, Indiana.  (12/16/2010)
Wayne Township's $200,000 for IMCPL:  "Thank God it's a nice purpose".  (12/8/2010)
Temporary fix (not yet approved ) to keep 4 IMCPL branches open.  (11/19/2010)
ICMPL to lay off 37 employees.  (11/12/2010)
Cuts in library hours, materials budget.  (9/15/2010)
Library announces 26% cut in hours.  (9/14/2010)
Indianapolis resident recommends book to local officials.  (9/6/2010)
Library board votes to include 'shortfall appeal' option.  (9/1/2010)
Library board to consider 'shortfall appeal'.  (8/30/2010)
In close vote, library board cuts hours, staff.  (8/20/2010)
Library grapples with its sustainable future.  (8/16/2010)
Library projects a $7.3 million deficit by 2014.  (7/29/2010)
Library board sez no branch closings in 2011.  (7/15/2010)
Library supporters question Pacers deal. (7/15/2010)
High performance government team report.  (7/11/2010)
Library board delays decision on libraries.  (6/5/2010)
Another big turnout for libraries.  (5/13/2010)
Mayor vows to keep library branches open.  (5/12/2010)
Residents speak up for their libraries.  (5/11/2010)
The neighborhood library as refuge.  (5/2/2010)
Indianapolis Star editorial board keeps library funding issue front and center.  (4/25/2010)
Efficiency experts look for ways to keep branch libraries open.  (4/23/2010)
More than 1400 sign petition to keep Glendale branch open.  (4/20/2010)
Editorial:  Find resources for library.  (4/19/2010)
What's in store for Indianapolis-area libraries?  (4/17/2010)
Indiana Pacers bailout talks continue.  (4/16/2010)
Postscript.  (4/15/2010)
Look what's at the top of Indianapolis's to-do list.  (4/14/2010)
A Challenge to Indianapolis-Marion County:  Stand Up for Libraries.  (4/13/2010)