Calendar of Events  Home Page 

April 2002
Volume XXXIX, Number 4

Task Force on Public Library Legislation and Funding Gets To Work!

The first meeting of the State Superintendent's Task Force on Public Library Legislation and Funding was held on April 11, 2002 in Madison.

Following a review of background information and resources from DLTCL and recommendations of the System and Resource Library Administrators Association of Wisconsin (SRLAAW) Unifying Vision project, the Task Force conducted a round robin exercise to identify issues and problems facing Wisconsin public libraries and library systems. Following are some of the issues and problems mentioned:

PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEMS 

• determining the role, importance, and nature of library systems 
• need a review of the role of resource libraries for systems 
• need a review of the requirement that systems provide all mandated services to all member libraries 
• defining systems to the public and legislature 
• meeting statutory maintenance of effort requirement for system membership 
• small library systems increasingly unable to meet member library needs 
• systems need venture capital for new services

PUBLIC LIBRARIES & NONRESIDENT USE 

• need to define who pays for what (local, regional, state) 
• should county library standards be required 
• libraries not viewed as a "core service" 
• lack of reimbursement for crossover borrowing 
• local taxes support local libraries that provide statewide services 
• too many public libraries in the state 
• lack of "BadgerCard" (a statewide library card) 
• tendency of local governments to cut library funding when the library obtains outside funding 
• libraries too often avoid being "political"

LARGER UNITS OF SERVICE 

• state's joint library law is flawed (concerning method for determining annual library budget) 
• permissive district library law needed 
• combined school-public libraries are allowed 
• the perception that larger units of service necessarily lower costs 
• need for library governance structure to follow naturally-occurring economic regions

OTHER ISSUES/PROBLEMS 

• that a municipality can opt out of a consolidated county library 
• political units do not correspond to library service patterns 
• unnecessary duplication of service 
• need to clarify respective authority between library board and municipality

After the round robin exercise, the Task Force conducted a brainstorming exercise to suggest initial ideas and proposals for improving public library and library system legislation and funding. Some of those ideas include:

• Statewide linking of shared automated systems 
• Redraw system boundaries 
• "Cafeteria" options for system service 
• State-funded nonresident service incentive package 
• Statewide or multi-regional reference service 
• Mandatory standards for public libraries 
• Require that if crossover usage between two communities reaches a certain percentage, the two must consolidate library service 
• Develop new state standards for library systems 
• Redistribute existing state aid to help solve problems

DLTCL staff will consolidate problems and solutions identified by the Task Force and develop issue papers with alternatives for consideration at future Task Force meetings. Suggestions for legislative and funding changes from the general library community are welcome and can be sent to Mike Cross at michael.cross@dpi.state.wi.us  A program will be held on May 2, 2002 at the WAPL Spring Conference which will be primarily a listening session, allowing anyone to give input to the Task Force.

The complete summary of the April 11th meeting is available at the address mentioned above or http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/dltcl/pld/doc/aprilsumm.doc 

  Back to top 

In Wisconsin 

Deadline for the WiscNet Future Technologies Conference Fast Approaching

The WiscNet Future Technologies Conference, to be held May 6th and 7th at the Monona Terrace in Madison, offers a preview of emerging technologies and their potential applications for education.

The conference will provide opportunities to learn more about Internet2, E-Learning, IP Video, new network technologies, My WiscNet, The Toolbox, and latest file sharing programs like Kazaa. Presenters from SKC Communication Products and Open Cola will help attendees understand the technology directions being taken by K-20 instructors, researchers and administrators. Also, the conference will feature ample opportunities for question and answer sessions and sharing ideas with colleagues from around Wisconsin.

Keynote presenters will be Bob Nelson, Director of the Department of Technology for Milwaukee Public Schools, and Cory Doctorow, OpenCola, Inc.

WiscNet members are entitled to one free registration per member institution, compliments of WiscNet.

For more information, contact Andrea Deau, Educational Technology Liaison; WiscNet; 740 Regent Street, Suite 203; Madison, WI 53715; phone 608.265.1126; email adeau@wiscnet.net  Visit http://www.wiscnet.net/ftc  for more information about the conference.

  Back to top 

Jobs...Jobs...Jobs...

 CHILDREN'S LIBRARIAN - Tomahawk Public Library 
Qualifications: Understanding of basic library principles, procedures, technology, goals and philosophy of service; ability to productively use knowledge and training to serve the needs of the library; ability to meet, communicate and deal with people effectively, with a particular interest in children, parents and teachers; and competent at MARC cataloging. Bachelor's degree supplemented by specialized training in library work and/or education is required. Must be able to work evenings and Saturdays. For job application and complete job description/benefit package, contact the Tomahawk Public Library, 300 W. Lincoln Avenue, Tomahawk, WI 54487; phone 715.453.2455; email dunn@wvls.lib.wi.us 

  Back to top 

Memo from the Director

'Blocking.' 'Filtering.' 'Charging.'

After 37 years as a professional librarian in public, school, academic and library system settings, I really never thought I'd have to deal with keeping information from people.

Until recently 'blocking' meant something football players and quilters did. 'Filtering' had to do with making coffee or describing what opaque curtains do to sunlight. 'Charging' described what steeds did in fairy tales or what I use that small plastic card I carry around with me for. None of these words had anything to do with libraries - the places where information is freely available (no questions, no charges) to everyone who comes through the door - whether that door is an actual or a virtual one.

We, who spend our lives in the world of words know the power they have. When we speak of keeping people away from information by not letting them know it exists (and/or that we can get it for them…when we make uninformed and improper decisions about what our patrons can/should see or not see… when we even entertain the thought that information should only be made available to those who put the 'coin of the realm' into our palms, we shouldn't be using bland words like 'block,' 'filter,' or 'charge.' Those words are like wolves in sheep's clothing - they are a fraud!

We should be SHOUTING to all who will listen that those words make a mockery of the extreme importance of our profession…of the extreme importance of open access to information! The words that accurately describe what some of our state and federal legislators may do to long-standing open access are words like censorship - hushing up - banning - stifling - smothering - suppressing - hiding - covering up - etc. We should use powerful words. Maybe it will make people more aware of what they might lose!

By not making use of powerful words to describe these proposed actions (and their results), it is much easier to let awful things happen to us. Recognize the truth! Speak up and tell your legislators how you feel about the possible loss of your freedoms and the freedoms of those you serve! Don't be shy…this is part of why you chose to work in this profession, i.e., to protect and make information available!

The words of Seth Compton, a character who ran a library (and who got in trouble with the local government because they didn't believe in the need for widespread education) in Edgar Lee Master's Spoon River Anthology, said that "no one knows what is good who knows not what is evil; and no one knows what is true who knows not what is false." The words seem to ring all too true these days.

Make plans now to attend WLA in Middleton in October - U.S. Senator Russell Feingold (D-Wis) will deliver the keynote address, focusing on libraries as the basis of a free society. Senator Feingold, who lives in Middleton, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1992 and re-elected in 1998. He currently serves on the Senate's Judiciary, Foreign Relations and Budget Committees as well as its Special Committee on Aging.

Intellectual Freedom - Academic Freedom - Access to Information - Censorship - Freedom of Information - Freedom of Inquiry… (whatever you call this precious freedom) was discussed again at a follow-up meeting to the Intellectual Freedom Institute that was sponsored by WLA's Foundation Committee last February. While no individual or business has yet volunteered to 'host' an IF center, many like-minded people got acquainted and are staying in touch via their 'own' listserv. At least there is the beginning of an IF network in Wisconsin. Stay tuned for future activities or actions.

Thanks to Wisconsin legislators - who supported the Democratic version of the state budget bill that left the statutory language in place which mandates that libraries give 'free' service.

  Back to top 

From Hither and Yon

If you are looking for ways to provide/enhance library services to the newest generation, Generation Y, a 2-part article in Library Futures Quarterly (Winter 2001 and Spring 2002) offers intriguing insights and helpful suggestions for large and small libraries alike. Here is some interesting fodder from that article:

Generation Y and the Future of Public Libraries

"Generation Y, or the Millennials, whichever you prefer, will change the way public libraries do business. As with each previous generation before them, they will change their world to meet their needs and tendencies, and won't necessarily honor the traditions and institutions that came before them. To secure the future of libraries...how should we engage this generation and encourage them to become ardent supporters of public libraries forever?"

Who are they? 
Born roughly between the years 1980 to 1999, Gen Y is the largest generational group in the history of our nation - even bigger than the massive Baby Boomer cohort. The oldest members are just enrolling in college this year, while the youngest have yet to enter pre-school.

Why Libraries Need to Appeal to Gen Y 
Libraries are in danger of permanently losing franchise services (e.g. reference services, outreach and children's programming, etc.) as competing for-profit information businesses heavily market to and lure away Gen Y. For instance, there are businesses peddling e-books, virtual libraries and other information services at college campuses across the country. If a generation of people nationwide do not use libraries enough, particularly in a period of shrinking economic resources, then rallying financial support will become very difficult.

"Generation Y could be the first generation that does not see a need for public libraries." 
That's a pretty bold statement, but consider these facts that will become roadblocks to the future success of public libraries:

• Information technology is more advanced and available than ever before, making it a perceived substitute for libraries... 
• Gen Y uses electronic media as a surrogate for some library functions. Google, Yahoo! or Ask-Jeeves are just a few sites that handle their information-seeking needs. File sharing networks like Audiogalaxy, Morpheus or Gnutella provide the music and videos that they seek... 
• Gen Y is attracted to convenience. If they associate libraries with the hassles of parking, paying fines and searching through vast shelves for information, it only stands to reason that home-based (or school-based - and eventually office-based!) information services will gain momentum and libraries will lose out... 
• Time spent reading books, magazines and newspapers continues to decline, according to recent reports.

Characteristics of Generation Y

• Gen Y is 80 million people strong. 
• They control roughly $600 billion/year in spending power, plus influence the spending of their Baby-Boomer parents. They are financially savvy and, although they are prone to spend, are prolific savers and investors. 
• They are the most diverse generation in the history of the U.S., with 30% non-Caucasian. The diversity of this generation has produced a mindset that is comfortable with a range of viewpoints, open to non-traditional family arrangements and tolerant of different sexual orientations. 
• Gen Y has been told that they are special, and have a vital purpose for the nation. 
• They are achievement oriented, but also team players. 
• Gen Y is socially conscious and volunteer minded. 
• Gen Y is trusting of their elders, especially their grandparents generation. 
• They are the first generation in which digital media - in the forms of Internet, DVDs, and video game consoles - are the center of home entertainment and culture. 
• MTV is their media template. The station's hallmark style - rapid edits, bright graphics and mobile camera shots - has been copied and used in electronic and print media everywhere Gen Y is targeted and has even been used for educational programming and workplace training. 
• This generation is comfortable with using all media formats. 
• Generation Y takes information technology for granted. 
• They know how to manipulate media to their own ends.

How Can Libraries Appeal to Gen Y?

• By implementing new and unorthodox methods, while still preserving their fundamental mission and core businesses, such as free access to information and civic space. 
• Plan on increasing virtual services. Examples: 
  •  Virtual reference - offer fast response Q&A email service. 
  • Auxiliary School Services - assignment pathfinders, student guides and online classes. 
  • Recommendation Services - with data overload, they are on the lookout for trusted sources to help them make decisions - create a relationship now as the de facto "go-to people" for their questions and information needs. 
  • Remote Access Databases - select only subscription databases and other electronic services that can be accessed remotely 24 hours a day.
• Look for ways to speed up delivery time and increase convenience in every aspect of library business. Any operation that can't deliver instant or near-instant service in the future will be viewed as a bureaucratic dinosaur and will be passed by in favor of competitors who can deliver faster.
• Match your content to their interests. What products, services and formats does Gen Y prefer? What do they read, listen to, and watch? How do they like to spend their leisure time? What kind of library programming would appeal to them? To find the answers to these questions, develop a selected advisory board or have staff members follow new trends closely. This intelligence gathering will help you develop materials purchasing methods, programming, and marketing messages that will click with Gen Y.
• Become lifelong companions for Gen Y through each phase of their lives. Libraries need to market themselves to Gen Y as a solution to their life's problems and as a key resource for every role transition. Since Gen Y is still young, libraries can first introduce programs and services to the student and young worker demographic. For example, create a 'sharp student academy' to develop scholastic skills, a 'new worker' institute to develop job-related skills or programs for first time investors. To become a true lifelong companion, libraries need to be accessible from any location 24/7.

Marketing to Gen Y

• Gen Y responds well to street marketing and guerilla marketing tactics. Constant, consistent and continued marketing through several channels have been found to be especially effective. 
• Young people are attracted to 'flash' and the more professional and sophisticated your presentation, the more credible and effective you will be in their minds. 
• Messages directed to Gen Y should never accentuate 'kid' elements, since this generation typically sees itself as much more mature. 
• Messages of empowerment are important, so find a position that resonates with self-actualization without becoming patronizing. 
• Start a Gen Y targeted e-mail publication to give them frequent information they can use in their daily lives. Design the publication so it can be read on any information device and urge the recipients to forward it to friends if they find it useful. 
• Capitalize on every opportunity to get your web site address out to the Gen Y community. You want your library to remain in their top five sites.

NOTE: To see the complete 2-part article on Generation Y, please contact Marla msepnaf@wvls.lib.wi.us  at the WVLS office.

  Back to top 

Youth Matters 

TEEN READ WEEK 2002 - "Get Graphic @ Your Library"

Get Graphic @ Your Library, the theme for Teen Read Week 2002 (October 13-19), celebrates the popularity of comics and graphic novels with teen readers.

Now in its fifth year, Teen Read Week is a national literacy initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). The number of schools, public libraries and bookstores that celebrate Teen Read Week has grown; in 2001 over 1400 participants registered on the Teen Read Week web site www.ala.org/teenread  and in October 2001 alone, the web site had over 96,000 hits.

While the programs and activities of Teen Read Week participants have helped to spread the message that teens "Read for the Fun of It," the message is still an urgent one. Internationally, the United States scored in the middle on a new 32-nation study of educational achievement conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The U.S. has many of the best readers in the world - and a larger number of the worst readers. While 10% of the U.S. 15-year-olds taking the exam scored in the top ten, 18% scored at or below the lowest performance level. This is the same percentage as the international average, but more than twice as high as Finland and Canada, the countries that scored the highest in reading. The results about reading from a survey of 15-year-olds' achievement indicate that "Most U.S. students leave the primary grades as competent readers steeped in the basics, but many fail to refine and build on their skills as they move through middle and high school." Clearly, teenagers need to develop the habit of reading.

Now titled "Teen Reading," the goal of the Teen Read Week web site is to gather and disseminate information about adolescent literacy, and provide resources to assist librarians, teachers, and parents in their efforts to improve reading skills and encourage teens to 'read for the fun of it.' "Teen Reading" resources include tips to encourage reading, lists of recommended books for teens, survey on reading for teens, and Teen Read Week Facts.

The special section devoted to Teen Read Week will include sample press releases and public service announcements, teen-recommended comics and graphic novels, new sources of information about comics and graphic novels and reading, articles by experts about comics and graphic novels including recommended lists, and program ideas by state from across the country. This year will also include a place to exchange information and programming ideas related to Teen Read Week. A registration and feedback form for reporting this year's activities is available for librarians and teachers as well.

A special survey developed by the YALSA Teen Read Week Work Group will be available in the month of October. This survey will be available on the Teen Read Week portion of the web site and teens will be able to vote for the best book they read this year.

Teen Read Week partners include: American Association of School Administrators, American Booksellers Association, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Council of Teachers of English, National Education Association, Speak Up Press, International Reading Association, and TeenInk.

For more information, contact the YALSA office by e-mail at yalsa@ala.org  or by phone at 1.800.545.2433, ext. 4387. (CEO, Lakeshore Library System Youth Services Update, April 17, 2002)

  Back to top 

Best Graphic Novels for 2002

Following is a list of titles the Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults Committee (a subcommittee of YALSA) chose as the best graphic novels for 2002. SUPERHEROES & BEYOND is the second list PPYA has created on recommended graphic novels.

Graphic Novels: Superheroes and Beyond

Bendis, Brian-Michael  Ultimate Spider-Man Power and Responsibility 
Brennan, Michael Electric Girl 
Busiek, Kurt Kurt Busiek's Astro City Life in the Big City 
Clowes, Daniel Ghost World 
Dixon, Chuck and Jordan Gorfinkel Birds of Prey 
Fujishima, Kosuke Oh My Goddess! 1-555-GODDESS 
Gaiman, Neil Death The High Cost of Living 
Groening, Matt Bart Simpson's Treehouse of Horror Spine-Tingling Spooktacular 
Hosler, Jay Clan Apis 
Kudo, Kazuya Mai the Psychic Girl 
Loeb, Jeph Batman: The Long Halloween 
Medley, Linda Castle Waiting Lucky Road 
Millar, Mark Ultimate X-Men The Tomorrow People 
Miyazaki, Hayao Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind Perfect Collection Vol. 1 
Moore, Alan Promethea Book One 
Moore, Terry Strangers in Paradise High School! 
Nishiyama, Yuriko Harlem Beat No. 1 
Petrie, Doug Buffy the Vampire Slayer Ring of Fire 
Sakai, Stan Usagi Yojimbo Grasscutter 
Smith, Jeff Bone Out From Boneville 
Smith, Kevin Daredevil Visionaries Kevin Smith 
Takahashi, Rumiko Ranma ½ Volume 1 
Watson, Andi Geisha 
Winick, Judd Pedro & Me Friendship, Loss, & What I Learned 
Winick, Judd The Adventures of Barry Ween, Boy Genius

( www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists/poppaper/poppaper02.html  )

  Back to top 

Comic Books for Young Adults: A Guide for Librarians

http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/units/lml/comics/pages
Designed to introduce librarians (as well as teachers and parents) to the rich, diverse offerings from today's comic book publishers, and to encourage the acquisition of comic books and graphic novels in libraries serving young adults. (CEO, 2/20/02)

  Back to top 

Graphic Novels Popular, Unpopular

The number of libraries carrying graphic novels continues to grow, partly because of Generation Y's interest in the format…More library schools and library conferences offer workshops on graphic novel collection development… However, they're also becoming the next target of criticism from conservative groups…The format is assumed to be "juvenile," but the content is often for older audiences…One library was forced to remove 180 titles from its collection… (Library Futures Quarterly; Spring, 2002)

  Back to top 

           SLJ's Average Book Prices

					2000	2001	2002

Hardcover
	Average Price (all titles)		$17.57	$18.58	$18.78
	Preschool to grade 4		$15.55	$16.01	$16.04
	Grade 5 and up (fiction)		$15.91	$16.10	$16.83
	Grade 5 and up (nonfiction)	$21.26	$21.49	$21.46

Paperback (children's and YA titles)
	Trade paperbacks		$ 8.41	$6.63*	 ----

Hardcover (adult titles)
	Fiction				$24.96	$24.85*	 ----
    **Nonfiction			$68.57	$76.87*	 ----

Paperback (adult titles)
	Fiction				$15.90	$16.77	 ----
  ***Nonfiction			$33.11	$39.34*	 ----

ATTENTION: WESSLER SCHOLARSHIPS are available to cover some/all costs associated with attendance at reference and/or interlibrary loan continuing education events. If interested in becoming a Wessler Scholar, contact the WVLS office (715/261-7250) for more information. The application form and more information are available at http://wvls.lib.wi.us/About/wessler.htm 

LAMPLIGHTER

a monthly newsletter of the Wisconsin Valley Library Service
300 N. First Street / Wausau, WI 54403

EDITOR: Marla Sepnafski Phone: 715/261-7252 FAX: 715/261-7259

msepnafs@wvls.lib.wi.us

Contributions are welcome! News items should be submitted by the first of the month.
WVLS serves Clark, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, and Taylor counties.