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Articles	Monthly Features
Library Advisory Committee Members for 2007	Director's Memo
T.B. Scott Free Library Featured in Heart of the Community: the Libraries We Love	In the System
WISCAT Catalog and ILL Management System Workshop	Continuing Education
Greener Pastures: the Wisconsin Rural Library Sustainability Project	Youth Matters
Serving the Legal Information Needs of the Public	Info to Go
Books for Curious Kids and Teens	Professional Reading
Harry Potter News	On Command
April is National Poetry Month - Get a Free Classroom Kit	From Hither & Yon
2007 NLW Materials Come Together	Web Sites of Interest
New Resources From the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation	Calendar of Events
Wisconsin Magazine of History Goes Online
Library Technology Reports
Upgrading to Windows Vista Not Recommended, For Now	Remember to check the updated "Off the Subject" page for recipes and jokes.
Optimize PC Settings
Overworked?

To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring. – George Santayana

I’m a blogger, you’re a blogger, he’s a blogger, she’s a blogger … wouldn’t you like to be a blogger, too?
Everyone who knows me knows that I do not have a techie soul. While I have certainly learned to appreciate the joys and efficiencies of my computer, I am hopelessly in love with pieces of paper. I love to look at paper – to touch it – to smell it – to file it (and find it again), etc. But it was getting to the place where I was feeling uncomfortably lost in conversations about iPods, mp3s, blogs, RSS feeds, etc. and I knew I wasn’t alone. In order to help all of the WVLS staff to get a better handle on the new techie ‘stuff’, I asked each WVLS staff member to stretch their brains and learn about at least two tech-related things during 2007, report to the rest of us about what they learned at regular staff meetings, and record their experiences in a log book (paper, of course ;->. Trying to set a good example fairly early in the year, I decided to learn about blogging. "What’s a blog" you ask? Well, it’s a log, a diary, a journal kept on the web … a weB LOG. The best way to learn is to do it – right? Well, I’ve got a dozen or so postings on my blog now so, if you want to take a look, mosey on over to http://bramblyhill.blogspot.com/. You’ll notice right away that, at least to date, the subject matter of my almost-daily topics has nothing to do with libraries. That’s on purpose because I figured that as I was learning, I didn’t want to put anything there that I could inadvertently lose (again, anyone who knows me knows that I have lost every computer-connected thing I own three times already … obviously, I am not good about backing things up but that’s why I recognize that I need a substantial learning curve). I must admit that, as I went along, I asked for – and got – blogging help from Ann – my trusty techie – but that hasn’t stopped me from messing things up good a few times. Why don’t you try it too? Or have you already and I just don’t know about it? Maybe it would be fun to make a list of all the library-related blogs in the WVLS area… Need help to make a blog? Click on http://blogger.com … or … http://blogspot.com … or … http://www.webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=12354.

100 Years of Service
This year marks the 100^th birthday of the Marathon County Public Library (under one name or another). It really began in 1871 with a collection of about 600 books owned by the Pine Knot Literary Society but formally opened its Andrew Carnegie-funded doors in 1907. WVLS (under one name or another) has been housed in the MCPL building for all of its 46 years of existence. We congratulate MCPL on this milestone of growth and service.
    ---Heather Eldred

LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS FOR 2007
The 15-member WVLS Library Advisory Committee (LAC) is charged with advising the WVLS staff and Board of Trustees on matters relating to promotion and implementation of programs of cooperation and communication among all libraries and other information sources in the counties which have membership in the Wisconsin Valley Library Service. The LAC members for 2007 are:

Vicky Calmes, Colby Public Library
Sue Wild, Dorchester Public Library
Pat Reich, Jean M. Thomsen Memorial Library, Stetsonville
Mary Taylor, Minocqua Public Library
Mary Hebda, Thorp Public Library
Lois Radloff, Wabeno Public Library

Cynthia Taylor, Antigo Public Library
Bea Lebal, T.B. Scott Free Library, Merrill
Kris Adams Wendt, Rhinelander District Library
Mary Bethke, Marathon County Public Library

Beth Martin, D.C. Everest Middle School, Schofield
Sue LaViolette, Horace Mann Middle School, Wausau
Marcia Theel, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau
Sandra Wurdeman, Mosinee Middle School

Gail Piotrowski, Northcentral Technical College, Wausau

The next meeting of the WVLS Library Advisory Committee will be on April 24^th at the Northcentral Technical College (Wausau) at 9:30 a.m.

On Saturday, February 10th, T.B. Scott Free Library held a party celebrating the newly published book Heart of the Community: the Libraries We Love. From over 300 entries, T.B. Scott Free Library is one of the 80 public libraries from the U.S. and Canada included in the book, and the only library from Wisconsin selected. Pictured at the right is Library Director Bea Lebal holding a copy of the book opened to the 2-page spread showcasing photos of and text about the library. (More photos from the party are available at http://wvls.lib.wi.us/Newsletter/PastIssues/2007/Mar2007lampExtras.htm Congratulations, T.B. Scott Free Library!

Editor’s Note: This book is on V-Cat and available through regular interlibrary loan channels. Marylaine Block, in her review of Heart of the Community: The Libraries We Love, says "You don’t even have to love libraries to enjoy this book; anyone who admires architecture and good design will find much to admire here." (Complete review is available at ExLibris #298; http://marylaine.com/exlibris/index.html).

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Staff members from the Reference and Loan Library are once again providing a training opportunity for area interlibrary loan personnel. This session will focus on more in-depth AGent training and will cover such topics as:

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GREENER PASTURES: THE WISCONSIN RURAL LIBRARY SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT
With funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning (DLTCL) has joined with OCLC’s WebJunction to offer a day-long workshop Greener Pastures: The Wisconsin Rural Library Sustainability Project to directors of libraries serving rural areas or with service populations under 25,000. The primary goal of the project is to support the efforts of rural and small libraries in developing and implementing community-specific action plans for sustaining public access computing.

The "Greener Pastures" workshop is being offered at ten sites throughout Wisconsin between February and May, 2007. Upcoming workshops are scheduled for the following locations and dates: Rice Lake, 3/13; Fond du Lac, 4/3; Fennimore, 4/12; Mercer, 4/18; Wausau, 4/19; Sparta, 4/26; and Eau Claire, 5/2 (as a WAPL pre-conference). Invitations will be sent to library directors six to eight weeks before the workshop in their region, but if a workshop at another site is preferable, requests will be accommodated when possible.

For more information, visit the DTLCL’s web site at http://www.dpi.wi.gov/pld/rural.html or contact John DeBacher at john.debacher@dpi.state.wi.us.

A Program for Wisconsin Public Librarians
SERVING THE LEGAL INFORMATION NEEDS OF THE PUBLIC
How can public libraries and the courts help each other in responding to the legal information needs of the public?

The Wisconsin Court System’s Tenth Judicial District believed that opening the lines of communication was the first step, and they developed a pilot project to foster communication between courts and libraries that can be used as a model for courts and libraries around the state.

Serving the Legal Information Needs of the Public, a joint workshop of the Northern Waters Library Service, Indianhead Federated Library System, and the Wisconsin State Law Library (WSLL), will run from 10:00-3:00. The morning session will feature a district court administrator, clerk of court, register in probate, pro se program coordinator for Wisconsin Judicare, and the WSLL staff. They will provide an introduction to assistance currently available to self-represented litigants, demonstrate online court forms and court record databases, providing information on the offices and services of the clerk of court and register in probate and share online resources available to help the public with legal questions.

In the afternoon, WSLL staff members, Jane Colwin and Connie Von Der Heide, will provide an overview of Wisconsin’s legal framework and websites for Wisconsin legal materials such as statutes, administrative codes, case law, journal articles, forms, etc. They will discuss the challenges of assisting users with legal questions, and will share web sites and other materials designed to help the users help themselves.

Serving the Legal Information Needs of the Public will be offered at the following locations:

	Manitowish Waters on April 10th (contact Linda Stobbe - 715/682-2365; lstobbe@nwls.lib.wi.us - to register); and
	Eau Claire on April 11th (contact Leah Langby – 715/839-5082 x14; langby@ifls.lib.wi.us – to register).

It’s a Mystery!
BOOKS FOR CURIOUS KIDS AND TEENS
Looking for suspense? Intrigue? Surprise? Revelation? The Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) just created a bibliography of books for children and teens that offer one or more of these hard-to-resist qualities. Developed specifically for the 2007 Wisconsin Summer Library Reading Program: Get a Clue @ Your Library, the It’s a Mystery! Books for Curious Kids and Teens bibliography is available on the CCBC web site at http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/books/detailListBooks.asp?idBookLists=268.

Discounting Wars Begin
Amazon, Borders and Barnes & Noble are among the early deep discounters taking pre-orders for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at $18.89, 46% off the cover price of $34.99 announced by Scholastic. As in years past, the large discount-store chains (referred to as "Voldemart" by some booksellers) Costco and other retail outlets of all stripes will likely join the "how low can you go" fray. Independent booksellers are struggling with how – or, more distressingly, whether – to compete. In the U.K., where the problem is even more pronounced, thanks to competition from the country’s largest grocery chains, some independent booksellers are planning not to even stock the book, for fear of being badly undercut.   (PW Children’s Bookshelf; 2/8/07)

Building Hogwarts
Children interested in building a part of Harry Potter’s world will now have the opportunity. This May, Klutz, in a licensing deal with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, will publish Hogwarts School of Witchcraft, the newest title in the Building Cards line. The books in the series, including How to Build Pirate Ships and How to Build Spaceships, contain a deck of illustrated leaves that can be broken into cards of different shapes, which can then be used to build structures. The Hogwarts set is based on the castle seen in the Harry Potter movies and has 90 perforated leaves that break into more than 350 cards.  (PW Daily; 2/12/07)

APRIL IS NATIONAL POETRY MONTH – GET A FREE CLASSROOM KIT!
Celebrate National Poetry Month and Young People’s Poetry Week, April 16-22, with a FREE classroom kit suitable for grades 2-5. The kit includes a full-color poster featuring a poem and art from Douglas Florian’s new poetry collection, Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars. You’ll also receive a pack of special poetry-writing pencils for students, a Florian author bio, and tips on writing poetry from Douglas Florian himself! Free kits are available while supplies last. Place your order at http://www.harcourtbooks.com/TK8/.   (OWLSweb: Children’s Services; http://www.owlsweb.info/children/)

2007 NLW MATERIALS COME TOGETHER
New materials are available to help libraries celebrate this year’s National Library Week (NLW), April 15-21, which carries the theme "Come together @ your library." Sample press materials, including a proclamation, press release, letter-to-the-editor, op-ed, and public service announcement scripts, available in English and Spanish, can be customized for local use and are available at http://www.ala.org/@yourlibrary/, by clicking on the "National Library Week" button.   (American Libraries; January 2007)

NEW RESOURCES FROM THE BILL & MELINDA GATES FOUNDATION
No community can afford to lose its public library and the technology services it provides. To help, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has made two new advocacy tools, entitled Keeping Your Community Connected, free to public libraries. Keeping Your Community Connected includes an 8-minute DVD to launch conversations with local government and community partners, and also brochures with personal stories and persuasive statistics to keep the conversations going.

To order a free set of Keeping Your Community Connected materials, visit the Foundation’s web site at http://www.gatesfoundation.org/UnitedStates/USLibraryProgram/RelatedInfo/CommunicatingValue.htm
(Adapted from the SCLS Online Update; 3/2/07)

WISCONSIN MAGAZINE OF HISTORY GOES ONLINE
The longest-running journal devoted to Wisconsin’s past is the Wisconsin Historical Society’s quarterly Wisconsin Magazine of History. Volume I, number 1, rolled off the presses in September of 1917, and its successors have appeared punctually every 90 days ever since.

Unfortunately until recently, this treasure trove of 360 issues containing more than 2,000 feature articles filling more than 30,000 pages was largely hidden from view. However, thanks to a generous grant from Milwaukee’s Schoenleber Foundation, all 30,000 pages of the magazine have been converted to digital format and are gradually being published on the Society’s Web site.

Currently, the first 35 volumes (1917-1952), including every page appearing exactly as it was first printed, are available at http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/wmh/archives/search.aspx, and the rest should be available sometime this spring. Take a look!    (Wisconsin Historical Society: Highlights Archives; January 2007; http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/highlights/archives/2007/01/wisconsin_magaz_1.asp)

Library Technology Reports July/August 2006 Web 2.0 & Libraries: Best Practices for Social Software by Michael Stephens. *021.65 St437w WVLS Office

Library Technology Reports is published six times a year by the American Library Association. Each issue is devoted to a single subject offering practical information on library systems, equipment, and evolving technologies. In the July/August 2006 issue, Michael Stephens points librarians toward some implementation strategies and best practices for using tools such as Weblogs, commonly referred to as blogs; wikis; instant messaging, often denoted by the abbreviation IM; and RSS, Really Simple Syndication. These tools can be used to create new services or improve current ones in all types of libraries.

He defines many terms, and points readers toward some useful research, case studies, and concrete examples, including illustrations. In addition to the tools cited above, the author also includes a chapter on Flickr and using it in libraries. His final chapter offers ten steps for staff to "buy-in" to technology projects. They include listening to your staff, involving staff in planning, and training 2.0 – letting everyone play and experience.

This manual offers specific concrete information on how this technology works and how it can be implemented successfully in libraries.

Although this is a reference source kept in the WVLS office, it can be special-loaned. If interested, please contact Ellen at ebuchber@wvls.lib.wi.us.   –Ellen Buchberger

UPGRADING TO WINDOWS VISTA NOT RECOMMENDED, FOR NOW!
Windows Vista has several improvements over XP, however most of them are conveniences and not essentials. In general, PC Magazine recommends that if you are running Windows XP and are satisfied with it, do not upgrade to Vista. Although Vista has improved security and better built-in applications, many of the features in Vista are also available for Windows XP users. There is a "lack of a killer app to compel adoption" according to PC Magazine (1/29/2007).

Vista has very hefty hardware requirements which could make it problematic to load onto an existing PC. Even if you can get it to load and run, it will probably run very slowly. Other problems which may arise are incompatible drivers for things such as your printer, soundcard, video card, digital camera, MP3 player, and other peripherals that may be hooked up to your computer.

Vista is now coming as the standard operating system on PCs. PC Manufacturers will only be able to sell XP for about a year after the release of Vista. Vista will definitely become the standard operating system and the one that everyone will need to start using. It is best to be able to wait until at least the first service pack is released so that the obvious bugs can be resolved. That would mean waiting until summer or fall to purchase Vista, whether on a new PC or to upgrade an existing PC.

There are six (6) different versions of Windows Vista to choose from with four (4) core versions. You can see the difference in those versions at:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/choose.mspx.

At this time, the Horizon client has not been tested for running using Vista. SirsiDynix has told people that they plan on testing Vista so as to be able to support it in the future, however, the testing will take a few months. That is another reason to be cautious about immediately buying Vista. – Linda Orcutt

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1. To organize start-up, tweak the Start Menu display:
Right-click the Start button, then click Properties and Customize. Under the Advanced tab, you’ll see a list of the items you can modify.

2. To help you locate hidden files:
Click Tools, then Folder, then Options and then View in Windows Explorer. Check Show hidden files and folders; uncheck Hide extensions for known file types and Hide protected operating system files.

3. To ensure System Restore is on:
Go to Start, then Settings, then Control Panel, then System, and click the System Restore tab; enable it if needed.

4. To turn off annoying Auto Restart on Error:
With this feature on, you can’t find out why your PC crashed. Right-click My Computer, choose Properties, click the Advanced tab, select Settings under ‘Startup and Recovery’, and uncheck Automatically Restart under "System failure’.

5. To turn off annoying Error Reporting:
Go to Settings, then Control Panel, then System. On the Advanced tab, click Error Reporting, and select Disable error reporting. No more nag note about sending Microsoft a report.
    (PCWorld; March 2007)

OVERWORKED?
Do you ever feel overworked, over-regulated, under-leisured, and under-benefited? Take heart. This notice was found in the ruins of a London office building. It was dated 1852.

1. This firm has reduced the hours of work, and the clerical staff will now only have to be present between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. weekdays.

2. Overshoes and topcoats may not be worn in the office, but neck scarves and headwear may be worn in inclement weather.

3. A stove is provided for the benefit of the clerical staff. Coal and wood must be kept in the locker. It is recommended that each member of the clerical staff bring four pounds of coal each day during the cold weather.

4. No member of the clerical staff may leave the room without permission from the supervisor.

5. No talking is allowed during business hours.

6. The craving for tobacco, wine, or spirits is a human weakness, and as such is forbidden to all members of the clerical staff.

7. Now that the hours of business have been drastically reduced, the partaking of food is allowed between 11:30 and noon, but work will not on any account cease.

8. Members of the clerical staff will provide their own pens. A new sharpener is available on application to the supervisor.

9. The supervisor will nominate a senior clerk to be responsible for the cleanliness of the main office and the private office. All boys and juniors will report to him 40 minutes before prayers and will remain after closing hours for similar work. Brushes, brooms, scrubbers, and soap are provided by the owners.

10. The owners recognize the generosity of the new labor laws, but will expect a great rise in output of work to compensate for these near Utopian conditions.
     (Bits & PCs; 7/97)

Birdhouses 101: Detailed birdhouse specifications for over 50 North American Birds
http://www.birdhouses101.com/
If you’re craving the return of spring and birds, now’s a good time to start making your yard a welcoming place for birds. Here’s advice on building or buying birdhouses, attracting birds, and protecting your avian visitors, as well as info on bird watching equipment, books, etc.   (Marylaine Block’s Neat New Stuff I Found This Week; 2/9/07; http://marylaine.com/neatnew.html)

Canada International
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/gtc/Choosing_What_To_Do_in_Canada-en.aspx
From the Canadian government comes excellent travel information on historic sites, national parks, museums, and special events, as well as links to provincial and territorial web sites. (Library Journal; 1/07)

The Cat in the Hat’s 50^th Birthday: Teacher Activity Guide
http://www.nea.org/readacross/activityguide.html
From the National Education Association, this is a collection of classroom materials to celebrate the 50^th anniversary (in 2007) of the publication of Dr. Seuss’ beginning reader The Cat in the Hat, and includes ideas for supporting literacy in the classroom, data on reading and literacy, and related material.    (LII New This Week, 3/1/07; Copyright 2007 by Librarians’ Index to the Internet, LII)

Microsoft Word Training Modules
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/on-line_word.htm
With a variety of training modules designed for those in the field of medical administration and general business environments, these well-though out educational materials will be a most welcome find. Created by the staff members at the Internet4Classrooms site, these modules address such topics as inserting images in MS Word, creating signs with MS Word, and keyboard shortcuts. Each of the modules is written with introductory users in mind, as they include helpful graphics that illustrate different actions and tools. Additionally, the site also includes a series of "Beyond the Basics" learning modules that provide guidance on how to use the mail merge function and how to create hyperlinks within MS Word.    (From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2007; http://scout.wisc.edu/; 2/23/07)

March 11 – Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. – It is Daylight Saving (singular) Time, NOT Daylight SavingS Time. We are saving daylight, so it is singular and not plural. (http://www.energy.ca.gov/daylightsaving.html)

March 17 – WVLS Board of Trustees meeting – Marathon County Public Library – 9:30 a.m.

St. Patrick's Day - Want to grow some Irish luck? Add a wee bit of green to your life by planting Oxalis Regnelli, commonly known as the lucky shamrock ($10 for 25 bulbs, http://www.easytogrowbulbs.com). Place by a sunny window and water sparingly. The pinwheel-shaped leaves will sprout white flowers about eight weeks after planting, bringing a touch of spring and perhaps some good luck and fortune. (Real Simple; March 2007)

March 20 – Advanced AGent Training Workshop for Area Interlibrary Loan Staff – Marathon County Public Library – 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. – details are in the Continuing Education section above.

March 21 – The first day of spring!

March 25-27 – WEMA Annual Conference – Monona Terrace Convention Center, Madison – registration and conference details may be found at http://www.wemaonline.org.

April 1-30 – SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA MONTH - www.ala.org/aasl/slmmonth.html.

April 10 - Serving the Legal Information Needs of the Public – Manitowish Waters – 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. This workshop will also be offered on April 11^th in Eau Claire. More information is available in the Continuing Education section above.

April 12 – WVLS V-Cat Council meeting – Withee – 9:30 a.m.

April 14 – WVLS Executive Committee meeting – Marathon County Public Library – 9:30 a.m.

April 15 – 100^th Birthday Celebration at the Wausau Library.

April 15-21 – NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK – theme: "Come Together @ your library" – http://www.ala.org/pio/nlw/.

April 17 – NATIONAL LIBRARY WORKERS DAY – Tell everyone what makes one of your coworkers, colleagues or staff members special by submitting his or her name and a brief message describing their fabulousness. It’s quick and easy! Just log on to the ALA-APA site at http://www.ala-apa.org and click on the NLWD image. You can also download a FREE NLWD Poster at this site.

April 19 – Greener Pastures: The Wisconsin Rural Library Sustainability Project – Midway Hotel Conference Center, Wausau – 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. – more information is available above.

April 23-26 – "Libraries: Inspiring spaces … functional places" – The Pyle Center, Madison – for registration and pricing information, visit www.slis.wisc.edu/continueed or call Anna Palmer at 608/263-4452.

April 24 – WVLS Library Advisory Committee meeting – Northcentral Technical College, Wausau – 9:30 a.m.

May 2-4 – WAPL Annual Conference – The Plaza Hotel & Suites, Eau Claire.

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 

You may copy, reprint or forward all or part of this newsletter to friends, colleagues or customers, so long as the use is not for resale or profit and the information/article is attributed to this issue of the WVLS newsletter, The Lamplighter.

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