A LIBRARIAN AT EVERY TABLE There is a TV ad (I don't recall the product it is for) that focuses on the importance of families having meals together. Whenever I see it, it reminds me of the "A Librarian at Every Table" website http://www.cas.usf.edu/lis/a-librarian-at-every-table/archives.html  wherein basic tenets of the Community Building movement are explored as they relate to library development and library service. The central focus of this website is to identify new tables at which librarians might take a place to demonstrate the value of librarianship in the Community.

Librarians have an important role to play in building community in neighborhoods, towns, cities, counties, states and the nation. People have great faith in libraries as fair and trusted institutions and in librarians as the honest and diligent keepers and disseminators of the human record.

Most libraries are facing another year of challenging financial gymnastics. Personally, I stand rather firmly against the idea that public or school libraries ought to have to generate funds via bake sales/area businesses/etc. in order to provide basic support for their services. I believe that while libraries may not be 'emergency' services, they certainly are 'essential' services to the community at large and, as such, should be adequately supported with tax dollars. I am certainly not against forming solid, useful relationships with all kinds of agencies/clubs/businesses/etc. in a library's service community. If those connections result in some financial help, well and good…but that's not the main reason to network.

We let the various businesses/services/groups/clubs/etc. in our communities know we're here and why they should consider us as having high value to their field of interest by establishing and maintaining contact with them on a regular basis - by taking a seat at their 'table'. I like the image that projects.

It doesn't have to cost much but how do we do it?

Identify as many different groups (however you define them) as you can that exist in your service community. You don't have time to contact them all at once so set up a schedule to contact so many a week or month. Send them a letter, call them on the phone, make a list of their names and addresses (including email addresses), highlight something about the library that should be of interest to that specific group, ask to come and speak to an individual or group about your library and its services and needs. Maybe a part of this kind of networking could/should be done by Friends of the Library groups and/or trustees. It's the same kind of thing we do when we form our own networks - those individuals to whom we go with the pains and gains in our personal lives, i.e., a group that helps each other…a group that is welcomed to sit at each other's 'tables.'
      --Heather Eldred

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IN THE SYSTEM

MARATHON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY WINS WLA/HIGHSMITH AWARD! 
A truly innovative program titled Marvelous Explorations through Science and Stories, or M.E.S.S., was recognized for its collaboration between the public library and local schools, and earned the 2004 WLA/Highsmith Award for the Marathon County Public Library (MCPL). This program started with a visit from the Magic School Bus, a book series that introduces basic and complex science concepts to children. Following that, MCPL staff created a spin-off activity that brought high school students to the library to re-create science experiments for younger children. The staff arranged for students from elementary schools to visit the library, watch various science experiments demonstrated by the high school students, take part in a tour of the library, and then listen to a science-related story. This program has brought in a steadily-rising number of students who are becoming enthusiastic advocates for science!

MCPL will be presented with a proclamation and a plaque detailing their accomplishment, as well as a $1,000 check from Highsmith, at the WLA Annual Conference Awards Banquet on Thursday, November 4, 2004.

Congratulations, Marathon County Public Library!!

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First Annual

NORTHWOODS
CONFERENCE FOR
LIBRARY FRIENDS & SUPPORTERS

OCTOBER 16, 2004 9AM TO 3PM RHINELANDER DISTRICT LIBRARY

The 21^st Century is providing many challenges for libraries. Budget cuts, changing technologies, changing demographics, the need to do more with less are all causing libraries to reinvent themselves. Friends groups and other library support groups also need to reinvent themselves in order to give their libraries much needed assistance in fulfilling their missions.

The Friends of the Marathon County Public Library and the Wisconsin Valley Library Service are sponsoring a fall conference where "friends" can share ideas, get insight from library professionals and, hopefully, jump-start our efforts to support our respective libraries. We feel that our Northwoods environment provides unique challenges that more urban areas are not required to face.

Speakers and discussion leaders include:

THE COST OF THE CONFERENCE IS $10.00
This fee includes coffee, snacks, and a box lunch.

PARTICIPATION WILL BE LIMITED TO THE FIRST 60 PEOPLE WHO REGISTER

Please join us and share your ideas with others who are eager to do the best job possible in supporting their local library and its customers.

If you have questions or comments about this workshop, or need special accommodations to attend this conference, please contact Audrey Ascher at 715/845-3988.

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To register for the NORTHWOODS CONFERENCE FOR LIBRARY FRIENDS & SUPPORTERS,
mail completed registration and check for $10.00 to:

Marla Sepnafski; Wisconsin Valley Library Service; 300 N. First Street; Wausau, WI 54403

Name(s) ________________________________________________________________

Library _______________________________________      Amt. Enclosed __________

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 10, 2004

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ADDITIONAL TEACHINGBOOKS.COM TRAINING AVAILABLE 
The DPI Reference and Loan Library has set up three additional training opportunities focusing specifically on the TeachingBooks.com site accessible via BadgerLink. TeachingBooks.com is a resource intended to generate enthusiasm for books and reading by providing easy access to authors, illustrators and exceptional book resources - all from a single location on the web.

These training sessions are open to all BadgerLink users, and will be conducted using WisLine Web conferencing software and requires only a standard web browser and a phone to facilitate the audio portion of the training. Interested parties may attend individually from a single workstation, or as a group using a PC projector and a speaker phone.

These training sessions will be conducted by Nick Glass, creator and founder of TeachingBooks.net, and offered on: Monday, October 11th from 3:30-4:30; Wednesday, October 27th from 4:00-5:00; and, Tuesday, November 9th from 4:00-5:00.

To register for one of these sessions, email James Leaver at james.leaver@dpi.state.wi.us  and indicate which session(s) you're interested in. You will receive specific log-in instructions shortly thereafter.

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AREA LIBRARY STAFF LEARN FUNDAMENTALS OF DIGITIZATION 
At the end of August, WVLS hosted a workshop to acquaint area library staff with the fundamentals of digitization. In the first session, Sally Drew, Director of the Interlibrary Loan and Resource Sharing Team of the Division for Libraries, Technology and Community Learning, covered digitization basics. She pointed out that there are several processes involved with digitization, the first of which is to select the materials to be digitized. Once materials are selected, they should be documented to give them context. Next, materials need to be scanned and metadata needs to be created for them. This process is similar to creating a MARC record for an electronic product. Web site design and hosting is an important element in any digitization project. Related to that is the software and hardware management to maintain the site.

Drew mentioned that when planning a digitization project it is important to determine what your vision is for the materials and the site. 

• · Would a digitization project contribute to the goals of the library? 
• · Who is the intended audience? It is important to identify your audience as you cannot assume that because it is on the web people will come to it. Possible audiences could be the business community, the hobbyist, the researcher or scholar, the student, or the general user. 
• · How do you anticipate that the materials will be used? 
• · Are the materials of local interest or statewide interest? 
• · Have the materials already been digitized? 
• · Will the materials to be digitized compliment a collection that has already been digitized?

It is a misconception to think that digitizing materials will preserve them forever. Acid free paper in book format is still the most reliable means of preservation.

Copyright is an issue that cannot be ignored when digitizing materials. It is necessary to get the rights to publish the materials on the web site. To do that one needs to know the source of the collection and who has the current copyright. How the audience interacts with the materials may effect whether or not permission to publish will be granted.

Following the basics of digitization, Andy Barnett & Don Litzer of McMillan Memorial Library in Wisconsin Rapids described the digitization projects they have done. They create very good paper copies of the materials they digitize and, for preservation, keep those copies in archival storage. They discussed preservation vs. access, and pointed out that preserving existing paper copies often means allowing only very limited access to the item, while placing materials on the web allows for broader access. Workshop attendees were encouraged to visit the library's web site ( http://www.mcmillanlibrary.org/local/local_history.html ) to see what kinds of materials they have digitized.

Another purpose of this workshop was to help people begin thinking about what materials in their libraries or communities, may be candidates for digitization. Many of the libraries represented at the workshop either have cemetery records available in their libraries or are aware of where they are kept locally. Sally Drew agreed to pursue establishing a committee (or using an existing one) to study the needs and possibilities of digitizing cemetery records from around the state. This is the kind of project that could generate interest from around the state in communities both large and small, and could become eligible for LSTA funding. If you would be interested in serving on such a committee, please contact Sally Drew (608/224-6161 or sally.drew@dpi.state.wi.us ) or Linda Orcutt (715/261-7253 or lorcutt@wvls.lib.wi.us ). Since there are instances where the cemetery records are kept only at the local cemetery or local history association, people were encouraged to talk to the people responsible for these records about the possibility of digitizing them. -Linda Orcutt

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Kris Adams Wendt & Keith Uhlig Recognized as Friends of Education
 State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster presented Friend of Education awards during the recent annual State Superintendent's Fall Conference for District Administrators held in Madison, recognizing 11 individuals who have made, and continue to make, significant contributions to our children's learning. Friends of Education are: 

• · Roger Axtell of Janesville 
• · Anita Barber of De Pere 
• · Sharon Cekada of Appleton 
• · Craig and Lea Culver of Prairie du Sac 
• · Gov. Lee Sherman Dreyfus of Waukesha 
• · Jan Serak of Greendale 
• · Paul Spraggins of Weeki Wachee Springs, Fla. 
• · Keith Uhlig of Wausau 
• · Hlee Vang of Oshkosh 
• · Kris Adams Wendt of Rhinelander

The news release with additional information is posted on the Department of Public Instruction website at http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/dpi/dltcl/eis/prmenu.html 

Congratulations, Keith and Kris!

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YOUTH MATTERS

COMMUNITY VALUES YOUTH 
Based on research conducted since 1958, Search Institute has identified 40 developmental assets that all young people need to grow up to be healthy, principled and caring adults. The more assets a young person has developed, the more likely they are to make positive choices. Conversely, the fewer assets a young person has developed, the more likely they are to become involved in risk-taking behaviors. It has been found nationwide that most students have fewer than half of these 40 assets. The list of 40 developmental assets as well as tips for focusing on each one is too long to include in its entirety here, but may be requested from Beth Sillars at the WVLS office (715/261-7255 or sillars@wvls.lib.wi.us). Following is the featured asset for September: 

COMMUNITY VALUES YOUTH - Asset #7 
Young people who have this asset perceive that the adults 
in the community value young people.

Start by asking your kids what makes them feel valued. Young people often feel valued when adults take time to be with them, when adults listen to them and take them seriously, and when adults ask for feedback. Talk about how your community currently uses its resources to help kids prosper (parks, recreation programs, youth programs and activities.) Ask them for ideas about how the community could do more. Find out where the young people feel valued and where they don't. Be open to sharing what you learn with people who can improve the situation for youth. Encourage young people to get involved in positive ways to change how adults in the community treat them and teach appropriate ways to respond when they are treated disrespectfully. Help them understand community expectations about their behavior and to see how adults may react to their choices.

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SPOOKY (OR JUST SEASONAL) STORIES! 
Here are some well reviewed Halloween and pumpkin books to scare up young readers! 

• · The Best Halloween Ever by Barbara Robinson. Joanna Cotler, 2004. 0060278625 $14.99. 
• · Cinderella Skeleton by Robert D. San Souci. Voyager Books Reprint, 2004. 0152050698 $6.00. 
• · The Halloween Handbook: 447 Halloween Costumes by Bridle Clark et al. Workman Publishing, 2004. 0761129871 $12.95. 
• · Halloween Pie by Michael O. Tunnell. Boyds Mills, 2004. 159078250X $8.95. 
• · Mrs. McMurphy's Pumpkin by Rick Walton. HarperFestival, 2004. 0060534095 $8.99. 
• · Plumply, Dumply Pumpkin by Mary Serfozo. Aladdin, 2004. 068987135X (PB) $6.99. 
• · Poultrygeist by Mary Jane Auch & Herm Auch. Holiday House, 2003. 0823417565 $16.95. 
• · Pumpkin Cat by Ann Turner. Hyperion Books for Children, 2004. 0786804947 $15.99. 
• · Skeleton Bones and Goblin Groans: Poems for Halloween by Amy E. Sklansky. Henry Holt and Co., 2004. 080507046X $16.95.
• · Spooky Hour by Tony Mitton et al. Orchard, 2004. 0439603730 $16.95. 

(Whirlpools, newsletter of the Winding Rivers Library System, September/October 2004)

GRANT UPDATE

SHOPKO SUPPORTS THE COMMUNITY
 The Shopko Stores Charitable Giving Program supports nonprofit organizations located in Shopko communities. (For information on Shopko locations, visit http://www.shopko.com/store.html ) Shopko focuses its support on programs that assist people with disabilities, the underprivileged and the disadvantaged; strengthen family values; educate youth; and support the arts. Nonprofit organizations in communities with Shopko stores in various states, including Wisconsin, are eligible to apply. Applications are accepted year-round. Visit http://www.shopko.com/giving.html for more information. --Grant Station, 8/9/04 (Children's Event Organizer, Lakeshores Library System & Mid-Wisconsin Federated Library System Youth Services Update, 8/11/04)

GRANT OPPORTUNITY FROM THE HUMANA FOUNDATION
 The Humana Foundation provides support for projects and organizations in company communities in the fields of health, education, and civic and cultural development. Funding is limited to nonprofit organizations located in communities where Humana has a presence in a number of states throughout the U.S., including Wisconsin. Proposals are due by November 15, 2004. For more information, visit http://www.humanafoundation.org/  --Grant Station Insider, 8/30/04 (Children's Event Organizer, Lakeshores Library System & Mid-Wisconsin Federated Library System Youth Services Update, 9/1/04)

CALL FOR PARTICIPATION 
A $5,000 2005 Scholastic Library/Grolier grant will be awarded to a library of any type for the best public awareness campaign during National Library Week (April 10-16, 2005) that uses the theme "Something for everyone @ your library." The application deadline is October 18, 2004. A grant application form and guidelines are available at www.ala.org/@yourlibrary/nlwgrant  (Library Hotline, 9/6/04)

IN THE STATE

If you have any questions about public librarian certification, contact Peg Branson at 608/266-2413 or peg.branson@dpi.state.wi.us. (Channel Weekly, 8/26/04)

WEB SITES OF INTEREST

Tailgating America   http://www.tailgating.com 
 "It's a community social. It's pre-game, halftime, post-game and more." So says the self-proclaimed "Commissioner of Tailgating," former cooking school owner Joe Cahn, who travels around the United States visiting sports venue parking lots and commenting on tailgating - the practice of picnicking, barbecuing, or fine dining from the back of a car, van, or other vehicle. Joe shares site descriptions, preparation and gear tips, trivia, and a tasty collection of recipes. (Copyright 2004 by Librarians' Index to the Internet, LII; 9/9/04)

Author Appearance Website http://www.motor-online.com/tvradiolinks.htm 
 See Motor Online for detailed information about author appearances on television shows as well as listings of book mentions and book reviews. This site monitors nationally broadcast TV and radio programs and develops comprehensive listings of books, music, magazines, videos, film and software featured on more than 60 programs. (The Library Connection, newsletter of the Eastern Shores Library System, July/August 2004)

Dark Side of the Net   http://www.darklinks.com 
 Created in 1994 and originally called Dark Side of the Web, boasts over 10,400 working, hand-picked links. The entire universe of horror seems to be included - literature, music, movies, TV series, zines, recipes, chat rooms, art, shops, and a good selection of sites on Halloween. (Booklist, August 2002)

FACES OF THE FALLEN  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/world/iraq/casualties/facesofthefallen.htm 
 This is a collection by the Washington Post of information about each U.S. service member who died in Iraq. (RefDesk Site-Of-The-Day, 9/21/04)

NEW TEACHERS ONLINE AT TEACHERS NETWORK  http://teachersnetwork.org/ntol/ 
 Few places are lonelier than a classroom for teachers on their first day on the job, but help is available. "Here you will find useful links to lesson plans, How To articles, videos, and other resources…" Includes a bulletin board and a helpline that guarantees answers within 72 hours. (Marylaine Block's NeatNew and ExLibris, 9/3/2004)

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THIS MONTH'S FEATURED KIT

572P Halloween

For more information on this kit visit the
WVLS AV & Programming Materials Page

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

OCTOBER 

• NATIONAL COOKIE MONTH
• NATIONAL PASTA MONTH
• NATIONAL POPCORN MONTH
• NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

October 6 - 7th annual Charlotte Zolotow Lecture - "The World as Seen Through Purple Eyes" by Linda Sue Park - Wisconsin Union Theater, UW-Madison Memorial Union - 7:30 p.m.

October 7 - WVLS V-Cat Council meeting - Francis L. Simek Memorial Library, Medford - 9:30 a.m.

October 16 - First Annual Conference for Northwoods Library Friends and Supporters - sponsored by the Friends of Marathon County Public Library and Wisconsin Valley Library Service - Rhinelander District Library - 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

October 17-23 - "It's Alive! @ your library" - Teen Read Week - www.ala.org/teenread/ 

November 2-5 - "Your Library, Your Choice" - Wisconsin Library Association Annual Conference - Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, Lake Geneva - for more information, visit www.wla.lib.wi.us/conferences/2004/  or call 608/245-3640.

November 15-21 - Children's Book Week - for ideas for using children's books in the classroom and for celebrating Children's Book Week with students, go to www.cbcbooks.org/ 

November 19 - BadgerLink Training Session - Marathon County Public Library - 9:00-4:30 - refer to the WVLS Workshop webpage.

December 7 - BadgerLink Training Session - Marathon County Public Library - 9:00-4:30 - refer to the WVLS Workshop webpage.

December 8 - BadgerLink Training Session - Marathon County Public Library - 9:00-4:30 - rrefer to the WVLS Workshop webpage.

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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

is a monthly newsletter of the Wisconsin Valley Library Service. 
300 N. First Street / Wausau, WI 54403
Contributions are welcome!

Back issues are available at http://wvls.lib.wi.us/Newsletter/newsindex.htm 
(Note: Web links in past issues are not checked for currency and may no longer work.)

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.

When the most recent issue becomes available, readers are alerted by a notice posted to WISPUBLIB, or sent an email.
To subscribe to WISPUBLIB, send an email message to wispublib@badger.state.wi.us  In the body of the message (subject line is ignored) type: subscribe WISPUBLIB. Then send your email. To have The Lamplighter emailed to you without subscribing to WISPUBLIB, contact Barbara Freimund at 715/261-7252, or email freimund@wvls.lib.wi.us